A message from Ms. Carolyn Liddy
The All Hallows’ Student Formation Framework was launched earlier this year, and you may have heard about it during a Parent Information evening or read about it in an earlier newsletter article. The framework informs the work of our Teaching and Learning, Pastoral, and Academic Care Teams and promotes a holistic approach to the learning and growth of each of our students. I was keenly aware of this framework during the past couple of weeks as I attended, or heard about, numerous student activities such as netball games, rowing regattas, cultural performances including QCMF and the Celebration of Dance, the Year 9 Riverlife and Year 9 Retreat days, as well as our Spirit Week activities.

One of the attributes we work to develop in our students is resilience. Our framework describes the attribute in this way: “A resilient student seeks opportunities for growth and development when approaching both individual and shared challenges and inspires hope and motivation in others”. I am continually inspired by the many students I have seen who have accepted the challenge of becoming a member of a music or dance ensemble or a sporting team. Whenever I comment to Ms Neil, our Head of Culture, about how talented our students are, she reminds me that it’s hard work, not talent, that makes our ensembles, choirs, and debaters so outstanding. Did you read the article from our Rowing Captains in the previous newsletter two weeks ago? No doubt their message was inspirational to the rowers and the rowing community, but it is equally applicable to so many scenarios our students encounter: it was a message of a common goal; that the efforts of each individual contribute to the overall success of everyone; and that dedication, unity and spirit bind us together. What a great message! Our Year 9 students embodied this approach when they attended their Riverlife and Retreat days recently. While most of us remained warm and dry at work, school, and home, the Class of 2028, along with the generous staff who accompanied them, demonstrated their true spirit by attending their scheduled activities despite the gloomy weather forecasts. They engaged wholeheartedly during both days, even in moments of drenching rain.
The coming weeks bring many more opportunities for challenges and growth – exam blocks, trials, sports finals, and auditions. I am excited to continue to witness the enthusiastic manner in which our students embrace these opportunities, living out our 2025 inspiring Spirit Theme, Bound by Blue.
Orientation Day
We look forward to welcoming our newest AHSisters this Friday at our Orientation Morning for our 2026 Year 5 and Year 7 students. Our current Year 11 students have generously volunteered to assist throughout this day to ensure our new families feel welcomed into our community and our new students are supported as they move around our beautiful campus.
Our new families will hear from many of our Senior and Middle Leaders, and our new Year 5 students will meet with our Head of Primary and Year 5 and 6 teachers, and the Year 7s will meet with their Head of House, and our Head of Years 7 and 8 and Head of Pastoral Care. We are very excited to be welcoming our new students and their families into the AHS Community. I am sure this will be the first of many wonderful experiences as members of our amazing community.
Exciting Announcement
Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent survey to help name our new buildings at 501 Ann Street, the Air Bridge, and the Exam Centre. We received many thoughtful and creative suggestions.
I am delighted to share that, following this process, the School Board has approved the following names:
501 Ann Street - "Callaghan Place"
Mr and Mrs Callaghan were the couple with whom Catherine McAuley lived at Coolock House for 20 years; the Callaghan's gifted Catherine Coolock House in their will, and Catherine used the funds from the sale of Coolock House to build the House of Mercy on Baggot Street.
Air Bridge - "Jagera Walk"
This bridge will connect the Piazza with Level 3 of Callaghan Place.
Exam Centre - "Scholars' Centre"
This centre will provide a dedicated space where most exams will take place. It will be wonderful to have continued access to Loretto Hall and Mercy Hall for our Health and Physical Education classes once this facility has been completed.
We are excitedly watching as our beautiful new facilities are being developed.
P&F Riverfire and Long Supper
We were thrilled to witness the rehearsals for the Brisbane Festival Riverfire flyover today, and we are expecting more rehearsal flyovers tomorrow. I would like to thank our amazing Parents and Friends Association for organising our second annual Long Supper event for this Saturday evening. It is sure to be another great community event celebrating friendship, shared food, and spectacular entertainment with the stunning backdrop of the Story Bridge and an amazing fireworks display from the Brisbane Festival Riverfire.
A very special thank you to our P&F President, Mr David Watt, and the enthusiastic organising committee who have so generously shared their time and talents to ensure this is a most enjoyable evening for everyone.
Ms. Carolyn Liddy (Deputy Principal)