Volume 31 Issue 17 Thursday 30 October

Principal's Message

A Message from Mrs. Catherine O'Kane

Parent Groups’ AGMs

As a school, we are renowned for the strength of connection within our parent body, and I extend heartfelt thanks to all parents and carers who have contributed so generously through our Parents and Friends’ Association, Mothers’ Network, and Parent Support Groups throughout the year. The spirit of service, hospitality, and community that defines All Hallows’ is embodied in your efforts, through countless events, meetings, and quiet acts of generosity that strengthen our shared Mercy mission.

At the recent P&F AGM, we farewelled President David Watt, Vice-President Mike Gascoigne, Treasurer Kylie Hine, and Committee Member Jolie Torpie, each of whom has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership. We are deeply grateful for the P&F’s remarkable $100,000 donation towards furnishing our new Callaghan Place (501 Ann Street) development, a contribution that will help create welcoming, purposeful spaces to inspire teaching and learning for years to come.

Our thanks also extend to the Mothers’ Network, whose care and hospitality continue to enrich our community life. While no members of the Executive are stepping down this year, we acknowledge with gratitude the contribution of Committee Member Judith Poniah, who is finishing after many years of dedicated service. We are also thankful for the Mothers’ Network’s generous donation of $100,000 towards the furnishing of the Scholars’ Centre, a space that will provide a calm and peaceful space to enable our students to perform at their best in examinations.

Across our Parent Support Groups, we recognise the dedication and leadership of those finishing their terms as Presidents: Matt Dunn (Hockey), Susan Woolley (Performing Arts), and David Watt and Mike Gascoigne (Rowing Co-Presidents). Your service, over your years of dedicated volunteering, has strengthened these programs and enriched the opportunities available to our students.

Finally, sincere thanks to the organisers of last week’s P&F Sports Lunch, Benita Bell, David Pearce, and Matt Jackson, who brought together parents and caregivers, past pupils, and friends in celebration of our thriving sports program. The event was made even more memorable by the inspiring stories shared by Olympic Champion Ariarne Titmus OAM and Brisbane Lions premiership player Jaspa Fletcher.

To all who serve through our parent groups, thank you for your commitment, generosity, and joy. You help to sustain the Mercy values of hospitality, compassion, and service that lie at the heart of our community.

All Saints’ & All Souls’ Days and Past Pupils’ Association Reunion Day & Annual Mass

At All Hallows’, we are blessed to have a school steeped in history and connection to our past. This weekend, we will contemplate the meaning of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, honouring all the saints of the Catholic Church, both canonised and non-canonised, and all people who have displayed saintly virtues to each of us.

On All Saints’ (All Hallows’) Day, Saturday 1 November, we also celebrate our school’s Feast Day and our 164th anniversary. Additionally, on Saturday, the spirit of the AHSisterhood will be on display as we gather for the Past Pupils’ Association Reunion Day and Annual Mass in the Association’s 100th year.

This event sees past pupils come together to share in the enduring spirit of the AHSisterhood and to give thanks for the work of the Association over the past 100 years. We look forward to hearing tales of the past, particularly from those celebrating a milestone reunion year, and welcoming many familiar faces back on campus.

Thank you to Past Pupils’ Association President Tron Fisher, the Executive team and Committee, and the Centenary Committee, who continue to nurture the wonderful sense of community that is the AHSisterhood.

At this time, when we celebrate our school’s Feast Day, the Feast of All Saints’ Day, we pray that God will bless our community today and always. We also keep in our prayers our Year 12 students and their families as they complete their external exams.

Mrs. Catherine O'Kane (Principal)

Dean of Mission

Honouring the Communion of Saints | All Saints' and All Souls' Day

Social Justice Week

Last week we marked our very first Social Justice Week. A number of activities held around the school helped to remind our community of the imperative to bring Christ's life-giving message to life through social awareness and social action. The week unfolded as follows:

Monday: students and staff were invited to make a personal pledge of one small action they would undertake during the week as a sign of their commitment to the Mission of Mercy and Catholic Social Teachings. Pledges were written on scrap paper, made into a chain and held in God's care by the statue of Catherine McAuley.

Tuesday: our Green Thumbs Group sold dried herbs and seeds that they have been cultivating throughout the year on special gardens at the school. This group is led by a few Year 9 students who are assisted by Year 5 and 6 students.

Wednesday and Friday: Thanks to the generous donation of pre-loved clothing by members of the All Hallows' community, the Eco-Justice Group was able to run their annual Rummage Sale over two lunchtimes. There was a wonderful buzz in the Carriage Room as staff and students bagged a bargain and ensured that excellent quality clothing received a second life. The Eco-Justice Group raised over $600 for the whole school project.

Thursday: the students of Kitty's Room met with Kathleen Noonan from Second Chance who explained the impact of our Home Starter Packs.

Kathleen explained that these bags will go to a “Mother and Baby “ support network and temporary accommodation at Toowong. Here, they support young girls who are pregnant (some as young as 15) whose parents are absent or in jail. They educate the girls on pregnancy, childbirth, and care of their baby. Once more long-term accommodation is organised, the girls will use our Starter Bags to set up a home for themselves and their baby. Our bags are a big hit as everything is brand new! Kathleen thanked us for our ongoing contributions and estimated that she has collected thousands of our bags over the years.

Black Shirt Day: this year our focus was awareness raising about issues of homelessness. Spurred on by a message from author Trent Dalton, our students watched videos on the topic, completed a Home Group competition, and had the opportunity to hear from a representative from local community shelter, 3rd Space. 3rd Space helps thousands of people every year through the dignity of a hot shower, café-style meals, as well as access to medical, mental health, law, tenancy, employment, and other services. These services focus on breaking the cycle of homelessness.

BBC Movie Night: Students from Brisbane Boys’ College, Somerville House, and All Hallows’ School came together for a special evening of connection and conversation. The night featured a screening of The Pursuit of Happyness, a moving story about resilience and hope. Beyond enjoying the film, students had the opportunity to socialise and engage in thoughtful discussion about human rights, homelessness, and why these issues matter in our world today.

Year 10 Environmental Leadership Project

Jessica Dowling (Y10 TI2), Emma Byrne (Y10 WH7), and Miranda Hancock (Y10 TI2)

This year, we have had the amazing opportunity to be part of the Lord Mayor’s Youth Environmental Leadership Network (LMYELN). Through this program, we’ve been able to design and lead our own environmental project to create positive change within our school community.

When we began brainstorming ideas, we wanted to focus on something that directly affects our everyday environment. We noticed how often cars were left idling in Dodge Lane during drop-off and pick-up times, and we realised this was an issue we could do something about.

Car idling—when the engine is running while the car is stationary—might seem harmless, but it actually produces a lot of unnecessary carbon dioxide (CO₂) and air pollution. This doesn’t just contribute to climate change—it also affects the air quality that students, teachers, and families breathe every day.

To understand the impact at our school, we started by recording CO₂ levels in Dodge Lane during busy drop-off times, using a Riken Keiki – GX-3R Pro Portable Gas Monitor. We compared these readings to the average CO₂ levels outdoors and indoors, and the results were clear: CO₂ levels were much higher when cars were left idling.

With this data, we decided to take action. We created and put up posters around Dodge Lane to raise awareness and encourage parents to switch off their engines while waiting. It’s been so rewarding to see people noticing the posters and making an effort to reduce idling—small changes really do add up!

We're hoping in the future to install a live CO₂ monitor in Dodge Lane. This monitor will display real-time CO₂ levels so everyone can see how air quality improves when engines are switched off. We hope it will help remind families that every action, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Being part of the LMYELN has taught us how powerful student-led change can be. We’ve learned about data collection, communication, teamwork, and how small environmental actions can have a real impact. In Week 5, we, along with 50 other participating schools, will present our project at Brisbane City Hall. We’re so excited to share what we’ve learned and show how local action can lead to meaningful environmental improvements.

Together, we can make Dodge Lane—and our whole city—a cleaner, safer, and greener place, one switched-off engine at a time. 🌏💚

You can watch the students' video here: https://clickv.ie/w/O4P3

Liturgy Notice

School Events

Raffles & Offers

Dean of Student Wellbeing

Supporting Your Child | Social Media Delay and eSafety Advice

Head of Primary

A Visit to the Brisbane Synagogue

Ellie Doyle (5.5), Aria Nixon (5.5), Miller Jones (5.5), and Peyton Lane (5.5).

On Friday 24 October, the Year 5 students visited the Brisbane Synagogue to learn more about the Jewish faith, its traditions, and the unique features of this sacred place of worship. It was an eye-opening and memorable excursion that left everyone inspired and full of new knowledge.

Our friendly guide, Philip, welcomed us warmly and shared fascinating insights about Judaism. We discovered that the Torah, which is similar to the Christian Bible, is handwritten in Hebrew and contains the five books of Moses. Incredibly, each Torah scroll can cost between $50,000 and $100,000—as much as a car! We were amazed to see one that was over 200 years old.

We also learned about Jewish traditions and celebrations, such as Hanukkah, the festival of lights. During this celebration, a candle on the menorah is lit each night for eight nights, and children receive a gift and a donut each day to remind them of the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Another highlight was hearing about bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, which are special coming-of-age ceremonies where boys and girls are celebrated as they take on new responsibilities in their faith. At the end of these celebrations, they are showered with lollies to wish them a sweet and joyful adult life.

Inside the synagogue, we noticed the beautiful Ark, a decorated cupboard that houses the Torah scrolls, and the Star of David, which we learned holds national rather than religious significance. We also discovered that women sit in the upper gallery, as they are believed to have a naturally higher spiritual status, while men pray below—three times a day! As an all-girls school, we were lucky to sit in the women’s section and take in the stunning view of the synagogue.

Some of our classmates even had the chance to blow the shofar, a ram’s horn traditionally used during Jewish New Year celebrations. One student even managed to make a sound! We also found it interesting that synagogues don’t include pictures or statues of God because, as our guide explained, 'We are all made in the image and likeness of God.'

Before we left, we discovered a fun fact—you can actually buy seats in the synagogue! The closer you sit to the Rabbi, the more expensive the seat. It’s one of the ways synagogues raise funds for their upkeep.

Overall, our visit to the Brisbane Synagogue was both educational and inspiring. We learnt so much about Jewish beliefs, customs, and history, and gained a deeper respect for the diversity of faiths in our world. Plus, who could forget discovering that donuts are holy!

School Captains

Our First Newsletter Article!

General School News

Library & Information Services

Visiting Author | Gregg Dreise Inspires Our Young Writers

Curriculum Departments

Languages | French Study Tour to Tahiti

Charlotte Moore (Y11 MC3)

Fifteen All Hallows’ students were fortunate to experience the trip of a lifetime, a 10 day French language tour to Moorea, a breathtaking island off Tahiti, in French Polynesia. Accompanied by our two wonderful French teachers, Madame Lambert and Madame Prado-Wulf, eight Year 11 students and seven Year 10 students departed from Brisbane, ready to immerse ourselves in French language, culture, and island life. Excitement chatted throughout the meetings leading up to our big event. Smiles wider than ever spread through Brisbane airport as we stood there with our bright blue bucket hats ready to go! We said goodbye to our families, bags in one hand and passports in our other (which, I might add, all returned to Brisbane safely, with the help of our daily passport checks). Awaiting us were ten days in paradise… our Tahiti Tour was more than just a school trip; it was a vibrant immersion into French Polynesian culture, language, and unforgettable experiences.

'C’est ouf!' was the phrase that echoed through our group as we explored the vibrant heart of Moorea (meaning it’s crazy!). From the sun-drenched beaches to the mountain trails, each day offered a new adventure that awakened our senses and deepened our cultural connection. The pineapple juice at the factory was so fresh it tingled on our tongues: sweet, sharp, and unforgettable. Meeting the French students at Le Lycée Agricol was both nerve-wracking and exciting, but their warm smiles and easy laughter made us feel instantly welcomed. Among all these adventures, one moment that truly captured the spirit of the trip for me was our visit to the Motu, a tiny island off Moorea, where teeny-tiny coral rocks crunched softly underfoot. We learnt about Tahiti’s coral reefs, twisted through French tongue twisters and crosswords beneath the warm sun, and darted through coconut trees on a treasure hunt. To finish, we cooled off in the clear, luminescent water. By the end of the week, 'C’est ouf!' felt less like a phrase and more like a way of life.

If you’d told me before the trip that I’d be dancing barefoot in a guesthouse with a flower crown on my head and a belly full of salade tahitienne au poisson cru et lait de coco (raw fish salad), I might’ve said 'C’est ouf!' Our day at Isabelle’s Fare Om Guesthouse was pure magic: the food, the music, and the scent of frangipani in the air. It wasn’t just a cultural experience but a full-body, full-heart immersion into Tahitian life. Her loving presence filled the room with a bubbly warmth that helped every girl feel excited to engage with the culture.

Every moment in Moorea felt like a postcard with a twist, as we weren’t just learning French in a classroom, we were living it. I started off nervous, but by the end, I was throwing out phrases with confidence and engaging with the loving people of Moorea. Often greeted with a happy hello ('La Orana' in the local language) and warm smiles, the locals surely found a way to make us feel at home. This trip didn’t only teach me about Tahitian culture or French history, but also cracked open my curiosity, boosted my independence, and reminded me why I love the language. It’s not just words and grammar; it’s connection. It’s courage. It’s dancing in the living room with a flower crown and feeling happiness spread throughout me and my peers.

To our incredible teachers, generous hosts, and tireless organisers, we thank you endlessly! Merci for making this journey possible, for guiding us with patience, and for creating a space where curiosity, connection, and culture could thrive. Your efforts turned a school trip into something unforgettable. To any students thinking about future tours, go! Say 'oui!' Pack the sunscreen, learn the phrases, and go! You will return with stories, souvenirs, and friendships that stick for a lifetime. Tahiti gave us more than memories: it gave us stories, friendships, and a deeper love for language and culture.

Merci beaucoup!

Science | Physics Night In

Elizabeth Douglas (Y11 MC7)

Quantum, Curiosity and Career Paths: Physics Night In Highlights

On Wednesday 15 October, physics students from Years 10-12 gathered for the annual Physics Night In. This informative and interactive experience deepened our understanding of the world around us and highlighted the career possibilities for women in STEM.

We began by exploring electromagnetism through the challenge of constructing our own electric motors. Although some motors didn’t quite work, it was exciting to follow in the footsteps of Michael Faraday, the father of the electric motor. Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction outlines the principle that a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current. Watching wire coils, batteries, and magnets generate motion was especially meaningful—a reminder of the humble yet extraordinary beginnings of many modern technologies, from transport to robotics and medicine.

We were also fortunate to hear from Dr Josephine Dias, a PhD researcher in Quantum Technologies at the University of Queensland, whose passion and insight made complex concepts accessible. Josephine explained that quantum physics is the study of the universe’s ‘quanta,’ its smallest measurable units of energy such as electrons and photons. Josephine began with interactive demonstrations of diffraction, Young’s double-slit experiment, the photoelectric effect and—a group favourite—polarisation. Using polarisation lenses, we explored how light can be filtered and controlled by reorienting the electric field of individual photons. As we rotated the overlapping lenses, we watched a once-clear material magically shift from translucent to opaque as light was no longer able to pass through. Through such demonstrations, Josephine helped visualise how light behaves both as a wave and as a particle, opening the door to the fascinating and counterintuitive world of quantum physics.

Josephine’s later discussion of quantum entanglement especially perplexed and amazed the group. Described by Einstein as 'spooky action at a distance', this strange and beautiful aspect of quantum mechanics is the phenomenon where two or more particles become linked so that the quantum state of one instantly influences the state of the other, despite the physical distance between them.

Dr Dias also shared her career journey, from studying at UQ, to completing her PhD and working in sophisticated research centres in both Tokyo and Osaka, showing us the diverse and exciting pathways possible in STEM. As Josephine continues to shape the frontier of quantum technologies such as computing and communication, she serves as an inspiring example to us STEM students of the possibilities of applying abstract principles to real-world systems and problems.

Finally, thank you to our dedicated physics teachers Ms Conran, Mr Lourigan, Mr Adamson, and the science facilities staff for providing an engaging evening that sparked our curiosity about the universe we live in within a discussional, educational, collaborative, and like-minded space. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Josephine Dias for her generosity and passion for sharing her knowledge, which contributed to a night that aligns with All Hallows’ commitment to empowering women through education—one experiment at a time.

Technology | DATTA Queensland Subject Awards

Careers & Vocational Education

Year 12 Vocational Qualifications Graduation 14 October 2025

General Updates

Culture

Sport

Volleyball

Madison Woods & Jemma Stanley-Jones (2026 Volleyball Captains)

CaSSSA Volleyball Registrations

Registrations for Term 1 2026 are now open!

Since Year 8, we have been proud participants of the All Hallows’ Volleyball CaSSSA program, and coming into 2026, we’re incredibly honoured to be named your Volleyball Captains.

Volleyball has been such a huge part of our time at AHS, from the CaSSSA season to Schools Cup and AVSC. Our coaches dedicate so much time and effort to making trainings both enjoyable and competitive. They’ve created such a supportive environment that motivates everyone to show up, work hard, and continue improving. As captains next year, we’re excited to help contribute to this atmosphere and fill the shoes of our 2025 Volleyball Captains, Sophie Tew and Isla Dennell.

Registrations for the 2026 Term 1 CaSSSA Season for students going into Years 9, 10, 11, and 12 are now live on Student Café. Please remember that parents need to approve it on the Parent Hub before registrations close.

Please note CaSSSA Junior Volleyball for students going into Year 7 & 8 in 2026 is run in Term 2 of the school year.

Trial Details

📅 Sunday 9 November 2025
📍 QUT Indoor Courts, Kelvin Grove

Year 9 (2026): 7am–8:30am
Year 10 (2026): 9am–10:30am
Seniors (Years 11 & 12 2026): 11am–12:30pm

If you're keen to be a part of the team, you’ll need to attend trials. If you can’t make it, please email our Volleyball Co-ordinator, Finn Bright on volleyball@ahs.qld.edu.au

We are really looking forward to the season ahead and hope to see lots of you at trials. Let’s make 2026 the year we bring home that CaSSSA flag, see you there!

Volleyball Queensland Junior Schools Cup

Congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 8 Volleyball teams for their outstanding performances at the Volleyball Queensland Junior Schools Cup over the weekend!

Our Year 8 team stepped up to Division 1 this year, finishing 10th out of 21 teams in a highly competitive division. Their effort and teamwork were evident in every match, and they should be proud of their strong showing against some of the best teams in Queensland.

Meanwhile, our Year 7 team brought home gold in Division 2! Their achievement is a fantastic reflection of their commitment and effort in training throughout the past few months. Congratulations to AHSister Georgina Watkins (Y7 MC7) on being named MVP of the division.

Thank you to our passionate coaches, Griff Pattison and Annie Murdoch, for their unwavering support and enthusiasm with our junior teams. Your guidance and commitment are deeply appreciated!

Friday 31 October	World Teachers’ Day House Assembly Music Ensembles Camp – Mapleton Queensland Primary All Schools Touch Football Championships Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships Championship Basketball Schools Queensland - Sophomore
Saturday 1 November	All Saints’ Day Past Pupils’ Association Reunion Day Mass & Morning Tea Music Ensembles Camp – Mapleton Queensland Primary All Schools Touch Football Championships Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships Championship Basketball Schools Queensland - Sophomore Knowles Tennis Cup Final
Sunday 1 November	All Souls’ Day Music Ensembles Camp – Mapleton Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships Championship Basketball Schools Queensland - Sophomore
Monday 3 November	Water Polo PSG Meeting, 6pm
Tuesday 4 November	Feast of St Charles Borromeo
Wednesday 5 November	Liturgy, 8am Year 8 Camp
Thursday 6 November	Year 8 Camp
Friday 7 November	Year 8 Camp House Assembly Year 10 Social Afternoon with Terrace, 3:15pm
Sunday 9 November	CaSSSA Term 1 2026 Trials Debating Trials
Monday 10 November	Fencing Presentation, 5pm
Wednesday 12 November	Mercy Action Thanksgiving Liturgy
Thursday 13 November	Touch Football PSG AGM, 6pm

Molly Anderson Y12 GO8	Gracie Gascoigne Y12 AD2	Stella Rabbitt Y12 WH7
Ines Annan-Schmidt Y12 GO4	Ava Graham Y12 CO3	Imogen Robinson Y12 TI6
Gabrielle Beane Y12 LO8	Charlize Hay Y12 MC5	Emily Seva Y12 MC4
Claudia Booth Y12 LO4	Sarah Hill Y12 MC6	Tiana Skelly Y12 LO7
Majella Chamberlain Y12 TI3	Lucy Horton Y12 LO4	Harriet Smith Y12 GO5
Lola Clark Y12 GO8	Lucinda (Toby) Howie Y12 MC3	Georgia Solofa Y12 CO1
Charlotte Commins Y12 GO4	Sacha Lewczuk Y12 GO5	Amelia Spooner Y12 TI7
Mia Contarino Y12 AD2	Scotia Lucey Y12 CO7	Teiya-Lea Stephens Y12 WH3
Madelyn Craven Y12 CO5	Charlotte Lyon Y12 TI1	Sarah Stojkovski Y12 LO2
Clementine Crouch Y12 CO7	Chloe Manikot Y12 CO6	Ruby Strutton Y12 AD1
Rebecca Currie Y12 TI8	Charlotte McDonald Y12 GO4	Harriet Tait Y12 LO3
Genevieve Dodds Y12 MC1	Georgia Morell Y12 WH6	Lucinda Wright Y12 TI4
Elizabeth Dowd Y12 MC6	Elisabeth Morton Y12 TI2
Audrey Gallagher Y12 ME6	Mekayla O'Gorman Y12 LO1

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