Volume 30 Issue 20 Tuesday 9 July

Principal's Message

Mrs Catherine O'Kane

Dean of Mission

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

This week, All Hallows' School embraces the spirit of NAIDOC Week (7-14 July), a time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud" reflects the vibrant and enduring strength of First Nations cultures.

NAIDOC Week is crucial for fostering understanding and respect for First Nations cultures and provides an opportunity for learning, connection and community. According to Australians Together, it gives "First Nations people and non-Indigenous people the opportunity to celebrate and connect with community and Country. And it’s a chance for everyone, not just First Nations people, to celebrate all aspects of First Nations histories and cultures". Within the school context, it provides a platform for students to learn about the rich heritage and ongoing contributions of First Nations Australians, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect.

For the Catholic Church in Australia, reconciliation is deeply tied to its mission of social justice and inclusivity. The 2023-2024 Social Justice Statement “Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples” outlines the significant part the Church has to play in the reconciliation process through advocating for the rights and dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This includes supporting initiatives that promote healing, cultural preservation, and empowerment. By embracing reconciliation, the Church can contribute to a more just and compassionate society, aligning its actions with the principles of love, respect, and solidarity that are central to its teachings.

This Week's Highlights include:

On-Country Day at Minjerribah: a group of students will experience the profound connection to land and culture on Minjerribah, Stradbroke Island.
Year 7 Presentation: Thursday's presentation will offer Year 7 students an insightful look into Indigenous traditions and stories presented by Lucas Proudfoot
School Assembly: On Friday, we'll gather to celebrate and reflect on the significance of NAIDOC Week.
Use of digital screens around the school to tell the story of significant First Nations Australians and the contribution they have made to our cultural landscape.

By marking NAIDOC Week, All Hallows' School commits to a journey of learning, respect, and solidarity, contributing to a more just and compassionate society. Let's all participate and "Keep the Fire Burning!"

2024 Student AMSSA Conference

During the school holidays, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to Bendigo for the Australasian Mercy Secondary School Association (AMSSA) Student Conference, where we connected with other schools grounded in the Mercy tradition. The conference theme was: Mercy: Pathways of Joy and Hope. Alongside students from across Australia, we engaged in numerous activities and listened to key members of our Mercy community, who inspired us to apply principles of mercy and justice in our own lives and school community.

Bendigo is a vibrant regional city situated on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) people of Kulin Nation. We had the opportunity on the second day to put on a hard hat and descend 61 metres at the Central Deborah Gold mine to explore tunnels and see gold in its natural state. Shortly following this we took a tram tour that shared First Nations stories as we travelled through the heart of Bendigo. As it reached dinner time, we made our way to the Bendigo Town Hall. On the third day we travelled to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, beautiful gardens surrounded the Stupa to showcase symbols from many faiths including Catholic, Sikh, Islam, Hindu and Buddhist. Moving our focus towards mercy and social justice, we undertook numerous workshops. These workshops were run by different guest speakers from Young Mercy Links teaching us the importance of taking action to help others. Additionally, every student at the conference was asked to bring in a piece of clothing to use in a clothes swap. This was a great way for us to be able pass on clothes we were not as fond of and find new pieces to add our wardrobes, teaching us ways to enact practical sustainable change.

During our four-day journey in Victoria, we delved deeply into the fundamental importance of mercy values and practical ways to embody these principles in contemporary social justice issues. We discovered mercy organisations and opportunities, both globally and locally, such as Mercy Works and Young Mercy Links, which are doing remarkable work to promote sustainable development in regions that need it the most. We examined the transformative power of compassion and formed meaningful connections with other mercy schools dedicated to following in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley. Through this exploration, we were reminded how we can bring joy and hope to our communities. Participating in discussions and workshops, and hearing from regarded advocates for mercy highlighted the significance of empathy, kindness, and active engagement in social justice initiatives. This experience enriched our understanding and equipped us with the tools and motivation to make a tangible difference in our surroundings, inspiring us to contribute to a more equitable and compassionate world.

We Pray For

Liturgy Notice

School Events

Parent & Caregiver Events

General School News

2024 Photos Orders and Photo Day 15 August

Dean of Student Learning & Data

Dean of Student Wellbeing

Navigating Semester 2 without phones: Embracing the Social Media Detox at School

Returning to school after a three week break comes with challenges:

Getting up on time to ensure you arrive to greet your home group teacher with a smile and engage with your fellow peers.
Getting back into the school routine.
Packing your lunch, ironing uniforms, stepping back on to packed buses/trains, early starts for rehearsals or training.
Lastly, putting down your mobile phone and not engaging with it for the entirety of the day.

These are all big challenges, but I would like to focus on the last one!

As the new term begins after a three week break, our community has a long standing school expectation on the use of mobile phones during the school day. We expect students to start each day without their phones, placing them in their lockers when they arrive at school. In a world dominated by social media, this effort aims to promote face-to-face interactions, enhance focus, and foster a healthier school environment.

The Impact of Social Media

Social media platforms have become integral to students' lives, offering ways to stay connected, share experiences, and access information. However, they also come with challenges. Excessive social media use can lead to distractions, anxiety, social disconnect and decreased academic performance. By stepping back from their screens, students can refocus on their studies and personal interactions.

The Benefits of a Phone-Free Start

Improved Focus and Academic Performance:
Without the constant notifications and temptations of social media, students can concentrate better on their education and study. This uninterrupted focus is crucial for absorbing new information and achieving their personal best.
Enhanced Social Skills:
Interacting face-to-face helps students develop essential social skills, such as reading body language, active listening, and effective communication. These skills are vital for building strong relationships and succeeding in future careers.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress:
Social media often creates a pressure to present a perfect image and keep up with others. Taking a break from these platforms can alleviate anxiety and allow students to engage more authentically with their peers.
Better Sleep Patterns:
The blue light emitted by phone screens can interfere with sleep. By reducing screen time, students are likely to experience improved sleep quality, leading to better overall health and well-being.

Supporting this important part of the school expectations

We understand that going phone-free might be challenging at first, but our school is committed to supporting students. Here are some strategies and resources available to help:

Arrival at school and throughout the school day

When students arrive at school, the phone must be put away when they enter the school gates. Students should go directly to their locker and place it in their locker for the entirety of the school day, ensuring their locker is locked with their provided lock. This allows students time to connect and prepare for the school day without the distractions of their phone.
If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian throughout the day, they can use the school email or can speak with a staff member to call you. This includes if they are unwell, they must attend the Health Centre to be signed out and checked by our School Nurses.

Encouraging Extracurricular Activities

Engaging in extracurricular activities such as Sport, Mercy Action and Culture, provides alternative ways to connect with peers and develop new skills without relying on social media.

Embracing the Challenge

We believe our phone free expectation allows students to lead a more enriching and productive time at school. We want students to continue to embrace the challenge and discover the joys of being present in the moment, building deeper connections, and focusing on their academic and personal growth.

A Community Effort

This school expectation requires the support of the entire school community. Parents, teachers, and students can work together to create a positive and supportive environment for all in our community. By setting an example and fostering open communication, we can help our students thrive in a phone free setting.

As we enter Semester Two, let's embrace the opportunity to reconnect with each other and focus on what truly matters. By reducing our reliance on phones and social media, we can create a more engaged, mindful, and successful school community. Here's to a fantastic semester ahead, filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connections!

Ms. Victoria McDonald (Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing).

School Captains

Curriculum Departments

Religious Education

Culture

Strings Ensembles Concert

On June 11, the All Hallows community was treated to an extraordinary evening of music at the AHS Strings Concert. The night commenced with the youngest ensemble, the Year 5 strings. Their performance was a testament to their immense improvement since the start of the year. I have been privileged to witness their vibrant energy and dedication firsthand each Thursday afternoons at rehearsal and they should be so proud of how far they have come this year. Following the Year 5 strings were performances by the Sr Mary Oswin String Ensemble and the Sr Mary Gerald String Ensemble. Each group showcased their unique talents and growth, delighting the audience with their musicality. The concert concluded with the St Cecilia String Ensemble, the most advanced group at our school, who performed "Death of Aase" and "Iditarod." These atmospheric and captivating pieces allowed the ensemble to showcase their ability to immerse themselves in the music, delivering a truly mesmerising performance.

In our later concert, we were fortunate to hear performances by the Sr Mary Oliver String Ensemble and the Sr Mary Patrick Ensemble. The Sr Mary Oliver String Ensemble played two contrasting pieces: a soothing lullaby and a regal piece called "The King's Fiddlers," both of which showcased their developing musical maturity and obvious friendship within the group as they continue together through their musical journey at AHS.

The Sr Mary Patrick String Ensemble, our second-highest string ensemble at AHS, performed "Declarations" by Jeffery Bishop and my personal favourite, "I Will Follow Him" from the movie Sister Act. These students captured the audience's attention with their exceptional playing, demonstrating their growing musical sensitivity.

As someone who has been a part of the AHS Strings program since moving to high school in 2019, I can attest to the rewarding experience of progressing through the ranks of these ensembles. It has been an incredible journey, making lifelong friends and creating beautiful music together during early morning rehearsals. That concert marks one of my final performances as a member of the AHS strings, and of course it was a bittersweet moment for me and all the fellow Year 12s. I feel so grateful for the mentorship of Ms Dineen, Miss Versace, and Miss McWilliams. These dedicated teachers have played a significant role in my, and the other Year 12’s musical journeys, providing guidance and inspiration at every step.

As we look to the future, I am excited to see where all these talented ensembles will go. They should be immensely proud of their performances on Tuesday night. The AHS Strings Concert was not just a showcase of musical talent but also a celebration of the hard work, passion, and camaraderie that define our program.

Newsletter