Newsletter

At All Hallows’ we are fortunate to experience “spirit” in a multitude of ways – during assemblies, in classrooms, on the sports court, helping a stranger on the bus, packing up after ensembles rehearsals, chatting with friends during Home Group. One of the wonderful things about working in a school is the energy that young people bring to their daily activities. You only have to be nearby when the HPE bus returns at the end of a lesson to experience this. Students and teachers pour out of the bus, perhaps tired and hot, but still chatting and laughing as they busily get ready for the rest of their day.

This week, our School Captains and Spirit Captains have really captured our attention as they lead our celebrations of Spirit Week. If you want to understand what this week is about, please watch the Spirit Week video which has been uploaded to our School socials this week. It is a masterclass in creativity, enthusiasm and joy. 

In a world in need of optimism, community building and open mindedness, it is more important than ever for us to celebrate and bring joy to one another. This week’s events include Decades Day Monday, Talk about it Tuesday, Christmas in July on Wednesday, and Teachers v Students Basketball on Thursday. The festivities will culminate in Fan-dom Friday, where students will be at school dressed as their favourite movie character, artist or superhero for a gold coin donation to the Whole School Project. 

Spirit Week is a much-loved tradition at All Hallows’ that generates laughter, fosters friendships through shared interests and highlights how simple pleasures can transform our outlook. We look forward to sharing some photos in next week’s newsletter.  

Wally Dethlefs McMillan annual All Hallows’ / Gregory Terrace Debate

Yesterday afternoon, we were pleased to host the Wally Dethlefs McMillan annual All Hallows’ vs Gregory Terrace Debate. In the late 1970s, Father Wally Dethlefs, a chaplain at the Sir Leslie Wilson Youth (Detention) Centre, was concerned to see children as young as 10 appearing in court without any legal assistance. It was apparent that most young people held there had experienced harm during their short lives which was contributing to their involvement in the youth justice system. 

The Dethlefs-McMillan Trophy has since been established to provide a platform for Terrace and All Hallows’ debaters to discuss social issues. This ties into the charism of both schools with the goal of encouraging students to gain a greater understanding and perspective of why social justice is so important.  We offer our thanks to the Youth Advocacy Centre for their ongoing support for this debate, as well as Ms Katherine Hayes, CEO of the Youth Advocacy Centre who attended the debate last night.  

The topic for the debate was: That the media should be allowed to be present in, and report on, youth justice court matters.

The discussion was lively and thought-provoking, with both teams presenting well-researched arguments that demonstrated their critical thinking and presentation skills. The knowledgeable judging panel had their work cut out for them and commended both teams on their stellar performance, with All Hallows’ named the overall winner. 

Congratulations to all our debaters and we extend our thanks to our Debating Coordinator, Mr Emmett Hanley, and our Debating Parent Support Group for their enthusiastic and generous support of this important event. 

Last week the school marked NAIDOC Week in a number of ways. 

On Wednesday, our First Nations students from Years 9-12 brought along a friend to explore history and culture on Minjerribah, Stradbroke Island. We were greeted by Aunty Mary who welcomed us to her Country by the shores of Moreton Bay in Dunwich. She then explained the existence of the many middens around the island which are actually dumping grounds consisting of mounds of shells and bones. The Polka Point Midden we were at had mounds of shells from thousands of years ago. These middens are now protected but many have already been destroyed by the mining activities in recent history. We proceeded to the Historical Museum where the students enjoyed a presentation about the history of the island. Since European occupation in 1827, the island has been used as the site for military stores, religious missions, quarantine station and a benevolent asylum. As a result, there has been significant environmental and cultural erosion. The afternoon was spent in a weaving workshop run by renowned local weavers, Sonja and Elisa Carmichael. We learned the traditional artform of making twine and weaving baskets.

Next week's Spirit Week celebrations will conclude with the much anticipated Fandom Friday. This is an opportunity for staff and students to dress up as anything of which they are a fan. This could be a sporting hero, character from a movie or TV show or even a chocolate bar!

Students are asked to travel to and from school in full school uniform and change at school. A gold coin donation will be collected during Home Group.

We have very few fundraisers left this year so let's make this one count!

Each year Caritas' Catholic Earthcare runs an art competition for the Season of Creation. The theme of the competition is the theme for the Season of Creation, which this year it to ‘Hope and Act With Creation’. Students can create anything they want aligned to this topic, as long as they can take a photo of it to submit. 

There is a primary and secondary category, with awards presented by the Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long, and there is also a people's choice award. The school will submit the entries and winners will be announced at the Catholic Earthcare convocation later in the year and each winner will receive a voucher to an art supplies store. Please submit your entries to Mrs Easton by Friday 30 August at 9am sharp! 

Mrs. Claire Easton (Dean of Mission)

The All Hallows’ community extends its sympathy and support to Amelia McMeniman (Y10 GO3) and Louise McMeniman (Y10 GO7) on the death of their maternal grandfather.

May God’s love comfort them and their family at this sad time.

Liturgy will be celebrated in the Chapel tomorrow morning at 8:00am. The prayer will be led by Mr. Power’s Year 7 class and will focus on the theme of those on the margins. All are welcome.

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

We warmly invite you to a Parent Session - Beyond ChatGPT: Generative AI in Education.

This presentation will introduce the place of Generative AI at All Hallows’, outline the school’s guidelines for its use, and discuss how this technology can support students’ learning experiences.

Whether you have prior knowledge of AI or are just beginning to learn about its impact on education, this session invites you to learn more about how you might support your daughter/s as they navigate this exciting and challenging technology.

The evening will conclude with a panel Q&A with the presenters.

To help us to tailor our presentation to your interests and needs, please submit any questions you may have when you register.

Date: Thursday 18 July 2024

Time: 6:40pm for a 7:00pm start

Location: Potter Room, Level 4 Potter Building

Please RSVP here. 

P&F Father Daughter Dinner
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Saturday 27 July at 5:30pm
Tickets available here
See P&F section for more information.

2024 Debating Celebration
Potter Room
Sunday 28 July at 3:00pm
Tickets available here
See Culture section for more information.

Past Pupils Association Sisters in Scrubs
Claver Theatre
Tuesday 30 July at 5:30pm
Tickets available here
See Past Pupils Association section for more information.

Paul Dillon, a renowned educator and speaker on drug education, presented to our Year 10, 11 and 12 students, as well as staff and parents. 

Paul provided up-to-date drug information that was hard-hitting but digestible. His presentation style to the students led to consistent positive comments from them, as he used humour and real-life stories to present factual information and helpful, informative tips.

Here are some student reflections and learnings from some of our Year 10, 11 and 12 student's reviews of Paul's presentation. After hearing the student recommendations and parent requests, we will most certainly look to secure Paul for further years.

Student reflections

Paul Dillon’s presentations were both informative and engaging, providing practical advice for teens to stay safe during social gatherings involving alcohol, drugs and e-cigarettes. Rather than a simplistic “don’t do it” approach, he emphasised harm-reduction and informed decision-making. He presented the grim realities of not looking after friends who over consume. Here are the key takeaways:

1.     Water Time: Always begin your night out with water. Staying hydrated matters.

2.     Fistful of Food: Before drinking alcohol, eat a fistful of food. It slows down alcohol absorption and prevents an empty stomach.

3.     Hydration and Alcohol: Drinking water won’t “dilute” alcohol, but staying hydrated is essential. However, don’t force water on someone—it can be dangerous.

4.     Learn the Recovery Position: Familiarise yourself and your friends with the correct recovery position. This knowledge can be crucial in emergencies.

5.     Avoid Putting Drunk Individuals to Bed: Never let someone who is drunk go to bed to “sleep it off.” There’s a risk they might not wake up again.

6.     Chair Technique: When dealing with intoxicated friends, use the chair technique. Seat them on a chair with no armrests and a straight back. If their head moves unexpectedly, seek help promptly.

7.     Time Sobers You Up: Water and bread won’t sober you up; only time can do that.

8.     Driving After Drinking: Wait at least 12 hours to drive after a “quiet night” (up to 2 standard drinks) and 24 hours after a “big night” (more than 2 standard drinks).

9.     Emergency + App: Download the app which allows you to use provide emergency services with a coded 3 word combination that is unique to your location and facilitates faster response time.

10. E-cigarettes: Vapes are often made and poorly tested in China. Mould, hair and other pollutants have been found in them. They can explode so don’t keep them on your body.

Remember these tips, prioritise safety, and take care of one another! 😊👍

Poppy Skerman (Y10 WH6), Emme Bienkowski (Y10 ME5), Georgia Solofa (Y11 CO1), Madeleine Waters (Y11 WH5), Caitlin Kelly (Y12 LO5), Georgia Rostron (Y12 AD3), Camilla Karooz (Y12 WH3)

Ms. Kylie Fletcher (Acting Head of Pastoral Care)

On the last week of the holidays, I was lucky enough to go on our school ski trip to Queenstown. Landing late on the first night, I think we were all shocked by the drastic change in temperature. It was time to re-adjust to wearing beanies and scarves. I won’t lie, the first morning wake-up at 5:00am was a struggle, but any kind of tiredness or cold seemed to float away as soon as we got up the mountain to see snow falling on perfectly white ski fields. It was like a dream.  

As I’m not a regular skier myself, it was a bit daunting looking down the steep runs and wondering how you’re going to get to the bottom. But somehow you find a way and having 120 other people you know there to either fail or succeed with you is handy too. For those black diamond skiers (teachers included), it was really cool getting to see their expert skill and hear their ski stories. It was also nice to hear what first time skiers had to say about their experience. I think we all had our fair share of falls, both majorly embarrassing and not, (shout out to Ella who had the best fall of the trip!).  

One of the highlights of the trip for me was getting to see Queenstown in the late afternoon. A lot of us had similar plans to visit Fergburger, Queenstown’s famous burger joint, and having that burger by the lake while looking out at snow-capped mountains was nothing short of amazing. Having never been to New Zealand before, I was absolutely blown away by the natural landscape. It really is a gorgeous country. 

It was an unforgettable trip, and I think everyone that went will certainly look back on it as a highlight of our Year 12 year. 

Cristina xx

 Cristina Griffin & Bridget Land (School Captains)

Congratulations to our 2024 State Literary Competition award recipients.

During Arts Festival, Potter Library organised a Literary Competition. More than 60 entries from our creative students were submitted into the poetry and short story categories. The top ten entries in each age category were then entered into the statewide Literary Competition, sponsored by the English Teachers Association of Queensland, the Independent Education Union, and Penguin Random House.

Congratulation to Zoe Cox (Y10 CO8) for being awarded 2nd place in the Year 9 and 10 - Short Story category of the 2024 State Literary Competition.

Congratulations to Ciara O’Sullivan (Y10 AD5) for being awarded a Highly Commended in the Year 9 and 10 - Short Story category of the 2024 State Literary Competition.

A presentation will be held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre on 7 August to recognise and celebrate all the winners.

Significant Adult & Daughter Book Club

AHS Library from 3:15pm on Wed 21st August

Every term we host a book club for students in Years 5 and 6. We welcome parents, caregivers, grandparents, and significant adults to read along with us and join in.

Book: “The Kindness Project” by Deborah Abela

RSVP: library@ahs.qld.edu.au by 19 August.

#ahstimes20

NAIDOC week celebrates and recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity to learn about First Nations culture and histories.

We celebrated NAIDOC week in Potter Library with a display of First Nations authors and biographies of First Nations heroes.

In Makerspace we did colourful weaving, using a technique we learned from Tjanpi Desert Weavers who use native grasses to make spectacular baskets and sculptures.

In Library lessons we read stories about culture and the significant achievements of First Nations peoples and came up with lots of things that we can do each day to “Keep the Fire Burning”.

Year 8 Creative Arts Day

On Wednesday 24 July, our Year 8 Students will be participating in our annual Creative Arts Day. Students will not attend regular classes on that day, but instead attended 3 Creative Arts workshops on campus with our guest artists in residence.

These workshops support the students’ immersion in and understanding of creativity in its many forms offered by the Creative Arts Department at AHS. Our artists and presenters will conduct workshops in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Art. An information letter will be sent with all instructions for parents and students today. Information and details will also be shared in the Yr8 Year Level Assemblies conducted in Week 2 by Mr Sam Yeates. 

Ms. Lynette Shanahan (Head of Department – Creative Arts)

Come and celebrate the Debating season with us! Enjoy an awards presentation and a new exhibition debate format. A delightful afternoon tea will be served for the debaters and parents/carers to enjoy the festivities together.

Potter Room
Sunday 28 July at 3:00pm

Tickets can be purchased here at $35 per person.

Mr Emmett Hanley (Debating Coordinator)

What a great start to the Rowing 2024 season, last weekend at Wyaralong Dam. 

Our Year 8 rowers dominated the Year 8A Final in Quads, Doubles and single sculls. 

Great results also from other crews in Years 9, 10 and Opens, making many A Finals across the two-day regatta. All Hallows' won the most medals at this regatta, with an impressive 20 medal haul, 8 being gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze. Another spectacular highlight of the regatta was that we had three Eights entered in the Schoolgirls Eights race. 

There is an unmistakable feeling that the shed is only just getting started on another remarkable journey in 2024, with many great accomplishments still yet to come.

Your 2024 Home Group photographs, Individual Portraits and optional Sibling/Family Group photographs can now be ordered online on a pre-paid basis. Please be aware that:

• Parents wishing to order photos should visit www.advancedlife.com.au and use the school code of 34W LQL P7K.
• Sibling/Family Group photographs may be ordered using the same portal. Please use the Sibling Tab once you have entered your daughter’s details. Please ensure your daughter is aware so that she presents for the sibling/family photo to be taken at lunchtime on Thursday 15 August (sibling groups with Year 12 students must present at Morning Tea).
• Online orders for Individual Portraits, Sibling Group and Home Group photographs close at midnight prior to photo day, otherwise a late fee will be charged by the photographer.
• Online orders for Cocurricular Team/Ensemble photographs will be available at a later date, to be advised in the Newsletter.
• The Online code above may also be used to order previous years’ photos at any time. You can also order past packages and portrait images from your child’s unique, individual and secure image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.
• All Online Orders, including previous years photos, will be returned to the School for collection.

A follow-up photo day will be held on Thursday 15 August (Week 6) for the following photos:

• any students who were absent during the Term 1 Photo Day – these students will be emailed details. Please encourage your daughter to check her emails leading up to photo day.
• sibling group photos – these must be pre-ordered using the method provided above. Students must present at either Morning Tea (any sibling group with a Year 12 student) or Lunch (all other groups) for their photo.
• the Year 12 cohort – this traditional group photo will be taken on the Terrace at lunch time, students will be advised of the details.

The iconic, annual P&F Father-Daughter Dinner is coming up on Saturday 27 July. 

The All Hallows' P&F Association would like to invite all the Fathers or Father-Caregivers and their daughters to this event.

There will be fabulous food and entertainment.

Dads, don’t forget your dancing shoes to show your daughters your hidden talent!

Saturday 27 July. Doors open at 5:45pm for a 6:00pm start. 

Dress code

Students: AHS Formal Uniform including blazers (no hats required!).
Fathers: Smart Casual

RSVP

Friday 19 July 2024

Seating

Each table seats 10 people.

Please try to organise a full table of 10 noting the Table Captain. This is the best way to ensure you are seated with who you want to sit with and avoid smaller groups being split up to complete tables.

If you cannot organise a full table of 10, enter your Table Captain’s name and we will try to sit you with them, but if we can’t, we will try to sit you with your daughter’s year group.

If nominating a Table Captain please use their full names.

Tickets on sale via  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pf-father-daughter-dinner-2024-tickets-911114135907

Mr. Phil Young (Parents & Friends Association President)

The All Hallows’ Past Pupils’ Association is proud to present Sisters in Scrubs, the latest event in its Sisters in...Series.  

Past pupils, current students, family and friends are invited to join us on Tuesday, July 30 to hear our impressive panel of past pupils generously share their stories, advice and experiences in pursuing and developing their varied careers in medicine. It will be a great evening of pathways and possibilities, and for networking and developing mentoring opportunities. 

The members of our panel are: 

Wing Commander Katrina Franke (Class of 1992) 
Health Services Wing, Royal Australian Air Force 

Dr Libby Anderson (Class of 2000) 
Orthopaedic Surgeon 
Hand, wrist and microsurgery 

Dr Kathleen Jackson (Class of 1994) 
Emergency Physician and lawyer 

Dr Bronte Moses (Class of 2011) 
Radiology trainee 

Maddie Watkins (Class of 2021) 
Medical student 

We are also thrilled to welcome Dr Maria Boulton (Class of 1994), GP, business owner, media commentator and outgoing President of AMA Queensland as host and moderator for this event.  

Mark your calendars now. Tickets on sale now via this link - Sisters in Scrubs 

Claver Theatre and Piazza, All Hallows School. 
Tuesday 30 July, from 5.30pm 

Tickets: Past pupils and adults $20 
AHS students and uni students $10 

 Ms. Maree Nugent (Past Pupils’ Liaison)