Newsletter

Dear Parents and Caregivers

As we settle into the rhythm of the school year and our students take advantage of the extensive opportunities available in all aspects of our holistic program of learning, we also take the time to commemorate significant days that honour our Mercy traditions, such as the Feast of St Brigid, which occurred last Thursday 1 February. 

St Brigid, one of the two patron Saints of Ireland, was known for her acts of kindness and charity. Revered for her hospitality and care of the sick and poor, she was a symbol of hope and light for the world. We give thanks for the life and faith of St Brigid and for the works of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, who followed in her footsteps as women of compassion and service and who are guiding lights for all that we do here at All Hallows’ School.

Week 2 was a special week for our Class of 2024 with the launch of their spirit theme, “24 Like Never Before”, and the joyful celebration of the Year 12 Formal last Saturday night. 

These important rites of passage are significant events in the senior year, and our Class of 2024 are embracing their leadership with great enthusiasm, compassion and respect. 

Events as significant as the Year 12 Formal are only possible due to the tireless work of our staff and I would like to thank Ms Havers (Head of Years - 11 and 12), Mrs Liyanagedera (Administration Assistant Academic Care), our Heads of House, the Leadership Team and all staff who attended to ensure that a safe and enjoyable night was had by all. 

I also extend my gratitude to our Mothers’ Network Year 12 Coordinators who organised and hosted the Year 12 Formal parent and caregiver event, with attendees remarking how much they enjoyed an evening together to celebrate and reflect on their daughters’ All Hallows’ journey. 

It was a busy weekend for our Mothers’ Network volunteers as they also hosted the Year 5 Welcome BBQ on the Terrace on Sunday afternoon.  The casual afternoon was another wonderful opportunity for our newest families to meet new friends and to spend time on our campus. 

Next Tuesday, 13 February, we will commemorate the 16th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, who suffered as a result of past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation. 

This significant date in our nation’s history reminds us about the importance of righting past wrongs and the role of compassion, understanding and deep listening as we strive to heal as a society. 

This year, as we work to achieve the goals set out in our new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we acknowledge the historical injustices faced by our First Nations peoples and aim to contribute meaningfully to the national journey of reconciliation and inspire positive change within our community and beyond. 

At All Hallows’, we are committed to identifying and making ongoing improvements to our school. This includes our annual Enhancing Teacher Performance process for all teachers and the cyclical review process for staff members in middle and senior leadership positions.  As part of this cyclical review process, I invite parents and caregivers to provide feedback on Ms. Carolyn Liddy, Deputy Principal, and her performance over the past five years. 

A copy of the Deputy Principal Duty Statement is available here and feedback is invited through a survey form that is available here. The survey will remain open until Monday, February 19.  

The review process is based on the Appraisal Principles detailed in the 2023 - 2026 Catholic Employers Single Enterprise Collective Agreement Religious Institute Schools of Queensland.  As per Section 7.2.8 of the Agreement, any feedback provided and the identity of the person providing the feedback may be made known to Ms. Liddy as part of this review process. 

I would like to thank you for taking the time to provide this important feedback, and I will provide further information regarding Ms. Liddy’s review at the conclusion of the review process early in Term 2.

I will finish this week with a blessing prayer inspired by St Brigid that reflects Catherine McAuley’s words that “We should be shining lamps giving light to all around us”.

St Brigid, guide our hands in yours,

Remind us how to kindle the hearth.

To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.

Your hands upon ours,

Our hands within yours,

To kindle the light,

Both day and night.

Wishing you and your family every blessing for the week ahead.

Mrs. Catherine O’Kane (Principal).

At last week's assembly, the Social Justice Captains officially launched the 2024 whole school project. The school community will again support the Romero Centre's programs this year. 

All monies raised this year will contribute to The Romero Centre's Gateways to Employment program. 

This program addresses the challenges faced by over 400 individuals seeking asylum annually. It aims to overcome barriers such as limited English language skills, lack of access to tutoring, absence of social and cultural capital, and a dearth of employment-related experience in the Australian context.

It includes free ESL learning, innovative peer mentoring by bicultural tutors, opportunities for vocational competencies and certificates, and connections to real-world employers. It aims to assist 17 individuals, facilitating their journey to becoming job-ready and contributing to financial security.

By assisting asylum seekers in accessing employment, it aims to bring about positive societal changes and foster a sense of belonging.

Initial funds for the "Pathways of Possibility" project - or Project POP - have already started coming in. Our wonderful Facilities staff, keen to support our sustainability program, have recycled scrap metal around the school, including old lockers. Not only is the metal being recycled, but we also received $834.70 from the recycling yard. These are the first funds for the project. What a great way to start!

Pope Francis has declared 2024 as the Year of Prayer. Our weekly liturgy program began last week with a timely reminder that Mercy isn't a passive concept - it can be a verb signifying action. We were reminded of Pope Francis' words, when he referred to mercy, "that spurs us to action in this world. Even more, it is a mercy that is 'ever greater', a mercy that grows and expands, passing from good to better and from less to more. For the model that Jesus sets before us is that of a God, who is ever greater and whose infinite mercy in some sense constantly 'grows'". 

The Year 12 students leading the prayer focused on the works of Mercy as outlined in Matthew's Gospel and exemplified by Catherine McAuley. The prayer moved from the Sophia Centre to Catherine Court when we pondered the elements of the statue of Catherine McAuley, which reminded us that we all have the capacity to bring mercy to our world.

Ms. Ashley Prisk (Head of Mercy Charism)

The past two weeks have been exciting and transformative as our Year 7 students have transitioned into their roles as high school students. The pinnacle of this period was the Year 7 Retreat that took place on Friday, February 2nd. 

The theme for the retreat, "Stepping Up: Embracing New Beginnings, Belonging to a Circle of Friends," encapsulated the essence of All Hallows' welcoming community.

Students were divided into house groups and went off-site to forge new connections and be encouraged to step out of their comfort zones. The day highlighted the centrality of a community where every individual belongs, a concept deeply rooted in our Mercy tradition. Guided by the theme, students delved into gospel passages, exploring the profound message of who is welcomed into the Kingdom of God. They recognised and celebrated their unique gifts and talents, understanding how they contribute to our school community's diversity. 

The retreat concluded back at school with a liturgy that united the grade as one. This collective experience aimed to equip our Year 7s to step confidently into their new routine and community. Students demonstrated the expression of their identities and a strong sense of belonging by crafting symbolic representations that reflected who they are and where they belong. They then brought these representations into the centre of our liturgical circle, showing their readiness to embrace change and participate in the circle of mercy that they have stepped into. It was heartwarming to hear students sing various songs together, both on the bus rides there and back, and during the liturgy. This collective effort showed their willingness to work together as one group with passion and enthusiasm. 

Catherine McAuley's joy in witnessing the growth of young women continues to be a powerful source of inspiration for us all.  At All Hallows' we take pride in acknowledging the diverse gifts and talents within our community and strive to celebrate these in the everyday routines of the school year. As a community, we are committed to keeping gospel values at the heart of our everyday interactions, fostering an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere where kindness is a virtue and a way of life.

Grade 7, here's to a year of unity, growth, friendship, and celebration at All Hallows'!

All Hallows’ School will offer students currently in Years 9-11, the opportunity to participate in a Mercy Pilgrimage to Ireland and Italy in the Easter break of 2025.

Details

• Depart 5 April 2025
• Return 20 April 2025

This transformative odyssey seeks to unravel the rich tapestry of the Mercy story and explore the intricate corridors of church history. In Dublin, students will explore the origins of the Mercy story and learn about Catherine’s Dublin. 

Rome, a living testament to centuries of Christianity, becomes the next destination where students will delve into the historical layers of their faith. 

Finally, Assisi, the birthplace of St. Clare and St. Francis, becomes the final destination where the foundational ideals of compassion and service will be embraced. This pilgrimage of the heart transcends geography, fostering a profound understanding of the past to illuminate the path towards a compassionate and purposeful future.

Costs

Depending on numbers, the Mercy Pilgrimage is expected to cost approximately $10 000 plus $285- $570 for travel insurance. Please see the attached booklet for further information.

Expresion of Interest

To express interest, students are asked to please click here 2025 Mercy Pilgrimage Expressions of Interest Applications | AHS to complete the following questions.  

• Student name
• Year level in 2024
• Home Group
• Provide a 200-word application explaining why you would like to attend this Mercy Pilgrimage, what you hope to learn from the experience and what you will do with these learnings on your return. Please also outline your Mercy Action involvement and any other strengths you would bring to this pilgrimage experience. 

Applications must be uploaded by Monday, 12 February 2024. 

If you have any questions about this pilgrimage, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Claire Easton DeanofMission@ahs.qld.edu.au.

Mrs. Claire Easton (Dean of Mission).

The All Hallows’ community extends its sympathy and support to Abigail Gower (6.5), Juliet Celm (Y09 TI5) and Sage Sutherland (Y11 CO3) on the death of their maternal grandfather. We also extend our deepest condolences to AHS staff member Lisa Babon on her father’s passing. 

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

Loretto House Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel tomorrow morning at 8am. All are welcome.

Compliments and Chocolates: Week 3 Thursday 8/2 & Friday 9/2 at lunchtime.

Galentine's Day Dress Up: Week 4 on Tuesday 13/2.

Students can buy a chocolate and attach a personalised message of friendship and appreciation to their friends or staff. The chocolates and compliments will be delivered to students during Home Group on Tuesday, 13 February. Chocolates and compliments must be pre-purchased this week, on Thursday and Friday, to be packaged and ready for delivery. Each one will cost $1. Tables will be set up in Aquinas Mall, outside Student Services and in Kirinari Place at lunchtime this Thursday and Friday so students are encouraged to find some loose change ready to purchase some treats for their friends. 

Also, to add to the fun of Galentine’s Day, on Tuesday, 13th February, students can dress up in all things pink and red for the cost of a gold coin. Money will be collected in Home Group for anyone who wears anything red or pink. Students must travel to and from school in full school uniform and change at school.

Friday 9th February 2024 

Year 7 Parent and Caregiver Welcome Evening

7.00pm – 10.30pm

The Warehouse, 8 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley

Registration for this event has now closed.

Deb Hall  Laso1015@hotmail.com  0417 480 830

Friday 8 March 

International Women’s Day Breakfast

7am – 9am, Cloudland

All Hallows' Community Online Community (ahs.qld.edu.au)

Maree Nugent maree.nugent@ahs.qld.edu.au 

Save the Date 

Friday 17th May 2024 

Mothers Network May Morning Tea

9:30am – 12:30pm

Further details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Welcome to Teaching and Learning in 2024. I am delighted to share some insights into our school's commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for your students. 

We take great pride in our holistic approach to education, focusing on academic care, responsive practice, and engaged professionalism, as evidenced in our AHS Teaching for Learning Framework that guides our approach. Our dedicated teaching staff are committed to providing purposeful attention to these key aspects, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and empowering educational experience. 

Today, I will speak to one of these pillars: Responsive Practice. Our commitment to responsive practice ensures that each student's unique learning journey is acknowledged and supported. Teachers construct learning episodes that include regular checks for understanding, and by responding to evidence of learning and adjusting teaching strategies accordingly, we ensure that your student receives an effective education. We recognise that learning environments are not static and understand the importance of adjusting them to meet our learners' diverse needs and development. This is aided by our Inclusive Learning Department's provision of Personalised Learning Plans for our teachers' reference. Whether through flexible seating arrangements, varied instructional methods, or varied/tailored resources, we are dedicated to creating an environment where every student can thrive. 

Thank you for entrusting us with your students' education. We look forward to continuing this journey together, fostering a love for learning, building upon our students' many and varied capabilities and shaping them to be future leaders and their best selves.

There are many parallels between teaching and parenting - ask any parent who is also a teacher! At the start of the year, we are often anxious to establish our routines and to set the year off with some good practices. 

Here are a few considerations, particularly for our new parents, to assist them with settling their student into 2024. 

• Establish Routine: Create a consistent daily schedule for homework, activities, and relaxation.
• Balance is Key: Ensure a balanced life with time for academics, activities, and socialising within their weekly calendar.
• Emphasise Self-Care: Stress the importance of sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge both big and small successes to boost confidence.
• Encourage Independence: Support her in making decisions and taking responsibility for her actions.
• Active Involvement: Attend social and school events and engage with others. Speak with your daughter's teacher to understand her progress or address concerns.
• Set Realistic Goals: Together, set achievable academic and personal goals.
• Positive Mindset: Foster a positive attitude towards learning and overcoming challenges.

Our comprehensive program of Progress Reviews with senior students begins in Week 5 with the first round of Year 12 Progress Review Interviews. These interviews are supported through our students' goal setting and with access to their past performances and specific feedback on their Instrument Specific Marking Guides (ISMGs) via Learning Analytics (TrackOne) and our Progressive Reporting processes. 

Our approaches are affirmed through our reflections, our students' comments on past progress interviews and their demonstrated performance. 

Here are a few key reflections.

• The use of Weekly Study Timetables and hybrid To Do Lists across Years 10, 11 and 12 continues to be a key mechanism for addressing the important as well as the urgent and for maintaining a healthy balance of academic, cultural, sporting, family and social pursuits.
• The deconstruction of ISMGs by Year 11 and Year 12 class teachers remains an important aspect of the student's understanding of the nature of each task and optimising their performance.
• An understanding of effective study in our seniors is very good and continues to develop over their senior years.
• Students across the Year 12 cohort have been effectively referring to their past relevant ISMGs and responding to the specific feedback provided on performance descriptors before completing similar tasks.
• Our Student Study Group program (that supports learning in Tutorial classes and outside of hours in the Student Learning Centre, from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm on weekdays) is highly effective, with high student attendance and supportive collaborative and individual study taking place each afternoon and evening.
• Students recognise that they have been very effective whilst working on-site.

These Progress Reviews continue in Year 12 with a focus on their pathway; their ATAR indicator ranges, and a focus on their final preparations for their externals. Year 11 Progress Reviews begin with their reflections on their study programs following their first formative pieces of assessment. More information on our suite of Progress Reviews will be provided through our Dean of Student Learning and Data (Acting), Ms Kylie Fletcher, in the coming week.

Feedback takes many forms, some quite visible and others less so. Think about the immediate feedback in class when you hit the wrong note, mispronounce a term, or do not convert your calculator from Radians. Our focus on Responsive Practice relies heavily on Checks for Understanding to the responsiveness of our learners. 

Weekly reviews and daily homework tasks provide these opportunities for growth in learning occurring every week. The use of Checkpoints within assessment task completion periods are used to identify students at risk or for focused intervention. 

The use of Drafts (of which syllabuses mandate that only one well-developed draft may be fed back upon) is of great importance, and their timely return is arguably the most important in the life of a teacher, providing an opportunity for guiding self-correctives throughout the completion of a task. 

Finally, the Summative feedback provides results, articulation of demonstrated performance against the criterion and either specific strategies for improvement on a similar task or general strategies on approaches to learning. The focus, nature and timeliness of feedback processes are a key focus of our Teaching and Learning Team, and they work to optimise our students' learning at each of these junctures. 

This table outlines various types of feedback, their purposes, and the relative importance of providing timely feedback for each type within an educational context. I share this for our students' and parents' consideration in how we may focus our efforts in each phase of learning and reporting.

Our Year 12s will have received (or are very soon to receive) feedback on their Summative Assessment tasks completed at the end of 2023. Students and Parents would recall that our school's program of completion of Unit 3 and Unit 4 is not aligned with the annual calendar.

AHS Senior School Units

This is necessary to allow for optimal teaching and learning time for each Internal Assessment task and preparations for the External Assessments conducted across Weeks 4-7 of Term 4. The optimal teaching and learning extend to Term 4 of Year 11, where class time is paramount. 

The Summative Internal Assessment Tasks (IA1/2) are usually returned to students in class or via individual, cohort-wide e-mails from the Head of the Department before being released on TrackOne. 

Our release dates for the 2024 cohort IA1/2 results and ISMGs have fallen at the end of 2023 for some, the start of Week 2 for most, with the remainder of the General syllabus subjects with IA tasks from Term 4 being released on or before the end of Week 3 (9 February). 

Our students' results, feedback and reflections will be items to consider when preparing for their Year 12 Progress Review Interviews in Week 5. 

You may ask why some of these cohorts take such a period. Taking the time to moderate and quality assure marking and analysing whole cohort results is crucial for ensuring accuracy and fairness in assessment. 

This process involves thorough examination and consensus-building amongst teachers to guarantee consistency in grading standards. Additionally, reviewing the entire cohort’s results requires meticulous attention to detail to identify patterns, trends, and potential outliers. By allocating a few weeks to this task, we prioritize precision and uphold the integrity of the assessment process, ultimately fostering a reliable and equitable learning environment. This is part of our approach - understanding when feedback needs to be timely, providing opportunities for intervention and recalibration and looking with a keen focus on optimising student summative results. 

As you will have seen from our recently published Year 12 Results Report, we are proud of each of our students’ achievements from 2023, and a median ATAR of 93.35 is attributable to each of our teachers' approach to optimising the result on each task for each student.

Mr. Scott Adamson (Dean of Teaching and Learning).

It has been an exciting start to the term, which has provided opportunities to reconnect, make new connections and establish school routines. As part of a start to the first term and new year, it is imperative to address an issue that concerns us all – road safety. 

With increasing traffic on our roads, it is essential for us to be vigilant and proactive in promoting a safe environment for everyone. I would like to focus on road safety and how we can make our community safer for all. 

I have provided some tips for our students and families to discuss at home, as it has been noted that some students have commenced the year off by taking unnecessary risks while crossing at intersections and other roads around All Hallows’ School.

Road Safety Tips for Students

Always use pedestrian crossings: Remind students to use designated pedestrian crossings when crossing roads. Teach them to look left, right, and left again before crossing and to make eye contact with drivers whenever possible.

Stay on the footpath: Stress the importance of walking on footpaths and never on the road, even if the road does not appear busy.

Walking at designated lights: Ensure students check that all cars have stopped before walking on a green walker. Some motorists are not attentive all of the time. Never cross on a red walker.

Family Involvement: Parents play a crucial role in instilling road safety habits in their families. Here are a few ways families can contribute:

1. Model Safe Behaviour: Children often learn by observing. Demonstrate responsible road behaviour by obeying traffic rules, using pedestrian crossings and designated safe crossing areas.
2. Car Pooling: Consider organising carpool groups to reduce the number of vehicles around the school. This not only decreases traffic but also promotes a sense of community.
3. Talk at home about road safety: Have open and honest conversations about road safety and ensure students know the risks and consequences of what they might deem a shortcut and what the outcome could be.

Remember, road safety is a shared responsibility; together, we can create a safer environment for our school community. Let's work together to ensure the well-being of our students on their journey to and from school.

Stay safe and vigilant!

Students must be aware of their surroundings when travelling to and from school. All Hallows’ School is an inner-city school with various businesses and large amounts of traffic. The safety of the students is paramount. 

Drop-off zones are provided to ensure that all students have a safe entry and exit into vehicles and do not need to cross the busy roads surrounding the school. The drop-off zones can become extremely congested, and staggering your drop-off and pick-up times will alleviate this pressure. Surrounding streets require students to cross at very busy intersections and through Fortitude Valley areas that do not provide the same safety assurance as the drop-off and pick-up zones.

All Hallows strongly encourages families to drop off their children at designated drop-off zones. 

If students use Fortitude Valley Train Station, please walk on the main roads, and if your child is concerned at any time for their safety, encourage them to call the police and advise the school of their concerns.

Students remaining at school late in the day for rehearsals, sporting commitments and the Senior Learning Centre are encouraged to be collected by parents from the pickup and drop off zone (Dodge Lane) and not walk late at night to train stations or buses. 

Ms. Victoria McDonald (Head of Pastoral Care).

Hi everyone, 

It is week 3! Flying by!

I have just returned from an extensive SLC (Senior Learning Centre) break with some fellow Year 12s that had me in absolute stitches, so I thought this newsletter could be a list of small, seemingly insignificant moments at school that make it worth it: 

• When one of your friends' trips whilst walking, and you crack up together 
• When the café has a particularly delectable array of sweet treats one day 
• When someone remembers something about you that you thought no one had really listened to 
• When you have a quality chat with someone that you’ve always wanted to be closer with
• When everyone in the class laughs together, including your teacher
• When you have a really good lunch packed that you can flex
• When you realise that everyone is just as behind on an assignment as you are
• When you get a question right in maths that you thought was definitely wrong
• When you make a friend in a different grade 
• When you have money for a bake sale/sausage sizzle
• When you click with someone
• When you get to have a lesson in the library and chill and read on the lounges
• When you tell a joke, and everyone laughs 
• When you notice how beautiful the school grounds are when you are walking through them
• When you laugh so hard your stomach hurts
• When you are allowed to listen to music in class
• When you are stressed and then someone tells you exactly what you need to hear 
• When you unexpectedly get a lift to/from school 
• When you feel like you just genuinely helped someone 
• When your friend succeeds in something, and you feel proud of them
• When you try a new extra- curricular and are proud of yourself for giving it a go
• When you think about your younger self, and you know that you could tell them it will be ok
• When you are really productive and finish your ‘to-do’ list
• When you weren’t necessarily ‘productive’ but you had a good laugh instead
• When you are learning about something in class that you are really interested in
• When you look around and you feel content
• When someone swoops in and makes you feel instantly included 
• Dancing!! Whenever!!

I could literally go on for days, but I am already a little over words, so I have to stop here! 

My point is that the small, random moments you share with friends, classmates, younger girls, older girls and teachers are the ones that make you able to say your day at school was “good.” 

School can honestly feel hard, boring and repetitive if you don’t pay attention to the little moments that make your heart happy. 

I encourage you to think about what makes your day that little bit better- because, at least personally, these are the moments that I will miss about school the most. 

Have an excellent Week 3!

Bridget :)

Mr Sean Lynch (Science Teacher, Head of Years 9 and 10)

In 2023, two teams of 12 AHS students participated in the Australian Space Design qualifying competition. Our school qualified for the national finals held at the University of Queensland on the weekend of the 13th of January, 2024. 

We had nine wonderful students represent our school at the finals. The students who took part were Ava Dang (Y11 LO1), Isabella Bartley (Class of 2023), Gabby Coutts (Class of 2023), Queenie Yao (Y12 YI7), Caitlin Narayanan (Y12 AD5), Ciara O'Sullivan (Y10 AD5), Adele Day (Y10 LO1), Isabella Thomas (Y12 MC2) and Sophie Trant (Y10 AD8).

I thank them for the effort and energy they put into the weekend and the time they gave up in the school holidays to participate. What commitment! They were outstanding ambassadors for our school. 

My sincere thanks must also go to Mr Lourigan and Ms Conran for their help in the qualifying round and supervising students at UQ for the finals. 

Caitlin Narayanan (Y12 AD5)

Eight AHS students and I were fortunate enough to compete in the Australian Space Design Competition Finals, and we all agree it was an incredible experience. We teamed up with two other schools to form a team of 21, and over a weekend at UQ, we designed a futuristic space settlement and presented it to a panel of judges. 

The 30 strenuous hours of work seemed daunting at first, but I can honestly say that Finals weekend was enjoyable and thrilling. The competition was not like a typical school assignment; skills in STEM were not the only skills needed. It was an ‘industry simulation’ experience, challenging us to use skills such as time management, teamwork, and presenting abilities. 

Going into the competition, I had no experience with engineering, let alone aerospace engineering. But I hadn’t realised that so many other roles are needed to create a spacecraft, other than the structural engineers. I worked in the ‘Human Factors’ department, which focused on making the space settlement safe, comfortable, and liveable for human beings. Our tasks ranged from constructing spacesuits to designing apartment buildings.  

What I enjoyed most about this experience was our opportunity to collaborate with other students from around Australia who all shared the same interest in STEM. We made new friends within the team, bonding over the two intense days we faced together. 

I remember the hour before our presentation was due was the most vigorous. Everyone in the room was finalising their tasks, giving it their all. We all felt a collective relief once we finally handed in our hard work. And even when watching our representatives present our project to the panel of judges, we couldn’t help but feel proud of our achievement. Overall, the ASDC taught me many new skills, sparked my interest in engineering, and above all, was an enjoyable experience. 

Ms. Susie O'Shea (Dance Ensembles Coordinator)

Registrations are now open for Dance Combination Group (non-auditioned dance ensemble open to all students Year 05 – Year 12)

Dance Combination Group is an all-inclusive, non-auditioned dance group that covers various dance genres and techniques, allowing students to experience dance in a fun and inclusive class environment. Students will explore genres from hip-hop to tap and everything in between.

Registrations for Dance Combination Group are now open. Register via the form on the “Ensembles Information Tab” on the Performing Arts page of Moodle.

Dance Combination Group Registration Form (Non-Auditioned Wednesday Lunch Dance Group) | AHS

Registrations will close at 9am, Monday 12 February. Dance Combination Group will commence on Wednesday, 14 February, in the Ellen Whitty dance rooms.

Ms. Sue Pearn (HOH & Theatresports Coordinator)

It was a pleasure to welcome back Brisbane Actor and former AHS parent Andrew Buchanan to lead the Theatresports Workshop as part of our Annual Training Day on the weekend. 

40 or so students from Years 7 -12 benefited from Andrew’s expertise and positive messaging, reiterating how improvisation builds confidence and teamwork. 

There were some wonderful main characters, some artful sets and some tricky problems with glorious solutions as the students became familiar with the AHS Theatresports game plan. 

Then it was time for our assistant coach and AHS alumni Ada Lukin to lead the 2nd part of the day for Year 8s - Year 12s as part of their trials to make it into a  School competition team. Ada will finalise teams over the next 2 weeks, but meanwhile, our newest players will get on with building their skills on Monday at lunchtime.

We are seeking parents/caregivers who have a few days each term to volunteer at Café 547/Food Service Area. 

Please complete the volunteer form on Moodle Section: Cafe 547 | Parent Information | AHS or email FoodService@ahs.qld.edu.au

Ms. Katie Castle (Food Service Manager).

Ms. Cassandra Griffin  (Mercy Action Parent Coordinator)

We call out for parents, caregivers and school leavers to help support our girls in their Mercy Action endeavours in 2024. 

Most of these duties are a commitment of only 1 to 1.5 hours at a time and can be once a term, once a semester or you can fill as many spots as we have available! Many rosters work around busy parents and are either before or after school.

Eddie’s and Jimmie’s Vans require support before school (6.30 until 8.00 am on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings) 

Brisbane Central State School supervision is after school (Thursdays 3.15 until 4.30 pm). 

Please note that a Blue Card is required for you to supervise our girls, but it is an easy application and at no cost. 

Details regarding all Mercy Action activities can be found on the AHS app.

If you are interested in helping or have any queries, please email our Mercy Action Parent Coordinator, Cassandra Griffin cg.gd@outlook.com

Ms Regina Hefferan (Communications Secretary)

Friday 9th February 2024 

Year 7 Parent and Caregiver Welcome Evening

7.00pm – 10.30pm

The Warehouse, 8 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley

Registration for this event has now closed.

Deb Hall  Laso1015@hotmail.com  0417 480 830

Save the Date 

Friday 17th May 2024 

Mothers Network May Morning Tea

9:30am – 12:30pm

Further details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Friday, March 8 from 7.00am. 

Tickets are now on sale!

International Women’s Day Breakfast 2024

In 2022, an unexpected ‘weather event’ necessitated the cancellation of the IWD Breakfast. Two fabulous past pupils, Eugenie Buckley and Jamei-Lee Lewis, missed out on their opportunity to share their stories and journeys.

The good news is that Eugenie and Jamie-Lee have agreed to return as our guest speakers/panellists as they unpack the theme of #inspireinclusion with journalist and TODAY show reporter Aislin Kriukelis (Class of 2002).

About Eugenie

Eugénie Buckley, Class of 1988, is a strategic thinker, natural rebel and unashamed game changer who is driven to make a difference.

She has held CEO roles at Suiko Consulting, Swimming Australia, Brisbane Roar FC, ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 and the Australian Professional Footballers’ Association. 

Eugénie’s background is as a sports lawyer, and she has held General Manager of Legal & Business Affairs roles for the International Cricket Council and Football Federation Australia and was Head of Legal & Commercial, Rugby World Cup 2003.  

Eugénie is an inaugural member of the World Aquatics Integrity Unit and the National Sports Tribunal, an Asian Football Confederation Club Licensing Consultant and Match Commissioner and was a member of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (2000 – 2008) and a Senior Fellow of the University of Melbourne. She is the author of SportsLaw: Name & Image.

Eugénie believes sport is the best platform to engage with government, business and the community. Sport can drive social change, increase participation in recreation and physical activity and provide an avenue for broader development in areas such as empowerment of girls and women, inclusion and equality, leadership and social cohesion.

About Jamie-Lee

Jamie-Lee Lewis, Class of 2008, is a poster girl for inclusion. Jamie-Lee was born deaf and received a cochlear implant at 4 years of age. Her mother, Jackie Lewis, Jamie’s own source of inspiration, encouraged her to ‘never let deafness get in the way’ of anything she wanted to do or achieve.

A born athlete, at school Jamie-Lee played representative-level netball, volleyball and touch and went on to become the first deaf person to represent Australia in a hearing sport (water polo). 

Having recently retired from representative rugby league, Jamie-Lee continues to challenge stereotypes and push boundaries. She is (literally) building a future in the construction industry while also focusing on being a positive role model by giving back to the community and advocating for a greater understanding of mental health and for those with disabilities.

About the breakfast

Please join us for what will be a fast and fabulous 2 hours from 7.00am to 9.00am, after which time you can get to work, or whatever your day holds next. 

The morning format will include an inspiring, encouraging, heartwarming conversation about ‘levelling the playing field’ so all women are valued, empowered and included. The room has express breakfast with shared platters and long table seating. This means you can come with a group or a friend or just come along and join in the collective spirit of the All Hallows’ sisterhood – whether you are a past pupil or not. All are welcome.

Book now

International Women’s Day Breakfast 2024

For any further information, please email pps@ahs.qld.edu.au or call 07 3230 9424

PPA Meeting 

Tuesday, February 6, 6.30pm.

AHS Twilight Open Day. 

Tuesday, March 5 from 4 pm.

IWD Breakfast. 

Friday, March 8 from 7am – 9am.

The Rose Room, Cloudland. 

Come Back, we miss you, the 2023 Grad Get-together 

Sunday, March 24 from 4pm - 6 pm. 

The Terrace, All Hallows’ School.

“Sisters in the Spotlight”

Mentoring, networking and careers in the arts

Tuesday, April 30 from 5.30pm.

AHS Claver Theatre and Piazza. 

PPA Meeting 

Monday, May 13, 6.30pm.

Mothers’ Network May Morning Tea

Friday, May 17 from 9.30am. 

RNA Convention Centre.

PPA Meeting 

Monday, July 29, 6.30pm.

“Sisters in Scrubs”

Mentoring, networking and careers in medicine and health

Tuesday, July 30 from 5.30pm.

AHS Claver Theatre and Piazza.

PPA Meeting 

Tuesday, October 15, 6.30 pm.

Reunion Day 2024 

Saturday, November 2 from 9.30am.

Annual General Meeting and Christmas Celebration

Monday, November 25.

Ms. Maree Nugent (Past Pupils’ Liaison).