Newsletter

For our wonderful Year 12 students, and many members of our school community, this is their final week at All Hallows’ School. 

At these junctures, it is natural to experience a wide range of emotions as the final rituals are completed. The last time to put on the AHS uniform. The last Home Group. The last time to sit on the Terrace and enjoy the view of the river and the Story Bridge. The last time to gather as a cohort to sit on the deck.

While moments like these will soon be behind them, what our students take with them is even greater — the values that will help to navigate their way through life’s decisions both big and small and the friendships they have formed that will last a lifetime. These precious people who have walked this journey beside them, will continue to lift them up, celebrate their victories and support them no matter what.

Reflecting on this incredible journey, I’m reminded of the lyrics from ‘For Good’ — a powerful duet from the musical Wicked — which beautifully captures the impact of these connections:

"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason,
Bringing something we must learn,
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow,
If we let them,
And we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true,
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you."

As our amazing Year 12s move forward, I encourage them to carry these memories and friendships with them. They are the lasting gifts of their All Hallows’ years.

The entire school community is filled with pride and excitement as we watch the Class of 2024 prepare to say their goodbyes. Throughout the year, they have listened with curiosity, spoken with courage and acted with integrity, embodying our school theme with such heart and commitment. They have also demonstrated what it truly means to live with courage, compassion and a spirit of service. Not to mention we have all been caught up in the excitement and energy of 2024 Like Never Before!

From their leadership on the sports field and stage, to their dedication in the classroom and Mercy Action Program, they have set an example for the school community and left a legacy that will inspire future cohorts. We have witnessed their growth, resilience and sense of purpose, and we know they will carry these qualities with them into the world, continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

This week marks a series of special moments as we gather to celebrate. Tomorrow, we will come together for the Year 12 Graduation Mass, and later that evening, we will join you and your daughters for the Valedictory Dinner, a chance to celebrate all they have accomplished and their bright futures that await.

On Thursday, the entire school community will gather for the Year 12 Final Assembly — a time for laughter, memories, a final Jumpin' Jive on the Terrace and a few tears as we bid our Class of 2024 farewell. These events honour the hard work, spirit and heart they have poured into every part of school life, and we look forward to celebrating each and every one of them.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all members of our incredible staff – teaching staff, enterprise staff, sports coaches, performing arts tutors and all who have played an instrumental role in shaping our Year 12 cohort. Your unwavering support, guidance and encouragement have nurtured their talents, ignited their passions and instilled in them the values that define our school community. Each lesson taught, every moment spent coaching, directing, guiding, and the countless hours devoted to nurturing these students have left an indelible mark on their lives. Thank you for your commitment and for believing in them every step of the way.

We also want to express our deep gratitude to the parents and caregivers of the Class of 2024, especially those who are concluding their own All Hallows’ journey alongside their daughters. Your love, encouragement and involvement have been crucial to their success, and your support has created a strong foundation for their growth. As you celebrate this milestone, know that your partnership with our school has made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for the years of dedication and commitment you’ve shown to the AHS community.

The Class of 2024 have been a guiding light for our younger students, setting an example that will inspire and motivate them when they think about the legacy they wish to lead when they become our senior leaders.

With Years 9, 10 and 11 exams starting next week, we encourage all students to look to our graduates for motivation and guidance during this important time. Their journey is a testament to the hard work and perseverance that can lead to success, and we know they will continue to uplift and encourage their peers.

May God bless our Class of 2024 and their families, now and into the future, and all members of our precious AHS community.  

Ms. Carolyn Liddy (Deputy Principal).

Yesterday marked Remembrance Day, a day when we remember those who have given their lives in the service of their nations in war. It is a sombre reminder of the fragility of life and the value of service to others. Classes paused at 11am to reflect and pray for the men and women who died in service to our nation.

Our Catholic tradition has always honoured men and women who lived with the good of others at the core of their work. Jesus of Nazareth himself gave his life so that others might live. Since his death and resurrection, countless people have dedicated their lives to giving life to others in their community. In the Catholic Church, many are named as saints, but there are many more, both named and unnamed, whose lives of service have impacted others.

On the 11th of November, the Mercy world remembers another who also lived in service of others. On the 11th of November 1841, Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, passed away in her room in Baggot St Dublin. Catherine did leave behind a strong legacy of service. She once said, "It is not sufficient that Jesus Christ is formed in us; He must be recognised in our conduct". She left behind this challenge - an invitation to be Christ to others.

Mother Vincent Whitty, the founder of All Hallows' School, tended to Catherine as she died. The next day she wrote to Sr Mary Cecelia Marmion, ". . . . yesterday . . . . she said to me, if you give yourself entirely to God—all you have to serve Him—every power of your mind and heart—you will have a consolation you will not know where it comes from . . ."

In Catherine's will, she bequeathed all she owned to every living Sister of Mercy so that each inherited, not just the property, but the responsibility of bringing Mercy to the world. Here at All Hallows', we are the beneficiaries and, indeed, the custodians of that legacy too. May we continue to be Mercy to all those we meet and all who enter our gates.

Flag of the 26th Infantry Battalion AIF, 1916 - 1918

(Courtesy, Queensland Military Memorial Museum & Library, 28)

To mark the importance of Remembrance Day, below is a Flag of the 26th Infantry Battalion AIF, 1916 - 1918

This flag was manufactured in 1916 by female students of All Hallows' School, a private Catholic girls’ school located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The flag was then sent to the 26th Battalion and flown at its headquarters while the Battalion served on the Western Front (France and Belgium) during 1916 - 1918.

One of our key Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) goals is the commissioning of a Reconciliation Mural. The mural will serve as a physical acknowledgement that we work on traditional Aboriginal land and that we, too, are a part of this area's story. It is also designed to promote respect and further understanding of the history of our land. This mural will be placed on the wall in the Potter Undercroft.

We have commissioned artist Mary McMurtrie to create the mural. Mary is a direct descendant of Eulia Hickson of the Kalkadoon (Kalkatungu) People and a proud Aboriginal woman born on Turrbal Country (Brisbane/Meanjin) and currently residing in Moreton Bay, Queensland (Gubbi Gubbi Country). Mary recently created the Reconciliation artwork for St Stephen's Cathedral and has also worked with Brisbane Catholic Education on similar projects.

Mary is keen to hear from community members about what we imagine might be included in the mural. She has already consulted with Elder Uncle Joe Kirk, our Reconciliation Committee and with our First Nations students. 

She welcomes input from members of the All Hallows' community to help her understand our sense of place and belonging. If you would like to contribute ideas to inspire Mary's creativity, please provide some responses to the questions contained in this short survey.

As our school year draws closer to its end, so too do many of our programs, including the Mercy Action program. Some on-site groups will continue over coming weeks, especially those working to pack the Christmas Appeal donations. Off-site groups, however, have now ceased for the year. 

Last week staff, students and parents gathered in the Chapel for our Mercy Action Thanksgiving Liturgy. This liturgy celebrated the contributions of the All Hallows’ community to the Mercy Action program this year. We give thanks to students, staff, and families who embodied Catherine McAuley’s values of compassion, justice, and mercy, as well as Jesus’ call to serve and uplift others. Through programs like Eddies and Jimmie’s Vans, Inclusee, and the Human Rights Group, the community has lived out these values, offering kindness, support, and hope to those in need. May we continue to be guided by mercy and love, enriching our community and honouring the legacy of compassionate service.

The annual Christmas Appeal is well underway now and some houses have done a fabulous job in adding to the collection boxes early. This is a reminder that Kitty's Room students will begin collecting donated items from Heads of House offices this week to star organising the donations for the many ministries we will be supporting.

This year, we will provide gifts an food items to Vinnies. In addition, we will send pantry items to the Romero Centre as well as the Dutton Park Parish for their table ministry program. Our Year 5 and 6 students are working on a special donation program to support Commonkind to run the Inclusee program. They will have packing days this week and next week.

Please dig deep this year and make a donation to our Christmas Appeal so that we can help support a number of ministries helping those with limited capacity to feed their families and experience a joyful Christmas.
 

The All Hallows’ community extends its sympathy and support to Zoe Mockler (Y11 Mc4) and Addison Mockler (Y8 Mc2) 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 on Wednesday, November 20th, at 8am. Cathy Jensen’s RE classes will lead the prayer, which will focus on the theme of Advent. All are welcome.

There will be no liturgy on Wednesday, 13th of November, due to the Year 12 Graduation Mass.

Applications for Year 5 2026 and Year 7 2028 are currently being considered, and the final closing date for receiving both Part A and Part B applications is Friday, 24 January 2025. 

If you have a daughter due to commence at All Hallows’ School in either of these year levels and are yet to submit an application, apply today by clicking here. 

If you are unsure if you have applied, please contact our Enrolments Office at enrolments@ahs.qld.edu.au or call 07 3230 9586.

In my speech at our Grade 12 Commissioning Mass, I was given the chance to write a reflection on St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. A common theme throughout my speech was music. I mentioned my Dad’s Mariah Carey obsession and threw in some Harry Styles lyrics along the way.

In these assessment-filled times, one of the most important factors in all my study sessions is my playlist. I have yet to perfect the seamless balance of classical and pop, but to me, it doesn’t really matter as long as I have something to block out the noise around me.

Music is an escape. It takes me to a place where all my stresses and worries fade away and helps me focus on the task at hand. And yes, I do definitely get distracted from time to time by a few songs that force me to get up and dance, but that’s the best part. All good study sessions have some breaks in there, and for me that break involves a solo performance to Gracie Abrams’, I love you, I’m sorry.

What I really want you all to take away from this newsletter is how important having that break is. I know so many girls who turn down an event with their friends because they feel this overwhelming need to study, but what I think is most important is to work around this. You deserve that break. You deserve to see your friends. And most importantly you deserve to live out your teenage years having the most fun you can!

So yes, studying is important but SO ARE YOU!  

Love,
Bella xx

Song choice of the week:  "I love you I’m sorry – Gracie Abrams" 👁️💖🫵

We’re over the moon to announce that our Year 6 team, “Lights, Camera, Take Off,” has been named finalists in the 2024 Space Design Competition for Celestial Space Advertisements! 

Congratulations to Amelia Tutt, Charlotte Hanbury, Lucinda Giumelli and Lillian Doolan. Our students worked hard to plan and develop their 90-second presentations. The team created a short video advertisements to support the construction of a new space settlement, showcasing incredible dedication, creativity, and teamwork. 

AHS entered several teams into the competition, and each group did a fantastic job. We couldn’t be prouder of their stellar achievements! 

Ms. Melanie Robinson (Teacher Librarian).

This term, Year 6 library lessons have focused on the powerful works of Gregg Dreise, including My Culture and Me, Hello and Welcome, Common Wealth, and Circles of Life. Through these books, students have been exploring themes of identity and events that reflect historical, social, and cultural contexts. We’ve discussed perspectives from First Nations Australians as well as voices from Australian and global authors, drawing connections to find both similarities and differences in the themes and plots across literary texts.

A particular focus has been on identifying and explaining the unique qualities of Dreise’s style, marked by his passion for sharing his culture. We’ve enjoyed learning specific elements of his cultural heritage and storytelling approach, which has deepened our appreciation for his work.

To conclude our studies, students participated in a yarning circle after reading Circles of Life. This session included a creative activity where each student painted a thank you circle, reflecting on things they are grateful for. It was a meaningful way to connect with the themes we’ve explored throughout the term.

The importance of prayer.

As we approach the Season of Advent, we are reminded of the birth of Jesus, our saviour. We are reminded of the light of the world who brought hope to our lives and gathered us in community to care for one another. At this blessed time of year, we are called especially to gift our prayers to those who are experiencing troubles and hardship.

Pope Francis called 2024 the Year of Prayer. The Pope said we must, “rediscover the great value and absolute need for prayer, prayer in personal life, in the life of the Church, prayer in the world.” 

Our Year 7 students explored the many ways in which Catholic people could pray together during their Religious Education classes this term. They experienced the power of prayer in the beauty of the built and the natural environments of the school. As we gather students in prayer, we urge them to heed the words of Pope Francis and pray for their world always and especially in this time leading to Christmas.

Fast Fashion.

Our Year 10 FDT students have been investigating Fast Fashion and the clothing industry this term. They were asked to design a logo to print on a T-shirt, raising awareness of the issues surrounding Fast Fashion.

Ms. Lyn McErlean (Head of Department – Technology).

Il Globo Italian Short Film Competition.

Congratulations to Arabella Hope (Y8 Mc8), whose short video entry won the first prize in Queensland in the Il Globo Italian Short Film Competition as a part of the XXIV edition of La Settimana della Lingua Italiana nel Mondo, which was celebrated globally from 14 to 20 October 2024. 

The theme of this year’s edition was “L’italiano e il libro: il mondo fra le righe - Italian language and literature: the world within”. 

Arabella’s language learning enthusiasm is admirable. We congratulate her on her achievement and thank her teacher, Prof Duncan, for her support.

La Macelleria Gelateria Excursion.

On Tuesday, November 5th, Y10 Italian students had an authentic Italian experience visiting La Macelleria Gelateria in Teneriffe. This excursion gave them the valuable opportunity to use their Italian language skills with the Italian-speaking staff while enjoying a culturally significant treat: gelato!

Thank you to Prof Duncan and Ms Xu for accompanying the group.

Y10 Excursion:  Boomerang 2

Ms. Jacinta Goodwin & Ms. Siobhan Lambert (Head of Department – Languages).

Congratulations to our two Year 12 students, Arabella Hawes (Y12 TI5) and Bronte Fleming (Y12 GO1), who received awards from the Queensland History Teachers’ Association. 

Several hundred students from across Queensland entered the QHTA’s Historical Writing Competition, and both Bronte and Arabella have been ‘highly commended’ for their work in Modern History. 

This achievement is a result of the diligence and perseverance both of these students have shown towards their investigations in History throughout their time at All Hallows’. 

Well done, Bronte and Arabella.

Please click here to peruse the latest Careers Bulletin for more detailed information, which provides students and parents with up-to-date careers, tertiary and training information.  

Key points in the Careers Bulletin 10:

Job Opportunities: Part time & Full time: P7
Announcements: P9
School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships: P14 
ADF: P16
Career Explorations P17
Competitions: P20
Disabilities: P21
Financial Assistance & Scholarships: P25
First Nations People: P30
Gap Year: 31
Interstate and International: P34
Private Provider Updates: P35
QTAC and Tertiary Entry: P36
QCAA: P39
TAFE & Universities: P41
Upcoming Events: P50

The Career Development Program at AHS plays an important role in fostering self-awareness, knowledge, and skills related to the world of work and making decisions about transitions and opportunities to explore areas of interest.

Embedding career learning within the curriculum offers significant benefits for developing career management skills and student engagement with content.

This term, I have had the privilege of working with all the Year 7 and 9 students. We focused on Career Clusters as this helps students identify their individual interest areas. The careers cluster report they received serves as a reflection tool and encourages them to consider and explore career paths and conduct further research. 

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review this report and engage in discussions with their daughters about the program. 

Ms. Ronél Bothma (Head of Department – Careers and Vocational Education)

Careers Office: 
The Careers office is located in Potter Library Level 3 - Students and Parents are most welcome to make an appointment to discuss students’ Career Development and Vocational Training using the booking link here. 

Careers Resources: 
The Careers Moodle Page provides information and resources for students and their families.

The Options Careers Information website provides detailed information on pathways: Options Career Information

Please sign in using the password AHS.

Services: 
Career Development services and support are provided to all our students. We offer a range of career development services to all students. 

For more information regarding careers counselling services, please contact the careers counsellor, Ms Ronél Bothma at careers@ahs.qld.edu.au or ronel.bothma@ahs.qld.edu.au 

Brisbane Heat Women’s Big Bash League Squad.

Congratulations to Lily Bassingthwaighte (Y12 TI2) on being called up to the Brisbane Heat Women’s Big Bash League Squad. Lily travelled to Perth with the team for their fixtures against the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder last weekend. Going straight from her final external exam to flying out with the team the same day mustn’t have been easy, congratulations Lily!

Congratulations to Olivia Argent (Y10 AD3), Amelie Clark (Y9 MC8), Alice Copland (Y7 LO8), Cailtin Copland (Y7 LO3), Grace Copland (Y7 LO6), Isla Dennell (Y11 MC4), Ella Denny (Y11 GO2), Lucy Hawkins (Y8 LO3), Abbie Hegarty (Y9 ME3), Arabella Hope (Y8 MC8), Lulu McGrath (Y9 LO4), Zara Nitschke (Y8 WH2), Charlotte Rush (Y8 CO1), Greer Slaughter (Y8 MC7) and Evie Wright (Y8 AD6) who recently competed at the Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships. 

We had several standout performances against tough competition!

A special congratulations to the following athletes who achieved top 10 results: 

Amelie Clark (6th – 90m Hurdles, 9th – High Jump), Alice Copland (5th – 4x200m Relay), Caitlin Copland (5th – 4x200m Relay), Abbie Hegarty (5th – 800m), Lucy Hawkins (7th – Shot Put, 9th – Javelin), Greer Slaughter (5th – 4x200m Relay), Charlotte Rush (5th – 4x200m Relay) and Evie Wright (Bronze Medal – 2000m Steeplechase). 

Well done to all athletes on a successful meet!

Looking for the perfect holiday gift – something truly unique? Look no further!

The Harmony, this year’s School Wine is a 2023 field blend, and the fifth vintage of the All Hallows’ Community Wine Project.

Sourced from Art Krupinski of Krupinski Vineyard and St Jude’s Estate, this limited edition wine showcases the best of Ballandean’s terroir in a beautiful blend of petit verdot, shiraz, and merlot.

This elegant, medium-bodied wine brims with dark berry notes, hints of liquorice and chocolate, and a subtle touch of herbs and spice—it's Christmas in a glass! Crafted with minimal intervention, The Harmony is once again made possible thanks to the dedication of Martin and Karen Turner at Craft Wine Store, Coorparoo, and the support of Tony Harper, Mike Hayes, and friends.

Choose between a two-bottle gift pack for $70 or a case of six for $180 – either way, you’ll be supporting future bursary students through the All Hallows’ Foundation.

Merry Christmas!

To order your case of 6, visit All Hallows' School Online Community (ahs.qld.edu.au)
To order your two bottle gift pack, visit All Hallows' School Online Community

Ms. Jo Lovett (Director of Community Relations and Development).
 

Farewell and thank you.

With my daughter's graduation next week, I join fellow committee members Margaret Land and Regina Doyle in farewelling not only our time at AHS but also the gratifying experience of being part of the Mothers’ Network for many years. 

The committee also bids farewell to fellow long-serving member Clare Nugent and our inaugural MNET Social Media Coordinator, Alex Hyndman Hill. Huge thanks ladies, for your generosity of time, talent, and commitment to the Mothers' Network. It has been an absolute pleasure sharing time on the committee with you. This also goes to the continuing members of the committee, along with the wonderful team of year-level coordinators who do an amazing job in bringing the AHS parent community together.

Special thanks to Justine Douglas for taking on the role of President of the Mothers’ Network for 2025 – the leadership is certainly in truly lovely and very capable hands!

I wish you and your daughters all the very best in your present and post-AHS journey.

Ms. Deb Hall (2024 President).

Following our AGM last week, we are excited to announce the new committee for 2025. 

Thank you to the following ladies for stepping up (or back into) these roles:

President - Justine Douglas
Vice Presidents - Cass Dahlheimer & Rebecca Birkett
Treasurer - Rebecca Knezevic
Secretary - **position vacant
Senior School Coordinator - Sarah Daly
Middle School Coordinator - Kirsty McKay
Volunteer Coordinator - Michelle Moss 
Care and Concern - Linda Beckmann
Mercy Action - Cassandra Griffin
Social Media - **position vacant
Teacup Coordinators - Meghan Ahlberg and Deanna Wilson
May Morning Tea Coordinators - **positions vacant

As our school year draws to a close, we ask that you consider joining our committee to assist with our activities in 2025. We welcome mothers and caregivers who would like to volunteer their time to help us with our calendar of events for 2025.

For more information please call Justine on 0431 412 168 or email justine.douglas30@gmail.com.

Ms. Justine Douglas (2025 President).

A big thankyou to all members of the parent and caregiver community within AHS that have helped support our girls in a number of Mercy Action endeavours through 2024.

While the girls are involved in a broad range of Mercy Action activities, parental support is only required for a small number of them.

In 2024, parental and caregiver support was provided for Jimmie’s Van, Eddie’s Van, and the Brisbane Central State School Tutoring.

The feedback from parents and caregivers involved in these activities has been overwhelmingly positive. Because of the enthusiastic support from our parent supervision, we have been able to support an increase in the number of activities available for the girls in these endeavours. We are so appreciative of the support to be able to do this.

Details on the AHS School APP and Moodle are available for anyone interested in supporting Mercy Action endeavours in 2025.

Most of these duties require only 1 to 1.5 hours of commitment per week and can be done once a term or 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. Let us know if you are interested in joining us to support:

Eddie’s Van - requires support before school (6.30 until 8.00 am on Tuesday AND Thursday mornings).

Jimmie’s Van - requires support before school (6.30 until 8.00 am on Wednesday mornings).

Brisbane Central State School supervision – requires support 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 easy to apply for and free of charge.

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

Ms. Cassandra Griffin (Mercy Action Coordinator).

All Hallows’ School has a long-standing tradition of the graduating Year 12 students donating a fine china teacup trio to our amazing All Hallows' Teacup Collection. 

These gifted sets will be used and enjoyed well into the future by members of the extended All Hallows community at the much-loved annual May Morning Tea event.

If you would like to provide a trio in honour of your daughter’s time at All Hallows', you may drop the set off at Student Services at any time during the remainder of the school year. 

The donated trio should have a matching teacup, saucer and side plate. 

Please ensure that the sets are safely packaged and that your daughter’s details (name and graduation year) are written on or securely attached to the outside of the package, along with a second set of details included within the package itself.

If you have any questions, please contact the Mothers’ Network Teacup Coordinators, Megan Ahlberg megsyahlberg@hotmail.com or Deanna Keating Deanna.keating84@gmail.com.

Mrs. Megan Ahlberg & Ms. Deanna Keating (Teacup Coordinators).

Year 5 Mother, Caregiver and Daughter Twilight Event
Friday 15 November 2024
4pm – 6pm
Garden Room, Roma Street Parklands, 1 Parkland Bvd, Brisbane
Cost: $45 pp includes grazing station and welcome drink.  Cash bar available 
Year 5 Mother/Caregiver & Daughter Twilight Event
Katie Liebke  0418 728 543 or Kathleen_t20@hotmail.com or 0418 728 543

Date Claimer

Year 12 Formal, Parent and Caregiver Function
Saturday 1 February 2025
7:15pm-10:15pm
Rydges South Bank, 9 Glenelg St South Bank. Level 12 Rooftop,
$50 pp includes welcome drink and selection of canapés. Cash bar available.
RSVP: Thursday, 9 January 2025 (5pm)
Year 12 2025 Parent & Caregiver Formal Night Function

Please note that this RSVP date is during the school holidays.  No late registrations/payments will be possible to finalise arrangements with the venue.

Pauline Love paulinelove55@optusnet.com.au or 0420 283 414

Ms. Regina Hefferan (Communications Secretary).

Reunion Day, Saturday November 2 was a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting day.

It began with the celebration of the Annual Past Pupils' Mass in the All Hallows’ Chapel, which was bathed in beautiful, early morning light. Our celebrant Father Peter Dillon, who has multiple connections to the School through his mother, aunts, sisters and friends, commented that being in the Chapel on such a day gave him a great sense of ‘coming home’.

This sentiment seemed to resonate with all of those present – there were smiles, waves, welcome hugs, air kisses and expressions of surprise and delight throughout the capacity congregation. There were also moments of quiet contemplation as we remembered fondly those no longer with us.  

Sincere thanks to those members of our milestone year groups (1954, 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014) who participated in the readings and offertory, and to Cathie Neil, and cantors Maria Carolan and Genevieve Nolan for the exquisite music and singing.  

Special mention must be made of our ‘most mature’ past pupil present, Kathleen Marshall (Bolger), Class of 1944. Despite being hospitalised earlier in the week, Kathleen was determined to attend the Mass and celebrate her 80th milestone year.

Afterwards, the Chapel throng broke out into the warm sunshine. There were spontaneous catch ups, cuddles and conversations while groups gathered for official photographs on the steps of the Convent.

There was also an opportunity to take a leisurely wander around the campus, using the specially created self-guided tour map, complete with QR codes and videos, of all the old familiar places and amazing new spaces.

Then, for those attending the Morning Tea it was back to Loretto Hall as we have once again outgrown the Potter Room. It was so lovely to see all the different ages and life stages in the room.

There were multiple tables of milestone reunion groups (1954-2004) as well as many friendship, non-milestone and family groups in attendance. The sense of sisterhood was palpable.

Thank you to past pupil, Ellie Paxton-Hall, for the fabulous catering.

The amazing Memorabilia display and collection of milestone year School Magazines curated by School Archivist, Cathy Clem, proved very popular throughout the day. As did the evolving selection of Merchandise produced by the Past Pupils' Association.

However, if you missed out, or did not want to carry items to your after-event, you can purchase PPA Merchandise any time online at shop.ahs.qld.edu.au  

Speaking of 'after events', both on the day, and at other times throughout the year, milestone groups may choose to organise an alternate or additional reunion event off-site. 

If your cohort decides to do this, please let us know so we can support you with communications etc, and include photos and details of the event in the Hallowian. Simply email ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au.

There are so many people to acknowledge for their contribution to the success of the day: 

Thank you to Mrs Catherine O'Kane, Principal of All Hallows' School, for so generously opening the School and Chapel on Reunion Day and providing all the associated resources.

Thank you to the many All Hallows' staff, especially the Facilities and Community Relations teams, who provide ongoing support and advice to the PPA.

Thank you to the Mothers’ Network for loaning the tiered platters and the beautiful teacup trios—each one brought with it the spirit of the past pupil who had donated it at graduation.

Thank you to the 2025 School Captains and the All Hallows’ students who helped with set-up, Mass, welcoming our guests, serving tea and coffee, and tidying up afterwards. You were all wonderful and you made us so very proud. 

Thank you to the Executive and members of the Past Pupils’ Association for the weeks and months of planning and organisation leading up to the day, and for the great team effort on the day. 

Thank you to the School Archives team for their ongoing support and expertise

See you again next year on Saturday, November 1

Finally, to see and enjoy all the photos from the day, simply click on the link: 

All Hallows' School - Annual Mass & Reunion Morning Tea 2024 Photos