Mrs. Catherine O'Kane
Dear Parents and Caregivers
It is hard to believe there are just a few short days left of our 2024 school year and that our students will soon be heading off to enjoy the festive celebrations and holiday adventures with their loved ones.
In partnership with you, we have guided your daughters through another wonderful year of learning across our wide range of programs. It is my hope that every AHSister can look back with pride on her many achievements, successes, lessons and learnings, trials and tribulations, all of which helped shape her ability to Listen with Curiosity, Speak with Courage and Act with Integrity.
These many happy memories are a testament to the shared commitment of the families and staff who support our students to be their best and do their best. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey and for entrusting us with the privilege of shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
As we look forward to a well-earned break, let us celebrate all that we’ve achieved this year and look forward with hope and joy to the opportunities the new year will bring.
Whole School Project
One of the year’s highlights was our 2024 Whole School Project, Pathways of Possibility, which raised an impressive $50,000 to support the Romero Centre’s Gateway to Employment program. This contribution will enable employment readiness training for 25 recently arrived refugees in our community and is a testament to the power of collective action and our commitment to making a difference.
All Hallows’ staff
At this time of year, it is with immense gratitude and deep appreciation that we also acknowledge the exceptional work of our wonderful staff. Their unwavering dedication, expertise, and care have been instrumental in creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students to learn, grow, and achieve their best. From the classroom to cocurricular activities and beyond, their efforts ensure our school remains a place of development, kindness and belonging.
As we conclude the year, we also bid farewell to several valued members of our community who are moving on to new chapters in their lives. In particular, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to retiring staff members Mrs. Louise Fiumara, School Counsellor and Mrs. Kerry Gibbs, Head of Department – Mathematics. Both Louise and Kerry have been dedicated professionals in education for many decades and their expertise, wisdom, and commitment to educating and supporting our AHSisters has had a significant impact on our students. We thank them and all staff members who are finishing their time with us for their significant contribution to our school and wish them every success in their future endeavours.
(Left to right: Mrs. Kerry Gibbs and Mrs. Louise Fiumara)
Interhouse Swimming Spirit Carnival
Our House spirit will be alive and well tomorrow (Wednesday) as we dive into the Swimming Interhouse Spirit Carnival. I have no doubt we will see plenty of friendly rivalry, fierce competition, and smiles and laughter all around.
It is always such a wonderful way to wash away that post-exam stress and change the girls' mindsets to focus on participation, activity, and fun. Thank you to Mr. Simmons-Bliss (Head of Sport), our Sport Department, and all staff involved for organising and ensuring the success of this event.
Holy Season of Advent
As we approach the holy season of Advent, we are reminded of the hope, peace, joy, and love associated with this time of celebration and preparation. It is a season to both slow down — to pause, reflect, and celebrate the blessings of the year — and also look forward with faith and gratitude to the promise of Christmas.
I hope the coming weeks are filled with moments of connection and renewal for all members of our school community. May you and your family have a holy and relaxing Christmas, and may the joy of this season bring you peace and happiness as we are reminded in the words of Catherine McAuley:
“May God preserve and bless you and grant you all the graces and precious gifts reserved for this holy season.”
I look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, ready for all the opportunities and possibilities that await us in 2025.
With every blessing, may the peace and joy of Christ fill your heart this season.
Mrs. Catherine O’Kane (Principal).