Message from Ms Carolyn Liddy
Dear Parents and Caregivers
I am delighted to add to Mrs O’Kane’s welcome to you from the Week 1 newsletter and extend my welcome to both our new and returning families at the commencement of our 2025 school year.
Students settling in
It is pleasing to see that our students are already living this year’s school theme – Ignite Hope with Compassionate Hearts.
Throughout these first weeks, I have observed warm welcomes for new students, teachers, and enterprise staff members. From simple directions around the school to lunch table invitations, small kindnesses make a big impact on those around us.
Students at All Hallows have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities across Mercy Action, culture, and sport, in addition to Home Group and classroom learning, assemblies, and lunch activities. You only need look at the February page of our published school calendar to see that Term 1 activities have well and truly commenced!
Combined, these opportunities form a rich tapestry of school life. These student experiences and community opportunities challenge our students to grow in their understanding of commitment and connection, and require developing organisational and interpersonal skills. I encourage families to carefully consider the number of activities their daughter is involved in. A healthy balance of co-curricular involvement, academic commitments, and social activities is essential in supporting the wellbeing of each of our students.
A highlight of these first weeks for the Year 12s and their families was the Year 12 Formal at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 1 February. Whilst we did have some unexpected competition for car parks from the Bear Grylls’ fans, the glamour and excitement amongst our Class of 2025 and their partners ensured that the evening was an exceptional success.
Parent Information Evenings
Another hallmark of our AHS community is the wonderful support we receive from our families and their commitment to work in partnership with us to educate their daughters. We have been thrilled with the number of parents and caregivers who have been able to attend our Parent Information Evenings in recent weeks. Led by our Heads of Year, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity for us to share our approach to Student Care and Teaching and Learning and to provide specific information related to the important events, challenges and opportunities the students will encounter throughout 2025. We look forward to our Years 5 and 6 Information Evening on 17 February and the Year 9 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday, 9 February.
We will provide a recorded version of each presentation for parents and caregivers who cannot attend in person. This recording will be available via the Parent Lounge within 24 hours of each event. It will also include the contact details of each presenter for future reference.
Parent groups
Parents and caregivers have also embraced opportunities to make new friends and become involved in the school community. Our Parent Support Groups are excellent forums for contribution and connection, and I encourage you to become involved. Whether you join our dynamic Parents and Friends Association, Mothers’ Network, lend your time and talents to a sporting, cultural or Mercy Action support group, or become active in our Past Pupils’ Association, your participation will be as personally rewarding as it is helpful.
Whether backstage or on the BBQ, around a meeting table or on a sideline, the strong bonds of friendship formed within our many parent associations and groups will endure long after your daughter’s school days end.
I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks.
May God bless you and your family in the week ahead.
Ms. Carolyn Liddy (Deputy Principal)
