The
SAINTS ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL MAGAZINE
SPRING 2020
Y E A R 1 2 L E A D S T H R O U G H A D V E R S I T Y
The COVID Saints
Growing with thanks
Alumni on the pandemic frontlines
The story of the gratitude vine
The
SAINTS
From the Headmaster.
CONTENTS Enquiries
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Leadership Through Adversity How the Class of 2020 has shown strength in their final year
We always love hearing from members of the All Saints community. For updates and editorial enquiries please contact us on the details below. All Saints Anglican School - Office of Marketing and Public Relations Highfield Drive Merrimac 4226
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Where Gratitude Grows
P: +61 7 5587 0309 E: saints@asas.qld.edu.au
Planting the seeds of the gratitude vine
Production
24
Blood Brothers
Editor Maria Egan, Head of Marketing & Public Relations
Performing stars put on “best show yet” with an alumni twist
Journalist Paris Faint Design Martha Clegg Photography David Perry Luke Marsden Tim Marsden Ant Satori
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2
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
The COVID Saints Meet medical past students on the frontlines of COVID-19
Publisher Business News Australia PO Box 1487 Mudgeeraba QLD
A very warm welcome to this Spring edition of The Saints
These are indeed strange and challenging times, yet ‘cometh
magazine; I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
the hour…’ and it must be said that staff, parents and
One of the articles in this edition suggests that ‘Covid-19
students have all responded magnificently to the challenges
may well be the global event that defines this generation.’
we have faced and will continue to face. We have tried our
I certainly see the logic in this; at present it seems hard
best to keep as much going at All Saints as we possibly
to challenge such a suggestion. Yet I sincerely hope this
can – music, drama, sport, special events have lifted all of
is not the case. I hope this generation will be defined by
our spirits. We need the joy that such pursuits impart. We
finally bringing to an end diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s
will continue to follow this line and we are determined to
and Parkinson’s; or that this will be the generation that
make those final weeks for our graduates as special and as
sees nations coming together in response to global threats,
memorable as we possibly can.
transforming from a global paradigm of competition to
So please enjoy this edition of The Saints and thank you for
one of co-operation; or that this will be the generation that rediscovers the need for simplicity, that rediscovers the value of family and relationships, that learns from our
your continuing support and encouragement which makes all the difference. Stay safe over the Spring holidays and let’s work together to make Term 4 entirely spectacular!
original people how to care for our earth. As you will read in these pages, this is a generation that has so much to offer. They are smart (much smarter than we used to be); they are connected; they care deeply about people and things; they are confident; they are innovative and creative. If the world needs solutions to some of the larger problems we are facing, then this generation strikes me as being quite capable of providing the solutions.
Patrick Wallas
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
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The
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School News.
M A K I N G W A Y F O R L O V E
Another question on the minds of many is regarding the future of the old Main Administration building. The building will see an exciting transformation into
W E L C O M E
T O
A L L
S A I N T S
a new student wellness and education support area called the Heart Space.
After remaining one of Highfield Drive’s best kept
Earlier this term, All Saints’ littlest learners inspected
secrets for over 33 years, All Saints will now have an
the space as part of a community project, where they
impressive and welcoming street presence with its latest flagship building, the All Saints Administration,
H E R O H I G H A S U P E R S U C C E S S THERE ARE VERY FEW S C H O O L S T H AT O F F E R STUDENTS THE CHANCE TO DEVISE, PRODUCE AND STAR IN THEIR OWN PROFESSIONAL-GRADE MUSICAL.
The recent Middle School production Hero High certainly proved All Saints to be one of those rare institutions. Head of Middle School Todd Harm first started brainstorming ideas for Hero High with students back in Term 4 of 2019. Their brief was to consider the following question: who would have the nerve to take on a high school full of superheroes?
the new facilities but had a number of key questions
Headmaster’s office and flexible working spaces for
including whether the new space would include a
a team of 17 professional staff including admissions,
sandpit, whether the Headmaster would be living in
human resources, finance, marketing and campus
the new building, and why the building was so big.
operations.
with the school community.
performance by two separate casts which included a unique storyline and reimagined
Headmaster Patrick Wallas is most eager to share
“One of the really exciting aspects of the project is the variety and size of the spaces that will become
Mr Wallas thought a sandpit was a great idea but worried it would be too tempting for the administration staff who have a lot of work to get
explains that with all capital works currently on hold, the transformation of this space will be gradual but ultimately dramatic. “It is likely that in time there will be some significant structural reshaping of the space in order to create something rather extraordinary for our students, but in the
done and clarified that even though the new building
shorter term we will enjoy
will be like second home to him, he wouldn’t actually
remodelling the various
be living there.
spaces as a haven and
When answering the last question, Mr Wallas
students who need a little
hits such as Super Trouper, Are You Gonna Be
available for staff, parents, students and past
My Girl?, All Star and The Time of My Life.
students to meet in large, medium and small groups.”
Mr Harm says, its exciting to be able to craft
“This will help us to avoid ‘bumping’ groups from
explained a key consideration during the planning
extra help (as most of us
other school spaces when we’re hosting or holding
phase was the notion that the building would have
do at different stages in our
turn out at the level of Hero High. Given that Hero High is the second of three
a special event. We are really looking forward to the greater flexibility this impressive space will allow us.” Although administration staff officially move in over
the capacity to grow with the school for decades to come.
nourishment for those
lives) at various times in their schooling career.” “It is my hope that in some
musicals to be held at All Saints in 2020,
the September school holidays, the new building has
“We didn’t build it for today or tomorrow. We built it to
came to the story,” says Mr Harm. “It ended
with the Senior School’s Blood Brothers
already attracted a number of visitors.
last many years into the future.”
up being a completely different show to the
earlier in the term and the Junior School’s
of our society as we begin to
one I thought it was originally going to be.”
Beauty and the Beast coming in Term 4, Mr
emerge from the shadows of
Over the Christmas holidays, Mr Harm
Harm commends the School’s unwavering
collated everyone’s ideas and wrote a script
dedication to the arts throughout COVID-19.
students have full creative freedom when it
Hero High tells the story of an exclusive
“I think what our school has done in
ways the process will act as a metaphor for the rebuilding
the pandemic.” The building is already conveniently situated towards the centre of
terms of persisting and committing to live
campus and it is hoped it will
performance has been an extraordinary lift
be a visual reminder of one
for the kids,” says Mr Harm.
of the All Saints mantras:
silence.
“I don’t know of any other school on the
education of the heart.
Rehearsals began in January and were put
Gold Coast doing live performances
on hold during the online learning period.
this way.”
boarding school for superheroes which is beset by an evil villain whose mission is to cover the world in a vast blanket of white
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
The ground floor of the new building will house the
The result was a masterful and explosive
improvised brainstorming sessions where we wanted to have in the show, and I let the
The Pre Prep students were suitably impressed with
back with a vengeance.
original shows with students and see them
we came up with ideas, fleshed out what
Conference and Function Centre.
But it’s the facilities on the first floor that
“We did four Friday afternoons of
to match.
4
However, the heroes of All Saints were soon
visit different areas around the School.
Headmaster Patrick Wallas
the heart of education is the
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
5
The
SAINTS
School News.
D R A M A S T A R S S H O O T T O T H E
Prep students recently planted the seeds that, with their love and attention,
T O P
will grow into a bountiful harvest of veggies and herbs for the school
The Barbara Sisley Award is one of the most
community.
prestigious accolades a speech and drama student in Queensland can receive.
As part of the service learning program at All Saints, a portion of the harvest will
The annual prize commends those who have achieved
also be donated to the kitchens at St
the highest possible marks for their grade in either
John’s Crisis Centre, showing how small
the Australian Examination Board (AMEB) or Trinity
actions can often have big impacts.
College London examinations.
Service Learning Coordinator Lynette
As a testament to the quality of speech and drama
Barker says the Giving Garden ties into
education at All Saints, five of the School’s talented
the Prep theme of ‘Our Living World’
students received the Barbara Sisley Award in 2020.
and helps students discover a special
Oscar Kuzmanoski (Year 7) and Mariana Ng (Year 6)
way to help disadvantaged people that
received top marks for their AMEB Grade 1 exams.
doesn’t involve specific volunteer work
Lily Penwarn (Year 5) earned her stripes in the AMEB
or monetary donations.
Preliminary exam and Felicity Williams (Year 9) made a
“These Preppies are learning that they
stellar impression in the AMEB Grade 4 test.
can grow something in the ground, tend it, look after it and then help others
Finally, Tara Sabet (Year 9) wowed the judges with
with it,” says Mrs Barker. “They are
her AMEB Grade 5 presentation, which centred on the
learning about the process of growth,
theme of ‘refuge’ and included a dramatic reading from
photosynthesis and that they can be an
Edith Nesbit’s The Railway Children.
agent for good in the community.”
T H E
R O O T S
O F
G E N E R O S I T Y
“I think I really connected with the examiner in the
Mrs Barker says this initiative helps
discussion part when I was explaining my pieces and
young students begin to realise the
why I had chosen my theme,” says Tara.
importance of their actions.
THE ALL SAINTS GIVING GARDEN IS SPRINGING TO
“We all have the ability in the smallest
L I F E T H A N K S T O L I T T L E G R E E N T H U M B S I N P R E P.
way to make a difference. From very early on, we can learn that all it takes is
“She realised I was being genuine, and that I wanted
T E A C H E R R E C O G N I S E D A T S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y A W A R D S
one small kind action to help someone Erin Merrin, Senior School Head of
Ms Merrin says one of her proudest
Humanities and our unofficial sustainability
achievements was making the ‘pursue your
coordinator, recently earned a prize at the
C O U R S E S
B O O S T
V E T
O F F E R I N G
Schools Sustainability Awards. Ms Merrin was named runner-up for ‘Leading the Change’, an award that
passion’ sustainability report for All Saints
Although the solar project is currently on
Training (VET) program has added two exciting
teaches students about careers in health and
every student, and we all learn in different ways.”
Queensland who are championing
new courses to its offering.
hold due to COVID-19, she is looking forward
wellness and introduces the proper use and
Each new course focuses on jobs that are in high
maintenance of gym equipment.
signed up to undertake them in Term 4. The new courses include a Certificate III in
According to the judges’ comments, she
This is one of the most popular pathways
flexibility when considering tertiary study.
was only a hair’s breadth away from taking
into careers including personal training, gym
“Lots of our vocational students go on to be their
operation and teaching group fitness.
out the top honour.
to its implementation as the world moves to renewables in an effort to re-build after COVID-19. In the meantime, Ms Merrin encourages
own boss,” she says.
Regardless, Ms Merrin is grateful to
Director of Careers and VET Alison Weeks says
members of the school community to
“Plus, every one of these qualifications also
have even been nominated, considering
the VET program, which encompasses these two
counts towards an ATAR. So, if a student
sustainability at All Saints is one of her
improve their habits in sustainability. She is
new courses, is ideal for students who are hands-
wants to go to university it still gives them the
many passions.
encouraging us to rethink our work and view it
on learners.
opportunity to be able to do that.”
“There are a lot of teachers who are
as a valueable resource.
allows them to use aviation VHF radios when
“The courses offered are perfect for students who
If students have any questions regarding the VET
of sustainability and ensuring that it’s
operating drones near flight hubs such as
like to learn practically rather than theoretically,”
program, they are encouraged to visit Ms Weeks
something that is not an afterthought but is
of resources to manage and we have already
airports or helipads.
says Ms Weeks.
at the Careers Centre.
embedded across our curriculum,” she says.
started to make significant improvements.
Aviation (Remote Pilot), which supports the commercial operation of drones. Under this qualification, students will receive a CASA Remote Pilot License as well as a CASA Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate, which
6
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
implementing the cross-curriculum priority
its outstanding teaching team. “There are four visiting teachers who are just thing is we’re really able to suit the child to the teacher,”
recognises teachers in South East
programs encourage entrepreneurship and offer
performers like Tara and her prize-winning peers due to
of a solar power project at All Saints.
“Our school is all about meeting the needs of
sustainability at their schools.
Middlebrook says All Saints produces such wonderful
exceptional practitioners, and the other wonderful
Second is the Certificate III in Fitness, which
demand and many Year 10 students have already
awareness.”
and the suggestions which led to the adoption
All Saints’ leading Vocational Education and
Ms Weeks says All Saints’ careers and VET
wanted to convey a message and highlight a deeper
Drama Teacher (Co-curricular Coordinator) Naomi
else in need.”
N E W
to do the piece not just for the grade, but because I
“We have a lot of people at All Saints and a lot
says Mrs Middlebrook. “We have the right teachers with the right expertise for each student, who are supported by the wonderful resources we have here at All Saints.” Although Tara certainly has the talent to pursue a career in performing arts, as validated by her award, she instead plans to use her communication skills in the medical or international diplomacy fields. “I feel as young people, we can effect change now more than any other time in history, so I’m looking into avenues of community involvement like the United Nations, because I really enjoy public speaking, and I think you can really make a connection with people that way. Drama will really help me with those skills for the future.”
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
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The
SAINTS
School News.
W H E N
T E A C H E R S
B E C O M E
S T U D E N T S
S E N I O R S C H O O L T E A C H E R S R E C E N T LY T H R E W A N O L D P R O V E R B O U T T H E W I N D O W . Y O U K N O W… T H E O N E A B O U T ‘ T H O S E W H O C A N ’ T D O ’ ?
To inform ATAR preparation for their Year 12
Mr Evans says while the teachers all confidently
classes, teachers sat a series of practice exams –
blitzed their content, the session was more
the very same ones their students will undergo as
about gaining a deeper respect for what he calls
IF WE’RE GOING TO PUT
part of their final studies.
‘exam fitness’.
STUDENTS THROUGH IT,
Head of Senior School Bryn Evans revealed the
“They could all do the test, but what they took out
surprise task during a student free day at the
of it was the difficulties that students would face,”
IT’S ONLY FAIR TO DO IT
beginning of Term 3.
explains Mr Evans.
“The teachers here know their content so well, but
“They were commenting on things like ‘wow,
it’s been a while since we’ve tackled the process of external exams,” says Mr Evans.
P S A
G Y M
B U L K S
requirements was to have enough equipment so
Mr Leslie says the uptake has been brilliant, with
its doors as a new fitness haven for students and
that a whole class of 28 students could do cardio
students and staff regularly using the gym
staff at All Saints.
exercise at once.
With the space freshly renovated by the school,
“We were thankful to have enough support from the
the Past Students Association (PSA) funded a fit
PSA to be able to make this happen,” says Mr Leslie.
cardio and strength equipment, audio visual enhancements, bubblers, a workstation and more.
organising ideas quickly and thinking hard for
it’s only fair to do it ourselves so we see what the
extended periods of time.”
“We now have four treadmills, 18 spin bikes, seven rowing machines and four ski trainers. There is
students for a tough academic schedule as their
and completed an ATAR exam for their field.
end of year exams approach.
the space. “The PSA had the vision to put funds aside for a
Fergus Leslie alongside consultant strength and
while also doing a bit of strength.”
beautiful new gym, even when there wasn’t much
Complementing cardio, one third of the gym is also reserved for strength equipment which
there to begin with,” says Mr Leslie. “When we were ready to expand, the PSA
Mr Leslie says the space was designed for use
notably includes a custom-built bench press rig
was ready to help, and for that we couldn’t be
during and outside school hours. One of the
and a five-station multigym.
more grateful.”
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
boosted the confidence of teachers in preparing
Headmaster Patrick Wallas, attended the session
He thanks the PSA for its generous contribution to
class can use to exercise their heart and lungs
8
Mr Evans says the exercise has most certainly
Every Senior School teacher, including
fitness classes.
plenty of cardio equipment in there that the whole
Georgia Brown.
like maintaining concentration under pressure,
before and after school in addition to normal
The PSA Gym is coordinated by Director of Sport conditioning coaches Paul Haines, Daniel Roy and
talking about other similar exam difficulties
U P
Early in Term 3, the upgraded PSA Gym opened
out which included brand new industry-standard
WHAT THE EXERCISE IS LIKE
my hand hurt after 10 minutes of writing’, or
“I think if we’re going to put students through it, exercise is like.”
OURSELVES SO WE SEE
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
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The
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Community. L - R : S C H O O L V I C E C A P TA I N S R I S H I B L I S S A N D K R Y S TA L P E R I C L E O U S , S C H O O L C A P TA I N S K E N T O S E K I A N D C H L O E A L F O R D
LEADERSHIP through adversity
A N
O D E
T O
T H E
C L A S S
O F
2020
WE H AVE BEEN PRESENTED WITH A CH ALLENGE, THE LIKES OF WHICH H AS N OT B E E N S E E N F O R D E C AD E S . WE M AY S O M E T IM E S D O U BT O U R C H I L D R E N ’ S R E S O L V E I N T H E F A C E O F A D V E R S I T Y, H O W E V E R I T I S T H E I R D E T E R M I N AT I O N T O T H R I V E T H AT R E A S S U R E S U S .
One cohort at All Saints to show such fortitude
studies. We saw them go to great lengths to
is our esteemed graduating Class of 2020. Our
maintain their friendships, their health and their
student leaders, our role models.
sense of community.
Many feared the effects that COVID-19 would
As time marched on, so too did Year 12, making
have on Year 12, particularly when it came to their
fear fade into history and pride swell in its place.
studies.
define this cohort, they gravitate to a single word:
ATAR system amid a pandemic, and how students
‘resilient’.
would cope with radical schedule changes and new learning situations on a day-to-day basis.
10
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
Now, when students and staff are asked to
There was worry about the introduction of the new
Speaking on behalf of their class, School Captains Chloe Alford and Kento Seki, and Vice Captains
However, throughout lockdown, we watched as
Rishi Bliss and Krystal Pericleous, are gratified to
Year 12 remained steadfastly committed to their
earn this description.
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
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The
SAINTS
Feature.
L - R : B O A R D I N G C A P TA I N S K E V I N C H E N A N D S H E A L A W, I N T E R N A T I O N A L C A P TA I N S D A I S Y V U A N D V L A D I M I R L I U B I M S K I I
AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE When the first wave of COVID-19 hit, many of our international students had just returned from visiting their families overseas. As the global situation escalated, International Captains Vladimir Liubimskii and Daisy Vu, and Boarding Captains Kevin Chen and Shea Law, admitted their peers felt an initial sense of nervousness. “We were worried at first, but now we are coping
P R O U D O F S T U D E N T S
fine with the situation,” reflects Daisy.
Head of Senior School Bryn Evans, Director of
“Online learning from the dorm was challenging.
Studies Julie Klein and Head of Pastoral Care
But at the end of the day, we learned everything we were supposed to learn.” Shea says the international students sometimes feel pangs of homesickness but are learning to cope with them by sticking together. “We really miss our families,” she says. “I miss my parents, my grandparents and friends at home. We haven’t seen each other for nearly a year now and that is most likely going to continue.” On the other hand, there are around 30
or discouraged our peers, it has set a foundation
division.
resilience,” she says.
“What makes me the proudest is how the cohort
“The ability for our cohort to lean on each other
for us all to thrive,” reflects Chloe. “Socially we have been deemed as the year of
has managed to bond and find light in a sea of
missing out. However, I believe this to
darkness,” he says.
be disproven.”
“With so much gratitude and enthusiasm, Year 12
They have accepted that certain anticipated rites
ALL NOTIONS OF SELF-PITY,
of passage, such as the formal and the Tunnel of
FRAMED EVERY MISFORTUNE
Love, will be different than in years past. “When I finally bit the bullet and made the announcement that the formal was going to be on the oval, the kids immediately understood and rolled with it,” says Ms Ward.
extraordinarily flexible, despite ongoing disruption
unable to return to school. One of them is in
to the social and academic calendar.
AS A CHALLENGE, AND FOUND THE HIDDEN BLESSINGS TO OVERCOME FORMIDABLE ODDS
By all accounts from friends and teachers, these
phenomenal,” he says. “Changing the formal,
L O O K I N G F O R W A R D
students are showing incredible resilience and,
changing assessments, postponing events – they have taken it all in their stride.”
COVID-19 may well be the global event that
while eager to return to All Saints, they are making
“The way they have responded to news has been
“This group has had a chance to kick stones, or
Kevin says the international students who
to be positive and run with it. They have always
remained in Australia created a new family, as they
chosen the latter.” Perhaps the biggest academic change came
“The dorm family lived together, we had more
when the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment
conversations than we used to, we shared stories
Authority removed an assessment piece for 2020,
and played games together,” he reflects.
aiming to alleviate learning difficulties caused by
“Although we were not able to have face-to-face
COVID-19.
interactions with teachers or our Aussie friends
In regular years, students in the ATAR system are
during lockdown, we could still contact them
expected to sit three internal assessments and
online to strengthen our relationship.”
one external assessment. The number of internal
Moving forward, Vlad says his cohort will only ever
assessments in 2020 has been reduced to two. Director of Studies Julie Klein says Year 12
defines this generation. Our grandparents and great-grandparents experienced war. Their families and friends dealt with life-altering clashes, from the Second World War to Korea and Vietnam. Our parents experienced sickness. They saw the birth of HIV/AIDS and spearheaded global responses against the resurgence of illnesses including Influenza, SARS and Cholera. They too grieved a countless loss of lives. Now, it seems, is time for our children to experience adversity. So far, Year 12 has accepted this new normal with outstanding poise and professionalism.
be as strong as its mindset.
many new and creative ideas that have allowed us
Kento is proud of the way the Class of 2020 has
“I think you can compare it to a computer game
to share our last year in joy.”
gracefully accepted disruption and maintained a
where, with every higher level, it gets harder and
spirit of optimism.
harder, but as soon that level is behind you, it
“I think at first they believed it was going to affect
seems easy,” he says.
them as individuals,” explains Mrs Klein.
“If you are thinking that you’re going to struggle
“In time, they realised it’s affecting everyone in
eloquently said, “circumstances beyond their
a lot then you will struggle, but if you think that
exactly the same way. Everyone in the state is
control now will not dictate or hold them back
has worked diligently and cohesively to birth so
for creating initiatives that have reconnected and beyond.
been a real testament to our spirit.”
OUR COHORT HAS DISCARDED
In response to the challenge of online learning,
Many Year 12 leaders have been responsible the school community during online learning
and cope with life’s vicissitudes through love has
of Year 12.
Mr Evans agrees the cohort has been
couldn’t be with their own.
it allowed us to adapt and learn the power of
willingness to self-sacrifice that defines the spirit
their home countries, learning from afar and
the best of continued online learning.
that has healed the wounds left by physical
Stacey Ward say it’s a sense of humility and
international students who are currently still in
Year 12.
“The uncertainty of 2020 has not limited, devalued
T H E I R
According to Krystal, the transition to online
students were concerned about the news, but quickly overcame their worries.
When the Class of 2020 graduates, their teachers, peers and families hope they will remain the ‘resilient’ ones through the challenges to come. As one of the parents of the Year 12 cohort
These have included sub-school leadership
learning was tough, yet it proved a valuable
“Our cohort has discarded all notions of self-pity,
seminars, online quizzes and competitions, pop-up
teacher.
framed every misfortune as a challenge, and found
“I think our biggest challenge was moving to the
the hidden blessings to overcome formidable
you’re going to take everything from this year and
in the same situation, and I think they feel more
from achieving everything they want to out of life
online learning platform during lockdown, but
odds,” he says.
enjoy it completely – then you will.”
relaxed now as a result of knowing that.”
after Year 12”.
COVID-safe concerts and more. Rishi believes it is this dedication and creativity 12
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
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The
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Feature.
W H E R E
G R A T I T U D E
GR WS A BEAUTIFUL VINE HAS TWISTED ITSELF AROUND THE WALLS OF THE ALL SAINTS CHAPEL.
Its leaves don’t fall, it never loses its colour and it has never been trimmed, yet it remains as vibrant as the day it was planted. The gratitude vine has been steadily growing, bearing heartfelt messages of thanks and appreciation written by members of the All Saints community. Middle School Lay Chaplain Brendan Callaghan first thought of the gratitude vine idea following the bushfires which devastated Australia earlier this year. “After the fires, I was very keen on the concept of regrowth,” Mr Callaghan explains. “Soon after that, Mr Harm ran a chapel service on ‘fruits of
large it had encompassed the chapel walls completely. Although the vine is now more than half a year old, Mr Callaghan says he still sees many students take the time to reflect on its messages. “I think it has really lifted people’s spirits. Now when the students come in individually or in small groups, they will often walk up to it and quietly read a section.” The real beauty of the gratitude vine is not in its permanence, but in its connection to the spirit of All Saints. Mr Callaghan believes that, when it comes time to bring the
how it is a metaphor for what we need to do within our
vine down, this connection will continue through whatever
own lives.”
the students and staff may choose to create next.
In the first few weeks of the year, the vine grew with love and
“I think it’s just a typical little All Saints thing that reflects our
thanks for emergency services and those who were aiding in
sense of community, and I think we’ll move on to something
fire recovery. Then coronavirus hit.
different but equally as beautiful soon.”
“We had messages of gratitude pouring in when the students
Mr Callaghan expresses his own gratitude to all who were involved in the vine project, including Mr Wallas,
“They were sending messages about specific events like
Mr Harm, Mother Ann, Mrs Barker, Ms Gustaffson and
Mother’s Day and ANZAC Day – showing gratitude for being
Saffron Macdougall.
Australian.
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
When students returned to All Saints, the vine had become so
the vine’. He talked about how we cultivate grapevines, and
were learning online,” says Mr Callaghan.
14
helping them get through so much time at home.”
“Those people really helped in putting up the vine and I want
“Some thanked the workers who were on the frontlines of
to thank them – I also want to thank everybody for their
COVID-19, and some were grateful for the people who were
contributions.” ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
15
The
SAINTS
Feature.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF SENIOR SCHOOL H O S P I TA L I T Y T E A C H E R A N D R E W T O N K I N ’ S ONLINE COOKING DEMONSTRATION.
T H R O U G H
C O V I D
ALL SAINTS IS CONTENDING WITH SOME TOUGH CHOICES THIS YEAR; T O G I V E U P O N VA R I O U S I N I T I AT I V E S D U E T O T H E C H A L L E N G E S O F C OV ID - 1 9 , O R TO F I N D S AF E A N D F U N N E W WAYS TO K E E P T H E M AL IV E . PREP STUDENT MATILDA ELLIOT ENGAGES IN ONE OF MANY ONLINE ACTIVITIES THROUGH THE COVID-19 H O M E L E A R N I N G P E R I O D.
Wherever it can, our community is opting for
Both Ally and fellow Visual Arts Captain Jac
“We want to encourage students to adapt and
Each escape room challenge involved more than
Senior School Hospitality Teacher Andy Tonkin
creativity.
Lefevre will soon create one large artwork
challenge themselves during this pandemic;
95 per cent of the year level at any given time.
tapped into online meal delivery service Hello
featuring all entries.
revealing how boredom can be creativity’s
According to Mr Harm they provided precious
Fresh to help run his classes. Because of the
best friend.”
opportunities to “remain connected, have some
hands-on nature of learning hospitality, Mr Tonkin
fun and challenge the grey matter”.
needed to make sure his students were getting the
Where other schools have called it quits on events altogether, All Saints continues to find innovative ways
In the academic realm, Business ambassadors
to deliver the programs, carnivals, performances,
Jessica Wood and Cherish Semaan in Year 12
Head of Middle School Todd Harm also created a
camps and celebrations it would each year.
created the Innovative Sales Opportunity (ISO)
novel experience during the online learning period.
Throughout the online learning period, students
Competition.
Mr Harm hosted a series of online ‘escape rooms’
and staff went the extra mile to invent a series of
Jess and Cherish wanted to inspire Middle and
during what would be the regular year level
games, competitions, quizzes and challenges to
Senior School students to think ‘outside the box’
meeting time.
help preserve the signature sense of togetherness
by practising sales pitches on a series of common
they love about All Saints.
household objects.
Visual Arts Captain Ally Shorter (Year 12)
While the timing of their competition was
them to solve a sequence of 10 puzzles or locks
organised the Self-Isolation Art Challenge, which
disrupted by the return to school, the girls say
that required them to do all sorts of zany things,”
encouraged students to flex their creative muscles
it was a unique learning experience that helped
explains Mr Harm.
at home.
people adapt their thinking “to allow for the flow of
Ally received various submissions including
the unknown”.
“All seven classes in a year would gather with their teacher in Microsoft Teams and work with
“From filming themselves undertaking lightsaber training, to navigating a maze, to solving riddles,
In the Junior School, Simon Reed encouraged students to put on their creative hats, quite literally, for the annual Easter Hat Parade. During the Easter Hat Parade, all participating students made their own hats and sent photos of themselves to Mr Reed. He then compiled the entries and made a presentation which the school community could view. “We had something in the range of 90-100 entries,” says Mr Reed. “We had photos from kids and their families, even dogs dressed up in hats.”
paintings, drawings, collages, photographs,
“During this tumultuous period, it is important to
to writing limericks, the puzzles got progressively
“It was nice to see, because events like this are
sketches and chalk masterpieces, which she
see the silver lining and stay inspired,” Jess and
harder and a class could not progress until they
important to the culture and the history of the
then collated.
Cherish say.
emailed me the correct answer.”
school. If we can try and make them work, we will.”
16
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
most authentic experience possible. In the newly refurbished Heavens Above Training Restaurant,
WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE
Mr Tonkin filmed cooking demonstrations each
STUDENTS TO ADAPT AND
week using the contents of a Hello Fresh box. “We virtually tried to duplicate what we do in class where we have a live demonstration and then a dialogue about the process,” Mr Tonkin says. “The results were phenomenal. The students sent photos back of their food and we judged them. The best in the class won a $120 voucher from Hello Fresh.”
CHALLENGE THEMSELVES DURING THIS PANDEMIC; REVEALING HOW BOREDOM CAN BE CREATIVITY’S BEST FRIEND.
Rather than throwing in the towel, members of the All Saints community continue to look for new ways to make the most of the situation. That’s the All Saints way. ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
17
The
SAINTS
Thought Leadership.
The Little Things D U R I N G T H E S E D I F F I C U LT T I M E S , W E M A Y S O M E T I M E S F O R G E T T O A P P R E C I A T E T H E L I T T L E T H I N G S I N L I F E . T H E R E A L LY L I T T L E T H I N G S . . . T H I N G S T H A T, T O S O M E , M I G H T B E C O N S I D E R E D I N C O N S E Q U E N T I A L , B U T TO THE CURIOUS AND AWAKENED MIND REVEAL HIDDEN ASPECTS OF LIFE’S BEAUTIES AND ITS COMPLEXITIES. I was going to write about the place we call All Saints. About
Director of Learning Culture Jason Wainwright asked his students about some of the unlikely or
the grass so green it should be used in a metaphor to describe
unassuming things within the natural world that inspire them, so that they may inspire you. The dewy fields glimmer as the sun rises on an early Saturday morning. As I walk out onto the roughed pitch, I feel a sense of joy coursing through my heart. Every moment during the game I enjoy. This little thing gives me happiness, being able to play my favourite sport in the world, cricket. There is a certain pleasure to be taken in the mundane. Those gaps between memories that act like mortar between the cracks of life’s events. The early morning bustle; late for school. Daily cup of coffee; same today as yesterday. These moments are as wind through the trees; silent and inexorable. Yet, it is the quiet wind that gives the forests their life, swaying day by day in the breeze in an eternal dance. So too do we dance, between ringing phones and emails, deadlines and rat races. This is the invisible time, the space between breaths. Such moments are not profound, nor harrowing or exalting, they just are. The wind blows and so we live, from one moment to the
Beauty greets us in many ways
JONNY BUTTON (YEAR 6B)
The way the dandelion florets carry your wishes And the way the bright moonlight guides you home TA R A S A B E T ( Y E A R 9 R )
their heads toward the sun, bowing under the blazing heat. Their long
loudest sound you hear, and let the quiet
arms sweep the pavement, fallen leaves like a brush against the floor.
vibrancy of the world around you seep into you.
When it’s quiet and the wind is a faint whisper, their shadows laze in
In these moments of silence, I relax, waves
the sun, crawling to reach a little further, inching closer to the grass.
of peace ebbing and flowing in my body, and smoothly lock that unique sensation of relief in
YA S M I N S PA R K S ( Y E A R 1 2 F R A D G L E Y )
my heart to treasure forever. DAVID UPTIN (YEAR 11 DAY)
large in size, but are only counted as a small detail,
THE GREEN EDITION
DUNCAN BUTCHER (YEAR 12 HOBART)
For me, it’s the way the shadows fall on the pavement. The trees nod
Between the Holloway and the CSI, there’s this little hill of greenery. The soil has abnormal amounts of clay in it. The only grass that
seem to always stay the same. These things may be
18
and later found. That is All Saints.
to stop, make the rhythm of your breath the
outside to find peace and quiet, gazing at things that
JENNY CHENG (YEAR 9L)
inside jokes, the last-minute study groups, the friendships broken
There is a lot to be said for taking a moment
Sometimes I look outside the window or walk
camera or painting could ever express or do justice to.
the beautiful, imperfect, kind people make this school what it is. The
And the way the trees whisper your name
LEON LEE (YEAR 11 RAPP)
memories. These views symbolise so much more than a photo,
maintain an exterior of aesthetic beauty instead of showing how
The way a field of daisies tickles your toes
common as dirt.
be captured with anything other than our heart, eyes and
our school. To do so would be to ignore the soul of All Saints. To
And a gentle rain shower washes your face
our lives. For without them, even the numinous would seem as
views in nature, such as a glorious sunrise, that just cannot
in their memory, or even the butterflies that temporarily invaded
The way a summer breeze combs your hair
next. So appreciate the silent spaces that make up the bulk of
Around the world and in our own backyards, there are so many
something else, the pathways that every student has ingrained
unimportant as something you’d find anywhere. Such is the colour of a tree’s bark or its leaves that seem like those in a wonderful painting from a distance away. ELLA JIN (YEAR 6H)
What’s a steadier constant in everyday lives than light? Light is the single source to brighten rooms and to provide comfort to each and every person. Whilst most people don’t realise and appreciate how significant light is, without it, no one would be able to survive a time of infinite cyberspace. ELLA LAI (YEAR 9R)
grows there is thin and delicate; little green wisps of green that are perky and untrodden on. There are grand trees too, and as soon as the temperature rises, they burst into yellow blooms that sometimes drip with dusty pollen. The main show there is even more magical and colourful, with bickering between the lorikeets and crows, rosellas as giggling spectators, and a tall and brawny cockatoo acting as the umpire over it all. LEE WINSON (YEAR 12 REEVES)
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
19
The
SAINTS
Sport.
ONLINE
FITNESS
FEVER
F IN D IN G WAYS TO H E L P S T U D E NTS S TAY ACT IV E D U R IN G T H E O N L IN E LEARNING PERIOD WAS A TOP PRIORITY FOR ALL SAINTS.
With the help of a few brave staff members
Mr Leslie first came up with the idea after
“Senior Chaplain Mark Gladman even filmed one
and students, our Director of Sport (Years 7-12)
being asked about home workouts by
video in his habit, because obviously exercise is a
Fergus Leslie attempted to meet this goal
students who were eager to continue a
good ‘habit’ to be in,” says Mr Leslie.
through the online fitness challenge.
fitness regime.
In the end, most students completed at least one
The online fitness challenge was a series of
“At first, I directed students to a few videos on
workout in the online fitness challenge series.
instructional videos in which an All Saints staff
YouTube, but I felt we needed to do something
The highest participating house in Middle School
member or student, often dressed in a wacky
a bit more personal,” he says.
was Reeves, while Burchill took out the prize in
costume, would join strength and conditioning
T I N B A L L
T A K E S
O V E R
Over the past two years, a unique sporting craze
Head of Middle School Todd Harm says the
eventually led to a heated grand final between
has swept the Middle School.
Inter-House Tinball Competition is a dynamic and
Reeves and Burchill. After an intense battle,
exciting series that students thoroughly enjoyed
Reeves emerged victorious.
The little-known sport is called Tinball and is described as a cross between dodgeball and tenpin bowling. Using dodgeballs, players must knock down opposition ‘tins’ which are placed at several points on the court, while also eliminating members of the rival team in the process. Once a team’s collection of tins is knocked over, they may earn a chance at redemption
during last year’s inaugural run. So much so, that it was back by popular demand in 2020. “Last year was more of a trial run, and this year I put the word out and asked the kids if there was any interest in doing it again – overwhelmingly they said yes,” says Mr Harm. “Even though it was on during lunchtimes, there was an outstanding 90 per cent average participation from all houses.”
Steve Lewis filmed three videos a week and
“The participation was great, and I think the
starred demonstrators including Bryn Evans,
students really just enjoyed watching the videos
Once a student had completed the workout
Scott Mason, Stacey Ward and Patrick Wallas.
and seeing who was on that day,” says Mr Leslie.
at home, or one of their own choosing, a point
Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Cookie Monster
“It really was a lot of fun - a big thank you to the
would be awarded to their house.
also made a notable appearance.
staff who took part.”
demonstrate a new workout.
sport’s inclusivity. “You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy it,” he says. “There are some kids who have a good arm and choose to go on the attack, while others stay back and stand guard on the tins.” “There are very few events where there is a genuine opportunity for whole-house participation where all kids can feel really
Two pools of four houses battled it out in the
involved, regardless of their skill level. Tinball is
opponent does.
2020 Inter-House Tinball Competition, which
one of those events.”
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
Senior School.
Mr Harm says the best thing about Tinball is the
by racing to reassemble the tins before their
20
coaches Paul Haines and Daniel Roy to
A crew led by Director of Multimedia Studies
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
21
The
SAINTS
Sport.
I N T E R H O U S E C O M P E T I T I O N L I V E S O N All Saints’ Inter-House Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals went ahead this year, much to the delight of staff and students. In Cross Country, McIntosh House emerged victorious in the Middle School while Day House took out first place in the Senior School. The overall winning house was Burchill. When restrictions finally eased following lockdown, Mr Leslie says it was a wonderful moment to witness the return of inter-house competition. “On the day of Cross Country, it was just brilliant to see all the house colours on the oval once again,” he says. “I
A P S S W I M M E R S H O T O F F T H E B L O C K S
think it was one of the very first opportunities to see the whole school out there together.” At the time of writing, results for the Inter-House Athletics Carnivals were yet to be finalised. Results for all three competitions have now been published in Saints Alive.
H I S T O R Y - M A K I N G V I C T O R Y
On a sweltering Wednesday in January, All Saints swimmers took to the pool at Somerset College for the first and only official APS carnival of 2020.
A M E N D E D F O R M A T F O R A P S S P O R T
Archie Evans, Sunny Ronaldson and Oskar Sanders
Competition was stiff from the get-go with King’s Christian College and Emmanuel College becoming the teams to beat. “Emmanuel managed to pull away in the top spot towards the end of the day, and despite us gaining ground on King’s, we didn’t manage to pass them by the last race,” says Fergus Leslie, Director of Sport (Years 7 to 12). All Saints charged into third place, a mere 8.5 points behind the closest competitor. “As usual, I was incredibly proud of the students for the way they conducted themselves at the meet,” says Mr Leslie. “Everyone gave it their all and supported each other superbly well.” In the Age Champion results, Emma Steele (Year 9) came third in the 14 Years Girls division, Jade Crisp (Year 11) came second in the 16 Years Girls division and Tom Hauck (Year 12) won his division, the 17 and Over Boys. Tom also broke two records for his division in the 100m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke. At the inter-
Year 6 Basketball stars Denzyl Bianchin, Campbell Couch,
While the APS Swimming Championships was the only inter-school carnival to go ahead this year, the APS Sport competition went on despite a few changes to its regular format.
recently won gold at the Champion Basketball Schools
Season 1 initially commenced in January, however it was put on hold due to COVID-19. When normal classes resumed at the beginning Term 3, so too did Season 1, albeit in a condensed format.
schools in their race for the crown.
“We were two rounds into APS Season 1 when COVID hit, and this term we picked up where we left off,” explains Mr Leslie. Instead of the usual finals format, a round robin will take place to crown the 2020 Season 1 premiers. Season 2 will then be condensed into four rounds in Term 4. Although it’s not the year anyone could have imagined, Mr Leslie is thankful students still have a chance to compete. “It really benefits the students to be out once a week, not only in terms of fitness but just to spend time out in the open with their friends, even spectating and watching each other play on a Friday afternoon,” he says.
Queensland, Primary School 3 x 3 Competition in Logan. The team played 11 games over two days and charged through the competition undefeated, beating 28 other
Basketball coach Karen Couch says the championship match was a nail-biter that came down to the final seconds. “We were a basket down with less than 30 seconds to go; two quick baskets saw us take it out,” she says. This marks the first time an All Saints basketball team has won a division one gold medal at a championship. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was plenty of downtime between games. However, Ms Couch says the team pulled through with outstanding professionalism. “The team had to wait outside in the park for 90 minutes between each game,” she explains. “Fifty minutes of game time and seven hours of waiting isn’t ideal, but they were all so well behaved and it was worth it in the end.”
house level, Tom is now the holder of 34 of a possible 35 records in the entire swim program at All Saints. 22
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
23
The
SAINTS
Performing Arts.
P R O D I G A L S T U D E N T R E T U R N S F O R B L O O D B R O T H E R S Adding to the prestige of Blood Brothers, Broadway lighting designer and past All Saints student Mitchell Fenton (Class of 2009) lent his expertise to the show. As a lighting designer, his international credits include Swing!, Legends in Concert, Dublin Nights, Ballet Revolucion and Prohibition. He also lit the Helpmann Awards in Australia. As an Associate lighting designer, he has worked on many other on and off-Broadway shows including Little Miss Sunshine and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. When COVID-19 escalated in New York, Mitchell recalls the moment Broadway shut down and he hopped on a plane to Australia the next day.
T A K E
T O
T H E
“We went to lunch, just like any other day,” he says.
S T A G E R I S H I B L I S S A N D TA Y E G R A N T P L A Y T H E R O L E S O F E D W A R D A N D M I C K E Y.
“Within a few hours, we were on a phone call telling us to pack our stuff and go home, and that was it after only nine previews. All 41 Broadway theatres closed in the space of two hours, our show never officially opened.”
IT HAS BEEN A REGULAR TRADITION FOR DRAMA STUDENTS IN THE SENIOR CLASS TO DO AN
What began as a forced holiday soon became lockdown in
A N N U A L S H A K E S P E A R E P L A Y, H O W E V E R T H E 2 0 2 0 C O H O R T W A S K E E N T O S H A K E T H I N G S U P.
Australia. With some free time on his hands, Mitchell decided to return to All Saints and assist with the lighting design of
Enter Blood Brothers; a complex tale of fate and class division that, around the world, is generally retold by only the most accomplished thespians. Blood Brothers is the story of fraternal twins Mickey and Edward, who are separated at birth. One is raised in an upper-class family while the other lives desperately poor. Together they become an argument for nature-versus-nurture, and a haunting superstition follows them through life to its tragic end. The All Saints cast performed with a level of professionalism beyond their years, with some
Taye Grant (Year 11), who played the role of Mickey. Rishi Bliss (Year 12), who acted opposite Taye in the role of Edward, says it was refreshing to tackle such deep subject matter in a performance. “It wasn’t just one happy song after another, with a little bit of tension thrown in,” he says. “It was mentally and physically trying, and there were a lot
deeper meanings,” adds Taye.
show by creating a professional-grade lighting design. He
Head of Drama Chantelle Flint says every team
musicians he had to work with.
was a group of kids who could really nail the
nurturing young talent.” Mrs Flint says Mitchell inspired the crew with his level of professionalism and industry knowledge.
performance,” says Mrs Flint.
“When he first got on the desk in the Nairn Theatre all those
“It was tricky to run a musical during COVID, but the team were so professional from the outset –
musical the School had ever seen.
were able to perfect a lot of the elements including
keen, enthusiastic and beautiful.” Rishi also expresses his admiration for the Blood
show we’ve done at the School, in terms of the
“I feel like if we went through with the show when
Brothers band, which he believes involved “some of
accumulation of talent,” comments lead actor
we were originally going to, it wouldn’t have been
the best musicians we’ve ever seen at All Saints”.
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
Jones & Matthew Dean passionately and wholeheartedly
wanting to do for years, and we believed this
“I think the show turned out infinitely better, as we
24
Flint, Chris Cherry, Scott Mason, Annabel Westhoff, Gavin
and beyond to deliver an extraordinary show.
While the show was initially postponed due to the
the accents and the sets,” says Rishi.
“The future of theatre couldn’t be in better hands with Chantelle
actors to musicians and technicians, went above
even claiming it was the best and most mature
“Without being biased, I believe this is the best
was particularly impressed by the calibre of performers and
member who worked on Blood Brothers, from
of heavy elements to deal with.”
disruption was a blessing in disguise.
Mitchell treated Blood Brothers like any other Broadway
had so much time to work on things and find the
“This is a play that Chris Cherry and I have been
outbreak of COVID-19, Rishi and Taye believe the
Blood Brothers.
quite at the level it was in the end, just because we
years ago, you could tell he was born to do this job,” she reflects. B L O O D B R O T H E R S ’ A L L - S TA R C A S T D R A W S T H E A U D I E N C E ’ S A T T E N T I O N T O T H E D E T R I M E N TA L E F F E C T THAT SOCIAL INEQUALITY CAN HAVE ON PEOPLE’S LIVES.
Mitchell has now returned to New York City to begin preparing for two Broadway shows in 2021.
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
25
The
SAINTS
Performing Arts. BY S C O T T M A S O N , D I R E C T O R O F P E R F O R M I N G A R T S
Performing Arts
THEATREFEST While I’m certainly used to the pressures of performing, I am always in awe when I see students in our annual TheatreFest competition. The competition requires a themed presentation involving several Performing Arts disciplines such as dance, mime, song, monologue and poetry in a combined dramatic performance. The external adjudicator, Mrs Annette Stoddart was amazed at the standard and complimented all
T E R M 3 T W I L I G H T C O N C E R T S
students on their impressive
It was fantastic to again be giving ‘live’ concerts following
these performances is simply
the COVID-19 online learning period. The school bands, string
immeasurable and while it is
orchestras and choral groups performed superbly at the
lovely to acknowledge those
Twilight Concerts to very appreciative audiences.
who received placings, all
presentations. The skills the students gain from doing
students are winners in terms of
B R I N G I N G
T H E
M U S I C
what they achieved.
B A C K C O N C E R T O
When Music Captains Ryo Takamizawa and
Ryo believes the initiative has soothed the soul of
Katrina Ng first returned to school after the
All Saints by inspiring a sense of togetherness that
COVID-19 online learning period, almost two thirds of students were still required to stay at home. One of the things All Saints is well-known for is
AT ALL SAINTS, WE HAVE A STRONG ETHOS OF SHARING,
“At All Saints, we have a strong ethos of sharing,
BEING TOGETHER AND DOING
being together and doing things together – that’s
music but there was little music to be heard. So
THINGS TOGETHER – THAT’S WHAT
our captains hatched a plan to bring it back on a
MUSIC IS ALL ABOUT.
grand scale.
returned to campus, Katrina and Ryo organised
“Mr Wallas asked if it would be possible to run
a surprise series of welcome back pop-up
more concerts, but on a smaller scale and more
performances. A total of 12 quartets, ensembles,
frequently,” she says.
around the school and played for parents, staff and students as they arrived in the morning.
The biennial Concerto Competition provides an
SENIOR SCHOOL:
SENIOR SCHOOL:
opportunity for our talented soloists to perform a
• BRIANA DORROUGH (VOICE)
• 1ST RISHI BLISS
movement of a classical concerto with orchestral
• ANNABELLE DWYER (FLUTE)
• 2ND ELODIE WESTHOFF (PICTURED)
• I N G R A M FA N ( V I O L I N )
• 3RD SAHARA MCCARTHY
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
• MONET GENET (VIOLIN)
• 1ST ISABELLE ARTHUR
accompaniment. During the heats, the soloists perform with piano accompaniment and from this, three Middle School and three Senior School students are selected to go through to the finals. As is always the case, the competitors were outstanding and the adjudicators
what music is all about,” says Ryo.
had a tough decision. After much discussion, Isabella Ngo won the Middle School section and Ingram Fan
• ISABELLA NGO (PIANO)
• 2ND MADDY COOKE
“COVID disrupted that ideology, so the biggest
was the overall winner.
• T R I S TA N P O FA N D T ( T R O M B O N E )
• 3RD GEORGIA OGGE
challenge for everyone, the school leaders and the executive, was to try and keep that sense
On Monday 25 May, when all students finally
choirs and bands were dotted at different locations
had been sorely missed.
C O M P E T I T I O N
“In normal situations we would be doing eisteddfods and twilight concerts, but since
of community through this period of fragmentation.” Ryo adds that COVID-19 was a humbling situation that forced people to be introspective and look at things they previously took for granted.
we had lost our normal performance routine,
Katrina and Ryo both hope the pop-up concerts
Everyone was finally back, and so was the music –
Ryo and I loved the idea to keep running small
will continue after they graduate.
S T A F F
but the captains didn’t stop there.
performances around the School.”
“Keep your eye out for more performances,”
Not only can they teach, but they can perform! A full house of parents, students and friends enjoyed
Katrina says the welcome back concert was so
Since then, there have been several pop-up
Katrina says. “They’ll be running for the rest of this
hearing a diverse range of music from the talented teachers at the annual Performing Arts Staff
popular that more pop-ups were immediately
performances in Terms 2 and 3, sometimes with
year, and we may even be passing the baton to
Concert held in February.
inspired.
two or more happening in a single week.
next year’s captains.”
26
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
I N
A C T I O N
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
27
The
SAINTS
Academic.
A
M E E T I N G
O F
T H E
M I N D S
MINDS
E P S P
Year 12 student Eileen Lin has been invited to participate at the Queensland University of Technology’s 2020 STEM Camp. Only the most eager and highest-achieving
Kento believes that, at the very least,
students from around Australia are invited
the NYSF is an exclusive opportunity to
to attend the NYSF, and in most cases only
experience study paths and careers in STEM.
one student per school will be selected to take part. This year, a record three representatives from All Saints were chosen to participate in the prestigious 11-day residential program in January, following an intense selection and grant process. Year 12 students Amy Young and Katrina Ng participated in NYSF Session A, which was
“At best, it’s a unique opportunity for unparalleled personal development,” he adds. Mr David-Tooze is proud of his students for
Eileen will participate in several problem solving-challenges, lectures and seminars hosted by QUT’s leading team of STEM
participating in the NYSF and being such
professors and researchers.
brilliant ambassadors for scientific studies
Eileen has always been fascinated by
at All Saints.
the way complicated things function,
He says it’s important for them to continue seeking opportunities for connecting with
such as the human body and computers. She hopes the STEM camp will feed her
“Medical science is the main area I want
took part in Session B at the University of
students – I think it’s good for these high
Queensland in Brisbane.
achievers to meet others like themselves from all around the country,” he says.
explored a vast range of university and
“The NYSF is a big meeting of the brains. The
career pathways in science.
friends they make there, they keep for years and years and often meet again in industry down the track.”
to focus on because it’s great fun for me to learn about exactly how the small and complex elements of the human body work together to create what we take for granted in everyday life,” she says. “Computer science is one subject with amazing possibilities. A breakthrough in any area is nearly impossible without
horizons, as they were exposed to several
interaction with computer science.”
rare career insights and opportunities that aren’t afforded to all.
While at the camp, Eileen is keen to meet
“The NYSF is generally where companies and
forward to seeing how scientific research
fellow science enthusiasts and is looking
universities choose to head-hunt their future
is conducted in real life.
leaders,” explains Mr David-Tooze.
“It will be great to meet people with similar
“Many of the students who have gone
interests and exchange ideas with them,”
through it have continued on to do PhDs and
she says.
work for high-flying companies in science and beyond.”
“The gathering of like-minded people can
Amy, Katrina and Kento visited cutting-edge
you find you are not the only quirky person
create a comforting atmosphere when
science, technology, mathematics and
who gets really excited about weird things
engineering (STEM) facilities and attended
like holding a soft gooey human brain,
numerous social events and functions that
or asking academic questions in casual
gave them a taste for college life.
conversations.”
“I met so many like-minded people, whose
QUT’s Camp Selection Committee cited
passion for STEM has given me the motivation
Eileen’s “outstanding STEM leadership
to do my best in Year 12,” says Amy.
potential” as a key reason for their choice to accept her in the program.
“It was an incomparable, whirlwind experience that let me meet so many influential people from all over Australia,” Katrina agrees.
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
society today.
“At this school we have a lot of high-ability
Tooze says this broadened the students’
28
with many of the major challenges facing
Canberra, while their classmate Kento Seki
Head of Science (Years 10-12) Mark David-
STUDENTS TO PURSUE EXCITING CAREERS IN SCIENCE.
long experience where students engage
insatiable curiosity on these subjects.
While at the NYSF, these Year 12 students
T H E C O U N T RY ’ S E L I T E P R O G R A M S T H AT I N S P I R E S S E N I O R
The STEM camp is an interactive week-
other leaders in their fields.
held at the Australian National University in
T H E N AT I O N A L Y O U T H S C I E N C E F O R U M ( N Y S F ) I S O N E O F
I L E E N T O U R S U E C I E N T I F I C A S S I O N S
She will be taking part in the camp during L-R: KATRINA NG, KENTO SEKI AND AMY YOUNG.
the September holidays.
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
29
The
SAINTS
Alumni.
B E L I N D A - J A N E
O R W I N
CLASS OF 2007 PA R A M E D I C A T S O U T H C E N T R A L A M B U L A N C E S E R V I C E
T H E
C O V I D
READING, ENGLAND
After completing her Bachelor of Paramedic Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Belinda-Jane moved to the UK to pursue her career as a paramedic. COVID-19 hit the UK hard in February, meaning Belinda-Jane and her colleagues were forced to quickly adapt daily habits in order to protect staff, patients and the community. “We had to change what we wore while on jobs, so as a minimum we now have to wear a surgical mask, plastic apron and gloves with every patient,” she explains. “If the patient is in cardiac arrest, we need to dress in levelthree personal protective equipment (PPE), made up of a
A R O U N D T H E W O R L D, T H E R E A R E
Tyvek suit, a FFP3 respirator, face shield, two pairs of gloves
A L L S A I N T S PA S T S T U D E N T S F I G H T I N G
and an apron. Imagine how hot you get doing CPR dressed
ON THE FRONTLINES AGAINST COVID-19.
in that!” In Belinda-Jane’s opinion, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has coped generally well, despite losing 40,000 of the
Many of them are giving up their precious time – including weekends, nights
population to COVID-19 and having an average of 10 per cent
and holidays – for what may feel like the thankless job of ensuring our
of NHS staff away sick at any given time.
communities stay healthy. We spoke to a few All Saints alumni in various
She reflects on the heart-warming ‘Clap for our Carers’
medical roles, from hospital staff and paramedics through to researchers and lab technicians. Here we share their stories on how the pandemic has touched their lives and how it has dramatically changed the medical industry.
initiative where, on Thursdays at 8pm during the height of the first wave, people all over the UK would clap, whistle, bang pots and make noise from their doorsteps to show appreciation for the NHS. “It was great to be a part of and feel appreciated,” she says. “As difficult as these times are in the healthcare industry, staff morale is actually high thanks to the support of the public around us.”
30
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
31
The
SAINTS
Alumni.
W A T A R U
G O T O
CLASS OF 2011 RESPIRATORY PHYSIOTHERAPIST LONDON, ENGL AND
At the peak of COVID-19 in London, there was a time when only a few beds remained in the hospital Wataru works in before it was completely overrun by sick patients. As a respiratory physiotherapist who has treated countless positive cases through the pandemic, it has
B R Y A N N A
M C D E R M O T T
been his job to help keep the airways of his patients clear, as well as to help wean them off ventilators and tracheostomy tubes.
CLASS OF 2004 PROJECT DIRECTOR AT NUCLEUS NETWORK MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
Wataru works for the Barts Health NHS Hospitals Trust in London. At the peak of the pandemic, the hospital he is stationed in created makeshift beds to get by. He also witnessed an incredible strain on the intensive care unit, which was required to increase to 150 per cent of its usual capacity.
There’s a burning question on
innovations of drugs, therapies
everyone’s mind when it comes
and devices that would come to
to COVID-19: when will there be a
the market and improve the quality
vaccine?
of life of patients or reduce their
As Project Director at Australia’s
suffering,” says Bryanna.
leading Phase I clinical trial
“But nothing has been more
organisation, Bryanna McDermott
professionally and personally
has a better idea than most.
inspiring than the global research
Bryanna works with many international pharmaceutical and biotech companies that develop new drugs, therapies and medicines and conditions that people commonly suffer from,
community’s ability to mobilise its
Minnesota in the United States.
V O G E S
aspect of physiotherapy,” he recalls. “I personally was guilty of not taking it that seriously
CLASS OF 2009
until I saw first-hand what this virus was capable of.
RESEARCH OFFICER AT MURDOCH CHILDREN’S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The first two months were surreal and all went by in
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
a blur.” and across the country to launch the opening of
In August, the MCRI won a share of $5.5 million
body, and what drugs work best to treat the
the facility which is the very first integration of its
which was granted by the State Government’s
inspiring.
disease?
kind in the world,” Holly says.
COVID-19 Research Fund.
have. I’m so incredibly proud to
“It bought great joy to me throughout that time –
play a small part in that!”
Using stem cell technology, these are the kinds of questions Holly Voges is trying to answer.
Everything changed for MCRI when coronavirus
She says that, while the slow-moving nature of
helping patients talk for the first time in months and
hit, and the launch was inevitably cancelled.
research prevents people from getting immediate
bring potential COVID-19 vaccine trials to the fore as quickly as they
Bryanna estimates that, without
in Melbourne, Brisbane and
H O L L Y
How exactly does COVID-19 affect the human
Her role is to oversee the Project
of studies from clinical trial units
upskilled to be able to assist with the respiratory
in the rehabilitation side of COVID-19 was incredibly
including COVID-19.
Network, which runs the delivery
musculoskeletal physios were redeployed and
Through the challenges, Wataru says being involved
resources and knowledge power, to
When asked about the potential
Management Team at Nucleus
“We changed our schedule to work longer shifts,
timeline of a COVID-19 vaccine,
listening to them chat to their loved ones over Zoom was something I’ll cherish forever.”
Holly works in a disease modelling facility which was initially established to do high-throughput drug screening in miniature organs, called
cutting corners or seeking approval
organoids, that are grown in dishes from human
faster than ethically allowed, we
stem cells.
could see a commercially available solution as early as next year.
Her hi-tech office contains an integrated robotic suite that is capable of growing cells in very large
“Realistically, we’re probably
Nucleus Network is currently the
quantities and monitoring the effects of drugs in
looking at 2021 before we have
Australian Phase I unit of choice
real time on those cells.
a safe and ethically approved
to deliver three of the world’s
vaccination,” Bryanna says.
28 ongoing COVID-19 vaccine trials, ones that may discover the highly-anticipated answer to this pandemic.
“For any Queenslanders who have family or friends in Victoria, it looks like we will be in some form of ‘lockdown’ until a vaccine becomes
“Basically, I play with robots all day and look at pretty pictures of cells,” she jokes. Before the pandemic broke out, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) was
Holly’s work then turned into finding new drugs that can better treat COVID-19 and looking at how the virus causes damage to human organs at the cellular level. “At MCRI we have world class experts in stem cell biology, and individual research groups that have dedicated decades of work to creating and improving these miniaturised heart, kidney, and brain organoids,” says Holly. “Since COVID-19 hit, we have all pivoted to use these organoid models to help study how SARSCoV2 infects these tissues individually.”
answers, she is proud to be part of a coordinated effort that is rarely seen in the landscape of competitive science. “We have never been in a better position than we are now to fight a global pandemic,” Holly says. “Since the first case of SARS-CoV2 infection, it only took a few weeks to have the virus genome fully sequenced. This is remarkably quick compared to previous influenza virus and coronavirus outbreaks.” “In the subsequent months, there has been a huge amount of progress in our understanding of the virus and this has meant a quicker turn around to
preparing to launch its cutting-edge Disease
Holly’s team is currently testing a huge range of
reaching clinical trials for a possible vaccine.”
Modelling Facility.
“As someone who has worked
available, or at least imposed
FDA-approved drugs to see if they can better treat
Working through stage four restrictions has taken its
in clinical research for over 10
restrictions for a long time
“We had engineers, biologists, microscopists, and
the symptoms of COVID-19, to reduce mortality
toll mentally and physically, however Holly says she
years, I was always in awe of the
to come.”
generous donors flying in from Japan, Germany
while virologists work on a vaccine.
still feels lucky to be helping in whatever way she can.
32
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
33
The
SAINTS
K I M
Community.
P O L L A C K
JAMES MILLHOUSE
CLASS OF 2003 E M E R G E N C Y P H Y S I C I A N A T A U S T I N H E A LT H
CLASS OF 2010
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
MEDICAL REGISTRAR AT G O L D C O A S T U N I V E R S I T Y H O S P I TA L G O L D C O A S T, Q U E E N S L A N D
James primarily works at Gold Coast University Hospital’s renal department, which involves the assessment and management of patients who are on dialysis, are battling with severe kidney diseases or those who have had kidney transplants. When the virus first escalated, James was working out of Redlands Hospital where he cared for a few young COVID-positive patients. “A couple of them rapidly deteriorated over the space of hours and required transfer to a larger hospital in Brisbane whereby they were promptly placed on life support,” he says. “On a medical level it was a challenge.” James encourages people to be aware of the far-reaching and often unsuspected
Captains
consequences coronavirus can have.
I N S P I R E
“Luckily COVID is often asymptomatic
Y O U N G
L E A D E R S
however, that does not mean it is benign. There is data and case reports of damage to the brain, lungs, heart and kidneys even in patients who recover. The virus is also
Leaders often follow the footsteps of people
Paige says she now has a better understanding of
well known to cause blood clots,”
they respect.
what it is to be a role model because of the seminar.
This is certainly the case for many All Saints students
“We look up to the Year 12 captains, and I don’t think
who look up to our captains.
we realise it but the Preppies and the Year 1s and
he explains. James remains positive that the world’s collective understanding of the virus has improved dramatically since the beginning of 2020. Prior to the outbreak, Kim’s work involved running
“Some of the most challenging work is helping
the emergency department, supervising junior
families come to terms with their loved one dying
doctors and treating patients at Austin Health.
and not being able to do that face-to-face or with
These days it’s much of the same, only on a larger
a kind arm around their shoulder. I worry that this
scale.
makes us seem callous or hardened, when really
The emergency department at Austin Health has been divided into two separate departments, with one exclusively dealing with patients that are confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases. Kim says the hardest times are when protective gear seems to get in the way of compassion.
it is a necessity to keep staff safe and be able to keep working.” Despite the difficult moments, Kim feels privileged to work in healthcare during this time. “It’s not always easy, but I’m so lucky to work with an incredible group of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, patient services assistants, clerical
“Our ventilation strategies and therapeutics have improved, and this has resulted in a much lower in hospital mortality rate than earlier in the year.”
Early in Term 3, our Junior and Middle School leaders had the chance to discover and expand their leadership potential in a seminar hosted by School
the people in grades below us actually look up to us,” says Paige. “If you are a school captain, you need to lead by example every day.”
Captains Chloe Alford, Kento Seki, Rishi Bliss and
At the seminar, each of the Year 12 captains ran a
Krystal Pericleous (pictured).
separate rotation workshop focused on attributes
The captains spoke about their leadership beliefs, sharing personal experiences and advice through a
including encouragement, contribution and selfconfidence.
TO BE A SCHOOL CAPTAIN
The younger leaders learned valuable lessons on the
initiatives.
day, including what it means to be a captain.
Year 6 students Paige Bolton and Ava Sutcliffe were two
“It’s about putting other people first,” says Ava. “If
of the Junior School Leaders who attended the seminar.
you’re leading a sports team, don’t make yourself the
KNOW WHAT ATTRIBUTES
person who is going to be a star. Make sure everyone
YOU NEED TO HAVE.
Ava is grateful to now understand the responsibilities that come with being a captain and learning about the road to senior leadership.
ONE DAY, BUT NOW I KNOW WHY I WANT TO BE ONE – I
gets an even chance.” “I think it’s about being a servant leader – making sure you are enthusiastic about it and you’re helping
and security staff. The true joy of emergency
When you’re younger, you might say you want to be
never see our faces and we don’t see theirs due to
medicine lies in the teamwork, and my team are
a school captain one day, but now I know why I want
masks worn for the protection of everyone,”
some of the most adaptable, positive, skilled and
to be one – I know what attributes you need to have,”
It’s safe to say the future of leadership is in excellent
she says.
kind-hearted people you will ever meet.
says Ava.
hands at All Saints.
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
YOU MIGHT SAY YOU WANT
series of uplifting, positive and fun mini workshop
“We wear high-level PPE on all shifts. Our patients
34
WHEN YOU’RE YOUNGER,
others to take initiative,” Paige adds.
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
35
The
SAINTS
Careers.
S E R V I N G U P A N E W C A R E E R S D I N N E R
R E A R R A N G I N G
The Heavens
DUE TO EVENT RESTRICTIONS IN Q U E E N S L A N D, H E AV E N S ABOVE WAS CHOSEN AS THE SETTING FOR THE YEAR 12 CAREERS DINNER.
This year the event was split into four separate dinners to accommodate social distancing, and each focused on a specific area of interest. There was a night for STEAM, for business and law, for health and for medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy. Past students and university representatives working in these industries delivered panel presentations in their respective fields. Ms Weeks says the Careers Dinner is vital in helping students understand more about their chosen pathways from people who have walked them before. “The dinners are important so that the students can reconfirm for themselves that they’ve chosen the right path,” she says.
ONE OF OUR ICONIC ALL SAINTS
To accommodate a growing need for
ideal space for expanding the skills of
Hospitality Teacher Andy Tonkin says the
FACILITIES, THE HEAVENS
learning and delivery of hospitality at All
hospitality students and entertaining
new space has inspired more students to
Saints, the restaurant was renovated and
members of the school community.
pursue hospitality as a study and career
A B O V E T R A I N I N G R E S T A U R A N T, HAS UNDERGONE A RECENT T R A N S F O R M AT I O N .
reintroduced as the School’s updated industry-standard function space. Heavens Above is equipped with a commercial-grade kitchen, a fully
working in the field, as well as improve their understanding of different university
pathway.
courses.”
we can hold more regular meal services, and we intend to,” says Ms Weeks.
they just love being up here – putting on
THE BEST WAY FOR
their uniforms and working in a genuine
STUDENTS TO LEARN
“The best way for students to learn about
of beverages as well as coffee service,
hospitality is by doing hospitality. We’ve
plus a cookery demonstration area
had a number of breakfast and lunch
which includes a large screen monitor for
services over the past few weeks and
students to clearly observe all aspects of
look forward to hosting many more.”
hospitality environment,” says Mr Tonkin. “Our hospitality subject is very popular with students. We aim to inspire in our students a passion for food and beverage, either
ABOUT HOSPITALITY
The Parents & Friends Association and Past Students Association regularly donate funds to assist with the running of the Careers Dinner.
IS BY DOING
For the second year in a row, the P&F
HOSPITALITY
supporting the cost of inviting special
generously agreed to cover the full event,
to work in a diverse range of roles in the
Recent meal services in Heavens Above
guests and removing the need for paid
hospitality industry or as a consumer of
student attendance.
have included breakfasts for parents
food and beverage. Heavens Above provides
and staff, as well as catering for Heads
the opportunity to learn in a real-world
Director of Careers and VET Alison
of House meetings and the Year 12
hospitality setting and to develop skills to the
Weeks says Heavens Above is now an
culmination parent lunch.
level expected by industry”.
Heavens Above now has increased seating capacity of 100 people.
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
they’ve chosen and talk to people who are
“We see so much enthusiasm from students,
licenced bar providing an extensive range
cookery demonstrations.
36
“With the newly refurbished restaurant,
“They can ask questions about the path
Ms Weeks offers her thanks to both associations for their ongoing support.
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
37
The
SAINTS
International.
Year 12 students Kate Andrews,
Japanese, and it was so nice to put all
partnership arrangements between
Madeline Rorie and Will Asanoshi
my studying into practice,” she says.
Chiba, Tezukayama and All Saints
The six students also had the chance
have unfortunately been put on hold.
to explore the main sights in Tokyo
“Chiba always sends two large groups
completed their homestay and schooling experience at Chiba Eiwa High School near Tokyo, while
and Osaka, which included visits to
classmates Michael Smith, Jessica
School in Osaka. While overseas, the students were in
students have the chance to travel to
unfortunately not be able to participate
LIKE HAVING A
much Japanese culture as they could.
each school.
in an international exchange program
“Initially, the language barrier appeared
“We had more than 10 students who
my host family warmly welcomed
Mr Bartlett negotiated so we could
me into their home, introducing me
send three students to each school,
to various aspects of Japanese
which was absolutely fantastic,” says
culture and helping me improve my
Ms Suita.
international borders are opened soon.
AND MORE
a second soul – I see it makes our
CONFIDENT
students grow happier and more confident,” says Ms Suita. “Hopefully
language improved vastly as a result
exchange All Saints could run for the foreseeable future.
the exchange program can start up
of the trip. “After just two weeks I felt as though I
Due to the emergence of COVID-19,
can benefit from these unique cultural
was already more confident speaking
Ms Suita says the exchange
experiences.”
S U S T A I N A B L E
GROW HAPPIER
“Speaking languages is like having
trip would be the last international
again very soon so that more students
S A V O I R - F A I R E
Being a great teacher means being
Mme Spinella was inspired by The
“It was wonderful to be a student
with their student friends in New
dynamic and constantly finding new
Collège Sacré Coeur in Bourail, a
again and to truly indulge my
Caledonia,” she says.
ways to stay relevant and exciting in
sister school of All Saints, which is
passion for the French language,”
the classroom.
classified as an ‘éco-collège’ in the
she says.
This is something Mary Spinella
French educational sphere.
Next, Mme Spinella spent time at
knows to be true, having recently expanded her own learning through the MILTAQ Language Teacher
“With this in mind, I started to think of developing a unit of work based on sustainability, with French language students as the catalyst,
She was one of two All Saints staff
that could involve both schools
members, including Middle School
in some level of cross-curricular
Japanese teacher Jo Ridgers, to
collaboration,” she says.
“When those students eventually come here, we can show them
The Collège Sacré Coeur, visiting its classes, participating in language sessions and collecting information
our own initiatives and talk about them in either English or French, depending on the lesson.”
about different sustainability
Mme Spinella believes it’s important
initiatives and programs that are
for teachers to be constantly
available in the French schooling
improving their own skillsets,
system.
particularly in languages.
This wealth of information enabled
“For a language teacher, continuing
Mme Spinella spent the first week
Mme Spinella to form the basis of a unit of study, which she plans to
the learning journey is extremely
in New Caledonia at the CREIPAC
to develop a unit of work on
Institute in Noumea, where she
facilitate at All Saints.
sustainability in French, which would
received advanced private tutoring
“The goal is to help my French
she says. “I do everything I possibly
in turn inform her delivery of the
around the linguistic requirements of
students be able to discuss
can to maintain my French and
curriculum back in Australia.
her sustainability project.
environmental issues and solutions
improve it.”
recently receive this scholarship. As part of her experience, Mme Spinella travelled to New Caledonia
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
OUR STUDENTS
10s will get the chance, provided
Little did anyone know this special
Travel Scholarship program.
38
SEE IT MAKES
Ms Suita is hopeful the current Year
Jessica says her ability to speak the
A
S A I N T S ’ J A PA N E S E E X C H A N G E P R O G R A M .
SECOND SOUL – I
during their time left at All Saints,
were interested in going to Japan and
Japanese.”
T O L I V E A N D L E A R N I N J A PA N A S PA RT O F A L L
SPEAKING LANGUAGES IS
a bit confronting,” says Madeline. “But
INTREPID STUDENTS SEIZED AN OPPORTUNITY
sad that we suddenly lost them all.” Although Year 11 students will
Japanese homes and soaking up as
D U R IN G T H E D E C E M B E R H O L IDAYS , S I X
we have integration programs, and it is
says it was the largest combined ever facilitated, as usually only two
to regular Japanese classes, living in
exchange
in March,” says Ms Suita. “Every year
Japanese Coordinator Hirochiyo Suita Japanese Exchange All Saints had
a state of complete immersion, going
S P E C I A L
March, and Tezukayama sends a third
Temple and more.
Tezukayama Gakuin Izumigaoka High
A
to us every year in February and
Universal Studios, Mount Koya, Narita
Wood and Molly Jackson went to
important, because you need to keep the language fresh and recent,”
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
39
The
SAINTS
Community.
Reaching Out WHILE COVID-19 HAS AFFECTED US ALL, IT IS HITTING SOME MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY HARDER THAN OTHERS.
COVID-19 poses the greatest risk to our senior citizens in aged care facilities, many of whom have no choice but to live cautiously or in lockdown until a vaccine is commercially available. Due to the school’s Service Learning Program, there is a strong connection between All Saints and aged care facilities in Queensland. From the pen pals initiative in Years 5 and 6, through to aged care facility visits during the
also included pictures and words of comfort. Many Year 9 student leaders contacted the friends they had made while on Service Learning Camp by writing poems, discussing thoughts and making collages for them to enjoy. “The students realised that these beautiful people they had met are going through a hard time,” says Mrs Barker.
Year 9 Service Learning Camp, the School has
“Because there is contact between our students
always encouraged its students to connect with
and these facilities, it becomes so much more
senior friends.
than just a nebulous thing they hear on the news.
Service Learning Coordinator Lynette Barker says this special relationship has become a lifeline for many elderly people who are suffering loneliness as a result of rigid COVID-19 restrictions. “The aged care facilities especially were the hardest hit,” says Mrs Barker. “When I phoned all
These are real people, and I think children need to experience that personal relationship beforehand to understand that these people really are in need.” Mrs Barker is proud to see students go through the Service Learning Program and come out of it
Dear Mr Mills,
Thank you so much for your letter. All your holidays sound amazing. It would be so cool to go to India and Nepal. I never thought of how they would clean 700,000 litre beer tanks. Schooling from home is much different than going to school every day (one good thing is that you get to sleep in).
Dear Archie, I have never had a lesson on using a keyboard or a computer as it was such a long time ago that I was at school computers had not been invented!
with a deeper and more compassionate view of
our pen pals to touch base, there was an element
the world.
of loneliness, and there was fear.”
“If you don’t have a grandparent who has gone into
Hi Mrs Meers,
While the usual pen pals ‘meet and greet’ morning
aged care, you usually don’t have the opportunity
tea couldn’t go ahead this year, Mrs Barker and the
to understand what it’s like,” she says.
I’m gutted that I don’t get to see you this term. Thank you for your letter. It was great. I’m sad that I don’t get to see you so I thought that I would show you what I’ve been doing in this COVID-19 lockdown (it’s been tough but I’m beginning to adapt).
students explored different ways of reaching out.
“This service learning component opens the door
Students instead sent their pen pals a letter
to seeing and understanding this aspect of the
themed ‘a day in the life of an online learner’, which
real world.”
40
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
W I T H O U T
B O R D E R S
T H E R E A R E C U R R E N T LY A R O U N D 3 0 I N T E R N A T I O N A L S T U D E N T S W H O A R E L I V I N G AND STUDYING OVERSEAS, IN THEIR HOME COUNTRIES, UNABLE TO RETURN TO AUSTRALIA FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
With distance and physical separation comes
“I can only imagine how lonely and hard it must
tactile reminder that ‘yes, we can see you over
an added level of hardship, and the absence of
be not being around your friends and in the loving
the waves’.”
these students is sorely felt by peers and teachers
All Saints environment. We wanted to let those
throughout the Senior School.
students know we are thinking of them and we so
Happening! A Christian Experience is a weekend event encouraging students to live out their
look forward to having them back whenever it is they can return.”
Jude says it feels like members of the All Saints family are missing when he is not able to learn alongside them. However, he adds the relationships between All
Christian faith. These Happeners recently sent out
Mother Ann McGuinness says Happening! is made
special care packages to their friends overseas,
up of warm-hearted and selfless individuals whose
aiming to reignite a sense of togetherness.
actions are reflected in the School’s Christian
peers are still strong.
ethos.
“I think that if we all just try our best to keep in
the packs contained All Saints shirts, hats, bottles
She is proud of the way they have come together
touch with each other, ask if we’re ok, see how
and other merchandise, as well as a USB with
for their international friends.
people are going and check up on friends – we will
Happening! member Jude Hendriks (Year 11) says
video messages of love and kindness from several people within the Senior School community.
“The Happeners group are a team quiet achievers
Saints students in Australia and their international
get through it together,” says Jude.
who do so much good work on campus,” says
“While we might be separated by oceans or long
“We just wanted to send a little piece of All Saints
Mother Ann. “By putting something together for
distances, we really are just a phone call, video
over to them,” explains Jude.
our international students, they are sending a
chat or message away.” ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL
41
The
SAINTS
R E C Y C L I N G B I N L O C A T I O N S
recycling F O R
T H E
and we’re also accepting oral care waste like
recycling. So far, there’s been a vast improvement.
toothbrushes and empty toothpaste tubes,” adds
cent of its waste to organics, which includes green waste from its gardens. All Saints also commits very little of its food waste to landfill, thanks to the new food organic bins that have been installed in the three main kitchens around campus, Heavens Above, the Heart + Soul Café and International House. Senior School Head of Humanities Erin Merrin says recycling is an impactful initiative that every person in the school community can easily support. “We have waste collection initiatives that we’d love for parents to be involved with including Containers for Change,” says Ms Merrin. Eligible containers for this waste stream include most glass, plastic, aluminium steel and paperbased cartons between 150ml and 3L with the eligible 10c return label.
Ms Merrin. As of Term 4, parents and students will School Administration and CSI. Writing implements will be collected at the Junior, Middle and Senior School Administrations. Bringing in these waste items not only benefits the environment but also has a long-lasting impact on
BUS TURNAROUND
3
JUNIOR SCHOOL UNDERCROFT
C O N T A I N E R S F O R C H A N G E B I N L O C A T I O N S
1
TUCKSHOP
2
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
3
SENIOR SCHOOL COMMON ROOM
4
CSI UNDERCROFT
5
YEAR 7
6
YEAR 8
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YEAR 9
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JUNIOR SCHOOL CAR PARK
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JUNIOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
the School. For example, the collection of oral care waste goes towards winning more garden beds for the community garden, writing implements parcels of 1kg receive $1 in donation points redeemable for donation to charity. Accepted items include any brand of pen, felt tip, highlighter, marker, correction fluid (empty), correction tape, mechanical pencil and eraser pen. No wooden items are accepted. The tables on the right indicate the main waste collection points around campus. Find more information about recycling at All Saints on the ‘Sustainability at All Saints’ page on FIDO. Remember to always – avoid, reduce, reuse and
such as bringing in any old writing implements,
finally recycle!
LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY
2
BUSINESSES YOU CAN TRUST
be able to recycle their oral care waste at the Junior
“We also want to encourage stationery recycling,
42
HPE CARPARK
S C H O O L
In 2019, All Saints ramped up its commitment to
The School is now diverting approximately 60 per
1
10
SENIOR LECTURE THEATRE
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JUNIOR SCHOOL UNDERCROFT
12
MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF ROOM
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JOHN FRADGLEY SPORTS CENTRE
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CSI FOYER
All Saints families are able to advertise their goods and services free of charge in our very own All Saints Business Directory. In turn, members of our community can discover and engage companies they know they can trust. Now more than ever, we encourage families to support one another. To access the business directory, simply download the All Saints app from the App Store or Google Play. To enquire about listing your business, please contact Sally Snow at ssnow@asas.qld.edu.au.
k n Tha You WE WOULD SINCERELY LIKE TO THANK OUR STUDENTS, STAFF, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS FOR THEIR CONTINUING SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT. IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL asas.qld.edu.au Highfield Drive Merrimac 4226 +61 7 5587 0309