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I have long been fascinated by the legacy left by the late and quite remarkable Bengali poet, playwright, painter and social reformer, Rabindranath Tagore. Amongst a lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments, he became in 1913 the first non-European to win the Nobel prize in Literature. He dedicated his life to effecting productive change – inspiring what has become known as the Bengali Renaissance, resisting the British occupation of India (he famously renounced his knighthood in response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919) and travelling to over 30 countries on five continents at a time when such travel was more challenging than it might be today.
The front cover of this edition of The Saints magazine reminds us that All Saints has undergone much change since its establishment in 1987 and is about to embark upon a new adventure under the leadership of Principal-elect, Mr Matt Corbett. This picture of ‘The Three Amigos,’ taken during Matt’s recent visit to our School, reminded me of a short poem that Tagore wrote about the nature of change:
The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.
Time is a wealth of change, but the clock in its parody makes it mere change and no wealth.
Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.
I am much too clumsy to ‘dance…like dew on the tip of a leaf’ but I feel that same sense of reassurance as I read Tagore’s words as I do when I wander through the vibrant pages of this edition of The Saints. They speak of a culture that delights in exploration, dreaming and discovery; of possibilities that inspire collective and individual expressions of delight.
Obviously, I am biased, but I consider it a blessing that a school in its 37th year is only now welcoming our third Principal into a family that nourishes and encourages all in its embrace.
I have written at length in the past about the legacy of the remarkable founder of our school. Len achieved miracles beyond my imagining and certainly beyond my capabilities. He is the rock upon which the firm foundations of our school were founded. I have since bumbled my way through 23 glorious years of stewardship, delighting in the opportunities those years have provided for growth, for challenge and for developing relationships that are so sustaining and enriching.
Then I look at the young, open face of our heir apparent and quietly smile at God’s providence in sending to us such a decent, sensitive, emotionally intelligent leader who will guide our school through its next phase of flourishing. Our arms will be held wide and welcoming as Matt and his family join us at the start of next year. They have already received a foretaste of what that welcome might entail and, just as it has done for me, I know this community, founded on the principles of Truth, Faith and Compassion, will fulfil and delight them in ways they can hardly imagine.
Change is as inevitable as it is challenging; it is part of the wealth offered by passing time. I for one am immensely excited about the changes I will face next year – more time with the grandchildren, more time to read, to learn, to walk, to travel, to relax with friends and family. I know that Matt and his family are excited too about the changes next year will bring for them. It is a big change to be sure, but there are worse places to move from wet and windy Melbourne than our beautiful Gold Coast.
So please enjoy this bumper edition of The Saints, its variety, its colour and its joyful sense of celebration as we record meaningful moments in time. Like the butterfly, I believe we all have ‘time enough’ if we can only learn to spend it wisely by setting aside that precious time we need to dance lightly, to connect deeply with ourselves and others, to laugh loudly and to love recklessly.
Patrick Wallas
Toward the end of Term 2, our school came together to welcome Mr Matt Corbett, our incoming principal, during his first visit ahead of his official start in 2025.
The whole school assembly, held in the Senior HPE, was a meaningful occasion that highlighted the spirit and unity of our community.
Mr Corbett accompanied by his wife Helen and their children Charlotte and Arlo, received a warm welcome from our school captains, who delivered a heartfelt speech beautifully capturing the joy and optimism of the occasion.
Adding a special touch to this historic event, Rev Canon Len Nairn, our founding headmaster, and his wife Vada were in attendance, bridging the legacy of our school's past, present and future.
Mr Corbett addressed the assembly, sharing his eagerness to join our school. His words reflected his dedication to fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment while continuing to preserve our unique school culture.
This visit was not just an introduction to our new principal but also the beginning of a new chapter in our school's history.
Welcome, Mr Corbett!
L-R: HELEN AND MATT CORBETT; LEN AND VADA NAIRN; HEADMASTER, MR PATRICK WALLAS; AND CHAIR OF SCHOOL COUNCIL, MR JOHN FRADGLEY OAM
2023 COHORT SOARS ON ATAR HIGH
All Saints is proud to acknowledge the Class of 2023’s success in achieving admirable ATAR results, which were once again above the state average.
More than a quarter of the cohort achieved an ATAR above 95 and almost half received an ATAR above 90.
There were also 12 All Saints graduates among the 2.5 per cent of students in the entire state who achieved an ATAR above 99.
Many within the Class of 2023 have commenced their university degree of choice, from Biomedical Science to Advanced Business, Science, Economics, Engineering, Law and more, with others opting for various pathways and apprenticeships.
We also saw an amazing crop of performing artists enter highly competitive Music, Acting and Musical Theatre programs at institutions
including the Queensland Conservatorium and WAAPA, as well as many students finding entry to the Australian Defence Force.
There were 66 students in total who had already secured their university offer before they had finished school, a statistic which Mr Bryn Evans credits largely to the guidance and support of Director of Studies Ms Julie Klein and the entire Careers and VET team led by Mrs Alison Weeks.
For those students in Years 11 and 12 who are now either beginning or continuing their own academic journeys, 2023 graduate and 99+ ATAR scorer Caleb Robert offers his pearls of wisdom for achieving the ideal score.
“Doing little bits and pieces of revision over the course of each term helps you so much in the end,” he says.
“If you can have a read over whatever you've done in the last week, fortnight or month, and
do one or two practice questions, that little bit of extra revision will help your mind in a big way.”
“Ultimately, if you have studied hard, slept well and done all of those things that All Saints prepares you very well to do, you should also trust in yourself and in the outcome – whatever happens will be alright, if you follow your process.”
Caleb also says that, following graduation, there is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the person you want to be outside of academia.
“I think there's absolutely a place to celebrate the journey you've had and celebrate your achievements,” he says, “but I'd also take the time to reflect on your life and who you are as a person.”
“Because when you start university or whatever next step you take, it's almost like a clean slate. You're free to be who you want to be. I'd take the time over the break to figure out who exactly that person is.”
INDIGENOUS MURAL UNITES COMMUNITY
Right before the Easter break, a group of students and staff worked to transform the Year 7 amphitheatre into a space for cultural appreciation, learning and yarning.
They were guided in this endeavour by First Nations artist and cultural consultant to All Saints Lalania Tusa.
Ava Golder (Year 8) explains the story behind the artwork below and offers her reflection on the process.
Our school’s mural is really something special. It's not just a piece of art; it's a reflection of who we are, created by a mix of students, teachers and people from our community. It feels like a visual representation of our school spirit and the environment that surrounds us.
At the heart of the mural, there's this pink and purple area that symbolises our school community coming together. Surrounding this, the Dhari pays homage to the Torres Strait Islanders, with beautiful swirls that evoke images of the ocean.
The layout includes spaces for the Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools, each marked by our house colours. Inside these areas, the colours represent our uniforms, showcasing our school's identity in a unique way.
The green patterns running throughout the mural symbolise the sports fields and wetlands surrounding our school, with swirls representing the Nerang River. The handprints across the mural emphasize unity, which is a strong message.
On the mural's borders, compass points highlight the natural beauty around us. For example, the eastern side features ocean waves, while the western side acknowledges the bush lands.
The mural also includes tracks of native animals and birds, showcasing the rich biodiversity around us. This adds a layer of local identity and connects us with the natural world.
What really makes this mural stand out is everyone who contributed to it. It was a team effort involving students like Milly, Zali, Grace, and others, alongside teachers and community members. Even Darren, our security guard, played a part!
So, the mural is more than just art. It’s a vibrant story of our school, capturing who we are, as well as our connections with each other and the land. It's a powerful representation of our community's spirit.
OLYMPIAN DROPS PEARLS OF WISDOM
Retired Australian swimmer and olympian Taylor McKeown recently visited All Saints Junior School to share her insights on builiding an 'Olympic' mentality for achieving success.
Taylor won gold in the 200m Breaststroke at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and silver in the 4x100m Medley Relay at the 2016 Summer Olympics, as well as representing Australia in several other events.
She spoke about the virtues of patience, perseverance and self-discipline when setting goals, and emphasised the importance of celebrating successes and not dwelling on defeats.
In her engaging talk, Taylor also addressed a group of eager young fans about the importance of choosing a specialty stroke.
"When you're at training and competitions, race as many different strokes as you can. You won’t find the stroke; the stroke will find you."
Taylor’s advice left quite an impact and she stressed that the more a swimmer can train and coordinate their body to race fast in a multitude of different ways, the better athlete they will become.
Now retired from swimming, Taylor has moved into the sport of free diving.
She founded Diving in Paradise, a free diving school, and is on a mission to teach others how to best engage with the ocean and its various wonders in respectful and sustainable ways.
DR JUDITH LOCKE ENGAGES WITH PARENTS
The EPIC at All Saints parent engagement initiative aims to continually strengthen the partnerships between home and school.
Workshops, parent forums and classroom tours are some of the ways that the Junior School has worked to inform and engage All Saints families.
A more recent component has involved seeking expert speakers in the field of education, child development and psychology to share with parents and staff.
Earlier this year we welcomed Clinical Psychologist Dr Judith Locke, an experienced practitioner in adult, child and family therapy with more than 20 years’ experience in teaching, workplace training and psychology.
Dr Locke, author of The Bonsai Child, offered a presentation to both staff and parents about trends in modern parenting, including the phenomenon known as ‘overparenting’.
Head of Junior School Shelley Travers noted that Dr Locke’s presentations identified and clarified the challenges facing parents and educators when it comes to fostering independence, resilience and self-efficacy in children.
“We felt that Dr Locke heard, understood and articulated the parallel challenges facing parents and teachers,” says Mrs Travers.
“We all want to help our students flourish, but sometimes we can be at a crossroads when it comes to building student independence and resilience. The key to success is acknowledging these sometimesdifferent perspectives and then working together to find pathways towards our common goals.”
Mrs Travers looks forward to the possibility of continuing the partnership and developing additional strategies to fortify the unique, and very important, trinity that exists between parent, student and teacher.
DANCE DUO CROWNED AUSTRALIAN CHAMPS
Words by Leiha Slaven
More than 400 talented youngsters showcased their skills at the Australian DanceSport Championships in Melbourne, and amidst a whirlwind of rounds and semi-finals, Year 6 students Maddalena Slaven and Otis O’Dowd emerged as the overall winners, clinching the prestigious title of Closed Australian Champions.
This remarkable achievement crowns them as the premier Under 13 dance couple in Australia.
A few weeks after winning the Australian DanceSport Championships, Maddalena and Otis also danced their way to victory in the Queensland Championships.
The duo's enchanting journey began when they were just five years old, meeting for the first time at All Saints in Mrs Katie Heyer's Pre Prep Yellow class.
It was here where their future success began to grow, nurtured by a community that believed in their potential.
From their initial performance at the preshow of All Saints’ 2019 musical Strictly Ballroom, right through to the electrifying moment in Year 5 when they danced before the entire school at the 2023
Giveathon assembly, Maddalena and Otis have always had the unwavering support of the All Saints community.
The applause and cheers that greeted their performances were not just sounds of encouragement but a show of such amazing support.
The All Saints community has been instrumental in allowing Maddalena and Otis to pursue their dreams and passions with pride. Their journey is a beautiful reminder of how support and encouragement from those around us can propel us towards achieving our dreams.
STUDY TOURS BACK IN FULL SWING
It has been a great pleasure to see the revival of All Saints’ international short-term study tour program after the COVID hiatus.
The school was very excited to welcome back a small number of groups from our sister-schools in Japan in 2023 and this year we are expecting more returning groups, including our first group from China since before the pandemic, and a new group school group from Taiwan.
These groups consist of mainly teenage students who participate in a week of English lessons, cultural experiences, Indigenous education, integration into All Saints classes and visits to local tourist attractions, such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Sky Point in Surfers Paradise.
Study Tour Group Coordinator Mrs Mariann Capper says these visitors are always left with a lasting impression of the All Saints experience.
“They are always amazed by the facilities we enjoy at the school, its culture, and the welcoming nature of staff and students,” says Mrs Capper.
“The friendly and light-hearted Australian spirit certainly does shine brightly in our community.”
While in Australia, these visiting students are also afforded the opportunity to become part of a local host
Lasting friendships are often formed and there have been numerous accounts of our local families paying students a reciprocal visit in their own country.
“Some visitors even return as full-time students at International House, eager to let the All Saints dream live on,” adds Mrs Capper.
If the idea of hosting a visiting international student appeals to you, Mrs Capper says International House is always seeking homestay families to volunteer.
For more information about hosting, you can get in touch with Mrs Capper at mcapper@asas.qld.edu.au.
COMMUNITY
IN THE SHADOWS OF AUSTRALIA'S CITIES AND SUBURBS, A SILENT CRISIS PERSISTS. HERE IS HOW ALL SAINTS IS WORKING TO SHINE A LIGHT ON HOMELESSNESS, OFFERING SUPPORT TO THOSE MOST IN NEED.
ABOVE: THE SCHOOL CAPTAINS SHOW OFF THEIR 'CRAZY SOCKS', WHILE SENIOR STUDENTS HOST A BARBECUE ON THE GROVE — BOTH INITIATIVES MARKING THIS YEAR'S HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK.
According to the latest Australian census, on any given night, more than 122,000 people in Australia experience homelessness.
One in seven is a child under the age of 12, one in five is aged between 12 and 24 and one in five are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
Perhaps the most alarming of all statistics is that only 6 per cent of people experiencing homelessness are ‘sleeping rough’. The remaining 94 per cent live in what is known as ‘insecure accommodation’, which includes overcrowded spaces, temporary arrangements or unsafe environments.
This means that most homelessness in Australia is hidden and unfortunately often goes unnoticed.
Compounding this issue is the fact that more than 300 people are turned away from homelessness services every day due to overwhelming demand and limited resources.
Within the All Saints community, there is a growing recognition of the urgency and gravity of this situation.
Through various service learning programs, curriculum-based initiatives and personal time spent assisting in the community, our staff, students and parents are going the extra mile to support people experiencing homelessness.
Each year, students in the Senior Health program organise and run Homelessness Awareness Week as part of their Unit 3 studies.
This year involved a special presentation by Health students at assembly, a guest speaker from homelessness service provider Orange Sky and a presentation and donation drive by Serving Our People.
Senior Schoolers also donated $2 to don their best ‘crazy socks’ for a day while enjoying a sausage sizzle at Lunch on The Grove, and Year 10 students listened to a thoughtprovoking presentation by Scott Woodward of St John’s Crisis Centre on youth and homelessness.
According to Year 12 Health student Scarlett Terry, the highlight of the week was the Baby Give Back Breakfast and donation drive.
Hospitality students provided a delectable spread for parents, students, staff, friends of the school and representatives from Baby
Give Back, a charity which provides essential baby items to families in crisis.
“This week has been an incredible journey which began with a donation drive where we collected female and baby sanitary items for Baby Give Back, a charity that aims to improve the lives of struggling families with babies, many of whom are experiencing homelessness,” says Scarlett.
“While planning for this week, we had an assignment where we investigated the stereotypes and perspectives of those experiencing homelessness - how that affects them, how they cope with life and how they maintain their status in society.”
“We had been researching charities and organisation that help with this, too. The goal was to give us a greater understanding, so that when Homelessness Awareness Week arrived we were able to promote them properly.”
Homelessness Awareness Week
Yeah, baby!
Baby Give Back Founder and CEO Carly Fradgley (Class of 2003) was proud to see her alma mater’s generosity in action during Homelessness Awareness Week.
“I’m always so impressed with the quality that the students can produce with these kinds of events, they create such a great opportunity for the All Saints community spirit to come alive,” she reflects.
“The people at this school are always willing to help each other out and help those who are vulnerable in our community.”
According to Carly, more than 25 per cent of the families her charity supports are affected by homelessness, whether through sleeping rough, couch surfing, or living in overcrowded accommodation such as crisis or community shelters.
ABOVE AND OPPOSITE PAGE: STUDENTS, PARENTS AND GUESTS ENJOYING THIS YEAR'S BABY GIVE BACK BREAKFAST HOSTED BY OUR YEAR 12 HEALTH STUDENTS.
BABY GIVE BACK FOUNDER AND CEO CARLY FRADGLEY (CLASS OF 2003)
Year 12 Health student Sienna Crane adds to this sentiment and was happy to see the Baby Give Back Breakfast become such a success.
“There were more than 60 people who turned up on the day which means a lot of funds going to the charity through tickets and through the raffles as well,” says Sienna. “We also got a lot of donations, which was great.”
When it comes to All Saints’ ongoing commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness, classmate Scarlett Terry says it’s important for everyone to remain aware of the issue and fight against perpetuated bias.
“I think the main thing is to not form those really perpetuating stereotypes against those people you might see on the street, or doing it tough,” she says.
“Even through the smallest of donations or assistance we really can improve the lives of thousands of people across Australia and the Gold Coast.”
Spreading holiday cheer
There are many unsung heroes in the All Saints community who regularly spend time with community organisations and church groups that assist people experiencing homelessness.
One such bunch of altruistic champions are the Traill family, who, alongside other All Saints peers, have established a special Christmas tradition.
For the past few festive seasons, Year 7 student Taz Traill has worked with parents Melissa and Joshua to collect, wrap and give Christmas presents to people experiencing homelessness.
“For many years our family has worked or helped out with the Walk With Us charity offering a Tuesday night meal service out of the Burleigh Uniting Church,” explains Melissa. “When they started hosting Christmas lunch, we began to collect presents for any kids who came along.”
“Now every year we invite all of our friends to join us for a big wrapping day where we collect any gifts that are donated from schools, businesses and more, and then we sort and wrap them.”
The Traill’s have previously been joined in this endeavour by classmates and
friends including Oscar Webber, Monty and Ivy Cole, Lachlan and Gia Von Bibra, Darcy Liang, Jasper Campbell, Hugo and Daisy Graham, Lennox and Jake Black, Kai and Tahj White, Amelie Palmer and Peta, Bree and Roy Aucoin.
Taz and Monty say that this activity gives them a chance to connect with and learn about people in their community, while gaining an important perspective about homelessness.
“We learn about how people get into that situation; what jobs they were doing and what interests they have,” says Taz.
“For example, I met one man who was the principal of a good school in Melbourne and one day was hit in the head and forgot everything. His wife left him, and he wound up on the streets. Homelessness can really affect anybody.”
“It’s important for us to learn about these things so we can help try to prevent it from happening,” adds Monty.
“Everyone should make the time to help out where they can. Even if it’s just something small, one little thing can make a big difference.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE AND ITS COHORT OF MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS GREATLY ENRICH OUR VIBRANT ALL SAINTS COMMUNITY.
Some international students live with their parents on the Gold Coast, or with a homestay family, and some live at All Saints in one of our two boarding facilities.
According to international students Catherine Kim, Venus Chang and Tiffany Wu, one of the key attributes that bind them is a sense of gratitude and excitement to learn in Australia and to also share their culture and experiences
with local students, enriching all lives in the process.
Like the daily hustle and bustle that occurs in any household, International House has its own set of routines, as well as special events that the students run each year. Catherine, Venus and Tiffany have shared some of these insights with The Saints Magazine, granting us a glimpse into their lives as international students of All Saints.
Korea with her mother, commencing at All Saints in Year 7.
While Catherine’s daily routine is much the same as any other local student’s, as she lives locally with her mum, she remarks upon the differences between the Australian and South Korean education system.
“Here it feels like you have more freedom, especially when it comes to academic matters, because you’re not restricted to do what everyone else is doing,” she says.
“You can more freely pursue your own passions and interests.”
As one of the Year 12 International Captains, Catherine helps organise events such as the International House Games Night, any food stalls throughout the year (including at the All Saints Fair), the International House students’ assembly and the joint Shindig film entry featuring international students.
Catherine says one of her favourite recurring events is the Games Night which typically occurs around Week 3 of Term 2.
“All the local student house leaders join in and team up with international students, then the groups play games together,” she says. “It gets them really connected to the international community.”
Venus Chang
Venus has experienced the best of both worlds when it comes to international student life.
For a time, she lived in the International House dormitory but now lives locally with her homestay family.
“While I don’t live right next door to my friends anymore, I still have a lot of fun things to do,” she says.
“My homestay mother usually takes me along to different gatherings with her friends so I can meet different people, and she also often takes us on little trips to places like Byron Bay where we will all hang out.”
Venus says these sorts of trips are like the ones she would take on weekends as a dorm resident.
“In term breaks if we’re staying in the dorm our teachers would bring us to all kinds of different places,” she says.
“Last term we took a trip to Australia Zoo which was amazing.”
Tiffany Chang
Living in the International House dorms is a very fun and unique experience, according to Boarding Captain Tiffany.
Each morning, staff will do the rounds for a wake up call at 7.00am and students in both International House and Harmony House (the ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ dorms) will usually gather together for a hot breakfast before getting ready for class.
“Though sometimes the top dorm people are feeling a little bit too lazy to walk down in the morning, so we’ll just make our own breakfast,” she jokes.
During the day, students will return for morning tea and lunch. After school, younger year levels have an hour or two of scheduled study time after dinner, followed by free time and lights out, while Year 12 students enjoy greater flexibility in setting their study schedules.
You’ll also often find many IH students hitting the gym, pool or basketball courts in the HPE during their afternoon and weekend free time.
Tiffany says living in Harmony House feels just like living on a university campus.
“We have a schedule or duty list for whose turn it is to clean the rubbish bin, empty the dishwasher and other things like that,” she explains.
“Living in the dorm is very convenient. As you live with your friends, sometimes when you're sad, you can just knock on someone's door and talk to them about it. With study, you can always ask your friends to help you."
“I feel like when I graduate and am not living in the dorm anymore, I will really miss those moments.”
THE CAR WASH KID
At just 12 years old, Riley Humphrey (Year 7) has made a name for himself as the friendly neighbourhood entrepreneur.
From selling playdough to his friends on streets of Dubai, where he was born and raised, to now washing and detailing cars from around the local Robina area, there’s little doubt that Riley’s business acumen is well beyond his years.
Riley’s latest carwash venture Washeroo has already generated thousands in profit and his foot is on the gas to expand his clientele.
He loves all aspects of customer care and being able to work with different kinds of vehicles.
“I love the idea of helping people and also getting some exercise done while I’m at it,” he says.
“I also enjoy having a look through all the cars, seeing what the interiors look like and figuring out how to detail them – I really like the BMW X5 at the moment!”
Riley says that because he accepts bookings to work on cars during the week after schoolwork and on weekends, it’s important to be strict on time management.
“There is a family planner in our house where we can see which times to slip in a wash,” he explains.
“Usually in the week I’m very busy with school so it can be tough to move things around to make space for a wash.”
Riley is thankful to have learned important lessons like time management, customer service and business management from his father Chris Humphrey, founder of Easytruck Moving and Storage.
“He’s given me tips on how to respect the customer, how to set up the business and how to keep it alive,” says Riley.
“We want all customers to feel welcome and safe in trusting us to take care of their cars. We use very safe equipment and no harsh chemicals that
will wash into the drains; it’s what keeps people coming back.”
If your car needs a bit of TLC, Riley welcomes any bookings through his website washeroo.au.
SUBJECT IN FOCUS: LEGAL STUDIES
FOR A SUBJECT THAT EXTENDS BEYOND THEORY, ONE THAT OFFERS A HANDS-ON JOURNEY THROUGH THE INTRICACIES OF LAW AND GOVERNANCE, SENIOR STUDENTS AT ALL SAINTS NEED LOOK NO FURTHER THAN LEGAL
Not only does the subject aim to shape future lawyers, but it also empowers students with the nous to navigate other complex industries such as international relations, politics, business and more.
From dissecting the nuances of pre-trial theory through to understanding the frameworks of Australian law in action, students experience a multifaceted learning experience that extends beyond textbooks through visits to local and state courts.
Guest presentations by politicians, lawyers and representatives from the QPS are also regularly on the agenda, with speakers providing valuable insights on both theory and practice.
At the heart of the Legal Studies curriculum at All Saints lies a comprehensive exploration of four key areas.
"We start off by doing a unit on criminal law," explains Legal Studies teacher Ms Amanda Pacek.
“We look at all aspects; pre-trial, during trial, and post-trial, then we move on to civil law which is broken down into a study focus on negligence and contract law.”
“Our next unit is on governance. With this one, people don’t often understand that government
STUDIES.
and parliament are where laws are made and subsequently implemented in the community.”
“Finally, we look at human rights law. All four areas are ones which students will end up going on to study later in university.”
Legal Studies students often participate in a variety of simulated activities including mock parliament proceedings, court trials, referendums and voting.
Recent excursions saw Year 10 students witness live proceedings at the Southport Magistrates Court while Year 11s sat in on trials and sentencings at the Brisbane Supreme Court.
Year 12 student Sam Butterworth says that these moments of practical immersion within her favourite subject help ideation for assignments and coursework.
“We are asked to look at current laws and figure out the problems with them, as well as their consequences,” Sam says.
“One of my most recent assignments for example looked at the Queensland sex offenders register, and the problem with that being confidential.”
“Children can't really be protected when sex offenders are anonymous, so I had to analyse that issue and propose solutions.”
Sam also believes this line of investigation has helped her to develop a critical eye for existing processes and structures.
“I feel like Legal Studies definitely helps you to be aware of like the problems with the law and not just kind of accept everything, how it is and really analyse what you can, how you can advocate for legal change.”
“It doesn’t just prepare you to be a lawyer, it helps you develop reasoning skills and knowledge about the community and politics.”
Reflecting on her new charge as All Saints’ Senior School Legal Studies teacher, Ms Pacek says the future of the subject looks bright with a generation of particularly keen minds geared to graduate in the next few years.
“We currently have two Year 12 classes and one Year 11 class completing their units that are full of high performing students with strong interest in the profession,” says Ms Pacek.
“I think we can definitely expect some future lawyers to arise from the classes of 2024 and 2025.”
MODEL PAIR A
MODEL UNITED NATIONS COMPETITIONS ARE AMONG THE ULTIMATE TESTS OF ACADEMIC STAMINA.
During a Model UN, students adopt the diplomatic position of a country within the United Nations assembly and are then challenged to argue with those perspectives on a series of resolutions that call for large-scale change or action.
Year 12 students Alex Galt and Georgia Normile took on one such competition at the end of 2023, advancing through to the finals which were held over the Christmas break.
UN Youth Australia’s Evatt Competition is one of the country’s leading Model UN assemblies and is contested by school students from all around Australia who compete in teams of two.
The Evatt Competition engages competitors in world affairs through debating and negotiating mock Security Council resolutions, where delegates are assigned one country and one resolution a week prior to each round.
ALEX GALT ADDRESSES THE ASSEMBLY AT BUHMUN
Georgia and Alex made it through two local preliminary rounds, Brisbane semi-finals, Queensland Grand Finals and finally to the National Finals in Melbourne, advancing over hundreds of teams from across the state.
While they unfortunately missed out on a win at the Nationals, the pair’s achievement is extraordinary considering this was their debut appearance in the Evatt Competition.
Alex says that competing in Evatt was a true exercise in teamwork.
“You have one team member who is typically in the negotiation chamber, collecting cosignatories to any amendments and debating in that way, and then you have another teammate who remains in the chamber to speak on the resolutions,” says Alex.
“One of the big components they are looking for is teamwork, and trust, and one of the key criteria
is getting your points across in that way,” adds Georgia.
Speaking time is of the essence during a Model UN debate, so Alex says it is a real highlight when teams can convince others to yield time in their favour.
“When another nation yields their time to you, it gives you that spotlight and that chance to put your best foot forward as a team and really show what your country stands for,” he says.
Georgia and Alex plan to return to Evatt later in 2024 to have another crack at the grand title before they graduate.
Regardless of the outcome, both competitors would like to see Model UN participation grow at All Saints in the future, emphasising that they are not just for practiced public speakers.
“You don't have to have a passion for public speaking or necessarily even a passion for politics,” says Georgia, “But the act of Model United Nations gives you a much broader scale and perspective of the world; what happens behind the doors and how conflicts in the world are processed and dealt with.”
“I'd love to see more people participating,” adds Alex. “It's such a fun thing and everyone should have a go at it.”
“It's not just for people who want to go into politics or become diplomat. It's good just to be able to meet new people even and learn more about the world.”
The Evatt Competition in Queensland will return in Term 4, 2024. Anybody interested in competing can speak to Alex and Georgia about how to get involved.
GEORGIA NORMILE MINGLES WITH DELEGATES AT BUHMUN
CRACKING THE
HOUSING CODE
ECONOMICS STUDENTS ARE DISCOVERING WHY THE HOUSING MARKET IS BECOMING A PRESSING CONCERN IN AUSTRALIA, AND LEARNING MORE ABOUT WHERE WE CAN GO FROM HERE.
Prices are soaring, young Australians are struggling to crack into the market, tent cities are growing within state capitals, and in Queensland alone there are an estimated 150,000 households with unmet housing needs plus an average rental price increasing faster than anywhere else in the country.
Navigating the modern market is tougher than ever. It requires a keen understanding and a finger on the pulse of recent trends. Recently, some of our students were afforded this valuable insight.
Year 10 and Year 11 Economics students attended a housing market presentation in the final week of Term 1, delivered by State Manager (Queensland and Northern Territory) for Elders Real Estate Daniel Roberts.
The presentation addressed recent house price trends, the outlook for the market in 2024 and the methods used to value residential and commercial properties.
Students asked a wide range of relevant and probing questions about issues related to interest rate changes, investment properties, the impact of migration, careers in real estate and areas with the greatest growth in residential prices.
After delivering his presentation, Daniel was also on hand to present some special awards to two students who had excelled in their Term 1 coursework.
Hamish Slater in Year 10 was awarded the prize for best answer to the extended response question on the housing market, while Rhiannon Parker in Year 11 was recognised for the best FA2 research report on the housing market and policies to address housing affordability.
Rhiannon says Daniel’s presentation was particularly helpful for her, as it looked closely at specific local markets.
“It was more focused on the area where we live, rather than our assignment which was looking at the whole of Australia,” she says.
“It was interesting to see how much prices differ between capital cities and rural areas – its such a big change,” adds Hamish.
Student Jonathan Lo (Year 11) was the emcee for the event and thanked Daniel for his presentation.
We may see some real estate professionals emerge from the classes of 2025 and 2026, but for now they walk away armed with an understanding of Australia’s property market which will serve them well in years to come.
Give Our Regards to
“ONLY ALL SAINTS COULD COMPLETELY PACK OUT A THEATRE, FOR TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW, IN A SENIOR PRODUCTION OFF-YEAR.”
Such was the glowing review from attendees at the Bound for Broadway spectacular.
Bound for Broadway featured 39 Senior School stars performing a variety of musical theatre hits on the Nairn Theatre stage, as well as a collection of Middle School students providing pre-show entertainment in the foyer.
performances of Welcome to the Rock (Come from Away), One Short Day (Wicked) and Old Friends (Merrily We Roll Along).
Smaller ensemble memorable moments included two wildly energetic performances from West Side Story; the boys’ revival of Gee Officer Krupke and the girls’ rendition of America.
You could hear a pin drop when D’Arcy Taylor took to the stage as The Phantom of the Opera, uproarious laughter ensued with Talita Bosse and Maddy Cooke’s expectant mother antics in Baby, Dream Your Dream, and other soloists including Zecki Remman, Rebecca Hodgson, Jack Flanagan and Hugh Arthur covered that gamut of emotions that only musical theatre can best ignite.
The musical-shaped hole left in many hearts following the acclaimed 2023 Senior musical production of Legally Blonde inspired the resurrection of this off-year showcase; taking cues from the previous ‘off-year’ production Stairway to Paradise in 2022.
Directors Mrs Gaynor Morgan and Mrs Chantelle Flint pay tribute to all students, staff and parents involved.
“So well-loved was the secret Broadway-esque format of Stairway to Paradise, and so successful were those auditioning graduates, that we found ourselves there again; training, collaborating and celebrating the remarkable musical theatre talent of our Senior Drama and Music students in Bound for Broadway,” they say.
“We feel immensely grateful to have spent our time working with these incredible performers; students who love to work hard, who love being together and who love each and every opportunity to sing, dance and act on this beautiful stage.”
Proceeds from the ticket sales of Bound for Broadway went to the Friends of Performing Arts, subsidiary of the Parents & Friends Association, which supports all musical and theatrical endeavours at the school.
THREE CHEERS FOR THE CAST, CREW AND PRODUCTION TEAM BEHIND ALL SAINTS’ SPECTACULAR JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL FOR 2024, FINDING NEMO JR.
The Nairn Theatre was transformed into a sea of colour as our performers took to the stage for five magnificent shows at the end of Term 2. Rehearsals began at the end of the summer holidays with an intensive musical camp, then the Nemo team continued to work on many afternoons and weekends during the semester to bring the show to life.
More than 100 students in Years 5 and 6 were involved in the cast and were guided by Director Mrs Rosie Tucker, Musical Director Mr Andrew Lange and Choreographer Mrs Jane Venter, as well as a tireless team of staff, parent and student supporters.
Mrs Tucker congratulates the cast for executing a what has been widely regarded as one of the best Junior School productions to date.
“I would like to acknowledge the incredibly talented cast,” she says. “The students have worked with unwavering enthusiasm, commitment and boundless energy over the sixmonth rehearsal period.”
Mrs Tucker also commends all helpers who were involved with the production.
“We have been so fortunate to be supported by All Saints staff, Middle and Senior School students and family members of our cast, who have volunteered countless days to bring this show to life,” she says.
“From magically transforming umbrellas into jellyfish, calico into turtle shells, bike helmets into shark heads and pool noodles into anemone, the list of jobs has been endless.”
The bar has certainly been raised and the school community awaits in keen anticipation to see which amazing production will continue the legacy in 2026.
EnsEmBles
ALL SAINTS IS PROUD TO RUN ONE OF THE MOST REPUTABLE SCHOOL-BASED PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY. AT THE TOP
It’s dedication to curriculum performing arts studies is matched by an admirable co-curricular record, especially when it comes to music.
More than half of the student body plays or learns a musical instrument and there are over 35 active ensembles that support this pursuit, many of which receive accolades at Eisteddfods and competitions year-on-year.
Abilities range from Year 1 students, learning how to sing for the first time, to those in Years 3 and 5 discovering a new band or string instrument, and to others in Years 8 and 9 who are composing their very first songs on the guitar or piano.
And then there are our student maestros; those in All Saints’ top ensembles.
While witnessing their skill firsthand at a Twilight Concert, Concerto Competition or Musical Showcase, perhaps you’ve caught yourself wondering: What exactly does it take for these talented musicians to perform so well? What is required, day in and day out, to play and rehearse at the highest level?
We asked Year 11 students Nicholas Taylor and Alyssa Fitzgibbon, and Year 12 student James Shin, to share their perspectives.
Working within the ‘big four’
All Saints Camerata, All Saints Voices and the Milestones Big Band are the three premiere auditioned ensembles on campus, and the Malcolm Arnold Wind Ensemble rounds out this quartet with a membership suited to students who have had five or more years of experience on their instrument.
Each of these ensembles rehearse together for at least an hour per week and members are expected to carry on their solo practice at home.
To this end, Camerata and Malcolm Arnold Wind Ensemble member James recommends about half an hour of practice per day on average.
“Rehearsals are there for us to put our different parts together and work on the musical qualities, but most of the technical practice is required separately to that at home,” he says.
All Saints Voices member Alyssa says there is an expectation within all top ensembles to perform well under pressure and have high levels of selfdiscipline.
“Sometimes the music is incredibly difficult, and if rehearsal doesn’t go so well as planned then we will be expected to take home our parts and work on perfecting them by the next rehearsal,” she says.
“We often only have about four weeks in between each opportunity to perform in front of an audience – in Term 1 we had several performances – so it does come with a lot of pressure, but also it is so rewarding.”
Outside of performances at school events, these ensembles regularly entertain audiences at local churches, aged care facilities and other education institutions, showing the All Saints spirit of service learning in action.
Developing musicianship
As a resident drummer and percussionist for many ensembles including Malcom Arnold, Milestones, Varese Percussion and more, Nicholas adds that the band experience at All Saints is something you don’t find often outside of school, particularly for instruments that are more characteristic in the ‘pop’ or ‘rock’ genres.
“I feel like some instruments are really made to be a part of ensembles such as the flute or a violin, but with instruments like voice or drum kit for example, lots of musicians out there don’t typically get the chance to learn those in a full ensemble setting,” says Nick.
But what about the academics?
“In this way, it’s very beneficial to work with other musicians and a conductor to enhance those unique skills.”
Nick adds that the music chosen for Milestones, Voices, Camerata and the Malcolm Arnold are generally ‘outside the scope’ of what students would typically play for themselves, thus adding a welcome challenge and broadening their musical horizons.
“If I was playing the drums for myself, for example, I might choose rock or RnB – but in the Milestones for example I’m learning how to play a completely different style and I’m developing as a performer,” he says.
“Playing such difficult music across all kinds of different styles helps everyone become a better musician, I think.”
Statistics from various psychological and social studies leave little room for doubt that learning a musical instrument enhances cognitive ability.
Continuing one’s music education throughout the senior years of school has also been shown to lead to tertiary and career success.
For example, some studies have concluded that continued music education when coupled with curriculum studies, leads to higher grade point averages, graduation rates, day-to-day performance and even rates of acceptance into highly competitive university courses such as medicine or law.
Alyssa and James say that while playing in All Saints’ top ensembles is certainly about improving musicianship, it is also an invaluable way to learn important soft skills like persistence, resilience,
patience, and teamwork – all skills that tertiary institutions and future employers hold in high regard.
“I feel like there’s an expectation that these ensembles have lots to live up to,” says Alyssa.
“There’s no year that I can remember the All Saints Voices, for example, just being mediocre.”
“That’s what helps us learn about setting goals, investing in your passion and getting that rewarding sense when you perform well.”
“It does feel incredibly rewarding to prepare a program in a short amount of time, and then get up there on the stage to play it in front of an audience,” adds James.
“You learn very quickly how to embrace a challenge.”
YEAR 11 STUDENT ALYSSA FITZGIBBON
SOARING IN SINGAPORE, AND BEYOND!
With an emphasis on enjoying life and the company of others, building resilience and independence, embracing different cultures and developing rugby skills, the inaugural Girls Rugby Sevens tour to Singapore and Malaysia in 2023 was an outstanding success.
We were so proud of the girls’ conduct, their willingness to think of others, to embrace the variety of foods and to fortify relationships with each other and with the players from host clubs.
The trip kicked off with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which allowed to the group explore some of the sights and districts that made up the city that we would be calling home for the next eight days.
Day two involved a visit to Universal Studios where the team experienced 3D rides and rollercoasters and day three involved a trip to Sentosa Island for a bungee jump overlooking one of the busiest shipping ports in the world.
Then, the team was off to Malaysia for its first games of rugby. The squad was privileged enough
to be hosted at the Johor Bahru Stadium, where they were treated to some excellent games.
While the matches themselves were an experience like no other, what really made the day was the connections formed afterwards.
Different cultures, countries and languages combined as the teams swapped stories, took photos together and even found each other on Instagram. It was an incredibly heart-warming experience that is sure to be treasured forever.
A day of rest and shopping followed, allowing the girls to unwind before their next big event, the Aonyxs Invitational.
Despite the wet conditions, All Saints played some excellent Rugby with the juniors winning their division and the seniors narrowly losing in the final. The last few days on tour involved exploring Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which also included a night safari, and embracing new experiences at Adventure HQ before the overnight flight home.
Many girls reflected on the independence they developed while on tour and the friendships that they made across the different ages, leading to all of them feeling more confident as young adults.
“I have personally gained a better idea of the needs of others and how I need to change to be able to adapt to their ways,” reflects Elle Nicholls. “I’ve gained confidence in the ability to be somewhat independent and challenge myself in places and things I have never done before.”
Year 10 student Olivia Doerr adds, “I have gained confidence, skill and ability, and have learned to do things that are out of my comfort zone with people of different ages. The tour was an incredible experience, and I am beyond grateful that we had the chance to do it as a team.”’
Thanks must go to all parents for their support of the 2023 tour, particularly for the successful Trivia Night, and the Rugby Supporters’ Group for their tireless work in growing girls’ rugby and tours at All Saints.
BACK THIS YEAR! DON’T MISS THISINCREDIBLEDAY!
SATURDAY 10AM - 7PM
27 JULY 2024
FOOD, COFFEE, FUN STALLS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY!
THERE IS A SECRET INGREDIENT TO MAKING THIS YEAR’S FAIR THE BEST ONE YET: YOU! OUR FAIR’S SUCCESS HINGES ON THE INCREDIBLE SPIRIT OF GIVING WITHIN OUR ALL SAINTS COMMUNITY. WHETHER YOU’RE A SEASONED PRO OR A FIRST-TIME HELPER, THERE’S A ROLE SUITED JUST FOR YOU. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP BY SCANNING THE CODE BELOW OR EMAIL FAIRVOLUNTEERS@ASAS.QLD.EDU.AU . HELP NEEDED!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
10.00AM TICKET BOOTHS AND FOOD COURT OPEN
11.00AM RIDES OPEN
2.30PM O’NEIL CUP ALUMNI VS STUDENTS RUGBY GAME
5.00PM CAR RAFFLE AND CENT AUCTION DRAW
5.30PM DISCO BEGINS
6.00PM RIDES CLOSE
7.00PM FIREWORKS AND LIGHT SHOW
CALLING ALL ALUMNI
COME SAY G’DAY AND CONNECT WITH FELLOW PAST STUDENTS AT THE ALL SAINTS ALUMNI TENT (LOCATED ON THE OVAL NEAR THE FOOD COURT)
WIN A BRAND NEW CAR! TICKETS ARE PRICED AT JUST $5
A BRAND NEW 2024 KIA STONIC WILL BE GOING TO ONE VERY LUCKY WINNER ON FAIR DAY. THANKS TO THE VON BIBRA FAMILY, THE PRIZE INCLUDES ALL ON ROAD EXPENSES (STAMP DUTIES, 12 MONTHS REGISTRATION AND CTP).
DISCOUNTED BUNDLES ALSO AVAILABLE. THE WINNER WILL BE DRAWN AT 5PM ON THE DAY OF THE FAIRSATURDAY 27 JULY 2024. TICKETS ARE LIMITED SO GET IN QUICK!
The magnificent in
IN A REMARKABLE TWIST OF STATISTICS, THE CLASS OF 2029 NOW INCLUDES SEVEN SETS OF TWINS AMONG ITS YEAR 7 COHORT, ADDING A UNIQUE DYNAMIC TO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
There are many wonderful things about having a sibling.
They are a built-in friend, someone to create memories with, a support system and someone to confide in.
At times they are a teammate, at others a competitor, but always a valuable part of one’s life for those who are blessed with them.
There are also some who have the experience of being a twin sibling, adding
another unique and enriching perspective to these sibling relationships.
There are 14 such individuals at All Saints who have just entered their first year of Middle School together in 2024; the ‘magnificent seven’ sets of twins in Year 7.
We asked some of these students to reflect on what it means to be a sibling (and a twin) and why sharing the school experience together with their brothers and sisters at All Saints is a gift. Read on for their thoughts and advice.
Back row: Tahj & Kai White, Russell & Reynard Sripunporn, Lili & Coco Cao, Shane & Felix Zhang
Front row: Mars & Rose Perrone, Jake & Lennox Black, Dani & Henry Vardanega
Coco & Lili Cao
According to Lili, the best thing about having a twin sibling is the ability to easily relate to one another. Lili and Coco often cook together and share similar hobbies and friendship circles, but they do often find different ways or qualities in doing things.
“Being a good sibling could mean many different things to many different people, but in my experience, it would probably mean helping each other out when they need help,” says Lili.
Dani & Henry Vardanega
While Dani enjoys the reactions when others learn about her twin brother Henry – “They often say, wow that’s amazing!” – she says the truly special part of the relationship is found in the bond, and shared experience.
“The thing I like most about sharing the school experience is that there is always someone there at break time to muck around with if you’re feeling lonely, also, being at camp with someone you share your own house with helps as well,” says Dani. “There is also a family member to graduate with, and that is very special.”
Russell & Reynard Sripunporn
Twins run in the family for this duo, with Russell and Reynard being the youngest enrolled at All Saints and Roland and Rudolf currently in Year 9.
If anyone understands the importance of brotherly companionship – and also friendly competition and banter – its these boys, with all four Sripunporns participating in the All Saints Debating program.
Mars & Rose Perrone
Mars likes Maths, Rose likes art; on the phone sometimes it’s tough to tell them apart; but while these two are different in interests, they are so similar at heart!
To be a good sibling, Mars and Rose agree that it’s important to share a sense of humour and always be kind to one another.
“The best thing about sharing a school experience is being able to check in with each other on the daily,” says Mars. “We help each other out by making sure the other is always comforted and happy.”
“You feel like you are never alone when you have a twin,” Rose agrees, “You can always rely on them.”
Jake & Lennox Black
There’s something to be said for siblings who take on a sport together. At All Saints we’ve seen the likes of the Tippetts, the Baileys and the Uwlands go on to achieve success in their chosen sports, and Jake and Lennox Black are sure to be examples from the next generation.
“The best thing about being a twin is having a permanent training partner,” says Lennox.
“We are most alike in our footy skills,” Jake agrees.
Off the field, Jake and Lennox remain brothers in arms – buying each other tuckshop, remembering each other’s schedules, and making sure nobody misplaces their books. When asked to share some advice about being a good sibling, ‘Look out for each other, and have each other’s back’ was the united theme.
Felix & Shane Zhang
You’ll often spot these two side by side on the Nairn Theatre stage. As accomplished musicians, Felix and Shane enjoy developing their musical talents together and both share a passion across several instruments and hobbies.
“We have a passion to strive in our paths to develop skills in all aspects, having a good mindset of never giving up,” says Felix.
Sometimes, their tandem problemsolving skills become a key strength; when one panics, the other does their best to resolve the issue.
They both believe that being a twin means having a life-long comrade.
“You’ll never be lonely as you’ll always have a friend,” says Shane.
Kai & Tahj White
Telling Kai and Tahj apart may be a challenge for some, but their dynamic teamwork, on and off the footy field, is most important to these brothers.
The two say that there are endless benefits in having a solid teammate to share the school experience with, and they are always ready to defend against hardship as a unit.
“Being a good sibling means being there to always help each other,” says Kai.
“Sticking up for each other and having your brother there if you need them is important,” adds Tahj.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND ADDICTION KNOW NO BOUNDARIES.
They don’t discriminate based on age, gender, or background. They touch loved ones, friends, and colleagues, and when left untreated or unsupported lead to lives being impacted, altered and, sometimes, tragically ended.
On Easter weekend, more than 100 members of the All Saints community laced up their hiking boots and journeyed to the heart of the Gold Coast hinterland with a clear purpose to help those who face this tough reality.
Participants of all ages – students, parents, staff, alumni and friends – rallied together to Walk the Falls of the Gold Coast Hinterland for mental health.
Walk the Falls organiser and All Saints teacher Mr Sean Bale says the All Saints spirit was on full display with participants bravely fighting off their own tiredness and aches (even a broken bone, in the case of one participant) to complete the tracks which collectively reached more than 70km over four days.
The trails included the Coomera Circuit, the Box Forest Circuit, the Tooloona Circuit and more which led to stunning waterfalls and rainforest vistas within the Lamington National Park area.
This initiative aimed to turn awareness into action by encouraging people to get back to the basics of good physical and emotional health; walking, talking and being in nature.
“There's just a massive gap,” says Mr Bale.
“Not enough prevention, not enough walking, not enough talking; not enough programs out there to specifically act upon the issue. We're discussing it more often these days, which is great, now we've got to start doing stuff.”
“Walking in nature is not an innovation, we often just forget about the simple things that can make the biggest difference. When you’re in amongst the bush, you're no longer looking at the screen or dealing with other temptations, you're only faced with the beauty in front of your nose, and there's no way to not be sucked in by it.”
At the end of the weekend, the sum of their steps was more than $25,000 raised to cover the cost of an individual’s full treatment at the Gunnebah Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Clinic, with the remainder donated to mental health organisation LIVIN.
The highest individual contribution came from the Toloa family at $1,800 with one of the youngest participants, Isabelle Toloa in Year 5, maintaining her effervescent positive attitude every step of the way.
Mr Bale also pays a special thank you to a few superstars who went above and beyond during the walk.
These include Alec Brand and Tanya Robinson who braved all three of the walks and were instrumental in the planning of the event, and Lisa O’Donoghue who orchestrated the administrative details of the fundraiser with the Office of Fair Trading.
Mr Bale concludes that Walk the Falls highlighted how connection and camaraderie remain vital in helping those who need it most.
“I think that most people who struggle to ask for help, desperately want the help. As a friend, it's just about maintaining regular check-ins, whether that's through phone calls, text messages or a knock on the door just to let people know that they're always there if you need them.”
“Through Walk the Falls we could see that, in the All Saints community, if you ask for help there's always somebody out there who will give it to you.”
THE MEDICINE OF
DURING RYO TAKAMIZAWA’S TIME AT ALL SAINTS, MR BRYN EVANS WOULD OFTEN JOKE THAT HE WAS WAS ONE OF THOSE RARE STUDENTS WHO COULD ALWAYS SEEM TO FIT 48 HOURS INTO EACH DAY.
Following Ryo’s graduation in 2020 and the many exciting milestones he’s since achieved, it’s safe to say this statement still stands.
The medical student is currently four years into a sixyear tertiary plan to become a doctor and is currently undertaking pre-clinical studies at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus.
Ryo currently sits on the Griffith University Council as the elected postgraduate student member, overseeing its 10,000-strong cohort. He also currently teaches clinical anatomy in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Science and the School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Additionally, he has engaged in a variety of consulting works with the university and has previously overseen elements of academic governance through its academic committee.
Ryo enjoys medicine for the fact it is both challenging, rewarding and satisfies his natural curiosities.
“Firstly, I love understanding how things work,” he says.
“You hear all these stories about people, and as a human being you’re naturally curious about how your body works, and every day in medicine you are figuring out new facts about yourself.”
“It is quite scary and quite confronting at times because there are so many things that patients deal with physically and psychologically, and some are often very sick, but having the capabilities to help them out in that sort of situation is so rewarding.”
Of course, the Ryo that All Saints remembers had that same passion for academics, having achieved a perfect ATAR score and top marks throughout his studies.
But we also remember the Ryo who was a fiercely talented musician; moving audiences to tears during Concerto Competition-winning performances, assisting the Performing Arts department as a music captain and achieving his LMusA qualification as a student –something only a handful of All Saints graduates can lay claim to.
Ryo says that these two integral parts of himself –academics and music – are equally important to him still. One cannot be sacrificed in lieu of the other.
To this end, Ryo co-founded and is the Musical Director for the Harmony in Health orchestra as well as a current cellist for the Queensland Medical Orchestra, both of which regularly hold concerts to raise funds for medical charities.
“These orchestras do have a dual purpose, the first is for the sake of the students because medicine is a very demanding degree and it is good to de-stress by playing music, but there is also that fundraising and community work component,” he says.
Recently Ryo and a few other musically inclined friends made headlines with their fortnightly visits to GCUH’s oncology ward where they play quartet music for patients, families and staff.
“Whenever our quartet goes to the oncology ward to play, it’s really nice for all of us,” he says.
“I see it as another aspect of patient care. It’s good to give the medicines and give immediate treatment, but it's also good to support patients’ psychosocial health through music.”
“I think that's something that is a bit lacking in modern medicine. In a hospital, you're in a miserable environment surrounded by a whole bunch of people who are very tired, rushed and spread thin. There’s not much opportunity for that person-to-person care.”
During an interview with ABC News, cancer patient Kevin Keating reflected on the quartet's performance with deep gratitude.
“I’ve got various things happening inside of me at the moment that would probably, eventually, put an end to you,” says Kevin.
“So, what better way to go out than to the beautiful sounds of these young people in the string quartet?”
All Saints wishes Ryo the best as he continues to carry his passions forward in the pursuit of preserving and enriching lives.
I
SEE IT AS ANOTHER ASPECT OF PATIENT CARE. IT’S GOOD TO GIVE THE MEDICINES AND GIVE IMMEDIATE TREATMENT, BUT IT'S ALSO GOOD TO SUPPORT PATIENTS’ PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH THROUGH MUSIC
PHOTO CREDIT- ABC GOLD COAST, DANIELLE MAHE
ANNALIESE MCCARTHY
BUILT FOR CHANGE
Annaliese McCarthy (Class of 2016) has been recognised among Australia’s young visionaries for the built world.
After graduating from All Saints, Annaliese completed her Bachelor of Design (Architecture) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) which included overseas programs at the Luiss Guido Carli University in Italy and the University of Stuttgart in Germany.
These qualifications, coupled with high academic performance and a thirst for further travel, led her to secure the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship which yielded work opportunities in Japan with Ishinomaki Lab and Keiji Ashizawa Design.
Now back in Australia, Annaliese is currently a Designer with Blaklash, an Aboriginal built environment design studio that works in partnership with artists and other creatives to produce meaningful spaces for the community that are imbued with First Nations perspectives.
As a proud queer Gadigal woman, Annaliese recognises the importance of translating one’s culture through their work.
“I think currently that most cities or built environments in Australia contain symbols of colonisation and the oppression of Indigenous people,” says Annaliese.
“At Blaklash, we are slowly working to reclaim those spaces and turn them into spaces for us, not spaces that hurt us.”
Some examples of Annaliese’s work can be seen at her old stomping ground in the Oodgeroo Unit at QUT.
Annaliese aims to become the bridge between local custodians of important knowledge and other
professionals who are keen to understand the culture and bring it to life through architecture.
“There's a lot of people in the industry trying to do the right thing by talking to elders and gaining their perspectives, but I think a lot of the time when elders divulge this great information, people won’t necessarily know what to do with it,” she explains.
“Blaklash is all about creating this safe space for people to share stories. We think of it like a Venn diagram between having a cultural understanding and putting it into practice.”
For her many achievements in the field, Annaliese earned a nod as one of Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Architects and Innovators of the Built World for 2024.
Annaliese says she is proud to be included in the 30UNDER30 list which celebrates not only skilled designers but people who would see the industry become more environmentally, socially, and economically conscious.
“These people are young, passionate and hoping that the industry can do better in the future,” she says.
Annaliese thanks All Saints for instilling a passion for social justice and kindness that has carried on through her career.
“My experiences at school taught me to always look out for ways to help other people,” she says.
“I appreciate that I'm in a privileged position to be educated and to also, now be able to help people from inside the industry that I love.”
SCENES FROM
social calendar is undoubtedly the Mother’s Day Morning Tea.
The beloved annual event is organised by the Parents & Friends Association and this year’s instalment took place at The Star Gold Coast marquee.
Attendees were treated to a delectable spread, with All Saints Hospitality students assisting in service, and special preview performances from upcoming All Saints musicals Finding Nemo Jr. and Crossbones.
P&F President Sally McMahon paid special tribute to mums Krystle Holmes, Nidhi Jogia and Maria Egan who spearheaded the organisation of the 2024 mermaid-themed extravaganza, and to all other committee members and school staff who made the event possible.
Take a walk around All Saints on any given day. Chances are, you will find something going on in just about every corner of the school.
Semester 1 has been no exception when it comes to the array of events and activities which have inspired the community.
Swimming and Cross Country
These two events saw a bit of a role reversal this year with the Swimming Carnival taking place amid scorching heat and sun and the Cross Country fields cloaked in overcast shadow and rain. A much finer pairing than the usual, one could argue!
Whether students were diving deep or hitting the track, each expended every ounce of energy to hit personal bests, win races and support friends.
Easter Hat Parade
Despite a date change due to wet weather, many punters have dubbed 2024’s iteration of the Pre Prep to Year 2 Easter Hat Parade the best one yet.
Each year level put together a special dance or song (or both!) and showed off their Easter Hat creations to a HPE full of proud families.
ANZAC Day Services
On the 24th of April, attendees could not have asked for a more picturesque day on which to pay their respects to Australia and New Zealand’s brave people of service.
This year the memorial events were held outdoors, with the Senior and Middle School assembly taking place beside All Saints’ treasured ‘lone pine’.
Former RAAF serviceman, All Saints alumnus and current Year 6 teacher Mr Chris Holt delivered the keynote addresses on the day, reflecting on his own family history and what it means to preserve the ANZAC legend.
