Huddle Autumn 2024

Collaboration, connecting, doing things togetherthis is the St Aidan’s way. The way to be a St Aidan’s student, a teacher, and even a parent at St Aidan’s has been thoughtfully shaped and moulded over the 95 years of this school.

MS TONI RIORDAN PRINCIPAL

From the Principal

MS TONI RIORDAN PRINCIPAL

When did you last truly listen?

Truly listening requires active attention, which can be challenging in our fast-paced world. While many people may think they are listening, there are myriad distractions and preoccupations which often interfere. So, we may not be truly listening as frequently as we think.

I was trying to truly listen at our recent Autumn Music Concert. Held for the first time at Riverlife, Seventeen Mile Rocks, we were able to showcase over 300 St Aidan’s musicians across the Junior and Senior School with performers as young as Year 1. To truly listen, I tried to tune into each instrument, seeking how each adds depth and richness to the collective melody. It requires more than just hearing; it demands an intentional openness to understand, empathise, and to appreciate the nuances of each individual musicians’ experience. I was also watching our conductors at the concert, four of our female Music staff, all highly skilled at orchestrating the harmonious balance between sound and silence.

The secret to truly listening may in fact be striking the perfect balance between hearing equally the sounds and the silence. In a similar fashion, when we amplify our student voices at St Aidan’s it is akin to tuning into a symphony of diverse perspectives. Like a skilled conductor, actively listening involves validating and affirming the voices that might go unheard. By amplifying these voices, we not only enrich our own understanding but also foster a more inclusive and equitable place where everyone’s story contributes to the vibrant learning environment at St Aidan’s.

The St Aidan’s Pastoral Care Framework guides our commitment to ensure the care, safety, and wellbeing of students, and in 2024, we pay particular focus to one of the five Wellbeing Pillars – Amplify. When we amplify at St Aidan’s, we authentically engage and build capacity. St Aidan’s students know that when they amplify, they are active participants in their own learning and wellbeing, feel connected and use their social and emotional skills to be respectful, resilient and safe.

Amidst a range of special Amplify projects planned for this year, we are excited to pilot the establishment of St Aidan’s first ever podcast studio. As we finalise a partnership with media industry leaders, we look forward to enacting one of the actions of the St Aidan’s Pastoral Care Framework: to create and maintain inclusive and interactive learning to empower others and participation to foster a sense of connectedness.

Our students will get the best of industry practice and receive expert training through our partnership. We cannot wait for our student-led production to be realised as we are sure it will serve as a dynamic platform to amplify voices that may otherwise be overlooked. We expect our podcast project will empower students to explore topics they are passionate about, express their perspectives, and share their unique stories with a wide audience.

Through the process of conceptualising, researching, recording, and editing their podcasts, St Aidan’s students will develop critical thinking, communication, and storytelling skills, as well as cultivate empathy and understanding for diverse viewpoints. We’ll see St Aidan’s connectedness at its best, as our studentled podcast will not only inform and entertain but will nurture a sense of community and connection, bridging gaps and sparking meaningful conversations both within and beyond the classroom.

A highly regarded author who frequently writes about amplifying voices is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In her works, particularly in essays like ‘We Should All Be Feminists’, Adichie emphasises the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalised groups, particularly women and people of colour, in order to achieve equality and social justice. She advocates for recognising and valuing diverse perspectives and experiences, and actively working to uplift those whose voices have been historically silenced or marginalised. The educational value of student-generated podcasts to empower students and encourage active learning is evident, especially in an all-girls’ environment.

We know that it is critical that we continue to listen, to foster, and to amplify the voices of girls and young women everywhere. Girls’ schools make a difference, because in a single-gender environment, girls have greater capacity to grow in confidence, to discover their inner courage to lead and make an impact. American research shows that nearly 87% of girls’ school students feel their voices are ‘heard’ – their opinions are respected - compared to 58% of girls at coeducational schools. At girls’ schools, students are not just encouraged, but empowered to speak out.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition, and in doing so, you might recognise the many ways girls’ agency is fostered at St Aidan’s, whether it is in field for Geography, planting eucalypts at Sherwood Arboretum or celebrating recycled fashion at the Year 10 Unformal, our students are encouraged to move forward confidently, with the empathy and agility to address emerging challenges, and to make a lasting impact for the betterment of the world in which they live.

The Society of the Sacred Advent

THE REVEREND SISTER GILLIAN MOSES SSA

The Society of the Sacred Advent has begun 2024 with great joy and hope. On 5 December 2023, Rev’d Sister Jan Crombie and I were professed as the first Vowed Members of the SSA, standing alongside Sister Gillian and Sister Sandra to continue the valuable work of the Society.

CHAPLAIN

As Vowed Members, Jan and I are part of the dispersed community, living in our own homes and in my case, continuing paid work as the chaplain to St Aidan’s. It is a blessing to me that my work and spiritual life coincide like this.

There has been a gentle process of reimagining and growing that led to this moment. We are now placed to carry on the work started by Mother Caroline, grown on by Mother Emma, and continued by the many faithful Sisters and Reverend Mothers over the years including support for our two schools. This work includes developing spirituality with women and girls through quiet days and retreats, as well as offering hospitality through our long lunches and other celebrations. This year we have already marked Mother Emma’s Day and are looking forward to many of the 95th Birthday celebrations to come. There will also be workshops on liturgy and icons offered later in the year.

As St Aidan’s celebrates its 95th birthday, it is good to look back on all that has been achieved in those 95 years. Like the school, the SSA looks back fondly on where we have been, because that shapes where we might go next. Our values of courage, humility, compassion, faithfulness, resilience and wholeheartedness ensure that we are heading in the right direction, even if the way we are travelling has changed. God goes with us always.

Blessings,

The Reverend Sister Gillian Moses SSA Chaplain

Recognising Academic Success

MRS GERALDINE EBBRELL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Each year we are proud to present the Academic and Honours Awards Ceremony to our community. In recent years this pivotal event has been held at Brisbane City Hall, a venue brimming with historical and cultural significance, which brings into focus the profound value of celebrating academic achievements within our community.

Research in the field of education consistently shows that recognising academic success can significantly impact students’ motivation, engagement, and self-esteem. The Self-Determination Theory attests that recognition of achievements fulfills the basic psychological needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy, driving intrinsic motivation and a deeper commitment to learning (Deci & Ryan, 2000).

Moreover, the inclusion of musical performances at our Academic and Honours Awards Ceremony is not only an opportunity to showcase the talents of our students but aligns with studies indicating the benefits of arts in education. The Arts Education Partnership (2002) reviewed multiple studies and found strong links between music education and academic achievement, noting that music can enhance cognitive abilities, improve recall and retention of verbal information, and foster creativity.

The use of Brisbane City Hall as the venue further enriches the Academic and Honours Awards Ceremony, linking our present achievements with the cultural and historical legacy of our community. This setting serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of education on cultural and societal development. The architectural grandeur and historical significance of Brisbane City Hall further elevates the event, making it a memorable experience that extends beyond the school community and includes the broader public.

This assembly, then, is more than a reflection of our students’ hard work and dedication. It is a celebration of the holistic development of our students and the achievements within our community. We are always privileged to recognise the talents of our students and reinforce the notion that recognition of our students profoundly impacts not only their educational journey and personal growth, but each student in our community.

References:

Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the SelfDetermination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry. Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development, Arts Education Partnership, 2002.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023

MRS LAURA COOKE DEAN OF STUDIES

Our 2023 Year 12 cohort are to be congratulated on their phenomenal academic achievements. But it is not simply the numbers that define this cohort. It is the individual stories of triumph, persistence and growth that design the legacy that these young women will leave. At St Aidan’s none of the girls are simply a number, they are their own story and stories will always be more powerful than numbers. These statistics from the 2023 cohort include 84 numbers which reflect 84 personal stories of authentic, caring, connected, confident and creative young women who will go on to make their own mark on the world. We are proud of each and every one of them.

CLASS OF 2023 - AREA OF TERTIARY STUDY

94.50

+ 99 9% OF STUDENTS ATAR OF 46% OF STUDENTS ATAR OF + 95 + 98 21% OF STUDENTS ATAR OF 84% OF STUDENTS ATAR OF + 90

English 10 PERFECT STUDY SCORES 100/100

Isla Williams St Aidan’s Dux 2023 1 of 34 students in Queensland to recieve a 99.95% (total of 53,181 students) 3 Visual Art

Literature

Japanese

Modern History

46% achieved straight A’s in all 5 subjects 100% of all students achieved a QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education)

Data Consent - Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATAR) are calculated and released by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The decision for students to share their ATAR result with their schools is optional and St Aidan’s only has access to the individual ATARs of our Year 12 students where consent has been granted by those students when registering in the ATAR Portal. The St Aidan’s class of 2023 was a cohort of 84 students, 76 were ATAR eligible.

Academic and Honours Awards Ceremony

On 5 February 2024, the St Aidan’s community gathered together at the prestigious Brisbane City Hall to celebrate the academic successes of our students from 2023.

We warmly welcomed back our recently graduated Honours students to the event to recognise their outstanding achievements – receiving an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 95 or above.

We also had the privilege of acknowledging our Subject Award recipients who achieved the highest result for a Year 12 subject.

Our Honours students shared reflections of their St Aidan’s journey and highlighted that a balance of study, extra-curricular activities and socialising were paramount to their academic success.

Shreya Jayaram 2023 Proxime Accessit, Toni Riordan Principal, Isla Williams 2023 Dux

The Awards Ceremony also acknowledged the academic results of our 2023 Year 5 to 11 students who attained a very high GPA or showed outstanding progress in their studies. We wish to congratulate all Award recipients on their outstanding academic results.

We warmly thank all who attended this wonderful celebration of educational excellence.

‘There wouldn’t be a sky full of stars if we were all meant to wish on the same one’

As part of the Australian Curriculum, Year 2 students learn and investigate observable changes in the Earth’s sky patterns and landscape. This unit provides students with the foundational skills of critical thinking and analysis in an exciting space exploration context.

Earlier in the year, our Year 2 students had the unique opportunity to visit one of our eight modern laboratories in the Senior School to assist them in their investigations.

The students worked closely with Senior School Physics teacher and Science Learning Area Leader, Mr Shane MacDonald, who assisted the Year 2 class in learning all about the Sun, Moon and constellations. Our young astronomers had the rare chance to use our School telescope to explore beyond the classroom’s four walls and discover more about our Earth’s atmosphere, the Solar System and light from billions of light-years away.

As a Kindergarten to Year 12 school we have the unique opportunity to provide our Junior School students with a deep and rich learning experience like these. Whether our students are learning their alphabet or solving problems involving the line spectra using atomic energy states, they all have equal access to the School’s specialist resources, and learn from our inspiring professionals, to enhance their overall school experience.

Exploring the wonders o f Minjerribah

MISS SOPHIE TAYLOR CURRICULUM LEADER - GEOGRAPHY

At the start of Term 1, our Year 12 Geographers embarked on a field trip to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to collect data for their final field report. In a culmination of many years of field work, this day trip was an exciting way to put their geographical skills to the test.

The students showed their resilience and keen attitudes as they battled through rain and strong winds during initial data collection. They worked at both Main Beach and Cylinder Beach to complete a transect of each site and collect data about the spread of invasive species. Using a quadrat model, the characteristics of each site were analysed and the environmental conditions that assist in the growth of species were identified. The group was rewarded with a sunny afternoon as they ate a gelato and watched the sun go down on the ferry ride home. These Geography students are to be commended on their efforts in applying skills of critical thinking and connecting complex concepts.

Field trips are an excellent way to demonstrate teamwork, acquire skills outside of the classroom, build communication and make learning applicable. It was a great bonding experience for these Geographers and teachers, as they navigated new experiences together.

Well done to all students involved and we look forward to many more successful field trips coming up across all year levels in Geography this year.

Pastoral Care Captains

MRS MEG BISHOP DEAN OF STUDENTS

The role of Pastoral Care Captain was introduced into the Senior School Student Leadership Team for 2024. This leadership position plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within our St Aidan’s community. Tasked with providing guidance, support, and a listening ear to students, Elise Davies and Beatrice Schwennesen serve as liaisons between their peers and the Educational Leadership Team, ensuring that everyone’s emotional and social needs are met.

Their role actively promotes a culture of kindness, respect and care as well as organising presentations aimed at nurturing a sense of authenticity and belonging among students. By fostering strong interpersonal connections and offering a safe space for expression, our Pastoral Care Captains contribute significantly to the overall positive atmosphere of our school community. Through the introduction of their weekly ‘Aidan’s Way’ awards they have been empowering individuals to embrace our pillars of pastoral care – to lead, include, amplify, connect and care within our community.

Pastoral Care Captains, Elise and Beatrice, have embraced this new leadership role and have been making a significant contribution to the wellbeing of our community. We look forward to continuing this leadership position as part of the Senior Student Leadership Program for 2025 and beyond.

Creating a greener future

Eucalypts—commonly known as gum trees—are an iconic symbol of Australia’s native flora. With its distinctive tall trunk and greyish-silver leaves, the trees are ubiquitous to the Australian landscape and hold historical significance to our nation’s Indigenous ancestors.

Our nearby Sherwood Arboretum hosts an impressive variety of Eucalypt species, including the Forest Red Gum, Tallowwood and Grey Iron Bark.

In the final weeks of Term 1, four of our Year 6 students – Lucia Bailey, Beatrice Evenden, Ariella Meehan, and Bridie Wilkins – joined representatives from the Friends of Sherwood Arboretum and Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens to celebrate National Eucalypt Day. This day helps to recognise the importance of this remarkable tree species whilst supporting the Brisbane City Council’s ‘Growing a Greener Brisbane’ initiative.

Our students worked alongside another local school to help plant trees in the aptly named, ‘Eucalypt Ridge’, whilst getting up-close with native Australian fauna.

Year 10

MRS MEG BISHOP DEAN OF STUDENTS

The end of 2023 saw the introduction of a new event into the St Aidan’s social calendar – the Year 10 unformal. As part of the pastoral care program, students heard from guest speakers about the world behind the fashion industry.

Fashion recycling, an integral aspect of slow fashion, involves reusing and repurposing clothing to extend its lifespan. This can take various forms, such as upcycling old garments into new designs, donating clothing to thrift stores or shelters, or participating in clothing swaps with friends or community groups. By giving new life to discarded clothing, fashion recycling reduces waste and minimises the need for new resources.

During SOAR, a weekly program of social, emotional learning, study skills and community awareness, students collaborated on the design of a runway outfit constructed from recycled materials and featured these at the Unformal in November. A highlight of the evening was the repurposed handbag competition where each student submitted a handbag design using a two-litre milk bottle as its base material. The designs demonstrated the creativity and innovation of all students that participated.

The Unformal was an engaging and fun exploration into the world of fashion. Students participated in many activities and discussions which encouraged them to learn about investing in timeless pieces of fashion rather than chasing fleeting trends, thereby reducing the environmental impact of clothing production and consumption. Students explored the environmental impact of their decisions when shopping for the dinner dance and formal events and learnt tips and tricks in upcycling and second-hand shopping.

The Unformal concluded with two hours of dancing and a pizza dinner. We look forward to continuing this program and activity for future Year 10 cohorts.

Meet our Kindy Teacher

Emma Sainty (Mrs Sainty)

Year Level Taught: Kindergarten

Qualifications: Master of Education (Leadership and Management), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

About the Students

If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?

A safari would be pretty cool!

About School Life

How do you keep things fresh in the classroom?

Changing the children’s artwork and rearranging the furniture always refreshes the classroom.

What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

Seeing the ‘ah-ha’ moments when students understand a new concept they have been finding difficult.

About Life Outside of School

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

I studied a semester of business before changing to Education.

What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?

We have recently welcomed Charlie the cavoodle into our family.

What is your dream holiday?

Anywhere with a beach!

If you weren’t a teacher what would you be?

An accountant

What song do you love singing out loud?

Anything on the radio – I save my singing for the car or the classroom!

What is your favourite book? ‘Matilda’ Roald Dahl.

I wanted to be Miss Honey.

Favourite quote.

Shoot for the moon.

Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.

Norman Vincent Peale

Meet our Kindy Teacher Aide

Melissa Welsh (Ms Welsh)

Qualifications: Diploma of Children’s Services, Certificate III in Children’s Services

About the Students

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

You may be little but you are capable of so much.

If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?

A live taping of playschool (it’s really just for me).

What saying do you live your life by?

Live, Laugh, Love.

About School Life

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

Being on time, prepared, flexible and having fun.

About Life Outside of School

What song do you love singing out loud?

Anything! My children say I sing too much.

What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?

What are your favourite books?

‘Any Ordinary Day’ Leigh Sales ‘Little Women’ Louise May Alcott.

One day when I get to choose a pet I would like a British Short Hair cat named Teddie.

What is your dream holiday?

Leisurely pottering around Europe or Canada ….. or both.

If you weren’t a teacher what would you be?

A children’s book author.

About Life Outside of School

What can you cook to perfection? Are you willing to share the recipe? Raspberry and Lemon Friands. An easy one for Coeliacs like me.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup (120g) almond meal

• 1 2/3 cups (260g) pure icing sugar, sifted, plus extra, for dusting

• 3/4 cup (95g) gluten-free flour, sifted

• ½ teaspoon baking powder, sifted

• 5 egg whites

• 125g unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind

• 1½ cups (180g) frozen raspberries

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Place the almond meal, sugar, flour, baking powder, egg whites, butter and lemon rind in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

2. Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 12 x ½-cup-capacity (125ml) cupcake tin. Top with the raspberries and bake for 30–35 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.

3. Remove from the tins and place on a wire rack to cool. Dust with the extra icing sugar to serve. Makes 12.

Autumn Concert

RIVERLIFE CHURCH

The St Aidan’s Autumn Concert in March brought together over 320 students spanning from Year 1 to Year 12.

The concert took our audience on a captivating musical journey through contemporary, classical, jazz, and African-inspired genres filled with rich, vibrant harmonies. Twelve ensembles from the band, choir and strings programs, showcased their confident musicianship, their creativity, connectedness and musical excellence, with many Senior School students mentoring Junior School students throughout the night.

This inaugural combined Autumn Concert took place at a new venue, Riverlife Baptist Church, which provided an authentic concert setting for the St Aidan’s community. The event was a heartening celebration of the musical talents of our students and the inspiring professionals who guide them.

Junior School Swim Fast. Finish Faster.

Interhouse Swimming

On Tuesday 6 February, the St Aidan’s Junior School held their Interhouse Swimming Carnival at the Yeronga Park Swimming Complex. The event was great fun with each of our Years 3 to 6 students showing authentic encouragement and strong team spirit.

Final House placing:

8 Years

1. Eloise Flack (HA)

2. Coco Pan (AU)

3. Cordelia Rollo (BR)

9 Years

1. Alana Doran (AU)

2. Chiao Tsai (AU)

3. Olivia Kemp (BR)

10 Years

1. Daria Timofeeva (AU)

2. Emily Fordham (HA)

3. Amelia Greaves (NI)

11 Years

1. Mridaya Krishnasamy (BR)

2. Cassie Li (BR)

3. Chloe Chan (HA)

12 Years

1. Natalie Chiu (CA)

2. Jade Cameron (BA)

3. Zoe Keefe (BR)

MELANOMA

On Saturday 23 March our school community joined together in support of the Melanoma Institute’s research and participated in the Melanoma March. This event has significant value to our school as it gives us the opportunity to honour our Alumnae, Emma Betts (2008), who sadly passed away from Melanoma in 2017. Emma’s online blog, Dear Melanoma, captured the nation’s attention as she provided audiences with a powerful detailed account of her life with Stage 4 Melanoma.

This year, our Interact Club rallied a St Aidan’s team together for the event. Together, our school community raised an incredible $7190 for the Melanoma Institute!

Emma Betts (2008)

Whole School Interhouse Cross Country

‘I run because I can’

Hartland 935 points

Cavell 815 points

Bronte 806 points

Austen 799 points 5. Nightingale 750 points 6. Barrett 690 points

In Term 1, our Junior and Senior Schools joined together for a special whole-school Interhouse Cross Country Carnival.

Fostering cross year-level connections builds on one of our School values: connected. Our decision to bring our whole school together for the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival promoted this objective and allowed us to intentionally celebrate our connections with each other from Prep through to Year 12.

The interaction between our Junior and Senior School students enhanced our girls’ social relationships and confidence and encouraged overall House spirit. Congratulations to Hartland who came away with this year’s overall win, and to Barrett who took out the Silver Slipper event.

(HA)

Rose Percival (HA)

Coco Pan (AU)

Thea Tang (HA)

Dottie Smith (BR)

Alice Tanham (NI)

Adeline Horrocks (HA)

Alyssa Blatch (CA)

Aliyana Khan (HA)

Evie Woolmer (BA)

Chloe Chan (HA)

Annabella Kortoci (CA)

Addie Slatter (NI)

Mia Rentoul (HA)

Alula Joseph (AU)

Charlotte Wong

Senior School Age Champions!

12 Years

1. Emily Algate (BR)

2. Evie-Rose Smith (BA)

3. Saoirse Bonner (BR)

13 Years

1. Amelia Lee (BA)

2. Avelaine Gaston (BA)

3. Katherine Chiu (CA)

14 Years

1. Olivia Bron (NI)

2. Natsuki Inoue (HA)

3. Harriet Pillans (AU)

15 Years

1. Lauren Deighton (HA)

2. Layla Pennisi (NI)

3. Mischa Gurgo (AU)

16 Years

1. Veronica Ngo (BR)

2. Arahi Walker (HA)

3. Zara Hughes (AU)

17+ Years

1. Matilda Lee (BA)

2. Rebecca Teahen (AU)

3. Milly Watson (AU)

Silver Slipper Race Winning House Barrett

Rowing Championships Pathway Squad

MRS KATE ATKIN DIRECTOR OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

Over the summer holidays we turned up the heat on our rowing program. We offer a huge congratulations to our Pathway Squad for their incredible performances at the Queensland State Rowing Championships. St Aidan’s came away with four medals.

Queensland State Rowing Championships Results

Single scull rowers did an amazing job! Both Remy Hancock (Year 10) and Bethany Petie (Year 10) made it through to the finals and Bethany recieved a Silver medal.

Estella Menzies (Year 10) came 2nd in the single-scull semi-final with a beautiful row which secured her a spot in the final, however due to the heat and humidity, the final was unfortunately cancelled. She was definitely a top contender for a medal!

Sophie Clayton (Year 12) raced in the para scull event against two state rowers. It was a tough 2km race in the middle of the day, but despite the insane heat, she came away with a Bronze medal.

Special mention goes to Bethany who competed at the National Rowing Championships in Sydney in March. Despite being much younger than her competitors, Bethany rowed admirably to come 5th in the U17 single scull repechage.

In the doubles, we had entries in the U16, U17 and U19 events. Big congratulations to Bethany and Genevieve Davies (Year 10) coming away with a Silver medal in the U16 double final.

Genevieve Davies, Estella Menzies, Mia Rogers, Beth Petie and Annie Jones rowed in at 2nd place in the U17 quad heat. The final was one of their best races yet and secured them a well-deserved Bronze medal.

A group of St Aidan’s girls travelled down to the NSW State Rowing Championships. Bethany, Genevieve, Remy, Estella & Mia all performed admirably, with special mention to Beth and Gen who won a Gold medal in the U16 double.

Thank you to coaches for their tireless effort, parents for their support and encouragement, and senior rowers for their leadership.

These regatta results are a testament to the hard work from all our rowers and coxes over the season. Each and every one of them should be really proud of their achievements!

For those interested in rowing for enjoyment, we also offer a Participation Program in Term 4 of each year.

Single Para Scull - Bronze Sophie (Year 12)

U17 Quad Final - Bronze - Bethany (Year 10), Estella (Year 10), Mia (Year 10), Genevieve (Year 10) and Annie (Year 11)

QLD U16 Doubles Final - Silver

NSW U16 Doubles Final - Gold Bethany and Genevieve (Year 10)

Extra-Curricular Activities

MRS

KATE ATKIN DIRECTOR OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

The St Aidan’s Extra-Curricular program complements our academic and pastoral programs to provide our students with a holistic education promoting authentic, caring, confident, creative and connected women who value reason, imagination, truth, compassion and responsibility.

Research consistently demonstrates that participation in extra-curricular activities has a positive correlation to students’ development both academically and personally. Students who participate in extra-curricular activities demonstrate greater academic success, character and social development and a greater engagement with their community.

At St Aidan’s we value participation and excellence in equal measure; we aim to pursue each without detriment to the other. As such, we have an extensive range of sporting, music, clubs and activities on offer to provide opportunities that meet the needs of each student and cater to their various interests and talents.

This year we have introduced three new clubs in Junior School – Skipping Club, MiniMoves and Tiny Thespians Drama Club.

MiniMoves is for Prep to Year 6 and focuses on movement, coordination and creativity in multiple genres of dance. We encourage each child to have fun and find their own personal groove.

Skipping Club is for Year 2 to Year 5 and teaches various skipping techniques in a fun and supportive environment. This club offers a great opportunity to improve fitness levels and coordination.

Tiny Thespians Drama Club is for students in Year 1 and Year 2 and provides students with a creative outlet for their energy. This program helps to build our students’ confidence, improve communication skills and unleash creativity.

OUTDOORS Aidan’s

Students in Years 4, 7 and 8 took the leap and explored Queensland’s south-east corner throughout Semester 1.

Many members of our community would understand the importance of school camps. Outdoor expeditions have remained foundational to Australia’s educational landscape for years. Research tells us that school camps are critical in fostering a child’s independence, confidence, and initiative. With the skills of team collaboration and resilience, young people develop appropriate decision-making and problemsolving traits required for adulthood.

Year 7 and Year 8 students attended camp early in the school year which may seem daunting, but it has a strategic purpose. Beginning the school year with an outdoor expedition empowers our students to challenge their comfort zones; foster new peer connections and establish a growth mindset. It helps these students feel ready to tackle any obstacles that they may encounter on their educational and social journey in 2024.

We have no doubt that the camps this year have yet again created lasting memories for our students and helped forge friendships that will last a lifetime.

YEAR 4 CAMP

During Term 1, Year 4 students enthusiastically embarked on their two-day adventure at Maroochy Waterfront. This camp provided the perfect platform for fostering new friendships and strengthening existing cohort bonds. Guided by Character Builders, students discovered that sometimes great leaders need to take a step back and listen.

Group challenges laid the groundwork for the development of vital life skills, emphasising values like teamwork, collaboration, and resilience. Water activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, ensured lasting memories were made. Day two unfolded with a morning beach session which included additional group tasks and a refreshing dip in the waves. This camp seamlessly merged enjoyment with character development, offering students a foundation for both personal growth and enduring friendships.

YEAR 7 CAMP

Our Year 7 camp took place in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland at QCCC Mapleton. Despite the occasional heavy downpours, the Year 7 cohort lived out their theme of being ‘better together’, embracing the opportunity to make new friends. They encouraged and supported each other through a range of fun and challenging activities including canoeing, the giant swing, indoor rockclimbing and the crate climb.

YEAR 8 CAMP

Our Year 8 students stepped out of their comfort zones and spent four days at the QCCC Noosa Outdoor Education Centre for the Survival Camp Experience.

This camp involved several team-building activities, allowing our students to learn various outdoor skills such as navigation, bush survival, hiking, water filtering and fire building. The Year 8s also had the opportunity to build water rafts which were then put to the test in an ‘Armada Battle’ against other teams.

The students camped in tents, prepared meals for their house groups, teachers and leaders, and took responsibility for cleaning up and looking after each other.

This Survival Camp Experience enabled our Year 8 students to gain independence and use their autonomy in choice-making. It was wonderful to see the personal growth of each student and the connections grow within the cohort. This camp experience is a memorable chapter within the Year 8 story.

Campus Development NEWS

In late-2023, we officially opened our Aidan’s Place cafeteria and Pavilion precinct to the St Aidan’s community.

Our Aidan’s Place cafeteria sits in the heart of our Ruthven Street campus and since its opening has been bustling with lively conversation and excitement. This vibrant, open plan space features a state-of-the-art cafeteria, our relocated O2 Café and seating area for over 150 people, making it an idyllic spot for catchups and break-time.

Aidan’s Place has also paved the way for innovative teaching, allowing our students to step beyond the classroom’s four walls and into a space which promotes collaboration. We are so pleased to see that Aidan’s Place has become a place for countless opportunities for our community, including parents, teachers and alumni to stay connected.

Our new Pavilion is a dedicated learning hub exclusively used by Year 1 students. Here, our young students learn in a flexible and innovative space designed for critical-thinking and play. The open-plan layout allows for interaction between the two Year 1 class groups, and the added element of natural light enhances concentration and connection to the outdoor environment.

I love my new classroom because it’s bright and colourful.

Odette

I like this classroom because the windows open and you can see the little insects outside in the trees.

I like that there is a lot of space to play.

Aria

Emily

Welcome Drinks

The start of the new school year saw the first of many events hosted by the Parents and Friends Association – the Junior School Welcome Drinks. On Friday 2 February our Junior School community gathered in the Forecourt to enjoy live music, catch up with old friends, and meet new families. Our Senior School Drinks followed in March offering another opportunity to catch up with friends and connect with new ones.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere was a fantastic way to start the new school year, with many people commenting on the beautiful new lighting around the grounds (funded by the P&F Association) and the delicious fine food prepared by our new St Aidan’s Catering Team.

2024 EXECUTIVE

PRESIDENT -

Reuben Saayman

VICE-PRESIDENT -

Kris Whitehead

TREASUREREmma Bristow

SECRETARYCarl Quarterman

Daughter Breakfast

Friday 10 May

Friday 29 August

Junior School Dance

Friday 9 August

6.30pm 11.30pm

4 Friday October 2024 -

The Rivershed Howard Smith Wharves

Tickets will be on sale 9.00am Friday 2 August 2024 and will close Friday 13 September 2024

Foundation

DR ANNE KRUGER FOUNDATION CHAIR

“Girls can do anything”

These are words that some of our oldest Alumnae heard during their time at St Aidan’s and well and truly have continued to live by. The camaraderie that was built many decades ago was on display at the 1929 Society High tea in March that I fortunately attended. The 1929 Society formally honours and recognises those who have made a planned gift in their estate to St Aidan’s.

The gathering was evidence of a certain ‘St Aidan’s effect’ I’ve noticed that stays with, and really sets our girls apart: a sense of authentic confidence and collegiality that has followed these wonderful women throughout their lives. The legacy of their St Aidan’s education has benefited them and been instilled in their interactions with their families and wider communities.

The St Aidan’s effect has also had a profound mark at our highest levels. Our Principal Toni Riordan shared at the morning tea that the school has truly ‘touched her heart’. So much so that she too has recently made the personal decision to add her name as a benefactor in her will.

Foundation is incredibly grateful to our growing number of custodians of the 1929 Society and I invite families and community connections to consider this in their estate planning. You will continue to impact the lives of so many girls and generations to come.

To support our philanthropy goals we are pleased to welcome new Foundation members, Fiona Richardson, Lucy Hirst, and Fiona Himstedt. They bring a wealth of expertise from industry and are already hard at work volunteering their time with our Board members. We have brave, bold hopes for the future and ask you to turn your minds to our upcoming messages and events. When we all work together we can increasingly support the school and bring the ‘St Aidan’s effect’ to our current girls and girls in the future - so that they too believe they ‘can do anything’!

GOLF Day Friday 23 August

St Lucia Golf Links Thursday 6 June As one. Together, we inspire. GIVING DAY

Why we give Foundation

My story is one of continuity and hope - a bridge between generations. My decision to become a donor to the school in which I work is a testament to my belief in the transformative power of education for girls. For me, the act of giving is not merely a financial transaction but a deeply personal endeavour that echoes the values of my maternal lineage - women who despite hardship and limited choices, prevailed to leave a legacy of strength and endurance.

I see my donation as a choice to extend my commitment to the education of girls beyond the classroom and as an investment in a world where my students can thrive, unencumbered by the societal barriers that once hindered my own mother, aunts, and grandparents. By supporting the scholarship fund, I feel a sense of actively dismantling those barriers, ensuring that the next generation of St Aidan’s girls’ life outcomes are not left to chance.

We donated to St Aidan’s to express our appreciation for the education, opportunities and extra-curricular activities it provided our two daughters.

One or both of our daughters has attended St Aidan’s from the Junior School in 2015 to the Senior School in 2024. In addition, Melissa attended St Aidan’s. Throughout our time at St Aidan’s, we have experienced firsthand its supportive community and strong school spirit. Both our daughters have loved their time at St Aidan’s and made lifelong friends. Although our time at St Aidan’s is coming to an end, by giving back we wish to help St Aidan’s continue to provide high-quality education and to support current and future students fulfill their potential at St Aidan’s.

David & Melissa Goffage

Kristine Cairns St Aidan’s Teacher

1929 SOCIETY

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School

On Tuesday 12 March, the 1929 Society High Tea was hosted in the Queensland Club’s Gold Room, marking another year of celebrating the generous individuals (custodians) who have made a bequest to St Aidan’s in their will.

The 1929 Society honours these custodians for their commitment and the enduring legacy they are creating for the School. This year’s gathering was once again a blend of nostalgia and aspiration, with custodians mingling with alumni, staff, School Council members, Foundation Directors, parents, and patrons from various eras. We were also honoured to welcome two new custodians to the 1929 Society.

The 1929 Society custodians continue to remind us that in building legacy we are united in a vision for the future of St Aidan’s.

If you are interested in leaving a planned gift to St Aidan’s please contact Julia McKenna, Director of Development and Community at j.mckenna@staidans.qld.edu.au

It is with much sadness that we share the passing of our Old Girl, Betty Davies (née Park) one of our Day 1 students. We keep her family and friends in our thoughts. Betty attended St Aidan’s (1929–1939) with her sisters, Joan (1941) and Kay (1944). She was a Prefect, and very involved with school sports particularly athletics, tennis and hockey. She was a member of the 1939 winning hockey team. Betty was Cavell House Captain for two years 1938 and 1939. There is a beautiful silver cup, The Park Cup, that was presented at Speech Night to the Best All Round House. Competition in the Park household must have been strong, as each girl was in a different house (not the same house for family members, as happens today). During the war years, in 1942 when school classes were held in private homes, typewriters were moved to the Park household veranda so that Commercial and Ancient History classes could be held there. Betty was a very proud St Aidan’s Old Girl and loved that her family connections continued down the generations.

Betty Davies (nee Park 1939) passed away in February 2024.

Common threads

Late last year we conducted a Uniform Survey, seeking feedback and opinions from our whole community – students, parents, staff and alumni – on what items we could add to improve our uniform range. Here’s a look back in time at our original School uniform.

Our ‘Blues’ uniform has stayed relatively similar since the school began in 1929. It was originally a two piece blouse and skirt before becoming a single dress in 1953. Girls also had to wear stockings and suspender belts prior to pantyhose being introduced in about 1967.

Our ‘Browns’ uniform, worn every Tuesday and Thursday when Christine Hartland was Principal, has changed significantly during the decades. It began as a pleated brown pinafore, long sleeve white shirt, tie, leather belt and stockings, but was gradually modified to a dress in the 1970s, then moving to a separate shirt and skirt gradually during the 1990s.

Alison McGuigan

ALUMNAE 1984

Alison McGuigan graduated from St Aidan’s in 1984 and after university studies in law and arts, embarked on a career in international business. She is excited about the upcoming 40 year reunion of her Year 12 class.

What did you do after you finished at St Aidan’s and did you know that this would be your career path when you were in school?

I enrolled at The University of Queensland in a combined degreeBachelor of Laws and Arts. I didn’t have precise career goals or a vocation in mind at the end of school. This degree seemed to provide a good base as well as five years to work out what I wanted to do!

Brought to you by the St Aidan’s Foundation and the P&F Association

What is your role now and how long have you been in this position?

I am a Vice President with The Cohen Group, which is a U.S.-headquartered business advisory firm, founded by the former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Defense, William Cohen. I started 11 years ago in Washington DC and went on to set up their Australian business in 2018.

This role brings all the themes of my career together: technology and entrepreneurship, international business and commerce at the intersection of government and the private sector. Prior to my current role I had 15 years in the Senior Executive Service at Austrade - the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, holding postings as Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in Budapest, London and Washington D.C.. I also led the organisation’s global technology team, drawing on my early experience as a researcher in an academic centre and in product development with a start-up company. Both focused on the application of emerging technologies. I have lived in five countries and done business in over 30, and very pleased to be back in Australia again.

What achievement in life are you most proud of? Have you received any awards/accolades we should mention?

The achievements I most fondly remember were those in drama at school and university, such as winning the Jean Trundle Memorial One-Act Play Competition in 1984 under Miss Harper’s tutelage. Drama as an extracurricular activity has led me to meet some of my closest and lifelong friends.

How did the St Aidan’s community foster your confidence in pursuing your aspirations?

The school instilled a sense of confidence and provided a vision for what might be possible. This was foundational when I was pushing through the inevitable challenges and hurdles faced in a career. It gave me the drive to pursue leadership roles when women were not as common or welcome in leadership positions. During my time, women in Australia went from 43% work participation when I left school in 1984 to parity by 2020. St Aidan’s gave me the confidence and staying-power to be part of this watershed social change. What do you know now that you wish you knew at school?

I always felt bad as a 17-year-old for not having a good answer to: ‘What do you want to do when you leave school?’. In hindsight, being open and flexible in career options turned out to be an advantage. The world changes, as do you. When I left school, the internet was ten years away from being publicly available, no-one had email or mobile phones, and computers were in the ‘computer lab’. The career preferences you have at 17 or 18 may not exist or be the best option by the time you graduate. Or, as I found, it may no longer be what you want. After studying law and doing internships I knew I didn’t want to be a lawyer. But I had seen enough to know I wanted to be in the field of emerging technologies – it was a very exciting time in tech. Forty years later and this strategy may still be appropriate as we approach another seminal moment in technological change.

ALUMNI Sp tlight

Triumphant success can take some struggle. Any advice on how to overcome adversity?

The elements of success that are usually in focus are those of the individual: talent, persistence, self belief. But the one I think is overlooked in stories of success is the role of your community. Your community is everyone around you – some you know well, some you don’t, some you like, some you don’t. They are your cohort, your family, teachers, neighbours, even the bus driver who drives your route every day. In my experience it is the community who make you thrive. They can show you the way, give you confidence, promote you and inspire you.

What would be your top three tips to current students wishing to pursue a career in business and consultancy?

It doesn’t matter what you study – as long as you ‘learn how to learn’. I work with a medical doctor, someone who graduated from School of Rock, and others who got their university qualifications later in life. Where you start matters less than how you apply that experience. In consultancy, it is often an advantage having an unusual background as it provides a fresh perspective.

The substance of what you work on or the sector you are in will change – the people do not. It is the relationships you have with people that make the difference and are built slowly over a lifetime.

Never be afraid to say you don’t know or ask for help. It is the community who will be your resource and the differentiator in any career.

ALUMNI NEWS

Engagements

Kathryn (Katie) Veitch (2009) to Innes Harriman (St Aidan’s Assistant Head of Junior SchoolPastoral).

Marriages

Courtney Evans (2008) married Alexander Nyst on 23 September 2023 in Fiji.

Births

Elise Edwards (nee Hoyer 2010) and husband welcomed their second child Louik born February 2024, brother to big sister Indianna (pictured above).

Emma Spiller (2011) and Alex Potter welcomed their third child, McKenna on 22 December 2023. She is the little sister to Sascha and Ezra.

Mae Friederisch (2014) and husband welcomed Levi John Walker on 12 December 2023.

Vale

Jean Humphries (Woodyard, 1938), passed away peacefully 21 March 2024. Jean had recently celebrated her 104th Birthday together with four other St Aidan’s Old Girls.

Congratulations

Laura Milton (2016) has been awarded a Fulbriight Future Scholarship in the USA.

Laura is currently a PhD student at the QUT Centre for Biomedical Technologies. Laura studied a Bachelor of Advanced Science at UQ and graduated as Valedictorian of the School of Biomedical Sciences, with a first-class Honours thesis in neurodegeneration. Laura then turned to a biomedical engineering PhD at QUT to address challenges she faced in her undergraduate studies regarding a lack of effective pre-clinical drug testing models. She now generates novel tissue-specific biomaterials with her industry partner, Gelomics Pty Ltd, and harnesses these to yield predictive models.

Liesda Marsdon (2009), Tegwen Marsdon (2012), Jayde Ramsey (2018) and Alice Ebinger (2023) represented Australia in January 2024 in Synchronised Ice Skating. They competed in France and Finland.

Congratulations

Adelaide Pope (2019)

After graduating from St Aidan’s in 2019, Adelaide commenced a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne under the institution’s flagship ‘Hansen Scholarship’. As a student, Adelaide served as an executive of the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, was a “reverse mentor” to a senior Australian Diplomat and represented Australia in the Indo-Pacific through her selection as a New Colombo Plan Scholar by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Her career to date has been grounded by her passion for sustainable, ethical, and inclusive economics, and her determination to use her commercial skills for good. Her work on various economic topics have notably been published by UN Women and ILO, featured in leading think tanks and newspapers internationally, and have contributed to Indonesian government presentations at the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali.

Adelaide is currently completing her final semester of her undergraduate degree whilst working at the Commonwealth Treasury in the International Economics and Security Division and is eager to leverage this policy experience to improve economic ecosystems and outcomes, tangibly impacting the lives of people the world over.

Adelaide was recently keynote speaker at an International Women’s Day lunch for the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Queensland Branch, attended by educational leaders and guests celebrating the important place girls schools have in creating an equal world. Adelaide inspired the audience, sharing her professional journey since finishing school, highlighting how a girls’ school education set her up for success.

Carly-Jay Metcalfe (1994) published her memoir ‘Breath’ in February 2024

ALUMNI NEWS

Donations

Thank you to those who have generously donated memorabilia to our Archives:

David Murray donated photos from rowing, equestrian and school facilities.

Elizabeth Graves, mother of Natasha (1995), Tanya (1998) and Bianca (1998) donated a signature bear with St Aidan’s laces and colours.

Ann Boyle (Crawford, 1961) donated her Sports Captain blazer, a knitted tie and her badges including her gold Old Girls Prize badge.

Marie-Louise Blake (Coogan, 1983) donated three uniforms: blue, white and her brown sports tunic with her name embroidered on the front.

Emily Bennison (nee Strickland, 2007) donated a framed watercolour of St Aidan’s chapel and PAC. It belonged to her mother, Melissa Strickland (Kubale, 1981).

Lynda Hoyer (Burren, 1976) donated her velour hat with hatband.

Her daughters Elise (2011) and Michelle (2007) donated many sporting uniforms including a Stage dance black singlet, Hartland bandanna, white polo shirts, a pink t- shirt from Touch Football camp and tracksuit jackets.

Do you have any old St Aidan’s school uniforms or items? We love receiving memorabilia for our Archives collection. Books, berets and bags, or letters, pockets and photographs.

It all adds to the collective memory of St Aidan’s school days.

ALUMNI I Awards

Nominate an outstanding St

Aidan’s GRADUATE

The St Aidan’s Alumni Awards celebrate the diverse achievements of our alumni and provide an opportunity to share these stories. From leadership in business and government to ground-breaking research in science and medicine; from accomplishments in athletics, humanities and the arts to acts of service for global and local communities; our St Aidan’s alumni bring honour to themselves, to our School and inspire others.

What is required to nominate:

• A completed nomination form and current CV/resume of the nominee

• A written statement (maximum 500 words) detailing why the nominee deserves to be recognised and how they meet the criteria for the award

• Any supporting evidence such as awards, media clippings, video footage, etc.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE: 30 June 2024

ALUMNI Reunions 2024

Ascension Day (All Welcome)

60 Year Reunion (Class of 1964)

Thursday 9 May

10 Year Reunion (Class of 2014)

20 Year Reunion (Class of 2004)

30 Year Reunion (Class of 1994)

Saturday 18 May

40 Year Reunion (Class of 1984)

50 Year Reunion (Class of 1974)

Sunday 19 May

Melbourne

Saturday 25 May

Sydney

Saturday 1 June

Canberra

Sunday 2 June

The Last Word

We are, more than ever, a visual people. Demographers track how we consume images, and although we have become great at judging the authenticity of images, we are still largely persuaded by what we see of the lives of others. We have become trained to watch – to see a concert through the lens of our phone cameras, to be pre-occupied with recording our great experiences, sometimes at the expense of experiencing them.

It can feel like we are not invited to join in. Participation is for the few, spectating for the many.

It may sound like a meme to suggest that life is not meant to be a spectator sport but it’s true. We are meant to get involved, to get our hands dirty. While it can seem convenient to let others do while we watch, we miss the delight of dirt under the nails, flour in the hair, or paint on the elbow.

One of the reasons I love Messy Church is that it celebrates getting messy which means taking part. And while parents can be reluctant to join their children in actually making a mess, this is the most important part of the whole experience! Pick up the glue stick! Colour the easter egg! Take some artistic risks! We want to model to our children that getting involved is fun.

The message of God’s incarnation in Jesus should be a clue. God is not a spectator to our lives, looking down on us from heaven and tutting at what we get up to. God is here with us, getting God’s hands dirty and loving it. May we be brave enough to risk participation, and even forget to take the photo.

Blessings,

The Reverend Sister Gillian Moses SSA Chaplain

Leading the Future

Wednesday 12 June 8.30am - 12.30pm