St Aidan's Blueprint (Volume 5 - January 2024)

Our focus at St Aidan’s is to develop and promote

CARING, CONNECTED, CONFIDENT and CREATIVE women who value reason, imagination, truth, compassion and responsibility.

From the Principal

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Welcome to the 2023 edition of St Aidan’s Blueprint. Just as a blueprint serves as a detailed guide for constructing a building, our Blueprint illuminates the structural framework of our educational institution.

We know that a blueprint is not only a set of technical drawings; its intent is to encapsulate the aspirations, vision, and collaborative spirit that shape an organisation, such as St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School. Schools are organic; they are living places of people and plans, projects and programs. When we are guided by a plan, we can write our own story, and the story of St Aidan’s features a school with its eyes on the horizon.

Our Strategic Direction: Leading the Future (2022-2025) forms the story we tell ourselves. It is the story of how the school we start with becomes the school we want it to be in the future - and this is how all stories function. At their core, all good stories are about how, and why we change. While change is inevitable, St Aidan’s remains anchored to its vision and values. Our School’s focus is to develop and promote authentic, caring, confident, creative and connected women who value reason, imagination, truth, compassion and responsibility.

The unique challenge in drafting the story of our School is that we are not writing an ending. Indeed, we are writing the story as it is unfolding and in 2023, we had great cause to celebrate much that unfolded. 2023 saw significant investment in facilities development, including improvements on our Senior and Junior School campuses and our Ambiwerra Sports Precinct.

Early in the year, we delivered the refurbishment of twelve classrooms in Le Fanu, on the Senior School campus. Also, in Le Fanu, we demolished its old and dark under croft, which included an outdated tuckshop. We now have a light and modern cafeteria, café and meeting place, which is Aidan’s Place. Construction and landscaping have also been completed at the front entrance of the Senior School, giving us an inviting ‘front entry’ to welcome visitors and community members.

Construction of our two Pavilion classrooms in the Junior School was completed in September.The second stage of development at Ambiwerra, our Sports Performance Centre, will be completed in early 2024. The Centre boasts two indoor courts, along with a flexible learning space for health and fitness testing, PE lessons and for other subject areas which make curriculum connections to our natural surrounds at Ambiwerra.

These major projects are exciting threads of our 2023 narrative; yet they also herald the next chapter of life at St Aidan’s. The new classrooms, performance areas and social spaces showcase our school’s potential, and we cannot wait to see the incredible lessons and learnings, discussions and collaborations which will undoubtedly emerge from our new and upgraded facilities.

Beyond physical spaces, this year we have further implemented our school-wide Pastoral Care Framework and increased pastoral care lesson times. This valuable time and focus are instrumental in supporting our students’ social and emotional growth. At St Aidan’s personal character is shaped by the solid foundations of the Society of the Sacred Advent’s values, and reflected in our commitment to nurturing strong and healthy girls and young women who lead, include, amplify, connect and care.

Each edition of St Aidan’s Blueprint provides the platform for our school leaders to share our programs of action, the building of our school, mapped against our school’s vision, values and the strategic intentions. At St Aidan’s, we build excellence in education, ensuring that each individual student is nurtured within a vibrant learning environment, and that she has the opportunity to realise her aspirations.

I commend this year’s Blueprint to you. It is not just a retrospective; it is a dynamic testament to St Aidan’s commitment to shaping resilient, forward-thinking individuals who will become the architects of tomorrow’s successes.

Ms Toni Riordan Principal BEd, MEd (Leadership and Management), FACEL, MACE, GAICD, FIML

Ethos

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The Ethos of St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School has been deeply shaped by the Society of the Sacred Advent and the SSA traditions within the Anglican Faith. These traditions are kept alive by both students and staff today, who know the stories of those who came before us, and who tell these to our community so that we may celebrate them, learn from their values and remember their legacy.

This can be seen in many small ways in the life of our community as we embrace the SSA emphasis on preparing a place for God, first in our hearts, and then in the world in which we live.

We see this in the joy of community celebrations for feast days and milestones, especially as older students warmly and gently teach younger students how to be part of a community. We see this in acts of justice and compassion driven by students with support from staff. We see this in creative engagement and shared leadership in worship and prayer spaces as students bring their own concern for the world around them into our worshipping life. We see this in students engaging with big questions whole heartedly and with intellectual rigour. We see this in the way staff engage supportively with students, exemplifying the values of the school and the SSA. And we see this in the way students and staff challenge themselves to persevere through difficulty.

What we saw this year was a community of students and staff connecting with each other, demonstrating kindness, respect and compassion for one another.

The Reverend Canon Julia Van Den Bos Chaplain BA, BTh (Hons)

From the Chair of Council

I am truly honoured to be part of the St Aidan’s School Council and have this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the achievements, accomplishments and progress of our students, staff and school community for 2023.

It is an immense privilege to be part of the School Council – the advisory and decision-making body for the School. Our Council is composed of dedicated individuals, including current and past parents, alumni, staff and key individuals, who provide expertise and insight to support school operations and strategic planning. Our School Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the school, ensuring that it remains aligned with its mission and values.

The Council work closely with the Society of the Sacred Advent Schools Trustee. Together they hold the legal and financial responsibility for the School and ensure the continuity of St Aidan’s as an institution, safeguarding its assets and the interests of its students and staff. The Trust and Council work harmoniously to uphold the legacy and ethos of St Aidan’s, ensuring that it continues to thrive.

We seek to preserve the rich history and values of St Aidan’s. We are custodians of the land on which St Aidan’s operates. We are the protectors of the assets that sit on this land. And we are the managers of the buildings where we are blessed to work, learn and play.

This year we have delivered significant construction projects. We renovated Le Fanu classrooms, demolished our former tuckshop, built the Junior School Pavilion, reimagined and transformed the ground floor of Le Fanu to develop Aidan’s Place and progressed significantly in the construction of the Sports Performance Centre at Ambiwerra which will open early 2024.

We undertake these building projects not in isolation, but as a team. We have brought together engineers, cost planners, project managers, architects, consultants, builders and financial managers to work alongside our own staff and ensure that we design and construct each project within a defined budget and with our future in mind. Through collaboration and consultation, our team efforts have contributed to these building improvements in 2023.

We seek to continue to unlock the potential of what we have. In 2024 we look forward to releasing the next stages of our Master Plan projects for the centenary and sharing our vision for St Aidan’s. We know that future generations will thank us for this.

Our School was built on the foundation of the Society of the Sacred Advent. We are navigating an era of rapid technological advancements and societal changes. It is imperative that we preserve our heritage while adapting to the needs of the present and the future. We balance tradition and innovation, to ensure we remain relevant and effective in preparing students and our school for the challenges of the modern world.

It is the responsibility of the Trust and the Council to ensure the St Aidan’s legacy endures. The values and intentions that guide our decisions are the building blocks of why we exist. We hold tight to the reason behind all our decisions – to develop and promote authentic caring, connected, confident and creative women. This year, one of the ways we have achieved this has been by continuing to improve our facilities and assets so that they, and future generations, may experience a nurturing learning environment.

Mr Stephen Green Chair of Council BEngCivil

Junior School

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This year in the Junior School we focused on the ways that we enrich the learning of our students, wherever they may be in their personal learning journeys. If you walk around the Junior School on any given day you will see evidence of rich and rewarding learning experiences where each student’s individual needs, abilities and interests are placed at the centre of the curriculum. Differentiated programs and explicit teaching are designed to ensure each student reaches their academic, physical, social and emotional potential. Breathing life into the educational process is a deliberate emphasis on integrating the curriculum and engaging students in experiential learning.

Students are engaged in real-world experiences and provided with authentic and immersive learning environments through experiences such as their participation in the Eureka Gold Rush excursion where a New South Wales gold field township of 1854 was brought to life through role-plays, tent making, observation and mapping activities with gold and mining licences bought and exchanged. Going beyond reading, listening, or writing about the impact of the gold rush and coming into direct contact with the realities transformed theoretical knowledge into lived experience. In an extended mathematics problem-solving exercise, students collaborated in groups and employed the principles of 3D properties to design and construct Indigenous shelters at our Ambiwerra site.

Curriculum was also integrated with students using their own Micro:bit technology to develop a simple light detector in conjunction with their science unit. Coding Bee Bots and Blue Bots using mathematical concepts such as directional language, algorithms, numbers and place value was embarked upon and using block-based programming language students completed activities with a Sphero to showcase their coding skills and map the journey of the First Fleet in History.

The School’s Science Laboratory, Library, and Art room served as hubs for students to test theories, delve into literature, and create masterpieces showcased at our Wearable Art Parade, Art Exhibition and Music Gala Concert. Students participated in swimming lessons, engaged in language programs and music lessons, and worked on individualised Math or English rotations during targeted activities. Our Friday afternoon STEAM and design thinking programs fostered critical and creative thinking, developing ethical understanding and awareness.

Junior School

Through our extensive extracurricular offerings, we fostered a holistic educational experience. Avenues such as our KIDpreneur program empowered our students to not only understand the principles of entrepreneurship but also to apply them in a practical setting through developing and managing their own businesses donating their profits to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Participation in Chess club and Philosophy club enabled students to explore complex ideas and diverse perspectives. And the Student Representative Council (SRC) engaged students from Year 3 to Year 6 in collaboration with senior school students, working together to effect change and promote social initiatives such as Containers for Change.

Finally, our Outdoor Education Program broadened students’ horizons through activities such as canoeing, orienteering challenges, high ropes, and a visit to Canberra, where an understanding of civics and citizenship came to life.

At St Aidan’s, we set high expectations and foster enthusiasm for knowledge, promoting a ‘can do’ attitude when embracing learning opportunities. Our dedicated teachers use a range of learning opportunities to instil a genuine love of learning within an environment where each student feels connected, valued, engaged, and challenged.

Dr Jenny Crome Head of Junior School

PhD, BA, MEd (Leadership and Management), GradDipEd (Primary), GradDipEd (Early Childhood), Cert IV (Business)

Junior School Sport

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2023 will be remembered by many for the incredible sporting achievements of our Matildas whose awe-inspiring performance at the World Cup captured the hearts of all Australians. We saw a nation screech to a halt to witness history being made on our home soil. Their sporting prowess served as motivation for our Junior School girls who aspired to demonstrate their own excellence, determination, and sheer grit in the various Andrews Cup sporting events and Queensland representative environment.

Walt Disney’s quote “If you can dream it, you can do it” inspired our young St Aidan’s sporting enthusiasts to accomplish what they dreamt.

Throughout the year, our girls have displayed an unwavering commitment to training, a burning desire to achieve their best and an incredible school spirit.

Representing St Aidan’s in the Andrews Cup is one of the pinnacle highlights for students from Year 2 to Year 6. This year our team sports achieved exceptional results.

Our core sport groups also performed tremendously with many coloured ribbons coming home from the pool, the track, and the field. We had 16 students selected for District, Regional and Queensland School Sport.

These girls should be proud of themselves and are a wonderful example to our community.

The 2023 year will be remembered for many wonderful achievements thanks to determination and participation by our young sportswomen who grasped that the strength of St Aidan’s was through each team member’s contribution. They saw success from podium finishes, to representative team selections, from hard trainings, to overcoming challenges. They stretched themselves to places that they may never thought possible and in the process, got to experience the absolute joy of being part of something bigger.

Mrs Tracey Jeanes-Fraser Director of Activities and Engagement

BEd (Secondary), High Performance Coaching Accreditation - Netball Australia

Junior Sport Highlights Andrews Cup Competitions

AFL

• A Grade – 3rd

Athletics

• 12 Years Age Group – 2nd

Basketball

• D Grade White – Premiership

Cricket

• A Grade – 2nd

• B Grade – Premiership

• C Grade White – 2nd

Netball

• A Grade – 2nd

• B Grade – 2nd

• Junior A – 3rd

• Junior B – 2nd

Touch Football

• B Grade – Premiership

2023 Senior Outcomes

The outstanding academic success of the Year 12 2023 cohort is to be congratulated. The fact that St Aidan’s continues to be one of the top performing independent schools in Queensland should not dilute the phenomenal results of this cohort. The girls are indeed walking in the footsteps of those who came before them, however, the class of 2023 have clearly carved their own path.

All Great Stories Start with a Blank Page was the 2023 theme for the Aidan’s Celebrates event earlier this year. This cohort has now completed their first chapter as authors of their own stories.

When reflecting on their calm and confident approach to External Exams, it was clear to see how far they had come. It is not only their outstanding individual success stories that we applaud, but their connectedness as they assisted each other on this journey as co-authors.

Dedications in these books would include a nod to the teachers who have walked alongside them on this path. The professionalism and supportive nature of the teachers at St Aidan’s is widely acknowledged. With QCAA expertise shown through the appointment of: 7 teachers as Confirmers, 3 as Lead Confirmers and 1 as Chief Confirmer; 3 teachers as Endorsers, 2 as Lead Endorsers and 1 as Chief Endorser; 6 teachers as External Assessment Markers, 1 as Lead Marker and 1 as Chief Marker along with 11 teachers involved in Writing and Scrutiny Panels, it is clear that this involvement with QCAA ensures that the school is continually building expertise in the leading of its quality academic programs and that the guiding hands of inspiring professional teachers have assisting with the proofreading of Chapter One.

Successes in internal assessment were apparent and students understood the ‘gear shift’ required from Units 1 and 2 to 3 and 4 respectively. The number of students receiving the Australian Institute of Physics and Chemistry certificates for exceptional Internal Assessment results spoke volumes about the commitment of this cohort to their academic performance.

The best authors are creative geniuses. Strong results, three students receiving 100% in Visual Art, two students receiving 100% in Literature and two students receiving 100% Japanese, show just how creative these young women are and that creativity will allow them the opportunity to fly.

Our 2023 Year 12 cohort are to be congratulated on their phenomenal academic achievements. 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. The statistics from the 2023 cohort include 84 numbers which reflect 84 individual 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 and look forward to watching them begin their second chapter.

Mrs Laura Cooke Dean of Studies

97% of St Aidan’s senior cohort was ATAR eligible.Actual performance may be higher, as the small number of students who did not release data to the school have been included as having achieved below 80.

MA (Hons), MEd (Leadership and Management), PGDE, CELTA

2023 ATAR Results

St Aidan’s continues to be one of the top performing independent schools in Queensland.

OF STUDENTS 21% OF STUDENTS

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Each year provides us with the opportunity to continue to design learning experiences in English that are always responsive to the ever-changing demands of our curriculum and the interests of our students. 2023 saw a continuation of our commitment to creating experiences that strive to ensure the best outcomes for our students.

In our junior secondary space, we saw the introduction of a number of new units and texts this year. This included Year 7, who explored the Marvellous World of Comics, analysing the use of film techniques in Marvel comic films. In Year 9, students studied the film Enola Holmes, exploring themes such as social change and the coming of age.

In Year 11 English we strove to meaningfully embed indigenous perspectives by introducing the play The Seven Stages of Grieving, by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman, which was studied alongside the Adam Goodes documentary The Australian Dream. Students analysed representations of concepts such as racism, belonging, identity, resilience, survival and reconciliation. Essential English students also got to study Ash Barty’s biography My Dream Time, reflecting on the societal impact of representations of indigenous Australians within popular culture texts. Finally, Year 12 English saw the introduction of Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, as the culminating text for Senior English, studied in preparation for their external examination. We focused on discussions around identity and to what extent we have power over how others perceive us, concepts such as truth and justice, as well as the importance of belonging and acceptance.

Finally, we are very excited to be offering English and Literature Extension to our current Year 11 students, who have begun this Year 12 subject. The students who have selected this new course have learnt about author-centred and reader-centred theoretical approaches to reading. Students have already completed a reader-centred interpretation to a complex literary text of their choice, then providing a defence to explain their application and evaluation of theory.

We look forward to embracing even more new opportunities that 2024 has in store.

Mrs Samantha Doig

Learning Area and Curriculum Leader - English

(Year 10-12)

BEd, BArts

Sciences

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Science education is essential in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills for the future, where careers and jobs are likely to look significantly different from today. Science education also fosters a passion for learning and a curiosity about the world. This is the doorway into science education at St Aidan’s. By being curious, girls empower themselves to research, contribute and solve complex challenges in our world. We proudly combat stereotypes about gender and intellect, we actively promote a growth mindset and recognise that new skills require an acquisition period, we continually talk about successful women in science and STEM fields, and we eagerly encourage students to take on STEM projects that connect with their passions, hobbies, and goals.

Throughout this year, we have seen tremendous achievement and growth in our girls and have explored a range of different activities relating to real-world science. Some highlights include:

- A team of Year 10 and 11 students competed in the International Space Design Competition in Florida for the third successive year.

- A team of Year 8 students won the Queensland Secondary School Techgirls Tech Entrepreneurship Competition and also received the People’s Choice Award.

- A team of Year 8 students won the Robo Cup for the second year in a row.

- A team of Year 7 girls won the STEM Punk competition of the second year in a row.

- An increasing number of Year 12 students were recognised for excellent results (above 90%) on internal assessments –over two-thirds of girls in Senior Physics and Senior Chemistry received industry recognition for excellence.

- Year 9 Physical Sciences students designed, manufactured, built and showcased their annual display of amazing lights.

- Over 20 teams of Year 7 to Year 10 students collaborated to enter the annual Spaghetti Bridge Building Competition.

- Year 10 Amplified Science students designed and tested aerodynamic wing structures and programmed AI-based robots for a warehousing simulation with automated obstacle avoidance strategies.

- The school hired a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for a week, allowing Year 7-10 science students to see the microscopic in stunning detail – highlights were looking at the damage done to strands of hair by the heating process of hair straighteners and the scary visage of a tic.

- Four Year 9 girls worked at Toohey Forest Environmental Education Centre partnering with QUT, and were involved in the SPARQ-ed program with a focus of working with scientific officers and forensic scientists to explore crime scene science.

- Year 12 Biology students conducted a genetic analysis of eight puppies to determine paternity using gel electrophoresis, and Year 11 Biology students completed field work out in Toohey Forest where they studied biodiversity of animals (birds) and plants.

- The Marie Curie Club continued to attract significant numbers of students to lunchtime activities, where the guidance of our highly skilled lab technicians helped students further explore interesting applications of science, including processes for creating compost, testing electrolytes in sports drinks, and looking at mummified chickens (created two years ago!).

Mr Shane MacDonald Learning Area Leader BSc (Physics), GradDipEd,

MEd (Curriculum), MAIP

Mathematics

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As the year draws to a close, it is timely to reflect on the processes and achievements of the Mathematics Learning Area, its teachers and its students for 2023. With changes looming in coming years to both the Australian Curriculum and the Senior subjects, much discussion and planning has been taking place. In the meantime, teachers have diligently maintained their classroom processes and pedagogy whilst providing a quality mathematical education for the students in their care.

A focus area for the teachers of Years 7 – 10 continues to be the development of our students’ report writing skills. The Year 7 students, in completing their first senior school mathematics assignment, tested the claim that basketballers are taller by comparing the heights of the team with the heights of their classmates. Digital technology and a graphical representation in the form of a stem-and-leaf plot were used to support their findings. For the Year 8 cohort, the conclusion of the measurement topic culminated in the design of a bird box for a specific species. Illustrations of both front and side views highlighted the key features the students had incorporated. Surface area and volume calculations were then carried out as the box timber was sealed with decking oil. Students justified their design components and choice of oil based on cost and suitability for the project. Meanwhile, students in Year 9 were busily comparing their sleep patterns with those of their Year 12 counterparts. Measures of centre and spread were analysed as the students used a problem-solving approach to compare and contrast the two groups.

Students enrolled in senior mathematical subjects have displayed dedication, focus and maturity as they work to achieve their goals. Study books, flash cards, summary books, tracking sheets and regular quizzing are just some of the tools which are often used when preparing for the increased rigors of the mathematics syllabuses, whether it be for Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, General Mathematics or Essential Mathematics. The learning area is fortunate to have dedicated teachers who work tirelessly guiding and supporting their students, and our Mathematics Assistance Program, where teachers volunteer their time to further assist students, was well-supported this year, indicating the value students place on this opportunity for small group assistance outside their usual class time.

Students in Year 7 to 11 challenged themselves by competing in Australia’s largest school-based mathematics competition – the Australian Mathematics Competition. This after-school event required the students to solve 30 unique problems different from their regular classroom learnings. Congratulations to the students on their outstanding results. Having just farewelled our Year 12 Mathematics students, it is time for the learning area to look forward to 2024 and plan for another engaging and successful year.

Mrs Linda Gothard Learning Area Leader DipT (Secondary)

The Business, Economics and Social Sciences Learning Area aims to develop students with knowledge about people, places, values and systems, fostering effective skills for everyday life. Recognising the significance of these skills, our programs expanded to include Civics and Citizenship and Economics and Business in Years 7 and 8, as well as further growth in Economics and Business and Geography courses in Years 9 and 10.

The introduction of Civics this year deepened students’ understanding of the Australian legal and political system and provided essential background knowledge for the referendum held this year.

In History, students explored diverse epochs and events. Year 7 and 8 students delved into the Ancient and Medieval world, showcasing creativity and understanding through engaging museum displays. They participated in an archaeological dig, examined the mysteries of Ancient Egypt, the rise of the Chinese Empire and the achievements of the Renaissance. Year 9 and 10 undertook a survey course on early modern History covering the wonders of the Industrial Revolution, the emergence in the Chinese and Japanese empires, the Australian federation the Great War. Senior School historians scrutinised global revolutions, the rise of the Nazi Party, the battle against fascism in WWII, concluding with a focus on the Cold War. Year 12 students confidently approached their final exam on the Vietnam War.

In Geography, students explored the intricate relationship between environment and society. The deep learning and engaging program saw students in Year 7 explore local liveability, Year 10 investigate platypus habitats in Maroochydore and Year 11 explore sustainable planning in the Fortitude Valley. Year 8 studied various landforms, landscapes and changing nations, while the new Year 9 course featured a sustainable, ethical fashion show. Achievements included the inaugural participation in the Australian Geography Competition and the introduction of Senior Geography.

Economics and Business emphasised understanding resource allocation, economic decision making, business operations, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. New courses were introduced for Years 7 and 8 students, while Year 9 and 10 students developed financial literacy skills including budgeting and investing. Year 9 students showcased entrepreneurial skills with a Christmas Market business venture, raising over $2,000 for their chosen charities. Accounting students delved into the fundamental roles of organisations, participated in the BEAQ Accounting Challenge, and developed problem-solving skills. In Senior Economics, students analysed data and applied economic models and theory to evaluate current economic decision making

Mrs Kate Atkin

Learning Area Leader

BCom, BSc (Mathematics), GradDipEd (Secondary), MEd (Leadership and Management), JP (Qual), MACEL

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The Arts Learning Area at St Aidan’s is a vibrant, learnercentred area offering students the chance to create, perform and analyse the creative mediums of Visual Art, Music and Drama. Every day, our passionate and experienced staff develop the imagination of young minds and foster innovation, critical thinking and creativity. Through carefully selected, sequenced and immersive experiences, arts educators at St Aidan’s empower students with the ability to meet the challenges of a 21st century global marketplace.

Visual Art continued to build on genuine student engagement. Through the making and responding components of the subject, students are required to think outside the obvious, the literal and the notion of a right or wrong answer. The subject provides unprecedented challenges, enabling students to gain life-long strategies which value inquiry and problem-solving. In 2023, our students had the privilege of working alongside renowned artists including Wendy Winsely a professional clay and textile artist, and Australian painter John Honeywill.

Music students were provided the opportunity to listen, compose, perform, write, improvise and respond to music from various cultures and periods. They immersed themselves in a broad range of musical activities designed to stimulate cognitive pathways and produce highly skilled minds. Neuroscientific research has proven that music education stimulates auditory, visual, and motor cortices which enhances brain activity and improves processing skills and general cognitive abilities. Students in Years 7 and 8 studied Folk, Australian and Art Music repertoire and, extended their core music skills. Year 9 and 10 elective Music students explored Protest Music, Musical Theatre and Jazz. Students responded to the study of musical elements and compositional devices both individually and collaboratively. They examined social and cultural contexts, evaluated their

own compositions and researched the role of musicians and composers. Our Senior Music class delved into a wide array of musical repertoire to inform original interpretations of musical performance and the creation of innovative compositions. Senior Music students from St Aidan’s continued to gain early entry into audition based Tertiary Music Programs.

Drama challenges our students to explore, create, perform and respond in diverse contexts. In 2023, our Year 7 Drama students explored Jessica Bellamy’s play, Compass, and created scenes based on gaps and silences. In Year 8, our students discovered the possibilities of Alison Carr’s magical world in Tuesday and devised melodramatic performances challenging the traditional characters. Year 9 transformed Greek myths into contemporary performances, showcased their imagination by bringing The Lorax to life, and created physical theatre inspired by The Rabbits, by John Marsden and Shaun Tan. Our Year 10 girls performed scenes from playwright Michael Andrew Collins, Impending Everyone, experimenting with site-specific theatre, devised their own productions that addressed political, ethical and social issues, and transformed classic texts into magical realism. Senior Drama classes discovered the importance of drama in challenging the stereotypical understanding of humanity. Students transformed A Midsummer Night’s Dream for contemporary audiences, performed The Shot by Angela Betzien, unpacked The Arrival inspired by Shaun Tan and presented a performance of Opening a Fuzzwollop’s Frame of Mind by Daniel Evans. Outside the classroom, students in Years 9 to 12 had the opportunity to visit the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and experience the live production of Frankenstein performed by the Shake & Stir Theatre Company.

Mrs Susan Figliano Head of Music

BMus (Hons 1), AMus, GradDipEd (Secondary), MMusSt

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Year 8 and 9 students participated in the annual Buddha Birthday Celebration held in Chung Tian Temple. Both groups had the opportunity to discover more about Chinese arts and culture, learn more about Buddhism, participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, and practise Chinese calligraphy. Year 10 and 12 students attended a Chinese dinner and enjoyed learning Chinese dining etiquette. Students across all grades also participated in the annual Education Perfect competition which has made learning more fun and enjoyable.

The French culture was a source of inspiration for the students throughout the year. They participated in various activities that enriched their knowledge and appreciation of the language and the cuisine. Year 10, 11 and 12 students savoured a delicious dinner at Boucher, a local French restaurant, where they tasted dishes such as lamb shoulder with gratin Dauphinois and crème caramel. The students in Years 7 celebrated the end of their exams with warm pain au chocolat pastries. Year 11 watched A la belle étoile, a movie from the Alliance Française Film festival. Year 12 also enjoyed a special treat at le bon choix, a bakery with exquisite pastries. Year 6 showed their creativity by designing coasters with French words. It was a fun and educational activity that combined art and language learning

Our Junior and Senior students enjoyed a rich and exciting year of Japanese food, culture and language! Our Senior girls went on restaurant visits to Bishamon and Kotobuki Izakaya and enjoyed delicious bento boxes on campus while watching anime.

Culture and language are inseparable, so the ‘big girls’ in Year 9 and 10 led Junior students in a cultural matsuri (festival) where they enjoyed singing, dancing, writing hiragana, playing games and making origami. Our students also had the privilege of engaging with our Japanese exchange students, learning about their lives and Japanese culture, all while authentically practising their language skills.We encourage speaking a language, not just reading it! Our curriculum supported this through practical and communicative units that involved a shopping skit in Year 9, a restaurant skit in Year 8 and a convenience store skit in Year 3. Students also participated in the MLTAQ Japanese Speech Contest and Education Perfect World Championships where they achieved outstanding results.

Mrs Nathaele Dawes

Learning Area Leader

BA (Geography), Master (Geography), GrapDipEd (French/Geography), MLTAQ French

Senior School Sport

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St Aidan’s continues to uphold its proud tradition of offering an inclusive and vibrant sporting program, providing our girls with opportunities to shine both on and off the field.

The girls are to be commended for wholeheartedly embracing the multitude of sporting opportunities available to them. Their dedication, spirit, and humility have not only elevated the level of competition but have also contributed to the strong sense of community that defines St Aidan’s Sport.

A special acknowledgment goes to our dedicated staff who have played pivotal roles as Coordinators and Coaches, generously sharing their time, expertise, and passion for sport and physical activity.

2023 marked the creation of ‘Friends of Sport’, a subcommittee of the St Aidan’s P&F. The vision behind this group is to better connect the school, its parent community and our girls through sport.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff who volunteered their time to assist with the Athlete Mentoring Program. These staff have played a crucial role in fostering an environment where students can balance academic achievement, personal development and sporting excellence. Their mentorship has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on our aspiring athletes.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming move to the new Sports Performance Centre at Ambiwerra. This state-of-the-art facility will undoubtedly provide enhanced opportunities for our girls to excel in their chosen sports. The possibilities and growth that will come with this new chapter are truly exciting.

Mr Andy McGregor-Lowndes Head of Senior School Sport BEd (Secondary)

28 Representatives | 15 sports

National

6 National Representatives | 5 sports

Commonwealth Youth Games

2 Representatives

Extra-Curricular Music

St Aidan’s Music has seen a significant period of growth this year. The immersion programs on offer in the Junior School have expanded and now include Junior Singers Choir for Years 2 and 3, Beginner Band Program in Year 4 and the new Year 2 String Immersion Program. These immersion programs are invaluable in assisting students with the transference of the links between their classroom music learnings and singing in a choir or learning an instrument. After participating in these immersion programs students have a comprehensive understanding of their options moving forward to engage with music. Large numbers of students from all three programs choose to continue with Private Tuition and Extra-curricular Ensembles the following year.

Music students also expand their experiences through Performing Arts Recitals, Assembly and Chapel Performances, Autumn and Gala Concerts, Junior School Art Exhibition, Open Mornings, individual exams and competitions. Many students have been selected to participate in both local, state, and national honours ensemble programs in 2023.

Local competitions provide music students with the opportunity to hone their skill set, receive feedback from an adjudicator and to listen to other students from different schools make music. For the first time in many years, St Aidan’s Music had chamber ensembles perform at the Redlands Eisteddfod and large ensembles from both the Junior and Senior Schools perform at Music Fest. All ensembles are to be congratulated on their outstanding efforts. After many hours of rehearsal, home practice and assistance from their conductors and private tutors, all ensembles showcased to the wider community the high standard of musicianship at St Aidan’s. Congratulations must go to, Junior Singers for their Platinum Award at Music Fest; Symphonic Winds, Ensemble Volar, Paganini Strings and Vivaldi Strings for their Gold Awards at Music Fest; Junior String Quartet and Chamber Winds for their 3rd place at the Redlands Eisteddfod and Senior String Quartet for their 2nd place at the Redlands Eisteddfod. Following on from this success is a desire to continue to improve as we venture back into the competition space next year.

With the diverse program that music students are engaging with through St Aidan’s Music, there will be continued growth for many years to come.

Ms Shannon Tobin Head of Performance

BMus, MMus (Res), MMus (Perf), GradDipTeaching

Governance and Leadership

SCHOOL FOUNDERS

Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Mr Stephen Green, (Chair), BEngCivil (Uni NSW)

Ms Rachael Cronin, BCom, LLB, MBA

Mr Scott Douglas, BUrbDev(ProEc), BEcon, GAICD

The Rev. Canon Dr Marian Free, BA, DipEd, PhD

Dr Chelsea Ho, MD, BMedSci

Ms Anne-Maree Keane, BBus(Dist), GradDipAppFin&Inv, FCA, SFFin, MAICD

Mr Simon Petie, BArts(Politics), GradDip (StratLeadership), FAIM

The Rev’d Michael Stalley, DipAppliedSc – Pod, BTh, GradDipMin (Distinction) –Rector Anglican Parish of Mt Gravatt (Sem 1, 2023)

Mr Reece Walker, LLB, GradDipAppFin, FFin, GAICD

Ex Officio

Ms Toni Riordan, BEd, MEd (Leadership and Management), FACEL, MACE, GAICD, FIML

Ms Holly O’Sullivan Williams, BA (Drama), BEd (Secondary), MEd (Research), MEd (Leadership and Management), MACE, MACEL, ACEL Qld Fellow (Observer) (Sem 1, 2023)

Mrs Geraldine Ebbrell, BEd (Secondary), MEd (Leadership and Management) (Observer) (Sem 2, 2023)

Ms Toni Williams (Company Secretary), BBus (Accounting), BBus (Information Systems), GAICD, GIA Affiliated

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Ms Toni Riordan BEd, MEd (Leadership and Management), FACEL, MACE, GAICD, FIML

Reverend Gillian Moses BA, LLB (Hons), BTh (Hons)

Ms Holly O’Sullivan Williams, BA (Drama), BEd (Secondary), MEd (Research), MEd (Leadership and Management), MACE, MACEL, ACEL Qld Fellow (Sem 1, 2023)

Mrs Geraldine Ebbrell, BEd (Secondary), MEd (Leadership and Management) (Sem 2, 2023)

Mrs Laura Cooke, MA (Hons), MEd (Leadership and Management), PGDE, CELTA

Mrs Meg Bishop, BEd (Science), MEnv (Hons)

Ms Jennie Robinson, DipT, BEd, MEd (Guidance and Counselling)

Dr Jenny Crome, PhD, BA, MEd (Leadership & Management), GradDipEd (Primary), GradDipEd (Early Childhood), Cert IV (Business)

ST AIDAN’S FOUNDATION

Dr Anne Kruger (Acting Chair), PhD (HKU), MA Research (QUT)

Mr Christopher Johnstone, BA(Hons) LLB, LLM, GradDipMilLaw (ANU)

Mr Craig Lennon, BBus, CAANZ, AICD, AGIA, GradDipAppFin (FINSIA), GradDip Applied Corporate Governance (GIA)

Mr Patrick O’Connor, BA, LLB, Chartered Institute of Secretaries, JP

Mr Hamish Bonifant, BEcon (UQ), GradDipAppFin (SIA) Professional Diploma Stockbroking (Deakin University), MSIAA

Mr Scott Douglas, BUrbDev(PropEc), BEcon, GAICD

Ms Toni Riordan (Principal), BEd, MEd (Leadership and Management), FACEL, MACE, GAICD, FIML

Mrs Leah Saul (Company Secretary), BComm, CA, Dip Mgmt

P&F ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES

Mr Reuben Saayman (President), BCom (Hons), CA

Ms Kate Thomas (Vice President), BEd (Secondary)

Mr Kris Whitehead (Treasurer), BBus (International Business), BBus (Management) Chartered Banker

Mr Carl Quarterman (Secretary), BSc, Dip Leadership & Management, Cert IV Engineering, GAICD, JP(Qual)

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School

11 Ruthven St, Corinda Qld 4075 Australia P +61 7 3373 5999

E reception@staidans.qld.edu.au www.staidans.qld.edu.au

A School of the Society of the Sacred Advent ABN 31 074 999 527

CRICOS Provider Number 01194k