The Hallowian
The Hallowian
EDITORIAL TEAM
NEVA WETHERELD (PPA)
MAREE NUGENT (PAST PUPILS’ LIAISON)
GABRIELLE GOULDING (PPA, retired, special contributor)
ANNE HETHERINGTON RSM
CHELSEA HANDLEY (ALL HALLOWS’ SCHOOL, DESIGN AND PRODUCTION)
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, or if you know of someone who is unable to access The Hallowian in digital format, please contact Maree at ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au or 07 3230 9424.
From the Principal
Mrs Catherine O’Kane
While 2022 kicked off with more of the unexpected - a delayed start to the All Hallows’ School year due to Omicron, followed by devastating floods - our staff, students and families demonstrated trademark optimism to successfully navigate changes.
Service with Open Hearts and Hands 2022 as our School Theme focused us on living our Mercy values to make a difference. Combined with our Year 12’s Spirit Theme ‘2022gether’ our wonderful All Hallows’ community stayed connected and
Together, we held our inaugural Giving Day, delivered new Past Pupil events and a wonderful fundraising outcome for Catherine’s House, our Whole School Project.
purposeful. Together, we held our inaugural Giving Day, delivered new Past Pupil events and a wonderful fundraising outcome for Catherine’s House, our Whole School Project.
Joyful community celebrations were held, including our All Hallows’ Mercy Day Mass, where we acknowledged the remarkable contribution of Past Principal and Past Pupil, Sr Anne Hetherington OAM. All were welcomed into our magnificent Potter Building, a contemporary learning space and a place for community connection.
In 2023, we begin our McAuley Hall renovation with more space perfectly timed given this year we commenced our primary expansion with five Year 5 and five Year 6 classes joining by 2024. Discussions continue with the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane Congregation for the purchase of the All Hallows’ Convent and Chapel with hopes to create a Heritage Centre, Community Room, staff training and office facilities.
2022 will be remembered as a year where together, so much was achieved by our AHS community. We look ahead with energy and enthusiasm with Catherine McAuley’s inspirational words to remind us, “we can never say it is enough”.
Christmas blessings to you and your loved ones and I look forward to seeing you in 2023.
God bless,
Mrs Catherine O’Kane Principal
“The Past Pupils’ Association has approached this year with optimism and enthusiasm to ensure that we create opportunities for our members to stay connected.”
From the President: Welcome
What a wonderful year the Past Pupils’ Association has had. 2022 has seen many firsts for us that have all been well received, memorable and successful. It has been an action-packed year that has paved the way for bigger and better in 2023.
Though it was a rocky start with the last-minute cancellation of our International Women’s Day Breakfast, we quickly recovered to welcome back the graduating class of 2021 for the now annual ‘Miss You Already’ afternoon on the Terrace. Thanks to the team led by Cath Bonifant, the girls were well looked after with fun, games and pizza which was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
“
It was soon time to raise the curtains on our much anticipated ‘first’. The Connect Blue evening in Catherine Court was a show worthy of a standing ovation thanks to Bridget Delahunty and the team who made it classy, memorable, and fun. From the food to the French bubbles and photo booth to the groovy DJ, the night received rave reviews from all. For those who didn’t make it, watch out for Connect Blue 2023 as I think it’s going to be big!
of 1999), Annette O’Hara (Class of 1981), Kate McMahon (Class of 2001) and Catherine Hartigan (Class of 1994). This amazing line up shared their knowledge and experience of life in the law in a panel discussion moderated by Ann-Maree David (Class of 1980) The bar has been set very high with an expectation that there will be more events like this to come, covering other industries. Thank you to Maree Nugent and her helpers for the invaluable input and support that contributed to the success of the evening which was attended by both current and past pupils.
“ This event proved that our community want to stay connected and that returning to All Hallows’ has great significance.
This year also saw the launch of the inaugural Sisters in Law night of networking. This event was extremely well attended and supported by an inspiring group of past AHS legal eagles Monica Rowley (Class of 1996), Ruth O’Gorman (Class
Another first was the new look, new format Reunion Day incorporating the traditional Annual Past Pupils’ Mass and Morning Tea. An energetic team of helpers led by Cath Bonifant, provided guests with a beautifully compiled liturgy, followed by a new style of morning tea. Guests were wowed by the sunlit venue (Potter Building) that perfectly highlighted the tables set with colourful fine china trios. They were presented with a delicious selection of finger foods accompanied by a mouth-watering sweet and savoury grazing table. This event proved that our community want to stay connected and that returning to All Hallows’ has great significance.
I am delighted to say that this year the Past Pupils’ Association was able to donate to the inaugural All Hallows’ School Giving Day. We were proud to
contribute to this initiative that was set up to support the Catherine Mc Auley Bursary Fund. We have also supported Sunset Starwalk for Helena’s House in memory of Helena Mc Ilwain (Class of 2017). The opening of the new Potter Building created a home for our donated painting ‘The Sisterhood’ created by talented indigenous artist, Chern’ee Sutton.
Those were our big-ticket events this year but as always we have had a presence at Orientation, May Morning Tea and Open Day where I am most grateful to those who volunteered to sort, gather and sell merchandise. A big thank you to all who helped with our stalls this year, with special mention of Anne Goulding, Gabrielle Goulding, Maree Nugent and Lucy Oakhill who put their heads and their skills together to produce more exciting items for our merchandise range. We have added zip cases, keyrings and the limited-edition AHS clutch which is proving to be the latest ‘must have’ accessory.
Our digital presence has certainly kept us all connected this year. Thank you to Maree Nugent, Bridget Delahunty and Catherine Bonifant who have done a great job keeping our community in the know on our socials. Between taking photos, writing posts and moderating, the team have kept us updated so we never missed a thing. Our other great communication tool is The Hallowian. The digital version continues to be an easily accessible publication that is thoughtfully laid out and packed full of insightful articles. This is a result of hours of collaboration from Maree Nugent, Gabrielle Goulding, and Neva Wethereld.
All the wonderful things that I have mentioned have been made possible because of our committee of volunteers. Each of the ladies has given time, ideas, and energy to our success this
year. To Lucy Oakhill, Nicki Dalton, Leonie Clothier, Katy McGree, Neva Wethereld, Cath Clemot and Cath Bonifant thanks for displaying the can do, all hands-on deck team spirit that a committee really needs. I am also most grateful and wish to acknowledge Anne and Gabrielle Goulding for their involvement over the last 10 years as Past Pupil Association committee members. The sisters joined to honour their Mother who was also on the committee and their contribution would certainly have made her proud. Special thanks to the executive members, Felicity Francis (Secretary) who keeps us informed, Sarah Fraser (Treasurer) who keeps the books balanced and Bridget Delahunty (Vice President) who provides me with great support. Maree Nugent (Past Pupils’ Liaison) also does a lot of amazing work for us as our link to the School. It goes without saying that we are also very grateful for the support of Mrs O’Kane and her staff who help us to achieve everything we set out to do.
In closing, I would like to wish you and your families a happy and safe Christmas and may the new year bless you all with great happiness and success.
Dieu et Devoir, Tron Fisher
Past Pupils shine through leadership and service awards
From Brisbane to India and the Philippines, All Hallows’ Past Pupils have continued to live the school’s values of respect, integrity, service, compassion, joy and justice, as recipients of the Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM Leadership and Service Award.
This annual award was established by the All Hallows’ Parents & Friends Association and the Mothers’ Network in 2016, in honour of Dr Perry’s 16 years of service as Principal. It provides a recent Past Pupil with funds to the value of $5,000 to support and assist the development of her leadership, service and personal skills and abilities through an endeavour that will demonstrate service, spirituality, community and/or social justice benefits.
The seven recipients of the award have experienced, and will continue to experience, great personal and professional growth, not only through their service projects but also in the years to come. These young women have taken seriously the words of Catherine McAuley, ‘We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us’.
On the following pages are their inspiring stories.
Could you or someone you know be the next Award recipient?
Applications for the 2023 Dr Lee-Anne Perry Award open in June 2023. Past Pupils of All Hallows’ School who graduated in the last 10 years are eligible to apply. If you, or someone you know, would like to be considered for this opportunity to further develop leadership skills and justice advocacy in the spirit of Mercy, please click the button below to download the information pack, or send an expression of interest to ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au
View the Award Information Pack >>
2016 recipient: Dr Lily Aboud Class of 2014
Lily’s project involved travelling to Goa, India in 2017, to work at a shelter for women in distress, which was run by the Sisters of St Joseph. The women came from all over India and, with the help of the Sisters, they were clothed, fed, sheltered and educated. Lily aimed to put into action what she had learnt at All Hallows’ about the importance of empowering women through education. ‘It has been proven beyond any doubt that educating girls is the single most effective thing that can be done to lower the death rates in mothers and babies, promote health, and increase economic productivity,’ she says.
Lily worked with local community members to increase the employability of the women by enhancing their English speaking, reading and writing, and improving their health literacy. Funds from the Award were used for educational resources.
When visiting the shelter every day, Lily saw the women’s passion for learning ignite and witnessed them begin to take ownership of the program. ‘While I was there to lead and encourage them and facilitate their learning, they were the ones who would study in the evenings to make sure they had grasped each day’s work, and turn up early every day with their workbooks ready to go,’ Lily recalls.
For those who already had jobs and still joined her lessons, Lily could see that this non-judgemental, respectful, and culturally aware environment assisted in building their self-confidence and restoring their dignity. This project was planned and executed with women from the local community, ensuring its sustainability and longevity.
Lily says:
“During my time at All Hallows’, I was given a multitude of opportunities to serve our Brisbane community with Kitty’s Room and Micah Meals, and to join the Cambodia Immersion. Those memories gave me the courage to embark on my journey overseas. But it wasn’t until I
went to India, until I was thrust into a world with language, culture, and history miles apart from my own, that I realised just how valuable the skills and morals the AHS community had instilled in me were. I learnt that the way we should strive to treat others—with respect and compassion and in the pursuit of social equity and justice—transcends international borders.”
As a Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Lily continues to serve the community by helping to provide free and equitable healthcare. Her academic work as a Research Assistant (Global Women’s and Newborn’s Health) at the Burnet Institute focuses on the provision of quality healthcare interventions to women in low and middle-income countries, which reduce the risk of childbirth complications and preserve the dignity and autonomy of the woman.
2017 recipient:
Rory McGahan
Class of 2014
While at All Hallows’, Rory participated in Mercy Action programs including the Human Rights Group, Kitty’s Room and Micah Meals. After finishing school, she studied for a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology.
During her university years, Rory continued to live the Mercy values by volunteering with the QUT Red Cross Student Group, the Human Rights Act for Queensland Campaign, and a free legal service assisting asylum seekers to complete their visa applications.
In 2017, motivated by her work with asylum seekers and the struggles they encountered, Rory cofounded The Unknown Project, a Brisbane-based social enterprise supporting access to education and opportunities for children from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, in partnership with the Romero Centre.
The Unknown Project provided a ‘blind date with a book’, by collecting and reselling second-hand books wrapped in brown paper with three clues about the book written on the front, aimed to remind people to ‘not judge a book by its cover’. Rory’s award was to further the work of The Unknown Project and the Romero Centre.
2018 recipient: Georgia Hurst Class of 2016
Georgia was Dux at All Hallows’ in 2016 and during her time as a student she was extensively committed to the Mercy Action program, participating in Eddie’s Van, Jimmie’s Van, Kitty’s Room, and the Cambodia and Cape York immersions.
After completing school, Georgia relocated to New South Wales where she studied a Bachelor of Engineering Honours and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney.
During her university years, Georgia held roles including Student Ambassador and Sub-Dean (Head of Pastoral Care Team) at St John’s College. She also undertook various volunteer roles at 180 Degrees Consulting, the world’s largest university-based consultancy, which provides high-quality consulting services to social impact organisations so they can improve and expand their services, achieve their full potential and help more people in need.
Georgia’s Award was to enable her to undertake training relevant to project management. She is currently an Associate at the Boston Consulting Group, Sydney.
2019 recipient: Emily Morisaki
Class of 2016
Emily’s original project was to undertake a work placement in Vietnam, Vanuatu or Timor-Leste, as part of her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree at Australian Catholic University. Unfortunately, due to the impacts of COVID-19, this project did not proceed. However, she has been able to use the project funds to support organisations and individuals to progress towards their goals. She has also been able to support one of her clients to compete at the Special Olympics in gymnastics.
Emily would still like to complete her project to deliver occupational therapy services to orphanages in Vietnam. However, in the meantime, she has taken a new role as charity and volunteer lead for the next 10x10 Philanthropy event! 10x10 recognises the need to support grassroots charities in our own backyard and Emily’s role as part of the committee is to support these charities through networking and fundraising to boost their reach.
Emily says:
“10x10 is all about making an impact and its mission is to empower the next generation of changemakers. I’ve now been to two 10x10 Brisbane events and have been lucky to witness six organisations striving to make a difference to others. There are always events in Brisbane so be sure to follow along and support those making a big difference. I’m super excited to be taking on this new adventure and continuing my Mercy Action work beyond my AHS years.”
2020 recipient: Lileana Colarelli Class of 2018
In 2020, Lileana travelled to Cadulawan, a village in the Filipino province of Cebu, to undertake a service project. The project focused on teaching primary school children, who were experiencing severe malnutrition and immense poverty. They did not have access to running water at the school nor in most of the community, so they lacked the resources for basic personal and food hygiene. This situation was perpetuating the poverty cycle and meant that many of the young people were unable to pursue a higher education.
Despite living in conditions vastly different to ours, Lileana was overwhelmed by the community’s generosity, joy and hope. The experience caused her to question the material privileges we take for granted in Australia and appreciate that not everyone has access to these fundamental human rights.
Inspired to take action, Lileana approached Reledev (the not-for-profit organisation that had supported the initial service project) and sought assistance to develop a project proposal and liaise with government bodies in the Philippines. Meanwhile, she sought help through her networks to hold a series of market clothing stalls to enable project fundraising.
Working on this project taught Lileana perseverance in the face of setbacks such as COVID-19 lockdowns and the importance of staying focused on the goal she is striving for. She has also learnt that happiness ultimately comes from what she can do for others. One of her favourite quotes from Pope Francis is ‘If we do not take care of one another … we cannot heal the world.’ As Lileana says, ‘Truly being present, having an ability to keep our eyes open and to see a need and just to meet it joyfully, is truly the key to happiness!’
2021 recipient: Ella Proberts Class of 2019
As a Journalism and International Relations student, Ella found that, ironically, she was becoming exhausted and overwhelmed by the news. It was becoming increasingly difficult for her to determine who and what to trust.
For this reason, she has been working with Imogen Ryan-Kerr, a friend from university, to develop ‘Press Magazine’, an online, curated newspaper, which brings together seven of the biggest headlines of the week, and three important headlines that may have been hidden from mainstream media (due to Western and socio-economic bias, which is often present in the news).
Of these stories, Ella and Imogen have been working with artificial intelligence (AI) and
human intelligence to bring together summaries of the left-most-leaning, centre-most-leaning, and right-mostleaning report under each headline. These summaries will be available to view under each headline, allowing the audience members to make their own judgements based on the whole story.
Ella says: “Imogen and I believe this is the essence of transparency—something that is lacking in lots of news accessed by young people. This is a tool I would like to use, not only in my studies, but in my daily life, to easily inform myself on a current issue, and quickly determine whether information is consistent and accurate across the political spectrum.”
2022 recipient: Michelle Hamilton Class
of 2018
Michelle is currently studying Medicine at James Cook University and, as a future doctor, she hopes to model the values of Mercy tradition and the Catholic faith through compassionate service to others.
Michelle was extremely active in Mercy Action, culture and sport programs while at All Hallows’ and was Tighe House Social Justice Captain in 2018.
Since leaving school, Michelle has developed a passionate interest in improving the disparity in health outcomes in rural areas, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She has also taken leadership roles within
So far, the Award has allowed Ella and Imogen to legitimise their idea through the ‘Ventures’ program at The University of Queensland and develop their team, as well as bring on supporters such as Girl Up, an organisation established by the United Nations Foundation, and Universitas 21. Ella and Imogen will eventually be able to work with volunteers and a finalised piece of AI to continue this pursuit of transparent news.
her student residential college, positively contributing to peer pastoral care, organising charity fundraising initiatives, and participating as a feedback member for sexual assault and consent ‘Respect’ education sessions and forums.
Michelle intends to use the Award funds to finance an overseas medical placement in a rural area, such as Nepal, East Timor or Papua New Guinea, volunteering to assist doctors and nurses in the care of patients.
Jemima Welsh: Mercy and making an impact
Jemima shares her story so far.
“I graduated from All Hallows’ in 2009. It was a fabulous cohort – I always felt safe, inspired and supported. At university, I went on to ‘try all the faculties’ (as my mum described it): I studied a little of Biomedical Science, Law, English Literature, and International Relations. Then, in 2015, I went over to the UK to study a Master of Philosophy and Public Policy at the London School of Economics (LSE).
When I returned to Australia, I was fortunate to be offered a job by an amazing Past Pupil of All Hallows’ School. Together, we started an organisation called ‘ImpaQt Qld’, which is dedicated to building the impact investment ecosystem. We had a lot of fun working together, setting up one of Australia’s first early-stage venture capital impact investment funds.
In late 2018, my sisters-in-law sent me an advertisement for the inaugural ‘MGA Emerging Leaders Fellowship (MELF)’ run by the Mercy Global Action office at the United Nations. The advertisement called for women committed to mercy and justice who would like to explore positions of leadership in the future. Thinking it was a long shot, I applied anyway, and was thrilled to be accepted.
I joined nine other women from around the world in a year-long exploration of major justice issues. We had three international immersions: in Siam Reap, visiting Nobel Peace Prize winner and Sister of Mercy, Denise Coghlan; in New York at the United Nations for the Commission on the Status of Women; and in Dublin, at Baggot Street, where the Mercy story began.
At the culmination of this Fellowship, we completed a research project on a topic of our choosing.
I wrote ‘Money as Mercy: A guide for the global Mercy community on how to use money in line with their values’. At our graduation, I presented my research to former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Mary Robinson.
Today, I am a Women’s Leadership Development Associate for Mercy Global Action. I work from home here in Brisbane, which involves many early morning and late night Zoom meetings with my US colleagues! As part of my role, I am looking at ways to secure the long-term sustainability of the MELF Program, so that many more women of Mercy can have this experience and be supported in taking on leadership positions inspired by the work of Catherine McAuley.”
Fellowship Opportunity:MGA Emerging Leaders Fellowship
2023-2024
Are you passionate about advancing Mercy and Justice?
The Mercy Global Action Office is seeking expressions of interest for the MGA Emerging Leaders Fellowship 2023-2024!
This international leadership program is fully funded, and unique in the ways in which it provides an opportunity for ten women to establish strong links and networking across the Mercy World through international encounters, webinars and modules, mentorship, and more. The fellowship program has been designed to stimulate creative and critical thinking, and promote collaborative leadership and personal reflection leading to a compassionate and communal response to current concerns of our world.
Download further information about the programme here.
Applicants can send a letter of interest to Marietta Latonio at mariettalatonio@mercyinternational.ie
The Story of Us
This extraordinary painting, known as the Sisterhood Painting, was created by contemporary Aboriginal artist and proud Kalkadoon woman, Chern’ee Sutton.
It was a gift from the All Hallows’ School Past Pupils to the School and the AHS community on the occasion of its 160th Anniversary in 2021. The painting has pride of place in the new Potter Building which was blessed and opened in August 2022.
The painting features a range of images, icons, symbols and references to the journey of All Hallows’ from its beginnings until the present day. For a fascinating explanation of these, please watch the video below, narrated by Mrs Claire Easton, Dean of Mission at All Hallows’ School.
Thank you to the members of our Past Pupil community who contributed to the funds made available for this project by your support of PPA fundraising initiatives and events.
Sisterhood painting video
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NI11VBkqLIM
Learn more about the Sisterhood Painting here.
Sisters In Law
A success by unanimous decision
The All Hallows’ Past Pupils’ Association welcomed 100 guests to its inaugural networking and mentoring event, Sisters in Law, in early September.
It was a wonderful opportunity to engage, introduce and connect members of the AHSisterhood by bringing together those who have built careers in or with the law, with those in the early stages of their law journey - as a new graduate, law student or current AHS student considering their QTAC options.
Thank you to our inspiring panel of Past Pupil guest speakers, Industrial Commissioner Catherine (Cate) Hartigan, Ruth O’Gorman QC, Annette O’Hara, General Counsel and Company secretary for Shine Justice, Monica Rowley who is a Legal Contracts Specialist at Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Kate McMahon, a Principal Legal Officer in the Department of Justice and Attorney General.
Moderator and host, Ann-Maree David, Executive Director of the College of Law, invited each of these amazing AHSisters to share their wisdoms while skilfully weaving through the discussion their thread of commonality, an All Hallows’ School education. We heard honest, authentic and uplifting ‘stories from the frontline’ as these Past Pupils working in different aspects of the law shared their thoughts and learnings about pathways, passion, highs and lows, work/life balance, underpinned by a desire to create a career defined by service, integrity and making a difference, whether at an individual, community or legislative level.
We were also privileged to have a short address from Past Pupil and current parent, Her Honour Judge Rosengren of the District Court of Queensland. Her Honour’s recap of her far from linear journey to the Bench was both entertaining and inspiring, and reiterated some of the key messages from our panel – that there are many and varied pathways to finding
your passion, and you don’t necessarily need to have it all sorted by Year 11 or 12! These particularly resonated with and reassured the many AHS students in the room.
Another purpose of the evening was to gauge interest in developing mentoring and networking opportunities within the extended All Hallows’ community, and it was so encouraging to experience the levels of interaction and approachability in the room.
Current AHS students considering their university preferences mingled with university students looking towards their post-graduation pathways, as well as with an impressive range of Past Pupils working in and with the law at all stages of their careers. It was a privilege to have sisters and AHSisters Carmel MacDonald (Kelly) and Margaret Kelly join us for the evening. Carmel and Margaret forged careers in law at a time when it was considered no place for a woman. They continue to inspire us to be the difference.
After such an overwhelming positive response, the PPA is now working with the School to develop and formalise Mentor and Mentee opportunities.
Following on from the success of Sisters in Law, the PPA’s 2023 mentoring and networking event will be Sisters in Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). It is scheduled for Monday, May 8, 2023. Watch for more details in the new year. Or, if you would like to be involved, please email ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au
Reunion Day the one day of the year
The background
During the two years (2020, 2021) of COVID restrictions when we could not hold events on-site, All Hallows’ School and the Past Pupils’ Association took the opportunity to re-think how Reunion gatherings might look and work, once we could welcome Past Pupils and Reunion groups back again.
After considering the large number of Reunion groups (including a trend for 5-year Reunions), the workload that falls upon cohort ‘organisers’, and an increasing demand on School facilities, resources and personnel, the decision was made to trial a ‘one day of the year’ format where milestone reunion groups and any other interested Past Pupils could all gather on-site.
With the on-site responsibilities (Mass, Morning Tea, photos, tours, etc) shared by the School and the PPA, individual reunion groups could focus on simply ‘showing up’ or if required, arranging their ‘after-parties’ off-site.
With that in mind, the re-imagined event, called Reunion Day, was set for Saturday, October 29, 2022.
What a day
The sun shone brightly over All Hallows’ School for our first ever, reimagined Reunion Day.
It started with the celebration of Mass (meaningfully themed ‘Together, Again’) in the All Hallows’ Chapel, which was bathed in beautiful, early morning light. We were near to capacity with milestone Reunion groups, Past Pupils, babies, grandchildren, partners and more.
There were smiles, moments of reflection and remembering, and a general sense of joy and gratitude for being ‘together again’. There were even tears during a rousing recessional version of the Angeli.
Special thanks to celebrant Father Michael Twigg OMI, to those members of our milestone year groups who participated in the readings and offertory, and to Cathie Neil, Elizabeth Crane, Sarah Brown and daughters Bella and Darcy, for making the exquisite music and singing.
Afterwards, the Chapel throng broke out into the sunshine. There were spontaneous catch ups, cuddles and conversations in all directions.
Then it was onto class and group photos on the steps of the Convent. We had milestone year groups from the Class of 1952 to the Class of 2012, as well as many others from non-milestone years who took advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with friends and classmates on site.
Special mention should be made of our youngest, Gabrielle Behm, from the Class of 2017, and our ‘most mature’ Past Pupil in attendance, Carmel Curran (nee Scanlan) from the Class of 1945.
For those not hurrying to Morning Tea, there was a self-guided tour, complete with QR codes and videos, of all the old familiar places and amazing new spaces at All Hallows’ School.
Those joining us for the sell-out Morning Tea made their way to the fourth floor of the new Potter Building with its fabulous city and campus views. Morning Tea was a combination of delicious hot and cold platters to the table, and a scrumptious sweet and savoury grazing table.
There are so many people to thank for their contribution to what was a thoroughly enjoyable and successful day:
• Thank you to the Mothers’ Network for the loan of the teacup trios – each one brought with it the spirit of the Year 12 student who had donated it on graduation.
• Thank you to the All Hallows’ students who helped with set up, welcome smiles and serving of tea and coffee. You made us all so very proud.
• Thank you to the members of the Past Pupils’ Association for the weeks and months of planning and organisation leading up to the day, and for the mammoth team effort on the day.
• Thank you to Cathy Clem and Mary Weaver in Archives for the fabulous historical uniform display, the PowerPoint and the old School magazines, which brought moments of sentimental delight to all who flicked through them.
Here are a few of the messages we received after the event:
Thank you for organising a lovely reunion day for all the years ending in “2’s”. It was wonderful to be part of this reimagined celebration and I really enjoyed the multigenerational element – for me, it highlighted what a truly special community the Sisters of Mercy have built and I am so fortunate to be part of. All the elements of the day were so well thought out - from the Mass, photographs, the morning tea, the uniform display, the self-guided tour and all of the other little details (the cups! and handkerchiefs!). It was a delight! I know how much work goes into creating an event like this and your hard work and care haven’t gone unnoticed - thank you again. Looking forward to the next event!
– Allana Clarke (Class of 2002)
I was sorry that I didn’t get out onto the balcony as you had suggested but the time went so quickly, and we were so busy talking and eating all that lovely food. The AHS girls pouring the tea and coffee were all quite delightful and ever-ready to get us fresh hot tea and coffee. Please extend our thanks to them from the 1960 Seniors! Congratulations once again and thank you so much for all your help. – Trish Meaney (Class of 1960)
Thanks for all your work for the Together Again day, it was so lovely. – Odette Moore (Class of 1982)
This multiple Reunion group format, which also happily accommodates non-milestone year Past Pupils who wish to share in the day on campus, is clearly here to stay.
Save the date!
Reunion Day 2023 is Saturday, November 4, 2023.
To view all the photos from Reunion Day, click here.
Class of 1987 35 Year Reunion
The AHS Class of 1987 celebrated their 35 Year Reunion in October with a night-time event at Cloudland in the fabulous Cellar Bar.
The idea to celebrate at 35 years arose only late in the year, and with a short lead-time to find our classmates and get together, we were thrilled to have over 50 in attendance.
With speeches and a few door prizes the group mingled and the memories were endless. Many laughs were had by all, and friendships reignited. The night was such a success that it has already been decided to re-group every 5 years.
– Andree Joyce, on behalf of the 1987’ers
With speeches and a few door prizes the group mingled and the memories were endless.
Class of 2002
20 Year Reunion
Approximately 150 of the Class of 2002 gathered on July 17 at the Stock Exchange for an amazing get together. The group was in great form, raised over $600 for Small Steps 4 Hannah and even indulged in a spirited version of the AHS school song. In the words of one attendee “It was a blast”.
Many thanks to Naomi Graham and Keely Gerbanas (Sullivan) for organising such a wonderful opportunity for the Class of 2002 to re-connect and catch up again.
Class of 2012 10 Year Reunion
An informal reunion for the Class of 2012 was held in October at The Osbourne Hotel.
Forty Past Pupils attended with Adderton (9 pupils) and Loretto (8 pupils) winning the attendance Spirit Cup competition! Whitty will have to work on doing better next time.
Thank you to the four members of the cohort who travelled from interstate to make the event. Conversations centred around careers, weddings, House Captains taking credit for school spirit a decade on, and the exciting addition of trousers to the AHS school uniform.
Everyone was very excited to be together and reconnecting. We had such a good time that a 15-year Reunion might be on the cards.
Thanks to Florence Coghlan and Nina Clarke for the photos and update.
“
We
had such a good time that a 15-year Reunion might be on the cards!
Sydney: 2023 AHS Reunion?
We are gauging interest in a Sydney-based All Hallows’ Past Pupil Reunion in 2023.
It would be great to have one or two past pupils based in the city to help with planning, venue selection and liaising with local networks of other past pupils who might be keen to get together.
If you are interested in talking more about this, please contact Maree Nugent on ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au or 07 3230 9424.
2023 DATES
Mark them in your diary now and watch your email (another reason to make sure we have your current e-address) and PPA socials for updates and more information.
All members of the AHS Past Pupil community are welcome to attend our meetings.
February 6 | 6:30pm
PPA Meeting #1, Mary Place AHS or via Teams
March 10 | 7am
IWD Breakfast, Cloudland
March 26 | 4pm
‘Come back, We Miss You Already’ 2022 Grad Party, The Terrace AHS
May 8 | 5:30pm Sisters in STEM (Careers/Mentoring/Networking), The Potter Room AHS
May 15 | 6:30pm
PPA Meeting #2, Mary Place AHS or via Teams
July 31 | 6:30pm
PPA Meeting #3, Mary Place AHS or via Teams
September 9 | 6pm
Connect Blue*, Catherine Court AHS
October 9 | 6:30pm PPA Meeting #4, Mary Place AHS or via Teams
November 4 | 9:30am Reunion Day (Mass & Morning Tea, Tours, etc), AHS
November 27 | 6:30pm
BGM and PPA Meeting #5/Christmas Celebration, Boardroom, 501 Ann Street
*This event is an alternate evening option for Reunion groups. For more details contact ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au
Plan now for early 2023!
Inaugural Mass January 27 at BCEC. Past pupils welcome to attend. Watch our socials for updates about date of ticket releases etc
IWD Breakfast 2023 #embraceequity March 10 at 7.00am at Cloudland. Tickets on sale end of January. watch socials and your inbox for more details.
Sister Stories
As always, we celebrate our AHSisters in whatever field of endeavour they pursue. In this edition of Sister Stories we have included several past pupils who have taken ‘non-traditional’ paths by following their passions and interests, especially in the arts, to make a career and a difference.
Jade Ellings: Passion meets purpose
Jade, Class of 2013, shares her story:
”During school I found my passions in sport, the human body and healthcare. Having found a strong identity in sport myself, I wanted to support children and adolescents to have the same opportunities to use exercise and physical activity for their overall wellbeing.
After completing a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2017, graduating with First Class Honours, I began work as a private practitioner at an exercise physiology and physiotherapy clinic. However, during university, I had done a placement at Queensland Children’s Hospital on their Adolescent and Child Mental Health Inpatient Unit and I knew that this was ultimately where I wanted to be. When the opportunity to work within this service came up in 2019, I was thrilled, and I jumped at it.
Within my current role I provide exercise interventions and movement to support recovery goals for children and young people living with severe and complex mental health conditions.
In addition to my work within child and youth mental health, I became interested in working with children and young people diverse in gender and sexuality and secured a one day per week position in the Queensland Children’s Gender Service. I pioneered exercise physiology for trans, gender diverse and non-binary young people and supported these consumers to feel confident in their body, break down significant barriers to participation in sport and exercise as well as help manage the physical health risks that can sometimes be associated with cross-hormone therapy. I established a movement group which provided an inclusive and safe space for gender diverse young people to exercise and completed a qualitative review of the outcomes. In 2020, in recognition of this I was awarded Australian 2020 Exercise Physiologist of the Year.
Since 2020, I have acquired a full-time senior exercise physiology position in QLD Health, became a clinical associate and lecturer at QUT, educating students on inclusive exercise physiology practice and have presented multiple professional development presentations for Exercise and Sports Science Australia as a leading expert in child and youth mental health and gender diversity.
I hope to continue to be an advocate and clinical lead in this space, expanding opportunities for more exercise physiology positions within child and youth mental health services as well as providing more opportunities for LGBTQIA+ young people to participate in sport and physical activity.
On reflecting on my career so far, I attribute much of my passion, values and success to my time at All Hallows’. My biggest idols and influencers were my PE teachers. To this day I value their expertise, drive and passion in supporting young people to engage in physical activity and I thank them for igniting that passion in me.”
Sophie Banister: A creative life begins at home
Sophie Banister (Class of 2012) is a musical comedian and producer who has been featured in multiple productions and festivals in the local Brisbane/Meanjin creative industries this year. In 2020, Sophie founded her own monthly variety show, Brisbaret where she showcases local comedians, musicians, drag artists and more. In June, the ‘truly energising’ (Theatrehaus) variety show was staged at the Metro Arts theatre and is already contracted to perform in multiple festivals in 2023. Stay tuned for tickets and updates here!
Earlier this year, Sophie performed along with her regular collaborator Thien Pham in their musical comedy show ‘All Day Breakfast’ at Brisbane Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe. They both perform regularly in the comedy circuit in South East Queensland and have featured in segments on local ABC radio.
Sophie’s major career highlight this year was performing as the MC for Women in Voice in the Brisbane Powerhouse, and on tour in Bundaberg, Cairns and Redlands. Founded in 1993, Women in Voice has given established artists a place to explore new creative challenges, and provided a showcase for emerging singers. As the MC, Sophie performed her own songs alongside a band and other featured singers, including AHS alumni and regular Opera Queensland and The Little Red Co vocalist, Irena Lysiuk (Class of 2009) for the Brisbane and Redlands season!
After undertaking training in New York through the Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowship in 2018, Sophie became passionate about building and fostering her own local creative scene. She believes there are so many talented and unique voices found in our own city that deserve to be heard and encourages everyone to actively engage with their local creative scene - particularly after the last two pandemic impacted years.
Georgia Weber: All About That Bass
Georgia Weber, Class of 2001, started the Double Bass through the Bursary String Program at AHS when she was in Year 8. This moment in time ultimately changed Georgia’s life and paved the way for a successful career which has taken her all the way to New York City.
Georgia fondly recalls the support she received from the Performing Arts Department at AHS:
“I was given the opportunity to grow, compete and play in ensembles that stretched me and made me stronger personally and musically. At the time, being in St Cecilia Strings was one of those opportunities where I was the baby in the ensemble and challenged to keep up. I remember trying to copy the bow technique of one of the senior cellists there as I loved her sound so much.”
Georgia’s aptitude and persistence paid off, and following her time at All Hallows School, she continued her training at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor in Jazz Double Bass Performance. Georgia additionally completed a degree in Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland whilst continuing to perform and record with the likes of Tyroon Noonan, Megan Washington, Kristin Berardi and Miguel.
In 2010 Georgia moved to Melbourne where she fronted pop-punk outfit A Date With Apathy and performed most significantly with the contemporary jazz group Ben Carr Trio.
Georgia moved to New York City in 2013 and describes the journey:
“My pull to Melbourne and then to NYC was essentially the same. I wanted to be a small fish in a big pond and then try and keep up. Musically, the greatest growth often comes from taking yourself out of your comfort zone and playing with musicians who are stronger than you. This challenge drives me to work harder and in doing so, I hope to rise to the occasion. I was always attracted to the jazz scene in Melbourne and learned a great deal from my teachers and colleagues there, in particular Elly Hoyt, Ben Carr and Phil Collings.
NYC is the birthplace of the style of jazz that most influenced me. I wanted to be here to learn jazz music from its origins, to experience the culture that made the music I loved and learn my foundations again with this in mind. I’ve had the privilege since moving here, to study with the esteemed bassists, Ron Carter and Harvie S. I’ve worked since 2017 at Sleep No More NYC in the house band and had the opportunity to play alongside some spectacular musicians and songwriters here. I’m especially excited about the upcoming release by Camille Harris in December 2023. We are in production for the third release with my band, The Sleeved Hearts, in 2023.”
Georgia currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and fellow musician, Sonny Ratcliff. Together they own a recording studio, Wildwood Recording Studio. Georgia is also the Medical Director at an animal hospital on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
To find out more about Georgia, visit her website.
Laura Horrocks: Shape Shift
Laura Horrocks, Class of 2004, studied Fine Art at the Queensland College of Art and Science at the University of Queensland and driven by her desire to explore the interconnection between all things across philosophy, art, design and science, now runs creative studio Shape Shift in Paris. Laura’s art and textile design works employ creative inspiration from surrealist automatism, abstract expressionism, and modern art using mark-making, repetition and colour play.
On her art, Laura says:
“I am interested in creating a visual tension using organic shapes and colour compositions… Fluid lines delineate floral forms layered in colours. A state of flux and a forced balance of shapes and colour that could fall apart at any moment. This balance is constructed but not rigid. I often work with a palette of bleached lighter pastels overlaying deeper hues to evoke a sense of fragility and a delicate balance of duality to reflect upon.”
Laura has exhibited her works in Brisbane-based Aspire Gallery, Lethbridge Gallery, The Box Gallery, Nine Lives Gallery, InnerSpace Contemporary Art and White Canvas Gallery. Overseas she has featured at Early Work and La Bellevilloise in Paris and at Greenpoint Gallery and Loft594 in New York.
For more information on Laura or to purchase her art, visit here
Melanie Zanetti: From Fortitude Valley to Jimmy Fallon
Past Pupil Melanie Zanetti (Class of 2002) seen on the Tonight Show chatting with Jimmy Fallon about the international success of Bluey - the animated TV series in which she is the voice of Chilli (Bluey’s mum). Melanie’s recent roles include Raven’s Hollow (2022) and Love and Monsters (2020).
Melanie was in NYC to present at the 50th International Emmy Awards.
Elli Welsh: Playing to her strengths
“I’ve always loved working with other people. And I think that’s one of the reasons why I just love accompanying and collaborating so much”
Since starting lessons with her grandmother when she was 7 years old, Elli Welsh, Class of 2012, has always enjoyed playing the piano.
In high school, she enjoyed it even more when she had the opportunity to accompany the school choir, but didn’t know then if this was something she could make a career of.
Fast forward a few years and Elli Welsh is very much proving that indeed it is.
Recently awarded a place in the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme 2022/2023, Elli is one of only two Australians in a group of 80, drawn from all around the world, for this year.
Britten Pears offers residential courses for singers, pianists, chamber music ensembles, composers and instrumentalists, as well as additional tuition and masterclasses, wider professional development, industry relevant offers and performance opportunities.
Elli is also the 2022/2023 Viola Tunnard Young Artist.
After graduating from All Hallows’ School, where she was a member of Piano Ensemble One for five years and played with the Sister Mary Celine Chorale, Elli studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where she obtained a BMus and MMus with Distinction.
Elli undertook further study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, achieving a Professional Diploma of Piano Accompaniment with Distinction and the prestigious DipRAM. These studies were made possible by the Ena Williams Award for Postgraduate Study Overseas, which she won in 2019.
She has just completed a year as Young Artist Repetiteur at the National Opera Studio in London, generously supported by Karen and Lee McLernon and the Tait Memorial Trust.
Elli has toured North West Queensland with Topology, performed in many venues around Brisbane as a member of Brisbane City Opera, been a sessional accompanist for the Queensland Conservatorium Singers and was also Music Director and pianist for ‘Quarantine Cosi’, an online production of ‘Cosi fan Tutte’ produced in isolation when she returned home to Australia during the Covid lockdown in 2020.
Since returning/moving to London, she has appeared as Accompanist, Repetiteur & Ballet Pianist throughout the UK, including at this year’s Aldeburgh Festival. She has also performed as keyboard player with the Scottish Opera, Welsh National Opera & Opera North.
Sarah Curro: Not your typical violinist
Sarah Curro (Class of 1990) completed her Bachelor of Music in 1994 at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Subsequently she studied, and then taught, at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. From 1999-2002 Sarah was a member of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. She was also concertmaster of the Hong Kong Bach Society Orchestra and a member of the Fiorini String Trio founded by violist Jeremy Williams. In Australia, she has performed many times with the ACO and been guest associate concertmaster of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and guest principal second violin, associate concertmaster and concertmaster with Orchestra Victoria.
Sarah’s father, the late eminent John Curro, founder of The Queensland Youth Orchestra, was the inspiration for Sarah’s interest in education. Her experience as a tutor includes work with the students from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Australian Youth Orchestra (including National Music Camp, Chamber Camp and Young Symphonists), Queensland Youth Orchestra, Melbourne Youth Orchestra (including MYM Summer School), Southern Cross Soloists Winter Music School, Melbourne and Monash Universities, many fine community orchestras and is currently a committee member of the Australasian Orchestra.
In Australia, Sarah has performed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Queensland Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and with Orchestra Victoria. Currently an official, tenured member of the MSO, she took a year of leave in 2014 to explore the history of the violin through a Masters of Music Performance at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Despite Sarah’s impeccable classical credentials and appreciation for the historically significant, she devotes extraordinary energy and philanthropic support to nontraditional ventures which focus on discovering, commissioning and promoting new music compositions shown through the fascinating and unique instruments of Melbourne luthier, Paul Davies. For more than 10 years, her solo series VOLUME has showcased contemporary art, music, instruments and costume in thoroughly modern venues to everincreasingly diverse audiences.
To find out more about Sarah’s latest venture, a book of music, her podcast series, or to see Sarah performing on her painted semi acoustic spur violin, please click on the links below.
Link One
Link Two
Link Three
Link Four
Link Five
“For more than 10 years, her solo series VOLUME has showcased contemporary art, music, instruments and costume”
Maddie Dunbar: Mad about cake
Maddie Dunbar, Class of 2017, started baking and decorating cakes towards the end of her senior years at All Hallows’ School. She had no idea at the time that this ‘fun little hobby’ would become her passion and her future business, although she does recall being impressed and inspired by AHS alum and wedding cake decorator extraordinaire Caitlyn Mitchell (Class of 2003) when she came to talk to the students about her not so typical career path. http://www.alittlecakeplace.com.au
Despite doing a Cert IV in patisserie directly after school, Maddie still thought that university was her destiny. After 2 years and trying two completely different courses, Maddie realised cakes, and not Criminology, were her destiny.
In 2020, she officially founded MadCakes and hasn’t looked back. She spends her days creating amazing treats and absolutely loves it. Maddie is proof that your passion can also be your bread and butter (or in her case, cake, cupcake and cookie).
If she has any advice for her AHSisters, it is “don’t feel pressured to go to uni if you don’t know what you want to do! I forced myself to go because everyone else was, and I found that unless you really know what you want to do …just take time to figure yourself out and what you really do enjoy! It’s your life, live it the way you want to! And you have wayyyyy more time to figure things out than you know, so do what you want now!”
Also keen to ‘give back’, Maddie recently produced 500 fabulous blue fondant topped heart cookies for Sunset Starwalk, a fundraising initiative for Helena’s House, named in memory of her friend and classmate, Helena McIlwain.
To find out more about MadCakes, visit www.madcakes.com.au or follow MadCakes on socials.
Imogen Atkins: Challenge accepted
Imogen Atkins, Class of 2018, is one of the most courageous and resilient students to ever walk through those iconic green gates at 547 Ann Street. While her classmates were preoccupied with OP’s, formals and Schoolies, Imogen’s senior years were defined by an alarming diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, anxiety – but most of all by hope, humour and the loving support of family and friends.
Imogen tells her story so much better than we ever could, so please take the time to read about her experiences, her journey and her plan to undertake her next big challenge, one very close to her hope-filled heart.
Visit this link to read more.
“Everything that is done in this world is done by hope”
– Martin Luther
Then and Now: The Big Challenge Team Re-unites
In 1971, four bright and brave Grade 11 All Hallows’ students won the grand final of Channel 9’s ‘Big Challenge’ programme. They beat the team from Marist College Ashgrove, who rumour has it, has never quite gotten over the fact that they beat the AHS team in the rounds, only to fall short in the grand final!
The All Hallows’ team returned to school triumphant with their winnings, which included a set of Webster’s dictionaries, a replica of the first Encyclopaedia Britannica, and $1,000 dollars, which provided prints representing several periods of art, which were hung in the library.
Both teams reunited recently to reminisce on their Big Challenge days, and to celebrate 50 years since they graduated in 1972.
The team: Phillipa Roylance, Cathy Wadley, Marian Sullivan and Patricia Gregg Behind: Mr Reg Grundy, Sister Cecilia Mary and compere Mr John McCoy
Patricia Gregg, Marian Sullian, Cathy Wadley and Phillipa Roylance
Updates & news
Lesleigh Jermanus
Congratulations to Lesleigh Jermanus (Class of 1998) of ALÉMAIS who has been awarded the highly coveted 2022 National Designer Award. Presented by David Jones as part of the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, the award recognises the vision of designers in their early years of business. ALÉMAIS also took home the People’s Choice Award, as voted for by over 4,000 consumers. Well done Lesleigh on these incredible achievements.
Lizzie Dekkers
Elizabeth Dekkers (Class of 2021) has won Gold in her 200m Butterfly Final at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham. Congratulations Lizzie on this tremendous achievement.
Macy Gardner
Hard work, persistence and unwavering commitment has seen Macy Gardner (Class of 2017) secure a Contract with the Queensland Firebirds for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season. Macy joined the Firebirds in 2018 as a training partner, made her Suncorp Super Netball debut in 2019 and was elevated to the team for the first time in 2020. Macy spent 2021 and 2022 as a training partner, refining her skills. Her dedication and efforts have paid off with the receipt of the highly coveted Firebirds Contract. Congratulations Macy. Good luck for the 2023 season – your AHSisters are behind you all the way.
Dr Lena Molnar
The AHS Past Pupils community is proud to announce that Helen Ida Margaret Molnar (known as Lena) Class of 2005 has been awarded her PhD in Sociology of Women and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence from RMIT. Congratulations Lena.
Vale
Irene Sloan: A true friend of All Hallows’ School
Irene Mary Sloan passed away unexpectedly on October 5 2022 while visiting family in Melbourne. She left behind her loving husband Peter, daughter Claire, son Andrew and much adored baby grandson Jasper.
During her time at All Hallows’ Irene made a profound impact, both personally and professionally, on the All Hallows’ community and her loss has been felt deeply by her many friends and colleagues.
Irene joined the All Hallows’ staff as Administration Assistant in the Performing Arts Department in 2007. She stepped into the role of Executive Assistant to the Principal to Dr Lee-Anne Perry in 2009, and subsequently to Mrs Catherine O’Kane from 2015. It was a role she executed with extraordinary professionalism, conscientiousness, and unbounding energy.
Irene was renowned in wider education circles for her expertise and organisational excellence. She was a guide, mentor and confidante to many, but more than that, she was a true woman of Mercy, admired and valued for her thoughtfulness, compassion, warmth, patience and sense of joy.
While Irene’s requiem took place on October 18, 2022 at St John The Baptist Catholic Church close to where she was born at Koo Wee Rup in Victoria, a Memorial Mass in her honour was celebrated in the All Hallows’ Chapel, a place close to Irene’s heart, later that month. Irene’s husband, children and other family members travelled to Brisbane to attend this tribute to Irene, and drew great comfort from being in a place she loved, surrounded by so many who loved and admired her.
Strength and dignity are her clothing... – Proverbs 31 “
Suzanne Zillman: A daughter’s tribute
Stephanie Zillman (Class of 2005), Gold Walkley Award winning ABC journalist, remembers her mother Suzanne 07/09/1951 – 19/05/2022
“Suzanne Zillman (Miss Riddle) taught Home Economics and Science at All Hallows’ School for ten years from the early 1970s until the early 1980s. She died peacefully and surrounded by family in Brisbane on the 19th of May 2022, having shown immense courage in the face of cancer.
Suzanne was 70 years of age when she passed and is survived by her husband of 43 years Steve, sons Michael, Nicholas and Richard, and daughter Stephanie. I write this tribute to my mother who always spoke so fondly of her many years teaching at All Hallows’. Such was her respect for the school, my parents chose to send me to AHS for my schooling.
So many of Mum’s stories had an All Hallows’ connection. A fond one was from the early days of my parents’ courtship. Mum was hosting Dad for dinner and wanting it to be perfect, decided she would make the dessert on her lunch break in the Home Economics kitchen (which used to be above the tuckshop, now the staff room). She recalled Dad having mentioned how he liked lemon meringue pie, and so she set about it. She couldn’t find a juicer, and hand-squeezed half a dozen or so lemons. Then the meringue split, and she had to hang back after school to re-do it. Later that night she offered up the precious dessert, only to be told ‘he didn’t fancy any’! Fortunately, she was able to forgive this transgression.
In flipping through some photo albums from Mum’s All Hallows’ years, I was hoping to find a shot from her trip to Alice Springs and Uluru from approximately 1975.
She had not long returned from a big trip to Europe and, wanting to recoup some savings, took up the offer to accompany a group of girls on their school trip as a chaperone and cook. I was delighted, but not surprised, to find one with Mum sitting atop a camel in this trip photo. When I showed Dad, we both laughed, and he said ‘of course she was’. I think it also says a lot about who she was: outgoing, funny, and always original.
Shortly before Mum died, we were all touched to receive a card from some of her former All Hallows’ students. Dated 10/05/22, it reads:
“From your favourite students; Barbara, Bernadette, Sue Webb, Gail, Loreta and Jacinta (AHS 1974 – 1978). Sending love to our Miss Riddle, who always felt more like a big sister than a teacher … and still does. Your skill in encouraging us to think beyond our small worlds, embrace culture and create beauty lives on in us. We are blessed by your presence at such a fortunate time of our lives.
Stay beautiful, stay strong … we know you will. Love, the Six Pack xxx”
And I love you too, Mum.”
“When I think about Anita, I think about laughter”:
Remembering Anita Oakes
Anita Mary Hill was born on June 2, 1960. She had an older sister Alison (Class of 1973), brother Gregory and ‘little sister’ Marie Louise (Class of 1988).
Anita has the distinction of being one of a small number of students who attended All Hallows’ for their entire school education. She started in Grade 1 in 1966 and graduated Grade 12 in 1977. Many of Anita’s lifelong friendships can be traced back to her very first year at school, testament to her loyalty and dependability.
Throughout her years at All Hallows’ School Anita was admired and adored.
She was one of ‘those’ girls who just had something about her.
She had a fabulous smile, cheeky grin and an infectious laugh.
She was gregarious, vivacious, fun-loving, kind. And she had the most amazing plaits ever.
She was the girl you wanted to be, or at the very least, wanted to be with.
Her sense of fun was legendary. If Anita was there, there was bound to be laughter.
And somehow, amidst all this magic, she also managed to make everyone around her feel better about themselves. It was quite a gift. A gift Anita literally took with her after graduation, when she chose to train as a nurse at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Later in her career she would become a highly regarded and respected theatre nurse at the Wesley Hospital.
Anita married Andrew Oakes in 1982. Together they created a wonderful life and a beautiful family –including daughters Lauren (Class of 2004) and Eloise (Class of 2009) and son, Addison.
Anita passed away on August 2, 2022 after a ten year health battle that was courageous, gracious, tenacious and inspiring.
GRADE 1
GRADE 12
“
She had a fabulous smile, cheeky grin and an infectious laugh. She was gregarious, vivacious, fun-loving, kind. And she had the most amazing plaits ever.
In 2017, her Class of 1977 cohort witnessed this determination first-hand, when Anita attended the 40 Year Reunion, despite the enormous difficulties she overcame just to be there.
She was much loved, and will be greatly missed.
Thank you to the many members of the Class of 1977 who contributed to this recollection.
Past, Present, Future:
Introducing the Past Pupils’ Legacy
You are invited to contribute to a unique fund designed to provide an All Hallows’ education to daughters of past pupils who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience an All Hallows’ education.
You may choose to give in memory of a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter or friend; to give as gratitude for your own All Hallows’ education; or simply so that a young girl in the future will benefit from your generosity today.
The Past Pupils’ legacy is a true and enduring expression of the All Hallows’ Sisterhood, and of how we continue to value past pupil connections across our community and through the generations.
To make a donation, click here.
In Memoriam
SR CECILIA ANNING RSJ, daughter of Bernadette (Cloake) (dec.), sister of Ottilia Lorato
MATTHEW ARNOLD, brother of Hayley
ESTELLE BOHAN, mother of Anne
BARBARA CAMPBELL (ARNOLD), sister of Helen Dubois, and Marian
BETTY EVISTON (FORREST), mother of Libby Wilson and Jane Orr, sister of Veronica Harris (dec.)
PETER FALVEY, brother of Cecile
MARIA GOMEZ, mother of Maria Griffin, Teresa and Lourdes
ROSARIA GRECO, mother of Tina and Venerina
STEPHEN GREGG, husband of Christine Thompson
LORETTO GURNEY (DUNNE), daughter of Enid Dunne (Simpson) (dec.), mother of Gemma Murphy, sister of Noela Kelman
CLARE HAMMOND, mother of Mary Ahern and Margaret Bailey
JEAN HICKEY (KELLY)
CATHERINE HODDA, sister of Vonnie (SM Bernadette rsm) and Joan (SM Peter rsm)
MICHAEL ‘PAT’ JACKMAN, father of Julie, Katherine, Norah, Johanna and Mary-Ellen
DORIS KEMPNICH (CLARKE), sister of Vonnie rsm (dec.)
Please pray for the following past pupils, past staff members, and their family members who have passed away recently.
DENISE LEACH, mother of Kerri and Janine
PEGGY LINDWALL, mother of Carolyn
KATHLEEN MCGRATH, sister of Eileen
SR SHIRLEY MEARES RSM, sister of Kaylene Cross
BARRY MORRISSY, husband of Therese (Burke)
FELICITY “FLISS” MORTON, sister of Julia, Anastasia, and Victoria
CLARE MYERS (GALLAGHER), mother of Anne, Kate Crilly, Rachel Schlyder, and Mary
CHEYNE NULTY, sister of Clair Byrne, Simone Nulty and Bernice Ross
ANITA OAKES (HILL), sister of Alison and Marie Louise, mother of Eloise and Lauren
GIUSEPPE PAGLIARO, father of Helena, Christina, and TrishaKate Meehan
JOAN POTTER (MULLER)
VERONICA SCARCELLA
INCORONATA SERRAVALLE, mother of Lydia, and Adriana Kelly
MARGARET SHAW (KIDD)
MARION SHAW (HAWKINS)
BYRONY SIMPSON
IRENE SLOAN (staff member), wife of Peter, mother of Claire and Andrew and Grandmother of Jasper
JOYCE SMITH, mother of Janeane McKeon, Lisa Cooper and Kaylea Burns
MONICA SMITH, sister of Mary (SM Nivard rsm)
MONA SOUYAVE, mother of Denise and Nadine
SR PATRICIA SULLIVAN RSM, sister of Margaret Collis, Gabrielle Emery-Reece and Rita Tolhurst
BOB TREFFENE, father of Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Anne Newton, Roberta Walker and Stephanie Paget
This list has been compiled as at 16 December 2022. To request that the name of a recently deceased Past Pupil, past staff member, or immediate family member be included in the next edition of The Hallowian, please email ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au.
Real generosity toward the future lies in giving to the present: A thank you from the All Hallows’ Foundation
Our All Hallows’ School community already knows a lot about generosity and giving. There are so many opportunities for our community to give back. From giving of your time in volunteer power, expertise, or talent, on committees and boards, and through the All Hallows’ Foundation philanthropically (your treasure), your support knows no bounds. The three “t’s” of philanthropy in action, on campus, every week.
It was a pleasure at the start of the year to address our students in assembly about giving. They already know a lot about giving, thanks to the extensive Mercy Action program here at Hallows’, the whole school project (where our students raise funds throughout the year and then present the chosen charity with a transformational philanthropic gift at the end of the year), and volunteering opportunities that present themselves throughout the year.
We wanted to introduce the students to the term philanthropy, a word they wouldn’t necessarily hear every day.
We talked about philanthropy being a gift, often a financial one (the treasure in the three “t’s”) and acknowledged that an All Hallows’ education is a gift, one that each student has been given. Whether that gift came from their parents, grandparents, or a benefactor they will never meet, the gift of an All Hallows’ education is one that lasts a lifetime.
The All Hallows’ Foundation has worked hard this year to raise awareness and important funds to extend this gift of an All Hallows’ Mercy education to more students. Raising $173,305 during our very first Giving Day, we surpassed our original goal and were able to fund two new bursaries. Of the 355 donors to our
“Whether that gift came from their parents, grandparents, or a benefactor they will never meet,
the gift of an All
Hallows’ education is one that lasts a lifetime.
“
Giving Day campaign, 157 were Past Pupils –thank you for your support!
The Foundation would also like to say a special thank you to the Past Pupil’s Association for your Match Gift this year during Giving Day. A Match Gift goes a long way to encourage further giving and we are so grateful for your support and partnership.
A new initiative this year is the Past Pupil Legacy. This fund has been created to provide the benefits of an All Hallows’ education to our Past Pupil families experiencing hardship. It’s a lovely way to give in memory of a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter or friend; to give in gratitude for your own All Hallows’ experience; or simply to pay it forward so that in the future, a young student will receive a life changing gift.
When we reach an initial investment amount of $50,000 the fund will be invested and will exist in perpetuity. It is a true and enduring expression of the All Hallows’ Sisterhood, of continuity and connection shared across our community and one we hope to grow year upon year, generation upon generation.
To date, this fund has attracted just over $13,000 in donations, and is accepting donations at any time, so if you would like to give this Christmas in honour of an AHSister, you can make your tax-deductible gift online, quickly and easily and know that you are impacting not only a fellow AHSister, but her
future family and communities in which she will work and live – it’s truly a gift that lasts a lifetime.
We were blessed to welcome two of our former bursary students and our donors at our first Donor Appreciation evening in October. We hope to continue to include this event annually on our calendar and grow it year on year. This year, the event was also an opportunity for donors who had contributed to our pledge program to experience the Potter Room as a new All Hallows’ venue. Thank you to Caroline and Dorcas for your inspiring stories and to all our donors who joined us that evening.
On behalf of the All Hallows’ Foundation, I would like to thank everyone for your support this year. Thank you to the Past Pupil’s Association for your partnership - we look forward to working with you further in 2023 and we wish everyone a fabulous Christmas and New Year with close friends and family.
We hope to see you in 2023!
Jo Lovett
Director Community Relations and Development
ARE YOU UP TO DATE?
The best way to be in the know about reunions, events, past pupil news and other opportunities to connect is to ensure your email and phone details in particular are up to date.
If any of your personal contact details have changed, please click here and update now.
If you have a family member – mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, or friend who has mentioned they don’t hear from All Hallows’ anymore - please share this page with them and encourage them to follow these simple ways to stay in the loop.
Seeking Prizes and/or Sponsorships
We welcome event sponsorship and donations of raffle prizes including travel, accommodation, entertainment and dining experiences; women’s health and beauty products; jewellery, fashion and accessories; homewares and art; and food and beverages.
All donors are acknowledged as part of events and through social media.
If you would like to offer a raffle prize or cash donation or sponsor an event, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Maree Nugent, Past Pupils’ Liaison on telephone (07) 3230 9424 or email ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au.
Be social, keep connected, stay in touch
The PPA is proud to support Mercy Works
You are invited to click the link below to read the latest edition of The Bilum, which is packed with amazing insights, stories and information.
Bilum: December 2022
The 2022 Past Pupils’ Association Committee
President ...............................
Vice President .......................
Treasurer ...............................
Secretary ...............................
School/Past Pupils’ Liaison
Committee Members ...........
Tron Fisher
Bridget Delahunty
Sarah Fraser
Felicity Francis
Maree Nugent
Catherine Bonifant
Cathy Clemot
Leonie Clothier
Nicki Dalton
Katy McGree
Lucy Oakhill
Neva Wethereld
We welcome new members at any time, or encourage you to join us to get in touch if you would like to help with a specific event or project.
Celebrate your wedding in the timeless elegance of the All Hallows’ Chapel. Our historically significant venue provides a perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony. We welcome you and your family to view this beautiful Chapel and continue to create lifelong memories with All Hallows’ School. Click
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, or if you know of someone who is unable to access The Hallowian in digital format, please contact Maree at ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au or 07 3230 9424.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we stand, the Turrbal and Jaggera people. We pay our respects to them, and for the love they gave and received from the Land. May we walk gently and respectfully upon this Land. May we always recognise that we walk in love with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers in creating a more just Australian society.