The Saints Magazine - Autumn 2021 Edition

The

SAINTS ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL MAGAZINE

T H E

Y A R N I N G

AUTUMN 2021

E D I T I O N

COVER ARTWORK: OUR PLACE IN COUNTRY BY NARELLE URQUHART

Celebrating connections to country

Our Curiosity

Standing Strong

Asking questions that exist beyond answers

International students push to thrive online

The

SAINTS

CONTENTS Enquiries

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Spinning yarns Stories about cherishing our Indigenous connections

We always love hearing from members of the All Saints community.

For updates and editorial enquiries please contact us on the details below.

All Saints Anglican School Office of Marketing and Public Relations Highfield Drive Merrimac 4226

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Curious and Curiouser Why encouraging independent thought is vital to All Saints

P: +61 7 5587 0309 E: saints@asas.qld.edu.au

Production Editor Maria Egan, Head of Marketing & Public Relations

22

Surf's up All Saints 1st XV Rugby squad sharing bonds with special athletes

Journalist Paris Faint Design Martha Clegg Business News Australia Photography David Perry Luke Marsden Paris Faint Sean Bale

32

Secret life of staff Find out what they get up to in their spare time

All Saints Anglican School recognises and acknowledges Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islanders as the First Peoples of Australia. We also acknowledge the Kombumerri People as traditional custodians of the land in which All Saints Anglican School stands, the Bundjalung, Ngarahngwal and Yugambir language groups, and Elders past and present for their collective contribution to our students, staff and the broader school community. We respect these peoples’ enduring stewardship of this country and honour their ongoing contribution to the spiritual, environmental, social, and cultural fabric of our society.

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LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Thank you to other members of the All Saints community who supplied photos for this edition.

From the Headmaster.

I write this introduction to the latest edition of The Saints in

Under the stewardship of Mr Mark Stevens, we have been

the week that commemorates the 30th anniversary of the

developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for the School.

Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (also

Our approach is not about apportioning blame or inspiring

known as the Muirhead Commission). 30 years on, a

guilt. It is about fostering greater awareness and empathy,

staggering 40 per cent of the recommendations made by

about seeking to build meaningful relationships between our

that report have yet to be implemented and since the

community and the first peoples who walked this precious

publication of the report, a further 500 first peoples have

corner of South East Queensland. It is about the desire to

died in custody.

learn and grow and to be part of the healing that we all need.

Like it or not, the truth is that we live in a segregated

As an Anglican school, one of our aspirations since

society. Most, if not all, sentient Australians have

foundation has been that every young man and woman

compassion for the circumstances which allow a section of

graduating from All Saints will have a knowledge and

our people, our original inhabitants who comprise the oldest

understanding of the gospels and an appreciation of the life-

known functioning communities on our planet, to live

enhancing values they represent. We aspire to be a school

diminished lives that challenge our collective belief that

‘where the gospels are lived as well as taught.’

ours is ‘the lucky country.’

My hope is that this RAP will achieve a similar goal; that every

Yet in real terms, the plight of indigenous Australians

young man and woman graduating from All Saints will have a

remains on the back burner. We want to make a difference, but it just seems too hard; so we focus our attention on other issues – the economy, education, seeking justice for other groups like the LGBQTI community or the growing

knowledge and understanding of and an empathy for the first peoples who walked our country and an appreciation of the life-enhancing values they represent; a school indeed where this knowledge and understanding and empathy might be

number of refugees seeking refuge in Australia; and God

‘lived as well as taught.’

knows these groups need our compassion and support.

Let’s get to it!

Yet somehow, in terms of understanding, will and action we seem unable to extend that same compassion to resolving the issue of understanding, integrating, reconciling and embracing a group of our society from whom we have so much to learn.

Patrick Wallas

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

3

LITTLE MATE TACE AHU (YEAR 3) WITH HIS YEAR 12 MENTOR FRANKIE YUE

E X C I T I N G P A T H S A H E A D F O R A T A R ’ S F I R S T G R A D U A T E S The Class of 2020 achieved phenomenal results as the first cohort to take on Queensland’s new ATAR system. Two students, Ryo Takamizawa and Kento Seki, graduated with the highest possible marks. Only 28 other students in the entire state reached the same benchmark and no other Gold Coast school had two students achieve this feat.

A total of 11 All Saints students received an ATAR of 99+, all of whom studied six or more subjects through Years 11 and 12.

Notwithstanding the effort of these high achievers, the entire Year 12 cohort rallied impressively with 93.9 per cent of students achieving ATAR ranks above 62.55 (the equivalent of an OP 1 to 15).

Director of Studies Julie Klein is particularly proud of how

L E A R N I N G W I T H L I T T L E M A T E S

the cohort managed to pull through a “bizarre year” in such a cooperative way.

“They constantly worked together and helped each other,” says Mrs Klein.

On most Tuesday afternoons in the Junior School library, you will find a

“The old OP system was very competitive within the School

generous cohort of Senior School students engaged in shared learning

because the goal was to be at the top of your class, whereas in the

experiences with some great ‘Little Mates’.

new system it’s about ensuring as many of the students are at the

The Little Mates program is a new All Saints service learning initiative

top as possible.”

which pairs Year 3 students with older mentors to provide support with

It’s little surprise that the Class of 2020 has already forged many

homework, reading and other after-school activities.

exciting tertiary pathways.

Year 12 mentor Porsha Lee, who spends her Tuesday afternoons with

According to data from the Careers Centre, All Saints graduates

Little Mate Sayre Dodd, says the program is a special one that helps

have enrolled in a wide range of university study areas from

younger students feel more comfortable with the school environment.

medicine and optometry to music, fashion, aviation and more.

“I’ve been at All Saints all the way through Junior School, and I thought

Amazingly, 100% of all students who applied for tertiary study were

it would be quite cool to help younger kids while learning things that

offered a place and over 90% of these students received their first

I once did – hopefully I can help make things a little bit easier for

or second preference.

students like Sayre,” says Porsha.

“Of the 177 students who wanted to go to university, all 177 will

Sayre says she loves spending time with Porsha and is happy to have a

be attending. This is a brilliant achievement and a more important

friend in the Senior School.

statistic to us as it means that every student who wants to, is

“I’m learning from Porsha that I can do my work, and one day I will be able to do it by myself,” she says.

Year 12 mentor Frankie Yue adds that the Little Mates reading component is well suited to developing literacy skills in a relaxed, lowpressure setting.

“If our students want to read the whole time, they can read the whole time, and if they don’t feel particularly focused at times that is ok too,” says Frankie. “I wish this program was available when I was still in primary school.”

Little Mate Tace Ahu concludes that his favourite part of the afternoon is not only the reading and learning, but mostly “getting to hang out with Frankie”.

After a successful trial in Term 1, the Little Mates learning program will continue throughout Term 2.

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LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

moving onto a tertiary pathway,” says Head of Senior School Mr Bryn Evans.

Several students have also secured pathways into apprenticeships including the police, hairdressing, carpentry, automotive work and civil construction – many of these due to the school-based traineeships and certificate courses they completed while still at school.

Some students are also pursuing formal gap years with institutions such as the Australian Defence Force.

Interestingly but perhaps not surprisingly, the most popular tertiary pathway of health had a total of 34 students choosing to undertake degrees in that space.

Congratulations once again to this dedicated group of graduates.

We wish you all the best.

School News.

S H O W I N G

O U R

A L L S A I N T S R E C E N T LY

through to the coast including South

ENGAGED LOCAL

Stradbroke and Burleigh, and over the

ARTIST NARELLE URQUHART TO C R E AT E A V I S U A L R E P R E S E N TAT I O N

P L A C E

I N

C O U N T R Y

top of it all are travelling tracks,” says Narelle.

“The painting shows Jesus and represents Christ through the region, and there’s also elements of All Saints

OF ‘OUR PLACE IN

creating a legacy through students on

COUNTRY’.

country,” says Narelle.

Narelle decided upon this direction for

The exquisite artwork now hangs in

the piece after meeting with All Saints’

the McIntosh Administration Centre

Indigenous affairs representative Mark

as a way of celebrating our Indigenous

Stevens.

connections and recognising the country upon which All Saints is built.

“Mark has a connection to local people and he wanted the School to show that

Our Place in Country also fittingly

it recognises the traditional owners

graces the front cover of this issue of

of the land on which it is built,” says

The Saints, the Yarning Edition.

Narelle.

Narelle explains that the piece is

For Narelle, the process of creating

about relationships, including the ones

art goes far deeper than aesthetic

between All Saints, the country, our

pleasure.

Christian faith and the custodians of the land.

“It’s a cultural practice, and a way of being,” she says. “It also gives me a

“It’s an aerial map of country that

voice in which I can be heard. By me

recognises the hinterland where

painting things, people remember

the School is situated, the wetlands

stories.”

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

5

A

P A R T I N G

G I F T

One of All Saints’ much-loved and legendary

“The design needed to be visually stunning but

“When I look at the completed piece with its

teachers retired at the end of 2020.

still offer a practicality for the School Council

unusual canyon, a unique metaphor comes to

and leadership teams who regularly use the

mind,” Mr Howard reflects.

There is no question that the legacy of Russell Howard will live on at All Saints, particularly through the many initiatives he led during his time at the School including the iconic Roman Day and Billy Kart Derby.

boardroom," he says.

“The timber chosen for the project was West Australian Marri; its colour matched the timber trims in the room and its reputation for possessing spectacular grain pattern meant that

“All Saints is in the business of teaching children, all of whom are different and all of whom learn differently and whose educational paths will vary, much like the jagged, differentiated

it would add a special ambience.”

canyon edge.”

After three months of searching Western Australia

“I would like to thank the School for allowing

for the perfect slabs, Mr Howard located them in

me this opportunity. The table would be one of

the Southern area of the state above Albany.

the most beautiful pieces that I have created in

Mr Howard explains the intricate process of

The slabs were shipped to Brisbane and collected

my woodworking journey, it certainly has been

creating the table began when COVID-19 first

by Mr Howard, who then worked his carpentry

the largest work I have undertaken to date and

struck.

magic to turn wood into masterpiece.

hopefully there will be more in the future.”

However, at the end of 2020, Mr Howard left All Saints with another incredible parting gift - a lovingly handcrafted table for the new boardroom in the McIntosh Administration Centre.

R E C O G N I S I N G G O D ’ S L O V E

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LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

School News.

Acclaimed cinematographer

From there, Claudio’s portfolio

Claudio Miranda led an exclusive

burgeoned until one day in

workshop for students, detailing

2007, when long-time friend and

some of the key techniques and

colleague David Fincher hired him

processes behind his work.

as DP for Benjamin Button. The

AT T H E B E G I N N I N G O F T E R M 1 , A L L

Claudio’s film credits include The

rest, as they say, is history.

S A I N T S ’ M U LT I M E D I A S T U D E N T S

Life of Pi, for which he won an

“Some of my conversations with

O S C A R S H A R E S W I T H

W I N N E R F I L M

W I S D O M

S T U D E N T S

SEIZED A RARE CHANCE TO LEARN FROM THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.

Academy Award, Oblivion, TRON: Legacy and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Director of Multimedia Steve Lewis and VET student attendee Isaac Detsikas said Claudio’s session was invaluable in terms of learning about the film industry, as well as technical skills behind capturing the perfect shot.

“Having just started my qualification, I don’t yet know

and around the right situation,” says Claudio.

“In one way I kind of got my career through osmosis, but I also steered it by intense homework and appearing to have strength – even if I was fearful about failing at times.”

During his session, Claudio left many key pieces of advice for

work, so I definitely picked up a

students. The big one? Always

lot of industry secrets which I

find new ways to stand out.

track,” says Isaac.

“It was a highlight to listen to the life story of somebody that’s internationally famous, but went through a pathway that was sort of unusual in terms of not going straight to film school,” adds Mr Lewis.

Claudio began his journey as a stage manager. He then moved on to gaffing for music videos and

“I always try to look for something different in a shot,” says Claudio.

“If I see something new in the way something is lit, or a shot is bound with the story in some greater way, I get really excited about that.

It’s something that not all people pay attention to.”

“Steering the eye to look at what’s important, or maybe even steering

eventually film which introduced

away from something that is

him to Dariusz Wolski, the

a mystery or surprise – when

renowned director of photography

you truly see someone who can

(DP) behind many Ridley Scott

manipulate the audience using

classics including The Martian and

different techniques, that is the

Prometheus.

goal.”

things that can uplift one’s spirit.

Have you ever experienced a

kinds of occurrences as ‘Godly

students call her, has at least one

mysteriously powerful moment

Moments’ – a phrase which has

student, teacher or and parent

of inner peace, happiness, or

caught on around campus.

contact her to share a Godly

“In the Junior School we often talk

were about being in the right place

much about how film or cameras

think will be very helpful down the

wonder?

the students during our session

Moment.

“It’s about recognising that through life, there are little signs to tell us we have love and support,” says Mrs Gustafson.

Perhaps it was a point in time when

about moments where students

For younger students, Godly

something frustrating suddenly

feel like God’s love is with them

Moments are usually tangible

became crystal clear, or when the

so obviously, whether it’s with the

things they can see, such as a

most glorious rainbow cut through

flight of a butterfly or the kindness

leaf or tree chip that has naturally

the clouds on a rainy day.

of a friend,” she explains.

formed in a heart shape.

Junior School Lay Chaplain

Each day without fail Mrs

For others, it also involves

get through things, knowing they

Milissa Gustafson refers to these

Gustafson, or Mrs G as the

bringing more attention to the

aren’t alone.”

“Paying attention to these beautiful moments gives our community the strength, resilience and reassurance to

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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S O A K I N G U P I N D I G E N O U S C U L T U R E

O N S AT U R D AY T H E 3 0 T H O F J A N U A RY T H E C H A I R M A N O F T H E S C H O O L C O U N C I L , O U R HEADMASTER, SCHOOL EXECUTIVE, CHAPLAINCY AND VARIOUS STAFF MEMBERS FROM ACROSS THE THREE SUB-SCHOOLS

P A R T I C I P A T E D I N T H E B A N A A M A P P L I E D C U LT U R A L

I N T E L L I G E N C E W O R K S H O P. Banaam, which is a Bundjalung word translating

“One of my concerns is that we don’t know enough

“Josh and Kyle talked about how their culture is

to ‘strong, younger brother’ but has a much deeper

about Indigenous culture to teach it, and we risk

centred around reciprocal relationships based on

meaning in local Indigenous culture, is run by local

being culturally insensitive if we try,” says Mrs

contribution and respect,” says Mrs Golder.

siblings Kyle and Josh Slabb.

Golder.

Banaam works with companies, schools and

“Professionally developing staff is an integral

connections with the land, ceremony, language,

organisations to help develop greater cultural

step in achieving the required content knowledge

law and relationships.”

understanding about Indigenous Australia.

and hence cultural perspectives. Attending

She adds that important Indigenous perspectives

It also helps these organisations build unique frameworks for teams, guided by Indigenous

Banaam was a great first step to achieving that.”

“They also spoke about how everything is about

like the ones Kyle and Josh imparted shouldn’t just be brought into the classroom as a way to

principles of relationship building, communication,

A standout moment from the Banaam session

“tick the boxes”.

mutual responsibility, and non-hierarchical

was when Kyle and Josh presented a cultural

“For me, I don’t want this information to be an

management structures.

framework diagram that depicted connections and

afterthought, I believe it should be embedded into

structures within their community.

the curriculum,” says Mrs Golder.

who attended the Banaam workshop. She says it

The brothers discussed the importance of this

“I think that is how most teachers feel; very excited

was a moving experience to learn from the Slabb

diagram being drawn on the ground, a flat surface,

about introducing more meaningful connections

brothers, and she now feels more confident in

rather than on a vertical surface which may

to Indigenous culture, into the lives of our

teaching Indigenous-themed content to students.

suggest a hierarchy.

students.”

Year 3 teacher Bridget Golder was one of the staff

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LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

School News.

I N S P I R E D

W O R D S

F O R

W O M E N

In March, Year 10 student Mollie Tucker

“Up until 2019, women in Saudi Arabia

represented All Saints at the Women of

didn’t have the right to drive… and even in

Influence breakfast event for International Women’s Day. Mollie delivered a heartfelt speech about ‘what it means to be a young woman in

the West, the United States is one of eight countries that still doesn’t provide any form of paid maternity leave.”

H O W T O C A T C H A C R I M I N A L Year 11 Legal Studies students were

2021’ before a crowd of more than 400

Mollie believes that change only comes

afforded a rare glimpse into the world of

guests at the RACV Royal Pines Resort.

when people challenge themselves to

law enforcement while examining one of

She also enjoyed an incredible networking

choose it.

Australia’s most infamous criminal cases.

She was proud to be able to discuss issues

Senior Chief-Director Malcolm Gundry of

experience with local leaders from the not-for-profit organisation Radfly, a youth support initiative which is currently headed by president and All Saints teacher Naomi Middlebrook.

“My speech touched on what it means for me to be a female today,” says Mollie.

“It also looked at how, over the years, society has improved in terms of rights,

that are close to her heart with other likeminded women and allies.

“I felt really honoured that I could represent All Saints and be in an environment where I was surrounded by so many influential women to hear their stories,” says Mollie.

education and employment, but there is still

“It has encouraged me to keep trying to

a long way to go.”

make those changes.”

the Queensland Police Service visited the class in Term 1 to deliver a presentation on the process behind solving the notorious murder of Alison Baden Clay.

Mr Gundry, who was one of the case’s lead investigators, walked students through the steps that led to the capture and conviction of culprit Gerard Baden Clay.

Students Ben Leishman and Olivia Mahon said it was an eye-opening experience that spared little detail.

“There was a lot of evidence Mr Gundry showed us that I didn’t see anywhere else in the media, like the leaves that had been shifted between crime scenes,” says Ben. “He showed us how every little thing can be caught. No matter what you do, so many different things can be traced.”

According to Olivia, Mr Gundry gave the class a better understanding of how investigations work in the real world, inspiring them to see the bigger picture behind crime and punishment in Australia.

“As Investor Gundry explained the facts of the case, it became undeniably clear to me that there are some evil people in this world; the fact that such a horrendous crime could have been committed is terrifying,” says Olivia.

“The presentation we were lucky enough to witness, motivated all of us to think about ways that we can prevent crimes like this from happening in the future.”

“I believe being exposed to these things will convince more people to take up a career in criminology and gain a greater understanding of the legal process in solving crimes.”

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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S P I N N I N G

YARNS I N I N D I G E N O U S C U LT U R E , Y A R N I N G I S T H E P R O C E S S OF SHARING STORIES AND KNOWLEDGE. FROM THESE C O N V E R S AT I O N S , R E S P E C T F U L R E L AT I O N S H I P S B LO S S O M .

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LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Feature.

A YARN ABOUT THE FUTURE G A R I H M A L A

G A L I

J A G U N

IN THE AREA WHERE ALL SAINTS NOW STANDS, PEOPLE H AVE SPOKEN THIS PHRASE FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. IT MEANS 'RESPECT THIS LAND'.

There are arguably very few cultural groups on Earth that

approaching the embedment of mandatory priorities and

have deeper ties to the land than Indigenous Australians.

standards through Australian Curriculum guidelines - and to

As the world’s oldest known civilisation, the Aboriginal history is rich, and the knowledge of its people is as valuable as it is vast.

So, when ‘garihmala gali jagun’ is spoken, we must try to comprehend what that really means.

But where do we start learning? How do we dive into this well of history, and then teach it to others with authenticity and respect?

And, above it all, how do we bring our understanding of this ancient and important culture into the modern context of

also then look at developing the School's first Reconciliation Action Plan.”

In just a few months, the results of Mr Stevens’ hard work are becoming evident.

We hear it in the Acknowledgement of Country addresses at the beginning of each assembly, and in the conversations that are sparked in classrooms about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

We see it in the beautiful artwork that hangs in the foyer

everyday life?

of the McIntosh Administration Centre, or the visits to our

These are just some of the questions that Senior School

advisers.

Teacher Mark Stevens is currently contemplating on behalf of All Saints.

For the past term, Mr Stevens has been on leave from

campus by Indigenous representatives and educational

We feel it when we journey to Nyanda, our wetlands, to seek knowledge and hear stories from local Kombumerri people.

teaching as part of his Pursue Your Passion project.

Progress is happening.

The Pursue Your Passion project is an All Saints initiative

Mr Stevens says that, when tied into the curriculum, the

where a staff member is invited to implement a line of

integration of Indigenous themes will manifest differently at

research or activity close to their heart which will benefit the

every year level.

school community.

The School’s Reconciliation Action Plan will be finalised in the

In Mr Stevens’ case, that involves an audit of the School’s

coming months, providing the foundations from which our

approach to the teaching and learning of Indigenous

learning and teaching in the Indigenous sphere will grow.

materials, as well as guiding its position on reconciliation.

A working committee with Headmaster Patrick Wallas,

“It was due to my experiences over the past 15 to 20 years,

Indigenous community members, parents, students and

through connection with Indigenous people and recognising

staff led by Mr Stevens, will be involved in implementing key

the need for better education within schools around

objectives as benchmarks that the School will aim to achieve

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture,

within a two-year period.

that I thought it was appropriate to submit a proposal on this issue,” says Mr Stevens.

In the meantime, Mr Stevens says growing our cultural awareness and exploring the depth of cultural meaning

“Specifically, that was to involve doing an audit of the

within ‘garihmala gali jagun’ is a journey we should all be

whole school, across all three sub-schools, on how we are

prepared to continue.

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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A B O U T

PEOPLE

BRENDA

M ATTHEWS

Brenda is a Wiradjuri woman. Her father’s country is Biripi, but she takes her mother’s country Wiradjuri.

Brenda is a local author and filmmaker who is currently

IMPLEMENTING A R E C O N C I L I AT I O N A C T I O N PLAN (RAP) IS A MAMMOTH PROCESS, ONE WHICH CAN’T HAPPEN WITHOUT C O M M U N I T Y S U P P O R T.

filming a 90-minute feature length documentary called The Last Daughter. She is also preparing for the release of her first book, with both releases slated for 2022.

“In time we have built up an incredible relationship with Mark and many All Saints students,” she says.

“As we’ve nurtured these connections with the School our relationships have blossomed into what we see today; one of respect and contribution.”

The end goal is to meaningfully connect the RAP with every part of our school and to see students and staff learn and teach by showing respect to Indigenous Australians. As such, Mark Stevens has reached out to several local Indigenous leaders and elders for guidance.

Here are introductions to our key Indigenous Australian representatives at All Saints.

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LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

“My hope is, we can all contribute in helping bridge the gap between these two cultures for a brighter future for all,” says Brenda.

As well as sharing her unique and inspiring personal story, Brenda and her husband Mark have had a long association with All Saints providing cultural experience camps for our students.

Feature.

JUS TINE

DILLON

Justine is a Kombumerri and Quandamooka woman and is a Traditional Owner to the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay area.

For the past five years, Justine has been the project coordinator for Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association (GCAA) Incorporated and Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area. She has also served on the Ngarang-Wal board as secretary for 16 years.

Prior to this, Justine completed her Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Griffith University and taught at local schools.

K YL E

S L A B B

Kyle Slabb is a Gudjingburra Bundjalung descendant from the far north coast of New South Wales. He has been involved in

Leading up to teaching, Justine was an Indigenous Education Worker at a local high school where she maintained constant cultural connections via working and volunteering for Ngarang-Wal GCAA Incorporated.

cultural consultancy and education for more than 20 years

Conservation is the main priority for Justine, however

and is one of the founders of Banaam, an applied cultural

community engagement with Kombumerri culture is another

intelligence organisation.

priority, with Justine visiting many local schools, including All

Working on developing young Indigenous leaders for the last 10 years has taken Kyle and his team all over the country,

Saints, and obtaining revegetation and cultural work for the Aboriginal community.

from urban Aboriginal communities to some of the most

Justine is currently acting as one of All Saints' Kombumerri

remote.

representatives and will be involved in advising on the

Banaam exists to empower and unite organisations, teams

School's areas of culturally significant fauna and flora.

and individuals using the principles of Indigenous culture that have successfully governed Indigenous societies for tens of thousands of years.

All Saints is one such organisation being guided by Banaam, with staff and leaders undertaking cultural awareness workshops with Kyle, his brother Josh and son Jarulah throughout the year.

Kyle believes that every Aboriginal person has a right to a cultural education, and the value of that education is a huge asset to their communities their employees, and our society at large.

Kyle has had a long association with Mark Stevens and has graciously mentored him throughout his recent Pursue Your Passion project.

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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A B O U T

LANGUAGE T H E Y O F T E N S A Y T H E B E S T W A Y T O G E T T O K N O W A N O T H E R C U LT U R E I S TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE.

In Australia, around 250 Aboriginal languages were

ENGLISH WORD/S

Y U G A M BE H W O R D

Tawny frogmouth owl

Jinir-jinir

with active speakers and, as of the 2016 census, only

Black cockatoo

Ngarehr

about 10 per cent of Aboriginal people reported a First

Red-belly black snake

Nguhnybah

Echidna

Bunihny

Flying fox

Gihrang

revitalisation through the dedication of elders and

Wedge-tailed eagle

Mibany

other community members.

Eastern grey kangaroo

Guruhman

Yugambeh language people are the traditional

Platypus

Wadjing

Burleigh Headland

Jalinggul / Jalurgul / Yalurgul

Mudgeeraba

Madjirbah / Madjarbah

Nerang

Nyarahng

Wetlands

Nyanda

places and phrases in Yugambeh language* and their

The house is strong

Ngumbin janigam

meaning in English.

Speak truth

Jundi wunjar-jam

Respect this land

Garihmala gali jagun

spoken at the time of British colonisation.

It is reported that only 120 First languages remain

language as the main one spoken at home.

Yugambeh is one such active language group, encompassing several dialects, that has seen

custodians of South East Queensland and North East New South Wales, including the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Tweed City regions whose ancestors all spoke one or more dialects of the Yugambeh language.

Here you can find a starting list of 15 native animals,

*Indigenous languages have been historically unwritten, which reflects the uniquely fluid and personal spelling of different words in language.

Each system of spelling captures different nuances of the language in its own way.

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LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Feature.

WHAT IS C OUNTRY, W H A T IS LANGUAG E AND WHERE D O WE FIT? When an Indigenous person refers to ‘country’, the meaning goes much deeper than the soil on which they stand. Country includes everything from the landscapes, cultures and stories to the animals and all people past, present and future. Indigenous Australians have a responsibility to be custodians of their country and to ‘care for country’ in ensuring its health and future, both spiritual and physical.

‘Language’ is also inseparable from culture and the land. In an interview with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Thursday Island elder Bua Benjamin Mabo explained “keriba gesep agiakar dikwarda keriba mir” meaning in English ‘the land actually gave birth to our language’. Language also encompasses identity and the passing on of heritage through generations.

All Saints Anglican School stands on Kombumerri land/country and we are part of the Bundjalung, Ngarahngwal and Yugambir (Yugambeh) language groups.

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

15

Curiouser and curiouser 2 0 2 1 I S T H E Y E A R O F C U R I O S I T Y AT A L L S A I N T S

16

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Feature.

The age in which we live is saturated with information.

At our fingertips, we can access just about every piece of knowledge that humankind has collectively curated.

Ironically, this rabbit hole of wonder can just as easily become a gateway to narrow mindedness, particularly if we don’t exercise independent judgement and contemplate those questions that exist beyond answers.

Headmaster Patrick Wallas says this is the main idea behind this year’s theme of Curiosity; encouraging people to think for themselves.

“In the modern world, there are so many people telling us what's true and what isn't, as well as how we should think and what to think,” says Mr Wallas.

“I think if you are in a state of being curious, you're far more likely to actually think for yourself about issues; to actually take the time to work out whether or not what you believe is the right approach, rather than just latching on to someone else's opinion.”

Mr Wallas believes our young people should be inspired to discover their own truths within a postmodern world.

We're living through a period where we seem to be on the cusp of a significant, positive and long overdue cultural and social paradigmatic shift, and I m ’ really curious about how that will pan out

Learn how something works without Googling it. Try to influence something for the better without subscribing to someone else’s opinion. Read a book that inspires you. Ask yourself impossible questions.

These are just some of the ways we can engage our curiosity.

At All Saints, daily independent learning and thinking outside the box is encouraged in many ways.

“For starters, we have the Wonder Space which is an extraordinary facility,” says Mr Wallas.

“I think it’s also very interesting that in just one term, what was once our gratitude vine is now bearing many fruits of curious thought. I think that represents a powerful example of just how many people have urgent questions within our community.”

The staff at All Saints are finding new and exciting ways to let the concept of curiosity permeate teaching and learning.

Within this edition alone we are introduced to a passion project that inspires curiosity about Indigenous Australia, a fresh take on ‘visible thinking’ which asks us to dissect our own thought processes, and Godly moments that lead to important questions and discussions about faith.

“The teaching staff are understanding the benefits of having our students ask more questions and embracing the challenge of listening intently when young people are speaking,” says Mr Wallas.

When asked what engages his curiosity, Mr Wallas says he looks forward to seeing how All Saints continues to embrace its theme this year, given the dynamic social climate.

“We're living through a period where we seem to be on the cusp of a significant, positive and long overdue cultural and social paradigmatic shift, and I’m really curious about how that will pan out,” says Mr Wallas.

“It’s a bit of a paradox, because there’s a part of me that wants to know everything – and there’s a part of me that loves just sitting with the mystery and accepting that I never will.”

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

17

C A L LY S O P O W E R S U P F O R C H E M I S T R Y

18

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Academic.

S T A N D I N G

T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L S T U D E N T S O F A L L S A I N T S A R E N O T H I N G I F N O T A R E S I L I E N T C O H O R T.

Many All Saints students who are still boarding

Shiori Miyatake is another Year 12 student who is

“Socialise, go outside, take a breath,” she urges.

in Australia haven’t seen their families since the

currently studying from her home in Japan and is

“You can’t just look at a computer for more than

emergence of COVID-19 more than a year ago.

enjoying new routines while studying online.

10 hours a day, it’s bad for your health.”

Others are studying remotely from their home

While, like Ryan, Shiori admits some moments are

countries, still living with the same online learning

more difficult than others, she is thankful to still be

“When I started taking walks and socialising my

routine that the rest of us were only asked to

continuing her All Saints journey.

endure for a matter of weeks.

“I can wear pyjamas, I can drink coffee, eat my

Making things even more challenging,

country’s food and communicate in person with

international time differences mean many are

my family,” says Shiori.

waking up as early as 4:30am to log into their first class of the day at 5:30am.

“It’s less stress studying at home, but also more stress at the same time… I just really appreciate

life became so much more natural and more positive.”

When comparing the global response and impact of COVID-19, one could argue Australia has lived up to its reputation as ‘the lucky country’.

We have recorded a relatively low number of cases, we are once again enjoying freedoms that

Our 2021 International Captain Ryan Leung is

the teachers and students that consider me as

currently studying from Hong Kong.

included in the class, and still participating.”

many other places are not.

Just as any other highly adaptable person might

Shiori’s best piece of advice for other students

One can only hope that, very soon, we will be

testify, Ryan has admitted there are ups and

studying online is to always set aside some time

welcoming Ryan, Shiori and all our international

downs with his current learning situation.

away from the screen to focus on yourself.

students back to their home away from home.

“Sometimes it gets a bit lonely, as you don’t have your classmates or teachers surrounding you,” Ryan says.

“But the best thing is being able to live with your parents and spend time with your family.”

Ryan has faith that he and his online learning peers will ride out the next few months, hopefully to return to All Saints later this year.

“We definitely miss the school environment, I’m sure all the online students would love to be back in school and studying, but we’re all standing strong and studying hard, preparing for our way back to Australia.”

Despite Ryan's steadfast and optimistic outlook, it’s hard not to sense an understandable hint of fatigue behind his words.

Z O E Z H A N G D I G I TA L LY T R A N S P O R T S H E R S E L F T O T H E D E L L’A R T E F O R D R A M A C L A S S ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

19

M A K I N G T H I N K I N G V I S I B L E A T A L L S A I N T S All Saints teachers are constantly building upon

She says her students have greatly benefited from

Mrs Herbert says this is a great way for

their knowledge when it comes to effectively

the more autonomous style of learning.

students to record their initial responses about

engaging students.

“It’s essentially the opposite of spoon-feeding

a given topic and to organise their ideas more

While searching for strategies to inform her own

and disrupts the idea of students simply being

effectively.

teaching practice, Year 5 teacher Carol Herbert

sponges for our content,” she explains.

This is just one of many thinking routines

“Visible thinking is empowering students to take

espoused by visible thinking that are proven to

learning back into their own hands; to access tools

get the neurons firing.

connected with a body of research called ‘visible thinking’ about three years ago.

The term was coined by Harvard academics

that inspire deeper learning and understanding

to describe a learning approach that promotes

things in a different way. It’s an approach that

development as thinkers.

can work from Pre Prep right through to Senior

According to Making Thinking Visible authors Karin

School.”

Morrison, Mark Church and Ron Ritchart, the

One of Mrs Herbert’s favourite thinking routines to

approach uses thinking routines, documentation,

practise with students is called the ‘3-2-1 Bridge

effective questioning and listening techniques to

Organiser’.

enhance learning and collaboration.

Responding to any piece of stimulus, such as a

“Visible thinking is about metacognition, in other words getting students to think about their thinking,” says Mrs Herbert.

“If we can implement this as a program that runs throughout the school, the idea is that students will leaved armed with strategies to think about things for themselves.”

Mrs Herbert now implements visible thinking

video or an image, students are asked to write

“Content is out there, and students can

routines in her classroom daily and has also

down or contemplate three facts, two questions

Google things, but it’s how you manage that

inspired other teachers to do the same.

and an interesting observation.

information that really counts.”

20

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Academic.

O F

T A L K

H O M E W O R K

F A C I N G A B L A N K S H E E T O F P A P E R I S O F T E N T H E S C A R I E S T P A R T O F A N Y W R I T I N G J O U R N E Y.

We can easily feel overwhelmed when our thoughts conflict, when we lack ideas or even when our imaginations run away to places that can’t be followed.

That's why several classes in Years 3 to 6 have implemented the initiative of ‘talk homework’ to

discussing it with families.

Students are also encouraged to talk about new writing features they have learned in class that week, for example alliteration or verbs, and how they might apply them during the Big Write.

During talk homework, students also discuss the outcomes of Big Writes with their families and become active critics of their own work.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” she says.

“At times I have found it more challenging to teach

“It’s all about building vocabulary and building

writing because of the burden it placed on us as

ideas from various sources, all while connecting

teachers with the traditional take-home-and-edit-

This happens prior to long writing sessions known

with families and including them in the learning

everything approach.”

in the Junior School as ‘Big Writes’.

process,” says Mrs Chipps.

During a Big Write the classroom lights are dimmed

“The idea is just to talk about things, to bring

because they didn’t have ownership over the

and fairy lights in jars adorn the desks, all to set the

everyone back to the table instead of just talking

feedback – now we give them one or two pieces

atmosphere for a time of quiet extended focus.

in front of the TV.”

of key feedback and they are empowered to

Year 4 teacher Tanya Chipps says talk homework

Mrs Chipps says that talk homework has improved

is a major supporter of the Big Write and involves

academic performance as much as it has inspired

students taking home a piece of stimulus and

a deeper love for writing among her students.

help students organise their thoughts.

“There was less benefit in that for the students

improve their own work by talking about it with others.”

“Writing is now my favourite thing to teach!”

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

21

The

SAINTS

F O R

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LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

S P E C I A L

N I P P E R S

Sport.

WHEN IT COMES TO FAVOURITE AUSSIE WEEKEND ACTIVITIES, T H E R E ’ S N O T H I N G T H AT FITS THE BILL QUITE LIKE NIPPERS.

Out in the sun, surf and sand, Nippers is where many of us learn about ocean safety and beach fitness for the first time.

However, some young participants need more of a helping hand than others, due to different abilities and special needs.

On the Gold Coast, you will often find these amazing kids at Nobby Beach Surf Life Saving Club participating in Albatross Nippers, Australia’s first fully inclusive Nippers program.

Alongside them, you will also find the All Saints Rugby team.

As part of their commitment to community service and service learning, our 1st XV regularly assist at Albatross Nippers.

Supported by coaches Sean Bale, Tom Campbell and Damian Boulton - and team captain Campbell Heyer - each player is paired with a Nipper to work through the various surf activities, races and challenges.

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

23

The

SAINTS J O R DY C A TC H I N G A WA V E W I T H N OA H M C A D O O

“The first time we were lined up to do it, Mr Bale organised it and none of us really knew what to expect,” says Campbell.

“As we got to know all the kids and created bonds with everyone there, it became exciting to go every Saturday. I know the team are always keen to go and spend time with the kids.”

Albatross Nippers was founded by local sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapist Nick Marshall.

At the 2020 Australian of The Year Awards, Nick was the Queensland recipient of the Local Hero Award for his work with special needs children and beach inclusivity on the Gold Coast.

“Albatross Nippers formed because Nick noticed there were many kids in the regular Nippers

24

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Sport.

program who had siblings sitting on the sidelines because of their various needs,” explains Mr Bale.

“So now these kids can do the full program – the flags, the relays, the boards, the Iron Man – the lot.

But they also need someone to support them, and that’s where the team comes in.”

A L L S A I N T S R U G B Y H E A D S N O R T H

On day one, Campbell was paired with Albatross Nipper Jordan 'Jordy' Sheppard who, after getting to know the 1st XV well, has now joined All Saints as the official volunteer rugby water boy. Jordy lives with Down syndrome.

Due to ongoing international travel restrictions, the 1st XV are travelling to Far North Queensland later this year for the biennial Rugby Tour, in place of their usual South Africa trip.

While on tour the team will compete in three games across Cairns, Townsville and Airlie Beach.

Although there is an element of the unknown, going to a new location, rugby coach Sean Bale and the team are extremely excited for the tour.

“We don't really know how everything is going to unravel, because it's the first time we've ever gone up there,” Mr Bale says.

“We're just extremely fortunate to be able to do it, thanks to the supportive parents who are willing to collectively send over 30 kids who have demonstrated themselves to be a great team.”

Aside from playing the matches against local School teams, captain Campbell Heyer says the All Saints squad is most looking forward to spending two days on a yacht on the Great Barrier Reef.

“I think we’re all going to have a great time there,” he says.

Although COVID-19 has disrupted plans for the rugby tour to include certain service learning components, Mr Bale says it will be a priority to find new ways for the team to become involved in the community while in North Queensland.

According to Mr Bale he is quite the character and has become an instant part of the team.

“Jordy is an absolute ratbag, he fits right in!” says Mr Bale.

“At Nippers he is always really keen to go as soon as we all get there,” Campbell adds. “He just loves spending time with us, mucking around with us and running around in the water. He is always just really energetic and excited.”

T R O P

I T

L I K E

I T ' S

H O T

T H E A L L S A I N T S R U G BY T O U R F U N D R A I S E R W I L L B E H A P P E N I N G O N S A T U R D A Y 2 2 M A Y. T H I S I N C R E D I B L E T R O P I C A L - T H E M E D B A S H I N THE HPE WILL BE RAISING FUNDS FOR TOUR EXPENSES AND OTHER

Campbell says that spending time with Jordy and the other Nippers puts a lot of things into perspective.

“It makes us really appreciate being part of a team – being able to play footy and train together,”

VA R I O U S S E R V I C E L E A R N I N G I N I T I A T I V E S T H E T E A M I S I N V O LV E D WITH. A PORTION OF REVENUE FROM THE NIGHT WILL ALSO BE DONATED TO ALBATROSS NIPPERS. BOOK YOUR TICKE TS NOW AT TRYBOOKING.COM/BPQKW

he says.

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

25

grounds GROUNDS TEAM VS

“I don’t envy whoever has to clean that up.”

M O T H E R N AT U R E .

Each time the All Saints sports fields are submerged

FIND OUT WHO WINS.

by a severe rainstorm, it’s what we all think.

The wild weather we experienced earlier in Term 1 was one of the most extreme cases of flooding All Saints has experienced in recent years.

Thankfully, our dedicated and talented team of grounds staff was immediately on the job of returning All Saints’ sports fields to their original pristine condition.

The catch? The campus has nine main playing fields, plus several other courts and training areas.

All were completely submerged.

Their work was cut out for them.

26

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Grounds staff member Jackson Cottle says that while it is disheartening to see months of hard work quite literally go down the drain, his team are the masters of “getting on with it”.

“We put a lot of effort into how beautiful the place looks, so when you see what you’ve been working so hard on for years and years all disappear underwater in a day, it can be deflating,” says Jackson.

“But thankfully we have a system in place and we know exactly what to do once it happens and we can start recovering straight away.”

If you’ve ever wondered about how this small team of men manages to pull our sports fields back from the brink of oblivion, Jackson gives us the insider scoop.

Community.

THE D A Y

C L E A N - U P

1 -3 :

R A K I N G

When clearing the debris from all fields the grounds staff are careful not to leave a single branch behind, lest someone steps on something sharp.

D A Y 4 - 6 : B R EA T H E

L E T T I N G

I T

Punching small holes in the ground lets the earth breathe and dry out faster.

D A I S Y

D I V E S

I N

At just 11 years of age, Daisy Vincent is one of All Saints’ young sporting stars on the rise.

During the summer months you’ll find the Year

D A Y

7 :

S C A L P I N G

The layer of damaged grass is cut short making way for new growth.

6B student at the beach at least three days a week training for Nippers.

In winter she shifts gear to soccer, plus a full gamut of athletic sports including running,

D A Y

9 :

S E E D I N G

jumping and throwing events.

Extra grass seeds are added to achieve the

Year round, she is at the pool with Nina and

signature All Saints lush look.

Steve from PBC, training at the crack of dawn for a range of state and national competitions.

D A Y

1 0 + :

M A I N T EN A NC E

Getting things back to square one is never an exact science. The grounds staff are faced with unique challenges after each flood. Sometimes the bigger clean-ups can take longer than two weeks.

Yet, almost miraculously, this talented team always manages to make it look as if nothing happened.

And between it all somehow still finds the time for Pilates with mum.

“Sport is what I like to do because I am a very competitive person,” says Daisy. “It’s fun because you get to meet a lot of people and go to different places.”

Daisy’s proudest achievement to date is making it to Nationals for the butterfly event and pushing her team to a win in the 4x50m freestyle relay at State.

This love for aquatic sports has been in Daisy’s DNA since she was small.

“It’s something my parents got me into, and I’ve been swimming since I was really little,” she says.

“I just thought, I live in Australia, so I might as well go down to the beach every Sunday and do some fun stuff there with Nippers. I knew it would be good for my swimming as well.”

Daisy says that without the flexibility and backing from All Saints, her sporting career wouldn’t have taken off as fast as it has.

JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS PRESENT HANDMADE CARDS TO THE ALL SAINTS GROUNDS TEAM, THANKING THEM FOR T H E I R H A R D W O R K I N T H E WA K E O F M A S S I V E F LO O D I N G DURING TERM 1

“There’s so many good people at the School who support each other,” she says.

“It’s all about kindness at All Saints, which is great because kindness brings friendship.”

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

27

BY S C O T T M A S O N , D I R E C T O R O F P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

H O W

G O O D

I S

I T

T O

P E R F O R M ?

Over 400 students graced the Nairn Theatre stage in a series of Twilight Concerts held towards the end of Term 1. The Band, Strings and Choral concerts enabled parents and friends to see the progress of these ensembles after only a short number of rehearsals. It was great to perform to full houses!

28

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Performing Arts.

C R A Z Y

F O R

Y O U

M U S I C A L

C A M P

Over 100 students involved in the cast and orchestra attended a two-day camp at Tyalgum Ridge at the start of February. The intensive singing, dancing and orchestra sessions allowed for some of the big numbers from the show to be learned. Parents and friends were treated to the main song I Got Rhythm when they came to pick up their children. The students were fantastic at the camp – a tiring but enjoyable weekend.

YOUNG STUDENT GETS HER AMUS Year 8 Pianist Isabella Ngo was conferred with her AMusA Diploma (with distinction) at the recent graduation ceremony for the Australian Music Examinations Board.

Isabella achieved this feat as a Year 7 student in 2020, the year she also won the Middle School section of the All Saints Concerto Competition. Well done Isabella.

G E T T I N G

O U T

I N T O

T H E

C O M M U N I T Y

One Sunday afternoon in the middle of March, our talented Music Honours students performed at Aveo Retirement Village, Robina as part of their regular Sunday afternoon music series.

Students Julian Sullivan, Imogen McEnlly, Isabelle Pofandt, Georgia Ogge, Lisa Murray, Annabelle Dwyer and Ingram Fan, past Captain of Music Ryo Takamizawa and Mr Nigel Bardsley (who received a standing ovation for his performance) shared their musical skills, performing some sublime solo and ensemble music.

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

29

B R E A K I N G I N

T H E

N E W

D I G S

All Saints’ talented team of music teachers put on a terrific show at the annual Performing Arts Staff Concert earlier in Term 1.

What made the night even more spectacular was its brand-new backdrop.

The Performing Arts Staff Concert was the first major event to be held at All Saints’ McIntosh Administration Centre.

The concert took place upstairs in the Administration Centre's versatile multi-use function and learning space, flooded by brilliant colourful lights and engineered to perfection by All Saints’ live production crew.

Special moments on the night included a full-scale singalong directed by Andrew Lange, an original song performance

by Nairn Theatre Technician Matthew Dean and a surprise appearance by Headmaster Patrick Wallas.

The sell-out event was attended by more than 150 people.

Both the Performing Arts staff and Administration team are looking forward to holding many more concerts and events at the McIntosh Administration Centre in future.

30

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Performing Arts.

S T A R

P O W E R

Sofia Miranda first picked up a violin when she

Sofia played a beautiful violin solo with the Senior

Kelli says both Sofia and younger sister Lily have

was three years old.

Strings at the final Twilight Concert of the year

had unforgettable experiences at All Saints this

Now, the accomplished singer-songwriter and

After a term spent honing her craft in the Holloway

term.

violinist is looking to the next phase of her journey

Music Centre, Sofia is now ready to launch full

after spending a whirlwind term as a student of

time into producing and performing her own

“We have been ‘circus people’ our whole life, in

All Saints.

original music.

Sofia joined All Saints at the beginning of the year

To date Sofia has released numerous singles that

Saints you could see the kids felt at home,” says

and straight away immersed herself in every facet

have led to high profile performances in the United

Kelli.

of the performing arts program.

States, and even here in Australia.

As a lifelong home-schooled student who is

Most recently, she opened for Australian indie pop

always on the move, enrolling in All Saints for

performing artist Sycco at The Black Bear Lodge

Term 1 was both Sofia’s first and last experience

in Brisbane.

at a traditional school – one which she thoroughly enjoyed.

“I’m seeing some interest and meeting with different labels here in Australia and I’m hoping

that we are always moving from space to space and home-schooling wherever we go, but at All

“Within two weeks, Lily said she felt such a sense of ownership and pride wearing the uniform.”

“Also, when attending the Eucharist, it was incredibly moving that we got to do this ancient ritual together safely during COVID. I just love All Saints, it’s a big part of our family’s heart

“I loved that sharing-the-stage energy that was

I can work and perform here before eventually

always a part of each performance,” says Sofia.

returning to the States,” says Sofia.

now.”

“Everyone would always lift each other up, and they

Kelli Miranda couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s

You can keep up to date with Sofia’s latest

were always so kind. If I could have chosen any

musical and academic journey over the past few

releases on all major media streaming and social

school, it definitely would have been All Saints.”

months.

media platforms.

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

31

T H E

R O C K

S T A R

Gavin Jones may be the one behind the scenes at the Nairn Theatre, but come the weekend you will find him centre stage as lead guitarist for heavy rock band Evil/Twin.

Evil/Twin first debuted four years ago and has since gone on to play some major shows around Australia.

The band has previously landed tours with several classic pub rock outfits including The Radiators and The Choirboys.

L I F E

O F

S T A F F

A new tour was slated to kick off in May with The Choirboys, however this was unfortunately canceled due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions. Evil/Twin now looks forward to rocking out on Silverback Touring's notable Home Brewed bill with other local hard rock and metal legends.

“We’ve also just finished recording drums and bass for a

H AV E Y O U E V E R W O N D E R E D W H AT OUR TEACHERS GET UP TO IN THEIR S PA R E T I M E ?

10-track new album,” says Mr Jones.

There’s no doubt our theatre wizard is a busy man, but he believes that no matter how busy you get, nurturing your hobbies is always important.

“Regardless of what you do, everyone has to have

Many of our staff at All Saints have exciting and interesting pastimes, ranging from the popular realms of creative writing, photography, music and side hustles, to some more ‘left-of-centre’ hobbies involving cupcakes and quilts.

Many were too shy to come forward with their special talents (including a certain creative writer and certain star photographer in the Middle School – not mentioning any names!) so here are just a few of the ways our beloved staff choose to spend their time off.

T H E

F R E E S T Y L E

B A K E R

Ever wonder how Ken Sabotic manages

is the master chef behind the thousands

all those early mornings at the HPE

of handmade cupcakes we so often

Pool? We’ll let you in on a secret; those

enjoy on Giveathon Day.

hours are small time compared to the 2:30am rises that came with his previous career as a bakery owner and pastry chef.

Mr Sabotic says that back in his baking

“The School was originally quoted $3 a cupcake, and I thought ‘that’s ridiculous, we can make them for cheaper than that’,” says Mr Sabotic.

hey-day, before he became the All Saints

COVID unfortunately brought the most

Swim Coach, bread was his biggest

recent Giveathon cupcake bake to a halt,

seller and also one of his favourite

but Mr Sabotic and his assisting sous

things to make.

chefs (the All Saints Swim Team) hope

At one point named 'the State’s Top Baker’ for New South Wales, Mr Sabotic 32

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

to create more soon.

M R S A B OT I C ( L E F T ) R E C E I V I N G H I S A WA R D

something else outside of work and family they love.”

Community.

T H E

H O C K E Y

L E G E N D When Lyn Hammett isn’t running Sick Bay and bandaging our bungles, she hits the fields as one of the state’s top hockey players and Vice President at the Capri Sharks Hockey Club.

In 2019, Mrs Hammett was selected to play in the Queensland Masters State team which took out the Australian title.

“Now that my boys are a bit older, I've been a little bit more dedicated with my fitness and playing,” says Mrs Hammett.

“I’ve just recently nominated for the 2021 State Championships, which will be later this year in Warwick. Hopefully I’ll be selected again.”

As if a pro hockey career wasn’t enough to keep her occupied, Mrs Hammett is also heavily involved with local surf life saving as a jet ski rescue operator. She also previously worked on the CareFlight

T H E

Q U I L T I N G

L A D I E S

As one of All Saints’ most admired secret societies, the Quilting Ladies of All Saints are a group of talented seamstresses that can turn even the most unassuming strips of fabric into masterpieces.

helicopter for a number of years.

“I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie!” she admits.

This artisanal A-team includes Friends of All Saints Shop's Elaine de Voigt, the library’s Louise Mackie, International House’s Cheryl Frawley, Junior School’s Lorraine Lynch and our very own School Chaplain Mother Ann McGuinness – and these are just the ones we know about!

“I discovered the world of quilting and am fascinated by the endless designs that can be created with fabrics,” says Mrs de Voigt. “I have been asked why I cut up fabric only to sew it back together.

I answer simply ‘because I can’.”

“I enjoy the geometry and manipulating fabric around to make it into something different,” adds Mrs Mackie. “I have even made a quilt out of a thousand hexagons which I hand-stitched from my children’s hand-me-downs. It also included seconds and spare fabric people gave me.”

So if you need a quilt done, if no one else can help, and if you can find them… maybe you can hire the Quilting Ladies.

J U S T S O M E O F T H E M A S T E R P I E C E S P R O D U C E D BY T H E Q U I LT I N G L A D I E S O F A L L S A I N T S .

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

33

Dream C H A S I N G T H E A M E R I C A N

Issy Rushton (Class of 2016) is blazing a path

And that is only skimming the surface of her

This is an extraordinary achievement considering

across continents.

career goals.

Alpha Chi Omega currently includes 40,000

During a student exchange to Oregon in Year 10,

“The plan is to move over to Cambridge and get my

Issy fell in love with the American college system

Masters, and then I want to move back to the United

First stop, United States. Next stop, United

and instantly knew that she wanted to, one day,

States and actually want to apply for Harvard Law

Kingdom. Last stop? The world.

call the United States home.

School to get my law degree,” she says.

Within a few short years she achieved that dream.

“Eventually my dream is to work in public policy in

Issy is now weeks away from graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in experimental psychology

the United States, focusing on criminal justice and immigration reform.”

and criminal justice from the University of South

Issy says that living and studying overseas has given

Carolina (USC), where she has been studying for

her a zest for life, as well as a sense of deep respect

the past four years.

for other people and cultures in the time of COVID.

For such a high achiever, it’s been anything but a

“This past year has been an incredibly trying time,

passive experience.

especially in the United States not only with the

“In this past year I served as the Student Body

justice.”

President, representing over 50,000 students among eight campuses,” says Issy. “It has truly been the honour of my life.”

She is the first ever international student to hold this position at USC.

pandemic but also the issues surrounding social

“What I've been most proud of is my team has advocated really hard for social justice on our campus, working with other student leaders to enact change.”

“I have learned more and grown more in terms

With an impressive academic transcript and

of diversity, inclusion and representing minority

a larger-than-life list of incredible co-curricular

students and people that don't look like me. I really

achievements, Issy has now been invited to take

think that has been the best part of this job.”

her next leap to one of the world’s top universities.

For her unwavering dedication to academics,

Next year she will move to England and attend the

student life and sorority activities at USC, Issy

University of Cambridge, undertaking a Master of

was recently named Alpha Chi Omega’s National

Philosophy in Criminology degree.

Outstanding Senior of the Year.

34

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

students in 194 chapters across America.

IT HAS TRULY BEEN THE HONOUR OF MY LIFE.

Alumni.

F R O M L I T T L E T H I N G S, B I G T H I N G S G R O W Every prodigy must start

On weekends it’s

somewhere. After all, there

performance time, often

was a time before Da Vinci

with multiple shows lined up

picked up his first paintbrush.

between Friday and Sunday.

For internationally renowned

Cassie says her specialist

flautist Cassie Slater (Class

education in performing

of 2013), the moment was

arts at All Saints thoroughly

day one of All Saints’ Year 5

prepared her for this

band program.

demanding schedule.

“It was where I first picked

“It’s really important for

up a flute and discovered my

young, up-and-coming

love for music,” says Cassie.

musicians to have really good

“From there I played all

them, and that’s exactly what

throughout school, then after school at the University of

support and mentors around I had at All Saints.”

Cassie now looks forward to

Queensland, plus two years

completing her masters and

at the Australian National

pursuing a full-time position

Academy of Music and

with an orchestra.

now I’m in Germany at the Hochschule für Musik Franz

While COVID has changed

Liszt doing my masters.”

the way performances are delivered, Cassie says it has

Playing the flute is truly

opened people’s eyes to the

Cassie’s life’s work.

importance of live music.

She has performed with

“Many of my performances

some of the world’s leading

are now entirely online

orchestras and on many of

or streamed without an

its grandest stages.

audience, which is obviously

The Queensland Symphony

not the same but still far

Orchestra, Auckland

better than nothing at all.”

Philharmonic Orchestra,

“If anything, and particularly

the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the Tasmanian Symphony OrcShestra, to

as I’ve seen in Germany, it’s made everyone realise how much we value the arts and

name just a few.

how important it is to the

At the Hoschule für Musik in

world. We realise what we are

Weimar, Germany, a regular

missing.”

day for Cassie normally

Although she is longing for

includes four hours of solo

the day when audiences

practice, up to three hours

can return, Cassie also

of rehearsals for orchestra

looks forward to seeing how

or chamber music material

technology will be integrated

in addition to regular

with performances post-

coursework and theory.

COVID. ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

35

C O N S T R U C T I N G

A

OLIVIA WHITT (CLASS OF 2011) DISCOVERED A U N IQ U E WAY TO S M AS H G L AS S C E IL IN G S WHEN SHE STARTED DESIGNING THEM. AMONG OTHER THINGS, OF COURSE.

After graduating from All Saints, Olivia enrolled at

“A lot of what I was doing in Europe with hotels

“Things are constantly changing and growing,

Bond to study Architecture.

involved proposals and sales pitch decks, because

and I have a really mixed bag of clients, from

we were trying to acquire these old buildings and

construction companies and engineers,

the market is extremely competitive,” she says.

to architects and a high-voltage specialist

“Then when I came back to project manage for

electrician,” says Olivia.

Olivia caught the travel bug during an extended break in her studies and decided to backpack around the world.

“On my travels, I decided that I wanted to live in Europe, as I was really interested in the design space over there,” says Olivia. “So, basically two days after handing in my final architecture assignment, I moved to Germany.”

“I was really fortunate to talk my way into a job that I felt vastly underqualified for, because they

another construction company in Australia, I recognised their capability statements, proposals and their brand voice could be much better.

That’s when I came across my niche within the construction sector.”

Fast forward another few months, Olivia is now the Principal of her own firm Arkin Consulting.

“But all my clients essentially want the same thing; the help of someone who is really willing to do them justice in a competitive market.”

For her work with Arkin Consulting, Olivia was recently named one of the Top 100 Women in Construction by international organisation ‘Top 100 Women’.

needed a native English speaker and wanted

Arkin Consulting is all about helping its clients

someone who was very passionate about the task

consistently win work, from large scale contracts

She is also a staunch advocate for supporting

at hand.”

to project tenders.

women in a male-dominated industry as the

Olivia’s job was to create ‘big-picture’ concepts for

It does so by exposing each company’s value and

a new hotel brand, which required reimagining the

ensuring every aspect of a client’s proposal and brand

hotel industry within a changing European market.

is clearly communicated when competing for jobs.

Construction (WIDAC).

While her concepts didn’t progress to execution,

Arkin Consulting primarily works with companies

“There are definitely challenges we still face, but

Olivia says the role gave invaluable experience and

in the construction and fit-out spaces. In April, the

the industry is changing, and I think the key is

completely changed her perspective on career

company turns one year old and has now grown to

fostering a really open and honest dialogue about

goals.

a team of three.

equality - regardless of gender,” says Olivia.

36

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

current Strategy and Content Coordinator for Brisbane’s branch of Women in Design and

Alumni.

E M B R A C I N G

CHANGE

JULIEN ROSENDAHL (CLASS

Julien also assisted with minimising the legal

O F 2 0 0 9 ) A LW AY S A I M S T O

fallout when 10’s journalists worked on large-scale

RECOGNISE THE IMBALANCES

breaking news.

T H AT E X I S T I N T H E W O R L D.

“Channel 10 broke the Brittany Higgins story, and

He also wants to be the person that accepts when

“It was exciting to work in the background with

they change and, just maybe, the person who makes it happen.

After graduating from All Saints, Julien first studied at the Queensland Conservatorium before changing degrees and settling into the world of law.

As an avid news reader and consumer of politics, he moved through corporate offices including Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Herbert Smith

INITIATE CHANGE, I PREFER

there was a lot of work surrounding that,” says Julien.

DOING THAT BY JUST ‘BEING’.

journalists, and sometimes hosts – it could be very intense at times but also very rewarding.”

After recently moving on from Network 10, he now turns to politics.

In April, Julien was appointed as Policy Advisor (Economic Development and International) to the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Freehills before landing a role that demanded his

While his influence now spreads within the same

high level of social awareness.

circles that make Australia’s most important

For the past two years, Julien has been on the

IF I’M GOING TO TRY AND

decisions, Julien prefers to inspire change by

can speak volumes. I would much prefer being able to affect change by setting an example and being who I am.”

Through countless career twists, moving cities and the proud experience of coming out, Julien’s journey has been nothing if not dynamic.

The biggest piece of advice he leaves for others is that “change is the only real certainty”.

exemplifying it.

“I live life now with a perspective that major shifts

“If I’m going to try and initiate change, I prefer

are happening everywhere in society,” he says.

doing that by just ‘being’,” he says.

“So, if you are the kind of person that can

publication clearance and copyright claims across

“It’s not all about having to implement particular

learn to embrace differences and plan for new

10’s range of programs including The Project, Ten

rules or policies, but rather just minding the way I

opportunities, I think it’s the most empowering

News First and Have You Been Paying Attention.

conduct myself around others – I think that’s what

way to be.”

front lines of the fourth estate as legal counsel for Network 10.

His role was to advise on media litigation, pre-

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

37

connections and celebrate your time at All Saints.

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL

For more information about upcoming events visit asas.qld.edu.au/ calendar.

You can also download the All Saints Anglican School app to view our calendar, term dates and all Saints Alive newsletter editions.

38

20

Term 2 commences

25

Anzac Day

27

Middle and Senior Inter-House Cross Country

28 – 30

Year 5 Camp

MAY 3

Labour Day holiday

5

APS Cross Country

6 – 15

Crazy for You Performances

6

P&F Mother’s Day Morning Tea

11 – 14 NAPLAN 18

Junior School Academic Honours Assembly

21

Official Opening of McIntosh Administration Centre and IH Senior Dormitory

22

Pre Prep to Year 2 Messy Church, Rugby Tour fundraiser

24

Pre Prep and Prep Sports Carnival, Junior School Inter-House Athletics Carnival (Field)

25

Earth Day Service

26

Junior School Inter-House Athletics Carnival (Track), Year 1 and 2 Sports Carnival

27

Band Twilight Concert

28

Year 11 Social

29

Pre Prep to Year 2 Messy Church

JUNE

JULY

1

Choral Twilight Concert

4 – 9

Senior School Ski Trip

2

Strings Twilight Concert

13

Term 3 commences

7

Middle School Theatrefest

7 – 11

Year 11 and 12 exams

14

Year 10 > 11 Subject Selection Information Night

10

Year 3 String Graduation Concert

21

Year 9 > 10 Subject Selection Information Night

11

Year 5 Band Program Concert

20

Year 5 Family Service

12

P&F Ball

27

Performing Arts Photo Day

14 – 15

Middle and Senior Inter-House Athletics Carnival

28

Year 12 Careers Dinner

16

Senior School Theatrefest

17

Senior Inter-House Music Challenge, End of Term 2

29

Music Honours and Chamber Music Concert

18 – 27

Rugby Tour

30

Year 10 Social

22 – 28

Middle School Ski Trip

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

3

Celtic Service

2

Year 3 Strings Program Concert

3–6

Gold Coast Eisteddfod – Choral

4

Middle and Senior APS Athletics

3

Year 2 Fun Night, Year 5 Band Program Concert, Senior School student free day

5

Junior APS Athletics

6 – 9

Year 11 Camp

6

P&F Comedy Night

7

Year 9 Family Eucharist

9 – 11

Gold Coast Eisteddfod – Strings

13

Year 10 Play

16 – 20

Gold Coast Eisteddfod – Bands / Orchestras

13 – 15

Year 4 Camp, Year 8 Camp

18

Prep Pet Parade

16

Giveathon Day, End of Term 3

23 – 26

Year 12 Trial Exams

16 – 22

Performing Arts Tour

24 – 26

Year 6 Camp

30 – 2 Sep

Year 11 Exams

LEADING THROUGH ADVERSITY

ALUMNI REUNIONS ARE A WONDERFUL CHANCE TO RENEW OLD FRIENDSHIPS, SHARE STORIES, MAKE NEW CONNECTIONS AND CELEBRATE YOUR TIME AT ALL SAINTS.

HERE ARE JUST SOME WAYS THE PAST STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (PSA) CAN HELP

Email and/or mail letters to on behalf of reunion organisers

Provide class lists

Promote reunions via the All Saints PSA webpage, email and social media Provide event planning and marketing advice for your reunion

Arrange tours on campus

The PSA also makes a contribution of $200 for 5 year reunions and $500 for 10 and 20 year reunions that can be used to help fund the event (e.g. venue hire or

UPCOMING REUNIONS THIS YEAR BOTH FOR 2021 AND POSTPONED REUNIONS FROM 2020 (THANKS, COVID!)

catering).

YEAR

DATE

CONTACT

Class of 1995 25 + 1 Year Reunion

Saturday 8 May

Karen Couch (nee East) kcouch@asas.qld.edu.au

Class of 2000 20 + 1 Year Reunion

To be advised

Lana Endersby (nee Gibson) lanajgibson@gmail.com

important information!

Class of 2001 20 Year Reunion

To be advised

Contact the PSA if you're keen to help!

Email us at saints@asas.qld.edu.au with your

Class of 2010 10 + 1 Reunion

To be advised

Paris Faint pfaint@asas.qld.edu.au

Class of 2011 10 Year Reunion

Saturday 25 September

Jazmin Osborne (nee Fehr) jazmin.fehr@hotmail.com

For further information and to organise a reunion for your class, please contact our All Saints PSA office saints@asas.qld.edu.au.

Update your details with the PSA so you don’t miss

updates and follow us on Facebook – All Saints Anglican School PSA.

Keep reading. Keep searching. Keep asking impossible questions.

S TAY C U R I O U S .

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL asas.qld.edu.au Highfield Drive Merrimac 4226 +61 7 5587 0309 CRICOS Provider 00979G