ASC Footprints - Term One 2026

footprints ANGLICAN SCHOOLS COMMISSION MAGAZINE

TERM ONE 2026

“I would like to congratulate Geoff McLay who has been appointed the Anglican Schools Commission’s Deputy Executive Director.”

ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE

Welcome back to another school year.

Footprints unashamedly celebrates the achievements of Queensland’s Anglican schools and Early Learning Centres (ELC), and this edition shines a spotlight on our high achieving students and teachers.

I would like to congratulate Geoff McLay who has been appointed the Anglican Schools Commission’s (ASC) Deputy Executive Director. Many of you may know Geoff from his time at West Moreton Anglican College, where he spent 14 years as Principal.

I would also like to congratulate Emma Lowry who was officially installed as The Glennie School’s new Principal at a special Commissioning Service in Toowoomba in February. Emma is The Glennie School’s 15th Principal in the school’s 118-year history.

Teacher recognition is crucial because it directly boosts educator morale, retention, and performance, which in turn leads to higher student achievement and improved school culture. For these reasons I am thrilled the inaugural ASCENT Anglican School Awards have received 184 nominations. The winners will be announced at a gala event at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in May.

The school and ELC sections are my favourite parts of this magazine. A special mention to the following highachieving students.

• Fraser Coast Anglican College’s Toby Robinson who was named the region’s Young Citizen of the Year.

• St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School’s Issy Valinoti’s brilliant result at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee.

• The Southport School’s Mohavi Broadbent’s performance in the Children’s Chorus for Opera Queensland’s 2025 production of La Bohème.

• Whitsunday Anglican School’s Amelia Bishop, Byron Goodin, and Sharni Wood for their recent displays of courage and humility.

On a personal note, I have agreed to continue in the role of Acting Executive Director while a permanent replacement can be found. I would like to thank the ASC team, and the wider network of Principals and Chairs for making me feel so welcome.

Thank you,

Geoff Geoff Newton Acting Executive Director, ASC

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A MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP

“I am always revitalised when I visit our schools and ELCs to connect with young minds.”

The influence and reach of the ASC impacts more than 22,000 students and 5,000 teachers, who collectively are flourishing in faith, learning, and service.

That promise was on full display at St Paul’s School late last year when I blessed the fully refurbished Junior School Precinct at a Dedication & Blessing ceremony.

Held in the heart of the new Junior School Precinct and live streamed into Junior School classrooms, the event coincided with the school’s 65th birthday. As part of the blessing, I also sprinkled water in classrooms and play areas as a symbol of new life and refreshment.

Speaking of refreshment, along with the three regional bishops, I recently had the opportunity to join Principals and Heads at our annual retreat. The retreat is an important opportunity to refocus our calling as leaders of Queensland’s Anglican schools and to continue to build strong relationships.

I am always revitalised when I visit our schools and ELCs to connect with young minds.

I had the honour of officiating Emma Lowry’s Commissioning Service at The Glennie School in early February. More than 750 people, including students, staff, parents, and Toowoomba community leaders attended the historic event, however, there were a few confused young minds, with a handful of preppies now calling Emma ‘Your Majesty’.

To commemorate the beginning of Lent, I attended West Moreton Anglican College’s Ash Wednesday service.

Ash Wednesday is marked by the imposition of ashes, typically in a cross on the forehead, which symbolises repentance and mortality. In my address to students, I spoke of the importance of kindness and intentional living and encouraged students to consider making small faithful choices to be closer to God. This year, my theme is Flourishing together through dignity for justice. Throughout the school year, students will learn about the power of treating people with dignity and what it means to live a just and purposeful life. I encourage you to be curious, to face challenges with dignity, and most importantly, to have fun with your friends and family, your classmates, and your teachers.

+Jeremy

The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves KCSJ Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane

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BUSINESS UPDATE

Movements and new appointments Congratulations Geoff McLay who has been appointed Deputy Executive Director.

• Recruitment of several new Principals and supporting them as they took on new roles within the schools’ network.

A talented and passionate leader, Geoff has more than three decades of senior leadership experience in the education sector, including 14 years as Principal of West Moreton Anglican College.

• An innovative partnership with Opera Queensland for the benefit of our schools.

Complementing his deep understanding of the operational and strategic complexities of educational institutions, Geoff has more than 10 years of governance experience as a director within the not-for-profit sector. His comprehensive knowledge of school operations, risk management, and regulatory compliance enables him to provide informed, strategic contributions that support robust governance and long-term sustainability.

Thank you and farewell to the following people who recently farewelled the ASC. • Julie Riddle – Director HR ASC • Vanessa Marshall – Senior HR Advisor • Vanessa Gamack – Curriculum Lead – Anglican Identity

After careful consideration, Ms Catherine O’Sullivan, Executive Director, will not be returning to work at the ASC. Anglican Church Southern Queensland would like to acknowledge Catherine’s contribution to the ASC. During her time as Executive Director, Catherine was instrumental in delivering a number of projects and improvements at the ASC, including: • T he very successful Professor-In-Residence program with Dr Beth-Sarah Wright.

• Identifying and pursuing several new school opportunities.

• Improving the governance of our schools’ network through greater collaboration with school Chairs, Principals, and Councils.

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• Preparing the Little Angels Early Learning Centre at Tarragindi for opening.

The recruitment of a permanent Executive Director is currently underway. In the interim, Geoff Newton has agreed to continue in the role of Acting Executive Director.

Geoff’s career in education spans more than 44 years. During that time, he has taught Mathematics and Science, held curriculum, Deputy, Principal and board positions at three schools and helped create successful, harmonious schools as a result.

Most recently, Geoff was the Principal of Hillbrook Anglican School (2008-2021). He is also the current Board Chair of the Queensland Independent Schools, Block Grant Authority, which seeks to support schools in creating learning environments that promote educational excellence and equity by providing funding, access to expert advice and practical resources to help lift the capacity of school leaders to contribute positively to the design, construction, and activation of new or refurbished educational facilities.

Geoff’s particular interest in curriculum and professional learning led to many innovations where he taught, including an Australian-first in the Independent school sector, establishing the processes for Highly Accomplished and Lead teacher positions using the Australian professional standards developed by AITSL.

Welcome Back On behalf of Archbishop Jeremy, welcome to the start of Term 1.

We hope you that you had a great break and a wonderful Christmas and that you have returned to school excited by all the possibilities of another year.

New ASC website is live

The ASC launched its new website in late 2025.

Specifically designed for an external audience, the new site will celebrate Queensland’s Anglican schools and ELCs and make it simple for parents to identify options near them.

The new ASC website also links to every Anglican school and ELC in Queensland.

Thank you to the ASC’s Website Committee for managing this important project.

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Christmas Party The ASC marked the conclusion of the year with a dinner attended

by Archbishop Jeremy, ASC staff, Heads, Principals, Chairs, and members of the church community. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the ASC’s collective achievements and to acknowledge the dedicated leadership and service of current and retiring Heads and Chairs.

A notable highlight of the evening was Bishop Cam’s surprise musical performance, involving everyone in the room in a sing along which added a wonderful sense of fun and connection to the night. Guests were also treated to a video presentation which showcased the vibrant life of Queensland’s 24 Anglican schools.

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The Glennie School’s Principal’s Commissioning Service Emma Lowry has officially been installed as The Glennie School’s new Principal at a special Commissioning Service.

“As Principal, I will lead collaboratively and respectfully, with a clear focus on student agency, leadership and staff development.”

Archbishop Greaves officiated the historic event in front of more than 750 people, including students, staff, parents, the School Council, clergy, members of the Anglican Schools Commission, and Toowoomba community leaders.

Chair of The Glennie School Council, The Right Reverend Cam Venables said Mrs Lowry will lead collaboratively with vision, strength, and compassion.

The Commissioning Service was a celebration of Mrs Lowry’s appointment, and highlighted The Glennie School’s commitment to holistic education, which ensures every student has the confidence and courage to reach their full potential.

Principal, Mrs Lowry said she is humbled to officially be The Glennie School’s 15th Principal in the school’s 118-year history.

“The Glennie School is Toowoomba’s leading all-girls regional day and boarding school,” Mrs Lowry said.

“It is a privilege to lead The Glennie School, and an absolute joy to play a role in shaping the lives of our girls and young women.

“I’m excited by the amazing possibilities for girls at Glennie. Our vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment empowers girls to be intellectually, physically and spiritually All She Can Be.

“Throughout her career, Emma has been recognised for her integrity, leadership, and capacity to unite school communities around shared values,” Bishop Venables said.

“At Glennie Emma has played a key role in developing a culture of continual improvement and inclusiveness that aligns with the school’s values and aspirations.

“The School Council is thrilled to have an outstanding educational leader at the helm of The Glennie School in this exciting season of growth and development.”

A qualified educator, Mrs Lowry holds a Master of Leadership and Management in Education, together with degree qualifications in Business, International Studies, and Education. Her professional expertise is complemented by active involvement at St Luke’s parish and Rotary.

Prior to her appointment as Principal, Mrs Lowry spent three years as The Glennie School’s Deputy Principal and 11 months as Acting Principal.

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Dedication & Blessing of St Paul’s School’s Junior School Precinct In November, Archbishop Jeremy officially blessed St Paul’s School’s fully refurbished Junior School Precinct, alongside Chair of School Council, Dan O’Connor OAM, Principal, John O’Sullivan Williams, and Director of Junior School, Marianne Connolly.

More than 250 people attended the moving Dedication & Blessing ceremony, held in the heart of the new Junior School Precinct, with the service live streamed into Junior School classrooms.

Chair of School Council, Dan O’Connor OAM said the multimillion-dollar redevelopment and refurbishment of the Junior School Precinct took 18 months to complete and is a key step in St Paul’s School’s 10-year Master Plan.

“The Junior School is a terrific facility and will provide amazing teaching and learning spaces and reflects what we plan to do for the entire school,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It was built on the back of a brilliant community, including parents, staff, students, and members of School Council. It’s a wonderful day for St Paul’s School.”

The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves, Archbishop of Brisbane, led the Dedication & Blessing of St Paul’s School’s refurbished Junior School Precinct, by sprinkling water in classrooms and play areas.

“In the Christian tradition, water is a symbol of new life.

It’s refreshment, and represents starting again, so, it was appropriate I used water to bless the classrooms and play spaces in the new Junior School,” Archbishop Greaves said.

“The Dedication & Blessing ceremony marks a fresh beginning for the Junior School. It’s a beautiful space that students and staff can feel really proud of, and flourish in.”

The Junior School redevelopment is the first significant project in St Paul’s School’s 10-year Master Plan. The ambitious journey will see the school design and construct state-of-the-art facilities that will empower students to reach new heights and expand their horizons, including:

Principal, John O’Sullivan Williams said the Junior School Precinct is a legacy project that will inspire thousands of students over the coming years.

• Performing Arts Centre and Carpark

“Our vision is finally a reality,” Mr O’Sullivan Williams said.

• Outdoor Courts Roof

“The Junior School Precinct is a beautiful facility where students will thrive and flourish. They will play, learn, laugh and be inspired together.”

• Main Oval Grandstand and Carpark

Director of Junior School, Marianne Connolly said the Dedication & Blessing of the Junior School Precinct was held on 5 November, St Paul’s School’s 65th anniversary (Foundation Day).

• Senior School Thrive Commons and Classroom Refurbishment

“I didn’t realise just how special and moving the service would be,” Mrs Connolly said.

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“The Dedication & Blessing of the Junior School will be a beautiful memory our students will cherish for the rest of their lives.”

• Aquatic Centre • Sports Fields

• Main Oval Running (Tartan) Track • Cafeteria

• Staff Hub

Churchie appoints new Deputy Headmaster After an extensive nation-wide search, Churchie is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr David Nolan as Deputy Headmaster, effective from July 2026.

David currently serves as Deputy Headmaster at St Peter’s College in Adelaide.

He brings broad experience in senior and executive educational leadership across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, having previously served as Head of Middle School and Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching.

David holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and offers significant expertise in school governance, a deep understanding of boys’ education and a strong commitment to the Anglican tradition of schooling.

A Queenslander by upbringing, David is also a Churchie Old Boy, graduating in 1994. His personal connection to the school, combined with his professional experience and leadership in Anglican boys’ education, positions him exceptionally well to contribute to Churchie’s continued growth and s trategic direction.

A leadership of Principals What is the collective noun for a group of Anglican Principals and Heads?

It has to be a ‘leadership’.

Recently, school Principals and Heads, along with key Anglican Schools Commission team members, bishops, and Archbishop Jeremy participated in the annual Heads Retreat.

The retreat was an opportunity for Principals and Heads to build relationships and refocus their calling as leaders of Christian schools in the Anglican tradition.

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10 minutes with Dom Fay

Head of Faith and Spirituality – Secondary Coomera Anglican College

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what other career might you secretly have loved?

What’s the most unexpected place you’ve ever felt close to God?

In an existential moment when I was 18, I did some Googling for remote and exotic jobs that could take me some place far away.

I found an advertisement for a ‘Salmon Monitor’ in rural Scotland, a job that came with a hut in the wilderness and a Jeep to drive up and down the rivers of the Highlands tending to the salmon population. I am not remotely outdoorsy and I don’t have much interest in salmon, but I still wonder sometimes what that life might have been like.

On my morning drive to work a few years ago, I was stuck in peak-hour traffic and feeling the usual frustrations and exhaustion that the M1 brings until I noticed something odd on the side of the motorway. It was a crow trying to get its beak around an entire muffin that someone had discarded.

Something about the absurdity of watching the crow almost dislocating its jaw (do crows have jaws?) to secure this muffin completely transformed the moment. I couldn’t stop laughing, and felt re-awoken to the bizarreness and brilliance of this whole life. In an instant, I was returned to a deep awareness of belonging to a profoundly holy reality and the knowledge that God was near.

Was there a book, song, or teacher from your younger years that shifted the way you see the world?

I vividly remember being a child in church on Maundy Thursday, hearing the passages about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

I think it was his loneliness and his fear that made such a big impact on me. There was, from the first time I heard those stories, an assurance that those tender things - loneliness, fear, need - were nothing to be ashamed about because Jesus himself had known them. That helped me hold onto a more vulnerable, open-hearted sense of masculinity in the midst of cultural voices that tried to push me another way.

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How do you usually decompress after a long day?

Sunsets have always been a ‘thin place’ for me. In an office re-shuffle last year, our Faith & Spirituality team ended up moving to a space with a western outlook. As a result, I now rarely leave work before nightfall. There is very little I love more than sitting there and watching the last light of day fade behind the mountain as the flocks of birds in the sky head home.

Regardless of what the day has brought, the sunset always returns me to Julian of Norwich’s famous sense that all shall be well.

Do you have a small ritual that helps keep you grounded?

If you could hop on a plane tomorrow and travel anywhere, where would you go?

I love cooking. It is an everyday form of alchemy. Preparing and combining raw ingredients into something full of flavour and possibility reminds me of what all of life really is on an elemental level.

Wanaka in New Zealand. It is where I had my most profound Genesis 28:16 (“Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it”) moment in 2017, and the sense of the sacred is similarly strong every time I return. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to take a group of Year Twelves there each year on our Faith & Spirituality Retreats.

You can invite two guests, living or dead, for a relaxed dinner at your place. Who’s at the table, and what’s on the menu?

It would have to be the two writers who have shaped me the most: Barbara Brown Taylor and Rob Bell. Barabra for her deep awareness of the sacred in all things, and Rob for his playful sense of the profound. I don’t know where the conversation would go, but I know it would be good. Knowing my need to be liked, I’d no doubt try to cook something extravagant to impress them both and fail miserably. I think we’d all laugh about it, though.

What gives you hope right now?

The night sky. Nothing gives me a greater sense of perspective than remembering how vast this whole thing really is. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the lostness of the world, I find it incredibly assuring to look up and be grounded in a story that is so much bigger. It is a great relief to know my own smallness in the cosmic scheme of things.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Everything this world has taught you about worth - that it is scarce, that you must compete for it, that time is running out and only a few will win - is a lie. On the deepest, most foundational level of reality, abundance is the ultimate truth of things. You are not here to stand apart in some separate and significant way, but simply to, in the words of Mary Oliver, belong to the family of things.

What’s something about you that would genuinely surprise people?

I’m currently training for a Marathon. I host an AFL podcast, and made a foolish bet that I’d run one if the Brisbane Lions won the 2025 Premiership. I’m not sure I’d ever run 500 metres before this, so to say it’s been quite a leap might be an understatement.

I never thought I’d be upset to see the Lions win the Grand Final, but when the final siren sounded at the MCG last year, there was a slight sense of doom that fell over me as I came to terms with what lay ahead. The Brisbane Marathon in June is the plan, after which I plan on never running again.

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The inaugural ASCENT Anglican School Awards has received more than 180 nominations.

The awards honour the outstanding achievements of our schools, leaders, educators and staff across the K–12 sector, and celebrate the transformative work being done within our Anglican community, specifically work that inspires students, strengthens school culture, and reflects our shared values of faith, learning, and service.

• Contribution to the School Community • Signature Program or Project • Best Reconciliation Initiative • Early Career Teacher (First 5 Years) • Hall of Fame Nominee • Archbishop’s Award – Most Engaging RVE (Religious and Values Education) Initiative • Archbishop’s Award – High Impact Service-Learning Initiative • • Contribution to Learning Awards – Senior Leaders • Contribution to Learning Awards – Middle and Senior School Teachers • Contribution to Learning Awards – Primary and Early Career Teachers

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The ASCENT Anglican School Awards dinner is being held at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School on 15 May 2026.

Category winners will be awarded a trophy and gifted $1,000.

SYSTEM OPERATIONS UPDATE WITH NICK GENTNER 2025 was another successful year for the Risk and Compliance Forum. We had meetings across the diocese at:

In the coming year we are planning meetings on the following dates at the following locations:

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St Francis College on 10 April 2025.

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16 April 2026 at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.

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St Hilda’s School on 5 June 2025.

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11 June 2026 at Hillbrook Anglican School.

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St John’s Anglican College on 4 September 2025.

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3 September 2026 (location TBA).

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Toowoomba Anglican School on 11 December 2025.

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10 December 2026 at The Glennie School.

Topics covered included: •

Psycho-Social Risk Management.

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Accreditation Compliance.

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Chemical Management.

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WHS Incident Management.

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Anglican Identity, and its importance for Anglican schools.

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Education and Care Services Compliance.

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Child Safety Policy Update.

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Risk Management Framework Update.

It has been a busy period for child safe planning across Anglican schools and Education and Care Services (ECS) here in Queensland. With the introduction of legislation relating to the Child Safe Standards, staff have been working diligently to implement the new Child Safe Anglican Education Policy Framework. This reflects the high quality work already underway to promote children’s safety, wellbeing and best interests, and to prevent, detect and respond to safety concerns.

Rachel, Danielle and I extend our thanks to the schools and ECS that have welcomed us as we work to support this important work. Whether on site or connecting by phone or email, the most meaningful part of our role is helping you serve the children and young people we are privileged to support as they grow toward their potential.

We have also seen strong engagement in our recent training, with more than 200 staff attending Child Safe Advocate Induction sessions and more than 5,000 people completing the 2026 Child Safe Processes Training. I continue to be inspired by the depth of thought, commitment and engagement shown by participants at Induction sessions. Your contribution strengthens the child safe culture across our schools and ECS.

The Forum will again cover topics that are of interest to members, including an ethical thinking presentation at our first meeting of the year and a planned session around privacy controls, particularly in relation to AI technologies at the Forum’s June meeting to be presented by ISQ. The Forum is open to anyone that would be interested in risk and compliance matters, so please refer to your school’s Risk and Compliance Manager for further details.

CHILD SAFETY UPDATE WITH HEATHER BRYCE Term 2 focus In Term 2, our work includes: • Phase 2 of the Framework, to be released by July 2026, supporting implementation of Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme.

• A Good Practice Report, highlighting effective initiatives and innovative ideas from Child Safe Action Plans across our education system.

I look forward to continuing this work, along with our other projects, as the year progresses.

Ongoing support Please remember that our team remains available to provide dedicated support to schools and ECS for any child safety concerns or operational needs. Your commitment to children’s safety is vital, and we are here to assist whenever needed.

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ASC Indigenous Students Symposium

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION UPDATE WITH PAUL PAULSON The ASC Indigenous Cultural Immersion and Competency Professional Development

The event will bring together school principals, heads of boarding, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community leaders, policy makers, Elders, and students (from Years 7-12).

Importantly, the symposium be an opportunity for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students to share stories, and their hopes and aspirations for the future.

A number of schools have expressed interest in the Indigenous Cultural Immersion and Competency Professional Development program.

Cultural markets and university stalls will also feature on the day.

The majority of enquiries have focused on the following:

2026 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Academic Student Challenge – The Southport School

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Indigenous knowledge.

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Teacher as researcher.

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Effective professional learning.

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Pedagogical knowledge.

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Indigenous perspectives in schools.

The Indigenous Cultural Immersion and Competency Professional Development program is available to staff both online and in-person.

Sometimes, pursuing ‘dignity through justice’ can be elusive.

Humans are complex. We all see and hear the same things through different eyes and ears. Our former experiences wire us to interpret and respond to new experiences in particular ways. Yet, even with these challenges, being Anglican provides a pathway for living together as flourishing communities, should we choose to.

The Five Marks of Mission endure as distinctives that shape Anglican communities. While the purpose of our schools is education, Anglican schools share these five characteristics with Anglican communities locally, around Australia, and throughout the world to help provide educational experiences that foster flourishing people and communities, nurturing academic, social-emotional, physical and spiritual development for every child in the context of caring, robust, considerate, compassionate and inclusive community.

In our diocese, we incorporate the Five Marks of Mission into guiding principles that help us do all this well – and share the good news of God’s love for all along the way!

• T eaching, baptising and nurturing new believers … always invitational and making space for real questions and authentic doubt.

•R esponding to human need by loving service … with respectful mutuality.

• Seeking to transform unjust structures of society, challenging violence of every kind and pursuing peace and reconciliation 16 | Footprints

The fourth ASC Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Symposium will be held on 15 May 2026 at St John’s Anglican College.

This new initiative is an extension of an in-house project run by First Nations students at TSS. This year, the project has been expanded to include First Nations students in Years 7-9 from other diocesan schools, with 10 already expressing an interest.

The event will be held at TSS on 2 June 2026.

MISSION UPDATE WITH THE REVEREND MARY-ANNE RULFS … courageously following the way of Jesus, knowing it will often cost us our comfort.

•S triving to safeguard the integrity of creation, sustaining and renewing the life of the earth … all life matters.

•W orshipping and celebrating the grace of God … meaning making in community.

• L iving as one holy Catholic and apostolic Church… trying to live in unity while celebrating our diversity – which always requires the hard work of love!

This is our Anglican identity. As we find our way together, we are creating a place where every child and young person can be known and valued for their unique way of being in the world and invited into becoming all they can be – to flourish and contribute to the flourishing of others and the earth. What a magnificent quest.

Go well,

EARLY YEARS UPDATE WITH CATRIONA MACGREGOR Congratulation to St Paul’s Early Learning Centre for achieving “Exceeding” at their recent Assessment and Rating (A&R)!

As part of the assessment and rating process, the authorised officer reviewed the service quality against the seven areas of the National Quality Standards. An overall rating was based on these results.

The result demonstrates that the service goes above and beyond the requirements of the National Quality Standards and they embed exceptional practices across multiple areas, particularly in relation to educational programs and collaborative partnerships with families and communities.

A sense of belonging in education and care services is crucial to fostering positive and supportive environments for children and their families. Coomera Anglican College Outside School Hours Care has created a Belonging Tree display.

Educational Leader, Leeann said the Belonging Tree is a living visual pedagogy that reflects children’s voices, identities, and interests. It symbolises growth, connection and the relationships that sustains their OSHC community. Grounded in respect for Country, the tree reminds everyone that learning is relational, connected to land, story, culture, and community.

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PRINCIPAL IN FOCUS VIRGINIA WARNER

ST HILDA’S SCHOOL

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Dreaming of Brilliance: Leading St Hilda’s School in the Anglican Tradition.

On a cold and bright morning at Whitby Abbey, the ruins open themselves like pages of a story written long before us; arched windows framing the sky, stone carved by devotion and time, and the quiet pull of a place shaped by Saint Hilda’s wisdom.

Walking among those ancient contours, St Hilda’s School Principal, Virginia Warner felt a profound connection: not only to the woman whose name our school bears, but to the enduring purpose of Anglican education; to nurture the whole person so that each young woman may dream boldly, strive wisely, and offer her gifts not for herself alone, but in service of others.

In a world hungering for wisdom, radical inclusivity, dignity and justice, she is steadfast in championing an education that upholds identity, celebrates diversity, and fosters hope. This commitment is evident in the breadth of the curriculum offered at St Hilda’s School. With strong support for the arts, languages, STEM, humanities, entrepreneurial skills and a wide array of specialised subjects, the school ensures every young woman can discover, develop and share her unique strengths. The goal is to cultivate graduates who possess the confidence to explore faith, the kindness to build community, and the courage to contribute meaningfully to an ever-changing world.

Anglican education has always held beauty and intellect, faith and inquiry, side by side. It calls us to create spaces for expression, reflection and courageous curiosity, spaces that nurture dreams of brilliance. The Venerable Bede (c.

673–735), a theologian and prolific writer, described Saint Hilda as illuminating all of England with a dream of brilliance, guiding others toward shared wisdom, new perspectives, deep community connection and a relentless pursuit of learning.

While St Hilda’s School celebrates scholarship and its exceptional academic outcomes, academic ambition is balanced by wellbeing, character formation and a culture of positive striving. In Virgina’s view, excellence reaches its highest purpose when paired with authenticity and anchored in values. She remains committed to ensuring every girl understands that as she writes her story, her dream of brilliance radiates from within, and in the spirit of our school motto, Non Nobis Solum – Not for Ourselves Alone, her gifts shine brightest when shared to illuminate the path for others.

Virginia’s pilgrimage to Whitby Abbey sharpened her vision for a modern Anglican education, one committed to nurturing the whole person and encouraging every student to dream of brilliance. Like the learning community Hilda led at Whitby, St Hilda’s School values shared understanding, hospitable intelligence and a connectedness that strengthens dignity, justice and radical inclusivity. As the 12th Principal of St Hilda’s School, Virginia champions an education that celebrates identity and diversity, knowing that wisdom grows where voices are honoured.

For generations, St Hilda’s School has ignited the minds and spirits of inspiring women. Virginia remains committed to ensuring the school continues, as it has since 1912, to be a place where powerful insight emerges through connection, conversation and shared understanding.

“There is no greater and more humbling privilege than being the Principal of St Hilda’s School, and to lead a community that nurtures girls and young women as they pursue their dreams with confidence and compassion, supported by exceptional educators and incredibly connected community who work together to bring faith, intellect, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence to life across an ever-expanding landscape.”

The Anglican Tradition also calls our school to be a community of storytellers; honouring the stories inherited from generations past, while empowering students to discover, shape and share their own. St Hilda’s School embraces innovation while remaining faithful to the traditions that defined its identity. This balance of ancient and emerging wisdom echoes Whitby Abbey itself: resilient, open, grounded and continually reaching toward the future.

As Virginia left Whitby Abbey, its silhouette rising against the grey North Sea, she carried with her a renewed sense of purpose grounded in both history and hope. Saint Hilda’s legacy lives in every student who dares to dream of brilliance, and in every educator who helps illuminate that path. Together, we continue building a community where wisdom grows, creativity thrives, and the Anglican tradition calls each young woman toward a life of service, leadership and purpose, generation by generation.

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The two of us Teaching is serious work, but also full of surprises, laughs, and the occasional “how did that just happen?” moment. Footprints spoke with Fraser Coast Anglican College’s Roz Nicholls Director of Teaching and Learning Years 7-12), a teacher with 35 years of experience, and Whitsunday Anglican School’s Angela Fordyce (Mathematics & Science Teacher), who has just started her third year of teaching, to explore the shared joys and challenges of the classroom.

How long have you been teaching?

Any memorable moments from your first years?

Ms Nicholls: Since September 1990 - so this is my 35th year as a teacher. I started teaching in Cardiff, Wales and moved to Australia in 1997.

Ms Nicholls: No explosions, thankfully, but I taught in a large school with two other full time Chemistry teachers. Learning from them shaped me as a teacher and allowed me to embed practical work in my lessons to make learning very hands-on.

Miss Fordyce: Going into my third year of full-time teaching.

What drew you to teaching?

Ms Nicholls: I studied an honours degree in Chemistry, and I absolutely loved it. At the end of my degree, I wanted to pursue a career where I could share my love of Chemistry with others, so teaching Chemistry seemed a good fit.

Miss Fordyce: I’ve always enjoyed helping others and find it incredibly rewarding to teach someone a new skill and see their confidence grow. When I was younger, I used to run fitness sessions for my friends, and I realised how much I loved showing people how to do things and supporting them as they improved. I also really enjoyed Maths and Science at school and wanted to stay connected to those subjects. Teaching felt like the perfect way to combine my passion for those areas with my desire to help others. Having a mum who was a teacher definitely inspired me to follow a similar path.

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Miss Fordyce: One highlight was our Year 8 Outdoor Education Week camp at Paluma. We hiked, mountain biked, kayaked and camped in remote areas, mostly in the rain! It was a great opportunity to really get to know the students outside of the classroom, and to see different strengths emerge as they stepped into new challenges.

How would you describe your teaching style?

Ms Nicholls: Firm but friendly - I like to develop strong relationships with my students, and I love telling jokes, stories and anecdotes to build connections and help my students to really understand the content.

Miss Fordyce: In both Maths and Science, I am very much an explicit teacher. I follow the “I do, we do, you do” model and place a strong focus on clear instruction. I also like to keep lessons engaging by incorporating games related to the content or running small competitions at the end to elicit feedback and check for understanding.

How would you summarise your classroom personality?

Ms Nicholls: I’m very upbeat and enthusiastic. I sincerely want my students to love my subject as much as I do.

If you weren’t teaching, what would you be doing?

Ms Nicholls: I think I’d be in Science communication of some sort - writing for the New Scientist magazine or maybe I could give Dr Karl a run for his money...

Miss Fordyce: Kind but firm with my expectations.

Clear boundaries and consistency are important to me.

Once I know the students well, I can be a bit goofy to keep things interesting.

Miss Fordyce: I’d probably be working in agriculture. I love being outdoors and working with animals (and they don’t talk back).

What has been a proud teaching moment for you?

Ms Nicholls: The close community - many students are here from Kindy through to Year 12. I’m at the stage where my Year 7 or 8 students ask me if I remember a past student and it turns out to be their parent who is one of my ex-students from the early years at the school.

Ms Nicholls: I think it’s every single student who gets to where they want to be when they finish school. I am still in contact with my A-level students from my final year in Cardiff. They are all in their 40s now with many doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals amongst them.

Miss Fordyce: Watching students achieve marks they didn’t think they were capable of has been incredibly rewarding.

Seeing how proud they are when they realise that with hard work, they can succeed is something really special.

How do you make learning fun or memorable?

Ms Nicholls: I tell a lot of Chemistry jokes. I’d tell you one now, but the best ones ‘Argon’...

Miss Fordyce: I try to incorporate brain breaks into lessons.

This might include games like Silent Ball or opportunities for students to get up and move around. I also use hands-on activities, quick challenges, and friendly competitions to reinforce learning in an enjoyable way.

Any hobbies or surprising talents?

Ms Nicholls: I’m a keen SCUBA diver with more than 500 logged dives. I accompany our students on the Year 11 Aquatics camp each year, which is a real highlight.

What’s your favourite thing about your school?

Miss Fordyce: I really enjoy the staffroom chats and the supportive environment. The teachers here are always willing to help each other wherever they can. The students at Whitsunday have lovely manners and say thank you when they leave the classroom. It’s a really nice way to finish a lesson.

Any reflections on how your views of teaching have evolved?

Ms Nicholls: Obviously the use of technology has changed a lot throughout my teaching career. Current conversations about A.I. have me remembering attending courses in the early 1990’s to learn about how we could use the ‘world wide web’ (as we used to call it) in education.

Miss Fordyce: Over time, you work out what works and what doesn’t. You learn where to spend most of your time and become more efficient. I believe in making learning as fun as possible, as students spend a lot of time at school. Often, it’s the small, fun activities they remember most. I also think it’s important to make students accountable for their actions to set them up for success.

Miss Fordyce: I enjoy camp drafting and riding horses. The outdoors in the Mackay region is spectacular.

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NEWS

St Hilda’s School Principal Virginia Warner has challenged myths about all-girls education as top Sydney schools switch to co-ed, armed with data showing superior outcomes for students.

The Cathedral School’s class of 2025 has stepped into their future after a red-carpet farewell celebration marking years of friendship and shared memories.

Toowoomba Anglican School class of 2025 celebrated their Year 12 Formal with glitz and glam as graduating students walked the red carpet.

From classic cars to motorcycle arrivals, St Luke’s graduating class of 2025 pulled off a memorable formal night.

St Luke’s named the top performing school for NAPLAN results.

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Glennie girls stun on the red carpet for their formal.

A Far North Queensland school has produced two of the state’s highest-achieving students, demonstrating once again that well-rounded education beats cramming for top results.

The Glennie School has commissioned its new Principal, with the leader vowing to empower girls to reach their “full potential”.

Whitsunday Anglican School students raise more than $29,000 for charity.

Whitsunday Anglican School student leader Amelia Bishop has been named the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards.

Among the most affordable schools in the top 100 was Trinity Anglican School, sitting at number 27 on the national list and fourth in the state.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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Celebrating the Class of 2025

Welcome Dr Luke Gilmour

The Class of 2025 at All Saints Anglican School has achieved outstanding academic results, reflecting both the dedication of its students and the supportive, high-performing culture that defines All Saints.

All Saints Anglican School is pleased to welcome Dr Luke Gilmour as Vice Principal in 2026. Dr Gilmour brings extensive experience in educational leadership, most recently serving as Deputy Head, Co-Curricular at Shore in Sydney, where he led an extensive program spanning sport, performing arts, outdoor education, activities, and service learning.

Forty-eight per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, with 27 per cent attaining 95 or higher. Impressively, 100 per cent of students achieved a C or higher across more than 1,000 subject results. Nearly half of the cohort secured early university offers, and 52 per cent graduated with an additional qualification.

All Saints also celebrates Zali Engel-Bowe, joint winner of the Premier’s QCE Student Award for Highest Achievement by an Aboriginal Student or Torres Strait Islander Student. A descendant of the Biripi people of the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Zali’s achievement is a powerful celebration of her hard work and the strength of her cultural identity.

Dr Gilmour also has a distinguished background in music as a former member of the Royal Australian Navy Band and a doctoral graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His passion for learning, creativity, and character formation aligns strongly with All Saints’ Anglican ethos and commitment to developing confident, compassionate young people. Dr Gilmour looks forward to partnering with staff, students and families to strengthen a culture of excellence, belonging and opportunity across the whole school community.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ALL SOULS ST GABRIELS SCHOOL

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Burry Work Weekend Each year, the All Souls St Gabriels School community comes together for the Burry Work Weekend. Driven by the ASSG Past Students Association, the Burry Work Weekend is a hands-on event that brings parents, students, staff and past students together with a shared purpose. Across the weekend, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to complete a range of projects, from concreting and gardening to general

maintenance, which help to preserve and improve the facilities at ASSG for students. Beyond the practical work achieved, the weekend fostered strong community spirit, connection, and pride.

Year 6 Leadership Camp Year 6 students recently attended a Leadership Camp at Apex Camps Magnetic Island, where they took part in three days of activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Students challenged themselves with bush skills, archery, night walks, raft building, Radio Rogaine, and a range of problem-solving tasks that encouraged collaboration and initiative. They also enjoyed opportunities to step outside

their comfort zones, support their peers, and reflect on what it means to be a leader. The camp was an inspiring and memorable experience, helping shape ASSG’s emerging Year 6 leaders for the year ahead.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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Excellence realised There was much to celebrate at Churchie as the 2025 academic results were announced. Three students, Jeongmin Choi, George Samios and Eric Zhang, achieved the maximum ATAR of 99.95. More than half of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) cohort earned an ATAR above 90.00, with a median of 90.85 and 100 per cent attaining their QCE.

Churchie’s International Baccalaureate students also excelled, achieving a top score of 43 and an average of 33, well above the global average, and 100 per cent of students attaining their diploma. These results reflect a vibrant culture of high expectations, expert teaching and a strong home–school partnership.

Partnering for hope The Churchie community once again wrapped its arms around those in need, partnering with Anglicare Southern Queensland to support Foster and Kinship Care families at Christmas.

More than 100 brand-new LEGO sets, along with carloads of toys, books and games, were donated, along with financial contributions, ensuring children who might otherwise go

without could experience the joy of Christmas. Driven by the Preparatory School boys and student leaders across the 11 Senior School houses, and embraced by staff and families, the appeal reflects Churchie’s commitment to service. Through generosity in action, Churchie boys learn that true celebration lies not only in achievement but in giving hope to others.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

CANNON HILL ANGLICAN COLLEGE

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Students blossom in Japan To some it may sound like a holiday, but for Cannon Hill Anglican College (CHAC) students the biennial Japan Tour offers unrivalled opportunities to discover the confidence and resilience they need to be world and work ready.

Every two years, select Senior Secondary students immerse themselves in Japanese language and culture, following an itinerary that includes the iconic and historic cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

Celebrating Shrove Tuesday Shrove Tuesday is more than the final day before Lent, at CHAC it is a day that unites Primary and Secondary students for social good through the college’s annual pancake fundraiser.

This year all money raised from the sale of pancakes benefits the good work of Anglicare youth programs, including foster family support and important social outreach initiatives for young people.

Well done to all the students and staff who offered their time to make and distribute the hundreds of pancakes required to make the day a success.

The college has organised tours to the Land of the Rising Sun for more than twenty years, and few are as familiar with the positive student outcomes as Ms Peta Nakamura, Head of Faculty – Languages, who has led five Japan Tours over the past decade.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

CANTERBURY COLLEGE

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St John’s Cathedral City Service At the beginning of Term 1, Canterbury students gathered at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane for its annual City Service, a cherished tradition honouring the college’s Anglican heritage and shared values. The Right Reverend John Roundhill, Bishop of the Southern Region joined college Chaplain, Father Dan Talbot in blessing the house badges and leading the service,

which reflected the deep sense of belonging, faith and community.

Year 7 and Year 12 students also participated in a guided Cathedral tour, exploring its rich history and remarkable stained-glass windows.

House Choir Competition Earlier this year, Canterbury’s annual House Choir Competition brought together students in a celebration of music and house spirit. After weeks of rehearsals, each house took to the stage to perform before peers, staff and families, earning valuable Canterbury Cup points. The event reflects the strong culture of participation that defines college life, with students committing to something larger than themselves.

Congratulations to Ramsey House, who claimed this year’s win.

House Choir continues to be a valued tradition, strengthening connection across year levels and building pride in the college’s houses.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

COOMERA ANGLICAN COLLEGE

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Nurturing Great Humans

Celebrating 30 years

For many years, Coomera Anglican College carried the bold promise that Anything Is Possible. It captured ambition, courage, and wide-open horizons. As the college celebrates 30 years, it is evolving its focus into Nurturing Great Humans. Possibility still matters, but character matters more. Achievement is powerful, yet kindness, integrity and empathy endure. Nurturing Great Humans speaks to the daily work within the college’s classrooms and community. It is about shaping young people who imagine with creativity, listen with intention and respect with sincerity.

This change is not a departure from the college’s past. It is a deeper expression of what it is becoming.

This year, Coomera Anglican College celebrates 30 remarkable years of faith, learning and community. Generations of students have been encouraged to imagine boldly, listen deeply and respect wholeheartedly, shaping not only strong learners but thoughtful humans. Classrooms have sparked curiosity, ovals have echoed with triumph, and friendships have flourished across every year level. Thirty years is a testament to vision and dedication, and a promise that the next chapter will continue to inspire young humans to grow, and for Coomera Anglican College to nurture their greatness.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

FRASER COAST ANGLICAN COLLEGE

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Australia Day honours

Pop art paw-traits

Year 9 Fraser Coast Anglican College (FCAC) student, Toby Robinson has been named the Fraser Coast’s Young Citizen of the Year at this year’s Australia Day Awards. After the passing of his older brother, Toby channelled his grief into a commitment to helping others, honouring his brother’s memory through community service. Toby began volunteering with the local ZBus, a service that offers safe overnight accommodation for vulnerable people across the region. Relying entirely on donations and volunteers, ZBus recognised Toby’s exceptional dedication by naming one of its buses in his honour. Toby has also been sharing his journey with the college community, speaking at chapel services to inspire his peers.

FCAC Year 5 Art students’ recent classroom activity to develop pet portraits not only gave them a great visual arts education, but it also provided a valuable lesson about supporting animals in need. Students were tasked with creating colourful pet portraits inspired by the iconic pop art movement and Brooklyn-based artist Dean Russo. The subsequent artworks were then printed on useable objects such as coffee mugs, tea-towels and calendars, which were then sold, with funds from the sales raising $2,500 for RSPCA Queensland. The project encourages a sense of social responsibility and empathy in the students and creates a lovely sense of wellbeing when they realise their acts of kindness and generosity go towards a greater good.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

HILLBROOK ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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Practically perfect Hillbrook Anglican School’s 2026 musical, Mary Poppins, lit up the stage in February with a vibrant production showcasing the talents of more than 150 students across the cast, crew and orchestra. Audiences were swept into the magical world of Cherry Tree Lane as students delivered standout

performances, polished choreography and joyful musical numbers. The result was a practically perfect production that celebrated teamwork, creativity and community spirit.

New pathways In 2026, Hillbrook introduced a new pathway for Year 11 students through a Certificate II in Sports Coaching in partnership with TAFE Queensland. Throughout the program, students will learn how to conduct coaching sessions under supervision, prepare and organise equipment, participate in conditioning activities, and support qualified coaches in

planning, delivering, and evaluating sport sessions. Completion of this qualification will enable students to pursue assistant coaching roles with local sporting clubs and community organisations. It also provides a valuable starting point for further study in coaching, sport, fitness, or community sport development.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

MATTHEW FLINDERS ANGLICAN COLLEGE

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Culinary skills and care

High achievers

Students, staff and parents of Matthew Flinders Anglican College are volunteering their culinary skills in support of a Community Meal program on the Sunshine Coast.

The Year 12 Class of 2025 at Matthew Flinders Anglican College has excelled in the Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATAR) with an impressive median ATAR of 92.28. Sixteen students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above, including college dux Natalie Gilmore who received an ATAR of 99.90.

The program is run by the Anglican Parish of Maroochydore, St Peter’s Church to provide a warm two-course meal every Wednesday evening for people experiencing homelessness, hardship or loneliness.

Flinders has contributed to the initiative for several years. In Term 1 volunteers gathered across three sessions in the college’s new Food Labs to prepare nutritious meals and join a fortnightly roster to serve meals at St Peter’s Hall.

College Chaplain, Reverend Kathrin Koning said, “The program is a true example of service in action, offering not only nourishment but also dignity, connection and community”.

Principal Michelle Carroll said the results confirmed an outstanding year for Flinders graduates, guided by a dedicated staff team.

“Our 2025 graduating class continued the exceptional record of academic achievement at Flinders, and we thank our senior teaching team and all staff who contributed their expertise and care in guiding them,” Ms Carroll said.

“Flinders had 34 per cent of graduates achieve an ATAR of 95 and above, and 60 per cent an ATAR of 90 or above. This was the strongest result for the college since the introduction of the current QCE system in Queensland.”

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ST AIDAN’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL

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Interact Peace Pole St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School has been honoured to receive an International Peace Pole from the Rotary Club of Jindalee, unveiled at the launch of the Interact Peace Gardens at Ambiwerra in November 2025.

The Peace Pole, a symbol of unity and hope, recognises a 40-year partnership between the school and the Rotary Club of Jindalee, with generations of students and staff supporting local and international causes close to their hearts.

At the dedication, three St Aidan’s staff members were bestowed Paul Harris Fellow Awards, recognising their outstanding and enduring commitment to Rotary’s humanitarian and educational values.

The Peace Gardens are used as a ‘living classroom’ and are designed to welcome neighbourhood connection and foster environmental stewardship.

An incredible run for Australia St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School student, Issy Valinoti recently represented Australia with distinction at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA. The school’s 2026 Cross Country Captain, Issy demonstrated the grit and excellence synonymous with the St Aidan’s spirit.

Competing in the U20 6km race, she crossed the finish line in 19th place overall, securing her position as the first Australian home. This is the first time an Australian athlete had achieved a top-20 finish in more than two decades.

This incredible achievement on the global stage reflects skill, determination, and resilience. The St Aidan’s community is proud of Issy, her achievements and how she represented herself and her country.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ST ANDREW’S ANGLICAN COLLEGE

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Find-a-Frog The endangered Wallum Sedge Frog is intrinsically linked to St Andrew’s Anglican College. With the frog’s native habitat bordering the campus, the college embraces its role as custodians of their survival.

Head of Science, Ms Abigail Blessing has uniquely integrated this local responsibility into the Year 7 curriculum, transforming the surrounding ecosystem into a living classroom. Students connect deeply with the vulnerable species through hands-on excursions with environmental experts from ECOllaboration.

This foundational learning purposefully extends beyond the classroom via the “Find-a-Frog” citizen science project and invites parents to become active participants in their child’s learning. By participating in evening torch-lit walks, students and their parents collect vital habitat data, contributing to realworld research.

State champions What a way to start 2026. St Andrew’s is thrilled to celebrate its incredible Girls Red Ball Tennis team, who were crowned State Champions at the Brisbane International Primary Schools Cup State Finals. Undefeated throughout the tournament, the team demonstrated exceptional skill, determination and

sportsmanship as they competed against top schools from across Queensland. This achievement reflects the many hours of dedicated training in 2025, under the leadership of coach Flynn Sinclair.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ST HILDA’S SCHOOL

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From the farm to the flight deck

Three generations, one legacy

For Year 12 boarder Miranda Corish, the sky is not the limit, it is the beginning. Growing up on her family’s property in Goondiwindi, Miranda developed a love of wide horizons and aviation. Now halfway through her Recreational Pilot Licence, she dedicates each school holiday to intensive flight training.

At St Hilda’s, she has balanced senior studies, boarding life and a Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), building discipline, resilience, and confidence to help survey her family’s property back home. Miranda hopes to combine aviation with agriculture, bringing innovation home to rural communities as she grows in the St Hilda’s Way.

In 1953, Susan Hordern arrived at St Hilda’s as a young boarder, beginning a legacy that now spans three generations. Today, her daughter Wendy Henning serves as Chair of School Council, and Wendy’s four daughters have all followed through the boarding house doors. For this rural Queensland family, St Hilda’s is more than a school, it is a lifelong community. From tiny western Queensland classrooms to leadership in agriculture and advocacy, education has shaped their courage and character.

Grounded in Non Nobis Solum, their story reflects the enduring power of girls’ education to build confident women who lead with purpose.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN COLLEGE

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Hundreds of young musicians unite for recordbreaking MEGABAND More than 550 school-aged musicians from across South East Queensland will unite this March to form Australia’s largest school-aged concert band at the Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre. Known as MEGABAND 2026, the event on Monday 30 March is hosted by St John’s Anglican College and brings together students from 14 schools spanning Brisbane, the

Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and the Darling Downs. Inspired by a mass performance led by James Morrison, organiser Russell Bauer hopes the unamplified, memorised performance becomes an annual celebration of collaboration, musicianship and the power of live music.

St John’s Scorchers shine at TAS eSports grand finals Students from St John’s Anglican College achieved outstanding success at the 2025 TAS eSports grand finals. Jethro Chen was crowned champion of the TAS eSports Chess Grand Final, demonstrating exceptional strategy and focus throughout the competition. In the Valorant Grand Final, the Scorchers team of Eli Allan, Nelson Brew, Eva Nguyen, Hareshva Maruthapillay,

and Ryan Nguyen, finished as proud runners-up after a strong and determined campaign. Across both competitions, students displayed impressive skill, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, representing the college with integrity and pride. Their achievements highlight the growing strength of eSports and competitive gaming at St John’s.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ST LUKE’S ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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Nurturing young musicians Tentative yet curious sounds echo through St Luke’s campus as students embark on their musical journey in the school’s Year 3 Strings Program. Under Mrs Strohfeldt’s guidance, budding violinists gather weekly in the school’s chapel to learn the basics, from holding their instruments to plucking strings.

Over the coming months, students will develop skills in bow technique and instrument care, culminating in an end-of-year showcase concert. The immersive program aims to foster a lifelong love of music, giving students the joy of learning in one of the school’s most beautiful spaces.

Developing character Earlier this term, the Primary, Middle, and Senior leaders of St Luke’s Anglican School participated in a Character Builders Workshop designed to empower and encourage students to collectively build their leadership capacity.

The day provided countless opportunities for students to collaborate and strengthen their communication skills. As part of their exploration of leadership, students were encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations with their peers during a spontaneous ‘meet and greet’ session. These sessions allowed the students to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives and taught them the importance of fostering an environment of respect, acceptance and understanding, vital skills of any great leader.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS SCHOOL

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Fifth generation St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School welcomed a fifth-generation student at the commencement of the new school year.

including her great grandmother, grandmother and mum, as well as her aunt, maternal great aunts and paternal great aunt.

Isla’s family connection to the school spans around 130 years, dating back to the late 1890s and the school’s early years, when her great, great grandmother attended what was then Eton High School in Nundah. For more than a century, her family members have walked through the gates of St Margaret’s

Principal Ros Curtis AM said: “Their story reflects more than a century of belief in the value of an all-girls’ education. It’s remarkable that the same educational philosophy that guided Isla’s great, great grandmother more than a century ago continues to shape our students today.”

Ash Wednesday The St Margaret’s community commemorated Ash Wednesday by receiving the cross of ‘stardust’ – a mix of ashes and bio glitter – an enriched dust-remembrance celebrating our coming from stardust and a reminder to marvel at how these traces of stars make us the bearers of light in this world.

St Margaret’s Chaplain, Reverend Jazz Dow, invited students to commit to a 40-day gratitude challenge for Lent, asking them

to practise noticing the beautiful things in life by taking a photo, drawing a picture or writing a sentence in their diary.

Students were also invited to contribute to a gratitude board outside the school chapel which will become a collection of life’s beautiful things and a daily reminder of this year’s school theme – optimism and gratitude – in practice.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ST PAUL’S SCHOOL

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Junior School Reading Challenge The Junior School Reading Challenge has given the year an energising start, highlighting the strong house culture at St Paul’s School that begins on a student’s very first day. Students from Pre-Prep to Year 6 embraced the challenge, working proudly in their house groups, celebrating each book completed and encouraging one another as true teams. This shared experience builds collaboration while nurturing a lifelong love of reading, supported by the partnership between families and our school. The curiosity and imagination sparked throughout the challenge will continue to shape each child’s learning journey.

Congratulations to Taja (house group) on a third consecutive win.

Honours Assembly The year began with an inspiring Honours Assembly that set a powerful tone for learning at St Paul’s School. The event celebrated the exceptional achievements of the Class of 2025, recognising students who earned the highest results in their subjects and those who achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.

Their success reflects dedication, disciplined study and a commitment to excellence that strengthens the academic culture of our school. The ceremony featured a moving Acknowledgement of Country by Waveney Yasso, a performance by alumnus Rowan Farrugia and an insightful address from alumnus Sameel Deoji. It was a fitting tribute to a remarkable cohort.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF ST ANNE & ST JAMES

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Five year Strategic Plan

15 years of service

The Cathedral School has officially launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan following extensive consultation and collaboration with the community. The process enabled the school to thoughtfully review its Purpose, Vision, Mission, Values, and Pillars, ensuring alignment across the entire campus.

Thank you to Troy Popham for 15 years of dedicated service as a Director on The Cathedral School Board. Troy and his family have been valued members of the Cathedral community for almost two decades, with his wife, Di, contributing generously to the P&F Association and their children progressing through the school and into successful careers.

The school’s Purpose, Inquisitive Minds, Kind Hearts, Purposeful Futures, honours its 108-year history, celebrates its present strengths and sets a clear direction for the next five years.

Inspired by natural surroundings, the Strategic Plan was introduced through a creative storytelling presentation featuring Kookaburra characters that bring the school’s values to life in an engaging and memorable way.

At his final Board meeting, Troy rang the Heatley House Bell, marking the conclusion of his tenure. He reflected on the honour of serving and the privilege of witnessing the school’s growth and achievements. Principal Luke Baills acknowledged Troy’s financial expertise, wisdom and steadfast support.

Learn more at growingtogether.cathedral.qld.edu.au

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

THE GLENNIE SCHOOL

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Sunflowers in the Glennie Garden Year 6 students at The Glennie School recently gathered for a special induction ceremony, officially stepping into their roles as Junior Years leaders. During the service, Head of Junior Years, Ms Harlie Thompson shared a moving tribute, describing the cohort as sunflowers in the Glennie Garden. She noted that

the young leaders always reach for the light and, on cloudy days turn toward each other to share their warmth. The Junior Years leaders have also been encouraged to shine brightly, spread kindness, and lift their peers.

Training for 2032 The initiative is aligned to seven Olympic sports, Rugby 7s, Hockey, Triathlon, Equestrian, Cricket, Modern Pentathlon, and Handball, and balances athletic performance with academic excellence, and provides student athletes with holistic support,

including sports psychology, nutrition, and mentoring. Students also have direct access to strength and conditioning experts, and state-of-the-art facilities.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL

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Old Boy researching at Yale alongside globally renowned neuroscientists Old Boy, Vishaak Gangasandra (KAI20) continues to represent The Southport School through outstanding academic and debating achievements. After graduating as Vice-Captain and dux in 2020, he chose The University of Queensland (UQ) to study Biotechnology and Medicine, serving as President of the UQ Medical Society. Vishaak went on to represent UQ at the World Universities Debating Championship in Bulgaria, placing Top 24 in the Masters and Top 20 as an Institutional Adjudicator. Now researching the ageing brain at Yale University alongside some of the world’s leading neuroscientists, he remains a dedicated ambassador for TSS and the Old Southportonians’ Association.

QPAC and beyond for Year 7 singer Mohavi Broadbent Year 7 student, Mohavi Broadbent took centre stage at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), after being selected as one of just 12 children to join the Children’s Chorus for Opera Queensland’s 2025 production of La Bohème. Performing in the Lyric Theatre, Mohavi played a street child in 1920s Paris, singing in Italian alongside the Opera Queensland chorus and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Rehearsing across Opera Queensland, ABC Studios and QPAC, Mohavi embraced this incredible opportunity. Mohavi will also appear in TSS’s upcoming musical, Crazy for You, later this year.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

THE SPRINGFIELD ANGLICAN COLLEGE

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Year 12s support Eat Up! For Year 12 students at The Springfield Anglican College, involvement in the Eat Up! initiative is about recognising the impact their actions can have on the lives of other young people.

Access to food plays a critical role in a child’s ability to learn and thrive. When students arrive at school hungry, they are more likely to experience fatigue, reduced concentration and difficulty engaging in learning.

During a single Religious and Values Education lesson led by Chaplain Rev. Jonathan Kemp, students prepared 2,080 cheese sandwiches, each one destined for schools throughout South East Queensland to support children who may otherwise go without lunch.

Eat Up is Australia’s only organisation providing free lunches to students on a national scale, supporting more than 1,100 schools and delivering over 40,000 lunches each week.

TSAC blockbuster learning experience What does learning at TSAC look like when it steps beyond the classroom and into the world? It can mean ice skating beneath Manhattan skyscrapers, walking through the gates of Hollywood studios, and standing in places where some of the world’s most powerful stories have been created.

The TSAC Media Arts Tour challenged students to apply their classroom learning to the global film and media industry in New York City and Los Angeles. Students were courageous learners,

stepping outside their comfort zones and imagining futures that extend well beyond what they once thought possible.

Touring major studios including Universal, Paramount, and NBC brought theory to life, helping them see how creative ideas become world class productions. Just as importantly, navigating unfamiliar cities fostered independence, buoyancy and confidence, qualities essential for life beyond school.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

TOOWOOMBA ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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TAS takes out coveted ATO award

TAS announces new sister school partnership with Cambodia

Three TAS students have claimed a coveted nation-wide award in a competition held by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Toowoomba Anglican School (TAS) has forged a historic sister school partnership with Krou Yeung Schools (KYS) in Cambodia.

In late 2025, current TAS Year 12 students Josie, Claire and Tui created a rap video for the ‘Tax, Super & You’ competition, after being encouraged to enter by TAS Head of Pathways Mr Paul Barber.

The international partnership was secured during a recent visit to TAS from KYS Executive Principal Mr Sopheap Yin and his family.

“The competition required students to submit an entry that addressed the topic of “How does superannuation in Australia work for me?” Mr Barber said.

“A number of students produced some great entries, but Claire, Josie and Tui’s entry was selected as a winner in the Senior category from more than 200 entries, which is a fantastic achievement.”

The students received return airfares for themselves and a parent as well as one night’s accommodation to attend the ATO’s Best of the Best Awards Ceremony in Canberra in December.

The students received a trophy and $2,000 worth of Mastercard gift cards, with $1,000 to share amongst themselves and $1,000 for the school.

TAS Principal Mr Nick Johnstone said the new partnership was an exciting step forward for both schools.

“I’ve had the great privilege of working closely with Mr Sopheap Yin for more than seven years, building a shared vision for meaningful global learning,” Mr Johnstone said.

“It is very exciting that our vision becomes a reality, and our two school communities formally join together in a sister-school relationship.”

The partnership is set to feature a variety of benefits to students and staff across both countries, including: • Pen pal programs connecting TAS students with peers in Cambodia.

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Online learning engagements.

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Student tours to Cambodia, beginning in late 2026.

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Short and longer-term exchanges.

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Staff professional learning collaborations.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

TRINITY ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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Young Citizens of the Year Congratulations to Summer Adams (Year 7) and Scarlett Cheetham (Year 6) on their nominations for Young Citizen of the Year at the Cairns Regional Council Australia Day Awards.

Special recognition to Summer, who received a Highly Commended award for her self-driven leadership in wildlife conservation, community care and youth empowerment.

Inspired by Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, she founded Summer Spirit, creating and selling sustainable products to raise funds for conservation and community causes. Entirely self-funded, Summer’s initiative reflects compassion, service, and stewardship, values at the heart of Anglican education.

Leaders in value Founded by parents seeking a capital city–standard education locally, Trinity Anglican School continues to prioritise excellence and accessibility. Recently recognised by the Cairns Post and Courier Mail as one of Australia’s top schools for value, TAS was ranked 27th nationally and fourth in Queensland, the highest in Cairns. With largely all-inclusive fees covering

subject costs, laptops and outdoor education, the school remains committed to strong academic outcomes and rich opportunities while being mindful of family affordability, reflecting Anglican values of stewardship, community, and service.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

WEST MORETON ANGLICAN COLLEGE

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Ash Wednesday

New life at WestMAC

West Moreton Anglican College (WestMAC) was honoured to welcome Archbishop Jeremy as the college community gathered to mark Ash Wednesday, the solemn beginning of the season of Lent in the Anglican tradition.

There is new life on the farm at WestMAC, with the recent arrival of four Charolais calves through the college’s Charolais Stud Cattle Program.

During the chapel service, students were reminded of the meaning of the sign of the cross traced in ashes; a powerful symbol of our shared humanity, our dependence upon God, and the hope we are offered in Christ.

The calves were bred using artificial insemination and embryo transfer, introducing leading genetics from across Australia into the herd. These advanced reproductive technologies form part of the college’s commitment to delivering innovative, future-focused agricultural education grounded in real-world practice.

In his address, Archbishop Jeremy spoke of humility, kindness, and intentional living, encouraging students to consider how small, everyday choices can become faithful responses to God’s love. Archbishop Jeremy’s presence provided a meaningful opportunity for the college to worship together and to begin the Lenten journey as one community.

Senior Agricultural Science students are actively engaged in the program, gaining hands-on experience in herd management and contemporary breeding techniques. Through this authentic, industry-aligned learning, students develop practical capability and a deeper understanding of the science that underpins modern agriculture.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

WHITSUNDAY ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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Whitsunday Anglican School students honoured Recent student achievements at Whitsunday Anglican School reflect a culture of service, responsibility and community contribution.

School Captain Amelia Bishop was named 2026 Young Citizen of the Year at the Mackay Australia Day Awards, recognising her outstanding leadership, service, and contribution to both her school and the wider Mackay community. A proud Aboriginal descendant of the Kamilaroi people, Amelia is actively involved in volunteer and community initiatives and is driven by a passion for improving Indigenous health and wellbeing. At school, she contributes widely through her cocurricular involvement, earning accolades in Band, Sport, and Service.

Reflecting on the award, Amelia said it reinforced the importance of giving back.

“This award means so much to me because it shows that ordinary people who are simply committed to their community can make a difference,” she said.

A local to Airlie Beach, Year 12 boarding student, Byron Goodin, was recently recognised after heroically rescuing two people from the ocean during severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Koji.

With no formal rescue training, Byron entered the water alongside other bystanders in challenging conditions, later crediting his response to values shaped by family, school, and community.

“Helping others is just part of who we are,” he said.

Boarding student, Sharni Wood, received an Isaac Australia Day Award, personally selected by the Isaac Mayor. At just 15, Sharni regularly emcees ANZAC Day services, volunteers on weekends, and contributes to local events in her hometown of Glenden.

Principal Mr Andrew Wheaton said the students’ actions reflected a shared commitment to service.

“Amelia, Byron, and Sharni have a genuine desire to serve others.

Their courage and humility are inspiring. They are remarkable role models, embodying true transformation service, where they seek to put others before self,” he said.

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