PHOENIX RISING
FROM THE HEADMASTER
MR SHANNON LEE
As another year draws to a close, this edition of the Phoenix Rising provides a wonderful snapshot of end of year celebrations, student achievements and as always, the many opportunities experienced by our students.
I am inspired by the number of our students who were recognised for their outstanding achievements throughout our Preliminary Prize Giving and Annual Awards Day ceremonies; their persistence in the application of their chosen pursuits should serve as an example to all.
It was with great pleasure that we announced the Student Leaders for 2025. Luke, Jacayln and the rest of the 2024 Seniors did a wonderful job in leading our School this year. They pass on the baton of leadership to Sam and Yasmin, the Seniors and Prefects of 2025 who will no doubt continue to lead the school with pride in the new year.
As we look forward to the new year we will see many exciting developments which have been in the works for some time begin to come to life. Significant software upgrades in our Student Information System, Learning Management System and Website will create improved efficiencies, enhance communication and increase accessibility of learning for our students. Further, our new Master Plan is ready to be launched at the Welcome Barbecue in January, as well as modifications to the schedule of the day which will optimise the learning experience for our students.
This has been a great year with many successes, I’d like to thank the staff, parents and students alike as each has contributed to these achievements. Whilst we farewell some staff and students at the conclusion of each year we eagerly await those new who are joining our community. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you for bigger and better things in 2025.
CAPTAINS’ CORNER
YASMIN MUSK & SAM COWAN 2025 SCHOOL CAPTAINS ELECT
Term 4 was packed with exciting celebrations to conclude the 2024 school year. The term started with the Student Leadership Handover. This event saw the School watch Sam and I alongside our 2025 Perfects, receive the baton of leadership from the outgoing senior leaders. Our Prefects are currently taking on the new responsibilities of leadership.
In Week 2 we were able to recognise and congratulate the many award recipients at the Preliminary Prize Giving and Awards Day ceremonies. It was wonderful to see such great achievements from students from Pre-prep all the way up to Year 12. We also celebrated the milestones of the Year 12 students and saw their dedication, persistence and hard work over their years of schooling at their Graduation and Valedictory Dinner. With the older students moving out, we had the new students moving in. In the ending weeks of the term, we welcomed some students into the School for the Come and Try day. It was a great opportunity for them to explore new experiences, learn about and get a feel of what school could be like for them here at All Souls St Gabriels School. It has been an exciting term full of activity, bringing the school community together through sports, special events, and meaningful causes.
Term 4 saw thrilling matches in both volleyball and basketball, with teams showing exceptional skill and sportsmanship. These games were a highlight for players and spectators alike, fostering school spirit and friendly competition. Then there were the touch football finals, a fitting conclusion to a season of dedication and teamwork.
We paused to reflect during Remembrance Day, honoring those who have served and sacrificed. The ceremony was a great reminder of our shared history and the importance of gratitude. Junior school ran a free dress day for, Day for Daniel, which stood out as a powerful reminder of child safety and awareness. The Green Dinner was a standout event, bringing students and staff together for a great evening to celebrate the Green family. From delicious meals to a lively atmosphere, it was a great occasion.
We look back with pride on everything we’ve achieved and shared. From competitive games to meaningful moments, Term 4 has been a testament to our school’s spirit and unity. We look forward to the next term and the many more events to come.
MASON STOREY & AVA CRANE JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS
We enjoyed an exciting term of learning in the Junior School to finish the year. Year 1 attended an excursion to Billabong Sanctuary as part of the Outdoor Education program, we had a visit from World of Maths and Year 5 and 6 attended a Surf Lifesaving excursion in Townsville. There were also several celebrations such as the School’s Annual Awards Day, End of Year Concert and Year 6 Celebratory Lunch. We also enjoyed the conclusion of our sporting calendar with both the Inter-House and InterSchool Swimming Carnivals.
We would like to thank all of the Junior School staff for all they have done for us this year. Our Year 6 class is really looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead for us in Senior School. We wish all of the younger students in the Junior School all the best for 2025 and beyond.
PASSING ON THE BATON
In Week 2 this term we held a special Senior School Student Leaders Handover Assembly where we celebrated our outgoing 2024 Student Leaders, and announced our incoming 2025 Student Leaders.
The Senior School and Year 6 watched on as the current leaders ‘handed over’ a token representation of their role & responsibilities to their respective incoming leaders. We thank the Student Leadership Team of 2024, and applaud them on a fantastic year at the forefront of our School. In turn, we congratulate our Leaders of 2025, and look forward to the year ahead.
2025 SchOOl CaptaIns and Prefects
School Captains
Yasmin Musk and Samuel Cowan
Chapel Prefect
Joseph Newnham
School Vice Captains
Grace Kirkwood and Zavier Clark
Alban House Captain and Prefect
Tanisha Darwen
Becket House Captain and Prefect
Lynisa Kennedy
Chad House Captain and Prefect
Jade Cowan
Ramsay House Captain and Prefect
Maximus Smith
Feetham House Captain and Prefect
Xavier Lord
Page House Captain and Prefect
William Elliott
Academic Prefect
Tamzin Finger
Arts Prefect
Harriet Moore
Rural Activities Prefect
Dustin Finger
Service Prefect
Daniel Wearing
Prefects
Ashleigh Elliott
Isobel Paskins
ARIAT PERCENTILE HIGH SCHOOL CAMPDRAFT
At the start of the term, Jamie Mills, Dakota Johnson, Toby Rolf, Lilyarna Blanchard, and Jade Cowan traveled to Pittsworth to compete in the High School Campdraft Percentile Cup. The competition began on Friday afternoon with 436 first-round runs, each competitor showcasing their skills on two different horses.
As the event progressed, competitors chose one horse to advance with into the second round. Finals and presentations wrapped up the weekend, filled with camaraderie and sportsmanship. The team supported each other with loud cheers and encouragement, many attendees praised our students for their outstanding representation of the School and team spirit.
Our small but mighty team of five secured an impressive 12th place out of 49 schools! A huge congratulations to Jade Cowan, who made history as the first female to win the Overall Individual Event in the competition’s history, scoring an incredible 265.50 points on her horse, Dealer. What an amazing achievement!
A heartfelt thank you to Thomas and Tegan Mills, Robyn Cowan, Kimberly Johnson, Steph Porter, and Josh Blanchard for transporting our team and their horses to and from Pittsworth. Your support made this incredible experience possible. Well done, team!
YEAR 7 BUSINESS EXPO
In Week 6, the Year 7 students held their very first Business Expo, and what an incredible event it was! After weeks of planning, designing, and refining their ideas, each student pitched their business to their peers, showing off their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
The challenge was simple – each student was given only $20 to invest in their business. They had to think carefully about their products, marketing strategies, and how to engage their audience. It was an opportunity for them to understand the needs and wants of their market, test out their ideas, and, most importantly, learn how to sell.
Over $1000 was spent by customers at the event, which is an incredible achievement! It shows how much effort, thought, and hard work went into the businesses, with some students making over $100 in sales! This is a huge accomplishment, especially considering the limited budget and time they had to make everything happen.
A big congratulations to all the Year 7 students who took part. Your hard work and dedication really paid off, and we can’t wait to see how you continue to develop your business ideas in the future!
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participants completed their Qualifying Journey in Term 4, and what an adventure it was! Here’s a look at their action-packed four days:
Day 1: Kick off & Water Filtration
The expedition began at the ASSG cattle yards, where students set up camp and reviewed the itinerary, including a snake bite first-aid session. A visit to the Water Treatment Plant followed, giving students a deeper understanding of water processing. Back at campus, they put their knowledge to the test by building and experimenting with their own water filtration systems using different samples.
Day 2: Water Sampling and Macroinvertebrates
Day 2 took the group to Anabranch, where they navigated an orienteering activity with drone assistance and collected water samples. The journey continued to Macrossan, where students gathered more water samples and macroinvertebrate specimens. They then returned to camp to analyse these samples under microscopes, using the macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality.
Day 3: Exploring Red Falls
The absolute highlight of the journey—Red Falls! The students explored the natural beauty of the area and enjoyed the scenic surroundings.
Day 4: Orienteering and Shelter-Building
On the final day, students participated in an orienteering challenge on campus using the Epicollect app, then traveled to Dalrymple National Park for shelter-building practice. The journey wrapped up with lunch and a return to ASSG to close out a fantastic week of learning and adventure.
Congratulations to our Bronze participants on completing this memorable journey!
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Our Junior School Captains and incoming 2025 School Captains spent the morning of the 11th November, alongside members of the Charters Towers Community, at the Cenotaph honouring members of the armed forces who have passed in the line of duty.
BOARDING TAKES ON AIRLIE
This term in Boarding has been filled with exciting adventures and memorable moments.
It’s been an incredibly busy term filled with memorable events, including the Year 12 Valedictory and Graduation, Awards Days, Touch Football Finals, the Volleyball Gala at Blackheath & Thornburgh College, the Basketball Gala at ASSG, and celebrations for All Souls Day and Green Dinner.
Our Recreation Program has been a highlight, providing fun and engaging activities. Our Boarders have had the opportunity to embark on several exciting trips this term, including their visits to Townsville where they enjoyed time at The Strand and Stockland Shopping Centre.
However, the standout adventure was undoubtedly our boys boarding & girls boarding trips to Airlie Beach. During both visits, the students had an exhilarating speedboat ride followed by a relaxing glass-bottom boat tour. They also enjoyed delicious BBQs prepared by our dorm staff and had plenty of fun at the Big 4 resort pool, making the most of the water slides and downtime.
TERM 4 BOARDING VANESSA
HERRING HEAD OF BOARDING
Throughout the term, we continued to enjoy evenings under the lights on O’Keefe, where our Boarders love spending time with friends or playing mixed Touch Football. Our regular trips to the Aquatic Centre have become a highlight too, with weekend swimming a new favourite escape from the heat.
To celebrate the end of the year, we hosted a festive Christmas dinner and games night. A huge thank you to Natalie for her dedication in organising such a wonderful event. Our Boarders had a fantastic evening, dressing in their best Christmas outfits and celebrating the conclusion of a busy year with their friends.
Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents and families who support us in our roles. Your patience and understanding have been invaluable as we navigated another year in Boarding. We wish everyone a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.
Until then, take care!
P&F RACES AT THE RIX
Earlier this term, the ASSG Parents & Friends Association hosted ‘The Amateurs at The Rix’, an event designed to keep the spirit of the iconic Amateur Races alive. The evening brought together members of the wider Charters Towers community for a night of connection, celebration, and fun. The event provided the perfect setting for guests to mingle, enjoy great company, and celebrate. From the lively atmosphere to the excellent organisation, the day was a resounding success.
A huge congratulations to the ASSG P&F for their hard work in bringing this event to life. Their dedication continues to strengthen the bond between the school and the broader community.
ALL SOULS’ DAY & GREEN DINNER
Each year, ASSG holds a special All Souls Day Chapel Service, followed by the cherished Green Dinner. This service and dinner gives our school community the opportunity to honor and thank the Green Family & other benefactors for their contributions to the school.
A heartfelt thank you to our guest speaker and Past Student (1990-1994), Myles Gostelow, for sharing some strong words of advice and insight into his career as a fine furniture designer craftsman. A big shout out to Ramsay House for hosting and to the Kitchen Staff for preparing a beautiful evening and a delicious dinner!
JUNIOR SCHOOL
INTER HOUSE SWIMMING
GIRLS
AGE AGE CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP
8 Years Laynie Hamlyn Phoebe Storey
9 Years Harper Crane Matilda Crocker
10 Years Tayla Maff Kendyl Allan Lanah Emerson
11 Years Clare Brady Ava Crane
12 Years Elizabeth Groves Lucinda Reardon
BOYS
AGE AGE CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP
8 Years Lewis Walsh Alec Cook
9 Years Rhylan Hourston Lucas Bensemann
10 Years Rhylan Ahern Nate Mason
11 Years Mason Storey Cooper Hamlyn
12 Years Mason Brunello William Knight
CHAMPION HOUSES
Overall - Alban & Ramsay
JUNIOR SCHOOL
INTER SCHOOL SWIMMING
This year we had 25 students aged 9-12 years represent ASSG at the Inter-School Swimming carnival. The swimming carnival is always a great day, as all of the students gather in the grandstands and it really brings the School, and team spirit to life.
The ASSG swimming team had a very successful day in the pool. There were many PB’s, a new record for the record books, three age champions and even a shield to add to our display cabinet. The results appear below:
9 Years Boys Age Champion - Rhylan Hourston
11 Years Girls Age Champion - Clare Brady
11 Years Boys Age Champion - Mason Storey
ASSG won the Combined Average Champion School Shield and placed second on the Overall Aggregate champion ladder.
THE RITE JOURNEY CAMP
Grade 9 students travelled to Townsville to participate in ‘The Challene’, the fourth stage of The Rite Journey Program.
Students took part in a number of team building activities all along the Strand. Learn more about the Rite Journey - https://theritejourney.com/
JUNIOR SCHOOL
FINAL CHAPEL SERVICE
Our Junior School Celebrated their final Chapel Service for the year. Each year level from Pre-Prep to Year 6 donated a book to the Library and each child was presented with a special Christmas decoration.
We wished our Year 6 students farewell & a special presentation of the JS Chapel candle was made to our Chapel Prefect Lucinda for all of her hard work this year.
TERM
The recent Mixed Touch Football season showcased talents and teamwork, culminating in an exciting and memorable competition. This season saw 4 ASSG Teams participate in the competition, with each team making significant improvement in skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
ASSG1 claimed the B Grade championship, overcoming their opposition. Darby Linton’s standout performance earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Final, capping off a successful season for the team.
ASSG2 and ASSG3 also enjoyed a successful season. Both teams displayed remarkable improvement and consistency, with key players stepping up to secure victories in crucial matches, with Luke Keough taking out B Division Men’s Best & Fairest, & ASSG3 reaching the C Grade grand final. ASSG4 made it to the D Grade Final, the game was a nail-biter, with ASSG4 narrowly coming out on top in a tense drop-off finish. Shaun Gibson delivered a standout performance, securing the award for Player of the Final.
The success of the Mixed Touch Football season is a testament to the effort and enthusiasm of the players and the support from coaches and spectators. We look forward to another exciting season next year!
4 SPORT MIXED TOUCH FOOTBALL
On Friday Week 5, ASSG hosted the annual 3v3 Inter-School Basketball Gala, bringing together 16 teams for an action-packed day of competition. Five ASSG teams proudly represented the School across different divisions, including Junior Boys, Intermediate Boys, Intermediate Girls, and Senior Boys.
The Junior Boys teams started the day with a spirited match against each other. In a nail-biting finish, ASSG B1 clinched victory by a single basket, earning their place in the finals against CCC. Despite a hard-fought effort, they finished as runners-up, with Kena Debea receiving recognition as Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. Intermediate Girls impressed with a strong opening game, defeating BTC and showcasing excellent teamwork. In the finals, they delivered a valiant effort but narrowly missed the top spot, finishing as runners-up against CTSHS.
The Intermediate Boys faced tough competition throughout the day but remained enthusiastic and gave it their all in every match. Finally, the Senior Boys brought their best to the tournament, competing fiercely within their division. Their determination paid off as they secured third place in a highly competitive pool.
The evening was a fantastic display of teamwork and sportsmanship. Congratulations to the ASSG teams for representing the School so well!
INTER SCHOOL 3V3 BASKETBALL
INTER SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
Friday of Week 7 saw ASSG enter eight teams across three divisions (Junior, Intermediate, and Senior) at the Senior School Inter-School Volleyball Gala, hosted by Blackheath & Thornburgh College.
Each of our teams enjoyed playing a somewhat new sport with their friends. Our Junior teams excelled, claiming 1st and 3rd place within their division, showcasing exceptional teamwork and skill. The Intermediate and Senior teams also gave strong performances with a mix of wins & losses, contributing to a fantastic night of competition and camaraderie.
A big thank you to Blackheath & Thornburgh College for hosting a well-organised event and providing a platform for students to shine. Congratulations to all our players for their hard work and dedication!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE
On Friday Week 4, our High-Performance Program students were given an incredible opportunity to spend the day immersed in the inner workings of a professional sporting organisation at the North Queensland Cowboys Training Facility.
The day kicked off with an engaging session led by a JCU graduate Sports Physiologist, who emphasised the vital connection between training, nutrition, and recovery for young athletes. He also explored the various career pathways available in the sports industry, offering students insight into both the athlete’s journey and the essential roles played by support staff.
Following this, students toured the Cowboys’ state-of-the-art facilities, each area showcasing the elite resources available to the team. Highlights included the altitude room, which allows oxygen levels to be adjusted to simulate various altitudes, and the gym, which underscored the importance of strength and conditioning programs. The standout feature for many, however, was the indoor multisport training centre. This temperature-controlled facility, adaptable to different surfaces like artificial grass or mats, enables players to train comfortably and safely, even in North Queensland’s sweltering heat and humidity.
The experience reinforced the value of practices the students have been developing, such as goal setting, sport psychology, and recovery strategies. It was a day of learning, inspiration, and appreciation for the pathways sport can offer.
A huge thank you to Mr. Cameron, Kacey Musk, and Ms. Bowden for their work behind the scenes in making this day possible. Opportunities like this are invaluable, and the students were grateful for the chance to gain such meaningful insight into the world of professional sports.
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
MR MARK GIBSON
ASSG LEOS CLUB FACILITATOR
This year marked another impactful chapter for the Leo's Club as we continued our commitment to serving both the school and the wider community through various events. Notably, we successfully raised funds at key occasions such as the Leo’s Valentine's Day stall held in Term 1 and reintroduced the ‘Containers for Change’ initiative at the School. All funds raised this year went to worthwhile causes.
At the beginning of Term 4, we gathered for a memorable hand-over dinner at the Enterprise Hotel. This special evening allowed us to bid farewell to our outgoing President, Ben Dickson, and provided a platform for planning the future direction of the ASSG Leo's Club. We extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to the newly elected leaders, with Allarah Standen taking on the role of President and Zenada Luke stepping into the positions of Vice-President and Roary Polkevaz as Secretary.
Under Ben Dickson’s leadership, the ASSG Leo's Club has thrived, and we are excited to continue our journey under the guidance of our new leadership team. As we reflect on the past year, we are proud of the positive impact we've made, and we look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey, and we anticipate another year of meaningful service and community engagement.
MS STEPHANIE FOXLEY
ASSG Z CLUB FACILITATOR
ASSG Z-Club held a number of fundraisers in 2024, including a Bake Sale where the girls raised nearly $400, the Mothers Day Raffle which raised over $300 and the Donut day where they raised around $540. They also ran fundraisers at the Inter-School Basketball competition and a Pre-Christmas stall in the last week of Term 4 to raise funds for women’s charities.
The Z-Club girls also attended several events during the year, including the “Women in Science Breakfast” where they listened to presentations given by various successful women in the field of science, some of whom were also old girls of All Souls St Gabriels School.
They also had the opportunity of attending a Zonta Club of Charters Towers meeting and dinner, where they experienced how to run a meeting efficiently and could spend time talking to the Zonta ladies in a more social environment at the dinner.
Our Z-Club Presentation Dinner was also very successful, we were joined by Zonta President Mrs Helen Adams and the girls had to dress in items purchased at an opshop. Well done to all members of the Z-Club on a successful year!
Junior School students from Prep to Year 6 attended the World of Maths Incursion at the ASSG Jim Rebgetz Centre. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for students to discover how math’s applies to real-life situations while engaging in hands-on activities.
Working in small teams, students collaborated, communicated their mathematical ideas, and solved problems together. It was a wonderful chance for our young learners to experience the practical side of maths in a fun and interactive way!
DAY FOR DANIEL WORLD OF MATHS
On the 25th October the Junior School held a ‘Day for Daniel’ free dress day in support of the Daniel Morcome Foundation.
The day allows for, and encourages, the ongoing education of children and young people about how to stay safe in physical and online environments.
JUNIOR SCHOOL END OF YEAR
A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
BILLABONG SANCTUARY
Early on in the term our Year 1 students embarked on an incredible adventure at Billabong Sanctuary, filled with excitement and hands-on wildlife experiences!
Guided by Ranger Ellie, they enjoyed feeding kangaroos and ducks and even faced their fears by patting baby crocodiles and snakes - showing courage and curiosity every step of the way.
It was a fantastic day of learning, exploring, and connecting with Australia’s unique wildlife. Well done, Year 1!
SURF LIFESAVING
Our Year 5 and 6 students ventured to Townsville to participate in a Surf Lifesaving Course on the Strand.
Despite the wind and rain, the students were eager to dive into the water and take part in a variety of activities. The day included a mix of water safety, lifesaving techniques, and first aid training, both in the water and on the sand. These hands-on experiences reinforced the skills they’ve been learning in HPE.
Well done to our students for their enthusiasm and resilience!
PARTNERING WITH
wrItten by the VeracrOss team
In exciting news for our Asia Pacific team, All Souls St Gabriels School has become the next Australian school to choose Veracross as their new Student Information System.
The North Queensland school was looking for a more robust system that could cater to the technological needs of their community now and into the future. This led ASSG to assess many School Information System options available in Australia, ultimately realising Veracross was their best match.
“After establishing that the school wished to seek a new provider, an in-depth market search was undertaken. Whilst being new to the Australian market, the product came highly recommended from other school software programs that ASSG utilises,” shares Sophie Urquhart, Business Manager of All Souls St Gabriels School.
For the ASSG team, their confidence in Veracross stemmed from “the ability to customise the program to their specific requirements and have dynamic reporting available at any time; something that the school had identified as a key requirement. Similarly, the ability to integrate with existing programs within the school was a key determinant.”
Over the coming months, the Veracross team will work alongside All Souls St Gabriels School to ensure a smooth and successful transition to their new SIS.
“Our entire team is thrilled that All Souls St Gabriels School has decided to make the switch to a Veracross SIS,” said Brandt Memmelaar, Director of International Implementations at Veracross. “As a smaller school, All Souls St Gabriels School is taking an in-house, module-by-module approach to their implementation, with dedicated support from our local Australian team. We’re excited to help All Souls St Gabriels School achieve their strategic goals and showcase the power of Veracross for regional Australian schools.”
About Veracross
Veracross is the one-person, one-record school management platform for K-12 Independent Schools. Our leading global SIS is tailored for Australia and supported by considerable resources and an extensive on-the-ground team.
With our most recent investment in Digistorm, a much-loved Australian ed-tech brand, we’ve cemented a long-term vision and local presence in Australia to continue growing our APAC family.
From localised in-platform terminology and labels to offering government reporting and meeting academic requirements, the advanced technology behind Veracross has been carefully enhanced to suit the unique needs of independent K-12 schools across Australia.
With our 100% cloud-native database, the Veracross platform enables schools to access one shared source of truth to provide the data schools need, anytime, anywhere. More than 3,000 Independent schools in more than 60 countries run on Veracross solutions to support improved communication, enhanced learning and a unified school experience.
SPIRITING PRELIMINARY PRIZE GIVING
AWARDS DAY SUCCESS
YEAR 6 CELEBRATION
YEAR 12 VALEDICTORY
