Huddle Spring 2024 by St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School
As champions of young women, as educators who empower young girls, St Aidan’s knows change is the one constant, and we passionately accept the challenge of adapting and flexing to manage change.
Investing in our girl’s future is investing in humanity’s capacity to sustain change.
Schools such as St Aidan’s set and raise the bar for preparing our future female leaders.
MS TONI RIORDAN PRINCIPAL
Speech extract from the Opening of the Sports Performance Centre 2024.
Pictured:
Front: Emily Fordham (Year 5) carrying badges from the past 95 years
Back:
Meg Warren (Russell, 2009) holding Mackenzie Warren (enrolled), Charlotte Warren (enrolled), Sue Russell (Gibson, 1979), Matilda Russell (enrolled), Janette Gibson (McKay, 1954).
St Aidan’s
From the Principal
MS TONI RIORDAN PRINCIPAL
Of the many annual events at St Aidan’s, Book Week celebrations are one of our favourites!
Book Week is an important inclusion in our School calendar; it is a week in which we come together to stretch our imaginations and embrace our love of stories, of characters and of reading. For we are very much a School with a rich reading culture.
We are fortunate to have vibrant Junior and Senior School libraries, expert librarians, staff who read for pleasure and love to discuss their reading (especially while waiting for coffee at Aidan’s Place), along with like-minded students who know reading regularly is essential for developing life-long learning.
Reading promotes intellectual curiosity, empathy, persistence, and creativity, which are all critical strengths for living, learning, and working in a globally interconnected world. At St Aidan’s, we know that reading is the cornerstone to developing young girls and women who are authentic, caring, confident, creative and connected, who value reason, imagination, truth, compassion and responsibility.
A recent report, funded by the Australian Research Council, explored the reading patterns of Australian secondary school students. A total of 13,217 Australian secondary school students were surveyed for the study. The report focused on teenagers’ voluntary reading habits, specifically excluding homework or school-assigned reading.
The researchers, from Deakin’s School of Communication and Creative Arts, found that only 15% of Australian adolescents read daily for pleasure during the school term, while the rest read at varying frequencies throughout the week.
In contrast, almost half of teenagers surveyed engaged extensively with social media, making it the preferred passive leisure activity for teens followed by watching TV, movies, or videos on YouTube.
The report also uncovered habits about teens’ engagement with books, revealing that parents and friends are the strongest influences on young people’s reading.
Dr Bronwyn Reddan, Research Fellow on the project, shared that the findings showed peers, parents, librarians, and teachers played an important role in encouraging secondary students to read.
Key influences on reading habits included sharing book recommendations aligned with a young person’s interests, making reading social by discussing books, parents modelling reading behaviour at home, and making sure school and local libraries were well-stocked.
It seems, this could be a call to all of us adults to conduct regular checks on our own reading habits for the sake of future, healthy, young readers.
Cyber psychologist Jocelyn Brewer says our struggles to read or write are less about increased distraction and more to do with how we are consuming information.
“We have a quite ancient brain; our brain has not been updated, we do not have the latest IOS software, but the amount of information we are consuming per day has increased,” Brewer says.
For many of us, we used to read a novel, but now we read bite-size commentary about all aspects of life. We are still consuming information, it is just the style of information has changed. Brewer likens the way we take in information in the digital era to being at a ‘sushi train, eating the little snacks that keep rolling by” instead of consuming “an enormous plate of lasagna.”
Recently, while on a retreat for School Principals, I was introduced to the notion of a ‘Digital Nutritionist.’ I had not heard of such a thing. Have you?
Almost a decade ago, Jocelyn Brewer created Digital Nutrition, which is both a concept and a service (including therapy and consultation) to help guide best practice, balance tech use, and grow healthy relationships with digital devices.”
“Part of it is stepping back and doing a value clarification exercise and really thinking about what is important and how we can get technology to enhance our lives rather than taking away from us,” Brewer says.
Spring is here and traditionally many of us like to clean our living spaces, get outdoors, exercise our winter bodies, and freshen up our diets. This year, I am taking the advice of a cyber nutritionist and will be attending to my scrolling habits as well as my usual spring cleaning. I know reading is good for me and good for others. Less ‘bite size’ internet reading and more nourishing ‘long form’ reading for me!
As researcher Dr Redden concludes, “We know reading for pleasure is linked to better academic achievement, higher levels of wellbeing, and better employment outcomes after finishing school. We also found that students who read regularly tend to use social media less,’ Dr Reddan said.
I hope you enjoy the opportunity to pleasurably read our special 95th Birthday edition of Huddle. I commend to you the range of articles within, highlighting our community’s creativity, love of literature and passion for learning. Enjoy!
Reference: L. Rutherford, A. Singleton, B. Reddan, K. Johanson, M. Dezuanni (2024) Discovering a Good Read: Exploring Book Discovery and Reading for Pleasure Among Australian Teens. Geelong: Deakin University.
From the Deputy Principal
MRS GERALDINE EBBRELL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Empowering Girls Through Sport
The landscape of women’s sports has evolved dramatically, particularly highlighted by the recent Olympics, Matilda’s success and closer to home, the opening of our Sports Performance Centre (SPC). This landmark achievement is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and community support. The SPC, part of St Aidan’s broader Ambiwerra Masterplan, is not only a facility for sports but a symbol of the school’s commitment to fostering excellence in girls’ education and physical pursuits.
The Vision of Ambiwerra
The transformation of the Ambiwerra site is nothing short of remarkable. Originally a dairy farm acquired by the school in 1983, it has since evolved through continuous investment and development. The recent completion of Stage 2 of the Masterplan marks a significant milestone, showcasing the school’s dedication to creating world-class facilities that cater to the holistic development of our students.
The Sports Performance Centre, with its innovative design and sustainable features, is a game changer with the unique timber trusses, sourced from Italy, and its flood-resistant construction. The light-filled, vinecovered walkway connecting the complex to the rest of Ambiwerra symbolises a journey towards excellence and resilience. This facility is set to host numerous sports, including Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, Badminton, and Futsal, alongside flexible learning areas for classroom teaching and sports performance monitoring.
Investing in the Future of Female Athletes
St Aidan’s commitment to girls’ sports is not merely about providing facilities; it’s about creating opportunities and pathways for future generations. The SPC’s opening is timely, coinciding with broader movements towards gender equality in sports. The recent Paris Olympics marked the first time in history that the Games featured an equal number of male and female athletes. This milestone, championed by pioneers like Alice Milliat, underscores the importance of providing equal opportunities for women in sports.
Alice Milliat’s relentless advocacy for women’s inclusion in sports laid the groundwork for the equality we witness today. In 1919, Alice confronted the male-dominated world of sports by requesting that women be allowed to compete in the 1924 Olympics. When her requests were denied, she took matters into her own hands, organising the first Women’s Olympic Games in 1922. Her efforts were pivotal in the eventual inclusion of women’s events in the Olympics, though it took decades for true equality to be realised.
Alice Milliat’s legacy is a reminder of the challenges faced by female athletes and the progress made possible through perseverance and advocacy. Her story is particularly resonant at St Aidan’s, where the new Sports Performance Centre stands as a tribute to the school’s dedication to empowering young women through sports.
The opening of the Sports Performance Centre at St Aidan’s is a celebration of vision, perseverance, and community spirit. It represents a significant step towards gender equality in sports, echoing the legacy of pioneers like Alice Milliat. As the school continues to invest in facilities and programs that empower young women, it sets a benchmark for excellence in girls’ sporting pursuits.
Pictured: Alice Milliat
1929-2024
ASCENSION DAY
REV GILLIAN MOSES SSA CHAPLAIN
On Thursday 9 May, Ascension Day, students from Years 5, 7 and 9, together with our student leaders, alumni, members of the Society of the Sacred Advent and friends of St Aidan’s, gathered in St John’s Cathedral to celebrate the school’s 95th birthday. Led by Bishop Cam Venables, we sang, prayed, played and gave thanks for 95 amazing years of this wonderful community.
Our worship was enriched by the Da Capo String Quartet and a specially assembled Ascension Day Band who offered sublime musical pieces for our reflection. One of the highlights was the Gathering Rite which brought together all the different parts of the community. Dean Barrett’s mighty Bible, recently gifted to the school, was carried in by students from years 5, 7 and 9, and four generations of the GibsonRussell-Warren family were present. Bishop Cam’s sermon called upon us all to be present and joyful in the world, as we sing and dance along to the heartbeat of God.
Congratulations to all the student leaders of 2025
2025 SCHOOL CAPTAINS - Oona Romans and Samantha Cooper with Principal Toni Riordan
Leadership
MRS MEG BISHOP DEAN OF STUDENTS
St Aidan’s is dedicated to nurturing and enhancing the leadership abilities of all our students, which is a key component of our Pastoral Care Framework’s five Wellbeing pillars. Personal leadership can be demonstrated in various ways, such as showing pride in the school uniform or exhibiting compassion and kindness towards peers. These actions can positively influence the behaviour and experiences of others. We believe that this everyday leadership is a vital quality for all St Aidan’s students. Additionally, we recognise that formal leadership roles play a significant role in the social, emotional, and cognitive development of adolescents.
As a school community, we are incredibly proud of our Year 11 students who have taken on the challenge of nominating for leadership positions in 2025.
At St Aidan’s, we take pride in our comprehensive and inclusive leadership program, which provides all students with opportunities to develop self-awareness, teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, and empathy. These attributes not only foster individual growth and wellbeing but also contribute to positive outcomes for our entire school community.
Our 2025 Student Leaders and the Seniors of 2025 will join for their leadership conference during the last week of Term 3. During this time all students will work together collaboratively to design the cohort vision for 2025 and identify their goals for the year ahead. We look forward to their collective leadership in 2025.
2025 SCHOOL CAPTAINS
Samantha Cooper
Oona Romans
PREFECTS Jinani Ariyarathne
Samantha Cooper
Liliana Davies
Molly Fletcher
Georgina Johnstone
Annie Jones
Veronica Ngo
Arlie Richardson
Oona Romans
Lillian Walker
SACRISTANS Keira McKenna
Yujin Seo
SPORTS CAPTAIN
Adelaide Himstedt
Vanning Kuo
MUSIC CAPTAINS
Natalia Chan
Lauren Walsh
ACTIVITY CAPTAINS
Catherine Barton Chloe Kyprios
PASTORAL CARE CAPTAINS
Claire Allen
Elise Williams Hernandez
HOUSE CO-CAPTAINS
AUSTEN Annabel Bristow
Libby Oelkers
BARRETT Zahra Fraser
Sarah Sakurai
BRONTE Anoushka Falk
Bridie Smith
CAVELL Mia Kirk
Indiana Richter
HARTLAND Chloe Flack
Jasmine Keke
NIGHTINGALE Regan Saayman
Sarah Willsford
Ambiwerra
St Aidan’s purchased a 17-acre site to be used as sporting grounds
St Aidan’s purchases 6 acres of land adjoining Ambiwerra, known as “The Strawberry Farm”, resulting in 10 hectares of land now available for Tennis, Netball and Basketball courts
What has been nurtured over the years at AMBIWERRA paves the way for an incredible future of women in sport.
Sports Performance Centre Our St Aidan’s community gathers to celebrate the opening of the Sports Performance Centre
On 20 April 2024, our St Aidan’s community gathered together to celebrate the opening of our new Sports Performance Centre within the Ambiwerra Sports Precinct.
The opening was a pivotal step in our journey to being world leaders in girls’ education and enabling our inspiring professionals to continue delivering educational excellence to students.
The Sports Performance Centre overlooks Ambiwerra’s vibrant green landscape, allowing natural light and ventilation to filter through the facility. The entrances feature a long arbour to provide a warm welcome to the facility and act as a sunshade canopy to protect the space from the northern sunlight.
Since the official opening, our students and staff have taken advantage of this new space. The centre boasts 96 metres of indoor courts and spectator seating, as well as a flexible learning space and new amenities. The courts have already been used for a range of Junior School and Senior School sporting events including Basketball, Volleyball and Badminton. Additionally, many Physical Education lessons have been held in the space during Term 3.
The Sports Performance Centre would not have been possible without the dedicated team of architects, engineers, contractors and builders.
We warmly thank Blight Rayner, Gaskell Planning Consultants, DMA Partners, ATG, SignSite Group and our generous donors for helping us bring this vision to life.
MISTAKES ALLOW THINKING TO HAPPEN
MRS LINDA GOTHARD LEARNING AREA LEADER - MATHEMATICS
Thursday 13 June saw Eunice Plaza transformed into an interactive Mathematics show complete with an eager audience of our Year 7 students. Seventeen hands-on activities, appropriately designed to meet the Australian curriculum, were set up around the space.
Each unique activity was developed in such a way that students could work independently to discover a solution.
Organised into groups of four, the students worked collaboratively to solve many of the mathematical activities in the 90-minute session. Being able to brainstorm, think creatively, communicate effectively and to problem-solve were integral skills necessary for success. The activities have intentionally been designed to incorporate the three strands of the Year 7 curriculum; Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.
A key aim of the session was to see the link between problem solving in the real world and the learning that takes place in the mathematics classroom. Without even realising it, the students attempted challenging complex mathematics problems. World of Maths provides a full sensory experience where students listened to their peers, watched what was happening, read important information and manipulated ideas with their hands.
Students were encouraged to work at their own pace and focus on the learning journey. “Give it a go!” was the key message of the session. The facilitator was always on hand to offer guidance and perhaps a little hint to get started. Students were encouraged to record their answers and outcomes in an answer booklet. At the completion of the session, the World of Maths representative discussed what the students had learnt and the strategies they used.
Feedback from the students was that it was an educational but fun activity, and they didn’t even think about the fact that they were doing rigorous, complex Mathematics!
Exploring REAL-LIFE MATHS
MISS JOSIE CRANNY TEACHER - SENIOR SCHOOL
Mathematics at St Aidan’s is designed to be dynamic and hands-on, translating challenging concepts into enjoyable and stimulating experiences.
Through applying mathematics to real-life scenarios, students can make complex connections and grasp the importance of topics they will encounter outside the school gates. The Year 11 Essential Mathematics class have spent Term 2 and 3 learning about how to manage their own money effectively. Student participation is nurtured through a variety of collaborative activities, where open discussions and effective communication is encouraged.
Highlights of our mathematics classrooms involve regular challenges and competitions. We incorporate the use of technology in learning and use hands-on activities to convert abstract concepts into concrete, relatable outcomes. Students are urged to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to deepen their understanding of topics whilst performing under pressure. This approach fosters a positive learning environment where students build their confidence and are excited to participate and learn.
At St Aidan’s, mathematics students learn through exploration. As a result, classrooms have transformed numbers and equations into interactive, engaging and memorable experiences.
Educational Excellence
At St Aidan’s, we build excellence in education, ensuring that each individual student is nurtured within a vibrant learning environment, with the opportunity to realise her aspirations.
The fact that St Aidan’s continues to be one of the top performing independent schools in Queensland is testament to the inspiring professionals we have here who deliver engaging lessons every day from Kindy through to Year 12.
We are proud to continually build expertise in our quality academic programs and are committed to providing a range of subjects that allow all students to become resilient, forward-thinking individuals.
Our current subject range for Senior School students is shown below.
ENGLISH
MATHEMATICS
SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
CURRICULUM 2024
THE ARTS
LANGUAGES
BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
ENGLISH
English
Amplify English (from 2025)
Literature
Essential English
English and Literature Extension
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Science
STEAM
Amplify Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Science in Practice
Technology
Digital Solutions
Physical Education
Human Movement
LANGUAGES
Chinese
French
Japanese
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics
Amplify Mathematics
Specialist Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
General Mathematics
Essential Mathematics
THE ARTS
Music
Drama
Visual Art
Arts in Practice
BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Accounting
Civics and Citizenship
Business and Economics
Economics
Geography
History
Modern History
Note: We are introducing Philosophy & Reason for Year 11 in 2025.
Congratulations to our INSPIRING PROFESSIONALS
Ms Melissa Alexander and Mrs Meg Bishop
Each year the Australian Council for Educational Leaders Queensland Branch (ACELQ) honours educational leaders who have made a significant contribution to the understanding and practices of the teaching profession and educational leadership.
It is with much pleasure that we announce that two staff members have received ACELQ awards in 2024.
Ms Melissa Alexander, Learning Area Leader (B.E.S.S), has received a ‘Pivotal People Leadership Award’ for 2024.
This award is for leaders who have been pivotal in generating enhanced learning outcomes for students and directly and positively influencing teachers’ practice.
Melissa leads school improvement in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team. This award highlights her significant impact and contribution to our community and wider networks of teachers and Middle Leaders.
Mrs Meg Bishop, Dean of Students, has been honoured with the ‘Emerging Educational Leadership Award’ for 2024.
This award, provided to an educational leader in the first five years of their formal leadership career, allows Meg the opportunity to undertake further professional learning in educational leadership, funded by ACEL, which will significantly inform and influence her educational leadership practice within the school setting.
Meg is an influential school leader who demonstrates leadership that enhances student engagement, aspiration and achievement. Meg has been instrumental in ensuring the strategic direction of St Aidan’s with her leadership of the Pastoral Care Framework.
While all our teaching and support staff exemplify incredible professional qualities, it is wonderful to see two of our staff members being recognised at such a prestigious level. Congratulations to Ms Alexander and Mrs Bishop!
Meet our Dean of Pedagogy and Innovative Pratice
Joel Glazebrook
Year Level Taught: Year 8 Design and Technology and Year 9 English
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Political Science); Bachelor of Journalism (Hons); Graduate Diploma of Education; Diploma of Arts (Philosophy) Currently studying: PhD (Philosophy)
About the Students
If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
I think it would be good to go somewhere that is radically different to the everyday experience of living where we are now. To be confronted by completely different ways of living, thinking and interacting has been an important way that I’ve learned more about myself. Egypt or Nepal come to mind as two places that I’ve travelled to where I found the difference in culture jarring in a very important and challenging way.
About School Life
What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
Working with inspiring people. So, every day at St Aidan’s.
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
Seeing the ‘ah-ha’ moments when students understand a new concept they have been finding difficult.
About Life Outside of School
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
After loving school for most of my childhood, from about Year 9 onwards, I developed a fairly passionate dislike of almost everything associated with school.I was increasingly disengaged in the classroom, and I probably didn’t really take the time to engage in Extra-Curricular activities within the school. It wasn’t until university that I realised how much I loved learning again.
What is one of your hidden talents?
Calling it a talent is a stretch, but I do like to play music – though I probably spend more time setting up the technical elements than actually playing. I use an instrument looper to create phrases and then progressively build songs by looping guitar, bass, synthesisers, etc. I play semi-infrequently at little spots around Brisbane under an alias.
What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?
I am the proud father to a Miniature Schnauzer named Nia. She is highly anxious but also brings an incredible amount of joy into my life.
If you weren’t a teacher what would you be?
I studied journalism and political science before becoming a teacher, and have worked in the public service. So possibly something in politics. I’m also studying for a PhD in Philosophy at the moment, but I’m not entirely sure the tertiary space is for me.
What is your favourite book?
That is an impossible question to answer. I love the work of James Joyce and Samuel Beckett – enormously inventive and challenging. Currently I’m reading both the poetry and the essays of Friedrich Holderlin – beautiful and confusing. My favourite contemporary writers of fiction at the moment are Rachel Cusk and Ottessa Moshfegh. I’m also a huge fan of the novels and essays of Joan Didion. A student recently recommended that I read a book called “No Longer Human” by Osamu Dazai, and I’m enjoying that very much. Any writing that has a disturbing, absurdist bent is usually what I find engaging.
What song do you love singing out loud?
Morning Theft by
Jeff Buckley
Meet our Junior School Teacher
Lizzie Hill (Ms Hill)
Qualifications: Certificate III in Children’s Services
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Master of Education (Educational Technology and Special Needs Education) – with Distinction
About the Students
What inspires you?
My students inspire me daily with their bravery and confidence in their approach to learning. They take risks and see mistakes as opportunities to learn, reminding me that it’s okay to stumble sometimes, as this helps you grow.
If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
Visiting Antarctica is definitely on my bucket list, and it would be amazing to share that with students. Firsthand learning experiences are always the most memorable, so it would be very cool to visit the coolest continent on Earth!
About School Life
What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
A good day for me is whenever I get to teach Design or Technology. I love seeing my students enthusiastically dive into the design process, creating products or solutions that tackle real-world problems.
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
What I love most about my job is helping students grow and realise their full potential. School has always felt like a second home to me, so I love making sure my classroom feels like a place where everyone belongs.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
Honestly, growing up I always wanted to be a teacher, but if I hadn’t taken this path, I would have loved to get into graphic design or coding—basically anything techy!
About Life Outside of School
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I was a fencer for most of my childhood and represented Queensland in Fencing in both sabre and foil competitions. My father, a fantastic fencer himself, taught me everything he knew!
What is your favourite book?
What is your favourite book?
‘The Little Prince’ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
My favourite book is The Little Prince because it reminds me of the importance of seeing the world through the eyes of a child and valuing human connections. It’s one of those stories that resonates differently every time you read it, so I enjoy picking it up again and again.
In which Hogwarts house would you be sorted?
I wish I could say Gryffindor, but let’s be honestI’m a Hufflepuff. We’re the ones making sure everyone has snacks and feels included!
What song do you love singing out loud?
I’m a Swiftie, so at the moment, you would probably catch me belting out anything from the Tortured Poets Department album!
Reconciliation at St Aidan’s
Our vision for reconciliation at St Aidan’s is to encourage acknowledgement and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and values, and their stories of this place. We endeavour to create an environment where all people are accepted, respected and celebrated, and initiate opportunities for us to build community.
As part of our commitment to reconciliation, we have a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group comprising a diverse range of stakeholders including teachers, support staff, parents and students to help steer the vision for St Aidan’s in this important endeavour.
Instrumental in this group are Lily Bougoure (Junior School Teacher), students Rhani Hagan and Zara Hagan and Rev’d Gillian Moses (Chaplain). Their contributions to date have been critical in ensuring the plan reflects the school’s dedication to making reconciliation a reality.
The RAP is more than just a document—it’s a blueprint for fostering a more inclusive and culturally aware school environment. Developed through a series of engaging workshops and discussions with students, staff, and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, the plan is set to transform how the school approaches cultural education and community engagement.
Together, the working party have ensured that the new Reconciliation Action Plan is not only comprehensive but also genuinely respectful of First Nations cultures.
“This plan is a huge step towards achieving that, and it shows our commitment to making meaningful change,” said Lily.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this Land, the Jagera and Turrubul people and their Elders past and present. Open to the Spirit who has ever been present here, we resolve to continue to appreciate its beauty, to be wise stewards of its resources, and to honour the connection the Traditional Custodians have with this Land.
SCOOL
EMBEDDING INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES A Classroom Experience
MRS CATHERINE GRANT LEAD TEACHER
KAREN SPILLER FELLOWSHIP AWARDEE
The introduction of the Australian Curriculum V9 presented an opportunity to evaluate current Mathematics programs and reflect on their effectiveness in providing authentic opportunities to embed Indigenous perspectives into the classroom.
As part of the process of developing the St Aidan’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the Karen Spiller Fellowship provided opportunities for professional development and creating closer connections with Indigenous experts. The project chronicles the experiences of four teachers who worked with Dr Chris Matthews. Dr Matthews shared his mathematical expertise and highlighted opportunities to develop learning plans utilising Indigenous understandings and perspectives. The project is supported by the pedagogical beliefs that mathematical knowledge is informed by culture developed over many generations, that mathematics is purposeful and linked to real world experiences, that all students can develop their mathematical skills and that mathematical knowledge can be shared in a learning community. Specific activities used by teachers included Year 1 patterning and counting, Year 4 mapping, area and perimeter and Year 5 2D and 3D shapes found in Indigenous architecture.
CONCERT
St Aidan’s & Ambrose Treacy College
The St Aidan’s Music Department was delighted to welcome musicians from Ambrose Treacy College in May for a combined Music Workshop.
The workshop rehearsals were held in our Christine Hartland Centre (CHC) and saw musicians work in large ensembles to play together and establish connections. The evening allowed students to build upon their repertoire and enhance their technical skills. The students thoroughly enjoyed this new experience, and it was lovely to witness friendships transcend across schools.
Congratulations
to our Da Capo String Quartet
Our Da Capo String Quartet recently entered a national chamber music competition through Music Viva Australia, Strike A Chord, for Australian school students. They submitted a 12-minute video performance to a professional musician judging panel.
Over 155 groups from across the country entered and we are pleased to announce that the string quartet have received an Australian Strings Association (AUSTA), First Round String Prize.
Along with winning this prize, the group were shortlisted for two additional prizes:
• a 12-month mentorship with a professional string quartet based in Melbourne
• a week long residency at Monash University in Melbourne.
This is a remarkable achievement and we congratulate them on their success.
Our Year 2 – Year 6 students participated in the Junior School Interhouse Athletics Carnival at the Ambiwerra Sporting Precinct in June.
The day was filled with high energy and team spirit, with students exhibiting their strength and determination in each event.
Final House results:
Cavell
7 Years
Emily Voytenko (BR)
Tiffany Ren (BA)
River-Rose Egan (BR)
8 Years
Rose Percival (HA)
Alba Baradel (BA)
Mandy Luo (CA)
9 Years
Juliette Dube (BR)
Adeline Horrocks (HA)
Evelyn Kandel-Potesil (CA)
10 Years
Alyssa Blatch (CA)
Isabella Sardi (BR)
Thando Ganga (BA)
11 Years
Isabella Kretschmer (BR)
Chloe Chan (HA)
Ania Khera (AU)
12 Years
Alula Joseph (AU)
Amelia David (NI)
Jessica Jeong (BR)
Senior School Interhouse Athletics
Congratulations to Barrett who won the Interhouse Athletics Carnival for 2024!
It was wonderful to witness the authentic encouragement and House spirit of our Senior School students with high participation rates in each event.
Final House results:
Barrett
Hartland
Bronte
Cavell
Austen
Nightingale
12 Years
Evie-Rose Smith (BA)
Neve Bron (NI)
Clementine Frere (HA)
13 Years
Eloise Nealon (BR)
Elodie Boyd (CA)
Clara Best (BR)
14 Years
Grace Hefner (HA)
Harriet Pillans (AU)
Eliza Staunton (HA)
15 Years
Aurelia Boyd (CA)
Amelie Boyd (CA)
Layla Pennisi (NI)
16 Years
Xanthe Schubert (BA)
Joyce Wong (AU)
Isabella Valinoti (CA)
17+ Years
Alexandra Jolly (BA)
Tessa Kift (AU)
Rebecca Teahen (AU)
CONGRATULATIONS
Alexandra Jolly who took home the St Aidan’s Gift as the fastest girl in the school.
‘We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it.’
BARACK OBAMA
YEAR 6 visits Canberra
Year 6 is an exciting time for students in their school journey. It is in these formative years where students begin to recognise obstacles and the power of challenge and choice.
Arguably, the quintessential outcome of any educator is to develop a child’s character. At St Aidan’s, we don’t change who a child is but rather help them understand who they are and what they aspire to be. We use challenges to support individual growth; we foster resilience through trial and error; and we strategise tactics to achieve appreciable outcomes. These skills not only support our young leaders as they prepare for school life beyond the Junior School gates but will also be fundamental as they embrace life’s challenges.
This is one of the many reasons why we send our Year 6 students to the nation’s capital. The Canberra excursion is more than just a school trip – it is a powerful experience that teaches our students the values of leadership and challenge.
Stepping beyond the safe and secure nature of the Junior School is daunting but it allows for our Year 6 students to step outside of their comfort zones. The skills developed on this trip become part of comprehensive capabilities, augmented by decision-making and inquiry.
In mid-May, the Year 6 cohort jetted off on a 4-day educational tour of the capital. The trip ran on a tight schedule, with the girls embarking on an insightful tour of Parliament House just hours after landing on the tarmac. The students and their teachers explored Quest-a-con, the National Museum and the Australian War Memorial amongst other landmarks. The students truly embraced the ‘Canberrian’ way of life. Amongst all of the educational experiences, the students were able to find some time to be active 10 and 11-year-olds and even hit some holes at Mini Golf.
It is fair to say that the Year 6 cohort of 2024 are empowered leaders; ready to tackle the future.
They are fierce. They are strong. They are brave. They are born to fly!
YEAR 5 Camp
There was a sense of eager anticipation for the adventures that awaited us at camp at Currimundi in Term 2, and what a remarkable journey it turned out to be! Reflecting on our incredible camp, filled with unforgettable experiences and valuable learning opportunities, our students embraced every moment with enthusiasm, fostering a strong sense of community. They developed social networks, discovered new ways of working in teams, and learnt practical life skills at every turn.
YEAR 7 SOAR
In late Term 2, the Year 7 cohort spent time outside the classroom to learn the importance of respectful relationships, boundaries and consent through various activities and seminars as part of SOAR. The SOAR curriculum helps to expand students’ knowledge, understanding and skill on how to take positive action to enhance their wellbeing.
Conference Futures
MAP OUT YOUR FUTUREBUT DO IT IN PENCIL
In April, our Year 10 students visited the University of Queensland (UQ) and explored the beautiful St Lucia campus to gain insight into study options as part of the Futures Conference. They engaged in various seminars and presentations aimed at investigating personal qualities and strengths, as well as providing insight into life and study beyond school. The Futures Conference exposes Year 10 students to a range of industry and tertiary course options in an interactive setting.
Jon Bon Jovi
On Tuesday 10 September our community came together to enjoy our Junior School Art Exhibition which showcased the creative talents of every Junior School student.
Many Junior and Senior School music ensembles entertained our guests as students, parents and friends celebrated and admired the diverse range of creative masterpieces from our budding artists.
SHOW ART
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Year 12 Artworks
are all highly reflective cycles of creative practice.
The student outcomes in Visual Art are a fusion of practice-led layering of processes informed through research and iterative experimentation.
Each student work evolves from a self-determined focus with their final body of work influenced by contemporary artists, peer discussion and critique.
Pelican Pearl explores society’s illogical perception of trauma and extrapolates how one’s experience is truly unique, yet I aim to convey how trauma is a common theme in life. By crystalising decaying animal bones and then glamorising a severed head, I disrupt the purity of death by using abjection to literally frighten audiences based on nonliteral influences.
SOPHIA DEAVES
Memento of the Past
By inserting ourselves into the art, we can potentially understand what emotions the artist wanted us to perceive. As we play the role of muse, our minds become synonymous with theirs as we merge into one. For this work the lens was turned on myself as I appropriated famous artworks from Vermeer, Rosetti, and Delacroix.
MRS GAYE BROWN CURRICULUM LEADER - VISUAL ART
ELIZA LAWRENCE
HAYLEY CHEUNG
‘May I interest you in the newest flat?’explores the sardonic relationship between real estate agencies and the housing crisis in my previous home of Hong Kong. This installation invites all to probe into an exaggerated reimagination of a real estate agent’s routine work.
Digital Cocoon explores my personal experience of facing difficulties during adolescence and resorting to escapism, addicted to technology devices. The body of work symbolizes my own escape into the digital world, particularly using smartphones, when faced with challenges at the age of 13.
LARA KOEKOEK
Shifting Change reflects changes that an object is caught in, as it transforms and changes through time encouraging a rise to new experience or forms of growth.
LILLY HARRISON
Wyrm, is an exploration of the relationship between religious myths and modern society. It is also representative of my own spiritual quest and journey. In Eurocentric myth, (particularly Christian cannon) the dragon has historically represented a sort of barbaric, pagan evil. Characterised by the creature’s stupendous greed and fiery breath, its hellish nature is evident throughout art and stories portraying the beast.
MELINDA LIN
QuizIT
Raising over $2000 for Share the Dignity
Interact’s largest annual fundraiser, QuizIT, was a huge success. This sold out, student led event raised $2,000 for ‘Share the Dignity’, an organisation that supports women and girls facing period poverty.
Over 250 St Aidan’s students as well as 80 Ambrose Treacy College students and staff attended the annual Trivia event with fantastic performances from Stage Dance, MADD Night Winner (Cici Ma), ATC Band and Teacher’s Pet.
Attendees wrote jokes and heartfelt messages for inclusion in Hospital PJ sets, bringing comfort and a smile to children undergoing hospital treatment.
Raising almost $3000 for Charlotte’s Memory and the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
This term our Senior School students hosted MADD Night – an incredible event with students showcasing their talents and raising funds for charity. We congratulate People’s Choice Award Winner Cici Ma (Year 8) and Judge’s Choice Award Winner Angie Wong (Year 11) and thank everyone who came to MADD Night. Together we raised nearly $2000 for Charlotte’s Memory and the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The Junior School students also contributed to Charlotte’s Memory earlier in the year through their Tiaras and Tutus event, raising $640.
We fundraise for Charlotte’s Memory to celebrate the life of former St Aidan’s student, Charlotte Horwood-Young who was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at just eight-years-old and sadly passed away at 13 years.
In July our Anam Cara group coordinated the third St Aidan’s Clothing Swap event to bring greater awareness to fashion waste and create ways to promote ethical fashion.
This year our event raised over $560 which was donated to Thread Together. We thank everyone involved for their time, effort and contributions in making this event such a success.
As part of our Clothing Swap event we also managed to collect 19 formal dresses which have been donated to Formally Ever After – a free community organisation that helps provide dresses and suits to students who are struggling to attend their Formal due to financial hardship.
STAGE Dance
The Stage Dance team have wrapped up a very successful regional eisteddfod season. Our Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Lyrical groups have qualified for State Championships in October.
QUOTA Beenleigh Eisteddfod: 2nd – Jazz Highly Commended – Lyrical
Our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participants recently embarked on a combined practice and qualifying exploration that spanned four days, from 17 to 20 June.
This adventurous journey took our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participants to the beautiful locations of Manly, St Helena Island, and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), where they engaged in both natural and cultural explorations. Under the guidance of our teachers and the team from the Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre, students gained invaluable insights into the Quandamooka People’s profound connection to Moreton Bay, learning to appreciate the deep knowledge and traditions of the local First Nations community.
The journey was designed to foster a spirit of adventure and discovery, with students participating in a range of planned and student-led activities. During the Practice Journey, they honed their navigation and teamwork skills while exploring bay and island ecosystems, using state-of-the-art scientific equipment. The Qualifying Journey further deepened their understanding of the interplay between scientific knowledge and First Nations’ wisdom, as they explored Minjerribah and connected with its rich cultural heritage.
This experience not only enhanced the students’ selfconfidence and teamwork but also cultivated a greater appreciation for local culture, history, and the environment.
Gold Award
Year 12 student Louisa Atkin has recently completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, a remarkable achievement reflecting her dedication and perseverance. Throughout her high school years, Louisa honed her skills in playing the flute and dancing while giving back to her community through teaching assistance at her dance school. Her adventurous journey took her sailing from Sydney to Brisbane aboard the South Passage. Louisa’s most impactful experience was her residential project in Cambodia, where she taught prep students and renovated classrooms, gaining a profound appreciation for helping others.
Extra-Curricular Activities
MRS KATE ATKIN DIRECTOR OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS
At St Aidan’s, we continue to review the Extra-Curricular program offerings and we have recently expanded our Senior School clubs to include eSports, Chess Club, and Earth Guardians. These activities enhance our holistic education approach, promoting strategic thinking, environmental stewardship, and teamwork. Our eSports students participated in the inaugural Girls in Gaming invitational. Chess Club is a popular lunchtime activity, and we look forward to further developing Earth Guardians into a vibrant Senior School environment club as a seamless transition from our Earth Angels club in Junior School.
e S P O R T S
Earth Guardians
LANA HITS THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT
‘More than Equal’, a global specialised development program, co-founded by former British motorsports race driver, David Coulthard, is an initiative dedicated to developing and nurturing the next generation of young female racing talent through specialist direction and highperformance coaching.
As part of the program’s launch, Lana (Year 7), along with five other young female drivers from around the globe (Austria, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Slovakia and the UK) recently received technical and tactical coaching at the prestigious Wurz Test and Training Center in Austria in May 2024. This renowned facility hosts world-class innovative track features, optimising the training and driving experience for motorsports users.
Lana, at just 12-years-old, was the youngest to join this inaugural group of female F1 drivers. Lana has had an extensive history of driving success, becoming the first female driver in over 25 years to win Newcastle’s multi-round Australian Karting Championships.
Although St Aidan’s does not offer F1 Driver training as part of its Extra-Curricular program, we will always support each of our students in their individual endeavours. We are honoured to share Lana’s success with the wider St Aidan’s community.
Congratulations Lana. You are born to fly!
Read more about Lana in her interview with the ABC.
St Aidan’s students celebrate NATIONAL TREE DAY
Our Junior School students visited the Sherwood Arboretum for National Tree Day on 26 July to help complete a new wildlife corridor along the Arboretum’s western creek.
With the professional support of Brisbane Botanic Gardens, the new corridor of native plants and trees will provide a protective green pathway for native wildlife, from tiny bush birds to turtles, to move safely along the western creek into the Arboretum’s wetlands.
Before the tree planting session, students were given a special introduction to the Eastern longnecked turtle, the Squirrel Glider, the Tawny Frogmouth and a Carpet Python, which are just some of the native wildlife that call Sherwood Arboretum home.
Photo credit: Friends of Sherwood Arboretum Association
BOOKWEEK
2024
Each year since 1945 the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. St Aidan’s students and staff love spending this week celebrating books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators. Our libraries were awash with colourful displays and our teachers and librarians developed activities, ran competitions and told stories relating to the theme: READING IS MAGIC.
Parents & Friends
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
The P&F would like to thank their members for all the support received throughout 2024 and are excited about planning for more events and festivities in 2025.
Mother Daughter Breakfast
The annual Parents and Friends Association Mother Daughter Breakfast, was celebrated on Friday 10 May, in the Christine Hartland Centre.
This year’s event saw an impressive turnout, with over 300 members of our community in attendance. All who attended enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast prepared by our skilled catering team at Aidan’s Place.
The event was further highlighted by an outstanding performance from our Lyrical Dance Troupe.
A heartfelt thank you to Subi Mukhopadhyay for his coordination of the event and the numerous fathers who contributed their time and efforts as volunteers, ensuring the breakfast’s success.
The event was a true celebration of the special connection between mothers and daughters, making it a truly memorable day for all.
Father Daughter Breakfast
The annual Father Daughter Breakfast was successfully held on Thursday 29 August. This special occasion provides a unique opportunity for daughters to share a meaningful meal with their fathers.
A wonderful breakfast was prepared by our Aidan’s Place catering team. Adding to the morning’s enjoyment, the Back Beat Band delivered an entertaining performance whilst the video produced by our 2024 Sacristans reflected on the girls’ impressions of their Dads which created a lively and memorable atmosphere for all.
Junior School Disco
The Parents and Friends Association
“Girls just want to have fun,” Junior School Disco was a resounding success with 280 attendees lighting up the night.
DJ Anastasya’s talent shone through as she kept the dance floor alive with cool tunes, dance off’s and fun games.
Special thanks are extended to Alisha Twidale for her exceptional coordination efforts, and to the Year 9 students who played a fun role ensuring the enormous sale of glow sticks.
It was was an unforgettable night of fun and grooving.
Foundation
DR ANNE KRUGER FOUNDATION CHAIR
Friday 4 October 2024
The Rivershed
Some 1,028 phone calls across a 12-hour shift were made by our dedicated volunteers to ensure this year’s Giving Day success.
Of course this does not just happen by accident, with much work taking place in the lead up to the event. Our Development and Community team secured generous matchers in the months ahead; they created and sent out notices and social media in the weeks ahead; set up and decorated the operations room in the days before (I witnessed a quick trip to Spotlight for last minute supplies!) and they coordinated text messages on the day. I’m particularly grateful to our students who helped in the operations room, braving the phone lines with complete professionalism. I’m also incredibly grateful to those of you who took the calls, clicked on links and logged into our Giving Day platform. In these tough economic times, it was each and every donation that got us over the line and met our goal.
As I write this, I’m mindful of the spreadsheets, meetings, site visits and
BALL
often unseen coordination again by staff and volunteers who’ve worked just as hard for our annual Golf Day. And as we think about our upcoming 95th Celebration Ball on October 4th and the wonderful chance to win a year’s worth of school fees, let us be mindful of where that fundraising goes: From scholarships for girls who wouldn’t otherwise be able to receive a St Aidan’s education, to building projects that deliver excellence in education while also creating a sense of place and belonging.
Are we quiet achievers? The hours of dedication that goes into our philanthropy would indicate so. Are we humble achievers? Absolutely. St Aidan’s was named by a statistician-backed report as noted in the Brisbane Times as “Brisbane’s Best” in terms of ATAR results. Do we rest on our laurels? Absolutely not. What makes this report so special to me is that it’s the holistic learning environment that produces authentic, confident young women and leaders that remains our primary goal. A goal that you’re all a part of, when you so generously support our Foundation.
Howard Smith Wharves
Foundation
The St Aidan’s Foundation warmly thanks and acknowledges the support of our community for their generosity, belief in and support of the School. Following is a list of our 2024 community donors to 30 June 2024.
Adam & Isye Scott
Adam Gilmore & Gabrielle Demisch
Ali Dana & Neda Nikpour
Alice O’Donnell
Alisdair & Ruth Farthing
Amy Daly
Amy Liu & Paul Teng
Andrea Shackell
Andrew & Alice Percival
Andrew & Ellie Rentoul
Andrew & Jenny McIver
Andrew & Katrina Grant
Andrew & Lou Stanley
Andrew Boyd
Andy Lau & Sze Man Pang
Angela & Charles Elliott
Angus & Alissa McDougall
Ankush Goyal & Preeti Gupta
Ann Badger
Annabelle Chaplain
Anne & Paul Kruger
Anne McNiven
Annie Fanning
Antony & Rowena Warren
Ashley & Anne-Maree Keane
Ben & Julia O’Rourke
Ben & Katie Semos
Beng Ong & Min Choy
Bhavna & Mahendra Meta
Bin Cai & Yingzi Yan
Bin Wang & Jing Pan
Bo Dong & Yaqi Chen
Bohai Shangguan & Qiuyu Yang
Brendan & Jurgita Felix
Brendon Jackson & Luisa Uriarte
Brett & Sharee Cuthbert
Brian and Tanja Falk
Brian Ruddle
Bruce & Jacqueline Frey
Caleb and Stephanie Tang
Cam Schubert & Kieran Dore
Cameron & Susanne Hawkins
Cameron Miller & Jennifer Golden
Carl & Kathryn Quarterman
Carol Carlisle
Catherine Gulhane
Chao Li & Dingling Zhou
Chelsea Ho
Chen He & Chen Zhao
Chenghsi Chen & ChunHsin Cheng
Cheuk Yip & Angel Chan
Christian & Kristen Jennings
Christian & Mikka Patterson
Christoph Thalhammer & Lucia
Ossola
Christopher & Fiona Johnstone
Christopher & Jacquelyn Schofield
Christopher & Megan Bowen
ChunFang Chiang & Shadow Feng
Coleman Tyres & Mechanical Wacol
Coralie Burcher
Craig & Melissa Lennon
Cynthia Chan
Damian & Anita Haber
Damian & Louisa Lambkin
Daniel & Lindal Holt
David & Daniella Harrison
David & Marcia Kretschmer
David & Sue Russell
David Denholm & Nicole
Haines-Denholm
David Xu & Jin Luo
De Van Vu & Hanh Pham
Dean & Skye Firmin
Dean Sheppard & Meredith
Chapman
Denis & Victoria Timofeeva
Dianne Weidner
Domenic & Susan Figliano
Dongbing Pan and Cuiyin Huang
Dora Wu & Runfei Shan
Drew & Meghan Stephensen
Dugald & Tegan Homer
Elizabeth Hill
Emmalee Hoyer
Eric & Kylie Chan
Erica Drapes
Erlinda Climent
Felicity Conlan
Fleur & Steve Ristic
Fred & Fiona Himstedt
Gareth & Katie Davies
Gaye Brown
Gayle Petrie
Geraldine Ebbrell
Gerard & Kris Teahen
Gillian Moses
Gloria Lou
Gracy Meta
Grant & Amanda Benson
Greg & Kisa Baldwin
Greg Anderson
Greg Romans & Cushla McBride
Gregory & Lana Shoesmith
Gregory Parker & Louisa Gilles
Guanhao Li & Jian Yu
Guoming Wang & Yan Pei
Haiying Lu & Nana Zheng
Hamish & Lisa Bonifant
Hamish McKerrow & Hoai Vo
Han Gao & Ran Yan
Harry Xue & Jie Peng
Hazel Lahey
Hemant & Annu Bhardwaj
Hiroyuki & Masaki Kano
Huan Feng & Zhengyan Mei
Ian Calley & Danida Rinaldi
Inge Roberts
Innes Harriman
Isini Muthumuni
Jackson Yu & Angela Wu
James & Anna Lindley
James Edelman & Sarah Percy
Jane Muir
Janet Court
Jason & Jane Swale
Jason Watkins and Katina
Corones-Watkins
Jeffrey Dunn & Jennifer Coates
Jenny Crome
Jia Zhang & Xiaoting Li
Jian Shi & Yunxuan Tian
Jiayu Wen
Jie Zhang & Jia Tong
Jin Li & Han Feng
Jing Fan & Jing Xiao
Joe & Shih-hua Chao
Joel Glazebrook
John & Ashleigh Petrou
John & Loretta Van de Pol
John & Lotte Turley
John & Mandy Flack
John Hand & Amy Tiller
Joseph & Susan Moss
Josephine Chu
Josh King & Xi Wu
Judith Van De Pol
Judy Gibson
Justin Howard
Justin Walsh & Deidre Stark
Kanapathippillai & Rizana
Sivanesan
Karen Spiller OAM
Kari Melvin
Karunakaran Muthuthamby & Manjula Karunakaran
Kathryn Leong
Kathy Wells
Ken & Tara Fitzsimmons
Kevin & Kayo Baker
Kewu Li & Fang Liu
Key Bi & Tracy Zhao
Kim Hernandez
Kirby Egan
Kirsty Atley
Kristine Cairns
Kum Lye & Min Chen
Laura Cooke
Leon Wu & Mia Liu
Liam Best & Anna Mlinarec
Liming Shen and Yuxi Ying
Lin Jiang & Na Young
Ling Duan & Lu Jiang
Linnette Kyprios
Lisa George
Liza Peapell
Louise Burgman
Lucy Hirst
Margaret WIlliams
Mark & Jane Couchman
Mark & Lisa Neale
Mark Casey
Mark Chen & Joanne Chung
Mark Davies & Judith Morrison
Mark Walsh & Amelia Tong
Martin & Julia McKenna
Martin Yan and Rita Mok
Matthew & Belinda Mason
Matthew & Melissa George
Meg Bishop
Michael & Anje Austen
Michael & Cenan Dikici
Michael & Jenny Sherlock
Michael & Jodie Timoney
Michael & Karen Findlay
Michael & Patti Brennan
Michael & Wendy Tainton
Michael & Wendy Varidel
Michael and Anne Spooner
Michelle & Andrew Flack
Michelle Waters
Minseong Jun and Hyehyun Kim
Mrs Jean Humphries
Mrs Susan Whitaker
Murray & Laura Procter
Myriam Smith
Nan Wu & Linda Tang
Nanbin Wang & Yvonne Chong
Nathaele Dawes
Nathan & Paul Hatherly
Nathan Wilson & Carmen Mills
Nicholas & Lisa Weller
Nicholas Fraser & Justine
Campbell
Oliver Tsai & Nydia Lin
Panteha Voussoughi
Patricia Oliver
Patrick & Cathy O’Connor
Patrick Moniaga & Sitha Adriana
Paul & Farzaana Kirk
Paul & Molly Duffy
Paul McPhee & Vanessa James-
McPhee
Pavlo & Kateryna Voytenko
Pedrica Bishop
Peter & Anna Cottell
Peter & Kaye Mobsby
Peter Comino & Lisa Grosskopf
Peter Dalley & Caroline Keogh
Peter Ko
Peter Pillans & Joanna Sturtevant
Phong Nguyen & Rebecca Gardner
Phong Tran & Chi Pham
Priyanka & Shaniya Jayasuriya
Qiang Jin & Hui Wang
Qin & Yuan Li
Rachael Cronin
Rakesh & Seema Ganjoo
Reece Walker & Alison Hamilton
Reza Zadeh & Sophie Sarabi
Richard & Alexandra Bron
Richard & Alyson Cooper
Richard Morse
Rick Jeuken & Jacqui Johns
Rob & Lina Jolly
Rob Cornelissen & Yoke Looi
Robert & Georgia Barton
Robert & Jacqui Kift
Robert & Marilynn Morphet
Robert Petie
Robyn Furness
Robyn Hollands
Rocky Mo
Rohan & Kim Lawrence
Rosemary Blair
Rosemary Morrall
Ruth Matchett
Sam & Alisha Twidale
Sam & Emma Bristow
Samantha Doig
Samuel & Sarah O’Sullivan
Sarah & Mark Willoughby
Sasha Moor
Scott & Nicole McPherson
Scott & Vivian Dowd
Sean & Juliet Bailey
Seoung Lee & Yoona Cho
Shainiel & Rose Deo
Shane & Alex Veivers
Shane Dorange & Song Liu
Shannon Tobin & Jose Galindo
Shih-Jen Lee & Heng Pan
Shirley Power
Shuibing Cui & Ye Jiang
Shunyu Wang & Limin Zhang
Shuyi Dong & Xiang Li
Simon & Alicia Eggins
Simon & Emily Petie
Society of the Sacred Advent
St Aidan’s P&F Association
Stephen & Alex Boyd
Stephen & Deborah Green
Steve Somerville & Kelly Murphy
Steven Li & Lan Chen
Stuart & Anastasia Leighton
Stuart & Fiona Richardson
Susan Linnett
Tammy Watt
Tengyuan Cheng & Shuang Xing
Thomas & Matilda Cole
Tien Ngo & Sheren Nguyen
Tien Nguyen & Trinh Trieu
Tim & Jennifer Rylance
Timothy & Georgina Rose
Tin Long Chan & Yue Pan
Tingting and Yang Wang
Tom & Sue McDonald
Tom Penn-Davies & Errisya
Marliani
Toni Riordan
Toni Williams
Tony Lin & Ping-Ping Hung
Tony Wang & Jennifer Lin
Trevor Cook
Troy Keefe & Maria Kritsinelias
Tyrone Marega & Lezah Gildea-Marega
Vincent Zhao & Emily Guo
Viraj Ariyarathne & Thanuja
Gunasekara
W Tian & Lei Lu
Wayne & Lisa Timoney
Wei Chen & Xiaoqing Wang
Wei Jin & Dan Liu
Wendy Biggs
Wendy Mercer
William & Jane Whiteoak
Wing Cheung & Fanny Kam
Wing Yin Ho & Ho Shan Wai
Xiaodong Ma & Min Zhou
Xiulan Wu
Yan Wang & Jing Li
Yang Song & Belva Zhuang
Yang Yang & Bo Wang
Yi Guan & Tingting Yao
Yiding Ge & Wan Jin
Yijie Ge & Jing Ye
Yong Wang & Jiayi Tang
Yu Zhong & Wen Sun
Yue Jiang
Yunqiang Su and Lin Zhang
Zhenfei Gu & Lin Zhang
Zheng Fu & Lanlan Chu
Zhenjie Wang & Lina Fang
Celebrating the diverse achievements of our Alumni
The accomplishments of St Aidan’s alumni bring honour to themselves and to their School in a multitude of ways – through leadership in their professions; business and government; groundbreaking advances in science and medicine; achievement in sport, humanities and the arts; and service to global and local communities.
CAROLINE AMY ALUMNI AWARD
Dr Christine Furness 1973
Christine’s journey is a testament to the power of service and leadership. Her story began at St Aidan’s, where her commitment to serving others took root and flourished, leading her to break barriers as the second woman to join the Royal Australian Army Dental Corp (RAADC). This bold move was a steppingstone to her ultimate achievement: founding a thriving dental practice.
From her early days in Brisbane, Christine’s leadership qualities shone through, assisting her through her early education at St Aidan’s from 1969 to 1972. Her academic excellence was just the beginning of a life marked by challenges and triumphs. With a scholarship to the Royal Australian Army, Christine embarked on a mission to serve her nation and to leave her mark on the world.
In the RAADC, Christine rose to the rank of Captain, a rare feat for a woman at the time. She faced obstacles with fortitude. During her time in the army, she honed her resilience and reinforced her unwavering commitment to service.
After her distinguished military career, Christine pursued her passion for dentistry. She achieved her academic dreams and established a dental practice. She lived her life with purpose, excellence, and generosity.
As a mother of three daughters, Christine instilled values of kindness, wisdom, and steadfast support. Her life story is a powerful narrative of achievement, influence, and the impact of a life devoted to leadership and service.
MOTHER EMMA ALUMNI AWARD
Avalon Ormiston 2019
Avalon’s journey through the world of dance is a testament to her dedication and passion for the art form. Starting from a tender age at a local dance studio, she quickly found her calling and embraced the discipline and community that dance offered. Her early acceptance into prestigious ballet programs in Brisbane marked the beginning of a serious pursuit of dance, which later evolved into a quest for a more liberated and creative expression through contemporary dance. Her commitment to the craft was further solidified by her successful audition for the Sydney Dance Company’s PreProfessional Program, a rigorous two-year full-time course that not only honed her contemporary dance skills but also her artistry in movement. Balancing intense training with academic pursuits and work, Avalon exemplified the multifaceted nature of modern artists who seamlessly blend their artistic endeavors with other aspects of life.
The completion of her Advanced Diploma in Elite Performance was not the end but a gateway to further exploration, as she continued her education in Health Science, reflecting her interest in the intersection of art and science. Her secondment with Dance North Company
in Townsville allowed her to engage with the community and contribute to programs supporting individuals with disabilities and Parkinson’s disease, showcasing the inclusive and healing power of dance.
Avalon’s international experiences, including the ImpulsTanz Festival in Austria, the b12 dance festival in Berlin, and training at Batsheva Dance Company in Tel Aviv, have enriched her understanding and practice of dance. These opportunities have not only expanded her repertoire but also her cultural and artistic perspectives, culminating in a unique choreographic collaboration upon her return to Australia. Avalon has been recognised through recently receiving the “Emerging Artist Grant” which will provide funding to support her in her professional development internationally.
Her story is one of continuous growth, learning, and sharing through the universal language of dance, highlighting the boundless possibilities that dedication to one’s craft can unlock. Avalon’s narrative serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers and artists, proving that with talent, hard work, and a willingness to explore, the world of dance holds endless opportunities.
Photo by Kim Brewster
EMMA BETTS ALUMNI AWARD
Caitlin Power 2011
Caitlin graduated from St Aidan’s in 2011 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations at the University of Queensland. She attained first-class honours and wrote her final year dissertation on the politics of Brexit, looking specifically at how the ‘leave’ campaign employed influential and hopeful messaging to attract undecided voters.
Upon the completion of her undergraduate degree, she went on to work for Commonwealth Bank and subsequently a former Australian MP, during which she was motivated to pursue academic opportunities in public policy outside Australia, this led to the Master of Philosophy in Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Cambridge. Caitlin’s studies at Cambridge were part financially aided by a postgraduate grant from Graduate Women QLD.
While at Cambridge she was a member of Newnham College, an all-female constituent college. At Newnham, she co-founded the Newnham College Finance & Investment Society. As Treasurer of the society, Caitlin successfully secured a grant which grew the membership of the society. In addition to her duties as Treasurer, she delivered a presentation to the society and subsequently the college on the policy interventions required to reduce gendered
inequalities in Australia’s superannuation system. Her MPP involved independent policy research into increasing maternal labour-force participation rates in Australia.
Following Caitlin’s graduation from Cambridge, she commenced working as a civil servant (policy advisor) to the UK government, specifically focusing on digital and tech policy. She worked for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) to deliver the UK’s Digital Strategy. To deliver the strategy, she served as a policy lead on the issue of technology adoption across the economy. She was also policy lead on advancing digital skills and talent across the UK.
Moreover, during Caitlin’s time as a civil servant, she developed a robust knowledge of parliamentary, ministerial, and Whitehall procedure. This included delivering on highquality and timely advice to ministers and senior civil servants across government, progressing the government’s approach to digital policy.
Outside of her professional achievements, Caitlin is passionate about long-distance running and advancing gender equality. She has completed marathons in Paris and London, while fundraising over £800 ($1500AUD). She most recently ran the 2024 Boston Marathon.
Cocktail
PARTY 2024
This year we were delighted to host our inaugural Cocktail Party in Aidan’s Place for our staff and alumni. This event allowed our community to connect with one another whilst kick-starting the celebrations for St Aidan’s 95th Birthday. Guests were treated to live music and served a delicious array of nibbles prepared by our Aidan’s Place catering staff. It was wonderful to see many cross-generational connections and conversations.
60 & 70 Reunions
This year’s Ascension Day marked the 95th Birthday of St Aidan’s.
The day began with a service at St John’s Cathedral, where over 80 alumni attended. It was wonderful to welcome so many alumni as they bridged the generations of our school community.
The festivities continued at the Brisbane Club with lunch, where we celebrated our 60 and 70 Year reunions.
Ascension Day is a wonderful reflection and celebration of the spirit of St Aidan’s.
ALUMNI Reunions 2025 10 Year
The 10 Year reunion was well supported by our 2014 girls with record numbers attending the celebrations.
The day commenced at Aidan’s Place followed by lunch at Botellon Spanish Tapas and Wine Bar in Graceville.
It was a delight to welcome back our class of 2014 and to share time with them.
10 YEAR
ALUMNI Reunions 2025
20 and 30 Year
The annual Reunions’ Weekend was celebrated with enthusiasm in May. We had the pleasure of welcoming our alumni from 2004 and 1994 back to the school. The event began at Aidan’s Place, where attendees enjoyed light refreshments and specialty coffees from O2 Cafe. A highlight of the day was the archives display. Our alumni were given a tour of the school, providing an opportunity for them to reminisce and see the growth and changes over the years. The day continued with a visit to the new Sports Performance Center at Ambiwerra.
The reunion culminated in a delightful lunch at Boucher’s French Bistro in Graceville, where the laughter and conversation continued. It was a day marked by reconnection, celebration, and shared memories which reinforced the enduring bonds within our St Aidan’s community.
30 YEAR
40 YEAR
ALUMNI Reunions 2025
40 and 50 Year
On Sunday 19 May, St Aidan’s was buzzing with joy and chatter as we hosted the 40 and 50 Year Reunions.
So many of our alumni travelled for the reunion and it was wonderful to welcome them back to the school.
Their stories are a testament to the enduring spirit of St Aidan’s community, and it is these reunions that reinforce the bonds that make our alumni network so special.
50 YEAR
ALUMNI Reunions 2025
INTERSTATE
Melbourne and Canberra
Our annual interstate reunions have once again highlighted that once a St Aidan’s girl always an Aidan’s girl.
While we missed the opportunity to gather in Sydney this year, the spirit of connection remained undimmed in our other events, which saw a heartwarming turnout from multiple generations of alumni.
With an eye towards the future, we are already in the throes of planning for the 2025 reunions.
Congratulations
Helen Christine Summers (nee Luxton 1978), who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) honouring her significant service to the Northern Territory community and her contributions to optometry.
Helen’s dedication is evident through her leadership at her optometry clinic and her Directorship with Guide Dogs SA/NT and the Australia Day Council NT as Director and Vice Chair 2021 and 2022. Her accolades also include receiving Telstra’s NT Business Woman of the Year in 2013 and being inducted into the Australian Businesswomen’s Network Hall of Fame 2014.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
ALUMNI Reunions 2025 SAVE DATE
Ascension Day (All Welcome)
60 Year Reunion (Class of 1965)
70 Year Reunion (Class of 1955)
Thursday 29 May 10.30am - 2.30pm
Alumni and Past Staff
Cocktail Party
Friday 30 May 6.30pm - 9.00pm
10 Year Reunion (Class of 2015)
20 Year Reunion (Class of 2005)
30 Year Reunion (Class of 1995)
Saturday 31 May 10.00am - 3.00pm
40 Year Reunion (Class of 1985)
50 Year Reunion (Class of 1975)
Sunday 1 June 10.00am - 3.00pm
Interstate Reunions
Sydney
Saturday 15 March
7.30pm - 9.30pm
Canberra
Sunday 16 March
12.30pm - 2.00pm
Melbourne
Saturday 17 May
12.30pm - 2.00pm
International Reunions
London March
Seoul June/July
New York September
VALE
Cheryl
Parkyn
(1948–2024)
Cheryl Parkyn, a beacon of warmth and dedication, was born on 2 June 1948 and embarked on a path of service at St Aidan’s on 29 July 1996. Her previous experience as a nurse and administrator ensured she brought her nurturing spirit to the role of Registrar, a position she held with distinction for two decades. Known for her remarkable memory, she remembered each student by name, a testament to her personal commitment to the school community. Cheryl’s pursuit of knowledge and continuous learning was evident in being awarded a Bachelor of Arts in English, History, and Sociology in 2005. Her retirement on 14 November 2016 marked the end of an era, but her influence remained indelible. Acknowledged by then Principal, Karen Spiller for her 20 years of unwavering service, Cheryl was honoured as the School’s inaugural Patron. Her legacy, as described by Karen in the June 2016 Huddle, is one of profound impact and heartfelt dedication, setting a standard of excellence through her gracious and generous manner.
A steadfast supporter of St Aidan’s, Cheryl’s presence was assured at all special events, as was her pride in the School’s achievements. Her life, a true display of care, commitment, and community, will be cherished and celebrated by all who were fortunate to cross her path.
VALE
Lesley Pearce
(Hughes 1943)
Lesley was an active member of the St Aidan’s community throughout her life. She was a foundation committee member of the Old School Ties group within the OGA. She worked with Rosslyn Bartlett (Stevenson 1936) to compile the Old School Ties newsletter from 1980 – 1999, delivered to the Alumni twice a year. Lesley also held the position of Membership Secretary in the OGA.
During her time at St Aidan’s she was a Prefect and Bronte House captain. She was also in the Athletics Team and loved playing tennis.
“No man is useless, whilst he has a friend.”
R. L. Stevenson
ALUMNI NEWS Rest in Peace
Louise Geary (Midhurst 1979), passed away in early April 2024. Louise was School Captain in 1979.
Juliette Howes (Clifford 1956), passed away in June 2024. Juliette was School Captain in 1956 she is survived by her daughters Christine (1981) and Kate (1990) and Grandchildren.
Jean Humphries (Woodyard, 1938), passed away peacefully 21 March 2024. Jean had recently celebrated her 104th Birthday together with four other St Aidan’s Old Girls, including her daughter Juleen, Sue Laidlaw, Jane Corrie and Wendy Biggs.
1940 Lesley Hughes, Joclyn Abercrombie, Lois Hughes, Marcia Manson and Mary Smiles
ALUMNI NEWS
Congratulations
Adelaide Pope (2019)
After graduating from St Aidan’s in 2019, Adelaide commenced a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne under the institution’s flagship ‘Hansen Scholarship’. As a student, Adelaide served as an executive of the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, was a “reverse mentor” to a senior Australian Diplomat and represented Australia in the Indo-Pacific through her selection as a New Colombo Plan Scholar by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Her career to date has been grounded by her passion for sustainable, ethical, and inclusive economics, and her determination to use her commercial skills for good. Her work on various economic topics have notably been published by UN Women and ILO, featured in leading think tanks and newspapers internationally, and have contributed to Indonesian government presentations at the 2022 G20
Engagements
Adrienne Day (2011) to William Lay recently became engaged on 3 August 2024 in London.
Stephanie Brown (2010) to Jack Whittaker in April 2024. Stephanie has recently relocated from WA to the Gold Coast where she is working as a medical registrar at the Gold Coast University Hospital.
Adelaide is currently completing her final semester of her undergraduate degree whilst working at the Commonwealth Treasury in the International Economics and Security Division and is eager to leverage this policy experience to improve economic ecosystems and outcomes, tangibly impacting the lives of people the
Adelaide was recently keynote speaker at an International Women’s Day lunch for the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Queensland Branch, attended by educational leaders and guests celebrating the important place girls schools have in creating an equal world. Adelaide inspired the audience, sharing her
Marriages
Kathryn (Katie) Veitch (2009) married Innes Harriman (Assistant Head of Junior School at St Aidan’s) at The Refinery, Newstead, on Friday 5 July, 2024. Photo above.
Eloise Bankowski (2009) married Patrick Nevard on Saturday 18 May 2024 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fortitude Valley. All of her bridesmaids attended St Aidan’s Lucinda Bankowski (2018), Danielle Tischljar (Prince 2009), Meg Warren (Russell 2009) and Raani Marks (2009).
Congratulations to Taylor Gosens (2014) who represented Australia in Judo at the Paris Paralympics.
Rebecca Daunt’s (2004) daughter Cami proudly wearing her “Born to Fly” onesie.
Darcie (current Prep student) and her little sister who is modelling the “Born to Fly” onesie.
If you have recently had a little one, please share your news with us. We would love to send a onesie to you. We have onesies for girls and boys.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Madeleine Hole (PE, Science Teacher and Pastoral Care Leader Year 9) married Luke McKenzie on the 5 July 2024 at The Old Dairy, Maleny.
Alex Kay (Psychology and Pastoral Care Teacher 9A) and his wife Chloe welcomed their second child, Samuel Alexander Kay on 13 March 2024. Samuel’s big sister Emilia who is 2 is a big fan of her little brother. His Grandfather, Gerry Kay (past staff) is equally overjoyed at his arrival.
100 Birthday Audrey th Happy
Celebrating Audrey Morgan’s 100th Birthday
We have the pleasure of honouring a centenarian who embodies the enduring spirit of St Aidan’s, the wonderful Audrey Morgan (Driver 1941). Audrey is a consistent presence at our Ascension Day Services and Lunches.
During Audrey’s time at St Aidan’s, she loved to tend the schools gardens. Alongside fellow alumni—Joan Park (1941), Joan Ballard, Rosemary Stevenson (1939), June Houston (1942), Winifred Davenport (1941), and Lesley Hughes (1943)—she found joy in line dancing. As a member of the Old Girls Association, Audrey assisted with the ‘Old School Ties’ publication. Her legacy continues through her daughter, Judith Gold (1979).
Audrey Morgan pictured with her daughter Judith Gold at our Ascension Day Lunch in May.
Reading ‘Riting and Rithmetic and the rest
When St Aidan’s started in 1929, subjects were limited by staff numbers and specialties.
There was always an Arts focus including English, poetry and drama, music, pianoforte, singing and elocution. Shakespeare was a strong focus, highlighted in 1939 by celebrating his birthday with an afternoon of Shakespearean songs and drama with every form performing a scene from one of his plays.
Mathematics was divided into individual subjects of algebra, geometry and arithmetic in Junior (Year 10) and into Mathematics A and B for Senior (Year 11 and 12).
In Science, students studied Biology, Geology and Physiology. In 1941 Zoology was added. In 1945 science topics widened due to the changed university entry requirements, St Aidan’s introduced Chemistry and Physics. Melba Brumpton (Holland, 1946) recalled three girls wanting to study Chemistry had to use the school staff room, their large wooden table where the staff ate, and a small cupboard to store the Bunsen burners and experiments.
These students’ passion paid off as they went on to become a School Principal (Barbara Strachan), a physiotherapist (Melva Holland) and a chemist (Joan Martin).
Classic subjects such as Ancient History, Modern History and Geography were also studied. Mrs Hartland believed you were only half educated if you did not include Geography. How can you understand the world events without knowing about Geography?
In the Languages department, French and Latin were offered. A popular Russian born teacher, Nina Maximov, recalled that a small group of very bright, perceptive students asked her to teach them German. Nina knew very little German, so they studied together each lunchtime and matriculated with honours in 1939. The school received a special prize from the German consul, on the eve of World War II.
Fascinating to us now is the fact that report card results were printed in the annual Recorder for all to see!
From the ARCHIVES
1936 Report
Welcome to our 2025 Year 7’s Words of wisdom from our current students
Just be yourself and find people who bring out the best in you.
Emily Lombardo - Year 7 2024 Welcoming our 2025
You might be nervous about high school, but if you join new clubs, have fun with your friends (new and old), and enjoy the ride, you will have a great time.
Aerin Ford - Year 7 2024
My tip would be to try something new. Get involved by joining a new sport or an Extra-Curricular club because there are many opportunities available.
Elodie Boyd - Year 7 2024
The assessment planners are really useful. Print it out and stick it on your wall then keep a track of when the assessment is coming up.
Lauren Plummer - Year 7 2024
Please join us for an Afternoon on the Green
Meet other Year 7 girls and their families who will be starting school with you next year Science and Technology Lawn St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School 17
Bring a picnic, chairs and blanket 3pm - 5pm SUNDAY November
St Aidan’s Day
First Charma in the
The Last Word
You are called to tell the story, Passing words of life along, Then to blend your voice with the others As you sing the sacred song. Christ be known in all our singing, Filling all with songs of love.
The hymn ‘You are called to Tell The Story’ by Ruth Duck was one I discovered earlier this year. I was creating a liturgy to remember the Rev’d Florence Li Tim-Oi, first woman to be priested in the Anglican Communion, way back in 1944. The words speak of all that is important to us here at St Aidan’s, so I made sure we sang it at the Ascension Day service too.
We are each called to tell a story that only we know, that is unique to each one of us, yet we are also part of a greater story that contains the words of life. The story of God with us is one of love, renewal, second chances and unconditional acceptance. Each of us has a chance to discover our own version of that story throughout our lives, as we hopefully learn what it means to be loved and accepted.
Importantly, we are called to tell that story in community. We are not soloists but members of the choir, and as beautiful as an individual song may be it is exponentially richer and more complex when it intertwines with the songs of others. We are better together. Or as Bishop Vicentia Kgabe of Lesotho put it at the recent Anglican Schools Australia Conference, ubuntu (I am because we are).
Here at school, students may often feel like they are on a solo journey, striving for an individual academic outcome, but the reality is they are also part of a community.
Our academic, sporting and cultural achievements are improved when we are part of a team, working together and encouraging one another. And of course our resilience and wellbeing benefit immeasurably from the friendship and company of others.
The hymn’s later verses go on to sing of being called to dance together and to show hospitality to all. When we do so, we embody the God whose being is a dance of Three, and who shows us the most generous hospitality each day. The St Aidan’s community, that wondrous blend of many faiths, many cultures and many stories, is a living dance. May we hear the call to dance and sing with one another.
Blessings, The Reverend Sister Gillian Moses SSA Chaplain
