Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.
MAE JEMISON, ENGINEER, PHYSICIAN AND FORMER NASA ASTRONAUT
MS TONI RIORDAN PRINCIPAL
This year, our Year 12 students have chosen the theme Building the Future, an idea that speaks to the confidence, agency and vision of our students, as well as the mission of our school, our vision for the future and the shared purpose of our community.
It is a theme that encourages us to recognise that the future is not distant or abstract; it is shaped each day through the choices we make, the effort we apply and the values we practise.
When welcoming students at the commencement of school this year, I took time to reflect on this theme, and the way it correlates to our mascot, Ptula, a penguin who is more than a symbol of spirt and tradition.
Ptula represents qualities we seek to embody as a community: steadiness, awareness and care for one another. Penguins survive, and even flourish, in demanding environments because they do not act alone. You might notice the connection to this masthead: their instinct to huddle - to move together, to make room for others and to ensure that no one bears the cold for too long. This offers us a compelling image of what it means to be part of St Aidan’s.
Each year, as we return to school and gather as a whole school, I am reminded of this same pattern. We are a community made up of students from Kindergarten to Year 12, staff at all stages of their careers, and families with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Like the penguin colony, our strength lies not in uniformity, but in our willingness to notice, include and support one another. Flourishing occurs when each person finds their place within the collective, and when we remain attentive to those who may temporarily need the warmth of others.
This understanding was clearly visible at our Academic and Honours Awards Ceremony at Brisbane City Hall in February. As students were recognised for their achievements, we witnessed the tangible results of their daily decisions. By choosing to persevere, receive guidance, to offer support and to engage wholeheartedly in learning, our students soar. Their achievements remind us that the future is built gradually and intentionally, strengthened by the encouragement of teachers, mentors, peers and families.
I encourage our students to carry these lessons with them. Let us build the future with care, with connectedness and with a shared belief in the potential of one another. When we act with purpose and stand together, we create a school where every student has the opportunity to grow, contribute and thrive.
MRS GERALDINE EBBRELL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
At St Aidan’s, our commitment to learning has always extended beyond academic excellence to the holistic flourishing of every student. A cornerstone to this commitment is the fundamental right of every child and young person to feel safe, respected, and heard.
With the introduction of the Child Safe Organisation framework in Queensland, we are reinforcing a school culture where safety is not merely an administrative requirement, but a shared community responsibility that is rooted in a sense of belonging.
A child and young person who feels they truly belong is a child and young person empowered. Research consistently shows that when young people experience a deep sense of connection with their school community, they are more likely to communicate openly and seek support when facing challenges.
Our St Aidan’s Child Safe Action Plan operates on the premise that belonging is an effective preventative measure. We are dedicated to ensuring St Aidan’s remains an environment where every child and young person is truly known and respected, providing the foundation they need to flourish.
The Child Safe Action Plan provides a rigorous, proactive framework designed to embed safeguarding into daily operations and overall governance through:
• Student Agency and Empowerment: we provide age-appropriate education that helps every child and young person recognise their rights, understand appropriate boundaries and access clear pathways to voice concerns.
• Professional stewardship: all staff at St Aidan’s undergo continuous, specialised training to recognise indicators of harm and vulnerability. This ensures that our duty of care is supported by best practice in safeguarding every child and young person.
• Transparent governance: we maintain open and accountable systems to ensure a robust, visible child-safe culture across all levels of the school.
The success of our Child Safe Action Plan relies on the collective vigilance of our entire community including staff, students, families alike. It invites us to move beyond passive supervision and toward active, supportive engagement.
By continuing the strong integration of a sense of belonging into the very fabric of our culture, we ensure St Aidan’s remains a sanctuary for growth, where safety is the standard and every child and young person is free to reach their full potential.
Over the past few years, it has been a joy to move around the school, the diocese, and even the country, speaking about how the Society of the Sacred Advent (SSA) is reimagining itself for the present age. It is both challenging and encouraging to be able to tell the story of what we are doing, and how we are being, and to meet genuine interest and encouragement from people.
And when I speak about the SSA, I always talk about our yearning for sacred spaciousness, and the ways in which we are endeavouring to create more of that spaciousness in our lives, and in the lives of others. We definitely understand this yearning to be an expression of the SSA’s traditional mission of “making a place for God in our own hearts, and in the world in which we live”. It is a yearning that resonates deeply with many people I meet.
One of the common questions I am asked on this topic is ‘how do I make space in my busy life?’ And I recognise only too well from my own life that making space is not easy. In fact, it is very hard in our contemporary culture to just do less, if indeed that is what creating sacred spaciousness even means.
I am sorry to say that the title of this article is intentionally misleading – I have no top tips for a spacious life, because I don’t think there are any shortcuts to be had. Creating a spacious life demands that we make choices about the sort of lives we lead, and these choices are often difficult. They are certainly counter-cultural. The SSA’s revised vow of Simplicity of Life is intended to assist us to make those choices. Living simply is not so much about a back-tobasics lifestyle, but about clearing the noise and clutter from our lives, in order that we can breathe a little more easily. And what counts as noise or clutter will vary from person to person.
So, no top tips, but plenty of encouragement. If you yearn for more spaciousness in your life, then think about where you can find more simplicity. Jesus reminds us that the birds of the air and the lilies of the field are probably better at this than we are (Luke 12. 24, 27), so perhaps spending more time with birds and flowers is a good starting point?
MRS LAURA COOKE DEAN OF STUDIES
The Year 12 class of 2025 achieved outstanding academic success across a wide range of subjects. Through their curiosity, self-awareness, and unwavering commitment, they proved that it is the steady, consistent effort that truly shapes the girl and defines her growth.
With 100% outcomes in eight subjects, numerous Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) commendations, and significant recognition in Science and the Arts, our students showcased exceptional talent and breadth.
Their achievements were strengthened by the support of a caring, connected community, and I acknowledge the teachers, parents and guardians who walked beside each student.
This cohort, who led the year under the theme ‘Every Voice Counts’, used their voices with purpose, shaping their pathways, pursuing their passions and growing in confidence as they discovered who they are and who they wish to become. We are proud of every girl: of her journey, her resilience and her success.
As they step forward into the next chapter, we send them off with excitement, pride and heartfelt well-wishes.
CLASS OF 2025 - AREA OF TERTIARY STUDY
Students studying a double degree have been counted in both fields of study. Data is representative only of students who gave permission for their results to be published.
MR GLENN STEVENSON LEARNING AREA LEADER: ENGINEERING, HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM LEADER: ENGINEERING
This year marks an exciting milestone for St Aidan’s, with the introduction of Engineering as a dedicated subject for Year 11 and Year 12 students. This is a rare, future ready learning experience that builds creativity, technical confidence and the ability to engineer meaningful change.
At its heart, Engineering is the practical application of mathematics, science, technology and problem solving. Students are learning how engineers combine technical and social knowledge to create products and systems that meet the needs of today’s communities, businesses and environments without compromising the future. Their learning is grounded in the fundamental disciplines of mechanics and materials science, helping them understand forces, structures and the properties of metals, polymers, composites, concrete and timber.
The two year course purposefully prepares students for a seamless transition to university, with the St Aidan’s curriculum aligned to first year engineering subjects at institutions such as the Queensland University of Technology. Emphasis on mathematics and materials science, combined with an intentional teaching approach and specialised classroom design, makes the abstract and unfamiliar context in which engineers operate more relatable and accessible.
Throughout the course, students will develop proficiency with complex mathematical concepts, particularly in dealing with forces. They will deepen their understanding of engineering materials and manufacturing techniques, including contemporary and emerging technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC machines.
Students also engage with electronics, robotics, logic and control systems, technical drawing and Australian Standards, renewable energy sources, autonomous vehicles and drones. Their studies extend to examining the accomplishments of ancient Greek, Egyptian, Roman and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engineers.
We seek opportunities for our students to experience the exciting and dynamic work of real-world engineers in firsthand, practical ways. For example, in Term 1, our students explored the global theme of sustainable development–
including a behind the scenes look at the engineering processes that shaped our own Sports Performance Centre at Ambiwerra.
The subject is off to a strong start, with two Year 11 classes demonstrating solid foundational maths and science abilities and an eagerness to take notes, complete practical tasks, revise, collaborate and take intellectual risks to solve complex, unfamiliar challenges.
By the end of Year 12, students will have investigated a wide array of engineering career pathways including civil, mechanical, electrical, micronano, chemical, aerospace, environmental, biomedical, space, processing, software, mechatronics and biomechanical engineering.
Across St Aidan’s two libraries, Ms Gardener and Ms Chambers-Dawson share a commitment to making reading meaningful, personal and enriching for every student. They both describe reading as a powerful way for young people to encounter new ideas, perspectives and possibilities, an experience they actively cultivate in their work with students across the Junior School and Senior School respectively.
For Ms Gardener, who joined St Aidan’s in 2021, reading has always been a gateway. Growing up in a country town, she remembers books as her “windows to the wider world,” connecting her to places and experiences she would never otherwise have encountered. This guides her approach as a Teacher Librarian. “The best part of my role is finding the right book for a student, and the joy of hearing them return to say they loved a book we chose together,” Ms Gardener says.
Ms Chambers-Dawson, who joined St Aidan’s in 2024, brings a literary lens shaped by her background in writing, English and educational research. When asked about the best part of working in the Senior School Library, she speaks of watching students treat reading as a way of thinking; an opportunity to sit with ambiguity, complexity and competing ideas. She enjoys seeing students reconsider, refine and reshape their views during discussions, especially in book club settings.
Together, Ms Gardener and Ms Chambers-Dawson guide students toward stories that broaden their thinking, deepen their understanding and foster a lifelong love of reading.
What
is something
you would like to share about your Library?
There is a place for every student here.
Qualifications
• Diploma of Teaching – Music
• Bachelor of Education – Children’s Literature
• Graduate Diploma Inclusive Education
• Masters of Education – Teacher Librarian
What is something unique about the Junior School Library?
We have a student-powered podcast called StarCast, hosted by Year 6 students. They interview staff and students, develop research and interviewing skills, and write for The Star newspaper.
If you could take students inside any book, which would it be?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, so they could explore Hogwarts, or The Deathly Hallows, so they could see how the story ties together.
What were your favourite books as a child?
The Twenty-Seventh Annual African Hippopotamus Race, The Silver Sword, The Silver Crown, The Outsiders, Playing Beatie Bow.
Are you a member of a book club?
I’ve been part of the same book club for 22 years. Nine ladies meet once a month. Our first book was Dirt Music by Tim Winton and our latest was The Correspondent.
Qualifications
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Writing and Literary Studies)
• Graduate Diploma in Education (Senior Years) –English Specialisation
• Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
What is a book you recently read and loved?
Outline by Rachel Cusk. The opening pages are vivid, unsettling and electric. I haven’t felt that way since reading Rebecca for the first time.
If you could take students inside any book, which would it be?
Macbeth - not for the witches, but for how Shakespeare brings horror and beauty together. It’s not a world where virtue is rewarded, and that honesty is powerful for students on the edge of adulthood.
What’s special about the Senior School book clubs?
Students from different year levels read together. The discussions become dynamic - closer to a Socratic conversation. Students modify their positions in real time, willing to be changed by the conversation in a way that is wonderful to watch.
MRS SHANNON TOBIN HEAD OF PERFORMANCE
The annual Autumn Concert was a vibrant celebration of music and collaboration, uniting 380 young musicians for an unforgettable evening. With 240 Senior School and 140 Junior School students performing, the event showcased the strength of our musical pathway from early years through to Senior ensembles.
The night opened with “Highlights in Junk,” an inventive percussion piece that transformed everyday objects into rhythmic instruments, setting an energetic tone for the program ahead.
Across the evening, audiences were treated to a rich mix of traditional and contemporary performances. Our string ensembles delivered everything from delicate junior lines to expressive senior arrangements, while the concert bands brought power and precision through layered wind, brass and percussion harmonies. The massed choirs were a standout, blending bright junior voices with the refined tones of our senior singers. Sultry jazz ensembles rounded out the concert with cool rhythms and vibrant stage presence.
More than a showcase, the Autumn Concert was a testament to the dedication and creativity of our students and music staff. From inventive percussion to classical works, the evening highlighted the remarkable talent thriving within our community.
The St Aidan’s String Quartet was honoured to perform at the recent International Women’s Day function at Government House.
Playing for Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, and distinguished guests, our musicians provided a sophisticated musical backdrop to an event celebrating the achievements and leadership of women.
A highlight for our students was the opportunity to meet the Governor personally. We extend our thanks to the quartet for their exceptional musicianship and for representing St Aidan’s with such grace.
8 Years
1st Miya Zheng
2nd Yumo Liu
3rd Amber Lau
9 Years
1st Emily Voytenko
2nd Alaia Dong
3rd Tiffany Ren
10 Years
1st Nami Ikoma
2nd Evie Cole
3rd Thea Doran
11 Years
1st Alana Doran
2nd Judy Gu
3rd Emily Zsitvai
12 Years
1st Cecilia Chen
2nd Alyssa Lu
3rd Daria Timofeeva Final House results:
What a day to remember! Our Junior School students travelled to the Valley Pool for their 2026 Interhouse Swimming Carnival in February. Our youngest athletes demonstrated tremendous House spirit, swam their hardest and created a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter, teamwork and excitement.
The girls embraced the tradition of the day with incredible house-coloured outfits, and had a lot of fun cheering on their house, their peers and swam their hearts out in Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle.
A highlight was our Year 6 students celebrating with the Charma before taking part in the customary final jump into the pool together. This tradition celebrates their Junior School journey and acknowledges their upcoming leap into Year 7 in 2027.
In the end, Austen House claimed victory, with a number of students breaking records and everybody diving into this annual event with the confidence and team spirit that St Aidan’s is known for.
Our Senior School students made a splash at the Senior School Interhouse Swimming Carnival on 31 October 2025. Taking place at the Valley Pool, this event marked the first opportunity for our newly inducted House Captains to lead their Houses in competition, setting the tone for the year ahead. Joining the Senior School for the day, our Year 6 students embraced the spirit of participation and teamwork. With strong performances across all events, House pride was on full display. In a fantastic finish, Bronte claimed overall victory, securing the first win of the season.
12 Years
1st Chloe Chan
2nd Lillian Hatherly
3rd Mary Dux
13 Years
1st Emily Algate
2nd Jade Cameron
2nd Maddie Condon
14 Years
1st Ava Gaston
2nd Gracie Behm
3rd Sophie Lam
3rd Pippa Stephensen
15 Years
1st Julia Jeffers
2nd Eloise Whitehead
3rd Emma MacDonald
16 Years
1st Zoe Bristow
2nd Manon Cuthbert
3rd Aurelia Boyd
17 Years
1st Joy Yip
2nd Estella Menzies
3rd Madeline Preston
St Aidan’s SKINS Winner: Julia Jeffers
St Aidan’s Flipper Winner: Hartland
We champion women in sport, and are creating opportunities to demonstrate grit, growth and determination. The 2026 QGSSSA Senior AFL season took place across nine intense rounds, and our Senior A and Open teams showed immense growth, finding their rhythm just as the season drew to a close. Their week-to-week improvements, particularly in defense and midfield, were clear, and their effort, courage and determination often far outshone the scoreline.
This season also marked the exciting arrival of our new coach, Mark Browning. Mark is a Sydney Swans legend and former AFL Queensland talent pathways leader. Mark’s wealth of experience in coaching, mentoring and talent identification brought incredible insight to our program, and we look forward to his continued involvement as our AFL program grows.
Our 2026 AFL Captains, Georgia and Giselle are recognised for leading the Senior group through Term 4 and into the season in Term 1. We can’t wait to see their continued leadership as they inspire our Junior girls through Andrews Cup and Years 7 - 9 QGSSSA competitions later this year.
The RoboCup National Championships in Canberra marked a proud moment for our Robotics and STEM Competition Club, with Neala Wilson-Mills and Abigail Ross representing St Aidan’s on the national stage in October last year. Their impressive 2nd place in the Open Division is a wonderful reflection not only of their creativity and persistence, but also of the strong foundation our Robotics and STEM programs continue to build.
The students in this club embrace coding, engineering, design thinking and problem solving with enthusiasm and developed skills that will serve them well in a rapidly evolving technical world. Robocup shows how powerful handson STEM learning can be, encouraging teamwork, innovation, resilience and the confidence to take on increasingly complex challenges. With growing interest, expanding opportunities and a dedicated coaching and support team, the club is already well positioned for a strong and exciting 2026 season.
TEMPEST LOTT MANAGING EDITOR
Established at the end of 2023 under the guidance of Mr Brett Dionysius, The Advent has quickly become a beacon for our students to find their creative voices. Having published two editions since that small beginning, we reached a milestone at the end of last year with the launch of our second edition at a student organised and run twilight event. The Advent has grown in experience and number, pushing the team to strive to new heights, and look to bright opportunities for creativity in an evolving, changing world!
Now, in 2026, the project of the third edition under the theme of “Metamorphosis” aims to embody this contemporary, evolution of creative expression, while highlighting just how far The Advent has come in the last three years. While many schools may encourage the creative arts, whether it’s writing or visual expression, here at St Aidan’s, we have taken it a step further, developing the only student run literary journal in the state.
Operating like a professional publishing house, the team meets every Friday lunchtime to curate, edit, and design. This student-led literary journal allows our girls to pursue their passions with true action, showcasing a unique kind of magic that is currently unfolding within our school walls.
The Advent offers a platform for students from Year 4 to 12, as well as our Alumni, to share everything from scientific work and non-fiction to photography and music. It is a testament to what happens when we empower our students to find their voices whilst giving them the freedom to lead, and develop into the next generation of creative thinkers.
St Aidan’s has many clubs and activities to nurture the interests and strengths of our students. In our Junior School, a popular club led by our Year 6 students is ‘StarCast’ a professionally resourced podcast.
The podcast features discussions with staff and students in our Junior School to find out about people and events and bring the stories to their peers. This is a vehicle where girls develop their research and interviewing skills. The same students also write articles for The Star newspaper page on Aidan’s Central.
When Principal, Ms Toni Riordan was invited to join StarCast at the end of 2025, she was impressed with our student journalists, recognising their preparation, confidence and conversational skills.
Supported by Ms Gardener, our Head of Library Services in the Junior School, students continue to learn the art of turning curiosity into conversation, and we look forward to tuning into StarCast across the duration of the year.
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School was honoured to receive an International Peace Pole from the Rotary Club of Jindalee, unveiled at the opening of the Interact Peace Gardens on Saturday 1 November 2025. The Peace Pole, a global symbol of unity and hope, celebrates the 40-year partnership between our School and Rotary Jindalee, a relationship built on service, leadership and compassion.
The Peace Pole is an internationally recognised symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, bearing the message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in five languages, English, French, Japanese, Chinese Mandarin, and Nepalese.
At the dedication, Rotary Jindalee President Ms Tiller bestowed awards to three exceptional staff members as recipients of the Paul Harris Fellow Awards, recognising their outstanding and enduring commitment to Rotary’s humanitarian and educational values. These team members included Natalie Rose, Kate Atkin, and Kristen Lewis (Sapphire recipient).
St Aidan’s extends sincere gratitude to Jess Pugh MP Member for Mt Ommaney and Ashley Cooper Construction. Rotary Jindalee President Margaret Tiller, and Rotarians Keith Rogers and Graeme Buntain are also warmly recognised for their partnership and invaluable support in bringing this initiative to life.
Our Junior School once again lit up with colour and creativity as we hosted one of the most beloved events on our calendar, the Easter Bonnet Parade. Students proudly stepped out wearing beautifully crafted bonnets, each one reflecting the imagination, care and joyful spirit of our girls and Kindy boys and their families. From vibrant florals to charming bunny ears, the parade was a delightful celebration of Easter and the close of Term 1. It was wonderful to bring students, staff and families together, and we thank everyone who contributed to making this treasured tradition so memorable.
Our Junior School Disco is a joyful celebration for our students and our community. Students from Kindy through to Year 6 danced their hearts out in their best neon-inspired party outfits, amidst a glittering inflatable disco ball in the Christine Hartland Centre, which was transformed for the occasion. From the first beat to the final song, the energy was truly electric for this ‘neon’ themed party.
This event is made possible with thanks to our Parents and Friends Association, who actively create opportunities like this for our families to connect with each other while supporting the school, along with many helping hands, including Year 10 students who gave their time to make the evening such a success. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
It was a delight to welcome our grandparents and special friends to our Junior School in March. This is a much-anticipated annual event where students share their classrooms and classwork with their relatives and have the chance to introduce important people in their lives to their teachers and classmates.
There were happy conversations, big smiles, and special moments shared. Thank you to all the grandparents and special friends who joined us. Your support means so much to our girls, and we loved having you here. We can’t wait to welcome you back again next year!
Galentine’s Day is treasured at St Aidan’s and is celebrated as a meaningful way to honour female friendships built on foundations of mutual respect, trust, kindness and shared experiences.
The influence of friendships is integral to personal development, and so is the opportunity to simply have fun together. Our students leaned into the spirit with pink ribbons, face paint and laughs, while sharing messages in recognition of personal strengths and the qualities they notice and appreciate in each other.
On Saturday 21 March, the St Aidan’s community once again gathered in remarkable spirit for the 2026 Melanoma March, joining hundreds at the Brisbane Riverstage for a warm twilight walk along the Brisbane River. Families, students, staff, alumnae and friends came together to honour St Aidan’s alumna Emma Betts (2002) and to continue our school’s growing legacy of supporting Melanoma Institute Australia.
This year proved to be one of our most impactful yet. Before the first step was taken, St Aidan’s had emerged as Brisbane’s top fundraising team, raising more than $10,000 for the cause. This is a powerful testament to our community’s generosity and commitment, and support for each other.
We loved seeing the unity of our St Aidan’s team marching together, helping to strengthen awareness, advocacy and support for life-saving melanoma research.
St Aidan’s
Thursday 3 September 2026
7:00am - 8:00am | Doors Open 6:45am
Christine Hartland Centre
MS LIZZIE HILL
YEAR 4 TEACHER | LEARNING DESIGNER
The Year 4 camp at Twin Waters was unforgettable. The girls were amazing, pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones during rock climbing, the bungee run, and boogie boarding in the beautiful ocean.
They capped it off with a muddy, laughter-filled mud run. At night, we relaxed by the fire and enjoyed the company of friendly kangaroos. We loved every moment and are already counting down to Year 5 Camp in 2027.
MS KIRBY EGAN
JUNIOR SCHOOL TEAM LEADER (YEARS 4-6)
LEARNING DESIGNER
It was a joy to watch our Year 5 girls embrace every moment of their Currimundi adventure. They approached each activity with courage, resilience and a real willingness to give things a go.
From soaring high on the giant swing and trying their hand at archery, body boarding, yabby pumping and fishing, the girls threw themselves into every experience.
Throughout the camp, they stepped outside their comfort zones, challenged themselves, and created many wonderful memories.
MS JOSIE CRANNY
YEAR 7 PASTORAL CARE LEADER
Year 7 camp was a wonderful success, with the cohort venturing to Mapleton QCCC for three days. Found in the mountains of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this is a spectacular rainforest destination. Students embraced their cohort theme of “Diving In” as they participated enthusiastically in all activities — from rock climbing, to canoeing, to orienteering.
Going away with a new cohort in Week 2 of high school can be a daunting experience; however, all students took the challenge in their stride and built strong relationships with new peers across the year level.
MR MATT LOWE
YEAR 8 PASTORAL CARE LEADER
Our Year 8 camp is an unforgettable opportunity for students to develop their skills as campers, connect with classmates, make new friends and strengthen existing bonds. This ‘Survival’ camp takes place at Cobb & Co Nine Mile Campgrounds, near Noosa.
Working in “tribes”, our Year 8s learnt survival skills such as how to navigate with a compass, how to manage a campsite and how to light a fire with a flint.
All activities and experiences were aimed at building confidence and encouraging the girls to take responsible risks.
MS TONI RIORDAN PRINCIPAL
Recently, our school marked a deeply meaningful moment with the official hanging of Picturing the End, a striking triptych by professional artist and longstanding St Aidan’s Art Technician, Ms Dana Lawrie. The artwork now holds pride of place in the Senior School Student Services Centre - an intentionally chosen location where students can encounter, reflect on, and be inspired by art as part of their daily rhythm of school life.
This occasion was made especially significant by the presence of the woman in whose honour the artwork was purchased: Mrs Gaye Brown, retired Curriculum Leader (Visual Art), former Head of Faculty – The Arts, and a much loved, influential educator in the history of St Aidan’s. Although Mrs Brown requested no formal farewell, our community has remained steadfast in its desire to acknowledge her remarkable impact across many years, shaping artistic learning, mentoring staff, and inspiring generations of students.
The installation of Picturing the End stands as both a tribute to Mrs Brown’s legacy and a reflection of the school’s enduring commitment to the Arts. Throughout her career, she nurtured exceptional academic achievement in Visual Art, guiding countless Year 12 students to excellence, including perfect 100% results. Her name is fondly recalled by alumni around the world, many of whom credit her with fostering their confidence, creativity, and lifelong engagement in Visual Arts.
Choosing a work by Dana Lawrie for this tribute is especially fitting. Dana has served the St Aidan’s community for more than 10 years, supporting students and teachers in her role as Art Technician while building a respected professional artistic career. Her triptych, commissioned by the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery in 2024, captures moments of stillness, reflection, and subtle transition. These themes resonate deeply with the notion of legacy: the quiet but powerful influence an educator like Mrs Brown leaves behind.
By positioning this artwork within the Student Services Centre, we highlight the importance of integrating artistic experience into everyday learning spaces. Here, art becomes part of the lived environment, not confined to classrooms or galleries but present in the ordinary, meaningful moments of school life. It reflects our belief that creativity is not an “extra” but a vital way of understanding the world.
As our community encounters Picturing the End, may it serve as a reminder of the transformative power of great teaching and the enduring presence of creativity at St Aidan’s. We offer our heartfelt thanks to both Gaye Brown and Dana Lawrie for their profound contributions, and for gifting our students an artwork that will inspire for years to come.
What a wonderful occasion it was! On Friday 17 October 2025, 250 members of our St Aidan’s community came together in the beautiful Podium Ballroom at Rydges South Bank to celebrate our much-loved annual Friends and Futures Lunch.
The afternoon was a true highlight of the school calendar, filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable sense of community that makes St Aidan’s so special. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch alongside entertainment from the incredibly talented Mick Lindsay.
Of course, no Friends and Futures Lunch would be complete without our beloved Diamond Raffle and Auction, which once again captivated the room, and the drawing of our Annual Tuition Fee Raffle. A special congratulations to the Boughton family on their win!
We were also thrilled to welcome back Alumna Pippa Sheehan (Class of 2005) as our MC for the afternoon. Pippa brought grace, warmth, and a wonderful sense of occasion to the role.
Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, and volunteered. Your generous support makes such a meaningful difference, and we look forward to seeing you all again on 16 October 2026.
MS FIONA RICHARDSON FOUNDATION DIRECTOR
“Imagine the Future” is this year’s annual giving theme, and the Foundation Directors are looking forward to connecting with the St Aidan’s community at a variety of events in support of the ongoing development of the St Aidan’s campus, as well as scholarships.
Recently, our 1929 Society gathered at Customs House to reconnect and reminisce about cherished memories of St Aidan’s. This is the fifth year of the 1929 Society which formally honours and recognises those who have made a
Friday 14 August Brisbane
planned gift to St Aidan’s in their estate. It was wonderful to hear that some of our Custodians are now seeing their grandchildren enrol at St Aidan’s to continue the tradition. It was also lovely to catch up with Sister Gillian at the event.
Term 1 brought the launch of our Tuition Fee Raffle, a wonderful opportunity for families to secure $30,000 towards their 2027 tuition fees, with the winning ticket to be drawn at the Friends and Futures Lunch in October. We look forward to welcoming our whole community together in June for our Day of Giving, 24 hours to unite around the shared purpose of supporting St Aidan’s continued growth in facilities and scholarships. August will see the return of our Foundation Golf Day at Brisbane Golf Club and we look forward to welcoming all members of our community to our annual Friends & Futures Lunch which will be held 16 October at Hillstone.
The Foundation Directors are committed to supporting and contributing to the culture of philanthropy which we see as an integral part of the ethos of the Society of the Sacred Advent. The work we all do as a community contributes to the success of St Aidan’s whether that is through volunteering time, attending events or supporting our “Imagine the Future” initiatives in 2026.
This year, as part of our ANZAC Day Project, the Archives Department began working closely with our volunteers to collect and preserve the stories of St Aidan’s Alumni who have served our country. Service, in all its forms, reflects a shared belief that the wellbeing of one person is connected to the wellbeing of all. Thus, our focus includes those who joined Defence Forces as well as those who contributed through voluntary organisations, patriotic work, and specialised service. Sharing their accounts highlights the courage, skill and determination that have long characterised our students and benefited our country.
During World War II, many of our Old Girls stepped forward in remarkable ways. They had a strong desire to ‘do their bit’, and St Aidan’s women could be found across almost every area of wartime service. Many served through the Red Cross as regular workers, First Aid officers and members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments (VAD). Patty Phillips (1944), for example, worked at the Lady Wilson Red Cross Convalescent Home in Chelmer, caring for returning servicemen.
Several Old Girls undertook specialised training as physiotherapists (commonly known as masseuses during WWII), including Joyce Barrett (1940), Dorothy Edwards (nee Wilson, 1935), and Joan Forster (1937). Social workers were also in demand, and Ann Priestley (1939) and Dorothy Armstrong (1937) answered the call, later receiving the prestigious Red Cross Scholarship in 1945 to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of returned soldiers.
Others joined the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) or the Citizen’s Military Forces, now known as the Army Reserve. Bethmay Watson (1965) noted that she “joined for six years and stayed for 20.”
St Aidan’s women also served in traditionally maledominated military branches, joining the Women’s Auxiliary
Australian Air Force, the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service, and the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service. Some took on highly specialised roles. Judith Carson (nee Roe, 1939), gifted in mathematics, was seconded to Ascot Park, Australia’s equivalent of Bletchley Park, where she worked as a cryptographer decoding Japanese weather transmissions. Another Old Girl, Pamela Reisner (nee Pennycuik, 1944), contributed biological research used to support soldiers in the northern battlefields.
One of our Old Boys, Paul Clark, also exemplifies this tradition of service. Paul attended St Aidan’s in 1970 and served in the Australian Army from 1986–2008, rising to Lieutenant Colonel. A veteran of the Iraq War following deployment in 2005, Paul also served in Bougainville and Bosnia.
More recently, Lieutenant Commander Sarah Kaese (2010), awarded the Emma Betts Award in 2022, enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy at just 17. Now a senior Maritime Warfare Officer specialising in Navigation, she has served on eight ships and is recognised for her leadership and operational expertise.
Brigadier Ruth Perry (1964) currently serving in Canberra was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia and the Conspicuous Service Medal, for making significant contributions to international military logistics.
This represents just a fraction of our school community’s legacy. We continue to collect accounts of service and welcome stories our Alumni are willing to share.
What a wonderful way to close Parent Information Week!
Our 2026 Welcome Picnic brought together 400 families for a truly joyful afternoon. Local bands, including some very talented staff members kept the entertainment lively, while our School Senior Leadership Team served up ice cream, the Foundation Directors manned the sausage sizzle, and the P&F Executive kept the bar flowing. A perfect start to the new school year!
The inaugural Lunar New Year celebration at St Aidan’s was a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together at the start of the year. This was a vibrant twilight event where we shared traditions, games and more, in a beautiful multicultural celebration.
We are still smiling from the wonderful memories created together and moments shared in honour of the Lunar New Year. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and heritage to make this event so special.
Taking place for the first time, this year’s Karen Spiller Fellowship Luncheon was a welcome opportunity to honour some of the remarkable educators shaping St Aidan’s future.
Over an intimate gathering, recipients of the Karen Spiller Fellowship came together with Ms Karen Spiller OAM CF, Principal Toni Riordan, and representatives of the St Aidan’s Foundation.
The occasion highlighted the Fellowship’s powerful legacy. Recipients have included Deb Koh, who undertook pioneering empowerment self-defence research, Sam Lee, who explored peer-to-peer learning to support senior student capabilities, Catherine Grant, who advanced authentic Indigenous perspectives in Junior School mathematics, and Lou Stanley, who brought insight from Finland’s renowned forest-school model.
As conversations flowed around the table, so too did ideas, reflections, and shared aspirations, and we look forward to future opportunities to bring Fellowship recipients together.
*The Karen Spiller Fellowship honours the legacy of Ms Karen Spiller OAM CF, Principal of St Aidan’s from 2000 to 2017. This Fellowship offers staff opportunities to pursue research that benefits girls’ education, and supports projects aligned with the School’s strategic plan and the ethos of the Society of the Sacred Advent.
It is with sadness that we share the passing of Helen Gregory (née Amies) in October 2025, an esteemed Alumna, scholar, historian and community leader whose connection to St Aidan’s spanned generations.
Helen entered St Aidan’s in 1953, following in the footsteps of her mother, Mary “Molly” Amies (née Wetherell, 1937), a former Bronte House Captain. Her brother, Peter Amies, also attended the school, as later did Helen’s three sons who joined St Aidan’s for Prep and Year 1.
A proud member of Bronte House, Helen distinguished herself as an exceptional student and leader. In her final year, she served as School Captain (1963) and was awarded the Hartland Prize for School Captain, the Old Girls’ Prize, and the Form Prize, alongside prizes for Divinity and German. Her academic achievements were matched by her involvement in school life, including participation in Inter-House productions and the Tennis B team. Helen completed Senior subjects that spanned English, Latin, Mathematics II, Physics, Zoology and Art, reflecting her diverse interests and capabilities.
Graduating from St Aidan’s in 1963, Helen initially enrolled in Medicine at the University of Queensland on a Commonwealth Scholarship. A compulsory History subject in her first year sparked a new academic passion, leading her to transfer to an Arts degree and to later graduate with First Class Honours in History.
Helen went on to a long and influential academic and public service career. She worked in research and teaching at the University of Queensland and was among the first in Queensland to establish a private historical
consultancy. She served as Director of Cultural Heritage in the Environmental Protection Agency and later as Chair of the Queensland Heritage Council, shaping policy and conservation across the state. Appointed Adjunct Professor in 1998, Helen continued to contribute to historical scholarship and cultural heritage management throughout her life.
A prolific author, Helen wrote numerous commissioned histories, including works on the Brisbane River, the Queensland Law Society, Brisbane’s Mater Hospitals, and the acclaimed Brisbane Then and Now. She also founded the Brisbane History Group and shared weekly historical insights on ABC Radio, helping countless Queenslanders connect with their past.
Helen’s books are an enduring testament to her dedication to preserving Queensland’s stories. The St Aidan’s community honours her remarkable legacy and extends heartfelt condolences to her family. Her contribution to history, heritage and education will continue to enrich Queensland for generations to come.
This year we celebrated International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Balance the Scales’. In doing this we joined a call for justice, safety and representation for all women and girls. This is a theme that highlights the need to address unjust laws, policies and barriers that prevent women and girls from living safely, being heard, and shaping their own futures.
Principal Toni Riordan, who is the Queensland representative of the Regional Advisory Council of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, hosted a luncheon featuring a panel facilitated by Sarah Clarke (St Aidan’s
Alumna, 1989) with Jess Pugh, Member for Mt Ommaney, Fiona Cunningham, Brisbane City Council Deputy Mayor (St Aidan’s Alumna, 1999), and Nicole Johnston, Councillor for Tennyson.
Sharing thoughts on how we may inspire our girls and young women to seek a career in politics, the benefits of more women in political office and what schools can do to drive greater female representation resulted in a rich conversation. We appreciate each of the panellists for their time and insights.
Wednesday 10 June
At St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, we don’t just prepare for what’s next—we create it. This year, we invite you to Imagine the Future and help us bring it to life.
On June 10, our community will come together for 24 hours of collective impact. Giving Day 2026 is your opportunity to invest in that vision, providing the resources and environment that enable the future of education at St Aidan’s.
$100 Per Ticket
Imagine winning $30,000 toward your 2027 tuition fees while knowing your support is helping us build the future of St Aidan’s, and for generations to come. Every ticket purchased brings us closer to realising this vision.
Together, let’s imagine!
As we look ahead to our Centenary, we invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we are building a school where every girl is empowered to thrive, not just now, but for the next 100 years.
We are delighted to celebrate one of our own, Georgina West (2022), who has made a significant mark on the hockey world and is now representing Australia at the highest level.
Georgie’s international journey began in the same year she left St Aidan’s, when she was named in the Australian Under 21 Jillaroos squad and was part of the gold medal-winning team at the Junior Oceania Cup in Canberra.
2025 proved to be a landmark year. She went on to win the Junior Oceania Cup in Auckland, compete in a Four Nations Tournament in Germany, took part in a test series against India in Canberra, and represent Australia at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Junior World Cup in Santiago. An extraordinary year by any measure.
And then came the moment every young athlete dreams of. In 2026, Georgie was named in the Hockeyroos squad for the FIH Pro League matches in Hobart, making her senior international debut and scoring her maiden international goal in her second match against Spain.
Prior to moving interstate to follow her Hockey dreams, Georgie returned to St Aidan’s as a hockey coach in 2023, giving back to the next generation of students who share her love of the sport.
Some stories of service begin with a sense of duty. Others begin with a moment of grace. For St Aidan’s alumna Rosslyn Baynes (Class of 1989), her journey with the Australian Red Cross began with both.
Just nine days after the birth of her firstborn son Finn, Rosslyn experienced a life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage. Eight units of blood - made possible by the generosity of strangers and the dedication of the Red Cross - saved her life. It is a debt she has spent more than a decade repaying in the most meaningful way possible. Rosslyn, who since had another son, Lewis, is showing her boys exactly what it looks like to live a life of purpose.
Since 2011, Rosslyn has volunteered with the Red Cross, and since 2024 has taken on a staff role within the Preparedness and Recovery Program of Australian Red Cross Emergency Services, delivering workshops that educate children on how to prepare and cope in emergencies. Grounded in psychological first aid and psychosocial communication, her work has taken her across Queensland to communities in their most challenging moments.
Her dedication has been recognised with the National Emergency Medal for service between 2017 and 2020, and the Long Service Medal in recognition of over 1,000 hours of volunteering.
In July 2024, a visit to the International Red Cross Museum in Geneva deepened her conviction that this work has never mattered more.
From the halls of St Aidan’s to the frontlines of emergency response, Rosslyn is a shining example of purpose, gratitude and service. We are so proud to call her one of our own.
“We can all make a difference — sometimes it just takes remembering when someone made one for us.”
For further details of Rosslyn’s story please visit Aidan’s Connect and follow the News Items.
We are thrilled to share the news that two of our very own St Aidan’s staff members have recently celebrated the happiest of milestones!
A huge congratulations to Aidan’s Place Sous Chef James McLellan who tied the knot on in July 2025 at the Beenleigh Distillery — we wish you and Debra a lifetime of love and happiness together!
And a very special congratulations to Year 6 Teacher and Academic Enrichment Coordinator Amelia Pratt who married her partner Clyde at the stunning Fig Tree in Byron Bay on 26 June 2025.
Congratulations — An Abundance of Beautiful Babies Have Arrived!
Our St Aidan’s family has grown in the most wonderful way, and we are delighted to share the news!
Please join us in sending our warmest love and congratulations to James, Harry, Sami and Hannah as they embrace this magical new chapter of parenthood. We cannot wait to hear all about their little ones!
Senior School Maths Teacher and Hartland House Coordinator
James Tancred and his family welcomed baby Theodore Atticus Tancred on 19th September 2025. Congratulations to the whole Tancred family!
Our Assistant Chaplain Reverend
Harry McGuire and his family welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Peter, on 24th November 2025. Welcome to the world, little Peter — congratulations Harry and family!
Health and Physical Education Teacher
Sami Phillips and her family welcomed baby Hudson Ronnie Russ on 7th January 2026. Welcome to the world, little Hudson!
Senior School Mathematics Teacher
Hannah Jenkins and her family welcomed baby Remy Knox Jenkins on 11th January 2026. What a beautiful name for a beautiful new arrival — congratulations Hannah!
In August each year, as part of St Aidan’s Day celebrations, Principal, Toni Riordan takes great delight in revealing the recipients of our Emma Betts, Mother Emma and Caroline Amy Awards. The announcement of the Alumni Award recipients is shared with the whole School and award winners’ biographies are highlighted for the audience.
Every year, our students, their parents and staff members gain real life lessons from our Awardees’ special messages, which are shared at the annual Aidan’s Celebrates evening. It is always wonderful to continue the conversation in our school community about the interesting and diverse role models which make up our yearly Alumni Award recipients.
If you know of an inspiring past student or are an alumna - please take the step this year to either self-apply, if you are an alumna, or nominate a past student, as recognition of St Aidan’s alumni is an important part of an exceptional education at St Aidan’s!
What is required to nominate:
• A completed nomination form and current CV/resume of the nominee
• A written statement (maximum 500 words) detailing why the nominee deserves to be recognised and how they meet the criteria for the award
• Any supporting evidence such as awards, media clippings, video footage, etc.
CLOSE Monday 1 June 2026
Ascension Day
60 Year Reunion (Class of 1966)
Thursday 14 May
10 Year Reunion (Class of 2016)
Saturday 23 May 10:30am - 3:00pm
Botellion Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar Graceville
20 Year Reunion (Class of 2006)
30 Year Reunion (Class of 1996)
Saturday 23 May 10:30am - 3:00pm Boucher French Bistro Graceville
40 Year Reunion (Class of 1986)
50 Year Reunion (Class of 1976)
Sunday 24 May 10:30am - 3:00pm Aidan’s Place
Melbourne Saturday 30 May 12:00pm - 3:00pm Osteria Renata
I have refused to live locked in the orderly house of reasons and proofs. The world I live in and believe in is wider than that. Mary Oliver, The World I Live in.
We Christians in the Southern Hemisphere are always out of sync. As we continue to move through the Easter Season (all the way to Pentecost in June, as I like to remind students), we are reminded of how, on the other side of the world, Easter and Spring skip joyfully through fields of wildflowers and young lambs, while we kick aside the autumn leaves and, if we see sheep at all, find only grumpy teenagers lurking in the paddocks. Autumn is not the season of new life, not even here in the subtropics.
I think that our upside-down theology is a gift. Easter in autumn gives us permission to break free from the accusation that Christians just stole a pagan festival (‘stole’ is not really accurate; ‘repurposed’ is more to the point) and to make sense of the story of resurrection cut loose from the natural world.
For if anything about the Christian story is supernatural, it would have to be the idea of resurrection. Nothing in nature suggests life after death, yet this is exactly what Jesus is enacting. We are out of context because there is simply no context for such a radical idea. This is not just resuscitation, but a coming to fullness of life, where it turns out that death is not the barrier but the gate.
Thursday 18 June 8:30am - 11:15am Open Day
+61 7 3373 5999
E reception@staidans.qld.edu.au www.staidans.qld.edu.au
St Aidan’s School Council Ltd CRICOS Code: 01194K ABN: 310 749 995 27
