What a beautifully smooth and joyful start we have had to the school year! I am sure some of our new students have experienced moments of anxiety as they navigate their new surroundings; if any are struggling, do please let us know so that we can offer a little extra support. It just seems such a blessing to have a (relatively) COVID-free, flood-free, fire-free start to the year, although even writing this seems inappropriate when so many other areas in this land of ours have been struggling for months. The various information evenings have gone well, and our beautiful Pre-preppies seem to have taken well to their first experience of school.

I do particularly want to thank you for your patience and goodwill during drop-off and pick-up times. We did have one father let himself down by yelling abuse at a student on P plates who was trying to do the right thing, but that is one in almost a thousand and perhaps he was just having a bad day. We lead such busy lives, so that being stuck in traffic is always immensely frustrating, but as first weeks go, this one has seemed remarkably calm and measured where the arrivals and departures are concerned. We are moving ever closer to a solution that we believe will make a significant difference to congestion at times of peak activity. We will sure share more with you as soon as we can.

Included in our goals for this year are a determination to find ways of more meaningfully engaging our parents in the life of our school and also of doing more to promote health and fitness within our school community. With this in mind, I am delighted to report that the school will be offering fitness classes for all and any of our parents at 8:30am on a Wednesday and Friday morning. The classes will be run by the dynamic and experienced Hayley and April Bateup, and they will take place under the John Fradgley Centre. The class will cater for all levels of fitness and will be free of charge. The first session will be next Wednesday 1 February, so please feel free to turn up and start your day with a fun-filled act of kindness for your body.

I was fortunate enough to visit the Year 12 Leadership Camp at Tyalgum Ridge last week and what a magical time I had. I love the way in which leadership at All Saints is so inclusive and wide-ranging and I left feeling that we are in excellent hands this year. As you will know by now our theme for the year is Truth. Already we are excited about the countless ways in which we feel we can meaningfully use this theme to help all of us to become better versions of ourselves. Personally, I want to work on my self-talk – to become more honest with myself about those times when I put things off or fail to grasp an opportunity to do something worthwhile by making excuses for myself. I’ll let you know how I get on!

There is something inherently wonderful about the cycle of the school year. I think back to the weary but grateful staff who I farewelled in December and wonder how the excited, chatty lively group who I welcomed back at our staff eucharist last Tuesday week can be one and the same. We love what we do here at All Saints and, believe me, we know how blessed we are to work with you and your children. We are looking forward to a year of mighty growth, demanding challenges to which we shall rise together and a great deal of fun and laughter. Let’s bring it on!

Patrick Wallas
Headmaster

Join us for a special back to school service at Anglican Church Robina this Sunday 29 January at 9.30am. 

We will pray for leaders, students and staff in our early learning centres, schools and universities, to bless them as they begin another year, and to celebrate the gift of education.  

All welcome!

Anglican Church Robina address: 
186 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina. Opposite the Australia Post and Target entrance to Robina Town Centre.

As mentioned in the Headmaster's article above, starting next week the School will be offering free fitness classes to parents after school drop off. Sessions will be run by dynamic and experienced instructors Hayley and April Bateup. The classes will cater for all fitness levels and be free of charge! 

• When: Wednesdays and Fridays, commencing 1 February
• Time: 8.30am
• Where: Under the John Fradgley Sports Centre (Junior School)

Please dress comfortably and bring a water bottle and towel. We hope you can join us!

Fee statements were emailed to families on Wednesday 4 January. Payment of fees is now due. Please contact fees@asas.qld.edu.au should you have any questions or require another copy of our statement. 

Please also refer to the Performing Arts section below for an update on private music and drama & communication fees for 2023.

It has certainly been a busy first few days but I do hope you have found them as rewarding and positive as we have here in the Junior School. The coming weeks will bring an array of new routines, experiences and opportunities and, with these, challenges to be hurdled and changes to be faced. I encourage parents to please contact us, via your class teacher or through the office, if you have any questions or concerns. No query is too small if it helps support your families transition into the school and you will find all staff keen to offer assistance. We are here to help.

At our first assembly this week, Mrs Buckley and I encouraged every Junior School student to proudly be the person they are meant to be, to let every action, every word and every opportunity be one that positively impacts and contributes. From speaking with kindness and approaching learning with a can-do attitude to wearing the uniform proudly and respecting our beautiful environment, we asked every Junior School student to consciously think about how they contribute to our community.
 
Our whole school theme for 2023 is Truth and Mrs Buckley challenged all to Seek the Truth, Speak the Truth. She spoke about the choices we have and the impact we can have on those around us. Every interaction no matter how small has the potential to bring joy or confusion, to hurt or heal. 

It has been a truly wonderful first week back. Warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, successful first term of 2023.

EXPECTATIONS
The All Saints Junior School is a unique, and very special learning environment but the outstanding nature of our teaching and learning culture does not come about by accident. Our expectations in regard respect shown for self, others, learning and our community environment are high, consistent across year levels and curriculum subjects, and relevant to all members of our community.

Our School Vision reflects our commitment to Growing through Grace, Learning through Love. Maintaining a learning environment where learning is valued and celebrated, words and actions demonstrate respect for others, and where every learner is guided towards achieving their personal best, is central to transforming this vision into reality. When these stars align, school is an exciting and happy place to be.

The beginning of a new year is an opportune time for reflection about expectations of behaviour, uniform, homework and learning application. We will spend some time during the first few days reinforcing these expectations with students. I thank you, in advance, for supporting the high expectations we have embedded in our culture.

ESTABLISHING POSITIVE SCHOOL ROUTINES
It has been wonderful to see our students settle so positively, and happily, into the routines of a new year. Our days at school are busy ones and every opportunity is taken to ensure that precious learning moments are optimized.

The start of every school day is significant as it enables classroom teachers to welcome the children into their classroom, establish the routines of the day and set in place learning expectations. It is a very important few minutes that help set a positive course for the rest of the day. The end of day is similarly important as it enables the drawing together of the learning for the day and is a time for celebrating achievements and recognising hard work and effort. It brings the day to a close with a focus on what has gone well.

Each student will have a series of tasks and responsibilities to undertake at the beginning and end of each day that work to build skills of independence and self-regulation that support learning into the future. These are vital life-long learning skills and each teacher, with your help, will encourage developmentally appropriate independence.
 
In support of the teachers and teaching that takes place from the very start of day to the very end can I ask that parents be mindful of:

• Start and end of school day times: 8.25am – 3.00pm
• Minimising interruptions to the school day through late arrivals and early pick-ups. If these are occasionally unavoidable please come via Junior School Administration rather than going directly to your child’s classroom.
• Encouraging your child to perform morning and afternoon tasks independently, including those established at home.
• Recognising that holidays taken in term time and unnecessary school absences, although sometimes unavoidable, do have a significant impact to your child’s learning at school. 

THAT MORNING GOODBYE
Sometimes, particularly during these early weeks of a new year, that morning goodbye can be emotionally challenging. I’ve included a couple of quick reads with helpful hints below as a start if you’re struggling with morning goodbyes but please speak with your child’s teacher or connect with Mrs Nicole Buckley, Assistant Head Student Engagement, or myself, if you need any assistance.

• How to Help a Child with Separation Anxiety at School: 11 Tips (wikihow.com)
• 9 tips to help your kids with separation anxiety at school (today.com)

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

We are looking forward to connecting with families at next week's parent information evenings. 

Each will begin with a friend raising opportunity in the Kearney Forecourt (Nairn Theatre) over some light refreshments and then include a short presentation in the theatre before families will be invited to spend time with their child’s class teachers learning more about the routines, teaching and learning programs and expectations of each year level.

Prep – Year 2 Parent Information Evening
Tuesday 31 January 
Light refreshments and friend raising from 5.30pm
Kearney Forecourt

Year 3 – 6 Parent Information Evening
Thursday 2 February 
Light refreshments and friend raising from 5.30pm
Kearney Forecourt

At All Saints the opportunity to be recognised as a Year 6 leader is one that many, in fact most, of our younger students aspire to. Speaking last year with Year 5 students during the leadership workshops that they participated in, it was obvious that that they have been looking towards Year 6 for some time with feelings of excitement and a sense of great responsibility. Inspired by previous Year 6 leaders they have been developing a very clear understanding of the types of leaders they would like to be and now, in 2023, they will have the opportunity to be those students that others look to.

The wonderful strength of our leadership program at All Saints is that those Year 6 students who demonstrate a willingness, a readiness and the courage to step up will be given the opportunity to lead in our Junior School. This week our Year 6 representative roles were confirmed and those students who have generously volunteered to give some of their time to assist others in the Junior School already demonstrated an inspiring level of commitment. We wish them all the best and know that their compassion and integrity will shine through.
Year 6 representative roles for 2023 include;

• Prep car park buddies
• Chapel leaders
• Sports shed assistants
• Library monitors
• Art monitors
• Tuckshop monitors
• Flag monitors
• Recycling assistants 

Being a leader is not always easy but the rewards for overcoming challenges, helping others be all that they can be and knowing that you have the courage to do what you know is right, are worth making the effort. 

Thank you to our Year 6 teaching team who guide and inspire our young leaders so well, encouraging them to lead the younger students of our school with strength, optimism, compassion and integrity. 

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

The new year requires just a little extra patience for all at drop off and pick up times as new families learn to navigate these spaces and settle little ones into their routines. Please remember:

• Pre Prep families have priority parking between 8.00am-8.30am and 2.30pm-3.00pm. Please do not park in the Pre Prep parking bays if you are going to be taking a parking space during these times. There are additional parking spaces across the top of the Middle School. I understand this is a challenge but taking Pre Prep parks blocks our queues for everyone.
• Placing your name card prominently in view for staff on duty really helps. It’s taking us some time to get these out but feel free to make your own. The larger the text the better, please.
• When you’re needing to turn right at the lights the green arrow is intuitive and needs cars to move right to the line on the road before it changes. I am reporting all concerns to the council.
• Staff-supervised morning duties begin at 7.45am. Students arriving at school from 7.45am (if not involved in a pre-planned co-curricular or extra-curricular activity) will move to one of two duty spaces:
  • Prep and Year 1 students are supervised from 7:45am – 8:00am in the Prep playground. At 8:00am Year 1 students are walked to the courtyard with a duty teacher.
  • Years 2-6 students are supervised from 7.45am-8.15am under the JFC.
•  Students arriving before 7.45am will be required to sit on the seats outside the office.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

Our before and after school service, OSHClub, is a great alternative to sitting in pick up queues in the afternoon and it’s great to see so many families taking up this opportunity. At present demand is so great some families have had to be waitlisted on our busiest days and we are working on alleviating this problem.

One way you can help is to let OSHClub know if you are not needing a booking made. It’s very frustrating when families needing the service are turned away and then those who have booked fail to turn up. If you are unable to use a prebooked place please let OSHClub know as soon as you can so they can then offer the place to a waiting family. 

During our summer holiday break I re-read teacher/psychologist Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit. Ms Duckworth is the world’s leading authority on the science of grit which she identifies as "the combination of intense passion and intense perseverance towards a long-term goal that matters to you".

Her research into the interrelationship of talent, skill and achievement, based on exhaustive analysis and investigation across a range of fields, is enlightening and extremely pertinent to educators and parents of young people. Based on this research she has worked to create a theory of the psychology of achievement that clearly explains the correlation between talent and achievement. This is what she discovered:

She explains that talent (defined by how quickly you can improve your skills when you put in effort) is important but that EFFORT counts twice. Talent alone is not enough. It falls short of explaining achievement and the great thing for us all as learners is that effort is the variable that we can control.

“Without effort, your talent is nothing more than unmet potential. Without effort, your skill is nothing more than what you could have done but didn’t. With effort, talent becomes skill and at the same time, effort makes skill productive.”

As a good scientist, Ms Duckworth is careful to point out that there are a number of competing variables at play (genetics, great teaching, luck etc) in determining the link between talent and achievement but that if you look at individuals in similar situations there are two variables that can really make the difference. Talent and effort. But effort counts twice.

The final link in this chain is, of course, grit which is the passion and perseverance, the dogged determination towards a goal, that brings effort to life.

“To be gritty is to keep putting one foot in front of the other, to hold fast to an interesting and purposeful goal, to invest day after day, week after week in challenging practice. To be gritty is to fall down seven times and get up eight.”

Interested in learning more about how we can support our kids to become grittier? Take the How Gritty are you? test on Angela Duckworth’s website, listen to her Ted Talk or drop in to see me. I have a couple of copies of Grit to lend out and would love to share more of this fascinating research with you.

The development of a flexible approach to thinking, enables students to maintain their grit to complete tasks by finding different ways to keep persisting until they complete the job at hand. While we encourage students to never give up and to keep trying, there is little to be gained from doing the same actions repeatedly without reflecting on why the approach is not working. 

To help build grit and persistence, we encourage the students to be open minded and to be flexible with their thinking. Following are hopefully valuable hints for helping your child develop their grit and flexible thinking skills:

Developing GRIT hints:

• Implement a Hard Thing Rule. Help your child identify a challenging long-term goal to work toward and encourage regular practice.
• Talk about setbacks when they arise. Help your child make a B and C plan.
• Share your stories of times of challenge and what you did as your actions. Celebrate when family members attempt to persevere through difficult tasks.
• Encourage your child to commit to an activity for a period of time eg a term, a semester, a year. Commitment is important so that we don’t give up when we hit the first obstacle.
• Encourage hard work and deliberate practice regularly. Discuss with your child that not all learning will always be fun as sometimes we have to work hard even when we find what we are doing not fun. Improvement comes from effort.

Flexible thinking hints:

• Print maps and challenge your child to find the fastest route from point A to B.  Together you can check on Google to see if the different methods were successful.
• Encourage your child to play games that require regular shifts in their thinking such as Rush Hour, Chess, Master Mind, Connect 4 and games involving 3Dimensional puzzles as these engage mathematical and visualisation skills.

I hope your 2023 will be filled with a growth mindset, GRIT and flexible thinking!

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

A huge welcome back to one and all. I hope you are set for another action-packed year at All Saints? No doubt the families of the ninety new students joining our school for the very first time have had a topsy-turvy week – full of stomach-churning butterflies, information overload and all manner of new routines to establish. Please take comfort in the knowledge that every student in the Middle School is acclimatising to a brand-new classroom teacher, a brand-new year level precinct and a brand-new set of classmates with whom to share the journey in 2023 … and if the truth be known, every single teacher will have begun the year with their own degree of trepidation about making a good impression on all their new charges. Here’s hoping this year is a happy and successful one for you and your family!

FIDO PARENT COMMUNICATION PAGES
To streamline communication and decrease the number of emails sent home, we would very much encourage you to stay in touch with goings on by regularly reading the relevant year level Parent Communication Page on FIDO. If you have downloaded the School app to your phone you will receive a notification any time something important is posted – for example, information about the Year 9 Camp coming up in Week 4!

SWIMMING TRIALS
The Middle School Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday 8 February in the indoor swimming pool. By way of preparing for this, we will be conducting swimming trials on Friday 27 January and Friday 3 February (12.00-3.00pm). Students should wear their House shirt, sport shorts and shoes on these days.

EARLY DEPARTURES
If a student is required to leave the School at any time during the day, at roll call in the morning (8.25-8.35am) they must present their diary to their core teacher with a note signed by their parent/guardian that includes the details of their departure time, where they are going, and who is picking them up. The core teacher will initial this note to indicate they have seen it, then, at the time of departure, the student should present to Middle School Administration, show Mrs Everstets or Mrs Hunter their diary note and sign out before leaving campus. It is essential that we are always able to account for all our students and we thank you for continuing to support this protocol. If a student does not have a note, they will not be permitted to leave campus until such time as we receive contact from their parent/guardian.

SPORTS UNIFORM
Middle School students are permitted to wear house uniform to and from school on Mondays (APS Training) and sports uniform on Fridays (APS Fixtures). From Tuesday through Thursday, if a student has HPE during the day, they must wear day uniform to and from school, and change in/out of their sports gear at the appropriate break times. This is the case even if they have HPE in Period 1 (to start the day) or Period 7 (to finish it).

APS SPORTS TRAINING
Please note that while students are asked to wear house uniform on Mondays, they will not commence Monday after-school training until Monday 13 February (Week 4) – Year 7 and 8 only as Year 9s will be on camp.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
No doubt many Middle School students achieved great things over the holiday break and we’re always keen to acknowledge them in these pages. If there are any notable extra-curricular achievements you’d like acknowledged, please phone/email Middle School Reception and pass on the details.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Over the first few weeks of this term, we are hosting our all-important Parent Information Evenings. On Monday 23 January, we had a very healthy turn out for the Year 9 evening, and we really appreciate the support and positive feedback!

The remaining evenings are as follows:

• Year 8: Week 2, Monday 30 January, 7.00-8.15pm (no RSVP required), Nairn Theatre
• Year 7: Week 3, Tuesday 7 February, 5.00-8.00pm (RSVP required), venue to be advised in letter sent home next week

We ask that parents and guardians move mountains to attend these evenings as they are a time to disseminate key information regarding the program for the year AND an opportunity to establish a strong, working relationship with your child’s core teacher. 

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

No doubt most of you have already sampled the delights of the car park congestion that occurs at the start of each year before our co-curricular program kicks in. To minimise the problems associated with afternoon rush hour, can we re-emphasise the following:

• The School Library is open until 6.00pm each day (except Fridays). Students can use this facility to read, complete homework or work on assessment pieces, thus decreasing the number of cars lined up at 3.15pm.
• If you have students across two or three of the sub schools, please arrange for them to all gather in the one place for pick up. Parents that pick up Junior School children from the Junior School loop and then proceed along to the Middle School/Senior School traffic rank are a major cause of traffic congestion.
• Under no circumstances should you arrange to pick up your children on Highfield Drive or any of the neighbouring cul de sacs. 

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

By the end of Week 1, all Middle Earthlings will have most likely received their one-to-one device for the year. Year 7 students have received a brand-new Surface Book, whilst Year 8s and 9s retain their Surface Book from last year. Some key points to note with regards these devices:

• Please encourage your Middler to ensure their device is placed on charge each evening.
• Whilst the Surface Books have a customised hardcover shell to protect them, both the Book and Pro need to be carefully stored and transported. The All Saints backpack already has a customised, in-built sleeve to protect a device, and the Year 7s will have also received a cover for their device. 

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

I would like to congratulate the students and staff for the results achieved by the Class of 2022.

Their commitment to the senior program produced outstanding ATAR results. Nearly 5 percent of students achieved an ATAR above 99 and more than a quarter of the Year 12 cohort achieved an ATAR above 95. More than 42 percent of students received an ATAR above 90. 

So many students have gone on to the university course of their preference. From studying Biomedical Science to Advanced Business, Science, Economics and Engineering, a fine crop of All Saints students will enhance the workplaces of the future. 

We also saw another amazing group of brilliant young artists, designers and performers accepted into prestigious courses with very selective intakes. All Saints students were accepted into the Conservatorium of Music, others are studying degrees in Music, Acting and Musical Theatre. Incredibly, four students were accepted into a Bachelor of Design (Fashion).

We also have a number of students who secured pathways into apprenticeships, the Australian Defence Force, eSports, the hospitality industry and many other varied professions. Many of these are due to the school-based traineeships and certificate courses they completed while still at school. Amazingly, 52 students had already secured their university offer before they had finished school based on their qualifications and studies, guided by our Careers and VET team.  

The scholarships are still continuing to be finalised but already we have 13 students who have received generous scholarships to various institutions. Most of these are valued at over $50,000 and some over $100,000. We thank our university partners and congratulate these students.

I believe that all of these results came about because of the character of a well-rounded group of happy and positive students who chose to support each other through their final year. Another brilliant effort from Ms Alison Weeks and Ms Julie Klein, and the dedicated staff and students.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

The 2023 Year 12 Leaders’ Camp was a wonderful success, offering the 80 Badged School Leaders a valuable preparation program over three days at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat. 

It was an opportunity for staff to help channel the talents, good humour, brilliant ideas and energy of the new student leadership body. It seems to have been very worthwhile as the Year 12 leaders have been on fire this week. Through Year 10 orientation activities, to the Senior School assembly and swimming trials they are setting an excellent tone and I thank them for their efforts. Many thanks to Ms Stacey Ward, the Heads of House, Ms Cheryl Frawley, Mother Ann and Mr Brendan Callaghan for their organisation of the retreat. Also, thank you to the other staff mentors of the various student leadership teams for giving their time to visit the camp to work with their leaders to ensure that the students are off to a great start in 2023. We are lucky to have so many staff prepared to drive out to the camp to work with the students on Wednesday night as well as a Headmaster who was prepared to drive out on Thursday night to share his open and honest reflections on leadership with the students around the campfire. 

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

YEAR 10 TRANSITION DAY 
On Monday, Year 10 students were involved in a program designed to welcome them into the Senior School community. The morning featured a series of informative presentations on the Senior School’s structures, challenges and support systems. Students also experienced a series of outdoor and team building challenges led by the Year 12 House Captains and the Heads of House. Students were set up with their new surface books and hopefully left the day feeling more comfortable with the Senior School and their classmates. The Year 10 cohort presented themselves well and approached the day with optimism and enthusiasm. It was a great start.

YEAR 10 ONE-TO-ONE PROGRAM 
It has been so pleasing to see the successful roll out of over 200 new devices to Year 10 students. My thanks to Mr Mohsen Farahi, Mrs Amanda Worlley and all the Computer Support Team for delivering and setting up this number of students in just a few hours on the first day of School. From the feedback I have received and the classrooms I have visited, I have seen a wonderfully seamless transition to this standard device. OneDrive should see students never lose an assignment or work again. A reminder that it is the responsibility of every student to bring their device, fully charged, every day. Year 10 students received two bags with their device. One is the protective sleeve. Students are aware that their device must be in the protective sleeve when not in use. The campus bag can also be used for the ease of student movement throughout the day. Students can carry their books, stationery and device (in its protective sleeve) to and from classes throughout the day.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Thank you to all Year 10 parents who attended the orientation evening on Tuesday night. Hundreds of sausages were consumed, but more importantly connections in the Senior School were made. These presentations provide parents and students with invaluable details and guidance regarding the academic and pastoral programs, careers, pathways, excursions and camps. They are designed to provide you with information that is conducive to students' success in Senior School.

The next information evenings will take place on the following dates: 

• Year 12: Wednesday 1 February, 7.00pm, Nairn Theatre
• Year 11: Wednesday 8 February, 7.00pm, Nairn Theatre

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

I wish to thank the students for returning with a positive attitude and looking so well presented. We provide them with so many time management and study techniques, but really, motivation is the key. As I said to the students on assembly this week, there is not a Senior School student who could not tell me how to go about organising their life. They already have most of the knowledge. A simple YouTube or Google search brings up hundreds of suggestions on how to study, how to organise a diary, how to start an assignment sooner and how to plan a shutdown schedule. The important part is finding the drive to make this happen. Our job, as teachers and parents, is to encourage and set boundaries and expectations that lead to this motivation. I also spoke to the students about using the ‘milestone’ of the new year to embrace a positive approach to schooling. With this year’s theme of ‘truth’, I asked students to be true to their core values, who they want to be and how they would make the most out of their studies in 2023. I hope that all students who need it, take the opportunity that a new year provides to reinvent themselves. For the many All Saints students who already work so hard, I hope the restful break sees you reinvigorated for a new year of success.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 
For both new and existing students, Tutors are taking the time during Tutor Group to review the Senior School Policies and Procedures that are documented in FIDO. 

All families have received the Excursion Consent and Policy and Procedures form through the Parent Lounge. An email with all instructions was sent on Tuesday. Hopefully, this form has already been approved by parents and returned to your child’s Tutor. I ask all parents to familiarise themselves with these policies and to discuss them with their children. This information is explicitly stated in FIDO to ensure the smooth running of the Senior School and I ask for your assistance in ensuring that it is followed throughout the school year. 

CHANGES TO FAMILY DETAILS / FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES
It is important that medical and family information and contact details held by the School are correct. In the event of changes, a Change of Address form or Change of Circumstances form is available from the Parent Lounge to update your details.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Welcome back to what will be another exciting year in the life of the Performing Arts at All Saints. I’d especially like to welcome new students (and families) to the All Saints community. All Saints is a rather busy place with so much on offer and it is never too late to get involved in the Performing Arts. Those who gain the most from the school get involved in a cross-section of activities

This section of Saints Alive encompasses Music and Drama from Prep to Year 12, therefore parents who have students involved in Performing Arts should read this section regularly. 

STAFF NEWS
We welcome the following teachers and staff who join the Performing Arts Department:

♪ Tania Vadeikis – Senior and Year 6 Class Music, Flute

♪ Brie Ramirez – Junior String coordinator, Violin, Ensemble Director

♪ Angeline Feng – Piano

♪ Shu-yi Che – Saxophone

♪ Kellie Clarke – Saxophone/clarinet

♪ Tom Davies – Drama and Communication

♪ Lisa Luchetti – Music Administration

TEACHER CONTACT
All music and drama & communication teachers have school email accounts which have a standard format (teacher first name initial, surname, followed by @asas.qld.edu.au). For example, my email address is oclarke@asas.qld.edu.au  Please communicate any issues, requests or other information that may assist the education of your child to the teacher via email. For organisational and administrative questions call or email our Performing Arts admin staff on performingartsadmin@asas.qld.edu.au or 558 70351.
 
Students make better progress when there is an open line of communication between parent and teacher. Please make yourself known to your child’s teacher.

PARENT AND STUDENT COMMUNICATION
I publish a FIDO news post weekly with Performing Arts Updates, then a Saints Alive section fortnightly with information and a reflection on the past fortnight’s activities. Individual Ensemble Directors also communicate through FIDO.

ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL TIMES FOR 2023
Core musical ensembles (Band, Strings, Choir), and all smaller choirs will commence rehearsals next week (from Monday 30 Jan) timetables are now live on FIDO. Big Bands (Milestones, Giant Steps and Blues Factory) and small instrumental ensembles will commence in Week 3 following audition. If you are not sure what ensemble your child should/can be in, please contact us. Please click here to view timetables on FIDO.

Students who have instrumental or voice lessons at the school are expected to be part of the concert band or wind ensemble/orchestra/choir appropriate to their sub-school/ability level. If students cannot regularly attend these rehearsals due to other school or external commitments, we will put them in an alternate wind ensemble/orchestra/choir, however, this is not always ideal as placement in an ensemble is best done on their current age and skill level.

PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS IN TERM 1
Our events schedule is complex and busy, providing students of all year levels and disciplines at least ONE performance each term. This provides a goal, motivation and experience which helps develop them in their learning. Please keep track of the dates applicable to your children. There is a link to our PA Events Calendar on the Performing Arts FIDO page here. 

Parents are encouraged to attend events. Details are provided via a letter to students and parents closer to the event time.

PRIVATE AND PAIRED MUSIC AND DRAMA & COMMUNICATION LESSONS
Teachers have started the quite lengthy process of timetabling lessons for students who are enrolled for private or paired lessons. Most lessons should commence next week, though please do not be alarmed if your child has not yet received their lesson time. Due to the new staff this year the process is taking longer for some students. 

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR MUSIC AND DRAMA & COMMUNICATION
Our cancellation policy requires parents to notify us via a Cancellation/Change of Enrolment form (which is available from the Performing Arts Administration or via the Performing Arts page on FIDO) prior to the end of the semester. Details are on the enrolment form and are also placed in Saints Alive. Occasionally I have some parents who have not registered this policy and are wishing to withdraw after a semester has already commenced. Unless there are some extenuating circumstances, once the student has been timetabled for lessons they are enrolled for the semester. 

MUSIC HONOURS PROGRAM
The school runs a Music Honours program for outstanding musicians in the Middle or Senior schools who are intending to pursue tertiary studies in music following their time at school. The program runs on a Friday afternoon (during regular Sport time) from 12:30pm – 3:30pm and includes time for individual practice, master classes (where students perform to each other and receive feedback), workshops on performing, aural and musicianship development and chamber music. Students also perform publicly in several concerts and in the community. 
 
Students who wish to be considered for this program for 2023 should discuss their interest with their instrumental/voice teacher as acceptance into this program is by invitation only (following a recommendation from the music teacher). Current Music Honours students will need to re-apply for 2023 (again through their music teacher). The number accepted into this program each year is capped at 10. Indication of intent to be considered for the program must be received Friday February 3.

Mr Nigel Bardsley (Head of Strings) will co-ordinate the program and there will be involvement other music staff during the year. There is no cost involved to students.

FEE STRUCTURE
In line with the school fee increase, the Performing Arts fees have been revised and there is a small increase of approximately $2 per lesson for private lessons (slightly more for paired). This is in line with the increased costs of Performing Arts staff, facilities, resources and equipment. These costs are still partially funded by the school, and the increase in fees has been considered carefully and made conservatively. All updated fees and information can be found via the relevant FIDO Performing Arts pages: 

• FIDO - Music Lessons 
• FIDO - Drama and Communication Lessons

FRIENDS OF PERFORMING ARTS
The first meeting of the year for the Friends of Performing Arts will be at 6:00pm on Tuesday 7 February in the Holloway Music Centre. New parents are most welcome to attend.

We align our charges for private and paired Music and Drama & Communication lessons with the Music Teachers Association of Queensland rates. There has been a conservative increase in fees for lessons in 2023.

The increase in fees has been carefully considered and the overall cost of these lessons are still significantly subsidised by the school

Fees are calculated on a semester basis (two terms) of 16 lessons and invoiced at the beginning of each semester (Terms 1 and 3) and are as follows:

Co-curricular Music Fees 2023

Weekly Private Lessons

• 30 minutes - $737.00* 45 minutes - $1,089.00* 60 minutes - $1,441.00

Weekly Paired Lessons 

• 30 minutes $420.20*  

Small Group Theory (minimum three students) 

• 30 minutes $297.00*  

Co-curricular Drama & Communication Fees 2023

• Weekly Private Lessons $737.00* 
• Weekly Paired Lessons $420.20* 
• Large Group Lessons $244.20* 

* Including GST, per semester (16 lessons). Please note these fees are subject to change. 

Most district sport trials take place in term one each year. Any student who is interested in playing their chosen sport at the district level (that’s the next one up from representing All Saints), should keep a close eye on FIDO notices so they don’t miss the details about their trial. The calendar of sport trials can be found HERE. Once final details are received, the trials are advertised in FIDO, normally about a week before the trial takes place.

Fergus Leslie 
Director of Sport & Activities 

TRACK CYCLING 
Congratulations to Alex Hewes (Year 11) who competed at the Australian Junior National Track series in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and won all three rounds! Alex also competed in the National Championships, placing first in both the Madison and the Omnium which consisted of four separate events. Alex is now ranked 17 in the U17 Male division in Australia. 

FUTSAL 
Congratulations to Luca Nakagawa-Morrison (Year 10) who won the National Championships with the Queensland Team. 

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
No doubt many All Saints students achieved great things over the holiday break and we’re always keen to acknowledge them in these pages.

Please email your relevant sub-school with details and photos.

juniorreception@asas.qld.edu.au

middlereception@asas.qld.edu.au

seniorreception@asas.qld.edu.au

For those who are new to All Saints, Giveathon is our annual fundraising campaign which begins with our community proposing charities that they feel passionate about, selecting nine beneficiaries, and after a year of fabulous fundraising, it culminates in our annual Giveathon Assembly at the end of Term 3.

We are so blessed at All Saints, and yet have so much to learn from those for whom every day is a challenge. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to make a real difference, and in the process enhance our own lives through the encounter.

Do you want to propose a charity for Giveathon 2023?  Read on!

HOW DO I PROPOSE A CHARITY?
Thank you for your generosity of heart in taking the time to read this. You will make a huge difference in the lives of others and will be blessed by their experiences too. This is how it works:

1. You need to be actively involved with the Charity in some way. (Perhaps you help a family member who is involved, support it financially, or attend some of its events.) 
2. It needs to be a registered Charity Organisation. (Unfortunately, it may not be a family or individual.)
3. You need to provide details of their website and any other information which will help the team to understand the nature of the organisation. You may like to prepare a presentation, which is optional.
4. You need to be prepared to assist in creating awareness around the purpose and work of the Charity.  (Which means speaking at Chapels or Assemblies as requested or providing information for the SOS Committee or someone else to do so.)

DEADLINE: Wednesday 1 March

Please send an email outlining the above information to Mother Ann amcguinness@asas.qld.edu.au

HOW ARE THE CHARITIES SELECTED?
The decision is made by the Year 12 SOS Committee (under the mentorship of the school chaplain) who go through all the requests and choose according to the following criteria.

• Nine charities are selected each year.
• Three are allocated to each of the three sub-schools in an age-appropriate manner
• Three each local, national and international are selected, if possible
• They are selected across a wide variety of genres (medical, humanitarian, environmental etc)
• The Giveathon donation will be on a strictly once-off basis for the sake of fairness.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CHARITY HAS BEEN SELECTED?
The Giveathon charities will be announced in the last week of Term 1.

May you all be blessed by the blessings you bestow upon others.

Mother Ann McGuinness
School Chaplain