Welcome Back to the 2025 School Year!
To all our returning families, it is wonderful to have you back. To those joining us for the first time, welcome to the All Saints community—I have no doubt you will soon feel the warmth and connection that makes this place so special just as I have during my first few weeks.
I hope the summer break provided an opportunity for some quality time with family and loved ones. However, I also know that not every holiday period is easy, and if your family has faced challenges, please know that we are here to support you and your child in any way we can.
It is an honour to be writing my first newsletter as the third Principal in our school's history. I began in early January, spending time with our incredible Commercial Team, who were hard at work turning on the 'All Saints Engine' —ensuring that everything was ready for the return of our educators and students. A special shoutout to our Facilities and Maintenance team, whose commitment to our school is evident in the way our campus looks and feels.
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
In my first address to staff, I spoke not only about my educational and leadership ethos but also about the shoulders we all stand on as custodians of this remarkable school. The day before that address, I had the privilege of sitting on Reverend Len Nairn’s balcony, soaking in stories of our past. I was reminded of his entrepreneurial spirit and the bold vision that laid the foundations of All Saints.
I also remain incredibly grateful for the strong culture Mr Patrick Wallas has handed down—a culture built on community and care. With these roots in mind, I reminded our staff that the next chapter of our school must stay true to these defining attributes while ensuring our students graduate with unique points of difference—built around character, ingenuity, and an ability to navigate an ever-evolving world.
A Remarkable Start to the Year
The first few weeks have already brought many highlights:
- Year 12 Leadership Camp, where I had the privilege of joining a beautiful Eucharist around the firepit and engaging in a fireside chat with our young leaders. I shared insights into my life and values, and we spoke about the importance of expecting and embracing obstacles, as they are the very experiences that shape our character.
- Hosting 500 delegates for the Sharing Best Practice conference—an incredible demonstration of our commitment to professional learning.
- Parent information evenings, where the strength of our home-school partnership was evident
- Watching our exceptional educators and support staff at work, seeing their passion and expertise firsthand.
- Spending as much time as possible visiting classrooms and chatting with students of all ages.
Why All Saints?
People have asked me, 'Why All Saints?'
All Saints struck a chord with me very early on. You will often go to a school website and see glossy photos and read inspiring quotes—words designed to attract new families, which is absolutely fine. But with All Saints, it was different. Our school knows who it is.
As I read our website and the Saints Alive newsletters for the first time, I thought, this is a school that is humble, confident in its identity, genuinely living its values and utterly focused on ensuring that every student has a chance to succeed and feel a sense of belonging. I was hooked from that moment.
When I met the staff, the students, my predecessor Mr Wallas, and finally attended my family’s welcome assembly, it confirmed everything I had already felt—All Saints is a school that celebrates every student, in every pursuit, and for everything they bring to our community.
The Character of Our Young People
What has stood out most in these first few weeks is the exceptional character of our young people. This is a school where students communicate with confidence, show authenticity, ask great questions, and bring their full selves to their learning and relationships. It is clear that this is the result of a powerful partnership between home and school—one that nurtures curiosity, courage and a deep sense of belonging.
As our School Song so beautifully reminds us: "Truth, Faith, and Compassion will withstand any foe."
These words are not just a motto—they are a promise. A promise that no matter the challenges ahead, we will face them together. A promise that All Saints will continue to be a place of wisdom, kindness, and unwavering strength. A promise that the next chapter of our school will be one written by all of us, in unity, faith and hope.
Let’s Connect
I would love the opportunity to meet more of our families over the coming weeks. Please look out for a couple of Principal Coffee Mornings this term, where I’ll share a little about myself, my thoughts on education, and an insight into our journey ahead.
And, of course, please do say hello when you see me around campus. The All Saints connection extends far beyond our school gates, and I have already enjoyed speaking to families in and around town.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!
Matt Corbett
Principal