WELCOME BACK TO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR AT ALL SAINTS
A very special welcome to our new families, including those joining us for the first time, those whose children follow siblings or other family members through our gates and those whose own journey with All Saints stretches back to their student days as alumni. Whether your connection to our school is brand new or spans generations, please know this: All Saints prides itself on connection and you can be confident that fellow community members will support you and your family as you find your feet.

There is something uniquely special about the first few weeks of school at All Saints. The joy, the movement, the conversations and the energy are unmistakable. It is a feeling that is hard to describe but instantly recognisable when you are part of it.

A colleague from our Grounds team shared with me that they remember a first day many years ago when the campus was underwater. This year, we were greeted instead by a beautiful sunny morning, with students arriving full of optimism and anticipation. It felt like a quiet gift and a reminder of how fortunate we are to live on the Gold Coast and to be part of such a connected community.

Check out the first week photo gallery! 

A COMMUNITY READY TO BEGIN
Our educators and professional staff returned a week earlier than students, with a strong sense of intent and shared purpose. The days together were focused on setting ourselves up well for the year ahead and reconnecting around the work that matters most.

There is something powerful about a community of adults who share a collective belief in their ability to positively shape the lives of young people. When that belief is supported by a clear plan for the future, it gives real meaning and momentum to our work and helps ensure we are moving forward together with purpose.

As part of this, we spent time working with Blueprint 2026+, our plan for the future, shaped by the voices of more than 2,000 students, staff, parents and community members. The Blueprint provides clarity about what we value, where we are heading and how we will get there, so that our collective effort is focused and aligned.

The intent of this work is not to take time away from our everyday focus or to distract from the core business of learning. Rather, it exists to ensure we continue to improve incrementally, never resting on what has worked before. Our students and families deserve to know that while we keep a close eye on today, we are also thoughtful about improvement and intentional about the future.

We were also fortunate to welcome Nicole Dyson, founder and CEO of Future Anything, an organisation that works with schools and communities to help young people develop the skills and mindsets needed for a changing world. Nicole spoke with staff about the capabilities that will matter most in the future for our students and the practical ways classrooms can continue to nurture curiosity, agency and confidence. Her message both affirmed our practice and offered clear takeaways to strengthen it further.

WELCOMING DR LUKE GILMOUR, VICE PRINCIPAL
I am delighted to welcome Dr Luke Gilmour to All Saints as our new Vice Principal.

Luke brings deep experience and a leadership presence that is warm, kind and thoughtful. His judgement, relational approach and values make him a strong fit for our community.

Many families will remember that we previously had a Chief of Staff role held by Mrs Sue Daly. As the complexity of school life has increased and the expectations placed on schools have evolved, this role has been re-shaped to meet what is most needed today.

Luke will work closely with me across strategic planning and the day-to-day leadership of the school, with a particular focus on child welfare, risk and compliance and the systems that underpin a safe, well-run and responsive school. He will also play a key role in overseeing and mapping our activities program, including domestic and overseas experiences, ensuring these opportunities are well designed and aligned with our values and educational purpose.

Luke will also line-manage Performing Arts, our team of psychologists and Sport, three areas that contribute significantly to the balance, identity and lived experience of our students.

Luke has written a short introduction of his own elsewhere in this edition, and I encourage you to take a moment to read it and get to know him and his family a little better.

VISION, MISSION AND OUR THEME FOR THE YEAR
As part of our Blueprint 2026+ planning, we are introducing a refreshed Vision and Mission that reflect both our identity and our aspirations for the young people in our care.

Our Vision
To ignite purpose and possibility in every learner.

Our Mission
We empower every learner to discover who they are and explore what is possible with curiosity, courage and purpose.

Flowing from this, our community theme for the year is Possibility.

In an uncertain world, we want our students to approach the future with optimism rather than apprehension. Possibility is about recognising opportunity, seeking and embracing the support of those around us and developing a mindset grounded in hope and purpose. It challenges us, as a community, to believe in what might be possible for our young people and to create the conditions in which that belief can flourish. As an Anglican school and guided by our core value, Faith, we hold a quiet confidence that there is meaning in our life journey and that, with support and care, each young person can step into what is possible.

STAY CONNECTED
I strongly encourage all parents to attend our upcoming parent information evenings, regardless of how long you have been part of All Saints. These gatherings are an important opportunity to strengthen relationships, share context and deepen our shared understanding of school life.

Last week, you would have received a short Blueprint 2026+ introduction video, along with a link to the digital Blueprint document, which you are warmly invited to explore at your own pace. You will hear the language of the Blueprint increasingly across the life of the school as we move forward together.

Thank you for the trust you place in All Saints. The year has begun with wonderful energy, and I look forward to all that lies ahead as we step into a year of possibility together.

Matt Corbett
Principal

It is a great privilege to introduce myself to the All Saints community as your new Vice Principal. Already, I have witnessed the warmth and expertise of the school's committed staff and the vitality and energy of our wonderful students.

I come to All Saints after serving as Deputy Head, Co-Curricular at Shore in Sydney, where I oversaw the extensive Co-Curricular program across sport, performing arts, outdoor education, activities and service learning. Earlier in my career, I was a professional musician, a member of the Royal Australian Navy Band and completed my doctoral studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

In terms of family, this has been a big move for us, where we have left two of our boys in Sydney to go to university and brought our Year 8 boy up with us to All Saints. My wife Vanessa is also a teacher and is working currently at a school in Coomera.

What has immediately stood out to me about All Saints is the strength of its community. Schools thrive when students feel known, supported and challenged, when staff are united by shared purpose, and when families feel genuinely connected to the life of the school. My career has been shaped by a belief that education is at its best when academic rigour and excellence is complemented by strong pastoral care and rich opportunities beyond the classroom — experiences that develop purpose and possibility within a framework of curiosity, courage and connection.

I am very much looking forward to the term ahead, to getting to know students and families, and to build on the school's foundations as we realise the vision, mission and values of Blueprint 2026+.

Luke Gilmour
Vice Principal

To keep our school communication clear and consistent, all parent communications are now shared via FIDO News.

FIDO News can be accessed in two ways:

• by logging into FIDO via your web browser, or
• by using the All Saints app, which provides instant notifications and quick access to everything in one place.

FIDO News and the FIDO Parent Communications pages are where families should expect to find important school and year-level information in one central location.

What is FIDO?
FIDO is All Saints’ learning management system and the home of FIDO News and Parent Communications, where parents will find:

• school and year-level news
• school calendar and activity information
• important notices and updates
• policies and class-related content
• access ongoing learning updates and track your child’s progress throughout the year

Students also use FIDO via their own login as their learning hub, accessing timetables, assignments, class resources and extra-curricular activities.

What is Parent Lounge?
Parent Lounge is our student information system and is used for:

• paying school fees
• downloading semester academic reports
• updating contact and health details
• providing excursion approvals
• accessing the parent directory

Why use the app?
The All Saints app brings FIDO and Parent Lounge together in one place, making it your shortcut for all things related to your child’s education. It also enables push notifications, so new FIDO News or Parent Communications items appear instantly on your phone.

The app is available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

How do I access FIDO and Parent Lounge?
Both platforms are easily accessed via the All Saints app, with web access also available:

• FIDO: fido.asas.qld.edu.au
• Parent Lounge: tass.asas.qld.edu.au/parentlounge

How do I log in?
The same username and password are used for the All Saints app, FIDO and Parent Lounge. Your username is the email address you have provided to the school, and your password is the one you set when you first signed up. If needed, you can select Forgot Password to reset it. Please ensure the email address you enter matches the one held in the school’s records.

Students will have their individual and class photos taken Week 3 during class time:

• Tuesday 10 February: Senior School 
• Wednesday 11 February: Pre Prep Red, Pre Prep Blue to Year 5
• Thursday 12 February: Year 6, Middle School and Pre Prep Yellow 

Please see below further information.

As we begin a new school year, it’s important that the School holds accurate medical information, family details, and up‑to‑date contact information for every student.

If any of your details have changed, please update them via the Parent Lounge using the Change of Address or Change of Circumstances forms 

Welcome back to all our families! 

It has been wonderful to see our campus come alive again, with students and parents settling back into the rhythm of a new school year. Our teachers and support staff have worked tirelessly in the lead‑up to the 'first day back', but school never truly feels complete until the laughter, chatter and energy of our students fill the playgrounds and classrooms once more.

It’s certainly been a busy start to the year, but I hope these first few days have felt as positive and rewarding for you as they have for us in the Junior School. In the weeks ahead, your children will settle into new routines, explore fresh experiences and embrace exciting opportunities, and with all of this will come the usual challenges and adjustments that naturally accompany the start of a new year. Please remember that we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, no matter how small, I encourage you to reach out to your class teacher. Supporting your family’s transition into the new school year is important to us, and you’ll find our staff ready, willing and happy to help.

It is a real joy and privilege to step into the role of Acting Head of Junior School this term. For those I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting, I look forward to catching up at our up-and-coming Parent Information Evenings. I’ve spent more than 20 years in education, working alongside young people, families and dedicated staff in a variety of roles and schools. From my very first day at All Saints (all the way back in 2004!), it was clear that this is a place where children are genuinely known, nurtured and encouraged to discover who they are and what’s possible for them. Our school’s Vision and Mission reflect this beautifully- to ignite purpose and possibility in every learner, grounded in the values of Truth, Faith and Compassion. These aren’t just aspirational statements; they’re lived every day in classrooms, friendships, conversations and the small moments that make school life meaningful.

As we step into a new year together, I’m truly excited to get to know you and your children, and to work with our wonderful staff team to ensure the Junior School remains a place of joy, belonging and growth.

Bec Pearson
Acting Head of Junior School

EXPECTATIONS
The start of a new year is a great time to pause and revisit our shared expectations around behaviour, uniform, homework and learning. Over these first few days, we will spend time reinforcing these expectations with students to help them begin the year confidently and consistently. Thank you in advance for your support in upholding the high standards that are such an important part of our school culture. For more information please visit our Junior School Parent page on FIDO.

ESTABLISHING POSITIVE SCHOOL ROUTINES
If your household is anything like mine, it takes a little time to get routines back on track and remember who has what, when — choir, swimming, work, athletics… and the daily question, “What time is pick‑up today?” In our home, we use a family calendar and the kids each have their own little routine sheet in their rooms. Does it always work perfectly? Absolutely not. But it certainly helps on busy mornings or the night before when bags need packing and uniforms need locating!

Whatever system works for your family, establishing simple routines can make school days run much more smoothly. Packing bags the night before is something all of our primary-aged students are capable of doing, and it really does take the pressure off in the mornings. Ultimately, our job as parents is to gently step back over time- helping our children grow in independence so they learn to manage the little things for themselves.

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.

Bec Pearson
Acting Head of Junior School

All Junior School drop off and pick up is via the most northern entrance (Gate 1). Drop off for Prep to Year 6 students can commence from 7.45am and students will be supervised in the pick-up area until 3.30pm.

PRE PREP

• Drop-Off: Park in the undercover Pre Prep car park and sign your child in from 8.00am. Only parents with Pre Prep passes may use this area during drop-off times.
  
• Pick-Up: Please park undercover and collect your child from Pre Prep between 2.30pm and 3.00pm. If this area is full, families are welcome to park in the Lower Junior School Car Park and walk up.
  

PREP AND YEAR 1

• Drop-Off: Students and their siblings are to be dropped off at the top Junior School drop-off point near the LED screen. We will have plenty of friendly, familiar faces there each morning to help children walk to their classrooms and assist with bags as they settle into their new routines. Where possible, we encourage a quick goodbye and for your Prep or Year 1 child to walk up with staff or with our very responsible Year 6 helpers. This process helps build confidence and independence early in the year. If you prefer to park and walk your child to their classroom, please park in the Lower Junior School Car Park.
  
  
• Pick-Up: Pick-up will take place outside the Pre Prep area in the undercover drive-through lane. All vehicles must loop around the mini roundabout before returning to the undercover area. Older siblings of Pre Prep to Year 1 students will also be collected from this location. If you arrive before Junior School finish time, parents will be asked to park in the Lower Junior School Car Park to ensure access remains available for Pre Prep families.
  

YEAR 2 TO YEAR 6 

• Drop-Off and Pick-Up: All Year 2-6 students must be dropped off and picked up in the Lower Junior School Car Park, unless they have a sibling in Pre Prep to Year 1 (see above).

What a joy it was to see our Year 4 cohort come together last week to welcome the new students joining the year group. 

New Friends Day provided a wonderful opportunity for our Year 4 students to embrace those beginning their journey at All Saints in 2026. Throughout the day, students engaged in activities designed to foster teamwork, communication, resilience, trust and kindness. From lively games in the JFC and a delicious BBQ lunch to plenty of splashing in the pool, students connected, collaborated and shared plenty of fun along the way.

Check out the photo gallery. 

Bec Pearson
Acting Head of Junior School

A student reflection:

When we arrived, the room was set up with eight activities. The activities we did got us really involved. My personal favourite was the melting candle experiment. This is because when the fire was burning, the tip of the wick was glowing like a shooting star and the fire made my face heat up like nachos coming out of the microwave! Also, the teachers were really descriptive and very helpful. Overall, the whole experience was a lot of fun.

Photos can be viewed here.

Lucy M
Year 6 Student 

From 2026, the Queensland Government’s new Back‑to‑School Boost will provide an annual $100 contribution for every primary school student (Prep to Year 6) to help families with the cost of essential schooling items.

For non‑state schools, including ours, this $100 boost will be administered directly by the school. We will apply the payment as a credit on your fee statement as a reduction against fees. The credit will be applied against existing fees owing and/or future fees should your account be up to date prior to processing.

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 90 new students joining our school for the very first time have had a topsy-turvy two weeks – 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 2026 … 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.

• Year 7 Parent Communication Page
• Year 8 Parent Communication Page
• Year 9 Parent Communication Page

LAPTOPS
By now, 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 Pro, whilst Year 8s and 9s retain their Surface Pro and Surface Book (respectively) 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.
  

SWIMMING TRIALS
The Middle School Swimming Carnival will be held on Tuesday 10 February in the indoor swimming pool. By way of preparing for this, we have been conducting swimming trials over the last two weeks. Students should wear their House shirt, sport shorts and shoes on these days.

EARLY DEPARTURES
If a student needs to leave school during the day, parents/guardians should inform the school via Absences on the All Saints app. The student should then present at Middle School Administration before leaving. If they subsequently return to school (for example, after an appointment), then the student should once again present at Middle School Administration to sign back in. Parents may also wish to email their child’s Core teacher, as well as middlereception@asas.qld.edu.au.

SPORTS UNIFORM REMINDER
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).

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Over the first few weeks of this term, we have hosted our all-important Parent Information Evenings, next week is Year 7.

• Year 7: Week 3, Thursday 12 February: 5.00-8.00pm 

Whether your child has been at All Saints since Pre Prep, or has joined us for the first time in 2026, the transition from Junior/Primary School to Year 7 is a significant step for your child and, indeed, the whole family. By way of starting the process of building strong, open lines of communication between teacher, parents and students in the cohort, you are warmly invited to attend the Year 7 Family Welcome Evening on Thursday 12 February.

The evening comprises three distinct segments:

• 5:00–6:00pm — Sausage Sizzle / BBQ*
  A light meal (sausages, bun/roll, drinks) provided by the School.
  Location: Year 7 Amphitheatre.
  
• 6:00–6:40pm — House Quiz
  Families will be divided into the 8 House groups to compete.
  Location: Nairn Theatre.
  Students are asked to wear their House shirt.
  
• 6:40–7:00pm — Year 7 Coordinator’s Address
  Location: Nairn Theatre.
  
• 7:00–8:00pm — Parent Information Session
  Locations:
  Parents: Year 7 Classrooms
  Students: Nairn Theatre

* There will be a limited amount of gluten free and vegetarian options available on the evening

Please note these points:

1. The whole family is invited to attend; that is, all of your children, not just your Year 7 child.
2. You are welcome to arrive when able. Thus, if you miss the BBQ and can only make the games segment? That’s fine!
3. Children will be supervised (watching a movie) for the final hour, whilst the parents have the opportunity to meet with their child’s Core Teacher.

At All Saints Anglican School, we firmly believe that building strong connections across the parent community is vital; particularly as your children move forward into the challenges of adolescence. We hope this evening will provide an opportunity for you to perhaps meet the parents of your child’s current/future friendship group … and become more at ease with your new school.

We ask that parents and care-givers move mountains to be able to attend this evening 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

It is still not too late for your Middler to become involved. To find out the various roles on offer, please read the "Audition Info" doc and "Production Schedule" on the FIDO page HERE.

All Middlers have been emailed an online form that they can fill out to register their interest, too. Please walk them through this application if needs be.

I would like to congratulate the students and staff for the results achieved by last year’s graduating cohort. Their commitment to the senior program produced outstanding ATAR results. 12 students achieved an ATAR above 99.00 and nearly 50% of students received an ATAR above 90.00. 

So many students have gone on to the University course of their preference. From Medicine at U.Q. and Griffith University to Veterinary Science, Biomedical Science, to Advanced Business, Science, Economics, Engineering and Music; a fine crop of All Saints students will be enhancing the workplaces of the future. 

We also had another amazing cohort of brilliant young actors, artists, designers and performers who have been accepted into prestigious courses with very selective intakes. 

All Saints students have secured pathways into apprenticeships, the Australian Defence Force, 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, 99 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.

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.

Yesterday, we proudly celebrated the 12 outstanding high achievers from the Class of 2025 who earned an ATAR above 99.00.

During the assembly, our 2025 School Dux, Jonathan L, delivered an insightful address reflecting on life beyond All Saints and the journey ahead.

This year, 12 students received Awards for Academic Excellence, having achieved an ATAR of 99 or above. We congratulate:

Julian C, Anica G, Joseph H, Han Jun K, Rinne K, Jonathan L, Nicole L, Lucas L, Isabella N, Rhiannon P, Matilda W, and Annabella Z.

Their accomplishments reflect not only their dedication but also the support of their families and teachers. We are incredibly proud of each of them and wish them every success as they embark on the next chapter of their academic journey.

Photos can be viewed here. 

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

The 2026 Year 12 Leaders’ Retreat from 21 to 23 January 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. In this first week back, through Year 10 orientation activities, Year 10 games afternoon and the Senior School assembly, they are setting an excellent tone and I thank them for their efforts. Many thanks to Mr Craig Pascoe, the Heads of House 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 2026. We are lucky to have so many staff prepared to visit camp to work with the students as well as our Principal, Mr Matt Corbett who was prepared to drive out to Tyalgum to share his open and honest reflections on leadership with the students around the campfire.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

On first day back of 2026, Year 10 students were involved in a program designed to welcome them into the Senior School community. The day featured a series of informative presentations on the Senior School’s structures, policies and support systems. Students also experienced a series of outdoor and team building challenges led by the Year 12 House Leaders and the Heads of House. Students were set up with their new laptop 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.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Two Senior School students, Yuki and Mariana, recently participated in the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), where they immersed themselves in an inspiring program designed to broaden their understanding of STEM pathways and the possibilities beyond school. They were brimming with joy and excitement as they shared their experiences with me! Throughout the event, they explored eye‑opening career days hosted by universities and leading professional organisations and engaged with NYSF alumni and STEM experts, including speakers involved with research connected to the Hadron Collider in Geneva.

Students took part in an impressive range of academic and practical activities, from lectures and round‑table discussions with PhD candidates to hands‑on sessions in engineering, dissection, forensic science, and DNA technology, to name just a few. They also worked collaboratively on science communication projects, strengthening both their scientific thinking and teamwork skills.

Beyond academics, the program offered vibrant social experiences which helped students build strong connections with like‑minded peers and inspiring mentors. Yuki and Mariana also valued the insight gained into university life, accommodation, and the interdisciplinary nature of science beyond the school setting. They returned motivated, informed, and excited about the diverse opportunities awaiting them in the world of STEM.

Sally Leslie
Head of Science (Years 10-12)

Thank you to all Year 10 parents that attended the orientation evening in Week 1, hundreds of sausages were consumed but more importantly, connections in the Senior School were made. 

And thank you to the Year 12 parents and students who came along to the Year 12 Parent Information Evening earlier this week — the first of the many lasts the Year 12 cohort will experience this year.

These presentations provide parents and students with invaluable details and guidance regarding our Academic and Pastoral programs, Careers and Pathways, and Excursions and Camps. They are designed to provide you with invaluable information to assist in Senior School success. 

Next week, it’s Year 11’s turn.

Year 11 Information Evening
📆 Wednesday 11 February
⏰ 7.00pm
📍 Nairn Theatre

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

The Class of 2025 students have collectively received 262 offers from 15 universities across Australia, with several students holding multiple offers and others pursuing international study options also. We congratulate our students and wish them all the best for their future university studies.

Alison Weeks
Director of Student Futures

Term 1 is busy for sport at All Saints, and by the time you’re reading this, our first session of Inter House Swimming Trials will be complete.  The swimming carnivals will be held across the Monday (Junior), Tuesday (Middle) and Wednesday (Senior) of Week 3, and we welcome parent supporters throughout these days. Students are expected to have their house caps and school swimmers on these days.

Term 1 is also the time for Hinterland District Sport Trials. Trial dates are posted weekly on FIDO, and the full schedule is available in the Regional Sport trials tile on the FIDO sport page. The nomination process is digital this year. Parents do not have access to upload student nomination forms, these submissions must come from the students themselves. Any questions, please see FIDO or reach out to sport@asas.qld.edu.au.

Our APS representative teams for swimming, cross country and athletics are divided into Junior (10–12 Years) and Senior (13+ Years) groups. This means some Year 7 students may qualify for the Junior team while others will fall into the Senior team, depending on the age they turn this year. All inter‑house carnival results are timed and compared to select these teams, ensuring fair selection for both Year 6 and Year 7 students in the U12 age group. The first teams selected will be for swimming, based on inter‑house carnival results, to compete at the APS Championships in Week 4. Hinterland trials also use age-based divisions (typically 10–12 Years and 13–15 Years), so please nominate students in the correct age bracket according to the age they turn this year.

Season One of APS Sport for Middle and Senior students will commence after the swimming carnivals, Friday of Week 3 being the first trial date. Students should select their chosen sport for Season One via the link sent to them in FIDO. 

After school trainings will begin in Week 4. 

• Middle School students will train on Monday afternoons from 3.30pm-4.45pm.
• Senior students on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm-4.45pm. 

A reminder that these trainings are compulsory to all students, as well as participation on Friday afternoons. Junior APS Season One sport trials commence later in the term.

Fergus Leslie 
Director of Sport & Activities

BASKETBALL
Congratulations to Ben A (Year 10) and Oliver H (Year 11) who competed in the AAU Australia Basketball Tournament in Brisbane. They were undefeated and champions of the U16 division.

OZTAG
Congratulations to James D (Year 11) who was named Junior Player and Junior Referee of the year for 2025 at Miami Oztag. He has also been selected in the U16 boys Australian team to compete at Coffs Harbour in October.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
At All Saints, our students are always striving for excellence — in the classroom, on the field, and beyond. We love celebrating their successes in Saints Alive, and we invite you to share any achievements, big or small!If your child has recently accomplished something noteworthy, please send through the details and any photos to the relevant sub-school:

• Junior School – juniorreception@asas.qld.edu.au
• Middle School – middlereception@asas.qld.edu.au
• Senior School – seniorreception@asas.qld.edu.au

Let’s keep celebrating the amazing things our Saints are doing every day!

Gear up for the highlight of the All Saints rugby calendar! Our annual Rugby Camp, proudly presented by the P&F Rugby Supporters Group, is back in 2026.

When: Saturday 14 February, 8am - 2pm
Where: Symonds Main Oval, All Saints Anglican School

This is a great opportunity for boys and girls from Years 4 to 12 to sharpen their rugby skills and just have some fun!

The day includes:

• Specialist training in all areas of the game
• Skills, drills and team building activities
• All Saints Rugby training tee and lunch provided for each participant

Ticket details:

• Price: $85 per student + booking fee
• Bonus: All bookings include an All Saints Rugby training tee please remember to select your size
• Book now: events.humanitix.com/asasrugbycamp2026

Please note: Although the event is still some time away, we know from past years that severe weather can occasionally disrupt Rugby Camp. We’ll always try to avoid cancelling, but if it becomes unsafe to proceed, the camp may need to be called off. In that situation, families will receive a refund minus the cost of the training tee. Any updates will be shared via email and the school app.

From Buckingham Palace to the bushveld, you’re invited to a night that celebrates adventure, teamwork and the journeys ahead.

This fundraising evening supports our upcoming Rugby and Basketball Tour to South Africa, as well as the Netball Tour to Europe. Expect great food, dancing, live music and a lively atmosphere as we come together to help make these experiences possible for our students.

📍 Senior HPE, All Saints Anglican School
🕠 5.30 pm till late

Tickets

• $70 per person (includes dinner and entertainment)
• $30 for touring students

Dress code: Black tie, safari chic or anything in between!

Entertainment: Live music by Danny Faifai and Sex & Chocolate

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY: events.humanitix.com/asas-tours

We’d love to see our school community there for a great night out in support of our touring students.

Do you own a business or know someone who does?

The event organisers are currently seeking prize donations for the silent auction. It’s a great way to support the tours while gaining exposure within our school community. If you’re able to help, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at marketing@asas.qld.edu.au.

One of the most heartwarming outcomes of last year’s Pen Pal Program has been the genuine friendships formed between our students and older community members. What began as simple letter writing quickly grew into meaningful connections that bridged generations.

Throughout 2025, students and their pen pals exchanged stories, poems, and reflections. Many older participants shared memories and wisdom, while students offered fresh perspectives and creativity; especially through the thoughtful poetry they wrote and received.

Letters continue to arrive into 2026, showing how powerful a composed message filled with love and meaning can be. These ongoing conversations have brought companionship, confidence, and a sense of belonging to everyone involved.

The Pen Pal Program has truly shown that friendships can grow anywhere and at any age.

The following poem was composed and delivered during the school holidays by one of the Earle Haven Retirement Community Pen Pal residents. It was in response to her recent experience here at the school.

All Saint’s pen pal get together cuppa
a fruity, tasty and lovely supper.
Hunter and Kyle waved us goodbye
But first Juliette’s violin made us sigh.
Johnie’s poem of winter, coldness and ice
Followed by Georgia about the beach… NICE!
Charlotte played the clarinet so sweet
I think a piece from ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
Sophia introduces her classmates one by one
The whole experience for me was just fun.
Sienna said an opening prayer to start the show
from then on it was just go, go, go!
Taj said thank you for coming today
Leonardo helped introduce Michael’s sporty way.
Nice to meet you, Liam, your blue eyes like mine
Lomani with her hair so long; so fine.
My mate Archie stood up straight to deliver
A poem about leaves that dance and quiver.
Thanks All Saints Anglican School at Merrimac
I'm a pen pal so I'll write back.

Check out the Pen Pal Gallery 

Louise Thorpe
Service Learning Coordinator

At Christmas, we are reminded that the most meaningful gifts aren’t always wrapped in paper or placed beneath a tree. Often, they come from simple acts of kindness—moments where our students choose to lift the spirits of someone who may be doing it tough. A massive thank you to Our All Saints families, students and staff who not only donated gifts and food to St John’s Crisis Centre’s 2025 Christmas Appeal, but who also gave of their precious time to pack and organise collection of these hampers during the school holidays.

These acts teach our students that generosity isn’t measured by size, but by heart. They show that every child, no matter their age, can be a light for someone else. And for parents, it’s a reminder that the values we nurture at home echo beautifully through the ways our children give to others.

As we look toward the year ahead, we celebrate the compassion our students have shown and to those less fortunate; a gift that lasts far beyond the Christmas season. The impact of community kindness are evident in the recently received emails.

Dear All Saints Anglican School Students,

What a magical Christmas you have made for so very many of the families who have reached out to St John’s Crisis Centre this year.

You have not only sourced the gifts and collected the food, but you have also put in a great deal of effort to create and prepare the Christmas hampers.

The sheer joy and appreciation on the faces of our clients is a result of that hard work and you should feel proud at what you have all achieved. A sincere thank you to all and I look forward to seeing you again next year!

A very safe and Blessed Christmas and the absolute best for the New Year.

Kind regards,
Di Eadeh
Welfare Manager

Dear St John’s Crisis Centre,

I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the beautiful Christmas hamper and the thoughtful presents for our younger children. Your kindness and generosity truly touched our hearts.

This year has been incredibly challenging for our family. With the rising cost of living, being on a DSP, and my husband caring full time, we’ve had to stretch every dollar as far as possible. Christmas was quietly shaping up to be non-existent, and we had prepared the kids for that reality.

Receiving your hamper and seeing the joy on our children’s faces when they realised they had gifts was incredibly emotional for us. It brought warmth, relief, and a sense of hope at a time when we really needed it. You helped make Christmas feel like Christmas again in our home.

Please know how deeply grateful and humble we are for your support. What you do makes a real and meaningful difference to families like ours, and we will never forget the kindness shown to us.

With heartfelt thanks,
Recipient of Christmas Hamper (Name Withheld)

Louise Thorpe
Service Learning Coordinator

During the school break our Britten Girls took time our from their holidays to participate in the Anglican Schools’ Commissions end of year Celebration Service held in St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Anne Street, Brisbane.

This significant service was attended by some 20+ principals from Anglican schools around Queensland, including our own, Mr Corbett, and Chair of School Council Mr Fradgley OAM. The Anglican Archbishop, Jeremy Greaves presided, and our regional Bishop John Roundhill was in attendance along with, Mother Ann, and other clergy from our Southern Queensland Anglican Schools. The girls performed a reflective item immediately after the sermon, and their singing enraptured the congregation, in fact resulting in spontaneous applause, unusual in this context.

I know Mr Corbett and Mr Fradgley were very proud of the girls, and for All Saints to feature in the Service as they did. I received comments from other principals impressed with the girls' performance. I also think it is a very special moment to be offered the honour of singing in a beautiful cathedral such as this.

A big thank you from myself to Ms Morgan and Mrs O’Keefe. They worked hard with our students to prepare a brand-new song to such a level in just a few weeks. Thanks to Mrs Tania Vadeikis too who helped drive and supervise the children. This was our last day of work for 2025, so their extra time and effort is much appreciated.

Gratitude must be expressed to our supervising staff who took the time to travel through to Brisbane, spending much of the day in rehearsal with the girls before the service began.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

What a great sound to hear the happy voices of our community, especially our children, filling the campus again – feels like the All Saints family is back!

 AN INVITATION TO ANAM CARA 🤝✨
If you are interested in finding out more about the school’s faith, which so firmly undergirds our culture, and perhaps have a little intellectual and spiritual growth yourselves, why not join our Anam Cara group.

Anam Cara means Soul Friend in the Celtic tradition. We are an informal, smallish group who meet at the rear of the Chapel on Wednesday mornings from 7:45-8:15am to have conversations around aspects of faith. They are facilitated by different people each week, which means that we engage with a wide variety of topics, bringing variety into the conversation.

Participants are invited to listen and learn and get to know each other; speaking is optional. Our conversations are filled with meaningful discussion and interspersed with hilarity at times, as we discover and learn more about, and from one another in the Spirit of us.

NEXT GATHERING 
📅 Wednesday Morning – Week 3
📍 Chapel
⏰ 7:45am – 8:15am

We are always delighted when Mr John Fradgley OAM, our esteemed Chair of Council, facilitates a session. He brings thoughtful and engaging insights to the group—and it is a pleasure to get to know him better, too.

A message from John - “Over the 25 years that I have had the privilege of chairing the Council at All Saints, one of my most enjoyable weekly engagements has been to participate in stimulating conversation at Anam Cara each Wednesday morning. It’s a great way to kick start “hump day” and lifts my spirits to finish each week with a spring in my step.”

You are warmly invited to join our School Principal, members of the Executive, staff, fellow parents, and even the occasional student as the year progresses. It is a fulfilling way to begin your day—one that will undoubtedly bless you 🙏✨

Ann McGuinness
School Chaplain

Welcome back. Performing Arts at All Saints is shaping up to be an exciting and invigorating year. Our Music and Drama teachers and I are looking forward to seeing smiling faces and enthusiasm again as we continue, or begin, our music or speech and drama journey and learning.

START DATES
Ensembles
All Ensembles began in Week 2. Strings, Bands and Choir positions have been allocated for most students, and you should know the day and times of your rehearsal. See our Performing Arts rehearsal schedule for clarity..

Private/Paired Lessons
(instrumental, vocal or speech and drama)
Lessons will generally start in Week 2. Teachers have scheduled and coordinated lesson times, and you should of by now received an email confirming these. Please be patient as some teachers have many students to coordinate and the advice may come to you later in the week. Please contact Performing Arts if you have not yet received your lesson times performingartsadmin@asas.qld.edu.au

The Holloway Music Centre is the hub of our Performing Arts. Come down and talk to our admin staff or myself if you have questions, or email performingartsadmin@asas.qld.edu.au

TERM DATES 
Please see the attachment for concerts and events in Term 1. Also refer to the Performing Arts Department FIDO page.

NEW ENROLMENTS
We welcome new families to the school and encourage them to consider continuing their instrumental or Speech and Drama learning at All Saints. Beginning students are also welcome. There are waitlists for Voice and Speech and Drama in the Junior School, but otherwise look on FIDO for information and for enrolment processes (through FIDO).

I look forward to meeting our new students and families to the Performing Arts at All Saints, and hope you enjoy hearing and seeing them perform in our Term One Twilight Concerts! Details of these and other events will be publicised shortly and will be included.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

Returning for another year is the popular Performing Arts Teachers’ Concert, raising funds for Friends of Performing Arts.

This entertaining and informal event showcases the talents, skill, and humour of our PA teachers as they perform solo, in small groups, or with the Big Band — all while the audience enjoys drinks and nibbles in the Holloway Music Centre.

Suitable for older children also, this concert is a special one in our calendar, being the only time our teachers perform for you!

Book your tickets here! 

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

ENTRIES OPEN 🎭🎶
Our much‑anticipated biennial events for Drama and Music are open for business. Click links below to FIDO pages for registration for:

All Saints Improv Festival (ASIF) – a fun‑filled learning opportunity for Middle and Senior classroom Drama, and Speech and Drama students.

Concerto Competition – an event to challenge our best singers and instrumentalists in the Middle and Senior School.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

Yes, it’s back. One of the most loved dates on the All Saints calendar returns in 2026, and planning is already well underway.

Our biannual All Saints Fair will take place on Saturday 25 July, and we’re thrilled to share that Kathryn and David Pearson, two of our incredible parent volunteers, have once again stepped up as Fair Convenors. With their leadership, and the energy of a dedicated Fair Committee, preparations are already in full swing to make this year’s Fair another standout moment for our community.

The All Saints Fair is entirely powered by volunteers. Every stall, activity and smile on the day comes from the generosity of parents, staff, students and friends of the school. Whether you have time to help in the lead-up, lend a hand on the day or contribute a particular skill, there’s a role for everyone and every contribution truly counts.

More details will be shared as plans come together, but for now, please save the date and keep an eye out for upcoming calls for involvement.

If you have any questions, ideas or would like to put your hand up early, Kathryn and David would love to hear from you at fairconvenor@asas.qld.edu.au.

It’s shaping up to be a big one. Let the countdown begin. 🎡

As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, we’re taking this year’s P&F Trivia Night 'back to school'! Parents, staff and friends of the school are invited to join us for a fun and nostalgic evening.

Adding to the occasion, our quiz master for the night will be one of our very own. Drama teacher Mrs Naomi Middlebrook, an All Saints icon of 30 years, will be keeping us on our toes with great questions and plenty of laughs!

How it works

A casual and fun night to kick off the year. Come with a team or on your own and enjoy a relaxed evening of trivia and good company.

• Teams of up to 8, or book an individual ticket
• BYO food and drinks

Theme: Back to School

Some dress ideas include:

• Your favourite school subject
• Famous teachers from TV or movies
• House colours or classic school-inspired looks

Expect a relaxed night of trivia, friendly competition and plenty of laughs as we celebrate four decades of community, learning and memories.

Date and location
Saturday 21 March
McIntosh Administration Centre, All Saints Anglican School 

More details, including ticket information, will be posted on FIDO next week.

The date is set for this year’s P&F Mother’s Day event at The Star! Join us on Thursday 23 April for a morning of laughter, good company and celebration.

We welcome all the wonderful women in our community — mums, grandmothers, aunties and friends — to share in this special occasion. This year’s theme will shine in blue, white and gold, honouring All Saints’ 40th anniversary.

Guests will enjoy a sneak preview of the 2026 Junior School musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr, along with a keynote from Nicole Evans — All Saints mum, medical educator, co-founder of ConnectedLe and newly published author of Love Lessons.

Tickets go on sale Friday 20 March 2026, with tables of 10 available. We hope you’ll join us for a memorable afternoon celebrating the remarkable women in our lives.

Help Make the Day Extra Special 

Our much-loved Mother’s Day Raffle will be back, and we’re calling on our community to help make it a beauty!

If you own a business, have a side hustle or can donate a product, voucher or experience, we’d love to hear from you. Every donation helps us create a raffle that truly spoils our mums, while raising valuable funds for our school community.

Donors will be acknowledged as part of the raffle, and it’s a lovely way to support an event that many mums look forward to each year.

To donate or find out more, please contact Krystle and Nidhi at pandfmothers@asas.qld.edu.au.