Seizing the Day: Reflections on Newsies and How We Communicate
More Than a Musical
Over the past two weeks, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing our Senior School musical Newsies multiple times — and I would have gladly gone again.
Each performance was a triumph of talent, spirit, and storytelling. It was the best school production I’ve ever witnessed.
What made it so special wasn’t just the exceptional singing, choreography, or design — although they were all outstanding. It was the depth of character, commitment, and joy radiating from every corner of the stage. So many parents, staff and visitors commented on the professionalism of the show. It genuinely felt like something far beyond what one might expect from a school musical.
But as remarkable as the talent was, what stood out just as much was the environment that allowed it to flourish. A culture of encouragement. A space where students felt safe to take creative risks. A team that worked together with humility, discipline and purpose.
The most memorable moment came after the final show, when I stayed back for the cast speeches. One by one, students stepped forward to share their reflections — not about solos or scenes, but about the friendships, the growth, and the gratitude they felt for the journey they’d been on together.
Their words were full of heart and humility. I had the opportunity to address the cast after the final show and encouraged them to embrace the emotion and to understand that what they’d created was something truly special: not just a show, but memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.
That’s the magic of school productions. The intensity of time spent together — late nights, weekend rehearsals, shared nerves and laughter — forges bonds that are unlike anything else. And what stood out most was how often students described the group as a family.
It was a living, breathing reflection of our school theme this year: Community. To Chantelle, Reilly, Owen and our incredible cast, crew and parent helpers — thank you. What you created together was unforgettable, not just for what happened on stage, but for what it revealed about the heart of this school.
A Note on Communication: Email Protocols and Supporting Staff Wellbeing
We’ve recently introduced a set of email protocols at All Saints to promote wellbeing, protect focus, and maintain the high-quality communication that our community values.
These updates are also timely, coming alongside the national introduction of Right to Disconnect legislation and news stories highlighting the importance of setting boundaries around after-hours communication for teachers
At All Saints, we want to ensure our incredible staff are able to be fully present, fully human, and fully effective — both at school and at home. These protocols are part of that commitment.
So what does this mean for families?
- Staff are asked not to respond to emails outside 7.30am–6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
- You’re still very welcome to email at any time — especially if it suits your family’s routine — but we kindly ask for patience as responses will come within the next 48 hours.
- For urgent matters, please contact your child’s sub-school office where someone will assist or escalate appropriately.
These protocols are about balance. They ensure our team remains well-rested, clear-headed, and energised for the work that matters most: nurturing young people, building relationships, and guiding learning.
We understand that many of you may be familiar with similar policies in your own workplaces, as the Right to Disconnect legislation has been widely adopted across various sectors.
In terms of responding to students, our teachers will naturally prioritise student requests and feedback, particularly around assessment time. However, students should not expect a response in the evening.
We’ll always strive to communicate with care, clarity, and professionalism. This simply helps us do that in a way that’s sustainable — and models healthy digital boundaries for the young people in our care.
Survey Thank You (and Reminder!)
Finally, a huge thank you to all parents who have already taken the time to engage with our recent community survey. Response rates have been excellent, and I look forward to sharing the findings with you in Term 3. If you haven’t had a chance to complete the survey yet, there’s still time — it remains open until this Sunday.
We have so much to celebrate across the School — from our outstanding APS Cross Country success, to strong Da Vinci Decathlon results, to a fantastic Year 7 Camp debrief and more. Our students are sensational, so please enjoy reading through the highlights.
Thank you, as always, for your trust, support, and shared belief in what we’re building together here at All Saints.
Matt Corbett
Principal
