Gratitude, Growth, and the Promise of 2026
As we reach the end of this productive and joy-filled year, the past few weeks of celebration events have offered a beautiful reminder of what makes this community so special. Speech Night, our Eucharists, farewells, concerts and the many moments in between seemed to bring to life everything I have experienced throughout the year. The sense of wonder, gratitude and connection that has shaped my first year at All Saints felt concentrated in one final flourish, and there is more to come yet.
To each family, thank you. You have welcomed my own family with remarkable warmth, generosity and openness. That sense of belonging has meant more than I can express. I have never felt a stronger sense of purpose in my professional life than I do here and this community has helped ignite that purpose in ways I did not expect.
A year can feel fast when you are in the middle of it until you pause and notice how much we have navigated and achieved together. We began with a very wet start followed by a delayed car park that required patience and understanding. The cyclone earlier in the year reminded us of our shared need for safety, stability and community. We saw House Carnivals full of colour, courage and spirit. Our students embraced camps, tours and trips across Australia and the world including France, Japan and Vanuatu as well as Perisher, Europe and the Sunshine Coast. As is inevitable in a large community, we have also walked through moments of sadness together. Some families have farewelled loved ones this year and we have grieved the loss of a much loved colleague. I remain deeply grateful for the way our community supports one another in times of need. Our theme of Community became something lived rather than spoken through the way we continually showed up for each other.
This year has also reminded me of the depth and breadth of opportunity at All Saints. We are truly and unashamedly a school that offers a well rounded education built on courage, curiosity and connection. It shows in the way our students embrace sport, the arts and co curricular life with enthusiasm and pride. These small and ordinary moments reveal something important. They show young people discovering their light, strengthening their character and learning who they are becoming.
The theme of my Speech Night address was purpose. I spoke about the light within us that guides our choices and gives meaning to our relationships and our learning. Purpose is not something we invent. It is something we recognise in small moments of character, effort and care.
From this work our new school vision has emerged.
“To ignite purpose and possibility in every learner.”
Every learner is part of this community and we are learning and growing our purpose together.
Your engagement with our community survey was exceptional. The feedback was honest, affirming and constructive and it has highlighted our strengths while also naming opportunities we will embrace with care. This insight has guided the development of Blueprint 2026+, a community-led process that will shape our next chapter. We will launch the Blueprint in February along with a refreshed visual identity and a short film that captures the magic of All Saints and the promise of our future.
Thank you for an unforgettable first year. Thank you for trusting us with your children. And thank you for everything you contribute to our shared story. I wish every family a safe, restful and joy filled Christmas break. I look forward to seeing you in the new year ready to embrace all that 2026 will bring, full of purpose and full of possibility.
Matt Corbett
Principal
