I begin today's article with some outstanding results from our two remaining Queensland Cup AFL sides.

ATHLETIC SUCCESS AND TEAM SPIRIT ON DISPLAY
Our Year 9/10 Youth Boys team and our Year 7/8 Junior Girls team have both reached the Final Four of the AFLQ Cup - the Queensland State Championship - to be played on the Sunshine Coast in October. This is the first time a girls team from All Saints has made the final stage, and the first time we have had two teams compete in the same year.

Both semi finals were emphatic. On Tuesday at Bond University, the Junior Girls defeated Pacific Pines State High School 111 to 21, a margin of 90 points. The following afternoon at Giffin Park, the Youth Boys accounted for Mountain Creek State High School 90 to 25, winning by 65.

The boys had earned that game the hard way, coming through St Laurence's College 45 to 43 in a nailbiter, against a school that took out both the Youth and Senior Boys state titles last year. I have no doubt both teams will represent All Saints with pride in October.

Our athletes have also had a strong week at Regional Athletics. Forty-six students competed, and 22 have qualified for the South Coast team to contest the State Championships. That is a considerable number by any measure. What was reported back to me, though, was less about results and more how the students supported and encouraged one another across the two days, which is exactly what we love to hear!

Our Open Girls football team went down in their Uhlsport semi final last night. Although the girls were disappointed, it is the furthest we have ever progressed in that competition so there is much to be proud of. Congratulations, girls!


CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS
Last week I spent an evening at Mrs Middlebrook's Drama Recital for Years 4 to 9. Some students performed solo and others in groups, and in every case the work behind the piece was plain to see.

What stayed with me was the arc across the night. Watching our youngest performers and then our Year 9 students in the same sitting is about the clearest illustration of progress over time you could ask for. We are fortunate to have a department that continues to grow under the wonderful Naomi and her fabulous team, and more fortunate still that so many students are taking up what is on offer. It was a superb evening.

On the subject of drama, and by happy coincidence, Naomi featured in today's Gold Coast Bulletin. She has been nominated for a 2026 Gold Coast Women of the Year Award in the Champion of the Arts category, recognising decades of teaching speech and drama.

The article is worth reading if you can find a copy. Naomi is now in her 30th year at All Saints, having arrived almost by accident after an original plan to study Egyptology fell through. She has taught second and nearly third generation Gold Coast families. Beyond the school, she convenes the speech and drama section of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, has served on the board at HOTA, and leads a small volunteer team for a local youth charity.

Asked by the Bulletin about retirement, her answer was characteristically direct. "I love my kids too much," she said.

Congratulations, Naomi. The recognition is thoroughly deserved, and the reasons for it are visible in our classrooms every day.


THE SCIENCE BEHIND LEARNING THAT MATTERS
Two of the building blocks under our Blueprint pillar of Learning That Matters describe what we are working towards: evidence-informed teaching, shaped by consistent practice and strengthened through meaningful feedback, and professional learning that grows our people, enriches our practice and strengthens our learning culture. On Thursday afternoons this semester, those words have become something you could walk into a room and see.

Every teacher at All Saints from Pre Prep to Year 12, is now learning together at the same time, a few times a term. Mr Mark Solomons, our Director of Teaching and Learning, and his team have built the sessions around one question. How does learning actually happen?

The answers come from cognitive science, and they are among the best evidenced findings we have in education. We can only hold a small amount of new information in mind at once, so how a lesson is paced and sequenced matters enormously. Knowledge sticks when it is organised and connected, rather than simply collected. And the most reliable way to remember something is to practise pulling it back out of memory, spread over time, rather than reading it again.

There is a reason we do this as a whole staff rather than sending people off to courses one at a time. Of everything a school controls, teaching quality does most to shape how well a child learns, and it varies more between classrooms within any school than it does between schools. Reducing that variation is the single most valuable thing we can do for our students, and a shared understanding of how learning happens is how it improves.

What we are after is consistency of method, not uniformity of style. Our teachers are wonderfully different from one another and long may that continue. But the way a lesson is sequenced, the way new material is introduced and revisited, the way a teacher checks what has actually stuck, those should be recognisably the same in Year 4 and Year 10. We are not there yet, but we are well down the road.

I have enjoyed hearing the science of learning turning up in conversations all over the school, in staff meetings and corridors and over coffee. Around 180 educators, all of them still learning. The people who benefit are sitting in our classrooms.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy that warmer weather together.

Matt Corbett
Principal 

Are you an All Saints past student, or know someone who is?

This year marks 40 years of All Saints, and we’re inviting alumni from every era to come back and celebrate with us.

Back to All Saints will bring together past students from across the decades for an evening of reconnecting, reminiscing and celebrating the people, friendships and experiences that have shaped our School community.

• Saturday 24 October 2026
• 4.00pm–8.00pm
• Senior School HPE, All Saints Anglican School

Tickets include a drink on arrival, shared grazing-style food and entertainment, with partners very welcome.

Early bird tickets are $30 until Sunday 24 September, before General Admission tickets move to $45.

If you’re an alum, or have a past student in your family or friendship circle, please help us spread the word!

Find out more and book tickets here: Back to All Saints – Celebrating 40 Years

The Senior Library was buzzing with creativity on Friday 4 September as 65 students from Years 7-10 took part in this year's Write a Book in a Day challenge, a nationwide initiative supporting children with cancer and raising funds for cancer research.

After an early breakfast, the below seven student teams settled in for an epic day of brainstorming, writing, editing and illustrating:

• The Books were better at Hungry Jacks
• Random Writing 2.0
• Once upon a Fiction
• Creative
• The 10 Musketeers
• Word Wizards
• Fiction Addiction
  

Guided by a set of challenge prompts and plenty of snacks, encouragement and fresh-air breaks, students spent almost eleven hours collaborating to create original novellas from scratch.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing students from different year levels working side by side, combining their talents as writers, illustrators, editors and organisers. The energy, teamwork and imagination on display were remarkable, with every team committed to producing a story that would entertain and brighten the day of young hospital patients.

A huge thank you to Ms Olivia French and Mrs Amanda Worlley for making the day possible, particularly Ms French for her calm leadership throughout the challenge.

With All Saints teams achieving outstanding success last year, including regional awards for both writing and illustration, we look forward to seeing how this year's creative efforts are received. Congratulations to all students involved on an incredible achievement. We can't wait to share the results and photos in a future edition of the newsletter!

Jo Ridgers
Teacher Librarian

It's a big few months ahead for our school camp program. Year 4 are already out of the classroom and into the bush, mud and campfire smoke this week, with Year 2, Year 3 and Year 5 each set to have their own camp program experience before the year is out. If you ask any teacher who has been on the bus as students return from camp, they'll tell you the same thing: something shifts. Kids come back a little taller, a little braver and a lot more connected to their peers and teachers.

Our school camp program isn't a break from learning. It is learning, just not the kind you can capture in a test. Time away from home (possibly for the very first time), working through new challenges alongside classmates and teachers, builds confidence, resilience and connection in a way an ordinary school day rarely can.

Where Our School Camp Program Fits Our Good Humans Pillar
At All Saints, our school camp program is one of the clearest expressions of what we mean by Good Humans Ready for the World. Camp asks students to practise, in real time and often outside their comfort zone, the very qualities Good Humans champions.

1. Creating an environment where every member of our community feels safe, known and supported to flourish
   Camp strips away the usual routines and puts students in an environment where they must rely on their teachers and peers in new ways. Shared accommodation, shared meals and shared challenges build the kind of trust that's harder to find in a regular classroom day.
   
2. Strengthening student voice, agency and leadership
   Away from home comforts, students are asked to make decisions, solve problems and step up for their group, whether that's navigating a bushwalk, encouraging a nervous friend up a climbing wall, or simply trying to fit a sleeping bag back into the tiny bag it came in. Camp hands agency back to students in a way few other experiences can.
   
3. Nurturing confident communicators who express themselves with clarity and purpose
   Around a campfire or mid-way through a team challenge, students learn to ask for help, explain an idea to a peer, or reassure a homesick friend; real communication, under real (if small) pressure.
   
4. Celebrating and cultivating character across our community, recognising that who we are is just as important as what we achieve
   Camp rarely goes perfectly, and that's the point. How a student responds when it rains on the bushwalk, or when they don't win the team building challenge, tells us, and them, a great deal about their character. These are the moments we celebrate as much as any medal or certificate.
   
5. Awakening possibility by connecting learning with the wider world.
   For many students, camp is their first real encounter with a landscape, activity or challenge outside their everyday world. That spark of “I didn't know I could do that” is exactly the kind of possibility we want every child to discover.

What's Coming Up

Our school camp program builds year on year, giving students an increasing level of challenge and independence as they move through Junior School:

• Year 4 are on camp this week, building on the foundations laid in earlier years with their first overnight camp experience.
• Year 5 will head off to camp in Week 10 this term, taking on new challenges and greater independence.
• Year 3 will attend camp early in Term 4, marking an important first step into our overnight camp program.
• Year 2 will take part in our 'Fun Night' late in Term 4; a lovely, low key introduction to the school camp program, designed to build excitement and familiarity well ahead of their first overnight camp.

Each of these experiences is a deliberate, age-appropriate step in helping our students grow into confident, capable and connected young people, exactly the kind of Good Humans we hope every child becomes.

Bec Pearson
Head of Junior School 

Congratulations to our talented public speakers who represented All Saints with such distinction at the recent AB Paterson Public Speaking Competition! We are thrilled that All Saints was awarded the Aggregate Trophy, a fantastic achievement that reflects the strength and depth of our public speaking across the Junior School.

Individual results were just as impressive. Zayn A claimed first place in the Year 5 division and Jessica K was a worthy runner-up, both impressing judges with their poise, clarity and presence. Well done to both students, and to everyone who competed and represented our school so proudly.

Why Public Speaking Matters
Achievements like these are about far more than great results in a competition. The ability to communicate confidently and articulately is one of the most valuable life skills a young person can develop. Whether it's presenting an idea at work, contributing to a conversation, or simply expressing a point of view with clarity and conviction, strong communication skills open doors throughout life. Learning to organise thoughts, speak with structure, and connect with an audience builds not only confidence but resilience; the courage to stand up, be heard, and back yourself.

Learning That Matters - From Prep to Year 6
This is exactly why public speaking and oral communication are woven into learning throughout the Junior School, reflecting our Learning That Matters pillar. Every year level offers opportunities for students to build these future skills, growing in complexity and confidence as they progress from the Prep Pet Parade, Year 1 Pirate Day, Year 2 Dinosaur Report and Year 3 Book Review to the more formal public speaking opportunities in Year 4, 5 and 6.

By the time our students reach competitions like AB Paterson, they carry with them years of practice, encouragement and growth; proof that the small, brave steps taken in Prep truly do lead to the confident, articulate speakers we celebrate today.

Congratulations again to Zayn, Jessica and the entire ASAS team on a wonderful result!

Bec Pearson
Head of Junior School

What an incredible adventure our Year 4 students had on camp!

From the moment they arrived, our students embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, courage and plenty of laughter. Camp provided countless opportunities to step outside their comfort zones and take those all-important leaps of faith — sometimes quite literally!

Students climbed walls higher than they had ever climbed before, pushing themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of. There were moments of nervousness, determination and some very proud faces when they reached the top. It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another and celebrating each other’s successes along the way.

Teamwork was also at the heart of the camp experience. Working together, our Year 4s designed and constructed bush shelters, carefully considering how to make them strong enough to withstand the elements - and, of course, putting their teamwork and engineering skills to the test! They quickly discovered that the best results came when everyone contributed, listened and worked together.

Then came the canoes! Paddling across the lake was accompanied by plenty of laughter, splashing and enthusiastic teamwork. With Olympic-level determination, our budding athletes paddled their way across the water, leaving us wondering whether we might have a few future Olympic canoeists in the group!

As the sun went down, we gathered around the campfire to finish the day in the best possible way - with songs, laughter and shared memories. There was something particularly special about seeing the students relaxed, connected and enjoying simply being together.

Our Year 4s returned from camp braver, closer as a group and perhaps in need of a few more hours of sleep! They challenged themselves, supported their friends, tried things they never thought they could do and created memories that will stay with them for years to come.

What a delightful group of children. We are incredibly proud of every single student who attended camp and the courage, kindness, resilience and teamwork they demonstrated throughout this wonderful adventure. Thank you to our amazing staff who accompanied the students on camp.

Nicky Buckley
Assistant Head of Junior School - Wellbeing

Getting into clay!
Our Prep and Pre Prep students have been getting their hands into clay for the very first time. What a milestone! The joy in the art room has been infectious, because working with clay does so much more than spark creativity; every child loves to explore and experiment. Working with clay is the perfect opportunity to build fine motor skills and strength. Importantly, purposefully using materials that can rarely be accessed at home introduces our youngest students to materials, concepts and whole worlds that they 'didn't yet know they loved'. It's exactly the kind of discovery that a real studio space in a school makes possible, and we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful legacy in sculpture at our school, led for many years in the Junior School by Mrs Ciafardini.

Building, Designing, Collaborating
Across Year 4 and Year 5, two ambitious projects are underway that show just how much design and collaboration have in common. Year 5 students are building a life-size bike from cardboard, while Year 4 students are hard at work on wearable art. Both projects call on the same 21st century skills the arts do so well: problem-solving, teamwork, communication and resilience in the face of a genuinely tricky challenge, and our students are rising to it brilliantly.

The art room has transformed to match the ambition. Newspaper costumes now hang throughout the space, and a massive 'Pit Stop' has taken shape. The whole Junior School is loving the race-side workshop where our life-size bikes are emerging, built with artwork and support from our Prep and Pre Prep students.

Both projects won't be complete until well into Term 3, proving that sometimes, quality work take time... but the end result is clearly going to be worth it.

Growing Outdoors: The Pre Prep Box Studio
Our outdoor art-making area is growing! Students have been loving the immersive space, painting in their 'box studio' over the past few weeks. Using recycled materials shows students that their world is full of creative potential, and when you're standing at the height of our littlest learners, these towering spaces truly become places of creative excitement and exponential potential. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to learning, this space recognises the unique learning needs of our students at this age.

A Call for Christmas Donations
Although Christmas feels a way off, it is approaching fast, and we are already collecting for our festive art projects. We are now looking for donations of ribbon, Christmas cookie cutters in any condition, and white Christmas trees. If you have any of these items at home, please drop them at the Junior Art Room any time - they will be warmly received.

Last word...
And finally, check out our separate article celebrating the fantastic news from this year's Gold Coast Show - a wonderful achievement we are still celebrating!

Cathy Hunt
Junior School Art Teacher

Our Junior School artists have certainly made us proud at this year's Gold Coast Show. We submitted 120 works into the art competition, the most a school is able to enter, and it was a great reflection of the enthusiasm our young artists bring to their visual arts classes.

The Gold Coast Show is a highly regarded event, drawing entries from schools from all across the region, and the standard on display this year was exceptional. Against that calibre of competition, our students' work held its own beautifully, with the show committee members commenting on the outstanding quality.

We are proud to share that a number of our students were individually recognised with prizes. However, just as importantly, every student who puts their creativity out into the world through our lessons should be acknowledged at times like these. That willingness to participate, to try something new and potentially difficult, regardless of the result, is at the heart of our Learning that Matters pillar - learning that builds character and confidence as well as skillsets. Whether or not a ribbon comes home, every student should be proud of the courage and creativity it takes to work successfully in our art room.

Congratulations to all our young artists, and a big thank you to the families who supported them with a visit to the Show on the weekend. We can't wait to see what they create next!

Cathy Hunt
Junior School Art Teacher

Happy birthday, and a big thank you to the following students:

• Harper – Pre Prep 
• Grayson – Prep 
• Fletcher – 1
• Oliver – 1
• Sophie – 2
• Enzo – 2
• William – 2
• Riley – 3
• Georgia - 3
• Hudson – 3
• Winona – 3
• Amelia – 3
• Gia – 3
• Will – 3
• Ellen – 3
• Oliver – 4
• Ilah – 4
• Pippi – 4
• Matthew – 4
• Cruz – 5
• Austin – 6

We wish all our students a very Happy Birthday, and thank you!

The Junior Library Team

Please refer to the FIDO post HERE regarding the process for making class placement requests for Year 7, 8 and 9 classes in 2027.

All requests should be addressed to me and can either be mailed or dropped off at the Middle Office. The deadline for all requests is Monday 12 October. 

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

As part of Queensland Health's annual School Immunisation Program, Year 7 students will be offered free vaccinations administered by the Gold Coast Public Health Unit.

Students will be offered:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (single dose)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine (single dose)

The immunisation program is scheduled to take place on Thursday 10 September from 10.30am-12.30pm, in the Nairn Theatre Foyer. Please refer to the FIDO notice HERE for the schedule on the day. 

Earlier this year, parents and caregivers should have received an email directly from the Gold Coast Public Health Unit, containing information about the program and instructions for completing the online consent process. Families are asked to carefully review the information provided and submit the consent form, whether they choose for their child to participate or not.

Vaccinations will be administered at school by a team of authorised registered nurses. Students are encouraged to eat breakfast on the morning of their immunisation, and those participating are encouraged to wear sports uniform for comfort. 

For further information about the School Immunisation Program, please visit the Gold Coast Health website or contact the Immunisation Team on 1800 940 750.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Few events capture Middle School House spirit quite like Ninja Warrior, and on Friday 4 September students once again tested their speed, strength, agility and teamwork in one of the most exciting afternoons on the school calendar.

After gathering with their Houses for final instructions, students competed in a series of individual and relay events, tackling a course that featured agility challenges, dodgeball runs, ring tosses, piggy-back carries, obstacle courses and the ever-challenging Ninja Balls.

While there were some impressive performances, Ninja Warrior is about much more than winning. The event brought together students from across year levels and celebrated everything that makes House competition special: teamwork, encouragement, resilience, friendly rivalry and plenty of House pride.

The JFC balcony provided the perfect vantage point for spectators, whose enthusiastic support helped create a fantastic atmosphere throughout the afternoon.

A full wrap-up of results, along with photographs from the event, will appear in the next edition of the newsletter. In the meantime, congratulations to all students who competed, cheered and contributed to another memorable Middle School House event.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Congratulations to Year 8 students, Michelle L and Sarah Y, who have been recognised in Griffith University's Science Competition, receiving a Highly Commended Award in the Environment category for their outstanding project and presentation.

The competition challenges students to investigate real-world scientific issues and develop innovative solutions, with teams from across Queensland showcasing their creativity, collaboration and scientific thinking. With approximately 620 entries received this year, being recognised with a Highly Commended Award is an outstanding achievement.

What makes this achievement even more special is that the team was mentored by two of our Year 9 students, Xavier L D and Felix Z. As participants in the Griffith Sciences STEM Ambassador Schools Program, Xavier and Felix provided valuable leadership and encouragement throughout the process.

The students attended an official awards ceremony alongside Mrs Cat McCann, who, together with Middle School Science Specialist Ms Meredith Siegmann, coordinated and supported our involvement in the competition.

This success is another wonderful example of the vibrant culture of scientific curiosity that continues to flourish in the Middle School. Through the dedication of staff such as Meredith and Cat, and the leadership shown by our Science Ambassadors, students are regularly encouraged to explore big ideas, tackle authentic challenges and see where their curiosity can take them.

Congratulations to all involved on this outstanding achievement. 

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Year 9 Visual Art Elective students experimented with macro photography while exploring the concepts of observation and scale. By zooming in closely and focusing on fine details, students highlighted the fascinating textures, colours, patterns, and shapes that are often overlooked in both the natural and artificial world around them. Through this process, students developed their observational skills and gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty that exists in everyday objects and environments. The art of observation encourages us to pay attention to details and recognise that inspiration and beauty can be found everywhere. 

Congratulations to the following winners of our Year 9 Visual Art Elective Macro Photography Competition:

Semester One

• First Place: Kaiya V
• 2nd Place: Lily S
• 3rd Place: Scarlett S

Semester Two

• First Place: Hanna Q
• 2nd Place: Kirralee J
• 3rd Place: Bella C and Jey S

Rachel Luhan
Middle School Art Teacher

It has been a busy, but very productive part of the term. The Year 11 and 12 students have been finalising their preparations for their assessment and have been completing their examinations, with Year 11 finishing yesterday in readiness for camp on Monday.

• Our Gold Level Duke of Edinburgh students have returned from five days of successful paddling in Noosa.
• Teachers are also uploading and presenting the Year 12 students’ internal assessment for confirmation by the QCAA.
• Staff are doing many hours of preparation in the lead up to Year 11 Camp and Year 10 student subject selections are being finalised and worked into a timetable to commence in Term 4.
• Year 10 are moving into their final few weeks of assessment. Year 10 also have some amazing extension and enrichment activities organised for them following their examinations next week.

These academic requirements continue against a backdrop of amazing Eisteddfod results and Gold Coast Drama Festival success. Winners again! Well done to all involved. The culture of our Performing Arts department is second to none.

The adage, ‘a school where every child will joyfully reach their potential’ is not just a slogan on the wall. The dedicated staff, and learning culture, created by everyone in our community, is such that every talent can be explored and every pathway to success can be found.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

This term we welcomed several short-term tour groups from Shijonawate, Rikkyo and Ashiya in Japan and Paju in Korea. Each group consisted of about 15 to 20 high school students who come here during their summer holidays in order to immerse themselves in the English language and experience our Australian culture.

They enjoyed a variety of integration lessons with our All Saints classes as well as focused English lessons based on Australian Animals, Australian History and Geography, Indigenous Studies and The Wetlands Experience.

They were also able to feed the kangaroos and see all the animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy a BBQ lunch at Tallebudgera Creek and some shopping at Robina Town Centre. The Rikkyo Boys were very adventurous on the high ropes course and kayaking at Tallebudgera Recreation Centre.

A highlight for our visitors is joining All Saints lessons and having lunch with buddies from our Middle and Senior School Japanese classes. This is a wonderful opportunity for long-lasting friendships to be formed, many students continuing to email each other long after their initial meeting. Some All Saints students even visit their buddies years later in Japan.

Our Short Term Tour Group Program was started more than thirty years ago with many of our groups coming at the same time every year. We have welcomed several generations of students from these schools over the years and they always report feeling very welcome here at All Saints. Thank you everyone for making them feel so welcome and for including them in our amazing All Saints community.

Mariann Capper
Study Tour Group Coordinator

It has been an extraordinary few weeks in Performing Arts, with our students representing All Saints across the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, alongside some special performance and learning opportunities here at school.

A massive congratulations to all our students and staff on an outstanding Gold Coast Eisteddfod Music season. We had an incredible number of students performing across Strings, Bands, Small Ensembles and Choirs, with some fantastic results along the way.

A huge thank you to the entire Music team for the time, patience, talent and sheer organisation involved in preparing and supporting our students.

And what a list of results:

String Orchestras

• Year 3 String Orchestra: Silver, 3rd Place
• Corelli Strings: Silver, 3rd Place
• Delius Strings: Gold, First Place
• Beethoven Strings: Bronze
• Stravinsky Strings: Gold, First Place
• Camerata: Gold, 2nd Place

Small Ensembles

• Year 8 Piano Quartet: Highly Commended
• Year 9 Clarinet Quintet: First Place
• Senior Six: Platinum, First Place
• Middle Flute Ensemble: Gold, 2nd Place
• Senior Flute Ensemble: Platinum, First Place
• Middle Clarinet Ensemble: Silver
• Senior Clarinet Ensemble: Gold, 3rd Place
• Senior Saxophone Ensemble: Gold, 3rd Place
• Middle Cello Ensemble: Gold, First Place
• Flute Trio: 2nd Place
• Drumline: Platinum, 3rd Place
• Varese Percussion Ensemble: Silver

Concert Bands

• Year 5 Superband: Platinum, First Place
• Copland Band: Gold, Highly Commended
• Holst Wind Ensemble: Silver, Highly Commended
• Grainger Wind Ensemble: Silver, Highly Commended
• Malcolm Arnold Wind Ensemble: Gold, 3rd Place

Jazz Bands

• Blues Factory Big Band: Gold, 2nd Place
• Giant Steps Big Band: Gold, 2nd Place
• Milestones Big Band: Platinum, First Place

Choirs

• Year 2 Choir: Gold, 2nd Place
• Year 3/4 Choir: Gold, First Place
• Year 5/6 Choir: Gold, 3rd Place
• Melba Girls Chorus: Gold, 2nd Place
• Brumby Boys Chorus: Gold, First Place
• Senior Chorus: Gold
• All Saints Voices: Gold, 2nd Place
• Britten Girls Ensemble: awaiting final result

And that is a wrap on our Gold Coast Eisteddfod Music season. What a way to finish!

Now it is over to our Drama legends, who are taking to the stage for the final weeks of the Eisteddfod. We wish all our Drama students the very best for their performances.

SOLO EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS
Congratulations to our talented Performing Arts students on their recent solo Eisteddfod successes.

At the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, Ethan S (Year 10) competed in the Brass Solo and Duet sections, achieving an excellent 3rd Place in the Brass Duet alongside his best friend. This was their first time performing together and their first individual Eisteddfod competition, a fantastic achievement! At the Beenleigh City of Logan Eisteddfod, Lydia L and Tania L (Year 7) achieved outstanding results, receiving seven first places, five second places and three third places. Lydia was also awarded the trophy for Best Poetry – Humorous or Light.

Congratulations to all three students on these wonderful achievements!

Chantelle Flint
Acting Director of Performing Arts

Our Drama students also enjoyed outstanding success at the Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival, with All Saints receiving Best Overall Play in both the Intermediate and Senior Divisions.

Our Intermediate production, Snapshots from Home by Margery Forde, was directed by Year 11 students Addison B, Ivy C and Lucinda L, with the support of Mrs Reilly Case and Mrs Chantelle Flint.

The cast featured Jaden F, Josie K, Sianna L, Coop M, Mackenzie R and Mary S. All six performers received Highly Commended certificates. Josie also received an Outstanding Actor Award, while Jaden received a Best Supporting Actor Award.

Our Senior production, Wittenoom by Mary Anne Butler, was directed by Mrs Reilly Case and Mrs Chantelle Flint. The cast featured Asher B, Anna J, Lyla E, Rebecca H, Keanu P-S, Sacha M C, Saxon M and Harper T.

In addition to receiving Best Overall Play, Harper and Lyla each received an Outstanding Actor Award.

All Saints was also proud to host the Senior Division in the Nairn Theatre. It was a privilege to welcome students and staff from schools across the Gold Coast and celebrate the wonderful work being created by young people in Drama.

A huge thank you to Mrs Reilly Case, Mr Matt Dean, Mrs Julianne Mutton and Mr Alex Fox for the countless hours, practical support and creative expertise that helped bring both productions to life.

Chantelle Flint 
Acting Director of Performing Arts

There was enormous excitement in the air last week as hundreds of keen students gathered for the much-anticipated reveal of our 2027 Senior Musical!

Audition registrations are now open, and all preparation materials and important information are available on the FIDO - Anastasia The Musical 2027. Students interested in joining the cast are encouraged to read the information carefully, begin preparing and register for their audition. We cannot wait to see our talented students take the next step towards bringing this spectacular production to life!

Chantelle Flint
Acting Director of Performing Arts

We are very grateful to Mrs Julianne Mutton for her tremendous work preparing and supporting costumes throughout the Gold Coast Eisteddfod and Drama Festival season.

Families are asked to please ensure that all costumes and costume items are returned promptly following performances.

Finally, thank you to all our Performing Arts staff and families. From rehearsals and preparation to performances, transport, costumes, supervision and logistics, these opportunities would not be possible without your generosity and support.

Chantelle Flint
Acting Director of Performing Arts

On Friday 21 August, our seven Music Honours students welcomed special guest Mrs Yvonne Lau to the Holloway Music Centre.

Mrs Lau is an Australian pianist who teaches, performs and lives in Manhattan, New York. She works with prestigious institutions including Kaufman Music Center’s Special Music School, The Juilliard School and the Cremona International Music Academy in Italy.

The afternoon included:

• A lecture presented by Year 10 Music Honours student Lisa A, analysing Daniel Pemberton’s music for the Spider-Verse films.
• A fascinating Q&A about the American college system. Mrs Lau spoke about the experiences of her two adult children, who have studied at Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University and Oxford University. Of particular interest was the importance of studying Music alongside STEM subjects when applying to these institutions.
• Six performances by Music Honours students Beverly C, Rebecca H, Sara J, Madi M, Archie M and Mariana N.
• A performance by Mrs Lau and Mr Bardsley of a Sonata for Violin and Piano by Australian composer Dulcie Holland, which they had performed together in Italy only six weeks earlier.

Mrs Lau commented that the Music Honours students were natural performers with obvious ability. She was also impressed by their passion for the analytical and historical aspects of their music and wished them well in their future careers.

Thank you to Mrs Lau for sharing her time, experience and expertise with our students.

Nigel Bardsley
Head of Strings

The Uhlsport Cup was a great opportunity for the Open Boys’ soccer team to see how they could perform in a knockout format against schools inside and outside of APS.

The first group game was against AB Paterson played on the Symmonds Oval where the team enjoyed a comfortable 8:0 win to start the tournament well.

After an extended break between games over the holidays, the next game was a replay of the APS final vs Kings which was back and forth until Kings eventually ran away with it ending in a 7:3 loss.

The team showed great resilience and spirit to get back into the winning books finishing off the group stage with a dominant 11:0 win over Beaudesert State High School as well as a hard-fought comeback from one nil down to against TSS to win 2:1 which sent the team into the knockout round.

Our first away game was a double header with the open girls in the first knockout round where the teams travelled to Ormeau to play Livingstone College. After a tough contest with a limited bench the Open Boys lost that first knockout game 6:3, what cannot be questioned is the school spirit they showed and the pride in which they represented All Saints.

Ultimately, the boys were lucky to have been able to compete in the Uhlsport Cup and although they were unfortunate to not go further, everyone involved throughout the whole tournament stepped up in a great way to finish an even greater soccer season for All Saints.

Belinda Eckstein
Director of Sport and Activities 

Congratulations to the 22 students who have been selected to represent the South Coast Athletics Team at the Queensland State Championships in Brisbane this October.

Our students competed with determination and pride, supporting and encouraging one another throughout a challenging competition. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and wish them all the best as they prepare to compete against the state's top athletes.

South Coast Representatives:

• Lily A
• Seth A
• Ada A
• Elkie B
• Poppy C
• Fox C
• Tyson C
• Frieda D
• Blake E
• Ellie E
• Alex F
• Elspeth H
• Finn K
• Alexander L
• Eddie L T
• Alexandra P
• Lily P
• Ethan R
• Eva S
• Hamish S
• Maddalena S
• Sofia T

We congratulate these students on their outstanding achievement and look forward to following their progress at the State Championships.

Belinda Eckstein
Director of Sport and Activities

The ASAS Junior Girls (Years 7 and 8) AFL team has kicked their way into the history books, becoming the first girls team at All Saints to reach the QCup Grand Final at Maroochydore!

What started back in March as a goal shared by a determined group of girls, coaches Ms Peta Aucoin and Mrs Sherryn Terepo, has now become a reality. One game, one opponent and one challenge at a time, the girls have continued to build momentum throughout the season and yesterday, they delivered their biggest performance yet.

In their Semi-Final, the Junior Girls put on an absolute football masterclass, running out 111–21 winners against Pacific Pines, with the mercy rule coming into play for half of the game. From the opening bounce, the girls took control and never let their foot off the pedal, booking their place in the QCup Grand Final at Maroochydore.

But while the scoreboard tells the story of a dominant football team, it doesn't quite capture what makes this group so special.

Throughout the season, the girls have shown that being a great footballer is about far more than kicking goals and winning games. They have become a team that celebrates each other's successes, backs each other when things get tough and, most importantly, puts being a good human ahead of everything else.

Yesterday provided two perfect examples.

After playing full forward in every game this season, Sophie A was still waiting for her first goal. When the opportunity finally came, Lily A could have taken the shot herself. Instead, she spotted Soph, delivered the perfect handball and gave her teammate the opportunity to kick her first goal of the season. The celebration that followed said it all. The entire team was just as excited for Soph as she was herself.

Then came another moment that had nothing to do with the scoreboard.

Following the final siren, while her teammates were understandably celebrating their incredible win, Lily noticed one of the opposition's best players who had gone down earlier in the game with an ankle injury. Rather than joining the celebrations, Lily went straight over to check that she was okay.

That moment perhaps summed up this team better than any scoreboard ever could.

They are not just a team of talented footballers. They are a team of good humans.

Of course, getting a team all the way to Maroochydore takes more than what happens on the field. The girls have been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of their parents and the Middle School staff throughout the season. From cheering them on from the sidelines to helping make training, games and missed schoolwork possible, both groups have continually gone above and beyond to give the girls every opportunity to chase their goal.

And now, there is just two more games to play.

From a goal scribbled down in March to standing on the doorstep of a QCup Championship, this group has certainly refused to let the ball bounce anywhere but their way.

They have tackled challenges, chased every contest, backed each other and continued to move the ball forward all season.

Now it's time for the biggest kick of them all.

The Junior Girls are heading to Maroochydore for the QCup Grand Final!

Bring on the Grand Final.

Look out, PBC — the All Saints girls are coming!

Jen Ley
Middle School Teacher / Girls AFL Sports Coordinator 

Our AFLQ Schools Cup teams have enjoyed a successful period on the field, with both the Youth and Senior Boys showcasing determination, teamwork and resilience as they competed against some of Queensland's leading AFL schools. Highlights from their recent quarter-final and semi-final matches are outlined below.

Youth Boys - Quarter Finals
On Thursday 20 August, our Youth and Senior Boys teams headed to Collingwood Park AFC to compete in the AFLQ Schools Cup quarter-finals, with both teams taking on defending premiers, St Laurence’s College. The boys arrived at Collingwood already understrength, with six players having to withdraw late due to sickness and injury, leaving only 20 players to take the field. However, this didn’t stop the group’s determination and fight, as they banded together as a tight-knit group and got on with the job.

The team started very strongly. Although they didn’t dominate possession, they were the first to kick a goal, setting a strong precedent for St Laurie’s and what was to come. The first quarter ended with All Saints taking a 15–13 lead into the first break. After quarter time, St Laurie’s came out a different side, using their strength and enthusiasm with the strong wind behind their backs. They were able to hit the scoreboard, while our boys struggled to find their scoring opportunities, kicking only two behinds for the quarter. St Laurie’s went into half-time with a 22–17 lead.

The third quarter, known as the “premiership quarter”, was going to be a true test of courage, grit and resilience from the boys, particularly with the added pressure of only having two players on the bench.

The group remained positive, with plenty of constructive discussion about what needed to happen to ensure we put on a strong performance. A gamble by Coach Cloke, moving Hunter W into the forward line to start the third quarter, proved to be a masterstroke. Hunter was able to kick a strong goal in the first minute before he and Harry C swapped positions, with Harry kicking a goal from the very next centre bounce. This pushed All Saints out to a 10-point lead early in the third quarter.

The adrenaline and enthusiasm from all of the All Saints boys lifted from here, with every tackle, smother and spoil becoming vital in keeping us in the lead.

Lennox B was a key contributor, providing a strong link from the backline, working the ball wide to the wing before centring it for our forward line. Max M, Kai W and Ronan W showcased their elite athleticism, taking strong contested overhead marks all over the ground.

All Saints went into the final break three points in front.

As the boys came together at three-quarter time, they were up and about, with high-fives everywhere and a real belief that they could get the job done. A final pump-up speech from the coaches instilled further drive and determination into the group for a strong final 15 minutes. Every moment of the game was going to count, and time would tell who would stand up and take the game by storm.

And then stepped up Hunter. A running goal from 50 metres had All Saints players and fans on their feet, before a strong tackle by Hunter next to the sideline had coaches, players, supporters and the Senior Boys cheering and pumped up.

The final four minutes felt like an eternity. However, we were able to come away with a thrilling three-point victory and progress through to the semi-finals, where we would face Mountain Creek State High School a fortnight later.

Senior Boys - Quarter Finals
Coming up against the defending premiers and favourites to win the competition was never going to be an easy task for the boys. However, this didn’t diminish their energy and determination to cause an upset.

The first half was a see-sawing affair, with St Laurie’s getting off to an early lead. However, the boys were physical, matching the opposition’s skill and making them work hard for every single point.

Playing above his height and weight, Jacques T was everywhere in the forward line, providing a tall target while also winning important ground balls.

Cameron B, Lachie H and captain Rhys S were highly competitive against a strong midfield full of potential future AFL-listed players.

Leading into three-quarter time, the boys were down by 40 points — the same margin they had overcome in their previous game against Miami SHS.

An inspirational three-quarter-time speech from Coach, Mr Ben Garner, had the boys inspired and pumped, ready to put on a strong showing in what would ultimately be the final AFL game for many of the Year 12 students.

Unfortunately, the boys were defeated, bringing their AFLQ Schools Cup campaign to an end.

I would like to thank Mr Garner for his outstanding work in getting the boys together as a tight-knit group, running early-morning training sessions and providing strong leadership to support the boys throughout the competition.

A huge congratulations to the boys for reaching the top 10 schools in Queensland for AFL, which is no mean feat. Our attention now turns to the APS season, where the boys will be looking to be crowned back-to-back champions.


Youth Boys - Semi Finals
On Wednesday 2 September, the Youth Boys (Years 9–10) competed in the semi-finals against Mountain Creek State High School at Coorparoo AFC.

Coming off a tough-fought win against the defending premiers, St Laurence’s College, the boys were quietly confident. However, they were adamant that they would not become complacent heading into the game.

The boys got off to a nervous start, with Mountain Creek scoring the first goal of the game. However, the boys weren’t going to let this rattle them, as they then dominated ball and field possession for the remainder of the quarter, kicking two goals to take an early lead into the first-quarter break.

With the wind now at their backs, the boys had a great opportunity to start hitting the scoreboard. However, it wasn’t quite meant to be, with All Saints only kicking two goals despite absolutely dominating possession, with the ball hardly getting into Mountain Creek’s half.

All Saints led 32–12 at half-time.

Mountain Creek came flying out of the blocks in the third quarter, kicking back-to-back goals for the first time in the match and reducing the margin to 13 points, which sent a wave of concern through the coaching staff.

The boys fought back, kicking another two goals themselves and taking a 47–25 lead into the three-quarter break.

The vibes and energy were high as the thought of making the State Final was now only 15 minutes away. The boys were enthusiastic and determined to finish strongly, with the wind at their backs and a new forward-line strategy.

They came out firing, kicking two goals in the first two minutes. Things were finally starting to click, with the All Saints boys kicking seven goals in the final quarter.

Four goals to Kai W and two brilliant goals to crafty small forward Jake B set the tone for All Saints to finish with a convincing 90–25 victory, booking their ticket to Maroochydore for the AFLQ Schools Cup Final.

Special mention must go to Lennox B, Jeremy G, Finley S, Sam W and Tahj W for standing up when it mattered most and delivering their best games of the season.

With now six weeks to prepare for the State Final, the boys are in the box seat for a strong showing at Maroochydore.

Jay Meaney
Junior School Teacher/Boys AFL Sports Coordinator

BASEBALL

Congratulations to Aila Z (Year 9), who represented the South Coast District at the Queensland School Sport Baseball Championships in Ipswich. Aila's team produced an incredible comeback in the grand final, overturning a 6–0 deficit to defeat Metro North 7–6 and claim the championship title.

Adding to this outstanding achievement, Aila has also been selected to represent the Queensland Crocs at the Barkly Cup in Melbourne later this year.

We congratulate Aila on her success and wish her all the best for her upcoming representative commitments.

One of the highlights of the school year has been the wonderful connections formed through our Lil’ Mates Program. Bringing together Year 3 students and volunteer mentors from Year 12, this special initiative has created opportunities for friendship, fun and meaningful learning across student generations.

Meeting regularly throughout Terms 2 and 3, the pairs spent time enjoying a variety of activities including reading together, playing games, completing puzzles, sharing conversations and heading outdoors for some active play. While the activities were simple, the impact was significant.

At the heart of the program is The Spirit of Us, one of All Saints core pillars. Through every shared story, game and conversation, students experienced the power of belonging, connection, respect and looking out for one another. The relationships formed between our younger and older students reflect the caring and inclusive community we strive to build every day.

For our Year 3 students, having an older Saint to encourage, support and spend time with helped build confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. For the senior students, the program provided valuable opportunities to develop leadership, patience and mentoring skills while making a genuine difference in the lives of younger learners.

The true success of Little Mates can be found in the smiling faces seen each week, the enthusiastic interactions, and the friendships that blossomed along the way. These connections have strengthened our school community and serve as a reminder that some of the most meaningful learning happens through relationships. It is a wonderful example of Service Learning in action and a shining expression of The Spirit of Us that makes our All Saints Community such a special place to be a part of.

Louise Thorpe
Service-Learning Coordinator/Chaplaincy Administrator