A message from Mrs Carolyn Liddy
As Term 2 progresses, I am grateful for the many ways our school community continues to grow, connect and flourish. In these weeks, I have noticed the steady way our students are settling into their learning and finding confidence in the everyday rhythms of school life. Term 2 is a special time, full and sometimes very busy, yet so often it is these weeks of learning, connection, reflection and shared experience that our students look back on with real joy. We are reminded that each week offers opportunities to notice growth, to give thanks, and to strengthen the partnerships that support our students.
Celebrating culture, creativity and talent
This week, our school has been alive with the colour, energy and creativity of our Annual Culture Week, enthusiastically hosted by our Culture Captains. With an activity offered each day, it has been a joy to see students showcasing their talents and joyfully supported by their AHSisters in the audience. Whilst the very wet weather has forced us to postpone our Dance performances to next week, we are looking forward to a very lively and entertaining student-teacher debate on Friday. The silver lining is that we have stretched out Culture Week into next week, so the entertainment can continue. When the Terrace fills with these shared experiences, it becomes a vibrant centre of school life, alive with energy and joy, and a powerful reminder that each of us belongs to something larger than ourselves.
Alongside this, our Annual Arts Festival, Instrumental Music, has offered a beautiful showcase of learning and dedication. Through our internal eisteddfod, supported by external adjudicators, we celebrate the rich cultural life of the school as students perform from beginner level through to concerto standard performances. It has been a joy to see the confidence and courage of our musicians as they share their gifts with one another. Once again, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have my office located below the Concert Hall. Every week, I enjoy a multitude of rehearsals and performances and this week is a particular highlight as each afternoon I listen to the rich variety of musical talent being showcased through the Arts Festival.
On Tuesday evening, we enjoyed hosting the annual BSRA Indoor Ergo Championships in Loretto Hall. This event reflects the spirit of teamwork and perseverance that characterises our sporting community, and what a fabulous atmosphere our competitors and spectators enjoyed throughout the evening. Congratulations to all of our dedicated students who competed throughout the championships.
Faith, memory and shared experiences
This week, we gathered for the Gorry House Mass in our beautiful Chapel. These moments invite us to pause and give thanks for the legacy of those who have shaped our school community. Jane Gorry, known in religious life as Sr Mary de Sales, was a much-loved teacher and teacher‑educator, and it was fitting to honour her contribution through prayer, reflection and shared remembrance. We were reminded that our Mercy story is carried forward through brave people, generous relationships, inclusion and kindness.
Our sporting community will come together on Friday, 22 May for the Emily DelDot Memorial Hockey matches at Easts Hockey Club. Emily was a Year 10 Gorry student, a talented hockey player at both school and club level, and a much-loved member of the All Hallows’ community. This annual event holds a special place in our calendar, bringing students, families and staff together in a spirit of remembrance, connection and community.
Parent, student and teacher partnership
I extend sincere thanks to our teaching staff, students and parents who participated in the recent Parent-Student-Teacher feedback meetings. These conversations are a valued opportunity to listen, deepen understanding of learning progress, and strengthen the partnership we share for each student. We are grateful to families for the care and time they gave to these meetings, and we hope the online format made it a little easier to take part amid busy schedules.
Looking ahead with gratitude and hope
I look forward to the Blessing of the Heritage Centre on Wednesday, 27 May. This will be an exciting opportunity to honour our story, our traditions and the many people who have shaped our shared life at All Hallows’. It is also a reminder that, as a school community, we are called to cherish the rich heritage entrusted to us while continuing to build for the future. The Heritage Centre reflects that shared commitment, preserving the history, faith and legacy that have formed our community, while inviting future generations to know, value and carry that story forward with pride. We give thanks for the Sisters of Mercy, whose generosity and vision established All Hallows’ School and whose enduring legacy continues to shape and inspire our community.
As Giving Day approaches on 11 June, we are reminded of the extraordinary generosity of the All Hallows’ community and the difference that collective giving can make in opening the door to an All Hallows’ education for young women who may not otherwise have that opportunity. In the weeks ahead, you will hear more from our Principal, Catherine O’Kane and our Director of Community Relations and Development, Jo Lovett, about this important expression of community and generosity.
As we move into Week 6, we are mindful of National Sorry Day on Tuesday, 26 May and National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme, All In, reminds us that reconciliation is something we share together, not only in significant moments, but in the steady choices of each day. We are invited to recognise the past, to reconcile it with the present, and to help heal hurt through listening, truth-telling and respect. In the spirit of Mercy, we are reminded that this begins with humility, attentiveness and a willingness to learn.
Closing prayer
We are blessed to be part of a community that values faith, creativity, learning and deep connection. May the days ahead continue to be shaped by gratitude, compassion and hope. I leave you this week with this prayer:
God of justice and truth,
On National Sorry Day we remember Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
and we hold with deep respect the voices of the Stolen Generations,
their courage, their stories, and their ongoing journey of healing.
As we enter National Reconciliation Week with the theme All In,
May we be drawn into a shared commitment to walk together each day with humility, attentive listening, and truth spoken with care.
Bring healing where there has been harm, strengthen dignity and hope, and bless Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with what is needed to thrive.
We ask this in faith.
Amen.
May God bless you and your family in the week ahead.
Ms Carolyn Liddy (Deputy Principal)
