Newsletter

Appreciation for our Enterprise Staff 

Much of what enables the daily life of the school happens quietly behind the scenes through the care, expertise and commitment of our Enterprise Staff. Across multiple teams, their contributions are felt in every part of school life. What I notice every day is that our Enterprise Staff don’t just bring the expertise required for their roles; they also bring a deep sense of care for our students, staff and community. I know that our students find support and wisdom through a multitude of daily interactions with our Enterprise Staff. 

This week, we marked Enterprise Staff Day, taking the opportunity to give thanks for this work and to recognise the significant contribution our Enterprise Staff make to our community.

It was a joy to see our community take the time to acknowledge their contribution, and I extend my sincere thanks to the Mothers’ Network for their thoughtful gesture of appreciation. I thank our Enterprise Staff for the care, professionalism and commitment they bring to their work each day. Their work enriches our community and enables our students to experience the breadth of opportunity that defines an All Hallows’ education. 

Participating in School Life

In recent weeks, it has been wonderful to see students actively engaging across our cocurricular program. Our Music Ensemble concerts have showcased both talent and dedication, providing students with the opportunity to perform, collaborate and share their gifts with the community. Events such as the Year 10 Challenge Day and tomorrow’s Interhouse Athletics Carnival provide valuable opportunities to build connection, House spirit, teamwork and resilience. These shared experiences play an important role in shaping students’ confidence, sense of belonging and willingness to support one another. I am particularly pleased to see the forecast for tomorrow is another beautiful day filled with Brisbane sunshine, and I look forward to seeing our whole community come together tomorrow in a spirit of friendly (and fierce) house competition. 
 

Dr Lee Anne Perry AM Leadership and Service Award

If you know of a past pupil (Class of 2016 onwards) who is continuing to live the Mercy ethos through leadership in service and making a meaningful difference in her community, we encourage you to consider this opportunity. Applications for the Dr Lee Anne Perry AM Leadership and Service Award close on 30 June 2026.

Looking Ahead

At the conclusion of term, our staff will engage in professional learning days. These days provide valuable time for reflection, collaboration and continued development of teaching and learning practices. This ongoing commitment ensures that we are responding thoughtfully to the needs of our students and supporting their growth in meaningful and contemporary ways.

We also look forward to upcoming experiences that will extend learning beyond the classroom, including the Hero’s Journey, a combined Literature, History and Mission Tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland, the annual ski trip to Queenstown and the Cherbourg Immersion in Week 1 of Term 3. These opportunities offer powerful moments of connection, perspective and personal growth, helping students to deepen their understanding of the world and their place within it. 

I also extend my sincere thanks to the generous staff who accompany and support our students throughout these experiences, forgoing time with their own families for the benefit of our students. I offer a special thanks to the following staff for their service and dedication:

Cherbourg Immersion: Mr McInnes (bus driver), Mr Wall and Ms Yasso

Hero’s Journey: Ms Childs, Mrs Easton and Dr Wade

Queenstown Ski Trip: Ms Jackson (tour leader), Mr Adamson, Ms Andrews, Ms Annetts, Ms Crowther, Ms Fletcher, Ms Gunn, Mrs Gunn, Mrs Hiscox, Ms Nguyen, Ms Teubler, Ms Wallace and Mr Waters.

Rowing Camp: Mr Brown (camp leader), Ms Lally and Mr Russell.

I give thanks for a very successful Semester 1 and for the contribution each member of our community has made to the life of our school. As we move into the break, I wish all members of our community a safe and restful holiday, whether travelling or enjoying time at home, and I look forward to welcoming students back for Term 3 refreshed and ready to continue their learning and growth. I leave you with this prayer: 

God of care and compassion,
Watch over our families in the days ahead.
Keep safe those who travel,
and bring rest and renewal to all in the days ahead.

Help us to welcome one another with love and respect,
showing care, kindness and understanding in all we do.

Bless our students with peace, joy and a sense of belonging wherever they are.

Amen.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.

God bless,

Ms Carolyn Liddy (Acting Principal)

Listening to students from different schools share their perspectives on multiculturalism and identity reminded us that some of the most important learning happens when we step outside our own circles and genuinely listen to others. The experience challenged us to move beyond simply surrounding ourselves with people who think the same way and instead engage respectfully with ideas that stretch our thinking.

Throughout this year, our weekly meetings have explored a range of issues; such as First Nations justice, refugee and migrant experiences, gender identity, and the role young people can play in creating positive change. More importantly, these conversations have encouraged us to ask difficult questions: 

How do we respond when we encounter injustice? 

How do we ensure everyone feels they belong? 

What responsibility do we have to understand perspectives different from our own?

One thing many of us have come to realise is that human rights are not only about laws, governments or global issues. 

They are present in our everyday interactions. They are reflected in the words we choose, the assumptions we challenge, the people we include and the stories we are willing to hear.

In a world shaped by algorithms, social media feeds and an endless stream of opinions, we are learning that being informed is not enough. We must also learn to think critically, listen respectfully and speak thoughtfully. 

Words matter.

The way we speak about people and communities shapes how others are seen and understood.

Words can build bridges, but they can also create barriers.

As we look ahead to the BBC Human Rights Conference in term 3 and our Social Justice Week Forum with Orange Sky in term 4, we are excited to continue learning, listening and taking action. While we may not be able to solve every problem in the world, we are discovering that young people have the power to create meaningful change…one conversation, one relationship and one act of kindness at a time.

The Harmony Week Forum reminded us that understanding rarely grows in echo chambers. It grows when we are willing to listen to other people whose experiences, beliefs and stories may be different from our own. 

As students, parents and staff, perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is:

When was the last time you allowed your thinking to be genuinely challenged?

Mrs Claire Easton (Dean of Mission)