There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.
MARGARET WHEATLEY
From the Principal
MS TONI RIORDAN PRINCIPAL
Welcome to the 2025 Spring edition of Huddle. Within these pages, you’ll find creativity, curiosity, and a forwardthinking spirit that reflects who we are and where we’re heading. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into our vibrant community.
At St Aidan’s, we learn, work and play under the guidance of our Strategic Plan, Leading the Future. When I speak to students about the future, I ask them to imagine what they think it will look like in five, 10 or even 50 year’s time?
But what if we reimagined the future not as a distant horizon, but as something already unfolding? What if every moment was an opportunity to shape what comes next? And what if we believed that the future is not something that happens to us, but something we create together? The future is the next choice we make, the next conversation we have, the next moment we seize with courage and conviction.
In this edition of Huddle, we capture moments of creativity, connection and innovation, themes which resonate with the future, and now.
For example, science is an expression of curiosity, creativity and collaboration. Innovation is evident in the way our students approach learning, problem-solving and discovery. Whether through STEM programs, digital design, environmental initiatives or entrepreneurial thinking, our students are engaging with the world as changemakers.
When imagining the future and the changes our students will encounter in their lives, I am drawn to this view of change:
“All that you touch You Change. All that you Change Changes you. The only lasting truth is Change.”
This quote comes from Octavia Butler’s science fiction novel Parable of the Sower, written in 1993 and set in the 2020s. It follows a young African American woman who develops a belief system called Earthseed, exploring themes of leadership, community-building and creating positive change in challenging circumstances.
At St Aidan’s, we foster courage to face change with thoughtful action, confidence and compassion. We support our students to be unapologetically themselves while standing with the strong women who have come before them, the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. Their enduring spirit lives on in our values of care, kindness, hard work and wholehearted commitment.
My thoughts are with our students, including our graduating 2025 Seniors and our incoming 2026 Seniors, who embody this continuous thread that makes our school strong. In this edition, we also celebrate the diverse achievements of our Alumni, meeting our three award winners. Their stories remind us that our influence isn’t just what we leave behind but what we pass forward through each generation.
I like Octavia Butler’s quote because I think she reminds us, through our very presence and actions, we are both shaping and being shaped by this community.
Every classroom conversation, chapel reflection or spark of curiosity can ignite new beginnings. These moments of connection and discovery are where the extraordinary begins. The future our students are creating is already taking shape in these everyday encounters, in their willingness to imagine differently, and in their courage to act on their convictions.
I hope you enjoy this edition.
Empowering Futures: Engineering Offering for Students
MRS GERALDINE EBBRELL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
At St Aidan’s, we understand the importance of preparing our students for an evolving world of work. Queensland is forging a new chapter in engineering education and gender equity, and we are part of this transformation. There is a rich legacy of trailblazing women engineers and a growing network of support programs, and St Aidan’s is proud to contribute by introducing Engineering as a subject for our Year 11 students in 2026.
Queensland’s women engineers have long been at the forefront of innovation. From biomedical breakthroughs to robotics and sustainable infrastructure, their contributions are reshaping industries and communities. Leaders like Kelen Marczak, the 2024 Queensland Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year, and Deanna Hood, a robotics pioneer whose work supports NASA’s lunar missions, exemplify the brilliance and diversity of talent emerging in the Engineering industry.
Winifred Davenport, who graduated from St Aidan’s in 1941, is another who helped blaze the way for Australian women in the field of engineering. Winifred’s career in maritime engineering spanned 47 years in Queensland, where she assisted in the designs of the Manly Boat Harbour and the government survey ship Trigla.
Winifred became the first woman to be granted Corporate Membership of the Institution of Engineers and later, the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, and was remembered as an affectionate and determined woman.
We acknowledge her profound impact each year at St Aidan’s Celebrates with the Winifred Davenport STEM Scholarship Award. These inspiring role models perfectly align with our goals. Our
students are already engaging with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through integrated learning experiences that prepare them for exactly these kinds of groundbreaking careers.
The introduction of Engineering as a Senior subject in 2026 represents the natural evolution of our STEAM philosophy. This subject introduction will allow our Year 11 and 12 students to dive deep into real-world problem solving through handson design and technology projects, giving them invaluable experience before university.
We note that engineering is more than equations and machines, it is about shaping the future. Whether designing climateresilient buildings, developing wearable health technology, or creating inclusive robotics, Queensland’s women engineers are proving that diversity drives better solutions. We are committed to ensuring every student sees themselves as a potential innovator and leader.
Our engineering program will complement the outstanding work already happening at universities like UQ and QUT, whose Women in Engineering programs offer workshops, mentoring, and events that inspire young women to pursue STEM careers. By starting this journey in Years 11 and 12, we are giving our students a significant advantage and deeper preparation for these university pathways.
It is clear we are moving into a future that belongs to those who can think critically, solve complex problems, and work collaboratively across disciplines. We are not just preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, we are empowering them to thrive in those jobs.
Holy Women of St Aidan’s
REV SISTER GILLIAN MOSES SSA CHAPLAIN
In July and August, the Society of the Sacred Advent sets aside time in the liturgical calendar to celebrate the Season of Holy Women. This season runs from St Margaret’s Day on 20 July through to The Feast of Mary, Mother of God on 15 August, and includes the feast days of many notable women of faith. As we have reflected on the Season of Holy Women here at St Aidan’s, I am reminded of the many women of faith who have walked the halls and classrooms of this school, or whose stories have enriched ours.
The Sisters come to mind, first and foremost: women like Sister Elisabeth, first Sister-in-Charge and an intelligent, compassionate woman. Her diaries reveal the challenges she faced during her leadership, and the courage and faith with which she met them. We also think of women like Mavis Parkinson, killed in New Guinea in World War II and remembered here at St Aidan’s through Parkinson House, which
was introduced in the 1970s. Mavis had been the childhood friend of Sister Lois.
Our school houses bring to mind other Holy Women, including Florence Nightingale who is remembered with her own feast day in the Season of Holy Women, but which also includes Christine Hartland and Helen Barrett who are part of the fabric of St Aidan’s and who lived lives of faithful service.
My invitation to our students is to understand themselves as Holy Women too: women who are set apart for a task or service and whose contributions can improve the lives of others. We have many examples before us in our alumni and the women we celebrate in our stories and banners.
I watch with anticipation to see how our current students’ lives will unfold in the coming years, as they live out this call to service.
Sister Elisabeth The first Sister-in-Charge
Congratulations to all the student leaders of 2026
2026 School Captains - Remy Hancock and Sophia Evenden with Principal Toni Riordan
Leadership
MRS MEG BISHOP DEAN OF STUDENTS
At St Aidan’s, we believe leadership is not defined by a title but by the way our students live out their values each day. Whether it is encouraging a classmate, representing the school with pride, or contributing ideas that strengthen our community, every student has the capacity to lead.
Leadership development is central to our Pastoral Care Framework and its five Wellbeing pillars. By creating opportunities for students to practise resilience, collaboration, empathy and responsibility, we help them discover the many ways they can influence others positively. These everyday choices build the foundation for confident and compassionate leaders.
Formal leadership positions add another layer of growth, offering students the chance to explore decision-making, accountability and service to others. We congratulate our Year 11 students who have stepped forward to nominate for leadership roles in the year ahead. Their willingness to serve reflects the strong tradition of student leadership at St Aidan’s.
Each year, a leadership conference is hosted in the last week of Term Three, bringing together the incoming Student Leaders and Seniors for the following year. This time together allows the cohort to create a shared vision and set collective goals. It is always a highlight of the school calendar and an important step in preparing our students to inspire and lead the St Aidan’s community.
By nurturing leadership in all its forms, we equip students to make a difference within our school and beyond, and we look forward to seeing how they will shape and strengthen our community in the year ahead.
2026 SCHOOL CAPTAINS PREFECTS
SACRISTANS
SPORTS CAPTAINS
MUSIC CAPTAINS
ACTIVITY CAPTAINS
PASTORAL CARE CAPTAINS
HOUSE CO-CAPTAINS
AUSTEN BARRETT BRONTE
CAVELL
HARTLAND
NIGHTINGALE SOPHIA
SOPHIE
100 Days Brighter
In Term Three, our Prep students celebrated an exciting milestone: their first 100 days of school. The Junior School came together to recognise the many ways our youngest learners have grown, thrived and embraced the joy of learning.
In just 100 days, our Prep girls have navigated school routines, built friendships, explored literacy and numeracy, and discovered the world around them. Classrooms have been filled with creativity, curiosity, laughter and smiles.
Students marked the occasion with “100-day” themed activities, including making 100-day t-shirts, tackling maths challenges, listing 100 words they can spell, and reflecting on their favourite moments so far.
Head of Junior School, Dr Jenny Crome said, “They are truly the heart of St Aidan’s. While 100 days might sound small for adults, it represents bravery, curiosity, courage and growth for our Preps. We are so proud of every step they’ve taken.”
Congratulations to our Prep 2025 cohort. You are 100 days brighter!
Book an Adventure!
Children’s Book Week 2025, held from 16 to 23 August, celebrated its 80th anniversary with the theme, Book an Adventure. This annual initiative by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) encourages young readers to explore new worlds through stories. At St Aidan’s, it is a time of excitement as students and staff engage in dress-up parades, storytelling sessions, and themed activities.
Our Head of Junior School, Dr Jenny Crome, reflected, “Book Week ignites imagination, fosters curiosity, and strengthens our sense of community, reminding us all of the power of stories to connect and inspire.”
Top Four Finish for St Aidan’s
Budding
Chemists
St Aidan’s students proudly competed in the RACI Titration Competition, a national analytical chemistry challenge run by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. The event tested accuracy, precision and teamwork as students performed acid–base titrations to determine an unknown concentration.
This year, 519 students from 50 Queensland schools took part. St Aidan’s placed 4th overall in the state, an outstanding result, especially as it was our first time participating in many years. Our students’ individual achievements included:
• High Distinction: Yolanda Wang, Fiona Leung, Yujin Seo, Abbie Liu
• Distinction: Haley Lam, Ashley Choi
• Credit: Meena Chen
• Participation: Ishani Kumar, Rose Choi, Minnie Zhang, Natalia Chan, Helen Lam
Each student received a certificate, and those achieving results from High Distinction to Competent were awarded lapel badges, recognised in university labs nationwide as a mark of excellence in chemistry.
Science at St Aidan’s
Science and Technology: Cultivating Curiosity from Kindy to Careers
At St Aidan’s, science and technology are central to our mission of fostering curiosity, creativity and innovation. From Kindy through to Year 12, students are encouraged to explore, experiment and discover.
In Junior School, young learners are introduced to science alongside design and technologies. They enjoy practical experiences that spark their natural curiosity and can extend their learning through innovation clubs including STEMies, Tech Mate, Robotics, and the STEM Competition Club. Families are invited each term to join our Tech Mate events, where students and parents collaborate to solve challenges using science and creativity.
In Senior School, students have access to state-of-theart laboratories and are mentored by highly qualified scientists. Our subject offerings are extensive and include Science, STEAM, Amplify Science, Chemistry, Physics, Science in Practice, Design and Technologies, and Engineering. Learning is further enriched through
opportunities such as the Marie Curie Science Club, Australian Space Design, Robotics and STEM Competition Club, Technical Services and E-sports.
Our school has a proud tradition of connecting students with universities and industry. For example, we take part in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s Titration Competition, where students develop advanced laboratory skills and engage with the wider scientific community.
Science and Technology are not just subjects at St Aidan’s, but pathways to discovery. In response to continuous interest in science, this year saw the opening of a new laboratory, with a fully operational wet-lab, complete with gas, plumbing, and specialist equipment for Year 7–10 Science.
Every student is empowered to explore their interests, gain confidence in problem solving and innovation, and be inspired to shape the future as scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders.
Science Week From Wonder to Wisdom: A celebration of discovery
St Aidan’s was abuzz during Science Week, with an open invitation for our students and staff to celebrate curiosity, creativity and the joy of discovery. Our students asked bold questions, uncovered surprising answers and transformed their classrooms and green spaces into bubbling laboratories of imagination and invention. Science isn’t just about facts and formulas, as we proved at our annual Science and Faith Panel, when we invited our community to Explore the Unknown with special guests including the Very Reverand Peter Catt, Reverand Gillian Moses, Dr Wendy Mercer, Mr Joel Gunn-Glazebrook and Dr Ela Martin.
Our Science Captains Ishani and Haley hosted this panel, along with a Science Quiz that tested students’ knowledge of science facts, discoveries and quirky trivia.
Physics teacher, Dr Mark Pedroso said it was a bumper week that included Water Bottle Rocket launches, and the crowdfavourite, Elephant Toothpaste experiment on the lawn. “This was a terrific opportunity to see chemistry in action with foamy eruptions.
“Our students also enjoyed a lunchtime ‘Kahoot’, creating colourful, shimmering giant bubbles.”
In the same week, St Aidan’s students joined the Spaghetti Bridge Competition at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) where they engineered and tested bridges made of spaghetti.
Dr Pedroso explained this was an opportunity to apply physics and problem-solving under real testing conditions. “This activity demanded precision, teamwork and resilience and the kind of problem-solving mindset that can be carried far beyond the classroom.”
In Junior School, students surprised and delighted at the Junior School Science Showcase where they presented posters and demonstrations of their science experiments. Students also enjoyed a visit from Street Science, for their Science spectacular.
Head of Junior School Dr Jenny Crome said the students relished an opportunity to become ‘young scientists’ and investigate the patterns and systems that shape our world and govern our life and matter. “Students participated in a variety of hands-on activities that revealed the hidden language of science and explored the laws of physics,” Dr Crome said. “The week was a wonderful opportunity to spark curiosity and nurture problem solving.”
Imaginations ignite
We have enjoyed a vibrant celebration of storytelling at St Aidan’s this year, with students participating in experiences that sparked imagination and deepened a love of reading.
We welcomed Tony Armstrong, Jacqueline Harvey, Katrina Nannestad and Sally Rippin to our school. Each author brought their own voice and perspective, inspiring students to read widely and write with confidence.
Tony Armstrong, a proud Gamilaroi man and rising star in Australian media, visited to share his debut picture book, George the Wizard. His story about friendship and staying true to yourself brought warmth and creativity to our classrooms.
Jacqueline Harvey, author of the much-loved Alice Miranda and Clementine Rose series, met with Year 5 students to launch her new book, The Girl and the Ghost. She spoke about her writing process and introduced students to her latest character, Josephine.
We were delighted to host Katrina Nannestad for an extended visit. She met with Years 2 to 4 for lively book chats, led a Writers Workshop for selected Year 5 students, and held a focused writing session with Year 6. Katrina also hosted the Brisbane West Regional Readers Cup, which St Aidan’s was proud to facilitate.
Senior School students from the Girl Zone Book Club joined Katrina for an evening discussion of All the Beautiful Things. She later shared how impressed she was by the insight of our students and expressed interest in returning.
In May, our community gathered for the annual Narelle Oliver Lecture in the Auditorium. This year we were honoured to welcome Australian Children’s Laureate, Sally Rippin as our guest speaker. Her lecture was a highlight for teachers, parents and librarians, offering guidance on supporting children who struggle with reading, including those with ADHD or dyslexia.
Sally Rippin is one of Australia’s most cherished children’s authors, with more than 10 million books in print across eighteen countries. Her visit reminded us of the importance of inclusive storytelling and the role of books in helping every child feel seen and supported.
These visits have highlighted the power of stories to connect, challenge and uplift. We thank our visiting authors for sharing their time and talent and look forward to future events that inspire our community.
Clockwise from top left: Sally Rippin, Jacqueline Harvey, Katrina Nannestad, Tony Armstrong
Interact 2025 Celebrating 40 Years of Service and Partnership
This year, Interact at St Aidan’s celebrates 40 years of service, leadership and partnership with Rotary. Through this enduring connection, generations of students have engaged in meaningful conversations, global projects and advocacy, guided by Rotary’s mission of service above self.
In a special initiative to mark our enduring partnership, Jindalee Rotary is donating a Peace Pole to St Aidan’s, which will be dedicated at the opening of the St Aidan’s Community Gardens on Saturday 1 November.
The 2025 Interact year has been filled with impactful fundraising and service. We raised $3,240 for the Melanoma Institute in memory of Old Girl Emma Betts (2002) and supported Child Services Beenleigh through our annual Easter Egg Drive. Our Krispy Kreme Drive raised $900 for Farm Angels and our Nepalese sponsor child, Simran. The Athletics Carnival raised $2,780 for Farm Angels, Little Wings and Brainwave Australia.
QuizIt, themed “Decades,” raised funds for Variety – the Children’s Charity and The Lady Musgrave Foundation. Book Week Free Dress Day raised $242 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
A highlight this year was hosting the 2025 Rotary District 9620 Conference, allowing our Board to connect with other schools and deepen ties within the Rotary community.
As we mark 40 years of Interact, we celebrate not only the causes supported, but also the values of service and partnership that continue to empower students to make a difference locally, nationally and globally.
STAGE Dance
STAGE Dance has celebrated an incredible 2025 season, marked by passion, teamwork and unforgettable achievements. Our dancers brought energy and creativity to school events including the Mother’s Day Breakfast, Open Day, Ascension Day, MADD Night and the Pride Assembly.
At DanceLife Unite, the team placed 3rd in Musical Theatre, 4th in Lyrical and received a Highly Commended in Jazz. At Ipswich Performers, they earned 2nd in Lyrical and Very Highly Commended in both Musical Theatre and Jazz.
The season concluded at Evolution Dance Competition with a 1st in Jazz, 2nd in Lyrical, 3rd in Musical Theatre and Highly Commended in Contemporary.
Music Fest
Several of St Aidan’s large music ensembles and choirs competed in Music Fest across Term 3 for Secondary School and Term 4 for Junior School. With students from Years 2–12, it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents, and each ensemble received valuable feedback from the adjudicators during the individualised workshop following their performance. This year’s results were outstanding, with each ensemble demonstrating dedication and hard work to achieve them.
Congratulations on the following awards:
Platinum: Con Brio Band, Charma Band, Junior Singers, Children Crossing Choir, and Vivaldi Strings
Gold: Symphonic Winds, Back-Beat Band, Ensemble Volar, Corelli Strings, Paganini Strings, and Dolce Strings Silver: Two-Beat Band
Employer Choice Awards
St Aidan’s is proud to announce that we have been included in The Educator’s 2025 list of 5-Star Employer of Choice Australian schools. This recognition celebrates our commitment to being an attractive and sustainable employer in the national education sector.
At St Aidan’s, we are dedicated to ensuring that when teachers and support staff join our community, they feel supported, valued and empowered, and invest in their professional growth and expertise. The teachers in our school make a tangible difference to the lives of our students, and this achievement is one which reflects the collective strengths of our entire community.
Staff Award Winners
Each year, the Staff Awards honour outstanding contributions to our school community. In 2025, we proudly celebrate two exceptional educators whose dedication, leadership, and care embody the values of St Aidan’s. Their work enriches student lives and strengthens our shared mission.
Congratulations, Vera!
Vera Coleman is a passionate educator whose leadership as Pastoral Care Leader for Year 12, Mathematics Teacher, and Exchange Program Coordinator reflects her deep commitment to student wellbeing and academic excellence. Her firm but fair approach fosters a respectful, inclusive environment where students feel empowered to thrive. Vera’s dedication to personalised learning, global citizenship, and staff mentorship makes her a valued contributor to the ethos and success of St Aidan’s.
Congratulations, Shannon!
Shannon Tobin, Head of Performance, has transformed the Music Department into a vibrant, inclusive program that engages over 500 students across 18 ensembles. Her visionary leadership, including the Europe Music Tour and String Immersion Program, has elevated the school’s cultural life and global reach. Shannon’s warmth, integrity, and collaborative spirit extend beyond music. Shannon supports staff, mentors students and contributes across the school community with generosity and grace.
• Master of Education (Educational Leadership) - In Progress
About School Life
What’s a moment in your teaching career that made you feel proud or moved?
Every student has their own strengths, challenges, and quirks. Maths is often an arch-nemesis for students and helping them to rethink what they are capable of is very rewarding. Recently, a self-proclaimed ‘maths-hater’ introduced themselves as a ‘mathematician’ which was an unforgettable moment.
Which scientist (past or present) do you most admire, and what would you ask them if you could?
Marie Curie. She was brilliant, brave, and refused to let barriers stop her. I’d ask her how she found the courage to keep pushing boundaries, and whether she imagined her discoveries might also spark change for women in science.
What’s something your students have taught you?
That curiosity is contagious. They remind me daily that learning doesn’t have to be serious all the time; it can (and should) be fun.
If you could take students on an excursion anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
My Year 6 class and I made a top-secret plan to sneak off to Panda Lake in China after learning about its incredible beauty in HASS. Sadly, we all must have overslept because the next day we were back in our classroom instead of on a plane.
About Life Outside of School
Do you have any hobbies, interests or skills that your students would be surprised to know about you?
My love of Maths and Science may be well-known, but I’m a bookworm at heart. I usually read a book a week, sometimes two if it’s holidays.
What’s a piece of advice or motto you try to live by outside of work?
“Process over product.” This is easier said than done for a long-term perfectionist, but it’s a mindset worth changing and a mantra worth repeating.
Favourite Book
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Meet our Learning Area Leader for Science
Shane MacDonald
Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science (Physics)
• Post Graduate Diploma of Education (Physics, Maths)
• Master of Educational Studies (Curriculum)
About School Life
What’s a moment in your teaching career that made you feel proud or moved?
In the last five years my teaching has been acknowledged by the Qld Government via the Peter Doherty Award for Excellence in STEM-related teaching and by the Australian Institute of Physics for excellence in teaching – in receiving these I’ve been able to pause and reflect on the idea that so often the little efforts every day in the classroom bear the fruit of success. I don’t think I do anything outstanding from day-to-day in the classroom other than unpack concepts and establish visible links to and from other understandings, but I’m proud when I see our girls take up the challenge to walk through these small steps day after day for two years.
If you could take your students on any science-related excursion, anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
This is an interesting idea – a no budget limit excursion!
Assuming I don’t have to complete the risk assessments, I would take a Senior Physics class to the International Space Station. Not so much with the goal of doing any great science, just the opportunity to be in a frame of reference so different from the day-to-day, where the laws of physics still work exactly as they do anywhere else. The study of physics is about understanding fundamental principles that govern the behaviour of matter, energy, space, and time throughout the universe, so being able to gain some perspective and literally a different worldview would be incredible. But if that was out of the question, then I’d take them to a Professor Brian Cox speaking tour live event!
Which scientist (past or present) do you most admire, and what would you ask them if you could?
There is no other answer: Professor Brian Cox! Any student I’ve taught in the last decade would be familiar with my bromance here. There are a thousand questions I would like to ask, but on behalf of future students who face an increasingly uncertain future with existential threats of climate change and emerging capabilities of AI, I’d ask: “From the perspective of physics, our lives are unimaginably short against the backdrop of cosmic time. How do you personally reconcile that with finding meaning and purpose in the present moment?”
How has science education changed since you started teaching, and what do you hope it looks like in the future?
The transition from being familiar with and memorising a body of knowledge, to a far more granular expectation that as scientists we can find and make meaning of an enormous range of data from the physical world. Physics has a bit of an edge here, as much of the syllabus coverage is able to be tested in a classroom and data - in future I would hope that we can: keep pace with the physics of this century; continue to explore more ways to gather and analyse data about the world around us; that we develop more intuitive and immersive ways to model physics in the classroom (from the Big Bang through to the interface between the physical and quantum worlds); and to take a step back from the notion that physics (for that matter any science) is a standalone discipline.
About Life Outside of School
Do you have any hobbies, interests or skills that your students would be surprised to know about you?
I like creating and building things, from furniture around the house, through to electronic effects pedals for guitars.
If you could instantly master one new skill (just for fun) what would it be?
A language (both French and German) – to be able to immerse into another language sufficiently to be able to read original publications of science across the last 130 years... and if I could time-travel back to when these were written, to be able to discuss with authors how and where their ideas originated.
If you could time travel to any era for a week, when and where would you go, and what would you do?
There are so many! But I think an amazing time would be October 24-29, 1927 – the week of the Lorentz-led conference on Electrons and Photons in Brussels. 27 physicists were in attendance, 19 of whom went on to be awarded Nobel Prizes –Einstein, Curie, Lorentz , Planck, Bohr, Schrödinger, Pauli, Heisenberg, de Broglie to name just a few. I would shadow Einstein and his conversations for the week, as he discussed, argued and debated with all about things we now consider to be fundamental ideas around how time, space and matter interact at granular (i.e. quantum) levels.
What’s a piece of advice or motto you try to live by outside of work?
“Don’t die with the music in you” (Wayne Bennett), about the notion that it takes work to be your best self; our unique talents and abilities can and should be used in fulfilling our potential.
St Aidan’s Day Celebrations
Each year, staff and students from across St Aidan’s gather in faith and celebration to honour our patron saint. The day begins with Messy Church for Kindergarten to Year 4, a hands-on and joyful time of craft, stories and worship. Meanwhile, students in Years 5 to 12 attend a traditional St Aidan’s Day Service, reflecting on the significance of the occasion and giving thanks in a spirit of unity and school pride.
Festivities continue with a whole-school celebration, complete with cupcakes, birthday cake and lively activities at Ambiwerra. From ball games to inflatable house races, the energy builds towards a spirited whole-school Charma, bringing everyone together.
St Aidan’s Day is both a spiritual and social occasion: it deepens community bonds, fosters house spirit and joy, and celebrates our shared identity. The day also marks an exciting moment for the future, as the new 2026 captains are announced.
Annual Pet Blessings
What a wonderful afternoon at our Blessing of the Animals Family Service! We were joined by more than 100 members of our St Aidan’s community on the SPC Lawn, making this our biggest celebration yet.
Special thanks to Reverand Gillian and our Chaplain Assistant Harry McGuire for hosting this event.
Families brought pets of all shapes and sizes for personal blessings and certificates, while our youngest guests enjoyed baby farm animals and craft activities. Archbishop Jeremy led a beautiful Family Service, reminding us of the special bond we share with all creatures. This joyful gathering celebrated our cross-species St Aidan’s family, reflecting the love, care, and community spirit that make these moments so meaningful.
Gurumba Bigi Welcome to St Aidan’s
On Friday 5 September, our incoming Year 7 cohort were invited to a special orientation, Gurumba Bigi –Welcome Day. The day was designed to give students the opportunity to meet their teachers, connect with peers, and begin familiarising themselves with the spaces and routines of Senior School.
There was a vibrant, energetic atmosphere and our team had a wonderful time getting to know incoming students. The girls participated in engaging activities designed to encourage teamwork, build friendships, and explore the school as a welcoming and vibrant community. Alongside the fun and games, students also undertook readiness assessments in mathematics, reading comprehension, spelling and written expression. These assessments provide valuable information to help our team plan for each student’s learning and ensure a smooth transition into Senior School.
Gurumba Bigi is a key step in welcoming Year 7 students into life at St Aidan’s, with a goal to foster confidence, connection and a sense of readiness for the year ahead. We extend a warm welcome to each student and family joining our community.
Junior School Students Bring Light
Students from Prep to Year 6 recently took part in a hands-on community service event, assembling 500 solar lights for children in villages in Papua New Guinea. The initiative, supported by the Origin Energy Foundation in partnership with the charity SolarBuddy, helps children living in energy poverty to study safely after dark.
As students built the lights and wrote letters to their Solar Buddies, they explored themes of sustainability, empathy and innovation. The event also strengthened STEM skills and highlighted how engineering can solve real-world problems.
Special thanks to current parent, Ms Sophie Sarabi and the team of six female engineers from Origin Energy for helping make the day such a success.
Bravo, Europe! St Aidan’s Music Tour
Hits all the Right Notes
From Salzburg to Prague, Vienna to Munich, our talented musicians lit up Europe in April on an unforgettable 2025 St Aidan’s European Music Tour.
Over two exhilarating weeks, 55 students from Ensemble Volar, Symphonic Winds, and Paganini Strings performed in some of the world’s most iconic venues, including Salzburg’s Cathedral, Melk Abbey, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Salvator Church and St Pauli Ruins.
Our students, supported by six dedicated staff members, also participated in inspiring musical collaborations, including two combined concerts with overseas ensembles and interactive sessions with professional musicians. They even conducted the Vienna Philharmonic (virtually) at the Haus der Musik.
Alongside these musical experiences, the tour offered opportunities to explore iconic landmarks, deepen understanding of European heritage, and enjoy the local culture, ensuring a well-rounded adventure that blended artistic excellence with discovery.
To see more highlights of the tour, visit the St Aidan’s Music Instagram: @staidansags_music.
Kindergarten Athletics Day
What a wonderful day our Kindy students had at Athletics! The excitement began with a bus trip to Ambiwerra before warming up and heading straight into the events. Highlights included the long-distance race, where children showed great stamina, and the sack race, which had everyone bouncing and laughing. Relays encouraged teamwork, hurdles were tackled with determination, and the javelin proved a crowd favourite with students giving it their best throw.
A special moment came during the medal ceremony, when every child was recognised for having a go and enjoying the day. The pride on their faces as they wore their medals was a joy to see.
The journey back to school was filled with songs, stories and happy chatter. Our Kindy students returned tired but beaming, having had a wonderful first taste of Athletics Day built on trying new things, cheering one another on and celebrating together.
Prep – Year 1
Mini Olympics Athletics Day
Our Prep and Year 1 students had a fantastic time participating in a mini-Olympics-style Athletics Day. The girls showed great enthusiasm and team spirit as they rotated through a variety of fun events, including:
• 60m Sprint
• High Jump
• Vortex Throw
• Hurdles
• Marathon Run (1 lap)
The energy was high, and the smiles were endless, every girl gave it her all and thoroughly enjoyed the day!
Congratulations Age Champions!
7 Years
1st Yumo Liu
2nd Harper Cornick
3rd Amber Lau
8 Years
1st River-Rose Egan
2nd Francesca Dube
3rd Emily Voytenko
9 Years
1st Thea Doran
2nd Mandy Luo
3rd Rose Percival
10 Years
1st Ava O’Shea
2nd Evelyn Aplin
3rd Dottie Smith
11 Years
1st Alyssa Blatch
2nd Indi Baart
3rd Grace Jones
12 Years
1st Lyla Austin
2nd Isabella Kretschmer
3rd Cassie Li
Junior School Interhouse Athletics
Our Year 2 – Year 6 students enjoyed a fantastic day of sport at the Ambiwerra Sporting Precinct, bringing energy, enthusiasm, spirit, and team work to create a fun and colourful day.
Senior School Interhouse Athletics
The Senior School Interhouse Athletics Carnival was a day of energy, skill and school spirit. Congratulations to Barrett House for claiming victory once again, showcasing determination, teamwork and outstanding athleticism throughout the competition.
Final House results:
12 Years
1st Chloe Chan
2nd Ashley Riemann
3rd Mridaya Krishnasamy
13 Years
1st Evie-Rose Smith
2nd Clementine Frere
2nd Alula Joseph
14 Years
1st Elodie Boyd
2nd Sophie Lam
3rd Avelaine Gaston
15 Years
1st Grace Hefner
2nd Harriet Pillans
3rd Eloise Whitehead
3rd Olivia Bron
16 Years
1st Aurelia Boyd
2nd Emily Bailey
3rd Layla Pennisi
17 Years
1st Xanthe Schubert
2nd Isabella Valinoti
3rd Joyce Wong
St Aidan’s Gift: Aurelia Boyd
Junior School Art Exhibition
Our Junior School Art Exhibition is a highlight on our calendar, celebrating artistic expression, joy and individual flair. In addition to each student’s creative works, guests were treated to a range of student performances. The event featured our Taffanel Flutes ensemble, Year 2 String Extension, Year 1 Dance, Year 3 Sing & Dance, Year 2 String Immersion, Staccato Strings, Junior Singers, Year 4 Beginner Band, and Junior String Quartet. The Junior School filled the Christine Hartland Centre with energy and a vibrant atmosphere, perfectly complementing the evening and the artwork on show.
Year 12 Artworks
Reclaiming, Reimagining, Renewing: Artworks That Speak to Our Times
MS RACHEL AUSTIN CURRICULUM LEADER - VISUAL ART
Visual Art students develop their work through a practice-led approach, shaped by research and experimentation. Each artwork emerges from a personal interest, influenced by contemporary artists, peer dialogue, and critical feedback.
ANNA WHITEOAK
Map of Identity: Journey as Memory explores how experiences shape evolving identities. White lines across textured landscapes symbolize neural pathways - memory, learning, and transformation. Inspired by Chiharu Shiota, the work reflects identity as a shifting terrain shaped by growth and reflection.
OLIVIA BRUTON
Rejuvenating the Earth features life-sized soft sculpture hot water bottles made from reclaimed fabric. Each bottle depicts endangered plants using heliographic dye, then felted to suggest renewal. The work reflects climate change and critiques consumerism’s hidden consequences.
ISABELLA GJORGIOSKI
Flower Vessel highlights nature’s beauty and fragility. Pressed flowers, illuminated by light, evoke nostalgia and vulnerability. Vessels symbolize nourishment and time, inviting reflection on our emotional and ethical connection to the natural world.
GEORGIA RUDDLE
The Grass Isn’t Greener reveals emotional loss in Australia’s livestock industry. Part I shows 55 plaster ear tags on artificial grass, symbolizing cattle’s breakdown under control. Part II’s gingham-painted tags reflect psychological erasure, showing how human systems override natural instinct.
TAMZIN LYNDEN-BELL
Me Because of You explores generational feminism through threadwork passed down from my mother, granny, and great granny. Once seen as weak, threadwork is reclaimed as strength and tradition. Beads and silhouettes reflect my place in this lineage and the waves of feminism.
ANNIE JONES
Natures Own reflects early human connection to nature before societal disruption. A nest made from twigs around my home symbolizes nature’s womb and personal belonging. The work critiques environmental destruction and the fractured bond between humans and nature.
Autumn Sport Wrap-Up: A Season of Resilience and Record Success
MS CHERIE ANDERSEN HEAD OF SPORT
What began as a season marred by frustration and uncertainty due to relentless weather disruptions has ended as one of our most successful Autumn Fixture seasons in St Aidan’s history.
From abandoned rounds and waterlogged fields to rescheduled fixtures and last-minute venue changes, this season of Autumn Fixtures demanded flexibility, patience, and grit from everyone involved. Through it all, our students demonstrated resilience and determination, and their results speak volumes.
Touch Football
With 110 players across nine teams, our QGSSSA Touch Football program remained strong and connected despite the unpredictable season. This year, we proudly celebrate:
• Open Team: Premiership – our fourth consecutive title
• 10A Team: Premiership
• 9A Team: Premiership
• 8A Team: Premiership
• All remaining teams placed within the top five
Football
Our football teams showed tremendous growth and perseverance each week. A huge congratulations to our Open Team, who claimed St Aidan’s first-ever Open Premiership, a historic and inspiring achievement!
Basketball
Congratulations to all students who participated in this year’s QGSSSA Basketball season. Our coaches praised it as a “season of strong development.”
A special shout-out to the 8B Team, who won 5 of their 6 games, narrowly missing a perfect season after a one-point loss in the final seconds against Brisbane State High School. What an incredible effort!
YEAR 5 CAMP
In August, Year 5 set off for an unforgettable three-day camp at Burleigh Heads. Each morning began with an optional but inspiring walk to watch the sunrise from the beach. After a hearty breakfast, life jackets were fastened to backpacks as the energetic camp staff guided 78 eager St Aidan’s girls up and over Burleigh Headland to the sparkling waters of Tallebudgera Creek.
Students embraced the challenge of every activity including boogie boarding, dragon boating, giant stand-up paddleboarding and raft building. Sand games such as flags, dream sandcastle building and tunnelling under friends in the game “dead fish” brought plenty of laughter. Shared cabins, delicious camp food and precious time with friends made the experience even more special. Camp strengthened friendships, forged new ones, encouraged teamwork, and built resilience through fun and collaboration.
YEAR 6 CAMP
Year 6 is a turning point for students as they grow and move forward with courage, confidence and the opportunity to embrace new experiences and make meaningful choices.
This year, eight staff members, including Head of Junior School, Dr Crome, had the privilege of accompanying 90 enthusiastic Year 6 students on their much-anticipated educational tour of Canberra. The trip provided an invaluable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Australian history, government, science, and culture through a rich and varied itinerary.
Highlights included visits to the Houses of Parliament, where students witnessed democracy in action, and the National Electoral Education Centre, where they participated in a hands-on voting simulation that brought the electoral process to life. At the Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade, students reflected on the service and sacrifice of Australians in conflict, while the Royal Australian Mint revealed the fascinating journey of how currency is designed and produced.
The tour also catered to students’ curiosity in science and sport, with interactive experiences at Questacon and a behind-the-scenes visit to the Australian Institute of Sport, inspiring future innovators and athletes alike. Creative minds were engaged at the National Portrait Gallery and the National Film and Sound Archive, where Australia’s artistic and cultural heritage was celebrated. A visit to the National Zoo and Aquarium added an element of wonder and discovery beyond the classroom walls.
Throughout the tour, students were inspired not only by the impressive architecture of these national institutions, but also by the stories and significance each site represents. The Canberra trip was a memorable and transformative experience that enriched both their learning and appreciation of Australia’s identity.
“If I was to describe everything I did in Canberra, I’d say I walked more than a Fitbit can handle, explored some of the coolest places I’ve been to, and learned one important lesson: always choose ice cream over jelly. Overall, best trip of my life!”
Year 9 Camp
The Year 9 camp proved to be an unforgettable experience for students, filled with challenge, teamwork and personal growth. Guided by the 2025 year-level theme, Let your light shine, the camp encouraged students to recognise their own strengths, step outside their comfort zones and build confidence while being supported by their peers.
Throughout the week, students were immersed in activities that tested resilience and encouraged collaboration. They hiked through spectacular scenery, visited waterfalls, camped in tents and prepared their own meals.
A highlight for many was the Mud Challenge, where teamwork, persistence and plenty of laughter combined to create lasting memories. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets framed the days, reminding students of the simple joys of connecting with nature.
The theme also provided space for reflection on the longer history of the land and the important place of First Nations people in our shared story. Students returned from camp with not only a stronger sense of self, but also a deeper appreciation for their community and the natural environment around them. The bonds formed, lessons learned, and memories that were created will continue to shape their journey as they develop and grow.
Foundation
“We love St Aidan’s”. This is the clear message we hear as volunteer Foundation directors when we manage to speak with some of you after Giving Day. It’s so touching after a number of years on Foundation for me to consistently hear the message that the student-centred holistic approach of St Aidan’s is so needed, and embraced by our community. Many of you often follow this up by saying you wish you could give more, or worry the amount was too little - to you, I say, hand on heart, “thank you.” Without you we would never reach our targets, as honestly, especially in these times, every gift counts. We love your belief in, and support for the holistic, authentic focus St Aidan’s brings to our girls, as led by the Society of the Sacred Advent.
A culture of philanthropy is important to the mission of St Aidan’s. Philanthropy can include giving of your time, talent and or treasure. For instance, our 1929 Society recently took time out to gather, reconnect, reminisce and celebrate shared memories of St Aidan’s. This is the fourth year of the 1929 Societywhich formally honours and recognises those who have made a planned gift to St Aidan’s in their estate. While Cyclone Alfred forced the postponement of the gathering to September, this did not
dampen spirits or stories! We thank you for investing in the future of girls’ education. Meanwhile the additional moral support our Custodians of the 1929 Society brings to our school is priceless.
Foundation directors have been on a journey learning about the culture of philanthropy - we have seen in the school the difference scholarships make for girls who otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience all that a St Aidan’s education brings. We see how the provision of learning spaces and infrastructure is a vital contribution to student outcomes, excellence and future development. There is so much more to come in the school’s vibrant strategy for our girls. And every gift from our wonderful community of your “time, talent and or treasure” will help us to get there.
Finally, a big thank you to the donors, players, staff and subcommittee volunteers on the Foundation board who made this year’s Golf Day a spectacular success. The beautiful location, roars of laughter and the spirit of giving on the day - all for St Aidan’s - is a joy to experience. At the time of writing, I look forward to seeing many of you at our October Friends and Futures lunch!
DR ANNE KRUGER FOUNDATION CHAIR
Foundation
The St Aidan’s Foundation warmly thanks and acknowledges the support of our community for their generosity, belief in and support of the School. Following is a list of our 2025 community donors to 30 September 2025.
Sitha and Patrick Adriana
Greg Anderson
Richard Alpin
Chloe and Andrew Appleton
Viraj and Thanuja Ariyarathne
Scott Watson and Joanne
Armstrong
Lee-Ann Barkhuizen and Jason
Armstrong
Kirsty and Jeremy Atley
Lexee Austen
Min Liang and Xiaoyu Bai
Amanda and Adam Barton
Simon and Melissa Bayley
Alex and Juanita Bennett
Briony and James Bennett
Annette and Ross Bennett
Amanda and Grant Benson
Wendy Biggs
Megan Bishop
Hamish and Lisa Bonifant
Megan and Christopher Bowen
Stephen and Alexandra Boyd
Jane Bridle
Samuel and Emma Bristow
Alexandra and Richard Bron
Coralie Burcher
Louise Burgman
Yanny Cai
Justine and Nicholas Campbell
Brenda and Freddy Chafota
Cynthia and Wai Chan
Angel and Cheuk Chan
Tin Chan
Marly Chan
Manju and Lincoln
Chandrasegaram
Shih-hua and Joe Chao
Meredith and Dean Chapman
Min and Kum Chen
Lan and Wensi Chen
Zhu Chen
Trudy Chen
Yoona and Seoung Cho
Philip Chong
Min and Beng Choy
Joanne and Yu Chung
Vanessa and Jason Cockington
Susanne and John Condos
Felicity Conlan
Trevor Cook
Laura Cooke
Richard and Alyson Cooper
Gillian Copeland
Jane and Mark Couchman
Janet Court
Jenny Crome
Rachael Cronin
Tracy Cui
Ros Curtis
Amy and Ben Daly
Mille Davie
Katie and Gareth Davies
Ysabella Chambers-Dawson and Rory Dawson
Rose and Shainiel Deo
Emma Dinh
Samantha Doig
Bo Dong
Kieran and Cameron Dore
Joshua and Leanne Duck
Geraldine Ebbrell
Prue Elliott
Alisha Evenden
Brian and Tanja Falk
Jurgita and Brendan Felix
Hanying and ChunFang Feng
Jingying Feng
Domenic and Susan Figliano
Karen and Michael Findlay
Amanda and John Flack
Michael and Tanya Ford
Marian Free
Bruce and Jacqueline Frey
Zheng and Lanlan Fu
Barry and Christine Furness
Annabelle and Rory Galligan
Gina Ganjoo
Rebecca and Phong Gardner
Joyce Gasking
Michael & Shirley Gates
Huan Ge
Janette and Brian Gibson
Stephen and Deb Green
Peter Comino and Lisa Grosskopf
Catherine Gulhane
Nicole and David Haines-Denholm
Xiaoli Han
Daniella and David Harrison
Paula and Nathan Hatherly
Andrew and Nicole Heath
Kim and Paul Hernandez
Vibashini and Nigel Heyn
Frederick and Fiona Himstedt
Lucy Hirst
Chelsea Ho
Justin and Melanie Howard
Eunice Huang
Liz and Gavin Hull
Matthew and Rosalind Humphrey
Ping-Ping and Tony Hung
Linda and James Imray
Brendon and Luisa Jackson
Jonathan James
Priyanka and Shaniya Jayasuriya
Natalie and Markus Jean Kiel
Lu and Ling Jiang
Xiaoying and Shu Jin
Jacqui and Frederick Johns
Elizabeth and David Johnston
Christopher and Fiona Johnstone
Hiroyuki and Masaki Kano
Tiffany Kao
Manjula and Karunakaran
Karunakaran
Anne-Maree and Ashley Keane
Tracey Keynes
Sarah Kim and Andrew King
Marcia and David Kretschmer
Maria and Troy Kritsinelias
Anne and Paul Kruger
John and Hazel Lahey
Shaneen Leishman
Melissa and Craig Lennon
Kathryn Leong
Qin and Yuan Li
Celia and Jerry Lian
Debbie and Clifford Lim
Susan Linnett
Mia and Leon Liu
Fang and Kewu Liu
Gloria Lou
Jin and David Luo
Jodie Mair
Belinda and Matthew Mason
Ricky and Shelley Masterson
Ruth Matchett
Gayle Mayes
Susan and Thomas McDonald
Alissa and Angus McDougall
Alison McGuigan-Lewis
Jenny and Andrew McIver
Julia and Martin McKenna
Anne McNiven
Kari Melvin
Jun Meng
Bhavna and Mahendra Meta
Cameron and Jennifer Miller
Peter and Kaye Mobsby
Alexandra and Luigi Monti-Ginosa
Rosemary Morrall
Judith Morrison
Anna and Richard Morse
Gillian Moses
Susan and Joseph Moss
Isini Muthumuni
Mark and Lisa Neale
Hoai and Hamish Ngoc
Cathy and Patrick O’Connor
Alice O’Donnell
Old Girls Association
Patricia Oliver
Julia and Ben O’Rourke
Sarah and Samuel O’Sullivan
Jing and Bin Pan
Parents and Friends Association
Mikka and Christian Patterson
Liza Peapell
Errisya Marliani and Thomas Penn-Davies
Alice and Andrew Percival
James Edelman and Sarah Percy
Emily and Simon Petie
Gayle Petrie
Joanna Sturtevant and Peter Pillans
Shirley Power
Nirdosh and Wendy Puri
Carl and Kathryn Quarterman
Louise and Douglas Rae
Sabrina Mahboob and Ashfaqur
Rahman
Ellie and Andrew Rentoul
Jerome Richalot
Stuart and Fiona Richardson
Peter Foster and Toni Riordan
Fleur and Stevan Ristic
Inge and Gareth Roberts
Cushla McBride and Gregory Romans
David and Sue Russell
Tim and Jennifer Rylance
Sarah Sakurai
Sophie and Reza Sarabi
Jacquelyn and Christopher Schofield
Isye and Adam Scott
Chun Man Se
Ying Liu and Lydia Shang
Michael and Jennifer Sherlock
Xiaohua Shi
Alicia and Tom Shumack
Seongsil and Sung Sim
Dominic and Leith Smyth
Karen Spiller
Dr Anne Spooner
Drew and Meghan Stephensen
Erhart and Sarah Stockhausen
Christine Streeter
Wen and Yu Sun
Jin and Young Sun Park
Wendy and Michael Tainton
Elisabeth Tan
Zhaohui and Nan Tang
Lucia Ossola and Christoph
Thalhammer
Ann Thomas-Green
Amy and John Tiller
Denis and Victoria Timofeeva
Lisa and Wayne Timoney
Amelia and Mark Tong
Ibrahim and Leidia Toto
Trinh and Tien Trieu
William Ching and Vivien Tsang
Tenma Tsukasa
Christian and Renee Tucker
Carolyn Turner
Alisha and Sam Twidale
Loretta and John Van de Pol
Alexandra and Shane Veivers
Panteha and Ross Voussoughi
Kateryna and Pavlo Voytenko
Nicola and Thomas Vyner
Jane Wade
Ho and Wing Wai
Alison Hamilton and Reece Walker
Carol Walls
Tingting and Yang Wang
Xiaoqing and Wei Wang
Hui and Qiang Wang
Kuan-Chieh (Tony) Wang
Shunyu Wang
Allison and Craig Warburton
Rowena and Antony Warren
Linh Waters
Laura and Paul Watson
Dianne Weidner
Lisa and Nicholas Weller
Yuan Wenming
Susan Whitaker
Toni Williams
Sarah and Mark Willoughby
Robyn Wilson
Craig and Brooke Wilson
Carmen Mills and Nathan Wilson
Rita and Zijian Wing Yee Wu
Jessica Wong
Shona and Ewen Woolmer
Angel Xia
Jing and Jing Xiao
Icy Xu
Ran and Han Yan
Yang and Bo Yang
Tingting and Yi Yao
Na and Lin Young
Jian and Guanhao Yu
Josephine Yu
Cindy Yun
Billy Zhang
Yuan Fang and Zonghong Zhang
Tracy and Key Zhao
Chen and Chen Zhao
Nana and Haiying Zheng
Min and Xiaodong
Yanqiu and Xiwang Zhu
Yibei Zhu
Bilu and Yang Zhuang
Louise and Michael Zirbel
We wish to acknowledge those donors who would like to remain anonymous.
Foundation & Community Events
2025 FARA St Aidan’s Foundation Golf Day
The 2025 FARA St Aidan’s Foundation Golf Day delivered our most successful fundraising result for our annual Golf Day yet, raising just over $35,000 for our students at the prestigious Brisbane Golf Club.
Taking place on 15 August, perfect weather conditions created an ideal backdrop for a day of outstanding golf and community connection. The event brought together current parents, grandparents, alumni, suppliers and friends in a celebration of sport and school spirit that exceeded all expectations.
We extend our sincere gratitude to FARA as our Event Sponsor, whose generous support was instrumental in achieving this remarkable result. The day was further enhanced by our wonderful network of sponsors and prize donors, whose contributions created an exciting array of competition prizes and raffle items that added tremendous value to the experience.
The BMW 1 Series remained unclaimed despite some impressive attempts at the Hole in One challenge on Hole 4, with the closest shot landing just 104cm from the pin!
The fundraising result will make a meaningful difference to our students’ educational opportunities. Events like this showcase the strength and generosity of our school community, demonstrating how sport can unite us in support of educational excellence.
Brought to you by the St Aidan’s Foundation and the P&F Association
Save the date: Friday, 14 August 2026 for next year’s St Aidan’s Foundation Golf Day at Brisbane Golf Club.
Foundation & Community Events
1929 Society High Tea
The elegant Queensland Club provided the perfect setting for the 1929 Society High Tea on Monday, 8 September, where Custodians and members of our community gathered to celebrate their shared commitment to St Aidan’s whilst sharing stories and their connection.
The 1929 Society honours those who have chosen to leave a lasting legacy through planned gifts to the school. These thoughtful bequests, made through wills, trusts, and estate planning arrangements, play a vital role in shaping the school’s future and ensuring exceptional opportunities continue for generations of girls and young women.
Sunata Breakfast
The annual Sunata Breakfast welcomed our wonderful donors to the beautiful Fancutt’s House, Ambiwerra on 24 July. This heartwarming gathering brought our generous community together, allowing us as a school to celebrate their remarkable philanthropy, honour their invaluable contributions, and share our deepest gratitude for their continued support and dedication.
Parents & Friends Association
Our Parents and Friends Association at St Aidan’s assists in building community through meaningful connections and celebration.
‘Gather’ at Ambiwerra welcomed over 300 families for an afternoon of music and genuine connection. From the Mother’s Day Stall delighting Junior School students to the cherished Mother and Daughter Breakfast, each event strengthens family bonds.
As a girls’ school, we particularly value our P&F’s dedication to engaging fathers through the Father’s Day Stall and Father and Daughter Breakfast. These events contribute to building lasting relationships, ensuring every family feels welcomed and connected.
From the Archives
A History of Science Education: A Legacy of Curiosity and Achievement
MRS WENDY BIGGS ARCHIVIST
From its earliest days, St Aidan’s has fostered a forward-looking approach to education.
At a time when girls’ access to advanced science was far from common, our forebearers encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and the belief that young women could excel in every field of learning, including maths and science.
While St Aidan’s did not employ a dedicated science teacher until the arrival of Mrs Mairi Potts in 1955, from the very beginning, students were introduced to the concept of how to think. Physiology, Biology and Logic, with reasoning and discovery, were firmly embedded by the early 1930s.
The impact was quickly evident. In 1935, Nancy Foote (Swain) became the first St Aidan’s graduate to pursue a Bachelor of Science. Around this time, Sister Elisabeth arranged for Ray Robinson (1937 Alum) to study Physics and Chemistry at St Margaret’s and continued to provide support through her first year of university. This encouragement saw Ray become the first Old Girl to graduate in Medicine and with ongoing studies forged a career as a specialist anaesthetist. She was the only female medical student in her class at The University of Sydney.
At St Aidan’s, limited resources never hindered the pursuit of scientific learning. In 1945, a small cohort of senior students could be found working around a wooden lunch table in the staff room.
By 1948, the first dedicated Science Laboratory was established, transforming a disused garage at the back of the school. This was a community effort, with parent donations along with Mr Viv Walker and his team from the Ipswich mines supplying labour while on strike, and Mr Viv Hancock donating timber. A decade later, the next laboratory was built with the help of a £1000 loan from St Margaret’s, an investment in the future of girls’ education.
The appointment of Mrs Mairi Potts in 1955 marked a new era. Remembered as a ‘maverick’ due to her unique teaching methods, her legacy is reflected in her students’ results. Many Old Girls have recorded memories of stimulating and interesting classes, with Mrs Potts known to firmly believe her students could achieve any goal they set their mind to. Mrs Potts never lost her own sense of curiosity, and that spirit inspired generations of young women during her 25 years at the school and beyond.
Today, St Aidan’s continues to lead in Science and STEM, steeped in a firm legacy that values student-centred, personal, and academic growth through discovery, enterprise, and experimentation.
From the Archives
Clockwise from top left: Mrs Potts. 1963, Senior Science class with Mrs Potts. 1963, Ray Robinson is seated centre front. 1936, The blazer pocket recognizes an early science merit award.
ALUMNI I Awards
Celebrating the diverse achievements of our Alumni
The accomplishments of St Aidan’s alumni bring honour to themselves and to their School in a multitude of ways – through leadership in their professions; business and government; groundbreaking advances in science and medicine; achievement in sport, humanities and the arts; and service to global and local communities.
Caroline Amy ALUMNI AWARD
Dr Zoe Rathus AM 1975
The Caroline Amy Award recognises Old Girls who exemplify the St Aidan’s spirit of service, leadership, and contribution to community. In 2025, we were proud to present the award to Dr Zoe Rathus AM (’75), whose remarkable career has been dedicated to advancing justice, equality, and the protection of women and children.
After graduating from St Aidan’s, Zoe studied law at the University of Queensland and quickly discovered a passion for addressing how the law impacts women. Beginning her legal practice in 1981, she worked with women at a domestic violence shelter, where she saw firsthand how poorly the system served those most in need.
Determined to make a difference, Zoe became a founding member of the Women’s Legal Service in 1984 and later its Coordinator, a role she held for 15 years.
Throughout her career, Zoe has been a tireless advocate for reform. She has published and presented widely on women and the law, particularly in relation to family law and the impact of domestic and family violence. Her work has had influence not only in Australia but internationally, including a significant period between 1995 and 1998 when she worked extensively in South Africa on issues of gender and law.
Today, Zoe continues her commitment as an Associate Professor at Griffith University Law School, where she teaches, researches, and mentors the next generation of lawyers. She was appointed to the Family Law Council in 2025 and serves as a member of the Queensland Law Society Domestic Violence Committee, ensuring her expertise continues to shape policy and practice.
Her contributions have been widely recognised, including the awarding of the Order of Australia in 2011 for services to women, the law, Indigenous peoples, and education.
Zoe continues to mentor young law students and graduates, including former St Aidan’s Co-Captain Bridget Cormack (’22), and we are honoured by the way she has given back to the school and our community. Zoe is a truly deserving recipient of the Caroline Amy Award. Her career demonstrates courage, leadership, service, and a profound commitment to justice – qualities that mirror the values of St Aidan’s and the spirit of Caroline Amy herself. She has left an indelible mark on the legal profession, on the lives of countless women and families, and on our broader community.
Mother Emma ALUMNI AWARD
Carly-Jay Metcalfe 1994
Each year, the Mother Emma Award shines a light on an alumna whose work uplifts others and embodies service, strength, and spirit. In 2025, that light falls on Carly-Jay Metcalfe (’94), a writer, advocate, and remarkable role model whose life and work inspire courage, honesty, and resilience.
Carly-Jay’s journey has been extraordinary. Born with cystic fibrosis, she survived a double-lung transplant at 21 and a rare cancer at 30. These experiences have shaped her deeply empathetic approach to life and her career as Queensland’s first non-affiliated hospital chaplain, where she champions honest conversations around endof-life care.
Her critically acclaimed memoir, Breath, won the 2024 Queensland Literary Award for Queensland Book of the Year, and her writing has appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, TEXT Journal, Griffith Review, and The Guardian. An advocate for organ donation and disability representation in the arts, Carly-Jay blends grit, tenderness, and irreverence to explore what it means to live fully in the shadow of impermanence.
Carly-Jay exemplifies the spirit of the Mother Emma Award: resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Emma Betts ALUMNI AWARD
Ruby Harris 2018
From the sports field to the classroom, Ruby Harris (’18) has shown what it means to lead with courage and heart. This year, she is recognised with the 2025 Emma Betts Award.
Ruby’s passion for hockey began at just four years old, and in February 2025 she achieved a lifelong dream by making her debut for the Hockeyroos during the Argentina FIH Pro League—a career highlight made even more special by singing the national anthem with her parents in the crowd. She currently holds a scholarship with the Queensland Academy of Sport and is part of the 2025 National Women’s Development Squad, with her sights set on representing Australia at the Olympics.
Alongside her sporting achievements, Ruby is building a professional career in private wealth advisory, working as a Client Service Associate at Wilsons Advisory, after completing a Bachelor of Business Management at UQ where she received a UQ Sport Scholarship. She aspires to obtain her advisory license and continue further studies, balancing excellence in both sport and finance.
Ruby embodies the qualities celebrated by the Emma Betts Award: determination, leadership, and a drive to inspire others.
ALUMNI & COMMUNITY News
Lizzy Goldfinch Shares Practical Financial Wisdom
with the St Aidan’s Community
On Thursday 7 August, alumna Lizzy Goldfinch (2004) returned to St Aidan’s to lead a thoughtful and engaging workshop titled Bridging the Financial Confidence Gap Across Generations. As a Partner at Mutual Trust, and a dynamic speaker, Lizzy brought a practical and relatable approach to helping women and girls build confidence in managing their finances.
The session explored the deeper emotional and social aspects of money - how our beliefs are shaped, why financial literacy is especially important for women, and the transformative impact women can have when they are financially empowered. Through open discussion and shared experiences, Lizzy encouraged participants to reflect on their money messages and take steps toward greater financial confidence.
The following day, Lizzy hosted a 90-minute Workshop for the Year 10 cohort as part of their SOAR class. With music, movement, and practical tools, she helped students explore how to make smart choices early, resist short-term temptations, and build strong foundations for long-term financial wellbeing.
Lizzy’s visit was a reminder that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers - it’s about mindset, confidence, and creating opportunities. Her message resonated across generations and will no doubt continue to spark conversations well beyond the classroom.
ALUMNI Reunions 2025
INTERSTATE
Melbourne and Canberra
Past students from Melbourne and Canberra recently gathered for their annual reunions, celebrating friendships, memories, and the enduring connection to St Aidan’s. It was inspiring to see so many travelling from near and far to join the celebrations, highlighting the strong and lasting network of our past students.
Clewer Cocktail Party 2025
This year we were thrilled to host the Clewer Cocktail Party, a special new event for our alumni and past and present staff. Held at Aidan’s Place, the evening was filled with energy, laughter and plenty of cross-generational conversations. Guests enjoyed live music and a selection of delicious canapés prepared by our talented in-house chefs and catering team. It was a wonderful kick off for our reunions and a reminder of the enduring strength of the St Aidan’s community.
10 to 60 Year
ALUMNI Reunions 2025
Record numbers joined us this year, reconnecting across generations and celebrating the St Aidan’s spirit.
- Ms Julia McKenna, Director of Development and Community
On Saturday 31 May we welcomed record numbers of past students from the classes of 1995, 2005, 2015 when they returned to campus for our annual reunions. It was a joy to witness the reconnection between friends, staff, and cherished memories.
On Sunday 1 June, we were delighted to welcome alumni celebrating their 40th and 50th reunions from the classes of 1975 and 1985. Many had travelled from near and far to attend, and across the weekend we were thrilled to host 143 alumni in total.
Guests enjoyed lunch at Aidan’s Place, toured the school, and explored the Sports Performance Centre at Ambiwerra, seeing firsthand how St Aidan’s is growing and supporting the development and achievements of students today. The weekend was filled with laughter, stories, and crossgenerational connections, celebrating the enduring bonds and shared experiences that make the St Aidan’s community so special.
ALUMNI & COMMUNITY
Carol Brown
We remember with deep sadness the passing of Carol Brown (née Connelly) on Sunday 17th August, aged 81. Carol was School Captain and Cavell House Captain in 1961.
Her niece, Lisa Thomson (née Connelly 1987), shared these words:
“My aunt was an amazing woman – a dedicated mother, aunt, friend, and a generous contributor to her community in so many ways. She has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless people she crossed paths with and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She held very fond memories of her time at St Aidan’s and how it contributed to the woman she became. She also enjoyed attending the Melbourne reunions whenever she could.”
We give thanks for Carol’s life and contribution to our community and extend our heartfelt condolences to Lisa and her family.
VALE
Ascension Day and Generational Badge
This year, Ascension Day was celebrated with a luncheon followed by a school assembly, offering the St Aidan’s community a moment to reflect on faith, hope, and shared values.
We were also delighted to introduce the Generational Badge, a new emblem recognising the continuity of our school community across generations. The badge celebrates the connection between past, present, and future students, honouring the shared values, traditions, and spirit that unite all members of the St Aidan’s family.
STAFF News
We are delighted to share some wonderful milestones from our St Aidan’s staff community:
Innes Harriman (Assistant Head of Junior School –Pastoral) became a dad again when baby Charlotte Jane arrived ahead of schedule! We’re pleased to hear that Mum, Katie Veitch (2009 St Aidan’s School Captain) and bub are all doing well.
Kelly Laden (SWAN Teacher Aide – Junior School) shared an adorable photo of her gorgeous baby Eva, who is already six months old.
ALUMNI I Awards 2026
Nominate an Outstanding St Aidan’s Graduate
In August each year, as part of St Aidan’s Day celebrations, Principal, Toni Riordan takes great delight in revealing the recipients of our Emma Betts, Mother Emma and Caroline Amy Awards. The announcement of the Alumni Award recipients is shared with the whole school and award winners’ biographies are highlighted for the audience.
Every year, our students, their parents and staff members gain real life lessons from our Awardees’ special messages, which are shared at the annual Aidan’s Celebrates evening. It is always wonderful to continue the conversation in our school community about the interesting and diverse role models which make up our yearly Alumni Award recipients.
If you know of an inspiring past student or are an alumna - please take the step this year to either self-apply, if you are an alumna, or nominate a past student, as recognition of St Aidan’s alumni is an important part of an exceptional education at St Aidan’s!
What is required to nominate:
• A completed nomination form and current CV/resume of the nominee
• A written statement (maximum 500 words) detailing why the nominee deserves to be recognised and how they meet the criteria for the award
• Any supporting evidence such as awards, media clippings, video footage, etc.
NOMINATIONS OPENING
Friday 31 October 2025
NOMINATIONS CLOSE
Friday 14 June 2026
ALUMNI Reunions 2026
Christine Hartland Breakfast
Thursday 26 March
Ascension Day (All Welcome)
60 Year Reunion (Class of 1965)
70 Year Reunion (Class of 1955)
Thursday 14 May 10.30am - 2.30pm
Clewer Cocktail Party (Alumni, Past & Current Staff)
Friday 15 May 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Sydney TBC
Melbourne TBC
10 Year Reunion (Class of 2015)
20 Year Reunion (Class of 2005)
30 Year Reunion (Class of 1995)
Saturday 23 May 10.00am - 3.00pm
Canberra TBC
40 Year Reunion (Class of 1985)
50 Year Reunion (Class of 1975)
Sunday 1 June 10.00am - 3.00pm
THE LAST WORD
I have recently read and thought a lot about the Society of the Sacred Advent’s (SSA) Educational Philosophy for its schools. Some of you may be surprised to know there is a such a thing! Mostly it is read and used by the school’s leadership and governing bodies, but I think there is much that is of interest to all of the St Aidan’s community. You can find the SSA Educational Philosophy in the back of the Society booklet on the school’s history page on our website.
When I read the Educational Philosophy and the history of the SSA, I am struck by the Society’s commitment to educating for the common good. What this means, to me, is that the purpose of education is to help our students reach their full potential so that they may contribute to the common life of all people. Or as the Sisters put it, “[to] encourage high academic standards and service to others, so that all will have not only one goal, but also the inner strength ‘to love one another as I have loved you (John 13.34).’”
So often, we think in terms of the individual. I might think my education is for my benefit alone, or perhaps for me and my immediate family. It is to improve my job prospects, or my earning potential. And while these goals are important and valid, education for self alone is a small goal compared with learning for the sake of making life better for all.
Our girls are encouraged to see a bigger picture that just what is good for them. As the mathematician and Nobel prize winner John Nash observed, the best results for the group comes from everyone in the group doing what is best for themselves and for the group. And while Nash might have been thinking about games and economics, I suspect Jesus would argue that the same is true for most human interactions.
A quick read of our Born to Fly publications shows that many of our Alumni have followed the path of working for the common good in their successful careers. As the narratives around us continue to emphasise self above all others, may we continue to challenge that narrative, and embrace the idea of service to others as the measure of success. It is what has powered the Society of the Sacred Advent for 133 years so far.
Blessings, The Reverend Sister Gillian Moses SSA Chaplain
