麻豆社

This week we came together for a beautiful Foundation Day Assembly 鈥� a celebration of our history, our people, and the enduring values that continue to shape 麻豆社. Although our official Foundation Day falls on 麻豆社 Day, 1 November, this was our final opportunity to gather as a whole school before our Year 12 students commence their external examinations.

It was a joy to badge our 2026 School Captains, who will lead us into our 40th anniversary year, and to present the 2025 Foundation Day Awards.

These awards recognise students who exemplify the values of Truth, Faith and Compassion through their character, their contribution to our community and their commitment to others. This year鈥檚 recipients are:

• Junior School: Axel H and Isabelle T
• Middle School: Mia G and Raphael B
• Senior School: Ruby P and Nicholas T

Built on Courage and Faith
Before there were classrooms or playing fields, there was a dream 鈥� and a community bold enough to make it real.

To purchase the land and begin building in 1987, the school needed guarantees of half a million dollars. Twenty families each stepped forward to guarantee $25,000 鈥� an extraordinary act of faith in something that didn鈥檛 yet exist.

They purchased this parcel of land for $180,000, and soon 179 foundation students began their learning journey with eight teachers and a handful of classrooms.

Our founding Headmaster, Reverend Len Nairn, later wrote that when help was needed, parents and staff simply turned up. He expected twenty volunteers at the first working bee 鈥� more than a hundred arrived. He said the school moved ahead only through 鈥渢he grace of volunteers鈥� and captured the 麻豆社 spirit perfectly when he wrote:

鈥淣o matter what project we have tackled, the emphasis has always been on friend-raising as much as fund-raising.鈥�

That鈥檚 the foundation we continue to build upon today 鈥� people working side by side, giving their time, energy and love to something bigger than themselves.

The 麻豆社 Way
Nearly 40 years on, that same heartbeat of community continues to define us. It鈥檚 visible in the way students, staff and families come together with imagination and care to make things happen.

A wonderful recent example has been Timmy the Turtle 鈥� a project dreamed up by a group of Year 6 students who joined forces with our School Captains. What began as a simple idea grew into a school-wide effort: students collecting bottles, staff helping shape the design, and families lending hands along the way. What started as a conversation became a creation 鈥� a symbol of what we can achieve together.

That鈥檚 the 麻豆社 way: a willingness to get involved, to contribute ideas, and to celebrate each other鈥檚 successes.

But it鈥檚 also the smaller, everyday choices that matter most:

• The pride we take in our uniform
• The way we greet one another by name and take genuine interest in each other
• The encouragement we offer on the sports field or in the classroom
• And the simple kindnesses that help every student feel they belong.

Community isn鈥檛 built by programs or events 鈥� it鈥檚 built in moments.

40 Years Young, and Still Building
Next year marks 40 years of Truth, Faith and Compassion lived out through thousands of young people and families. It鈥檚 an extraordinary milestone 鈥� one that honours those who had the courage to begin and celebrates all who continue to build today.

As we look ahead, it鈥檚 important to remember that community is never finished. It relies on each of us 鈥� students, parents, staff and alumni 鈥� to keep showing up for one another, to serve, to include, and to care.

That is the 麻豆社 way, and it鈥檚 what keeps our school strong.

This is such an exciting and joyful time of year. Our campus is alive with events and celebrations that showcase the best of who we are 鈥� learning, performing, competing and giving together. Last night鈥檚 Musical Showcase was a wonderful example of that spirit: an exceptional display of joy, talent and community, and a reminder of the creativity and heart that make this school so special.

There is so much happening across our campus right now 鈥� and every story in this edition reflects that same pride, purpose and connection.

Enjoy reading this another bumper edition of 麻豆社 Alive.

Matt Corbett
Principal

This term鈥檚 eReady lessons, delivered across Junior, Middle and Senior School in partnership with, have focused on digital footprints, online identity and managing reputation in an increasingly connected world. Students have explored what it means to have a positive online profile, how to protect their images and information from misuse, and how their online choices today can influence future opportunities.

Class discussions case studies and practical activities will encourage critical thinking about the lasting nature of online behaviour. The sessions will also cover current topics like deepfakes, image-based abuse, and age guidelines for social media use, helping students understand the ethical and legal impacts of digital participation.

These lessons are about more than compliance; they are about digital literacy. As technology and legislation evolve, our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate online spaces safely, respectfully, and authentically; skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

What is the Social Media Delay all about?

Effective 10 December 2025, children under the age of 16 will no longer be permitted to hold accounts on major social media platforms in Australia. This includes Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Platforms are now legally required to remove underage accounts and prevent new ones from being created. One of the ways they will do this is by using a national While families will not be fined, companies may face penalties of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance.

This law is designed to protect young people from online risks such as excessive screen time, harmful content, and social pressure, while giving them time to build digital literacy and safe online habits.

What Parents Can Do:

• Start the conversation: Talk with your child about the upcoming changes and why they鈥檙e happening.
• Download your child鈥檚 data: Help your child save their photos, videos, and messages before their account is removed.
• Explore safe alternatives: Encourage viewing public content without logging in and promote offline activities.
• Support digital wellbeing: Use this opportunity to build healthy online habits and discuss privacy and respectful behaviour.
• Know where to get help: If your child is unsure or upset, reach out to trusted adults, school wellbeing staff, or visit esafety.gov.au

Key Reminders:

• Children can still browse public content but cannot post, comment, or message until they turn 16.
• Platforms may use new age verification methods, but children are not required to provide government ID.
• If your child鈥檚 account is wrongly removed, they have the right to appeal the decision.

At 麻豆社, we are committed to working alongside our families to help our students stay informed, supported and safe online.

Further resources and information can be found here:

麻豆社 Anglican School Pastoral Care Teams

Threads 2025 Standstorm was held in the Nairn Theatre on Monday 13 October. The 麻豆社 Anglican School Fashion students from Years 9 to 12 showcased their designs to a sold-out crowd. 

Our fashion Captains Bella M, Estella W and Milla G compared the professionally run fashion show that was themed by the wonderfully talented team at Dreamweavers. This year we were lucky enough to have Whitehouse Institute of Design, Husqvarna and the Sewing Wave, Relier Group, Peony Swim and Resort Wear and Sommeil P as sponsors. 

Prize winners were selected from each year level, and the awards for Years 9 to 11 were presented to:

• Year 9 Technical Skills Award: Holly H, Amina R, Abigail G, Sophie L, Elaine J, Lizzie M
• Year 9 Most Resilient Student: Akira R, Max J
• Year 9 Most Improved Student: Annie B
  
• Year 9 Encouragement Award: Riley M
• Year 9 Creative Design: Eve Y
• Year 10 Whitehouse Design and Technical Skills: Ella W
• Year 10 Excellence in Design: Mylo L
• Year 10 Encouragement: Maja T
• Year 10 Encouragement: Addison B
• Year 11 Whitehouse Institute of Design and Excellence in Design Technical Skills: Grace H
• Year 11 Excellence in Design: Aspen S
• Year 11 Encouragement: Shilah B
• Year 11 Encouragement: Isabella G
• Year 11 Encouragement: Kiara P
  

The highlight of the show was the Year 12 Collections, showcasing one of our strongest cohorts yet. The Year 12 collections were judged by Lauren Dick from Relier, Becky Morton from Peony Swim and Resort Wear, and Paris Jacobson from Sommeil P, who also sponsored awards. With all student collections constructed and presented to such a high level the judges had a very difficult time choosing winners for each award.

The major winners of the Fashion Awards for Year 12 were:

• The 2025 Relier Collections Most Commercial: Nina J
  
• The 2025 Collections Peony Craftmanship Award: Rylee B
  
• The 2025 Sommeil P Contemporary Edge Award for 2025:  Milla G
  
• The 2025 Collections Parents and friends wearable Art 202: Ava B
  
• Parents and Friends People Choice award for 2025: Rylee B
  
• The 2025 Sewing Wave and Husqvarna Collection of the Year: Estella W
  
• The 2025 White House Institute of Design, Designer of the year: Bella M

Check out photos of the night here:

Skye Daniel
Senior School Teacher

It鈥檚 certainly been another busy, learning filled fortnight in the Junior School. A few of my highlights this fortnight include:

YEAR 3 SLEEPOVER 
Not so much sleep but plenty of fun time with friends was had at this years鈥� sleepover. A big day of camp activities including damper making and camp skills around a campfire, rock climbing and archery didn鈥檛 even make a dent in energy levels and our Year 3 adventurers then enjoyed an evening of games and friendship together here at school. 

Setting up sleeping bags and camp beds in the John Fradgley Centre was a highlight for 75 very excited littlies as was dinner and breakfast in the Heart + Soul Caf茅. A huge thank you to our Year 3 teaching team, Mrs Wood, Mrs Pearson and Mr Cowan for leading the fun.

YEAR 1 BUGS GONE WILD
Year 1 had a visit from Wild Rangers as part of their Minibeast Inquiry. I can鈥檛 believe how brave they were actually holding cockroaches, spiders and lizards as they learned about the important role these creatures play in keeping our earth healthy.

YEAR 6 BOYS NIGHT IN 
The Year 6 boys and their dads also spent an introspective evening at school with Tommy Herschel from Find Ya Feet. Tommy鈥檚 focus, 'Empowering Aspiring Legends', hit the mark and lots of personal stories of growth, courage and friendship were shared. The boys, young and not-so-young, also shared a BBQ dinner and few games together forging even deeper friendships and understandings as they prepare for Middle School. Thanks again to Mrs Buckley for coordinating and Mr Holt and Mr Chipps for their help during the evening.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

As our Year 5 students work through their final term before becoming our 麻豆社 Junior School Year 6 Leaders of 2026 we took some time recently to begin preparing them for the exciting leadership responsibilities and opportunities that await.

We facilitated a Future Leaders workshop experience for them which involved a day of team building, interpersonal skill development and goal setting, all with a focus on developing their emerging leadership skills and talents. Year 5 teachers and leaders from across the school led a series of workshops designed to promote important leadership practices such as cooperation, trust, communication and inclusivity.

The workshops were specifically designed to encourage reflection and consideration about the type of leaders our young people are aspiring to become:

• Collaborative Leadership led by Mrs Glaves
• Conflict Resolution Skills led by Mrs McCarthy
• What Sort of Leader Do You Want to Be? - Goal Setting led by Mrs Travers
• The All 麻豆社 Leadership process led by Mr Halcro
• My Leadership Vision Board led by Mrs Buckley
• Leadership Character Traits and Challenges led by Mr van Twest
• Service Leadership led by Mrs Chipps
  

There were many opportunities throughout the day for the Year 5 students to explore their character strengths, build upon friendships and reflect upon their hopes and goals for their final year in the Junior School. We asked them to consider the leader they hope to be and look at ways in which we can help them achieve their goals. We hope to give our young people opportunities to explore their developing understanding of the concept of leadership, as well as the challenges and responsibilities that entails.

We completed a fantastic day with a Leadership Forum where we invited community leaders to bravely field questions from our Future Leaders. We heard personal stories and wisdom from each of our panelists who each very generously shared anecdotes, thoughts and advice on leadership and reflections of their own journeys. It was powerful way to finish the day. Thank you to this year鈥檚 panelists:

Mr Luke O鈥橠wyer: Luke is a former Australian rugby league player whose name became synonymous with dedication and passion for the sport. Luke made his mark in rugby league through his tenacity on the field and he was a formidable force in the National Rugby League (NRL), primarily representing the Gold Coast Titans, where he played over 100 games. He is also dad to Jax, Zave and Krue.

Dr Shannon Webber: Dr Shannon Webber is a specialist surgeon who works on caring for the face, mouth, teeth, and jaws. One of his standout achievements was in 2015, where he received the Winston Churchill Fellowship, which allowed him to learn a very rare surgery called 鈥渙steo-odonto-keratoprosthesis.鈥� In 2016 he helped perform this surgery鈥攖he first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Dr Webber also cares a lot about teaching and for many years, he鈥檚 helped train future surgeons and dentists, sharing his knowledge in hospitals and surgical training programs. Like Luke, Shannon has three sons here at 麻豆社; Hugo, Oscar and Alfie.

Professor Craig Costello: Professor Craig Costello is a mathematician who helps make the internet safe. He studies numbers and patterns to create secret codes that protect our information online 鈥� like when we send messages or use passwords. Craig works at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he teaches and researches new ways to keep computers secure, even against future super-powerful 鈥渜uantum鈥� computers. He loves solving tricky problems and showing students that maths isn鈥檛 just about numbers 鈥� it鈥檚 about thinking creatively and helping people all around the world stay safe.

Ms Alli Simpson: Alli Simpson is an Australian singer, actress, radio host and digital creator, admired for her creativity, authenticity, and commitment to using her platform for good. Alli began her career by sharing music covers, beauty tips, and personal stories on YouTube. Her honesty and warmth quickly earned her a dedicated following. Alli is candid about setbacks 鈥� navigating personal challenges, putting herself out there, and growing in the spotlight. Through this, she shows that vulnerability and strength can go hand in hand, modelling resilience and self-belief.

Mrs Carly Fradgley: Carly Fradgley is a social entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of Baby Give Back, a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable families with essential items for young children. Carly, who is the proud mum of her own two children Isla and Noah, launched Baby Give Back in late 2016 after recognising a gap in Queensland for a service that could redistribute gently used baby goods to those in need. She now leads a passionate team of staff, volunteers, and community partners to deliver essential support with dignity.

Levi Ashcroft: Levi is a rising star in the AFL for the premiership winning Brisbane Lions. A former Junior School Leader here at 麻豆社, Levi comes from a footballing family: his dad, Marcus, played hundreds of games for the Brisbane Lions and won three premierships. His older brother, Will, is also a star for the Lions, having won the two most recent premierships. In his first season (2025), Levi has already made a big impact. He won a Rising Star nomination, scored some outstanding goals, and showing great versatility to play across a number of different positions on the field. Levi is best known for working hard, being creative during games, and always trying to learn from those around him.

Jerome Challen: Jerome started 麻豆社 in Prep. As a School Captain he enjoys having the ability to inspire change within the school community and make schooling less stressful and more enjoyable for his peers. He plans on going to Uni for two years and continuing to play sport in hopes that he can travel and live internationally.

Ireland Bale: Ireland started at 麻豆社 in Year 4 and is one of our 2025 School Captains. She has worked tirelessly this year to further strengthen the relationships between our Senior and Junior School students. She is proud to have been selected as Captain this year and enjoys the opportunities it brings to be able to work with younger students and be a role model to others.

We are very keen to invest in the leadership potential of our Future Leaders and to share our faith and belief in them. I am sure that you will hear many wonderful reflections of the day鈥檚 experiences.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

Thank you to the following students for their birthday book donations this week. We hope you have a wonderful birthday.

• Amelia - Prep S
• Ethan - 1G
• Rex - 2B
• Chloe - 3V
• Ethan - 4A
• Isaac - 4H
• Charlotte - 5G

Information on how to be part of the Birthday Book Club can also be found on 

The Junior School Library Team 

On Wednesday 15 October, the Middle School Robotics Club wrapped up several weeks of hands-on learning and creative problem-solving with the inaugural 麻豆社 Sumo Spectacular.

Four student teams entered the ring, each with a custom-coded robot ready to push, pivot, and persevere in a series of sumo-style showdowns.

The winner of these trials then faced off against the fifth team's robotic defender, attempting to steal the title of Robozuna.

The atmosphere was electric as robots faced off in matches full of unexpected moves, strategic spins, and the occasional dramatic flip.

In the end, it was Team Glocklan who took the title. Their robot鈥檚 cautious, calculated approach proved that patience and planning can be just as powerful as speed and aggression.

A valuable lesson for all students: sometimes, taking your time leads to greater success in the long run.

Congratulations to all participants for their innovation, teamwork, and enthusiasm.

Andrew Hawtin
Enrichment and Support Teacher

Monday 20 October saw the exciting launch of the Year 7 Science Explorers, a dynamic new initiative bringing hands-on science to life!

This program is a fresh offshoot of the highly successful Year 11-led sessions, now tailored for our budding Year 7 scientists.

Each week, our dedicated Year 8 mentors meet on the Friday before to dive into the upcoming experiment. Here, they learn of relevant theory, master the method, and review safety protocols.

Come Monday, they step into leadership roles, guiding Year 7 students through the thrill of scientific discovery.

This week鈥檚 experiment tied in perfectly with the current Year 7 unit on space and the solar system. Using a rubber stopper and an electric motor, students simulated orbital dynamics. A fun and visual way to explore circular motion and planetary orbits in action.

A huge thank you to all the Year 7 and Year 8 students who brought energy, curiosity, and teamwork to this fantastic first session!

Andrew Hawtin
Enrichment and Support Teacher

Art has the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and express ideas that words often cannot. This year, we proudly present our Middle School Art Exhibition titled Connection, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of students from Years 7 to 9.

The exhibition will feature a curated selection of artworks that explore the theme of connection 鈥� whether through relationships, nature, culture, or abstract interpretations. Each piece reflects the unique perspective of our young artists and their ability to communicate meaning through color, form, and imagination.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday 13 November
• Time: 4.45 PM 鈥� 6.45 PM
• Venue: Middle School Art Room, G Block
• Dress: Day uniform required for students 

This is a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and the school community to come together and celebrate the artistic achievements of our students. The exhibition promises to be an inspiring experience, highlighting the importance of creativity in education and the connections that art fosters among us all.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in this celebration of artistry and expression.

Rachel Luhan
Middle School Teacher

In Week 2, the Year 8 cohort embarked on a Geography excursion to learn about the impact erosion has on our coastline.

We began with a bus ride to Tallebudgera Creek, where we observed how the groyne helps keep the mouth of the creek open and accessible. Then, we took a short walk to Palm Beach, where we admired the sand dunes and native vegetation along the beautiful coastline. Next, we visited Burleigh Headland. From the top, we observed the coastal vegetation and the artificial reef, which helps protect the sand dunes. We also learnt about how this area is valued by Indigenous custodians and other local communities.

After a bus ride to The Spit, we explored more erosion management strategies such as groynes and the sand-pumping jetty, both of which help keep our beaches looking pristine.

It was a fantastic excursion, full of learning, fresh air, and fun times!

Mae H
Year 8 Student 

At the end of Term 3, half of the Year 9 French class, accompanied by Mme Spinella and Mme Forsythe, embarked on a week-long immersion experience at our sister school, Coll猫ge Sacr茅 C艙ur in Bourail, New Caledonia. Nestled in a picturesque country town surrounded by mountains and the Nera River, near the World Heritage-listed lagoon, Bourail offered students a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.

Students were warmly welcomed into host families, allowing for a true immersion experience. They attended classes at Coll猫ge Sacr茅 C艙ur and participated in cultural and linguistic exchanges with the adjacent primary school. The homestay experience provided unique opportunities such as horse riding, fishing, hiking, and more鈥攁ll conducted in French, deepening both language skills and cultural understanding.

A standout moment of the trip was the educational visit to Bwara Tortues Marines, a local marine conservation organisation. Students learned about the endangered Caretta caretta or loggerhead turtle and the positive impact of the organisation鈥檚 work. This year, our students were invited to contribute to the revegetation program by potting plants鈥攁n activity that was both meaningful and appreciated by the organisers. The visit was made even more memorable with fresh coconut served using eco-friendly papaya straws.

The immersion was a resounding success, with students well-matched to their host families and deeply appreciative of the experiences offered. The trip not only strengthened our sister school relationship but also enriched students鈥� understanding of French language, culture, and environmental stewardship.

Student reflections:

鈥淚t surprised me how quickly I started to translate automatically into French鈥︹�� Maddie

鈥淚 think I learnt a lot during this exchange.鈥� Lizzie

鈥淚 think that all the connections I made were completely worth it.鈥� Lana

Mme Spinella
Subject Coordinator French

At the various parent information evenings to start the year, we flagged the following benchmarks for a student to be eligible to receive an Academic Prize:

• In Year 7, 8 and 9, considering all Summative assessment tasks completed across both semesters, a student who has attained a B+ average in English, Humanities (Geography and History), Mathematics and Science;
• Additionally, In Year 9, a Subject Prize will be awarded to the top student for the year in each of the Elective subjects.

There鈥檚 a lot to unpack here, but perhaps the most vexing questions are as follows:

What counts as 鈥楽ummative鈥� assessment? 
Students have completed a kaleidoscope of tasks throughout the year 鈥� all valid and important steps in their learning journey 鈥� but each Core subject has clearly designated one or two Summative tasks each term. These tasks were characterised by a task sheet (with accompanying rubric/marking schema) and were cross-marked and moderated by the relevant teaching team.

How do we 鈥榓verage鈥� out the marks?
Week 4 will be the cut-off in terms of Summative assessment tasks contributing to your child鈥檚 eligibility for an Academic Prize; however, any tasks completed after that date will still contribute to their end-of-year report. 

The finalised list of award recipients will be acknowledged, in alpha order, at their respective year level celebration evening. It is important to note, though, that the number of Academic Prizes awarded each year may vary, but the standards and criteria for eligibility (a B+ average) will not.

Additionally, while the School obviously wishes to celebrate academic excellence with all the pomp and ceremony it can muster, there are other attributes a student might have that are of equal importance to the 麻豆社 community. Thus, alongside Academic Awards, each year level鈥檚 celebration evening will celebrate the following:

Endeavour Awards: Awarded to exemplary students who have consistently demonstrated diligence of the highest order across all aspects of their curricular and co-curricular program at the School.

Citizenship Awards: Awarded to exemplary students who have consistently demonstrated genuine respect for the rights of others, made valued contributions to their class group, and established positive relationships with students and staff. Year 9 Middle School Leaders are typically ineligible for this award.

We sincerely hope that the process outlined above will allow students to continue to set high academic goals and know, with great assurance, if they are online to meet their targets. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child鈥檚 Core Teacher or email me directly at tharm@asas.qld.edu.au.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Last Monday 13 October, the Nairn Theatre was transformed into a desert for the annual showcase of Year 9 to 12 student fashion called Threads. As part of the evening, over 50 Year 9 students graced the catwalk wearing the outfits they created as part of their Food & Fashion elective. The sense of poise and fun they all radiated as they strutted their stuff was a joy to behold, and the intense preparations for the day clearly created a wonderful bond between staff and students. Speaking of staff, a huge thank you to our resident 鈥榝rock fairies鈥� 鈥� Mrs Melinda Pascoe, Mrs Jane Campbell and Mrs Alana A鈥橵ard 鈥� for their tireless work during and outside lesson time to help prepare the students and their garments.

Although all students presented exceptionally, the photos and full list of award recipients can be found in Mrs Sky Daniels鈥� article in the Whole School section above.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

All Middle School families should have received a notification in FIDO last week explaining the ticketing arrangements for our end-of-year events.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
As seats are allocated to all students in each year level to ensure they can participate in the proceedings, each family is limited to two tickets per student. Due to this restriction, we have had to adjust the ticketing process.

Ticket sales through Humanitix have now closed, and families must now email Michelle at mhunter@asas.qld.edu.au
to request their two tickets. Michelle will organise your family鈥檚 allocated seats.

While we would love to offer unlimited tickets, this process ensures fair access for all families.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

The past two weeks have been a wonderful celebration of the diverse offerings and outstanding achievements of the students in the Senior School. We have reached the time of year when students are graduating from a number of our offerings and are involved in many culminating activities. These events will be described in more detail throughout this edition of 麻豆社 Alive by the event organisers, but I just wanted to thank and congratulate the students and staff involved in these end of year celebrations.

Congratulations to all involved in the Threads Fashion Show that took place last Monday evening. The success of Threads 2025 was enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience who witnessed a feast of fashion from Years 9 to 12. The Nairn Theatre was amazingly transformed into a desert 鈥楽andstorm鈥�, and the evening was spectacular. Thank you to all those who contributed to this gala event, in particular Ms Skye Daniel, Ms Melinda Pascoe, Ms Kellie Ryan and Ms Jane Campbell. The dedication and expertise of these staff truly inspire these talented students to great heights.

The Certificate III in Hospitality graduation evening was both impressive and delicious as these students hosted their final restaurant evening at 麻豆社. Michelle Payne, Erin Sayers and Simon Wells were clearly so proud of these students who once again delivered an outstanding experience.

The 2025 Musical Showcase was again a spectacular evening. The students鈥� commitment to music and their amazing ability was evident on Thursday night. From the captivating final performance of 鈥楤ohemian Rapsody鈥� with over 100 students on stage in perfect sync, to the fabulous ensembles, the mesmerising solos, pitch perfect Choirs, through to the Big Band's jazz spectacular, it was an amazing demonstration of talent. I would like to congratulate and thank the musicians, the technical crew, staff and our Director of Performing Arts, Mr Owen Clarke, on a superb evening of entertainment. It again showcased the vast pool of student and staff talent at 麻豆社.

Over 70 students crossed the stage last Thursday afternoon to receive their Diploma graduation. These students have been working on this qualification for 18 months; while completing their senior studies and it is a great achievement and an additional qualification to set them up for life beyond the 麻豆社鈥� gates. To Mrs Michelle Payne, Ms Alison Weeks and the whole Vocational Education team, thank you for your support of these students. So, another fortnight, with so many offerings, and so much success for our students in the Senior School. Thank you and congratulations to all.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Below is the full list of Leadership positions for 2026. These students were badged at last Wednesday鈥檚 Senior School assembly. I congratulate these students on their appointment. I feel confident that the new team will lead us with truth, faith and compassion.

SCHOOL CAPTAINS
Ava Sutcliffe and Lachlan Horton

SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAINS
Anika Connell and Saxon Miller

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Year 12 Economics students were privileged to welcome the Honourable Stuart Robert, former Cabinet Minister, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business for a thought-provoking presentation. The topic was Federal Government Demand versus Supply Policies: A Study in Ideological Stupidity. Mr Robert explored the contrast between short-term demand management, through fiscal and monetary policy, and highlighted the importance of long-term supply-side reforms that drive productivity and sustainable growth, necessities for a resilient and competitive economy.

He challenged students to think critically about government intervention, arguing that at some points it鈥檚 better for the Australian government to 'stop spending money and let the market work'. Mr Robert argued that ideological beliefs held by our government, such as confidence in big government can sometimes result in economic decisions shaped more by politics than productivity. Key discussion points included the impact of housing taxes, infrastructure delays, and how global factors like commodity prices, trade shocks, and international interest rates shape our domestic policy.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where Mr Robert tackled thoughtful questions from Year 12 students on taxation and Australia鈥檚 economic future. It was an invaluable opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world policymaking.

Rhiannon P
Year 12 Student

Over recent weeks, many of our students have taken part in a range of short courses designed to develop practical skills for both casual and post-school employment. Training opportunities included the Construction Safety White Card, Swim Teacher accreditation, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), and First Aid and CPR. A total of 107 students from Years 10鈥�12 successfully completed these courses. These nationally recognised qualifications not only enhance students鈥� employability but also provide valuable skills for life beyond school.

Alison Weeks
Director of Futures

ENERGIES EXHIBITION 
Celebrating nearly 40 years of nurturing artistic talent, ENERGIES is a prestigious exhibition showcasing the outstanding work of senior secondary visual art students across the Gold Coast. More than just a gallery display, ENERGIES is a launchpad for future creatives: championing artistic excellence, highlighting best practices in arts education, and inspiring students to pursue careers in the arts.

We鈥檙e proud to announce that Zali E鈥檚 compelling video It鈥檚 Not All Tutus and Tiaras, which explores the hidden struggles of dancers, has been selected for this year鈥檚 exhibition. Despite a significant reduction in entries this year, Zali鈥檚 work stood out and earned a well-deserved place.

On now until Sunday 9 November: HOTA
As part of the ENERGIES activities, Alley C and Amber P were both invited to join Zali for a special day of creativity: Ignite, an inspiring event that connected students with fellow artists and industry professionals, offering valuable insights and artistic exchange.

CREATIVE GENERATION REGIONAL EXHIBITION
The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art celebrate exceptional senior visual art education across Queensland鈥檚 state and non-state schools. Each region hosts an exhibition to showcase student submissions, and the South East Regional Exhibition is currently featuring:

Alley C: The Midnight Channel 鈥� Just a Dream, a beautifully constructed installation which has to be seen to be fully appreciated

Ellen S: Summed Up, a thought-provoking response to overconsumption

Zali E: It鈥檚 Not All Tutus and Tiaras, also featured at this event.

Award presentations for certificates of excellence, commendation, and regional encouragement will take place: Saturday 25 October, 3 to 4pm Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre.

The exhibition poster proudly features the work of Claire Badenoch from the Class of 2025.

Amani Sparks
Senior School Teacher

Last week, the Year 10 and 11 Visual Art classes had the incredible opportunity to explore Brisbane city as part of our Authentic Experience. For Year 10 students, it was a chance to encounter a diverse range of artworks firsthand, while Year 11 students drew inspiration to develop their individual ideas and focus areas for their Year 12 body of work.

After hopping on the 50-cent train ride into the city, our first stop was the Museum of Brisbane, where we visited the Precious
exhibition. This captivating display featured hundreds of personal collections鈥攆rom mechanical wind-up toys to teeth鈥攐ffering a nostalgic journey through time and memory.

Next, we explored the Queensland Museum, where students were free to wander through fascinating exhibits showcasing animal specimens, fashion, and cultural artefacts. We then visited the Queensland Art Gallery, home to significant national and Indigenous artworks, followed by the State Library, which was exhibiting the Brisbane Portrait Prize, and finally GOMA, a celebration of contemporary art.

Each venue offered something unique, but one standout was Archie Moore鈥檚 powerful installation, Kith and Kin. This deeply moving work maps Moore鈥檚 Kamilaroi and Bigambul ancestry across 65,000+ years, confronting colonial erasure and inviting reflection on identity and history.

Throughout the day, students had time to sketch, reflect, and absorb the creative energy around them. Many shared that this quiet time to draw and think was their favourite part of the experience. The variety of artworks sparked different interests鈥攕ome were drawn to textiles and fashion, others to architecture, installations, transport, or the passage of time.

Beyond the art itself, the excursion encouraged students to observe the city鈥檚 environment, transport systems, and the work of fellow artists. By the end of the day, sketchbooks were brimming with ideas, and imaginations were alight with possibilities for how to channel this inspiration into their own creative journeys.

Sarah Edwards and Oliver Hunter
Visual Art Captains

Congratulations to Saxon Miller in Year 11 who won the Queensland Senior Secondary Division Grand Final of the ESU (English Speaking Union) Public Speaking Competition for 2025. This annual event builds confidence and communication skills in the potential leaders of our future. It is now the most extensive public speaking competition across Queensland, and students compete in the regions of South-East Queensland, Toowoomba and West, and North Queensland.

Saxon spoke on the topic: The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It (a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln and Peter Drucker). This is a tough competition where the calibre and the standard are exceptionally high. Saxon won against a field of almost 70 Queensland competitors and went on to compete in the National Finals via an online presentation in September where he just missed out on the win.

"I was lucky enough to have participated in the ESU National Final. Unfortunately, I didn鈥檛 win but it was still a pleasure to have participated none the less. I spoke about learning to live life as it comes, and it was an absolutely amazing experience and I鈥檓 so honoured to have had the opportunity to participate." - Saxon 

Well done Saxon on such an exceptional achievement.

Christine Miro
Senior School Teacher

Last week, we proudly celebrated the achievements of our Diploma of Business and Diploma of Social Media Marketing students. The Diploma of Business equips students with essential skills in communication, management, and leadership, preparing them for a wide range of career pathways or future study. Meanwhile, the Diploma of Social Media Marketing develops students鈥� creativity and digital expertise, providing them with practical experience in online strategy, branding, and content creation, highly sought-after skills in today鈥檚 digital world.

A total of 47 Year 12 students received their certificates after successfully completing a nationally recognised qualification, a fantastic accomplishment reflecting their hard work, commitment, and perseverance over the past 18 months.

We would also like to congratulate the following students who were recognised with subject prizes for their outstanding achievement:

• Diploma of Business: Caleb Diskin
• Diploma of Social Media Marketing: Claudia Parente
  

A big thank you also goes to our Certificate III in Hospitality students, along with Chef Erin and Chef Simon, for providing and serving the delicious food and beverages at our event!

Michelle Payne
Head of Vocational Education and Training

The Year 12 Hospitality students recently celebrated the culmination of their studies by hosting a graduation dinner at Heavens Above Restaurant. This event marked the successful completion of their two-year journey, and a nationally recognised qualification 鈥� SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality!

The evening featured a delicious three-course menu, showcasing the students' acquired skills and culinary preferences. Guests were treated to a gourmet entr茅e of arancini, followed by a choice of poached salmon or herbed lamb cutlets for the main course. The dessert offerings included biscoff cheesecake and a vanilla-infused panna cotta accompanied by a blood orange compote.

In addition to the culinary delights, the bar students presented an array of classic cocktails, such as the Gin Gin Mule and the French Martini, expertly paired with the evening's courses.

Throughout their studies, the students have engaged in both theoretical and practical training across various facets of the hospitality industry, including kitchen operations, bar service, and front-of-house management. Their capabilities were demonstrated through involvement in numerous events, including the Giveathon lunches, Principal鈥檚 corporate lunches, Archbishop鈥檚 lunch, Melbourne Cup events, Sustainability Luncheon, and early breakfast functions at Heavens Above Restaurant.

The graduation evening was an emotional occasion, with students and staff reflecting on their shared experiences through a heartfelt photo presentation. Each student was presented with their Certificate III in Hospitality and a commemorative gift, symbolizing their dedication and achievements.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students and wish them continued success and fulfillment in their future endeavours within the hospitality industry.

Simon Wells and Erin Sayers
Hospitality 

After watching the grand arrivals at the Gold Coast Turf Club, come and join us for a relaxed evening celebration!

📍 Where: Gold Coast Tavern 鈥� Skyline Lounge
📅 When: Thursday, 20 November | From 7:00 PM onwards (or after the formal arrivals)
🍾 Includes: Canap茅s and a glass of sparkling to toast the occasion
💵 Cost: $50 per person 鈥� secure your spot today!

We warmly welcome you, your family, and friends to celebrate together.

Questions? 
Please contact Heidi Jacobson.

What brilliant way to send off our Year 12 musicians, with an exciting, polished, entertaining and high-quality evening of performances at the 2025 Musical Showcase. With the grand finale Bohemian Rhapsody raising the roof with 150 musicians on stage, the audience were on their feet while glitter and ballons fell from the ceiling of the Nairn!

Showcasing the culmination of the years鈥� work by our Year 7 to 12 musicians, this concert had music ranging from Baroque brilliance to K Pop fun and everything in between. It featured soloists, a composition by Year 12 Ayden Fell, band performances, strings, and beautiful choirs.

The audience was packed, and parents, friends, family, staff and followers were in awe. What a wonderful night. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

This term many of our students will either be working hard toward achieving their goal through their AMEB music examination, or reading this book!

麻豆社 is a hub on the Gold Coast for the Australian Music Examination Board to carry out their performance exams, with Woodwind, Voice, Piano and Strings having been sat in the past two weeks. Brass and flutes are still to come, with many of our students achieving excellent passes and working through the Grade levels on their instruments.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

Congratulations to our Junior School students who represented 麻豆社 at the
AFL QCup in Maroochydore last week. Both the boys鈥� and girls鈥� teams wore the 麻豆社 jersey with pride and competed admirably throughout the carnival.

A huge thank you to the families and friends who supported our students over the two days, and especially to those who volunteered their time as goal umpires.

The weekend was capped off with the exciting news that 麻豆社 was named Female Primary School of the Year 鈥� a fantastic achievement and a true team
effort.

Special thanks to Mr Meaney for coordinating the AFL teams this year, and to Mrs McCarthy for generously giving up their time.

Georgia Liussi
Junior School Sports Coordinator

AFL
Darcy L (Year 8) has been selected to join the Gold Coast SUNS Academy U16W 2025 preseason program. This is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and talent. Congratulations.

AQUATHON
Mia C (Year 6) has been selected to represent the South Coast Aquathon Team following her strong performance at the All Schools Aquathon. Mia placed 4th in the South Coast region and 14th in Queensland, and will now compete at the state championships in Hervey Bay next February. Congratulations.

ATHLETICS
Fletcher W (Prep) showcased outstanding determination at the GC50 Run Festival, competing in his first 3km race. At just 6 years old, Fletcher placed 2nd in the Under 8s category, finishing in an impressive time of 13 minutes and 44 seconds. Congratulations.

FOOTBALL
Phoenix R (Year 12) has received and accepted an offer to join the Queensland Academy of Sport鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Football program in 2026. Congratulations.

DANCE
Grace N (Year 2) has been performing at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod since the age of 3. This year, she was awarded the Drew Anthony Award for Most Promising Tapper (12 years and under) 鈥� an incredible achievement at just 8 years old. Grace was also invited to perform at the 2025 McPherson Honours Awards Ceremony, hosted by Leon Rebello MP. Congratulations.

JUJITSU
Robbie R (Year 1) competed in his first ever tournament at the Brisbane Open Jujitsu Competition, held at Nissan Arena. Facing more experienced opponents, Robbie showed outstanding bravery and resilience, scoring across two matches and proudly earning a 3rd place medal. Congratulations.

OZTAG
James D (Year 8) and his U15 Boys team claimed victory at the Australian Junior Oztag Championships, securing back-to-back national titles. Congratulations.

QLD SCHOOLS ATHLETICS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Lily A (Year 7) competed in hurdles, placing 6th with a personal best, and also participated in high jump, finishing 12th. Congratulations.

Christopher C (Year 5) delivered an exceptional performance at the Queensland Schools Track and Field Championships, winning Gold in the Tetrathlon 鈥� comprising 100m, 800m, Long Jump, and Shot Put. Despite challenging conditions and illness, Christopher showed remarkable resilience, securing victory with a dominant 800m run. He now advances to the Nationals in Canberra. Congratulations.

Poppy C (Year 8) represented 麻豆社 in the steeplechase event at the recent athletics competition. Congratulations

Will D (Year 5) delivered a strong performance in the Tetrathlon at the Queensland Schools Track and Field Championships, holding 5th place until the final event. Despite challenging conditions and asthma, Will placed 9th overall and also achieved equal 5th in High Jump. Congratulations.

Blake E (Year 4) impressed at the Queensland Schools Track and Field Championships, placing 3rd in Long Jump and 4th in the 100m. Blake will now join teammate Christopher Wright at the Australian Championships. Congratulations.
Analiese Murphy (Year 12G) delivered a strong performance across multiple events, placing 6th in discus, 5th in the 1500m, and earning a silver medal in javelin. Congratulations.

Keanu P (Year 10) achieved a silver medal in the 400m hurdles with a personal best and placed 4th in the 110m hurdles, also with a personal best. Congratulations.

TRACK AND FIELD 
Well done to the following students who competed at State Athletics Championships in Townsville last week

• Lily A
• Wynter B
• Christopher C
• Poppy C
• Will D
• Blake E
• Matilda E
• Alexander F
  
• Eddie L
• Analiese M
• Alexandra P
• Keanu P
• Lily P
• Maddalena S
• Oliver S
• Lomani T

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
At 麻豆社, our students are always striving for excellence 鈥� in the classroom, on the field, and beyond. We love celebrating their successes in 麻豆社 Alive, and we invite you to share any achievements, big or small!If your child has recently accomplished something noteworthy, please send through the details and any photos to the relevant sub-school:

• Junior School 鈥� juniorreception@asas.qld.edu.au
• Middle School 鈥� middlereception@asas.qld.edu.au
• Senior School 鈥� seniorreception@asas.qld.edu.au

Let鈥檚 keep celebrating the amazing things our 麻豆社 are doing every day!

All Year Level Parent Coordinators are warmly invited to a special end-of-year morning tea on Friday 31 October. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to come together, reflect on the year that鈥檚 been, celebrate the contributions of our parent community, and begin looking ahead to 2026.

Our Parent Coordinators play a vital role in building connection, supporting families and strengthening the spirit of 麻豆社. Whether you鈥檝e been highly active this year or feel your involvement was small, we would still love you to join us. Your willingness to take on the role is appreciated, and this is a chance to connect with others and be part of planning for the end of year and year ahead.

Morning Tea Details:
📅 Friday 31 October
📍 Heart + Soul Caf茅
🕣 8.30am (after drop-off) 

RSVP: Please confirm your attendance on the Parent Coordinators Groupor via email to Kelly Rossmann, krossmann@asas.qld.edu.au by Monday 27 October.

We hope you will join us for a relaxed and enjoyable morning as we thank you for your support and look ahead to another exciting year together.

The 7th Annual 麻豆社 Golf Day was a resounding hit, flawlessly organised and bringing together 132 enthusiastic players for a day filled with sunshine, camaraderie, and competition. The event featured 12 generous 麻豆社 family businesses as sponsors, a variety of exciting games, and many challenging holes that kept players engaged throughout the day. Tickets sold out by early August, with a waitlist forming soon after 鈥� a testament to the event鈥檚 growing popularity.

Held under perfect skies, our Golf Day convenor ensured everything ran smoothly from the first tee-off to the final putt. Laughter echoed across the fairways as students, parents, and staff enjoyed the sport and each other鈥檚 company.

If you missed out this year, don鈥檛 worry 鈥� another Golf Day is planned for around this time next year. Keep an eye on the 麻豆社 Alive newsletter around April for details and registration info. With demand this high, early sign-up is a must!

Dave Pearson 
P&F Golf Day Convenor

It鈥檚 been another great year of Parents & Friends (P&F) activities and friendship, with so many moments that have brought our 麻豆社 community together.

The 麻豆社 P&F Committee warmly invites all parents and guardians to attend the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 10 November 2025 at 7.00pm in the McIntosh Administration Building.

The AGM is open to all members of our school community and provides an opportunity to hear about the year鈥檚 achievements, learn more about upcoming initiatives, and connect with others who share a passion for supporting our students and school life.

At the AGM each year, a committee is elected to oversee the association鈥檚 activities, supported by various sub-committees that help organise community and fundraising events.

If you are interested in joining or continuing as a member of the P&F Committee, please complete the nomination form on this by Sunday 26 October 2025. 

Membership is capped at 50 members. If nominations exceed this number, a voting process will be conducted electronically prior to the AGM. All applicants will be contacted following the meeting to confirm the outcome of their nomination.

We look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces as we continue to build a strong, connected 麻豆社 community together.

Kat Pearson
P&F President