Ill | A.B. Paterson College

Good Luck Year 12!

This week has marked a significant milestone for our Year 12 students as they approach their final examinations, set to begin on Monday, 23 October. The entire College community stands firmly behind our Year 12 cohort, extending our heartfelt wishes for their success.

On Thursday, 19 October, the Year 12s came together to celebrate at the heartwarming Good Luck Lunch. This lunch was coordinated by a group of Year 12 parents who generously volunteered their time and effort to organise this event. As the students entered the Maths Courtyard, they were greeted by a colourful sea of balloons, bearing the distinctive A.B. colours. It was a moment to capture memories and savour their last few days at the College.

Ms Sheehy addressed the cohort, imparting valuable guidance received from 2012 graduate, Andrew Vann, who credited his time at A.B. Paterson College with instilling the confidence, skills, and attributes that paved the path for his success. The students spent the afternoon in relaxation, cherishing one another's company before they embark on the final sprint towards their Year 12 conclusion and graduation.

This remarkable event would not have been possible without the incredible parents who worked tirelessly to plan and create this beautiful occasion. Our gratitude extends to the staff who contributed to the heartwarming 'Good Luck' video and to Michaela Wilson, whose efforts produced a wonderful short film to convey our best wishes to our students.

We trust that the events and well-wishes of the past week have expressed just how unwaveringly the College community supports our Year 12s as they enter this critical phase. It will pass in the blink of an eye, and we will soon be welcoming them back for their final few days at the College. In the meantime, Year 12s, make the most of your time. You have worked diligently for this moment, and we have every confidence that you will make yourselves and your College community immensely proud.

Your journey is an inspiration to us all, and we believe in you.

Charlotte Brook | Head of Senior School

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Do you remember special times spent with a grandparent? Did you call them Grandma, Nan, Granny, Nonna, Grandpa, Pop, Grandad or one of the many names given to those special people in our lives? I had a very special relationship with my grandparents, affectionately known as Nan and Pop! As I lived in a coastal town called Lancelin, which is north of Perth in Western Australia there were many opportunities for me to spend time with my Nan and Pop who also lived in Lancelin. I went fishing with them, helped in their vegetable garden, fed their budgies and finches, and built model planes and yachts with Pop and learnt how to cook (I mean taste the offerings!) with my Nan. We watched Test cricket together and had cups of tea and roast lamb sandwiches during break times. My grandparents got much joy from their grandchildren, and to this day my Nan who is 94 still has a very special place in my heart.

On Tuesday 17 October for the first time in 4 years we welcomed many of these special people to the College for our Grandparents and Special Friends Day hosted by the Junior School. The purpose of the day is to invite grandparents, who play such an important role in the lives of our students, to be part of our A.B. Paterson College community. What a great day they had! The grandparents visited their grandchildren’s class and saw and heard all about the wonderful work they do and the opportunities they have at school.

Why are Grandparents so important?

They offer unconditional love, they can listen and offer advice and encouragement.
They often have more time to share with their grandchildren. We want children to share time with as many invested, loving adults as possible.
They can be a wise source of information and experience.
They can help celebrate the milestones and achievements of their grandchildren with pride.
They can share with their grandchildren their life stories and challenges. This can help children understand family history, traditions and rituals which help develop their identity.
They can help make their grandchildren feel connected and special!

During my welcome speech I spoke of the importance of grandparents and what they can offer the current generation. Below is an excerpt:

“Grandparents are our heritage and are essential members of our families and communities. Your role in passing on the values of kindness, compassion and care is one that can never be replaced and the reason we are so privileged to share this time with you.

Grandparents are like shady trees. They are always there to offer their cool shade to the next generation. It seems that they have all the love, affection and warmth in the world stored within them. The unconditional warmth and infinite love create a special bond between the two generations.”

On this one day we had more than 700 grandparents and special friends attend which highlights their connection with the College and interest in what their grandchildren are doing. Grandparents can play an important role in helping their grandchildren thrive, and the most valuable gift they can give their grandchild is their time!

I wish to extend my thanks to all staff members and parent and student volunteers who helped make the day such a success. Without it would never have been possible.

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior School

Queensland School Sport - Results of Track and Field Championships

Congratulations to our 14 athletes who were selected to represent the College and the South Coast regional at the Queensland School Sport State Track and Field Championships. The Championships were held in Brisbane from Tuesday 10 to Sunday 15 October at QSAC in Brisbane.

Over the six days, students competed in a total of 16 events, achieving PBs and rising to the occasion.

Congratulations to all involved for a successful athletics season!

See below for a summary of results:

Student	Event	Place
Max Durre	Discus Throw	21st
Liam Glover	High Jump	11th
Grace Wolff	Discus Throw	17th
Grace Wolff	Shot Put	9th
Hudson Schultz	Shot Put	4th
Samuel Brookes	Hammer Throw	2nd
Jake Calver	Shot Put	6th
Ruslan Akimov	Triple Jump	6th
Ruby Hasted	Javelin Throw	6th
Gabriella Cannen	Hammer Throw	3rd
Hannah Coward	Hammer Throw	4th
Amelia Wolff	Hammer Throw	6th
Jessica Passmore	Hammer Throw	9th
Emilie Hutt	1500m	5th
Emilie Hutt	3000m Steeplechase	1st
Keangella Gutierrez	90m Hurdles	13th

The A.B. Brumbies Athletics Program will continue for the remainder of the year. Students who are achieving these outstanding results are training year-round and we look forward to welcoming new students to be involved with our successful and growing program. Please see the attached timetable that will run for the remainder of Term 4.

Students interested in additional competition opportunities should consider attending the Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships. This is a great opportunity for further competition and to track progress outside the regular school season. Please see the information and email Mr Stopel (mstopel@abpat.qld.edu.au) if you have any questions.

Matt Stopel | Head of Athletics & Assistant Head of HPE

Year 12 - Authentic Art Experience

On Day 2 of their Authentic Art Experience, the Year 12 Visual Art class visited Mint Art House, an artist-run gallery and studio space housing 14 talented artists.

They heard from Natalie Popovski, a self-taught artist and one of the co-founders of Mint Art House. She spoke to the students about how the studio operates, shared her experiences of applying for grants and other opportunities, and led an oil painting workshop.

Michael Motteram-Smith, best known for his large scale murals, also shared his experience working as a commissioned mural artist and conducted a practical spray paint, street art style workshop.

Students ended the day with a tour of Huxley's School of Make Up and saw some special FX face prosthetics being made. They also had an exclusive sneak peek at some fashion photographs from a professional shoot that are yet to be released.

Jackie Olivier | Assistant Head of Learning Enhancement & Visual Art

Students commenced their Year 12 Art Course by attending Day 1 of the annual Authentic Art Experience in Brisbane on Tuesday 10 October.

Beginning at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, they toured the 'sis' Pacific Art exhibition that explores three decades of art making from a sisterhood of artists across Oceania. They viewed the 'Gone Fishing' exhibition and participated in an immersive art experience by Natalya Hughes.

Their artistic adventures continued at the Queensland Art Gallery, where students saw the 'Living Patterns' exhibition focused on Abstraction in Art.

Next, at the Brisbane Powerhouse, they admired historical architecture and saw the Brisbane Portrait Prize Competition.

They finished the day by drawing and reflecting on what they had seen, sitting amongst the inflatable sculptures that have been installed for Night Feast!

Jackie Olivier | Assistant Head of Learning Enhancement & Visual Art