The College is once again buzzing with excitement as our students and families return from holidays in preparation of another busy year.
We extend an extra warm and special welcome to our Prep cohort who joined us on Tuesday and Wednesday for their very first day of school!
The start of this chapter is filled with learning, friendship and new opportunities, and we can't wait to witness the journey of our youngest students!
Welcome to Our Newest Senior Leaders
We would like to welcome and congratulate Mrs Charlotte Brook on her new position as Deputy Principal of A.B. Paterson College.
Mrs Brook has been part of the College community since 2015 and has had the privilege of witnessing its growth and development first-hand. She is excited to commence her new role as Deputy Principal!
"I am a committed and motivated educational leader and am eager to work alongside the exceptional students and dedicated staff at the College, continuing to foster a culture of excellence, care, and commitment. I am dedicated to delivering a safe, inclusive and effective teaching and learning environment, with a commitment to empowering those within our College community to achieve their very best."
Congratulations, Mrs Brook!
We invite our College community to meet and connect with our newest senior leaders at Matilda's Café on Tuesday 30th January or Thursday 1st February at 8:00am.
Welcome to all our New Staff Members
Join us in extending a warm welcome to the newest members of our A.B. Paterson College team!
With their fresh ideas and enthusiasm, we are delighted to have them onboard and excited they have chosen to join our College.
From the Principal's Desk
In an era characterised by rapid technological advancements and a constantly changing global landscape, the achievements of our students highlight the significance of adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning, underscored by Angela Duckworth's powerful concept of grit. Over the past holiday period, our staff members have read Duckworth's book Grit, and we are excited to incorporate its principles into our educational approach, influencing our students as they return to A.B. Paterson College.
Duckworth's insights on grit align seamlessly with our students' endeavours, emphasizing perseverance and passion for long-term goals. These accomplishments serve as a testament to the quality of education provided by A.B. Paterson College, reflecting the dedication and expertise of our staff. We are confident that integrating the principles of grit into our teaching approach will further enhance our students' resilience and determination.
The success achieved is a result of collaborative efforts within the community and our partnership with parents. Supporting students in their educational journey requires dedication, and we appreciate the unshakable confidence and faith you have shown in our ethos, values, and sense of purpose.
Moreover, the diverse range of student accomplishments emphasizes the vast potential residing within our young people. A.B. Paterson College has nurtured individuals with various talents, interests, and aspirations, aligning with Duckworth's emphasis on cultivating unique strengths. Each student's journey reflects the idea that everyone has something distinctive to offer, and our duty as a school is to foster and celebrate these talents.
From academic excellence to creative expressions, athletic prowess, and extensive volunteering, students consistently demonstrate determination and compassion. Duckworth's teachings on grit echo through these endeavours, showcasing that resilience and empathy know no bounds.
While celebrating our students' achievements, it is essential to recognize that with success comes responsibility. Duckworth's concept of grit encourages students to see their accomplishments as a tool for shaping the future. Empowered by their achievements, our students have the potential to make a positive impact on society, contribute to community betterment, and address the pressing challenges of our time.
As we start 2024, our commitment is to continue supporting and empowering students to channel their accomplishments into meaningful contributions to our College community and the world beyond the Gold Coast. These achievements, influenced by the principles of grit, are not the final destination but rather significant markers on their journey towards a brighter, more promising future for themselves and for all of us.
Joanne Sheehy | Principal
Induction of Senior Leaders
It was wonderful to see so many families at the Senior Induction today. Our Senior Induction showcased our Year 12 students and their exceptional leadership and commitment to the College. It was a ceremony that not only marked a significant milestone in their educational journey but also a moment filled with pride and excitement for the year ahead.
The ceremony was a fantastic example of our Seniors' dedication to the values that define A.B. Paterson College. These values – Excellence, Care, Commitment, Creativity, Leadership, Community, Respect, and Integrity – are the living ethos of our College community. It was inspiring to see these values brought to life by our students.
As our students step into their senior year, they embrace the vital role of being the custodians of our College's culture. This significant responsibility is one they have accepted with enthusiasm and maturity. They are poised to set a positive tone, uphold our cherished traditions, and pave the way for future generations.
We are thrilled to be part of this journey with our Seniors and look forward to supporting them throughout their most important and significant year of schooling. Their leadership and example will significantly contribute to fostering a vibrant and positive culture, enhancing the experience for all members of our college community. The legacy they are set to build this year will undoubtedly extend beyond the classroom and leave a lasting impact on the future of A.B. Paterson College.
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, we are confident in the transformative contributions our Year 12 students will make. They have our full support and dedication in their endeavours, and our unwavering commitment to support them to achieve their best. This year promises to be one of growth, success, and memorable experiences, and we are eager to witness the remarkable achievements they will accomplish.
Partnerships between home and school are critical in supporting students whilst at school, and this is true particularly for students in their final year of school. Our team of dedicated teachers and support staff will work tirelessly to support students throughout the year. If we can assist with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Once again, congratulations to our Year 12 students on a truly outstanding Senior Induction Ceremony. Your support and guidance as parents and guardians have been instrumental in shaping these exceptional young individuals. I am proud to be part of this community alongside such dedicated and inspiring students and their supportive families.
We are excited to announce the launch of A.B. Connect, our new Communications and Learning Management System (LMS). A.B. Connect aims to simplify the communication you receive as a parent, ensuring that the information is relevant to you and your child. Instead of emailing, the College community will now receive information through news posts on A.B. Connect. Personalised communication can be viewed on your news feed at the time of publishing, which is accessible at any time. If relevant information is posted to your news feed on a given day, you will receive one email (the News Digest) in the afternoon, summarising the day's communication. Clicking 'Read More' will take you to the full news post on A.B. Connect. Students will access their information in the same way – through their news feeds or the News Digest email.
Looking ahead, we will launch the LMS within A.B. Connect later this year. In the Junior School, students gain access from Term 3, while Secondary School students will engage with learning content starting Term 4.
To familiarise yourself, we have posted a recording of the introductory webinar in your news feed. For those facing technical difficulties, a support session is scheduled for Tuesday, 30 January, from 3:00pm to 3:30pm in the Elderslie Theatre. You can also reach out to us at connect@abpat.qld.edu.au for email support—we're here to help.
Rebecca Taylor | Director of e-Learning
Class of 2023 Examination Results and ATARs
What a fantastic result!
We would like to send our congratulations to the Class of 2023 for their external examination results and ATARs!
Congratulations to our four Top Achieving Students!
Well done!
AWLQ Honours the College
A.B. Paterson College strongly believes in teaching our students about the importance of giving back to the community.
At yesterday's assembly, students were delighted to receive a special visit from Mr Clooney and Animal Welfare League Queensland representatives Billie, Kath and Kelly.
AWLQ honoured the College with a plaque recognising the ongoing support that our students and staff have shown for their organisation, in particular for the Golden Hearts program. This special program works to support senior animals at the shelter, and our choirs regularly perform at their events in support of this.
Thank you, AWLQ, for your visit and the incredible work you do!
Old Collegian Achievement - Helena Merten
Old Collegian Helena Merten has achieved remarkable success, performing with Cirque du Soleil in their world-renowned Luzia show in Australia.
Helena has already travelled through parts of America, Europe and Asia with LUZIA, the first touring production to incorporate rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes. The Australian tour kicks off in Melbourne in March 2024 and moving on to Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.
Congratulations, Helena! We are immensely proud of your achievements and cannot wait to see what wonders you bring to the world of entertainment next!
As our youngest cohort embarked on their first days of school, we extended a warm welcome to all Prep parents for a delightful morning tea.We look forward to this journey with you and your children!
This event provided an opportunity to connect with fellow parents, engage with our Senior Leaders, and officially mark the beginning of this next chapter!
Thank you to everyone who joined us and for choosing A.B. Paterson College.
We look forward to this journey with you and your children!