Illalong Newsletter - 28 April 2023 | A.B. Paterson College

Sense of Self

A.B. Paterson College. Three little words (well actually two words and an acronym). What do they mean? Who are we and what do we stand for? The most obvious and the easiest answer is that we are a co-educational, ECC – Year 12 non-denominational school. However accurate this is, it does not actually tell us anything below the superficiality of a name of an organisation, and the sterile description of who we cater for, without really describing who we cater for. That sounds a little odd, but I think it makes some sense. So again, who are we and what do we do that allows us and others to truly understand the depth of who we collectively are?

One of our College values is ‘Respect’. This tangible thing that we all understand but, at times, have trouble articulating. It is the things that bring us together, that binds us to each other and a place, and be truly immersed within. It is a feeling. It is an action, a behaviour. It is the appreciation of differences in people and the world around us.

Over the last week, who we are has been demonstrated in a number of ways. As an example, last Friday we had our annual ANZAC Assembly with Mr Ken Golden, OAM President of North Gold Coast RSL Sub- Branch as the guest speaker which was followed by many staff and students attending various ANZAC Day services at Helensvale, Upper Coomera and Seachange Arundel on the 25 April. This has been a true sign of respect from all members of the community to all those men and women who served and are still serving our country to make it the place it is. The College wishes to express our thanks to all staff, students, parents, and the wider community who assisted in making these events happen as without respect for each other this will have not come together so seamlessly.

On the week starting Monday 8 May, we have the commencement of Mother’s Day stalls from 7:30am on both Monday 8 May and Tuesday 9 May as per the recent communication. Nestled in the middle of that week, we have our Open Day where we have an opportunity to share with the greater community who and what we are. This is where we appreciate and value the cultural and individual differences of our community which is a true sign of respect. The week concludes with our annual Mother’s Day breakfast which will occur in the Lower Maths Centre on Friday 12 May from 7:30am. A massive thank you in advance to Friends of A.B. Paterson College (FAB) for all their work which has gone into both the stalls and the breakfast. It is very much appreciated.

Student relationships, staff involvement, parental interactions all demonstrating an exceptionally strong sense of belonging; belonging to the A.B. Paterson College community, belonging to the wider community, demonstrates a deep sense of what is so special about our College.

Respect is tangible, and proudly at A.B. Paterson College this value is abundant and truly visible across all stakeholders.

It is worked on and at the forefront of what we do, each and every day! It demonstrates our sense of self as a College and defines who we are and what we want to be going forward.

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior School

ANZAC Day 2023

On Friday 21 April the College’s annual Anzac Day service was held in the DMPC. Although a sombre event, the service offered each and every one of our students and members of staff the opportunity to pay their respects. We were fortunate to have Mr Ken Golden, OAM President of North Gold Coast RSL Sub-Branch in attendance, speaking of the 108-year anniversary of ANZAC, 109-year anniversary of World War 1 and the values of teamwork, endurance, perseverance and mateship that are fundamental for our service men and women. He also reiterated the importance of passing on the tradition of honouring those who fought for our countries to the youth of today and the youth of tomorrow.

Students from Prep – Year 12 were in attendance and each year group in the Junior School made a wreath that was laid at the Peace Grove after the Service. During the service, 30 of our Year 6 students laid the badges of local servicemen at the lectern whilst Year 12 student, Amity Fielding, read out the servicemen’s names to recognise their service and pay their respects. This year, we honoured A.B. Paterson College 2018 graduate, Thomas Halloran who served his country with valour and pride. Thomas was recognised again and by his colleagues and superiors as an exceptional soldier and mate and, in honour of Thomas’s memory, we have installed a small plaque in the College’s Peace Grove.

Year 6 student Aarya Rudrawar presented a moving rendition of the poem, In Flanders Fields by John McCrea and our Chamber Choir and Year 7 and 8 Choir, conducted by Ms Rachel Newcombe and accompanied by Mrs Lexene Marquenie, beautifully performed the hymn, The Recessional, In Flanders Fields by John McCrea, John Jacobson and Roger Emmerson and Always Remember by Ian Jefferson.

I wish to extend a very big thank you to the many staff and students who attended the various ANZAC Day marches on Tuesday 25 April. A long-standing tradition of the College is to have a presence at ceremonies in Helensvale, Seachange Arundel and Upper Coomera. Lawson House Vice-Captain, Amity Fielding, presented a moving speech at Seachange Arundel and spoke of the sacrifices made by those who have come before us, and to live by the values of courage, mateship, and sacrifice. Our Chamber Choir performed moving renditions of Always Remember and Flanders Fields at the Dawn Service in Helensvale, and many students and staff attended the March and Service at Upper Coomera, with our Year 7 and 8 Choir performing at the Upper Coomera Service.

Each and every student who attended the various services across the Gold Coast should feel very proud of themselves for taking the time to pay their respects to the men and women who have served this country to give us the freedom that we now enjoy.

Charlotte Brook | Head of Senior School

They shall grow not old, as we that are left to grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.