This quote from Eleanor Roosevelt is something I tell my students often. As children, and as adults, we often stop trying things for fear of humiliation; or intimidation that someone may turn it around and make you feel worse about yourself. Fear can be debilitating but instead I ask all our students to use this quote to encourage them to have a positive mindset. It is about self-esteem and rising above those who may be jealous of you, or threatened by your talents and having the internal strength to believe in yourself; give it a go and remember – another person can try and make you feel bad… but it’s up to you whether you take that on board!

I wanted to discuss this as I was reminded by a student from Moldova at the recent Global Round of World Scholar's cup, just how debilitating this fear can be. This student was about to do a debate and was standing outside and said, “I can’t do it – I have had people laugh at me before; the adjudicator will think I am stupid”. Well, I couldn’t just stand there and not say anything, so I told this student about my favourite quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. I explained that if you live in fear and don’t try then those who laughed and made you feel bad, win. Why let them win? Why live in fear of failure when you should live in hope for success. Only you can consent to them making you feel inferior. It doesn’t matter if you achieve success but as long as you try then you win because you have conquered that fear. I encourage all our students to not be complacent; to not let fear of others’ opinions or their negative thoughts rule your success. Instead smile and know that inside, you have got this… win/fail/lose/succeed – you have got this because at least you had the courage to try! I believe in you!

Belinda Pilgrim | Head of Academic Academy

What wonderful success was achieved in Seoul at the Global Round with students from the Academic Academy!

With more than 1600 students and 30 countries in attendance, all 10 teams qualified for the Tournament of Champions! Our school came home with 165 Gold Medals, 100 Silver medals and more than a dozen trophies!!

World Scholar’s Cup is an incredible competition where students sit a written exam; take part in a collaborative writing challenge; compete in a Scholar’s Bowl and do three debates with only 15 minutes preparation. They study six disciplines – History, Art and Music, Literature and Media, Special Interest, Science and Technology and Social Studies, and it is based around a certain theme. The theme for 2023 is ‘Reconstructing the Past’ and our students have learned so much about a variety of things across the world. It was founded by Daniel Berdichevsky and the first competition took place in Korea in 2007 so it was an absolute honour for us to attend the Global Round there this year. The students from A.B. Paterson College worked incredibly hard to achieve the amazing results above.

We also had a wonderful time in Seoul; visiting some Royal Palaces in traditional dress; learning how to make rice cakes; visiting the DMZ Peace train and go down into one of the tunnels between the South and the North. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to witness different lifestyles and cultures and appreciate many things they often take for granted.

A special congratulations to Matilda Grant who came fourth overall as an individual; Agan Pillai, Finlay Proverbs and Abigail Harrison who finished in 5th place overall as a team, and to Ramandeep Sethi who placed 1st in Literature and Media.

Belinda Pilgrim | Head of Academic Academy

Last weekend, 11 students took part in a Silver Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Camp. Unlike the more traditional expedition orientated camps which have been based in the tropical rainforests within the Gold Coast hinterland, this camp took place in the parklands and natural surrounds of Brisbane as part of an 'Urban Exploration'.

Students explored the city environment, working upon personal projects based around urban related topics. They carried out a comparative study of the predominantly manicured Brisbane parks with the Gold Coast’s more natural untouched parklands. Topics included the impact of humans on the environment, how do cycle paths/designated pathways and footpaths etc. impact on the natural features on the park and what is the impact of artificially designed parks on the natural environment (fauna and flora).

All students had a great time and the group dynamics, team spirit and enthusiastic approach to leadership tasks during the weekend's activities was excellent. The winter weather conditions, although not hot, were perfect for walking and exploring previously unknown parks and gardens. Students visited the most beautiful parks within Brisbane’s CBD. These included Roma Street Parklands, New Farm Park, Brisbane’s Southbank Gardens, Dutton Park, University of Queensland Lakes and GOMA.

Students were accompanied by teachers - Miss Meghan Beckett, Mr James King and Head of Outdoor Education Mr Andrew Sole.

Andrew Sole | Head of Outdoor Education

The 100 Days of School celebration is a special and cherished tradition at A.B Paterson College. 

It is not just a fun event for our students, but also a meaningful way to look back on how far each and every child has gone in their first formal year of schooling.

During this celebration, our students reach a significant milestone, and we take the time to acknowledge their achievements and hard work. By doing so, we encourage them to feel proud of their progress and inspire them to keep learning and exploring new things.

On Wednesday 26 July, all Prep students celebrated their 100th day of school. All students enjoyed participating in learning opportunities centred around the number 100. There were many laughs and excitement as the students participated in each activity and they enjoyed a well-deserved and delicious treat at lunchtime – a cupcake!

Our 100 Days of School celebration brings together our teachers, students, and parents, strengthening our College community. This supportive network creates an encouraging environment where children feel safe to ask questions, share their ideas, and seek help when needed.

As part of this celebration, we also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. All children were asked to bring in 100 items – yes 100 items to school! Students enjoyed counting their items to see what 100 really looks like.

Overall, the 100 Days of School celebration is a significant milestone that represents the progress our children make in their education.

Jade Lucy, Rebecca Tonkin, Jacinta Lauder & Trent Davis | Prep Teaching Team

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

Jingeri A.B Community!

What is Children’s Day?

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is our national day dedicated to celebrating our children. Children’s Day is celebrated across the country each year on 4 August.

It is an opportunity for us to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

Didgeridoo

The College community celebrated by changing the College bells to the digeridoo. This brought about excitement throughout the day, as the students and staff enjoyed the sounds of the digeridoo at the beginning of all lessons and breaks.

First Nations Games

The Junior School students enjoyed a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander games at morning tea. A big thank you to the Year 6 Leaders for hosting the First Nation Games. This was a fun and engaging w

ay to learn about culture! Some of the games included Kai, Gorri and Kangaroo. As this was so popular, the Year 6 Leaders have volunteered to run more of these games at lunch time for the remainder of the school term.

Little J and Big Cuz

Years 1-3 students had the opportunity to enjoy a screening of Little J and Big Cuz in the Lilly Pilly Learning Centre. Once again, this was very popular so the Billabong in the Winton Centre also hosted a session at the same time. This popular cartoon series celebrates Aboriginal culture and even broadcasts in various Aboriginal languages.

There have also been many amazing lessons taking place in classrooms with a focus on First Nation culture. If you’d like to understand Children’s Day further, please click on the link below for more information- What is Children’s Day? | National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day (aboriginalchildrensday.com.au)

Thank you for your ongoing support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Baugull wanyi

Samantha Middleton | Year 2 Teacher

Last Friday 28 July, parents and friends of our string players gathered in the Elderslie Theatre for a lovely afternoon of music. From our very youngest Banjo Strings members through to our senior Winton players, each student was able to present a performance that showcased their individual talents as well as their developing ensemble skills.

With repertoire ranging from the Can Can to Russian Fantasy, our five string ensembles performed for a full house of very supportive friends and family. Special thanks to our strings teachers, Ms Kristil Cowdrey, Mr Philip Jack and Miss Rira Kong, for their preparation of the students, Ms Kristil Cowdrey for her wonderful organisation of the event, Mrs Lexene Marquenie for her lovely accompaniment, and Mr Andrew Montfroy and Mrs Hayley Walkley for their support and organisation of the student performers.

Well done to all of our Banjo, Clancy, Kookaburra, Matilda and Winton Strings players whose performances showcased just how much can be achieved with practice and teamwork!

Sharyn Walker-Joyce | Head of The Arts

A big congratulations to the Senior Saxophone Quartet 

for being awarded 2nd place in the Twenty Years & Under Strings/Wind/Brass Quartet category at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. 

The quartet, consisting of students, Sunny Liu, Joshua Thacker, Harry Argent and Jacob Carr, and conducted by Mr Alex Fletcher, achieved wonderful results against other competing high schools as well as university students from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. 

Well done boys and all the best for your upcoming Quintet entry in Week 5.

Sharyn Walker-Joyce | Head of The Arts

Peter Ketchell from Year 9 recently had the opportunity to attend the Big Brisbane Bass Day held at the Queensland Old Museum, home of the Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra. 

An initiative of renowned bassist, Marian Heckenberg, the day bought together various world class bassists and pedagogues of Brisbane who provided specialist education in a supportive, non-competitive and unique environment. 

The day concluded with Peter and College Bass Tutor, Mr Philip Jack, performing with over 100 double bass players on stage in the Concert Hall. 

We hope you thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous experience Peter!

Sharyn Walker-Joyce | Head of The Arts

A huge congratulations must go to the following students who have received wonderful feedback and results from adjudicators at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. The eisteddfod is the largest youth performing arts competition in Australia and we are so lucky to have access to such a fabulous event right here on our doorstep!

Year 10 pianist, Cody Lazarus took out 1st place in a field of 17 competitors with his winning performance of Elton John’s classic, Bennie and the Jets. Cody was commended for incorporating great dynamic shape and personality within his ‘excellent rendition’ of the piece. Well done Cody! You have made your family, piano teacher and the College very proud and we can’t wait to have the opportunity to hear you play at the College.

Meanwhile, Year 11 cello student, Felix Chen was awarded 3rd place in the highly anticipated Upper and Lower Strings Solo – Grade 7 and 8 Level (20 years and under) section at the eisteddfod. Well done Felix for achieving such a wonderful result in this incredibly varied and competitive division!

Finally, a two-fold victory for Year 12 student, Joe Dejima, who won 1st place for his performance in the Australian Composition section. Not only was Joe awarded the medal for his beautiful piano rendition, he was also the composer of the work Reminiscent Rain. The adjudicator complimented Joe on his "totally enthralling" composition whilst praising the way he performed with "moments of delightful relief and poignancy". Joe is hoping to pursue a career in composition so we can’t wait to see and hear where Joe’s musical talents take him in the future.

Congratulations to Thomas Wu of Year 4 who performed beautifully at the eisteddfod. Thomas’s tuning and technique were excellent, and we are so pleased to hear that the adjudicator also mentioned his sensitive interpretation – something that is very difficult at such a young age! Well done on your wonderful efforts, Thomas. The College is very proud of your Very Highly Commended placing and we look forward to watching and supporting your musical journey.

Sharyn Walker-Joyce | Head of The Arts

Congratulations to our APS Athletics Teams who competed at Somerset College over the last two days. We are very proud of our students’ individual achievements as well as our team results.

Below is a summary of our overall results. These are the best for our teams in over 10 years!

A full article will be published in next week’s Illalong (11 August), including individual student achievements!

Congratulations to all students who represented the College with pride and achieved outstanding results.

Athletics training will resume next week - Athletics Timetable for Weeks 5-10 in Term 3. We look forward to seeing you there!

Matt Stopel | Head of Athletics & Assistant Head of HPE

News of yet another incredible sporting achievement from one of our students!

Year 6 student Benjamin Clark has been playing pickleball for the last two years. Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia.

Benjamin has competed both within Australia and overseas competitions for the past few years, including the Asian Championships in Thailand, World Championships in Bali and Hawaii Championships.

As one of the youngest players in the country, at 11 years old, he has been competing with older kids and adults.

During the last school holidays, Benjamin competed in the Queensland Pickleball State Championships for Boys Double Under 17 division and won the gold medal!

In August, he will compete in the Oceania Pickleball Open, which is the first international tournament in Australia.

Congratulations, Benjamin, and best of luck in your upcoming competition!

Nathan Burgess | Director of Activities

Congratulations to Matthew Dalziel (Year 4) who competed at MAG Albany Creek Gymnastics Club Grand Prix in Level 3 Open on Sunday 23 July. 

Matthew was awarded 1st place on Floor and Pommel Horse, 2nd place on Parallel Bars and Rings and 3rd place on High Bar. 

Matthew was also awarded 1st place Overall.

Well done Matthew!

The 2023 version of the Inspire Business Directory has arrived!

A.B. Paterson College has had an amazing response from the community for this year’s edition. The Inspire Business Directory allows the College to support parents, caregivers, and members of the broader school community, with the opportunity to promote their business.

Please take the time to have a look, you might be pleasantly surprised with some special discount offers, or the opportunity to find a new service provider from within the College community.

A big thank you to all of the family businesses who have supported the A.B. Paterson College Foundation and advertised in this year’s edition. We look forward to supporting you and your families.

Click here to view the 2023 Inspire Business Directory. Enjoy!

Tegan Parker | Head of Foundation and Alumni