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Dear Parents,

I am delighted to share the outstanding achievements of our students in academic, creative and sporting areas. It is also inspiring to see how our students influence our world for good and for God, as they walk in faith, integrity, respect and excellence. We celebrate with them as they reap the rewards of their dedication and hard work. Congratulations to all!

God bless you,

Mrs Ruth Gravestein
Principal

Literary Awards and Writers Festival Accolades

This year, several of our students participated in the Laura Literary Awards, coordinated by a creative writers’ group, the Rocky River ‘Riters. This competition is open to all in Australia, and our students achieved remarkable success. Congratulations to the following students who have been published in the ‘Winners’ booklet:

• Trini K (Year 4): First Place for her story ‘The Mysterious Map’.
• Gabriel H (Year 4): First Place for his poem ‘Silent Beauty’.Ìý
• Charmaine K (Year 6): Third Place for her story ‘Leo’s Odyssey to Save Two Worlds’.
• Ruyi Y (Year 6): Third Place for her poem ‘Remember’.

At the Australian Outback Writers Festival,ÌýOlivia L (Year 4)Ìýwon second Place in the Secondary School section for her story ‘The Great Escape’. Olivia received a monetary prize for her contribution.

Diploma of Business Students Graduate

The Diploma of Business Pathway is an exclusive program available for Year 11 students by invitation. This in-school program, delivered by our qualified trainers, allows students to earn a nationally accredited qualification while seamlessly integrating with their senior school curriculum. Students develop valuable skills in project management, presentations, and team communication. The diploma provides an ATAR selection rank between 82 and 87, beneficial for competitive university entry. Additionally, many Queensland universities may offer academic credit for this qualification, potentially reducing the time and cost of undergraduate studies. This pathway not only enhances career prospects but also supports a smoother transition to higher education. Congratulations to the graduating cohort of 2024, who finalised their qualification in August!

Academy of the Arts excels in competitive performance

Our Primary students shone brightly at the Redlands Eisteddfod with Alpha Band securing 1st place, Primary Band earning 2nd, and Simply Strings receiving a Highly Commended. Our Secondary students also excelled, with Chamber Strings, Concert Winds, Concert Band, and Jazz Jammers all taking 1st place. Special congratulations to Jazz Collective for their impressive 2nd place finish after being moved up a division. Additional accolades go to Secondary String Orchestra (2nd), Voiceworx (3rd), Bella Voce (3rd), and The Blokes (Highly Commended).

In addition, our Jazz Collective received the ‘Best Upcoming Jazz Ensemble’ award at the Jazzin Up the Mall Festival in the Brisbane CBD. This festival features over 100 groups and ensembles, and only around 10 awards are given out, making this recognition particularly positive. Well done to all our talented musicians!

First place at the Gold Coast ShowÌý

Congratulations toÌýLili B (Year 9)Ìýwho won first place in the Age 15-18 Drawing category for her artwork titled ‘Windswept’.Ìý

Junior Pan Pacific Champions

Congratulations toÌýThomas B (Year 12)Ìýwho represented Australia at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships. As part of the Junior Australian Swim Team, Thomas won GOLD in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay. Held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, the championship draws the world’s best from America, Canada, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Argentina. Ìý

National and International medals in speed skating

BrothersÌýDeclan H (Year 6) and Bryan HÌý(Year 4)Ìýrepresented Queensland at a four-state competition. Declan won First Place in the 500m race and Second Place in the 777m race. Bryan secured Third Place in both the 500m and 777m races. Together with their team, they won First Place in the 2000m relay. Declan was also nominated as the most improved skater in 2024 by Australian Ice Racing. The Queensland team reclaimed the championship title. ÌýDeclan and Bryan represented Australia in the Junior D (Under 12) level at the Asian Open Trophy in Indonesia. Declan won First Place in the 777m Final B-race and achieved a top 6 finish in the Junior D level. Bryan reached the semi-finals in all his races, and both achieved personal bests in some of their races.

Volleyball – Metropolitan Finals

Both the Year 7 and Year 8 Boys Teams triumphed in their semi-finals, advancing to the grand finals. Congratulations to both teams for their impressive performance against tough competition, ultimately securing the runners-up position in the Metropolitan region.

Athletics – Mount Gravatt DistrictÌý

The Mount Gravatt District Trials highlight the exceptional talent and sportsmanship of our dedicated students. This event marks the initial step in offering our students the chance to advance through the Representative School Sport Pathway.ÌýCongratulations to all students who represented »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ÍøÕ¾ with excellence and to our students who earned District representative honours:ÌýLeo CÌý(100m, 200m),ÌýKarl JÌý(Discus, Shot Put),ÌýYulin JÌý(100m),ÌýKnox LÌý(100m, 200m, Long Jump),ÌýAria TÌý(Discus),ÌýOlivia CÌý(800m),ÌýHannah CÌý(High Jump),ÌýHunter LÌý(100m, 200m),ÌýObinna OÌý(100m, 200m, High Jump, Long Jump),ÌýElijah CÌý(100m, 200m), andÌýRuby CÌý(High Jump).

Football – Metropolitan East Team

Congratulations to Cameron dP (Year 7) who was selected for the Metropolitan East regional team after an outstanding performance at the regional trial. Cameron contributed the most goal assists across the day and the team won all three games without conceding a single goal! 

Gymnastics – State competition

Congratulations toÌýJacinta F (Year 6): Achieved First Place in her freehand routine, Third Place in her ball routine, Fifth Place in her ribbon routine, and First Place overall in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Queensland Junior Challenge 2 Competition.

Students ‘Walk for Water’ to help children in needÌý

Our Year 7 and Year 9 students have raised over $6,800 by partnering with Would Vision Australia. This remarkable effort not only raises awareness but also provides much-needed funds for families struggling with access to clean drinking water and food security. Thank you to all our students and supporters for their dedication and generosity.

Heidi T (pictured second from the left) featured in the Gold Coast Bulletin.Ìý

A role model for supporting children with illness or disability

At »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ÍøÕ¾, we encourage our students to develop an attitude of Christian service. We commend Heidi T (Year 1) and her family for supporting Kidz Fashion Week, an event supporting children and teenagers living with cancer, illness, or disability.

We are incredibly proud of all our students and their achievements.