The Prep Ball lit up with neon colours, fairy-tale vibes, and dazzling dress-ups!
A huge thank you to our Prep parents and volunteers for bringing the event to life, our fabulous FAB committee for the delicious food, and our amazing Year 11s for generously giving their time.
The Prep Ball is always a highlight of the calendar, bringing our community together in such a special way.
This week, A.B. Paterson College was transformed into a vibrant hub of literary excitement as students and staff celebrated Children’s Book Week 2025, themed Book an Adventure. From Monday through Thursday, the College embraced the joy of reading with a series of engaging activities designed to spark imagination and foster a lifelong love of books.
Highlights included:
A.B. Paterson College is proud to support the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s mission to promote literature and literacy. Book Week 2025 was not only a celebration of books but a reminder of the power stories have to connect and inspire; everyone has a story to share.
Kelly Whiteway | Head of Library Services
On Sunday 14 September, the Grand Finals of the Gold Coast Debating competition were held at Bond University, ending the season for students in Year 7 to Year 12.
This year, we entered 27 teams into the GCD competition, and they debated against teams from schools across the Gold Coast, as far south as Lindisfarne Anglican School and as far north as Rivermount College. The teams demonstrated resilience, tenacity and eagerness in their debates and were keen to develop their debating skills.
The following achievements are notable:
Team 2 (Ayub, Dinuki, Lilium, Miki, Seeret) and Team 3 (Byron, Finlay, Kaleb, Mitchell) in the Open A division progressed as far as the quarter finals.
Overall, this season was another successful one for A.B. Paterson College debaters as they grew in their teamwork and commitment.
There are a number of people to thank, including Acting Director of Co-Curricular Activities, Matt Stopel and Head of Co-Curricular Sport, Sara Eade; volunteer student coaches in Years 10-12; the staff who supervised students at debating venues; and parents for supporting their children with attending these venues.
Kelly Whiteway | Debating Coordinator
Huge congratulations to our Years 9–11 students who shone at this year’s Academic Academy Showcase.
Each student delivered a powerful 3-Minute Thesis, sharing original research with confidence, creativity, and skill.
Special shoutout to our scholarship winners, each receiving a $100 credit towards a Bond University Learn for Credit Course:
A heartfelt thank you to Lucy Fisher, Senior Teaching Fellow (PR & Advertising) at Bond University, for inspiring us with her keynote on Artificial Intelligence in education and communication.
Anne Wood | Head of Academic Academy
Konnichiwa. After an early start this morning, our bus whisked everyone to Brisbane Airport in record time and we were on our way before we knew it. The group has now arrived safely in Japan and we’re thrilled to report there were no issues at all, just plenty of excitement!
It’s around 30 °C at 10 p.m., so our travellers were greeted with a warm (and very Japanese!) welcome. Students are tired but buzzing, and their first stop after landing was a classic: Lawson convenience store, where they eagerly stocked up on Japanese snacks to refuel after the long journey.
Not many photos from today—as naturally checking in, boarding, going through security, immigration and customs with 37 students is no easy task—but we’ve attached a few happy snaps from along the way, with many more to come as the adventure unfolds.
Everyone is happy, well, and looking forward to a good night’s rest before the adventures begin tomorrow.
After a well-earned rest, our travellers awoke to a delicious buffet breakfast at our Osaka Airport hotel, offering both Japanese and Western favourites. Suitcases were checked through to our Kyoto destination for the day after tomorrow, so with only backpacks on our shoulders we set off for a true Japanese commuting adventure.
Two different local trains carried us from Osaka into the lush hills of Wakayama Prefecture, before a spectacular cable-car ride whisked us up the steep slopes of Mount Kōya (Kōyasan).
Perched over 800 metres above sea level, Kōyasan is the heart of Shingon Buddhism, a tradition founded in the 9th century by the revered monk Kūkai (also known as Kōbō Daishi). Our guides shared stories of Kūkai’s quest for enlightenment and how he established this sacred mountain as a centre of study and meditation more than 1,200 years ago.
Before diving into the history, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese lunch, beautifully presented and full of regional flavours. Energised, the group split into two smaller teams for a peaceful 4-kilometre walk through Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery. Towering cedars, moss-covered stone lanterns, and thousands of memorials created a serene atmosphere as students learnt about ancient burial practices and the belief that Kūkai still rests in eternal meditation at the far end of the trail.
As the late-afternoon mist rolled in, we made our way to our overnight stay in a working Buddhist monastery. The delighted squeals said it all: each tatami-mat room came with its own private shower and toilet, easing worries about traditional communal bathing! After settling in, everyone savoured a beautifully prepared shōjin ryōri dinner, an elegant, vegetarian cuisine enjoyed by Buddhist monks, before quietly retiring for the night.
Tomorrow promises new adventures, but for now our students are falling asleep surrounded by cedar forests, ancient legends, and the gentle rhythm of temple life.
Today another incredible chapter of our Japan adventure.
While some students enjoyed a peaceful sleep on their futons atop soft tatami mats, others braved the early morning chill to join the monks of Sekishōin Monastery for their dawn prayers. This serene experience offered a glimpse into the centuries-old spiritual traditions of Mount Kōya.
After a nourishing shōjin ryōri (Buddhist vegetarian) breakfast, the group split into morning missions.
A spirited running crew set off through the quiet streets of Kōya-san with Mr Edgar and Mr Davis.
Two other groups, lead by myself and Teranishi Sensei, embarked on an intrepid hunt for a Family Mart, an epic quest rewarded by triumphant snack purchases and a celebratory stop at a local ice-cream shop under the warming sun.
Soon after, we descended the mountain by cable car and wound our way through rice-field vistas en route to Kyoto. Excitement bubbled as Kyoto Tower came into view and we checked in to our hotel conveniently located near the station.
The afternoon was devoted to cultural immersion. Travelling by subway, we reached a traditional tea venue where students learned the refined art of preparing and drinking matcha. (Unlike the classic kneeling position, chairs were provided for comfort.) A highlight was meeting an 18-year-old maiko, an apprentice geisha, who shared candid insights into her training, daily routines, and the preservation of Kyoto’s performing arts heritage.
As evening fell, students enjoyed free time to explore dinner options around Kyoto Station before turning in for a well-earned rest.
Tomorrow, the group heads to the much-anticipated Osaka Expo 2025 for another day of discovery.
Michelle Barriga | Languages Teacher
Today our travellers braved one of the hottest, most crowded days of the trip to visit the World Expo 2025 site on Yumeshima Island in Osaka. World Expos are global showcases of ideas, technology and culture, and the Osaka event - officially themed Designing Future Society for Our Lives - brings together nations and organisations to present cutting-edge innovations in sustainability, food, health and design.
Getting there was a feat in itself. With temperatures soaring and trains packed to the brim, our journey involved multiple transfers and serious teamwork. At several stations we, as staff, literally had to give gentle pushes to squeeze students into the carriages before the doors closed. By the time we arrived on Yumeshima, cold water had never tasted so good.
After passing through security, where patience and hydration were our best friends, students had free time to explore. Most made a beeline for ice-cream, shaved ice and regional delicacies from around Japan to cool down before our 2 p.m. entry to the Japan Pavilion. Inside, we discovered how microscopic algae may help power a sustainable future, from producing clean energy and oxygen to supporting new food sources. Interactive displays highlighted algae’s role in absorbing carbon dioxide and even creating bio-materials for everyday use.
From the Expo, Year 10 student James Walduck expertly guided us across the city to Nagai Park for our next stop, the much-anticipated teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka. Just as we were about to begin, the evening sky lit up with dramatic flashes of lightning, forcing an evacuation into a nearby building. Turning challenge into opportunity, our students used the unexpected delay to rehearse their upcoming performance for Honjo Higashi High School. Their impromptu showcase quickly drew a sizeable crowd of fellow visitors, no doubt a few TikTok videos of our dancers are now circulating online!
Although the storm ultimately cancelled our teamLab experience, the day became a test of resilience and creativity, proving that unexpected detours can lead to some of the trip’s most memorable moments.
Michelle Barriga | Languages Teacher
This morning we arrived at Universal Studios Japan to the pounding beat of Lady Gaga’s brand-new track “The Dead Dance”, perfectly setting the spooky Halloween mood for our much-anticipated day. All through the park we were met with cheerful “Happy Halloween!” greetings, and it wasn’t long before nearly everyone was sporting fun character headwear purchased along the way, Mario caps, Pokémon hats, Kitty-chan (Hello Kitty) bows, and roaring dinosaur heads that quickly became the most popular accessories of the day. Everywhere we went felt like one giant costume party. Excitement was high from the very first step inside, and it was game-on straight away as students launched into the day’s special challenge.
🎢 Universal Studios Japan – Fun Check-In Challenge! 🎉
I even braved the Zombie Fear Factory with Mr Davis, Mr Edgar and Miss Dayaram. The best moment came when Mr Davis spun around to scare us but instead gave two unsuspecting Japanese ladies, who had quietly slipped ahead, the biggest jump scare of their lives. Nearly all our groups took on this attraction, and their reactions were quite ‘epic’ to say the very least (inside tour joke!).
From there, we explored The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where students stocked up on wands, sipped sweet Butterbeer, and practised spells along Hogsmeade’s cobblestone lanes. Some braved the twisting Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, soaring through Hogwarts with squeals and wide eyes, while others queued for the family-friendly thrills of Flight of the Hippogriff.
Next stop was the wild river adventure of Jurassic Park. Groups screamed their way through the splash-filled Jurassic Park: The Ride, keeping a wary eye on the towering T-Rex overhead and getting drenched in the process, while daredevils conquered the high-speed loops of The Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster. Between rides, students ducked into snack stands for Pokémon popcorn buckets, giant turkey legs, and Halloween-themed treats.
Others chased thrills on Hollywood Dream’s backwards coaster or joined the mischievous fun of the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride.
As night fell, the entire park transformed into a Halloween spectacle. Zombie J-pop dance crews burst into perfectly choreographed routines across the streets, chainsaw-wielding ghouls darted out from the shadows, and the night climaxed with the Dead Dance to Lady Gaga’s own song, a spine-tingling, high-energy finale that capped a day packed with thrills, laughter, and memories to treasure forever.
A special mention goes to Year 9 student Elle Uyar who got to experience her 15th birthday with her besties today. Hope it was memorable Elle!
Michelle Barriga | Languages Teacher
As Term 3 draws to a close, our in-class chess tournaments have wrapped up with a flourish of brilliant moves, bold blunders and unforgettable rivalries. Across all year levels, students brought their A-game to the board, proving once again that chess is alive and thriving.
Below are some of the term’s standout achievements and ribbon recipients, as awarded by chess coaches:
Monday’s Groups
Group 1 Placements
Group 2 Placements
Friday’s Groups
Group A Placements
Group B Placements
Group C Placements
Lessons Learned - Beyond the ribbons and accolades, Term 3’s tournaments were a masterclass in resilience and growth. Students learned to anticipate, adapt and analyse under pressure.
What’s Next? With Term 4 on the horizon, here are some important dates:
Congratulations to all our players for a term full of passion, precision and progress. Whether you won, lost, or drew, you played with heart and that’s what makes a true chess player.
Lena White | Chess Club Co-Ordinator
Congratulations to Samantha Smithers (Year 12) who recently returned from a week in Pottsville, representing Queensland in the Under 19 School Girls Cricket team.
Samantha was honoured with the role of Captain, leading with focus, strategy, and passion. Her leadership on the field earned glowing feedback from coaches and parents alike for her sharp game plans and field placements.
Over five days, the team faced a strong NSW side in a tough series. This year marked a breakthrough — QLD claimed their first-ever win in the competition’s three-year history, taking out the One Day 50 Over match! They came heartbreakingly close in the T20, falling just 3 runs short.
Samantha’s standout performance saw her top-score with 39 runs in the T20 and earn MVP honours from the NSW team. She’s now competed in all three years of this tournament — what an incredible finish to a stella School Cricket journey!
Sara Eade | Head of Co-Curricular Sport
We are proud to announce that two student teams from A.B. Paterson College are finalists in the prestigious Mayor’s Technology & Innovation Awards, which celebrate the brightest ideas shaping the future of the Gold Coast.
Team Sunpost
Sunpost have designed a solar-powered streetlight that’s more than just a light – it’s a smart, sustainable hub that connects people, events, and places through an interactive screen. It’s both an information station and a cultural landmark, enhancing community engagement while promoting sustainability.
Team Yummy
Yummy have created a compact, reusable smart tag that helps reduce food waste. Using gas, temperature, and humidity sensors, it monitors freshness and alerts you via a colour-changing display and smartphone notifications – so you will know when food is starting to spoil.
Vote Now – It’s Quick and Easy!
Help our students launch their big ideas by voting for Sunpost and Yummy in the link below:
Mayor's Technology and Innovation Awards - People's Choice Voting Survey
Voting closes Monday, 13 October – don’t miss your chance to support the innovators of tomorrow!
If your family is relocating at the end of this year, written notification of student departure should be provided to the College by the first day of Term 4, Tuesday 7 October, as agreed to in the Contract of Enrolment signed on acceptance of an enrolment place. Where this notice is not provided, the College may charge one term’s fees in lieu of notice, as budgets are prepared on student numbers.
Please email Head of Admissions, Karen Milburn at KMilburn@abpat.qld.edu.au if your family will not be at the College for the start of the 2026 school year.
Join our Learn to Swim Holiday Intensive Program from Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October 2025.
The program runs for one week. Swimmers receive a half hour lesson each day (at the same time) for five days. They will be grouped according to their ability. Classes will run from 8:00am.
The cost for the program is $75 per child (Inc. GST). Families are to be invoiced to your school account the week of the program.
Please contact us to book your child/ren in by Monday 22 September 2025. For all enquiries and bookings, email: swimlessons@abpat.qld.edu.au. Please leave your child’s name, age/ability and contact details in your message/email.
For more information, OPEN the attached flyer.
Peter Gee | Swim Coach & Pool Manager
We will offer 6 sessions over this holiday period to keep our momentum going and enjoy this spring weather. Monday and Wednesday sessions will be 'normal' hour long sessions and we are introducing new Friday Fun Challenges.
All students in Year 3 and above are welcome to attend the Monday/Wednesday sessions. These will be 7.30-8.30am.
For the Friday Fun Sessions, if you are a younger student or just beginning your running journey, it is suggested that you chose the shorter distance or run with a parent. Due to the nature of the challenges, we will need to keep moving.
I have created a FORM HERE to try to gauge interest in these Fun Friday Challenges and also the Oxenford one for catering/dietary regarding the BBQ. Please feel free to fill this in if you know that you/your child are interested in the challenge. There is no need to commit if you are unsure or if your circumstances change during holidays it does not matter - this is just for Steve and I to gauge numbers, whether we need to be looking to 'pick students up' at the halfway points and for dietary.
Please email tmitchell@abpat.qld.edu.au with any questions. We hope to see you there.
Tennille Mitchell | Cross Country Coordinator
Last year’s fundraising event was an unforgettable explosion of colour, community, and celebration—and this year promises to be even bigger, brighter, and bolder! As we gear up for the end of the school year, what better way to celebrate than with the return of our legendary Colour Run.
This semester Mackellar and Wright House fundraising event will be fundraising for our combined charities of Orange Sky Laundry, Young Care, Salvation Army and our Winton Service Learning program with a Monty’s Colour Fun Run supported by Australian Fundraising!
If you would like your child to participate in the Colour Fun Run, please accept the Terms and Conditions via Parent Lounge and create your child’s online profile page to start fundraising.
How Do We Fundraise?
Fundraising for our Colour Fun Run is entirely online. Follow the instructions in your child’s sponsorship booklet to create a cybersafe, online profile page at www.australianfundraising.com.au or follow the instructions on the attached registration PDF file. At the end of the fundraiser, students receive a prize for their fundraising efforts by simply raising $10 online! At the end of the fundraiser, students can mix and match up to a total of five prizes based on their fundraising total and golden coins.
Please note: Participation in the fundraising event is optional. The fundraising portal opens on Friday, 5 September. All cash donations must be converted to online donations before Tuesday, 15 November. We cannot accept any cash donations for this fundraiser.
For further information, please contact the team:
Save the date for our annual Celebration of Sport Evening on Friday, 7 November!
Celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our Brumby Athletes in 2025 at SOPO Southport!
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring the presentation of our Platinum, Major, Minor, and Representative Awards. Enjoy an inspiring guest speaker, exciting games, competitions, and fantastic prizes — all part of a fun-filled night honouring our sporting stars.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, 7 October — don’t miss your chance to be part of this special event.
Keep your eye on the Celebration of Sport Connect page for more details, including your official invitation, call for information, award nominees.
We are also seeking sponsorships, prizes, and donations for the event. If you’re interested in contributing, please reach out to Sean Tobin stobin@abpat.qld.edu.au
Sara Eade | Head of Co-Curricular Sport
Get ready for an evening of big laughs and good vibes, all in support of a meaningful initiative, a new shade infrastructure at the College pool. Presented by our FAB Committee, Comedy for a Cause promises a relaxed and entertaining night at the LPAC Theatre, featuring a lineup of talented comedians (to be announced soon).
Enjoy a professional comedy show with friends, colleagues, and community members, while contributing to a project that will benefit our students for years to come.
Come for the comedy, stay for the cause—and help us make a splash!
FAB Committee
There are a number of events coming up in Term 4 that are great running events - there is something for everyone. This post is to highlight dates and to add to your calendar, with links to the websites if you are after more details.
I will be promoting these closer to each event too, but for those wanting to plan ahead, here are all of the dates and information.
Brochures attached below, as well as links to websites with more information.
OCTOBER 25: CODE BRUMBIES for a discount thanks to Steve Jackson.
NOVEMBER 9 - Mateship Run. CODE BRUMBIES for a discount thanks to Steve Jackson.
DECEMBER 5 - RECC - Run the World Relay.
For more info, refer to the flyers below.
Tennille Mitchell | Cross Country Coordinator
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