Illalong Newsletter - 24 April 2025 | A.B. Paterson College

ANZAC Day 2025

The 25th of April marks the day the allied forces landed in Gallipoli in 1915. It is a significant day for Australia, significant because we remember and acknowledge the sacrifices made by all those Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations for their country. Not only Australians and New Zealanders, but all people from all nationalities, ANZAC Day is a day to take pride in our nation’s freedom, and to pay our respects to all those who fought and died to protect it.

On Tuesday 22 April, College hosted a fitting ANZAC Day service that was a tribute to all the brave men and women who have served. College Captains, Ellie Sinclair and Nevindu Dammannagoda, along with Year 11 student, Finlay Canavan, led a lovely ceremony for the whole College, invited special guests, including Mr Ken Golden OAM, President of North Gold Coast RSL Sub-Branch. It has also been our privilege this term to work with the Australian charity, This Story Australia, and in February, Year 12 College Leader, Preston Williams, had the honour of interviewing and filming 99-year-old local war veteran, Lyndsay Scott, who enlisted in the Army in 1942 at the age of 17, eventually joining the Navy. Lyndsay shared with Preston his experience of growing up in Tasmania, his training in Queensland, his time serving on Biak in Papua New Guinea and his journey after leaving the Navy in 1946. Whilst Lyndsay reflected on his time with the Defence Force, he also considers his life as an education and firmly believes in the importance of learning from ourselves, from our mistakes and from others.

Sharing these stories with the younger generations not only honours the sacrifices made by veterans, but reinforces the importance of ANZAC Day, reminding everyone of the values of courage, mateship, and perseverance that are central to Australia’s national identity.

With the deepest respect and gratitude, the College paid their respects this week, along with the College Years 7-9 Chamber Choirs and Wind Symphony, supporting the event throughout. The Primary students laid wreaths and badges for fallen soldiers, the College paying tribute particularly to A.B Paterson College Alumni, Class of 2018 and fallen soldier, Thomas John William Halloran.

To watch our College ANZAC Day Assembly, please click HERE.

Lest we forget.

Stephanie Andronikos | Head of Secondary School

Dennis House Sleepout and Lawson House Talent Show -16 May

Once again in 2025 the four Houses will collaborate to run events to bring students together in fun activities and raise money for our charity partners. The funds raised from these events will be combined and then distributed between three charities: Orange Sky Laundry, The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, and Young Care.

On Friday 16 May, Dennis House and Lawson House will combine to host the Dennis House Sleepout and Lawson House Talent Show. The evening will consist of three components that students can elect to attend. Event fees on Parent Lounge will cover the cost of the event and raise funds for our charity partners.

This event is an opportunity for students to give back to the community and to raise awareness of the importance of helping those members of our community less fortunate than ourselves, including those people living in care, below the poverty line or on the streets of the Gold Coast.

This year, to simplify the sign-up and payment process we are running a flat fee sign-up through Parent Lounge.

Year 7-12: $30

Year 4-6 - $20 – For the Games in the MPC and Pizza Dinner option, this will commence at 4.00pm and all Year 4-6 students will need to be collected from the MPC at 7.00pm

For Year 7-12, students will have the option of being collected at:

7.00pm after the games and pizza from the MPC
10.00pm at the conclusion of the Lawson Talent show in the LPAC
8.00am on Saturday 17 May at the conclusion of the Dennis Sleepout in the Winton Centre

Year 7-12 students who sign up will be asked to nominate the time they are being collected via a form that is being sent out after Friday 2 May.

To give permission for your child to attend, please click here to go to Parent Lounge and accept the terms and conditions for this excursion no later than Friday 2 May.

The event format is available to view in A.B. Connect.

For Years 7-12 Students

In the interest of safety, please be advised:

Students will not be permitted to leave the College grounds inside of these hours.
Parents/Guardians are required to be available to collect their child/ren throughout the night should there be a medical concern or behavioural issue.
All students must be picked up by a parent/guardian on Saturday morning at 8:00am; they will not be allowed to walk home or to take public transport.
Year 12 students who have their own car may drive themselves and any siblings home. Student drivers will not be permitted to take a group of students home.
There will be College staff and additional security overnight at the event.
Male and female students will be in different areas for sleeping with access to different amenities.

For Years 4-6 Students:

In the interest of safety, please be advised:

Students will not be permitted to leave the College grounds inside of these hours.
Parents/Guardians are required to be available to collect their child/ren throughout the night should there be a medical concern or behavioural issue.
All students must be picked up by a parent/guardian by 7.00pm at the MPC.

Please contact the relevant supervising teacher with any inquiries regarding this event: