Class of 2025 Good Luck Lunch
A few moments that made our Year 12 Farewell Lunch special. Class of 2025 - the best is yet to come!
An Inspiring Big Band Bash 2025!
Gold DOE Camp October 2025
Last weekend, eleven students took part in a camp as part of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh International Award. This represented the largest number of students to ever take part in an Adventurous Journey at the highest level of the Award. The students comprised a mixture of Year 10, 11 and 12 students. The students who took part were Seeret Arora, Mitchell Chen, Rose D'Alisa, Ko Dejima, Matilda Grant, Naaz Kaur, Byron McNiven, Addison Selby, Ruvindu Siriwardana, Emelia Wedemeyer and John Ziukelis.
The venue of the camp was Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland. Students spent their days walking trails and tracks in around Binna Burra. They main task was to navigate their way through the dense rainforest environment, using specially prepared maps and compasses to guide them. In the evening on reaching their planned destination students set up tents and cooked a well-deserved meal.
As a practice camp, it was important that students learnt and developed their navigation skills and camping experience in preparation for their next Qualifying camp at a different location. They also had to take photographs and record their journey in notebooks in preparation for an Adventurous Journey exploration report documenting their experience and focusing on a specific aspect of their journey.
Head of Outdoor Education, Andrew Sole has seen a tremendous growth in interest in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award since he took over the running of the program 10 years ago. Last year around 60 students signed up for the award. The increased student participation and success of the award at A.B. Paterson College have seen a growth in the number of Bronze, Silver and Gold camps populating the busy College calendar.
Andrew Sole | Head of Outdoor Education
Celebration of Sport Major Awards Nominees
Our Sports Captains and Open Coaches are proud to announce the 2025 Celebration of Sport Major Awards nominees!
Winners will be announced at SOPO Southport on Friday 7 November, presented by All Properties Group.
Congratulations to all the nominees!
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE — don’t miss your chance to be part of this special event.
Platinum Award nominees will be revealed soon – stay tuned!
Sara Eade | Head of Co-Curricular Sport
Five Medals at the QLD School Sport State Championships
It was great to see so many Brumbies representing the College and the South Coast Region at the Queensland School Sport State Championships, held in Week 2 of Term 4 in Townsville. Students earned their place late in Term 3 at the South Coast regional trials at the Gold Coast Performance Centre.
These students have dedicated themselves to their training programs, and it was wonderful to see them compete against the best and challenge themselves. Our athletes demonstrated outstanding talent: 16 students competed across 22 events, achieved eleven personal bests and secured five medals – an exceptional result for both our students and the athletics program.
We also congratulate Ruby Hasted and Ewan Walker, who, following their performances at the QLD Athletics All Schools Championships, were selected for the Queensland team to compete at the nationals in Melbourne in the final week of the year.
Please see a summary of results from the Brumbies below.
Matt Stopel | Acting Director of Co-Curricular Activities
JW Marriot Gold Coast Excursion - Year 12 Spanish Class
As part of the Year 12 Languages unit Post School Options, students visited the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa to gain first-hand insight into the application of languages in the workforce. The excursion provided authentic exposure to careers in hospitality, business, marketing, and sales, demonstrating the value of multilingual communication in global industries.
During lunch in the JW Marriott's Citrique restaurant, students engaged with hotel staff, observed professional workplace interactions, and explored how language skills can enhance employability and open opportunities in both local and international contexts. This experience strengthened their understanding of how languages are applied beyond the classroom and supports informed decision-making about future career pathways.
Comment from Year 12 Spanish Class:
“This Wednesday, the combined Spanish and Japanese language classes had the opportunity to visit the JW Marriott in Surfers Paradise. It was a fantastic look into how learning new languages can help in our career, and connections on an international level”.
“Yesterday, the Year 12 language classes enjoyed a great meal and real, valuable insight into the various advantages of learning a second or even third language in our personal and professional lives as we approach the end of high school. The consistent and permeating sense of harmony and professionalism irrespective of national, cultural, and linguistic differences was a brilliant reminder of what makes this country what it is”.
“We learned about the various herbs that the JW Marriot kept in a garden behind the kitchen like rosemary, parsley and mint. The chef was a cool person”.
“The languages excursion to the JW Marriot was amazing! Seeing the opportunities languages can provide across all industries and nations has definitely inspired me to continue my Spanish studies beyond school. We bonded with our cohort, celebrated our final year of languages, and it was great speaking with Spanish and Japanese speakers from the JW Marriot's various sectors”.
Cheyne Sandercoe | Head of Languages Faculty
Years 3-6 Academic Academy Showcase Amazed Us All!
On Tuesday, 21 October, our Years 3–6 students shone brightly at the Academic Academy Showcase, captivating families and staff with their creativity and hard work. Their presentations offered a wonderful preview of the inspiring journeys awaiting them in the Honours Program.
A Celebration of Love and Learning
Last Tuesday, our Prep classrooms were filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of hugs as we welcomed our cherished Grandparents and Special Friends to celebrate this very special day. The excitement had been building for weeks, and our students could hardly wait to share their world of learning with the people who mean so much to them.
The morning began in the DMPC, where our Prep students took to the stage with bright smiles and brave hearts. Their performance was a wonderful showcase of song, movement, and confidence — a true reflection of how far they have come this year. The proud faces in the audience said it all; it was a heart-warming moment that captured the spirit of our community.
Following the performance, our visitors joined the children in their Prep classrooms for a morning of creativity and connection. Together, they decorated delicious biscuits with colourful icing, made heartfelt cards and crafts, and took lots of photos to remember the day. The classrooms were buzzing with happy chatter as children proudly showed off their artwork, writing, and special learning spaces.
The fun didn’t stop there! Many families also visited the Book Fair, which was bustling with excitement as students and their guests explored the wonderful world of books. The Prep playground was another popular spot, where special friends could see firsthand the places where our youngest learners play, imagine, and create every day.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day was a beautiful reminder of the importance of community and the joy that comes from sharing learning experiences across generations. Our students were beaming with pride as they introduced their loved ones to teachers, friends, and the places that have become their second home this year.
Thank you to all the families who joined us and helped create such a memorable occasion. The love, laughter, and sense of belonging shared on the day will be treasured by our Prep students for years to come.
Trent Davis, Andree Gloury, Ashlea McSweeney, Holly Robinson | Prep Teachers
Student Achievement - Zahra Vanes
On Thursday 16 October, Zahra Vanes (Year 8) had an opportunity to volunteer her time by taking part in Plate4Plate Day, an event championed by Zambreros and held at People First Stadium. Plate4Plate day is where circa 4,000 volunteers take part Australia wide to pack 1 million lunches for those less fortunate.
On the day volunteers were able to put together 107,000 food packs. The food packs comprised of a cup of rice, a cup of soy, lentils and a vitamin pack. Each pack was hand filled by the volunteers in groups of four, sealed and boxed. The 107,000 packs will be shipped off to the Philippines and will provide so many underprivileged children and adults nourishing food.
Zahra was an integral part of a four person team and by the end of the day Zahra was pretty much leading the team and ensuring the process ran smoothly. Zahra was amongst about 150 passionate volunteers.
Well done Zahra!
Simon Edgar | Head of Secondary School
Student Achievement - Griffith University Spark Award
Congratulations to Year 11 student Lilium Salar, winner of the Griffith University Spark Award!
The Spark Award acknowledges a Year 11 student who is doing the things that matter to create a brighter future. To be nominated, a student needs to demonstrate that they are making a positive difference through one of the following:
- excellence–doing something great that has a positive impact;
- diversity and inclusion–respect for all people;
- environmental responsibility–respect for the environment; and/or
- ethics and social justice–making our world a more just and equitable place.
Well done Lilium!
Simon Edgar | Head of Secondary School
Celebration of Sport Evening Invitation
We are thrilled to officially invite you to the upcoming 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.
Please find attached your official invitation. RSVP can be done through the link in the invitation or via the link below, we hope to see many of you there!
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE — 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.
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
Speech & Drama News
We are preparing for our upcoming concerts and exams. There is so much energy and excitement in the drama room!
- Years 4-9: Thursday 6 November at 3.30pm
- Prep-Year 3: Thursday 13 November
- ASCA Exams: Tuesday 18 November - Parents are encouraged and welcome to attend these exams.
I will be sending out individual emails to parents in regards to costumes for Prep to Year 3. I have most of them and it may be just a T-shirt required.
HELP! If anyone has a kids Bingo costume to borrow, I would be very grateful.
Warm regards
Sue Howell | Speech & Drama Tutor
35th Annual Speech Night 2025
The 35th Annual Speech Night will be held on Wednesday, 19 November at 5:30pm in the Dunlop Multi-Purpose Centre.
Parents please note, Speech Night is a compulsory event for all students in Years 4 to 12.
Please ensure your child arrives promptly at 5:00pm to have their name marked from the roll. The evening is expected to end at 8.00pm.
Further information, detailing where students are to go for roll call at 5pm and where parents can pick them up at the conclusion of Speech Night will be available in the coming weeks.
The Speech Night program will be electronic, but can be obtained from Reception after the event.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the night!
Inspire 2025/2026 Business Directory
2025/2026 Inspire Business Directory!
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 2025/2026 Inspire Business Directory.
Enjoy!
Maddi Wilesmith | Community Engagement Officer
Mackellar Wright Colour Fun Run Coming to Our School!
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.
The Mackellar & Wright House fundraising event will be on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, from 1:30 pm to 3:20 pm.
- Entry fee of $15
- Students will be given free sunglasses and a rainbow headband for the event.
- Please make sure students wear a WHITE t-shirt and closed in shoes.
- Students will be covered in non-toxic, biodegradable colour powder from head to toe.
- Colour Powder is made of high-quality corn starch and permitted food colours. Safety data sheet is available upon request.
- Some families may recall that previously we have run this event as a Colour Run. Unfortunately, even though the powder used in the event is non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally friendly, we found that in some instances, the coloured powder stained clothing and hair. Please ensure that all clothing items worn during the event, including shoes can get dirty.
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:
- Michael Culverwell HOH Mackellar via mculverwell@abpat.qld.edu.au or 07 5561 4165.
- Jonothan Albertini HOH Wright via jalbertini@abpat.qld.edu.au or 07 5561 4159.
FUN RUN Opportunities in Term 4
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.
- The CUT - Ultramarathon (Parents only!). 1.5km loops and after 10.5km, numbers get cut until there is a winner. More details can be found here.
- The JUNIOR CUT (Kids event!). 500m loops. Min 2km, max 5km. 20sec between laps. Maximum 30 runners. So, if you know this event is for you - sign up now! Event page here.
- HALLOWEEN HUSTLE. The best family event. Watch (or participate in) the cut, stay for the Hustle! a 2.5km and 6km option. Dress in your finest/scariest clothes and prepare to be spooked at twilight. More information here.
NOVEMBER 9 - Mateship Run. CODE BRUMBIES for a discount thanks to Steve Jackson.
- Centred around Remembrance Day, this is a new one on offer to AB. An 11.1km run or make a team up and compete in a 11.1km relay (2.4km/2.4km/5.31km), or a 5km or 2.5km Junior Dash. We will put out a form closer to the date to see if we can pull together some teams, if there is interest. Details here.
DECEMBER 5 - RECC - Run the World Relay.
- A fun Friday night event - along the Broadwater - where kids can run a 4x 2.5km relay, or adults can compete in a 4 x 5km relay - in either male/ female or mixed teams. Again, we will put forms out closer to the date to gauge interest and get some teams involved - parents and kids! Please note, this is once school has broken up for the year, so if you are keen, keep the date free!
For more info, refer to the flyers below.
Tennille Mitchell | Cross Country Coordinator
