THE ALL HALLOWS' STORY

Two years after the separation of the colony of Queensland from New South Wales, All Hallows' School for Girls was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, and the first pupil, Annie Tighe, from Drayton on the Darling Downs, was enrolled as a boarder on 15 December 1861. All Hallows' was the first secondary school for girls in the infant colony of Queensland, and its history affords insight into the nature of the changing role of women in our society.

The early intention of the Sisters, to provide a curriculum through which students might become accomplished women of deep faith and sound learning, has continued to the present time. The teaching of the Church and the values of the Mercy Congregation have always been given a prominent position in the School's life and curriculum. In 1892, the chapel was added and students were able to attend the saying of the Divine Office and celebrations of the Sacraments. Since the Second Vatican Council, new methods of teaching the faith have been implemented. Teachings of the Church are applied to the context of the society in which students live their daily lives. Girls are encouraged to enter into, and reflect upon, the problems confronting humanity in their world, and are given opportunities to live out the values associated with mercy in practical Christian service.

The pursuit of sound learning has affected the School's policy, providing impetus to keep up with change. In 1879, the decision was taken to present candidates for examination at the University of Sydney; All Hallows' being the first convent school to take this step. After World War II, when the knowledge explosion brought changes in the way in which science, social studies and languages were taught and learnt, Aquinas Hall was built. It was equipped with the most modern science laboratories, social science and language facilities then available.   Since then, major changes have occurred in teaching methods including the increased need to educate for information technology all of which has led to the major refurbishment of buildings.

The refurbished Potter Building houses science laboratories, computer rooms and the Senior Study Centre. The Library, extended on the building's first level, features our beautiful stained glass window, symbolising the Mercy story at All Hallows'. Mercy Hall was added above Loretto Hall, doubling our indoor sporting facilities, while the newly refurbished Celestine Art Centre, provides direct river views and a cool courtyard, inspiring our young artists as they explore painting, ceramics, photograpy and mixed media studies.

In 2006, All Hallows' re-introduced classes for students in Years 5 and 6 and Year 7 in 2007. The new Middle School is situated in McAuley Hall which has been extensively renovated to meet the needs of younger students.
 
Our recently completed major building work has provided an international water polo size swimming pool, gymnasium, 300-seat Theatre and a shaded piazza for student enjoyment.

Although buildings and teaching methods change, the staff at All Hallows' School remains committed to creating an educational environment characterised by the Christian values of love, reconciliation, challenge, justice, mercy, service, faith, hope and freedom of spirit, in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.