10 Things I Think I Think - Term 1 Edition
As Term 1 comes to a close, I鈥檝e found myself reflecting on these first nine weeks at All Saints. In some ways, it鈥檚 hard to believe it鈥檚 only been that long鈥攕o much has happened, and yet it鈥檚 also felt incredibly natural, as though my family and I have been part of this community for far longer.
Rather than offering a traditional wrap-up, I wanted to share 10 things I think I think鈥攔eflections and observations shaped by my time here so far.
1. I think鈥 I鈥檝e felt a sense of belonging here like nowhere before.
From day one, my family and I have felt embraced by this community. There鈥檚 a real generosity of spirit here鈥攏ew faces are welcomed, not just with polite smiles but with genuine interest and care. That has been our experience, and I hope every new member of our community has felt the same. And if ever someone doesn鈥檛 feel a sense of belonging, we wrap our figurative鈥攁nd sometimes literal鈥攁rms around them and show them what love and support looks like.
2. I think鈥 our people are in it for the right reasons.
Every conversation I鈥檝e had with colleagues eventually turns into them grinning from ear to ear about how proud they are to work here鈥攁nd to work for your children. This is truly their school. We show up each day with a shared mission: to ensure all students joyfully reach their potential.
3. I think鈥 we know who we are鈥攁nd we鈥檙e proud of it.
We鈥檙e known as a well-rounded school, developing young people of high character through a broad and balanced program. I鈥檝e seen it, heard it, and felt it in action. It鈥檚 a privilege to lead a school whose reputation so clearly aligns with its lived experience.
4. I think鈥 All Saints is not afraid to grow.
Often in new roles, you encounter pockets of resistance to change. I haven鈥檛 found that here. Some of our longest-serving staff and parents have spoken with real excitement about what鈥檚 next. I will always hold tightly to the balance between tradition and innovation鈥攈onouring what has been while embracing what could be.
5. I think鈥 the volume of engaged, interested, and supportive parents is one of our greatest strengths.
Thank you for your questions, your interest, and your feedback. We grow faster when we listen well. If you haven鈥檛 been an active part of school life for a while, now鈥檚 a great time to step in. Your voice matters, and your involvement strengthens us.
6. I think鈥 our Grounds and Property team are the quiet heroes of All Saints.
A great deal of pride comes from how our campus looks and feels. It creates a sense of calm, recovers incredibly well from weather events (!), and reminds us all how lucky we are to work and learn in such a beautiful space. Behind that is a team led by Steve Jones, who go about their work with smiles, quiet pride, and tireless dedication. Their contribution is often unseen but deeply appreciated.
7. I think鈥 the secret ingredient of All Saints is in the little things, not one big thing.
The manners, the smiles, the handshakes, the confident conversations. The joy and vulnerability shown in Chapel. The sea of students running, playing, and connecting during breaks. The way our young people show up鈥攚ith gratitude, purpose, and respect.
8. I think鈥 being an Anglican school is something special.
We welcome and celebrate people of all faiths and beliefs, and that in itself contributes so much to our culture. But it鈥檚 our Faith value in action that has really filled me with gratitude and deepened my understanding of All Saints. The student Chapel services are, quite simply, joyful. They ground us each week, reminding us of the importance of gratitude, reflection, and simply pausing to be present
9. I think鈥 the term has flown鈥攂ut the break is very welcome.
After a full and fulfilling term, I know we鈥檙e all looking forward to some special family moments, some rest, and some fun. I hope the break gives you the chance to recharge in the ways you need most.
10. I think鈥 we have the foundations from which we can launch.
We have a strong culture, a strong community鈥攁nd from there, anything is possible. In Term 2, we鈥檒l begin gathering input from across the community to help us enhance our self-awareness and set our direction. We are doing many things incredibly well, but we鈥檒l continue to dream big and ensure that every student鈥攜our child鈥攔eceives the most special school experience possible, so they graduate prepared to be and do whatever their heart desires.
Wishing you warmth, rest, and moments of meaning this Easter period.
Matt Corbett
Principal
