Mothers’ Day Breakfast
We look forward to seeing a large number of mums and motherly figures for our Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday morning from 8:15 am. Don’t let the cool weather put you off – we will spend our time in the Aikman Hall, hearing from a few students and enjoying a lovely breakfast together. We are so thankful for the role mothers play in the lives of our students and look forward to celebrating this with you.
Bathurst Show
Last weekend, a number of our students represented the College in the Cattle and Show teams. I have a very limited knowledge and understanding of most things agricultural, but I do know a little bit about teamwork. As I spent a short time in the pavilions, I was proud to see our students working together and helping each other. I was also impressed to see their willingness to assist those outside of the College, lending a hand as needed.
da Vinci Decathlon
Next week, a number of students will represent the College at the da Vinci Decathlon State Finals event at Knox Grammar. Those students have an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills across a range of areas against some very strong competition. Again, the opportunity to grow in teamwork and character is at the heart of the initiative. We wish them all the best.
Carer Orbit App
As you would be aware, this year the College moved to a new platform for informing parents of events, obtaining permissions and sharing information related to your child/children. I’ve become aware that some parents are still unaware of this app (Carer Orbit) and are not using it. So much communication is occurring through this means that a parent not using it will miss crucial information, which is the thing that we don’t want! We’d love all our parents to know as much as possible about what is happening with their child at school (not to mention how important it is to be able to provide permission for events). If you don’t have access to this app, or aren’t sure it’s set up correctly, please visit this page on the College’s Parent Portal app.
Mr Daniel Odell
Head of Senior School
Bathurst Show 2026 – A Showcase of Excellence
Hot on the heels of the Sydney Royal Show, our students were eager to prepare for the Bathurst Royal Show, proudly representing the College at our local event.
This year, we exhibited three College-bred cows and calves, three young heifers and five steers. Our success in the school classes was outstanding, with our cattle dominating the competition. We were awarded both Junior and Senior Champion and Reserve Champion Female titles, as well as the prestigious Supreme Exhibit. This honour went to our College-bred cow, Scots All Saints Queenie (affectionately known as the “cranky cow”), shown with her calf by Olive Moppett, Georgia Campbell and Georgina Webb.
To read the full story click HERE
Ives House Update
It has been a lovely start to the term in Ives, with a strong sense of reconnecting and settling back into the rhythm of boarding life.
We began with our Welcome Back Morning Tea on the Ives lawn, inviting all families to join us. It was a genuinely special time, simple but meaningful, and very much appreciated by all who attended. These moments to reconnect, share conversation, and for families to see the children in their home-away-from-home matter more than we sometimes realise.
It is something we value deeply, and moving forward, this will become a custom at the beginning of each term.
As is our tradition, we also celebrated our April birthdays together (and, as the girls would tell you, we are always happy to find a reason for cake, birthdays or not). Our regular weekly gathering continues to be an important touchpoint, coming together to discuss what is happening in the house, share reminders, and, just as importantly, enjoy a moment of being together. Ice cream at the end never hurts either.
One initiative that began quietly towards the end of last term is now gaining momentum. Each fortnight, we introduce a simple motto for the house to reflect on. Recently, we explored the idea of “The good, the true and the beautiful” from Plato. We spend a little time unpacking what this might mean in their daily lives, how it connects to the Christian values of our school, and how these ideas can gently guide their choices and interactions.
The intention is not to overcomplicate things, but rather to offer a steady reference point for building character. These small, consistent reflections matter. They shape how the girls carry themselves, how they treat one another, and how they learn to live with integrity. Because, ultimately, without young women of good character, all else feels somewhat hollow.
Over the holidays, many of our girls were involved in a wide range of activities, from equestrian events to sporting competitions, representing not only themselves but the school as well. More importantly, they were out in the world, fully engaged, embracing opportunities, and making the most of their time. It is always a pleasure to hear these stories when they return.
Winter sports have now begun on the weekends, bringing a great sense of energy and involvement across the house. Over the long weekend, those who remained in Ives were given meaningful opportunities to reflect on what a remarkable country we live in, thanks to the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. Many attended ANZAC commemorations, from the Dawn Service through to the morning march, and represented themselves and the school with quiet respect.
The weekend also included a lovely excursion to the river, where the girls spent time with the wider boarding family, fishing, making damper, and sitting around the campfire. It was a simple but special opportunity to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and step away from the busyness of everyday life.
Last weekend, many of our girls attended the Bathurst Show, with some wonderful successes worth celebrating. It was fantastic to see their talents and efforts recognised beyond the school setting.
Week 3 has begun with real pace and enthusiasm, and it has been pleasing to see the girls settling back into routines while continuing to embrace the many opportunities on offer.
We warmly welcome our newest member of Ives, Manow Kladthong, who joins us from Thailand. We hope she enjoys her time here in Australia and quickly feels at home within our school. We look forward to getting to know her and will do all we can to support her as she settles into life at Ives.
Finally, as Mother’s Day approaches, we took a moment as a house to acknowledge and give thanks for our mothers. We spoke about how often it is the quiet, unnoticed acts of care and generosity that matter most – the things done without fuss or recognition yet given consistently and with great love. In many ways, these are far more meaningful than the grand gestures, and we encouraged the girls to notice them, to value them, and to respond in kind.
Click HERE for a Mother’s Day message video.
It has been a positive and settled start to the term in Ives. As always, our focus remains on creating a house culture grounded in kindness, responsibility, and genuine friendship.
Have a wonderful term.
Mrs Ann Maree Adamson
Head of Ives House
Students artworks displayed at Bathurst Show
Artworks created by some of our talented Year 7 and 8 students were on exhibition at the Bathurst Show.
We congratulate these students on their selection for this highly patronised local event and for the opportunity to have their work move beyond the classroom to the public arena. Congratulations also to a number of students who won awards in their category.
These students will be celebrated and acknowledged along with their artworks in the coming weeks.
Exhibiting students were: Fisher Merkel, Jack Duggan, Mia Gilmore, Liam Lovett, Sahibdeep Singh, Isla Moffitt, Ava Middleton, Bonnie Oldman, Heidi Lyle, Mackenzie Burns, Gabriele Christen, Arrina Yee, Elizabeth Host, Lucy Drum, Bridget White, Winnie Croker, Portia Houghton, Millie Purcell, Eden Stocks, Ariahana Batinich, and Elizabeth Alexander.
Mrs Bronwyn Jackson
Visual Arts Teacher
Man From Snowy River Stockmans Challenge
During the holidays, Annie Triggs competed in the Man From Snowy River Stockmans Challenge, which she has done since she was 8-years-old. This year, however, was her first in the ladies’ event, which is open to ladies over 18.
The competition involves cattle handling, bareback obstacle course, packhorse, shoeing, working horse challenge and cross country. After all these events, Annie was announced second, only one point behind the leader. The top five then go into the final to compete in the wild brumby catch, where they are given two minutes to catch a brumby.
Annie and her horse, Juddy, tried their little hearts out to catch the Brumby, but he was just too fast for them. Annie was awarded fourth overall, which she was very happy about for her first open event.
We are very proud of Annie’s achievements. Annie has had her wonderful horse, Juddy, agisted at the College Equestrian Centre since she was in Year 7.
Scots All Saints College Bathurst Highland Festival – Highland Dancing Competition
What a fantastic day at the Scots All Saints Highland Dancing Competition, held on Sunday 3 May at the College’s Senior Campus.
It was wonderful to see dancers from across all levels take part throughout a full program of events, with Novice, Intermediate and Premier competitors showcasing their talent, dedication and love of Highland Dancing.
A very special congratulations to Scots All Saints College student Emmeline Jacobsen, who delivered an outstanding performance in the Novice division, achieving:
1st – Highland Fling Trophy Dance
1st – Highland Fling
1st – Seann Truibhas
1st – Strathspey & Highland Reel
1st – Flora
1st – Lilt
An incredible achievement, well done Emmeline!
Thank you to the organiser Ellen Woodside, adjudicator Fiona Borcherds, volunteers, families and supporters who helped make the day such a success. Events like this truly highlight the strength of our Highland Dancing community and the opportunities available to our students.
Well done to all competitors, all your hard work and passion were on full display. We can’t wait to bring our Highland Dancing community together again when we host this competition next year!
Melanie Jacobsen
