Message from the Head of School – February 2026
Dear Parents, Staff and Students
It is with great joy and optimism that I welcome you to the 2026 school year. The energy across both campuses has been vibrant from the very first day, and it has been wonderful to see our community reconnect, welcome new families and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Agiasmos Blessing
We began the year in the most beautiful and fitting way, with our Agiasmos Blessing Service led by His Grace Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta together with our Parish Priest, Father Dimitrios. It was a deeply meaningful occasion, grounding our year in faith, unity and purpose. We are sincerely grateful for their spiritual leadership and ongoing support of our school.
Year 12 Retreat
Our Year 12 students commenced their final year with a Retreat at Anna Bay. This time away provided space for reflection, goal setting and personal growth, alongside physical challenges designed to strengthen resilience, teamwork and collaboration. It was inspiring to see our senior students embrace the experience with maturity and intention as they prepare for this significant year ahead.
Years 4-6 Camp
Similarly, our Years 4-6 students enjoyed a highly successful camp at Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. Camps are invaluable in building independence, courage and peer connection. My sincere thanks to all staff who attended both the Retreat and the camp, generously giving their time to ensure our students were safe, supported and encouraged every step of the way.
Welcome Drinks
Our Welcome Drinks Evening was exceptionally well attended and a wonderful reminder of the strength of our community. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our All Saints Grammar Parents Association (ASPA), who worked closely with us to host such a warm and engaging event. Opportunities like these allow us to connect not only as educators and parents, but as partners in the shared journey of our children’s growth. Should you wish to join this amazing group of parents, email them at aspa@allsaints.nsw.edu.au
Parent Information Sessions
Over the past weeks we have also held Parent Information Sessions for Year 7, Years 11-12 and PK-6 families. These sessions are designed to provide clarity around academic expectations, wellbeing programs and key milestones for the year ahead. Strong communication and partnership between school and home remain fundamental to achieving the best outcomes for our students.
Working together
As we begin the term, I remind all families that grooming standards, acceptable behaviour and active engagement with learning are shared responsibilities. When expectations are consistently reinforced at home and at school, students thrive academically, socially and personally.
Expectations: Out of school hours events
Please ensure you regularly check the School Diary and Sentral for upcoming whole-school events scheduled outside of normal school hours. Attendance at these events is a requirement of enrolment at All Saints Grammar. These occasions are an important part of our community life and form part of your child’s educational experience.
We ask families to plan holidays, celebrations and other commitments outside of these dates. Requests for exemption will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and must be approved by the Head of School, Mrs Lillis.
These events include (times and venues will be communicated as plans are confirmed):
28 and 29 March – Greek Independence Day celebrations (School closed on 25 March).
7 June – The Sunday of All Saints
25 October – OXI Day Liturgy Cathedral of the Annunciation of our Lady
Cook for Charity Program
One of the most significant projects launched this term is our weekly Cook for Charity initiative which forms part of our Service Learning Program at the Secondary Campus. Students have begun preparing and cooking meals for the Mother Maria of Paris outreach, supporting vulnerable members of our community, including a women’s shelter in Redfern. I am incredibly proud of the compassion, dedication and maturity demonstrated by our students. My sincere thanks to the staff and students who have given their time so generously, and to the parents who have supported the program through monetary donations.
To ensure the financial sustainability of this initiative, each Secondary student will be asked to contribute $20 per term via their Homeroom Mentor. There is no greater way to teach empathy and compassion than through meaningful action, and this program allows our students to live our values in a tangible and transformative way.
To involve our PK-6 students in this important work, we will also be coordinating a Lenten grocery collection. Each year group has been allocated a specific non-perishable item to donate each week until the end of Term 1 (the same item each week). Through this shared commitment, even the smallest contributions will make a meaningful difference.
• PreKinder – Cereal
• Kindergarten – Pasta (500g pack)
• Year 1 – Rice (1kg pack)
• Year 2 – Canned tomatoes
• Year 3 – Canned baked beans
• Year 4 – Cup noodles
• Year 5 – Rice crackers
• Year 6 – Long life milk
All groceries may be delivered directly to classrooms.
International short study tour
We hosted a group of students from China for a short study tour at All Saints Grammar across both our Primary and Secondary campuses. During their stay, our international guests were paired with ASG buddies and quickly became part of the rhythm of school life.
Programs like this are a powerful reminder that education extends beyond textbooks. They build confidence, global awareness and genuine connections, for both our visitors and our own students. We’re proud to be a school that opens its doors to the world, and we thank our visiting students for the energy and enthusiasm they brought to our community.
Apokries
Apokries at our Primary campus is a much-anticipated fun day in our school calendar. Apokries is the Greek Carnival season in the lead up to Lent. The word literally means “farewell to meat,” and is a cultural festival, marking a time of celebration before the more reflective period of fasting in the Christian Eastern Orthodox calendar.
Students explored the history and meaning behind the season while embracing the fun that comes with it. The presentation and gym parade was a great example of what makes our community distinctive – honouring Hellenic tradition while welcoming families from all backgrounds into the celebration.
Well done to our students and staff for their enthusiasm and thank you to our families for their costume creativity and attendance.
Sibling enrolments
I would also like to gently remind our current families that, at times, we can forget to formally enrol younger siblings for future years. To avoid disappointment, please ensure that enrolment paperwork is lodged as early as possible. With strong demand for placements and established waiting lists in Pre-Kinder, Kindergarten and Year 7, we are unable to secure places without the relevant documentation. Submitting paperwork early allows us to plan responsibly and prioritise our existing families wherever possible.
Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day
Looking ahead, this year presents an extraordinary and historic occasion for our community. On 25 March, we will celebrate both the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day. Please note that the School will be closed on this day in recognition of these important events. This year’s commemorations are especially significant as they coincide with the visit of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic.
Official celebrations will take place over the weekend of 28 and 29 March. This will be a momentous occasion for Greeks of the Diaspora and a privilege for our students to witness and participate in. Students will be expected to attend designated community events during this time – further details regarding specific arrangements and student participation will be communicated once finalised.
The year has begun with purpose, momentum and a clear sense of direction. I am immensely proud of our students, grateful for our dedicated staff, and appreciative of the trust you place in us as partners in your children’s education.
Together, we look forward to a year of faith, excellence and growth.
Elfa Lillis
Head of School
