Last week, QAHS students swapped their uniforms for something a little more personal - and a lot more powerful. Do It For Dolly Day, led by the Student Executive Committee, saw the campus awash in blue as students rallied in support of Dolly's Dream, a charity committed to tackling bullying and promoting kindness.
The free dress fundraiser raised $413. What mattered more was what money cannot measure: a genuine sense of unity, compassion, and purpose.
The event honours the memory of Dolly Everett, a young girl whose tragic death in 2018 sparked a national movement against bullying. Blue, Dolly's favourite colour, has since become a symbol of solidarity and hope - one proudly worn by QAHS students throughout the day.
Students pinned on blue ribbons and stepped into a buzzing DIY photo booth - capturing not just smiles, but the spirit of a school that chooses empathy over apathy. Shout-out cards were scrawled with heartfelt messages, recognising those who had shown kindness, often in quiet and unassuming ways.
It wasn't a loud day. It didn't need to be. It was thoughtful, it was honest - and it was beautiful.
In a world that can sometimes feel noisy with criticism and comparison, Do It For Dolly Day reminded us all of something simple but vital: kindness counts. And at QAHS, it's clear - we don't just believe bullying is unacceptable. We believe in standing together, in blue and beyond.
Please enjoy a couple of Student Executive Committee reflections about the day:
This cause is especially meaningful to me. Bullying is a widespread issue that often goes unspoken, despite its deep and lasting effects. That's why I chose to volunteer on the day - to contribute in a small way to spreading a much larger message.
I helped collect donations for Dolly's Dream and ran the photo booth station at lunchtime, offering a fun and engaging way to get students involved while promoting awareness. It was rewarding to see the school community come together for such a vital cause.
I believe events like this are essential for students to participate in, as they spark important conversations and promote a culture of kindness. I hope Do It For Dolly Day becomes an annual tradition at QAHS so we can continue to raise awareness and stand united against bullying.
I'm looking forward to more opportunities to volunteer my time - especially for meaningful causes like this one.
Timothy Wissa, Year 10 Student
The topic of bullying stood out to me because while primary school was fun in some ways, it also wasn't always a great place for me. I've always wanted to speak up about how bullying isn't okay and how it can deeply hurt someone. Like kindness, it spreads quickly, but with bullying nothing good is achieved. Do It For Dolly Day provided me with an opportunity to take an anti-bullying stance without it feeling random or out-of-place.
I think we need more days like this - where small acts of kindness bring people together to make a real impact. It doesn't have to be something huge. Even a small step in the right direction means there is progress. We're still moving and we're doing it together.
I hope we keep building on this kindness, supporting one another to create an even stronger community.
Shuma Goto, Year 11 Student
Do It For Dolly Day was a special event at our school to promote kindness and raise awareness about mental health and bullying prevention. We wore blue, donated to Dolly's Dream, and visited stalls that encouraged positivity.
I helped at the Shout-out Stall, where students wrote messages to thank someone who had shown them kindness. It was heartwarming to see how much people appreciated the chance to express gratitude.
What I found most impactful was how engaged everyone was with the message behind the day. I learned that small acts, like a kind word, can make a big difference. Going forward, we should keep spreading kindness and support every day - not just on events like this.
Annabelle Dan Marica, Year 11 Student
Marnie Chetter
Teacher of English & Student Leadership Coordinator