From the Principal – Issue #16, 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

As we prepare to launch our new uniform for 2026, I am thrilled to share some images of the final product with you all. The return to purple is exciting, and the range of options will allow students to select fabrics and designs that best suit them across the seasons. We know that transitions take time, and we have allowed a three-year changeover period so that families are not forced to buy new pieces unnecessarily. Having said that, I sense that the girls are so excited about the new uniform that they will be keen to hop on board as soon as possible. An assembly in Term 4 will give students their first chance to see the new uniform in real life and we can’t wait to see their reactions!

The final week of Term 3 at St Aloysius College is always a special one, as we mark Mercy Day in a variety of ways. We began with the SACOSA Mercy Day High Tea last Sunday, where more than 110 old scholars gathered to share stories and reconnect with one another in the Jordan Courtyard. Despite the fact that the spring weather failed to appear, there was a warmth and energy that radiated from this gathering. The Class of 1995 made a special effort to join us to mark their 30-year reunion, which no doubt carried on well beyond the high tea! It was hard to believe that I had taught many of these women Maths in Year 8. I was struck by the respect they had for one another and their school and amazed by the many different directions life has taken beyond school. Patty Diaz, who travelled from her home in the US for the occasion, spoke of the Mercy hospitality extended to her by Sr Judith Redden and all the staff at SAC. It was a joy to spend the afternoon with this group of dynamic and talented women.

Speaking of talent, the Catholic Schools Music Festival this week gave our musicians another chance to shine. With performances from the SAC Music Department at the Convention Centre on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the festival showcases talent from students of all ages in Catholic schools in SA. Congratulations to Tennille Gibson and Maddie Binney, who prepared the CSMF Choir students, Steph Neale, who directed the Stage Band and Jo Tropeano, who led the Senior Choir in their performances. As always, the students make us proud, not only with the quality of their music, but more importantly in the way they conduct themselves on these occasions.

The choir are also integral to making our Mercy Day Mass special. Their voices lift our hearts and enable us to experience a sense of the sacred as we gather in the Cathedral. We are grateful to my brother, Fr James McEvoy, who leads our eucharistic celebrations, and to old scholar Ellie Stephenson, who shared her reflections on how her Mercy education shaped her life beyond school. Thanks also to the Liturgy Committee, under the guidance of Genevieve Pelekani, who constantly seek to make connections between the justice and mercy activities that take place at the College throughout the year and our celebration of the Mercy Day Mass.

The spirit of mercy was also at the heart of today’s festivities. I am always amazed by the way our students throw themselves behind Mercy Day fundraising and activities, knowing that their work will make a difference to people who access the support services of the Adelaide Day Centre, Catherine House, Vinnies Women’s Shelter and Mercy Works. More significant than the amount raised is the joy in the faces of all who took part. Thanks to all our families whose generosity makes Mercy Day such a success.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday break.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

Mercy Day 2025 💜 A Celebration of Compassion 💜

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