Student Voices Raised Across Mercy Communities

As we enter the sacred days of Holy Week, culminating in the hope and renewal of Easter, we are reminded in a powerful way that love is not passive, but that it is active, courageous, and transformative. This spirit is alive in our students, especially for several between Years 9 and 11, who have recently been involved in two significant youth leadership initiatives: the Catholic Education SA Student Advisory Body (SAB) and the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) virtual conference. Their involvement has brought our 2026 theme, Animated by Love, vividly to life.

Through their participation in these forums, St Aloysius College students have stepped beyond the classroom to engage with peers across Catholic schools in South Australia, and the wider Mercy network across Australia and New Zealand. These experiences have provided a platform for young voices to be heard, ideas to be shared, and meaningful change to be imagined, and informed, by the Mercy values that inspire the SAC community.

For Aamina D in Year 10, involvement in both SAB and AMSSA has been an enriching journey of connection and growth.

 “Throughout my experience with SAB, and the AMSSA student conference, I have gained the incredible opportunity to collaborate with students from other schools to bring meaningful change into our communities,” Aamina reflects.

“Seeing the diverse range of perspectives and opinions in our Catholic education system has taught me ways our Mercy values are used beyond school.”

Through SAB, Aamina has demonstrated courage and service, contributing to initiatives aimed at creating positive change across schools. Her experience at the AMSSA conference further deepened this understanding, offering new insights into how Mercy can be lived out in everyday actions. Aamina shares that, “AMSSA gave me the opportunity to be animated by love… to bring growth into our lives in ways I hadn’t considered before. Overall, these opportunities have been fantastic and have given me great courage to speak out and make change in my communities.”

Similarly, Madison M, Year 10, describes SAB as a transformative experience centered on connection and building purpose. “I was able to make new connections through justice and mercy. I connected with others who wanted to make a change in their communities,” Madison explains.

“What stood out most was the collective commitment of students working together, each playing a role, whether visible or behind the scenes. Every person showed the Mercy values and was driven by love through their actions. Overall, this experience was one I could never pass down.”

For Maddison T, also in Year 10, her first involvement in the AMSSA student conference was both welcoming and inspiring. “I was able to discuss with students in our school community and other schools about Mercy and how we can work together as young people to encourage and display mercy within our communities,” she says. Witnessing the openness and shared commitment of students across schools left a lasting impression.

 “Everyone was extremely welcoming and really showcased SAC’s theme of being ‘Animated by Love’ in action… this experience further encourages me to be involved in mercy works and help others in my community.”

These student voices reflect something profound: that leadership, when loving and courageous, becomes a force for genuine transformation. In the same way that Easter calls people to renewal and action – to live out love through service, compassion, and hope – SAC students are already responding to that call.

Their willingness to listen, collaborate, and lead with courage is a testament to the strength of student voice within the Mercy tradition. As a College community, we celebrate their commitment to creating a more just and compassionate world, and we are reminded that even the smallest actions, when animated by love, have the power to bring about meaningful change.

We congratulate and thank these students for their strong representation of SAC as members of the SAB and AMSSA student conferences:

• Tessa N – Year 9
• Kristen T – Year 9
• Aamina D – Year 10
• Amitie F – Year 10
• Alexandria R – Year 10
• Madison M – Year 10
• Maddison T – Year 10
• Gianna Dias – Year 11
• Jemima Skinner – Year 11

Ms Maddie Kelly
Justice and Mercy Coordinator

---