From the Principal – Issue #11

2026 Acknowledgement of Country

Catherine McAuley called us to be “shining lamps, giving light to all around us”. Year 7 student, Senudi, was certainly shining brightly last Saturday night when she won the Grand Final of the Junior Section of the Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking competition. Ably coached and supported by Ms Lucy Combe and Ms Rachel Morant, Senudi spoke passionately for six minutes on the topic “Bridging the Gap”. Her simple but eloquent reflection on the steps we might take to address First Nations injustice in Australia was incredibly powerful. She then delivered a three-minute speech on the short-notice topic, “It’s Not Fair”. Senudi’s family and the whole audience were blown away by her talent and authenticity. She will now travel to Sydney for the National Final. Congratulations, Senudi!

The Reception and Year 6-led Primary Assembly in Week 9 was a celebration of the wide range of learning experiences that take place both inside and outside the classroom. Students were also given a taster of some of the emerging technologies they will engage with in the STEM Room of the new building next term. A highlight of these assemblies for me is seeing the way Year 6 students guide, encourage and mentor the Receptions. As I watched Senudi speak in the Parliament on Saturday evening, I reflected on how the confidence to step up and speak out is developed from such an early age at SAC. It is a factor families often comment on when they join a school tour, and seeing how staff skilfully develop that confidence over the years is very impressive.

Aboriginal spirituality and culture were the central focus of the Year 11 Retreat last week at Sunnybrae Reception Centre. Led by Pilawuk White, David Booth and Rob Napoli, and supported by Sarah Kennedy and Danielle Toubia, the day began outdoors with a Litany and Water Ceremony, which set a quiet and reflective tone for the day. Students attended workshops on weaving, fabric painting, artefacts and dance. All our guest presenters and the staff at Sunnybrae acknowledged how well the students engaged in the program and respected their surroundings. This Year 11 Retreat Day is an important element of our Reconciliation Action Plan and we are lucky to have built strong relationships with artists and elders who come back each year to walk alongside our students in this journey of reconciliation.

When we return for Term 3, the new Dunlevie Building will be open! I would like to thank the whole community for the patience and flexibility students, staff and families have shown in navigating the disruption caused by such a significant development in the centre of the campus. We know that the new experiences made possible through this amazing facility will more than compensate for the inconvenience. There are so many people to thank for their vision, energy and commitment and we look forward to recognising these people at events throughout Term 3.

Everyone is welcome to join us for a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony in the Dunlevie Courtyard on Friday 24 July, as we mark our first week in the new primary school. Exciting times ahead!

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

---