Growing up at SAC

Growing up at SAC

In just a few weeks, the laughter of a new group of Reception students will fill the Junior School classrooms as they embark on their St Aloysius College journey for the very first time. For one family in particular, it marks both a beginning and an ending.

As Year 12 student Gislene prepares to graduate after 13 years at SAC, her younger sister, Amira, is preparing to walk through the College gates for her very first day.

It is a full-circle moment that beautifully captures the enduring impact of a St Aloysius College education; one informed not only by learning, but by the sense of belonging to a community.

Reflecting on her own first day, Gislene still vividly remembers arriving hand-in-hand with her father, meeting her Reception teacher and making friendships that have stood the test of time.

“I played with magnetic blocks and made some friends I still know now,” Gislene fondly recalls.

From Reception to graduation, side by side, Gislene and Amira’s story is a wonderful example of the lifelong journey and community that make St Aloysius College so special

Over the years, those early friendships have been strengthened by countless shared experiences. Mercy Day celebrations, Book Week parades, Can Drive, music performances and whole-school events have all contributed to the warm sense of community that is synonymous with life at SAC.

“The community events and the continuous integration of primary and secondary students have shaped the sense of community and warm nature that I now have,” Gislene said.

Like many students who have spent their entire schooling at SAC, Gislene describes her journey as one of growth.

“I’ve always been bubbly and loud,” she laughs. “Growing up at SAC, I learnt to really be authentic and feel a sense of empowerment and pride in who I am.”

That same sense of belonging is echoed by Year 11 student Daniela and Year 8 student Elainnah, who have also called SAC home since Reception. Their younger sisters, Isabella (Year 6) and Sophiah (Year 3), are now continuing that journey alongside them.

For Daniela, opportunities beyond the classroom have played a significant role in shaping who she is today.

“Being involved in senior choir, volunteering, Peer Support and school events has built my confidence, taught me leadership skills and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone,” Daniela believes.

Elainnah reflects on the many milestones that have marked her own journey, including her memorable Year 7 Canberra trip.

“It was my first time going on a plane and being away from my family,” she says. “It helped me become more confident and comfortable being independent.”

Despite being in different year levels from their younger sisters, both Daniela and Elainnah say sharing their SAC experience with a sister has made their journey even more meaningful.

“It’s comforting to know we can always support each other and celebrate each other’s achievements,” Daniela says of her journey with Isabella.

For Elainnah and Sophiah, it is reassuring to always have someone who understands exactly what school life is like.

Sisters Elainnah (Year 8) and Sophiah (Year 3), and Daniela (Year 11) and Isabella (Year 9), continuing their journey together at SAC.

“It feels like more than just a school,” the sisters reflect. “It feels like a place where we really belong.”

Perhaps no story better captures the continuity of an SAC education than the unique journey of Gislene and Amira.

While Gislene prepares to farewell the community that has nurtured her into the talented and bright young woman she is today, Amira can hardly contain her excitement about beginning her own adventure.

“I’m excited to go play and make new friends,” she said enthusiastically. “Going to big girl school… to learn… to sing… and seeing Gissie every day!”

When asked what advice she would give her little sister, Gislene’s answer reflected the Mercy values that have influenced her own journey.

“Always ask questions and be curious,” she says. “Follow your passions with no limits and take every opportunity given, because SAC is the best place for them to flourish.”

As one chapter closes and another begins, the story of these sisters is a reminder that an SAC education is about far more than the years spent in the classroom. It is about the friendships formed, the confidence discovered, the opportunities embraced and the community that continues to support students long after they leave the College gates.

For Amira and the many Reception students beginning their own journeys this semester, the first day of school is only the beginning of a story that, like Gislene’s, has the potential to leave a lifelong imprint.

Ms Maddie Kelly
Justice and Mercy Coordinator

Growing together, supporting one another and flourishing every step of the way, our SAC families reflect the caring community that makes the Reception to Year 12 journey so special

Among many SAC sisters and families who have shared their journey from Reception, Savi and Sami (Years 6 and 12), and Jemima and Maisie (Years 11 and 9), continue to grow and flourish within our community.

From Reception to Year 12…
Our Reception and Year 12 students come together throughout the year, building connections across year levels and celebrating the shared SAC journey, from their very first days to their final farewell. This is SAC.

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