From the Principal – Issue #13, 2026

Acknowledgement of Country

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

This week’s whole school assembly was a vibrant celebration of the breadth of experiences on offer at SAC. We recognised poets and short story writers of all ages, enjoyed an amazing performance from the Stage Band, acknowledged Duke of Edinburgh participants, sports teams, public speakers, heard about Languages Study Tours and the JAM group’s actions for Homelessness Week and so much more. I sat and listened to our young people and their teachers in awe of their passion and talents. And most of all, I value the respect and encouragement that students give to those who have the courage to stand up and share their stories.

It has been a week of celebration, with the official Opening and Blessing of the Dunlevie Building by Archbishop O’Regan yesterday. It was a moment of reflection and recognition, stepping back to give thanks for all we have achieved together. Many of the guests were people who played key roles in the construction, from architects and designers to builders and project managers, and there was a genuine sense of pride in the new Dunlevie.

official Opening & Blessing of the Dunlevie primary Building

A Shared pride and CELEBRATION

I was grateful that my fellow Mercy Education Principals from Victoria and Western Australia were able to attend the Opening, prior to our meeting in Adelaide today. Their presence, along with many SA Catholic Principals, who all fully appreciate the challenges of a development of this magnitude, felt very special. I am deeply appreciative of all the students and staff who brought this event together, and I would like to acknowledge in a special way Doreen Maiello, my Executive Assistant, who has poured her heart into planning every detail of the Opening and Blessing of Dunlevie.

2026 Mercy Education Principals’ Meeting – Thank You to Those Who Made It Possible

For the remainder of Term 3, I will be on leave, visiting Mercy ministries in Dublin and Cork. When I first attended the Dublin Pilgrimage in 2014, I couldn’t have imagined how this journey as Principal of SAC would unfold. After so many years, I look forward to returning to walk in Catherine’s footsteps, and visit my mother’s homeland, to renew my Mercy spirit. Thank you to Jacqui Mcilroy, who will be Acting Principal in my absence, and to my Leadership Team: Steve Andrews, Jacqui Jury, Abby Matte and Nick Tattoli, along with Acting Deputy Principal Rachel Gould. They are an incredible team, and I step away for 6 weeks knowing that the College is in very good hands.

Sometimes when you come to the end of a very large project, there can be a sense of letdown. I am thinking of the students who work towards the School Production for the best part of a year, and when I see them the week after the performance, they are often missing it and a little sad that it’s over. But in the case of the new Dunlevie Primary School, all we need to do to remind ourselves of our purpose is to walk into those learning neighbourhoods each morning and see children having fun, learning new things, building relationships and enjoying school life. It will be a source of joy and wonder for many years to come.

Wishing everyone all the best for the remainder of Term 3. Thanks for your unwavering support throughout this very busy year, and looking forward to seeing you all again in Term 4!

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Communications Officer

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