Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal - Issue #6, 2026
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,
Open Night was a huge success, with over 100 prospective families visiting the College. Alongside our current students and their families, who created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, there was a great energy as people moved around the campus to speak with staff and students about how we do things around here. As they were departing, guests spoke so highly of their experiences. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful celebration of community.
CLICK HERE & ENJOY A glimpse of OUR 2026 OPEN NIGHT!
It was an honour to welcome Dr Jenni Caruso to our Staff Meeting last week, to explore the Reconciliation Action Plan and consider how we might all take on some small actions to create great impact in 2026. We also heard from Michelle Barratt, Visual Arts Coordinator, about how the faculty are seeking to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in teaching and learning this year. It feels like there is great momentum around our work for reconciliation at SAC.
Two of our First Nations students have been selected as Year 10 Leaders in the Tjindu Academy this year. We are so proud of Harper and Elke for their commitment and achievements, and we look forward to seeing them flourish as leaders, both at SAC and Tjindu. Student voice has been central to planning for our Nunga Night early next term, under the guidance of First Nations Student Support staff Indi and Rhubee, and the senior students are showing great creativity and initiative in this space.
Thank you to the many families who generously donated Easter eggs over the last month in the front foyer. We have been able to support both Catherine House and Catholic Charities due to the large number of donations. At a time when financial pressures on families are high, we appreciate your kindness and support for those who need it most.
Today we came together to participate in the Holy Week Liturgy. Each year, this marks a very special moment in the liturgical life of the College and students of all ages respond to the quiet, contemplative space to reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death. Whilst today is marked with sadness, we look forward to the Easter Mass next Wednesday in the Cathedral, where our celebration will focus on the joy of the resurrection.
In a recent reflection, Carmel Ross (Trustee Director of Mercy Ministry Companions), reminded us that this year, Pope Leo’s message for Lent is about relationships – in particular, how we speak about each other. He put it simply: I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour. … Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.
This call to kindness is incredibly important at a time when the world is experiencing disruption and war. Each day at SAC I am grateful for the respect and compassion which underpins relationships and see it as a visible sign of God’s love alive in our world.
Wishing everyone all the peace and joy of the Easter season.
Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal
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 D - Year 11
- Jemima S - Year 11
Ms Maddie Kelly
Justice and Mercy Coordinator
Year 6 Adventure Camp!
Our Year 6 students embarked on their annual camp on Wednesday 18 March for a fantastic three‑day, two‑night camp at Adare House Victor Harbor. The camp provided students with a wonderful opportunity to step outside the classroom, challenge themselves, and build lasting memories with their peers.
Throughout the camp, students participated in a range of outdoor and team‑focused activities including bike riding, kayaking, team‑building relays and problem‑solving challenges. Time was also spent at the beach, where students enjoyed body boarding and worked cooperatively to design and build their own rafts. These activities encouraged students to support one another, and work collaboratively.
Year 6 students learned the importance of teamwork, resilience and trust, while also gaining confidence in new and sometimes challenging situations. Seeing students encourage one another, problem‑solve as a group and celebrate collective successes was a highlight for both staff and students. Overall, the camp was thoroughly enjoyed by all students, who returned with big smiles!
Ms Michaela Farrugia
Year 6 Teacher
Celebrating National Playgroup Week
National Playgroup Week is a time to shine a spotlight on the power of play, celebrating the way playgroups bring children, families and communities together. During the week at St Aloysius College, we marked the occasion with a vibrant celebration of play. Playgroup was buzzing with excitement as children explored and enjoyed all of our favourite activities.
We gathered for a lively group time filled with singing, instruments and plenty of dancing outdoors in the sunshine. And to keep the celebration going at home, every child took home a special party bag filled with our most loved playgroup treasures.
What a joy it is to spend each Thursday with the most amazing early years community. We are so grateful for the families who make our playgroup such a warm and welcoming place to be.
Ms Olivia Spadavecchia
Playgroup Coordinator
From the Primary Sport Coordinator
Ms Zoe Duffy
Primary Sport Coordinator
Proud Play & Team Spirit!
Our students recently represented the school with pride at the SACPSSA Swimming Carnival, held at Burnside Swimming Pool on Tuesday 24 March. It was wonderful to see so many students giving every event their best effort, supporting one another, and most importantly, having fun in the pool. Whether racing for a place or simply challenging themselves, all students should be congratulated for their positive attitudes and sportsmanship on the day. Special mentions need to go to Keira, Taylor, Abigail and Maggie for all being flexible on the day and giving events outside of their comfort zone or age group a go, and doing so with smiles on their faces. The team finished in 6th place overall on the day. Well done, swimmers!
We would also like to congratulate all Term 1 Basketball and Volleyball teams on the completion of their seasons. Thank you to the students, staff, and families for your commitment and support. Your enthusiasm and teamwork have been fantastic to see. Term 1 Come 'n' Try programs have also finished for the term. We look forward to seeing our Junior Primary students participate in Gymnastics (Reception), Soccer (Year 1) and Lacrosse (Year 1s-3) next term during Come 'n' Try sessions.
Looking ahead, Knockout Sport trials will be taking place soon for Netball, Basketball, Soccer and Cross Country. Good luck to all students trialing for these teams. We are excited to share their results from their respective competitions next term as competitions take place.
Term 2 sport has seen fantastic sign‑up numbers across all programs, and it is great to see so many students keen to get involved. We wish all teams and participants the very best for the upcoming season, including Year 3/4 Soccer, Year 5/6 Netball, our Come 'n' Try programs, and lunch‑time fitness activities. We look forward to a fun, active, and successful term of sport for everyone involved!
Ms Zoe Duffy
Primary Sport Coordinator
From the Secondary Sport Coordinator
Secondary Sport Coordinator
SACSSGSA Sport
We closed off the Term 1 summer season in the last week of March, with some great success across all sports in Round 6. Notably, our middle touch teams faced each other for a second time since Round 1 when they drew. It was another close game, with our Year 8s winning 2-1, however, the real highlight was seeing how far both teams have come in since the start of the season, and the comradery, fair play and school spirit shown by all players.
Whilst there are no finals in Term 1, I’d like to give a special mention to the following teams who have gone undefeated all season:
- Middle SAC 1 Tennis
- Middle SAC 1 Water Polo
- Yr 7 SAC 1 Volleyball
- Middle SAC 2 Volleyball
Winter Coaches Wanted!
St Aloysius College are seeking coaches for our Year 7-12 Winter teams – particularly soccer and netball.
Our coaches (many of whom are valued old scholars or members of our wider school community) play a vital role in shaping not only our sporting program, but also the character and confidence of our students. Coaching at St Aloysius College is a rewarding opportunity to give back, stay connected, and model our Mercy values of respect, courage, and service in a meaningful way.
If you or someone you know, has experience in soccer or netball and a desire to inspire and support young people, we would love to hear from you.
Season Dates
- Round 1: 2 May
- Round 2: 9 May
- Round 3: 16 May
- Round 4: 23 May
- Round 5: 30 May
No Games/Public Holiday: 6th June
- Round 6: 13th June
- Round 7: 20th June
No Games/School Holidays: 27th June-19th July
- Round 8: 25 July
- Round 9: 1 August
- Semi-Finals: 8 August
- Grand-Finals: 15 August
Knockout Sport
Catholic Girls Swimming
The SAC Swim Team will compete in the SACSSGSA Swimming Carnival early Term 2. Trial results, official meet records and SAC Swimming Carnival results from 2025 are currently being reviewed for team selection. The team will be notified via clipboard and student notices in Week 11 – so keep an eye out!
Open Night Basketball Trials
SAC’s talented group of basketballers put on a great show for visiting families at SAC Open Night last Thursday. The coaches are reviewing notes and in the process of putting teams together based on trials and past performance in the knockout program.
Trainings for knockout basketball will begin Week 1 of Term 2, and all teams will train as a squad. Again, the team lists and training schedule will be released through clipboard – so please continue to check this frequently so you don’t miss anything!
Knockout Netball Trials
Each year, SAC enters the School Sport Statewide Competition for a number of sports to compete against the highest level teams at other schools in the state. We refer to these as 'knockout sports'. In Term 2, our netballteams will compete in their first round matches.
Any experienced, club or state level netballers are invited to trial for the following SAC teams below.
Trials will be held at the following times for each year level. It is an expectation that if you intend on being selected, you are in attendance at this tria
- Year 7/8 Knockout Netball Team – Tuesday 7 April 7:40am – 8:30am
- Year 9/10 & Year 11/12 Knockout Netball Teams – Tuesday 7 April 1:00 – 1:35pm
Upcoming Sport Clinics
Lunchtime Footy Clinics for Year 9-12 Students!
Click here to sign up!
Adelaide 36ers & Tafe SA Neurodivergent Friendly Holiday Basketball Clinic
About: The Adelaide 36ers and Tafe SA are excited to deliver a free basketball clinic for neurodivergent youth and people that would benefit from a flexible program, this April.
When: Friday April 17th @ State Basketball Centre, Wayville.
- Session 1) 10:00am - 11:00am
- Session 2) 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Session 3) 2:00pm - 3:00pm
- The clinic is designed for participants aged 10 to 17, this is a guide only, participants welcome outside this age group.
- Basketball can be loud, we have reduced the number of people in the centre to reduce the sound, but feel free to wear noise cancelling earphones or ear loops, whatever you need.
- Do you want to bring a buddy or support person, let us know, so we can put you in the same group.
- Flexibility to opt in or out of activities and adapt activities to your needs.
- The State Basketball Centre has a Sensory Room to move into for a break.
- Improve your skills, develop techniques, enhance your game, meet new friends, and enjoy a supportive and fun basketball experience.
Date: Friday 17 April 2026 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (UTC+10:30)
Location: State Basketball Centre, 142 Rose Terrace, Wayville SA 5034
Ms Meg Henderson
Secondary Sport Coordinator
Stepping Into the Courtroom
The Legal Studies students had the opportunity to visit the Magistrates Court as part of their study of dispute resolution. During the visit, they observed a range of criminal cases, typically involving less serious offences, though often characterised by repeated offending by the defendant.
Ms Lucyna Zwolski
Legal Studies Teacher
Students Reflect on Their Magistrates Court Experience:
"At the Magistrate courts I was amazed how many court rooms there were, and how many cases happening all at once. First, we went into court room number 2 where we saw a few different cases some related to driver’s licence getting suspended, drunk driving, drug usage/trafficking, assault, possession of a fire arm and more. A case that stood out to me the most was in court 22, a 18-year-old, in Year 12 applied for bail that was then denied. He attempted to steal an 84-year-old man’s car and detaining the 84-year-old. He assaulted the man whilst apologizing and refusing to let the old man call an ambulance till three hours later. Most of the cases were conducted very quickly with the lawyers presenting the case to the judge and fighting for their client, some of the defendants were put on the screen on FaceTime as they were in custody but some others with minor offenses or on bail were in the court room with their lawyer." Charlotte H
"Most of the defendants had legal representation, as it is their right to ask for legal aid. However, a woman did not have contact with her lawyer and answered her pleas on her own. Additionally, we saw a face-time call in which the lawyer did not pick up. Because these men wanted legal representation, they could not move forward with the trial." Amelie C
"While at the Magistrates court, we witnessed various cases. Some included drunk driving while having a suspended license, assault, and possession of a firearm. Each case was different, as some defendants were absent, or in custody, and one defendant had no lawyer, and showed up alone." Evie M
"It was very intriguing to be able to see such a variety of court cases so efficiently, since they moved quite quickly between cases. It was a much more fast-paced environment than I expected. I also noticed the level of security and the amount of respect everyone gives to the magistrate in the room (everyone bows when they enter/exit the room). However, I also noticed that there is a great deal of protection and leniency for defendants, as lawyers successfully request adjournments which keeps the defendants out of jail or from other forms of punishment if they are eventually found to be guilty, and that there isn’t any immediate punishment for not being present in court." Macey L
Year 7 Tackle Water Science in ‘A Clean Getaway’
7LF visited SA Water to take part in an escape room-style activity, A Clean Getaway. Working in teams, students solved puzzles and carried out experiments to complete a series of challenges.
Each activity deepened their understanding of the water filtration process that has been explored in Geography lessons, while also encouraging collaboration and teamwork towards a common goal.
The Year 7s thoroughly enjoyed both the fun and the learning—a fantastic opportunity to step outside the classroom and experience real-world applications of their studies!
Hitting the Road for a Fun-Filled Road Safety Adventure
Our Reception students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the Road Safety Centre, where they learned all about staying safe in our community. Constables Merrilyn and Charlie taught us about the important role police officers play and how to seek help if needed. We then explored road safety, practising the kerb drill – stop, look, listen, think. The highlight was putting these skills into action by riding bikes around the mock roadway, stopping at traffic lights, giving way at the roundabout, and watching out for pedestrians at the emu and koala crossings. A glorious sunny day for our littlest learners!
A Cultural Exchange to Remember
During Weeks 8 and 9, we had the pleasure of welcoming eight students from Mejiro Kenshin High School in Japan. They joined our Year 11 classes for a memorable one-and-a-half-day visit, giving them a taste of senior school life here in Australia. In their short time with us, they explored a variety of subjects, formed new friendships, and shared meaningful cultural experiences with our students. It was heartwarming to see these connections grow so naturally. A big thank you to all our students and teachers who made our guests feel so welcome. Your kindness and generosity helped create a truly special and memorable visit for everyone involved.
Ms Michelle Barratt
Study Tours Coordinator
Year 2 Engineers Connect and Create with our International Friends
Year 2 students put their engineering skills to the test during a hands-on science lesson, designing and constructing bridges using newspaper and straws. Following their own plans, students experimented with joining and shaping materials before testing the strength of their structures. The learning experience was enriched by visiting students from St Capitanio, who worked alongside the Year 2s, sharing ideas and helping them refine their designs. Together, students built, tested and celebrated creative solutions while exploring how materials can be manipulated to make strong structures.
Project Compassion Lent 2026
As we mark Holy Week, we reflect on another year of turning our faith and love into action through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. Throughout Lent, we’ve witnessed the power that our school community can generate when we come together as one, and have heard four incredible stories of resilience and strength which offer a window into the kind of transformative impact we can achieve.
In Tanzania, Sisilia’s life was changed with access to nearby clean water. She can now spend more time studying so she can fulfil her dreams of one day becoming a pilot.
Monoranjon, from Bangladesh, learnt climate-resilient farming techniques, helping his family survive and build a safer, more sustainable future.
In rural Fiji, Manaini learnt food processing and gardening skills through Caritas Australia’s partner, FRIEND, creating more income opportunities to support her children’s education.
And in Gaza, Caritas Jerusalem staff remain committed to providing lifesaving support, standing in solidarity with families enduring this conflict.
But the work isn’t done yet, and there is still time to donate! Will you help make this our school’s most meaningful Project Compassion yet?
It’s not too late to donate. Keep collecting donations through your Project Compassion collection box, scan the QR code to donate online, or donate over the phone by calling 1800 024 413.
Please return your boxes to school during Week 11. These can be given to class/home room teachers or at the Front Office.
Thank you for standing with us as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
Upcoming Events
Our 'Discovery Time & Tour' session is coming soon! Please share it with families and friends who might be interested. At SAC, we truly value when families share their experiences.
Save the Date! Join Us for a Special Mother’s Day Blessing 2026
Let the fun and colour of term 2 begin! Our 'sac colour fun run' donations page is now open, and the countdown is on!
