St Aloysius Newsletter

From the Principal - Issue #1, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 school year, with a special welcome to all the students, staff and families who are new to St Aloysius College. We hope that you feel the warm embrace of Mercy hospitality in these first weeks of term. In the words of Catherine McAuley, “a good beginning is of great importance” and we look forward to a good beginning in 2026.

The liturgical theme for SAC in 2026 is Animated by Love. It’s a theme that will resonate strongly with our students. We hope to expand their thinking beyond the flowers on Valentine’s Day perception of love and explore a deeper understanding of how God moves towards us in love at every moment of our lives.

The funeral mass for Sr Deirdre Jordan, a pillar of our community and someone who understood God’s love at work in the world better than most, was held in the Cunningham Memorial Chapel last week. Sr Deirdre was Principal here from 1954 to 1968 and oversaw a period of significant growth in the College. She continued to be part of the life of the College, attending the Uniform Launch in Term 4 last year. She was a remarkable South Australian educator and will be remembered with great love by all those who were lucky enough to know her. We keep in our prayers Sr Judith Redden and all her fellow Sisters of Mercy at this very sad time.

1999 Sr Deirdre Jordan with students

The Class of 2025 achieved outstanding results in the SACE and are now pursuing a diverse range of pathways beyond school. In this newsletter, you will read about their achievements in the summary provided by Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning), Jacqui Jury. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2025 to SACOSA (the SAC Old Scholars’ Association) later this term.

Welcoming new staff

• Bethany Cawood - Maths & PE Teacher
• Cass Marousopoulos - Outdoor Education Teacher
• Emmy Gerlach - Maths & Science Teacher
• Jasper Wolfe - Psychology & Science Teacher
• Magda van Aardt - Science Coordinator & Physics Teacher
• Pru Pole - EAL/D Teacher
• Samantha Griffiths - English Teacher 
• Sarah Hoffman - Chemistry & Science Teacher
• Stefan Zekanovic - PE & Science Teacher
• Zoe Duffy - Primary Sport Coordinator
• Rebecca Vella - Learning Support Officer
• Suman Kaur - Learning Support Officer
• Sam Bayford – ICT Technician 

Capital Works

We are very excited to be moving into the final phase of the development of our new Dunlevie Building. The collaboration between architects, builders and College staff has resulted in a building that will be the launching pad for generations of SAC students in the years ahead. We are so grateful for the patience and understanding that the whole school community has shown throughout this project and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this new facility in Semester 2.

Newsletter

We ask that you take the time each fortnight to read this newsletter. The photos and stories in these pages capture beautifully the vibrant and diverse learning community here at St Aloysius College. As you search for a photo of your daughter, granddaughter, niece or family friend, I know that you will appreciate the opportunities that are available to our students. The newsletter tells stories about SAC that bring joy to past, present and future students and their families.

Wishing students, staff and families all the very best for 2026!

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

From the Deputy Principal
(People and Operations)

Welcome to 2026! A warm welcome back to all of our returning students and families and a very special welcome to our new students and families beginning at St Aloysius College this year. I am writing to remind families of some key dates and times important for school operations, as well as to ensure all parents and caregivers are across the various electronic systems we will be utilising throughout the year as part of our communication with home.

Dunlevie Building Update and Classroom Locations

It has been amazing to witness the demolition and then construction of the Dunlevie Building across the past 12 months. Latest works in the new year include the installation of significant services infrastructure in the Redden driveway and the continuation of the façade, especially glasswork. We look forward to a busy program in the coming months as we transition into the new building in Term 3!

For all updates regarding the Dunlevie Project or the development of the Masterplan, please visit our Masterplan webpage.

With the ongoing construction, we have suggested entrances to the College that would be most suitable for each year level to avoid congestion given the restricted access we will have to the Redden Driveway.

Together with Schiavello, we are committed to ensuring the building process remains a smooth, safe and successful venture. There will be expected challenges, and we thank you in advance for your patience as we navigate this exciting period of growth for the College. Any questions or concerns can be directed to sac@sac.sa.edu.au for a response from the College or from Schiavello as appropriate.

Traffic Management and Carparking around the Campus

‘Back to School’ time always means greater amounts of traffic on the roads and especially at the start of the school year, we should anticipate more motorists around schools and those searching for car parks.

In partnership with Adelaide City Council, parking permits are available from our front office. The permits allow parents/caregivers to park around the perimeter of the school (in ‘No Parking’ zones) for a maximum of 10 minutes during school drop off and pick up times. If you require a permit, please collect one from the Front Office. It is crucial that our school community adhere to the road rules at all times, including reducing speed around the College when children are present and adhering to laws both as drivers and as pedestrians. All students are expected to use the pedestrian crossings on Wakefield and Angas Streets when crossing those roads and we appreciate the adults in our community modelling these safe behaviours.

I hope that 2026 is a successful year for all of our students and their families and I look forward to meeting you all at the various events throughout the year.

Mr Nick Tattoli
Deputy Principal (People and Operations)

From the Deputy Principal

(Pastoral Care)

School Photo Day

Our School Photo Day is fast approaching! This is a wonderful opportunity to capture and celebrate your child’s unique moments and milestones throughout their learning journey. Please find the key details for Photo Day below:

• Date: Week 2, Friday, 6 February
• Time: Photos will commence at 8:55am
• Location: McAuley Auditorium and Auditorium 2
• Uniform: Full summer uniform or new transeasonal uniform

We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your child is well-prepared and dressed in their correct school uniform for the photos. Wearing the school uniform with pride fosters a sense of belonging and unity among our students.

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

At St Aloysius College, students are required to wear the uniform correctly at all times. The uniform reflects our shared identity and values, fosters belonging, and supports a respectful learning environment. Adhering to the College’s Uniform Policy is a condition of enrolment.

Any student who is unable to wear the correct uniform needs a note of explanation from a parent/ caregiver, and this is to be shown to a Home Class Teacher or Year Level Coordinator.

Throughout the first three years of implementation of the new uniform (2026 – 2028), students may wear either the outgoing summer or winter uniform or the new transeasonal uniform. Students are not permitted to combine pieces from the old and new uniform simultaneously.

All students are required to wear the correct uniform both at school and while travelling to and from the College. We appreciate the important role families play in supporting the uniform policy, and we thank you for your continued support in upholding these expectations.

Uniform items are available from the St Aloysius College Uniform Shop, located on campus in the Judith Redden Centre.

Please CLICK HERE to access the uniform policy, which is also displayed in each classroom and can also be found in the student diary. 

Mobile Phone Policy

A reminder from 2026, the ‘Away for the Day’ mobile phone policy will apply from the moment students enter the school grounds until they leave at the end of the day.

Primary to Year 10: Students must keep their mobile phones silent and securely stored in their bags or lockers throughout the entire school day. Phones are not to be carried in pockets or used at any time during the day, including recess and lunch.

Year 11 and 12: Students must store their phones in lockers or bags during lesson times. Use of mobile phones is permitted during recess and lunch, provided they are used responsibly. Phones may only be accessed during lessons with explicit permission from a teacher or staff member.

Students who breach our mobile phone policy will be required to submit their device to the Front Office, where it can be collected at the end of the school day.

As always, if communication between a student and parent/caregiver is necessary, this should be arranged through the Front Office.

Thank you for your support in reinforcing this policy and helping us maintain a focused, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment.

Student Attendance   

At St Aloysius College, we work in partnership with families to support regular attendance, as it is essential for learning, wellbeing, and engagement in our community. Research shows a strong link between attendance and achievement, so we take this responsibility seriously. We require 90% attendance and understand at times however, that students may not be well enough to attend school. We regularly monitor and support students who are repeatedly late or absent.

Early Departure

If your child needs to leave early, please email absentees@sac.sa.edu.au or SMS 0438 433 333 with their name, class, and reason.

Exemptions for Holidays or Medical Reasons

Family holidays should be scheduled during school breaks wherever possible. If travel during term time is unavoidable, please complete the following form application form to have your child’s exemption approved by the Principal. 

For frequent or extended medical absences, a medical certificate may be required for three or more consecutive days.

Definitions and Follow-Up

Ms Jacqui Mcilroy
Deputy Principal (Pastoral Care)

From the Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning)

WELCOME TO 2026

We warmly welcome everyone to the beginning of the school year, with a special greeting to the new students, families and staff who are joining our community. The start of a new year brings a sense of anticipation for all learners, whether they are entering Reception, moving into a new year level, or beginning their final year in Year 12. Our aspiration for every student is that they strive for their best, engage fully in their learning, and make the most of the many opportunities ahead to grow and thrive throughout the year.

2025 Academic Results

The class of 2025 achieved outstanding results. Congratulations to our College Dux, Emily, who achieved an ATAR of 98.35.

Congratulations also to Jasmin, who was one of 40 students in South Australia to receive a Governor of South Australia Commendation Excellence Award, which recognises excellent achievement in Year 12 subjects as well as success in developing one or more SACE capabilities.

Our students received 50 A+ grades with 12 Merits awarded across 9 subjects, including: Activating Identities and Futures, Ancient Studies, Business Innovation, English, English Literary Studies, General Mathematics, Psychology, and Workplace Practices.

Highlights from the class of 2025 include:

• 100% SACE Completion
• 28% of students achieved an ATAR over 90, placing them in the top 10% of all Australian students.
• 55% of students achieved an ATAR over 80, placing them in the top 20% of all Australian students.
• Over 70% of our Year 12 students achieved an ATAR over 70, placing them in the top 30% of all Australian students.
• 53% of all subject grades were A grades
• 90% of all subject grades were A or B grades
• 95% of all students who applied for university received a First-Round offer.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and all their teachers!

If you have any questions about the curriculum at any time, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College.

Ms Jacqui Jury
Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning)

From the Primary Coordinator

Welcome to Our School Family

I warmly welcome all our new students and especially our Reception children beginning school for the very first time. May your journey be filled with an abundance of love — a love of learning, of discovery, of curiosity and of belonging in our vibrant school community. 

Ms Abby Matte
Primary Coordinator