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.
Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal - Issue #17, 2026
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,
In today’s newsletter, I am sharing my words of farewell to the Class of 2026 at the Graduation Assembly today:
Welcome families, friends, and the whole SAC community gathered to farewell the Class of 2026. Our liturgical theme this year is Animated by Love. There is so much written and sung about love, and often it’s romantic love that dominates the airwaves. But at today’s assembly I am thinking about other forms of love: the love we find in friendships, the love that animates us when we discover new passions or interests, the love we feel for those who are no longer with us.
My brother, James, is a big fan of the German theologian Karl Rahner, who says something like “when we love another for their own sake, it is then that we most clearly know God”. And in my experience, the love young people find in friendships can be truly transformational – they want to see their friends flourish. When we announce awards, as we are doing today, students are proud to celebrate the gifts and talents of their peers and are genuinely happy to see them recognised.
In my Year 12 RE classes, I often show students pictures of my friends and I at the Year 12 Retreat of 1984. They love seeing our crazy ‘80s mullets and they laugh at the picture of me listening to my Walkman, which was nearly the size of your laptops! The women in those photos are still my friends today, some I speak to every week, others maybe once a year. But the quality of the relationship is not based on the frequency of the conversations. I know that any one of them would be there for me when I needed them. And for the Class of 2026, I hope that as the connections you have made change shape and evolve over the years beyond school, that you will always remember the love you feel today and continue to stay connected, have fun together and be present for one another.
And speaking of being present, most of you know that I took some Renewal Leave last term and spent time in Ireland. One of the Sisters who helped me arrange that visit, Sr Patricia, would always sign off her emails “All the best for the present, Paddy”. And it had me thinking that sometimes in schools we are so focused on empowering bright futures, that we forget to honour the present. So, my hope for each of our Year 12 graduates is that you find the joy in the present: not just the big moments, like this graduation assembly, but in the simple daily pleasures that make you feel fully alive. Take time out to be creative, to find stillness and to smell the roses. Enjoy every moment of what Mary Oliver calls “your one wild and precious life”.
When I was in Ireland, a place of astounding natural beauty and my mother’s birthplace, I felt my Mum’s presence in powerful ways. So to the many people who are significant in your lives: your mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, carers, neighbours and others - those who are here today, and those who are not able to be here with us, I say thank you. The unwavering love and support of families is a love beyond measure, a love that transcends time and place. When I see families watching their Year 12s processing out of this assembly holding hands with the Reception students, their eyes are brimming with love. Thank you for being there to hold their hands every step of the way.
And finally, I acknowledge our SAC family, especially the teachers and support staff who have cared for our graduates throughout their years at the College. This school was built out of the love of the Sisters of Mercy; their love of God and one another has inspired generations of South Australians. Today, the staff continue to go above and beyond to provide a community of care for every student who walks through the doors on Wakefield St. Animated by love, they gently encourage and support every student, and I am deeply grateful to them.
All of us here today, watching you with love in our hearts, wish you well for “your one wild and precious life”. Go well, Class of 2026!
Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal
Go well, Class of 2026!
A Remarkable Achievement for Our Year 7 Lilac Debaters
Last Saturday, our talented Year 7 Lilac Debating Team had the incredible opportunity to compete in the Grand Final at Parliament House, following a highly successful debating season. The team delivered an outstanding performance, demonstrating confidence, teamwork, critical thinking, and strong public speaking skills. After a closely contested debate, they were named runners-up, missing the championship by only a couple of points. While the result was incredibly close, their effort, determination, and professionalism throughout the competition were truly exceptional.
We are immensely proud of everything the students have achieved this year. From their commitment to preparation and research to their growth as speakers and thinkers, they have represented our school with distinction at every stage of the competition. Reaching the Grand Final is a significant accomplishment, and the team's performance at Parliament House was a fitting culmination of a fantastic season. They should be proud of how far they have come and the resilience they showed throughout the year.
Congratulations to all members of the Year 7 Lilac Debating Team and their Coach Alex Kirkham on an outstanding achievement. We celebrate not only their success in reaching the Grand Final but also the dedication, teamwork, and perseverance they have demonstrated along the way.
Ms Chelsey Webb
Debating Coordinator
Year 7 student, Edytka, reflected:
"This year debating has been an amazing adventure that gave me so many new experiences and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I loved every minute of debating from brainstorming ideas, researching topics that made me curious and thinking fast on the spot for rebuttals. Most of all I loved talking in front of a crowd, knowing that my voice had an impact on people’s opinions built my confidence and self-esteem. Debating led me to things I never thought could happen like making it to the grand finals and speaking at parliament! Overall debating was taught me many things and was an unforgettable experience."
The Sacred Within: Year 10 Retreat
Last week our Year 10 students experienced a peaceful and inspiring day of retreating from life to spend time exploring ‘The Sacred Within’.
Set amidst the serene surroundings of Barristers Block in the Adelaide Hills, students were delightedly greeted by affectionate alpacas and horses as they wandered the colourful fields and vines.
They also participated in guided meditation under glorious blue skies and experimented with forming sand mandalas and clay sculptures, whilst embracing being in the present. Away from the noise and busyness of everyday school life, the day gave students space to pause, reflect and connect with themselves and one another.
It was a truly special day of faith, connection, friendship and being Animated by Love.
Ms Sarah Kennedy
Religious Education Coordinator (Secondary)
A Splash of Pink, a Powerful Show of Support
The St Aloysius College community comes together in solidarity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
On Thursday 22 October, St Aloysius College was awash with shades of pink as students and staff came together for our annual Pink Day, raising funds and awareness in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
While the College grounds were filled with colour, laughter and friendly competition, the purpose behind the festivities was one of profound importance: to stand alongside individuals and families affected by breast cancer, and to demonstrate the strength of a community united in compassion.
Throughout the day, students swapped their usual uniforms for pink attire in exchange for a gold coin donation, transforming the College into a vibrant sea of pink. At lunchtime, the celebrations continued with pink lemonade and an irresistible selection of doughnuts, generously supplied at a discounted price by Vili's, alongside gluten-free and vegan options from OMG Donuts.
Both businesses have their roots in South Australian families, making their contributions a particularly fitting reflection of the generosity and community spirit at the heart of the occasion. We extend our sincere thanks to both for helping make the day possible.
Adding to the excitement was a spirited staff-versus-student volleyball match, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of supporters. Despite an impressive effort from the students, it was the staff who claimed victory, earning bragging rights and providing plenty of memorable moments!
An important part of the day's success was the enthusiasm and initiative of our students, including Year 7 students who contributed to organising the event.
Saxby O, whose first Pink Day this was, having started Year 7 at SAC earlier this year, said, " I enjoyed helping out for such a good cause and to get into the spirit of pink, raising money for breast cancer. I hope that everybody starts to care more about this issue so that we can help make a change together."
Pink Day holds particular significance within our College community. Breast cancer touches the lives of so many, whether through personal experience or through the journeys of family members, friends and colleagues. Behind the pink ribbons and cheerful celebrations are stories of courage, uncertainty, grief, love and enduring support.
Through our fundraising efforts, we are proud to contribute to the work of Breast Cancer Network Australia, which provides information, connection and support to Australians affected by breast cancer.
This year's Pink Day also fell on the eve of our Year 12 students' final day at the College, lending an added poignancy to the occasion. As our graduating students prepare to take their next steps beyond SAC, the day offered a meaningful reminder of the Mercy values they carry with them: compassion, service, courage and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every student, staff member, family and local business who contributed to Pink Day 2026. Whether through a donation, a purchase, a helping hand or simply an act of solidarity, each contribution was a reminder that even the smallest gestures can carry great meaning.
Ms Maddie Kelly
Justice and Mercy Coordinator
Staff Vs Y12 Students Pink Day Volleyball: Always a Highlight, Always for a Good Cause
Thanks to everyone who came along!
Amalia (Year 12) Recognised Among Australia’s Top Young Entrepreneurs
Congratulations to Amalia (Year 12 student), who has been named one of Australia’s Top 50 Kidpreneurs and featured in a national news article.
Amalia’s project, The Cattle Cart, is an innovative livestock transportation service that puts animal welfare first. Recognising that transport is one of the highest-risk points for stress and injury in cattle, she designed trailers with non-slip flooring, calming lighting, ventilation and temperature control, along with sensors, microphones and cameras that let processors and drivers monitor the animals’ condition through a dashboard long before delivery.
This is a wonderful achievement and a great recognition of student entrepreneurship at SAC. Well done, Amalia, on this outstanding accomplishment. We are very proud of you!
You can read the full article here: Australia’s Top 50 Kidpreneurs revealed
Ms Kiara Schonberger
Educational Technologies Coordinator
From the Deputy Principal
(Pastoral Care)
Deputy Principal
(Pastoral Care)
INTRODUCING the 2027 Year 12 Executive Team
We are delighted to introduce the Year 12 Executive Team for 2027, a dynamic group of passionate and energetic young leaders. As part of this team, students play a vital role in shaping the College community by leading initiatives, raising important issues, and coordinating whole-school events. Their commitment to leadership and service is deeply valued.
We congratulate our newly appointed Executive members and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the year ahead.
We also extend our sincere congratulations to all students who applied for the Executive team. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and engagement throughout the selection process were truly commendable.
The selection process for Senior Leaders in Art, Drama, STEM, Music, Languages, and Sport is now underway, with appointments to be announced in the coming weeks.
Ms Jacqui Mcilroy
Deputy Principal (Pastoral Care)
From the SAC Archivist
SAC Archivist
Celebrating Catherine McAuley: The Story Behind ‘The Offering’
In celebration of the centenary of the Cunningham Memorial Chapel, a sculpture of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, was commissioned in 2022 and installed for the opening of the new Dunlevie Building.
Designed and created by Adelaide sculptor, Meliesa Judge of Liquid Metal Studios, the sculpture shows Catherine as a young, secular woman and conveys the spirit and significance of Catherine McAuley’s life and work. It stands on a sandstone plinth inscribed with the College’s Mercy values.
The sculpture, titled ‘The Offering’, depicts Catherine as a woman on the move, wearing those iconic boots and reaching out to offer her shawl to someone in need. This symbolic gesture highlights her compassion, generosity, and commitment to helping others.
In creating the work, Meliesa drew on contemporary descriptions of Catherine and carefully researched the dress and appearance of an Irish woman of her social standing in the early 1880s to ensure historical accuracy.
The sculpture stands in the cloisters of the Convent of Mercy, a place of significance to the Founding Sisters who arrived in Adelaide in 1880 and those Sisters of Mercy who followed in their footsteps. The Convent is now part of St Aloysius College and remains a reminder of our Mercy tradition. The sculpture of Catherine McAuley not only honours the founder of the Sisters of Mercy but serves as a lasting symbol of our Mercy values that continue to inspire and shape the St Aloysius College community today.
Explore the new St Aloysius College History website!
Discover the people, places and stories that have shaped St Aloysius College. With easy visual navigation and a large collection of photographs, explore the history of SAC from our beginnings through to today.
Old Scholars can also reconnect with the College by signing up for updates on events, articles, reunions, classes and more.
If you have SAC treasures tucked away at home, we'd love to hear from you. You can now donate historical items directly through the homepage, helping us to care for and protect your precious documents, photographs, artefacts and uniform items for future generations.
Visit the website and start exploring today!
Ms Carol Grantham
SAC Archivist
Double Gold for SAC Fencers Sunday and Lucie
Congratulations to Sunday (Year 9) and Lucie (Year 7), who recently competed in a state fencing competition and each won their age category: U15 for Sunday and U13 for Lucie.
Both girls also placed 2nd in their age groups in the mixed poule, where they fence against both girls and boys. An impressive effort!
Fencing is a unique sport, and although Sunday and Lucie belong to different clubs, it is a very supportive community. We are proud to see our SAC girls taking their sport beyond school.
In December, Adelaide will host the Australian Youth Circuit for fencing. Sunday and Lucie encourage everyone to come along and watch to see how this fascinating sport is played!
Pilgrimage to Seoul: World Youth Day 2027
Want to Join the Adelaide Pilgrimage? Sign Up Your Interest!
World Youth Day is the Catholic Church’s largest international gathering of young people. It offers a unique opportunity for faith and spiritual formation for youth and young adults aged 16 to 35.
In 2027, this global Catholic event will be held in Seoul, South Korea. The Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults (COYYA) have begun planning the Adelaide Archdiocesan pilgrimage to World Youth Day Seoul 2027 and you are welcome to join them in this wonderful experience.
Sound interesting? Students aged 16 years and above considering the pilgrimage are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest form (below) for more information and to help COYYA understand how they can best support you in the journey towards Seoul.
Expression of Interest Form: https://forms.gle/HobdVasPvxkkUPD99
Ms Genevieve Pelekani
Director of Faith & Mission
Commencement of Park Safe in Chancery Lane
