St Aloysius Newsletter

2026 Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal - Issue #10, 2026

This week we have been celebrating Refugee Week 2026, recognising the courage, creativity and contributions of refugees worldwide. Australia’s World Cup win last Sunday showcased the talents of the amazing Socceroos, whose stories reflect the diversity that is a hallmark of modern Australia. That same diversity is a feature of St Aloysius College and one that we are also proud to celebrate. Students come to SAC from over 100 different postcodes across Adelaide, and their families come from more than 45 countries of origin. We learn from and with one another and create a community that recognises the common humanity we share. Thank you to every family that has chosen to be part of this school community!

For generations, SAC has been welcoming students and families with refugee experience. Their passion for education often sees them move on to incredibly bright futures. One such graduate is Dr Caroline Lee (nee Unferdorben), who graduated from SAC in the 1980’s. Caroline’s family came to Australia from Hungary in the 1950’s and chose SAC as the school for their daughters. After graduating, Caroline became a nurse, later completed a PhD and, since 1992, Caroline has been CEO of Leecare Solutions, a consulting and software company that operates across five countries. Caroline returned to the College a few years ago, wanting to sponsor students currently enrolled at SAC who come from refugee backgrounds. Her generous contribution is making a huge difference in the lives of many students and reflects the Mercy values that are at the heart of an education at SAC. We thank Caroline for offering to pay it forward in this way, and acknowledge the enormous contributions that refugees make to this College and to the world.

The Sunday Soiree this weekend will showcase over 100 performances by students from Year 1 through to Year 12. Held in three sittings, these soirees give students the chance to show family, friends and teachers what they have learnt in their instrumental lessons. We are grateful to have such a talented group of instrumental tutors at SAC and a Music Department that consistently goes above and beyond in giving students performance opportunities.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards participants have definitely been stretched beyond their comfort zones this term, with so many of our camping, bushwalking and kayaking trips braving the elements. Sleeping in a tent on a rainy night can be far from comfortable, and we are grateful to the accompanying staff, especially Coordinator Michael Heath, for encouraging the positive mindsets that help students navigate these challenges!

The midyear Reception class has had their first orientation session this week, with two more visits to come this term. The girls spent some time in the library with their teachers, Ms Alana Allwright and Ms Clementine Goode, building connections and having fun. Parents met in the Boardroom with the Leadership Team and had time to enjoy coffee and cake and get to know each other. As the first Reception students to begin their education at SAC in the new Dunlevie Building, we are so excited to see them make a home here next term.

Whenever I welcome new families to the College, I see with fresh eyes the vast array of learning experiences that are on offer for our students. Families want their children to have choices about their future, and providing this breadth of experience is central to giving young people choice and agency in their own futures. As we see the Year 12 students move beyond the halfway point in their studies, we see our emerging graduates are young women who are confident, capable and willing to act for change in the world. Being part of a journey that takes us from Reception to Year 12 is an honour and a privilege and we look forward to welcoming our new families to SAC in Term 3.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

Year 12 students Celebrating they are Halfway There!

Year 11 Students Explore Digital Media at Tasting Australia

Last month, our Year 11 Information Processing and Publishing students enjoyed a valuable real-world learning experience at the Tasting Australia festival in Victoria Square.

The excursion provided students with the opportunity to see firsthand how digital media, marketing, branding and event promotion come together to create a large-scale public event. From engaging visual displays and social media content to event signage and visitor experiences, students explored the many ways digital communication is used to connect with audiences.

Alongside gaining industry insights, students also enjoyed sampling some of the festival’s offerings, making for an engaging and memorable day of learning. The experience helped bring classroom concepts to life while showcasing the creative and practical applications of digital media in the events industry.

Ms Isabella Benvenuto
IPP Teacher

Rising to the Challenge: STEM Students Engineer Success

On Monday 1 June, 25 STEM interested Year 10 students, joined in a ‘building a crane’ workshop with Adelaide University’s Dr Navodana Rodrigo and her team. 

Our students were presented with the challenges and specifications with which civil engineers and construction managers build structures in our world. Dr. Rodrigo gave them their specifications for the cranes to be built. For example, the jib (boom) could only be a maximum of 80cm, some counterweights had to be considered, otherwise the crane tips over, and the diameter of the tower couldn’t be greater than 8cm. The students did SAC proud as they enthusiastically went to work. In groups of 3 to 4 they build their cantilever cranes using newspapers, masking tape, measuring tape and scissors only. The University lecturers were impressed with our students as they only had 5 minutes to design and create their crane and then only 35 minutes to construct their designs. They worked collaboratively and non-stop under the time constraints and, although not perfect, all groups had a crane ready for testing.  When the time came to test whether the crane could stand by itself, nervousness was replaced with laughter and joy as some cranes were more successful than others!  Their crane’s jib strength, durability and stability were tested in the last 5 minutes by Dr Rodrigo and her team and the proud winners with their triangle support approach of the jib were Tinaya Dias, Abby Lee , Ava Koch and Claire Htun.

The effort and dedication of all our students were applauded by the presenters, and all were rewarded with a morning snack afterwards.  All in all, a wonderful creative and enjoyable hour was spent in the Physics lab learning about cranes.

Ms Nicoletta Romanelli and Ms Magda van Aardt
Teachers

From the Careers Department

Reaching for the Stars - Students Inspired by Australia’s First Astronaut

A small group of staff and students recently had the privilege of attending the Australian of the Year Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre, an inspiring event celebrating leadership, innovation and community contribution across Australia.

A highlight of the morning was hearing from keynote speaker Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first astronaut under the Australian flag. Katherine shared the remarkable story of her journey from a curious student with a passion for science and mathematics to becoming a space engineer and astronaut. Her message was both inspiring and empowering, particularly for the students in attendance.

Throughout her presentation, Katherine emphasised the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and lifelong learning. She spoke about the significance of asking questions, exploring ideas, and embracing challenges which helped shape her career pathway in STEM. Her experiences demonstrated that careers in science and technology are not limited to a select few, but are possible for anyone willing to stay curious, work hard and continue learning. Experiences such as this help students see the real-world impact of their studies and inspire them to dream big. As technology and innovation continue to shape our future, encouraging students to remain curious and engaged in these areas is more important than ever.

We were also captivated by the stories of 2026 SA Australian of the Year Award recipients: James Currie, Malcolm Benoy, Ayesha Safdar and Chloe Wyatt Jasper who demonstrated their commitment to creating positive change and improving the lives of others in their individual and diverse fields. Our staff and students left the breakfast feeling motivated and thankful to have been part of such a memorable occasion.

Career Pathways Come to Life during Work Experience

This term our Year 10 students completed work experience placements across a diverse range of industries including healthcare, law, hospitality, education, retail, childcare, media, technology, and the arts.

These valuable opportunities allowed students to develop workplace skills, build confidence, and gain insight into possible future careers. Through hands-on experiences, students learned the importance of communication, teamwork, responsibility, and professionalism in real-world settings.

Work experience plays an important role in helping young people connect classroom learning with future career pathways. We congratulate all participating students and are proud of the positive way they represented SAC throughout their placements. We also thank the many local businesses and organisations who generously supported our students and provided such meaningful learning experiences.

From the Visual Arts Coordinator

be part of our sac sala exhibition!

Looking for a creative project during these school holidays? As the weather cools down, why not spend some time making an artwork for our whole-school SALA exhibition, Tarnatharnanthi – Keep Rising?

All students are invited to create an artwork inspired by the Kaurna word Tarnatharnanthi, meaning “to keep rising.” Your artwork could explore resilience, growth, hope, courage, nature, community, or a personal story of overcoming challenges.

This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your creativity and be part of a real art exhibition celebrating the talents of SAC students from across the school.

To enter, collect an Entry Form from the Art Room or Front Office. The form includes all the information you need to get started.

Once completed, bring your form to Molly or your Art teacher before the school holidays, and they will provide you with paper or a canvas to create your masterpiece on.

Artwork submissions are due:
Monday 20 July (Term 3, Week 1)

Exhibition Dates:
Term 3, Weeks 4–9
Monday 10 August – Monday 14 September
St Aloysius College Foyer Gallery

We can't wait to see your ideas come to life. Keep rising, get creative, and share your artwork with our school community!

Ms Michelle Barratt
Visual Arts Coordinator

Reconciliation Week at SAC – First Nations Students and JAM Activities

National Reconciliation Week provided many opportunities for students to engage with culture, community and learning across the College.

Throughout the week, students participated in activities that celebrated First Nations perspectives and reflected SAC’s ongoing commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across school life.

The 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In”, was embraced wholeheartedly. Secondary students worked together to create reconciliation ribbons, reflecting on the strength that comes from connection, belonging and coming together as a community.

Seven secondary students also attended the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast alongside Paddy McEvoy, Indi and Maddie Kelly. The event provided an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect on the importance of reconciliation and the role young people play in shaping a more united future.

Our primary students took part in lunchtime activities in the Nunga Room, working alongside secondary students to create unique animal artworks. Each student selected an animal that held personal significance and brought it to life through creative expression. It was wonderful to see students across year levels sharing ideas, supporting one another and building connections.

Students in Years 10–12 also connected with Aboriginal leaders and students from other schools through a series of workshops at Thriving People Day, including art and yarning sessions. These experiences encouraged students to explore identity, future pathways and cultural connections, while reflecting on the important role Culture and Country play in shaping their journeys.

During Friday’s JAM session, students added their painted handprints to a banner symbolising our commitment to being “All In” for reconciliation.

While National Reconciliation Week has concluded, the learning, reflection and relationships fostered throughout the week continue to guide our commitment to reconciliation every day.

Ms India Bament-Sitkowski & Ms Maddie Kelly
First Nations Student Support Officer & JAM Coordinator

Lowitja O'Donoghue Oration, students with Paddy, Tenielle and the guest speaker, Larissa Behrendt

Making a Mark for Reconciliation

Connecting to Culture and Country

From the Music Department

A Busy and Successful Season for Music

The Music Department has had a wonderfully busy few weeks, with two major concerts giving students across the school the chance to shine on stage.

Senior Music Night showcased the talent and dedication of our Year 10 to 12 Music students, with a program of impressive solo performances from Year 11 and 12 students. The evening also included premiere performances of original compositions written by Year 12 Music Explorations students, a wonderful opportunity for the audience to hear brand-new music straight from the minds of our senior composers. Midway through the program, the Year 10 Music class took to the stage, delighting the crowd with a number from Six the Musical.

The second recent concert celebrated the achievements of our Year 7 cohort, with every class that has studied Music this semester performing on the night. The Year 7 Band Program is a woodwind and brass immersion experience, where students learn an instrument in small groups under the guidance of a specialist teacher, before coming together each week to form a class ensemble.

On the night, students proudly presented and performed in their small instrumental groups, then joined together as full classes to showcase their progress. The concert built to an energetic finale, with every Year 7 class combining for a rousing performance of Power Rock.

The evening also featured a performance from the Middle School Concert Band, giving our Year 7 musicians and their families a glimpse of the pathways and opportunities available to students who continue their musical journey on their instrument.

With these two concerts behind them, the Music Department is now turning its attention to the upcoming Sunday Soiree concerts, where our private instrumental and vocal students will take to the stage. We look forward to seeing the community there to support these talented performers.

Ms Fiona Turner
Music Coordinator

From the Great Wall to the Bund: Memories Made in China

From 9–21 April, 14 students from Years 9–11 took part in a memorable 13-day China Study Tour through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu and Shanghai, experiencing China’s language, history and culture firsthand. 

Highlights included visiting Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors; exploring Beijing’s hutongs, cycling Xi’an’s ancient City Wall, meeting buddies at our sister school and dressing in traditional Hanfu. Students also enjoyed tea in Chengdu, watched Sichuan Opera, visited giant pandas, cooked authentic dishes at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum and sampled local favourites such as Peking duck and xiaolongbao. In Shanghai, they admired views from Shanghai Tower, cruised along the Huangpu River and finished the journey with a visit to the picturesque water town of Tongli. 

From practising Chinese and making new friends to discovering local traditions and cuisine, the 2026 China Study Tour was an unforgettable adventure that left students with lasting memories, valuable cultural insights and friendships that will endure for years to come.

Ms Shuhong Li & Ms Xiaomeng Ding
Chinese Teachers

From the Primary Sport Coordinator

Ms Zoe Duffy
Primary Sport Coordinator

Term 2 Netball in action!

Shout out to Year 5/6 Purple! Despite extremely challenging conditions, with heavy rain and bitterly cold temperatures throughout the match in Week 6, our girls showed outstanding resilience and commitment. They approached the game with determination and gave their best effort from start to finish, never allowing the weather to dampen their spirits. Their positive attitudes, teamwork, and perseverance were a true reflection of the school’s values. In difficult circumstances, they displayed excellent sportsmanship and represented the school with pride—an inspiring effort that deserves to be recognised. Thank you to student coaches, Angelique & Daija, for sharing their team’s efforts.

"We are incredibly proud of the girls for their positive attitude in such difficult conditions. Despite the cold and heavy rain, they never gave up and continued to support one another throughout the game. Their teamwork and sportsmanship were a wonderful reflection of the school’s values and made us incredibly proud to be their coaches." Daija & Angelique

Strong Showing at the SACPSSA Basketball Carnival

On Friday 15 June our Year 5/6 KO Basketball team competed at the SACPSSA Basketball Carnival. The team coached by Mr Casey & Mr Dickson had a great day out, finishing with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. We are excited to see how the team performs during their Round 1 matches at the SAPSASA Knockout Competition next term. Keep up the great work.

Get Ready for Term 3 Sport!

Nominations have been received via Clipboard over the last two weeks. We are excited to offer the following sports next term:

• Year 3/4 Competitive Netball 
• Year 5/6 Competitive Soccer 
• Come and Try Reception/Year 1 – Little Athletics
• Come and Try Year 2/3 – Netball

• Come and Try Reception to Year 2 Auskick
• Come and Try Year 3 to Year 6 Superkick
• Years 4 to 6 Cheerleading 

Information on sessions, including trainings and game fixtures, will be communicated via Clipboard. It is important that families record any absences (such as holidays or appointments or sickness) via Clipboard to maintain accurate records, duty of care and team management.

We look forward to another busy term filled with sporting opportunities throughout Term 3!

Ms Zoe Duffy
Primary Sport Coordinator

State Champions! Year 7/8 Girls Claim Division 2 Basketball Title

Congratulations to our Year 7/8 Knockout Basketball team for taking out the Division 2 Statewide Basketball Championships on Wednesday! It was a fantastic team effort going the whole day undefeated in close games, where every single player took a turn to step up and make a contribution when it counted. It seemed that the girls just continued to improve as the day progressed, with a final score of 42 - 37 in a gritty Grand Final against Morialta. Thankyou to our superstar coach, Mr Dickson and team manager Ms Casserly-Lund for their ongoing support over the year, and our wonderful families who came out to support on the day!

Ms Meg Henderson
Secondary Sport Coordinator

Kicking Goals at SAC!

With soccer fever in the air and Adelaide proudly cheering on our Socceroos, there’s no better time to talk all things sport at SAC. In the latest SAC Stories episode, we sit down with our passionate soccer students and PE Coordinator, Ms Glennon, to explore the opportunities, teamwork and school spirit that sport brings to our community. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about chasing goals on and off the field!

👉 Click here to watch Episode 4

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