St Aloysius Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal - Issue #16, 2024

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

Celebrations for Mercy Day are always a highlight of the school year at St Aloysius. The Mass at the Cathedral on Wednesday is a moment of reflection and gratitude, as we give thanks for the healing power of mercy in our school and in our world. This year we were grateful to Fr George Ochola for leading our celebration of the Eucharist. Each year we invite an old scholar to share their reflections on how mercy has shaped their life beyond school, and this year Georgia Lawrence-Doyle was our speaker. Georgia is an English and History teacher at SAC, and we were deeply moved and inspired by her reflections on her experiences of mercy and what drew her back to SAC to teach. This was followed by the Mercy Day Carnival today, where the joy of community, combined with the knowledge that we are raising funds for people in need, brings about a very special day. Thanks to all the families and staff who helped students to prepare for and participate in Mercy Day.

Last Sunday’s SACOSA (SAC Old Scholars Association) Mercy Day High Tea was a chance to say farewell to the Dunlevie building. So many of us have fond memories of the time we spent learning and teaching in Dunlevie, and we shared stories and laughter as we reminisced about those years. It was wonderful to have seventeen Sisters of Mercy join the celebrations. For many of the Sisters, the Dunlevie Building was their home before they went on to teaching and leadership roles at SAC and beyond. We appreciated their presence and were reminded that SAC is built on the hard work and inspiration of some amazingly talented educators, and we are proud to walk in their footsteps.

The design for the new Dunlevie Building is being finalised now and we are in the process of selecting a builder for the project. We are so excited to share the plans for this building, which will integrate contemporary approaches to learning and diversity and provide state of the art specialist facilities for our younger learners. We appreciate the extensive consultation that the architects have undertaken with our community, and we know that this building will open up new possibilities for staff, students and families in the years ahead.

And speaking of bright futures, it was a joy to attend the Catholic Education SA Graduation Ceremony for First Nations students at the Wine Centre this week. Tatum Maclean and Jaime Rowe are two outstanding graduates, who will no doubt go on to great things beyond school. Viv Graney and I were proud to stand beside the girls and their families and congratulate them on their outstanding achievements. Tatum has already secured an internship over the Christmas holidays, which she will complete prior to starting tertiary studies in Marketing and Communication next year.  Jaime also plans to pursue tertiary studies at one of our South Australian universities next year. Both Tatum and Jaime are excellent ambassadors for SAC and we wish them well.

Another group of outstanding graduates were presented to the Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, at the Adelaide Town Hall this afternoon. These twelve students have completed an array of community service, personal skill development and adventurous journeys over many years to achieve their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 2024. To have completed this level of the award whilst still at school is a fantastic achievement, and it was an honour for Alan Brown, Tom Cotton and I to accompany the students and their families to the ceremony. We congratulate Alexis Auret, Marley Band, Anjali Becker, Sara Boksmati, Eleanor Buckham, Olivia Daniel, Keira Gerrard, Tali Hodgkiss-Roberts, Airlie Hoendervanger, Abbey Moretti, Alicia Rudko, and Yasmin Toy​.

The Catholic Schools Music Festival never fails to impress in bringing together students from across SA for a week of performances at the Festival Theatre. The Year 5 and 6 students were on stage on Monday evening and Year 12 student Bridget Tran was one of the comperes. The choir was so polished, and Bridget was a wonderfully engaging and enthusiastic MC. SAC was represented every night with a range of ensembles, and Adi Hardy in the Rhythm Section, showcasing the breadth of musical talent we enjoy. Congratulations to all the staff who rehearse the choir and support acts for bringing together such a fabulous event.

As we prepare for our Term 3 holidays, I am mindful of the Year 12 students who are finalising their assessments and getting ready for exams. We will hold them and their families in our hearts in this final stage of their educational journey at SAC.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
PRINCIPAL

Masterplan Provides Scaffolding for Modern Learners to Succeed 

Mercy Light: Connecting  

If the walls of SAC’s Dunlevie Building could talk, they’d have a lot to say. They’d tell you how, over a hundred years ago, robed Mercy Sisters climbed its stairs to their top-floor bedrooms after long days teaching in the downstairs classrooms. These walls could recount how boarders’ songs and laughter chimed through the halls, or how muffled, homesick tears sometimes dampened pillows. They’d tell of countless nervous and excitable youngsters, tottering through the ground-floor doors on their very first days at school. Most impressively, the walls would surely tell of surviving 1954’s 5.6 magnitude earthquake, which severely damaged – and even partially collapsed – some nearby buildings.  

Although that earthquake stirred the novice nuns fast asleep inside Dunlevie Building, the structure itself fared comparatively well; it takes a lot to rattle foundations of Mercy, which is sturdier than bricks-and-mortar alone. This story and many more were shared on Sunday 22 September, when over 150 Old Scholars, Staff and Sisters gathered in the shade of Dunlevie’s balconies for a Mercy Day celebration to honour the building. As Marian Elliott, former Deputy Principal and SAC Old Scholar, aptly told the gathering during her keynote speech, “the new Dunlevie Building will house the memories of future Mercy scholars and graduates who will face the challenges of education and life in the twenty-first century.  We look forward to welcoming the new Dunlevie, which will rise from the footprints of the old.” 

This occasion foregrounds several Masterplan milestones the College community anticipates celebrating, as an aspirational vision comes alive. Earlier this year, members of SAC’s community came together to paint a vibrant mural marking the entrance to The Village, a temporary learning space that accommodates classroom learning experiences while the Masterplan progresses. The multi-coloured artwork was launched during Harmony Week, depicting many hands to represent the mosaic of cultures and helpers that make SAC a dynamic and hospitable community. 

Shortly after the mural was completed, a Digital Technologies studio opened its doors, impressing current and prospective families at its launch on Open Night.  

Later this year, the community is invited to celebrate two more Masterplan milestones at the College. Next month, on October 18, the College will officially open the Wardlis, three gathering spaces in the Mitchell Courtyard that were designed by First Nations students and staff in collaboration with respected First Nations artist, Cedric Varcoe, and in consultation with Kaurna Elder, Uncle ‘Major’ Moogy Sumner AM. And, in November, there’ll be a celebration of the current Dunlevie Building for families in the Dunlevie Courtyard.  

When Mercy Hospitality meets modern learning, magic happens. The Masterplan caters to the needs of the current and future learner with hospitality and community at the core. More than ever, the Dunlevie Building will be a nurturing home of learning, leading, connecting and believing for SAC’s students.  

Primary Coordinator, Ms Abby Matte, describes the new Dunlevie Building as, “a space that has been designed with community connection front-of-mind. From the moment people walk down the Redden laneway, we hope they’ll feel welcomed and at home.” 

Ms Matte explains how the students, “will be learning in spaces they’ve helped to choose throughout the Masterplan process. Students have had agency in explaining how best they like to learn.”  

With everything from a designated STEM space, Arts areas, breakout nooks, and a Reception courtyard to be enjoyed by SAC’s littlest learners, opportunities are limitless for students to feel supported while pursuing their interests. 

Some recent studies show that adaptable learning environments, whereby teachers can tailor classroom formations to suit specific task and student requirements, improve learning outcomes. On this, Ms Matte enthuses, “the adaptability of these new learning spaces, which current facilities lack, enhances connections between students and teachers and ensures that a range of specific learning needs can be appropriately met.” 

The inclusion of a new, greened rooftop community area, as well as enhanced light flow into learning spaces, means students will enjoy the proven benefits that natural exposure has for young students. A study of 21,000 US primary-aged students determined that, over a one-year period, students with increased exposure to natural light during their school days experienced favourable outcomes in reading and mathematics, as compared to students with limited exposure.  

SAC’s Principal, Ms Paddy McEvoy, is thrilled to see the Masterplan unfolding, sharing how the new Dunlevie building, “will integrate contemporary approaches to learning and diversity and provide state of the art specialist facilities for our younger learners. We know that this building will open up new possibilities for staff, students and families in the years ahead.” 

The closing of the Dunlevie’s doors on the last day of school in December this year marks the opening of a new door, heralding an era of innovative learning opportunities built in its footprint, carrying forward a tradition of leading in learning in Mercy, which has a lifespan far longer than the original Dunlevie Building itself.  

Ms Maddie Kelly
Marketing & Communications Team

This is community 💜

Today’s stunning weather mirrored the vibrant spirit of celebration at our Mercy Day carnival. Catherine McAuley said that “no matter how small the gift, God gives the increase.” Purchases of the many treats and activities swelled to the extraordinary sum of $12,700 which will support our Mercy-affiliated works. We wish all families a happy and safe holiday break! 

From the Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)

Joy & music with andrew chinN

On the 24^th September, the primary school students had the experience of attending a live concert by renowned religious songwriter Andrew Chinn. The event was filled with joy, music, and meaningful moments, as Andrew performed many of his beloved songs that celebrate faith, love, and community.

The concert was a perfect way to finish off the term and celebrate Mercy Day, singing popular songs like 'These Hands' and 'Shine Among Them'. We are grateful for Andrew Chinn’s visit and look forward to integrating his songs and messages into our upcoming Masses and Liturgies.

Ms Isabella Deluca
Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)

From the English Faculty

‘Shadows and Mirrors’

‘Shadows and Mirrors’ was the theme of this year’s SAC Short Story and Poetry Competition. Students responded with creativity and insight and there was an impressive range of writing reflecting on the shadows and mirrors in our lives and personalities. The competition also includes the Neville Stapleton Poetry Awards. Bestowed in honour of the late Mr Neville Stapleton, long-time member of the College’s teaching staff and later archivist, the awards are presented by his family to the winning secondary poets from Years 7 to 9 and Years 10 to 12. Congratulations to Amelia Short (9BM) and Scarlett Scardigno (12LZ), the 2024 winners of the Awards, and to Chloe Battilana, Eleanor Elston-McComb, Summer Frazer, Rosalie Fernando, Matilda Hassam, Samantha Hay, Leila Morales and Stella Watts who were also successful in their various divisions. Our thanks are extended to Mr Patrick Stapleton, who joined us to present the awards, and to the members of the English faculty who formed the preliminary judging panels. We look forward to reading more from these talented writer and poets!

SAC Short Story & Poetry Competition 2024 - Results

Ms Genevieve Pelekani
English & Literacy Coordinator

The Evatt Model United Nations (Youth) Competition

The Evatt Model United Nations (Youth) Competition is a negotiating competition for students in Years 9-12. Simulating a session in the UN Security Council, delegates (participants) work in teams of two to represent one of the fifteen member states in negotiations to settle threats to global peace.  Each team is given a resolution which the countries in the chamber will try to change, keep the same, or vote for or against. I loved participating in this competition because it allowed me to meet like-minded people, practice my public speaking and negotiating skills, as well as learn more about international relations and politics. The EVATT Competition is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and have fun while doing so!

Mariya (Year 10 Student)

Our Year 3s aced the LEGO League Challenge! 

LEGO for learning? You heard correctly! Our Year 3 students have just completed the exciting LEGO League Challenge, where they were tasked with designing innovative and sustainable transport solutions for the future!

In teams, the students explored different types of transportation, from electric cars to futuristic, eco-friendly watering devices. With LEGO bricks in hand, they turned their ideas into creative models, focusing on how these designs could improve efficiency and an eco-friendly world.

After testing their builds and connecting codes, they didn’t stop there. They fine-tuned their creations, learning that trial and error is a key part of any successful design process. The final step was presenting their innovative solutions to classmates and teachers at the expo, where they explained how their models could make a difference in the real world.

The LEGO League challenge helped students develop key skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all while having fun. Their efforts showcased not only creativity but also a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. Well done to our innovative Year 3s for their hard work and fantastic ideas!

The Year 3 Team

Exploring Democracy - Year 11 Legal Studies Class Visits Parliament

The Year 11 Legal Studies class visited Parliament as part of their studies of democracy and representative government. The students were fortunate to tour both houses of Parliament with Lucy Hood, member for Adelaide.

The following are some student reflections about the different aspects of the visit.

Ms Lucyna Zwolski
Legal Studies Teacher

The two Houses of Parliament

Ever wanted to time travel? Well, visiting the two houses of Parliament with Lucy Hood is as close as you can get!

These halls are packed with history. From the design to the meaningful images, everything is symbolic. First up, the green carpeting in the lower house isn’t just green—it’s decorated with wheat, grapes, and wattle, all nods to Aussie culture. Why green? It was the colour of everyone’s clothes (because it was cheap), and this was chosen as they wanted it to be common and resonate with the country. Everywhere you look, you’re reminded of home.

Here’s a fun bit: The red carpets in Parliament the run in front of the seating rows aren’t just for pleasure they ensured safety. Back in the day, the space between benches was two sword lengths apart because, well, politicians used to literally point swords at each other!

Now, onto the old-school architecture: The lower house is decked out with gold rims, chandeliers, oil paintings, and fancy oak wood. But the upper house? A bit more humble, since they ran out of money after using it all on the lower house. After 50 years, thanks to the Bonython family’s donation, they managed to finish the upper house just before WWII in 1939. Here’s the coolest part: They purposely misplaced one roof tile in the lower house to remind everyone that “only God is perfect.” If you visit, see if you can spot it! (Hint: Look to the left from the public gallery.)

Emily Thomas 11AT

The Parliamentary Library

The Parliamentary Library houses important historical artefacts for the South Australian Parliament. In the library, collections of 60,000 documents, rare books including a bible from the year 1600 are, as well as original wooden planks from Westminster in London built in 1050 are also housed in this beautiful library. Dr John Weste warmly welcomed the students from SAC with engaging stories such as recounting Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to South Australia and the story behind the decision to serve Her Majesty Mock Turtle soup. Students were asked to guess what ingredients were required to make this soup. Apparently, it contained a cow’s head, including the teeth, tongue and cartilage, horse hooves, oysters and vegetables such as carrots, swedes and celery. The Queen ate the soup graciously and followed up with a nice glass of sherry!

 Alexa Bageas 11FT

Question time

Attending Question Time at Parliament was an eye-opening experience for our Year 11 Legal Studies class. We arrived expecting a formal and structured debate, but what we witnessed was quite different. The constant arguing and interruptions were surprising, even shocking. It was a reminder of the passionate and often confrontational nature of politics. While it was a bit unsettling to see elected representatives engage in such heated exchanges, it also highlighted the importance of robust debate in a democratic society. Question time educated us further on current issues regarding politics, inflation and the cost of living. This experience made us reflect on the power of words, the significance of respectful dialogue, and the role of government in representing diverse views. Ultimately, it left us more curious and engaged, prompting us to think critically about how we communicate and make decisions as a community.

Retha Muradi 11DT & Zahra Irfani 11DT

From the Visual Arts Department

The Adelaide Royal Show celebrated Summer Scardigno’s achievement in the annual Junior Art and Design competition by creating a special prize for her. On Friday 20^th September Gary Shulz OAM from the Royal Show presented Summer with an award for an ‘Outstanding Art Exhibit’ and a cash prize. Summer has entered her stunning paintings into this competition for the last 6 years. In his speech, Gary expressed his admiration for Summer's extraordinary talent, highlighting her remarkable journey as an artist:

"I first saw Summer’s work at the Royal Adelaide Show. I was very impressed. So much so that this year, as a sponsor of the JACD at the show, I wanted to give her a special award for her exceptional painting skills. Summer, everybody who saw your work at the show this year, and last year, where overwhelmed by the extraordinary skills you display in your work. As an art student you clearly see the world differently from most. The colours, compositions, textures, positive and negative shapes, and technical skills all come together to produce wonderful images. Well done. All who know Summer must be so very proud of her."

We congratulate Summer on her success and look forward to seeing the art she creates into the future.

Ms Michelle Barratt
Visual Arts Coordinator | Study Tours Coordinator

From OSHC

BUILDING CREATIVITY IN OSHC!

In OSHC, students had the opportunity to engage in a series of exciting team challenges and activities designed to foster problem solving and cooperative skills. They tackled various activities, including a creative task where students were challenged with the idea that each person in their group needed to hold a piece of string attached to a Texta in order draw a picture. This task prompted students to coordinate their moves by working together, sharing ideas, and adjusting their techniques to bring their collective vision to life. The activity not only enhanced their fine motor skills but also strengthened their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

The challenges presented to students not only encouraged them to develop strategies but also developed a sense of camaraderie and resilience. Students were eager to participate, took pride in their creations and expressed their excitement about the innovative process they had used to complete the challenges.

Ms Caitlin Gogel
OSHC staff

MTOP OUTCOMES:

• 1.2 Children develop their autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency.
• 4.1 Children develop dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity.
• 4.2 Children use a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating
• 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes

Stem Exploration

As Term 3 draws to a close, we have witnessed an impressive array of crafts created by our students. The OSHC team has dedicated considerable effort to covering a diverse range of themes for students within the key learning area of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Throughout this topic, students learned to approach problems both critically and analytically, developing strategies to create practical and innovative solutions. By tailoring programs to meet students' needs and most importantly, their interests, they have developed fundamental practical skills in a comfortable environment. This approach has significantly contributed to the success of students’ aptitude for STEM. The OSHC team has also instilled in students the understanding that a problem-solving mindset is invaluable, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly dynamic world where adaptability and creativity are essential to thrive in both school and work.

One of the standout activities featured a competition in which students designed flying objects to determine which could glide the furthest. Whether working individually or in groups, students were tasked with creating a design from the provided materials, aimed at achieving maximum distance when thrown. The students demonstrated remarkable resilience and problem-solving skills when faced with challenges, working collaboratively to achieve maximum success. Throughout the activity, they were encouraged not only to ask questions, but also to explore multiple solutions through trial and error. This enabled the students to demonstrate innovative and original thinking.

Overall, we have seen great improvement in the way students interact/communicate with each other within the context of different STEM learning tasks and hope their newfound problem-solving skills will set them in good stead for the final term of 2024. 

MTOP OUTCOMES:

• 1.3 Children and young people develop knowledgeable, confident self-identities and a sense of positive self-worth
• 4.1 Children and young people develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity,
  cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
• 4.4 Children and young people resource their own learning through connecting with people, places, technologies and natural and processed materials
• 5.3 Children and young people collaborate with others, express ideas and make meaning using a range of digital technologies and media and communication technologies

Ms Gemma Dwyer‑Monaghan
OSHC staff

Spring has sprung at our SAC Playgroup!

Spring is here, and the littlest members of our community have been having fun engaging in spring-themed activities. Despite the lingering chill, SAC Playgroup has been making the most of this vibrant time of year, exploring the wonders of nature and embracing the joy that the changing seasons bring.

Little hands have been busy creating minibeast crafts, colourful flower collages and exploring spring-themed sensory trays. These activities not only spark joy but also help develop fine motor skills, enhance creativity, foster a love for nature, improve hand-eye coordination, and encourage problem-solving abilities.

Our group times have included books about spring, new life and the changing seasons. Favourites like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “Planting a Rainbow” have been captivating our young audience, encouraging a love for reading. As part of the ‘Words Grow Minds’ campaign, we emphasise the importance of talking, reading, playing and singing with children to support their brain development and foster a lifelong love of learning.

As always, our playgroup is more than just a place for the children to play - it’s a supportive community for our parents, grandparents and carers. Parenting tips are shared, the joys and challenges of raising young children are discussed, and most importantly, connections are formed by both children and adults alike.

SAC Playgroup meets every Thursday from 9.00am in the Out of School Hours Care space, accessible via Angas Street. We warmly welcome new families to join our vibrant community.

Click here for more information.

Ms Olivia Spadavecchia
Playgroup Coordinator

Sporting Spotlight

Supporting Community Connections in the SAC McAuley Auditorium

Come along to the Romero Company Play 2024 'An Evening Out with Bruce the Evangelist'

CLICK HERE FOR KEY DETAILS AND QUICK CONTACT INFORMATION

Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!

Robogals Free Workshop for 8-12 Year Olds- Last Chance to Register!

Robogals is a volunteer organisation at The University of Adelaide which runs free robotics workshops to inspire young people, and particularly girls, to consider a career in STEM. For more information about us, please see the Robogals website here: https://robogals.org/.

Each year, Robogals runs a free Science and Engineering Day for any students aged 8-12 years. The workshop involves hands-on robotics, engineering and physics challenges, and gives students an opportunity to engage in practical applications of STEM learning.

• Workshop date: 28 September 2024
• Workshop time: 9am - 2pm
• Workshop location: Immersive Light and Art, Adelaide CBD