From the Principal - Issue #12, 2026
Principal
What a fabulous fortnight to start Term 3, celebrating the new Dunlevie Building! Seeing the faces of primary students as they flooded into the building on Day 1 was so rewarding for everyone who has worked tirelessly over the last couple of years to bring this project together. The bright and spacious classrooms, thoughtfully designed breakout spaces and sensory rooms and the stunning range of furnishings to suit all learners are already making an impact. The rooftop terrace has been embraced by students of all ages. We look forward to the official opening in Week 4, where we will acknowledge the many people who brought the project together, on time and on budget.
Thanks to the many families who attended the Welcome to Country led by Jack Buckskin last Friday. It was important to acknowledge this new beginning in Dunlevie, and Jack has a way of bringing people together that is both simple and profound. We are walking on Kaurna land, and we follow in the footsteps of generations of remarkable Mercy women, and we are proud to honour their legacy at SAC today.
This week the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award participants are in the Tiwi Islands, visiting Sr Anne Gardiner and students and staff at the Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School. We are grateful for the hospitality that is extended to our students and staff each year and we hope that this immersion experience may raise awareness and plant a seed for some of our SAC graduates to pursue work in remote communities.
A group of senior students and PE staff returned from their trip to Falls Creek last week. It was the first Ski Trip to run for many years, and it seems that it was greatly appreciated by all who took part. We were thankful that the snow arrived just in time, and grateful to the staff who made it all possible: Meg Henderson, Nicole Glennon, Cass Marousopoulos and Jacob Dickson.
The Subject Selection Process is in full swing this term as students from Years 9 to 11 consider their options for 2027. The Year 12 students also have significant decisions to make about their post-school pathways. In these moments, we always encourage students to connect with the people around them: their families and their teachers. Speaking with trusted adults helps young people to broaden their thinking and maintain open minds and hearts, approaching the future with confidence. We hope that students welcome this opportunity to exercise greater voice and agency in their learning through strong subject choices.
SAC Old Scholars came out in force for the annual Winter Cocktail Party last Friday night. It was a joy to welcome Sr Judith Redden RSM, old scholar and past Principal, whose work has shaped so much of the school we are today. Graduates from the 1940’s through to 2025 attended, with a brilliant turnout from the Class of 1976, and there was a great spirit of Mercy in the Heritage Room. The SACOSA Choir were in great voice, and we thank Kate Lewis for the way she inspires these magical performances for every occasion. We look forward to the next big event on the SACOSA Calendar – the Mercy Day High Tea.
Hoping that everyone is keeping warm in this chilly start to Term 3!
Ms Paddy McEvoy,
Principal
Tarnatharnanthi 'Keep Rising' Art Exhibition
Get ready to be inspired as SAC transforms into a vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination and artistic expression with our 2026 Art Exhibition, Tarnatharnanthi!
Presented as part of the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival, Tarnatharnanthi showcases the incredible artistic talent of students from across our school community.
Meaning "to keep rising" in the Kaurna language, Tarnatharnanthi has challenged students to reflect on growth, resilience, hope and aspiration through art. The result is a stunning collection of works that capture the unique voices, experiences and creative talents of our students.
What makes this exhibition especially exciting is its scope. Artworks have been created by students from Playgroup through to Senior School, making it a truly whole-school celebration of creativity. Visitors will discover an extraordinary range of artistic responses across a variety of mediums, with each piece offering its own interpretation of what it means to keep rising.
Whether bold and thought-provoking, colourful and joyful, or deeply personal, these artworks highlight the imagination, skill and creative spirit that flourish throughout our school community.
We warmly invite families and friends to experience this inspiring exhibition in the SAC Foyer from Monday 10 August to Monday 14 September. For visitors outside the school the exhibition is open to the public on Wednesday 12 August 8.30-3.15pm.
As part of the SALA Festival, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both the artistic achievements of our students and the vibrant culture of visual arts across South Australia.
Come along, be inspired, and discover how our students have brought the powerful theme of Tarnatharnanthi – Keep Rising to life.
Rostrum Voice of Youth National Final
Year 7 student, Senudi, recently headed to Sydney to compete in the Rostrum Voice of Youth National Final as the junior representative for SA/NT. Senudi competed against fellow semi-finalists from each state, first presenting her rousing prepared speech on the topic of Bridging the Gap before a short notice speech based on the prompt Who do you Trust, where she spoke about the value of learning to trust yourself and your own voice. Rostrum also treated the finalists to a range of inspiring activities throughout the weekend, including a welcoming reception at Parliament House hosted by the Hon. Benjamin Franklin, President of the NSW Legislative Council.
The level of the competition was exceedingly high and made for an incredibly impressive event. Senudi spoke authoritatively and with great empathy – a challenging balance to achieve – and was praised highly by the adjudicators for both her content and delivery. Huge congratulations to Senudi as well as all our 2026 public speaking competitors; learning to express your point of view whilst presenting a coherent argument, in front of an audience, is a skill that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life and we couldn’t be prouder of you all!
Ms Combe and Ms Morant
Public Speaking Teachers
From the Primary Sport Coordinator
Ms Zoe Duffy
Primary Sport Coordinator
Welcome to Term 3 Sport!
We are excited to kick off another fantastic term of primary school sport. This term, students will have the opportunity to play competitively in Year 3/4 Netball and Year 5/6 Soccer competitions with both seasons starting this week. Junior primary students will be busy as they get involved in our Come & Try programs this term, including auskick, netball and little athletics.
KO Soccer Update
Congratulations to our Year 5/6 KO Soccer Team, who recently competed in Round 1 of the School Sport SA knockout competition. The team enjoyed a fantastic day of competition and finished equal 5th overall after a competitive day including an exciting penalty shoot out to finish the day. We are proud of the effort, determination, and sportsmanship displayed by all players. Thank you to senior student, Pearl, and volunteer, Sean from the Jaguar’s Soccer Club, for coaching the team on the day.
Adelaide Crows Take Over Auskick
Our reception-Year 2 Auskickers had an exciting first session when James Borlase and Isaac Cumming from the Adelaide Crows dropped by to participate in the session. Students were happy to play lots of different games, practice kicking to their Crows buddies and asked some insightful questions in the final Q & A session. What an exciting start to the Auskick program!
Cross Country
We would like to wish our SACPSSA Cross Country Team all the very best as they compete next week at the Catholic Schools Cross Country Carnival. We know they will represent our school with pride and give their best effort over the 2km course. Good luck, runners!
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to Yasmin, Year 5, won first place in the U11 Girls Epee at the recent Fencing SA State Competition. Yasmin won in what was described as a tough fight against some of the best in her age group and the referee praised her effort for "playing intelligently". Well done on this awesome achievement, Yasmin!
From the Study Tours Coordinator
Study Tours Coordinator
Welcoming Our Visitors from Toho Girls High School
We were delighted to welcome 37 students from Toho Girls High School in Japan to SAC as part of our study tour program.
Over two days, the visiting students were hosted by members of our Year 9, 10 and 11 cohorts, who enjoyed sharing school life and Australian culture with their international guests. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange, new friendships and meaningful learning experiences.
We thank the students and staff who helped make the visit such a success. We hope our guests enjoyed their time at SAC and look forward to continuing this valued international partnership in the future.
Ms Michelle Barratt
Study Tours Coordinator
From the Careers Department
Careers & VET Coordinator
Open Day Reminders
As students begin thinking seriously about life after school, one of the most valuable opportunities to assist with decision making is just around the corner. Across South Australia, universities, TAFE and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are preparing to welcome prospective students and their families to their annual Open Days.
Whether you're considering university, vocational education, an apprenticeship, or are still undecided about your future pathway, attending an Open Day can help you make informed decisions and discover opportunities you may not have previously considered.
Ms Julie Stephenson
Careers & VET Coordinator
Aanya Paints Her Way to the Police Credit Union Kid’s Art Competition!
Over the school holidays, Year 6 student Aanya entered the Police Credit Union Kid's Art Competition and won! Her artwork was chosen for display among a huge field of entries and is now hanging proudly in a branch 2.5 hours from Adelaide. Aanya then travelled with her family to see her work on display and celebrate this wonderful achievement. The detail in her artwork featuring a sunset and a train really shines through! Well done, Aanya - we love seeing our students' creativity recognised like this!
Aanya and her winning artwork at the Police Credit Union Kid’s Art Competition
Catholic School Parents SA (CSPSA) is pleased to welcome families to the third annual Stronger Families – A Positive Parenting Conference on 22 August 2026
Following the success of previous years, Catholic School Parents SA (CSPSA) is pleased to welcome families to the third annual Stronger Families – A Positive Parenting Conference on 22 August 2026.
This one-day event is tailored for parents and professionals involved with youth, offering a platform where prominent parenting experts from Australia come together to share invaluable insights on modern-day challenges affecting children and teenagers.
Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia's most trusted parenting experts, to present on “Boys” - where parents and carers will gain valuable insights to better understand and support the boys in their life.
Wayne Holdsworth is the founder of SmackTalk, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness following the loss of his son Mac to suicide after a sextortion incident, and now works to educate communities about social media reform, the dangers of online exploitation, and the warning signs of suicide.
Finally, Madhavi Nawana Parker, a respected psychologist and author specialising in emotional intelligence and well-being, will provide practical strategies on bullying and managing friendship difficulties.
The conference will be held on 22 August 2026 at the beautiful Adelaide Zoo, with a light lunch provide
