Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal - Issue #13, 2026
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,
This week’s whole school assembly was a vibrant celebration of the breadth of experiences on offer at SAC. We recognised poets and short story writers of all ages, enjoyed an amazing performance from the Stage Band, acknowledged Duke of Edinburgh participants, sports teams, public speakers, heard about Languages Study Tours and the JAM group’s actions for Homelessness Week and so much more. I sat and listened to our young people and their teachers in awe of their passion and talents. And most of all, I value the respect and encouragement that students give to those who have the courage to stand up and share their stories.
It has been a week of celebration, with the official Opening and Blessing of the Dunlevie Building by Archbishop O’Regan yesterday. It was a moment of reflection and recognition, stepping back to give thanks for all we have achieved together. Many of the guests were people who played key roles in the construction, from architects and designers to builders and project managers, and there was a genuine sense of pride in the new Dunlevie.
official Opening & Blessing of the Dunlevie primary Building
A Shared pride and CELEBRATION
I was grateful that my fellow Mercy Education Principals from Victoria and Western Australia were able to attend the Opening, prior to our meeting in Adelaide today. Their presence, along with many SA Catholic Principals, who all fully appreciate the challenges of a development of this magnitude, felt very special. I am deeply appreciative of all the students and staff who brought this event together, and I would like to acknowledge in a special way Doreen Maiello, my Executive Assistant, who has poured her heart into planning every detail of the Opening and Blessing of Dunlevie.
2026 Mercy Education Principals' Meeting - Thank You to Those Who Made It Possible
For the remainder of Term 3, I will be on leave, visiting Mercy ministries in Dublin and Cork. When I first attended the Dublin Pilgrimage in 2014, I couldn’t have imagined how this journey as Principal of SAC would unfold. After so many years, I look forward to returning to walk in Catherine’s footsteps, and visit my mother’s homeland, to renew my Mercy spirit. Thank you to Jacqui Mcilroy, who will be Acting Principal in my absence, and to my Leadership Team: Steve Andrews, Jacqui Jury, Abby Matte and Nick Tattoli, along with Acting Deputy Principal Rachel Gould. They are an incredible team, and I step away for 6 weeks knowing that the College is in very good hands.
Sometimes when you come to the end of a very large project, there can be a sense of letdown. I am thinking of the students who work towards the School Production for the best part of a year, and when I see them the week after the performance, they are often missing it and a little sad that it’s over. But in the case of the new Dunlevie Primary School, all we need to do to remind ourselves of our purpose is to walk into those learning neighbourhoods each morning and see children having fun, learning new things, building relationships and enjoying school life. It will be a source of joy and wonder for many years to come.
Wishing everyone all the best for the remainder of Term 3. Thanks for your unwavering support throughout this very busy year, and looking forward to seeing you all again in Term 4!
Ms Paddy McEvoy
Communications Officer
Tarnatharnanthi - To Keep Rising: A Celebration of Creativity, Culture and Community
Our school foyer has been transformed into a vibrant multimedia showcase of student artwork as we proudly present Tarnatharnanthi , a whole school Visual Arts exhibition, created as part of the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival. Celebrating the Kaurna concept Tarnatharnanthi – To Keep Rising, the exhibition inspires us to reflect on growth, resilience, creativity and community.
Featuring more than 400 artworks from students across the school, the exhibition highlights the incredible talent and imagination of our young artists. Visitors will discover a diverse range of media, including painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, photography, digital art and design.
Each artwork offers a unique interpretation of the theme Tarnatharnanthi. Some students explored the natural world through images of flowers emerging from the earth, soaring birds and rising suns, while others responded more personally, reflecting on perseverance, hope, identity, friendship and the ways we support one another through life's challenges.
A particularly special feature of this year's exhibition is the contribution of students who created works independently, outside of regular class time. Thirty-nine artworks were produced through this voluntary commitment, demonstrating the passion, dedication and creativity that thrive within our school community.
This exhibition is also a wonderful example of collaboration. From our youngest playgroup artists to the senior student SALA Crew, who assisted with exhibition branding, framing, labelling and installation, students have played a central role in bringing this ambitious project to life. Their enthusiasm and teamwork have helped create something truly special. We are also deeply grateful to our dedicated Visual Arts teachers and support staff, whose expertise, encouragement and countless hours of work behind the scenes have helped nurture students' creativity and bring this exhibition to fruition.
Most of all, the exhibition is a celebration of our students: their creativity, their courage to take artistic risks, and their willingness to share their ideas and perspectives with others. We are immensely proud of every student whose work is displayed.
We invite families and community members to visit the exhibition over the coming weeks, enjoy the remarkable artworks on display, and celebrate with us what it means to keep rising. The exhibition will remain in the school foyer for the next month, from 10 August- 8 September 2026.
Ms Michelle Barratt
Visual Arts Coordinator | Study Tours Coordinator
Student Reflections
"Creating artwork for a public exhibition made me feel motivated to work at my highest ability and to incorporate the theme’s culture. It inspired me to think beyond my own perspective and consider how others would experience my work." Alexis, Year 7.
"My artwork for the SALA Exhibition was created as part of my Year 8 Art class. I decided to participate in this exhibition because I saw it as an opportunity to share my art style with others, and to have my artwork displayed publicly for others to enjoy and hopefully connect and relate to." Cielo, Year 8.
"Creating artwork for a public exhibition made me feel proud to create an artwork that would be displayed and it challenged me to take more time and think deeper about the concept." Joy, Year 9.
"Being part of the SALA art exhibition was meaningful because it let me support the creative energy of younger students and watch their confidence grow. Helping set up the space not only connected me with the artwork and the community but also gave me valuable insight into how exhibitions are created, which will support my own artwork. It was rewarding to guide others and see how our teamwork transformed ideas into something people could experience." Cheyanne Sulaimany Year 12 Part of the SALA Crew
New Dunlevie Building opens new doors for St Aloysius College
More than a century ago, Sister Teresa Dunlevie, was introducing new approaches to teaching and learning at St Aloysius College.
As Principal from 1918 to 1944, she believed education should give children the opportunity to develop their individual talents. She helped establish one of South Australia's first Montessori kindergartens, introduced new subjects and encouraged teachers to bring their own ideas and skills to their work.
On Thursday 13 August, the College community gathered to officially open a new primary building bearing her name.
The Dunlevie Building is now home to St Aloysius College's primary students, who moved into their new learning spaces at the beginning of Term 3.
The building was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Patrick O'Regan, with Sisters of Mercy joining leaders from Mercy Education, Catholic Education and the wider College community for the occasion.
As guests gathered in the Dunlevie Courtyard, the connection between the College's past and present was visible above them. Reflected in the expansive windows of the new Dunlevie Building was the spire of the historic Convent on Angas Street, more than a century old. Among the audience looking towards that view were Sisters of Mercy who had once lived within the convent walls.
The official opening of the new Dunlevie Building marks an important milestone for St Aloysius College, more than 145 years after the Sisters of Mercy first established the school on Angas Street. It also gives the College an opportunity to remember the educator behind the Dunlevie name and the contribution she made to SAC.
Born in Adelaide in 1884, Ellen "Nellie" Dunlevie received her entire education at St Aloysius College. She later studied at Adelaide Teachers' College and taught for the South Australian Department of Education for seven years.
In 1913, Dunlevie entered the Convent and became known as Sr Mary Teresa, going on to become the first nun in South Australia to gain a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Five years later, Sr Teresa was appointed Headmistress of St Aloysius College – the first Old Scholar to hold the position – and remained leader of the College for 26 years.
During that time, SAC grew from a comparatively small school into one of Adelaide's leading girls' colleges.
Sr Teresa was also willing to try new approaches to education. With Sr Carmel Bourke, she introduced one of the first Montessori kindergartens in South Australia. Art and Eurythmics – an educational method involving movement to music and rhythm – were added to the curriculum, while Commercial classes were introduced with Sr Brigid Walsh in response to what students were asking for.
Sr Teresa also took a particular interest in opportunities for girls in sport, helping to establish the Catholic Girls' Sports Association and introducing an annual Sports Day at SAC.
Underlying these changes was Sr Teresa's belief that education should develop the whole person and give children opportunities to discover and cultivate their talents.
Former Principal Sr Judith Redden RSM sees a clear connection between that willingness to embrace new ideas and the building that now carries Sr Teresa's name.
"I think her openness to creativity and new ideas that were emerging at the time is significant," Sr Judith said. "She didn't hesitate to take a brave step forward and embrace what she was seeing emerging instead of backing away from it. She faced it full frontal and with enthusiasm."
For Sr Judith, seeing the new Dunlevie completed and opened was profoundly moving.
"The opening of this incredible space shows me that this community was worth every moment of effort that I put in to get the College to the stage it reached at the end of my time, and now to see it move ahead in light years under Paddy McEvoy’s leadership," she said. “I have always wholeheartedly believed in what we are doing here to educate young woman, and I know we are standing on the shoulders of those who had gone before."
Sr Teresa's name has been attached to this part of the College for more than 30 years. In 1995, the building originally known as McAuley House was renamed the Dunlevie Building in recognition of her contribution to SAC.
More than a year ago, that building was demolished to make way for the new primary development. The new Dunlevie Building now stands on the footprint of its predecessor, continuing the association between this part of the College and Sr Teresa's name and legacy.
Sr Judith said maintaining that connection was important.
"I think it's wonderful to have that tradition move along with it," she said. "It will remind people to look back to what has happened before, and I think that's a great lesson for all of us."
The new Dunlevie Building was planned specifically for the College's primary years.
Principal, Ms Paddy McEvoy, said the need for dedicated primary facilities reflected the growth of this part of the College.
"In the last 50 years, the numbers of primary students enrolled at SAC have increased significantly, so it was important that we design a building that responds to the needs of our youngest students," Ms McEvoy said.
Flexible classrooms are arranged around Learning Commons, giving teachers and students options for individual and collaborative learning. Sensory rooms and breakout spaces provide quieter areas when students need them, while dedicated STEM and Arts spaces allow for specialist learning.
At the centre of the building, large windows bring natural light through the main stairwell and surrounding learning spaces. On the rooftop, students have a new outdoor area for play, with views across the city.
Students also had a say in the planning of Dunlevie. During the design process, they worked with staff and architects to share the kinds of spaces that help them learn and feel comfortable at school.
"This building supports contemporary pedagogies for early years, with a diverse range of learning spaces and opportunities for collaboration between students of all ages," Ms McEvoy said.
"Staff and student input in the design phase was crucial to shaping this facility, and the excitement of staff and students in this first month of use reflects their ownership of the outcome."
Listening to students in this way has a strong precedent in the history of the College. More than 100 years earlier, Sr Teresa introduced new courses and programs in response to the interests and needs of the students of her own time.
Head of Primary, Ms Abby Matte, has now had the opportunity to watch the building move from plans and ideas into the everyday life of the Primary School.
"The thing that I was looking forward to the most was seeing whether the students were going to use the spaces in the way in which they were intended," Ms Matte said. "By all our observations and the feedback we've had, that is very much the case."
Some of the most revealing feedback has come from the students themselves.
Ms Matte said students had begun suggesting how they would like their Learning Commons to develop, and she had been struck by the importance that older primary students still placed on opportunities for imaginative play.
"Even though they're in Years 5 and 6, they still want to play. They want to be imaginative," she said.
One of the most noticeable changes has been the way the building allows students to interact beyond the boundaries of an individual classroom.
"Seeing how the girls are interacting in the Learning Commons spaces with their whole year-level cohort, rather than just their classroom, is definitely something I have enjoyed watching," Ms Matte said. "They didn't have access to that before. Now the neighbourhoods make that possible."
The history of the College was also considered in the design.
Designed by Grieve Gillett Architects and Hayball, with construction undertaken by Schiavello Construction. Although the building has been created for contemporary teaching and learning, elements of its design reference the older buildings around it. Its arches, for example, echo those of the historic Convent building nearby.
Dunlevie had already begun becoming part of students' everyday school lives before its official opening.
Primary students moved into the building at the beginning of Term 3 and, on Friday 24 July, students, staff and families gathered in the Dunlevie Courtyard for a Welcome to Country led by proud Kaurna man Jack Buckskin.
Since then, its classrooms, Learning Commons and shared spaces have become part of the rhythm of the school day.
For Ms McEvoy, the significance of the building ultimately reaches beyond the facilities it provides.
"At SAC, we stand on the shoulders of some incredibly talented, innovative and future-focused educators in the Sisters of Mercy," she said.
"We look forward to continuing their legacy, blazing a trail for Mercy in today's world and educating girls to believe in themselves, in their own cultural roots and in their strength as women of Mercy."
The new Dunlevie has replaced a building that generations of St Aloysius College students and staff knew by the same name. Its purpose, however, is very much about the students using it today and those who will follow them.
It is particularly appropriate that a building for the College's youngest students should carry the name of an educator who introduced one of South Australia's earliest Montessori kindergartens and spent much of her career looking for new ways to meet the needs of her students.
Much has changed at St Aloysius since Sr Teresa Dunlevie became Headmistress in 1918. The College she once led has grown, teaching has changed and generations of students have passed through its gates.
What has continued is a commitment to knowing students as individuals and giving them the opportunity to make the most of their abilities.
On the day Dunlevie was officially opened, that continuity could be seen in the building itself: the century-old Convent reflected in the windows of a new school designed for the next generation.
For the primary students already learning there, that history is only part of the story.
It is now their school.
Ms Maddie Kelly
From the English Department
English & Literacy Coordinator
It has been a busy time for English at SAC, with the Year 9s, Year 10s and Year 11s all having incursions in recent weeks!
Year 9 Poetry Workshops with David Chapple
In Week 2, David Chapple led our Year 9 students in a poetry workshop. This was a hands-on workshop with lots of chances for students to write and share their own poems. Students were inspired to ‘just write’, getting their ideas down quickly. By the end of the 90 minute session, each student had written an impressive five poems! They were guided to write about diverse topics, such as their approach to spiders, the last time they got mad, and the idea of meeting their parent as they were as a teenager.
Dave inspired our students to be honest and “have the strength to put a little bit of themselves on the page”. It was great to see so many of our students get up and share what they had written!
Year 11 Bell Shakespeare Performance: ‘Macbeth: The Rehearsal’
In Week 3, three performers from the Bell Shakespeare company performed this enthusiastic piece of theatre for our Year 11 students, inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The players energetically brought scenes from Macbeth to life, while also helping the audience to understand the motivations of different characters and the significance of Shakespeare’s dialogue and plot. This was an action-filled performance, with sword fighting and much drama! There were several opportunities for audience participation, with students stepping in as Banquo and the witches in different scenes. Our own Mr Coultas even got to be King Duncan, giving a dramatic portrayal of the king’s unfortunate demise.
Overall this was a fun and engaging performance.
Year 10 Bell Shakespeare Performance: ‘Such Sweet Sorrow’
Our Year 10 students have all been studying Romeo and Juliet in their English classes, so it was a real treat to see this performance from Bell Shakespeare company. The three performers immersed us in Romeo and Juliet’s story, helping our students to see how the conflict between the Capulets and Montagues led to a sorrowful end for these ill-fated lovers. Again there was sword-fighting, drama, and tragedy but this time with plenty of romance as well. The players inhabited each of the many characters they played with great skill and their passion for the play was clear.
After the performance, students enthusiastically took on the opportunity to ask questions, asking all about the play, Shakespeare’s intentions and the performers’ advice on pursuing a career in acting. Below are some of their comments on the experience.
"We absolutely loved the performance and the atmosphere that was created between the audience and the actors and the interactive element of the play. We found the actors made the play more humorous, resulting in laughs and smiles from the audience, and captivating our attention. We also enjoyed that they were open to questions and they were really friendly and interested in the responses, making it more meaningful. We really hope they come back again!" Holly K and Lucy D
“The performance was such an enjoyment. Every second of it was a blast, watching them made me light up with delight. I shared quite a few laughs with friends. And got to interact with the performers after!” Maja B
“Being able to watch the Bell Shakespeare performance of Romeo and Juliet was such an amazing experience and was so fun to be part of. The actors were engaging and made the performance very fun and interactive for the entire Year 10 cohort. I loved the entire show and was mesmerized by their incredible acting skills. Staying back after the show and getting to know the actors was my favourite part as I got to learn all about them, their life as an actor, and their journey of becoming a Bell Shakespeare performer. As someone who loves Shakespeare's work, this show was absolutely incredible and made me love his work even more.” Ella C
A Journey That Stays With You
"On Monday morning of Week 2, our group of Gold Dukes students met at the Airport bound for Bathurst Island via Darwin. Ahead of us was a cultural immersion experience, one that would open our eyes to life in a remote community and a visit to a part of the world that many do not get to experience. Our trip to Tiwi was one of the most incredible things I have had the opportunity of experiencing. While the community faces many, many challenges, that is not what I will remember about this trip. I will remember the love I felt from the children we met, the beautiful natural landscapes across the island and the hope that was evident in the eyes of the people we came across.
Their challenges, while a big part of their life, do not define them. Their spirit, art, culture and love of footy does. From the playful games of ‘Chicken and Fox’ and ‘Duck Duck Goose’, to their inquisitive nature and friendliness above all else; that’s the Tiwi I will remember. The Tiwi people have much that they could complain about, but you will not hear it from these kids.
Sr Anne asked of us; ‘what will we do with our one, young, wild life’?
I reflected on this in the contrast of the children we met – the joy they found from small games with friends, their connection with the people around them, and the love that comes from a tiny act of kindness. The things that we often forget in the bustle of daily life. In between meetings, emails, classes, and commitments, we forget how much more to life there is than what we hold as important. And for that, I will be forever grateful to the people of Tiwi." Aamina & Erin on behalf of Gold Dukes Residential Project student group
From the Faith and Mission Coordinator
Faith and Mission Coordinator
An afternoon with St Carlo Acutis
It is not every day that we get the opportunity to spend time with a saint, but this was the case for the students of 8MF, who recently participated in the Relic Pilgrimage of St Carlo Acutis.
Students learned about the life of this young saint (1991-2006), whose childhood and teen years combined devotion to prayer and acts of charity and service, with time spent with friends and playing sport. We were all challenged to choose our unique path - taking to heart St Carlo's observation that we "are born as originals but many die as photocopies". It was inspiring to hear the example of his life and deeply moving to be in the presence of his relic in the Cathedral.
Some student responses were:
"Seeing this relic was an ethereal experience."
"We felt calmer after leaving the Cathedral, almost as if St Carlo himself had taken on our burdens."
"I felt inspired and amazed by St Carlo Acutis and how he lived his life."
Ms Genevieve Pelekani
Faith and Mission Coordinator
Dream Big: Girls Who Dream, Change the World Excursion
On Tuesday 4 August, our Year 9 students had the opportunity to meet 2026 Australian of the Year and Australian astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg. After school, the Year 9s were hosted by Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, where they joined other students from girls' schools of Adelaide. Dr Katherine Bennell-Pegg inspired and amazed each person in the room by her hard work and dedication to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut. Dr Katherine Bennell-Pegg spoke to us about her background as an engineer, her training in the army, volunteer work, and her sports and leisure activities, all of which helped her in her selection to be included in the European Space Agency’s Astronaut Training Program. She also described her experiences within the training program, such as survival training in the snow and in the water, falling in a plummeting aircraft to simulate zero gravity, and being strapped into flight simulators so her body can become accustomed to G-forces. She spoke about the importance of finding balance in life and not burning out to achieve dreams. Contrastingly, she also explained that sometimes things are “just a slog” and sometimes work must be endured (including homework!) to achieve your dreams.
Ms Laura Flynn
Middle Years Mathematics Coordinator
Year 9 students sHARED:
“The way Dr Katherine Bennell-Pegg spoke about her experiences made us want to become an astronaut.” Nakeesha
“She was very inspiring and it was interesting to hear about her different experiences.” Leila
From the Music Department
Music Coordinator
It has been a whirlwind few weeks for the Music Department, with students travelling to compete and perform at two highlight events of the school music calendar: the Balaklava Eisteddfod and the South Australian Schools Band and Orchestra Festival. These events hold a special place in a school's musical life, as they are so much more than competitions; they are opportunities for inspiration, learning, and connection beyond the classroom and the school gates.
Much is gained from the invaluable feedback our ensembles receive from experienced adjudicators, and everyone had a wonderful time watching other performances and supporting one another every step of the way.
At the Balaklava Eisteddfod, each of the SAC ensembles that performed placed in their division - a fantastic achievement!
- Middle School Concert Band - 2nd place
- Rock Band - 2nd place
- Stage Band - 2nd place
- Senior Choir - 1st place, and named Choral Champions of the Eisteddfod
Our musicians also represented the school with pride at the South Australian Schools Band and Orchestra Festival, held at Brighton Secondary School and Westminster School:
- Orchestra – Bronze Award
- Senior Concert Band –Silver Award
These awards reflect the hard work, careful preparation, and genuine musical growth across our ensembles. A huge congratulations to every student who took part and thank you to the Music staff and parents for their ongoing support.
Ms Fiona Turner
Music Coordinator
Coming soon!
Save the date and join us for a night of music at the iconic Adelaide Town Hall for SAC’s 2026 Spring Concert.
An evening of talent, energy, and unforgettable performances awaits. Tickets are now available at: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1631279
Adding Up the Fun: Students Compete at Annual MASA Quiz Night
Secondary students from Year 8-12 attended the Annual Maths Association of South Australia Quiz Night. This was held at Blackfriars College in week 4. Teams of 4 competed against other teams from other schools of Adelaide in both General Knowledge and Mathematics questions. A great time was had by all, where sugar and brainpower sustained them throughout the night!
History, Memory and Identity: Year 10 Explores the Holocaust
As part of their studies on World War II, the Year 10 students visited the Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre. They participated in a range of interactive activities, drawing upon the historical evidence to understand the experiences of Holocaust survivors. Students in 10MB were fortunate enough to hear from Adelaide Holocaust survivor, Eva Temple, who shared her own experiences, and that of her family. She talked openly about her use of historical documents to piece together her own story and sense of identity.
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