Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,
Almost 80 Old Scholars from across many decades attended the SACOSA Milestone Reunion for graduates of 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014 at the College last Friday night. Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones from different eras made this a vibrant and fun evening. Carol Grantham and Christine Simpson led school tours, where people reminisced about their experiences and were amazed at how much the College has grown over the years. Amidst the diversity of our graduates, it was great to see that common thread of loving kindness and human connection that emanates from graduates of all ages. We look forward to bringing people together again in late June for the SACOSA Winter Cocktail Party.
Fun was also on the agenda at the Year 8 and 9 Social at the Italian Club on Carrington St last Friday. Students and their guests danced the night away, and the high rate of attendance suggests that this is an event that our students really look forward to. Thanks to the staff who supervised and to the parents for enabling their young people to participate.
Often the most memorable moments of young children’s education take place outside of the school grounds. This was certainly the case for Year 2 students on the Zoo Snooze and Year 3 students on camp at Narnu Farm. These outdoor experiences gave the girls a chance to make new friendships and spend time with their teachers in a different context. By gradually introducing overnight excursions, students grow in confidence and independence and have the courage to try new things.
Our Careers Expo last week for Years 9 to 12 students was more a case of bringing the outside world into SAC, as a huge range of higher education providers and industry advocates converged on the Catherine McAuley Auditorium to share their insights into career pathways. This was just one element of Careers Week, which also included students from Chancery Lane ELC through to Year 12 engaging in fun and informative explorations into the world of work. Many thanks to our awesome Careers Advisor, Julie Stephenson, whose imagination and creativity knows no bounds. You can read more about our National Careers Week activities in this week’s feature article.
This week, the College is alive with the visual and performing arts, as part of Arts Week 2024. Music, drama, art and design activities at lunchtime have kept students creatively busy across the campus. It was fitting that the Year 12 Drama production, Lord of the Flies, directed by Lucy Dilger, was also scheduled for this week. These senior students certainly impressed and inspired with outstanding performances. We close the week tonight with SAC Laneway 2024, a festival of music that provides an opportunity to showcase our very talented music students and staff.
The recent Year 11 Retreat had a First Nations spirituality focus. Students participated in workshops on dance, weaving, silk painting, Kaurna language and culture, as well as listening to Pilawuk White and David Booth share their stories. As we prepare for National Reconciliation Week next week, we are conscious of how much we have to learn about First Nations cultures and we are grateful to the many leaders who took time to share their knowledge and culture with us.
In the words of Reconciliation Australia: “Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.” At SAC, we remain strongly committed to working towards a more just and reconciled Australia.
Ms Paddy McEvoy
PRINCIPAL
Something for Everyone at Careers Week Showcase
Mercy Light: Learning
As a young child, do you recall using the phrase, “when I grow up, I want to be…”
The ellipses – those three dots – symbolise the possibilities for a future yet to be written. “I want to be an astronaut, a doctor, a police officer, a teacher, a tradesperson…”
One of the great hallmarks of youth is that anything feels possible. During National Careers Week, held between May 12-18, students of all ages engaged in activities that captured their imagination and exposed them to practical opportunities for forging a pathway to the future they dream of.
Curated by SAC’s Career Education & VET Coordinator, Ms Julie Stephenson, National Careers Week saw students interact with peers across different year levels, industry professionals and higher education institutions.
In 2024, for the first time, children from Chancery Lane Montessori participated in Careers Week by working alongside Year 5 buddies to create a colourful booklet about a job of interest. We were happy to see they were dressed for the part as we welcomed racing car drivers, vets, scientists, ballerinas, bus drivers and many more professions. Students in 5JS showed wonderful leadership skills as they assisted Montessori children with exploration, teaching the younger children some valuable computer skills along the way.
Reception to Year 2 students were captivated by the story of the Magician’s Hat and participated in an activity all about hats! Meanwhile, Year 3 and 4 students were able to view the journey of Tracker, a soft toy dog and her friends who, over the last term, have been adventuring beyond the school grounds and visiting a variety of workplaces with students’ families. Tracker’s adventures went far and wide, and much was learned about different occupations. A photographic display in the Catherine McAuley Library’s Greenery space captured Tracker’s journey, and we thank all families and friends of Year 3 and 4 students who participated, giving Tracker the opportunity to explore and provide our students with a window to view different industries.
Year 5 and 6 students received a visit from Jacqui Heynen, the Education Manager from RSPCA South Australia. Jacqui shared the 5 freedoms essential to animal wellbeing, and discussed roles available working at the RSPCA.
Year 7 and 8 students were privileged to hear from Tania Leiman, Professor and Dean of Law at Flinders University, who spoke about the law and asked students to consider why law is important in our society today. She also talked about her passion for technology, emphasising the way in which there are many new laws to be established as we live with emerging technologies such as driverless cars.
The SAC Careers Expo filled the McAuley Auditorium for students from Years 9-12 with 25 providers sharing information and advice about vocational and tertiary study, as well as occupational pathway options and employment insights. The providers represented a diverse range of opportunities to assist students with career pathway exploration.Year 12 student, Scarlett, on the cusp of stepping into life beyond SAC, says, “the Careers Expo broadened my mind and helped me to think about which direction I really want to take.”
“I’m lucky in that I’ve always known I wanted to study marine biology. However, after studying Biology at school, I realised I’m also interested in genetic engineering. I booked a Career Guidance session with Mrs Stephenson, who taught me about the biotechnology pathway. Mrs Stephenson helped me to connect with universities, and then at the Career Expo, I was able to speak to representatives from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University about options for pursuing concurrent degrees in biotechnology and marine biology,” Scarlett shares.
“I found my Career Guidance session with Mrs Stephenson really helpful, because she’s so approachable. When she said asked about my interests and career goals and then mentioned ‘biotechnology’ it just fell into place in my mind.”
SAC is committed to empowering all students, like Scarlett, to confidently embrace a future of their own design. With guidance, persistence and resilience, anything is possible.
We are grateful for the time and commitment of all providers who attended the Career Expo and imparted knowledge to our students, and would like to thank:
UniSA, Flinders University, Adelaide University, TAFE SA, SAPOL, Defence Force, Queensford College, Adelaide Institute of Business and Technology, Tabor College, Clipjoint Education, SAIBT, Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Media Makeup, Motor Trades Association, HerTechPath Inc, Born to Build, MAS National, GHD, Engineers Australia, Australian Chiropractic College, Centre for Creative Photography, ANMEC, ANU, Adelaide Institute of Hospitality.
We also thank Jacqui Heynen from the RSPCA and Tania Leiman from Flinders University for the engaging sessions and for answering so many questions from our enthusiastic students!
Co-written by
Ms Maddie Kelly & Ms Julie Stephenson
Marketing team & Career Education & Vet Coordinator
St Aloysius does it again! Students rub shoulders with the very best at the National Youth Science Forum, Canberra 2024
St Aloysius College takes immense pride to announce the achievements of two outstanding Year 12 students in the field of Science: Amelia Carmen and Sophie Monis, who participated in the Australian National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) held in Canberra. This forum, a revered and coveted opportunity, is tailored for very talented Australian Year 11 students passionate about science, as they transition into Year 12. It is a national event, so our students’ participation is highly regarded.
For those who may not yet be familiar, the NYSF is dedicated to nurturing and inspiring young, scientifically inclined Australians to become the future leaders in science and engineering. The program offers a remarkable opportunity for selected students to partake in a 14-day residential camp at The Australian National University in Canberra. Endorsed by the Chief Scientist of Australia and supported by various governmental bodies, major industries, national research institutes, and universities, this nonprofit initiative provides avenues for partial sponsorship through local Rotary clubs for interested students.
Participants benefit from exposure to real research and interaction with leading researchers, facilitating exploration of potential career paths in science, engineering, and technology. Beyond academic enrichment, the 14-day program fosters the development of communication and interpersonal skills. Many former students of St. Aloysius College attest to the profound impact of the NYSF, citing the invaluable network of lifelong friendships, professional connections, and support systems established throughout Australia. Equipped with enhanced confidence, they always return to Adelaide with a true belief in their capacity to embark on STEM based fields.
St Aloysius College remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering young women to pursue careers in science. The robust science education provided by the dedicated and committed faculty lays a solid foundation, facilitating seamless transition into tertiary studies and future career paths in science-related fields. In support of this mission, the College is committed to encourage and support our bright science sparks and often generously extends financial sponsorship to supplement contributions from local Rotary clubs and families.
For further discussions regarding your daughter's scientific aspirations, we encourage you to engage with any of our Senior Science Teachers or Linda Kitto, our Science Coordinator, at the College. Once again, heartfelt congratulations to Amelia and Sophie. Your achievements bring great pride and recognition to the College.
Mr Paolo Arman
Science Teacher
“I was fortunate enough to be selected as a participant in the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), a nation-wide STEM camp based in the ACT. During the camp I was placed in a Computer Science & Robotics group. It was an amazing experience that I would strongly recommend to anyone considering a career in STEM.
Despite the incredible STEM visits, speakers and sessions, the best part of NYSF is arguably the people. The feeling of being surrounded by fellow STEM-heads is indescribable; people also consumed with a passion for all things science. I’ve made so many life-long connections, and the experience has opened my eyes to countless new possibilities. So if you’re considering a career in STEM then the NYSF is for you!” – Amelia Carmen
“During my time in Canberra, my assigned group, named "Constellation," participated in a variety of exciting STEM activities. These included attending the Air Force drone racing workshop, engaging in a cryptography session, visiting the Mt Stromlo Observatory, exploring the ANU Department of Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Applications, participating in a live cross with CERN situated on the border of France and Switzerland and experiencing the ANU rocketry program. Additionally, I had the opportunity to converse with numerous experts in their respective STEM fields.
The visit to Mt Stromlo Observatory was really cool. We saw a replica of the famous Australian Physicist Brian Schmidt’s Nobel prize for his discovery of dark energy. As was seeing highly advanced Wombat XL, which is essentially a space simulator that simulates extreme temperatures, vacuum and radiations of space. We spoke with a PhD student and learnt about the magnetic field of galaxies and other celestial bodies in our universe which I found really fascinating.” – Sophie Monis
National Simultaneous Storytime
National Simultaneous Storytime is a special tradition each year for our primary students. This year, we again joined thousands of other students across the country at the same time on the same day and shared this year’s beautiful picture book, Bowerbird Blues, by Aura Parker. The students in 1EG performed the story of a bowerbird who loves collecting blue things to brighten his home but realizes that something still feels like it is missing. As he searches high and low for blue treasures, he’s also looking for connection and love. Before long, his nest of collections sparks the curiosity of a friend. A huge thank you to 1EG for performing this touching story with courage and confidence.
Ms Ali Ripberger
Teacher‑Librarian | Information Services Coordinator
Reconciliation in Action
In Week 2 our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) group met to discuss the actions our school is taking towards a Reconciled Australia. This group is made up of teachers, RAP Ambassadors, Aboriginal students and community members, including Ngarrindjeri /Kaurna Elder Uncle “Moogy” Sumner AM who was recently elected to the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament. A key item on our agenda was the redevelopment of the Mitchell Steps. This renovation will be an acknowledgement to First Nations Culture and has been a project that has involved community and the RAP committee over the last 12 months.
The new structures will represent the past, present and future and the artwork featured was created in collaboration with Cedric Varcoe, an artist whose language groups and tribes are Ngarrindjeri and Narangga. The images each tell a story, stories that will be shared with the SAC community once the project is finished. We anticipate the space to be completed for the start of Term 3 and we are excited to finally see our planning and work become a reality.
Ms Viviana Graney
Primary Coordinator (Teaching & Learning) | First Nations Focus Teacher
Ms Maja Tongerie
Learning Support Officer
Image: Visual representation of the project
Reconciliation Round - Netball Bibs
This week is Reconciliation Round, and our netballers will sport these bibs, specially designed with input from our First Nations Students.
National Reconciliation Week News
JAM Activities during National Reconciliation Week
With National Reconciliation Week, Refugee Week and NAIDOC week fast approaching, we are gearing up for another busy term in JAM! This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, “Now More Than Ever”, encourages all Australians to continue to take steps towards Reconciliation in times of divide. At SAC, we are committed to Reconciliation throughout the year, and will continue to advocate for understanding, truth, equity and acceptance during the 2024 National Reconciliation Week. On Wednesday Week 5, there will be a lunchtime scavenger hunt organised by JAM students. This activity gives students the opportunity to trace the steps already taken to further Reconciliation in Australia, and contemplate future actions for change. The Catherine McAuley Library will be highlighting First Nations stories, authors and activities throughout the week to bridge students’ understanding of First Nations peoples’ experiences, culture and history. Students will also have the opportunity to learn Kaurna language from Kira Bain, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman who was born and raised on Kaurna land.
Ms Mia Konopka
JAM Support Coordinator
Introducing SAC OSHC’s Newest Educator: Daniel Lim
Hello! My name is Daniel Lim, and I am a new OSHC educator in the Saint Aloysius College OSHC team. I was studying a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood education, but I am transferring to a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education as my interests have shifted – however, I enjoy learning and having fun with children of all ages. I have a wide array of interests from sports – Carn the Crows – to video games, to ancient and medieval history, and am always open to learning or talking about new or familiar things (like what a player Tony Modra was!). I am also lucky to have an indirect connection with this school as my sister was an alumnus of the school, graduating in the class of 2000.
As an educator, I have a strong belief in positive relationships with students and creating safe learning environments wherein everyone is equal regardless of culture or creed. The best learning comes from an environment where everyone can learn as one, and I’m excited to work with fellow educators, parents, and the children in maintaining such an environment at St Aloysius College.
Mr Daniel Lim
OSHC Educator
A Night to Remember: Year 8/9 Social at the Italian Centre
Last Friday night, the Italian Centre on Carrington Street was abuzz with excitement as students from Rostrevor College and Christian Brothers College came together with SAC students for the much-anticipated Year 8/9 social event. The evening was a resounding success, with young people dancing the night away and making new friends.
The social also included a photo booth with fun props, which was a hit among the students. They took turns capturing memories of the night with their classmates and new friends from the visiting schools.
As the night drew to a close, it was evident from the smiles and laughter that the social was a triumph. Students departed with fond memories and sore feet!
This social event not only provided a fantastic opportunity for students to socialise and unwind but also fostered a spirit of unity and community between SAC, Rostrevor and CBC.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the staff and students who attended and made the Year 8/9 social a night to remember.
Ms Lisa McLaughlin (Year 8 Coordinator)
Ms Demi Williams (Year 9 Coordinator)
Ms Rachel Gould (Director of Student Wellbeing)
The Woman in Black Excursion
Last week, as part of the SAC Arts Week the Year 12 Drama students had a week full of theatre. Firstly the put on their own production of The Lord of the Flies and then were lucky enough to see the stage adaption of the book and film The Woman In Black.
Britain’s second longest running play after The Mousetrap, The Woman in Black tells the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black. Susan Hill's acclaimed ghost story comes dramatically alive in Stephen Mallatratt's ingenious stage adaptation. This gripping production is a brilliantly successful study in simplicity, atmosphere, illusion and horror.
“One of British theatre's biggest - and scariest - hits” (The Guardian).
Mr Tom Coultas
Drama Coordinator
Student success at 7News SA Young Achiever Awards Presentation Gala
Two of our outstanding Year 12 students have met with great success at this month’s 7News SA Young Achiever Awards Presentation Gala.
Nia captivated the audience with a stunning rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s Cry Me A River. You can view the performance here. https://vimeo.com/companyof/nia-yaa2024
Eleanor, as a member of the South Australian Youth Forum (SAYF), won in the Award category of 'Connecting Communities'. Eleanor says, "attending this gala was an amazing opportunity, and SAYF winning the 'Connecting Communities Award' was outstanding recognition of the advocation and change-making we do as a youth-led organisation.”
Congratulations to both Nia and Eleanor for soaring to success in their fields of passion!
Photo Credit: Alexander Waite Mitchell
Rostrum Voice of Youth Competition
Congratulations to Harnaaz Dhillon, Zahra Irfani, Yenuli Perera and Mariya Zhagwan, who spoke with clarity and confidence at a recent national speaking competition. The Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition provides an excellent opportunity for secondary school students to gain experience and confidence in expressing their views and communicating a message. It was a pleasure to support these Years 11 and 10 students as they prepared for the competition, which included giving a short notice speech, as well as a prepared speech. They are excellent ambassadors for St Aloysius College.
Ms Elizabeth Boylan
Public Speaking Coordinator
From the English Faculty
English & Literacy Coordinator
Manal Younus Presentation – Year 8s
Adelaide spoken-word poet Manal Younus has been a welcome visitor to SAC in recent years and she was warmly welcomed by Year 8 students this term. Her presentation combined performance of her emotive poems and sharing of her experiences growing up in a migrant family and finding a ‘voice’ to share her message through her poetry. Her visit provided a strong introduction to our students’ study of poetry and many of them have reflected well on her messages.
Student Reflections:
"I find Manal's poems and presentation empowering and connecting. They were powerful and strong using strong emotive language to convey her message. I felt happy that I could relate to another Muslim person living in Australia. Her experience with connecting to her culture was enlightening and thought provoking, and I connected deeply with the struggles of overseas relatives. Her journey of expressing herself was inspiring and her poems were strong and meaningful. I really enjoyed it." – Aamina Dars 8MB
"I most enjoyed Manal Younus’ openness and her way to connect to everyone around her. I loved how she was so happy to share her story and wanted us to learn. I was most inspired by her poem with the metaphor of a women being a tree. I found it powerful and relatable. I learned about her struggles and how there are different experiences that should be more recognised." – Tegan Reinschmidt-Ryan 8MB
"Before today, I didn’t like poetry but after Manal came in, I had some inspiration and ideas on what to do next." – Tinaya Dias 8NW
"She inspires us to be the best possible person that we can be and to never let a fear of public speaking get in our way. She is an amazing role model and a very empowering person." – Maddie McGregor, Portia Mylonas and Roisin Reck 8MB
"Something I took away from Manal’s performance was that pursuing and persevering with things that are hard can make them easier. I also leant to not get too caught up with how things SHOULD look and let them be". – Eva Churchill 8MH
"Something I liked about Manal’s performance was the emotion she showed during it and how her poems connected with me through culture and religion. Her poems felt very deep and the emotions and body movements that she used added to the meaning of the poems and made me feel more connected." – Asna Naseri 8MH
"I learnt that poetry techniques are tools not rules. I leant that poetry is just another way of expressing your feelings, especially spoken poetry." – Charlotte Reid 8JT
‘Words That Changed the World’ – Poetry in Action
Words are powerful and powerful people use words well. These messages were powerfully presented to the Year 12 English and English Literary Studies students recently when they saw a performance by Poetry in Action entitled ‘Words That Changed the World’. The script by Australian writer, Caleb Lewis wove together the texts of powerful speeches, both historical and contemporary, alongside explanations of how these speeches work to impact their audiences. It was a thought-provoking production and a timely reminder of the importance of critical literacy as students of English and as consumers of media.
Student Reflections:
"The performance was informative and engaging. For me personally, I resonated with the idea presented that it is not the meaning of the words that you use to persuade someone, but the way that you say them. I also enjoyed that there was a mix of theory (with an explanation of certain techniques) and performative elements. This was done informatively in a range of contexts; speeches, poems and even short advertisements. It enlightened me on the ways that these persuasive features were used in everyday contexts. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the performance!" – Daniela Bagnato 12LZ
"After watching ‘Words that Changed the World', I found myself agreeing that the use of powerful speech has had influence within both history and the present. The show was able to enhance my perspectives on how different famous speeches would have impacted history and could be used as an example on how to improve one's own speeches". – Angelina Kokotis 12LK
Ms Genevieve Pelekani
English & Literacy Coordinator
Help Shape the Future of our SAC Magazine: Participate in Our Survey
The Marketing Team invites you to participate in a brief survey aimed at gathering feedback to review our printed annual SAC Magazine. Your insights can directly influence the content you see in future issues, ensuring they align with the preferences and interests of our College community. Please share your thoughts, preferences and ideas to help us craft content that resonates with you. Your participation is invaluable to us, and all responses will remain confidential.
CLICK HERE to get started.
Thank you for your time,
The SAC Marketing Team
From the SAC Uniform Shop
Please note the SAC Uniform Shop is open:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8.15am – 11.30am
- Wednesdays: 1.00pm – 4.00pm
To make an appointment with the Uniform Shop, please click here.
Uniforms can also be purchased from our Online Shop.
New large SAC Golf Umbrellas now available instore and online!