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From the Principal - Issue #15, 2024
From the Principal
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,
The staff of the College gathered last Friday for a reflection day, focused on our Mercy ethos, with the staff of Mercedes College and St Francis de Salles College. Catherine McAuley’s vision to serve communities around the world through education, health and community service is alive and well in each of these Mercy schools today. We are grateful to the Religious Education teams from the three Colleges who planned the day, and to the team at Mercedes who ensured that every detail was well organised and reflected Mercy hospitality. We hope to continue to develop these Mercy relationships for our students and staff.
Students were able to recover from Thursday’s Athletics Carnival with a long weekend. We were especially pleased with the participation rates of the Year 7 and 8 students, who came out in force to earn points for their team. St Teresa’s won the day, but all teams showed strong spirit and the leadership of the Year 12 students was front and centre, especially Sports Captains Amy Peterson and Grace Sim. Thanks to Nicole Wedding and all the PE staff for their excellent organisation of the day, and to all the families who came along to support the students. Your presence brings the carnival to life!
Thanks also to the many families who made time to attend the Parent/Teacher/Student interviews this week. These conversations about learning are valuable at any stage, but especially when students are making choices that will influence their pathways in the senior years and beyond. It was great to see our Year 10 students at the recent Subject Selection Interviews, leading the conversations with a presentation they prepared as part of their Exploring Identities and Futures subject. The level of self-awareness and empowerment on display was really impressive, and augurs well for the choices they will make at school and beyond.
Fifteen children and their families from Early Learning Centres around Adelaide joined us for a Discovery Day at SAC yesterday. This term's focus was on how we develop literacy skills and the range of experiences on offer in the Physical Education department at SAC. The children had a wonderful day engaging with all the learning experiences on offer, supported by some of our outstanding early years teachers. We look forward to welcoming some of these students to SAC in future years.
As Term 3 draws to a close, I am conscious of the vast array of curriculum extension activities that are finishing up for the year. SAC has been well represented in Grand Finals for Debating at Parliament House and Mock Trials in the District Court. A group of creative Year 9 and 10 students also took part in the Tournament of Minds competition last weekend. These activities, along with a multitude of sport and music options, are all made possible through the dedication of our teaching staff, who support and encourage the girls to have fun and represent their school with pride. I am grateful to these staff, as well as the many families who ferry the students around to different schools and venues.
Tonight we will once again be dazzled by our students’ musical talents on stage at the Town Hall for the Spring Concert. The highlight for me is always the final number, which brings students of all ages and abilities together for a spectacular finish. I look forward to seeing many of you there!
Ms Paddy McEvoy
PRINCIPAL
From the Director of Student Wellbeing (Secondary)
Director of Student Wellbeing (Secondary)
PPEP Talk
On Friday of Week 5, Year 9 and Year 10 students engaged with a PPEP Talk [Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program] from Nicola from the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia.
Based on the feedback, 100% of students said they found PPEP Talk® informative and 100% of students said that PPEP Talk® taught them things about the human body they didn't already know.
Students reflected:
"This was great, I feel a lot better about how to manage my pain, thank you for coming."
"It was very informative and enjoyable. I took good notes to help me out. Thanks so much for teaching us!"
"The presenter was nice and funny. I learnt a lot. Thank you!"
If the session raised some further questions, the next step could be to sign up for a FREE online session. This is designed for students who have identified a more complex pain concern or would like their caregivers to understand more. Students attend with a caregiver, and there is a chance to ask questions of our Gynaecologist and Pain Specialist, Associate Professor Susan Evans. Students can register for upcoming sessions here https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/ppep-talk-schools-program/ppep-talk-next-steps/
Ms Rachel Gould
Director of Student Wellbeing (Secondary) | Career Education Support
From the English Faculty
English & Literacy Coordinator
The Young Writers Awards
The Young Writers Awards are presented annually by the South Australian English Teachers Association (SAETA). Throughout South Australia, students from Reception to Year 12 are invited to submit poetry and prose, judged in age categories. In past years, SAC students have met with great success and 2024 is no exception. Congratulations to Maddelena Barbante (10TC) and Chloe Battilana (6IW) who both won awards in their age categories. Chloe’s winning entry was a poem titled ‘My Voice’. Maddelena successfully entered her vignette ‘Changing My Sheets’. They were presented with their awards and a copy of the anthology at a ceremony on Friday 16 August.
Congratulations are also extended to Daniela Bagnato (12LZ), Eleanor Buckham (12SE) and Annabel May (9CW), whose entries were shortlisted.
We look forward to reading more from these talented writers!
Years 10 & 11 English Incursion: Bell Shakespeare Company ‘The Players’
The works of William Shakespeare are frequently studied but students (and indeed many adults) often initially struggle to understand the plays and their contemporary relevance. Year 10 and 11 students recently had the pleasure of, respectively, seeing “Shakespeare is Dead” and ‘The Human Experience” performances by the renowned Bell Shakespeare Company ‘The Players’. Rather than being based on a single Shakespearean play, the shows drew on several works, showing Shakespeare’s treatment of a range of experiences and themes and, ultimately, demonstrating his continued universal appeal.
Some students have reflected on the shows:
"The Year 11 cohort watched a Bell Shakespeare performance, called “The Human Experience”. The show was brilliant since they merged parts from different Shakespeare plays into the one show, which I thought was quite enjoyable. This play made me realise how Shakespeare related all his work to the real world. Even though he did write about fairies and witches each character reflects on society. One of my favourite moments in the play was when one of the characters gets her memories taken. I thought this was a very emotional part of the play and the acting throughout it was amazing.
This play has deepened my interest in Shakespeare’s work. I have always been a fan of Shakespeare but was unaware of all the different plays he has written and the message behind them. Ultimately, I would love to read or see more of his works." Talia Gagliardi 11CE
"The Year 10's had the opportunity to attend a performance of “Shakespeare is Dead” by the Bell Shakespeare Company. This performance was a hilariously interactive take on Shakespeare and the way he changed the English language. A particular highlight of the performance were the interactive parts where some students were able to join the performers on stage. It was a fantastic experience where we were able to gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare and his plays in a fun and engaging way." Liliana Bagnato 10TC
Ms Genevieve Pelekani
English & Literacy Coordinator
A City School with a World View
Mercy Light: Learning
Recent days have delivered finer skies, crisp air and fresh blooms. With seasonal change upon us, many who’ve spent the winter months tucked up inside the house are enticed back out by drier weather and warmth. For years now, SAC has celebrated this transition with the suitably named Spring Concert at the Adelaide Town Hall, located just a few hundred metres away from the College. It’s a showcase of students’ musical gifts, inside one of the state’s most recognisable landmarks.
As many of SAC’s current students take position onstage in Adelaide Town Hall for annual Spring Concerts, or pass by the venue during their daily commute, the Beatles-enthusiasts among them are aware of their school’s proximity to a breathtaking piece of music history.
Imagine this: it’s a crisp, June Friday in the year 1964, and for a fleeting moment, the eyes of the world are fixed on the Town Hall’s stone façade. Beatlemania has captivated the people of Adelaide, who’ve taken to city streets a number to the tune of 300,000 – the biggest crowd that 60s’ rock legends, The Beatles, ever encountered – right near SAC’s Wakefield St doorstep. Inside, The Sisters of Mercy who staffed the College at the time kept a keen eye on the locked doors and gates, ensuring students remained inside and safe. It was a school day, after all! Still, as told by an unnamed Old Scholar in the 1964 SAC Magazine, their city location gave the students a dizzying piece of the action:
“The yard was hushed in silence as, with tears in our eyes, we listen to their [The Beatles'] arrival. John Lennon’s voice at last comes through: "Hello" he said, "...Yes, it's fantastic!..." Girls gasp, squeal, tremble," the former student’s reflection reads.
St Aloysius College being in the heart of the city means students and staff have always been well-placed not just to observe, but participate in important and historic moments.
Year 12 student, Zayna K, says, “going to a city school means that we have opportunities to enrich our learning experience across all of our subjects, and having the opportunity to play in iconic city venues for our music events creates lasting memories.”
There’s a saying that “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” There’s no shortage of inspiration at students’ fingertips. On any given week, a glance at the school’s events calendar gives an impression of the accessible sensory feast that lies beyond the College gates.
Primary Coordinator, Abby Matte, says that city-based excursions are an opportunity "to connect to real-world experiences and our local community,” and adds that, “as well as reaching historically and culturally rich locations efficiently, we can easily visit exhibitions that change regularly."
Reception teacher, Ms Olivia Spadavecchia, with fellow dedicated Early Years teachers, recently took SAC’s youngest students to the Adelaide Zoo, which is less than two kilometres away.
Ms Spadavecchia says, “our city location means it’s only a very short trip to the zoo, so reduced travel time maximises our time and energy exploring the animals and their habitats. The school’s proximity to well-known places like this allow us to seamlessly integrate excursions into our curriculum, providing valuable hands-on learning that complements our classroom teaching and fuels the students’ imaginations.”
The Adelaide Central Market is another popular neighbouring site, utilised by teachers for a wide variety of extended learning activities. Mr Aaron Casey and his class of Year 4s enjoyed a short stroll west of the College, where they spent time applying learnings from Humanities and Social Sciences, and their Health topics.
Mr Casey believes that, "this easy access to a diverse environment of cultures and lifestyles fosters qualities that SAC values, such as understanding, tolerance and global awareness. The ability to witness and apply classroom concepts in real-world settings that are just around the corner makes the city feel like a seamless extension of the classroom."
SAC’s PE department, too, benefits from access to close-by sporting facilities such as Netball SA, SA Athletics Stadium, and badminton and squash centres, not to mention lush playing fields in the parklands. Likewise, countless Drama and Visual Arts encounters are at students’ fingertips, with state-of-the-art theatres and prominent festivals being held just a few blocks away.
Travelling between all these different facilities for school activities can enrich young people’s perspectives about their place in the ‘big, wide world’.
Close to SAC are legal courts, government services and St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, where the College celebrates sacramental milestones and whole school Masses. There are also renowned non-government organisations, emergency services, hospitals, premier hospitality, arts and retail precincts, and tertiary institutions. Regular exposure to these sites, either incidentally or through educational immersions, helps students to learn about the world that awaits them, and gives them opportunities to dream about what’s possible for their futures.
The heart of the city has changed in many ways since SAC students cheered for The Beatles from the schoolyard. St Aloysius College is structurally rather different that it was in 1880, when its foundations were laid. Yet, in this pocket of the city, students bloom in learning, growth and courage, just as they have been for more than 140 years. Every day, students can “see it”, and therefore know they can “be it”.
Ms Maddie Kelly
Marketing & Communications Team
Congratulations to the Year 9 Yellow Debating Team!
We are thrilled to announce that the Year 9 Yellow Debating Team, consisting of Saachi, Leila, Kira, Evelyn and Gianna, has made it to the Grand Finals! The finals will be held at Parliament House on Saturday 21 September 2024.
As Grand Finalists, these talented students will be honoured with medallions, either as winners or runners-up of their division, by our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia. The presentation will take place at Government House on Thursday 31 October.
This is an outstanding achievement, and we wish the team all the best in their upcoming debate. A special thank you to Ms Genevieve Pelekani for her exceptional coaching and to Ms Anne-Marie Prior for her dedicated supervision and support throughout each debate.
Let’s cheer on our Year 9 Yellow Debating Team as they prepare for this exciting event!
Ms Lisa McLaughlin
Debating Coordinator
Experimental Work in Senior Chemistry
Year 11 students PRACTICAL
Learning analytical laboratory techniques and skills in measurement are two important facets of experimental work in senior Chemistry. In an effort to discern the identities of four colourless organic liquid compounds, Year 11 students practised sealing glass capillary tubing, creating hot water baths which were continuously stirred, close observation of the bubbling, or indeed cessation of bubbling, of the liquid being tested, and recording the boiling temperature with as much precision as possible. This enabled them to successfully identify liquids W, X, Y and Z, using data shared across the class.
DECONSTRUCTION OF A SCIENCE BASED PROBLEM IN YEAR 12 CHEMISTRY
The problem: What factors could affect the time required to produce a specific amount of a particular chemical (such as copper used in copper-plating or production of hydrogen for fuel) that is made in an electrolytic cell?
Work with a partner to:
- investigate a chemical that is produced by electrolysis that is suitable for you to produce in the laboratory
- brainstorm possible factors that could affect the time taken to produce a specific amount of this chemical
- select one factor to investigate. Provide reasons for your choice of independent variable.
- determine what amount of chemical is reasonable to produce in your investigation.
It was very exciting to see the students unravel the problem, brainstorm its many facets, decide on a way forward, research what is already known, and design their own experimental work to facilitate collecting data to support or refute their hypothesis for their chosen investigation.
Students Reflected:
"The Year 12 Chemistry classes had the opportunity to design and perform an experiment to determine how we can increase the rate of electrolysis. I was interested in looking at how the charge of the metal cation in solution affects the rate of electrolysis since it was not something I was able to find information about online. Although our initial hypothesis was not supported, we were able to use scientific reasoning (with the help of Ms Eustace!) to interpret our results. Creating our own experiments was a great way to experience chemistry in action and make theory a lot more engaging!" Zayna Khan and Tara Tu
"We recently designed and conducted our own experiments regarding the rate of electrolysis. We decided to test the effect of distance between electrodes. Initially we were unsure how to efficiently collect the hydrogen gas produced in the experiment, but, with the assistance of our chemistry teacher and the lab tech, we were able to create an effective solution. While setting up our apparatus, we had to come up with a way to keep our electrodes suspended in solution and effectively control the distance between them. Although it was slightly challenging to design the equipment, we had lots of fun and it was well worth the time as we learnt to problem-solve and come up with our own unique process." Abbie Gibney and Sophie Monis
"Our design experiment was to investigate the influence of anionic radius on the current through an electrolytic cell. It was a very exciting experiment to perform, because we did not know whether our hypothesis would be supported, as there are no previous records of students doing an experiment like this. Even though our hypothesis was not supported, it was fascinating to see how the shape, size, and orientation of an anion can affect electrical currents in electrolysis. We felt very proud to come up with the original idea, even though it took some deep research and digging to find data, like anionic radius. It was amazing to do what felt like conducting real scientific research using our own method, and discovering results that broaden our understanding of some chemistry concepts we had never considered before. This experiment allowed us to understand what real science researchers might feel like with their own projects and new discoveries." Scarlett Scardigno and Savana Bartkowski
Ms Sandra Eustace
Chemistry Teacher
Year 5 SAC Arcade
This term, in the Year 5 Design and Technologies course, students drew inspiration from the famous 'Caine's Arcade' project. Caine’s Arcade was inspired by 9-year-old Caine Monroy, who creatively transformed discarded boxes into an arcade with a ticket and prize redemption system. Caine designed and operated the games himself, initially using old toys as prizes before incorporating items from dollar stores.
On Wednesday 4 September, the Year 5’s hosted the SAC Arcade for the whole of the Primary School. The Year 5 students, tapped into their creativity to design and build their own arcade games, using sustainable materials and the innovative Make: Do tools. This hands-on experience not only encouraged them to think critically about design and engineering but also emphasised the importance of environmental responsibility. The results were a fantastic showcase of imagination, problem-solving, and eco-friendly innovation!
The Year 5 Team
Fairtrade Fortnight
Do you know where everyday products like chocolate, coffee, come from or how they are made? Fairtrade Fortnight from 9-20 September gives us a chance to find out! We had exciting activities this week to raise awareness of the importance of buying Fairtrade-certified products where possible. Before school each day, students and parents were able to pop over to the Jordan Courtyard to enjoy a Fairtrade hot chocolate, coffee or tea and learn about how to practice ethical consumerism. It’s tastier knowing that the workers involved in farming, making, manufacturing and selling goods are treated fairly! To close the week, at lunchtime on Thursday, Sister of Mercy, Meredith Evans shared her insights with an audience of students from Years 6-12. Students enjoyed meeting someone who has been a leader in advocating for stores to stock Fairtrade for over a decade. Funds from the Fairtrade stall will support ACRATH, a local anti-human trafficking organisation to which Meredith belongs. Next time you're shopping, take note of which coffee, tea and chocolate packages have the Fairtrade logo!
From the Primary Sport Coordinator
Primary Sport Coordinator
SACPSSA Touch Football Carnival
On Tuesday 3 September, eighteen Year 6 students played in a SACPSSA Touch Football Carnival. Despite having little experience, other than an introduction in PE lessons and a crash course from Ms Potter, the teams played very well with many wins across the day. The best part of the day was the learning, fun and the improvement that was had.
As well as taking eighteen Year 6s, we brought fourteen nervous Year 7-10 students with us, who volunteered their time being referees for the day. Although a little hesitant to start with, once it all began and they had officiated their first game, it was onwards and upwards and as the day went on their confidence grew. From all accounts they had a great day and we received amazing feedback from the organisers as well as from supervising teachers from other schools about how well they did.
It was lovely to see the interactions between our secondary and primary students throughout the day. Looking forward to doing it again next year!
From the Secondary Sport Coordinator
Secondary Sport Coordinator
Sporting spotlight!
Congratulations to Year 9 student, Remi, who represented South Australia in the State U15 netball team at the School Sports Australia competition held on the Gold Coast at the end of July. To be selected for this team is testament to Remi’s dedication and passion for netball. It was a tough competition, but the team played well and finished 5th overall. Well done Remi!
Congratulations to Year 7 student, Eva, who represented South Australia as an U13 girl at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Launceston, Tasmania from 31 August-1 September 2024.
The weather conditions certainly tested the best cross country runners in Australia, pushing them to battle though gale-force winds and heavy rain. Despite these obstacles, Eva managed to achieve an impressive 29th place in Australia.
There’s a unique quality in cross country kids - the determination to push through. No matter what. Every athlete who crossed the line in these conditions deserved a bravery award. We are super proud of Eva for giving it her absolute best! Well done, Eva!
From the Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)
Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)
On Thursday 29 August 2024, 19 students reached two important milestones in their faith journey: First Holy Communion and Confirmation. These sacraments were led by Bishop Greg O'Kelly at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.
The sacrament of First Holy Communion marks the first time students receive the Eucharist, signifying their deeper participation in the life of the Church and strengthening their bond with Jesus Christ.
Through the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism oil by Bishop O'Kelly, students received the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of Confirmation.
With the support of their teachers, sponsors and families, students have spent the past few months preparing and growing in their understanding of these sacraments and the responsibilities they carry.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in these sacraments. May they continue to grow in their faith and live out the teachings of Christ with courage.
Students Reflected:
"I felt very proud of myself because it was a big milestone being confirmed into the Church." Therese Ouano
"I was able to become closer to God. I chose Mary Mackillop as my saint and I liked learning that she was the first Australian saint during our workshop." Maggie Kerr
"During the preparation, I learnt about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and was excited to receive those gifts on the night of my Confirmation." Beatrix-Lily Sen
"I enjoyed the preparation and felt very special on the night when I received the body of Christ for the first time." Samantha Nelson
Ms Isabella Deluca
Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)
Year 12 Students Host Heartfelt Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Charity
A total of $406.55 raised!
Hospitality and Compassion were at the heart of a special initiative close to our Year 12s' hearts. Last week, the cohort hosted a special morning tea fundraiser for staff, with proceeds going towards local charity, Childhood Cancer. For over 40 years, Childhood Cancer has supported families whose lives have been impacted by their child's diagnosis. The charity receives no public funding, relying on generous donations from people and groups, like our Year 12s. We are proud of the Class of 2024 for shining a light on this important cause.
Year 11 Business Innovation and Economics
This semester, students in Year 11 Business Innovation and Economics have had the opportunity to invest $50,000 in a simulated Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) market. Students have learned about investment portfolios, tracking the market, and how to maximise their yield. The ASX game is currently underway and student, Zeenath, managed to be 1st on the leaderboard for South Australia on the 26th of August – a huge achievement!”
Zeenath reflects: “My participation in the ASX games has been such an amazing and informative experience! It’s so educational and has taught me a lot about investments and how the market works, it has been a great way to gain real insights for my studies in business innovations and economics.”
Ms Kiara Schonberger
Year 11 Business Innovation and Economics Teacher
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