St Aloysius Newsletter

From the Principal - Issue #3, 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

The Dux Assembly is always a highlight of the Term 1 Calendar. This is not because Year 12 is more important than any other year of education; rather, it is the culmination of a journey that provides a moment to stop and celebrate with families the breadth and depth of achievements of our student cohort. Every teacher who has cared for these students, answered their curious questions and developed their confidence feels a rightful sense of pride in the young women who graduate from the College each year. Many of them have also navigated significant health and personal challenges along the way and it was a joy to welcome them and their families back to the College this week. The Class of 2024 embodies everything good about a Mercy education and we look forward to hearing where life takes these young people beyond school.

Celebrating the Journey of the Class of 2024

Year 11 and 12 students turned out in style at the Senior Formal last Friday night. The dancefloor was full throughout the evening and it was great to see the girls having fun together. Thanks must go to the Year 11 and 12 Coordinators, Danielle Toubia and Lucy Dilger, for ensuring the evening ran so smoothly, as well as the 48 staff members who attended. The generosity of our staff in supporting College events out of hours reflects their commitment to the development of the whole person, and we are extremely grateful to them.

A Night of Fun, Style and Gratitude

Just as we welcome almost 200 new students to the College, we continue to welcome prospective families to School Tours and Open Nights. I would like to thank all our current families for the way in which you spread the word about SAC. In almost every enrolment interview I conduct, the family knows someone with a positive experience of this school, and I am so grateful to have a parent community that is so open and affirming. We hope that many existing parents will come along to the Open Night later this term to enjoy the sights and sounds of SAC.

Last week’s Mercy Principals’ Retreat was a chance to walk together, both literally and metaphorically, as we explored the theme of pilgrims of hope in the context of leading Mercy schools across Australia. It was the first time we had come together face to face for twelve months. Mercy Education consists of 13 schools: 9 from Victoria, 3 from Perth and only SAC from Adelaide. I am always grateful for the collegiality of fellow Principals who share a vision to “make the world a little less cold and more just”, as Pope Francis said, through education. The focus on Strategic Planning was timely as we enter the final year of our Mercy Lights Strategic Plan. The Leadership Team will be consulting with staff, students and families in 2025 to identify strategic directions for the next five years.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

A Chance to Walk Together at Last Week’s Mercy Principals’ Retreat

SAC’s Reconciliation Action Plan is Ready for 2025

Mercy Light: Connecting

Reconciliation is a term most people are familiar with in the context of Australian cultural relations. The Oxford Dictionary states that to reconcile is ‘the restoration of friendly relations’. SAC’s commitment to reconciliation is deeper, reinforced by its decades-long history of supporting First Nations initiatives, and Principals who have demonstrated great support for First Nations peoples. The College has always sought to celebrate one of the world’s oldest-surviving cultures, while appreciating the challenges their communities continue to face. 

In 2021, SAC took further steps to solidify the commitment to reconciliation by developing a RAP Committee and a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).  

“Our RAP members include current parents, staff and students -- both First Nations and others – who have a vested interest,” says Ms Viviana Graney, SAC’s First Nations Focus Teacher.

Now in its fourth year, the RAP, which you can read here, serves as a roadmap of tangible actions and steps towards recognition and reconciliation at SAC.

“In the beginning, we were very much focused on reflection and building strong foundations,” says Ms Graney, “but our most recent RAP focuses on innovation, deepening our understanding, and influencing progress in Reconciliation.”

“RAP Committee meetings take place once during Terms 2, 3, and 4. In our Term 4 meeting, we review our year and plan the RAP actions. The RAP is renewed every year and must be submitted to Reconciliation Australia for approval before it becomes public,” Ms Graney explains.

Since 2021, the RAP committee has seen several projects come to fruition. These include:

• The wardli installation and launch: This long-term project involved planning and developing the Mitchell Courtyard steps to include First Nations artwork, design, and plants in consultation with Ngarrindjeri artist, Cedric Varcoe and Kaurna Elder, Uncle Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner.
• Ensuring that all classrooms, events, and spaces consistently acknowledge Country and that our school community understands the purpose and intention of this meaningful action.
• The teaching of the Acknowledgment in Kaurna language by someone with cultural authority so that trained members of our community can say this at key events.
• Developing cultural awareness in our school community through school events and engagement with local community members.
• Invitation of First Nations guest speakers to present to students at all year levels across the school.

In addition to overseeing the RAP development and progression, Ms Graney works closely with two SAC Old Scholars, First Nations Student Support Officers, Maja Tongerie and India Bament-Sitkowski, to convene the RAP Committee, engage with representatives from the wider community, and nurture the First Nations student and parent community within the College.

Maja says that, “as an Aboriginal person, my dedication to First Nations student support is very important to me, as I want to support all students in building their cultural identity and finding pride in who they are individually.”

One of the students Maja supports is Elke, in Year 9.

Elke last year performed traditional dances with her peers at the opening ceremony for the wardlis in SAC’s Mitchell Courtyard. These dances were taught and guided by Uncle Moogy and his daughter, Charlotte.

Maja Tongerie explains how, “these opportunities help First Nations students to feel culturally safe and proud,” and consultation with Elders has played a key role in the successful outcomes achieved by the RAP Committee over the last four years.

“Uncle Moogy Sumner has been involved in RAP meetings where cultural knowledge is required to make decisions,” says Ms Graney.

Above: Year 9 student (Elke) with Ms Maja Tongerie (First Nations Student Support Officer)

Elke shares that, “performing with Uncle Moogy was amazing. Not every young Indigenous person gets to have experiences like these. I also have enjoyed Kaurna language sessions with Kira Bain [Ngarrindjeri woman and Kaurna language teacher]. And being able to visit the Nunga room and learn from Maja and India here at school helps us to feel empowered.”

The RAP Committee also welcomes input from enthusiastic students with a demonstrated passion for First Nations causes. Year 11 student, Yenuli, joined the RAP Committee last year, after participating in the Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation Committee as a member of SA’s Youth Parliament.

Yenuli says, “I feel personally that reconciliation is everybody’s responsibility. We can’t erase Australia’s past but what we can do is move together to reconcile. There are still huge gaps in health, education and justice for First Nations peoples and we can all work to close the gaps. We do this in small ways at SAC every day. I loved the wardli opening ceremony, it brought the community together and was so warm and inviting. I am not an Indigenous person – my background is Sri Lankan – but it is important to me that our school embraces all cultures. It has a very homely feeling.”

February 13 marked 17 years since the Australian government formally apologised to members of the Stolen Generations for the trauma they experienced, having been separated from loved ones. While there is still a long way to go on the road to reconciliation on a national scale, small actions are taken each day at SAC that build the bridge, right here and now. And, as Elke says, “to me, Reconciliation means all Australians coming together.” Read SAC’s approved 2025 RAP here.

Ms Maddie Kelly
Marketing & Communications Team

Introducing Our Primary Leaders!

SAC's youngest leaders were officially introduced during last week's Primary Leadership Assembly. We look forward to seeing each student shine as they bring their unique gifts, talents, and perspectives to their roles of responsibility. Enjoy some snapshots of their special moment.

Rocking Science: Year 3’s Exciting Exploration of Rocks and Minerals!

Learning about rocks and minerals in Year 3 science is an exciting adventure which took us to the Science Lab for the first time! Students discover how different types of rocks are formed and explore the unique properties of various minerals. They get to examine and classify rocks, which helps them understand Earth's fascinating history. This hands-on learning sparks curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

Ms Abby Matte
Primary Coordinator/ Year 3 Teacher

Year 4 Students Celebrate DreamBIG Festival with Vibrant Artwork

Year 4 students celebrated the 50th birthday of the DreamBIG Children’s Festival by creating vibrant artwork inspired by the theme, "I was, I am, I will be.” Using crayon wash techniques, students reflected on their past, present, and future. One side of their bunting depicted symbols from their childhood and current identity, while the other side featured a chosen value to represent their hopes for the future. Keep an eye out for the girls' finished artworks, proudly featured as part of DreamBIG’s collaborative bunting display around the festival site!

Ms Jade Campbell
Year 4 Teacher

Year 6 Migration Museum Excursion

Our Year 6 students recently visited the Migration Museum, where they explored the diverse backgrounds of Australians and learned about the reasons behind migration. One of the key lessons from the excursion was understanding the reasons why people migrate to Australia. The museum's interactive displays and personal stories shed light on the push and pull factors that drive migration. Through the exploration of real-life artefacts, students discovered that people migrate for various reasons, such as seeking better economic opportunities, escaping conflict or persecution, reuniting with family, or pursuing education.

With their newfound understanding, Year 6 students will now embark on their research, interviewing someone who has a migration story and sharing that story with their class community.

The excursion to the Migration Museum was more than just an educational outing; it was an opportunity that broadened the students' horizons and enriched their understanding of the world. They displayed great curiosity and openness during this excursion, which has undoubtedly contributed to their growth as compassionate and informed global citizens.

Year 6 Teachers

Students Reflected:

"I felt like I stepped into a time machine! I got to learn about different migrant stories, their journeys and what life was like for them when they came to Australia.” Clarisse

“It was an amazing experience, with lots of interactive activities learning about other people's life and journey to Australia”. Azra

“Learning about where people migrated from and piecing their stories together was fun.” Aubrey

Weaving Connections Through Reflection and Creativity

The Year 7 Retreat was a day of reflection, creativity, and new friendships, all centred around the theme of connections. Through hands-on activities, experiences, and moments of quiet contemplation, students discovered the importance of coming together as a group and building new connections.

Students each created a symbol of connection by making dreamcatchers. As they carefully wove threads into intricate designs, students reflected on how their own connections—new and old—shape their high school journey. Just like a dreamcatcher, the Year 7 cohort is made up of many unique strands, each student contributing to a strong and supportive network.

Creativity was the tool we used to communicate the importance of connections as students explored Kandinsky-inspired paintings, using bold colours and abstract forms to represent their individuality within the larger Year 7 community. A visit to the Chihuly glass exhibit at the Botanic Gardens provided another powerful visual metaphor, as we explored how delicate pieces of glass intertwine to create something vibrant and extraordinary—just like the relationships forming within their year level.

The retreat also offered time for reflection through meditation and liturgy preparations, allowing students to pause, centre themselves, and appreciate the journey they are embarking on together.

By the end of the day, students walked away with a key message: each individual is a vital thread in the tapestry of Year 7. Through shared experiences, creativity, and open hearts, they are weaving a community that will continue to grow stronger throughout the year ahead.

Ms Tenielle Nuske 
Year 7 Coordinator

Year 9 Art Students Take Creativity to the Next Level

Within Year 9 Art and Design, students have been exploring both historical and contemporary perfume bottles to help inform their own functional ceramic bottle design. Recently, the girls completed their market research by venturing into Rundle Mall. They thoroughly enjoyed being able to explore and compare the physical qualities of ergonomics, form, and aesthetics in person. We look forward to seeing how they use these influences in their own designs this term.

Ms Isabella Benvenuto
Teacher

From the Careers Department

Work Experience 2025

At this time of the year all students in Year 10 are preparing to secure placements for work experience. Work Experience is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain an insight into the world of work and provides some unique possibilities for personal development.

We invite families and friends from SAC to make contact with Julie Stephenson (Work Experience Coordinator) if you, or the organisation in which you work, can offer a placement to support one or more students. We are appreciative of workplaces that so generously host students as a gesture of goodwill while sharing their knowledge of a career area with a young person.

Year 10 students spend considerable time during EIF lessons preparing for placement, including understanding of occupational health and safety and workplace requirements. As always, we look forward to visiting students out in the workforce in term 2 where they so often thrive and shine.

UCAT

We are sincerely grateful to Stella and Isabelle, class of 2023, who delivered an informative and thought-provoking presentation to Years 10,11 and 12 students who are potentially interested in pathways in Medicine, Dentistry and Oral Health. Having recently participated in the application process, Stella and Isabelle were able to provide invaluable insight as well as some useful tips and tricks. We wish them both well as they embark upon their studies in Medicine.

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes.

The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.

Students interested in these pathways are encouraged to browse the website for more information:

•  University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) | UCAT ANZ Consortium
• Bookings for UCAT open on Tuesday 4 March 2025 and close on Friday 16 May 2025.

Ms Julie Stephenson
Careers & VET Coordinator

St Aloysius College committed in supporting their students in STEM

In January 2025 Charlotte Delaere attended the prestigious National Youth Science Forum (NYSF).  The NYSF is a nine-day residential program at The Australian National University in Canberra designed to inspire and engage Year 12 students in Australia who have a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Participants had the opportunity to engage in various STEM activities, including lectures, workshops, and site visits, to explore potential career paths and network with like-minded people. This is what Charlotte Delaere said about her experience.

Year 12 student Charlotte Delaere, reflected:

“I’ve always had a passion for STEM, and the National Youth Science Forum nurtured this passion and showed me things beyond my wildest dreams! I got to break concrete, find a ‘killer’ using just their DNA, and crack codes hidden in plain sight. I learned about particle physics and indigenous astronomy, and I had the chance to see the large hadron collider in CERN via an online hookup, which is something I will never forget! 

The activities were incredible, but what I’ll remember most is the people I met at the NYSF. I met a group of people who I would now consider close friends. It was so surreal to be surrounded by so many people who loved STEM as much as I did. Everywhere I went, there was always a conversation about different aspects of STEM, or laughter at one of the many jokes, or music drifting down the halls. Everyone was filled with energy and passion, and the enthusiasm and joy were infectious! I made so many friends and memories from this trip which will stay with me forever!

Through this experience, I learned so much about different fields of STEM, from geology and water sciences, to engineering and forensics. The NYSF opened my eyes to the many opportunities out there in STEM, and how fascinating the world around me is! I would highly recommend any year 11 science Maths student reading this, to make sure you seriously consider applying.  Just speak with Mr Arman about when and how to apply."

Mr Paolo Arman
Physics Teacher

For more information visit the website: 
National Youth Science Forum - Inspiring Australia’s Young Scientists

From the Catherine McAuley Library

Library Lovers’ Week: Celebrating Stories, Community and Our Beloved Catherine McAuley Library!

Library Lovers’ Week is a celebration of libraries, librarians and anyone who loves their library! Our Catherine McAuley Library is a special place, and the acknowledgement of this week reminds us how grateful we are to have this resource in our school community. Picture books were shared with our younger students to fit with the theme over the course of the week. If you haven’t read these beautiful stories, check out some of our librarian favourites! Ms Gorroick loves Boo Loves Books, Ms Wildenauer’s favourite is Lucy’s Book, and Ms Ripberger always chooses Library Lion. All students enjoyed the opportunity to enter competitions during the week and to join in some special craft activities at lunch times. Happy Library Lovers’ Week to all.

Ms Ali Ripberger
Teacher‑Librarian | Information Services Coordinator

From the Languages Coordinator

Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the Year of the Snake!

Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the Year of the Snake! This sign of the Chinese zodiac represents a sharp intelligence and an analytical mind, with a natural intuition. The Year of the Snake offers opportunities for transformation, personal growth, and change.
This year the primary Chinese students each wrote wishes which were placed into lucky red packets. As you can see from the photos, these were then transformed into the scales on the snake in the foyer. The Year 6s also learnt about the other signs of the zodiac.
The Languages faculty hopes that this Year of the Snake brings you many opportunities for renewal and growth.

Ms Jane Mahar
Languages Coordinator

From the International Students Coordinator

Exploring Aussie Wildlife

International students from China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, including both short-term and long-term students across various year levels, recently enjoyed a trip to Gorge Wildlife Park. They had the chance to see and interact with Australia’s unique wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos. It was a fun and memorable experience, giving students a deeper appreciation of Australia’s nature and culture.

Ada’s Memorable Journey at SAC!

This year, SAC welcomed Ada, an international Year 1 student who joined us for three weeks of learning. With the support of her home class teachers, Ms Famiani and Ms. Grohs, Ada quickly settled in, made many friends, and thoroughly enjoyed her time at SAC. On her last day, her classmates organized a heartfelt farewell party and created a special card to send her off with warm memories. We wish Ada all the best in her future studies!

Ms Shuhong Li
International Students Coordinator

Justice and Mercy News  

It has been a busy start to the year for all things JAM! On Thursday 13 February, secondary students commemorated the Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations. Classes reflected on the moments that led to the historic speech as well as the continued journey of Reconciliation we take as a school community. 

Friday JAM meetings have so far seen enthusiastic students between Years 6-12 coming together to share creative ideas around celebrating International Women’s Day, which will be held at SAC on Friday 7 March (Week 6). This year's international theme is ‘March Forward: for ALL women and girls’. Our students have had many ideas on how to share stories of inspirational women as well as how we celebrate women’s contributions to our global society. Students are able to join JAM at any point in time during the year, so we are keen to welcome any students with a passion for this cause at our next Friday JAM meeting!  

On Wednesday this week, our first group of students for 2025 visited Sr Janet Mead’s Adelaide Day Centre for Homeless Persons. Volunteering at the Day Centre is a great opportunity for students to serve our local community and foster their sense of social justice. We hope to see students of many ages continue to put their hand up at the opportunity and to continue nurturing the connection SAC has with the Day Centre. Students in Years 7-12 can register to volunteer by clicking the link in the SEQTA notices next week.  

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome back Gemma Sisia, Founder of the School of St Jude in Tanzania, to SAC during Harmony Week. Gemma will be speaking at the College on the March 20 from 7-8:30pm, sharing inspiring tales with two of St Jude’s alumni, John Stanley and Winnie Nemes, to celebrate 23 years of fighting poverty through education. Our Year 12 cohort sponsors a scholarship for a Year 2 student at St Jude's named Angel. Tickets to meet Gemma, John and Winnie are free, but registration is necessary. Follow this link to book: https://www.trybooking.com/CYZRM 

Ms Maddie Kelly and Ms Grace Campbell
Justice & Mercy Team

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE

From the Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)

SACRAMENTS

Students at St Aloysius College have an opportunity to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation from Year 3 and Confirmation and First Holy Communion from Year 4. Students will learn about these sacraments through the Religious Education program with their teachers and will attend a one-day workshop at school. Students will then celebrate their sacraments in the Adelaide Cathedral Parish or in their own parishes. Parents are required to attend a meeting leading up to the celebration to participate in the family preparation. If you wish for your daughter to be prepared for these three important Sacraments this year, please click here to access a letter and complete the online form by Thursday 20 March, 2025. Please note your daughter must be baptised Catholic in order to celebrate these Sacraments.

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

Primary School students will celebrate Shrove Tuesday on the 4th March by enjoying some pancakes with their class. If you are a registered volunteer on the SAC database and would like to help cook pancakes, please email me (Ms Isabella Formichella) [email protected]. Volunteers would be required from 8:30am – 10:00am. Students are asked to donate pancake mix and toppings such as jams, honey, maple syrup, sugar or lemons to enjoy on the day.

Please click here to access the Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday Letter and further information about Project Compassion.

Spreading the Love at SAC

The spirit of love was in full swing on Friday the 14th of February as the Year 12 SRC Executive shared thoughtful, hand-written, heart-shaped notes, spreading kindness to their fellow students. The Reception students also joined in with their own Valentine's activities, filling the day with joy.

In addition, the Year 7 Italian and Year 8 French classes learned about St Valentine and why he’s known as the patron saint of love. To celebrate, they wrote little love notes to those they care about in the language they’re learning.

By the end of the day, our hearts were full... literally 💜

From the SAC Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop now has extended trading hours for Term 1.

Shop Hour:

• Tuesday 8.15am – 11.30am
• Wednesday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
• Thursday – 8.15am – 11.30am and 3.00pm – 6.00pm

SCHOOL HOLIDAY HOURS:

• Monday 14 April 8am-4pm
• Tuesday 15 April 8am-4pm
• Wednesday 16 April 8am-4pm
• Tuesday 29 April 8am-4pm

We have a large selection of second-hand items available while stocks last, and all new stock is plentiful.

Uniforms can also be purchased from our Online Shop.

For full uniform fittings and to make an appointment with the Uniform Shop, please click here.

Pilgrims of Hope, Walking Together