Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal - Issue #4, 2026
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,
On International Women’s Day, we take time to remember and recognise two incredible women of Mercy who have died this year. This morning, I attended the funeral of Sr Patricia Pak Poy RSM, Principal of SAC 1970-1976. As the Sisters said, she was “unfailingly gracious”, a woman whose incredible achievements globally were never reflected in her humble, kind disposition. She continued to take pride in SAC long after she moved on to other work, and we remember her with love and gratitude.
Sr Patricia Pak Poy RSM, Principal of SAC 1970-1976
To lose her so soon after the death of Sr Deirdre Jordan RSM (Principal 1954-1968) in January is a huge sadness for the Adelaide Sisters of Mercy and for SAC. Deirdre was also a graduate who used her education to transform the lives of many people locally and globally. Her adventurous spirit took her across the globe, bringing mercy wherever she went.
So today we remind our students to Balance the Scales, to ensure that every woman and girl is safe, heard and free to shape their own lives. And we take inspiration from the pioneering lives of Sister Patricia Pak Poy and Sister Deirdre Jordan. They were trailblazers, ahead of their time, who used their education to challenge injustice in our world. We know that in our school grounds today are future trailblazers, girls and young women who will continue to shape the world in myriad ways. We can’t wait to celebrate their impact now and into the future.
Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal
Adelaide international Women's Day Breakfast 2026
Year 2 students celebrating International Women’s Day through the library’s “Bloom and Grow” activity 🌸
From the Deputy Principal
(Pastoral Care)
Deputy Principal
(Pastoral Care)
Leading with Purpose
Last week, our Year 3 to Year 12 Student Representative Councils came together for their first leadership gathering of the year. This was a valuable opportunity for our student leaders to connect, reflect on why they chose to say “yes” to leadership, and share their hopes and ideas for 2026.
Students discussed the impact they want to make within their own year levels, as well as the ways they can collaborate across the College to strengthen student voice and contribute to our shared community. Their enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and commitment to serving others were truly inspiring.
We look forward to seeing their vision come to life throughout the year as they continue to lead with purpose, kindness and courage.
Ms Jacqui Mcilroy
Deputy Principal (Pastoral Care)
Our 2026 College Leaders
Our 2026 College Leaders are proud to introduce themselves and share their roles with the wider community. They have already made an impact with their presence as a leadership group and we can’t wait to see them guide with purpose throughout the year. Watch the short video they’ve put together!
Watch the short video they’ve put together!
A Mercy Response to International Women’s Day
This week, the St Aloysius College community gathered in the Jordan Courtyard for a reflective International Women’s Day initiative inspired by the 2026 UN Women Australia theme, ‘Balance the Scales’. Through an interactive installation titled “Balance the Scales. Restore Her Story”, students were invited to confront the realities faced by women experiencing homelessness and consider how they, as members of a Mercy community, might respond with compassion and action.
At the centre of the installation stood Catherine, a symbol deeply connected to the College’s commitment to justice and dignity for women. Catherine House, Adelaide’s only dedicated service supporting women experiencing homelessness, was founded by the Sisters of Mercy and the College has maintained strong ties to this incredible local initiative, supporting women in need. Catherine has been generously gifted to our College to utilise this year, as a symbol of hope and reflection. She will stand in the Jordan Courtyard throughout Week 7, where students and families can read student reflections and learn more about the work of Catherine House.
At the display on Friday, students moved through three interactive stations, each designed to invite awareness, empathy and response.
The first station, The Reality Wall – “The Scales Are Not Balanced,” presented statistics that highlight the gendered nature of homelessness in Australia. These statistics, while not necessarily positive, serve as a stark reminder that homelessness is often not the result of individual failure, but of structural inequality. Above the display, a central question invited reflection: “What causes the scales to tip?”
From there, students were invited to participate in The Reflection Tags – “How Can I Help Balance the Scales?” Using purple tags, students wrote personal reflections responding to prompts such as “Every woman deserves…”, “Safety means…”, and “A home should feel…”. These reflections were then attached to the Catherine House structure itself. Over the course of the week, the installation slowly transformed as the structure became covered in messages of hope, empathy and commitment from students, staff and parents.
The final station invited the community to turn awareness into action. A QR code linked directly to Catherine House, encouraging donations and support for the organisation’s work.
Leading into the installation, a pathway of printed quotes titled “Her Story” guided participants through the voices of women who have received support from Catherine House. These stories remind students that homelessness can happen to anyone, and that behind every statistic is a human story.
This year’s International Women’s Day reflection takes on particular significance for the St Aloysius College community as we also mourn the death of Sr Patricia Pak Poy RSM, an Old Scholar, former Principal and extraordinary global advocate for justice and peace.
In many ways, this International Women’s Day initiative reflects the same Mercy spirit personified by Sr Patricia. It reminds us that a Mercy education is not simply about knowledge, but about forming young people who notice injustice, listen to the stories of others, and respond with compassion and courage.
As students reflected on the installation this week, many shared thoughtful insights about what it means to stand in solidarity with women in vulnerable situations, and to commit to balancing the scales. Year 12 Social Justice Leader, Teah S, says:
“In a country like Australia we often view ourselves as progressive when it comes to gender equality, and while we have made progress, it can also cause us to overlook the realities many women still face. Gender inequality is everywhere. It is in the lives of vulnerable families overseas. It is on the news. It might be right down the street from you, or in your classroom or office. Many women suffer in silence, and initiatives like this remind us that behind every statistic is a real person in our community who deserves safety, dignity and support. Balancing the scales is about ensuring that those who keep silent are lifted towards equality.”
The Catherine House installation will remain in the courtyard throughout Week 7, continuing to invite reflection from the College community.
International Women’s Day calls us to imagine a more just world. At St Aloysius College, we hope that through small acts of awareness, empathy and action, our students begin to understand that balancing the scales of justice is not someone else’s responsibility — it is ours.
Ms Maddie Kelly
Justice and Mercy Coordinator
From the Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning)
Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning)
NAPLAN TESTING 2026
Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests in Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar, punctuation) and Numeracy. Students will undertake all tests online, except for the Year 3 Writing test, which will be completed on paper.
NAPLAN tests will commence on Wednesday 11 March. Most students will complete all test domains between 11 – 16 March. If students are absent for tests, they will be able to complete catch-up tests during the NAPLAN testing window: Wednesday 11 March – Friday 20 March.
Students achievement will be reported in the following categories:
- Exceeding
- Strong
- Developing
- Needs additional support
Further information about how results will be reported can be accessed here: NAPLAN - Proficiency level descriptions
The recent NAPLAN practice test provided students with an opportunity to experience the test environment. Students and parents can also visit the NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site to explore the types of questions they may experience in each of the four test domains.
It is important that students come to school each day with their device fully charged and a set of wired headphones (not wireless, e.g. air pods). For students who do not have headphones, we have a limited supply of spare sets that can be borrowed.
The test schedule appears below, please note that the lesson time allocated also includes preparation (logging on to the NAPLAN browser, testing headphones etc.) and time for finalising the test sessions.
The Privacy Collection Notice explains how information is collected and used for NAPLAN testing.
Ms Jacqui Jury
Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning)
NAPLAN TEST SCHEDULE 2026
A Day of Reflection and Belonging at Year 7 Retreat
Weaving Connections
Our Year 7 students participated in their Year 7 Retreat Day, centred on the theme of connection. Throughout the day, students explored how relationships are built and strengthened through a range of activities led by the Religious Education and home class teachers.
The symbolism of threads and weaving became a meaningful focus, with each student creating their own dreamcatcher which uses intertwined strands to represent how each person contributes to the Year 7 community. This message continued through vision boards and string art, reinforcing the idea that connection is something we create with intentional actions over time.
Students also engaged in a guided meditation linked to our liturgical theme, Animated by Love, reflecting on how love can shape their actions and relationships. A reflective walk through the Botanic Gardens provided opportunities for conversation, shared stories, and connection with nature, supported by scripture prompts and inspired by the landscape around them.
The day concluded with a liturgy, where students had created decorations representing someone they had come to know better through conversation. It was a fitting reminder that belonging grows through understanding one another, and that each person has a rich story to tell when we allow space for conversations to flow.
The Year 7 Retreat offered valuable space for students to pause, reflect, and continue weaving the relationships that will support them throughout the year.
Ms Tenielle Nuske
Year 7 Coordinator
2026 Lunar New Year
Our Students Shine at the 2026 Lunar New Year Street Party in Chinatown Adelaide!
On 21 February 2026, our students were honoured to be invited to perform at the Lunar New Year Street Party in Chinatown Adelaide before the special guests, including the Premier of South Australia and the Consul-General of the Chinese Embassy in Adelaide.
Nine students from last year’s Spectacular Night Chinese dance opened the event with a graceful and vibrant performance, receiving warm applause from guests and the local community.
We are immensely proud of our students and sincerely thank our families and performers for sharing the beauty of Chinese culture with the wider community.
Ms Xiaomeng Ding
Chinese Teacher
Primary Sport Coordinator
Ms Zoe Duffy
Primary Sport Coordinator
Term 1 sports are all now up and running, and it has been wonderful to see Year 3-6 students competing in Basketball and Volleyball with their great energy and enthusiasm. Our coaches are impressed with the improvements made over such a short time and are excited to see how their respective seasons finish in the coming weeks. Our junior primary students have also been enjoying their Come 'n' Try programs. We have been really impressed with our Sport Leaders who are giving up their time to support the Come 'n' Try programs this term. Thank you to the Year 6 leaders, Layla, Alessia, Maggie, Aleeia, Evie, Sabina, Zara and Senior Leaders, Paquita, Elle, Nicole, Rosie, Gracie, Capri and Bella for their enthusiasm, positivity and dedication in ensuring the Come 'n' Try programs run smoothly.
Nominations for Term 2 Sport are currently open via Clipboard. Nominations will close on Monday 9th March at 9pm.
Our SAPSASA Swim Team competed at the East Adelaide District Trials on Wednesday 4 March, representing the school with determination and outstanding team spirit. Every swimmer pushed themselves on the day and should be extremely proud of their achievements. We also wish our SACPSSA Swim Team the best of luck as they compete in Section 2 during Week 9.
Well done to all involved — a fantastic start to the sporting year!
Ms Zoe Duffy
Primary Sport Coordinator
From the Secondary Sport Coordinator
Secondary Sport Coordinator
Summer Sport Update / No Games over the long weekend
Summer season has kicked off with some exciting games across touch football, basketball, tennis, water polo and volleyball. A reminder there are no games this week due to the long weekend – so enjoy this time to rest and recharge.
After the break, there are 3 rounds remaining of the summer season. We encourage all players to maintain their commitment to training and games as we head toward the final weeks.
A friendly reminder that students are required to wear the correct sport uniform on game days. Full details can be found in our Uniform Policy here: Uniform Policy.
Winter Sport Nominations Now Open
Nominations for Winter Sport are now open.
Families were sent an email on Monday with instructions on how to nominate through Activity Selection | Clipboard. Nominations will be accepted up until 12pm on Monday 16th March.
Knockout & Interschool Sport
Over the next few weeks, trials will be held for the below knockout sports. Students are encouraged to stay up to date with notices on SEQTA as this is how trial information will be communicated.
- Basketball (Open Night)
- Yr 7-12 Netball, Yr 11/12 Touch Football, Yr 9/10 Volleyball & Yr 7-12 Soccer (Week 10 and 11 – date & time TBA)
The 2026 SAC Athletics team is also being selected this week, and will compete at the SA Catholic Girls Schools Carnival later this month. The team is selected from 2025 SAC Athletics Carnival Results. New students to SAC have been invited to submit times / results to be considered for selection.
Please reach out if you have any questions regarding the selection process, or if you would like to share your daughter’s official times / PBs.
Ms Meg Henderson
Secondary Sport Coordinator
From the Careers Department
Careers & VET Coordinator
Inside the Action – Year 11 & 12 Students Experience the Life-Saving P.A.R.T.Y. Program at the Royal Adelaide Hospital
Last week a group of Year 11 and Y12 students were extremely fortunate to participate in the P.A.R.T.Y. Program at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Originally established in 1986 in Canada as an injury awareness and prevention program, it now operates in many countries across the world.
It was informative, thought provoking, emotional and hands on, with students visiting the Emergency Department and the Intensive Care Unit, to follow the journey of a simulated trauma patient. They also heard about trauma rehabilitation from a speech pathologist and physiotherapist, they learned about organ donation and listened to doctors, emergency department nurses, paramedics, and from a survivor of a major trauma.
“The whole day was incredible, especially going into the ED and ICU. I was amazed by the busy environment and how everyone must work together as a team while there’s so much going on around them. It made me realise that life can change at any minute.” Nazanin (Year 12 student)
“The entire team had to be prepared at all times, never knowing what was going to happen. Each patient can involve so many doctors and nurses with different knowledge and specialisations. Hearing from a trauma survivor was emotional and his story was incredible. It made me think about making the right decisions.” Fatima (Year 12 student)
The program was emotive and real. Students left the day with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the significance of decision making and possible consequences. We are extremely thankful to the many RAH staff who supported the day and continue to deliver a preventative and potentially life saving program for young people.
Ms Julie Stephenson
Careers & VET Coordinator
Creating Change Through Recycled Art
This term, our Year 6 students have been exploring the exciting world of recyclable art. Inspired by renowned artists such as Vik Muniz, El Anatsui, Jennifer Bell, Ai Weiwei, Michelle Reader, and Karen Benjamin, students investigated how everyday discarded materials can be transformed into meaningful creations.
Using a wide range of recyclable items, students spent their art lessons designing and constructing sculptures that communicate important messages about environmental protection and the impact of pollution. Their artworks highlight both creativity and conscience, encouraging us all to rethink waste and consider how our choices affect the world around us.
Ms Michaela Farrugia
Year 6 Teacher
"The message of my artwork is "We should treat their homes like we treat our homes". I am glad that I can make this artwork to raise awareness about pollution and the effect it has on our wildlife. Specifically marine wildlife"
Therese, Year 5 Student
From the Faith and Mission Coordinator
Faith and Mission Coordinator
Each Lent Caritas Australia invites us to support the work they do, partnering with fellow agencies internationally, to support and uplift vulnerable individuals and communities. In doing so we respond to the Gospel call to care for our global family and walk alongside the most in need. Through the stories of Sisilia, a school student in Tanzania, and Monoranjon, a farmer in southwest Bangladesh, we can see life-changing impact Caritas Australia and their global partners can have for those in great need.
Project Compassion Lent 2026
This Lent, we are proud to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion and to stand in solidarity with school communities across the world who have their education disrupted by the daily struggle for clean, safe water.
We’re introduced to Sisilia, a 13-year-old girl from Tanzania. Sisilia supported her mother by walking long distances three times a day to fetch water. The water was unsafe, causing frequent illness, and the long walks left Sisilia exhausted and struggling to focus on her studies.
Thanks to Project Compassion and the support of schools like ours, Sisilia’s school and village now have safe clean water taps. This means it takes Sisilia just two minutes to collect water, giving her more time to learn so she can fulfil her dreams of one day becoming a pilot.
“I’d like to fly to different countries and pass through the sky.” – said Sisilia. “Also, I want to help my family live a better life. If I can study without spending so much time fetching water, I know I can achieve my dream.”
Watch Sisilia’s story HERE to learn more about how our school’s support of Project Compassion helps to create ripples of change that are felt by our fellow students, teachers and parents across the world.
We can also help empower people across the world to build stronger, more resilient futures for themselves and their families. People just like Monoranjon.
Monoranjon lives in a coastal village in southwest Bangladesh, one of the regions most affected by climate change. He and his family face extreme heat, cyclones and water scarcities, which often destroy his crops and threaten his livelihood.
Things began to change when Monoranjon joined the Community Managed Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience Program run by Caritas Bangladesh, with the support of Caritas Australia. Through the program, he learnt climate-resilient farming techniques including organic vegetable cultivation and livestock vaccination, meaning he is now able to grow salt-tolerant vegetables and raise livestock.
Today, Monoranjon’s income has improved, allowing him to send his children to school and protect their futures from poverty. He also now teaches others in his village, inspiring further change and opportunity across the community.
Watch Monoranjon’s story HERE to learn more about how our school is changing lives around the world - ensuring that people have the tools they need to face poverty, climate change and disaster.
Will you join us and walk alongside students like Sisilia and people like Monoranjon this Lent?
Please donate today.
You can support Project Compassion 2026 through the donation boxes, online at: projectcompassion.org.au or by calling: 1800 024 413
Thank you for standing with us as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
Cathedral Chiaroscuro ** Special Offer **
Cathedral Chiaroscuro ** Special Offer for Catholic Education Communities - Wed, 18 Feb - Sun, 22 Mar
As part of the Adelaide Fringe Schools Program, Catholic Education families, teachers, and students are invited to experience Cathedral Chiaroscuro at a special rate.
Step inside St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and see this remarkable Adelaide landmark transformed through light, sound and projection in a moving artistic experience that celebrates the beauty of the space.
Using cutting-edge visuals and immersive sound, Cathedral Chiaroscuro creates a peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere where art and sacred architecture meet. Visitors are welcome to wander or sit quietly as the cathedral comes alive with colour, movement and light.
A visit typically lasts around 20–25 minutes, allowing time to take in the full experience.
Exclusive Offer!!
Catholic Education community members can access $10 tickets using the promo code: CATHOLICEDU
Discount applies to full-price tickets and is available until allocation is exhausted.
Booking transaction fees apply.
Tickets can be booked at https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/cathedral-chiaroscuro-af2026
From the SAC Uniform Shop
2026 opening hours:
- Tuesday 8:15am-4:15pm
- Thursday 8:15am-4:15pm
School holiday opening hours will be advised at the end of each term.
To make an appointment with the Uniform Shop, please click here.
Uniforms can also be purchased from our Online Shop.
*** Clipboard Information ***
Once you have received an invite email to the St Aloysius College Clipboard Portal, you will be prompted to start by logging in for the first time and setting a password.
- After you have set up your password, you can log into the School portal using your email address and password. This portal link can also be accessed on your SEQTA Engage welcome page.
- After you have successfully logged in, you will now be able to view the Portal and navigate to ‘Activity Selection’ to nominate your daughter for the co-curricular activities available to her depending on her year level.
- Once nominated, your child will be placed in a group and relevant details regarding scheduling will be available on the Clipboard calendar.
- It is highly recommended that parents add the Clipboard Portal to their mobile phone home screen and enable push notifications, information about how to go about this will be distributed via email.
- Clipboard allows parents to notify if their child is unable to attend a particular rehearsal or a tutor lesson which helps with organisation for all.
NOTE: Clipboard access was granted to parents at the start of term. Invitations were sent to parents who had not previously activated their link.
Upcoming Events
A great evening of music and entertainment!!
Join us for the 2026 Sounds of City Schools concert co-hosted by CBC, St Mary's College and St Aloysius College Adelaide at 6.30pm on Wednesday 11 March at St Mary's.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS!
LITTLE LENT IN THE CUNNINGHAM CHAPEL
2026 Open Night is coming soon!
Please share with family and friends who may be interested in SAC
SAC DISCOVERy TIME & toUR!
An opportunity for your daughter to enjoy fun, hands-on learning with specialist teachers, aligned to the Australian Curriculum, in a supportive all-girls environment that builds confidence for a successful school journey.
