Celebrating 145 Years of Mercy: St Aloysius College Unveils a New Transeasonal Uniform

On Friday 7 November, the St Aloysius College community gathered in the Gymnasium for a milestone moment… the launch of a new transeasonal school uniform, marking a bold new chapter in the College’s 145-year legacy.

As the rhythmic beat of the Drum Corps echoed through the space, students, staff and special guests filled it with anticipation, and a sense of joy and pride rippled through the gathering. More than just a uniform launch, this was a celebration of heritage, identity, and progress, woven together with the same Mercy spirit which has inspired the College since its foundation in 1880. 

Deputy Principal of Pastoral Care, Ms Jacqui McIlroy, opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, acknowledging the presence of the Sisters of Mercy, College Advisory Council members, and the work of a dedicated Uniform Committee and the Executive Leadership team, whose vision helped bring the new design to life.

“This year, St Aloysius College proudly celebrates 145 years of excellence, tradition, and community,” Ms Mcilroy said. “It is a moment to reflect on our rich history and the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, whose vision and values continue to shape who we are.”

The event began with an Acknowledgement of Country and a moving performance of the Suscipe by the Senior Choir. This version of the Suscipe was written by Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy, bringing her voice to the celebration in a special way, harmonising faith, tradition, community, and a spirit of hope.

What followed was a captivating fashion parade, showcasing the evolution of the St Aloysius College uniform from the 1930s to today. With each decade came new fabrics and styles, and, as Ms Mcilroy noted, “each uniform tells a story of the students who wore it and the times they lived in.”

To the upbeat swing of Glenn Miller’s In the Mood, the elegance of the 1930s and 40s was brought to life in a showcase of woollen tunics, structured hats, and even a briefcase once owned by one of SAC’s most distinguished Old Scholars, Dame Roma Mitchell.

The 1950s and 60s saw hemlines rise and patterns brighten, mirroring the widespread optimism of post-war years. By the 1970s, bold checks and flared silhouettes captured the changing spirit of the times, and the 1980s introduced a more formal brown blazer that became synonymous with SAC pride and identity, worn until present day.

Each era was presented with charm and precision by student models, accompanied by nostalgic music, from ABBA’s Dancing Queen to Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. And, of course, Sister Janet Mead’s grammy-nominated rendition of The Lord’s Prayer. The parade offered the audience a moving reminder that while fashion evolves, the values of Mercy –  compassion, service, courage, and respect – never go out of style, and they are stitched into every thread of the new uniform.

Sister Mary-Anne Duigan RSM reminded the College of how its founding Sisters of Mercy lived these values, sharing the inspiring story of their courageous journey to Adelaide, where they established St Aloysius College in 1880. Her words drew a direct thread between the early Sisters, who educated and uplifted girls in a fledgling community, and today’s students, who continue to reap the benefits of this brave legacy in a rapidly changing world. In honour of these Sisters, Principal, Ms Paddy McEvoy unveiled a plaque at the ceremony.

The Senior Choir’s performance of Standing on the Shoulders paid tribute to those who came before – the women whose courage and compassion shaped generations of Mercy education.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.

MCs, Liliana B and Haylee B announced, “Wear it your way, purple for every season!” and the 2026 St Aloysius College transeasonal uniform was revealed.

The new range reflects months of collaboration, creativity, and consultation between students, staff, and families. Designed with student voice at heart, it combines tradition and modernity, honouring the past while embracing the needs of the present.

From the short-sleeved dress to the long-sleeved dress to skirts, shirts, tailored trousers, and shorts, the new uniform is inclusive and allows students to choose pieces that best reflect their comfort and style. Reception to Year 2 students will wear their PE uniform year-round, ensuring freedom of movement and readiness for play and learning.

Principal Ms Paddy McEvoy was happy to embrace the return to purple.

“My sisters and I wore purple with pride at SAC in the ‘70s and ‘80’s and I know today’s students will love it. This new uniform allows students to choose the pieces that suit their needs, whatever the season. It will be a visible sign of the respect and inclusion that sits at the heart of our Mercy identity.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, there was a shared expression of gratitude for all who contributed to this landmark occasion. Kiki and Eva (Year 8 and 10 students) expressed excitement at the prospect of wearing their new purple threads with pride:

“Wearing the new uniform makes me feel comfortable and confident, especially as I move into my final years of schooling. It’s bright, bold, and genuinely reflects who we are today. I love that it’s inclusive and gives us so many options to choose from throughout the year. We can wear what feels right for us.“

“The launch event was really special. Seeing the Sisters of Mercy there reminded us of where the College began, while the new uniform shows how we’re continuing to grow. It felt like a real connection between our past and our future.”

This launch meant more than just the unveiling of fabric and colour. It was a reminder of the stories of those who’ve worn fabric threads representing St Aloysius College for 145 years; a story of courage, compassion and of growth; of students, staff and families walking together in the spirit of Mercy, as Catherine McAuley inspired others to do more than 200 years ago.

The event was followed by a morning tea for special guests and a celebration with students who participated in the launch, inside the Year 8 classrooms; a fitting reminder that the heart of St Aloysius College will always be its people, and care of the young ones who wear its uniform.

Ms Maddie Kelly
Communications Officer

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