From the Acting Principal – Issue #16, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends and Students of SAC,

As Term 3 draws to a close, there has been much to celebrate across our College community. Throughout the term, our students have embraced opportunities to learn, lead, perform, serve and celebrate together. These experiences remind us of the many ways our Mercy values are lived each day, and how our theme, Animated by Love, continues to shape the way we learn, care for and support one another.

One of the highlights of the final weeks of term was our annual Spring Concert at the Adelaide Town Hall. Students showcased their musical talents with confidence, reflecting the dedication and many hours of rehearsal that had gone into their performances. We congratulate all students involved and thank our Music Department and Music Coordinator, Fiona Turner, for their dedication in bringing together such a memorable evening for our community.

On Monday, I had the privilege of attending Catholic Education SA’s Year 12 Graduation Celebration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, alongside our First Nations Student Support Officer, Indie Bament Sitkowski. The ceremony recognised our Year 12 students, Skye, Kathryn and Kaelei, and acknowledged all they have accomplished as they near the completion of their secondary schooling at St Aloysius College.

It was a special occasion to celebrate the strength of their journeys and the important contribution they have made to the life of our College community.

We congratulate each of our students and their families on this wonderful achievement and wish them every success as they take their next steps beyond St Aloysius.

The Catholic Schools Music Festival performances were another highlight of the week. It was wonderful to see our Primary students join with young people from Catholic schools across South Australia as part of the Festival Choir, sharing their talents and celebrating the gift of music together. Our Senior Choir also performed a beautiful rendition of I’ll Rise.

We congratulate all students who participated and represented our College. We also extend our sincere thanks to Maddie Binney, Tennille Gibson, Jo Tropeano and the music staff for their dedication, encouragement and ongoing support of our students throughout their preparation for this very special event.

On Wednesday, our College community gathered for our annual Mercy Day Mass, giving thanks for the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. Together, we reflected on the values of compassion, service and justice that continue to guide and inspire our community.

As we were reminded during the Mass, Mercy is more than something we celebrate on one day. We are called to let Mercy influence how we treat one another and how we respond when we encounter someone in need. May we continue to recognise where we can make a difference and have the courage to respond with generosity, compassion and hope.

I am very grateful to our Director of Faith and Mission, Genevieve Pelekani, Fr James and the members of the Liturgy Committee for their dedication and leadership in preparing such a prayerful celebration. Their efforts ensure these important celebrations remain deeply connected to our Mercy tradition, while providing opportunities for us to come together as a community in faith.

One of the unexpected highlights of my time as Acting Principal was receiving letters from our Year 2 students. Along with their kind wishes, the girls shared with me many imaginative ideas about what they would do if they were Principal. Their suggestions ranged from a rooftop roller coaster on Dunlevie and turning the gym into a giant park, through to pyjama days, waterpark trips, a day at a hotel, a sleepover and a “bring your puppy to school” day. There were also plenty of requests for ice blocks and, of course, the always popular no-homework day.

Inspired by their creativity and enthusiasm, we were able to bring some of their ideas to life. On Wednesday, our Year 2 students enjoyed a special afternoon with an extended playtime at Glover Playground, an ice block and a special puppy surprise when they returned to school. And, possibly the most exciting of all, there was no homework for the day!

Thank you to our Year 2 students and teachers for bringing so much imagination and fun to my time as Acting Principal. It was certainly a very special afternoon and one I will remember for a long time.

One of the great privileges of my role is seeing our young people embrace opportunities to serve others and make a positive difference. Our College Captains, Yenuli and Liliana, have done this so beautifully throughout the year, leading with generosity, enthusiasm and genuine care for others. I thank them both for the significant contribution they have made to the life of our College and the positive example they have set for others.

As Yenuli and Liliana approach the conclusion of their time as College Captains, I invited them to reflect on what they have valued most about this special experience and what they will carry with them from serving our St Aloysius College community.

“There have been so many opportunities that being College Captain has provided me. Attending the student leadership conference in Sydney with Captains from girls’ schools from across the world in January was truly an experience I will cherish. It taught me a great deal about what it means to be a leader within a community and enabled me to connect with like-minded young leaders.

The opportunity to work with leaders from other schools, including Christian Brothers College, has also been extremely special. Through this collaboration, we were able to host the inaugural SAC versus CBC Volleyball Game, which was a wonderful way to strengthen connections between our schools and establish what we hope will become an ongoing tradition.

What I will remember most about serving the SAC community is the relationships I have been able to build with so many different people across the College. From supporting younger students at Primary assemblies to meeting student representatives and listening to their ideas, it has been a privilege to serve as College Captain in 2026.”

Yenuli, College Captain

“Being College Captain this year has provided me with many opportunities for which I will always be grateful. A highlight of the role has been building connections with younger students across the College. I have loved chatting with students during break times, offering support and encouragement across different year levels and becoming a familiar face within our school community.

These everyday interactions became the most meaningful part of the role and were a driving force behind what I hoped to achieve as a leader. Serving the SAC community has been nothing short of a privilege. It has shown me that leadership is about selflessly helping others, supporting and encouraging them and leaving a positive impact that lasts.”

Liliana, College Captain

Mercy Day is one of the most anticipated days in the College year, and the final day of term saw students and staff come together for our annual celebrations. Classes organised a wonderful variety of stalls, games and activities, with funds raised supporting Mercy projects including Catherine House, the Adelaide Day Centre and Carrington Cottages. It was wonderful to see the spirit of Mercy so clearly in action, as students enjoyed the festivities while also contributing to organisations that provide vital support to others in our wider community.

As we come to the end of another busy term, there is much to celebrate across our College community. Thank you to our students, staff and families for the many ways you have contributed to the life of St Aloysius College throughout the term.

As I reflect on the term, I am grateful for the privilege of serving as Acting Principal and for the opportunity to share in the many moments that bring us together and remind me of what makes St Aloysius College such a special community.

Wishing all our students, staff and families a wonderful and restful holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4.

Ms Jacqui Mcilroy
Acting Principal

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