From the Principal

The theme for UN Women’s International Women’s Day this year (IWD 2022) is, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, recognising the contribution of women and girls around the world who are leading the charge on climate change response, to build a more sustainable future for all. Action for sustainability is central to the work of our Justice and Mercy group and is a particular focus for both staff and student Green JAM groups. Our Student JAM Support Staff, Gabriela and Nikita, organised Clean Up Australia Day action at Henley Beach last Sunday. Providing practical ways to tackle climate change is an important aspect of JAM and they always manage to have fun at the same time! Thanks to all the families who helped their young people to be part of Sunday’s event.

Nurturing strong leaders is a key part of our mission at St Aloysius College. Whilst we haven’t been able to gather as a whole school community this year, Ms Mcilroy and I went from class to class in the Year 12 area to acknowledge our Student Leaders for 2022 and present them with their badges. We are grateful for their service and look forward to the ways in which they will shape this community in the year ahead.

This week the Leadership Team consulted the Years 7 to 12 Student Representative Council in regard to the draft Strategic Plan for the College. We were so impressed by the maturity and insight of this group, and we welcomed their creativity and innovation. Not only do they have a strong sense of the College ethos, they are deeply committed to strengthening it further through their leadership. They are proud to be students of St Aloysius College and together, they have come up with some great ways to make our school even better. The Strategic Plan is now being finalised for parent consultation, which we plan to undertake online given current COVID restrictions. We will be in touch with all families to outline ways you can provide input and suggestions.

Last week we entered the liturgical season of Lent, ushered in with Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. The Mercy International Association tells us, “Lent is a time to dream. A time to uncover the vision God has for each of us… Dreams and imagination are significant parts of spiritual life, guiding us and putting us more in touch with our Creator. We do our part but we are not alone. This Lent, we pray that we may become more in touch with God’s dream for us and for our world.” Our world is certainly in need of peace at this time. We hope that as our students and staff move into the holy season of Lent, we will take the time to recognise God’s presence in our lives and in our school community.

It was our pleasure to welcome 70 prospective students and their families to the College last night. Whilst it was not possible to conduct our usual Open Night due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were able to showcase key features of the life of the College for our visitors and excite them about what is on offer here at SAC. Thanks to the many students and staff who greeted our guests with warmth and hospitality. We look forward to many of these families being part of our community in the years ahead.