From the Principal – Issue #1, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 school year, with a special welcome to all the students, staff and families who are new to St Aloysius College. We hope that you feel the warm embrace of Mercy hospitality in these first weeks of term. In the words of Catherine McAuley, “a good beginning is of great importance” and we look forward to a good beginning in 2026.

The liturgical theme for SAC in 2026 is Animated by Love. It’s a theme that will resonate strongly with our students. We hope to expand their thinking beyond the flowers on Valentine’s Day perception of love and explore a deeper understanding of how God moves towards us in love at every moment of our lives.

The funeral mass for Sr Deirdre Jordan, a pillar of our community and someone who understood God’s love at work in the world better than most, was held in the Cunningham Memorial Chapel last week. Sr Deirdre was Principal here from 1954 to 1968 and oversaw a period of significant growth in the College. She continued to be part of the life of the College, attending the Uniform Launch in Term 4 last year. She was a remarkable South Australian educator and will be remembered with great love by all those who were lucky enough to know her. We keep in our prayers Sr Judith Redden and all her fellow Sisters of Mercy at this very sad time.

1999 Sr Deirdre Jordan with students

The Class of 2025 achieved outstanding results in the SACE and are now pursuing a diverse range of pathways beyond school. In this newsletter, you will read about their achievements in the summary provided by Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning), Jacqui Jury. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2025 to SACOSA (the SAC Old Scholars’ Association) later this term.

Welcoming new staff

Bethany Cawood – Maths & PE Teacher
Cass Marousopoulos – Outdoor Education Teacher
Emmy Gerlach – Maths & Science Teacher
Jasper Wolfe – Psychology & Science Teacher
Magda van Aardt – Science Coordinator & Physics Teacher
Pru Pole – EAL/D Teacher
Samantha Griffiths – English Teacher
Sarah Hoffman – Chemistry & Science Teacher
Stefan Zekanovic – PE & Science Teacher
Zoe Duffy – Primary Sport Coordinator
Rebecca Vella – Learning Support Officer
Suman Kaur – Learning Support Officer
Sam Bayford – ICT Technician

Capital Works

We are very excited to be moving into the final phase of the development of our new Dunlevie Building. The collaboration between architects, builders and College staff has resulted in a building that will be the launching pad for generations of SAC students in the years ahead. We are so grateful for the patience and understanding that the whole school community has shown throughout this project and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this new facility in Semester 2.

We ask that you take the time each fortnight to read this newsletter. The photos and stories in these pages capture beautifully the vibrant and diverse learning community here at St Aloysius College. As you search for a photo of your daughter, granddaughter, niece or family friend, I know that you will appreciate the opportunities that are available to our students. The newsletter tells stories about SAC that bring joy to past, present and future students and their families.

Wishing students, staff and families all the very best for 2026!

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

From the Principal – Issue #1, 2026