From the Principal – Issue #10

2026 Acknowledgement of Country

This week we have been celebrating Refugee Week 2026, recognising the courage, creativity and contributions of refugees worldwide. Australia’s World Cup win last Sunday showcased the talents of the amazing Socceroos, whose stories reflect the diversity that is a hallmark of modern Australia. That same diversity is a feature of St Aloysius College and one that we are also proud to celebrate. Students come to SAC from over 100 different postcodes across Adelaide, and their families come from more than 45 countries of origin. We learn from and with one another and create a community that recognises the common humanity we share. Thank you to every family that has chosen to be part of this school community!

For generations, SAC has been welcoming students and families with refugee experience. Their passion for education often sees them move on to incredibly bright futures. One such graduate is Dr Caroline Lee (nee Unferdorben), who graduated from SAC in the 1980’s. Caroline’s family came to Australia from Hungary in the 1950’s and chose SAC as the school for their daughters. After graduating, Caroline became a nurse, later completed a PhD and, since 1992, Caroline has been CEO of Leecare Solutions, a consulting and software company that operates across five countries. Caroline returned to the College a few years ago, wanting to sponsor students currently enrolled at SAC who come from refugee backgrounds. Her generous contribution is making a huge difference in the lives of many students and reflects the Mercy values that are at the heart of an education at SAC. We thank Caroline for offering to pay it forward in this way, and acknowledge the enormous contributions that refugees make to this College and to the world.

The Sunday Soiree this weekend will showcase over 100 performances by students from Year 1 through to Year 12. Held in three sittings, these soirees give students the chance to show family, friends and teachers what they have learnt in their instrumental lessons. We are grateful to have such a talented group of instrumental tutors at SAC and a Music Department that consistently goes above and beyond in giving students performance opportunities.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards participants have definitely been stretched beyond their comfort zones this term, with so many of our camping, bushwalking and kayaking trips braving the elements. Sleeping in a tent on a rainy night can be far from comfortable, and we are grateful to the accompanying staff, especially Coordinator Michael Heath, for encouraging the positive mindsets that help students navigate these challenges!

The midyear Reception class has had their first orientation session this week, with two more visits to come this term. The girls spent some time in the library with their teachers, Ms Alana Allwright and Ms Clementine Goode, building connections and having fun. Parents met in the Boardroom with the Leadership Team and had time to enjoy coffee and cake and get to know each other. As the first Reception students to begin their education at SAC in the new Dunlevie Building, we are so excited to see them make a home here next term.

Whenever I welcome new families to the College, I see with fresh eyes the vast array of learning experiences that are on offer for our students. Families want their children to have choices about their future, and providing this breadth of experience is central to giving young people choice and agency in their own futures. As we see the Year 12 students move beyond the halfway point in their studies, we see our emerging graduates are young women who are confident, capable and willing to act for change in the world. Being part of a journey that takes us from Reception to Year 12 is an honour and a privilege and we look forward to welcoming our new families to SAC in Term 3.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

Year 12 students Celebrating they are Halfway There!

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