From the Principal – Issue #13, 2024

From the Principal – Issue #13, 2024

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

The cold winter nights did not deter the Year 12 Class of 2024 from coming out in force for the Winter Sleepout last Friday. As well as experiencing the harsh reality of sleeping outdoors midwinter, students joined with Young Mercy Links to learn more about the realities of homelessness through this experience. Special guests from Fred’s Van and other homelessness services shared their insights into the complex web of factors that can lead to people sleeping rough. Thanks to Maddie Kelly, Mia Konopka, Angie Alfaro, Viv Graney and Gaby Kinsman for making this event possible.

At our School Tour last week, I watched our senior student leaders interact with prospective families to share stories about SAC. These young women are great ambassadors for the College and their confidence and character inspire others to join this community. I am so grateful for the leadership they have shown throughout their years at the College, and especially in this final year. At a time when they could be forgiven for focusing purely on their studies, they continue to give back as an expression of gratitude for their education. On Tuesday we presented the primary student leaders for Semester 2 with their badges, and we hope that their leadership journey will be a positive and enriching one.

This term we have welcomed three study tour groups to SAC, two from Japan and one from China. Students from Years 8 to 10 have been buddies for our visitors, making them feel welcome and at home here. The global perspectives made possible through these connections are extremely valuable. Fostering an interest in language and culture is critical in educating global citizens and we hope that the international friendships formed this term will last a lifetime.

In the last fortnight, SAC students have been on the road participating in a range of activities: Outdoor Education camp on the Yorke Peninsula, representing the College at the ABODA Band and Orchestra Festival, taking some time to reflect and renew at the Annual Year 8 Retreat Day, competing at the Mathematical Association of SA Quiz Night and so much more. All of these activities, offered in extension to the curriculum, are made possible through the vision and commitment of our teaching and support staff. I would like to acknowledge and thank the staff for their vision and commitment, as they constantly find new ways to engage and inspire our students. We are blessed to have such talented and hard-working staff at SAC.

This week marks National Science Week, and the theme for 2024 is Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability. We were thrilled that we had twice as many students from Years 2 to 9 enter the Oliphant Science Awards this year, and that is testament to the way teachers and families nurture the girls’ curiosity about all things scientific. You can read more about their success in this newsletter and some of the entries are currently on display in our foyer gallery. The seeds that are planted in early years Science lessons reap benefits for students in the diversity of pathways open to students in the senior years and beyond school.

As we say farewell to Science Week, we are busy preparing for Book Week! I can imagine there are some parents busy putting together a costume for next Friday’s parade. Have a great weekend,

Ms Paddy McEvoy
PRINCIPAL

---