From the Principal – Issue #14, 2023

Acknowledgement of Country

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

Book Week is always a highlight of the Term 3 Calendar. This year’s theme, Read, Grow, Inspire opened up a huge range of costume possibilities and these were on display in full colour at the parade in the Undercroft last Friday. A love of books and stories is a gift we offer to every student at St Aloysius College. Primary teachers, English teachers, library staff and those of us who just love reading are always seeking to share that love with our students. It was extra special for me this year to have my grandson, Artie, take part in the Book Week Parade with his Chancery Lane friends. Dressed in his Very Hungry Caterpillar outfit, he had fun recognising many characters from some of his favourite stories. It was a beautiful reminder of the joy that books can bring to all of our lives.

Someone with her own love for literature is Year 7 student, Eva, who was recognised for her outstanding writing skills in the recent South Australian English Teachers’ Association short story-writing competition. Eva was awarded first prize in the Years 7 and 8 Category for her story The Shadows, an evocative piece that had me sitting on the edge of my seat! We congratulate Eva and look forward to seeing her writing skills continue to flourish throughout her years at the College.

The Year 12 students participated in their annual Winter Sleepout last Friday. Homelessness is a significant issue in Adelaide at the moment, and the students spent some time making soup, both for themselves and to give to the Adelaide Day Centre. Almost 40 Year 12 students took part this year, highlighting the strong commitment that this cohort shows to issues of justice in our local community. Thanks to staff members Maddie, Mia, Viviana, Tahlia and Chelsey for supporting the students to take this action. These small steps help to create a sense of purpose in tackling injustice in our community.

Year 8 students and staff took part in a 3-day Camp at Wirraway Homestead in Strathalbyn in Week 5 and the first of our Year 9 groups went to the Flinders Ranges this week. Students develop critical social and emotional skills through these experiences, as well as having a lot of fun! We are grateful to the staff who go above and beyond in making them possible.

Last term, many students and parents participated in a survey on the student uniform and we thank all those who took the time to provide feedback. A uniform review is a complex process, which takes into account what parts of the uniform are working and what’s not, and carefully balances the desire for change with affordability. I am grateful to our Leadership team who will ensure that any uniform changes we make will be planned and implemented in the best interests of students and their families.

Thanks to the many Year 10 and 11 families who attended Subject Selection Interviews this week. Having an informed conversation about pathways with the wellbeing of each student at the centre is an important part of ensuring every student’s success. Both students and parents were appreciative of the wide range of subjects on offer and they will embark on their SACE studies for 2024 with confidence.

We were thrilled to see so many in attendance at our Father’s Day Breakfast this morning. There was a tangible sense of excitement and gratitude in the air, as we acknowledged these significant men and the role they play in the lives of our students. As with any school event, it takes a village to make it happen, but I would like to acknowledge in a special way Ms Jacqui Mcilroy (Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care), whose work in building community events in 2023 has been a gift to us all.

Happy Father’s Day to all who are celebrating on Sunday!

Ms Paddy McEvoy
PRINCIPAL

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