From the Principal – Issue #15, 2023

Acknowledgement of Country

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

The weather was not kind to us on Thursday 7 September, forcing a deferral of the annual Athletics Carnival at SA Athletics Stadium. Whilst we were all relieved that we were not caught in the pouring rain, it was a disappointment for the staff and students who had spent countless hours preparing for this event. We look forward to Week 1 next term when we can hopefully expect a sunnier day!

On Friday 8 September, the staff of the College headed to the Village Well in Aldgate to participate in a Staff Retreat Day. The theme was “Why Mercy Matters”, and we heard from two current staff members who have been on remarkable journeys. Gaby Kinsman recently returned from Dublin having graduated from the Mercy Emerging Leaders Fellowship. You may have read Gaby’s story in this month’s Southern Cross. Maddie Kelly spoke about her work with the Justice and Mercy program here at SAC and her time at the School of St Jude in Tanzania and how these experiences revealed the meaning of mercy. We then spent some time participating in practical workshops in order to make a contribution to some of our local works of Mercy. We finished the day with a presentation from Catherine House, a centre established by the Sisters of Mercy that continues to provide refuge for women experiencing homelessness. This retreat day was brought together by Ms Elizabeth Boylan and was a powerful reminder of the privilege it is to work in a community that fosters mercy and makes such a difference in our world.

Click here to read Gaby’s story in this month’s Southern Cross

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Staff Retreat Day “Why Mercy Matters

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Thank you to the many family members who attended the Reception to Year 11 Learning Reviews last week. There is clear evidence that parental involvement has a positive impact on student achievement, and these conversations provide a forum to celebrate the educational growth that has already happened this year and collaborate on next steps for learning. We appreciate the respectful dialogue that exists between parents and teachers here at SAC. There are many more modes of communication available now, through SEQTA, emails and phone calls, but the face-to-face conversation is still a key element in supporting student success.

I had my own learning review last week, with a panel of educators meeting at SAC to conduct my appraisal. I appreciate the many parents and staff who took the time to complete a survey, as well as the staff and students who were interviewed. Feedback is an essential part of learning and development and I plan to take on board the wisdom and insights that have emerged. The St Aloysius College community has profoundly shaped the person I am today, and I look forward to being part of its continued flourishing. 

Spring certainly arrived in Adelaide and the temperature in the SAC Music department was also heating up! Last Friday’s Spring Concert at the Adelaide Town Hall was a fabulous showcase of the talents of both students and staff. Hearing a few rehearsals made me conscious of the depth of talent in our midst and I couldn’t wait to see them hit the stage in this prestigious venue. In Week 10, the Catholic Schools Music Festival will take place at the Festival Theatre, providing another amazing performance opportunity for our girls. We are blessed to be in the centre of the city and our creative and enthusiastic Music department takes full advantage of the venues and events on our doorstep.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

Some of our young choir performers will soon be taking to the stage as a part of the Catholic Schools Music Festival!

WE can’t wait to see them AT THE ADELAIDE FESTIVAL THEATRE FROM TUESDAY 26 – FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

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