From the Principal – Issue #18, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

If you have passed through the foyer gallery this week, you would have been stunned by the array of amazing pieces created by our Year 12 Visual Arts students. The breadth of work in both Art and Design is impressive, and I know that this is just a fraction of the work students have completed towards this Stage 2 subject. Each year, one Year 12 piece is selected for our SAC Collection. The piece we selected in 2024 is the painting, The Beauty of Everything, created by Elizabeth Burgess. It is a still-life composition in acrylic paint, exploring the personal significance of everyday objects that act as tools and memories of Elizabeth’s life. Finding beauty in the everyday is a very Mercy quality, and we are grateful to Elizabeth for allowing us to keep this piece for our collection. We are so proud of the students and staff from the Class of 2024 who have brought together such a wonderful showcase of their work.

Elizabeth Burgess’ artwork ‘The Beauty of Everything’ Joins Our SAC Collection

Thank you to the many parents who came along to the Parent Forum this week. These forums emerged from discussions at the College Advisory Council regarding the best channels for communication with parents to share ideas and initiatives. We are grateful to the many parents who came along, as well as those who took the time to provide some feedback via the online form. The large turnout indicates our parents’ strong commitment to shaping the future directions of SAC.

Speaking of future directions, preparations for the new Dunlevie Building are in full swing. Students and staff have been relocating to their new classrooms and making them feel like home. Learning spaces play a vital role in developing students’ sense of belonging, which is why we are investing so heavily in our new primary school. It was great to share more detail on the plans at our Parent Forum, and I know that the new Dunlevie will be a place where learners grow and flourish for many generations to come.

Leaving their mark on the Dunlevie Building, 4SC students are creating art and honoUring the memories of their time in their classrooms, excited for the future of their new learning environment

Stage 1 (Year 11) Biology students participated in a marine ecology excursion at Port Noarlunga on Monday 4th November. This activity involves guided walks through the sand dunes, being taken on a guided snorkel along the reef and walking on the reef whilst investigating the organisms found there. This year there are 65 Year 11 students enrolled in Biology, which reflects students’ passionate interest in the natural world and commitment to caring for our common home.

A small group of Year 9 and 10 students attended the inaugural “Dare to Dream” event this week, designed to inspire young girls to explore exciting career opportunities in STEM, featuring a dynamic agenda filled with interactive sessions, speed networking, and hands-on workshops. This is an initiative of HerTechPath, an organisation founded by old scholar Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk, which aims to plant the seeds of future careers in STEM for women. It is great to see old scholars paving the way for women in SA to continue moving into fields where women remain significantly under-represented.

Thanks must also go the many First Nations families who joined us for the opening of The Wardlis in the Mitchell Courtyard last week. This beautiful space provides a physical Acknowledgment of Country in the middle of our campus, as well as a much-loved seating space for students of all ages. The native plants and water feature also make this space very attractive. Special thanks must go to Uncle Major Moogy Sumner, who led the Welcome to Country and taught the students a dance to mark the occasion. We have been grateful for his wisdom and guidance throughout the project. Please stop by to take a look at this very special space.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

A beautiful morning Celebrating the official opening of our Wardli gathering space

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