From the Principal – Issue #20

Acknowledgement of Country

What a spectacular end to the 2023 school year we enjoyed last Friday night at the Entertainment Centre. It is impossible to choose a highlight, as the smiles on the faces in every act tell the story of students lighting up the stage with their energy and enthusiasm. Thanks to all the families and friends who came along, and a special thanks to all the staff who have put months into preparations for this event. It is all worthwhile when you see the quality of the performances on the night. 

The Year 2 and Year 4 students and staff also brought together a fabulous Pageant Assembly last week, with the Year 2 floats enchanting students from the ELC to Year 6. I love watching their faces as they pull their floats around the Undercroft, with parents looking on with pride! It is a great demonstration of the fun of learning, and sharing the products of that learning with the community helps students to appreciate what they have learnt through the eyes of others. 

Many primary families were also in attendance at our Semester 2 Mass and Awards Ceremony this week at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. The primary choir animated the celebration with their beautiful singing as we recognised the gifts and talents of our students. Years 7 to 9 students also participated in assemblies and liturgies to conclude the school year. By marking the end of term in this way, we honour the relationships and learning that have strengthened throughout the year and look towards the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. 

Congratulations to all our Semester 2 Award Recipients!

As we come to the end of the school year, the nervousness that once accompanied the arrival of the school report has been replaced with a new awareness of student progress thanks to continuous reporting. Parents are kept in the loop via SEQTA of student assessments throughout the semester, so there are no surprises when the final grade emerges. I hope that this makes it easier for families to provide the support and encouragement every student deserves, whatever the final grade. 

This year, our liturgical celebrations have centred around the theme of blessings. We have taken time to express our gratitude for all that we share as a school community. For us at St Aloysius, mercy is the greatest blessing of all, and as Pope Francis says, it is the blessing that never disappoints, the blessing that restores others’ joy. This joy brightens our lives and has its ultimate source in God’s loving presence. May the God of Mercy bring joy to all our students, staff and families this Christmas season. 

MASTERPLAN UPDATE

We are excited to share our refreshed Masterplan that has been endorsed by the Mercy Education Ltd Board. The purpose of the Masterplan process is to develop a comprehensive vision for the future of St Aloysius College, considering the needs of current and future students and staff and promoting innovative and contemporary learning opportunities. 
Read more about the Masterplan here.

Merry Christmas! 

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

---