From the Principal – Issue #3, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

Last week we welcomed many students from the Class of 2023 and their families back to the College for our Dux and Merit Assembly. We started with a fabulous musical performance, a combined student and staff rock band singing the Mama Cass classic “Make your own kind of music”. It was a fitting way to send off our graduates on their individual paths. Dr Suzanne Mashtoub was our special guest and her address reminded us all of how much we have to learn from young people. She spoke of the experiences she valued most from her education at SAC and we were all deeply moved by her words. Isabelle Chen, Dux of 2023, responded with her own words of wisdom. Isabelle’s brothers, parents and grandparents were all in attendance. So many of the staff have had the joy of witnessing Isabelle’s educational journey from Reception to Year 12, and we are all so very proud of the inspirational young woman she has grown to be. Thanks to all the families who attended – your presence is what makes this event so special.

Another very special event in the calendar last week was the Senior Formal. The Hilton was a sea of colour, with the girls looking incredibly glamorous on the night. The dance floor was full from the moment we arrived and there was a genuine sense of fun throughout the evening. Thanks to the many staff who attended to support the students, and especially to Ms Dilger, Ms Tunney and Ms Williams for coordinating the evening.

The Primary Leadership Assembly was held in the gym on Tuesday and students were presented with their leadership badges. One of the hallmarks of an all-girls, Reception to 12 school is the way we develop leadership qualities in our students over the years. We were grateful that so many parents and grandparents were able to attend, and we look forward to seeing student voice shape many aspects of the life of the College through their leadership.

One leadership opportunity for our Year 6 students is the Support In Action (SIA) program. In these roles, students are excited to be a support for the new Reception students, a journey they will take for the whole year. The Year 6 students assist at whole school events, help with reading and other class activities and provide a friendly face in the yard. This peer mentoring is just one of the valuable leadership experiences that create significant benefits for both the younger and older students. We wish our SIA Sisters all the best for 2024.

The Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award students have started their program with a multi-day kayaking camp last week. The combination of personal skill development, community service and outdoor education experiences makes this program a very worthwhile endeavour, so it is not surprising that over 200 students choose to participate each year at SAC. From Bronze to Gold, the award encourages girls to keep striving to try new things and the participants will tell you that these are some of their most memorable moments in their school years.