From the Principal – Issue #3, 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

The Dux Assembly is always a highlight of the Term 1 Calendar. This is not because Year 12 is more important than any other year of education; rather, it is the culmination of a journey that provides a moment to stop and celebrate with families the breadth and depth of achievements of our student cohort. Every teacher who has cared for these students, answered their curious questions and developed their confidence feels a rightful sense of pride in the young women who graduate from the College each year. Many of them have also navigated significant health and personal challenges along the way and it was a joy to welcome them and their families back to the College this week. The Class of 2024 embodies everything good about a Mercy education and we look forward to hearing where life takes these young people beyond school.

Celebrating the Journey of the Class of 2024

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Year 11 and 12 students turned out in style at the Senior Formal last Friday night. The dancefloor was full throughout the evening and it was great to see the girls having fun together. Thanks must go to the Year 11 and 12 Coordinators, Danielle Toubia and Lucy Dilger, for ensuring the evening ran so smoothly, as well as the 48 staff members who attended. The generosity of our staff in supporting College events out of hours reflects their commitment to the development of the whole person, and we are extremely grateful to them.

A Night of Fun, Style and Gratitude

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Just as we welcome almost 200 new students to the College, we continue to welcome prospective families to School Tours and Open Nights. I would like to thank all our current families for the way in which you spread the word about SAC. In almost every enrolment interview I conduct, the family knows someone with a positive experience of this school, and I am so grateful to have a parent community that is so open and affirming. We hope that many existing parents will come along to the Open Night later this term to enjoy the sights and sounds of SAC.

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Last week’s Mercy Principals’ Retreat was a chance to walk together, both literally and metaphorically, as we explored the theme of pilgrims of hope in the context of leading Mercy schools across Australia. It was the first time we had come together face to face for twelve months. Mercy Education consists of 13 schools: 9 from Victoria, 3 from Perth and only SAC from Adelaide. I am always grateful for the collegiality of fellow Principals who share a vision to “make the world a little less cold and more just”, as Pope Francis said, through education. The focus on Strategic Planning was timely as we enter the final year of our Mercy Lights Strategic Plan. The Leadership Team will be consulting with staff, students and families in 2025 to identify strategic directions for the next five years.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

A Chance to Walk Together at Last Week’s Mercy Principals’ Retreat

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