From the Principal – Issue #4, 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

Whilst furthering opportunities for girls and young women through education defines our purpose at SAC every day, International Women’s Day and the surrounding events cast light on gender equality and the status of women in today’s world. A recent research project led by Deputy Principal, Jacqui Jury, took a deep dive into the stories of our founding sisters. Journeying from Argentina to Adelaide in 1880, these women embodied courage and determination in their commitment to changing the lives of women in the early years of South Australia (to read more about their stories click here). This enduring legacy underpins the work of the staff of the College today, who remain committed to empowering women to embrace their future with passion and confidence.

To recognise International Women’s Day at SAC this year, students wore purple ribbons and were invited to contribute to a collage of photos of women who inspire them. They have also written quotes and tributes to display throughout the school. SRC Representatives and First Nations students gathered in the Catherine McAuley auditorium this morning to link in with thousands of women across the state to the IWD Breakfast at the Convention Centre and hear from Rachel Perkins. Students also participated in a March Forward for Women, led by the Drum Corps, in line with the UN Women theme for 2025.

Thanks to the many First Nations families, new and continuing, who joined us yesterday evening for our Yarn BBQ. It was lovely to hold this event at The Wardlis this year, a space designed by First Nations students and staff in collaboration with artist Cedric Varcoe and architect Peter Moeck to recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in the centre of the campus. We know that the students enjoy catching up with one another and staff appreciate the opportunity to learn from and with our First Nations families.

SAC has welcomed students from a number of Japanese schools in the first half of Term 1. Whilst the length of their visits vary depending on the school, the strength of relationships formed between the visitors and their SAC “buddies” remains a constant. So many students keep in touch after their return, and study tours have inspired many of our students and their families to visit Japan. Intercultural learning is an important aspect of the international dimension of an education at SAC, as we educate global thinkers prepared to take on the world as graduates! We are grateful for the relationships that exist between SAC and St Capitanio, Mejiro Kenshin, Sundai Kofu, Mita International, Yokohama Futaba and Tokyo Joshi, and we look forward to our continued connection.

This week we marked the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies in every class. We heard that the ashes on our forehead encourage us to share compassion with others and remind us of the needs of those who struggle. In our liturgies, we considered ways in which we can act to best serve them. I am so proud of the myriad ways in which SAC students seek to help others, often with little or no public recognition, and I am grateful for the everyday acts of kindness that take place in our school. As we enter this Easter season, we are challenged to live and act with love and hope for the world, especially in this jubilee year.