From the Principal – Issue #5, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,

It has been a big week for camps and retreats at SAC. Year 4 students headed off to Belair on Monday for an overnight stay. Year 6 students left for Victor Harbour on Wednesday and Year 12 students headed up to Mylor for their Retreat. I love seeing the way students embrace this chance to be together in new environments. When I visited the Year 12 cohort yesterday, they were having such a great time, enjoying their beautiful surroundings in Mylor, gathering for moments of reflection and contemplation and very much looking forward to fun times at the talent night last night!

Year 4 Camp in Action!

Year 6 Camp in Action!

Year 12 retreat in Action!

And as if the year level camps were not enough, our Year 11 Outdoor Education students packed their kayaks and headed for Kingston on Murray. The number of senior students choosing to pursue this subject has been growing at SAC, and for many, their love of the outdoors developed during those year level camps, beginning with the Zoo Snooze in Year 2! I know that many students are looking forward to their camps and retreats in 2024, and I know that parents and caregivers will encourage their full participation.

Of course, all of these activities are made possible by the amazing staff of the College. They plan and coordinate these events because they believe in the value of taking students away to new places to learn things about themselves and their world. I am inspired by the passion with which teachers at SAC head off on these camps, knowing what an impact they have on our students.

Last week I went on my own version of “school camp”, when Mercy Principals from Victoria, SA and WA gathered in Geelong. We spent time reflecting together on Mercy Leadership, guided by Fr Elio Capra, Tracey Ezard and Emma Llewelyn rsm. Like the students, we benefited greatly from the time to share ideas and support one another, reigniting our commitment to live out Catherine McAuley’s vision to lead schools that educate and empower young people to create a more just world.

And Catherine’s vision was visible yesterday when students of all ages, guided by old scholars Mia and Angie, celebrated cultural diversity in a Harmony Day celebration. This year, Harmony Week and Close the Gap Day coincided, so as we celebrated respect and inclusion, we were also reminded of the significant injustice faced by First Nations people in Australia. As with many aspects of our identity, we celebrate our achievements whilst continuing to strive for improvement.

On the cusp of Holy Week, we keep in mind all those in our community who have lost loved ones recently. From our Holy Thursday liturgy through to our Easter Mass in Week 9, we are reminded that death does not have the last word. God’s love runs more deeply and powerfully in our lives than we can ever imagine and is our ultimate future. We hope that members of our community who are grieving find some comfort in the Easter ceremonies.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
PRINCIPAL

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