In partnership with Adelaide City Council, parking permits are available from our front office. The permits allow parents/caregivers to park around the perimeter of the school (in ‘No Parking’ zones) for a maximum of 10 minutes during school drop off and pick up times. If you require a permit, please collect one from the Front Office. It is crucial that our school community adhere to the road rules at all times, including reducing speed around the College when children are present and adhering to laws both as drivers and as pedestrians. All students are expected to use the pedestrian crossings on Wakefield and Angas Streets when crossing those roads and we appreciate the adults in our community modelling these safe behaviours.
Acknowledgement of Country
From the Acting Principal - Issue #14, 2026
Ms Jacqui Mcilroy
Acting Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends and Students of SAC,
As many of you may know, Paddy McEvoy is currently enjoying a well-deserved period of renewal leave. We wish her every blessing as she visits Mercy ministries in Dublin and Cork and walks in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley, renewing her Mercy spirit through this special pilgrimage.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Acting Principal during this time and to continue supporting our students, staff and families in the life of our College.
Last Thursday, I had the privilege of joining Catholic education leaders at the CESA Leaders Forum, together with our Director of Faith and Mission, Genevieve Pelekani, and our Religious Education Coordinator, Sarah Kennedy. Throughout the day, we reflected on Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope, and the important role Catholic education plays in nurturing faith, hope and purpose in young people. Discussions focused on Catholic identity, mission and the importance of creating school communities where every young person feels welcomed, respected and valued. The launch of the Pastoral Care Commitment Statement, Guided by Faith, Grounded in Love, was a timely reminder that every member of our community should feel known, valued and supported. This message resonated strongly with me and affirmed the important work we undertake together as a Mercy community each day.
Last week, we also celebrated Book Week, with students and Primary staff embracing this year's theme, Symphony of Stories. The Book Week Parade was a particular highlight, showcasing creative costumes and a shared love of reading and storytelling. My sincere thanks to our Library team for their enthusiasm, creativity and dedication in inspiring students to discover the joy of books.
A special mention to our Year 12 students, who once again demonstrated leadership through service. Dressing as angels on the day, they continued their fundraising efforts in support of Angel, the student they sponsor through the School of St Jude in Tanzania. Their commitment reminds us that even small acts of generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of others and reflects the Mercy value of service in action.
This week we saw many families participate in our Parent Teacher Student Interviews. Thank you to all who attended and engaged in these important conversations. The partnership between home and school is one of the greatest strengths of our College. When students see parents and teachers working together in support of their learning and wellbeing, they are encouraged to take ownership of their learning journey and future pathways. I am grateful to our families and staff for the time and commitment invested in these conversations.
As we move towards the final weeks of term, there is still much to look forward to. Whether on the stage, in the classroom, on the sporting field, through service opportunities or outdoor learning experiences, our students continue to embrace every opportunity for growth, demonstrating the values that make St Aloysius College such a special community.
Ms Jacqui Mcilroy
Acting Principal
From the Secondary Sport Coordinator
Secondary Sport Coordinator
Winter Sport Recap
Congratulations to the following teams who finished top of their divisions after their respective grand finals to close off the winter season!
- Senior SAC 1 Badminton – Grand Final Winners for Senior C1 Grade
- Year 8 SAC 2 Netball – Grand Final for Year 8 C1/C Grade
- Middle SAC Purple Soccer – Grand Final for Middle C Grade
Well done to our premier teams — great work!
After a long 9 week season and then finals, I hope that all of our winter teams enjoy a well deserved rest as we come into spring and are proud of their efforts over the season. Thankyou to our wonderful families and spectators for your support and encouragement of our program.
Secondary Sport – Term 4
Our summer sports nominations for Years 7-12 closed today.
Season dates:
The term 4 program runs from Week 1 - Week 6 for middle competitions (Years 7-9), and Week 1 - Week 5 for senior competitions (Years 10-12). If you are in Year 12 and chose to nominate, you will be required to attend Saturday matches up until Week 5.
Fixtures and Trainings
Once available towards the end of term 3, all team lists, trainings and match information will be added to your clipboard calendars. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the clipboard platform, and turn on push notifications for important changes and updates.
Still some spots left in Tennis Clinics!
Keen to try tennis but not quite ready to commit to match play? Join our Monday morning tennis clinics in Term 4 : Activity Selection - Tennis 🎾 | Clipboard
Clinics will run from Week 1 – Week 6, Term 4 on a Monday morning at Carriageway Tennis Courts, Hutt Rd. Meet at the venue at 7:30am, and then teacher will accompany students back to the college by 8:30am each Monday. An awesome way to kickstart your week!
- Lead by knowledgeable and experienced coaches from Head Start Sport
- Suitable for all levels and experience.
Students can also nominate to play for SAC in the Saturday SACSSGSA competition (home and away).
Term 3 Knockout Sport Recap
There has been a lot of action already in term 3, with several Statewide Schools Competitions kicking off (or continuing on). In Weeks 1 and 2, our Year 9/10 and 11/12 Knockout Soccer Teams competed in their first Round of the Statewide Schools Competition. Our 9/10s had two tough opponents in Sacred Heart and Helney High School and learnt a lot from their games but ultimately did not progress through to round 2. Our 11/12s were handed a 4-team round 1 draw, taking on Seaford, Australian Maths and Science School and Tatachilla. The decider game against Tatachilla High School went to penalties and unfortunately, we lost. We are so proud of the girl’s efforts at both competitions.
It was a similar story for our 9/10 and 11/12 basketball teams, who both unfortunately didn’t progress through to round 2 this year. Our knockout basketball teams have been training as a squad since the start of term 2 and several players represented the college in 2 or 3 age groups. We are so proud of their commitment and effort in lead up to their respective knockout competitions.
Our knockout Australian Rules Football team faced off against Mt Barker High School and Victor Harbour High School in Round 2 of their knockout competition. Several absences and injuries on gameday meant we went in a player down and no bench. Given this, the girls put up an excellent effort, defeating Mt Barker by 14 points. Victor Harbour came away with convincing wins against both opposition, meaning it was the end of the road for our knockout Australian Rules Football season.
I would like to extend a warm thankyou to the coaches and volunteers who have supported our knockout pursuits across all sports through the winter. Also a thank you to the parents who have come to watch, score and support our girls. We look forward to upcoming summer competitions in term 4 (see below).
Upcoming Term 4 Knockout Sport Events
SAC have nominated in the following interschool / knockout competitions for Term 4
- Yr 7/8 Volleyball
- Yr 7-9 Touch Football
- Yr 7-9 Softball
- Yr 7/8 Tennis
In the student notices, students were encouraged to nominate to trial through Clipboard. Trials for the above sports will be held in the coming weeks through the student notices and Clipboard. If your daughter has nominated, please encourage them to continually check for communication and trial dates.
Ms Meg Henderson
Secondary Sport Coordinator
2026 Federal Female Cadet of the Year
Congratulations to Year 10 student, Aamina, who was awarded the 2026 Federal Female Cadet of the Year award for leadership in March this year.
Aamina officially received her award last Friday, with the Chief Commissioner travelling from Victoria to present it to her in person.
Looking ahead, Aamina hopes to have the opportunity to deliver a speech at the end of year award ceremony, as well as at future South Australian events in 2027. An exciting milestone in her cadet journey!
Congratulations, Aamina, on this outstanding achievement!
From the Science Coordinator
Ms Magda van Aardt
Science Coordinator
Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All
Science Week was an exciting and enjoyable celebration of learning, centred on the theme "Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All." This exciting week began with students being amazed by fiery and a spectacular colour-changing demonstration during the whole-school assembly. The Science Department put some energy and awe into the assembly when our new Year 12 Chemistry teacher Ms Hoffman ignited the new Science Coordinator, Mrs van Aardt’s hands! During the assembly Mrs van Aardt encouraged all students to be like germinating seeds, and like a mustard seed which seems small and insignificant at first but undergoes changes and grows to be a tree when it takes up water and nutrients. She also encouraged students to grow by finding knowledge on different topics and to seek facts and truths each day.
Mrs van Aardt’s demonstrated the changes students will undergo when they strive for new knowledge with the assistance of Year 11 students Jemima and Lily, by using a lollipop connected to a milk frother to make the purple coloured redox solution change into different colours until a bright yellow colour appeared.
Students were also reminded to never underestimate their own potential, worth and significance, and were urged not to remain a dormant seed. Just as a germinating seed must take up "nutrients, water and nourishment" to survive and grow into a useful plant, students too should strive for excellence, seeking to expand their knowledge on any topic and pursuing facts and truth that will make their "roots" strong.
The girls were encouraged to look for opportunities to expand and strengthen their knowledge, and just like roots support a plant, the wisdom, moral values and knowledge gained at school will strengthen and uphold them when life's challenges come. Mrs van Aardt said that, like a shoot, leaves or branches of a plant give off oxygen, offer nutritional value to those who consume it, or support birds resting in their branches, students need to be that "plant" that gives others "oxygen," supportive of others and kind. She inspired students to provide the warmth, love and light that others who cross their paths might need and wanted everyone to strive to grow from a dormant seed into an impressive and significant "plant," a real force that contributes positively to a better society.
The other Science Week activities students participated in during lunchtimes included a challenging escape room set up in the Auditorium, making beautiful seed art, seed racing, making popcorn catapults, decorating and making hair-sprout creations, and making ice cream with liquid nitrogen. Other jaw-dropping demonstrations, never before seen at SAC, included making liquid air and freezing flowers, bananas and rubber to show what effect these low temperatures have on the properties of these substances. The "blue bottle" demonstration, with its breathtaking colour changes, drew applause from the students who attended.
Science Week Highlights: Lunchtime Fun and Jaw-Dropping Demonstrations!
On Wednesday, some very well-behaved Year 6 students visited the Jordan laboratories for dedicated Science practical activities. They took part in hands-on practicals such as making copper from aluminium foil and copper sulfate solution, and were surprised to discover how adding normal table salt sped up the reaction. They also created their own individual rainbows using a household acid-base reaction, as they truly appreciated the beauty of Chemistry. They finished off their visit by making their own variety of colourful slime. Well done to the Year 6s who impressed with their high level of practical skill and solid teamwork. The secondary Science staff can't wait to welcome you all to the Senior School next year for some more serious but fun Science practical sessions.
A sincere thank you to the whole Science team and Lab managers who worked hard and gave up their lunch times to supervise and run all these activities.
An awesome Science team makes an Awesome Science Week. Thank you to all involved.
Ms van Aardt
Science Coordinator
Trekking Through Deep Creek!
Our Year 11 Outdoor Education students challenged themselves at Deep Creek National Park over 3 days and 2 nights. With a mix of 'continuers' from Semester 1 and a number of students completing their first camp of this nature, the group worked together to complete two walks that were as rewarding as they were difficult. The final day was more relaxed, students enjoyed the tranquility of Stringybark Campground (as well as a walk without the rucksacks) and sang songs all the way back to school! Special thanks to Ms Benvenuto who volunteered to help staff the camp at late notice.
From the Catherine McAuley Library
Teacher‑Librarian & Information Services
Coordinator
2026 BOOK WEEK - Symphony of Stories
Book Week was celebrated with colour, joy and fun last week, with everyone getting into the spirit of this year's theme: Symphony of Stories. There were special activities for our primary students all through the week. Our Year 5 and 6 classes worked in small groups to create soundscapes to complement this year's shortlisted picture books. These were courageously presented to the Year 1 and Year 2 classes who were appreciative audiences! The Year 3 and 4 classes embarked on The Musician's Mystery in their library sessions - using clues from the shortlisted books to find missing lyrics to a popular song. Our junior primary classes had a range of activities to engage with - each connecting to the shortlisted picture books they've shared over the weeks leading up to Book Week. There was dancing, habitat creating, treasure finding, light play, nest building and more!
Our annual lunchtime Book Week Book Quiz for secondary students was the most well attended yet! With teams working together to answer rounds of literature questions and fun games along the way, everyone had a fantastic time with some great prizes and close results. A large number of secondary students also participated in the Symphony of Stories competition - using audio books to answer clues and crack the combination code on a locked entry box. Congratulations to Soundarya Siva and Charlotte Tepe, drawn as winners for this competition.
The highlight of the week is always the magic and colour of our vibrant Book Week Parade, hosted with trademark enthusiasm by Ms Garner. A big thank you to Lilliana and Amelia for co-hosting! Also, a big thank you to our library volunteer, Sophie Clark, who helps us each Friday morning. Sophie put a great deal of time and effort into preparing and collating all the beautiful Book Week displays that students had worked on to celebrate this special time. We are very grateful to Sophie for her support.
Thank you to our school community for all the ways you shared in the fun of this special week!
Relive our Book week highlights!
Discovering Italian Heritage in McLaren Vale
"With uncertainty we made our dreams a reality"
As part of our commitment to providing rich and immersive language learning experiences, all Year 9 Italian students took part in a day of cultural activities designed to deepen their understanding of the Italian language, history, and traditions.
The day began with a visit to Piazza Delle Valle, where students learned about the significant contributions of Italian migrants who settled in the region. The piazza is filled with plaques and art installations commemorating the early migrants who came from all over Italy to build new lives in South Australia. Glass-panelled murals, tessellated tiles, a fountain featuring the migrant ship The Arrivals, and inspiring quotes engraved into marble steps collectively tell a story of resilience, cultural integration, and the enduring legacy of the Italian community in the area.
From there, the students visited the Bocce Club of McLaren Vale, where they met John Petrucci, a migrant from Molise, who together with his brother Joe played a key role in establishing the club as a welcoming space for the entire community. John and Signorina Williams’ uncle, demonstrated how to play bocce on a traditional pista. The girls then enjoyed a friendly, and at times competitive, bocce tournament amongst themselves.
Students were then treated to a delicious plate of pasta, generously prepared by the club’s volunteers and enjoyed in the traditional Italian way, as a family.
After lunch, the girls visited the vineyards of the Petrucci brothers, where John spoke passionately about his family’s history and hard work. He explained how, as migrants, they had planted every vine across their 150-hectare vineyard by hand. Today, they continue to pass on their knowledge and legacy to the next generation. Through this visit, the girls gained a deeper understanding of the migrant experience, learning why so many Italians left their homeland and how they worked tirelessly to rebuild their lives in a new country while preserving their heritage, traditions, and identity.
Following their visit to the vineyard, the girls travelled to Diana Olive Oil (Il Frantoio), where they met a third-generation olive oil processor who continues a proud family tradition. Students learned how olives from local growers, as well as producers from across Australia, are brought to the factory and transformed into high-quality olive oil that is sold throughout the country. They were guided through the production process, from the harvesting of the olives to crushing, pressing, extraction, and bottling. The visit provided an authentic insight into the expertise, dedication, and innovation required to produce premium extra virgin olive oil. To complete the experience, the girls enjoyed a tasting of the freshly produced extra virgin olive oil, allowing them to appreciate its distinctive flavour and quality firsthand.
This excursion provided students with a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-life experiences. By engaging directly with members of the Italian-Australian community, students developed a greater appreciation of the language, culture, and traditions that continue to shape the McLaren Vale region today.
Educational Purpose
This excursion was designed to complement classroom learning by promoting active engagement with the Italian language, enhancing students’ intercultural understanding, and providing insight into the experiences and enduring legacy of Italian migrants in South Australia.
Ms Demi Williams & Ms Rosa Frezza
Languages Teachers
Year 12 Social Justice Students Support The Village Co.
As part of their Connections Task, the Year 12 Social Justice class explored the challenges faced by vulnerable mothers during pregnancy and the early stages of motherhood. Through their learning, students discovered that many women experience motherhood without the support of family, stable housing, or the financial means to provide basic necessities for themselves and their newborn babies. In some cases, women arrive at hospital to give birth with little more than the clothes they are wearing and leave with very few resources to begin caring for their child.
Students were particularly inspired by the work of The Village Co., a South Australian charity co-founded by former midwife Steph Malan. After witnessing firsthand the number of mothers arriving at hospital without essential items for themselves or their babies, Steph recognised a growing need in the community and established The Village Co. to ensure that no mother feels alone or unsupported as she begins her parenting journey. The organisation now provides practical support, care packs, meals, mental health resources, and community connections for women facing hardship, including those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, or social isolation.
Motivated by what they had learned, the Year 12 Social Justice class organised a bake sale on 3 August, raising an impressive $500 for The Village Co. The event was enthusiastically supported by students, staff, and families, demonstrating the generosity and compassion of our school community.
The $500 raised will make a tangible difference. Donations help The Village Co. purchase essential items such as newborn nappies, wipes, clothing, baby wraps, maternity pads, toiletries, and other necessities that are included in their Welcome Babe Bags for vulnerable mothers. Financial contributions also support programs that provide meals, breastfeeding assistance, and mental health support to women who may otherwise face these challenges alone.
Beyond the funds raised, this project gave students a valuable opportunity to put their learning into action. Through advocacy, organisation, and community engagement, they demonstrated that even a small act of kindness can have a significant impact on the lives of others.
The Year 12 Social Justice class should be commended for their initiative, empathy, and commitment to supporting vulnerable mothers and babies in South Australia. Their efforts have helped ensure that more women can begin motherhood with dignity, care, and hope.
Rosa Frezza
Year 12 Integrated Learning Teacher
From the Music Department
Music Coordinator
Earlier this week, the Reception to Year 6 students were treated to a performance by the Band of the South Australian Police School Beat Band. The band filled the Undercroft with some fabulous music that had students singing and clapping along, and enjoying the sounds from some familiar and unfamiliar instruments.
The show also included some important learning opportunities. Students heard about the importance of staying safe online, how and when to call Triple Zero (000), about making safe choices in the community, and how to look after themselves when riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards.
The session also helped students understand the many roles police play in the community, and reminded students that police are here to keep us safe.
A big thank you to the School Beat Band for a memorable performance that combined fun with valuable safety education.
Students reflected:
"I enjoyed how the Police Band spoke about the various instruments and the instrument families. My favourite was the sousaphone, the low sound and the fact you wear it was super cool!" Poppy 5AC
"It was very interesting how the Police Band taught us important rules and they made it fun by playing music in-between." Lyra 5GB
"It was interesting that Police Officers were performing for us, and I enjoyed their song selection. My favourite song was the one from The Addams Family." Christine 5AC
"The police band played a range of songs appropriate for the younger students and older students. My favourite song was from the movie 'How to Train Your Dragon'". Lily-Rain 5GB
From the English Coordinator
English & Literacy Coordinator
Our Poets and Writers Reach Out and Shine!
The last few weeks have seen some of SAC’s rising poets and writers acknowledged for their skills and insights.
Neville Stapleton Award & SAC Primary Poetry Awards
During Term 1 and 2, students from Years R-12 were invited to submit entries to the SAC Poetry Competition. This year’s theme was ‘Reaching Out’. Our students took this theme in many creative directions, with many writing about how important it is to reach out to each other, or about important people in their lives who have made it their mission to always reach out. It was a pleasure to read all of the wonderful poetry submissions! A big thank you to all of the students who were brave enough to put something of themselves on the page and then submit it to the competition.
The middle and senior school Poetry awards are called the Neville Stapleton Poetry Awards. These are awarded in honour of the late Neville Stapleton, who was a much-loved English teacher here at SAC for many years, and then later worked here as an archivist. Neville’s family are the caretakers and judges of the Neville Stapleton award. Our winners were pleased to be able to meet Wishy, Neville’s granddaughter, to talk about their poetry and writing.
Congratulations to Yenuli (12KS) and Alina (9JB) who were the winners of the Senior and Middle School Neville Stapleton awards. Yenuli’s poem, ‘My Giant Eucalyptus’ impressed with a strong central metaphor used to explore strength, family, vulnerability and connection. Alina’s poem ‘Silent Resonance’ was beautifully formed and resolved, a reflection about trying to reach out across time to reconnect with a memory. Well done as well to Mahsa (10NR) and Kristen (9JB) who were the runners up.
Yelinsa (4CE) and Yasvi (2OH) were the SAC Primary and Junior Primary Poetry Award winners, with Eden (6SD) and Scout (2KR) as runners up. Yelinsa’s poem ‘A Mother’s Love Never Ends’ was a vivid account of an interaction between a baby whale calf and a pod of dolphins. Yasvi’s poem ‘Reaching Out’ used the metaphor of “making a cloudy day sunny” to represent how we can have a positive effect on those around us.
Our thanks to the Stapleton family and the members of the English faculty who formed the preliminary judging panels, and thanks again to all of the poets who entered. We look forward to seeing more of your wonderful writing in years to come!
Neville Stapleton Poetry Award: Senior
- Winner: Yenuli (12KS)- ‘My Giant Eucalyptus’
- Runner up: Mahsa (10NR)- ‘The Hope Beyond Whispers’
Neville Stapleton Poetry Award: Middle
- Winner: Alina (9JB)- ‘Silent Resonance’
- Runner Up: Kristen (9JB)- ‘The Jade Bracelet’
SAC Primary Poetry Award
- Winner: Yelinsa (4CE)- ‘A Mother’s Love Never Ends’
- Runner Up: Eden (6SD)- ‘For All We’ve Taken, For All We’ve Lost’
SAC Junior Primary Poetry Award
- Winner: Yasvi (2OH)- ‘Reaching Out’
- Runner Up: Scout (2KR)- ‘Reaching Out’
Neville Stapleton Poetry Awards winners with Ms Amy Klar and Wishy, Neville’s granddaughter.
SAETA Young Writer’s Award
I’m excited to share that two of our students have been awarded prizes in the South Australian English Teacher’s Association (SAETA) Young Writer’s Awards! Year 7 student Celeste was the winner in the prose category for Year 7-8. Her winning short story Finding My Home was a thoughtful account focused on the experiences of refugees. Year 6 student Aanya won 2nd place in the Year 4-6 Poetry category for her poem The Dream, a poem filled with vivid imagery of space and galaxies.
Celeste and Aanya received their awards at the SAETA Young Writer’s Award Launch ceremony, held at Adelaide University (Magill). They were each presented with a copy of a special edition of SAETA’s Opinion Journal, in which their winning pieces have been published.
Well done as well to Mila (9KL) and Chloe (8AM) who were shortlisted for the awards. Mila, Chloe and Celeste have all been invited to a special Student Writing Mentoring Workshop where they can work on their writing craft with other shortlisted students from around the state.
This is a fantastic achievement by these students. Congratulations!
Ms Amy Klar
English Coordinator
