From the Principal
There are things that remind us, even resound with us, regarding the past. There are our stories for instance – such as how the Sisters founded St Aloysius College – and there are tangible reminders such as historic buildings and symbols. For most times, these reminders are positive, even heart-warming, but there are also darker reminders that still unfortunately resonate – we can think of the Stolen Generations, and of the 6th August, 1945, when the world witnessed a profound and tragic event when an atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima. This day is a solemn reminder of the devastating impacts of war and the importance of striving for peace.
For many of my generation, a new war in Europe was as unthinkable as an alien race landing on Earth and intent on taking over the planet, but today we have just that, a war – the past is now the present again. We have refugees fleeing conflict and political threat, taking extreme journeys, and often dying in the process – all things we thought were historical with no place in today’s sophisticated world.
The 8th August is the Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her words resonate deeply with me:
Let us try to keep God with us by charity of thought, word and act. St Mary MacKillop also had a saying: ‘Never see a need without doing something about it.
Looking around the globe at so many conflicts and disputes, the vision and passion Mary MacKillop displayed perhaps seems as remote an ideal for living as it ever has. But she also gave us hope – and we have prayer.
Senior Student Leadership for 2025
Last week, I was involved in interviewing a number of Year 11 students who have applied for a leadership portfolio – Co-Captains for 2025. The students were very impressive, and their applications reflected the passion and commitment they have for both the College and the entire student body.
All students who applied for these roles have also undertaken a compulsory course designed by Siobhan Bloomfield, Assistant Principal of Student Engagement and Wellbeing, where they reflected upon Mercy Leadership and its importance to our College Community. Their goals and ambitions for 2025 were presented to all staff and students last Monday during the College Assembly and I congratulate all the students who put their hands up to be elected by their peers and staff. I wish them all the very best.
Staff News
Our best wishes to Cynné Yang, Mathematics Learning Leader, as she embarks upon maternity leave awaiting the birth of her second child. We look forward to Cynné’s wonderful news and her return at the beginning of 2026.
Mercy Education Chief Executive Officer Visit to St Aloysius
Last week we welcomed Louisa Rennie, the newly appointed Mercy Education Chief Executive, to St Aloysius College. Louisa had the opportunity to informally meet our staff and a number of students, as well as meeting with the leadership team where our Strategic Outcomes and Goals were shared.
We look forward to the many future contributions Louisa will bring to Mercy Education and our College.
Planning for 2025
We have commenced our transition program for Year 7, 2025, with students and parents already having attended information sessions. Today, Friday, and tomorrow, Year 7, 2025 will sit a PAT Test as part of the transition to ensure all students are supported in their learning programs when they commence next year.
Mary Farah
College Principal