From the Senior Years
Hospitality, service and courage are core Mercy values. In the past fortnight, Senior students at St Aloysius College have lived out these values through a raft of activities.
Hospitality was demonstrated as Senior students welcomed students from the Japanese sister school in Kyoto Japan as part of the reciprocal exchange program. Student cultural exchange programs foster global understanding, empathy, and respect and offer all students the insights and experiences of living in another country with a host family. This broadens their perspective and offers invaluable immersive experiences that enrich student learning. Through exchanges students explore diverse traditions, languages, and perspectives. Such exchanges enhance personal growth, adaptability, and intercultural communication skills, preparing students for a interconnected world and promoting international collaboration and peace. This was particularly poignant as we recognise Hiroshima Day marking the memorial remembrance of the Hiroshima atomic bombing during World War II that is recognised as a moment to reflect on the human cost of war in the 20th century and the importance of peace through international dialogue and understanding so that conflicts are avoided. Below is a short report from Emma C (Year 12) on her hosting experience:
Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey as we welcome our Japanese homestay students into our homes. This exchange offers a valuable opportunity to deepen our cultural understanding and forge international connections. Hosting a student from Japan allows us to gain new perspectives and enrich our experiences. This reciprocal exchange not only benefits our guests but also helps us build meaningful connections and celebrate different cultures. To kick off the visit, we all went to the Melbourne Zoo, where we enjoyed conversing in both languages and seeing the animals, particularly the Koalas and Kangaroos. I look forward to the next 6 days!
In addition to hospitality, Senior students lived out service to others through coordinated and facilitated the St Aloysius College Olympics for all St Aloysius College students. Below is a short report from College Prefects Imogen, Elise, Molly and Abby (Year 12)
The 2024 St Aloysius Olympics have began, with great mate ship and teamwork, we commend all participants on displaying high levels of determination to gain house points. With a week to go before finals we encourage all individuals within the school community to continue to display high levels of participation and competitiveness! It has been great to see everyone coming together, participating and cheering on their peers and getting involved in such an exciting whole school event!
Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader
Student Spotlight
Rowena Duane Australian representative in Box Lacrosse
This week we celebrate and congratulate Rowena Duane on her selection for the Australian Box Lacrosse team. Rowena will represent Australia in the upcoming World Lacrosse Box Championships in New York later this year. Below is brief reflection from Rowena about what Box Lacrosse is and her aspirations for her upcoming tournament. Best of luck Rowena!
Box lacrosse is an indoor version of lacrosse played in a small, enclosed rink, similar to an ice hockey arena. It features six players per team, including a goalie, and is known for its fast pace and physicality. The game is played with a shot clock, leading to high-scoring and continuous action. The smaller playing area and allowance for body checking create an intense environment, distinguishing it from the outdoor field lacrosse.
I've been playing field lacrosse since I was 10, but I only recently started playing box lacrosse. I instantly fell in love with its rough, intense style of gameplay, which feels more like men's field lacrosse than women's.
I’m thrilled about the opportunity to represent Australia as part of the first-ever women’s junior box lacrosse team competing internationally. The prospect of forging lifelong friendships with my teammates and rivals from America, Canada, and Poland is incredibly exciting.
I’m eagerly anticipating the memories I'll create with my teammates. Competing on the global stage for the first time is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to dive into the action. Here’s hoping I score a goal and that we come home with some medals!