From Year 8
As we reflect on the past year, we celebrate the incredible journey of our Year 8 students. This year has been one of growth, change, resilience, discovery and achievement. Our Year 8 students have embraced challenges, built new connections and contributed to our College community in meaningful ways. I am immensely proud of all the Year 8 students for wholeheartedly embracing and demonstrating the Mercy Values in their interactions with peers, teachers, staff and the wider community.
A memorable moment from this year is the STRIVE Program, where students participated in a range of fun activities with their pastoral groups, targeted towards Navigating Transitions and Building Connections. This program offered valuable opportunities for our students to learn, grow and have fun within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Across the year on a personal development level, the students have engaged in vital lessons on consent, child safety standards, respectful relationships and the digitalised world. As they continue navigating adolescence, these sessions help equip the students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their social lives responsibly, fostering a culture of mutual respect and care. May they continue to refine and build upon these skills in the years ahead and carry them forward into their future.
On 21st November, we had a Farewell Assembly and Liturgy for the Year 8 cohort. The students were encouraged to reflect on the year and reset for the Step Ahead Program. I’d like to commend all the students that received Honourable Mentions for Academic and Co-Curricular Awards. Building on this, I’d like to also congratulate the Year 8 students who received awards at our College’s 2024 Celebration Evening. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the outstanding achievements of our students.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Year 8 Pastoral Leaders – Claudia Schiliro, Maria Cunnington, Andrea Barr, Thomas Madden, Daniel Sullivan, Steven Bina, Chris Needle, Rina Prinzi, Elijah Armato, Julia Li, Joanna Grujovski and Kim Sue Hendry. Their dedication, guidance and support throughout the year have been outstanding. Each day, they demonstrated commitment to creating an environment where the students could thrive academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
To the Year 8 parents and carers, thank you for your unwavering support. We consistently worked together in partnership with the students which played a pivotal role in shaping the experiences and growth of our Year 8 students. We wish them all the best as they continue to grow as life-long learners in our wonderful community at St Aloysius College.
With the Christmas season upon us, it is a time to create cherished memories with family and friends. I hope the summer break will provide a time for relaxation and rejuvenation in preparation for the new year. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for an incredible year ahead!
Emma Turner
Year 8 Leader
In 2024, my favourite event was Mercy Day and the performing arts at the assembly. I have had many learning experiences this year, but one that I will hold with me as I get older is the importance of integrity that my HPE teacher taught me. She made a lasting effect on my growth as a student. My favourite class this year was music, where I was introduced to the guitar. This unit convinced me to take more music lessons, and I continue to enjoy them today. Academically, I have grown by putting new habits in place to support my learning, studying, and pre/post-work.
Gregory Jenkins
2024 has been such an exciting year for fun and learning at the college. The highlight for me was participating in Voice Choir. From this, I learned the power of collaboration; working with others towards a shared artistic goal and how much stronger the outcome can be when different voices and perspectives come together. The values and traditions at our school has helped me grow and will continue to shape me as a person. Year 8 has had its challenges, but I have made friends and memories that will stay with me wherever I am in life.
Allegra Lees