Filter Content
Dear St Aloysius Catholic College Community,
One of my mantras is the need for consistency in what we do. This is consistency with staff and students. I spoke to the students this week about some sections of the student community not meeting our expectations. This failure is on us all, did we make the expectations clear, are we enforcing those expectations in a fair and just manner? One of the comments or complaints about the formal uniform was that it was not enforced fairly or consistently. My challenge to our staff is to do what we say because this will build trust with our students and parents.
I hope that if we are having a difficult conversation, you can trust that the College response is consistent with how we responded to similar conversations. There will always be nuances and context which are not made public as we care for the dignity of the individual, but I can assure you that I will not play favourites. Fairness is crucial.
I have referred to consistency 4 times, so I know I am labouring the point but I do see enforcing this approach as a key duty of my role.
I hope that, when a decision is made that you may not agree with, you understand that we have listened and discussed and reflected before making a decision that we believe is in the best interests of the students and the College. The Term 2 return to the formal uniform being worn on all days where students do not have HPE or a practical sporting elective is an example of this. There are differing views regarding the wearing of uniform, but our decision has been considered, it is in line with the approach outlined above and will be enforced in a fair and consistent manner. I trust that providing clarity around our approach will create a stronger culture at St Aloysius which can only auger well for our future.
Final Thought
Easter is a time of renewal in the Church. Lent, a time focused on prayer, fasting and almsgiving, can be a bit like a New Year’s resolution, a time to identify an area where we’d like to be better. The church would call this change metanoia; a change of heart from sin to virtue. There’s always room for improvement in my life and I am sure that is true for most people. Like a New Year’s resolution, it’s also easy for it to be temporary. The challenge for us is to make that change permanent and make it part of our everyday habits.
God Bless and Be the Good,
Mr Paul Reidy – College Principal
Our Explorers- Set Up for Success program has recently commenced this term under the direction of Grace Gardiner and Amanda Boon. Many before-age school children flock to the convent for inquiry-based learning and storytime opportunities. It is fantastic to see the incredible bonds being formed by the children and staff alike. Many of these families will be future members of our college community.
Finally, our Year 4 student representative council were officially sworn into their roles at the recent Whole College Commencement Liturgy. The student representative council were also acknowledged, along with the newly elected house leaders, at our campus Assembly last Friday. Our students have taken every opportunity to develop their leadership skills by engaging in public speaking and volunteering to assist with organisational matters. The zest these students convey is infectious and sets a beautiful example for the younger students.
I hope the remainder of Lent is a purposeful time for you and your family.
Yours faithfully
Mr Samuel Morey – Deputy Principal: Junior Campus
‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.’
C.S. Lewis
Perception is created by a manipulated truth. For many, perception is reality. As we approach Easter and the events of Holy Week shortly, I often reflect on the influence of the Chief Priests and elders to sway the crowd's enthusiasm to force Pilate to sentence Jesus. They were able to build a manipulated perception of Jesus. And throughout it all, during the adulation of the crowd, their change of allegiance to Barrabas and his trial, Jesus hardly says a word. Jesus’ silence is deafening.
We have all been influenced by a crowd. The unchecked enthusiasm of a crowd can carry us away to places, people or things we should not ordinarily choose and should not embrace. If we are vulnerable, a gifted speaker can whip us up into a frenzy. We only have to look at the media and advertising to see how susceptible we are to becoming influenced by fashionable ideologies, dress codes and what or who is in or out. Every time we buy something because someone else has it or because we convince ourselves that our wants are really our needs, the crowd has won. The story of the sentencing of Jesus is that manipulation of a crowd, even by legitimate authorities, distorts priorities, blurs good judgement and can choose expediency over integrity. The remedy to being manipulated, to regaining a sense of what really matters, to standing up against the crowd for the values we know are right is modelled by Jesus. He shows us it starts with silence. It’s being contemplative in a manic world and praying for the courage to dissent from the crowd's hyped-up noise.
As we approach Easter and Holy Week we hope that all families find the time for silence in their busy lives and time for the things that are most important to them. We wish all families a safe and holy Easter in the next couple of weeks. We look forward to seeing all students when we return after Easter on Wednesday 3rd April
Easter Break
A reminder that Thursday 28th March is a TASC Moderation Day (Student Free Day) for all students in Years 7-12 across the College. Students in Kinder to Year 6 continue to attend school on this day.
Our Easter break for all students (Kinder to Year 12) is inclusive of Good Friday (29th March) through to Easter Tuesday (2nd April). All students then return to school from Wednesday 3rd April to Thursday 11th April for the final days of Term 1. Friday 12th April is a whole College Pupil Free Day (Kinder to Year 12). Term 2 commences for all students on Monday 29th April.
Commencement Liturgy
We welcomed students from Year 4-12 to the Middle Campus on Thursday, 29th February for our Commencement Liturgy. This provided a wonderful opportunity to commence the school year together but also commission our student leaders. We congratulate all students involved who made this experience engaging and relevant. Congratulations to all our elected leaders and to all students who had the courage to put themselves out there and nominate for roles. We remind all students that we are all leaders and model this through the choices we make. Thank you to Mrs Polly Marriott for all her planning and organising of such a meaningful experience for all students.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN will be occurring for Year 5 and 7 students between Wednesday 13th to Friday 22nd March. Further details have been shared with families.
Year 7-12 Parent Teacher
Whilst Year 5 and 6 Goal Setting Parent Teacher Meetings were held earlier this term, our Year 7 and 8 Parent Teacher Meetings will be held on Monday 18th and Wednesday 20th March.
Year 7 Camp
Camps are wonderful formation experiences for students and also help to not only build and nurture relationships, but also build class and grade spirit. Our Year 7 students will take part in their camp experiences in early April. Our thanks to Mr Josh Leach and all staff for their dedication, commitment, preparation and energy into the Year 7 Camp Program.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club is a wonderful way to start each Friday at the MC. This involves a free breakfast but, more importantly, creates a community of students who socialise and interact together in starting the school day on a positive note. Breakfast Club runs each Friday from 8.00-8.20am outside the Canteen.
Lost Property
Any student items that are found in the school grounds which are unnamed are brought to the Office and placed in Lost Property. We look to clear this at the end of each term. If your child has misplaced any items, please remind them to check Lost Property. A reminder to all families to please ensure all items of uniform are clearly named.
Mr Clynton Scharvi – Deputy Principal: Middle Campus
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the term, and it has been a busy beginning to the year. This week our Year 9s are doing NAPLAN and we wish them all the best as they undertake their final NAPLAN tests.
Dave Jorna – Grade 10 Reflection Day (Mr Thomas Elkhair – Year 10 Coordinator)
On Friday, 1st March Year 10 students were very fortunate to enjoy a visit from Dave Jorna, Director of Project Hatch. Students participated in three sessions, which aimed to promote team building, belonging and identity. This was done through a range of hands-on and interactive experiences such as games, skill building activities and karaoke! Our Year 10 students did a fantastic job engaging and challenging themselves throughout the day and are to be applauded for their respectful and mature approach throughout the day.
I loved the Reflection Day. The opportunity to walk up to peers and affirm their actions was really powerful and moving.
Simon MacFarlane (Year 10 Prefect)
It was such an amazing and fun day. I feel we have become closer as a whole grade. I really appreciate Dave coming to St Als!!
Madeleine Preece (Year 10 Prefect)
Senior Campus Open Day
On Saturday, 2nd March, the Senior Campus held its Open Day. It was great to show so many current and prospective members of our community around our brand new campus. With approximately 450 people walking through the door, it was a great success. A big thank you to the many staff who helped put things together on the day, especially Georgia Pearsall for organising and running the day.
SSATIS Athletics Carnival
On Tuesday 12th March, students participated in the Southern SATIS Athletics Carnival held at the Domain Athletics Centre. It was great to see the school spirit in action, and the great participation and performance by the athletes who represented our College so well. I would like to thank all staff who put in the extra time to help our students prepare for the carnival, and I wish all of our athletes the very best as they prepare for the State SATIS Athletics Carnival late next week.
SATIS Sport
It has been great to see many of our Senior Campus students getting involved this term in SATIS sport, with students involved in Basketball and Volleyball and representing the College with pride. I encourage all students to get involved in an extra-curricular activity this year, whether it be a SATIS sport roster, Chess or running club.
Mr Bradley Canning – Deputy Principal: Senior Campus
Purple Day
Vinnies and Just Act
Every Thursday recess in the back of the Chapel we welcome back our weekly Middle Campus 'Vinnies' group. All students in Year 5-8 are welcome and have the opportunity to promote fundraising ideas, as well as assist with practical activities such as making soup for Louis Van.
A 'Just Act' group will soon be formed at the Senior Campus, meeting every fortnight (Tuesday, Week A) from Tuesday 19th March. Here, students will have the opportunity to promote and run their own fundraising and social justice initiatives.
Yr 4 Sacraments Day
On Thursday, 4th March our Year 4 students had the opportunity to delve deeper into the Catholic Sacraments with a day of activities provided by the College, Parish and Catholic Education Tasmania staff. Leanne Prichard of CET ran a Confirmation session, Director of Mission Polly Marriott sparked wonder in students with a Godly Play Baptism story and class teachers helped create the magic of a ‘clean heart’. Thanks to Fr Mike for welcoming us all over to the church and delving deeper into the importance of the Sacrament of Eucharist.
We wish every prayer and blessing to those students who have signed up with their families to complete their sacramental journey in the Parish and look forward to hearing more about it in newsletters to come!
It’s not too late if you have a child in Year 4 or above who would like to get involved. Please contact maggie.sandric@catholic.tas.edu.au for more information.
Live life to the Full Conference
For 4 days in the Term 1 school holidays, the Archdiocese is excited to extend an invitation to all high school students to attend an opt-in high school retreat facilitated by the Archdiocese of Hobart in conjunction with four young Sisters of Life, who work with the most vulnerable on the streets of the United States and Canadian cities. The four Sisters will be visiting Australia in April and have agreed to fly to Tasmania for four days during the term one holidays for a youth holiday conference entitled, ‘The Life to the Full Conference’.
The conference is a unique opportunity for students serving in social justice groups, student leadership roles, or attending youth groups to learn how to live a deeper life of service, balanced with joy, perseverance, community and prayer. The Sisters’ input will focus on each student’s dignity, the dignity of others, humility in following God, healing through love and forgiveness, and the beauty of growing in community.
“Tasmania is really blessed this year to have a visit of four Sisters of Life from New York. I have known of the Order for many years and a number of young Australian Catholic women have joined this vibrant new religious community in recent years. They will bring a joyful affirmation of “life to the full”. I am sure that the conference will inspire school students and I highly recommend it.”
+ Archbishop Julian Porteous
When: 6:00pm Friday 26th April through to 1:00pm Sunday 28th April 2024
Where: Camp Clayton, Turner’s Beach
Cost: $230/person (includes all transport, accommodation and meals)
Compliance: A full risk assessment has been conducted by the Archdiocese of Hobart Safe Communities Team
Registrations plus full parental information are available via the attached flyer’s QR Code. Staff are also very welcome to attend as volunteers!
The College/Parish are looking to sponsor some students to attend! Please see Mrs Polly Marriott or Fr Mike Delaney for more information.
Southern SATIS Athletics Carnival
1st – Boys Under 16 100m Dash
1st – Boys Under 16 200m Dash
1st – Boys Under 16 Long Jump
2nd –Boys Under 16 Triple Jump
Lewis Thorpe
1st – Boys Under 13 Javelin
1st – Boys Under 13 Discus
2nd – Boys Under 13 Long Jump
2nd – Boys Under 13 Shot Put
Jasper Mason
1st – Boys Under 14 Javelin
2nd – Boys Under 14 Discus
3rd – Boys Under 14 100m
3rd – Boys Under 14 Long Jump
Lachlan Jones
2nd – Boys Under 15 200m Dash
2nd – Boys Under 15 400m Dash
3rd – Boys Under 15 100m Dash
Jasmine Taylor
2nd – Girls Under 14 400m Dash
2nd – Girls Under 14 800m Run
3rd – Girls Under 14 200m Dash
Max Kull
3rd – Boys Under 13 800m Run
3rd – Boys Under 13 400m Dash
3rd – Boys Under 13 1500m Run
Bessy Breretan
3rd – Girls Under 15 800m Run
3rd – Girls Under 15 1500m Run
Jacob Wass
2nd – Boys Under 14 Long Jump
3rd – Boys Under 14 200m Dash
Charlotte Dale
3rd – Girls Under 13 Discus
Lucy Page
1st – Girls Under 14 High Jump
Clayton Breda
3rd – Boys Under 15 High Jump
Reuben Brook
2nd – Boys Under 16 Shot Put
Jamie Alpine
3rd – Boys Under 16 Shot Put
Tyler Daun
3rd – Boys Under 13 Long Jump
Finley Piva
3rd – Boys Under 16 400m Dash
Joshua Parry
2nd – Boys Under 15 Discus
Sebastian Lie
3rd – Boys Under 15 1500m Run
Casey Bumford
2nd – Girls Under 15 Shot Put
Molly Wilcox
2nd – Girls Under 14 Javelin
Year 7/8 HIIT at All Aerobics
St Aloysius Soccer Club
The SASC (St Aloysius Soccer Club) is gearing up for our biggest season yet! Thank you to everyone that has registered for Season 2024.
Team lists are out and training starts next week for all of the teams that are ready to go. Please await the next phase of communication from your coach.
If you have any questions please contact your coach or email simone.skinner@catholic.tas.edu.au
Calling Yunotani Junior High School
On Friday, 1st March the Year 9/10 Japanese class had a zoom call with a class in Japan! These students attend Yunotani Junior High School in Uonuma, Japan and the experience was absolutely amazing. St Aloysius students introduced themselves in Japanese and answered many questions about Tasmania, school life, hobbies and much more. Both groups were extremely excited to have the opportunity and we are already planning our next interaction. Here is what some of our students had to say:
The Japanese zoom session was fun and chaotic because I don't think either of our groups have done that before, so we both had many questions and it was really fun to be a part of.
Kalyan
It was really awesome experience chatting to the Japanese students and super funny to learn that so many of them love hamburgers so much!
Indy
It was fun because it was chaotic!
Jeremy
It was an interesting experience getting to know these people and the differences in their culture and lives.
Mathilda
The zoom call was a very fun experience for both parties!
Harrison
Our zoom exchange with the Japanese Yunotani High School was an enjoyable and amusing experience.
Archie
The Japanese zoom call was an exciting experience. We were very lucky and privileged to be able to talk to people in Japan and see how our Japanese was, compared to their English.
Noah
Fairbrother Work Experience
Defence Work Experience
Headspace – Mental Health and Wellbeing
This term, the College has worked with Headspace Hobart to develop a tailored mental health and wellbeing program for students. The first session was delivered to Year 7 students on Thursday 14th March. The Year 7s worked with Marlyce from Headspace in their core classes. The sessions involved identifying the causes of stress, explored strategies for managing stress and discussed ways to support others going through a tough time. The students were engaged and open about their experiences with stress as young people. Marlyce will return to the College in two weeks to run a preliminary session with all Year 8 students.
The College Pastoral Care Team will work with Headspace over the course of the year to deliver a program to students from Year 6 to Year 10. Sessions will incorporate themes such as transitioning to high school, managing emotions, dealing with conflict, building empathy and resilience, and supporting others.
Thank you to Marlyce and the Headspace team!
Empowered Kids – Raising resilient children – Parent Information Session
Year 7 Drama – Rituals and Ceremonies
Year 9 History – Traditional Indigenous Societies
Here is a written reflection by Isabel Grimwood in 9C:
Reflection
On Friday we had a lesson with Ms McWatters where she educated us on the First Nations people of Australia. It was a very informative lesson and I believe we all walked away with a lot more knowledge and understanding. A major thing I learnt was that there were different clans and nations, and how you could not marry someone from your tribe. The women knew most of the languages and could translate for the men. Women kept their hair short so as to not get it tangled when they went diving for shellfish. If you wanted to cross into another nation you had to light a fire and send smoke signals to get their attention, then offer to trade something in return for access to their land.
In our poster we included the weapons palawa people used such as waddies, spears, and throwing sticks. We included their food and equipment such as bark canoes, huts, wallaby, kangaroo, seals and a large variety of bush tucker.
We did lots of engaging activities and were taught new and exciting things about traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and the way they lived and survived. I look forward to the next lesson and would like to thank Ms McWatters for taking the time to teach us.
Year 7 History - Deep Time
In Term One, Year 7 students are learning about ancient Australia in their History unit called ‘Deep Time’. Students are learning to describe the histories of early First Nations Peoples of Australia including social, religious, cultural, economic, environmental and political aspects. In Week 5 a special lesson was dedicated to exploring ancient Australian technologies and culture. We looked at a fish trap from Arnhem Land, handled authentic stone tools, waddies, throwing sticks, emu callers, rainsticks, kelp water baskets, ochre and the world’s oldest instrument: a didgeridoo.
Some students had hands-on learning opportunities to twirl a bullroarer and throw spears and boomerangs. The engaging lessons provided young history students with the chance to really deepen their understanding of key historical definitions such as ‘artefact’, ‘custom’ and ‘tradition’.
Welcome BBQ 2024
Thank you to everyone that has sent in an RSVP – please assemble at 3:30pm sharp on Tuesday. We are looking forward to a celebration of delicious food, community and culture!
We are now inviting Expressions of Interest for 2025. You can complete an expression of interest form on the College website HERE and you will be contacted by our Enrolment Officer.
- Enrolments for Year 7, 2025 are due on Thursday, 21st March, 2024
- Enrolments for Kindergarten, 2025 are due on Friday, 10th May, 2024
- Enrolments for Year 11 are welcome at anytime.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Enrolment Officer, Melissa Dance, should you have any questions regarding enrolment, via email sacc.enrol@catholic.tas.edu.au or phone 6229 0108.
Key Dates for March/April
*please refer to the College Calendar for full details
| Monday, 18th March | Year 7-12 Parent/Student/Teacher Conversations |
| Tuesday, 19th March |
First Nations Welcome BBQ – Senior Campus |
| Tuesday, 19th March |
Empowered Kids – Raising resilient children – Parent Information Session, 6:30pm |
| Wednesday, 20th March | Year 7-12 Parent/Student/Teacher Conversations |
| Friday, 22nd March |
Year 7-12 SATIS Athletics – selected students |
| Friday, 22nd March |
PURPLE DAY |
| Tuesday, 26th March |
Huon and Channel Swimming Carnival (Year 3-6) – selected students |
| Tuesday, 26th March |
VET Pathways Information Session, 6:30pm |
| Thursday, 28th March |
TASC Moderation Day – Student Free Day for all Year 7-12 students |
| Friday, 29th March |
Good Friday |
| Wednesday, 3rd April |
Students return from Easter break |
| Friday, 5th April |
Kindergarten Open Morning |
| Tuesday, 9th April |
Interschool Chess Tournament at SACC |
| Thursday, 11th April |
Term 1 concludes |
| Friday, 12th April |
Student Free Day - Staff Professional Development Day |
| Monday, 29th April |
Term 2 commences |
Notice of Student Withdrawals
Theatre Royal's Future Stages is a program that aims to provide students in Year 10 to 12 who have a strong interest in the performing arts, with an opportunity to experience productions and participate in discussions and workshops that connect them more closely with the performing arts sector. There is no cost to apply or participate in Future Stages.
