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Dear St Aloysius Catholic College Community,
St Aloysius Catholic College Advisory Board
There is an opportunity for the St Aloysius Catholic College Advisory Board to include new members. St Aloysius is governed by Catholic Education Tasmania and as such the College Board is advisory, providing support and advice to the principal across strategic planning, local policy development, and preparation of the budget and capital works program of the College. The College Board is a vital structure in supporting the operations of the College at a local level. Positions on the Board are voluntary.
The Board assists by;
- supporting the Principal in the leadership of the school
- promoting the Catholic identity and evangelising mission of the school
- participating in the development of the school vision, mission and strategic plan
- supporting the development of the school budget, the monitoring of the financial sustainability of the school and to assist with planning for capital development.
- ensuring that the approved processes of review and monitoring of educational outcomes are implemented; and
- collaborating, consulting and building partnerships with local parish/parishes, the parents and the broader community.
The Board does not have responsibility for:
- Controlling of funds or the opening of bank accounts
- Employing or performance managing of staff
- Entering into contracts
- Acquiring, holding or disposing of property; and
- Suing or being sued
A well functioning board has members with a cross section of skills and experience and a willingness to listen to different perspectives and to contribute in a positive manner. If you feel that you would like to be considered for a board position or simply would like to have further information, please email sacc.principal@catholic.tas.edu.au. There is no requirement for members to be current parents, just a wish to contribute to the growth and development of the College.
Winter Holidays
I wish the St Aloysius community a well earned rest over the coming two weeks. I am very grateful to the staff, students and parents for their support in my semester at the College.
God Bless and Be the Good,
Mr Paul Reidy – College Principal
From the Junior Campus...
When reaching a significant milestone, such as the halfway mark of an academic year, we often look to what is next with a sense of anticipation. However, a wise person once said, “A day not reflected is wasted.” The Mid-Year reports allowed our students and families to look at achievements, progressions and areas for further growth. Feedback, when used impactfully, has the potential to enhance academic performance to new benchmarks. Even experts can benefit from utilising feedback. When Ash Barty was ranked number one in the world in tennis, she still utilised her coach's advice as she knew there was always room for improvement.
Our mid-year reports and parent-teacher consultations are an incredible tool to garner a snapshot of student performance. However, the work afterwards bears the most fruit. Acting upon this feedback in small, meaningful ways will make thinking visible to our students. Australian educational researcher John Hattie's (2023) research has shown that parents involved in their child’s learning increase student achievement and well-being. I encourage all families to engage with their children’s learning by asking them what they remembered from their school day and reading posts on our educational platform, Seesaw. As Paul Kelly suggests, “From little things, big things grow.”
The past five weeks have seen many significant activities occur at the Junior Campus. We celebrated the feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga by holding a Liturgy and a BBQ, and the canteen provided icecreams and special treats. By having a special meal, students understood the concept of a Feast Day and the importance of honouring the work of our patron saint. As this newsletter is received, our Year 3 and 4 Dance Club and Choir will participate in significant competitions and showcases. The Dance Club will compete at the Hobart Dance Eisteddfod, and our choir will be privileged to sing at the Federation Concert Hall for the Young Tasmania Sings Concert at the annual Festival of Voices. Thank you to the many staff and volunteers who have made these initiatives possible.
Soon, all families will receive a Junior Campus Term 3 update on Compass. This update will include significant dates, staffing information and uniform reminders. We kindly ask all families to read this broadcast carefully. The Junior Campus staff would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the student cohort on their achievements thus far in 2024. We hope they have a refreshing break with those near and dear to them. Staff look forward to greeting our students back to classes on Tuesday, July 23rd.
Yours faithfully
Samuel Morey – Deputy Principal: Junior Campus
From the Middle and Senior Campus...
Feast Day
Feast day came at a busy time of the year, but it gave us an opportunity to reflect on the life and work of our Patron Saint, Aloysius Gonzaga. Aloysius had a privileged upbringing but gave it up to devote his life to God and to look after the sick and dying. It was great for our students at both the Middle and Senior Campus to hear about the life of St Aloysius and celebrate it through a liturgy led by Fr Mike Delaney. Thank you to Fr Mike for leading us in liturgy and Mrs Polly Marriott for her organisation of our events across both campuses.
Exams
In Weeks 8 and 9, Year 10-12 had their Mid-year exams. I would like to congratulate all students on the way they approached these exams. With the Year 10s this was their first experience of exams, and for our Year 11s this was their first experience of TASC level exams. Well done to all students and thank you to all staff who helped in the running of the exam period.
Street Retreats
Last week, Year 10, 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to participate in two different street retreats. One in Sydney and the other here in Hobart. This was an opportunity for our senior students to follow in the footsteps of our founders, the Sisters of Charity, and to learn about the history of the order here in Australia, as well as see the great work they have done and still do for the most in need in our community. I would like to thank all staff who were involved in taking our students on the street retreat, especially those who travelled to Sydney, Mr Thomas Elkhair and Mrs Julie Osborne and a big thank you to Mrs Polly Marriott who organised both retreats, so that our students could have this amazing experience.
Gala Day
Last Friday our Year 5 and 6 students hosted St James College and Sacred Heart College, Geeveston in a sports gala day, where students competed in a football and netball round robin. All students competed with great spirit. Thank you to Mrs Nicole White for all her organisation of the day, and all staff who helped coach and manage teams.
Shorts Day
Last Thursday both Campuses held Shorts Day for Speak up! Stay ChatTY! Both campuses held assemblies where students got to show off their shorts, but importantly, they heard about the message that it is ok to not be ok. The Senior Campus had the great privilege of hearing from the founder of Speak Up! Stay ChatTY! Mitch McPherson. Mitch was interviewed by Year 10 student leaders, and they heard about his story and the loss of his brother Ty. Mitch then participated in a staff v students basketball match on the side of the students, but it was the staff who prevailed by a mere 2 points in a close contest. Mitch is an inspiration as he spreads the message of looking after our mental health and looking out for one another.
Work Experience
This week saw three Year 10 classes head out for work experience. This is a great opportunity for our students to get a glimpse into jobs that they may be interested in, and possibly want to pursue a career in. I have had the privilege of being able to go and visit some of our students and have been so impressed with the level of professionalism that our students have approached their experience. I would like to thank Mrs Marcelle Ottaway for her diligent organisation and overseeing of our Year 10 work experience, and we look forward to seeing how our final two Year 10 classes go in the first week of Term 3.
Netball Trip – Waverley International Netball Championships
This week our girl’s netball team have been in Victoria competing in the Waverley International Schools Netball Championship. Last year this team won the State Netball Championship and now they are up against the best in the country and internationally. We wish them all the best as they represent the College. Read more about their journey in the news article below that was in the Mercury this week.
Gaming
Earlier in the Term I wrote about the importance of sleep for our students, and how a lack of sleep can have detrimental impacts on a student's academic outcomes, as well as impacting their health. One of the concerns that the Pastoral team has found as a problem with students getting a lack of sleep is gaming and addiction to it.
We know that many families would be facing the troubles of trying to get their child off games, which lead to fights, and at times it can be easier to give in and let them play on to keep the peace. Below are two articles that outline the dangers of game addiction and the impact this can have on our students. If you are having issues with your child and their gaming which is causing or has caused them not to be able to get to school, or becoming withdrawn, please reach out to the Pastoral team so that we can work together to help you and our students deal with this issue.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-06/gaming-addiction-teenagers-skipping-school-sleep/103933450
Mr Brad Canning – Deputy Principal: Senior Campus
2025 Seniors Ski Trip
Speak Up Stay ChatTY Shorts Day
Exam Breakfasts
Prep – Shelter Building
During Term 3 our young Prep students have been learning how design and technologies work; identifying how First Nation Australians have long designed and produced domestic items including clothing, tools and shelters. To support their understanding, students were given the opportunity to examine a small traditional Palawa bark shelter. As a visitor to the college, Tasmanian Aboriginal author Mr Adam Thompson taught all three Prep classes students, showing the children a mini hut made by palawa artist Danny Gardner. Adam answered student questions about the materials used in the construction of a bark hut and the design elements. This interactive lesson also incorporated some English learning opportunities.
Adam Thompson read his children’s book 'The Stormy Night' to students. This episode of Little J & Big Cuz includes some palawa kani (the reconstructed language of Tasmanian Aboriginal/Palawa people) and is about a young boy who makes a lunangkatawn/traditional palawa bark hut. Students had valuable opportunities to ask Adam questions about the past and respond to key features, events and characters in a text.
Our College Principal, Mr Paul Reidy and Aboriginal Student Success Teacher, Mrs Anne-Marie McWatters joined us in this terrific cross curricular HaSS and English lesson. We are most grateful to Adam Thompson for travelling down from Launceston to spend the day with our Prep students and share stories and knowledge.
Year 5 – HaSS, TMAG Excursion
During Term 2, Year 5 have been learning about the early colonisation of Australia. This has been looked at from both Indigenous and White Settler perspectives.
On Wednesday of Weeks 5 and 7 classes participated in an excursion to TMAG. Ms McWatters organised and led the excursion explaining to everyone about the impact that European colonisation had on Tasmania’s Indigenous population.
Students enjoyed having the opportunity to see what early colonial life was like as well as listen to stories about our past.
Year 5 – HaSS, Colonial Day
On Wednesday, 19th June Year 5 participated in Colonial Day. This day was an opportunity for students to learn about life as a child in early colonial Australia. Students dressed up and taught each other games that children would have once played like hopscotch, elastics, 9-pin bowling and blind man’s bluff.
Year 9/10 Business and Economics – Business for Good Expo
Studies of Religion – The Way, My Way Excursion
Year 7-9 English – Poetry in Action
Year 9/10 Marine Science – Marine Discovery Centre Excursion
Seniors’ Sisters of Charity Street Retreat
Our senior students recently took part in Street Retreats running consecutively in Sydney and Hobart, each looking at the history and heritage of our founders, the Sisters of Charity, and their continuing positive impact and legacy in Australia today.
The Hobart retreat included visits to St Mary’s Cathedral, the docks, South Hobart Female factory, Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Vinnies, Hamlet social enterprise café and time spent assisting at our Junior Campus.
The Sydney retreat included the Sisters of Charity Heritage Centre, an Urban Walk with Sunny who shared her first hand experiences of being homeless in Sydney https://urbaninsight.raisely.com/, Mary MacKillop Place Museum, Paramatta Female factory, St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta, $10 meal challenge, Sydney Jewish museum and tour of the city with Sister Anne Taylor. It was an incredible experience for all involved.
Sydney reflections:
“The Sydney Street retreat was a great mix of faith, culture and adventure. Following the story of the Sisters of Charity was inspiring and challenged us to re-evaluate our priorities to think how we can best use our time and resources. We were also given an insight into different cultural aspects of Sydney life, from the homeless and drug-dealing parks of King's Cross to the luxurious water-front mansions we saw on the Parramatta Ferry. It was great to see the students engage with these different experiences and with each other, and by the end of the trip, although tired and ready for home, everyone was better off for it.”
Mr Tom Elkhair, Yr 10 coordinator
“It was cool seeing all the historical stuff and getting the insider view from Sister Anne.”
Connor
“I loved lots of stuff! I loved the hotels. I heard about so much stuff I wouldn’t otherwise hear about!”
Angelica
“Being with friends and making connections was awesome!”
Ollie and Scarlet
“I got to see Nat Fyfe!”
Eddie
Hobart reflections:
“Spending time with the little kids at JC was the best. I had 5 kids come up to me at work this weekend and say hi!”
Bella
“The Female Factory was great – I knew it was there but I didn’t know any of that stuff that they told us!”
Emily
“Hamlet was really yum and really pretty. I was impressed by how many of their workers have moved on to other employment.”
Ella
Feast Day
On Friday, 21st June we came together to celebrate the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, Saint Aloysius. Each campus celebrated with a special Feast Day Liturgy and there were a number of activities including quizzes, Godly Play, sports games, live music and buddies. The canteen even offered fabulous treats at each campus including tacos, nachos, cookies, ice-cream, and waffles.
Vinnies visit
Elle, Youth Engagement Officer, recently visited the Middle Campus to talk to Year 6 students about the services Vinnies provide and how they assist in our community. Elle was terrific and the Grade 6 students were very engaged and asked a lot of questions. Her session went for a full 50 minutes and there were still hands in the air. Our Vinnies student volunteers then helped set up Loui’s Van in the Middle Campus courtyard to sell milos with marshmallows. $175 was raised for the Vinnies Winter Appeal!
Real Talk
Real Talk recently visited our Year 7 and 8 students to provide sessions on positive relationships, respect and consent. Staff feedback was highly positive stating they are “an excellent, relevant and engaging presentation that offered a healthy and positive perspective of self-worth, relationships and identity. Real Talk provided a great opportunity for students to critically consider media and social messages concerning image, relationships and sexuality. It encouraged students to step back and consider their options regarding life choices and consequences”. Real Talk speaks on topics that are so important for our students as well as coming from a catholic viewpoint with the root of the message being respect for all people as we are all created in the image and likeness of God.
The students were well engaged in every session and the presenters gave them many things to take away and to think about. One important key message was “we love people and we use things… not the other way round.”
https://www.realtalkaustralia.com/
Tasmanian All Schools Cross Country Championships
The All Schools Cross Country Championship at Symmons Plains is the pinnacle of cross country events. Taking place on Thursday, 13th June for secondary students and Tuesday, 18th June for primary students, this championship provides an opportunity for our students to go head to head with the very best in the state.
As the Cross Country season comes to a close, we reflect on the dedication and hard work shown by our students. The early morning start at 7:15am did not deter the enthusiasm and commitment of our students. Their turnout spoke volumes about their dedication to the school and their exceptional representation of our College. This did not go unnoticed.
|
SECONDARY TEAM LIST |
PRIMARY TEAM LIST |
|
U14 Girls Jasmine Taylor - 7th Olive Sherwin - 33rd Lucy Thorp - 55th Elsie Boon - 71st |
U10 Girls Ivy Dean - 92nd Ella Steele - 104th Mila Dance - 125th Isla Turner - 170th |
|
U14 Boys Oscar Pither - 25th Max Kull - 33rd Tommy Pearsall - 39th Conner Reid - 82nd |
U10 Boys Harry Marshall - 21st Harrison Grice - 41st Parker Ayres - 142nd George Halliday - 124th |
|
U15 Girls Lucy Page - 16th Addison Bolwell - 31st |
U11 Girls Matilda Reid - 15th Ava Atkinson - 54th Phoebe Twining - 96th |
|
U15 Boys Blake Pickett - 23rd Lincoln Kelly - 26th Darcy Callaghan - 71st Finlay Westwood - 72nd |
U11 Boys Zavier Humphrey - 105th Luke Mansfield - 143rd William Cowen - 147th Bodhi O’Neill - 178th |
|
U16 Girls Bessy Brereton - 12th Mia Goss - 60th Indy Leonard - 63rd |
U12 Girls Adelaide Taylor - 31st Charli Skinner - 67th Charlotte Cordwell - 163rd |
|
U16 Boys Sebastian Lie - 8th Xavier Vince - 25th Ethan Dale - 49th |
U12 Boys Milo Barnett - 37th Malik Aldergham - 67th Jye Wilcox - 115th Archie McAlister - 112th |
|
U17 Boys Harry Windermeyer - 38th Charlie Jackson - 47th Alex Vieth - 53rd |
U13 Girls Freya Lovell - 16th Charlotte Brereton - 28th Adele Bahr - 25th |
|
U13 Boys Angus Brereton - 10th Lachlan Vince - 12th Jordan Lucas - 20th Mason Cordwell - 52nd |
STCPSSA Cross Country Carnival 2024
The STCPSSA Cross Country Carnival, held at the Police Academy in Rokeby on Friday 7th June, was a day of great achievements for St Aloysius' primary students. A total of 59 students proudly represented our school and are to be congratulated for their efforts on the day. All we ask is students compete to the best of their ability, which they did so well.
Events such as the STCPSSA Cross Country Carnival not only provides our children with an opportunity to represent our school and showcase their abilities in a competitive environment, but mix and compete against other students from surrounding catholic schools. It is always lovely to see the connections students have outside of our community.
A special mention to our students who had a top ten finish, what an awesome achievement!
| ? 1st | Freya Lovell |
Year 6 Girls |
| ? 1st | Matilda Reid |
Year 4 Girls |
| ? 3rd | Charlotte Brereton |
Year 6 Girls |
| ? 3rd | Milo Barnett |
Year 5 Boys |
| ?️ 4th | Lachlan Vince |
Year 6 Boys |
| ?️ 4th | Malik Aldergham |
Year 5 Boys |
| ?️ 4th | Harrison Grice |
Year 3 Boys |
| ?️ 5th | Angus Brereton |
Year 6 Boys |
| ?️ 6th | Adele Bahr |
Year 6 Girls |
| ?️ 6th | Aryah Filipowski |
Year 5 Girls |
| ?️ 7th | Jordan Lucas |
Year 5 Boys |
| ?️ 7th | Zavier Humphrey |
Year 4 Boys |
| ?️ 8th | Bodhi O’Neill |
Year 4 Boys |
| ?️ 9th | Mason Cordwell |
Year 6 Boys |
Year 7 and 8 Drama – Terrapin Theatre Company: Feathers
On Friday, 28th June, Year 7 and 8 Drama students from St Aloysius saw the world renowned Terrapin Theatre Company’s latest production called; Feathers. The performance was a most speculator and professional production showcasing just how entertaining puppet theatre can be. The audience was amazed to see the diverse range of puppets and how they were manipulated to come to life. This production was very well done and had excellent costuming, set, puppetry and, of course, acting. The narrator Jem Nicolas brought each of the characters to life with her amazing vocal quality giving each animal a very distinct personality. Overall, the production was a very entertaining experience.
Year 9 and 10 Senior Drama – Theatre Royal: The Trojan War
On Friday, 10th May, Senior
Year 8 Ceramics – Islamic Coil Vase
The year 8 Ceramics students have been practising and expanding their hand building skills to produce amazing coil vases. In this unit, students created large vessels using coils, a method of hand building that formed the base and walls of each vase with clay (coil: rolled out clay to make cylinders). Students then observed traditional Islamic patterns to inspire their own hand painted design using underglaze. Here are a few of the final products.
Year 7 Photography – Traditional Still Life
During recent weeks, the Year 7 Photography students have been learning about the rules of composition and demonstrating their knowledge in still life photography. Students focussed on arranging household and inanimate objects to create striking photographs using studio lighting and back drops. Enjoy a few of the many fantastic outcomes!
Key Dates for July
*please refer to the College Calendar for full details
| Friday, 5th July |
Term 2 concludes |
| Monday, 22nd July |
STUDENT FREE DAY – all students |
| Tuesday, 23rd July |
Term 3 commences for students |
| Wednesday, 24th July |
Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Interviews |
| Monday, 29th July |
Year 7-12 Swimming Trials, opt in via Compass |
| Tuesday, 30th July |
Discovery Day |
| Thursday, 15th August |
Year 5/6 Book Week Dress Up Day and Parade |
| Friday, 16th August |
Junior Campus Book Week Dress Up Day and Parade |
| Thursday, 29th August |
SSATIS Swimming carnival – selected students |
| Friday, 6th September |
STUDENT FREE DAY – Year 7-12 |
Book Week 2024
- A book fair will be held in the Junior Campus Library from Tuesday, 20th August to Friday, 23rd August.
- The Junior Campus dress up day and parade will take place on Friday, 16th August at 9.00am.
- Year 5 and 6 students will have a dress up day and parade on Thursday, 15th August at 10.00am.
- Students are invited to come to school dressed in their costumes and wear their costumes for the duration of the day.
Term 3 Chess Club
2025 Enrolments
Year 11, 2025 – Enrolments for Year 11 are welcome at anytime. If you would like a copy of our 2025 Course Selection Handbook or more information about Senior Years at St Aloysius please email sacc.enrol@catholic.tas.edu.au.
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.
Notice of Student Withdrawals
College and Parish Fair
- We will start collecting White Elephant and second hand items after the school holidays. Due to storage space we will only be collecting good quality items.
- Plants lovers please start potting for the fair.
- Craft lovers please start making items.
- We are now accepting raffle donations if you have a local business or know one that could help!
Birth to Five Explorers
To register please click on the link below-
NAIDOC Week 2024
Students across all three Campuses have had opportunities to learn about NAIDOC Week, with the topic being explored in assemblies and classrooms. NAIDOC Week is a very important and significant event. Celebrations are held around Australia each July to celebrate and educate Australians about the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
This year NAIDOC Week happens during our term break 7th -14th July. We wish all First Nation students and their families a very happy NAIDOC Week and encourage all Australians to join in community celebrations.
NAIDOC Week starts with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday (7th July) which will be celebrated in Catholic Church services around the country this weekend.
A copy of resources from NATSICC (National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Catholic Church) can be found here:
Excerpt from NATSICC:
Our prayer is that this resource will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Through the prayers, reflections, and hymns included in this Liturgy, may we all be inspired to walk together in reconciliation, respect, and unity.
As Pope Francis reminds us, we are called to be a Church that goes forth, embracing all cultures and peoples. Let us open our hearts to the wisdom and spirituality of our First Nations Peoples, recognizing the presence of Christ in our stories and traditions. May this celebration be a moment of grace, healing, and transformation for all of us.
Thank you for joining us in this celebration. May the Holy Spirit guide and bless each of us as we journey together in faith, hope, and love.
Artwork for this year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday is a beautiful Pentecost painting by Magda Lee, Gracie Mosquito and Imelda Gugamen (Balgo Community) Year 6 students have explored this artwork in their lessons this week.
Year 10 Discovery Day
On Tuesday, 30th July from 11:00am–3:00pm we will be having our first ever Year 11 Discovery Day!
This is a compulsary day of learning that will enable all of our Year 10 students to taste some Year 11 subjects. They will also have the opportunity to chat to our current Year 11s about their Year 11 journey.
Year 10 Work Experience
Building and Construction Expo
