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I have had some discussions regarding the College Pastoral Care programs with our director of Pastoral Care Mr Ben Stafford. We strive to create meaningful programs for our students at all levels. The discussions brought to mind the importance of various character traits in our lives. I felt it worthwhile to highlight a characteristic that greatly influences our students' success: grit.
Grit, characterised by perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is a critical trait that empowers students to overcome challenges, stay committed to their aspirations, and achieve their full potential. As parents and guardians, your support and understanding of this trait can significantly enhance your child's college experience and development.
The Impact of Grit on Academic Achievement
College life presents numerous challenges—demanding coursework, exams, projects, and various extracurricular activities. While intelligence and natural talent are important, studies show that grit often plays a more crucial role in determining success. Students with grit are more likely to push through difficulties, remain focused on their studies, and develop effective problem-solving skills, which are essential for academic achievement.
Grit and Personal Development
Grit extends beyond academic success, fostering personal growth and resilience. It instils the values of hard work, determination, and persistence—qualities that are vital not only in the classroom but also in personal life and future careers. Employers highly value individuals who exhibit grit, as they demonstrate the ability to persevere through challenges and maintain a strong work ethic.
How Parents Can Support the Development of Grit
As parents and guardians, you play a pivotal role in nurturing grit in your children. Here are some strategies to help support their development:
- Encourage Goal Setting: Help your child define clear, long-term goals. Having a sense of direction and purpose can motivate them to stay committed, even when faced with obstacles.
- Promote a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to believe in their ability to grow and improve through effort and practice. Emphasise that failures and setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth.
- Model Resilience: Share your own experiences of overcoming challenges and the importance of persistence. Your personal stories can inspire and reassure your child.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer positive reinforcement and constructive feedback on their efforts. Recognize their hard work and determination, rather than just the outcomes.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a home environment that supports their academic and personal endeavours. Show interest in their activities and provide emotional support during difficult times.
Our Commitment as Educators
At our College, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes the development of grit in our students. Through rigorous academic programs, supportive staff, and various extracurricular opportunities, we strive to cultivate resilience and determination in every student.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grit is a vital attribute that significantly contributes to our students' overall success and well-being. By understanding and supporting the development of grit, we can work together to ensure our students are well-equipped to face the challenges of college life and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support of St Aloysius Catholic College as we strive together for the best outcomes for our students.
God Bless and Be the Good,
Mr Paul Reidy – College Principal
National Parent Survey
The CSPA 2024 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning is seeking your perspective as parents/carers of children who attend a Catholic School in Australia. You are invited to share your views on existing and emerging affirmations and/or challenges in relation to your child/children’s wellbeing and learning. Please consider completing this anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary online survey.
More information about the study, how to participate, and how to have questions answered, can be found here. Thank you for your interest.
From the Junior Campus...
Last weekend, families celebrated the father figures in their children’s lives. It may have been a father, step-father, grandfather, uncle or close friend. These male role models, with family support, assist with the maturation and development of their children. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” Although I am specifically talking about fathers this week, this statement is pertinent to the role our mother figures play in our children's lives as well.
I have spent a good time in my professional life working in male educational and sporting settings. As an educator, I have witnessed the positive impact that a harmonious family environment can have on the well-being of children. The male students in my care quietly observed their guardians positively troubleshoot problems and then set about tackling them similarly. Many advertisements have presented a similar message on the importance of setting an excellent example for our children, as they will passively adopt traits, be they good, bad or indifferent.
Father figures play a vital role in shaping how their children see the world and understand right and wrong. A father figure cannot control their children's challenges or how they will react in the face of such obstacles. As children mature into adults, they make their own choices about what to do with their lives, how to treat others, and how to understand their relationship with God. Male role models help lay the foundation for those decisions by instilling the virtues of forgiveness, compassion and love.
As Father Mike stated at Mass on the weekend, Happy Father’s Day to all those who are from all of us who are not.
Data Review
Last week, the college executive, which included the Director of Primary, Matt Gardiner, reviewed the progressive achievement data of our students. It was pleasing to notice that our students are building their reading and spelling skills. We identified that writing structure, such as appropriate paragraph structure, and problem-solving in Mathematics are areas we can enhance with refined coaching. With the support of class teachers, the Head of Mathematics, Mr Jonathan Horne, is implementing a Mathematics Sprints initiative to build Mathematical reasoning and fluency in our student cohort. Our students should be proud of their growth but equally keen to take further steps in their academic performance.
Yours faithfully
Samuel Morey – Deputy Principal: Junior Campus
Year 2 'on Country' at Boronia Beach
In HaSS this term, all Year 2 students are learning about the significance of a local place and the interconnections of First Nations Australians to their local Country. The children were guided on their first walk down to nearby Boronia Beach by Ms McWatters and a group of Year 9 palawa students. Jesse Frost, a proud descendent of Fanny Cochrane Smith took the lead in teaching the young students about bush tucker. Children enjoyed chewing on the base of lomandra stalks and eating salt bush leaves. Other Year 9 students Charlize Hincks, Luke Cowen, Lincoln Penney and Maddie Wicks explained the significance of Country to Tasmanian Aboriginal people, helped them climb on rocks and get a close up view of a penguin. Year 2 students enjoyed learning how to categorise plants by their different traditional uses of food, medicine and craft. Well done to the Year 9 students, who shared the knowledge they have accumulated over the last five or so years.
From the Middle Campus...
As we transition from the chilly days of winter into the warmth and renewal of spring, it is a perfect time to reflect on the vibrant activities, challenges and achievements our students have experienced at the Middle Campus. To truly capture the essence of this term, we’ve asked some of our Year 5 and 8 students to share their thoughts on what they have enjoyed the most about Term 3. Their voices paint a vivid picture of the learning, growth and parts of school life that matter most to them.
For the Year 5 students, the highlights of the term were book week, netball and football and swimming. Here’s what they had to say.…
Library. We liked dressing up for book week. Great books, teachers and there are lots of opportunities.
Lots of students in Year 5 Blue
Vinnies club has been incredible. It’s very interesting to learn about marginalisation and how you can help people.
Isabella, Year 5 Blue
Netball and football have been incredible and fun.
Phoebe, Year 5
The nice facilities and kind and helpful teachers.
Adelaide Year 5
I like dressing up and seeing all the book characters for book week.
Rachael, Year 5
I liked the swimming lessons. They taught you a lot and they were lots of fun.
April, Year 5.
The courts, gym, swimming, football and netball. All the sport activities.
Arlow, Year 5 Blue (big Scotland supporter)
For year 8 students, the highlights of the term are learning Shakespeare, excursions, electives and the canteen reopening. Here’s what they had to say.…
I liked all of it. It’s been a really good term. Especially the Shakespeare stuff.
Student, Year 8
I have enjoyed that there have been lots of opportunities to go on excursions such as the Science excursion to Kingston Beach. And just lots of fun activities like having sporting equipment to play with at lunch.
Ollie, Year 8
The canteen changing as there is a nice variety of food. The new canteen is great.
Most students in Year 8A
The electives and excursions are good. We like going off site and going to different places.
Student, Year 8
Going to the senior campus to see the Carlos Actus exhibition.
Student, Year 8
Enjoying the electives and the opportunities they provide.
Student, Year 8
With so many memories already made and even more to come, we can’t wait to hear what students have to say about all the exciting activities, excursions, camps and learning planned for the rest of the year.
Mrs Nickie Birchall – Acting Deputy Principal: Middle Campus
From the Senior Campus...
Year 10 RYDA Day
On Thursday, August 15th, our Year 10s participated in the RYDA program at
Claremont College. RYDA is run by Rotary and is focused on road safety. It is directed towards our young people as they approach the period in their lives when they start driving a car and ride as a passenger in a car driven by one of their peers.
The program focuses on attitude and awareness with the aim of making the students
better people on the road.
This was a great opportunity for our students, and I would like to thank Mr Tom Elkhair for organising, and all the staff who attended with our students.
Senior Drama Performance
Our Senior Drama students have been busily rehearsing before their big performance of ‘Death by Design’ a play by Rob Urbinati. The play will run from Monday, 16th September to Wednesday 18th September. We wish our Senior Drama Teacher Bree Crocker, and all the students the very best for their performances in what should be a brilliant play. Make sure you get your tickets.
Blessed Carlo Acutis
Last week, the Senior Campus, which is named the Carlo Acutis Building had the great privilege of having a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis visit us for a week, in the last stop of a tour around the state. Our students were given more information about the work of Blessed Carlo in his short life, and the miracles he performed, which has led him on the path to canonisation. Students also had the opportunity to pray and write down their intentions, which would be sent to Assisi where Blessed Carlo is buried.
Thank you to Mrs Polly Marriott for her work in helping organise the exhibition, and
Mrs Leanne Prichard from CET, who ran a number of sessions across the week.
Leadership Camp
This week our potential Senior Campus leaders have spent three days on a leadership camp down on the Tasman Peninsula. During this camp, our potential leaders had the opportunity to work as a team and participate in some dedicated sessions on leadership and how to be a good leader. They even got to participate in the Port Arthur Ghost Tour.
It was great to spend some time with the students and see the great potential we have coming through the Senior Campus. I would like to give a big shout out to Mr Tom Elkhair for his outstanding organisation of the camp, and to those staff that attended and presented, Mr Ben Stafford, Mrs Maggie Sandric, Mrs Marcelle Ottaway and Mrs Jess Agius.
Eating Healthily in Adolescents
As our adolescents get older, sometimes their choices of quick unhealthy foods become more frequent, as does skipping meals like breakfast in favour of a few more minutes of sleep. It is vital though that our students maintain a well-balanced diet to help them achieve their academic potential whilst here at school. We know that good nutrition helps with their concentration and general health.
Below is an article from the Royal Women’s Hospital on some good tips on food and
nutrition in adolescents.
Vinnies Winter Appeal
As a part of their learning focus for Term Three, our 11/12 Pathways to Work class coordinated the Vinnies Winter Appeal donation drive for 2024. They worked hard to create posters, collect and sort donations from all of our Campuses, organise a Milo sales fundraiser and make batches of soup for Loui’s Van. They also learned a lot of new information about Vinnie’s and their impact and involvement in our local community. Some reflections from the students about their favourite parts of coordinating the drive included:
I enjoyed sorting the clothes in the right piles, and I learned how to properly fold clothes.
Edward
We got to go to the other campuses and see all of the students.
Scarlet
I enjoyed the soup making.
Tameria
I think I enjoyed taking the collection baskets to the other campuses and bringing them back with donations.
Rafael
Thank you to all those who took part in the Vinnies Colouring Competition. Over $200 raised toward our Vinnies winter appeal! Check out our fabulous winners from across the College!
Hoodies for Hamish
Every year, on his birthday, we celebrate the life and memory of former student Hamish Cullen who passed away in 2021 from a brain tumour. We do this by wearing our favourite hoodies and donating to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Hamish was in Year 2 when he died after diagnosis in his Prep year. Hamish is remembered fondly by all those who taught and knew him as a gentle, kind, loving and fun loving little boy. At this time we also keep Hamish’s family and his friends in Year 5 in our prayers. Each Year 5 class has a cuddly dachshund, and these have accompanied their year group since Hamish’s passing as a reminder of their dear friend.
Thank you to everyone who supported Hoodies for Hamish, this year as we raised $1669.95 for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Included in that was an impromptu ‘fairy bread’ fundraiser led by some of our industrious senior students to make sure the extra Fathers’ Day Breakfast rolls did not go to waste!
Eddie Rice
As a thank you to Eddie Rice Community Services for all the work they do in developing the leadership skills of our senior students, some senior student leaders organised a sausage sizzle and frog in a pond fundraiser. Delicious! Thank you to Andrew Blackett and Brendan Webb from Eddie Rice Community Services for coming along and helping out!
Carlo Acutis
This term, we have been lucky enough to host an exhibition featuring a first class relic from Blessed Carlo Acutis, our first millennial saint-to-be and the namesake of our Senior Campus, Carlos Acutis Building. The relic, strands of hair, was on display in our Senior Campus Chapel. Accompanying the relic was impressive display of 160 panels that show Carlo's life work: a website sharing eucharistic miracles. Throughout the week, Leanne Prichard and Polly Marriott took classes in a guided presentation of Carlo’s life, his journey to sainthood and an explanation of the relic and its significance. Our students and parishioners, as well as invited students from other southern catholic schools, have had the chance to see the panels and spend some quiet, prayerful time with the relic in the chapel. It has been a reflective, profound and humbling experience for all.
Rations Challenge
A huge well done to Riley S in Year 10, Campbell L in Year 8 and Mrs Polly Marriott who each undertook a 3-day rations challenge, living on refugee rations similar to those provided to refugees in Jordan. This challenge was tougher than any of them expected with lack of nourishment, limited flavours and only so many ways to cook rice! Not only did they gain a glimpse into the challenges and limitations faced by millions of people, a grand total of $371.62 was raised through sponsorship for the international humanitarian agency Act for Peace. Well done!
Fathers Day Breakfast and Stalls
The Fathers’ Day Breakfast was a sea of smiling faces as families from across the College came together to celebrate fathers and father figures at our annual Fathers’ Day Breakfast. A special thank you to all the staff who helped out with the organisation and logistics before, during and after and to our fabulous senior students who welcomed, served and assisted on the day.
Also a huge thank you to the P&F volunteers who organised and ran the Fathers’ Day gift stalls at each campus, in particular stall coordinator Renée Fitzpatrick. Watching the students pick out their gifts for their special someone is absolute gold! The College receives so much positive feedback around these stalls and events and we couldn’t do it without our fabulous volunteers!
Catholic Education Week Mass and Archbishop’s Charter Certificate
Our Year 7 and 8 leaders represented the College splendidly at the Catholic Education Week Mass at the Cathedral where we were presented with a certificate acknowledging our response to the Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools.
Confirmation
Congratulations to 20 young people from our College and Parish who made their Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 18th August. A huge thank you to Maggie Sandric for coordinating the Sacramental Program in the Parish. Thank you also to the staff who came along to show their support.
From St Aloysius we congratulate Laura B, Camila B, Theo B, Eli C, Jamie C, Lachie D, Jacob D, Eliza E, Zoe F, Ivy J, Maria M, Molly N, Barney N, Evie S, Elsa T and Phoebe W. Please pray for them as they continue their faith journey.
Book Week – Book Parade
Book Week – Book Fair
This year the Scholastic book fair was held during Book Week. It was great to have so much support from the school community and the excitement of students purchasing books to read.
Year 6 New Zealand Pen Pals
This term, 6 Green have been lucky enough to buddy up with a school in New Zealand and were assigned a Pen Pal each. After weeks of waiting, students received their letters this week and began writing their replies. We have thoroughly enjoyed learning about our neighbours across the Tasman.
Philosothon
On Thursday, 22nd August, three of our students represented the College in the Philosothon at Sacred Heart College, Newtown. During the event, students were required to have thoughtful and deep discussions around some really challenging philosophical scenarios. Congratulations to Archie Ross and Mr Leach, as the group facilitator, who were in the winning group. As well as Ava Thompson and Imogen Martini for attending the insightful day.
JATNET Senior Speech Competition
Jeremy Munnings and Noah Johnston represented St Aloysius at the JATNET Senior Speech Competition on Friday, 16th August. They travelled to Rosny College to compete with other schools and had a great time. Their confidence and ability to speak in Japanese has improved so much over the last few years. It is wonderful to see this progress recognised with opportunities like this. Well done, Jeremy and Noah! Results to come!
Maths After School and Study After School for Middle and Senior Campus Students
Art and Technology Exhibition: 23rd –27th September, 2024
Senior Drama Production: 16th –19th September, 2024
Artist in Residence – Tom O'Hern
Catholic Earthcare Schools Art Competition
SSATIS SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Congratulations to the 12 students who represented the College at the Southern SATIS Swimming Carnival held on Thursday, 29th August. This carnival was held at the Hobart Aquatic Centre, showcasing some of the finest swimmers in Southern Tasmania.
TEAM LIST
|
U13 |
U14 |
U15 |
|
Tommy Pearsall |
Harrison Linnane |
Zackery Adams |
|
Oscar Pither |
Joshua Legro |
|
|
Max Kull |
Makayla Wiles |
|
|
Archie Donohoe |
Casey Bumford |
|
|
Olive Sherwin |
||
|
Sara Van Harten |
||
|
Zoe Eaves |
Some incredible results from our small but mighty team:
SHIELD RESULTS
- 3rd in the Co-Ed Aggregate Shield
- 5th in the Co-Ed Junior Shield
SPECIAL MENTION TO:
- Makayla Wiles for 2nd in the 50m butterfly and 2nd in the 50m backstroke
- Year 7 boys who finished a close 4th in the U13 boys freestyle relay
- Sara, Tommy, Harrison, Zack, Makayla and Casey for top 10 finishes
We now look forward to the State SATIS Swimming Carnival on Wednesday, 18th September, where we do it all again but this time with the Northern schools joining us.
SOCCER CLUB 2024
Another season has come to an end, with the Central Region Junior Football roster wrapping up on 24th August. This year we had an astonishing 220 players across 27 teams - WOW!
As we look back on the highlights of the season, we are filled with gratitude for the memories made on and off the field.
A little shout out to our smallest members of the club, our U5s (Kinders) who, for many, this was their first taste of team sport. As expected, it took some weeks to warm up and understand the concept of training and structure of the game, BUT, they continued to show such bravery and enthusiasm on the field and we are so proud of their growth and development throughout the season. Keep up the great work, U5s! You are the future stars of our club.
Thank you to everyone involved, especially our volunteer coaches and team managers who are so committed to their teams and helping them grow and improve their skills as an individual and team.
Grandmother Smith's Museum Visit
Recently all First Nation students in Year 6 visited the old Methodist church originally built by Fanny Cochrane Smith’s family in 1901. Situated in Nicholls Rivulet the building is now a living history museum.
Many of the palawa students at our College are descended from Grandmother Smith, renowned as the last traditional singer of language. The church represents the resilience of a woman, a family, a community and a culture. It holds the memories and the aspirations of generations of people. The students were fascinated by some of the old photos on the walls and enjoyed exploring the grounds, where the wattle flowers were blossoming.
The College is grateful to Michelle Synnott for opening up the church to us, showing us around and sharing stories of her community.
Stories Returning to Country
First Nation students in Year 8 recently visited the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG) to participate in a unique program ‘Stories Returning to Country’. Drawing on resources from the ground breaking 2022/23 exhibition taypani milaythina-tu: Return to Country, students learnt more about how stories and objects became separated from Country, how the repatriation of cultural objects has been able to strengthen cultural knowledge and how those stories build momentum for the permanent return of objects.
We were guided in our explorations by Nicola: the First Nations facilitator. During the session, students unpacked what repatriation is and why it is important for stories to return to Country. Participants learnt about significant community members and their contributions to the continuation and celebration of palawa/ Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.
University of Tasmania Open Day
- Raffle tickets will be out within the next couple of weeks
- Tombola donations – September 23rd-27th,fill a jar with treasures and treats – lollies, lego, marbles, matchbox cars, toy soldiers, dinosaurs, farm animals, stickers, temporary tattoos, hair accessories – let your imagination go wild!
White Elephant, Books, Clothing, Craft, Toys, Plants
Donations for these stalls can be dropped off to the meeting room under the church at the following times:
9:00am-10:00am Saturdays: September 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
9:00am-10:00am Saturdays: October 5th, 12th
3:00pm-4:00pm Wednesdays: September 11th, 18th, 25th
We still need helpers on the weekend of the Fair – whatever time you have to give. Please contact Pauline pauline.ims@catholic.tas.edu.au or 0438 503 095.
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Key Dates for the rest of Term 3
*please refer to the College Calendar for full details
| Friday, 6th September |
STUDENT FREE DAY – Year 7-12 |
| Monday, 9th September |
Canberra Trip Parent Information Evening, 5:00pm |
| Tuesday, 10th September |
P and F Meeting, SC Staff Lounge, 6:30pm |
|
Monday, 16th September Wednesday, 18th September Thursday, 19th September |
Senior Drama Production, 6:00pm Book here: https://sacckingston.schoolzineplus.com/event/883 |
| Wednesday, 18th September |
State SATIS Swimming Carnival, selected students |
| Tuesday, 24th September |
LEAP Arts and Technology Exhibition Opening, 4:00pm |
| Friday, 27th September |
Term 3 Concludes |
| Monday, 14th October |
STUDENT FREE DAY |
| Tuesday, 15th October |
Term 4 Commences |
Term Dates for 2025
2025 and 2026 Enrolments
Kindergarten, 2025 and 2026:
There are limited vacancies available for 2025 so please complete an expression of interest HERE.
2026 Enrolment Applications are due Friday, 9th May 2025, please complete an expression of interest HERE.
Year 7, 2025 and 2026:
2025 Enrolment Applications were due by Thursday, 21st March. We received an overwhelming amount of applications, if you are aware of any siblings or Catholic families who have not yet enrolled, please contact our Enrolment Officer.
2026 Enrolment Applications are due Friday, 14th March 2025, please complete an expression of interest HERE.
Year 11 and 12, 2025 and 2026:
2025 and 2026 Enrolment Applications are welcome, please complete an expression of interest HERE or contact Melissa Dance, Enrolment Officer for further information, sacc.enrol@catholic.tas.edu.au or 6229 0108.
Current Year 10 families – if you are planning for your child to continue their education elsewhere next year, you will need to withdraw their enrolment for 2025, otherwise, it will be assumed they are continuing at the College. To do this please email sacc.enrol@catholic.tas.edu.au.
If you and your child are undecided and would like to have a conversation, please do not hesitate to contact either of the staff listed below for advice and planning:
Brad Canning – Deputy Principal: bradley.canning@catholic.tas.edu.au
Marcelle Ottaway – Careers Advisor: marcelle.ottaway@catholic.tas.edu.au
Notice of Student Withdrawals
Birth to Five Explorers
To register please click on the link below-
