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This term has seen two important announcements for our Catholic community; a new Pope and Archbishop. The new Archbishop Anthony Ireland comes to us from Melbourne. Previously he was appointed by Pope Francis as Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne in May 2021 and was ordained a Bishop on 31 July 2021 at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne. His episcopal motto is, ‘Confirm, strengthen and support’ (1 Peter 5:10). The process of formally taking the role of Archbishop of the Diocese is called an “installation”. This liturgical ceremony will take place on August 12. Archbishop Ireland has deliberately requested a time during the day so that schools may be involved. St Aloysius Catholic College and all Tasmanian Catholic schools will be represented by both staff and students at this event. It is pleasing that the new Archbishop sees schools as a prominent part of his ministry.
Pope Leo, although early in his papacy has spoken frequently of peace; both in regards to political conflicts which rage in the world and also inner peace. He has said some important things in regards to communication that we can take in our lives. In saying, “Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world” he is encouraging us to recognise the power of our words in fostering the environment that we would like. I often tell students how we act towards others is reflected back to us. If we use words that are kind, constructive and giving, then others will respond in a similar vein, helping to create a more positive culture for us all. This is an action that we all can make, adults and children. Underlining this, Pope Leo said, “Communication is not only the transmission of information, but it is also the creation of a culture.” Children are listening to us all the time and we need to be aware of the weight of our words.
As we head into our mid year break, I thank our entire St Aloysius Catholic College community for their support as we strive to provide a rich environment for our students to experience and achieve in many areas; academic, sporting, cultural and spiritual. I trust that the break will be beneficial for staff and students, an important time to reset and relax.
God Bless and Be the Good,
Mr Paul Reidy – College Principal
The Unsung Heroes of Our Junior Campus
As we reach the halfway point of another busy year at St Aloysius Catholic College, it's a great time to reflect on the vibrant life of our Junior Campus. We often see the incredible work of our teachers in the classrooms, shaping young minds and guiding our children's learning journeys. But there's a whole team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring our campus runs smoothly and supports every student's experience. They are, in many ways, the heartbeat of our campus – our administration and utility staff, teacher aides, and marketing team.
These are our silent achievers, the people who ensure everything is in its right place, that our children are safe and supported, and that our school community stays connected.
The Backbone: Administration and Utility Staff
Think about all the moving parts of a school day. From the friendly face greeting you at the front office to the meticulous work of keeping our grounds pristine and our facilities functioning, our administration and utility staff are indispensable. They manage enrolments, answer countless queries, handle communications, maintain our beautiful campus, and ensure that classrooms are comfortable and ready for learning. Their dedication creates a safe, organised, and welcoming environment for every child, every day. Without their quiet efficiency, the organised chaos of a school would quickly become just chaos!
The Classroom Champions: Teacher Aides
Our teacher aides are the unsung heroes within our classrooms. They provide invaluable support to our teachers, working directly with students to offer extra assistance, reinforce learning, and ensure every child feels supported in their educational journey. Whether it's helping with reading groups, assisting students with special needs, or preparing learning materials, their presence allows teachers to focus more effectively on the diverse needs of our students. They build excellent relationships with the children and are often a comforting presence, making a real difference in individual learning outcomes.
Connecting Our Community: The Marketing Team
While not always physically on the Junior Campus day-to-day, our marketing team plays a crucial role in telling the story of St Aloysius and connecting our college with the broader community. They ensure that current and prospective families are informed about all the wonderful events, achievements, and opportunities available at our school. From putting together engaging newsletters like this one, to showcasing student successes, they are instrumental in fostering our strong sense of community and pride in St Aloysius.
So, next time you're on campus, or even when you receive a communication from the school, take a moment to appreciate the incredible efforts of these dedicated individuals. They may not always be in the spotlight, but their hard work and commitment are vital to our students' success and happiness and the thriving atmosphere of our Junior Campus. They truly are the quiet engine that keeps our school running smoothly.
As term two wraps up, we want to thank all our staff and students for their incredible hard work and achievements over the past few months. The recent report cycle and parent-teacher interviews were a testament to the dedication of our teaching staff and the impressive progress our students are making. It's truly a collaborative effort that makes these milestones so successful. To all our families, whether you're looking forward to a quiet break, resuming everyday routines, or embarking on exciting adventures, we wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday period.
We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 3!
Yours faithfully
Samuel Morey – Deputy Principal: Junior Campus
Prep 'palawa shelters'
On Thursday, 5th June all of our prep students learnt about traditional palawa style lunangkatawn/bark huts. As part of this term's Design and Technologies curriculum unit about 'shelters' the children enjoyed learning from palawa author Adam Thompson, who read them his Little J & Big Cuz story: 'Stormy Night'. We then went up to the sand circle and examined a mini bark hut made by local palawa craftsman Danny Gardner. Using materials from the surrounding bush we made our own little shelters.
Thank you to the young, caped, student helpers plus Lincoln and Harrison from Year 2 who joined us in the afternoon, along with our Deputy Mr Sam Morey, who couldn't resist getting in the hut himself.
National Simultaneous Storytime Competition
After participating in this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime, JC students were set a special challenge inspired by ‘The Truck Cat’. They designed their own truck for a cat or pet of their choice. Students could be as creative as they liked, they could build, draw, construct, make a model- it was completely up to them.
The quality of the entries was outstanding! We had detailed diagrams, trucks constructed with Lego, even trucks built with working parts, including lights.
Congratulations to Evie (3B) and Oliver (3G) who won a gift voucher for Fullers’ Bookshop and well done to everyone who entered.
Middle Campus Update – End of Term 2
As we reach the end of term two, it’s a perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the growth and development we’ve seen in our students over the past ten weeks. Across classrooms and co-curricular activities, our students have continued to impress us with their energy, commitment, and enthusiasm for learning and improvement. Whether it’s on the cross-country track, football field, netball court, or dance stage, it’s been a privilege to witness our students push themselves to achieve personal bests. Their willingness to take on challenges and support one another is what truly makes our community special.
A particular highlight for me this term has been supervising the Year 5/6 Dance Performance Group. This initiative was entirely student-led; choreographed and taught by Tayla Gray in Year 12 and Charli Skinner in Year 6. Watching these two students work together to create a dynamic and inclusive routine has been inspiring. Not only did they deliver an engaging performance, but they also created an opportunity for students who don’t dance outside of school to try something new and experience the joy of being part of a team. We are so proud of their creativity, leadership, and persistence in making this happen.
In the classroom, learning has continued to thrive. I’ve had the pleasure of walking through our learning spaces recently, and I was struck by the pride with which students shared their work. From learning about the Murray River Basin and the significance of water management, to exploring Colonial Australia, the depth of engagement and curiosity was evident. Another standout has been the noticeable growth in writing skills among our Year 7 students in their English classes; a development they should all be congratulated on.
With mid-year reports now available, we encourage families to take this opportunity to sit with their child and reflect on their progress so far. These reports are not only a reflection of achievement but also a chance to discuss how attitude, effort, and learning habits go hand-in-hand. We warmly invite all families to attend upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences, as we continue working together to support each child to strive, believe, and achieve.
Thank you for a wonderful term. We wish all families a restful and rejuvenating winter break, and we look forward to seeing what possibilities Term 3 will bring.
Mrs Nickie Birchall – Deputy Principal: Middle Campus
Horticulture at Middle Campus
St Aloysius is a very busy school, students are constantly on the move, between classes, between campuses and from one extra-curricular activity to another. In all this ”business” there are instances which ask us to question the sense of responsibility and accountability of all members of the school community.
In response to this need, in term two, the Student Representative Council consulted their peers on both the middle campus and senior campus asking them what a safe school looked like? Students were also consulted on what they would expect to receive at St Aloysius Catholic College and what would be expected of them.
The perspectives of all students were taken into consideration. The Guidelines which the Student Representative Council have put together we hope will make all rules relevant, fair and clearly understood by the entire student body and indeed staff and parents too. The next step in the process of the development of these guidelines will be a presentation to the College Executive and the Parents and Friends Association. We, as a community, are hoping that this consultation and collaboration will build a deeper trust between all stakeholders, create a respectful environment and an arena where students, parents and teachers can voice concerns, grievances and suggest improvements which will ultimately lead to an even more positive school culture.
Year 9-10 Life Science – Brains
Year 11-12 Retreat
We were delighted to welcome Luke and Laura to Tasmania for our first ever Seniors Retreat with the Passionist Youth Retreat Team. Using the theme of masks, we explored how to be ourselves and be there for others. Amidst the games, dancing and hanging out, there were many opportunities for deep questions, growth and reflection, and as someone said, “I had no idea we were so deep!”
Two highlights were the deeply moving ‘string liturgy’ encouraging thanks, apologies and acknowledgment of others; and the affirmations sheets which were read after Mass as part of a final reflection. They made us cry!
We loved having the Passionists come and work with us and we feel much stronger now as a group of senior students. I wish we had done this earlier!
Student Wellbeing Newsletter
University Applications are in!
A huge moment captured here at St Aloysius – this is our first cohort to apply for University!
Thank you to Rhiannon from UTAS for coming in and stepping our students through the application process.
Year 10 Work Experience
This week, Year 10 A, B and C have been on work experience.
It is always rewarding going out and seeing our Year 10’s on work experience. Without exception, they are always engaged, professional and grateful. The aim is to have an authentic experience of the world of work, whilst having valuable opportunities to network and build support networks that you can build upon in the future.
Many thanks to the teachers that took the time to help me visit as many students as possible: Mr Elkhair, Mr Ellis, Mrs Broadbribb and Mr Tolman
And mostly a HUGE thankyou to the following businesses that said YES!
| Adventure Patch | EIS Property | Margate Primary |
| Apex Builders | Escape Skin & Body | Menzies Institute of Medical research |
| Arete Engineering | Flex Health Therapy | Metal Urges Fine Jewellery |
| Army Museum Tasmania | G + D Electrical | MMG Rosebery Mine |
| Australian Antarctic Division | Geeveston Community Centre | Mt Carmel Catholic College |
| Bodysystem | Get Shucked Oysters | Nyrstar Hobart Smelter |
| Brereton Electrical | HC Electrical & Air Conditioning | Office of Senator Carol Brown |
| Brew + Bloom Cafe | Hill Street Grocer | Phoenix Construction |
| Bulk Nutrients | Hobart Animal Hospital | Power Banks Electrical |
| Cancer Council Tasmania | Hobart Day Surgery | Run Move Connect |
| Catholic Homes Tas - Snug | HT Health Group | Sakura Elegance Beaute Studies |
| Crisp Bros & Haywards | Huon Valley PCYC | Saltbush Child & Family Learning Centre |
| Cygnet Family Practice | INCAT | Shining Stars FDC |
| Cygnet Primary | Jackson & Cooper Plumbing | SPR Conditioning |
| DECYP TAS- Elizabeth College | JMG Engineers | St Aloysius Catholic College - Junior Campus |
| DoubleTree by Hilton | Kingston Animal Hospital | St Giles |
| Dover Pharmacy | Kingston Panel + Paint | Stonemans Garden Centre |
| Duggans | Leap Health | Tassal |
| Unique Earth |
Mrs Ottaway (Career Development Coordinator)
2026 Subject Choices
Year 10 Pentecost Mass
Thank you to Fr Mike for celebrating a wonderful Pentecost Mass with our Yr 10s and to our band for lifting the celebrations.
Year 1 Baptism Godly Play
Our Year 1 students have been learning about Baptism in Godly Play, each taking on the role of Godparent in a fun yet gentle role play before hearing about the light of Christ in all of us and receiving their own light to hold safely.
St Aloysius Feast Mass
We celebrated the Feast of St Aloysius with a number of liturgies across the College but the highlight was our Preps, Ones and Twos hosting the Year 9s at the Junior Campus. The senior students soon got the hang of our Junior Campus Masses and joined in the hymn singing and actions with gusto!
We also celebrated some special members of our St Al's family with our Feast Day Awards that recognise students in Years 4, 8 and 12. Congratulations to our St Aloysius Scholars Mila Dance, James Rathjen and Emily Dale. And to our Kingston Channel Parish award recipients, Logan Brough and Rosalina Martinez.
Environmental Club Sisters of Charity Rose Garden
On Thursday, 24th June, senior students from our Environmental club, along with dedicated Parishioner Karen, assisted some enthusiastic green fingered Junior Campus students to help tidy up and fertilize the Sisters of Charity Memorial Garden ready for some new roses. This garden is important to us as it is a beautiful space commemorating the Sisters who founded our College in 1960 and continued to work and lead there until the early 2000s. We look forward to seeing the blooms of our labour in spring!
Father Mike visiting Yr 6
Fr Mike took time to visit our Yr 6s this week to chat and be quizzed about what life is like as a priest. He tackled some big questions such as:
- Have you always believed in God?
- What would you do if you weren’t a priest?
- What’s your biggest regret?
- What’s your average day like?
- How do you think the Cats will go this year…?!?
Leukaemia Foundation Thank You
Aaron Eckermann from the Leukaemia Foundation popped into the Senior Campus thank the College for the success of our Greatest Shave campaign in 2023 when we collectively raised $11 072. We were the top Tasmanian fundraisers! He shared some of the meaningful outcomes that have been achieved thanks to the generosity and support of our community.
With that in mind, your $11 072:
- could provide up to 20 weeks of accommodation for families facing blood cancer who live far away from life saving treatment
- can help 107 families who are struggling financially with expenses like hospital parking and groceries
- can help give 173 families wraparound care from a Blood Cancer Support Coordinator
- means that the ground breaking research of a PHD scholarship recipient could be supported for another 74 days.
- could fund 18 patients access a clinical trial, and provide hope standard treatment has failed.
He said: “We have so many supporters to be thankful for—and quite simply, we couldn’t do what we do without you. Having the opportunity to express our gratitude is so important. It helps connect students to the real impact they’ve made and inspires them to continue creating positive change in their communities.”
Container Deposit Environmental Excursion
Our Environmental Leaders' excursion to the container deposit scheme deposited $24 directly to the Vinnies Winter Appeal! The success of this trial will hopefully lead to more container deposit bins being placed around the school.
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Thank you to Jody from Vinnies for brining Louis Van to the Middle Campus and sharing with us in assembly about the great works that Vinnies does to help those in need in our community. $194 was raised for the Winter Appeal from the sale of milos and marshmallows. Classes also jumped in to help the sorting of food and clothing donations which will go to the warehouse for distribution where needed most.
National Reconciliation Week
The College community recently commemorated National Reconciliation Week across all three Campuses. This year’s theme was: Bridging Now to Next.
The College is grateful to Fr Mike Delaney who led us in prayer on National Sorry Day at our Senior Campus. College Principal Paul Reidy also addressed students and speeches were delivered by Palawa students Jesse and Lucas Frost as well as Emily Scanlon. Fr Mike also participated in a collective ‘sea of hands’ installation at our Senior Campus with Deputy Principal Nickie Birchall and visiting Palawa sharers of knowledge Trish Hodge and Mathius Everett from Nita Education.
A dedicated Reconciliation Assembly was held at our Middle Campus. We were welcomed to Country by proud Palawa student, Zoe Frost and led in prayer by our Director of Faith and Mission, Polly Marriott. Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal community members, Adam Thompson and Cody Gangell were guest speakers and our Aboriginal Student Success Teacher, Anne-Marie McWatters addressed students and guided them in creating a ‘sea of hands’ installation outside.
Mrs McWatters also facilitated a mini reconciliation ‘Bugs and Bees’ assembly at the Junior Campus with First Nation students, Starssi McLean and Isla Turner acting as hosts. Hermione Badcock led us in prayer and proud young Palawa student, Abel Mundy helped Hermione hold the Aboriginal flag high, while students sang Andrew Chin’s ‘These Hands’ together.
On the first day of National Reconciliation Week (the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum) our Kinder students gathered with our College Principal, Paul Reidy. A few days later, all staff and students at the Junior Campus participated in creating a group installation featuring hands in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Students are to be commended for their enthusiastic involvement, strongly demonstrating our College community’s commitment to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples.
NAIDOC Week, 6th-13th July, 2025
In 2025, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, cultures and resilience. The 2025 theme, 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy' is a great one for all young Australians to explore as it is the next generation who will carry NAIDOC and their communities into the future.
NAIDOC Week begins this Sunday which the Catholic Church commemorates as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday. Australia’s National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Catholic Church (NATSICC) https://www.natsicc.org.au/ have published a booklet that includes prayers, liturgies and youth activities, centred on this year’s theme: ‘Sent Forth in Strength and Hope’. The booklet can be accessed here: https://www.natsicc.org.au/2025-atsi-sunday.html
Students at St Aloysius Catholic College have been learning about NAIDOC Week and participating in art and craft activities throughout the final week of term. NAIDOC Prayer Spaces were set up in our Chapels at both the Middle and Senior Campuses. Some photos are shared here.
Year 9 Students Shine at NFL FLAG Australian Championships
In week 8, ten enthusiastic Year 9 students represented Tasmania at the U15 NFL FLAG Australian Championships on the Gold Coast. What makes their achievement even more impressive is that they only learned the sport earlier this year in their Year 9 HPE classes!
After taking out the Tasmanian Championships, the students were selected to represent Team Tasmania on the national stage, competing against ten teams split across two pools (A and B).
Team TAS kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 14–13 win over ACT in Round 1. In Round 2, they narrowly lost 20–19 to NSW South. Following a bye in Round 3, they returned with a solid 25–21 win over NSW North. With two more byes in Rounds 5 and 6, the team rounded out pool play with a hard-fought 26–20 victory against NT in Round 7.
With three wins from four games, Tasmania topped Pool A, a fantastic result for a team new to the sport. In the semi-finals, they faced a strong Victorian team and went down 6–34. They then met ACT again in the 3rd vs 4th playoff, where they narrowly lost 12–6.
Finishing 4th in the nation is a remarkable accomplishment.
Throughout the tournament, these young athletes showcased exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and outstanding sportsmanship. Their commitment to each other and the game was evident in every match, and they proudly represented St Aloysius Catholic College on the national stage with integrity, passion, and pride.
All Schools Cross Country Championships
SATIS Netball Championships
HART Southern Primary Netball Championships
Key Dates for the Start of Term 3
*please refer to the College Calendar or your Compass App for full details
| Friday, 4th July | Term 2 concludes |
| Sunday, 20th July – Sunday, 27th July | Senior Snow Trip |
| Tuesday, 22nd July | Term 3 commences for students |
| Saturday, 26th July | P&F Christmas in July Quiz Night |
| Monday, 28th July | Year 7-12 Parent Teacher, 3:30pm-7:30pm |
| Wednesday, 30th July | Year 7-12 Parent Teacher, 3:30pm-5:30pm |
| Monday, 4th August | P&F Meeting, 6:15pm-7:45pm |
| Monday, 11th August – Friday, 15th August | Catholic Education Week |
| Monday, 18th August – Friday, 22nd August | Book Week |
2026 Enrolments
Kindergarten, 2026:
2026 Enrolment Applications officially closed on Friday, 9th May 2025, but we do have limited places available so please complete an expression of interest HERE.
Year 7, 2026:
2026 Enrolment Applications officially closed on Friday, 14th March 2025, we do currently have a waiting list but enquiries are still welcome – please complete an expression of interest HERE.
Year 11 and 12, 2026:
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 – your students current enrolment will roll over into Year 11 for 2026.
If you and your child would like to have a conversation about future plans, please do not hesitate to contact our Careers Advisor listed below for advice and planning:
Marcelle Ottaway – Careers Advisor: marcelle.ottaway@catholic.tas.edu.au
Notice of Student Withdrawals
GOOD LUCK to Year 11 student, Riley who will be representing Strive Basketball Australia in the USA this holidays. During his time in the USA, Riley will participate in three AAU basketball tournaments, with two taking place in Los Angeles and one in Chicago. This opportunity is designed to provide him with exposure to playing and training at a college basketball level.
Have a great time Riley – we are proud of you!
Christmas in July Trivia Night
College and Parish Fair 2025
Term 3 Meeting Schedule
