Refugee week

During Refugee Week, Year 10 student Nila shared her experience of being a refugee, with the entire Middle Campus, including her recollections of having to leave Sri Lanka by boat amidst storms and the threat of pirates. Michelle also shared her family's story; of the sacrifices made by her parents in order to migrate from Zimbabwe to Australia, to give their children the best and safest life possible. Both girls are commended on their courage in sharing with their peers. You could have heard a pin drop and there were tears from many staff! They felt it was important to share their stories, to break down racial barriers and create more understanding around refugees and migrants from other cultures. 

Vinnies Sleepout

On Friday, 24th June, 49 students and numerous staff braved the cold to spend the night sleeping 'rough' for the Vinnies Sleepout. Unfortunately, due to intruders on the school grounds, the entire group had to move into the gym. However, this formed part of the reflection and gave even greater insight into those who are unsure of their shelter and safety from one night to the next.

Highlights for the students were the interactive games, spending time with friends and having to ‘move along’ and make their bed somewhere else  as 'it gave us an insight into what real homeless people have to put up with'. They identified some challenges, such as it being hard to get to sleep and stay asleep, or being disrupted by others in the night. One student commented how difficult it was to sleep with no mat or mattress and only some cardboard, and we only have to do it for one night!

Vinnies Winter Appeal

From Elle Bate, Vinnies Youth Engagement Officer (South)

I just need to say a huge thank you to you and everyone involved in the winter appeal – I am absolutely blown away by the incredibly generous donations from your school community! Our emergency pantry was getting low, and now it is so full that everyone in the office had a huge smile on their face when we saw it all! Truly, thank you so much for your hard work, it will do a world of good for those who are in need of support. And to all of the students who have been working to raise awareness as well! It all helps us and the community so much, and I can’t say thank you enough.

Feast Day Event

Our Feast Day near the end of last term was a momentous day for the staff and students of St Aloysius Catholic College, as we celebrated with a liturgy and celebration of the performing arts at Wrest Point. This was attended by all students from Prep to Year 10, the first time we have all been together in 10 years and was extra special as it coincided with the 175th Anniversary of the first Sisters of Charity arriving in Tasmania. The performers were spectacular, and the entire student body are to be congratulated on their conduct throughout. A special thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who went above and beyond to make this event a success.

Memorial Bench

Our Memorial Bench at the Junior Campus was recently completed, with the addition of memorial plaques for staff members Grazyna Wilson and Terry Smee, and students Maria Cresswell and Hamish Cullen. Two identical benches have been purchased for the Middle and Senior Campuses. This has been generously funded by the P&F committee.

Year 3 students attended a short prayer service at the end of term 2.