From the Senior Campus
Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,
One of my great passions is sport. I would have no problem watching any game involving a ball of any size, shape or colour for hours at a time. This devotion to sport has witnessed me developing the ability to arise early to watch games, from Ireland, England and indeed Europe and this week is no exception. In Europe the soccer seasons are drawing to a close and it was one of these mornings that prompted me to share these thoughts with you.
Whilst watching a First Leg European Champions League between Paris Saint Germain V Aston Villa prior to coming to school on Thursday, the commentator caught my attention when he stated at half time “Well the reality is this is quarter time, as this fixture will be decided over two games, here in Paris and in Birmingham next week." This made me think of the school year and as we wrap up Term 1, it's the perfect moment to take a breath, reflect on our progress, and look forward with fresh energy. We’re officially at quarter-time—a fitting sports metaphor that reminds us while we’ve made a strong start, the real game is still ahead.
The past ten weeks have flown by in a blur of learning, laughter, growth, and plenty of new experiences, such as Ignite and new elective subjects. We have welcomed both new students and staff to the Senior Campus. We have watched and enjoyed the formation of new friendships and bonds developed across all of our community. Achievements are celebrated with rigour here at St Aloysius. Only this week we acknowledged a year nine student, Jack Crump and his tremendous artwork, and we welcomed back Hurricanes star and College Alumni, Mitch Owen. Earlier in the term, we defended our SATIS Athletics Crown. However, throughout the term, the Senior Campus has witnessed many little victories, many examples of God’s grace. We have witnessed students working together, supporting each other, listening, helping to guide and direct each other in the fields of curriculum, sport, and spiritual development. Term 1 has set a strong foundation for what’s to come.
Quarter-time is more than just a point on the calendar—it's a valuable opportunity to pause, reset goals, and refocus. For students, it’s a chance to look back on what went well, identify areas for improvement, and commit to new habits or routines that support learning and well-being. It is time to reflect on the term. For staff, students and families, it’s a time to be aware of God’s presence, celebrate successes, nurture resilience, and keep communication flowing as we work together to support every child’s journey.
As we head into Term 2, we carry with us the momentum of a strong start, a deepening understanding of who we are and the lessons we've already learned. Whether it’s developing our connections with God, building on academic strengths, diving deeper into co-curricular activities, or simply becoming more confident in daily routines, there’s so much to look forward to.
So here’s to quarter-time—a reminder that while the year is well underway, the best is yet to come. Let’s keep up the energy, stay connected, and make Term 2 even better.
Frank McDonald Memorial Prize Study Tour
Noah has also been going to monthly meetings with the other participants from the FMMP and they have had to research a fallen soldier from WWI, who they'll pay homage to when they go to Europe and present their findings back to the group. One of their first destinations is actually Fromelles in France, which involved the battle that Noah actually wrote about in his essay to win this prize.
Have a great trip Noah! We can't wait to hear all about it on your return.
Year 9 Ignite Program
First Challenge Complete
Last week, our Year 9 cohort were presented with their first Ignite pin. This pin is in recognition of their recent Summit Challenge.
Over the course of the year they will receive 4 pins in recognition of their four major challenges – Summit, Fusion, Solo and Journey.
Raft Building at Browns River
Studies of Religion
On Thursday, 13th March, our Year 11 Studies of Religion 2 classes had a visit from Leanne Prichard to discuss her trip to Jerusalem and to share her knowledge of Judaism.
She brought along some souvenires from her trip and shared some amazing stories. We are grateful to Leanne who volunteered her time to share her knowledge and answer all of our questions.
English Inquiry 1
This term the students in English Inquiry 1 have been studying The Australian Identity through a visual arts lens. We explored photographs depicting typically Aussie icons then began looking at artistic techniques in children's books about the Aussie bush. After critiquing some famous Australian painters both traditional and modern we then had a go at making our own artistic version of what we love about Australia.
Land of the Lyluequonny
Twelve First Nation students from Year 10 at St Aloysius Catholic College spent two days and one night, exploring the traditional lands of the Lyluequonny.
Guided by Trish Hodge and Mathius Everett, the students consolidated a lot of their understanding in relation to bush tucker, fire making and spear throwing techniques and connecting to Country as well as community. We also visited Roaring Beach at Southport, where students enjoyed seeing a hand stencil inside the hollow of a tree and spectacular views of Penguin and Lunawuni/Bruny Island.
Students helped cook and prepare food during the camp and we enjoyed kangaroo sausages, wallaby salami, scallop kebabs and lots of abalone.
The College is grateful to River Run Lodge in Strathblane for providing excellent accommodation and facilities. First Nation students in Year 9 will participate in the same camp on the 19th & 20th May this year.
