We must try to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.
As we begin the 2026 academic year, I warmly welcome all families to St Aloysius College. The start of a new year invites us to pause, reflect and recommit ourselves to what matters most: the care, formation and flourishing of the young people entrusted to us.
Mercy Education has always been committed to remaining responsive to the needs of the time. Today, that call includes supporting students to navigate an increasingly complex world—academically, socially and digitally—with wisdom, integrity and compassion.
Recent government legislation around social media use reinforces a shared responsibility to protect the wellbeing of children and young people. At its heart, this legislation echoes our Mercy values: respect for human dignity, care for the vulnerable and responsibility for the common good.
At school, we explicitly teach students how to engage responsibly and ethically in digital spaces. We reinforce age-appropriate use, respectful communication and an understanding of the legal, emotional and relational impacts of online behaviour. These expectations are embedded within our wellbeing and pastoral programs, ensuring students are both supported and held to high standards.
Parents play a vital role in guiding social media use at home, setting clear boundaries and engaging in conversations about online safety, respect and accountability. When students experience consistent expectations between home and school, they are far better equipped to make wise and ethical choices.
We are deeply grateful for the partnership we share with our families in this important work.
As a Mercy College, we approach emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence with discernment and purpose. In 2026, AI is used at St Aloysius College at different year levels for different purposes in learning, to foster creativity and support critical thinking—never as a substitute for effort, originality or academic integrity.
Students are taught when and how AI can be used appropriately, how to question and evaluate AI-generated content, and how to remain responsible for their own learning.
We encourage parents to continue these conversations at home, reinforcing the importance of curiosity, honesty and personal responsibility in learning, to nurture confident learners, compassionate leaders and responsible digital citizens.
Thank you for your trust, your support and your shared commitment to Mercy education. We look forward to another year of growth, learning and hope.
Mary Farah
College Principal