From the Assistant Principal
Term 1 has been a positive and productive start to the year at St Aloysius College. Students across all year levels have shown real commitment to their learning, personal growth, and involvement in the school community. Orientation activities and pastoral care helped students settle into their new classes. Staff worked with students to set clear expectations, build good routines, and create a sense of belonging in homerooms and year groups. Some highlights of Term 1 so far include the STRIVE Program (Student Training in Responsibility, Innovation, Values, and Excellence), the Year 9 Canberra Trip, and the Year 7 Camp.
The STRIVE Program helps students build a wide range of learning skills and strategies for success in and out of the classroom. Activities were matched to each year level to make sure they were suitable and relevant. The program focused on encouraging a growth mindset, building student responsibility, improving teamwork and communication, and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Year 7 cohort began their secondary school journey with the annual Year 7 Camp, which helps students settle into the St Aloysius College community. With the theme 'Unite,' the camp gave students a chance to make new friends, build confidence, and feel they belong in their year group. Students participated in team-building activities that encouraged cooperation, communication, and mutual support. Through group challenges, outdoor activities, and shared tasks, students learned the value of working together and appreciating each other's strengths. The camp also helped students and staff build stronger relationships. Pastoral teachers and Year Level Leaders supported students as they made new friends, tried new things, and developed the social skills needed for a good start to secondary school.
The Year 9 Canberra Trip was a valuable experience that helped students learn more about Australia’s political, historical, and cultural background. During the trip, students participated in a program that supported their Civics and Citizenship studies and provided a real-world context for what they learned in class. They visited important national sites like Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. These visits gave students a better understanding of how government works, why democracy matters, and the stories that shape our country. The trip also encouraged independence, teamwork, and personal growth. Students showed maturity, curiosity, and respect throughout the trip, representing St Aloysius College well.
Student wellbeing is still a key focus at the College. During Term 1, students will take part in a range of wellbeing programs aimed at building emotional skills, resilience, and respectful relationships. These programs include:
- Targeted Pastoral Care sessions addressing friendships, digital citizenship, and help‑seeking
- Mindfulness and reflection practices are incorporated into weekly routines
- Guest presentations and workshops tailored to developmental needs
- Leadership opportunities that encourage responsibility and active participation
These programs show the College’s commitment to supporting students in their academic, social, and emotional development.
We have also seen students highly engaged in the classroom. They have shown curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to work together. Students have demonstrated:
- A readiness to ask thoughtful questions
- Persistence when faced with challenging concepts
- Respectful and productive teamwork
- Pride in their academic achievements
This positive engagement gives students a strong foundation for growth, not just in Term 1 but for the rest of the year.
One of the best parts of Term 1 has been the strong sense of community among students. Acts of kindness, inclusion, and peer support have been seen throughout the College. Staff and families are working together to make sure every student feels supported, respected, and encouraged to do their best. These positive foundations set our students up for more success and growth in the coming months.
Siobhan Bloomfield
Assistant Principal, Student Engagement and Wellbeing