Newsletter

Under the enormous screen and colourful lighting, the stage was prepared to congratulate the achievements of our students across a range of academic and co-curricular areas. We applauded the students who have achieved success in academics, competitive sport, Arts, Languages, Debating, diplomacy and Mathematics competitions. Plenary 1 at Melbourne Convention Centre almost filled its 1500 seat capacity with parents, staff and students collectively showing pride in our warm, friendly and inclusive school culture.

The College theme, “Never be afraid of the unknown” a quote from Catherine McAuley, was referenced in many ways throughout the evening. Our musicians and Voice Choir displayed confidence and courage on stage entertaining the audience with orchestral pieces, acapella numbers and poetry choreography. The prayers in the opening liturgy described living with gratitude for the talents, ideas and qualities every unique, individual deliver to St Aloysius College.

Academic awards highlighted the strongest student for each learning area at each year level. The categories of some awards were in the co-curricular stream such as Most Valuable Player for consistent improvement and leadership in a sporting team; winning state level competitions such as History Challenge or Italian Poetry competition through to Debating and Royal Melbourne Show winners. Awards of Distinction highlighted outstanding academic endeavour and qualities of personal character such as integrity, and the Mercy Values, were applauded across School Spirit, Principal’s and ‘Courage’ awards.

Photos of our students displayed on the screen reminded us of 2025 being an eclectic and busy year of equal parts learning, sharing, festivities and social justice projects making a difference to our local and global community. Accompanying this visual delight were some memorable performances by our Senior String Ensemble, Aloysius Acapella, Frayne Voice Choir and a Solo voice performance from our college production by Erika Binuya – all outstanding! The closing highlight of course our College Choir leading a very full-voiced balcony emphasizing ‘Carry St Aloysius in your heart!’

On Friday, Farewell Assemblies were held in Year Levels to present an even broader range of certificates and achievements for our students. I thank all the students and staff for their hours of preparation and contributions to both Celebration Evening and Farewell Day.

As soon as students completed exams and projects for assessment, we move to Step Ahead; an opportunity for students to feel confident and positive about progressing to the next level.

The final weeks are still filled with students organising their learning and receiving ‘holiday post work, which I am sure will ensure a positive start first day back next year. Parents should note that reports are available via Engage by Friday 5^th December, just click on ‘Reports’. Also access to feedback specific to summative assessment tasks is via Engage ‘Assessments’.

Step Ahead Program (2026 Year Levels):

• Years 11&12: Monday 24^th November – Thursday 4^th December
• Years 8-10: Monday 1^st December – Thursday 4^th December

Last Day:

• Years 10-12: Thursday 4^th December, 12:30pm (dismissal)
• Years 8&9: Thursday 4^th December, 3:15pm (dismissal)

Ad Altiora

Rachel Valentine
Deputy Principal