From the Principal
As Principal of St Aloysius College, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome new and returning families to what promises to be a fantastic year for all. I am really thrilled to have students physically back in our classrooms and I know that our staff have been eagerly awaiting their return so that our learning environments, our grounds and our corridors are once again filled with the laugher, the energy, and enthusiasm for learning which characterises everyday life at St Als. Since the 2022 school year appears to have some resemblance of normalcy, we are looking forward later this year to hosting in person events including Camps, Musicals and Valedictory dinners to name just a few.
For many, the academic year began on the morning of Monday, 31 January. After the challenges of 2020 and 2021, it was so nice to see the physical return of year levels. Special programs were organised for each year level to support our students return to school – although there were so many happy faces, we also were acutely aware that the summer break was challenging for so many within our community, not only facing the rapid spread of the Omicron virus but coping with separation from loved ones. In these moments, the bonds and friendships found in schools are even more important for the positive wellbeing of all, and it was so pleasing seeing the joy which permeated. The whole day of new friendships and helping hands was a wonderful example of what it means to be a student or a staff member of St Aloysius College, and reminds me of Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
This year’s College theme is Respect, which is one of the values of Mercy Education. The word ‘respect’ is derived from two Latin words: re meaning again, or return, and specere meaning to see (hence our word spectacles). Therefore, respect means to see something again and again and over time the word particularly relates to good, noble behaviours. Such respect is essential for trust, for safety and for wellbeing – it’s an important value and an incredibly important theme for 2022, and I look forward to witnessing how our students embrace it and express it. 2022 is also an important year in our college history, as it marks our 135th birthday – 135 years of delivering Catholic Education in the tradition of the Sisters of mercy in North Melbourne. This milestone is an amazing achievement, and it has been a wonderful journey. Our admiration and our acknowledgement of the Sisters for their courageous vision, determination and hard work on the establishment of a strong, solid foundation is unwavering. 2022 also, in some ways, marks the start of a new chapter in our history as we prepare to open our doors to Year 7 boys in 2023. Wishing you all the best for the year ahead.