From the Principal

As they say, time flies when you are having fun. This is how 2023 has been at St Aloysius. Reflecting back on the year, I would like to congratulate all members of our College community, both staff and students. There has been so much achieved, from big projects through to individual and personal growth. All this has been achieved as a community, which is a hallmark of St Aloysius and one that makes me very proud.

So on behalf of the College community, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to all those staff members who will not be returning to the College, for reasons varying from extended leave to the taking up of other employment opportunities in 2024. I bid a fond farewell and heartfelt thank you to Kate Lonsdale, Jeremy Loadman, Jo Donato, Brad Hall, Hannah Herodotus, Eden Foster, and Tamara Lourdes. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Nikita Dalal, Toni Bonacci and Cherrie Arnold who completed their short-term replacement positions, covering for staff on extended leave this year. The contributions made to the students learning at St Aloysius by all mentioned above are a testament to their commitment to their role as educators.

Students have now received this year’s College Yearbook, which highlights the many celebrations and successes the students have achieved and contributed to in 2023. It is a fantastic read and showcases so many wonderful events - I hope you all enjoy reading it.

Last Sunday, 3rd December was the first Sunday of Advent, a Latin word meaning ‘coming’. Although Advent occurs at the end of the year, Advent is in fact the Season of new beginnings and indeed the new liturgical year commences on Sunday. In many ways, Advent is truly the Season where the impossible becomes possible and this is the real meaning of Christmas; the light brought about by the birth of Christ, God in human flesh, the impossible made possible. As we light candles each Sunday of Advent we wait for the coming of Christ but our wait is one that joins us with those who have gone before and those that will come. This is truly a wondrous time of the year and I wish you peace and blessings.

Finally, I would also like to wish you all a very safe, healthy and very Merry Christmas and may the blessings of the Season be upon you and your loved ones. To all our students, be careful and enjoy yourselves and come back refreshed and renewed for 2024.

Mary Farah
College Principal