From the Senior Years
This week concludes the 2023 year at St Aloysius College. Year 12 2024 students have made a positive start during the Step Ahead program and are hopeful, focused and positive ahead of the 2024 year.
At this time, I would like to thank the Pastoral leaders Mr Adam Valladres, Mr Mark Smith, Ms Kate Lonsdale and Ms Rachel Valentine for the pastoral care and supports that they have offered to students in 2023 and ahead of the 2024 year. Their dedication, attention and care for all St Aloysius College Senior students is greatly appreciated in setting the standards we know that all students will rise to each and every day at the College.
Over the summer break, it is important that each student take time to recharge and recuperate from the first year of their VCE journey. Students should also ensure that all holiday preparation tasks are completed for the return in Week 1 Term 1 2024. Starting off the 2024 year with all preparation learning completed will give each student confidence in their adequate preparation for next year.
I would thank all Pastoral teachers in the Senior years for their care, attention and follow up with students throughout 2023. Pastoral care is a hallmark of any Mercy education and the work of Ms. Daniela Franze 11A, Ms Joanna Grujovski and Ms Siobhan Bloomfield 11B, Mr Danny Yin 11C, Mr Adam Valladares 12A, Ms Kate Lonsdale 12B and Mr Mark Smith 12C has been testament to the Mercy values that each of these pastoral leaders have extended to our students each day at the College – care and compassion, respect, courage and hospitality to all students.
Favourite teaching moment
There are too many favourites to mention – I feel privileged to work in a profession that is all about the exchange of ideas and developing student understanding. It’s very rewarding and always interesting to teach similar content that is always seen differently through the eyes of students.
Favourite non-teaching moment
The Year 12 Valedictory Mass and Dinner and the Year 11 Final Year Level Mass and Assembly. These were great occasions to celebrate and reflect on all of the student achievements throughout the year. A great way to finish the year with the two year level cohorts in 2023.
Biggest growth opportunity
I’m certainly learning so much about student wellbeing in my role as Senior Years Leader. Bringing years of experience to the role, it has been very rewarding to continue learning more and more about the students at St Aloysius College and working with them to maximise their wellbeing – feeling good, learning to the best and doing good for others.
Innovative teaching methods and successful projects
Inheriting the well-established Nourish Program, I hope that some of the additions, including integrating the Respectful Relationships teaching and learning in the Year 11 program, as well as a number of keynote speakers, the inclusion of Elevate Education seminars and Brainstorm Productions performances have added to the existing program in a meaningful way for students in the Senior Years.
Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader