吃瓜网

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

The theme for this year鈥檚 Book Week, Dreaming with Eyes Open, gave our primary staff a good excuse to wear their pyjamas to school last Friday! The costumes at the parade were incredible, with students dressed as characters from fantasy, fairy tales and many other genres. A love of literature is something we seek to nurture in each of our students, and when we see our Year 12 students keen to join in the fun of Book Week, we know that we have been successful. Special thanks to the Library Team, whose constant creativity and commitment is an inspiration to staff and students alike.

Year 10 students Bridget and Momina graduated in Week 4 from the Youth Governor鈥檚 Leadership Foundation, a program designed to help teens become self-aware, confident, socially conscious and community-minded leaders. Working with other young leaders from across the state, Bridget and Momina participated in team projects to promote the work of some not-for-profit organisations in SA. The program is closely aligned with our own Mercy values, so it was great to see Momina and Bridget flourishing within a broader context. We wish them well as they take the lessons they have learnt into their senior years.

Thanks to the many families who attended Subject Selection Interviews for students entering Years 11 and 12 in 2023. The families I spoke to were feeling confident that their daughters have made good choices and are well placed for success in the SACE. Students benefit from these conversations, as they see that their parents, teachers and support staff are in a partnership to enable them to thrive.

On Monday, a funeral service was held at the Monastery for Sister Kate Conley RSM. Kate was an old scholar of St 吃瓜网, who joined the Sisters of Mercy a few years after she graduated from the boarding school here on Angas St. She returned here to teach and then went on to become a teaching Principal at several Mercy schools across SA. Following this, Kate worked for many years as Chaplain to the Women鈥檚 Prison. Many old scholars will remember hearing Kate speak at the Mercy Day High Tea in 2019. She was a wonderful storyteller and a woman whose kindness and compassion seemed to know no bounds. Kate maintained strong connections with her fellow students from her years at SAC, and she will be greatly missed. May she Rest in Peace.

Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal

Book Week Fun!

Book Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together the joy and importance of reading. Our Catherine McAuley Library is well resourced and highly valued in our school community, and an incredibly well used, much loved space and service to our students. Last week, students celebrated the opportunities they have to share stories, appreciate illustrations and learn about the world around them through the 2022 theme, 鈥楧reaming with Eyes Open鈥�.

Our Year 6 students were lucky to have local author/illustrator Andrew Joyner visit us for a picture book workshop where he shared some of his own work including The Pink Hat, Stand up! Speak up! and Love was inside, which feature his signature illustrations. Students got to make their own mini-book, had a go at creating a story using 鈥榰p鈥� phrases and then illustrating in his style. Andrew drew lots of pictures for us, both on paper and on his iPad, and watching his drawings come to life from stick figures to 鈥榬eal鈥� characters, was just mesmerising. He was incredibly generous with advice, tips, insider knowledge and autographs! Students and staff loved his enthusiasm and are looking forward to using their new skills when they come to create their own picture books over the next few weeks.

Tristan Bancks, Australian author for children and teens, shared writing advice and practical strategies with our Year Seven students, giving insights into the journey behind completing his popular novels. Rebecca Bird from Pegi Williams Bookshop came to share some new-releases and old favourites with our Year Six students, giving them the chance to go 鈥榮hopping鈥� after her recommendations. We have new stacks of books for our library that students have chosen from her suggestions.

The Reception and Year One students enjoyed a themed 鈥楽cavenger Hunt鈥� in the library based on the shortlisted picture book, Amira鈥檚 Suitcase. The hunt was multi-sensory and involved scents, sounds and textures from the story. The Year Two and Year Three students were also on the hunt 鈥� following clues from a wide range of books on the 2022 Children鈥檚 Book Council of Australia鈥檚 shortlists. They carefully collected clues from the stories and collated them to learn more about the constellation The Emu in the Sky, or Gawarrgay to the first astronomers of Kamilaroi Country. The Year Four and Year Five students enjoyed testing their general literature knowledge in a Book Week Quiz, based on popular titles and most borrowed fiction books in our library.

The Book Week Parade is always a highlight of the week, as the Undercroft bursts with colour, costumes and creativity! Our friends from Chancery Lane right through to our Year Six students were dressed up and ready to join in the fun on the final day of Book Week celebrations. A big thank you to Ms Garner and Lucy for being such vibrant hosts for our parade.

Most of all, a big thank you to SAC staff and students, whose love and appreciation for our library makes it feel like the heart of our school. Book Week was a very special time to share together.

Charter Ambassador Program

On Tuesday 16 August, four Year 10 SRC Representatives went on an excursion to Parliament House as a continuation of the Charter Ambassador Program. Throughout the course of the morning, we were led on an immersive tour which served as a fantastic insight into our Parliament and how our voices can make an impact.  We had an opportunity to interact with three members of parliament, Hon Blair Boyer Minister for Education, Matt Cowdrey MP and Connie Bonaros MP. We were privileged enough to ask the Members many pressing questions that concerned us about education in South Australia. Thanks to this experience, we have the inspiration to seek change for children and young people all around SA. 

鈥淚f you think you鈥檙e too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a tent with a mosquito鈥� 鈥� Connie Bonaros MP 

Year 10 SRC Representatives, Chiara Conci, Olivia Daniel, Amy Peterson, Sydney Villis-Chatfield

SAC Op Shop

The SAC Op Shop is a great way of educating our students about the impact of fast fashion on society and the environment. It allows our school community to learn about these issues, the skills of volunteering and contribute to a student-driven initiative that raises money for Mercy Works Projects.

The SAC Op Shop is open to the whole school community on Wednesday mornings and for students on Tuesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. 听 We welcome donations of good quality clothing, accessories, and jewellery. You can place donations in the yellow wheely bin in the Front Office foyer. 听听Thank you for your ongoing support!

The Op Shop Team

Year 12 Social Action

After a great deal of thought and preparation students from the two Year 12 Society & Culture classes staged their Social Action Lunchtime. The activity raised awareness about a diverse range of worthy organisations and their support of groups in need. An amazing amount of money was raised and will be forwarded to the Childhood Cancer Association, the Zahra Foundation, The Sammy D Foundation, Catherine House, Mercy Ships, Little Heroes Foundation, Oxfam and Greenpeace. Collectively, the environment, women, children and young people will benefit from the generosity and support of the SAC community. It was an eye-opening and rewarding activity for our Year 12 students who have gained invaluable skills in collaboration, cooperation, organization, creativity, advertising and presentation, while meeting the SACE requirements for their Group Task.

Ms Carolyne Williams

Year 12 Coordinator

ABODA Band and Orchestra Festival

Congratulations to the talented musicians in the SAC Orchestra and Stage Band, who performed at the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors鈥� Association (ABODA) Band and Orchestra Festival last week. Both ensembles delivered great performances, with the Orchestra achieving a Gold Award in their division and the Stage Band achieving a Bronze Award in theirs. The Festival was a wonderful musical experiences for those involved, and the performances reflected the hard work which went into the preparation for the event. Well done to all!

From the Secondary Sport Coordinator

Winter Sport wrap up

Saturday 20 August proved to be a very successful day of play-off finals for SAC. Across netball, soccer and badminton, SAC had five teams set to play off for 1^st place in their premiership table and a number of other teams playing of for 3^rd or 5^th. Here are the results for all teams:

I was lucky enough to witness our Middle SAC 2 Soccer team in a nail-biting win in their B grade grand final. With about 6 minutes to go, the girls were down 3-0 against Sacred Heart College. Out of nowhere, thanks to the crafty skills of Isabelle Dunning (8MH) and Olivia Howie (9DT), the girls were able to score 3 quick goals to bring the game to a tie with about a minute to go. The whole team went into overdrive, and managed to gain possession in the midfield off a penalty in the dying seconds. As the penalty kick was booted up-field, Liliana Bagnato (8LC) read it perfectly, lined it up and scored the winning goal with only seconds to go!!! An absolute nailbiter to cap off an amazing season.

Term 4 Sport

Nominations for Term 4 sport close today. If you haven鈥檛 already visited the online nomination portal, do so this evening to avoid missing out! Log in to to access the Secondary Sport Portal.

Information packs, draws and team lists will be uploaded to the Term 4 Secondary Sport Portal by the end of term.

Knockout Sport

Last week our Open Knockout Football team made SAC history by playing in the Statewide schools Division 3 grand final at Mitchell Park Oval. The game was close for the whole 4 quarters, with our SAC girls fighting to maintain a 1 goal lead right up until half way through the last quarter. Unfortunately, Woodcroft found some luck in the final minutes, snapping a few late goals to win by 12 points. It was an absolutely cracking game and our girls played some really high-quality footy. A big thankyou to the parents and spectators who came out to support and cheer our girls on. Additionally, a special thanks goes out to the team鈥檚 coach and teacher, Mr Michael Heath for all the time and effort he has given to helping our girls succeed and grow their love for footy. There is so much to look forward to next year for this young group!

Sporting Spotlight!

Earlier this month, Year 11 student Keeral Mckenzie competed in the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival held in Darwin. 230 players from every state and territory in Australia came together to compete over four days. The South Australian Team were awarded the Ash Barty Cup for admirable participation and effort and Keeral made it through to the 18-and-under girls鈥� finals championships. This is an outstanding achievement and incredible effort to have made the finals representing our state. Congratulations and well done Keeral!

Sisters Olivia and Nadia Van Zon represented SAC in a squash tournament versing 14 other schools across the state. It was a long day with 110 students competing in 4 divisions. Olivia came 2nd the in U15 girls age group closely followed by Nadia who came 3^rd! SAC came 5th overall which is a great achievement considering Olivia and Nadia make up our entire squash team! Fantastic results girls!

A Note From The Uniform Shop

Term 4 sports selection is now open. Now is a great time to check what PE uniform you may need for your Term 4 sport.

All stocks of bathers, water polo bathers, universal singlets and basketball sets are available from either the Uniform Shop or at or at our

For new students who need a fitting for summer uniforms (Term 4) please email [email protected] for an appointment.

Our trading days for the next school holidays are Thursday 13th and Friday 14th October 8.30am 鈥� 4pm.

'Future of the Adelaide Parklands'

The Kadaltilla/ Park Lands Authority provides advice on the Adelaide Park Lands to state and local government.听 This year it is reviewing the Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy and invited a group of our Year 11 students to contribute their ideas in a 鈥榝uture of the Adelaide Park Lands鈥� workshop.

Students worked with consultant and landscape architect Warwick Keates to contribute their ideas and vision for the Adelaide Park Lands which included: nurturing nature, sustainability, inclusivity, and acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the land, the Kaurna people.

Ms Louise Tunney
Year 11 Coordinator

Year 6 STEM Club

Lily and Olivia from Year 6 have shown an interest in Science as part of Year 6 STEM club. During Science Week, they volunteered to create and host a Science Week Kahoot! for their peers in Year 5 and 6 during lunchtime, leading the way by promoting an area of learning they are passionate about.

Ms Viviana Graney

STEM Club Coordinator

Thriving People

Connecting with culture is not just about learning the stories of the past but strengthening connections with each other.听 Some of our Year 7-10 students spent a meaningful day on Country at 听at Warriparinga with for this Term's Thriving People day.

The day encouraged us to be adventurous and try something new. Jordyn Feast & Kathryn Rothwell

I enjoyed telling my story through the painting. Hannah Mitchell

From the Careers Department

TAFE SA

Last week TAFE SA held an expo and offered tours of their facilities at Regency Park which houses courses in food and hospitality, patisserie and baking, commercial cookery and tourism and events. Graduates Restaurant showcased canapes and mocktails prepared and served by current students as visitors browsed stalls presenting information about courses and subject areas. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of prospective students as they toured the commercial kitchens and visualised future pathway options. Details of future TAFE information sessions can be found by visiting their website:

鈥�I feel excited about studying at TAFE even more now I鈥檝e seen their facilities. I can imagine myself in those kitchens!鈥� Mya, Year 12 student

Australian Defence Force Academy open day

Last week I was fortunate to visit the Royal Military College (RMC) Duntroon and the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) open day in Canberra. A tour of all facilities and informative presentations from Army personnel provided an excellent insight into the military via their officer entry recruitment. Recruits spend three years working towards their selected degree delivered through the University of New South Wales whilst also undertaking military training at RMC. Degree courses are available in Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Science or Technology. Australian Defence Force Academy offers world-class education plus cutting-edge military and leadership training.

You can still catch up with events through the virtual ADFA Open Day by heading to the ADFA On Demand section to re-watch live events. Watch interviews with ADFA alumni, ADFA trainee officers and UNSW academic staff to learn what it鈥檚 like to study and live at ADFA.

Flinders uniTEST

UniTEST is an exam-style test 听offered to enhance chances of getting into Flinders University. It is not based on any curriculum or subject areas; therefore, you do not need any special knowledge. The purpose of uniTEST is to assess the generic reasoning and thinking skills that underpin higher education studies.

UniTEST will be offered to Y12 students at SAC on Monday 12^th September commencing at 1.45pm. Students wishing to register should advise Mrs Stephenson as soon as possible.

Year 1 SAPOL

The Year 1 students were very excited to be visited by members of SAPOL. The constables shared information about what police officers do, the uniform they wear and what students need to do in an emergency. Students loved having two female police officers visit SAC, sitting in the police car, trying on uniforms and of course the lights and sirens on the police car!

Year 11 Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education provides the opportunity for experiential learning through the study of three focus areas: conservation and sustainability; human connections with nature; and personal and social growth and development. Students develop skills, knowledge, and understanding of safe and sustainable outdoor experiences in the key areas of preparation and planning, managing risk, leadership and decision-making, and self-reliance skills.

Students reflect on their study of natural areas and their potential to promote personal development, group development, health and well-being, environmental learning, sustainable living, and social justice. Students evaluate and reflect on their own learning progression, including their practical outdoor skills development and their collaborative and leadership skills, as well as their relationship with and connection to nature.

As part of this experience the students participated in a session at Holden Hill Indoor rock-climbing gym during which they learnt the safe procedures for climbing and belaying as well as experiencing various climbs for themselves.

Semester 1 Drama

COVID has definitely not slowed down the Drama department this year. We have seen productions across all year levels exploring comedy, melodrama, physical theatre, Shakespeare and everything in between. It has been fantastic to see so many students getting involved both on and off the stage. Senior students had the pleasure of being involved in our final year 12 production at the beginning of Term 2 鈥楾he Lucky Ones鈥�. Whilst we were so proud of what we put on the stage there was definitely an element of sadness as our final performance concluded. Drama has played a huge part in our journey as students at SAC, we have seen the way it can build confidence, friendships, and creativity. Enjoy this short snippet of some of the productions over the first semester.

Mikayla, Charli and Emma,

SAC Drama Leaders

Year 4 Camp at AFL MAX

This year, the Year 4 classes went to AFL Max for a one night and two-day camp. We arrived at 11:00am and put our luggage in one big room. Then the instructors told us some rules, introduced themselves and we got to eat our recess. After that we got to go and kick some footballs into the goals, points, and the hole targets in the walls. Then we had free time while they got ready for the activities.

We were split into three groups and started at our first activity. One of the activities were meditation and dead bugs/box breathing. It taught us to relax and meditate. Another one of the activities was learning how to take care of our body and have a healthy diet. We got bean bags and put them in our hoops and also had to do a food group picture game. One more of the activities was a heart beating one called 鈥淏ump鈥�. In 鈥淏ump鈥� we went on an inflatable obstacle course, and we had to do it six times.

After we finished that round of activities, we had lunch and then free time again for an hour.  Afterwards, we had afternoon tea which was fruit and then had more free time. We had a delicious dinner which was lasagna, salad and butter on bread. After dinner we got into our PJ鈥檚, we brushed our teeth and set up our mattresses. Then we got settled in and got to watch the movie 鈥淟uca鈥� while we ate our doughnuts and popcorn.

In the morning we got to eat our breakfast which was toast with Vegemite and butter, cereal, fruit and juice. After breakfast, we got to do half an hour of free time and then we did our last quarter. Then we got our stuff and said goodbye and we got on the bus. When we got back to school we did one more lesson and then we got pizza.  

By Year 4 Students Jayda, Estelle and Isabella

鈥淚 loved AFL MAX, because we learned about everything healthy.  My favorite thing about AFL MAX was the playground because my friends and I always played in the spiderweb on the playground, and encouraged  everyone to make it to the top. I also loved the movie, when we were all watching with popcorn and a donut. It was amazing there.鈥�

Lavanya, Year 4 Student

鈥淭he things I liked about the AFL Max camp was the activities and my favourite听 activity was the aerial area because there were trampolines and a big AFL max pillow that you could flip into.鈥�

Cielo, Year 4 Student

The things that I liked about camp were the rock climbing wall because it was challenging and fun to do and you can experience 听being up high.鈥� 听

Elainnah, Year 4 Student

Year 11 & 12 Chinese Excursion

Year 11 and Year 12 Chinese students participated in an immersion language program at Adelaide Zoo. Students created bilingual videos to introduce many animals and shared a meal at lunch time. This was a great opportunity for the students to communicate with other students and share their language learning.