Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal - Issue #18, 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians, Friends & Students of SAC,
If you have passed through the foyer gallery this week, you would have been stunned by the array of amazing pieces created by our Year 12 Visual Arts students. The breadth of work in both Art and Design is impressive, and I know that this is just a fraction of the work students have completed towards this Stage 2 subject. Each year, one Year 12 piece is selected for our SAC Collection. The piece we selected in 2024 is the painting, The Beauty of Everything, created by Elizabeth Burgess. It is a still-life composition in acrylic paint, exploring the personal significance of everyday objects that act as tools and memories of Elizabeths life. Finding beauty in the everyday is a very Mercy quality, and we are grateful to Elizabeth for allowing us to keep this piece for our collection. We are so proud of the students and staff from the Class of 2024 who have brought together such a wonderful showcase of their work.
Elizabeth Burgess artwork 'The Beauty of Everything' Joins Our SAC Collection
Thank you to the many parents who came along to the Parent Forum this week. These forums emerged from discussions at the College Advisory Council regarding the best channels for communication with parents to share ideas and initiatives. We are grateful to the many parents who came along, as well as those who took the time to provide some feedback via the online form. The large turnout indicates our parents strong commitment to shaping the future directions of SAC.
Speaking of future directions, preparations for the new Dunlevie Building are in full swing. Students and staff have been relocating to their new classrooms and making them feel like home. Learning spaces play a vital role in developing students sense of belonging, which is why we are investing so heavily in our new primary school. It was great to share more detail on the plans at our Parent Forum, and I know that the new Dunlevie will be a place where learners grow and flourish for many generations to come.
Leaving their mark on the Dunlevie Building, 4SC students are creating art and honoUring the memories of their time in their classrooms, excited for the future of their new learning environment
Stage 1 (Year 11) Biology students participated in a marine ecology excursion at Port Noarlunga on Monday 4th November. This activity involves guided walks through the sand dunes, being taken on a guided snorkel along the reef and walking on the reef whilst investigating the organisms found there. This year there are 65 Year 11 students enrolled in Biology, which reflects students' passionate interest in the natural world and commitment to caring for our common home.
A small group of Year 9 and 10 students attended the inaugural Dare to Dream event this week, designed to inspire young girls to explore exciting career opportunities in STEM, featuring a dynamic agenda filled with interactive sessions, speed networking, and hands-on workshops. This is an initiative of HerTechPath, an organisation founded by old scholar Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk, which aims to plant the seeds of future careers in STEM for women. It is great to see old scholars paving the way for women in SA to continue moving into fields where women remain significantly under-represented.
Thanks must also go the many First Nations families who joined us for the opening of The Wardlis in the Mitchell Courtyard last week. This beautiful space provides a physical Acknowledgment of Country in the middle of our campus, as well as a much-loved seating space for students of all ages. The native plants and water feature also make this space very attractive. Special thanks must go to Uncle Major Moogy Sumner, who led the Welcome to Country and taught the students a dance to mark the occasion. We have been grateful for his wisdom and guidance throughout the project. Please stop by to take a look at this very special space.
Ms Paddy McEvoy
Principal
A beautiful morning Celebrating the official opening of our Wardli gathering space
From the Visual Arts Department
Visual Arts Coordinator
Inspiring Talent Showcased at the Year 12 Art & Design Exhibition
On Friday 1 November, the school community celebrated the achievements of our Year 12 Art and Design students at an exhibition in the Foyer Gallery. On display are 27 practical pieces, an exciting array of Art and Design work, paintings, a sculptural installation, fashion design, architectural design, jewellery design and a range of graphic design projects. The students' personal style, talents and interests have all shone through in the work on display.泭 The exhibition was opened by old scholar Isabelle Dick. Isabelle graduated in 2016 and studied a Bachelor of Interior Architecture at Uni SA, she now works as an Interior Designer at the FabriKate studio. Isabelle inspired us with a description of her journey as a designer and reminded us all to make the most of every opportunity as you establish your career in the creative industries. Our fantastic 2024 Art leaders Pia and Milla reflected on their year in a heartfelt speech and Ms McEvoy awarded Visual Art student Elizabeth Burgess with the 2024 School Acquisition Award. Her captivating painting The Beauty of Everything' will now be part of the permanent collection initiated by Sr Judith Redden in 1990.
The opening evening was a wonderful celebration of the students' courage, creativity, and individuality and we look forward to seeing where their creative skills lead them in the future.
The exhibition is on until November 22nd and we encourage students and families to view this stunning exhibition.
Ms Michelle Barratt
Visual Arts Coordinator
Pictured above: Year 12 Art leaders Pia and Milla
Pictured above: The Beauty of Everything' by Elizabeth Burgess
will now be part of the permanent collection initiated by Sr Judith Redden in 1990
Congratulations to all the Year 12 Art & Design students for their amazing work and creativity!
Wardli Welcome Celebration Honours New Gathering Space
Mercy Light: Connecting
A young Kokatha woman stands proudly before a gathering of parents, current students, staff and special guests on a sunny October morning in SACs Mitchell Courtyard. Renowned Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna elder, Uncle Major Moogy Sumners AM, is among the special guests. The community has come together for the Wardli Welcome Ceremony, to officially open the newly-installed seating spaces.
The word wardli in Kaurna language means home色 she begins.
My name is Tatum, and I am in Year 12. I have been involved with this project for the last two years and it is so exciting for me to see it become a reality before I graduate.
Behind Tatum stand three brightly-painted, dome structures the wardlis SACs earthy meeting areas located on the southern side of the Mitchell Courtyard. These three homes each tell a story through visual arts reflecting the past, present and future journeys of the students who gather, learn, talk and laugh within them.
Last year, in consultation and collaboration with Ngarrindjeri artist, Cedric Varcoe, and architect, Peter Moeck, students produced the artworks that were transformed into the eye-catching backdrops of the wardlis.
The artwork in each of the wardlis, created with input from students, represent our stories and our hopes, Tatum explains.
We are going to do a series of dances for you that tell these stories. The first dance is a cleansing dance, which will then be followed by two totem dances.
Tatum then takes her place in line among the younger peers who look up to her fellow First Nations students of many ages, all excited to dance in celebration of their rich and ancient cultures, which are nurtured at the College through in-class and external opportunities, supported by a dedicated staff team. First Nations Learning Support Officers, Maja Tongerie and India Bament-Sitkowski, together with First Nations Focus Teacher, Ms Viviana Graney, curate meaningful and engaging experiences that foster community and enhance cultural pride.
Between dances, Tatum steps forward to explain the significance and connection between the performance and the wardlis artworks.
This Wardli dance tell the story that home is where the heart is. A wardli is a place to rest and feel comfortable and we hope that this space in our school feels like a safe place for our students and our community. In this dance, you will see movements that reflect the circle of life, telling the story that even though we live separately, we come together as one. It is a dance about home, coming together, and reconciliation, Tatum says.
The dances were taught to the students by Uncle Moogy and his daughter, Charlotte, who led a series of rehearsals building a sense of anticipation for the Wardli Welcome Ceremony, and camaraderie between the student performers.
Parent, Mr Kurt Towers, and his Year 7 daughter, Ivy, also addressed the gathering, with Kurt commending the College for its commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
I would like to acknowledge the incredible commitment SAC has shown to reconciliation. SACs commitment is evident to the ongoing work engaging our community in relationships with the school. As a proud Wiradjuri man and Ivys Dad, I can genuinely say that Ive felt listened to and embraced here. Ive seen the school embrace the Kaurna culture and I would like to recognise Uncle Moogy, traditional owner and custodian, and to acknowledge how the school has embraced Kaurna Language, says Mr Towers.
While enjoying a cuppa and scones in SACs Nunga Room to conclude the Wardli Welcome, Uncle Moogy took a moment to share what it means to him to see young people celebrate their culture.
As a young boy, I grew up learning everything about the western culture. I walk between two worlds, you see. As a child I learnt how to speak English, how to understand the schooling. Not many people were learning about us my people and where we were from. What we do in schools like this [SAC], introducing young people to something they might not have understood, we teach each other how to walk along both sides of the fence-line with each other, he observes.
These girls who were dancing, they are different now than they were the other day, they are more relaxed, they are excited and growing in their confidence in their culture, Uncle Moogy says with a glint of pride in his eye.
The artwork on the third wardli depicts footprints that trail off where the structure ends, symbolising that even though students, like Tatum, eventually complete their journey at SAC, their learning continues forward into the future, with a strong foundation of Mercy values to ground them.
The wardlis are open to anyone visiting the College to sit and enjoy a tranquil moment of contemplation, or to gather and converse with others. Please feel welcome to stop by and enjoy this special hallmark of reconciliation and community.
Ms Maddie Kelly
Marketing & Communications Team
From the English Faculty
English & Literacy Coordinator
SAC Springs into Poetry
SAC young poets continued to bloom in this years Spring Poetry Festival. Run by the SA branch of the English Teachers Association (SAETA), the Festival Judges received over 4000 entries across the state, so it is a significant achievement for work to be selected to appear in the annual Anthology. Congratulations to Chloe (Year 6 student), Clarisse (Year 5 student) and Amalie (Year 9 student), whose work was published. An SAC artist also featured in the publication congratulations to Jasmine (Year 10 student), whose work was selected for the cover art.
In addition to being published in the anthology, Chloe received the Budding Poets Prize. Presented by Adelaide poet, Jude Aquilina, the prize is given to a student from Reception to Year 10 whose work is particularly outstanding in terms of the ideas presented and the poetic forms employed. This prize is the culmination of Chloes very successful year in poetry, having won her age divisions in the Young Writers Award (SAETA) and SAC Short Story & Poetry Competition. When asked what she enjoys about poetry and where shed like to take her writing, Chloe shared:
I enjoy poetry because its a great way for me to express my personal thoughts and feelings to others, hoping that they can somehow relate. I love seeing how people react to my writing and hearing about how it makes them feel. I am looking forward to continuing to write more poems and share them with others in the hope that I can make a difference.
As Jude Aquilina commented, if Chloe writes like this in Year 6, we are eager to see where her writing takes her in the future.
Congratulations Chloe and all our SAC writers and artists!
Ms Genevieve Pelekani
English & Literacy Coordinator
From the Drama Department
Drama Coordinator
The Year 11 Drama students presented a powerful and compelling play,泭Blood at the Root. This play is a bold new drama by award-winning playwright Dominique and was inspired by the events surrounding the "Jena Six", six black teenagers convicted in the beating of a white student at Jena High School on December 4, 2006. It follows a group of high school students desperately trying to define themselves while seeking to persevere amidst the relentless injustice happening in America in the early 2000s.泭Blood at the Root examines the miscarriage of justice, racial double standards and the use of homophobic slurs at the time. Using music, dance and poetic dialogue, this production left a profound effect upon the audience.
Mr Tom Coultas
Drama Coordinator
Letters, Stamps and Surprises!
Year 3 students enjoyed a special outing to the city post office, where they sent letters to a mystery classmate as part of their letter writing lessons in English. After a short walk, they arrived at the GPO, excited to discover more about how mail is sent. The students had a chance to explore the counters and learn about different types of postage. Carefully applying their stamps to envelopes, each student posted their letter, eagerly awaiting the surprise of discovering their mystery pen pal.
Year 3 Teachers
Ms Isabella Deluca & Sarah Costanzo
From the Humanities & Social Sciences Coordinator
Humanities & Social Sciences Coordinator
Year 9 Future Food Workshop: Exploring Sustainable Food Futures
As part of the Year 9 Geography curriculum, all Year 9 students recently participated in the "Future Food Workshop," a hands-on learning experience designed to explore key topics such as sustainability, environmental management, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. The workshop aimed to challenge students thinking by presenting scenario-based activities focused on the future of food production and consumption.
Throughout the day, students engaged in three key themes: How can we feed a growing global population? How should we rethink the value of food when resources are scarce? What creative food solutions could help us respond to the challenges of climate change?
The workshop covered emerging food technologies, the environmental impact of food production (including its water footprint), the role of climate change on food systems, and traditional First Nations food knowledge. Students also had the opportunity to explore edible insects as a sustainable food source and reflect on the future of our food systems.
Food tastings were a highlight, offering students a chance to try kangaroo mettwurst, chickpeas, freeze-dried ice cream, and even crickets and mealworms! These tastings, along with interactive group activities such as creating their own 2050 future scenarios and building burgers of the future, sparked many interesting discussions.
Heres what some of our Year 9 students had to say about the experience:
I enjoyed tasting bugs for the first time (even though they didn't taste good), and experimenting with building a burger on the tablet, or extinct animal meals, and 3d printing meals. June Ryu
Learning about how much water it takes to produce some very popular foods was really interesting. Poppy Watts
I quite enjoyed both the create your own 2050 activity and the burger-making activities. Naisha Raj
My favourite part was trying foods of the 'future' and learning about 3D food printing technology. Annie Wu
Eating bugs was a new experience for me, and I liked seeing how they could be disguised to make them more appealing. Lily Reynolds
The Future Food Workshop offered a fun and thought-provoking way to think about how food might evolve in the future. We hope it has inspired our students to consider their role in building a more sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.
Ms Elizabeth Heuzenroeder
Humanities & Social Sciences Coordinator
From the Mathematics Faculty
Mathematics Coordinator
Congratulations to Our Maths Competition Participants!
We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the outstanding efforts of our students who participated in the Australian Maths Competition this year. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for mathematics have truly shone through.
A special congratulations to the following students for their remarkable achievements:
- Distinction: Maya Cooke (Year 7), Alina Thai (Year 7), Serena Thai (Year 7), June Ryu (Year 9)
- Credit: Alison Jiang (Year 10)
- Proficiency: Charlotte Tepe (Year 7), Saachi Sooraj (Year 9)
- Participation: Gianna Dias (Year 9), Yenuli Perera (Year 10)
We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Aamina Dars, who entered the Mathematics and Statistics Research Competition, achieving an excellent result.
Their commitment to excellence and perseverance in tackling challenging problems is commendable. Lets continue to support and encourage our students in their academic pursuits. Well done to everyone involved!
Ms Laura Flynn
Mathematics Coordinator
From the Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)
Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)
On Thursday 31st October, the primary school had the opportunity to listen to songwriter and musician Michael Mangan for a special performance! Known for his engaging, and interactive style, Michael captivated the primary school students with his inspiring songs and upbeat energy.
Together, we sang some school favourites, including Holy Spirit Rock and Hearts on Fire, filling the room with clapping, dancing, and joyful voices. These well-loved songs brought excitement and enthusiasm, encouraging students to celebrate themes of faith, community, and kindness.
We thank Michael for sharing his songs and spirit with us.
Ms Isabella Deluca
Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)
From the Careers Department
Careers & VET Coordinator
Year 9 Students Explore STEM Pathways at Ingenuity Exhibition
Last week, Year 9 students visited Ingenuity held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Ingenuity is an exhibition featuring a range of interactive, STEM-focused activities. It provides an insight into the variety of career opportunities available across architecture and built environment, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). University students presented their work to the Year 9 students who were interested to learn more about studying STEM programs at the University of Adelaide. Ingenuity delivered a collective showcase of over 300 student projects, information displays and achievements. It was fantastic to see some SAC old scholars amongst those presenting their final year university projects in STEM disciplines
Coaching Collective - Empowering Young Minds
The 2024 Coaching Collective program has commenced! It aims to encourage career exploration whilst offering students across two different year levels opportunity to work collaboratively.
Year 3 students were excited to be paired with Year 8 students who will be coaching and offering support to create a visual presentation about a specific job. We are thankful to all Year 8s who voluntarily participate in the program and gain immense leadership and communication skills whilst doing so.
In the first session Year 3 students participated in 'Getting to Know You' activities with their Year 8 coaches. They dressed up in career related costumes and will commence research on their particular job in future coaching sessions. It was an exciting time for everyone, and we look forward to flourishing relationships as their journey together progresses.泭泭泭
Undergraduate key dates for 2025 entry
Year 12 university applicants should ensure that they have submitted and paid for their SATAC undergraduate application by Monday 2 December 2024 to be guaranteed equal consideration. Applications submitted and/or paid for after this date will not be guaranteed equal consideration. The first offer round in which most current Year 12 applicants will participate in on the basis of their ATARs will be on Friday 10 January 2025. The change of preference deadline for this offer round will be on Thursday 2 January 2025. Offers will continue to be sent on scheduled offer rounds up until Thursday 13 March 2025.
Flinders University Taster Days for Year 12 students
These Taster Days are designed for Year 12 students, to get a taste of the study area they are interested in at Flinders. Flinders academics have created hands-on experiences in areas such as Business, Medicine, Health, Nursing, Animal Behaviour, Criminology, Drama, Engineering, Screen Production, Cybersecurity, Law and more. Students will have the opportunity to speak to teachers, learn from current students, enjoy a free lunch and work in and tour the state-of-the-art facilities.泭泭Register here:
Ms Julie Stephenson
Careers &泭VET泭Coordinator
A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship and Courage
Imagine a small Aussie town, facing a severe drought. Only two best friends can fix it. Annie Shearer and Runt can. In Upson Downs, Earl Robert Barron has stolen all the water from the rest of the town and has made a dam for himself. Other townsfolk have been left to fend for themselves, and some move out of town. Annie and Runt have to win The Crumpets Dog Show to pay the over draft on the over draft. But Runt used to be a stray dog, hated by the majority of the town. So, finding Annie was very special to him and now all Runt wants to see is Annie. Before Annie and Runt can win the prize, Runt must get over his fear of people. Can Runt win? You will have to read the book or watch the movie to find out!
After reading and studying the Craig Silvey novel earlier in the year, the Year 5 classes were lucky enough to be some of the first people to see the movie Runt in cinemas at the end of Term 3. The four classes walked to the Palace East End cinemas and had a whole cinema to themselves to enjoy this new Aussie classic feel good films. We recommend the movie for ages 8+. Five stars!
Written by Isla, Nancy, Sayumi, Selena and Grace from 5NP
Celebrating the Achievements and Leadership of Our Year 10 Students
Year 10 is an exciting time, when students can lean into learning with mature insights and new excitement. The recent Year 10 assembly celebrated many achievements of this bright cohort. We especially congratulate those who've gone and beyond in their commitment to service.
儭 Every year an outstanding student who has demonstrated leadership, teamwork, cooperation, problem-solving and community mindedness is awarded a $250 cash prize and certificate by the Australian Defence Force. This years recipient of the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Award is Alison J.
儭 The ADF Future Innovator Award honours students who demonstrate motivation, innovation, and achievement in a STEM related field with a $250 cash prize and certificate by the Australian Defence Force. This years recipient is Hanna W.
儭 Four Year 10s represented SAC to advocate for the rights of children and young people in SA, through involvement in The Charter Ambassador Program (CAP). This initiative seeks to give life to the Charter for Children and Young People. The Charter was informed by children and young people in 2019 and launched with children and young people in 2021. The CAP is the next step in giving children and young people a platform to use their voice to have a say about what matters to them. Thank you and congratulations to Maria J, Liliana B, Alessia G and Emily C.
儭 The Australian Maths Competition is a nationwide competition that students are invited to participate in each year. Students challenge themselves to work through problem-solving and reasoning questions where they have to apply a variety of maths skills and concepts. Congratulations to Alison J and Yenuli P on their participation!
The Youth Governor's leadership foundation program (YGLF)泭
Congratulations to Year 10 students Yenuli and Mariya for receiving an award in recognition of their successful completion of The Youth Governor's leadership foundation program. Reflecting on their journey, the students shared:
"The Youth Governor's leadership foundation program (YGLF) was a fantastic opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills. Over the duration of 5 months, we learnt about many important factors and components of leadership such as the integral quadrants model, social inequity, meta cognition and how to utilise the TICK personality quiz to work other people. We were each placed in groups from our community action project (CAP). In my group, we had a common passion for improving children's wellbeing. We worked together to create a video to send out to schools and charities sharing our experiences and advice for students struggling to manage their wellbeing. By using tools, we were taught such as metacognition and the integral quadrants, we reflected and discussed ways that we can create a long-term impact. I would like to thank SAC for giving me this valuable opportunity."泭Yenuli
"Going into this program, I really didnt know what to expect, but as I look back now, Youth Governors Leadership Program was an eye-opening journey. Through personality tests and leadership exercises, I discovered new strengths and learned that leadership isnt just about being outgoing, its about empathy, teamwork, and listening. I also was able to put these discoveries to action which is important for people my age as we are developing. My group focused on homelessness, and through our initiative, we raised $1400 for Puddle Jumpers to cater 600+ meals for those in need! The experience taught me valuable skills in leadership, collaboration, communication, time management and making a real impact. It was an enjoyable and rewarding journey which has empowered me to continue creating positive change in my community." Mariya
Ms Julie Barletta
Year 10 Coordinator
Thai Students Enrich Our School Community
ECE Study Tour
Over the past three weeks, our school had the pleasure of hosting three Thai students from the Educational Cultural Exchange (ECE) program. These students integrated seamlessly into our community, joining classes with the 10 MB students and forming close bonds with their student buddies who ensured they felt at home.
The highlight of their visit was the Thai Exhibition, a vibrant event that showcased the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. The Thai students dazzled us with their talents, performing traditional Thai and contemporary singing and dancing that captivated the audience. We also enjoyed tasting Thai cuisine and had a lot of fun playing the Thai version of Duck, Duck Goose.
This study tour has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about and appreciate Thai culture. It has fostered new friendships and broadened our understanding of the world.
Ms Michelle Barratt
Visual Arts Coordinator | Study Tours Coordinator
Student Spotlight
The Oliphant Science Experience - A Journey of Discovery and Inspiration
One of our Oliphant Science Award winners, year 7 student Sienna, reflects on her experience:
"I feel so privileged to be one of the lucky winners.泭The category I chose was Natural History because I am interested in apex predators and am fascinated by their complex digestive system. I didn't know about the Oliphant Science Awards before this but am now inspired to create another project for next year's competition.泭It was a nice experience since everyone was extremely friendly and the competition helps to boosts student's self-esteem and confidence for getting recognition of their hard work."
Continuing the Storytelling of our History
SAC Old Scholars - A Legacy of Service in WWII
As we approach Remembrance Day on November 11, we take a moment to honour the brave and inspiring SAC old scholars who served during World War II.
During World War II, brave and inspiring old scholars stepped up to serve in various capacities, enlisting in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and the Australian Womens Army Service (AWAS), while others joined the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on active duty in the Middle East and Mid-Pacific. The 1942 Annual fondly recalls, Many of these girls have called at the Convent from time to time, when on leave, and look very trim in their smart uniforms. One notable old scholar, Phyllis Lynch (Class of 1939) pictured in the below photo, made a remarkable contribution to the Archives, donating her RAAF slouch hat, cap, dress jacket, overalls, and even a swimming costumea heartfelt tribute to the spirit and legacy of their service.
Ms Carol Grantham
Head Archivist
Join us and walk 20kms to raise awareness of skin cancer!
Hi! Were Eva and Lili and we have organised the 20kms for Sunny Days Walk to raise awareness of skin cancer!
Skin cancer is Australias most common cancer, with 2 in 3 people getting diagnosed with it in their lifetime. The majority of these cases are due to sun damage, including something as simple as not applying enough sunscreen. Unfortunately, anyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, although it becomes more common as you get older.
These statistics alone are reasons to why we have had the motivation to try and raise awareness and contribute to fighting along with the millions of Aussies who battle skin cancer.
Come and join us on Saturday 11 January 2025, as we walk alongside our friends and family to help support the cause!
to book your attendance and contact us for more information.
Thank you!
Eva and Lili (Year 9 Students)