Principal's Message

Academic Preparation & Upcoming Assessment Blocks

As we move further into the mid part of term 3, our students across all year levels are entering a critical phase of their academic journey.

Years 7, 8, and 9 will commence their assessment block on Monday, 31 August. Meanwhile, our Year 12 students are in the final leg of their secondary schooling as they prepare for the final Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations, which begin on Tuesday, 13 October.

The recent Trial HSC exams were a valuable practice run, offering our Year 12s clear insights into their strengths and areas for growth. With 50% of the external HSC assessment still to come, there is a tremendous opportunity to build on feedback, refine skills, and boost overall results.

To ensure every student across the college approaches this assessment period with confidence, we encourage the following strategies:

• Review and Learn: Use recent feedback and test results to pinpoint growth areas. Focus study sessions on turning existing weaknesses into strengths.
• Plan Ahead: Create a realistic, weekly study schedule to manage time effectively, balance rest, and lower stress.
• Practice Actively: Complete past exam papers under timed conditions and submit practice answers to teachers for targeted feedback.
• Collaborate: Form study groups with peers to talk through complex topics, test each other's knowledge, and share encouragement.
• Utilise College Resources: Take full advantage of our Learning Centre and connect with academic staff for extra guidance and support.

Throughout this busy period, high expectations regarding attendance, uniform, and conduct remain fully in place. We ask for parental support in reinforcing these standards so that all students maintain focus, (and, for Year 12, finish the year safe) and remain eligible for end-of-year milestone celebrations, including Year 12 Graduation events.

We keep all of our students in our prayers and wish them every success as they strive for their personal best.

"I'm not in competition with anybody but myself. My goal is to beat my last performance…" 

Céline Dion

Graduation and details of all the end of Year 12 Events

Parent Letter 

MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER

Graduation Assembly and Mass Practice

Students are to arrive at school at 8.35am in full school uniform for the Graduation Assembly practice. Following recess, students will gather with their Pastoral groups for roll call before walking under teacher supervision to St Aloysius Church (students are strictly not permitted to drive). At the church, students will process in alphabetical order to rehearse for both the Graduation Mass and Ceremony, as well as receive important information regarding the graduation and formal, prior to being dismissed directly from the church. 

Year 12 Formal Tickets

Please finalise all ticket purchases for the Year 12 Formal by Monday, 21 September. The event will take place on Friday, 13 November 2026 at Doltone House, Darling Island, Pyrmont. Completed form should be returned directly to the school office.

*Please note that all outstanding financial and administrative obligations must be resolved prior to participating in formal school events. All 2026 school fees must be fully paid before tickets for the Year 12 Formal Dinner can be purchased. 

TUESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER

Breakfast and Jamberoo

Year 12 students are invited to celebrate the end of their time at St Aloysius College Cronulla with a breakfast at school, followed by a picnic day at Jamberoo Action Park. Please ensure permission is granted via Compass.

Date:  Tuesday, 22 September 2026

Time:  Students arrive at school by 7.30am for breakfast. Buses will depart for Jamberoo at 8.30am. We anticipate return to school by 4:30pm

Cost: $50 - payments to be made via Compass Event

Transport:  Bus 

Uniform:  Appropriate casual clothing, including Year 12 Jersey

Equipment:  Bring swimmers, towel, sunscreen, water. 

Food:  Students are encouraged to bring a picnic style lunch or money to purchase food.

WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER

Graduation Assembly and Presentation 

Time:  10.00am

Location: Carmody Hall 

* Parents/carers/extended family are welcome to attend. Please aim to be at the College no later than 9.45am.

Year 12 students please arrive by 9.15am. Assemble in Homeroom at 9.30am to prepare for assembly. Presentation of the following awards will be:

• Medal for First Place in the HSC assessment Program
• Medal for Commitment to Academic Studies for 2026 
• Awards for Academic Effort
• Pastoral Awards
• The Bronze Certificates for completion of 10 hrs of community service
• The Silver Medal for completion of 20 hrs of community service 
• Certificate for Participation in the Catechist program
• Major awards
• Graduation Certificates  - presented to all Year 12 students

Graduation Mass 

Time:  6.00pm

Location:  St Aloysius Church, Cronulla 

Students should arrive at 5:30pm and assemble at St Aloysius Primary playground. As our Year 12 students gather one last time with their families and staff to share in the Eucharist, this Mass serves as a deeply meaningful celebration of their journey. We ask that students lead by example, arriving in flawless College uniform and demonstrating appropriate reverence during the service. At the conclusion of Mass will be the presentation of the following: 

• Major Award winners only (as indicated above, Graduation Certificates will be presented to students at the Year 12 Farewell Assembly)  

All students are expected to attend in full College winter uniform, including blazers and stockings for girls.

Nurturing a Community of Respect and Safety

As we progress through this academic year, I wish to emphasize a cornerstone of our life at St Aloysius College: the inherent right of every young person to feel secure, valued, and embraced. This remains a non-negotiable expectation for all who belong to our college family.

In profound alignment with our Catholic values and the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework, we maintain a firm zero-tolerance stance regarding bullying in any guise—be it verbal, physical, or through digital platforms. This state framework strengthens our collective commitment to proactive prevention and swift intervention, ensuring that any concerns regarding conduct are managed with urgency and the utmost care for student wellbeing. Such behavior contradicts our mission and has no place in our community.

Comprehensive Pastoral Support 

Cultivating a flourishing learning environment is a shared responsibility, and we are blessed with a devoted pastoral team ready to guide our students. 

Your Homeroom teacher serves as the vital first point of contact—a supportive mentor within our wider pastoral network. Furthermore, our Year Coordinators and the College Leadership Team collaborate diligently to maintain open communication and provide meaningful guidance for any issues that may arise.

Our Shared Responsibility

• Our Students: If you witness or encounter any unkindness, please remember that you are never alone. We encourage you to reach out promptly to a teacher or coordinator. Your safety is our priority, and you will always find an advocate when you speak your truth.
• Parents and Carers: We value your partnership in this vital work. We ask that you continue to engage your children in conversations about the power of empathy and grace. Encourage them to be courageous "upstanders"—those empowered to look out for one another and seek help when it is needed.

By walking together in faith and adhering to these high standards, we ensure that St Aloysius College remains a sanctuary where every student can achieve their personal best.

Staff Spirituality Day - Friday, 25 September (last day of term 3)

The College staff will be engaged in  a Staff Spirituality Day on Friday, 25 September. There will be no classes on this day. The staff will also be offsite at an external venue for this day. If your son/daughter requires supervision on this day could you please contact the College to inform us. 

Term 4 Details

Monday, 12 October

Staff Development Day - staff will be engaged in a curriculum planning day.

Tuesday, 13 October

All Students in Year 7, 8, 9 and 11 return to the College for lessons and need to be in full summer uniform. Year 12 begin their HSC examinations.

Principal's Upcoming Pilgrimage and Leave Notice

I am deeply honored and fortunate to share that I have been invited to participate in the upcoming St Paul & the Early Church Pilgrimage, hosted by His Grace Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and accompanied by Ms Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, alongside a cohort of fellow Principals across the Archdiocese.

• Leave Dates: Sunday, 20 September – Tuesday, 13 October 2026

During this time, I will be on official leave as I embark on this spiritual journey tracing the origins of our faith. This pilgrimage provides a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal and professional reflection, the fruits of which I look forward to bringing back to enrich our St Aloysius College community.

During my absence, Mrs Therese Hughes (Assistant Principal: Mission) and Mr Jon Cullerton (Assistant Principal: College) will be overseeing the leadership of the College throughout the final week of Term 3 and the two-week school holiday period. Please be rest assured that our school will remain in exceptional hands.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in our college community.

As we head into the NRL finals series—as always... UP UP CRONULLA! 

God bless,

Stephen Mahoney

Principal