Principal's Message

Welcome Back to Term 3

A warm welcome back to all our students, families, and staff for Term 3! I hope you enjoyed a restful and restorative break and are returning refreshed for a productive term ahead.

Supporting Our Year 12 Students

Term 3 is a defining period for our Year 12 cohort as they undertake their Trial HSC examinations. This is a critical milestone, and our collective care and support as a school community are vital.

I ask parents and carers to help us support our Year 12s by ensuring they maintain healthy sleep habits, eat well, stay active, and receive steady encouragement at home.

These trial exams offer essential practice for the final HSC. I have been immensely impressed by our Year 12 students—their commitment, discipline, and genuine care for one another have been exemplary. Following the exams, I will meet with the cohort to discuss making the most of their remaining weeks at the College. Our focus will be on applying exam feedback, studying collaboratively, and working closely with teachers.

Please note that high standards for attendance, uniform, and personal conduct remain in place until the very end of the school year. Meeting these expectations ensures every student finishes their schooling positively and safely. Unacceptable conduct in these final weeks risks participation in Graduation events, formal school references, or HSC outcomes. Let’s work together to ensure every Year 12 student finishes well.

Upcoming Assessment Blocks: Years 7–11

While our Year 12s are in the spotlight, our other year groups are also preparing for key assessment periods.

• Years 7, 8 & 9: Monday, 31 August – Friday, 11 September - Use these weeks to revise consistently, organise study notes, and seek guidance from subject teachers early.

   

• Year 11: Monday, 14 September – Thursday, 24 September - Detailed assessment timetables will be distributed shortly to assist with planning.

Year 11: Building Momentum for HSC Success

Your upcoming final Year 11 assessments are a springboard into your HSC year. The HSC is a two-year journey requiring sustained momentum, not a last-minute sprint.

To set yourself up for a confident transition into Year 12:

• Start Early: Prepare study notes and revision materials now. 
• Establish a Routine: Maintain a structured study timetable.
• Tackle Major Works: Progress major projects consistently to avoid final-term pressure.
• Use College Resources: Take full advantage of the new Village Learning Centre before and after school, and participate in HSC masterclasses and workshops.

Student Wellbeing & Support Services

At St Aloysius College, we are committed to supporting the whole student. As we navigate Semester Two, please remember our dedicated pastoral and wellbeing network is always here to guide your child through any academic or personal challenges.

We encourage our HSC students in particular to take things one day at a time and consult the NSW Student Wellbeing Guide for practical study strategies and confidential support services.

Key College Contacts 

(Our Office staff will always be able to direct any query to the right staff member)

College Office: Ph 8522 1500

College email: info@stalscronulla.catholic.edu.au

Out-of-Hours & Emergency Wellbeing Support:

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (Free, 24/7)
• eheadspace: Online counselling and support at headspace.org.au
• Immediate Crisis Support: Sutherland Hospital Emergency Department or call 000.

Final Thoughts: Striving for Personal Growth

As we move deeper into the term, I encourage every student to focus on personal growth—aiming to be a better person today than yesterday, both academically and personally.

I invite our students to reflect on these core principles:

• Openness to Change: Learn from mistakes and adapt with a growth mindset.
• Leadership by Example: Be a positive role model in your choices and actions.
• Active Listening: Value the perspectives of your peers, teachers, and family.
• Integrity: Be honest with yourself and others.
• Self-Care & GEM: Practice Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness daily to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.

"Life is not a competition with others. Life is a competition with yourself—to do your personal best each day and be the best person you can be."

Principal's Upcoming Pilgrimage & 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 – Monday, 12 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.

God bless you all, and as always—Up Up…the Sharks!

Stephen Mahoney

Principal