Leader of Year 9 Wellbeing

Success is often measured by grades, awards, or achieving certain goals, but these outcomes are only part of the journey. From a young age, it has been instilled within us to perceive goals as important milestones that we strive towards over a period of time, like a distant destination that promises fulfillment once we arrive, even though that fulfillment is gradually built up. While achieving a goal causes a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment to hover over you and is unquestionably significant, the true value and purpose behind the achievement lies not just within the outcome itself but in the everyday moments- how we approach setbacks, adapt to different habits, support each other, demonstrate perseverance and the drive to continue moving forward. The contribution of these experiences encourages and allows personal growth and reveals the true meaning of success.

As our cohort continues to navigate through Year 9, we begin to come to a realisation that goals are considered more than just milestones; they are the enduring force that continues to become the foundation of success, and through self discovery we are empowered to form a deeper understanding of our full potential.

In Week 1 of Term 3, the whole of Year 9 participated in a Reflection Day; our school was fortunate enough to hear from organisations such as One Meal, Caritas Australia, St Vincent de Paul and the Jesuit Refugee Service, as well as a refugee guest speaker whose stories and past experiences reflected great determination and brought issues you only imagined were in fiction films or narratives to life.

Our Reflection Day further consisted of each student donating food supplies and conducting additional acts of service through assembling and preparing snack packs that were collected for organisations and will provide essential food and supplies to people experiencing homelessness and hardships within our community.

Throughout Reflection Day, our individual goals began to shift, stretching beyond our own ambitions and instead, as a school community, we focused together on the positive and meaningful impact we can have on the lives of others.

Finlay Kent ( Year 9 )

Year 9 Service Awareness Event – Reflection

Guided by the Beatitudes · Matthew 5:3–12

On 22 July 2026, our Year 9 students participated in the St Aloysius College Service Awareness Event, a meaningful experience within our Religious Education program. The day invited students to explore how the Commandments and Beatitudes call us to live with compassion, justice, and a commitment to serving others.

Throughout the event, students engaged with representatives from a range of community and service organisations. These guests generously shared their experiences and insights, helping students understand:

• Their mission 
• The services they provide 
• Ways young people can get involved 

Students rotated through small‑group sessions, allowing them to hear from multiple organisations, ask thoughtful questions, and make connections between faith and action.

The day aimed to deepen students’ understanding of real needs within our community and encourage them to consider how they can contribute to the common good. Through these conversations, students were able to:

• Build awareness of the challenges faced by individuals and families
• Foster empathy by hearing real stories of service and support
• Feel inspired to respond with compassion in their own lives

Many students reflected on how the Beatitudes call us to be people of hope, kindness, and justice — and how even small acts of service can make a meaningful difference.

I would like to thank the students and families for their contributions to the food packs that were packed at the end of the day by all of Year 9. 

The organisations were so appreciative of your generosity. 

We are proud of the maturity and engagement shown by Year 9 throughout the day. Their willingness to listen deeply, ask questions, and consider their role in shaping a more compassionate world reflects the heart of our mission at St Aloysius College Cronulla.

Mrs Nelson (Acting Coordinator)