Principal's Message

Year 12 Trials to HSC

Our Year 12 students have now completed their Trial HSC exams. This is a crucial time for our entire college community to come together and support them as they prepare for the final Higher School Certificate examinations, which begin on Thursday, October 16.

The trial exams are exactly what the name implies—a practice run. They are a valuable opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses. I have been so impressed by the commitment and support you have shown each other so far. Now is the time to build on that success and focus on the final push.

A significant 50% of the HSC assessment is still to come. The goal is to improve on your trial results in the lead-up to the final exams.

Here's how to make the most of the next few weeks:

• Review and Learn: Use the feedback from your trial exams to pinpoint areas for improvement. Turn your weaknesses into a key focus for your study.
• Plan Ahead: Create a realistic study schedule to manage your time effectively and reduce stress.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Use past papers to refine your skills and submit them to your teachers for feedback.
• Collaborate: Form study groups with friends to work through difficult topics and support one another.
• Utilise Resources: Take advantage of the college's Learning Centre and academic staff for extra support.

Throughout this period, we will not lower our high standards for attendance, uniform, and conduct. We ask for all parents’ support in ensuring students finish the year safely and positively.

Failing to maintain our college standards could put a student's participation in Graduation events at risk. This is a critical time for every student to focus on incremental growth and maintain a positive attitude in a supportive environment.

Year 12, let's finish the year strong.

Parent Letter: Graduation and details of all the end of Year 12 Events

• Please see the full details in this letter sent to parents via Compass 

WEDNESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER: Graduation Events

1. Farewell Assembly and Presentation (Yr 12 Graduation Certificates presented at this assembly) 

*Parents/carers/extended families are welcome to attend this event in Carmody Hall. Please aim to be at the College no later than 9.30am for this assembly.

Held in Carmody Hall beginning at 10:00 am.  

Year 12 to be in Homeroom at 9.15am 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 2025 
• 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
• Graduation Certificates  - this will be presented to all Year 12 students

2. Graduation Mass – St Aloysius Church, Cronulla – Wednesday, 24 September at 6:00pm.

Students are to arrive at 5:30pm and assemble at St Aloysius Primary playground. 

This is a most significant event as it provides the final opportunity for Year 12 students and their families to join the rest of the College community in celebrating their graduation with a sharing of the Eucharist. 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 Yr 12 Farewell Assembly 10.00am at Carmody Hall)  

All students are expected to attend in full College uniform including blazers. 

*Families are asked to keep the numbers attending to 3 people maximum due to the limitations of seating at the Church. There will be limited parking available on the night.

3. Year 12 Graduation Formal

Friday, 14 November 2025 at Doltone House Darling Island, Pyrmont.

Year 7, 8 & 11 Assessment Blocks

Students in Years 7, 8, and 11 will be participating in assessment blocks during the rest of this term. These intensive periods are a chance for students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they've built throughout the year and practice important study habits that will serve them well in the future.

As mentioned in the last edition of our College newsletter, we encourage all students to prepare by planning their study time, using the resources available to them (like our teachers and Learning Centre), and remembering to balance their work with rest. Good luck to all students participating in the upcoming assessments.

Respect and Safety in Our College Community

As we continue through the school year, I want to take this opportunity to reinforce a core value of St Aloysius College: every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and included. This is a fundamental expectation for every member of our community.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying in all its forms—whether it’s verbal, physical, or online. Bullying goes against everything we stand for as a college, and it will not be tolerated.

Our Pastoral Care Team is here to help

Creating a safe and positive learning environment at St Aloysius is a collective effort, and we are fortunate to have a dedicated pastoral team ready to support our students.

Your first point of contact is always your Homeroom teacher, who is a trusted adult and a key part of our pastoral care network. Additionally, our Year and Subject Coordinators and the Senior Leadership Team are here to listen, support, and act on any concerns.

How we can all help

Students: Please know that if you experience or witness any inappropriate behavior, you are not alone. We urge you to speak up immediately. Please tell a teacher, Year Coordinator, or any member of the Senior Leadership Team. Your safety is our top priority, and we will always support you when you come forward.

Parents: We ask for your crucial support in this mission. Please talk with your children about the importance of being kind and respectful to others. Encourage them to be upstanders—to speak up if they see someone being bullied or if they are being targeted themselves.

By working together, we can ensure our college remains a place where all students feel supported and can thrive.

Staff Spirituality Day - Friday, 26 September (last day of term 3)

The College staff will be engaged in a Staff Spirituality Day on Friday, 26 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

All Students in Year 7, 8 and 11 (apart from Year 12) return to the College on Monday, 13 October for lessons and need to be in full summer uniform. 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership.

As we head into the NRL finals series as always …UP UP Cronulla !!!

Stephen Mahoney

Principal