Always Aloysius Summer 2025 by St Aloysius College

Always Aloysius

SUMMER 2025 ST ALOYSIUS

Be Curious. Become Brilliant.

Enrolment

St Aloysius College invites enrolment applications for 2028 and beyond. The Year 7 2028 enrolment application deadline is August 14, 2026 Applications can be submitted via the College website. Should you have any further queries, please contact the College Registrar at registrar@aloysius.vic.edu.au or (03) 9325 9200

Article Submissions

Do you have any stories or reflections from your time at St Aloysius, or exciting achievements since, that you wish to share with the College community? We would love to hear from you! Please email alumni@aloysius.vic.edu.au and we will be in touch.

Alumni Updates

Scan the QR code to send us an update or visit the Alumi section on the website aloysius.vic.edu.au to let us know.

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Principal’s Welcome

MARY FARAH, PRINCIPAL

As we approach the close of another remarkable year at St Aloysius College, it gives me great joy to welcome you to the Summer Edition of Always Aloysius. This year we have witnessed significant growth across our College community with major Master Plan works progressing and further stages poised to shape our future.

As we look ahead, we hold close our 2025 College theme, “Never be afraid of the unknown.” These words from Catherine McAuley invite us to approach the future with courage, curiosity, and faith—confident that new possibilities emerge when we trust in the enduring spirit of Mercy.

This edition arrives as the College prepares to pause for the festive season, a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal. We take this moment to honour the extraordinary accomplishments of the year across learning, leadership, sport, the arts, and social justice.

We also farewell and thank the staff who are concluding their service with us. Their contribution to the life of St Aloysius has been deeply valued, and they leave an imprint that will continue to inspire. We wish them every blessing as they begin their next chapter.

To the class of 2025, alumnae, families, and friends: thank you for your enduring connection and support.

May this festive season bring rest, joy, and hope. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year as we continue to grow, and to step courageously into the unknown.

Wishing you a fantastic Summer, a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful 2026.

Mary Farah

Farewell From Our 2025 College Co-Captains

Wow! What an incredible journey this year has been: A true testament to courage, resilience and unity. We have grown remarkably through this role, more than we could have imagined.

To us, initially, leadership meant simply leading. But throughout this year, as we embarked on our leadership roles, we have learnt that leadership is about embodying the Mercy Values, and representing the College with pride and dignity. This role has been both

riveting and rewarding, providing us with the chance to see the school through a new and meaningful lense. It feels like a lifetime ago when we anxiously awaited our interviews and practised our speeches. Yet, somehow, it also feels like it was just yesterday. These little moments inspired our passion for leadership that we carried with us all year. If there is anything we have taken away from this year, it is the strength and unity we aimed to build within the College, so future

students feel empowered to lead with confidence.

A quote from Catherine McAuley, “A community in which this universal charity reigns, is capable of surmounting all difficulties” captures the heart of our College community, grounded in hospitality that can overcome any hardship. End-of-year exams becoming increasingly imminent was a challenge that struck all of us, but our teachers, friends, and those competitive pastoral games we would play kept us going, easily overcoming any hardship. This quote also reminds us that we would not have been able

to achieve everything as College CoCaptains if it was not for the support of the Prefect Team. Together, we embraced our individual ideas, opinions and interests to enrich our College’s community.

This year has been as much about learning as it has been about leading. Every step we have taken as a pair has prepared us moment by moment for our future endeavours. Most importantly, we have been taught what being a part of a community is truly about. A community that extends to the Prefect Team, our cohort, every member of the College and beyond. We have developed a greater awareness of the power of people, the authentic and cohesive strength of those around us: those we lead daily, just as they lead us, no matter what age or views. From the very beginning of our leadership journey, even before taking on the role of College CoCaptains, we’ve had a support network and collaborative group of individuals

Olivia & Sedora in year 12

to guide and assist us within every aspect of our journey.

As we reflect on our time as St Aloysius captains, some of the moments we hold most closely are the many opportunities we had to engage with other school leaders at conferences. Such collaborations with the broader community leaders around us have developed our ability to implement new ideas into our school and to modify current traditions to ensure the best version of our school. Specifically, we have enjoyed conversing with other co-educational schools to ensure the current initiatives of our Prefect Teams are inclusive and support our school’s shift into a fully co-educational one.

To our Year 12 cohort, we will forever cherish the lighthearted memories we have shared with every student over the years, especially in our final terms. We believe that the excitement and encouragement we have received from our peers is what has enabled us to

continue to flourish, guide and prosper. To us, we are not the only leaders, we are all leaders. We carry ourselves with dignity and grace, embodying the Mercy Values and share our words of wisdom. So many of our greatest moments as prefects have come from being inspired by our classmates, whether small or widespread. As we present on stage at school assemblies, we cannot help but smile at the supportive atmosphere which lies before us.

St Aloysius has provided us with the opportunity to grow both individually and academically throughout the years. Through a nurturing environment with extraordinary individuals, we have been pushed to strive for excellence both in our studies and as leaders. From the many classroom and extracurricular activities to the leadership roles we have, it is safe to say that there is always something compelling and exciting to look forward to in the College. For that, we say thank you. Thank you to the students who have shown support, embodying those Mercy Values in the midst of challenge and success. Thank you to the teachers, whose dedication and strong belief in us has always pushed us to do our best. And thank you to the Prefect Team, who together have curated a positive school environment for the current and future students.

Sedora Tadele & Olivia Mosticone 2025 College Co-Captains

Farewell Class of 2025

TOM CROWLE Senior Years Learning Leader

The year, St Aloysius College is proud to launch the Old Aloysians’ Association (OAA) for our graduating alumni. The ‘Class of 2025’ are the first cohort to receive the new and updated badge designating them as members of the OAA. This commemorative badge acknowledges their graduation and status as alumni of the College.

In addition, the Old Aloysians’ Association online platform and social media channels (available through the College website) are great places to remain in contact with one another

and the College, and keep abreast of events and College news. I hope to see you all there at upcoming events in the near future. These are important connections that continue to enrich the fabric and life of the College for its alumni after graduating.

Reflecting on my own recent 25-year reunion with my fellow alumni, what was most notable were the values we still share despite our various life journeys as individuals. These were shaped in no small part by our valuesbased education. Similarly, our Old

Aloysian alumni share the values and formation experiences of a Mercy school. This formation is at the heart of their education: building each individual’s character within the Mercy tradition.

As the Class of 2025 Old Aloysians, the Mercy values of courage, compassion, justice, respect, service and hospitality will no doubt leave an indelible impact across their lives. Hospitality is a central value that distinguishes the Sisters of Mercy and its schools from others. Adjacent to the value of hospitality is joy. And we know that this will no doubt fill our Old Aloysians in anticipation of returning to share their various life experiences and recollections of school life at future alumni social events.

I congratulate all Year 12 students in the Class of 2025 for the memories that they have made and shared together this year. These experiences are powerful in your character formation, and the College extends hospitality to all alumni into the future. Know you are always welcome.

Ad Altiora

2025 VCE Results Highlights

Congratulations to the class of 2025 on their outstanding achievements

Median Study Score (State Average 30) 32 100% VCE & VCE VM SUCCESS RATE

34% of students exceeded an ATAR of 85.0

40+

Study Score achieved in:

Art Making and Exhibiting, Biology, Business Management, English, General Mathematics, History: Revolutions, Japanese Second Language, Legal Studies, Media, Physical Education, Visual Communication Design

96.8

85+ 90+ ATAR achieved by COLLEGE DUX

18% of students exceeded an ATAR of 90.0

2025 College Dux

Congratulations to the 2025 St Aloysius College Year 12 Dux

Lily-Anna Kelly 96.8 ATAR

Subjects

English

French History: Revolutions

Japanese Literature

Since joining St Aloysius College in Year 7, Lily-Anna has approached her studies and co-curricular life with purpose, curiosity and generosity. Her recognition as Dux of 2025 is a reflection of the depth and balance she has brought to her time at the College.

Lily-Anna completed English, Literature, History Revolutions, Japanese and French at 3/4 level, consistently producing work of a high standard and demonstrating strong analytical and critical skills. Alongside her academic studies, Lily-Anna has been an active contributor to the Arts, performing in the Choir, Aloysius A Cappella and College Musicals, as well as participating as a valued member of both the Rock Band and the Classical Ensemble.

In Year 9, Lily-Anna received NAPLAN Certificates of Excellence in Reading and

Numeracy, the Principal’s All Rounder Award, and subject awards across Music, Humanities, Japanese, Religion and Mathematics. She continued this trajectory in Years 10 and 11, deepening her studies and joining classmates on a two-week cultural immersion in Japan that further developed her language proficiency and strengthened her global outlook.

Lily-Anna’s achievements highlight her thoughtful approach to learning and the quiet determination that has shaped her years at the College. As a College community, we are exceptionally proud of Lily-Anna and wish her every success.

High Achievers

The below students achieved ATAR results placing them among the top 10% of students in Victoria.

Subject High Achievers

The College acknowledges the following students who achieved the highest study score in their respective VCE subjects.

Class of 2025 Overall Results

Art Making & Exhibiting

Biology

Business Management

Chemistry

English

Foundation Mathematics

French

General Mathematics

Health & Human Development

History: Revolutions

Japanese Second Language

Languages: Italian

Legal Studies

Literature

Mathematical Methods

Media

Music Repertoire Performance

Physical Education

Physics

Psychology

Specialist Mathematics

Theatre Studies

Visual Communication Design

Elvie Wake

Mischa Fahey

Olivia Mosticone

Rachel Kau

Olivia Tringali

Christabella Chung

Lily-Anna Kelly

Ella Calkoen

Alexandra Del Mastro Lily-

Anna Kelly

Alice Everitt-Hirota

Isabella Tringali

Olivia Mosticone

Elvie Wake

Katelyn Vien

Eva Bacher

Ruby Coetzee

Alexandra Del Mastro

Sofia Staropoli

Elvie Wake

Sara Do

Eva Bacher

Sofia Staropoli

94.5

Average ATAR of top 10% of students

Average ATAR of top 50% of students

35% of students exceeded ATAR of 80.0

87.6 Study Score achieved in 22% of VCE Subjects 45+

College Prefect Team

Introducing the 2026 Student Leadership Team

SIOBHÁN BLOOMFIELD, Assistant Principal, Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Introducing the 2025 student leadership team, Prefects & Vice Prefects, a group of remarkable individuals who have already made a positive impact in our school community and will continue to do so over the next semester. Leadership is not just about holding a title; it’s about inspiring others, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change. Our newly created Vice Prefect roles in Year 9 and 10 are designed to empower our younger students even further, providing them with

opportunities to develop vital skills, take initiative, and support their peers. These leaders will play a critical role in supporting our senior prefect team, and bringing the ideas and initiatives from our younger cohorts forward. They are committed to upholding the values of our school and leading by example, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute.

Amelie Ellerton

College Co-Captain

Fadzai Bako College Co-Captain

College Vice Prefect Team

Sylvie Storrs

College

Annamai

Celebration Evening

RACHEL VALENTINE, Deputy Principal

Under the enormous screen and colourful lighting, the stage was prepared to congratulate the achievements of our students across a range of academic and co-curricular areas. We applauded the students who have achieved success in academics, competitive sport, Arts, Languages, Debating, diplomacy and Mathematics competitions. Plenary 1 at Melbourne Convention Centre almost filled its 1500 seat capacity with parents, staff and students collectively showing pride in our warm, friendly and inclusive school culture.

The College theme, “Never be afraid of the unknown” a quote from Catherine McAuley, was referenced in many ways throughout the evening. Our musicians and Voice Choir displayed confidence and courage on stage entertaining the audience with orchestral pieces, acapella numbers and poetry choreography. The prayers in the opening liturgy described living with gratitude for the talents, ideas and qualities every unique, individual deliver to St Aloysius College.

Academic awards highlighted the strongest student for each learning

area at each year level. The categories of some awards were in the cocurricular stream such as Most Valuable Player for consistent improvement and leadership in a sporting team; winning state level competitions such as History Challenge or Italian Poetry competition

through to Debating and Royal Melbourne Show winners. Awards of Distinction highlighted outstanding academic endeavour and qualities of personal character such as integrity, and the Mercy Values, were applauded across School Spirit, Principal’s and ‘Courage’ awards.

Photos of our students displayed on the screen reminded us of 2025 being an eclectic and busy year of equal parts learning, sharing, festivities and social justice projects making a difference to our local and global community. Accompanying this visual delight were some memorable performances by our Senior String Ensemble, Aloysius Acapella, Frayne Voice Choir and a Solo voice performance from our college production by Erika Binuya – all outstanding! The closing highlight of course our College Choir leading a very full-voiced balcony emphasising ‘Carry St Aloysius in your heart!’

Ad Altiora

Celebration Evening

Capital Works Update

JONATHAN STRINGFELLOW, Business Manager

The main Capital Works focus for 2025 was the construction of the Senior Years Campus on Boundary Road and the ongoing maintenance and refurbishment of existing facilities at the Curran Street campus.

Onsite works at Boundary Road are progressing at a great pace, with handover on track for 2026.

With unprecedented interest in enrolments, the College has undertaken or is currently undertaking the following programs of works:

1. Introduction of external locker bays.

2. Partnership with State Netball & Hockey Centre to provide state of the art facilities for Sporting and Health & PE faculties.

3. Renovation of the Science Preparation room to include staff office spaces.

4. Redesign and development of the Food Tech preparation room and office to create new office space exiting to the Internal Courtyard and modernise the Food Tech preparation space.

5. Creation of an additional external meeting room in the Administration building.

6. Upgrade the Hall sound, lighting and flooring.

7. Refurbishment of 27-29 Curran Sreet to introduce an administration hub.

8. Refurbishment of the current Administration area to create a second staff hub and additional classroom spaces.

Future Projects:

The College has engaged Hayball (Architects) and SEMZ (Project Managers), to commence work on the next phase of the Masterplan: Developing a Technology Hub at 46 Brougham Street. At present the concepts are to build a 3-4 level building at the rear of the property, with smaller classes and staff areas to be built into an extended floorplan on the site of the current house.

Senior Years Campus

Mercy Day At St Aloysius College

LAUREN MARQUET, Mercy in Action Learning Leader

St Aloysius College gathered as a community on Tuesday, 9 September to celebrate Mercy Day, a significant occasion honouring the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and their ongoing mission of compassion and justice. The Mass, celebrated by Father Thang Vu, was the spiritual centrepiece of the day. In his homily, Father Thang reflected on the importance of living lives rooted in compassion and a commitment to justice, urging students and staff to see

these values as guiding principles for both personal and collective action.

The College was honoured to welcome members of the Sisters of Mercy, whose presence reminded all in attendance of the rich history of the Mercy tradition. Their involvement reinforced the enduring influence of Catherine McAuley’s vision and the continued relevance of Mercy values in today’s world.

The liturgy was enhanced by the dedication and talent of student and staff readers, whose clarity and reverence enriched the Mass. The school choir also contributed powerfully, their voices lifting the congregation in prayerful song and creating a profound sense of unity and celebration.

Beyond the liturgy, Mercy Day extended into acts of service and generosity. Fundraising activities took place throughout the day, with each House leading initiatives to support their chosen social justice projects. This year, the Houses supported Mercy Place Aged Care Facility in Parkville, ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious against the Trafficking of Humans),

The School of St Jude in Tanzania and Catholic Earthcare through Caritas Australia. These efforts not only raised valuable funds but also showcased the College’s commitment to living out the values of justice and compassion in tangible ways.

Mercy Day 2025 was a meaningful celebration of faith, service, and community—an event that strengthened the bonds of the College while inspiring all to continue the work of Mercy in their daily lives.

Mercy Day

Art & Technology Exhibition

MARIA CUNNINGTON, Visual Arts Learning Leader

St Aloysius College hosted its Annual Art and Technology Exhibition on Thursday, 9 October, drawing strong attendance from families and the wider College community.

The exhibition featured a diverse range of student work across traditional and contemporary mediums. Displays included painting, sculpture, digital media, design, and engineering projects, demonstrating the breadth

of creative and technical skills being developed across both disciplines.

This celebration of student achievement would not have been possible without the guidance and vision of our dedicated staff. We extend congratulations to all students and staff involved, and sincerely thank Ms Joanna Grujovski, Learning Leader of Technology, and Ms Maria Cunnington, Learning Leader of Art, for

their leadership and tireless support in bringing this event to life..

The exhibition reflects St Aloysius College’s continued commitment to creative and technological education, providing students with opportunities to develop skills across multiple disciplines. For alumni, it demonstrates how the College continues to adapt its programs while maintaining its focus on comprehensive student development.

Royal Melbourne Show

JOANNA GRUJOVSKI, Design Technology Learning Leader

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Arts and Technology students, who have once again showcased their creativity, innovation, and technical skill at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show. Their exceptional work in both the Art and Textiles categories impressed the judges and highlighted the remarkable talent that flourishes within our college.

This year’s results were nothing short of spectacular — with almost every student entry receiving recognition, ranging from Commendations to Highly Commended (HC) and Very Highly Commended (VHC) awards. A special highlight came when one of the

judges expressed interest in purchasing a VET Fashion student’s handcrafted jacket and skirt, a testament to the professional quality and originality of the work produced.

These achievements reflect the students’ dedication to their craft and their ability to bring imaginative ideas to life through meticulous design processes and skilled execution. From intricate textile garments and wearable art to innovative product designs and striking visual artworks, each piece told a unique story and celebrated the power of creativity as a means of expression.

Bill Davies

Design Technology

Hugh Sullivan – 3rd Place Cushion (Year 7-8)

Lucas Jaksic- 1st Place Textile Tote Bag (Year 7 - 8)

Celina Nguyen - 3rd Place Textiles Tote bag (Year 7 - 8)

Nina Cutuli - 3rd Place Casual Wear (Year 9 -10)

Lilian Kalnajs- 2nd Place Casual Wear (Year 9 -10)

Fuchsia Tonkin - 2nd Place Casual Wear (Year 11 -12)

Scarlett Downie - 3rd Place Casual Wear (Year 11 -12)

Maisha Beyene 1st Place Contemporary Fashion Accessory (Year 11 - 12)

Visual Arts

Lila Chominsky – 1st Place, Ceramics (Year 9–10)

Peggy McClelland – 3rd Place, Ceramics (Year 11-12)

Bill Davies – 1st Place, Sculpture (Year 9–10)

Archer Cusack – 2nd Place, Sculpture (Year 9–10)

Kiara Bieri – 3rd Place, Painting (Year 7–8)

Rachel Kau – 1st Place, Painting (Year 11–12)

Hugh Sullivan Year 7

Abigail Patterson Year 9

Harriet Neave Year 9

Hannah Kennedy Year 12

Fuchsia Tonkin Year 11

Charlotte Townsend Foster Year 7

Father’s Day Breakfast

MADELEINE IRVINE, Director, Marketing & Communications

St Aloysius College welcomed fathers and significant family members on Friday, 5 September, for the annual Father’s Day Breakfast, a longstanding tradition that celebrates the important role fathers and father figures play in our students’ lives.

The morning provided an opportunity for families to connect before the school day, with students and their guests sharing breakfast together in a relaxed atmosphere. The strong attendance reflected the value our community places on these occasions to pause and acknowledge the partnerships that support our students’ growth and wellbeing.

This year’s event featured guest speakers Marcus Olive (Engineer), Dr Luke Martin (Psychologist), and Sam Edmund (Journalist), all current school parents who generously shared their time and insights. Each speaker offered personal reflections on the College’s 2025 theme, “Never be afraid of the unknown,” drawing on their professional experiences and journeys as fathers. Their messages—delivered with both humour and genuine thoughtfulness—resonated with attendees and reinforced the theme’s relevance across different stages of life and career.

The College extends its sincere thanks to our three speakers for their

contributions, and to all the fathers, father-figures, grandfathers, uncles, mentors and special friends who joined us.. Events like these strengthen the bonds between home and school, reminding us that education at St Aloysius is truly a shared endeavor.

For former students who remember their own Father’s Day breakfasts, this tradition continues to foster the sense of community and connection that remains central to the St Aloysius experience.Siobhá

Courage Concert

This year’s Courage Concert was a vibrant celebration of our 2025 College Theme: “Never Be Afraid of the Unknown.” Throughout the evening, our Performing Arts students showcased an impressive range of skills across music, dance and drama.

Our choirs, alongside bands and ensembles, brought warmth, harmony, and energy to the stage. From intricate vocal arrangements to lively musical pieces, students demonstrated technical growth, musical maturity, and a bold willingness to explore new repertoire.

Musical theatre performers, dancers, soloists, and drama students stepped confidently into the spotlight, embracing new choreography, mastering complex musical pieces, and creating performances that were expressive, polished, and deeply engaging. Together, the concert highlighted the strength and diversity of our Performing Arts program, a community where students are supported to grow, experiment, and shine.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our students, teachers, directors,

conductors, musicians, technicians, and backstage crew. Their dedication helped shape each performance and ensured the concert ran seamlessly from start to finish.

The 2025 Courage Concert was more than a showcase, it was a celebration

NADIA LA VELLE, Head of Productions and Performance Events

of talent, bravery, and the extraordinary skills of our Performing Arts students. It stands as a powerful reminder that when we step into the unknown with confidence, remarkable things can happen.

New Staff Welcome

ERICA TALLIS - Teacher

EBONY RUGGERO

- Learning Support Officer

Hello, I am a new Learning Support Officer who began at St Aloysius in term three this year. I have worked in education across a few different roles in languages and English, but am most passionate about supporting students in class and small groups, so I am very glad to be a part of the Learning Diversity team. I very much look forward to continuing in 2026. In my spare time you will find me reading, cooking, or cycling my son around.

My name is Erica Tallis, and I’m excited to be joining the St Aloysius community to support the students in their learning and exploration. I come to St Aloysius from North America, teaching in high schools in Chicago, Montreal, and Manitoba. I love weightlifting, riding my motorcycle, and music of all kinds. I have an undergraduate degree in physics, a second in opera and musical theatre performance, and a masters in conducting. I am new to Melbourne and still eagerly exploring and sight seeing. I am passionate about students incorporating their interests and passions into their learning, art, and movement and I’m excited to see what the 2026 year has in store!