Always Aloysius
ST ALOYSIUS
Be Curious. Become Brilliant. WINTER 2026
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.
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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.
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Principal’s Welcome
MARY FARAH, PRINCIPAL
Welcome to the 2026 Winter Edition of Always Aloysius.
As Semester 1 draws to a close, I find myself pausing with genuine gratitude — reflecting on a period that has been, by any measure, extraordinary. Our College theme for 2026, “Mercy Unfolds – The Blessing of Mercy Dwells Upon Us,” has proven to be far more than a guiding phrase. It has become a living expression of who we are. I have witnessed it in the thoughtfulness of our students, in the dedication of our staff, and in the quiet but powerful ways our community chooses, day after day, to lead with compassion. It is a theme that has not simply been adopted — it has been embodied.
At the heart of everything we do are our students. With a community now exceeding 800 young people, each bringing their own story, their own gifts, and their own irreplaceable contribution, the richness of life at this College continues to grow in ways that are both humbling and inspiring.
This year we were also privileged to welcome 23 new staff members throughout this semester, teaching and non-teaching to our community. They have brought with them fresh
perspectives, remarkable expertise, and a warmth that has already woven itself seamlessly into the fabric of our College. We are deeply grateful for the care and commitment they extend to our students each and every day.
As we turn our attention to Semester 2, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the opening of Altiora, our new Senior Campus on Boundary Road. Purpose-built for our Year 11 and 12 students, Altiora represents a significant milestone in the life of our College, a space conceived with intention, designed with care, and crafted to honour the unique season of learning that senior schooling represents. It will be a place where young people are challenged to lead, encouraged to think independently, and prepared with confidence for the world that awaits them beyond these walls.
I look forward with great anticipation to witnessing this remarkable space come to life.
Equally exciting is the commencement of Stage 3 of our Master Plan on Brougham Street, which will see a significant expansion of our Design and Technology facilities. This
development is a reflection of our enduring commitment to providing learning environments that are not only contemporary and innovative, but genuinely inspiring — spaces where curiosity is honoured, and creativity is cultivated.
As we celebrate these milestones, we do so with one eye firmly and joyfully on the horizon. In 2027, we will mark 140 years of Mercy education in North Melbourne, a moment of profound significance in our shared history. It is an occasion that invites us to honour the vision and courage of those who came before us, to celebrate the enduring legacy of faith and learning they entrusted to us, and to step forward into the future with renewed purpose and pride.
To our Alumnae: your connection to this College is not a footnote to our story, it is woven into its very foundation. The lives you have led, the values you carry, and the spirit of Mercy you continue to embody in the world are a source of constant inspiration to our current students and to all of us who are privileged to serve this community.
Amelie Ellerton
College CoCaptain
Nicola Watson
Scully House Prefect
Poppy Ten Hoopen
Verdon House Prefect
College CoCaptain Fadzai Bako
Social Justice Prefect
Introducing the 2026 Student Leadership Team
We are delighted to introduce our 2026 Student Leadership Team, including our Prefects and Vice Prefects. These students have already demonstrated a strong commitment to the College community and are ready to embrace the opportunities and responsibilities that come with student leadership.
Leadership at St Aloysius is about more than a badge or title; it is about service, integrity, and the ability to positively influence those around you. Our Year 9 and 10 Vice Prefects continue to play an important role in developing leadership capacity among younger students, providing opportunities to
build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and contribute meaningfully to College life.
Working alongside the senior Prefect team, these student leaders help ensure that the voices, ideas, and aspirations of students across all year levels are heard. Together, they will champion the values of our College, foster a strong sense of community, and encourage their peers to engage fully in the life of St Aloysius.
Siobhán Bloomfield
Assistant Principal, Student Engagement & Wellbeing
Sylvie Storrs Arts Prefect
Mischa Fahey
Academic Prefect
Adelle Milazzi
McAuley House Prefect
Mary Grace Fitzgerald Sports Prefect
Athiei Gor
Amelie Ellerton
From the 2026 College Co-Captains
Being co-captains has so far been such a rewarding and fun experience! After Prefect camp last year, we thought we had a grasp of what this year would be like, but we both agree that although it’s been a bit harder than we thought, we’ve loved every second of being co-captains. Although balancing Year 12 and our roles has been a bit challenging and has pushed us outside our comfort zones, we’ve learnt to grow our confidence, adaptability, resilience and teamwork. We’ve learned so much about ourselves and leadership, and it’s been very fulfilling to represent the school.
So far, we’ve had the opportunity to be involved in a range of events and initiatives across the school community. From welcoming back students, speaking at school assemblies,
participating at student panels, seeing the topping out ceremony at the Senior Campus, and being part of the Opening School Mass, we’ve loved every minute of our captaincy and being able to contribute to school culture. It’s been amazing to grow closer as co-captains and to the rest of the Prefect team, and we love the little family we’ve formed with each other! Working together throughout the semester has created so many memories, and we can confidently say that without their support, we’d have completed nearly nothing.
As this semester finishes, and we approach our final semester of high school, it’s a bit bittersweet. There is obviously heaps of stress in year 12, but also so many fun and memorable moments that we’ve enjoyed together,
like retreat and formal. Of course we are excited to graduate, but we’re also trying to make the most of our final year of high school and enjoy the times with our friends. It’s so important to us to cherish our final days at St Als and as co-captains, but we can’t wait for the upcoming semester and school events, including the opening of the Senior Campus! We are looking forward to what our final semester of high school will bring, and can’t wait to make more memories as co-captains!
Amelie
Ellerton & Fadzai Bako
2026 College Co-Captains
Fadzai Bako
Boundary Road Update
The Senior Year Campus, which is to be known as the Altiora Campus, is progressing extremely well and the College is conducting numerous staff and student visits to ensure that everyone is inducted into the facility before opening in Semester 2 and to ensure all consumables and furnishings are not missed.
The excitement among staff and students is palpable with an Official Opening set for 4th August, with the first main event being the Frayne Festival which is scheduled for Friday 7th August.
Jonathan Stringfellow, Director of Finance & Development
Senior Years Campus
A Journey Through Italy
ART, CULTURE AND CONNECTION
From the ancient wonders of Rome to the canals of Venice, Year 10 and 11 students embraced an unforgettable Italian journey from 28 March to 15 April 2026. Bathed in fine weather, students explored iconic art, architecture, and history, from the Roman Forum and the Colosseum to St Mark’s Basilica.
Highlights included hands-on cooking classes making tortellini, gnocchi, tiramisu and gelato as well as a truffle chocolate workshop at Perugina, home of the famous Baci chocolates. Students also immersed themselves in rich cultural experiences, exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the stunning coastline of Capri, and the walled medieval cities of Lucca and Siena.
Other highlights included visits to the Uffizi Gallery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Ferrari Museum, as well as a memorable evening at the opera in Florence.
A particularly special moment was connecting with students from our sister school in Milan, fostering new friendships and meaningful cultural exchange.
Delicious food, vibrant cities, and lasting memories made this a truly enriching experience. Watching our students’ confidence grow and seeing the life lessons they embraced along the way was especially rewarding.
Rita Stangherlin - Languages Learning Leader
2026 Japan Study Tour
EXPANDING HORIZONS
The 2026 Japan Study Tour was a truly phenomenal experience. 13 students across years 9-11 and three staff members travelled to Japan for 2 weeks from the first of April until the 13th of April. Over the course of the trip, students bonded, banter flowed, laughs were had, and memories were made!
Beginning in Tokyo, a city where the ancient meets the modern age, we enjoyed tours of the iconic Shibuya crossing and exploration through Shinjuku. In memory of the magnitude 9 earthquake in 2011, we went to the Earthquake museum where students and staff could experience a 30 second physical simulation of the earthquake. Despite the rainy weather, a stunningly beautiful ride on the famous Hakone Ropeway had everyone feeling as if we were floating through the clouds. But of the time in Tokyo, Disneyland was a clear winner amongst the students! A clear sunny day, and freedom to explore the park and go on the various attractions made for an unforgettable part of this trip for both students and staff.
After several hours seeing the Japanese countryside on a Shinkansen (bullet train), we found ourselves in Hiroshima where students were able to experience both cooking and eating of okonomiyaki for the first time! This savoury pancake had everyone’s mouths watering and left us satisfied but wanting more! Then, off to the Peace Museum and adjoining parks. Learning about the history and the damage wrought to the city and seeing it rebuilt into the bustling and flourishing city it is today was a humbling experience but one that filled us with hope that from war there is the possibility of peace and rebirth. Students were also able to make their own Momiji Manju (a maple leaf shaped Japanese sweet), after which everyone very clearly enjoyed the fruits of their labour.
We finished our trip in Kyoto where students visited and felt the reverence in many famous temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This included a daytrip to Todaiji Temple Nara, through a particular grace of luck, we visited here on Buddha’s birthday and enjoyed
the amazing architecture and statues. Much to everyone’s amusement, we then proceeded to be attacked by the very deer we were trying to feed in the surrounding Nara Park. The highlight of the Kyoto trip were the three days spent with our sisterschool Seibo Gakuin, where students had the opportunity to create lasting friendships with fellow students and experience what a Japanese High School is like. We enjoyed various performances from some of the school clubs – these included the Dance Club (ranked number 4 in Japan for their age group), the Hand Bells Club, one of the many bands as well as the Chorus Club. Over the course of the two weeks, students were able to not only enjoy a foreign culture with their friends, but
to learn about what makes Australia and Japan different as well as build lasting relationships with both St Aloysius peers and of Seibo Gakuin. Students learned the importance of teamwork, cooperation, problem-solving, and cross-cultural significance. A fantastic experience that both students and staff will never forget!
Steven Bina - Teacher
Mothers Day Breakfast
Mother’s Day Breakfast Raised Over $3,500 for McAuley Community Services for Women
The College’s annual Mother’s Day Breakfast was once again a wonderful celebration of community, connection and gratitude, with families, students and staff coming together to honour the important women and caregivers in the lives of our students.
This year’s event also carried a strong sense of purpose, with the College community raising more than $3,500 for McAuley Community Services for Women, an organisation that supports women and children experiencing family violence and homelessness through accommodation, advocacy and
recovery services. We are incredibly proud to support an organisation whose mission so closely reflects the Mercy values at the heart of our College.
Guests also heard thoughtful and heartfelt reflections from members of our own parent community, Brooke Wilmsen and Chloe Adams, who spoke beautifully about this year’s College theme, The blessing of unity dwells amongst us, and what it means within family life, community and the shared experience of raising young people. Their words were a powerful reminder of the strength found in connection, belonging and supporting one another.
A highlight of the morning was the ever-popular raffle, which was hotly contested thanks to the generosity of our valued business partners and supporters who donated an incredible range of prizes:
• Belle Property
• Building Engineering
• Captive Vision Outdoor
• Chris Tabone and Koda Sail
• Civic Outdoor
• Compnow
• MPS Integrated
• Pitch Agency
• SEMZ
The audience enjoyed pieces by our talented student performers, whose musical contributions created a warm and joyful atmosphere throughout the morning. Their performances (including a special preview of songs from the 2026 College musical, Mamma Mia!) were a wonderful showcase of the creativity and confidence of our students.
Throughout the event, the Mercy values of kindness, compassion
and hospitality reflected in the generosity of our community, the warmth of conversations shared across tables, and the spirit of togetherness that filled the room.
The College thanks all who attended and helped make the morning so memorable.
Chloe Adams Mothers Day Speech
8TH MAY 2026
Good morning. I’m thrilled to be able to speak to you today about a topic I’m passionate about.
First, a little background. As well as being a mother, I’m a writer and a journalist. My debut novel, The Occupation, was published last year, and for me, that was the realisation of a lifelong dream.
When I was a kid, actually all through my life, right up until the year I sat down and started to write a novel, I would let myself dream about becoming an author, and then I would quickly suppress those thoughts, because they seemed too big, too ambitious. Unlikely. Or simply impossible.
When I thought about writing a novel, I imagined a process that was more akin to climbing an impossibly large mountain, and I felt totally overwhelmed by the idea of it.
And yet the dream did not leave me. It followed me around for four decades. In quiet moments, in those moments you never admit to anyone because they’re so ridiculous and embarrassing, I would imagine myself like this … standing on a stage talking about my book … or being interviewed on radio about my new novel.
See, the quiet voice inside us always knows what we want – even when we try to silence it.
So, that’s the dream. But what’s the reality of life like for an author?
Well, if I’m going to tell you that, I need to speak for a few moments about failure … and I promise I will get to our theme of community and connection very soon.
Failure in my industry is a well-told tale. You might have heard the stories. JK Rowling’s first Harry
Potter was rejected by nearly every major publisher in the UK. That is, before it was picked up and went on to sell 120 million copies. And there are many other classic books that suffered similar early frustrations – Lord of the Flies, Anne of Green Gables, Dune, Gone with the Wind. The list goes on and on.
But what people don’t often talk about is what that failure feels like for the author.
It is a weird career I’ve chosen for myself.
There’s no clear career path, no qualification that guarantees access to the job. You can’t work towards a milestone the way you would in other industries – Bachelor degree, Honours, Masters, PhD –whereupon, finally, you become … an expert.
No, when it comes to writing a
novel, there’s just writing … for years … and in my case, many more years, ten years to be precise.
And you have to do all this for free. Always with the idea in the back of your mind that it’s possible no one will ever read your work.
Meantime, you might finish something, and you send it out into the world, to agents or publishers … and I’m sorry to say most of the time you hear nothing back. Just nothing. It’s like being ghosted by the boy or girl you like over and over again.
Every now and then, you get a rejection; sometimes brutally unkind ones, sometimes generous, lovely ones. And so after you’ve had a little cry, you pick yourself up and sit back at your writing desk … and you keep trying.
I know I’ve painted a picture of a very solitary pursuit… and yes, the act of writing is solitary.
I’ve probably made the whole thing sound utterly miserable.
But I think … I think I’ve chosen the best job in the world.
And here’s why:
1. I get to play and be in the realm of the imagination all day long … and it’s joyful and wonderful, as well as hard and lonely.
2. Most importantly … Because the community that springs up in the face of this lonely pursuit is incredibly enriching, and like nothing I’ve experienced before.
See … the loneliness and the difficulty are precisely why community and connection are of such vital importance.
My writer’s group and my writing friends are the springboard for everything that I do and have achieved. Being in the presence of their talent and their curiosity has made me a better writer. They have listened to me moan, express jealousy and frustration, and express joy and excitement at a new idea or small win. They have asked the right questions to help me clarify my messy thoughts. They’ve read my work. Given endless feedback. They have celebrated with me, commiserated with me.
And of course, I have done the same for them.
When finally, after a decade … and three manuscripts later, someone said they would publish my book, I had to sit down and think about writing thank-yous … and the more I thought about this achievement, and all the years of work that came before, the more I came to understand how the village had made it possible. From writer friends, experts and mentors, my parents, siblings, the teachers that inspired me at school, my husband and my children, my editor and publisher, the marketing team that promoted my book, the designer who created the cover. The list is long.
And so I want to say to you today … my biggest career tip is to find
a trusted community, invest in those people, be humble when you need to be, lift other people up, collaborate where you can, because in the giving, you will be receiving. Don’t be fooled by some of the messages you get from our society.
I think we’re all collectively a bit obsessed with celebrating individual success. Think about your favourite pop star, or sporting star, or the people you admire working in tech or politics or science or the arts …
We give these people prizes and accolades. They make the headlines. We talk about them and their achievements excitedly.
I’m not here to dismiss the amazing work individuals do. Far from it.
It’s just to point out that much of the most important work that changes lives happens as a result of teamwork.
In fields of science, politics, economics, social activism. You name it, people are working together.
Being a part of team or a community doesn’t mean you as an individual don’t have personal obligations. Or that your unique strengths aren’t of vital importance.
It’s just that working together enables amazing things to happen. It helps to build social cohesion. It helps us build empathy for others. And I believe it makes us better, kinder, more well-rounded citizens of this country.
Thank you.
Student Achievements
RACHEL KAU
RCH Bishop Of Melbourne Award For Religious Art (Secondary) – Highly Commended
Congratulations to Rachel Kau, whose artwork Where Passion Drowns received a Highly Commended award in the Archbishop of Melbourne Award for Religious Art (Secondary) category at the 2026 Catholic Education Week Creative Arts Exhibition. Rachel’s achievement is particularly significant given the scale of this year’s exhibition, which featured more than 340 entries from over 120 schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Rachel kindly donated her prize winning artwork to our College where it hangs in our Boardroom.
We are incredibly proud of Rachel’s creativity, artistic talent and thoughtful engagement with the exhibition theme, and we congratulate her on this outstanding accomplishment.
Staff Professional and Personal News
SUCCESS AT STAWELL
Over the Easter break our Head Sports Coach Declan Gall headed to the Stawell Gift to compete in Australia’s oldest and most prestigious professional footrace. Held annually, this race attracts the best runners from across Australia and this year included Olympic Champions and World Record holders.
Racing over the 550m, Declan faced a strong and competitive field but managed to surge late into the race to win in a time of 66.61s. His welltimed run earned him the coveted sash and a memorable win on Australia’s biggest stage.
Mietta Brodie-Arter
I recently graduated in a Bachelor of Secondary Health and Physical Education at Monash University. I enjoyed every experience and memory in my four-year degree. I have met some wonderful friends along the way who all share the same passion and joy for Teaching and Health and Physical Education. During my degree I was fortunate enough to be a part of an International Placement in Italy, which not only had its challenges, particularly the language barrier! But it was a once in a lifetime experience, to immerse myself in a small town for a period of time, being a part of the wonderful culture and building my teaching skills in a small school in the Tuscany region.
Congratulations to Tom Crowle on graduating from Melbourne University with a Master of Education and a specialisation in wellbeing.
College Musical
Our production of Mamma Mia! was a spectacular celebration of music, friendship, and the joy of live theatre. Across four soldout performances, our talented students transported audiences to a sun-soaked Greek island, bringing the timeless songs of ABBA to life with incredible energy, enthusiasm, and heart.
From the first rehearsal to the final curtain call, our cast, crew, and creative team demonstrated outstanding commitment and
teamwork. Students embraced every challenge, grew in confidence, and supported one another throughout the production process. Their hard work and dedication resulted in performances that were filled with laughter, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
Productions of this scale are only possible because of the support of many people. We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated staff and creative team for their
encouragement, generosity, and countless hours of assistance. Their support helped create an extraordinary experience for our students.
We are immensely proud of everything our students achieved
MAMMA MIA!
through Mamma Mia!. Beyond the performances themselves, they developed valuable skills, formed lasting friendships, and created memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Finally, thank you to our audience for your incredible support of the Performing Arts. Your enthusiasm and encouragement helped make Mamma Mia! an unforgettable success and demonstrated the important role the arts play in bringing our community together.
Nadia La Velle, Director/ Producer
Head of Productions & College Events
Alumni Stories
After graduating from St Aloysius College, I was so ready to start the next chapter of my life that I had been looking forward to since year 7. In high school I was always looking ahead, planning every single detail of what I wanted to do, where I wanted to study and the career I wanted to pursue. Whilst my plan changed several times, I was always drawn to humanities-based subjects, and found my love for law in year 11 Legal Studies. That’s when I truly discovered that I wanted to become a lawyer.
In 2023, I commenced a Bachelor
of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Politics and International Relations with a minor in Law & Justice. The BA gave me the opportunity to broaden my interests in global politics and diplomacy, while also focusing on the role that law plays in society. I was fortunate to receive many exciting opportunities, including an overseas internship in my third year at a corporate-commercial law firm. This was very exciting for me, since the only real work experience I had at this point was in hospitality work and tutoring. I immediately fell in love with the fast-paced corporate world whilst working overseas and
learned so much about how legal knowledge was applied in practice.
Throughout my bachelor’s degree, I took intensive subjects over the summer and winter breaks, allowing me to graduate one semester early in June 2025. Finishing my degree early gave me the opportunity to work fulltime in the legal profession before commencing my postgraduate studies. I began working full-time as a paralegal at a personal injury law firm where I mainly worked on medical negligence cases. This was a completely new world of
MARIA EID
law for me, and I gained so much practical legal experience such as drafting court documents and assisting lawyers in preparing for mediation or trial.
In February 2026, I commenced the Juris Doctor degree at the University of Melbourne, which is something I have dreamed of since I was in Year 11 at St Aloysius. This felt incredibly rewarding to me, as it represented me reaching the point in my life I had been working toward since high school. This year, I also began a new job as a parttime paralegal in the Institutional Abuse team at Arnold Thomas & Becker Lawyers alongside my studies. Balancing postgraduate studies with legal work has been challenging, but it has allowed me to gain practical experience whilst also strengthening my legal knowledge.
Through gaining experience in different areas of law, I have learned that there are endless opportunities once you leave high school and enter tertiary education/the workforce. Although my ultimate goal remains to qualify as a lawyer, I now know that this opens different pathways to many areas of law that I am yet to experience. My hope for the future is to find a career in law that is meaningful, challenging and connected to my interests in international relations.
New Staff Welcome
ARINA MIZUNO - VET / CAREERS & PATHWAYS LEADER
I’m excited to be returning to St Aloysius College and reconnecting with many familiar faces, this time in a new role as VET/Careers and Pathways Leader. Having previously worked at the College as a Japanese teacher, it feels wonderful to return and continue contributing to a community I know well.
In this role, I look forward to supporting students as they explore their future pathways, whether through vocational education, further study, or employment. I’m passionate about helping students identify their strengths and interests, and I enjoy working closely with students, families and staff to build clear and meaningful pathways for every learner.
Outside of work, I enjoy unwinding with video games, getting lost in a good science fiction novel, and spending time with my two cats, Basil and Pepper. I recently read Project Hail Mary and loved it!
BELLA HOWARD - TEACHER
As a recent teacher graduate, I feel very grateful to be joining the St Aloysius community. I completed my Master of Teaching at the University of Melbourne in 2025, following an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Before teaching, I had a first career as a professional ballet dancer and spent several years travelling and living throughout Europe. I have called Melbourne home now for the past seven years, and I am really loving being part of a faith based school community, and truly value the strong sense of connection, care, and purpose it brings. I am passionate about building positive relationships with students, creating inclusive learning environments, and helping young people feel confident, supported, and capable in their learning. Outside of school, I enjoy knitting, reading murder mysteries, and watching Grand Designs.
KYMBERLEY
PEACE - TEACHER
Hi, my name is Kymberley Peace and I am excited to be joining the St Aloysius school community. I have taught in several schools in Melbourne; Korowa, Lauriston, St Joseph’s Girls’ College, PEGS, and most recently St Columba’s college. The subjects I will be teaching this year are Art, Design and Steam and Yr 8 Pastoral Care. I have undergraduate degrees in Fine Arts and Secondary Education, as well as a Master of Education. I enjoy the outdoors, cycling rail trails, trekking and ocean swimming with the ‘salties’ at St Leonards. Other interests are visiting galleries and attending foreign film festivals.
LEXIE WHITE - COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGIST
Hi my name is Lexie and I am excited to join St Aloysius College in 2026. I am an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and passionate about supporting young people with a range of mental health concerns and learning challenges in schools.
I will be providing counselling support as well as completing educational assessments to support young people better understand their strengths and learning and support needs.
I have recently been working in regional Western Australia and am excited to be back living and working in the city. I love the beach, animals (especially my dog Hugo) and hanging out with my friends and family. I look forward to meeting all the staff, students and families.
MATTHEW BALLASONE - TEACHER
I’m excited to be joining the St Aloysius community this year. I’ve been a musician and educator for over a decade, with a background in classical performance and a passion for helping students discover confidence, creativity, and connection through music. I’ve taught classroom and instrumental music across Years 7–VCE and led a range of school ensembles.
I strongly believe that positive relationships are at the heart of great learning, and I love creating spaces where young people feel supported to take risks and grow. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and spending time with my two cats and dog. I’m really looking forward to getting to know students and families and contributing to the vibrant life of St Aloysius.
MEGAN ALEXANDER - TEACHER
It is a pleasure to join St Aloysius College. With 24 years of teaching experience, I bring a strong passion for Visual Arts and a commitment to inspiring students’ creative and critical thinking. My practice is informed by a love of photography and painting, and I value the inspiration found in spending time outdoors with my family. I am excited to join the outstanding Visual Arts team at St Aloysius College.
MIETTA BRODIE-ARTER
Hi there, my name is Mietta Brodie-Arter, and I am a first-year graduate teacher and excited to be joining the St Aloysius team in 2026. My teaching areas include Health and Physical Education and Humanities. One of the most rewarding parts of teaching for me is getting to know my students and watching their confidence, skills, and understanding develop over time. I am most passionate about creating inclusive and engaging learning environments where all students feel valued.
Outside of the classroom, I love spending time outdoors. You’ll often find me walking my dog, heading down to the beach, or playing sports such as tennis or basketball. I am also a big Collingwood fan, GO PIES!
I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the St Aloysius community and contributing to the school’s positive and supportive culture!
OLIVIA WENCZEL - TEACHER
Entering into my 19th year of teaching, I am excited to be joining the St Aloysius community in 2026. I have taught co-ed and have had over a decade of experience teaching in an all-boys catholic school. I attended a Mercy secondary school in rural Victoria, so the charism and history of the College are both familiar and sentimental to me. I am a passionate advocate for my method areas - English and Humanities. As a local to the area, you may find me running or riding along the Maribyrnong River.
OWEN STOTT - TEACHER
Let me introduce myself, my name is Owen Stott and I am a new Food Technology and Food Studies teacher.
I have been a Chef for over thirty years and a teacher, in one way or another, for over 20 years.
Over my time I have worked as a Chef in every type of venue and as an agency chef got to see venues from small to large. One of my passions is using Native Australian ingredients such as bush herbs, spices and fruits. Coming soon I am sure that you will be seeing these in the food around the college.
I look forward to working at St Aloysius and sharing my passion for cooking and all things food.
PATRICE MCBEAN - YEAR 7 & TRANSITIONS LEADER
Hello! I am delighted to be joining St Aloysius College as the Year 7 Level & Transitions Leader and an English and Media teacher. I have taught English and Media for over a decade across Years 7–12, and I am deeply passionate about supporting students during key transition points in their schooling. I am especially excited to work closely with our Year 7 students as they begin their secondary school journey and develop a strong sense of belonging within the St Aloysius College community.
I am most looking forward to building positive relationships with students, staff and families, and to creating a pastoral program that supports students academically, socially and emotionally. I believe that when students feel known, safe and supported, they are able to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Outside of school, my favourite role is being a mum to my daughter. I enjoy walking, Pilates, coffee catch-ups with friends, reading, film and theatre, and making the most of time spent with family. I am very excited to be part of the St Aloysius community and look forward to the year ahead.
RACHEL KAMENIAR - TEACHER
I am very excited to be joining the St Aloysius community and am greatly looking forward to working at such a supportive and dynamic school for my first post-graduate teaching job. This year, I will be teaching Junior Health and Physical Education, Science, and will also be involved in ACS sport. I am passionate about creating engaging and inclusive learning environments where students feel confident, supported, and motivated to do their best.
I bring a background in group fitness training, along with an undergraduate degree in Nutrition, which has shaped my holistic approach to health, movement, and wellbeing. I am particularly passionate about supporting student wellbeing and helping young people develop a lifelong love for movement and learning. I believe physical activity and education play an important role in building resilience, confidence, and healthy habits that extend well beyond the classroom.
I am excited to work alongside staff, students, and families to contribute positively to the St Aloysius community and to support students in their learning and personal growth.
REID HINTON - TEACHER
Hey, I’m Reid and I’m super excited to be joining St Aloysius for 2026 in both the mathematics and physical education departments. I come to St Al’s after living in Perth my whole life, having taught for 2 years over there. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Melbourne since moving in October and have attempted to try as many sandwich places as humanly possible over the school holidays (if you have any recommendations, please email me). In my spare time I enjoy playing AFL, music, and catching up with friends, typically over sandwiches.
College Alumni
SAVANNAH CLARK
My official journey into law started in 2023 when I commenced my degree: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. To me, law is the intersection of justice, advocacy and service. It is a discipline that has the power to shape lives, influence public policy, and challenge inequity. As my studies have progressed, that belief has only become stronger, reinforced by every opportunity I have been fortunate enough to undertake.
Reflecting on my journey, I can trace that passion to my time at St Aloysius College. It was there that I started to truly understand the power of words and ideas. My Humanities and English teachers encouraged me to question assumptions, to think critically, and to appreciate the importance of history, politics and literature in understanding society. This nurtured curiosity and
confidence to pursue subjects that I genuinely cared about, showing me that learning was not about memorising facts but about seeking understanding. Those classrooms were where I first found my voice, and where I began to appreciate that meaningful change often begins with asking difficult questions. This was further fuelled through my participation in the debating team, where I developed key skills such as critical thinking, persuasive argument and public speaking have been vital throughout my law journey.
As School Captain, I also came to understand that leadership is not measured by titles, but by service. The Mercy values of compassion, justice, respect, hospitality and service were not abstract ideas, rather values that shaped the culture of the College and the people within it. They taught
me that leadership means listening before speaking, acting with empathy, and most importantly striving to leave every community better than you found it. Even now, years later, I continue to carry those lessons with me. The College motto, Ad Altiora (strive for higher things) has become something of a personal philosophy. It now reminds me that success should never be measured solely by personal achievement, but by the positive impact we have on others.
Since leaving St Aloysius, I have intentionally sought opportunities that align with those values. Interning as a policy and legal at Djirra introduced me to the realities of law reform and the importance of ensuring that the
legal system works for those who have historically been marginalised.
My internship with the Victorian Parliament allowed me to contribute to public policy at a legislative level, as I published a research paper in the Parliamentary Library on Aboriginal self-determination in climate policy titled Treaty, Truth-Telling and Climate Justice: Embedding Aboriginal Self-determination in Victoria’s Climate Governance. As a result of my work throughout the program, I was invited to Canberra to observe the Federal Budget in the Australian Parliament.
More recently, working in the electorate office of a Federal Member of Parliament has displayed another dimension of public service. Behind every piece of correspondence or constituent enquiry is a person navigating complex circumstances, seeking someone to listen and help. It has reinforced that the law and politics is ultimately about people, not just legislation, and that good public service begins with empathy.
One experience that is particularly meaningful to me has been volunteering with the Village Response Collective. As a Māori woman, being able to contribute to an organisation that supports Pasifika communities has been deeply personal. It has strengthened my appreciation for the importance of culturally informed advocacy and community-led solutions. It has reminded me that representation matters, and that the most effective legal and policy work is undertaken alongside communities
rather than imposed upon them. I also volunteer at Fitzroy Legal Service that is the core community legal centre in Victoria which offers free legal advice to underprivileged people struggling with various legal issues, as well as providing invaluable law reform submissions. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to ensuring that my career is one grounded in understanding, respect and service.
Alongside these experiences, undertaking an Honours thesis has challenged me intellectually in ways that I have never imagined. It has required persistence, independence and a willingness to grapple with complex legal and philosophical questions without easy answers. More
importantly, it has reaffirmed my love of research and my belief that scholarship can meaningfully inform policy and law reform.
I look towards my future with a genuine sense of optimism. Whether I am working in Parliament, in legal practice, or within the public sector, I want my work to reflect the values that have shaped me from the very beginning: compassion, justice, respect, hospitality and service.
For that reason, I will always be grateful to St Aloysius. It gave me more than an education – it gave me a foundation of values, a love of learning, and the confidence to pursue a career dedicated to helping others.
As I continue this journey into the law, I hope to honour the spirit of Ad Altiora: not simply striving for higher things for myself, but striving to use my education, my voice and my profession in the service of something greater than myself.
Savannah Clark
Celebrations
St Aloysius Day
FEAST DAY MASS
On Friday 19 June, the College community came together to celebrate St Aloysius Day, a special occasion that honours the life and values of our patron saint.
The day began with Mass at St Michael’s Church, where students and staff gathered in prayer and reflection. Through the celebration, we were reminded of St Aloysius’ commitment to faith, compassion and service to others. Our College Choir enriched the liturgy with their beautiful singing, helping to create a meaningful and reverent atmosphere for the community.
Following Mass, students enjoyed a vibrant day of activities and
celebrations centred around this year’s theme, Childhood Nostalgia. The theme inspired students to revisit favourite characters, stories and memories from their younger years, resulting in a colourful and creative display of costumes throughout the day.
One of the highlights was the Fancy Dress Parade, organised by our Year 12 students. Students from across the College embraced the theme with enthusiasm, showcasing an impressive range of imaginative costumes that brought plenty of laughter and excitement to the celebrations.
The festivities continued with a variety of activities that catered to all interests.
Students enjoyed the photobooth, capturing fun memories with friends, while others tested their skills on the indoor mini golf course. The inflatable attractions, air hockey tables and foosball tables proved especially popular, providing plenty of energyfilled entertainment throughout the day. Adding to the festive atmosphere was a burger van, offering students a delicious lunch and a chance to relax and socialise with friends.
St Aloysius Day once again provided a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to come together in celebration of our College community. The day was filled with joy, friendship and school spirit, reflecting the values of connection and belonging that St Aloysius continues to inspire.
Thank you to all the staff and students who contributed to making the day such a success, particularly our Year 12 Prefects for organising the activities and the College Choir for their contribution to the Mass.
Siobhán Bloomfield, Assistant Principal, Student Engagement and Wellbeing
