Principal’s Welcome

As we conclude another academic year, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to this summer edition of Always Aloysius. With all year levels back in class this term and many important end-of-year events taking place in person for the first time since 2019, the end of this term has felt particularly poignant. As always, I am immensely proud of the achievements of our students, staff and families alike as we have navigated these very difficult and challenging times.

Despite ongoing lockdowns and, for some, periods of home isolation, 2021 has nevertheless been a year of great momentum and progress. One year ago, in response to changing demographics and changing times, we made the historic decision to become co-educational from 2023 and 2021 has witnessed our first enrolments for that cohort. As we remind everyone, life is co-ed and so are we.

The transition from single sex to coeducation brings with it not only immense and exciting opportunities for growth and development, but it also brings a focus on re-designing and updating learning environments and facilities, and this started aplenty in 2021.

The second semester of 2021 was certainly a challenging one for everyone, with an extended period of remote learning, followed by a staggered return of year levels. The first year level to return was our Year 12, and they perhaps had the greatest challenge of all. As both Year 11s and Year 12s, spent their entire VCE under COVID-19 restrictions and many of the ‘rites of passage’ which are such an integral and joyous part of the final years of secondary education were cancelled, postponed, or occurred virtually. As vaccination rates rose, as a community we were able to farewell the outstanding Class of 2021 – an occasion that will stay long in the memory. The resilience and the character displayed by the Class of 2021 throughout their VCE studies will stand them in great stead as they go out into the world – we are all looking forward to being witnesses of the amazing things I’m sure they will achieve in the years to come.

Finally, I wish to recognise the contribution of a wonderful staff member who, sadly, will be leaving our school (though not our community!) at the end of 2021. Mr Rob Ruzbacky - has been a staff member of St Aloysius College for 19 years and over that time has not only taught thousands of students but has held various leadership positions. Personally, I will miss working alongside Rob who over the years of my time as Principal has been such a supporting and encouraging team member and friend. I know that his colleagues hold him in the highest esteem and, equally, students comment often on his knowledge, his warmth, and his care for them. Although it is sad to say farewell, we wish Rob all the very best in the years to come as he explores new pathways, and we look forward to him returning often.

I know that you are going to enjoy this wonderful edition of Always Aloysius. On behalf of everyone at St Aloysius College I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a safe and joyful new year.

Mary Farah

Principal