The College by the Harbour - St Aloysius

From the Headmaster
Transition is in the air. It was announced to the
St Aloysius’ College Council by the Provincial
of the Society of Jesus, Rev Fr Daven Day SJ,
that my term of office was expiring and that I would
be replaced by Rev Fr Ross Jones SJ and Rev Fr
Christopher Middleton SJ at the end of Term 1, 2003.
The announcement leaves me with mixed feelings.
There is a tinge of sadness that I am leaving a great
school – a school that I have had the honour of leading
for the last seventeen years. And yet there is a sense of
excitement in the face of challenges yet unknown.
There is also a sense of relief that this College will be
in the hands of two Jesuits whom I respect and whom
I know will carry on the proud tradition of Jesuit
leadership in the College.
At the end of my term of office I can proudly point
to this College’s achievements over the last 17 years.
We have remained true to our Ignatian charism. This
College is essentially a teaching institution imbued
and informed by the person of Ignatius and his
successors. Not least among these is our patron, St
Aloysius who lived his life according to our motto: Ad
Majora Natus (Born for Greater Things). This College
now has a history that chronicles our achievements
over the last 123 or more years. We are secure in facing
the future. We have clearly established ourselves
within the teaching community of New South Wales.
The College is in the enviable position of being oversubscribed
in enrolments. We have maintained a
strong pastoral dimension in various ways, not the
least being the size of the College. As a high school we
are small with 800 students and a junior school with
330 students. We don’t want to get bigger. People are
known at the College. I have always wanted this to be
a family school.
With the change of leadership I can only envision
that the fortunes of our school will continue in its
upward drive for excellence. In appointing Rev Fr
Jones SJ and Rev Fr Middleton SJ to the College I
have no doubt that strength will lead on to strength. I
wish them well as they take the College forward in its
endeavours.
Leaving also from leadership of the College
Foundation is Mr Grant McMillan. Grant steps down
from a Foundation which is flourishing and hopefully
expresses the aspirations of the parent body. His desire
to seek space in his life comes at a time when he
mourns the loss of his wife Cheryl. The College is
indebted to his time and presence expended in service
to this fine institution. The College expresses its
sincere thanks for a job well done.
Stepping into his shoes is, president-elect, Mr
John Curtin (SAC 1974). John is an Old Boy of the
College. He is husband of Michele and parent of Tim
(SAC 1999), and Jeremy (Year 11) and Michael (Year
6). I have known John and family over many years and
I know that he will bring drive to the Foundation
combined with a knowledge of the College and
ownership of our vision. I have every confidence in his
ability to continue the great work begun more than ten
years ago.
Such changes can only benefit the wonderful spirit
of St Aloysius’ College.
Rev Fr A V Smith SJ
Headmaster
Melbourne Cup Luncheon
A special occasion this year will be a Melbourne Cup
Luncheon at the ANA Hotel, with proceeds going to the
works of the Jesuit Refugee Service
It is hoped that the Australian spirit will rise, not only to
the excitement of the Melbourne Cup, but also to
support and companion refugees at this time of
massive need. 80% of refugees are women and
children.
Further details of the day will be advised in the next
Aloysiad. Table bookings and enquiries can be
made already with Felicity Coughlan 9960 4154 or
Ailsa Gillett 9960 3170.
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