School Choice hears from Ms Mary Farah, Principal of St Aloysius College in North Melbourne.
What made you want to enter teaching?I entered teaching because I believe education changes lives. As a young person, I experienced firsthand the power of teachers who saw potential before I saw it in myself. Beyond teaching their subjects, they built confidence, ignited curiosity and shaped the character within their students. I wanted to be part of that transformative work.
Teaching, for me, has always been a vocation, not simply a profession, and it involves the deeply important aspect of accompanying young people during some of the most formative stages of their lives. In a Mercy school inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, education is an act of hope and an opportunity to form young people who are compassionate, courageous and committed to justice. That mission continues to inspire me every day.
What do you like most about working in a school?The energy. The optimism. The possibility. Schools are places of constant renewal. Each year brings new faces, new stories, new dreams. There is something profoundly life-giving about working in a community where intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional growth is visible and tangible.
More specifically, at St Aloysius College, what I value most is the sense of belonging. Ours is a community built on relationships between students and teachers, between families and the college, and among staff who share a deep commitment to our mission. When young people feel known and valued, they flourish. Seeing that development unfold is one of the great privileges of my role.
What are some of the changes to education that you have witnessed in your time as principal?Education has evolved significantly. Technology has transformed the classroom, expanding access to information and reshaping the way students learn. The integration of digital platforms, data-informed teaching practices and contemporary pedagogies has strengthened our ability to personalise learning.
The most significant change I have witnessed, however, is cultural. There is now a deeper understanding that education must attend to the whole person. Academic achievement remains vital, but wellbeing, resilience and character formation are of paramount importance.
At St Aloysius College, we have embedded restorative practices, Visible Wellbeing and strong pastoral structures to ensure students are supported holistically, reflecting our commitment to the development of the whole person. Our transition to co-education has also been a significant milestone in our 139-year history.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?The most rewarding part of my role is witnessing transformation.It might be a student who arrives unsure and leaves confident, a teacher who steps into leadership with courage, or a community that embraces change with hope rather than fear.When our Year 12 students graduate, there is always a moment when I reflect on their astounding growth in maturity, empathy and independence. Knowing that our college community has played a part in shaping their character and their aspirations is deeply fulfilling.
Leadership can be complex and demanding, but those moments of growth and achievement make every challenge worthwhile.
What are some special achievements of your staff, students and the school that you are most proud of?There are many. I am proud of the academic excellence our students achieve and the breadth of pathways they pursue beyond school, staying true to their integrity and personal objectives. I am proud of the compassion they demonstrate through social justice initiatives and service programs. Their commitment to the “Seeds of Justice” and outreach activities reflects the Mercy tradition in action.
I am immensely proud of our staff. Their professionalism, care and willingness to embrace innovation — particularly through curriculum renewal, literacy development, and strategic planning — continue to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning across the college.
Our master planning process and the development of new learning spaces have positioned us strongly for the future. The opening of our Senior Years campus in Semester Two this year is a symbol of growth, vision and courage, and represents another defining chapter in our history.
Most importantly, I am proud of the culture we have built: disciplined yet compassionate, aspirational yet inclusive, a community that truly strives for higher things.
What hopes do you have for the future of your school?My hope is that St Aloysius College continues to be a place where young people are not afraid of the unknown.
The world our students will inherit is changing rapidly. They will need adaptability, critical thinking, faith and resilience. I hope our college continues to foster curiosity, encouraging students to ask deep questions and seek meaningful answers.
I also hope we remain grounded in our Mercy heritage while embracing innovation. Tradition and progress are not opposites. They are partners. Our mission must continue to guide every strategic decision, every building project, every curriculum initiative.
Above all, I hope our graduates leave not only with strong academic results, but with integrity, compassion and the courage to contribute positively to society.
What is your motto for running a successful school?“Strive for higher things.” This motto captures both aspiration and humility. Success in a school is not measured solely by results, but by the depth of relationships, the strength of character formed and the courage to continually improve. The motto happens to be that of St Aloysius College.
A successful school creates a culture of respect — where systems are clear, expectations are high and people are empowered. It fosters curiosity, nurtures wellbeing and holds fast to its mission.
For me, leadership is about clarity of vision, consistency of action and care for every individual. When a school community shares purpose and believes in its mission, extraordinary things happen. And that is what we strive for every day at St Aloysius College.
St Aloysius College is proudly taking a bold step towards the future, becoming the first Catholic co-educational secondary school to […]