Fashion through the decades
This wasn’t just about new clothes; it was about celebrating 145 years of Mercy tradition, community, and progress.
The event’s highlight was a fashion parade that brought SAC’s uniform history to life — from the 1930s right through to today. Each outfit told a story of its time, from the elegance of woollen tunics and hats in the 1930s to the bold checks of the 1970s and the classic brown blazer that became a school icon in the 1980s.
To tunes like Dancing Queen and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, student models showcased the changing styles with confidence and fun.
Sister Mary-Anne Duigan RSM shared the inspiring story of the Sisters of Mercy who journeyed to Adelaide in 1880 to found the College. Principal Ms Paddy McEvoy honoured them by unveiling a special plaque, while the Senior Choir performed Standing on the Shoulders, a moving tribute to the generations of women who came before.
“Wear it your way — purple for every season!”
Finally, the big reveal: the 2026 St Aloysius College transeasonal uniform!
The new range — developed through months of collaboration between students, staff, and families — gives students the freedom to mix and match pieces that suit their comfort and style. With dresses, skirts, shirts, tailored trousers, and shorts, everyone can find what feels right for them. Younger students in Reception to Year 2 will enjoy wearing their PE uniform year-round, ready for both learning and play.
Principal Paddy McEvoy shared her excitement at seeing purple return to the College colours.
“My sisters and I wore purple with pride at SAC in the ‘70s and ‘80s and I know today’s students will love it,” Ms McEvory says.
“This new uniform allows students to choose the pieces that suit their needs, whatever the season. It will be a visible sign of the respect and inclusion that sits at the heart of our Mercy identity.”
For many students, the launch felt deeply meaningful. Year 8 student Kiki and Year 10 student Eva summed it up best:
“Wearing the new uniform makes me feel comfortable and confident… It’s bright, bold, and genuinely reflects who we are today.”
“Seeing the Sisters of Mercy there reminded us of where the College began, while the new uniform shows how we’re continuing to grow. It felt like a real connection between our past and our future.”
From the 1880s to today, the Mercy values of compassion, courage, service, and respect continue to shine — now stitched proudly into every thread of the new purple uniform.
