Purple for every season
School uniforms are not generally thought of as fashionable, and any change can be controversial. But that’s not the case at St Aloysuis College judging by the squeals of delight coming from hundreds of students when the school’s new attire was unveiled in spectacular style.
After a three-year consultation process, the final designs for summer, winter and sports uniforms (described as transeasonal) were paraded on the catwalk to a packed school gymnasium on November 7.
The highly anticipated launch was part of a celebration marking 145 years since the Sisters of Mercy established the inner city school, which included students modelling uniforms from the 1930s through to the 2026 design.
After the event kicked off to the beat of the school’s Drum Corps, deputy principal of Pastoral Care Jacqui McIlroy acknowledged the presence of the Sisters of Mercy, College Advisory Council members, and the work of a dedicated Uniform Committee and the Executive Leadership team whose vision helped bring the new design to life.
To the upbeat swing of Glenn Miller’s In the Mood, the elegance of the 1930s and 40s was brought to life in a showcase of woollen tunics, structured hats and a briefcase owned by one of SAC’s most distinguished old scholars, Dame Roma Mitchell.
After each subsequent era was presented, Sr Mary-Anne Duigan RSM shared the inspiring story of the founding Mercy Sisters and their courageous journey to Adelaide, where they established St Aloysius College in 1880. Principal Paddy McEvoy unveiled a plaque honouring the Sisters.
When the moment everyone was waiting for arrived, student MCs Liliana and Haylee announced “Wear it your way, purple for every season” and the 2026 uniform was revealed.
Ms McIlroy explained that students would be able to choose what they wear – from the short-sleeved and long-sleeved dresses to skirts, shirts, tailored trousers and shorts. She said Reception to Year 2 students would wear their PE uniform year-round, ensuring freedom of movement and readiness for play and learning.
Principal Paddy McEvoy welcomed the return to predominant purple: “My sisters and I wore purple with pride at SAC in the ‘70s and ‘80’s and I know today’s students will love it. 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.”
To be phased in over three years, the new uniform will be available for Term 1 2026.
The 2026 uniform is revealed.
Students model the new winter uniform.
Students wear the new uniform.
Stepping back in time.
Principal Paddy McEvoy (third from right) with, from left: Sr Catherine Seward, Sr Claudette Cusack, Sr Margaret Adams, Sr Janet Lowe, Sr Mary-Anne Duigan, Sr Judith Redden, Sr Cynthia Griffin, Paddy McEvoy (Principle), Sr Pat Fox, Sr Deirdre Jordan.
Stepping back in time.
Purple was big in the 80s.
