Deputy Principal - Student Development

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

This Friday, 15 March, is the National Day that focuses on all schools and communities across Australia standing up against bullying and violence.  It is somewhat interesting to note that this day has also been chosen to request students to march in support of action against climate change.

While I am not opposed to standing up for your beliefs around the future of our planet, I think it a shame that it will occurs on the day designated  to strategise and raise awareness around an issue that can have a major effect on the mental health and wellbeing of all.  

In the past year, Mount Alvernia has added to its strategies to address bullying by developing a student- run Anti Bullying Taskforce.  This taskforce has grown in the past month to beyond 50 members who have one goal in mind – to encourage all to Say No to Bullying.  

This Friday, instead of leaving the College or going on strike for climate change,  the girls will be holding their own march through the college grounds with placards and strong messages in tow.  Their hope is that, by marching in solidarity, others will join the call and raise the bar on the preparedness of all students to stand up to bullying and be the inclusive community we know we can be.  Students are permitted to wear orange accessories on this day in support of the Say No to Bullying campaign.  These accessories include hair bands, ribbons, and jewellery.

Community United

It can often be said that times of difficulty can bring communities together.  This has been true for the Mount Alvernia community.  With the loss of a much loved staff member, Ms Jen Letizia, and the passing of a parent for a number of our students, it has been wonderful to witness the support that has been provided to the families who have and will continue to suffer grief and loss.  On behalf of these families, thank you for your generous support; whether it has been in providing meals, transportation, or companionship, I know that it has been very much appreciated and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. 

If you are considering providing a meal to one of the families in need at this time, you are more than welcome to do so.  All that is needed is for you to advise heating instructions and ingredients.  The meal (preferably frozen) can be brought to Main Reception from where it will be delivered to the family.  Let us remember to keep all in our community who are suffering the loss of a loved one in our thoughts and prayers.

Annette Butterworth

Lord Mayor's Youth Advisory Council

This year I was privileged to be chosen to represent Mt A on the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, or LMYAC for short.   This council is made up of one Year 10 student from each of the participating schools in Brisbane.  Its focus is to develop an understanding of what the youth of Brisbane would like to see in the city. 

This year’s primary topic is a more inclusive Brisbane.  This looks at how to make sure that there are activities and facilities available for people of all ages, catering for disabilities, accessibility, and lack of transport, to name a few.  We had an induction day where we were introduced to some of our peers, whereafter we formed groups of up to twelve people - our project group.  Each group’s aim is to come up with a project associated with the primary topic, which we will present to the Brisbane City Council at the end of the year.

This opportunity allows me to gain skills in leadership, organising, and presentation of ideas, and also gives me a chance to meet people from around Brisbane.  I am grateful that I was selected to represent my college.

Gabby Reis