Deputy Principal Staff Development

What Makes a High-Performing School?

The common misconception when judging and comparing the performance of schools is to base this on academic results alone.  On a surface level, it may appear easier to examine academic results as a high-performance indicator as they are quantifiable.  However, there are many layers that inform an academic result when comparing the collective academic performance of schools.  This can often be clouded through what is promoted in the public sphere as it can be informed by inaccurate perception. This is not to suggest academic performance is not a vital part of the educational picture.  Academics form our core business, but as one dimension in what comprises a holistic approach to education, and one aspect that may inform a school’s high performance.

So, if academics are one aspect of high performance, what are the other indicators a school is high performance?  Unfortunately, it is not as easy as searching for a quantifiable result.  High performance is found in the rich experiences, relationships, and practices that encompass the day-to-day life of an educational institution.  It is these elements of high performance that are not so easily measurable that are, at its essence, the heart of a school and what gives a school its unique character.

Mount Alvernia College embraces its unique character through knowing its vision and purpose in enabling our young women to flourish and succeed.  Our academic faculty and support staff understand that, as a Franciscan institution grounded in Christ, we place relationship at our core.  We work to provide a safe educational environment where all within our community are provisioned with the opportunity to learn, connect, and ultimately thrive - an environment where students and staff work in collaboration to develop their curiosity, a passion for learning, and the ability to think.  It is through deliberate pedagogical practices and experiences that our young women reach their potential and excel.

How do we know we have been successful in our pursuits?  In my opinion, you need to look no further than our Mount Alvernian graduates.  They are strong, confident, independent, young women who embark on their desired pathways and make a positive contribution to society.  This to me is evidence a school is meeting its targets and is high performance.

As a college we acknowledge the importance for us to continually reflect on our practice and look to what we can strengthen.  You will have seen this evidenced in our concerted effort to raise the bar in academic performance this year.  In partnership with the community, we will do so within the framework of what we know already makes us a high-performance school.  With relationship central to our practices we will continue to work with each individual student to ensure she achieves, reaches her potential and thrives - continually ensuring we remain high-performance driven.

Daniel Crump

Welcome to the Newest Members of our Maintenance Team

Our Maintenance Team is a crucial element in the smooth operation of the College's day-to-day operations.  At the end of last year, we welcomed Ray, Damian, and Callum, who are profiled below:

Ray Weiland

Ray comes to us from ten years working as a theatre orderly in a number of Brisbane hospitals.  Prior to this, he enjoyed a 28-year Army career, during which he attained qualifications in the areas of Business Management and Transport & Logistics.  Ray is relishing life at Mt A, and doesn't miss shiftwork!  Away from work, Ray enjoys both rugby league and AFL, as a keen supporter of the Melbourne Storm and North Melbourne.

Damian McHugh

Damian's background is as a mechanic for Jetstar and Caterpillar, before working for five years on the gas line in various locations around Central Queensland.  Moving to Brisbane from Gladstone when his wife was transferred for work, Damian has settled into Mt A and is enjoying school life and the extra time to spend with his young sons (one and nearly three years old).  He also enjoys tinkering with engines when he has the chance.

Callum Burbery

Callum was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia as a child.  He travelled after school, before moving into environmental bush regeneration, based in Brisbane but working on mine sites in northern and western Queensland.  Callum likes the environment at Mt A, and appreciates the opportunity to see the results of his labours in the garden (something that wasn't possible when he moved in and out of locations).  A cat lover (after growing up around them), he has room for only one at home at the moment.