Deputy Principal

International Women’s Day 

We extend a Happy International Women’s Day to all women and girls of the Mount Alvernia College community. We trust it was a special day for you and that the people in your life expressed their gratitude for your example, influence and love. 

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Embrace Equity.” It recognises that while equality is the goal, equity is the means to get there. Equality means that each person is given the same resources or opportunities given to everyone. In contrast, equity recognises that each person has different circumstances, and need to be allocated the resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion. We embrace equity to forge harmony and unity, and to help drive success for all. Each one of us can actively support and embrace equity within our own sphere of influence. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, let us all embrace equity today, and always. 

In homeroom, students commenced the day with prayer and were then invited to write a message to an inspiring woman in their life. I do trust these cards made their way to most of you! 

I would like to extend my thanks to the Hospitality students (under the direction of Ms Tegan Hooper and the Hospitality staff) for the beautiful morning tea they prepared for staff to celebrate the day. 

This Sunday, three of our Z Club leader will be representing the College at a brunch being hosted by the Zonta Club of Pine Rivers. Of course, our own International Women’s Day Brunch will be held next Sunday 19 March, with 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt.

Harmony Day

Tuesday 21 March is Harmony Day, a day to celebrate Australia’s multiculturalism, cultural and religious diversity and social inclusivity. The theme is "Everyone Belongs". On this day, students are invited to wear orange accessories such as a ribbon, socks, bracelet, etc. Orange clothing items are not to be worn over the uniform. Also, any student who would like to participate in our Harmony Day showcase by singing, dancing or playing an instrument from their cultural tradition, are asked to email Ms Willoughby or Chiara Pezzetta our Cultural Captain to register their interest.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is an annual Lenten appeal for Caritas Australia, the Catholic Church’s official international aid and development agency. The money raised through this appeal is used to develop long term development programs in partnership with some of the world’s most vulnerable communities for whom poverty and injustice is a daily reality. During Lent, each student is asked to consider what they can give up and to donate the money they save in going without to people in need. It is a small action that makes a world of difference, and indeed, a difference in our world. Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future  generations. All donations can be made through the Mount Alvernia College Project Compassion online portal: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/mt-alvernia-college. The link will also be shared with students by email. For more information, visit the Caritas website: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/. 

Ponytail Project, Thursday 30 March

This term we will also be raising funds for the Cancer Council and people living with cancer by participating in the Ponytail Project. Every year an estimated 4000 ponytails are needed just to make enough charitable wigs for those suffering from cancer or alopecia. One wig requires 20 ponytails and can cost thousands of dollars. Sustainable Salons collects all ponytails 20cm or longer, both coloured and uncoloured, and sends them to charitable organisations and wigmakers. Uncoloured ponytails 36cm+ are the holy grail for charitable wigs. We have about eight intrepid students willing to donate their hair to this worthy cause. Our event will take place on assembly on Thursday 30 March.  You can donate to Team Mount Alvernia via the Ponytail Project website: https://www.ponytailproject.com.au/fundraisers/teammountalvernia. 

Encounter Youth 

The Encounter program is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Brisbane designed to mentor students and build stronger connections between schools and parishes. The Encounter team visits the College each Thursday during Break 1. All students are welcome to drop in and involve themselves in the activities on offer. The Encounter team also facilitates events for youth through our Parish each Thursday night from 6.30 – 8.30pm in the Parish Hall, Little Flower Church. All Mount Alvernia College students are welcome to attend. Students need to register for these events via the QR code in the flyer attached.

Stations of the Cross

The Encounter team are organising the commemoration of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, Friday 7 April, and they invite all students to be a part of this. Volunteer roles include: 

readers for the liturgy; actors for the re-enactment of Stations of the Cross; and volunteers to help cook breakfast for the morning of Good Friday. Students involved in the re-enactment will need to commit to the remaining 4 x 1 hour rehearsals being held at Little Flower Church from 1.30 – 2.30pm on Sundays as follows: 

Sunday 12 MarchSunday 19 MarchSunday 26 MarchSunday 2 April (Full dress rehearsal)

The Stations of the Cross will be re-enacted as part of the Kedron Parish’s Good Friday Service at 10.00am, Friday 7 April.

Saint Patrick’s Day Mass 

The annual Saint Patrick’s Day Mass, organised by the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Association, will be celebrated again this year in the Cathedral of Saint Stephen, Elizabeth Street, at 10.00am on 17 March. Fr Gerard McMorrow will be the celebrant. The Mass will have a special appeal for families who have an Irish background but all are welcome. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed through the Cathedral website, Archbne.org/bzw.