Dear Parents and Carers,

Can you believe we are already at the end of Week 7? Together at Mt A we have enjoyed another wonderful fortnight. I continue to be in a state of genuine awe at all that our students achieve and the breadth of experiences in which they so enthusiastically participate. You only have to peruse the newsletter each week to see what I am talking about! After a very wet Monday, it was also a delight to see La Foresta spring back to life, reminding us again of the quiet resilience and beauty of our surroundings.

At a previous Catholic girls’ school where I served in Melbourne, I recall a moment that has stayed with me ever since. At an assembly, one of our School Captains spoke with remarkable insight about the gratitude she felt for her education. She shared a simple but powerful perspective: the difference between saying “I have to…” and “I get to….”

Her words were both humbling and deeply moving. She spoke about how shifting those few words transforms our outlook - from obligation to opportunity, from burden to privilege. It reframes our days: I get to learn, I get to be part of this community, I get to wear a uniform, to grow, to try, to contribute.

That young woman has since gone on to become a successful playwright and theatre director, but even then, it was clear she possessed a profound appreciation for the opportunities before her. Her reflection has remained with me because it captures something essential about education and about community: the quiet but powerful practice of gratitude.

It is a sentiment that feels particularly fitting as I reflect on the life of our community here at Mt A. Each day our students get to learn alongside resolute teachers, get to discover new talents, and get to build friendships that will shape their lives. And we, as educators and families, get to witness their growth.

As we move through these busy final weeks of term, we might all pause to consider that small but meaningful shift in language. In doing so, we may find ourselves more attentive to the many gifts that surround us each day in this special community. I invite you to consider the transformative power of shifting from “we have to” to “we get to.”

International Women's Day

Last week’s International Women’s Day provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the privilege and responsibility we share in educating and advocating for young women. Our community was inspired by Rachael Robertson, who shared pearls of wisdom at our High Tea. I encourage you to read this week’s reflection from our Deputy Principal, Michelle Licina, for more highlights from this special event.

Last Friday, I was also delighted to co-host the International Coalition of Girls' Schools IWD Luncheon, where one of our own alumnae, Nicole Johnstone, served as a panellist. Nicole spoke passionately about service, community, and the importance of advocating for women in politics - values that clearly reflect the spirit of the Franciscan education she received here at Mt A.

I am also honoured to have been nominated this year, as one of ten principals nationally to serve as a Regional Advisory Council Member (Australasia) for the International Coalition of Girls' Schools. In June, I look forward to travelling with my Mt A colleagues, Leah Heath, and Mel McCabe, to represent our community at the Global Conference in Toronto.

Together, these moments remind us of the powerful network of women- past and present - who continue to shape and strengthen our community.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 9 students for undertaking NAPLAN with dedication and resilience. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are proud of your efforts. A special vote of thanks also goes to our Dean of Middle Years – Mr Sam Yates, Ms Simone Roche – Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning, Administrators - Ms Wren Ramirez, Emma Gibbs, our LES Team, and our outstanding IT team who supported the students throughout their days of testing.

70 Year Anniversary

Tonight, we are excited to announce our very first Captains' Table Soiree Alumnae event, a much-anticipated gathering in our 70 Year Anniversary Celebrations. This event promises to be a meaningful event, bringing together past Captains and Vice Captains of the College from 1956-2025. What a privilege it is that I get to re-connect with fine Franciscan women throughout the eras – each one of them contributing to the 70-year story we celebrate today.

“In the spirit of Francis of Assisi, may we greet each day with grateful hearts, remembering that the chance to learn, to serve and to grow together is a gift we get to receive.”

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal

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