Dear Parents and Carers,

May I extend my sincere gratitude to all our parents and carers who supported our recent Open Day - whether by cooking sausages, transporting your daughter, or encouraging others to visit. Once again in 2026, the day was a joyful celebration of who we are as a Franciscan community.

It was a privilege to welcome prospective families and share the story of Mount Alvernia College through the voices of our students and staff. The authenticity and pride with which our students spoke about their learning, their College, and their friendships was truly impressive. We have since received many messages from visitors, affirming how articulately our students spoke and how confidently they represented the College. It is always this authentic human connection - rather than any brochure -that most powerfully captures the heart and spirit of Mount Alvernia College.

In the past fortnight, the College Leadership Team has had the pleasure of thanking the students and staff who gave so generously of their time on a Sunday. Our appreciation was expressed in true Mt A style -with pizza for all. At Mt A, pizza is indeed our love language!

At the heart of Mount Alvernia College is a spirit that is both enduring and deeply felt - one of connection, service, and shared purpose. In recent weeks, this spirit has been evident across several important community moments and initiatives, each reflecting the strength and vitality of our Franciscan identity.

Extended Leadership Breakfast

Last Friday, our Deputy Principal - Staff Development and Organisation, Kerry Jell, led our Extended Leadership Team; including Deans, Heads of House, Heads of Faculty, and Program Leaders - in a Professional Learning Breakfast.

This gathering provided a valuable opportunity to deepen connection, reflect on the shared responsibility of leadership, and consider how we continue to grow and support one another in the important work we do. In the Franciscan tradition, leadership is not about status, but about service. It also calls us to engage in the necessary- and at times challenging - conversations required to protect what is meaningful and purposeful for our students.

At the beginning of the session, Kerry invited participants to select an image that resonated with our leadership journey at Mt A to date. The image I chose (shared below) reflects, for me, a journey of mutual support - lifting one another to reach new heights, perhaps beyond what we once thought possible.

Working at Mt A is truly a team effort, and we are incredibly blessed to have such dedicated and capable leaders and staff supporting your daughters. This is never something we take for granted.

National Reconciliation Week 2026

I extend my thanks to our Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission, Bobby Bracken, for curating a thoughtful and meaningful Reconciliation Week for our community.

Across the week, students and staff engaged deeply with Australia’s shared history and our collective responsibility for the future. Through prayer, dialogue, and learning, we were invited to reflect on truth, justice, and healing. These experiences are vital in shaping not only informed learners, but compassionate and active citizens committed to building a more just and reconciled society.

College Board - Strategic Planning & Recruitment of Our Next Principal

On Friday, 29 and Saturday, 30 May, our College Board worked alongside Neville Lyngcoln (Lyngcoln Consulting) to continue shaping the next phase of our strategic journey.

This important work is grounded in careful discernment-honouring the strengths of our past and the success of our current priorities, while looking forward with clarity and hope. Together, we are considering how best to ensure that Mount Alvernia College continues to flourish as a centre of excellence in girls’ education, deeply grounded in our Franciscan tradition.

In the coming week, we look forward to receiving the results of the MMG Survey, which we will share with the community in due course.

Earlier this week, additional focus groups met with Neville to consider the future leadership needs of the College. I thank the parents, staff, and students who contributed so thoughtfully to these important and influential conversations.

FCIP Rock Symphony – A Triumph!

Congratulations to every student who participated in this year’s Rock Symphony – Latin Fiesta. Just when you thought, we cannot possibly top the showcase that was 2024 – they did! Breathtaking performances were enjoyed by everyone who attended across the 3 nights, with a standard of musicianship that is nothing short of exceptional. There were tears in my eyes watching our College Captains Monica and Niamh perform together, what a duo! How blessed are we to have 2 Captain’s with the most exquisite voices.

Our thanks extend to all the staff who assisted throughout the shows, particularly to Ms Dani Curcuruto, our maestro, mentor and music teacher extraordinaire, who has given herself tirelessly to our music program this year.

As I reflect on the themes across this newsletter, a common thread emerges: the strength of our community. It is found in the generosity of spirit of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our families. For all of this, I give thanks.

Let us make this prayer on World Environment Day.

Creator of Heaven and Earth,

We thank you for the beauty and abundance of this world for the oceans that sustain, the forests that shelter, the skies that inspire, and the soil that nourishes.

Forgive us for the times we have taken more than we have given back, for the moments we have chosen convenience over care, and for the silence when we should have spoken for the voiceless,

the rivers, the forests, the creatures, and the future.

Today, we ask for wisdom to live gently, for courage to protect what is fragile, and for unity to work together across nations, cultures, and generations.

May our hands plant seeds of renewal, our voices speak for justice, and our hearts beat in harmony with all creation. Bless the work of those who restore and protect the earth. Guide leaders to make decisions that honour both people and planet.

And inspire each of us to live as faithful stewards, so that the world we pass on will be richer in life,

healthier in spirit, and more radiant in beauty.

We offer this prayer with hope,

trusting that small acts of care can grow into great forests of change.

Amen.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal

Golf Raffle winner

Supporting Elizabeth Hayes School, Papua New Guinea