Welcome to Term 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

I warmly welcome you to Term 2 and trust that the Easter period provided a time of rest, renewal and connection for our families. It was a true joy to see rested radiance of our staff who have found the break restorative. This Easter, I committed to more of a staycation, enjoying all that the South East offers, including a 3 night, off grid, Rainforest Reset in Northern NSW - no wifi, TV or reception. I have been saying all week to my colleagues - “Those 3 days felt like 2 weeks!” and I have begun to philosophise why?

In our technologically saturated and busy worlds, time is something we manage, not inhabit. Time is optimised, filled, measured and monetised. Empty time is treated as a problem to be solved (and filled) and boredom is pathologised. Those 3 days felt longer because they resisted optimisation - they could not be efficiently used……only lived. It was great to live with such presence for those 3 days, particularly in nature where one’s senses are enlivened to the sounds and details of our creator. I thoroughly recommend a Rainforest Reset for anyone who is fortunate enough to do so. I am confident that my own human edge was sharpened by this deep listening to nature in all its glory.

Postcards from the Rainforest (Mount Jerusalem National Park)

As we begin the new term, there is a strong sense of gratitude and pride in all that has already been achieved in our first week back.

Cross Country Carnival

I congratulate our students on their exceptional participation and outstanding House spirit at the Cross Country Carnival held on Tuesday. The day was a wonderful celebration of perseverance, encouragement and community. It was heartening to see students supporting one another so enthusiastically - whether running competitively, challenging themselves to finish, walking in solidarity with their House, or cheering from the sidelines. Well done to all involved, including our incredible Sports Team; Charmaine, Kat and Emma, Heads of House, House Captains and all of our staff for making the day such a success. Well done to Spoleto House for the win, in what was our closest competition ever!

National Athletics Championships

In the sporting arena, I would also like to acknowledge the truly exceptional achievement of 4 of our Mt A students at the National Athletics Championships held over the holidays; Chikaima, Taylor, Abi and Metben.

Please join me in congratulating Abi for her gold medal in the 90m hurdles, where she not only took the top spot but also broke the long-standing state record previously held by Sally Pearson since 2001. Abi’s efforts also earned her a spot in the national finals for both the 90m hurdles and 100m.

Congratulations also to Taylor, who delivered two personal bests and qualified for the national finals in both 200m hurdles and the 400m event, Metben for achieving a season best in the Long Jump final and Chikaima, posting two personal bests and qualifying for the national finals in both the 100m and 200m. Chikaima also recorded a season best result in the Long Jump final.

These phenomenal results are not only a testimony to the calibre of athletes at Mt A, but highlight the dedication, spirit and composure of our girls to perform at the highest level nationally. Well done girls, we are in awe of your efforts and achievement.

ANZAC Day Assembly

I extend my sincere thanks to students and staff for the reverence and dignity displayed at our Anzac Day Assembly on Thursday. It was a moving and meaningful occasion that honoured the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand men and women, past and present. As a Franciscan community, we also take the time to reflect on our hope for peace and healing in our current world. Our gratitude goes to Mr Peter Saxon Kedron Wavell RSL Sub-branch for his powerful personal reflections, and we thank Sr Moya MFIC, Cr Danita Parry and Kate Eggar (Chair of Board) for their presence at this important ceremony.

I extend my thanks in advance to our College Choir, led by Ms Curcuruto and Student Leaders led by Mr Bracken for their support and leadership in this years’ Dawn Service and ANZAC Day March. We look forward to seeing lots of Mt A representation at the March, Saturday 25 April.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Reflection and Community Voice

As we progress through 2026, the College Board alongside the College Leadership Team will be undertaking important strategic work to shape the future direction of Mount Alvernia College. Central to this work is listening deeply to the voices of our community.

This term, parents, students and staff will be invited to provide comprehensive feedback through the MMG Survey, which will seek input across a wide range of school operations, culture and priorities. This feedback will play an important role in informing our planning and decision‑making. Further details regarding timelines and access to the survey will be communicated shortly.

In addition, the process will be supported by Lyngcoln Consulting, who will facilitate a series of small stakeholder focus group sessions involving students, staff, parents and alumnae. These conversations will allow for rich dialogue and reflection as we consider the next chapter of our college journey.

Reflecting on Our Strategic Plan (2022–2025)

As we engage in this forward‑looking work, it is timely to pause and reflect on the incredible progress we have made together over the past four years under our current Strategic Plan. The plan has been guided by six aspirational strategic pillars, which continue to shape who we are and who we aspire to be:

A Contemporary Franciscan Community
Deepening our Franciscan identity in ways that are meaningful and relevant for today, grounded in faith, justice and ethical leadership.
Excellent Learning and Teaching
Delivering innovative, high‑quality learning with a strong focus on high expectations, critical thinking, creativity, and literacy and numeracy across the curriculum.
Capable and Agile Staff
Fostering a professional culture where staff are supported, challenged and developed through purposeful leadership pathways and ongoing learning.
Empowering Partnerships
Strengthening partnerships with families, alumni, parish, industry and tertiary institutions to enhance student opportunities and real‑world pathways.
A Confident Future
Ensuring sustainable resourcing, enrolment planning and learning environments that are flexible, functional and future‑focused.
Spirit‑Filled Students
Nurturing young women who are known, valued and respected, joy‑filled, resilient, compassionate and empowered to use their voice for good.

Together, these pillars have guided significant growth and improvement across the College, and I thank our entire community for the commitment, trust and collaboration that has made this possible.

Finally, I ask that we continue to hold in our prayers the family and friends of the late Jimmy Sullivan MP. We keep them in our prayers during this time of deep loss and extend our heartfelt sympathy and support. Jimmy’s parents Terry and Trish, have both had long associations with Mt A, as Chair of Board and Staff Member respectively.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership with the College. We look forward to meeting with many of you at our upcoming Parent/Teacher/Student Subject Teacher Meetings. I look forward to the term ahead and to continuing our shared journey together.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

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