Deputy Principal

Moments of awe and grace – the view from my window

I have the most beautiful view from my office. Better than any in Brisbane, I say. I have the privilege of looking out over La Foresta. Our garden is cared for by David Pratt, Curator of Gardens, and the incredible maintenance team we have on site at Mount Alvernia College.

The garden often stops me in my tracks.  It takes me away from my screen and takes me to a place of awe. These moments happen when I see a hospitality student picking herbs for their cooking prac. They happen when I observe a Science Teacher help a student dissect a leaf to marvel at the life-giving properties contained within it. They happen when I watch a Religion class walk to the Carceri for a different perspective away from their usual classroom. They happen when I get excited about easels being set up by an art class to find their inspiration in nature.  The chickens know the route from the coupe to the scratching yard. 

However, the botanica that captures everyone’s attention when they come on site is the beautiful flower that drapes over the St Francis bird fountain at our College entrance. 

For a long time, I thought it was an orchid. David Pratt has since informed me it is called Thunbergia Mysorensis or Indian Clock Vine.

We currently have over 300 families coming onsite for enrolment interviews for a 2028 commencement. Every family stops, looks, takes a photo and smiles.  It captures their attention for quite some time. A moment of joy for me was watching a team of girls from a CaSSSA sister school last Wednesday afternoon as they entered the gates to head to San Dam. 

For a flower to stop a group of young girls eager to get to the courts surely means it has an impact on everyone! Not only did they stop, they pulled out their phones and took photos.  They took selfies with it. They were in awe of this beautiful specimen of nature.  It caused them to stop and take in our entire La Foresta. For them, a moment of grace. For me, a moment of clarity.

These moments are a reminder that, in the ‘busyness’ of schools and life, awe, wonder and grace must never be taken for granted. 

In her book, ‘Bright Shining. How Grace Changes Everything’, - gifted to me by Samantha Jensen at the commencement of my Deputy Principalship – Julia Baird speaks of grace in a way that goes straight to my heart.

“Grace is like the sun: it warms us, fuels us and unerringly brings light. At first and, perhaps, second glance, though, the world seems to have been drained of it. Try to recall the last time you saw a public act of grace or an unexpected, extraordinary decency.  Presidents trash talk. Commentators brawl and spit. Vitriol is a currency of clicks. Outrage is a profitable algorithm. Rage flows thick, daily, through well-worn tributaries on social media. 

Grace is more than simple kindness. Grace is both ineffable and utterable. It is not esoteric, it is wrapped in the every day but is still extraordinary. It spawns generosity, compassion and empathy. It involves understanding, recognising another person’s humanity and walking in another’s shoes, which can pave the way for forgiveness.

Grace is honouring another person’s humanity even when they do not honour yours.

Grace is extending a hand even when a fist might be more deserved.

The chance to be wrong and mess up and that not be the end of the story.”

So, perhaps there is a higher purpose for Mr Pratt choosing Thunbergia Mysorensis or Indian Clock Vine for this place in our College entry? More extraordinarily, it has been constantly flowering since July last year – well beyond the expected flowering period.

The location of this plant is also the spot where our students reach for their phones to see what they have missed during the school day or are focussed on putting them away, albeit reluctantly, as they enter the college. I hope they never become complacent with this special plant they pass most days. It is my hope they will always accepts its presence and beauty as a moment of awe and grace and the benefits to our soul these moments provide.

All the very best,

Michelle Licina

Deputy Principal, Student Development and Wellbeing (Acting)