Deputy Principal 

2024 Social Justice Statement

On Tuesday, the Australian Catholic Bishops published this year’s Social Justice Statement, Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World. In this statement, they scrutinise the signs of our troubled times, observe the violence around us, and ask why it is so. 

Using scripture and the guidance of Pope Saint John XXIII’s Pacem in Terris and Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti, the Bishops affirm their hope in peace. They argue that peace is possible if we put our trust in Christ, the Prince of Peace. It is from him that we learn about the architecture of peace, a commitment to the culture of encounter, the value of dialogue at all levels and the importance of seeing everyone as our sister and our brother. 

The statement also provides some suggested actions to help us to build on our commitment to be peacemakers locally and internationally. 

The statement can be accessed here.

This message of peace reaffirms the way of peace modelled so perfectly by Saint Francis and Sait Clare of Assisi. Through their prayer, deep listening and service, they extended their circle of relationship beyond what was known and familiar and embraced the other in a spirit of brotherly and sisterly love.  

It is a message that we continue to offer our students. Peace requires peace in one’s own heart and commitment to respecting all people and all of creation. It also requires kindness. 

Let us pray: 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. 

Sony Foundation Camp: Parent Volunteers

After a four-year hiatus, Mount Alvernia College and Marist College Ashgrove will co-host the Sony Foundation Camp from Saturday 14 - Monday 16 September 2024. This camp is a three-day residential camp for young people (aged 8 – 16 years) who are differently abled. It will be held at Marist College Ashgrove. 

Such a camp requires much planning and generous support from the Mount Alvernia College community. We need volunteers (parents, carers and past students) and donations. 

Are you a Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Support Worker, etc., or someone who would love to join in the fun that is Sony Camp? 

We need medical volunteers at any time on Saturday or Sunday, but also would love helpers for various activities (see below), particularly at nighttime (8.30 – 10.30pm). 

Please complete this FORM if you can help. Please ensure you indicate that you are a Mt A parent/carer or community member. Please note: All volunteers will require a Blue Card. Once you send through your expression of interest, we will email through the relevant links to help you apply for a volunteer Blue Card if you don't already have one. 

Activities on Saturday 

• Build a Bear (11.15am – 12.15pm) 
• Craft stations (1.00 – 4.00pm)
• Gym activities (1.00 – 4.00pm)
• Pool activities (1.00 – 4.00pm)

Activities on Sunday 

• Games on the oval (10.30am – 12.00pm)
• Craft stations (2.00 – 4.00pm)
• Gym activities (2.00 – 4.00pm)
• Pool activities (2.00 – 4.00pm)

Nighttime supervision of campers on Saturday 14 September, 8.30 – 10.30pm and Sunday 15 September, 8.30 – 10.30pm.

Donations

We are seeking donations of toiletries and medical supplies, activities for the campers and pamper pack items for the parents of campers. If you can assist, visit Sony Foundation Camp 2024 - Marist College Ashgrove (marash.qld.edu.au)and use the checklist to indicate the items you are able to donate. These include:  

Toiletries and medical supplies: nappies, wipes, gloves, nappy bags, hand sanitiser, sunscreen,isinfectant spray, disinfectant, tissues, batteries, medicine cups, syringes, saline, Band-aids, Panadol, Nurofen, Ventolin, Solugel, Claratyne, Bepanthen cream, Sudocrem, etc.

Pamper Pack items for parents: wine, gourmet food, chocolates, biscuits, gift cards, movie vouchers, pamper products, jewellery, etc.

Activity Donations: We are planning a carnival fun day on the Sunday. We need donations of rides, jumping castle, face painting, animal farm, ice cream van, popcorn machine, art supplies, magician, dress up characters, bubble machine, golf carts, etc. 

If you have contacts for providers of carnival activities or are keen to get involved, please contact us. We would love to hear from you. 

Please refer to the list of donations we are seeking on our dedicated Sony page on the WEBSITE. Please ensure you indicate that you are a Mt A parent/carer or community member.