Heads of House
Belle Prairie - Jeni Barlow
My name is Jeni Barlow and I am very excited about continuing my role as Belle Prairie Head of House. From a very early age, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, having been inspired by passionate educators who nurtured the development of my whole self and really encouraged me to dream of possibilities beyond my small country community. Throughout my teaching career, I have always been invested in educating the whole student, understanding that students achieve great success when they feel known, have a strong sense of belonging, and are challenged and supported as they aspire to become their best selves. I am driven by the idea that I am an educator of their mind and heart, and can influence how they see and value themselves now and in the future. What a privilege it is, in partnership with parents and carers, to play such a significant part in the formative years of a young person!
In 2024, Belle Prairie’s theme is ‘Building Possibilities’. Under the leadership of House Captain Stevie McCallum and our Belle Prairie Student Representative Council members – Millicent Tilson, Zoe Kila Charlotte Evans, and Gabrielle Mellor –all members of Belle Prairie are being called upon to be active and intentional in shaping and expanding our experiences and outcomes. We are building on the foundations and success of 2023, and by committing to step-by-step improvement and growth each day, the possibilities for success are endless in all facets of our lives. There are no limits.
So, let’s Begin the Journey!
Greccio - Michelle Licinia
My name is Michelle Licina and this is my 9th year as an educator and 6th as a Head of House. I teach in the VET and Religion Faculties. My education wellbeing focus is building positive house culture, unity and connections through evidence-based practices along with nurturing leadership capacity.
I love being an education wellbeing leader. I am passionate about the welfare of young people ensuring they finish school to the very best of their ability with a range of talents and skills that make them highly employable and relatable to others. Upon graduating, memories of school should be positive and long-lasting. It is my hope that students embrace all opportunities available to them at Mt A – especially the ones that involve serving others in our year of service.
Rieti - Courtney Daniec
My name is Courtney Daniec and I have the absolute pleasure of being Rieti Head of House. In 2024 the Rise of Rieti continues. Embodying a collective commitment to cultural enrichment, our house endeavours to build a vibrant and inclusive community through active participation, attendance, and personal growth.
My aim this year is to elevate not only the house's identity but also the individual journeys of each member. Through house events, collaborative initiatives, and a focus on self-improvement, I hope to see Rieti students engaged, united and successful. We have great groundwork in house participation and homeroom connection and now with a new year and new initiatives we have the opportunity to keep building and grow. Together, we rise.
Perugia - Erin Moffat
My name is Erin Moffat, and I am thrilled to reintroduce myself as we embark on our second year of the Vertical House System at Mount Alvernia College.
In my role as Head of House for Perugia, I am honoured to play a part in fostering a culture that not only values academic excellence but also places a strong emphasis on personal growth, collaboration, and the unique strengths each student brings to our community.
In our year of service, Perugia House has chosen to centre our efforts around the theme "Better Together."
This powerful phrase encapsulates the essence of our community where we strive to think beyond ourselves and believe in fostering a 'Have a Go' culture -- a culture that participates, motivates others, the resilience to learn from failures, and the determination to try again. This mindset is integral to success and personal development. This year, I encourage Perugia students to embrace challenges, take risks, and continue to cultivate a growth mindset.
Here's to a year filled with growth, unity, and the collective strength that comes from being "Better Together."
Spoleto - Chanel Humphries
Welcome back to 2024! I anticipate that this year will be another year of learning, partnership and participation at Mount Alvernia College. My name is Chanel Humphries, and I am so proud to be returning in the role of Spoleto’s Head of House alongside the rest of our exceptional Educational Wellbeing team. My pastoral focus is authenticity and this year I’ve asked my team, “who do you want to be surrounded by?”, which is a question for us all to ponder as we move into a new year. How do we fill the figurative cups of others? How do we fill our own cup so that we can be the people others want to be surrounded by? I believe that it is at the heart of these questions that we can authentically find the courage to serve ourselves and others in 2024.
So, what’s next for Spoleto? Last year we ‘ignited’ our SPARK and this year we are ‘enacting’ SPARK, building on the foundations that we laid in 2023. We are embracing the spirit value of PLUCK, alongside the College’s year of service.
With these two key values in mind, students in Spoleto are encouraged to stand up, speak up and step down – a phrase I’ve coined from Year 11 student, Maeve Riley.
- Stand up: in the face of adversity, for what’s right, participate, be part of the team, lead in action.
- Speak up: for what you believe in, even when your voice shakes, fill others with spirit, lead in voice.
- Step down: recognise when to ‘step down’ and let others be courageous when you have inspired them with your own courage.
With this mantra in mind, let’s run head on into 2024!
Villa Spada - Sacha Carney
My name is Sacha Carney and I have spent the better part of the last 24 years in classrooms with teenagers. For people outside of schools this might sound nightmarish, but for me this has given my life genuine purpose and joy. Whilst adolescents can be grumpy, sullen and moody, they are also hilarious, driven and exciting to be around. This is the reason that I continue to enjoy my current role as the Head of Villa Spada House here at Mount Alvernia College.
Every day I have the opportunity to work alongside students in my house, assisting them to become the most authentic and best versions of themselves. In this year of service at the College, our Villa Spada House motto ‘Reach Out’ will certainly come into its own as students seek to give back to their communities by showing genuine concern for others; raising up others; and standing in solidarity with others. Villa Spada students have an absolutely amazing array of gifts and talents that I cannot wait to see on display not just for themselves but in the service of others. I have no doubt whatsoever that 2024 is set to be a brilliant year.