It has been wonderful to watch the students and staff re-connect as we commence a new academic year, with Term 1 moving along very quickly. I have enjoyed returning to teaching Year 7 HPE this year, one of my greatest joys. The eagerness, commitment and desire to learn displayed by these year 7s as the year commence at Mt A is wonderful and inspiring for their teachers (including me!) in support of them each day. It has also been wonderful for staff to connect with so many parents as the year commences, initially at our January Homeroom Mentor Teacher Meetings and Parents Nights, at assemblies and at our recent Parent Engagement Welcome Reception on the La Foresta Rooftop.

Our staff have spent many hours of professional learning and planning time setting up engaging units to support student learning and growth. We are blessed at Mount Alvernia to have such a highly capable and passionate staff across all areas of the college. Their commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for students, inside and outside the classroom, is commendable and we thank them for their commitment to the Mt A community. Alongside the daily teaching and support, the college is already a buzz of activities, including career sessions, debating competitions, CaSSSA volleyball, tennis and AFL fixtures, run club, swim training and meets, boot camp, choirs, musical rehearsal, Biology field trips, HPE week activities and a variety of lunchtime clubs underway, including Writer’s Club, Senior Book Club, Year 7 Singers, Art Club and ArtX, Italian Club, Japanese Club, Tinker Club, Minecraft Club, and Theatre Sports to name a few.

As we continue through the term, we have some important year level and whole school events in our calendar, including the Interhouse Swimming Carnival on March 3, our Year 9 University Immersion to ACU on March 7 and the CaSSSA Interschool Swimming Carnival on March 9. In Week 7 (Week of March 6), we will also provide students and parents with a Term 1 Interim Report, providing feedback on key learning attributes that support academic development and success. These learner attributes include Learner Engagement, Homework and Revision, Organisation and Readiness for Class and Behaviour in Class. Further information on accessing these reports via MyMtA will be provided to parents in Week 7 when Interim Reports will be available.

Finally, it is my pleasure to introduce to the community new members of our teaching and support staff team for 2023. They bring a wealth of varied experience to our highly capable staff teams, and we look forward to watching you grow and evolve your skills and to be of great impact on our students in 2023.

Peace and all Good,

Kerry Jell

We welcome:

Frances Day – Teacher – Legal Studies, Humanities and Economics/Business

Frances Day is an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who has recently made the transition from a career as a lawyer to the field of teaching. Before receiving her Masters of Learning and Teaching last year, Frances spent five years working across the private and public legal sectors. Frances has always been passionate about young people. After several years of advocacy work in Children's Court, her passion for educational outcomes founded in equity and excellence only grew. Frances brings a unique perspective and skill set to the classroom, with a focus on real world learning. Frances is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, encouraging them to think critically and reach their full potential.

Jayden Hills – Teacher Maths

Jayden is an early career teacher, spending his first appointments at The Gap State High School and Ferny Grove SHS after spending many years at the University of Queensland studying both mathematics and physics while tutoring on the side. While doing this, Jayden realised he had a true passion for not only maths and physics but for also helping others and making a positive impact on other’s lives, so he decided to add an education degree to his other qualifications. Jayden is super excited to be teaching at Mount Alvernia and is looking forward to helping set up students for success, showing them how to problem solve in both mathematics and the 21st century world.

Jane Machin – Teacher – English, Literature, Religion

Jane Machin is a dedicated educator who has extensive experience in varied private schools. As an avid reader and writer, Jane passionately shares knowledge in the subjects English, Literature, Study of Religion and Religious Education, challenging students to develop literacy and critical thinking capabilities. Recognising the gateway potential of secondary education, Jane actively supports students to discover their voice, resilience, persistence and above all, individual successes. Jane is looking forward to continuing her professional development in Mount Alvernia’s community centred environment.

Maria Conway – Teacher – Drama, English

Maria Conway has taught across a range of disciplines including Drama, English, Humanities and Religion. Teaching is Maria’s second career having formerly worked as an actor / acting coach. After completing her Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching (Secondary) she has worked for Education Queensland, Brisbane Catholic Education and most recently Mt St Michael’s College, Ashgrove. Maria is keen to motivate and inspire students to do their personal best. She is passionate about helping students find their voice and having them gain confidence to believe that their voice matters. Maria is looking forward to becoming a part of the Mount Alvernia Community.

Sean Robinson – Teacher – Science, Maths

With COVID-19 causing a shift in my career, I have joined the teaching profession in recent years. Sean has completed a Bachelor of Geosciences and a Master of Teaching and last year discovered his passion for middle years education working as science and mathematics teacher at All Hallows School. Sean is excited to continue to develop his passion here in such a supportive and friendly environment. Before becoming a teacher, Sean spent 6 years was working as a tour guide for and Ayers Rock Resort, G Adventures and National Geographic all over Australia and parts of the world, so, he does love a good travel story. It was when running these tours, Sean developed my interest in education and desire to broaden people’s horizons and experiences. Outside of work Sean like photography, watching sport (especially NRL), and socialising with friends.

Katharine McMain – Sports Coordinator and Administrator

Katharine McMain has been working in the sports industry for the 20+ years, most recently as Sports Coordinator at Stuartholme School for the past 15years. She has completed a Bachelor of Business and has a passion for women's participation in sport. Katharine is excited to join #FOTH and looks forward to continuing to grow and develop the Mount Alvernia Sports program.

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