From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

How can we already be halfway through the term? I think it is most definitely a case of time flies when you’re having fun. What a magnificent start to 2023 we have been having! It has been such a joy and a privilege to welcome our newest members of the community; our Year 7’s and new students, observing our Year 12’s settle into their roles as our leaders coupled with the myriad of student activities currently underway –  which are quite literally breathtaking!

Thank you to our parents and carers…..

On behalf of the College and Extended Leadership Teams and members of our current P&FSN executive, we did want to say a very sincere thanks to over a 100 of our parents and carers who joined us for our Parent Engagement Welcome last Saturday night on the Rooftop Garden Terrace. It was the hottest ticket in town (alongside Ed Sheeran of course!). 

The staff and I commented on the affirming, warm and positive interactions we were able to share together on a beautiful Saturday evening in a relaxed setting.  We were so grateful for your attendance and continue in our commitment to building a strong culture of partnership, trust and mutual support with our parent community. 

Similarly, to those 40+ families who attended the first of our Parent Information Series with our College Counsellors. The road of adolescence can certainly be a complex and bumpy one, but we hope that those who attended were able to gain some helpful information and insights from our expert Counsellors, Jess and Kimberley.

A show not to be missed!

Many of you will have already seen from various social media sources and publications that the SBS Series “The Swap” premiers on 8th March, 8:30pm. For those new to our community, Mount Alvernia College, Padua College, Ferny Grove State High School and the Islamic College of Brisbane participated in a very unique experiment last year. I am incredibly proud of both Eliza, Martina and their respective families for the manner in which they engaged in this process and for the important role they are playing in building interfaith dialogue, tolerance and understanding in Australia. 

In the process, they each opened their hearts, their minds and their houses – and they are to be commended for this. I know that you will all feel delighted to see our College, our students and our community in this documentary. It is one not to be missed! I understand that the series has been translated into several languages, so its reach is likely to go beyond our Australian shores. Well done Eliza and Martina, you are true changemakers and you have done all of us very proud.

Wishing everyone a blessed Lenten Season.

“St Clare, help us to remember that we are called to reflect Christ’s love. May we always share our beauty – in spirit and action – with those around us.”

Peace and all good,

Samantha