Year 8 Pastoral Guardian

With many exciting events occurring throughout Term 3, this week a number of students have been asked to reflect on their highlights and to tell it through their eyes. Of course, this is a snapshot, but their writing does reveal the benefits of being involved for increasing belonging, expanding horizons, and applying classroom learnings to real-world situations.

Best wishes for a safe and relaxing spring holiday. This beautiful time of the season with longer days of sunshine and warmer weather provides great opportunities to enjoy nature, rest and prepare for a busy, short, and exciting Term 4.   

St Anthony’s Year 1 Athletics Carnival

On Monday 12 September we, along with five other Year 8 students, attended St Anthony’s to assist in the running of their Year 1 athletics carnival. This was a great day where we felt a strong sense of togetherness as we bonded with St Anthony’s students and community; it felt great to know we were helping to grow the special bonds. This unique service opportunity helped us to develop our leadership skills, and taught us about how to communicate with younger – and excited – people, and we all had so much fun witnessing and being part of their joy. Overall, this was a unique leaning experience that helped us grow connections in a positive way and has been a definite highlight for our term.

Sienna Akermanis and Millie Thompson

Year 8s leading Year 7s for 2023 Orientation Day 

A key highlight for me during Term 3 was assisting with the Year 7s for 2023 Orientation Day on 2 September. I was provided with the opportunity to welcome the Year 7 class of 2023 into the Mount Alvernia community and to share my love of Mt A. Having seen myself in their place two short years ago, I found it easy to relate to their eagerness, curiosity, and nerves, so I was very keen to share my learnings of what it means to be a Mt A student and how to make the most of the opportunities to enhance belonging. Sitting amongst the students, participating in the activities, and seeing their excitement and confidence grow throughout the day was really rewarding. Therefore, the day was a great success for me as a Francis School leader, and for our future Year 7s. 

Monica Milano

Year 8 DanceFever program

This term, Year 8 Mount Alvernia and Padua students have come together each Thursday morning to learn some new dance moves under the direction of DanceFever instructors. It has been such a fun experience learning hip hop, the cha cha cha, and an enjoyable circle dance known as the afro dance. Fortunately, this experience led to new connections and building new friendships with some of the Padua and Mount Alvernia students. Although lining up with the boys was daunting at first, we all eventually developed a confidence and liking towards our Thursday morning dance sessions. Overall, this dancing experience has been a fabulous way to learn more about ourselves and others, and refine our dance moves! And so, how did Thursday night go? Well, when everyone rocked up in their glam gear, with butterflies somersaulting inside stomachs, the joy, chatter, and excited laughter revealed that a fantastic night was going to be had by all. Check out the photos to show just how much fun we had. 

Sally Carew and Millie Johnston 

Year 8 Reflection Day 

On 5 August, Year 8 cohort took part in the reflection day hosted by Eco Educate. On this day we reflected on ourselves and the ways in which we can decrease our impact on Earth. It was a day of pure fun, and collaboration, and a day to build connections. Not only did we learn about sustainability and unity of creation, but we had a lot of fun expressing our learning and creativity through making the Instagram Reels about how to improve our sustainability practices for the health and wellbeing of the whole planet. The best part? Definitely watching the reels, the Let it go sing-off, and the eating of popcorn! From this experience, not only did we build connections and learn more about our peers, but it gave us a chance to learn about critical matters that affect our lives while making exciting memories for our cohort. Year 8 Reflection Day has definitely been our highlight of Term 3.

Olivia Green and Makenzie Holt

Cultural Festival – Getting into the Spirit 

The Cultural Fest dance practices have been a great opportunity to connect with each other in and across our Houses. Along the way we have been creating memorable moments, such as observing Mr O’G’s and other teachers’ fabulous dancing, growing our House spirit as we develop friendly rivalry, and forming bonds and memories of what it means to belong to the spirit of Mt A. The culminating Battle of the Houses is always a highlight of the Cultural Fest, and 2022 has lived up to what we love about Mount Alvernia’s spirit and community, as the photos reveal.

Abby S and Charlie B