Dear Parents and Carers,

What a poignant and meaningful concluding week we have shared together with our Class of 2024. As we farewell our Year 12’s, we thank our graduating students and families for 6 years of partnership, learning and community. We hope that our Evolution Day, Graduation Mass and Dinner marked this special right of passage for you appropriately, and that you took the time to reflect upon the gifts and privileges of a Franciscan education. We hope that it also provided you with the space to thank, heal, appease, resolve, and to let go of those things that no longer serve you well as you move into your next chapter.

In my final address to the students at their Graduation Dinner I spoke these words, which, upon reflection, are just as relevant to every student in our community:

To our graduating class of 2024, never ever underestimate the power of your words, actions, and deeds. The influence of the individual agency each of you possess to do good and to be good, can lead to great things. Whether this be the kind words spoken to a stranger in a time of need, volunteering in the community, having the brave voice in a board meeting, offering the germinating idea for Australia’s next green energy source, or a breakthrough in medical research…. Remember the impact of small positive steps, of incremental gains in every aspiration you hold and in the power of action for kindness and justice. Continue to Find your Franciscan 5 in all that you do! Back yourself and be yourself, don’t EVER for one minute underestimate the positive influence that you can be in this world.

As we say farewell to the joy-filled cohort of 2024, who reminded us every step of the way that when “Spirit Soars, Culture Roars”…..we welcomed our newly installed Consiglio degli Studenti comprising of 24 students representing every House at every year level. I take this opportunity again to formally congratulate all students who applied for these roles and to the successful candidates. Please know that all will be a significant and powerful voice and role model for MtA students in 2025.

This week we take the opportunity to wish all of our students 7-11 the very best in their upcoming final assessments. They have all worked so hard and we are so proud of you!

Health & Wellbeing - An Important Community Announcement

As we approach the concluding weeks of the Academic Year, can I also take the opportunity to remind families of the important responsibility we all share in ensuring that you visit a GP if you are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness. In a community of 1000+, care and consideration need to be taken by all. You may already be aware from media reports, that in Queensland, we are currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, Whooping Cough and Chickenpox/Shingles. Many of these (and other illnesses) can be severe for teenagers, adults and pregnant women. Informing the College is critical, as it helps with early identification and faster treatment for others who may have been exposed. Furthermore, seeking medical advice and acting quickly can prevent serious complications and protect the wider community. We thank you for your cooperation and partnership in keeping our Mt A community of students, staff and families safe.

Further information around some common communicable illnesses, symptoms and possible impacts are included in the link below. As always, please consult your GP should you have symptoms.

Diseases and infection prevention | Queensland Health

Last Monday we paused to reflect on the thousands of men and women who have served our country. We remember the fallen and recommit ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace in our world. I would like to thank our Rebel Yarners group comprising of crafty Mt A staff and students, for lovingly crocheting members of staff a beautiful poppy to wear. I will certainly treasure mine.

I also remember my much-loved Father, Edward. C. Jensen who would have been 79 years of age on the 10th November this year. He served in the Royal Australian Navy and is shown below as a 19-year-old Able Seaman on his way to Vietnam in 1968. Photo credit: Australian War Memorial.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Mt A Marvel