Deputy Principal - Student Development & Wellbeing

YEAR 9 CAMP

Check out the serenity! This is the beautiful Noosa Northshore where our Year 9 students camped for the last three days. Along with canoeing, students engaged in bouldering, hiking, mountain biking and survival skills. They slept in tents, which they erected themselves, and prepared their own meals. It was a different experience for many, and a challenge for some, but the students threw themselves into each of the activities and gave things a go, which was very pleasing to see. They learnt new skills, grew their friendships and had lots of fun. 

Noosa Northshore is a new location for camps at Mount Alvernia College this year, with our Year 7 students being the first students to experience the venue in February, and our Year 9 students were quick to tell me when I visited camp yesterday how much they loved the new location, despite the fact they did have a “bucket lunch” each day. I also heard about the sausage and steak dinner on the first night, which was a winner, riding the mountain bikes on the jumps course and cooling off in the pool after canoeing among many other highlights. 

Taking time out from school and the hectic schedules students have, especially as assessment is approaching, as well as having a change of scenery, can be very refreshing and a great way to recharge batteries. I am glad they had this opportunity and I look forward to seeing our students (and the accompanying staff) back on deck next week ready to finish off the year strongly.

On that note, I want to thank the students for their enthusiasm, persistence and sense of fun. It was great to see their laughing faces, hear their excited chatter and feel the cohesion that was building amongst the cohort. I also want to thank the staff who attended, and in particular Ms Courtney Daniec who oversaw the camp and along with Ms Frances Macdonald put many hours into the preparation.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

On another note, and quite apt to follow on from speaking about what I witnessed at Year 9 Camp and the resilience of our students, I did want to update you about the student leadership process. In 2024, we are going to have a Student Representative Council composed of one student per year level (in Years 7 to 11) per House, so a total of 30 students. This Council will be facilitated by our two College Captains and overseen by me. The Council will meet on a regular basis to address arising issues, organise events, and work on building College, House and Year Level Spirit and identity, discussing ways to motivate students and encourage greater participation. It is expected that all students will have a voice at these meetings, and report back to their respective year levels and Houses.

Students who are interested in being on this Council are being asked to apply online via the Raise the Bar Student Leadership Program Application Form; a link to this form has been emailed to students. The Form is due at 9am on Monday 23 October. I have spent some time this term speaking to the students about what it means to be a leader and what the qualities of a good leader are, and I look forward to seeing what they share in their applications. Interviews will follow, as well as voting by staff and students, and we do hope to announce the successful candidates before the end of the year. It is a very exciting time and I do wish all those students who are going for a leadership position the very best of luck.

In closing, I do want to share with you my favourite quote about leadership, which I reference often with the students. I think it speaks volumes about the importance of humility, grit and courage.