From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are now well and truly into the rhythm of a new term, albeit a little spoilt by 2 public holidays in close succession. The good news stories continue to flow in terms of student engagement, participation and success. And I have delighted over the past couple of weeks in the opportunities and experiences prevailing; everything from our incredible student and staff representation at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and March to our brilliant Careers Immersion and Expo, Cross Country Carnival and our assemblies that continue to celebrate, inspire and delight. I take the opportunity to acknowledge the ‘dream team’ that continues to sit behind these experiences for our girls, our staff – who are awesome human beings – generous, hope-filled, dedicated and invested. As Principal of Mt A, I never take this for granted.

This week Mt A also had the opportunity to host 2 external events. A professional learning workshop entitled “Leader as Coach” which drew School Leaders from across S.E Queensland.

Concurrently, we hosted 88 educators, architects and designers in a Tour of Mt A, as part of the Learning Environments Australasia Conference. Without exception, the comments and feedback from perfect strangers to our college were all a variation on a theme: “This doesn’t even feel like a school!”, “your college is so beautiful/peaceful/calm”, “it is like going on a holiday to Italy and staying in a Villa”, “the students are so polite, well-spoken and considerate”, “these learning spaces are phenomenal”, “your campus, gardens and buildings are exquisite – the students are so lucky”, “this environment IS wellbeing”, “everyone here is so friendly and warm and welcoming”, “breathtaking”, “this is heaven, imagine working/going to school here!” It is worth adding that many of visitors have had extensive experiences within different school environments and to receive such genuine and entirely unsolicited praise, was so heartening.

I have never been one to take these things for granted, I have always had an attitude of gratitude, but this week was such an important reminder to look through the eyes of others anew! Too often - and this is particularly true in the role of a Principal and senior leaders - we are tethered to the challenging aspects of a large organisation; the ‘problems and grievances’ the ‘troubleshooting’ the ‘sitting with the discomfort, complexity and ambiguity’ coupled with the weight of enormous responsibility, expectation, compliance, risk and everything that these things entail.  It was such a refreshing moment to interact with our visitors to Mt A; to listen to what they were observing, hearing and feeling and how others in our community had made them feel. This is a genuine testimony to who we are, and I am so very proud of this - I simply had to share this anecdotal feedback with you this week. 

Caption: Photo credit to Executive Assistant to the Principal - Gabbi Stone – a perfect illustration of looking at something anew! This view of La Verna building from the other end of Francis and Clare Buildings - I have never observed from this angle and light – so beautiful!

Important Public Service Announcement – Traffic Safety on our Campus (Again)

Once again, I would like to draw our communities’ attention to the Traffic Management Plan (on our website) and more importantly to ensuring our parents, students and staff continue to adhere to speed limits (40km) around our precinct and to ensure that you are strictly following the crossing supervisors directions at all times to ensure the safety of our students and community more broadly. As parents, carers and educators we have an important responsibility not only to adhere to the law, but to act as role models for our students and younger drivers. 

Unfortunately, this week, we did have a driver speed through the crossing on Cremorne Road – not adhering to our supervisors’ directions, the results of such reckless driving could have been catastrophic. This was extremely distressing for the staff member and those who witnessed it. We will be requesting further police presence in the precinct, but we continue to impress upon you all the need for safe, lawful, courteous, patient driving (and parking) in our neighbourhood. Thank you once again.

Elizabeth Hayes Week

This week we have celebrated and marked the life and inspiring work of our foundress, Elizabth Hayes whose death on 6th May 1894 marks 131 years of an enduring legacy. As a Franciscan woman and founder of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Elizabeth Hayes lived a life steeped in the Franciscan tradition of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi. In her faith she was ever reverent of all creation and sought justice for the poor and marginalised. 

This week we honoured her legacy and celebrated with our annual Colour Week - this year, paying homage to Body Positivity and the Butterfly Foundation in embracing the colour white. Thank you to our Captains in their coordination of the week and to the generous support of our students and staff.  Let our hearts and minds continue to be reminded of what and who we can be for others. May we also be reminded of the dreams and toils of The Franciscan Missionary Sisters who, in the footsteps of Elizabeth Hayes, established our beautiful school – a place where ‘perfect strangers’ almost 70 years later, continue to be inspired by their vision and charism.

Happy Mother’s Day

Wishing all our mothers and significant women in the lives of our daughter’s a wonderful Sunday ahead. To all who are attending Friday evening’s Mt A Mum and Daughter Movie Night – hosted by our wonderful Parent Partnership Panel, we hope you have special time together.  

I think often of Pope Francis' quote about mothers:

"To be a mother is a great treasure," he said. "Mothers, in their unconditional and sacrificial love for their children, are the antidote to individualism; they are the greatest enemies against war."

As Franciscans, this Mother's Day, consider our Sister Mother Earth who is in crisis alongside all who are ravaged by war.

We also pray this week for all in our community who are grieving the loss of a loved one, to those who are caring for ill family members, and for those who are experiencing isolation, loneliness and heartache. There are many in our community. May you find God’s loving presence.

Peace and all good,

Samantha 

Principal