From Principal

Pink Day - Mass and Celebrations: Friends Are Treasures

There is something particularly special about the final week of Year 12. Amid the anticipation of external examinations and final assessments are moments that invite us to pause, look back and recognise just how much has been shared along the way. I share in this journey with our graduating class of 2026.

Our inaugural Year 12 Pink Day Mass was one such occasion. In his homily, Father Joe offered a simple but beautiful reminder: “Friends are treasures.” For the graduating Class of 2026, those words seemed especially fitting. The friendships forged through classrooms, Houses, Homeroom Mentor Groups, sport, music, service, laughter and challenge will remain among the treasures they carry with them. They have been an exceptional cohort and excellent companions on this six-year journey we have shared together at Mt A. We are indebted to Mr Bobby Bracken for his wonderful reimagining and curatorship of this new tradition and renewed format for our Year 12 celebrations.

Following the Mass we were privileged to hear the thoughtful and reflective words of Mrs Licina and Mrs Richardson, together with Year 12 graduates Tahlia, Olivia and Ashlin, who each spoke with, affection and gratitude. Their reflections captured something of the spirit of this cohort: their capacity to laugh together, to appreciate those who have walked alongside them, and to recognise the significance of the community that has shaped them.

I also wish to acknowledge the exceptional performance of Year 12 graduate Hannah’s original composition – created especially for her year level and sung with fellow Year 12 graduate Ryley. It was a beautiful and deeply personal contribution, and another reminder of the extraordinary creativity and generosity of our students.

But there was more!! Following this beautiful celebration with our families, our House Farewells and Homeroom Mentor Group lunches were similarly characterised by enormous effort, care and love. These traditions matter. They allow our students and staff to say thank you, to remember and, quite simply, to enjoy being together before life begins to take them in different directions.

Of course, no Year 12 farewell would be complete without the traditional Pool Jump! Even with Brisbane’s October weather apparently forgetting that summer is approaching, and the temperature sitting five degrees below the October average, our Year 12s embraced the tradition with characteristic enthusiasm. We look forward to our final farewells with the Class of 2026 at our Celebration of Excellence and Graduation Dinner on Tuesday 17 November.

Celebrating Creativity and our Human Edge

The week also offered many opportunities to celebrate the Arts at Mount Alvernia College. Congratulations to our senior musicians, whose performances at the FCIP Senior Showcase reflected an exceptional and ever-increasing calibre of musicianship. My sincere thanks to Ms Dani Curcuruto for her assistance and leadership in bringing this wonderful evening to life alongside her FCIP team.

We also celebrated the talent of our students and staff through Creative Generation (CGen) and ARTI. Congratulations to Year 12 student Maddie, who received a commendation at CGen, and to Abbey, Josephine and Mirella who also had work selected for the exhibition.

At the opening of our own art show - ARTI on Friday night, I reflected on why arts education remains so vital in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, automation and artificial intelligence:

“In a time increasingly shaped by algorithms, automation and artificial intelligence, artmaking reminds us of our human edge (our Franciscan Edge). A machine may generate an image, imitate a style or predict a pattern; but the human artist brings lived experience, memory, intuition, vulnerability and meaning. Art begins with attention - and with the distinctly human impulse to make sense of what we notice. These are not peripheral skills; they are essential human capabilities for navigating change with wisdom and hope”.

ARTI invited us to slow down, look again and perhaps see differently. The exceptional student (and staff!) work on display was not simply a collection of finished pieces, but evidence of our students’ capacity to notice, interpret, persist and make meaning. Each year, the standard and sophistication of art marking grows at Mt A – it has been a delight to witness – congratulations students!

Of course, these occasions were only made possible by the vision, skill and generosity of many people. My sincere thanks to Nicole Bradford, as Head of Faculty, for her vision and leadership, and to Skubi, Eve, Sharon, Justine, Pauline, Sam, Dani, and the FCIP Rock Band for their respective contributions to the exhibitions, performances, live music and catering. 

Congratulations and thanks also go to our Year 9 Drama students, who performed on Thursday night, lead by their teacher Ms Maria Conway. Together, they created wonderful occasions that celebrated the imagination, talent and courage of our students.

Welcoming the Next Generation….

We do not do things in halves here at Mt A! Friday evening was a vibrant one, as we also hosted our annual Transition Twilight, providing another important moment in the life of the College as we welcomed Year 7 students (2027) and families preparing to begin their Mount Alvernia College journey.

My sincere thanks to the members of the College Leadership Team, Heads of House, selected Heads of Faculty, Deans, Emma, Alex, Gabbi, Sally, Lindsey, Dave and the IT team, as well as our Maintenance team for their thoughtful preparation and generous presence, which helped our newest families feel informed, reassured and warmly welcomed into our community. Our incoming Captains and Year 10 students did a marvellous job of also making our new students feel welcome.

In many ways, this past week has stood beautifully between gratitude and anticipation: gratitude for friendships formed, gifts shared and memories created, and anticipation for the new chapters awaiting both our graduating students and those preparing to join us. This resonates deeply for me, as I begin to connect more with a new school community and exit the one that I hold dear. I am having all the ‘big feels’.

We will remember the Class of 2026 with great affection. They are a very special group of young women who have contributed richly to the life, spirit and story of our College. As they now turn their attention to external examinations, final assessments and all that lies beyond the College gates, we wish them confidence in what they know, trust in who they have become, and excitement for what lies ahead.

Lastly, we look forward to hearing more about the adventures and experiences from Year 9 Camp at Noosa and Year 10 Reflection Day this week.

Dear Lord,

For the families, carers and loved ones of Year 12: in thanksgiving for their patience, sacrifice, encouragement and love. May the bonds strengthened through these school years continue to sustain each family through times of change.

Amen

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal