Deputy Principal

Pink Day and the Importance of Visible Rites of Passage for Young People

On Tuesday 20 October, our College farewelled our Senior Class of 2026 from their formal classes. They will transition to independent study for their final exams before our Celebration of Excellence and Graduation Dinner on Tuesday 17 November.

Pink Day for seniors has been a long-standing tradition at Mount Alvernia College and has had many iterations. The College Leadership Team have spent the last twelve months re-imagining what our end of year celebrations should look and feel like for our girls and their families. Every member of our community was considered. We were thrilled with the outcomes of Pink Day and we cannot wait for the next phase with Celebration of Excellence and Graduation Dinner.

The re-imagined farewell for our seniors was embedded in wisdom about the importance of visible and formal rites of passage for young people as they transition to the next phase of adulthood. Pink Day is more than a celebration of the Mount Alvernia College education journey. It is a visible acknowledgement of students’ growth and contributions and connects their departure with the community that has supported them. They are leaving one stage of life and entering another. This year, events were surrounded by their families and carers.

Commencing the day in formal uniform and attending mass with extended families in our San Damiano Centre, alongside the College and Extended Leadership Team, honoured our Catholic, Franciscan charism. Father Joe certainly brought the energy with him! Speeches by staff acknowledging the student journey and student speeches of anecdotes of student life brought reflection and humour. The graduation cake was cut by our senior students who are daughters and granddaughters of our alumnae. We were thrilled to have 23 students who are multigenerational Mt A graduates.

Once celebrations were over, the cohort moved to their playground space, Francis Court, to transition to their pink attire and accessories together. It was a joy-filled space of friends coming together and sharing in the joy of this long-standing tradition.

The next phase moved from College to House focus. Seniors were formally farewelled from their House in moving House Assemblies under the direction of their Heads of House and then celebrated over lunch with their Homeroom.

The final component of the day was the senior cheer and pool jump. This year, the pool fence was surrounded by senior parents and carers.

It is our hope that the joy experienced by our students and their families on this day has eased the tension that comes with change. Our College mantra is to always assume best intentions. Our community are at the heart of every decision we make.

We wish our senior families all the best as they support their daughters through these final exams. We cannot wait for Celebration of Excellence and Graduation and re-connect with them. It is going to be amazing!

Every blessing,

Michelle Licina 

Deputy Principal - Student Development and Wellbeing