Deputy Principal 

Sony Foundation Camp

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to parents and carers, students, past students and staff for their support of this year’s Sony Foundation Camp. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many willing to offer their time or donations to support the young people and their families taking part in this year’s camp from Saturday 14 - Monday 16 September 2024. 

With one week to go until the camp, we are seeking the following: 

• donations of packaged snack foods such as potato chips, Shapes, biscuits, muesli bars, Poppers, etc. 
• Children’s costumes, costume accessories and old clothing for dress ups.

If you would like to contribute, donations can be left at Reception.

The Feast of the Stigmata of Saint Francis

Next Friday 13 September we will celebrate our College Feast Day: the Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi. This Feast Day commemorates the miracle experienced by Saint Francis towards the end of his life while he was praying on Mount La Verna. 

The name of our College – Mount Alvernia - is derived from the name of the place where the stigmata took place – La Verna. This event is also reflected in our College crest that depicts the arm of Jesus and the arm of Saint Francis. Each of their hands bears the wound of the Cross.

This year is a special anniversary for the Franciscan family worldwide as it is the 800th anniversary of the Stigmata of Francis.  

The accounts from the Franciscan records state that while he was in deep contemplation, Saint Francis saw a vision of Jesus crucified on the cross, accompanied by a Seraph, an angel with six fiery wings. When Saint Francis saw this, his whole body was flooded with joy and sorrow, and he developed on his own body, ‘stigmata,’ the “bodily marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ.” 

While the Stigmata can be difficult to explain and to understand, Saint Francis’ experience of stigmata, shows us the depth of his faith in Jesus, crucified and risen. It was a continuation of his personal conversion that began with his imprisonment in Perugia and his response to the voice of God at San Damiano. 

In our Year of Service, the stigmata reminds us to love one another. The function of the Seraph – the angel that appeared to Saint Francis - is to love God and to show us how to love God. We are called to love God not only through our faith in God but also through our love for our neighbour, even those that we do not know or who are hard to love.

The stigmata also reminds us to serve others. Saint Francis served the poor and the sick of his day, so too, we are called to serve all people and all of creation in need in our world. 

While Saint Francis received the stigmata while he was on the mountain in prayer, he didn’t stay there. He came down from the mountain and continued his ministry among the people. In the same way, we are called to come down from the mountains that we have built that separate us from others. 

This Feast Day, may we renew our commitment to be more loving of our family and friends, more respectful in our relationships with all people and all of creation, and more generous in the service we extend to others in need, especially those who are not like us. 

Feast Day Mass

To mark the College’s Feast Day next Friday 13 September, we will commence the day with a celebration of the Eucharist. In the Catholic tradition, the Eucharist (or Mass) is a profound encounter with Jesus that ought to transform us to be better people and to sustain us in making the world a better place for all. 

All students are expected to be present at school by 8.30am for roll call. Full participation and due reverence during Mass is also expected. 

Cultural Festival 

Next Friday after Mass, staff and students will celebrate Cultural Festival. Cultural Festival combines fun activities, competitions, food and performances in one big celebration of College life. 

From 10.15am – 12.15pm, students will be able to participate in a number of activities including Zumba, weaving, belly dancing, flower crown making, face painting, tree planting, Karaoke, yard games and a screening of the movie Mamma Mia, just to name a few! Students are also encouraged to add to their House points total for the Cultural Festival trophy by participating in the Photography Competition, the Cake Decorating Competition and the Costume Parade. 

Over the past couple of months, students have been showcasing their talents by designing, singing, dancing and performing. The performance finalists from our Heats will feature at our Cultural Festival showcase on Friday afternoon. 

Another highlight to this day is the Battle of Houses, our annual interhouse dance competition. Since Term 2, Heads of House and House Captains have been planning their House dances and, since the start of this term, they have been leading rehearsals. I extend my appreciation to them, and to all staff and students, for their enthusiasm and commitment to this College event. It will be wonderful to see the fruits of their labours on show next Friday. 

Please note, Cultural Festival is a staff and student event only. We are not able to accommodate parents/carers or members of the public. We just don’t have the space!

Uniform for Feast Day and Cultural Festival

All students are to wear their College sports uniform (including hat) to and from school. Accessories in House colours and/or costumes are to be brought to school and changed into after the start of the main break (from 10.15am). 

Food Options for Feast Day and Cultural Festival

There will be a number of food and drink options for students to purchase at Cultural Festival. Food trucks will be selling burger meal deals ($15), burgers ($12), chips ($6), soft drinks ($3), sweet and savoury crepes ($7 - $13), pita wraps ($18), meat skewer meals ($13), loaded chips ($10), milkshakes ($8.50; $14), bubble tea ($6, $8 & $10), slushies ($6), donuts ($2.50) and ice creams ($5 - $8). La Cucina will be selling pizzas ($4.50), garlic bread ($2.50) and soft drinks ($2.50). Payment will be by cash or EFTPOS at food trucks and by Student ID Card at La Cucina. 

Graceful Lights at Cultural Festival

Graceful Lights will be holding a stall at Cultural Festival selling beautiful candles (from $8) and earrings in House colours (from $3). This is a wonderful opportunity for students to purchase a gift for someone special or perhaps to start Christmas shopping early. Payment will be by cash or EFTPOS.

The Blessing of the Animals Liturgy

While this term we celebrate the Feast of the Stigmata of Saint Francis, next term we will celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. To mark this Feast Day, the College will hold a Blessing of the Animals Liturgy on Wednesday 9 October from 7.45 - 8.30am in La Foresta (Cremorne Road entry). 

Students are invited to bring a family pet to the liturgy. Pets must be socialised and suitably restrained at all times. Families must make arrangements for pets to be collected prior to the start of the school day. 

If your family would like to attend with your pet, please register here.