From Principal

Welcome back to Term 4—the final term of 2026 and, for the Class of 2026 and me, our final term together in this wonderful Mt A community. It is a significant moment: a time to return with energy and purpose, to celebrate all that has been achieved, and to treasure the many opportunities still ahead of us.

I trust that everyone found some measure of rest, rejuvenation and connection with family and friends during the break. For parents and carers who did not have the blessing of a reprieve from work, I hope the gentle change in rhythm brought a little ease.

I enjoyed a full and rewarding two weeks: finalising some outstanding Mt A business, monitoring The Canticle build, presenting at the ICGS New Zealand Symposium in Auckland on our Mount Alvernia College Franciscan Education and “Human Edge”, and then taking three precious days of rest in Angourie, NSW - places filled with memories from childhood holidays. Despite the torrential rain, the chance to slow down, read and restore was exactly what the doctor ordered!

The Strength of a Team

As we celebrate the extraordinary achievement of the Brisbane Lions on their sensational Grand Final victory (aka Threepeat Premiership!) and the remarkable leadership of Chris Fagan as a mentor and coach to his team – it has had me reflecting on the virtues of good teams.

The past weeks have offered a timely reminder that no one person carries the work of a community alone. With three Deputy Principals temporarily and unexpectedly away from their usual duties, the importance of shared leadership has been unmistakable. Strong communities (or teams) are sustained not by individual effort, but by people who step forward, pitch in, identify the gaps and work together in generously supporting one another. The value of our College Leadership Team, Extended Leadership Team and administrative support is unsurpassed, and I am deeply grateful for the wisdom, agility and care each member brings to our work at Mt A.

We wish Michelle and Kerry every blessing for a steady recovery, and we excitedly await the arrival of Bobby’s second baby. Concurrently, my handover with Sharon Collins continues to progress well as we prepare for her arrival as our new Principal in 2027. This careful transition reflects the same spirit of teamwork: honouring what has been built, sharing knowledge generously and ensuring that Mt A moves confidently into its next chapter.

Holiday Acknowledgements and Thanks

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the breadth and depth of enrichment opportunities offered at Mt A over the holidays. These experiences - and the work that happens quietly behind the scenes - are expressions of the extraordinary commitment of our staff.

Campus Preparation: Sincere thanks to our Maintenance, Finance Team, IT, La Cucina, and Administration teams, who maintained and prepared the campus for Term 4, kept essential systems moving and, importantly, ensured that invoices and staff were paid! Our sunflowers (Triffids) were certainly thriving over the holidays!

Sony Camp: I wish to extend my sincere thanks to our staff members; Bobby Bracken, Simone Roche, Claire Hatchman and Rasika Flux, thank you for your generous commitment and service in supporting our students at Marist College over the first weekend of the holidays. We already know the profound impact this experience has had on those students who participated and it would not have been possible without your generous time and support.

Year 12 Holiday Peer Study Days: Thank you to Simone Roche, Sacha Carney and Mary Baker for providing our Year 12 students with a quiet, welcoming and collegial space in which to prepare for their external assessments over the holidays. The girls were deeply grateful for this opportunity, which could not have happened without your care, encouragement and supervision

La Luce: Last Friday we welcomed 70 incoming primary students who took part in a stimulating range of philosophy-based activities. This was an opportunity to connect with future friends, connect with our learning spaces and most importantly engage in critical thinking and problem-solving tasks – designed to stretch and entertain! Thank you to Peter Barber, Simone Roche and Sally Clarke for coordinating and leading this important introduction to learning and community at Mt A.

Laos Service Immersion: Welcome home to our 13 student travellers, led by staff members Tamara Richardson, Kathryn Arenas and Maddy Coyne. Judging by the regular updates on our WhatsApp Group, this has been a remarkable experience of adventure, service, cultural learning and connection. The landscape of Laos looks simply breathtaking! We look forward to hearing the stories and reflections our travellers bring home.

Walking Together into Our Final Term

Term 4 is always rich with milestones, challenge and celebration. For our Year 12 students, it is the culmination of years of learning, friendship and growth; for me, it is also a season of gratitude and farewell. In 2026, we graduate Mt A together. I hope we will meet these weeks with presence - supporting one another, recognising the contribution of every person and making space to enjoy the moments that will become treasured memories. 

Our first week back has already marked: Zonta Birthing Kit Packing, Blessing of the Animals, Ethics in AI – A Conversation Panel (part of our 2026 calendar for the Franciscan Centre for Innovative and Ethical Leadership) Battle of the Rock Bands, and our FOTH Showcase Chorale tonight! What a way to start Term 4. 

We also eagerly await the next events – please register for the FCIP Senior Showcase if you have not already done so. All are welcome to come along to Arti.

In walking this final term together, we once again ask for your partnership in ensuring that your daughter arrives promptly to college each day in her full school uniform (with hat) .... and without the adornments of contraband jewellery, tans, lashes and nails. Communication with the College is always welcome (and encouraged!) but we do remind parents of the mutually respectful protocols we have in place in relation to phone calls and emails – including the right for our staff to disconnect from emails after hours and during holiday breaks. Thank you for your ongoing support of our college expectations and staff - no doubt, important reasons that have contributed to your choice of Mt A for your daughter.

Welcome back to our students, families and staff. May this final term of 2026 be purposeful, joyful, courage-filled and deeply connected, as we continue to learn, serve and flourish together in this wonderful Mt A community.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal