The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

On 4 October, Franciscan people around the world celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. On this feast day, we commemorate not only the death of Saint Francis, but celebrate his imitation of Jesus though his life of faith, poverty and service.

To commence our College assembly on Thursday, we reflected on life of Saint Francis and the model of leadership that he might inspire today.

We remember Saint Francis’ embrace of the leper. The story of Francis’ compassion for the leper challenges us to respond to the needs of people on the margins of our society, to move beyond what is comfortable and even socially acceptable.

We remember Saint Francis’ meeting with the Sultan. This moment of encounter between Francis and the Sultan in the context of the Fifth Crusade – a Holy war between Christians and Muslims – shows us the power of dialogue in achieving mutual understanding and lasting peace.

We remember Saint Francis’ mediation of the relationship between the Bishop and Mayor of Assisi. This story reminds us of the importance of humility in granting forgiveness to those who have done us wrong. In his Canticle of the Creatures, Saint Francis writes: “Be praised, my Lord, for those who forgive for love of you.”

We remember Saint Francis’ generosity in giving his garments to the poor soldier. In gifting his cloak to the poor man, Francis models for us the virtue of charity, genuine giving from the heart, that places ourselves in the place of another so that we may feel what they feel.

And we remember Saint Francis’ taming of the wolf of Gubbio. On the surface, Francis pacifies the wolf that is terrorising the villagers. At a deeper level, it speaks to us about how we are called to live in right relationship – in community – with one another and with all of creation.

In remembering the life of Saint Francis, may we seek to live out in our own lives, the dispositions he showed: compassion, dialogue, humility, forgiveness, charity, empathy and right relationship.

The Blessing of the Animals Liturgy

To celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the College held a Blessing of the Animals Liturgy on Wednesday in La Foresta. It was wonderful to meet the much-loved furry friends of our staff and students and to celebrate the beauty of creation. This liturgy had special significance given the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures being celebrated this year by Franciscan people. It reminds us of the presence of God in all people and all creation and the respect that is due to all.

Sony Foundation Camp

From Saturday 20 - Monday 22 September, Mount Alvernia College and Marist College hosted the Sony Foundation Camp at Marist College Ashgrove. The Sony Foundation Camp is a residential camp for young people who are differently abled. Such a camp offers valuable respite to families and a fun experience for the young people who attend. It is also a context in which our College community can live out our Franciscan values through our service to others.

Sixteen young people attended the camp and twelve of our students were Companions to five Campers. Over the three days and two nights, the Campers enjoyed a range of activities including a Build-A-Bear workshop, emergency vehicles display, pool activities, craft activities, a movie night, a disco and a carnival that included face-painting, petting zoo, slide and soft-serve ice cream. During this time, the Companions supported their Campers and provided 24-hour care. It was an enormous responsibility that all of our students fulfilled with much skill and grace.

A further twenty-five students volunteered their time as either Companion Mentors, Media Crew or Activities team. Mrs Julie Tazzyman assisted with supervision and Ms Rasika Flux donated her time and talent to provide face painting at the Carnival.

Thank you to all of these students and staff for their contribution to Sony Camp this year. It would not have been possible to do this without you and we appreciate your generosity of spirit.

Thank you also to families who donated financially to the Camp and to the Mount Alvernia College Parent Partnership Panel for their generous contribution to the preparation of pamper packs for each of the families and some of the operational costs of the camp. Please know that your donations are valued and gratefully received.

I would like to note, in particular, the planning committee at Marist College for their expertise and support in preparing and facilitating this year’s Sony Camp. Such an experience requires much attention to detail to support the wellbeing of all young people and staff involved. This year’s camp was both safe and successful because of the work of this term.

In the coming weeks, our students who participated in Sony Camp will present a report on their experiences. I look forward to sharing these reflections with you via the newsletter later this term.

Feast Day and Cultural Festival

I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all staff and students who contributed to the success of our annual Feast Day and Cultural Festival on the last day of Term 3.

Such an event requires the effort and support of many:

Mrs Nicole Bradford for her overall organisation and coordination of the Cultural Heats and Cultural Festival;
Ms Skubi Testa and the Cultural Committee, under the leadership of Sofia Pezzetta, our Cultural Captain, for their support of Mrs Bradford;
The Heads of House, the House Captains and House teams more broadly, for their planning and coordination of the House dances;
Mrs Liz Feltrin for her coordination of the food trucks and various other aspects of the day;
Mr David O'Regan and the Maintenance Team for their coordination of the various moving parts and the set up and set down of equipment;
Mr David Smith and Mr Wes Taylor for their IT and AV support;
Fr John Nguyen ofm for celebrating our Feast Day Mass with us;
Ms Dani Curcuruto and the College Choir for their fine accompaniment of our Mass;
Ms Gabbi Stone for organising morning tea for our invited guests;
La Cucina staff for preparing a range of other food options for staff and students;
Ms Rasika Flux for contributing her creative genius to the face painting stall;
Mr David Pratt, Liz Sims and the Sprout Squad for their supervision of the petting zoo;
Ms Sara Tuan for hosting the Italian activities;
Ms Kathryn Arenas for co-ordinating the Photography Competition;
The Camera Crew for facilitating the Photo Booth;
The judges of the Costume Parade, Ms Justine Hawkins and Mrs Pauline Daniell;
Mr Trevor Beyer and the FCIP Rock Band for their performance;
Members of our staff band, Big Lunch – Mr Eamon Webb, Dr Kirk Graham, Ms Victoria Uhr, Mr Stewart Waldron and Mr Pasang Tenzing– for their performance;
The iCentre staff for facilitating the Poetry Competition and setting up the Chillout Zone;
The Reise family for hosting the Graceful Lights stall;
Mrs Michelle Licina for her conceptualisation and design of the College Leadership Team personas and costumes and to their security and support crew;
The College Leadership Team for their judging of the House dances;
College staff for supervising and stepping in when required;
All students who performed in the Cultural Heats and on the day;
The College Captains for their dance item;
All our students for their attendance and enthusiastic participation.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Feast Day Mass Photos

Cultural Festival Smiles!

Battle of the Houses Dance Competition

Belle Prairie

Greccio

Perugia

Rieti

Spoleto

Villa Spada

Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers

During Term 4 each year, each Homeroom group is asked to prepare a grocery hamper and purchase a modest Christmas gift for families in our local area who are doing it tough. This charitable venture has been a special part of the Mount Alvernia College community for many years and we value the partnership that we have built with the Saint Vincent de Paul Kedron Conference during this time.

Each Homeroom has received some generic information (gender and age) about each family member they are supporting and a list of items required for each hamper. By now, all students should know what item(s) they need to contribute. Students may be asked to contribute a small sum of money towards the purchase of gifts for the family.

Students can contribute these items to the cardboard box in their Homeroom up until Wednesday 26 November. The hampers will be formally presented to representatives from Saint Vincent de Paul at our Christmas liturgy on Thursday 27 November. Thank you for your generous support.

Toys for Joy/Words for Wantoks 2025

From the 13 - 24 October, the College will supporting communities in PNG by accepting donations of pre-loved toys, arts & crafts, sports gear and readers, fiction and non-fiction books suitable for children. The collection box will be located on the ground floor of the Anthony Wing near the lift and stairwell. All donated items need to be complete (with all pieces) and in good, playable condition. We cannot accept adult-level books, textbooks, toy weapons, electrical/battery powered items or items over 30cm in size. Please see the flyer attached.

Kedron Youth Rally

Kedron Parish’s final Youth Rally for the year will be held at the Church of St Therese and St Anthony (Little Flower). This event is an opportunity for students to connect with other young people from the Franciscan schools of Kedron and beyond. Please find attached information about this event from 5.00 – 8.00pm on Sunday 26 October.

The presenter is Sione Moehona. All students are welcome to attend.

Collection for Stationery Aid

As we approach the end of the academic year, please remember that we are a collection site for Stationery Aid. This organisation collects donations of new or unused stationery and used stationery in good condition. These donations are packaged up for students whose families struggle to provide the educational resources needed for school. Stationery Aid is seeking donations of the following items:

- all types of pencils

- crayons

- pencil cases

- rulers

- erasers

- sharpeners

- unused exercise books/note pads/scrapbooks

- highlighters

- pens

- glue

- paints and paint brushes

- maths equipment (protractors, compass, etc.)

- staplers and staples

We cannot accept ring binders or lever arch folders.

Donations can be placed in the small blue wheelie bin located on the Ground floor of the Anthony Building (near Reception and the lift). Thank you for your generous support.

FOTH Choral Showcase