From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our students, staff and families for what has been an action-packed and highly successful semester one. Can you believe it, we are now halfway through another academic year!

At this important juncture, I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank the vast majority of our students who continue to; uphold our Franciscan values, who continue to raise others up, who apply themselves consistently in their learning and aim for their personal best, who participate in the rich tapestry of co-curricular and service opportunities, who maintain high standards for themselves and others and who perpetuate a house and college spirit. To all our students, well done and thank you for all that you do, and all that you are.  

We take this opportunity also to congratulate all students on their application and conduct throughout the recent assessment and examination period and trust that the academic reports that will be made available in the coming days, will be the fruitful evidence of efforts and strengths to date. Equally as important, we hope that these reports may reveal for you areas of further development and refinement. It is never too late to put in place the routines and resources that you need to make the changes you wish to see! 

Importantly, for our students, we continue to remind them that in seeking improvement (in anything) it is always about ‘progress and NOT perfection’. Incremental gains win every time! I especially wish our senior students a restful break as they begin to prepare, in earnest, for their mock examinations, final assessments and external examinations in Semester 2. You have got this Year 12! 

A Special Invitation for the Principal and College Captains of Mount Alvernia College 

I was wholly delighted and privileged to have been invited along with our College Captains, Kate and Niamh to attend a private reception on 4 June at Government House. Her excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young and her husband Professor Nimmo hosted this intimate event with only a handful of schools invited. Kate, Niamh and I were fascinated by the (secret) tour we were given by her secretary who shared with us much of the history of the house and the constitutional responsibilities held by the Governor General in our state. We enjoyed a lovely couple of hours meeting esteemed guests and enjoying the delicious hors d’oeuvres.  

Farewell and Thank you Ms Dendy 

In our final whole school college assembly on Wednesday, we acknowledged our immense gratitude to our departing Deputy Principal of Student Development and Wellbeing - Ms Kathy Dendy.  

Ms Dendy’s genuine care for all students has unequivocally underpinned her leadership and work here at Mt A. This has translated into many things, for many different people but of notable highlights her contribution to our college has translated into a positive re-imagining of student leadership opportunities and experiences, the augmentation and leadership of a ‘true’ vertical House System with educational wellbeing at its heart, a refreshment of our Personal Best program, the incorporation of contemporary speakers and experts alike for students and parents. 

Additionally, Ms Dendy’s commitment to ensuring a strong and healthy connection with our brothers at Padua College has been second to none. Ms Dendy has also led a dedicated approach in ensuring that consistent expectations and high standards are maintained in student attendance, student conduct, college pride and student engagement. She has certainly contributed extensively and deeply in a very short amount of time to ensure that all students at Mt A flourish – and for this, we give our heartfelt thanks. As an Alumna of the College, we know that her Franciscan spirit and sense of belonging here will endure well beyond her departure this term. We wish Ms Dendy the very best as she joins her new school on the Gold Coast next term – and we know the positive impact that she will continue to have on all of the students and staff with whom she works. Ms Dendy, we will miss you immensely here at Mt A – but please don’t be a stranger and visit us again soon! 

Commencing Term 3 - Congratulations Ms Michelle Licina  

Having shared with our student cohort on Wednesday, we can now formally announce that the role of Deputy Principal – Student Development and Wellbeing is in very safe and capable hands with Mrs Michelle Licina. Michelle is currently Head of House (Greccio) and is an established, experienced, respected and integral member of the student (ed) wellbeing team. As a passionate advocate of girls’ education, student leadership, wellbeing, spirit, formation, engagement and community connection and parent engagement, she is ideally placed to continue building on the exceptional work already undertaken by Kathy to date. Further to this, she is much loved and respected by our students. We congratulate Michelle on this appointment. 

The College is currently interviewing internal candidates for the role of Head of House Greccio and we will announce this to our community at the commencement of Term 3. 

As the staff move into Staff Professional Learning Week next week, I would also like to recognise the incredible job that they have undertaken this semester working so diligently and meaningfully with your children. We have incredible staff at Mt A (both in teaching and in support roles) and every single day I am in awe of their commitment and care to our students. They are what I would call an ‘above and beyond’ staff and we can consider ourselves extremely blessed for this. 

I sincerely wish all of our College families a rejuvenating and peaceful winter break. In honour of Feast Day of St Anthony of Padua (13 June, 2024) I share with you these beautiful and timely words, which have been attributed to him… 

“When you look into muddy or choppy water, you will not see your face reflected. If you want the face of Christ, who looks on you, to be reflected within you, come away from the disturbance of exterior things, and let your soul be at peace.”  

St Anthony Of Padua  

Enjoy a safe and restful holiday ahead. 

Peace and all good, 

Samantha