Dear Parents/Carers

I trust that you enjoyed a relaxing and joyous semesters’ break with your families these past couple of weeks.

It has been fabulous to see the students and staff return this week with a little more bounce in their step following what was a very big semester 1. I know that every single one of us walked away from the term, albeit weary but feeling very proud of everything that we achieved together as a College. We are all now looking towards a fantastic Semester 2, full of rich learning and opportunities.

We also congratulate our Mt A Netballers who fought so valiantly in their Grand Final at the QISSN Competition in the first week of the holidays. It was very strong competition and our students came out fighting as runners up in their division. Sincere thanks to Tamara Richardson (coach), and to Charmaine Ferguson and Emma Boswood who supported the team throughout the competition, a special thanks also to the many staff and parents who came along as our Mt A cheer squad.

We also welcome back our FCIP students who attended the 2023 Junior/Intermediate Music Camp this past week. Another vote of thanks to Daniella Curcuruto and Claire Hatchman for attending the camp and for generously giving over your final weekend of holidays to assist in this great experience for our musicians.

Educational Wellbeing - it’s the name of the game!

Following on from the release of the Semester 1 reports, Homeroom Mentor Teachers and SET Planning teams are also very much looking forward to the opportunity to meet in partnership with parents and carers on Thursday and Friday as part of our commitment to your child’s educational wellbeing. These academic mentoring and SET planning meetings are designed to support every student in helping them to; reach their aspirations and potential, to celebrate their individual and demonstrated strengths, and to assist them in continuing to develop, improve and set appropriate goals. I would like to publicly thank our entire academic, homeroom mentor and educational wellbeing team for the huge amount of work and preparation that has gone into the planning of these highly personalised and tailored meetings.

Let’s start with an attitude of gratitude….

We would also like to thank our parents, carers and students for their ongoing understanding and patience with the various staffing changes we have been experiencing in the past 12 months. As you would well appreciate, this phenomena is being experienced across all schools (state, independent, national and global!). The 5.2 million global teacher shortfall that was forecast by UNESCO in 2030, only a couple of years ago – appears to already be approaching rapidly. In recognising this context, it is perhaps timely and appropriate to pay particular homage to the staff that we do have at Mt A, who in my 20+ years of education working interstate and internationally, are among the best practitioners, most dedicated mentors and subject experts out there. Consequently, it has never been more important to recognise the need for reciprocal care, mutual respect and partnership as a College Community.

The task of raising and shaping young people is a highly complex and at times, challenging one – as the African proverb goes, it really does ‘take a village…..’ Thus the importance of building a reciprocal trust and appreciation of the work of teachers (and parents and carers!) is so important right now. We must continue to cultivate a culture of ‘together….’. Thank you to those parents and carers who are so supportive and thankful for the work that our teachers and support staff do in support of your young person. I would encourage you, if you haven’t done so this year, please send a note of appreciation to your child’s teachers – they would be so grateful to hear your words of thanks and affirmation. As always, if there are matters that are concerning you, please never hesitate in contacting the College in a way that is respectful and that works in partnership with us. We are only too happy to assist and are very much solutions driven.

2024 Student Leadership Process

This term we look forward to the selection process of identifying, interviewing and appointing our Student Leaders (College Captains) for next year. On behalf of Ms Dendy and I, we would like to thank in advance those Year 11 students who are taking the time to put together their applications and are putting themselves forward for leadership roles. We wish you all the very best in this process.

Our New Website

Our now retired website, was approaching almost 8 years in age and was ready for a facelift! So following almost 12 months of meticulous planning, we are thrilled to unveil our new college website, which features a range of new videos and a contemporary fresh design. We extend our thanks to the incredible teams at SchoolHouse Agency and LookEducation for their invaluable expertise and dedication in bringing our vision to life. More importantly however, we extend our utmost thanks to our very own Emma Velthuis (Marketing, Engagement and Communications Officer) who has project managed the entire undertaking. Together, we've transformed Mount Alvernia College's online presence to align with our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan and future aspirations. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Catholic Girls High School Brisbane | Mount Alvernia College (mta.qld.edu.au)

Upcoming Social Soiree and Alumnae Reunion

We have a couple of very exciting social events planned in the month of August. Please see the links below. We hope that our Dads, Step-dads, Uncles, Grandfathers and other significant men in our lives can join us for our next social soiree. For those relevant alumnae out there please not our next round of reunions for 2023 is upon us!

Social Soiree - https://events.humanitix.com/semester-2-social-soiree

2023 Reunions

5 Year Reunion - Class of 2018 - https://events.humanitix.com/class-of-2018-5-year-reunion

10 Year Reunion - Class of 2013 - https://events.humanitix.com/classof201310yearreunion-mta

20 Year Reunion - Class of 2003 - https://events.humanitix.com/classof200320yeareunion-mta

30 Year Reunion - Class of 1993 - https://events.humanitix.com/classof1993-30yearreunion-mta

40 Year Reunion - Class of 1983 - https://events.humanitix.com/classof198340yearreunion-mta

50 Year Reunion - Class of 1973 - https://events.humanitix.com/classof197350yearreunion-mta

60 Year Reunion - Class of 1963 -

https://events.humanitix.com/class-of-1963-60-year-reunion-yhgllomp

Traffic and Car Parking

A reminder as we commence the semester to be particularly mindful of safety and speed in the precinct as you drop off and collect students. We had a number of very distressed neighbours late last term contact the College in relation to obstruction of their driveways, speeding, parking in front of bins and some reported impolite interactions with aggrieved motorists. Once again, we would respectfully ask all of our community (parent and student drivers) to be courteous and respectful of our neighbours on our roads. We thank you in anticipated cooperation.

NAIDOC Week

Last week Australia celebrated NAIDOC Week, a chance to recognise and give thanks for our First Nation history, culture, traditions and unique contribution to this country. At a time when the Voice Referendum is surfacing cultural and political tension and misunderstanding between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, it is a valuable time for all Australians to make a stand for community, connection and understanding. In launching

The following is extracted from our Mercy Partners’ Mercy Moments Circular last week:

This year’s theme ‘For our Elders’ further reminds us of the blessing of our Indigenous culture where Elders are valued and respected for their wisdom, and as holders of the stories and traditions of their people. As Lohoar, Butera & Kennedy note in their study of indigenous communities, Elders are generally respected for the value of their cultural knowledge, leadership abilities and for making decisions on behalf of the community. They are particularly valued for helping children to understand the practical aspects of life, society and culture (CFCA Paper No.25. 2014. Strengths of Australian Aboriginal cultural practices in family life and child rearing. 11).

Walker (1993) highlights the difference approach to elders in Australian society between Indigenous and non-indigenous people: the role of Elders is difficult for outsiders to understand. We rely strongly on them as key decision makers within families. They are the people we hold the greatest respect for because many of them went through so much, so that now we do not have to suffer the injustices they experienced. Their guidance is often illustrated through everyday life and their teachings are often done subconsciously; we follow, we observe and we go on to teach our own families. It is through our Elders that the spirit of Aboriginal people is kept alive (ibid. 12)

This week it has been truly inspiring to hear First Nations’ people speaking publicly about the role of Elders in their communities and in their own lives. It is a wonderful reminder of the importance of respect for the experience of those who are older and whose lives have much to teach us. Perhaps we could all, indigenous and non-indigenous alike, take a few moments this week to remember those in our own lives who have gifted us with their care, support and wisdom – parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, religious Sisters and Brothers and community leaders.

Let’s stand with our First Nation’s people this week and thank our own Elders, celebrate the wonderful Eldership of Indigenous Australians and look for ways to recognise the value of elders in our families, community and nation.

We have much to learn from our Elders

For our Elders – they bless our nation everyday

Wishing our entire community a wonderful start to Term 3

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal

Parent Engagement Session IV

Navigating Peer Concerns

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