Deputy Principal

Raise The Bar Leadership & the Importance of Student Voice

At Mount Alvernia College, we recognise the leadership potential in each of our students. We also believe that, in serving all, the College should give students genuine opportunities to share their voice to celebrate what is going well and to suggest where we might think differently.

Two important student voice initiatives are happening right now, and we are excited for 2027 to be a year where our students are empowered to offer their voice.

1. Consiglio Degli Studenti (Student Representative Council)

Known as ‘Consiglio’ for short, this Student Representative Council is one aspect of the College’s Raise The Bar Leadership Program, to build leadership capacity in our students.

This week, students placed their vote for who they would like to represent their year level and House for ‘Consiglio’. Students were invited to apply for the 30 positions available: one student per House per year level across Years 7 to 11. Consiglio is overseen by the Senior Captains and hosted by the College Captains. In their application, students were asked to provide details of their engagement in College life and to describe the leadership qualities they would bring to Consiglio.

For these 30 positions, we received 126 applications! Each application was filled with the many ways students are making the most of their time at Mt A and the leadership qualities they have developed through opportunities in sport, extra-curricular and pursuits outside the College. It was a joy to read. The written application, student vote and commitment to College attendance and values are combined to assist in the discernment of the successful applicants. We look forward to announcing our 2027 Consiglio at our College Assembly next Thursday.

The framework for Consiglio is here:

2. Tell Them From Me Survey

During Personal Best lessons this week and next, students will be given time to complete the Tell Them From Me survey, which invites them to share their perspective on their year at Mt A. This is separate from the MMG survey students completed earlier this year. Samantha Jensen and I have been working with the 2026 Consiglio to help us understand the data from that earlier survey. The Tell Them From Me results give the College a pulse check on how our students are feeling, and they inform our policies and Personal Best lessons so that we can serve our girls in the best way we can. The survey is administered confidentially by an independent third party.

Together, Consiglio and the Tell Them From Me survey reflect our belief that every student has something valuable to contribute to the life of Mount Alvernia College. When our girls are listened to with respect, they grow as leaders and our whole community grows with them. Thank you for encouraging your daughter to take part, and we look forward to sharing what we learn as we move into 2027.

Every blessing,

Michelle Licina

Deputy Principal - Student Development & Wellbeing