Deputy Principal

Staff Acknowledgement and Awards

As Deputy Principal Staff Development and Organisation, it is my privilege to witness daily acts of service that define our school community. Our teachers and support staff are more than educators and staff; they are servant leaders who embody the spirit of selflessness and compassion. It is an honour to work alongside such dedicated and compassionate individuals. Their unwavering commitment to service, excellence, and the empowerment of others has not only shaped the success of this school year, it has also left an indelible mark on the fabric of our community. Their example reminds us of all that true leadership is found in service and that the most meaningful contributions we make are often those that go unnoticed.

The actions of our staff consistently prioritise the needs of our students, helping to shape not only their academic success but also the Franciscan values that guide us as a community. In 2024, the heart of service beats strongly at Mount Alvernia College.  Service, in its simplest form, means putting others before oneself. Our teachers and support staff embody this principle through their actions and interactions each and every day.  Whether they are running tutorials at lunch, assisting students in the classroom, helping with IT support, organising timetables and exams, maintaining our gardens and grounds, supporting students in Sick Bay, organising a cocurricular activity or event, or offering words of encouragement, they continually prioritise the needs of our students. Our staff here at Mt A are exceptional, and without their dedication and expertise we would not be able to provide such wonderful support and opportunity.   

Over the past twelve months, a number of teaching staff have been recognised by external bodies for their expertise, capability and excellence. 

We congratulate our teachers shortlisted as finalists in this year’s Queensland College of Teacher Awards –  Ms Daniella Curcuruto in the Beginning Teacher category and Ms Tamara Richardson in the Excellence in Teaching Category.   

Each year at our Celebration of Excellence, we also award the Mount Alvernia Bonaventure Exceptional Practitioner Awards to a teacher and a leadership team member. These are awarded each year to teachers who model exceptional practice, and who improve student growth and performance through their impact and practice. They are well respected, passionate and collaborative and they are highly committed to others, as well as to their own ongoing professional learning.  These staff members model excellent skills in initiative, perseverance, acceptance of responsibility, communication and vision. In 2024, we congratulate two teachers as our Bonaventure Exceptional Practitioner - Ms Veronika Blaszczynski and Dr Kirk Graham. Thank you for your commitment to and dedication to your role and the impact you have on students and staff. 

Our Extended Leadership Team has also had a highly impactful year. This year’s Bonaventure Exceptional Leader for 2024 is a leader who goes above and beyond in her role and in doing so has significantly enhanced the opportunities of so many students in 2024.

Congratulations to our Head of Student Engagement and Activities, Ms Claire Hatchman. 

As a college we would not be able to achieve what we do with the support of our staff team – this includes our Student Services Team, Reception Staff, Risk & Compliance Officer, Marketing, Enrolments and other Administrative Assistants, LES School Officers working with students in classrooms and Faculty Area School Officers supporting students in classrooms, our Facilities Manager and Maintenance Team members, IT Manager and IT Support Officers, Finance Team, Library Technician and Library Aides, Head of Sport, Sports Coordinator and Administrator, and of course our La Cucina Staff.  The Support Staff Excellence Award recognises and honours the exceptional contributions of support staff members who play a vital role in the daily operations and success of the school.

The Support Staff Excellence Award celebrates staff who demonstrate outstanding dedication, professionalism, and impact within our school community. They have shown exemplary service, integrity and commitment, initiative and resilience and have made a positive impact both on their team and our College Community. Congratulations to our 2024 Support Staff Excellence Awardees, our Administration and Assessments Officer, Ms Wren Ramirez and one of our wonderful maintenance team, Mr Alf Favaro. Congratulations and thank you for all you do to support our Mt A community.

At assembly this week, I invited all students to reflect on the dedicated service of the staff at Mt A and also invited students to reflect on the message shared on Tuesday by our departing college captains, Kate and Niamh – to acknowledge and thank those people in our lives that assist us and make great impact on us. I invite and encourage students to, over the remainder of the year, take the time to personally thank the staff members that have supported them this year. This might be a card, or a note or in person. Let us take the time to show this gratitude for others.

Thank you again to all our 2024 staff for their commitment to our students and to our Mount Alvernia College community.  Our staff really are extraordinary.  Thank you.