Deputy Principal

Australian Catholic Bishops Statements 

In the past fortnight, the Australian Catholic Bishops have published two statements: their annual Social Justice Statement and a statement on the 75th anniversary of the publication of On Immigration (1950). 

This year’s Social Justice Statement, Signs of Hope on the Edge, focuses on the experience of homelessness and mental illness. Over 273,000 people sought help from homelessness services last year, many also struggling with mental ill health. Services are overstretched and many people are left without care, shelter or hope. In their statement, Bishops call for practical action: more affordable housing, better mental health services, stronger support systems and an end to policies that leave people behind. Above all, they call on each of us to respond with compassion, courage and hope. 

Under the Southern Cross: A Journey of Faith and Unity, marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of the pastoral letter On Immigration. Published in 1950 in the context of post-war immigration to Australia, On Immigration urged the community to offer generosity to those seeking to make Australia their home. In this year’s anniversary statement, the Australian Catholic Bishops echo this call. The Bishops write, “Once again, our nation serves as a sanctuary and refuge for thousands seeking a new life… We are called again to extend the hand of welcome to grant, patience, kindliness, sympathy and practical help, in God’s name.” 

Each of these statements privileges the Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" – and Dignity of the Human Person, the foundational principle of Catholic Social Teaching. It reminds us of the humanity to which we are all called and the respect that is due to all people. Such an ethic stands in stark contrast to the politics of division, fear, hatred and violence that is increasing guised as “free speech” and “patriotic” flag waving. 

At Mount Alvernia College, we are proud of the diversity of our staff, students and families and our global perspective that speaks to our Franciscan belief that we are “Brothers and Sisters all.” 

You can access the full statements via the links below: 

Social Justice Statement, Signs of Hope on the Edge 

Under the Southern Cross: A Journey of Faith and Unity 

Youth Summit

Yesterday, Samira and Millie  (Year 11) represented the College at Together for Humanity’s Youth Summit at Parliament House in Brisbane. This annual event is a platform for students to voice their ideas around diversity, inclusion and community cohesion. 

This year, students from Mount Alvernia College, Padua College and the Islamic College of Brisbane, prepared a presentation, Bridge to Faith, about the long-term partnership between the three schools and the value of faith-based approaches in promoting inter-cultural understanding and challenging stereotypes and prejudices.

I would like to extend my thanks to Samira and Millie for taking part in this year’s Summit and for the time and care given to the planning and preparation of their presentation. They represented the College most admirably.  

Season of Creation Sustainability Expo

The Season of Creation is celebrated annually from 1 September, the Day of Prayer for Creation, until 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. It is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion and commitment to take better care of our common home. 

This year’s theme, Peace with Creation, reminds us not only of the damage war causes to all life but also the healing that is needed in our relationships with one another and creation itself. We are called to be peacemakers and to work for a just and sustainable world.

This year we also celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, Saint Francis’ song of praise to God for the beauty of creation. It reminds us as Franciscan people of our interconnectedness with all people and all of creation, and our responsibility to respect all life because it comes from God and is in a special relationship with God. 

Last week, to celebrate the Season of Creation and the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, our Year 8 students showcased the environmental issues and sustainability actions they researched and planned as part of their Reflection Day. The students engaged a wide range of topics including climate change, biodiversity, chickens, bees, energy, waste and fast fashion. 

I commend all the students on the stellar effort they gave to this task and their willingness to speak about their project to the staff and students who attended the Expo. 

Blessing of the Animals

To mark the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures and the conclusion of the Season of Creation on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the College will hold a Blessing of the Animals Liturgy on Wednesday 8 October from 7.45 - 8.30am in La Foresta (Cremorne Road entry). 

Students are invited to bring a family pet to the liturgy. Pets must be socialised and suitably restrained at all times. Families must make arrangements for pets to be collected prior to the start of the school day. 

If your family would like to attend with your pet, please register here.   

Photos from our 2024 Blessing of the Animals

Feast Day Mass & Cultural Festival 

On Friday 19 September, we will celebrate our College Feast Day: the Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi. This Feast Day commemorates the miracle experienced by Saint Francis towards the end of his life while he was praying on Mount La Verna. 

To mark the College’s Feast Day, we will commence the day with a celebration of the Eucharist. All students are expected to be present at school by 8.30am for roll call. Full participation and due reverence during Mass is also expected. 

After Mass, staff and students will celebrate Cultural Festival. Cultural Festival combines fun activities, competitions, food and performances in one big celebration of College life. 

From 10.15am – 12.15pm, students will be able to participate in a number of activities including belly dancing, face painting and yard games. There will be a number of food and drink options for students to purchase at Cultural Festival. Payment will be by cash or EFTPOS at food trucks and by Student ID Card at La Cucina. 

Another highlight to this day is the Battle of Houses, our annual interhouse dance competition from 1.00 – 3.00pm. 

On this day, all students are to wear their College sports uniform (including maroon sport hat) to and from school. Accessories in House colours and/or costumes are to be brought to school and changed into after the start of the main break (from 10.15am). 

Please note, Cultural Festival is a staff and student event only. We are not able to accommodate parents/carers or members of the public. We just don’t have the space!

Sony Foundation Camp: Medical Volunteers Needed

Mount Alvernia College and Marist College Ashgrove will co-host the Sony Foundation Camp from Saturday 20 - Monday 22 September 2025. This three-day residential camp for children who are differently-abled, is provided at no cost to families. 

For Sony Camp to run smoothly, we rely heavily on our medical volunteers to assist our students in their role as Companions. We are seeking Doctors or Nurses willing to volunteer some time (even just a few hours) during the camp. 

If you are available, or know someone who might be, please reach out to 

sony@marash.qld.edu.au or contact the Sony Camp Head Nurse, Ellie Hotston

hotstone@marash.qld.edu.au for further information. 

If you would like to make a donation to the camp you can do so via the following donation link: Marist College Ashgrove & Mt Alvernia College Sony Foundation Camp Fundraiser 2025. All donations – great and small – will assist us to cover the costs of this year’s camp.