Dear Parents and Carers,

As another exciting fortnight of Term 1 draws to a close, I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable way our students have continued to adapt to the changed conditions across our campus. Construction brings inevitable disruption, but it also reveals character and our students have shown resilience, flexibility, and maturity in abundance. They have embraced new routines, navigated altered spaces with patience, and modelled the absolute best of what it means to be a Mount Alvernia College student. Ms Licina and I had the pleasure of meeting with our college Captains this week, to seek guidance on other ways in which we might be able to support our students further. We will, of course, continue to monitor conditions closely and communicate with families as works progress, always with student educational wellbeing and safety at the centre of our planning.

This fortnight, I have found myself reflecting deeply on the meaning and purpose of gratitude within a school community.

Gratitude is not just courtesy, it is culture, and in a Franciscan community this is foundational. In an era where globally and nationally, we are seeing increasing numbers of teachers leave the profession, the simple acts of thanks, recognition, and acknowledgement matter more than ever. They sustain people. They affirm vocation. They remind our staff that their work is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. At Mount Alvernia College, we are committed to ensuring we have the best educators for your daughter(s), but in doing so, we must look after our exceptional teachers! I see this very much as a ‘we’ job.

This week in particular, I am holding special gratitude for the 10 teachers who accompanied our 175 Year 7 students to Noosa Northshore - spending three nights away from their own families to care for, guide and nurture our youngest students as they took their first major step into secondary school life. This is work that extends far beyond position descriptions or overtime (which they do not receive!). It is service, vocation, and love in action. Our Year 7 students will remember this experience for years to come because of the people who made it safe, joyful, and meaningful for them. Let these words be an invitation for you to thank those staff throughout the year who share days or moments like these with your daughter, after hours, at lunchtime, in rehearsals, in training or in the classroom. It will truly make our teachers’ day.

At Mount Alvernia College, we are blessed with extraordinary staff. Let us continue to build a culture where gratitude is practised, where care is mutual, and where affirmation flows freely - because when we care for those who care for our children, the entire community flourishes.

Our Senior students today certainly shared the love as part of Galentine’s days activities and not even the torrential rain could squash our spirit of kindness and the sisterhood.

Mr Bobby Bracken (Deputy Principal: Faith and Mission) and I were delighted to attend the Opening Eucharist and installation of Mr Bruce McPhee new rector of Padua College today. We are extremely excited to welcome Mr McPhee into our FOTH community and look forward to continued partnership in an array of shared activities and ventures.

We look forward to the next fortnight at Mt A, many exciting events just around the corner; Our Year 7 Parent Information Evening, Interhouse Swimming Carnival, and Year 12 Formal and International Women’s Day High Tea to name just a few.

Thank you for your continued support of our college. My final words come from the wisdom of St Clare of Assisi who reminds us that the many things we surround ourselves with often do not fill our spirits – an important reminder to students and adults alike, in our current world.

“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.”

St. Clare of Assisi.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal

International Women's Day High Tea

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