From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we conclude the penultimate week of term, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our students and staff for their tireless efforts and dedication. This term has been filled with a myriad of activities, too numerous to mention individually, each contributing richly to our vibrant school life. A hat dip must also go to our parents and carers who are working hard to give their daughter's an excellent education, we are always so grateful for your partnership and ongoing support.

On Thursday, we celebrated the culmination of Harmony Week and marked the International Day for the Elimination of Racism with a powerful and inspiring assembly. Whilst we have enjoyed many wonderful assemblies at Mt A over the years, this one will not be forgotten by many of us. Our assembly served as a beautiful expression of the diverse tapestry that makes up our school community; we were witness to students speaking their traditional language, wearing traditional costume and were witness to a courageous and vibrant panel discussion (staff and students) on their lived experience in relation to cultural diversity and racism. The assembly, and week more broadly was an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the theme of unity in diversity which resonates deeply with our Franciscan values of respect, peace, and inclusivity. I am incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to making this the week and assembly a resounding success – particularly thanks go to our Deputy Principals - Bobby Bracken and Michelle Licina together with our student leaders and Cultural Captain – Kiara Pirrottina who coordinated this rich and invaluable experience for our college.

In addition to Harmony Week, our Arts and Technologies Week was another highlight, with the much-anticipated "Breakfast of Champions." This breakfast was host to alumnae and industry experts who shared their experiences and personal contributions in Arts, Design, Technology, Construction and Creative industries. The diversity of occupations and opportunities shared by our generous past pupils and industry specialists was both phenomenal and inspiring!  It was wonderful to see so many of our students and staff in attendance. Thank you to Head of Faculty - Nicole Bradford for coordinating this rich opportunity for our students.

Following on from the interviewing marathon for our class of 2029, we now have considerable wait lists! We were delighted to welcome to the college almost 90 Year 5 and 6 confirmed enrolees, for an afternoon of curiosity and creativity.  The La Luce program is an important immersion for our Year 5 and 6 students aimed at connection, learning and transition. Led by an impressive and generous team of volunteer teachers and support staff (Sam Yeats, Jess Parry, Nicole Bradford, Justine Hawkins, Madeline Coyne, Pauline Danniell, Maria Conway, Charne Du Preez, Simone Roche, Sally Clarke, Emma Velthuis, Alex Marron, Lindsey Gould, Gabriel Stone and our La Cucina Team: Fernando, Jonathon and Lara), e would like to thank you all sincerely for the role that you played in making this such an enriching experience for our incoming students. To our Year 10 student facilitations – you were so impressive to see in action! Thank you for your leadership and care of the younger students.

 As a final note, I wish to acknowledge the hard work of our students in the completion of their final assessments and commend them for their patience and cooperation during the ongoing construction. In Term 2, our teaching staff look forward to further discussions with parents in our upcoming parent teacher interviews.  As it becomes available, we encourage all our parents and carers, to engage with the continuous reporting data to enhance these important conversations as they relate to your daughter’s educational wellbeing, progress, and growth.

As we reflect during this Lenten season, let us embrace the courage to step forward in faith, inspired by St. Francis and St Clare’s example of living with humility and love. May this time of reflection strengthen our resolve to be courageous in our actions, guided by compassion and service to others – always.

Our love and prayers continue to be with those in our community who are personally impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal