From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the commencement of our 2026 academic year. I trust that the summer holidays offered each of you moments of rest, renewal, and meaningful connection with family and friends. As we step into a new year of learning, growth, and possibility, our college once again comes alive with the energy and hope that our young people bring through the gates each day. While we had a wonderful staff week together last week, the school is not the same without our girls here! Albeit a 4-day week, we have already packed so much in, and it is so great to welcome our girls back! 

We trust that Tuesday’s Homeroom Mentoring Meetings were valuable opportunities for you to connect with your daughter’s homeroom mentor teacher and to review the learnings of 2025 (if relevant) and to forge a purposeful path for her in 2026. These early touchpoints are vital in strengthening our partnership with you. My heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated Teacher Mentors for their thoughtful preparation and commitment to ensuring these conversations were meaningful for every family.

On Wednesday, we had the privilege of gathering for our Welcome Liturgy and Commissioning Ceremony - always one of the most significant and symbolic moments in our calendar. It was a joy to formally welcome our Year 7 and Year 12 cohorts, who together represent both the newest and the most senior members of our student body. Equally, it was a true gift to welcome new students joining us for the first time in Years 8-11. We are delighted that you have chosen to become part of our community, and we look forward to walking alongside you as you flourish at Mount Alvernia College. 

Year 7 & New Student Welcome Ceremony Photos

Year 12 Commissioning Ceremony Photos

To our Year 7 parents, well done! Much commentary has already been shared between staff on just how well your daughters have coped with the first days of high school during a busy (and messy) build year. Please know that in these early days of transition – there are many adjustments to be made and finding the rhythm of routine and familiarity takes time. Hang in there! Our scheduling of Year 7 Camp (next week) is designed to build and augment these early connections with staff and peers alike, and we are confident that your daughter(s) will love it. 

As many of you will be aware, this year carries a profound sense of occasion as we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of our College – a milestone we honoured with deep gratitude and pride at our Founders' Day Assembly on Thursday. 

We were blessed by the attendance of our Missionary Franciscan Sisters – Sr Catherine, Sr Moya, Sr Margaret Rose, Sr Pauline, and Sr Patricia – along with past Principals Prof. Dr Lee‑Anne Perry and Ms Vicki Ward, Board Directors, Martin Wilkie (Principal St Anthony’s), Cr Danita Parry (Marchant Ward) and Jimmy Sullivan (Member for Stafford). 

As we gathered, we were reminded that our own steps at Mt A, were made possible only through the faith, courage, and vision of those who came before us. Through her reflections, Sr Catherine invited us into the lived vocation and enduring heritage of our founding 4 sisters. Our founding sisters held a clear and hopeful vision: to provide a nurturing and empowering environment for young women - one in which the dignity and mystery of each individual would be known, respected, and valued. They sought to equip students not only with education and skills, but with the confidence and courage to become leaders and change-makers in their communities.

Among their aspirations was also a desire - beautifully captured in their words - that Mount Alvernia students would be “imbued with a gentle spirit of good humour and fun.” A vision I think we can all wholeheartedly celebrate.

We share with you below, our 70th Anniversary Video and hope that this presentation delivered so eloquently by Imogen (Year 12) offers you not only a glimpse into the past, but a deepened understanding of the story we inherit - a story larger than ourselves. It is a narrative shaped by service, simplicity, and a steadfast belief in the capacity of young women to make a difference in our world.

As we embark on this milestone year, in our Year of Courage, may we remain inspired by the courage of our founders and committed to fostering a community where each student feels known, valued, and empowered. I look forward to all that 2026 will bring – the achievements, the challenges and the many moments of joy that come from learning and growing together.

Thank you for your ongoing support, partnership, and trust in our College. May the year ahead be filled with purpose, compassion, and the Franciscan spirit that defines Mount Alvernia College. 

Members of the College and Extended Leadership Team look forward to welcoming many of you this evening to our annual Parent Welcome Back Soiree. In doing so, we hope that we can meet many of our newest families to the College and have the opportunity to welcome them in a more personable and social setting.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal