Deputy Principal

The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

Today, 4 October, Franciscan people around the world celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. In commemorating his death, we also celebrate his imitation of Jesus though his life of faith, poverty and service to others.

This year, the Missionary Franciscan Sisters received their commission of a new icon of Saint Francis painted by American artist Jen Norton. It is titled “Paths of Peace.” 

In this painting, you will see represented Saint Francis’ ministry to others. It is fitting, I think, that this week, when we recognised our 2024 Captains and commissioned our 2025 College Captains, in our Year of Service, that we reflect on these stories and what they might mean for Franciscan people and servant leaders today. 

• Saint Francis embraces the leper. The story of Francis’ compassion for the leper challenges us to respond to the needs of people on the margins of our society, to move beyond what is comfortable and even socially acceptable.

• Saint Francis meets the Sultan. This moment of encounter between Francis and the Sultan in the context of the Fifth Crusade – a Holy war between Christians and Muslims – shows us the power of dialogue in achieving mutual understanding and lasting peace.

• Saint Francis mediates the relationship between the Bishop and Mayor of Assisi. This story reminds us of the importance of humility in granting forgiveness to those who have done us wrong. In his Canticle of the Creatures, Saint Francis writes: “Be praised, my Lord, for those who forgive for love of you.” 

• Saint Francis bestows his garments to the poor soldier. In gifting his cloak to the poor man, Francis models for us the virtue of charity, genuine giving from the heart, that places ourselves in the place of another so that we may feel what they feel

• Saint Francis and the wolf of Gubbio. On the surface, Francis pacifies the wolf that is terrorising the villagers. At a deeper level, it speaks to us about how we are called to live in right relationship – in community – with one another and with all of creation.   

My wish on the Feast of Saint Franics, is that we may seek to live out in our own lives, the message of these stories. They are not only paths to peace but also the dispositions of Franciscan people and servant leaders: compassion, dialogue, humility, forgiveness, charity, empathy and right relationship. 

As we announce peace with our lips, let us be careful to have it, even more, within our own hearts. 

The Blessing of the Animals Liturgy

To celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the College will hold a Blessing of the Animals Liturgy on Wednesday 9 October from 7.45 - 8.30am in La Foresta (Cremorne Road entry). Sr Catherine White, Community Coordinator of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters, will lead this liturgy. 

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. You are also most welcome to come along without a pet. 

Sony Foundation Camp

From Saturday 14 - Monday 16 September 2024, Mount Alvernia College and Marist College Ashgrove hosted the Sony Foundation Camp at Marist College. The Sony Foundation Camp is a residential camp for young people (8 – 16 years) who are differently abled. Such a camp offers valuable respite to families and a fun experience for the young people who attend. It is also a context in which our College community can live out our Franciscan values through our service to others.   

Fourteen young people attended the camp and fifteen of our students were Companions to six Campers. Over the three days and two nights, the Campers enjoyed a range of activities including a Build-A-Bear workshop, emergency vehicles display, pool activities, craft activities, a movie night, a disco and a Carnival that included face-painting, petting zoo, inflatable slide and soft-serve ice cream. During this time, the Companions supported their Campers and provided 24-hour care. It was an enormous responsibility that all of our students fulfilled with much skill and grace.

A further fourteen students volunteered their time as part of the Activities Crew as did a few of our past students. Ms Jen Clark, Mrs Suzi Walker, Ms Lauren McDonald, Ms Claire Hatchman and Mrs Paula Egan assisted with nighttime supervision and Ms Rasika Flux donated her time and talent to provide face painting at the Carnival. 

Thank you to all of these staff and students for their contribution to Sony Camp this year. It would not have been possible to do this without you and we appreciate your generosity of spirit.

Thank you also to families who donated supplies, snacks and costumes and to the Mount Alvernia College Parent Partnership Panel for their generous contribution to the preparation of pamper packs for each of the families and some of the operational costs of the camp. Please know that your donations were valued and gratefully received. 

I would like to note, in particular, Ms Annette Butterworth and the planning committee at Marist College for their expertise and support in planning and facilitating this year’s Sony Camp. Such an experience requires much attention to detail to support the wellbeing of all young people and staff involved. This year’s camp was both safe and successful because of the work of this term. 

In the coming weeks, our students who participated in Sony Camp will present a report on their experiences. I look forward to sharing these reflections with you via the newsletter later this term. 

Feast Day and Cultural Festival 

I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all staff and students who contributed to the success of our annual Feast Day and Cultural Festival on the last day of Term 3. Such an event requires the efforts and support of many: 

• Mrs Nicole Bradford for her overall organisation and coordination of the Cultural Heats and Cultural Festival;
• Ms Skubi Testa and the Cultural Committee, under the leadership of Sarah Bracey, our Cultural Captain, for their support of Mrs Bradford;
• The Heads of House, the House Captains and House teams more broadly, for their coordination of the House dances;
• The College Captains for their dance item;
• All students who performed in the Cultural Heats and on the day; 
• Fr Joseph Nguyen ofm for celebrating our Feast Day Mass with us;
• Ms Hayley Marsh and the College Choir for their fine voices as part of our Mass;
• Mr David Smith and Mr Wes Taylor for their IT and AV support;
• The Maintenance Team for their set up and set down of chairs and equipment;
• Ms Gabbi Stone for organising morning tea for our invited guests;
• Mrs Liz Feltrin for her coordination of the food trucks;
• La Cucina staff for preparing a range of other food options for staff and students;
• Ms Rasika Flux for contributing their creative genius to the face painting stall; 
• Mr David Pratt for organising the supply of native plants from the Brisbane City Council and coordinating the planting of these on the day; 
• Ms Liz Sims and the Sprout Squad for assisting with the tree planting; 
• Miss Victoria Uhr for hosting karaoke; 
• Ms Sara Tuan for hosting the Italian activities;
• Ms Eve Longley for judging the Photography Competition;
• The judges of the Cake Decorating Competition, Ms Sophie Harrison and Ms Georgia Appelhof;
• The judges of the Costume Parade, Mr Alex Bush and Ms Justine Hawkins;
• Our staff band, Big Lunch – Mr Eamon Webb, Dr Kirk Graham, Mr Stewart Waldron, Mr Sean McInerney and Mr Pasang Tenzing – for their debut performance;
• The FCIP Rock Band for their performance;
• The iCentre staff for setting up the Chillout Zone;
• The Reise family for hosting the Graceful Lights stall;
• College staff for supervising and stepping in when required;
• All our students for their attendance and enthusiastic participation.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!