Spring, Creation and the Promise of New Life

As we prepare to welcome the beginning of spring next week, we are reminded once again of the profound rhythms of creation. After the stillness of winter comes renewal, growth, and possibility. For us, this seasonal change coincides beautifully with the beginning of the Season of Creation, a sacred time in the Church's calendar that invites us to deepen our relationship with God, with one another and with the natural world entrusted to our care and for Franciscans, this season has an extra special dimension! Please pop your head in to see our beautiful La Foresta if you have the chance in the next couple of weeks - it is truly divine.

In the Franciscan tradition, creation is never simply a backdrop to our lives; it is a sacred gift that reveals God's presence and calls us into relationship. As St Francis understood so deeply, we flourish not in isolation, but in connection, through our relationships, our communities, and our shared responsibility for the world around us. It is a fitting lens through which to reflect on the remarkable week our college community has experienced.

Our St Clare Lecture: A Return to Our Franciscan Essence

This week, we had the privilege of hosting the second annual St Clare Lecture, an event that is becoming a cornerstone of our Franciscan Centre for Innovative and Ethical Leadership.

We were honoured to welcome Sr Catherine White MFIC as this year's keynote speaker. Sr Catherine offered a profound and deeply moving reflection on our Franciscan essence, exploring the significance of relationship and how this might be most authentically manifested and experienced within educational communities.

Her address was insightful, intellectually rigorous, and spiritually enriching. She challenged us to consider not only what we do as educators and learners, but who we are becoming through our interactions with one another. Her reflections reminded us of the fact that education, at its heart, is a relational endeavour, one grounded in dignity, presence, and genuine encounter.

As both a former student and teacher of Mount Alvernia College, Sr Catherine is truly a gift to our community. Her wisdom, humility and commitment to Franciscan values continue to inspire generations of Mt A women. We thank her sincerely for sharing her knowledge, experience, and faith with us.

CaSSSA - Excellence in Athletics

Congratulations to our outstanding CaSSSA Athletics Team on their tremendous success at the recent championships. The dedication, perseverance and team spirit demonstrated by our athletes reflect the absolute best of Mount Alvernia College. The hard work and culture building over a number of years culminated in record breaking results and personal bests: 4th Overall, 3rd in Percentage Cup, 2nd in 12 Years, 3rd in 14 years and winner of All Age Relay!

A special acknowledgement is due to our exceptional Mt A Sports Team, Charmaine, Kat, Emma, and coaches whose leadership, organisation and encouragement continue to empower our students to achieve success both individually and collectively. Thank you for the countless hours invested in preparing, mentoring, and championing our girls.

We also extend our congratulations to our enthusiastic Year 8 Cheer Squad, whose energy and encouragement contributed so positively to the atmosphere of the carnival. Their spirited support exemplifies the power of community and school pride.

Debating History Made

On Wednesday evening, our Year 8 Debating Team achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first Mount Alvernia team to reach the Grand Final of the Queensland Debating Union competition.

To progress to this stage of such a highly competitive and prestigious competition is an extraordinary accomplishment. The team's success reflects not only intellectual capability, but also courage, resilience, preparation, and a commitment to excellence.

Congratulations to Ava, Claudia, Maeve, and Meredith for your outstanding efforts throughout the competition and on the night of the Grand Final. It was a privilege to witness your debate alongside 5 of your teachers, Heads of House, Head of Student Engagement & Activities, Deputy Principal: Student Development & Wellbeing and families – you were accomplished in every way. To finish 2nd out of 182 teams is truly phenomenal! A new chapter in Mount Alvernia College debating history has been made, and you have inspired future generations of students to pursue their voices with confidence and conviction.

Student Leadership for 2027

We recently had the privilege of announcing our Captains-Elect for 2027, and I thank Deputy Principal of Student Development and Wellbeing for the poignant and meaningful way in which this announcement was made to our community. In term 4 we look forward to the formal handover ceremony with our outgoing Year 12 Captains.

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our Captains elect, as they prepare to assume leadership of our student body next year. Leadership at Mount Alvernia College is both an honour and a responsibility, one grounded in service, integrity, and the example we set for others. As we move towards 2027, a year of respect – we have every confidence that these young women will serve our community with care and distinction.

We also acknowledge every student who participated in the leadership selection process. The courage, reflection and authenticity displayed by applicants throughout this journey was deeply impressive. I am grateful for the earnest and wholehearted way so many students engaged in what has been a rigorous, demanding and highly competitive process.

Our sincere thanks go to Deputy Principal Michelle Licina, Deputy Principal Bobby Bracken, our Heads of House, and the many staff and program leaders who supported students throughout the process. Their commitment to developing future leaders is one of the great strengths of our college community.

Building the Future: The Canticle

Last week, the College Leadership Team had the opportunity to undertake a walk through the building site of The Canticle, our significant new learning precinct.

There is a growing sense of excitement as the vision we have held for many years begins to take shape before our eyes. As we walked through the developing spaces, discussing plans and possibilities for 2027 and beyond, we were reminded of the extraordinary opportunities this facility will create for future generations of Mt A students.

The Canticle is more than a building. It represents our commitment to innovation, community, learning and the Franciscan vision that continues to guide us. It is coming to life before our eyes, and the SPACE is phenomenal.

Honouring Heather Munro

Many members of the Mount Alvernia community will remember Heather Munro, who dedicated 24 years of service to the College. Known for her warm smile and welcoming presence, Heather touched the lives of generations of students and families.

Heather’s connection to Mount Alvernia extended well beyond her role at the College. Inspired by her years working alongside the Sisters and within the Franciscan community, she later converted to Catholicism. Her family's connection to the community also spans generations, with daughter Karyn (Sports Captain 1985) attending Mount Alvernia and her sons attending Padua College.

As we celebrate our 70th anniversary year, we remember with gratitude Heather’s significant contribution to the College and the broader Kedron community. At the request of the family, student leaders participated in a guard of honour following her funeral Mass this week, in recognition of her years of dedicated service and lasting impact.

We keep Heather and her family in our thoughts and prayers.

Finishing Term Well

As the term enters its final weeks, there can sometimes be a tendency to focus only on what lies ahead. Yet some of the most important work we do as learners and as people occurs in how we finish.

Finishing well is about more than completing tasks. It is about maintaining effort when motivation wanes, remaining committed when outcomes are uncertain and continuing to give our best even when the finish line is in sight.

For our students, this means approaching every lesson, final assessment, rehearsal, training session and commitment with purpose and integrity. For our staff, it means continuing to provide the exceptional care, expertise and encouragement that underpin every aspect of college life. We are really looking forward to our Feast Day and Cultural Festival!

At this stage of the term, I wish to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our staff, who continue to support our students across learning, leadership, wellbeing, and co-curricular pursuits. Their dedication, generosity and professionalism ensure that every student can flourish. We are deeply grateful for all they do.

Transition and Renewal – Welcoming Sharon Collins, Principal 2027

As spring approaches, may each of us embrace the invitation to renewal that this season brings, nurturing our relationships, caring for creation, and continuing to become the people we are called to be. In this spirit, I am looking forward in the coming weeks to welcoming Sharon into the community and commencing the ‘handover’ process. From our interactions so far, I can tell she is warm, dedicated, community oriented and deeply committed to our purpose and direction as a college. Sharon will be formally introduced to the CLT and other Directors of the College Board on 9 September. We look forward to introducing her to student leaders and our broader community in the months ahead.

May the God of all creation bless our community with wisdom, hope, and renewed purpose in this Season of Creation.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal

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