As we draw to the close of another highly successful semester, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our students for the many ways in which they have engaged, grown, and achieved. Across the College, we have witnessed not only strong academic endeavour, but also the strength of character, creativity, and commitment that defines a Mount Alvernia College education – our Human Edge! Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, in the arts, or through service, our students continue to inspire us through their willingness to strive, contribute, connect and belong. Tuesday’s Interhouse Athletics Carnival was a living expression of this spirit! Truly a joy to witness.

Progress Not Perfection

As we conclude the semester, the publication of student reports - available to parents next Friday, offers an opportunity to reflect on your daughter’s journey. These reports represent both growth and achievement, and I encourage families to take time to celebrate successes while also engaging in thoughtful conversations about next steps in learning. Remembering always, that learning is about progress and not perfection.

This semester’s success is, of course, underpinned by the dedication of our exceptional teaching and support staff. Their professionalism, care, and commitment to each student’s learning and wellbeing are extraordinary. I am deeply grateful for the way they accompany our young people - patiently, skillfully, and always with hope.

A Community Celebration: 70 Years of Mt A

As we journey through this special 70th year of our Mount Alvernia College community, I invite you to pause and reflect on the impact this community has had on your daughter and your family.

In August, we look forward to coming together for a truly memorable 70 Year Garden Party. Set within the beautiful surrounds of La Foresta, the evening promises a meaningful opportunity for connection, celebration and shared pride in our College story.

We have intentionally kept ticket pricing accessible, as we would love to welcome as many members of our community as possible to share in this milestone occasion.

Community Event - World Environment Day – Rooted in Responsibility

On 5 June, we hosted the first public facing event for our newly launched Franciscan Centre for Innovative and Ethical Leadership. Together visitors shared in the joy of fresh produce through our Grow it Forward program and a tour of La Foresta, before gathering in The Carceri to hear from our Curator of Gardens, David Pratt about the meaningful connections and role we play in growing and caring for creation. David’s exceptional knowledge and passion is a gift to our community!

I also took the opportunity to share with our visitors, the unique Franciscan inspired masterplan that underpins our campus and how La Foresta continues to play an integral role in our curriculum, wellbeing and spiritual life. It was a brilliant way to celebrate World Environment Day. We look forward to hosting more exciting and public events in 2027 as part of the Franciscan Centre for Innovative and Ethical Leadership. This event was a wonderful expression of our Franciscan charism. I feel compelled to share with you the beautiful feedback from one of our visitors. It is a wonderful reminder of the unique gift that is our Mt A environment.

“I was truly overcome with emotion in seeing this vision of a more interconnected world with heartfelt & mindful inclusion of all the senses through The Heart, The Head, The Lungs philosophy & the Grow It Forward and Sprout Squad initiatives, that clearly encourages the sorts of inclusive, participatory activity that benefits the whole-of-community & has its own ripple effect into the wider world. Hearing that the garden has been designed around accessibility & inclusion for all & the connections built with the local aged care and early childcare communities, only made this beautiful sanctuary feel even more welcoming and nurturing”

Thank you for your contribution to our Strategic Direction

I would also like to sincerely thank our community for your engagement with the recent MMG survey conducted throughout May. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our ongoing trajectory and assist with our College Board and Leadership Team in charting the important course for our future - it is a very exciting chapter in the life of our College and with a magnificent new library precinct set to open in 2027, we are well on our way! We look forward to sharing further outcomes and next steps early in Term 3.

As many of you are aware, I will be taking a short sabbatical leave at the beginning of next term. During this time, Deputy Principal - Staff Development and Organisation, Kerry Jell, will step into the role of Acting Principal until the beginning of Week 4, Term 3.

I am deeply grateful to Kerry for her leadership and experience, and I have every confidence that the College will continue to thrive under her guidance, alongside our College Leadership Team and Extended Leadership Team. Our community is in exceptionally capable hands. When I return in Term 3, I look forward to sharing reflections from this time of renewal, which will include attending the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Conference in Toronto, study at the University of Oxford, a memorable day at the Silverstone Grand Prix (a personal highlight for this Formula 1 enthusiast!), and a pilgrimage through Italy - experiences that I hope will further enrich my leadership and bring fresh insight and zest to my final months leading our Mount Alvernia College community.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your trust, and your shared commitment to shaping and nurturing our young people. As we approach our well-earned winter holidays, I encourage our students (and each other) to embrace the opportunity for rest and renewal. May this holiday period provide time to reconnect with family, enjoy moments of stillness, and return refreshed for the semester ahead.

In recognition of World Refugee Day (20 June), we have also reflected as a community on the theme of belonging - particularly timely as the world turns its attention to global connection through events such as the World Cup. Sport has a unique capacity to unite across cultures, reminding us that while our stories may be different, our shared humanity invites hospitality, compassion, and welcome. If you haven’t already seen it, I invite you to watch the wonderful video below produced by our Socceroos as they embarked upon the World Cup – a wonderful celebration and acknowledgement of our diversity as a multicultural society. I will be setting my alarm on Saturday morning!

Our prayer this week invites us to hold in our hearts those who seek refuge, and to consider how we, too, are called to be a community of generosity and inclusion.

Loving God,

Creator of every nation and every people,

We give thanks for the gift of our shared humanity,

so beautifully seen as the world gathers in joy and unity.

We pray for those forced to leave their homes,

for those seeking safety,

and for those longing to belong.

Like St Francis of Assisi,

may we see in each person a brother, a sister,

worthy of welcome, dignity, and peace.

As the world comes together in friendship,

may we also open our hearts to those on the margins,

building a home where all are included.

Make us instruments of your peace,

on this earth -our common home.

Amen.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

The Canticle Update #5