From the Principal

As we near the end of the term, I would like to extend my congratulations to our Year 12 students who have now completed their trial examinations. The focus, resilience, and commitment they have shown throughout this demanding period is to be commended. I am equally proud of students across all year levels who are finalising their own examinations and assessments. Your dedication and hard work will serve you well as we look to the close of another busy and successful term. The past weeks have been remarkably busy weeks for our College, and I acknowledge the tireless work of our academic staff in preparing the students for their assessments, providing feedback on drafts, correction of scripts and conferral with individual students. There have been many late nights and weekends involved, and it is important to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our dedicated Mt A staff - they are truly exceptional educators. Please take the time to thank them when you have an opportunity to do so – there is no greater gift!

Last Friday brought the JOY of Welcome Day, an action-packed day where we met our newest members of the College community – the Year 7 cohort of 2026 who are representing 43 different feeder schools across Brisbane. Their confidence, eagerness, and excitement were a delight to witness, and we look forward to the journey that awaits them at the college. 

Our thanks go to Mandy Bopf Dean of Middle Years, our LES Team led by Mel McCabe, our wonderful Heads of House, IT Team and other members of the ELT and Support Staff team who led the girls so brilliantly. A highlight for all was at the conclusion of the day practicing our Mt A “cries’ in solidarity together. These students are already part of our community in such a short amount of time!

Another significant moment for our community this week, was the privilege Mount Alvernia College had in attending the installation of Archbishop Shane Mackinlay as the 8th Archbishop of Brisbane. 

As one of only a handful of schools invited to attend, myself and the College Captains; Amaeh and Hannah felt honoured to be there. The Mass was moving and deeply reverent, enriched by the beauty of the cantors, choir, and Mozart’s Agnus Dei. 

The captains and I could only describe it as “EPIC” – truly a historic occasion we felt honoured to share together. Archbishop Mackinlay’s homily was one grounded in hope and inclusion – and his words were promising and reassuring to us, as they should be to all.

This week, I encourage you to read a timely and powerful reflection from our Deputy Principal of Student Development and Wellbeing, Michelle Licina in relation to online harm. In what is this week: Child Protection Week, her messages (whilst confronting) are wholly necessary and urgent. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of our Counsellors, Heads of House, Learning Enhancement and Support Team, Deans and Homeroom Mentor Teachers who are led by Michelle, in all aspects of student care and wellbeing. There is nothing more important than this work in a school, and it is a more challenging space than ever thanks to our media saturated world. At Mount Alvernia College we are committed to tackling the ‘hard and necessary’ work of adolescence together in partnership with our parents.

On a lighter and brighter note, we pay continued homage to the Season of Creation, which happens to perfectly coincide with the best weather of the year in Southeast Queensland!

I take this beautiful extract circulated recently from resources beautifully curated by Alison Stone (Franciscan Schools Australia).

“St Francis never saw himself apart from creation; he understood himself as brother among brothers and sisters - to the sun and moon, to fire and water, to animals, birds and all that grows upon the earth. In our classrooms, staff rooms, and playgrounds, we too can nurture this same spirit: one that delights in wonder and responds with care. His Canticle of the Creatures remains a song of praise that lifts our hearts and challenges us to live with reverence. For leadership and staff, this season is also a moment to pause, breathe, and renew. The Franciscan tradition reminds us that simplicity, humility, and gratitude are not just personal virtues; they are also pathways to ecological justice. Caring for creation is not a burden but a joyful responsibility, a chance to join God’s ongoing work of renewal. Let us walk gently, joyfully, and with hope - for in creation’s song, God’s love is always new. This year’s theme, “Peace with Creation,” invites us to live in harmony with the world God has entrusted to us. Rooted in Franciscan kinship with all creatures, it reminds us that true peace is found when our relationships with God, neighbour, and Earth are healed. For our schools, this might mean creating spaces of biodiversity, reducing waste, or holding prayer outdoors - simple acts that express both gratitude and care. In these ways, we join Francis in being peacemakers for all creation.”

We look forward with JOY- filled hearts – Spirit Week next week culminating in Cultural Festival – you cannot miss it!

As always, thank you for your ongoing support in all that we do at Mt A.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen