Deputy Principal

Sony Foundation Camp

Mount Alvernia College and Marist College Ashgrove will co-host the Sony Foundation Camp from Saturday 20 - Monday 22 September 2025. This three-day residential camp for children who are differently-abled, is provided at no cost to families. 

If you would like to make a donation to the camp you can do so via the following donation link: Marist College Ashgrove & Mt Alvernia College Sony Foundation Camp Fundraiser 2025. All donations – great and small – will assist us to cover the costs of this year’s camp. 

Feast of the Stigmata

Next Wednesday 17 September is the Feast of the Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi. It commemorates the miracle experienced by Saint Francis towards the end of his life while he was praying on Mount La Verna. This day also marks our College’s Feast Day. The name of our College, Mount Alvernia, is derived from the name of the place where the stigmata took place: La Verna. This event is also reflected in our College crest that depicts the arm of Jesus and the arm of Saint Francis, each hand bearing the wound of the cross.

The Franciscan records provide us with some idea of what happened 800 years ago. As he was in deep contemplation, Saint Francis saw a vision of Jesus crucified on the cross, accompanied by a Seraph, an angel with six fiery wings. When Francis saw this, his whole body was filled with sorrow then joy, and he developed on his own body, ‘stigmata,’ the “bodily marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ.” 

While the Stigmata can be difficult to explain and to understand, Saint Francis’ experience of stigmata, shows us the depth of his faith in Jesus, crucified and risen. It was a continuation of his personal conversion that began with his imprisonment in Perugia and his response to the voice of God at San Damiano. 

What does the stigmata mean for us today? It reminds us to love one another. 

The function of the Seraph – the angel that appeared to Francis - is to love God and to show us how to love God. We are called to love God not only through our faith in God but also through our love for our neighbour, even those that we do not know or who are hard to love. Our love should also be extended to all of creation, especially creation that is exploited, degraded and harmed. 

As Franciscan people, we understand that we are not separate from the world but in mutual relationship with it. We are called into a relationship that is engaged, respectful and loving, the type of relationship that reflects God’s relationship with us.  It is a rejection of the desire to see the other as objects to be controlled, possessed and used for our own benefit. 

This is the type of relationship that Francis modelled for us.

This year, we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the publication of the Canticle of the Creatures. This song to creation, composed by Saint Franics in the last years of his life, reflects Francis’ own joy in his experience of God’s creation and his universal fraternity with all this is in it: Brother Sun and Sister Moon, Brother Wind and Sister Water, Brother Fire and Sister Mother Earth who sustains us. It reflects Franics’ own experience of God in his own life: God is good and merciful and God’s love is poured out on the world and reflected in creation itself. 

This Feast Day, may we renew our commitment to be more respectful, more kind and more just to all people and all of creation. In seeking to be more loving in this way, may we be filled with the joy that comes from knowing God.   

Feast Day & Cultural Festival

On Friday 19 September we will celebrate our College Feast Day. We will commence the day with a celebration of the Eucharist. All students are expected to be present at school by 8.30am for roll call. Full participation and due reverence during Mass is also expected. 

After Mass, staff and students will celebrate Cultural Festival. Cultural Festival combines fun activities, competitions, food and performances in one big celebration of College life. 

From 10.15am – 12.15pm, students will be able to participate in a number of activities including belly dancing, face painting and yard games. There will be a number of food and drink options for students to purchase at Cultural Festival. Payment will be by cash or EFTPOS at food trucks and by Student ID Card at La Cucina. 

Another highlight to this day is the Battle of Houses, our annual interhouse dance competition from 1.00 – 3.00pm. 

On this day, all students are to wear their College formal uniform (including hat) to and from school. Sport uniform, accessories in House colours and/or costumes are to be brought to school and changed into after the start of the main break (from 10.15am). 

A full program of the day and food truck menus are accessible for students via the Term 3 Homeroom page on MyMtA.

Please note, Cultural Festival is a staff and student event only. We are not able to accommodate parents/carers or members of the public. 

Blessing of the Animals

To mark the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures and the conclusion of the Season of Creation on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the College will hold a Blessing of the Animals Liturgy on Wednesday 8 October from 7.45 - 8.30am in La Foresta (Cremorne Road entry). 

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.   

Toys for Joy/Words for Wantoks 2025

From the 13 - 24 October, the College will supporting communities in PNG by accepting donations of pre-loved toys, arts & crafts, sports gear and readers, fiction and non-fiction books suitable for children. The collection box will be located on the ground floor of the Anthony Wing near the lift and stairwell. 

All donated items need to be complete (with all pieces) and in good, playable condition. 

We cannot accept adult-level books, textbooks, toy weapons, electrical/battery powered items or items over 30cm in size. 

Please see the flyer above. 

Kedron Youth Rally

Kedron Parish’s final Youth Rally for the year will be held at the Church of St Therese and St Anthony (Little Flower). This event is an opportunity for students to connect with other young people from the Franciscan schools of Kedron and beyond.  Please find attached information about this event from 5.00 – 8.00pm on Sunday 26 October. 

The presenter is Sione Moehona. All students are welcome to attend.