As we approach the second last week of Term 3, we find ourselves in the Season of Creation, a special and sacred time within our Franciscan tradition. It is a season that calls us to deepen our awareness of God's presence in the natural world and renew our commitment to caring for our common home. It is also a season that resonates deeply with the spirit of Mount Alvernia College.

National Wattle Day

Last week, we were honoured to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, as part of National Wattle Day celebrations, alongside representatives of the Queensland Wattle Association, political leaders and distinguished guests. During her visit, Her Excellency remarked that Mt A had "the best school gardens she had seen." Such praise reflects not only the extraordinary leadership of our Curator of Gardens, Mr David Pratt, but also the collective commitment of our entire community to stewardship, custodianship and care for the environment entrusted to us. We thank David for his vision and dedication, and all members of our community who continue to nurture this beautiful place we call home.

A thank you also to Head of Arts and Technologies – Nicole Bradford for her personal connection and introduction to members of the Qld Wattle Association which allowed us to be involved. We now have a beautiful wattle tree growing in La Foresta, planted by Her Excellency and our Enrivonment Captains Samira (2026) and Pia (2027). The occasion was commemorated with an exquisite artwork by Abby (Year 12) and plaque created by our very own ceramist Arts Technician Skubi Testa.

Some of you may also be aware of the Queensland Wattle Associations push for Brisbane to bloom with gold and green in the lead up to our Olympics 2032. How beautiful is this idea - we encourage everyone to plant a wattle tree this year!

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-31/qld-brisbane-olympics-wattle-planting/107086556

Welcoming our Graduating Class of 2032!

Last Friday was also an exciting day for our community as we welcomed the class of green and gold (and maroon and grey), our Graduates of 2032 and Year 7 class of 2027! There was a buzz in the air as our incoming Year 7s began to make connections with each other and their new school – they even had the chance to experience the spirit of a Mt A cheer led by our captains elect for 2027. We look forward to welcoming back our newest members in October for our Transition Twilight Event.

Well done to our students

I would also like to congratulate our students on their efforts throughout recent examination and assessment blocks. Across all year levels, staff have been impressed by the diligence, perseverance and commitment demonstrated by our young women.

Academic success is built not only on talent but on preparation, discipline and resilience, and we commend our students for the way they have approached their learning this term. An often-cited quote at the College has been from our ancient friend Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Thank you to all of our students who continue to show up every day doing their very best.

Spirit Week, Feast Day Mass and Cultural Festival – Setting the Tone

As we enter the final week of term, our attention turns to one of the most joyful periods of the Mount Alvernia College calendar: Spirit Week. My thanks to our 2026 College Captains for their enthusiastic leadership and careful planning of the week ahead, which culminates in our Feast Day Mass and Cultural Festival.

Friday remains one of the most significant and cherished days in our College year. It is a day that celebrates who we are as a Franciscan community and brings together faith, culture, joy and belonging.

As such, attendance is expected for the entire day, including our Feast Day Mass. The Mass is not an optional morning session to the day; it is the heart from which the day's festivities flow. We thank families for their support in ensuring students fully participate in all aspects of this important community occasion and refrain from enabling a morning absence. Together, we will celebrate all that is good about Mount Alvernia College and the education that you have chosen for your daughter.

Upholding our standards to the very end….

As we make our way through the final week, I also ask parents to support us in maintaining our expectations around punctuality and uniform standards. The standard we walk past is the standard we accept. While Spirit Week provides opportunities for colour and creativity through designated activities, our everyday expectations remain important. Finishing well matters, and there is still much learning, growth and community life to be embraced before the holidays begin.

Looking ahead to the holiday break, I strongly encourage parents to read this week's article from our Deputy Principal of Student Development and Wellbeing. As national conversations continue regarding social media, algorithms and online influence, the challenges facing young people are becoming increasingly complex. These issues require informed, proactive and engaged parenting. The more we understand the forces shaping our daughters' worlds, the better equipped we are to support them to navigate them safely and wisely.

Finally, as I prepare to experience my final Spirit Week, Feast Day Mass and Cultural Festival at Mount Alvernia, I do so with a full and grateful heart. It is, without question, bittersweet. This community has been a source of immense joy, purpose and friendship, and I intend to savour every moment of the week ahead alongside the students, families and staff whom I cherish.

Peace and all good,

Samantha Jensen

Principal

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