Deputy Principal 

Sleepout Experiences

On Thursday 26 July and Thursday 1 August the College hosted two events for students to raise awareness about homelessness and disadvantage: the inaugural Mini-Sleepout and our annual Sleepout. The Mini-Sleepout was facilitated by a team of volunteers from Rosies and the Sleepout was facilitated by a team of volunteers from Vinnies. Such events really do require a village: from the Maintenance Team, staff of La Cucina, support staff and teachers. 

I would like to extend my thanks in particular to the staff who slept out last Thursday night: Ms Rasika Flux, Ms Sophie Harrison, Ms Claire Hatchman and Mr James O’Gorman. We cannot offer such experiences without the generosity of staff. It is appreciated.

Luminous Lantern Parade

Last Saturday evening, a group of staff and students represented the College at the annual Luminous Lantern Parade. Our College representatives walked alongside staff and students from Padua College and the Islamic College of Brisbane to celebrate the diversity of our community. Thank you to all of the students involved. 

Sony Foundation Camp: Volunteers and Donations Needed

After a four-year hiatus, Mount Alvernia College and Marist College Ashgrove will co-host the Sony Foundation Camp from Saturday 14 - Monday 16 September 2024. This camp is a three-day residential camp for young people (aged 8 – 16 years) who are differently abled. It will be held at Marist College Ashgrove. 

Such a camp requires much planning and generous support from the Mount Alvernia College community. We need volunteers (parents, carers and past students) and donations. 

Parent Volunteers

Are you a Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Support Worker, etc., or someone who would love to join in the fun that is Sony Camp? We need medical volunteers at any time on Saturday or Sunday, but also would love helpers for various activities (see below), particularly at nighttime (8.30 – 10.30pm). Please complete this FORM if you can help. Please ensure you indicate that you are a Mt A parent/carer or community member. Please note: All volunteers will require a Blue Card. Once you send through your expression of interest, we will email through the relevant links to help you apply for a volunteer Blue Card if you don't already have one. 

Activities on Saturday 

• Build a Bear (11.15am – 12.15pm) 
• Craft stations (1.00 – 4.00pm)
• Gym activities (1.00 – 4.00pm)
• Pool activities (1.00 – 4.00pm)

Activities on Sunday 

• Games on the oval (10.30am – 12.00pm)
• Craft stations (2.00 – 4.00pm)
• Gym activities (2.00 – 4.00pm)
• Pool activities (2.00 – 4.00pm)

Nighttime supervision of campers on Saturday 14 September, 8.30 – 10.30pm and Sunday 15 September, 8.30 – 10.30pm.

Donations

We are seeking donations of toiletries and medical supplies, activities for the campers and pamper pack items for the parents of campers. If you can assist, visit Sony Foundation Camp 2024 - Marist College Ashgrove (marash.qld.edu.au) and use the checklist to indicate the items you are able to donate. These include:   

Toiletries and medical supplies: nappies, wipes, gloves, nappy bags, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, disinfectant spray, disinfectant, tissues, batteries, medicine cups, syringes, saline, Band-aids, Panadol, Nurofen, Ventolin, Solugel, Claratyne, Bepanthen cream, Sudocrem, etc.

Pamper Pack items for parents: wine, gourmet food, chocolates, biscuits, gift cards, movie vouchers, pamper products, jewellery, etc.

Activity Donations: We are planning a carnival fun day on the Sunday. We need donations of rides, jumping castle, face painting, animal farm, ice cream van, popcorn machine, art supplies, magician, dress up characters, bubble machine, golf carts, etc. If you have contacts for providers of carnival activities or are keen to get involved, please contact us. We would love to hear from you. 

Please refer to the list of donations we are seeking on our dedicated Sony page on the WEBSITE. Please ensure you indicate that you are a Mt A parent/carer or community member.  

Student Volunteers 

Students in Years 11-12 have been invited to register their interest to facilitate activities at this year’s Sony Camp. In addition to the activities and times listed above, students are required to assist with sport activities from 8.30 – 10.00am on Monday 16 September. Any student interested in doing so can find the information posted to News on MyMtA and can email me with their expression of interest: rogur@staff.mta.qld.edu.au.