Year 12 Pastoral Guardian

Welcome, Parents and Carers of Year 12 students.  It is a pleasure to continue as Pastoral Guardian for your daughter in her final year of schooling in the Elizabeth Hayes School. Last week at the Commissioning Ceremony, students took the long-awaited walk across the San Damiano stage, signifying the commencement of their final year of school.  The members of the Senior Class of 2021 were called forward to receive their Senior Badges and Senior Ties, presented by Sister Catherine White, the Leader of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters Australia, and Ms Samantha Jensen, College Principal - each tie and badge representing honour, leadership, and responsibility. 

With great commitment, the students then recited their pledge:

“As the 2021 leaders of Mount Alvernia College, we pledge to be women of integrity, upholding the values on which this College is founded. We promise to be role models, demonstrating qualities of acceptance, compassion, and joy.  During our final year, we will continue to strive for success and support one another, as well as the College.  We will be ambitious and serve with dignity and authenticity.  It is our mission as your leaders to inspire you - the community - to have pride in our College, and empower you to achieve excellence beyond your perceived potential.  We commit to furthering the legacy of the College through both word and action.  Together, as women of passion, we will strive to continue the Franciscan tradition, in order to motivate you to flourish in your individual way.  We are proud to be the Senior class of 2021 and we promise to uphold this pledge.” (Seniors,2021)

The great responsibility echoed in the pledge was underpinned by the College values and Franciscan spirit as the students promised to continue to model in word and action the example of Jesus, Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and Elizabeth Hayes.  The ceremony revealed the capacity of our students to act with grace, respect, and humility, setting a high standard as role models in our community. 

I am pleased to share with you that the Seniors have launched into their final year with enthusiasm and teachers have commented especially on their positive attitude and readiness for academic work.  The 2021 Captains have started the year with valuable leadership opportunities, meetings, and mentoring with the College Leadership Team for the year ahead.  House Captains have already shown leadership in their organisation of the Big Sister Mentor and Little Sister Mentee afternoon activities on Monday this week and preparation for the upcoming Interhouse Swimming Carnival.

Year 12 can be both challenging and exciting.  During your daughter’s final year of school, there are wellbeing strategies you can use to keep things in perspective and to manage any stresses that come along.  In the next week have a conversation with your daughter which invites them to consider:

Organisation

Start the year organised and ready to go!

Studying Smart

Research shows students who use social media sites while studying (even if only in the background) get twenty per cent lower marks than students who don’t.  Non-users of Facebook were also found to study a whopping 88% longer outside class.

Keeping Things in Perspective.  Do not Believe the Hype!

It is important to keep things in perspective and remember that you are NOT your ATAR or Rank Score.  You may have post-school aims, and being equipped with an understanding of the various pathways to take you there is critical to remaining calm.

Being Motivated - Goal Setting

Write down goals and revisit them each week, keeping the end goal in sight.

The plate must be balanced!

Encourage a healthy lifestyle and do what is possible to look for supports.  Make sure there is balance - school, work, exercise, meditation, connection to family and friends. 

The months ahead will go very quickly, and I ask you to remind your daughters that, in less than a year, they will graduate.  While this prospect may bring a tear to your eye, remember that this will provide an opportunity to celebrate and be excited as they begin their story beyond Mount Alvernia College.

So I look forward to leading our spirited team as they enthusiastically launch into their final year at Mount Alvernia College in 2020.

Many blessings.

Bridget Piper