2023 Captains

Liturgy Captain – Jessica Chripczuk Morales 

As Liturgy captain for 2023, I am so excited to see what the year will bring for all things Liturgy at Mount Alvernia. The Encounter Kedron team continues to grow and has started up again for Term 1, and I would love to see students keen to attend on Thursday nights. I'd also love to see Liturgy at Mt A see more inter-faith interactions for students to meet new people and learn about other people's religion and culture!

For any students who may be interested in pursuing a Captaincy role in future, here's my top tip: give absolutely everything a go! My school experience has the been an absolute blast because I've met people and experienced a sense of community that I could only find through by attending as many extra-curriculars and volunteering opportunities as possible.

Sports Captain - Sophia Papantoniou 

Sport at the college is in full swing and I am thrilled to be a part of the student leadership team as your sports captain. Sport plays a significant role in my life, and my experiences in performance environments have allowed me to recognise you need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable when learning to grow and develop as an athlete and individual. In saying this, this is only possible by being immersed in a sporting culture that makes you proud to unite with others and develop the qualities required to see success on and off the field. I aim to bring this sporting culture to Mt A and create an environment where you are proud to represent the college and witness your self-growth through enjoying sports. For students aspiring to be captains have the courage to get involved and make the most out of every opportunity. Bring on 2023!

Spirit Captain – Lily Ryan 

Hello! My name is Lily Ryan, and I am honoured to have been elected as the 2023 Spirit Captain. In 2023, I hope to establish and re-introduce many aspects of the spirit portfolio that have been postponed since covid, specifically the Spirit Squad. Previously, the Spirit Squad was a group of students who would attend CaSSSA events as a support network for the competing students. Their primary role was to uplift the team by increasing the motivation, encouragement, and enthusiasm of the team. Support and pride are both vital aspects of success, and by re-establishing this squad, I know that we as a team, can merge students together and create a successful and unified community. Additionally, in 2022, the Welcoming Committee had the largest participation of all school committees with the involvement of over 180 students across all year levels. In 2023, I aim to surpass this level of participation, whether that be higher by 1 student or 100, we would cherish the participation of anyone! 

For those younger students who are interested in pursuing a role in the leadership team, my biggest piece of advice for you is to start getting involved now! Involvement and showing commitment to not only your academics but also extra-curriculars are two of the most important aspects of leadership. For those new to the college, especially the year 7’s, the college has a wide variety of extracurricular sports and committees that will allow you to serve the wider community as well as develop the specific leadership skills that are fundamental for success. Of course, stepping out of your comfort zone is much easier said than done, but inclusivity is a highly valued aspect of the college, and I can assure you, all committees would be ecstatic with an extra member so please don’t hesitate! 

Cultural Captain – Chiara Pezzetta 

Hi my name is Chiara Pezzetta and I am your Cultural Captain for 2023! My goal for the year is to enhance the participation in cultural life at the College. I hope to spark students' creativity, expressing themselves through the arts. I want to encourage students to be proud of their culture and where they come from. 

A piece of advice I have for students who are interested in a captaincy role is to just go for it! Getting involved in life at the College is so rewarding through all the opportunities you get to experience and the people you meet. If it is something you want to do just to try something new or apply because you are passionate about leadership, jump at the opportunity!

Outreach – Bridget Waterson

My name is Bridget Waterson and I am very privledged to be the Outreach Captain for 2023. This year my goal as Outreach captain is to help students to "Be the Change". I want to provide students with the oppurtunity to make a change in both our community and the wider community. I want to do this by organising fundraises and awareness days that focuses on different causes in the world. I hope to educate the Mount Alvernia community about our world and how we all can make a difference. This year I plan to connect with students and staff at Mount Alvernia to give them a voice in how we can "Be the Change".

My advice for younger students who are interested in a captancy role is to be brave, step out of your comfort zone and put your name down. By signing up for committees and clubs, you build networks and can make lifelong friends who are interested in similiar things. We are only at school for a short amount of time so put yourself out there, find your brave and support one another. Always remember that it is ok to make mistakes, and no one is perfect.  

Academic – Sofia Poy 

Hello, my name is Sofia Poy and I am the Curriculum Captain for 2023.

My hope for this year is to support students as they strive to do their absolute best. Learning is mainly an individual journey for each student; however, my plan is to ensure that students have a supportive network of teachers, students, resources, and programs that are easily accessible as they continue the path towards their goals. Additionally, I hope to encourage students to have a positive outlook on education, to enjoy the time that they spend in the classroom with their peers whilst learning new concepts.

My advice for any younger students who are aspiring for leadership is to get involved in the many aspects that Mount Alvernia offers. Each opportunity gives you a new experience and skills that can assist you not only during high school, but also when you enter tertiary education and the workforce. However, it is important to ensure that you have a balance between your school life and personal life, since spending time with friends and family alleviates stress and makes the leadership journey enjoyable. Leadership is an amazing opportunity and so I wish anyone interested the best of luck!