From the Desk  of the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

We trust that your daughter has now entered the rhythm of a new term and has made positive connections with teachers and peers.  The buzz of a new school year is truly like no other; the possibility and hope that it offers can be a wonderful opportunity to hit the ‘reset’ button and to formulate new goals and aspirations. 

We trust that the recent series of Parent Information Evenings has provided families with the tools, strategies, and routines required for a successful year of learning, and we look forward to meeting with Years 11 and 12 families in the coming week.  If you have been unable to attend these information nights either in person or online, I would strongly encourage you to view the recordings of these evenings for your reference:  

Year 9 & 10 Clare School Information Night

Year 7 Learning Program:  Orientation Night 

At Mount Alvernia College in 2021, we are not shying away from ‘aspiration in learning’ and, together with you, we seek to encourage students in 2021 to commit to doing their very best and in pursuing excellence in their learning.  It is important to note that we are talking here of personal bests and not some external measure that is a ‘one size fits all’ benchmark.  Our wish is for every single one of our students to feel proud of their efforts and to ultimately be the best possible versions of themselves.  We know from studies in positive psychology that a sense of accomplishment (or achieving one's best) is a powerful source in the enhancement of wellbeing.  In the initial weeks that have passed, I have been hugely impressed by not only the high calibre and expertise of the teaching staff, but their commitment to ensuring the best for your daughters in all aspects of their formation and wellbeing.  I am confident that we have all bases covered in ‘dialling up’ our aspirations for learning in 2021.  So together, in partnership, let us begin as we mean to continue.

As a college, together, our vision for our young people is as follows:

Mount Alvernia graduates are people of faith, hope, industry, persistence, and curiosity. 

They know how to work respectfully, collaboratively, and autonomously. 

They are aspirational, seeking improvement in all things, so that they can be good and do good.

This week I am feeling immense gratitude for the new community I am leading - for the hospitality and collaboration of my new colleagues, for the sincerity and exuberance of our students, and for the kindness and words of appreciation expressed by our parents.  I am truly energised by the possibilities that lie ahead and, in taking the steps that follow, I must look to Saint Francis of Assisi.

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

St Francis of Assisi

Kind regards

Samantha Jensen