From the Cultural Captain

Greetings to the Mount Alvernia College community!  My name is Anna DeBellis and I am privileged to undertake the role of Cultural Captain for the 2020 year.

The most accurate way of describing my interpretation of culture is the aspects of our lives that add the ‘colour’ or ‘flavour’ to our ordinary lives.  I believe that culture is a medium in which we as individuals can express ourselves and our experiences in a manner that is both incredibly engaging and beautiful.

My primary focus for culture at the College this year (beside our 2020 vision statement, Ignite Curiosity and Inspire Possibility) is to foster an environment in which empathy and understanding is cultivated through the sharing of human experiences.  A very effective and accessible way of doing this is through storytelling and the arts.

As such, I will strive to provide every student a safe and calming space where they can reflect on their stories while expressing themselves and their journey through the various forms of art.

I think it would be completely counter-intuitive to expect my peers to share their stories with at least sharing a little bit about myself.  Hence, here are some of my favourite things!

Favourite subjects: Drama and Literature

Favourite artist: Suchitra Bhosle

Favourite musical: Waitress

Favourite play: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Favourite playwrights: Tennessee William and Sally Mackenzie

Favourite actors: Meryl Streep and Miranda Tapsell

I would like to end with a quote from the one and only Walt Disney.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

It is an honour to be the 2020 Cultural Captain for Mount Alvernia College, and I will dedicate myself to ensuring that culture is a safe and encouraging place for every member of the college community.

Anna DeBellis