Year 9 Pastoral Guardian

Not only is Year 9 a special year, as students have now commenced their journey into Clare School, it is also a perfect time for new beginnings – new classes, new friendships, new teachers, new goals, new opportunities, and even new hopes and dreams. By being positive about change or trying something new, Year 9 students will grow in many different aspects of life – academic, outreach, sporting, arts, community service, and leadership. 

During our first Year 9 assembly, held prior to students returning to school, Year 9 students were introduced to the College’s value for 2022– Courage. “We believe that courage is the embodiment of a spirited learner and leader. It is the virtue that helps us to face challenges and call out injustice. Our students are boldly seeking their aspirations with purpose and meaning” (Student Planner, Page 5).  I challenge Year 9 students to embrace a growth mindset approach that sees effort, challenge, risk, feedback, seeking help, failure and setbacks as their friend. I also asked students to consider three questions:

1. What does courage mean to you?
2. What will you have the courage to do in 2022?
3. How will Year 9 as a cohort embrace courage this year?

Fear is reaction…Courage is a choice - Choose your brave!

Throughout the year, your daughter will be able to attend many leadership and public speaking workshops. I would encourage all students to find the courage to consider these opportunities to further develop their confidence and communication skills. 

During the first Home Room session for this year, all students read and signed the College Student Protection Policy and Student Procedures outlined in the Student Planner. It is wonderful to see that Year 9 students are embracing this positively and abiding by our College  Procedures and in turn enhancing our Franciscan community.  However, there are still some students missing badges or wearing extra jewellery or make up. (Refer to page 24 of the Student Planner).

You would remember that last year Mount Alvernia launched School TV. You can access School TV directly via this link. Home Page SchoolTV | Mount Alvernia College. A topic we have been discussing with students is to be aware of the dangers of Vaping. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), Adolescents (12-17 years of age):

• In Australia, around 14% of twelve- to seventeen-year-olds have tried an e-cigarette, with around 32% of these students having used one in the past month.
• Students who had vaped, most commonly reported getting the last e-cigarette they had used from friends (63%), siblings (8%), or parents (7%). Around 12% of students reported buying an e-cigarette themselves.
• https://adf.org.au/talking-about-drugs/parenting/vaping-youth/vaping-australia/

I highly recommend all parents discuss the dangers of vaping at home.  Students must find the courage to step away and report this behaviour that is not only contrary to our code of conduct, but dangerous and illegal.  For relevant information and a video to watch with your child, please refer to School TV SPECIAL REPORT: Vaping | Mount Alvernia College (schooltv.me). 

As part of my role, I would also like to continue to acknowledge Year 9 students for their personal achievements, both within and outside the college. If your daughter acieves or is acknowledged for any special accomplishments outside of the college, I would love to hear about it. 

I would like to warmly welcome new Year 9 students and their families to the Mount Alvernia Community – Annabelle Arnold, Annabelle Meredith, Ava Flegler, Grace Leddy, Soleil Sarthou, Madelyn Youngson, and Sophie Thornton. 

Plese contact me at the college on 3357 6000 or via email at chrit@staff.mta.qld.edu.au

 if you would like to inform me regarding your daughter’s achievements or if you have any questions or concerns during the year. I look forward to a successful year where each student finds their courage – achieving excellence and striving to be the best version of themselves.