Year 11 Pastoral Guardian

It was joyous to welcome our Year 11 students back to school last week. Between Francis Court and the Clare Building, there was an ambiance of excitement, celebration, and spirit. After reconnecting with friends for the first time - in a long time – students met new teachers and peers, and settled into new timetables. Thank you to all parents and caregivers for supporting Learning From Home. The resilience of families never ceases to amaze me during these interesting times. 

While COVID-19 restrictions meant the cancellation of traditional rituals and ceremonies, our college community courageously moved forward, adapting events to ensure a safe and socially distanced environment.  I would like to especially welcome the Perez-Torres, Fidler, and Browning families - you are now part of the Mount Alvernia community, and we look forward to working in partnership with you in the Elizabeth Hayes School.

Year 11 is a time when students effectively transition to Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) pathways. To enhance their education, the Elizabeth Hayes Skills Program has already provided and will continue to foster foundational learning in their journey through senior school. Teachers focus on the development of the students’ knowledge and understanding of a growth mindset. Undoubtedly, this is valuable preparation for their academic studies and in turn, encourages curiosity and lifelong learning. 

At our year level meeting, students were reminded to embrace challenges read around their units of study and take on board constructive feedback. Most importantly students must set SMART goals; be independent learners and be pro-active in their communication with teachers. 

‘Success in Senior’ is the focus of Term 2’s Personal Development Program. The program encourages a conscious pursuit of personal growth by expanding each student’s knowledge of the domains of wellbeing. The course endeavours to improve essential personal skills required to flourish in a contemporary world, following our Franciscan faith tradition and gospel values of joy, respect, service, and courage. 

The Mentor/Mentee Program has continued this year, with the Year 11 students playing a pivotal role, providing guidance, and advising Year 7 students on how to survive their first year at high school and beyond. What makes a Mentor/Mentee relationship unique is the interpersonal relationship which forms a close bond over time. It is wonderful to witness seniors engaging with younger students, developing their future leadership skills.

As such, an important role as Pastoral Guardian for Year 11 is to assist and encourage students to successfully achieve both personal and academic goals. In 2022, the focus will be on further developing leadership skills in our Year 11 students, as well as continuing to build character strengths of grit and resilience. Evidence shows that when we are using our strengths, we are happier, more energised, and feel that what we are doing is purposeful and meaningful. When students know their strengths, they can use them to help them achieve their goals and to approach tasks with a sense of purpose and confidence. (ReachOut, 2022)

• What strengths can you identify in your child? 

• How can you help your child to recognise their own strengths? 

• How can the college work with you to help your child to recognise their own strengths?

I would like to encourage wholehearted participation in the outreach, liturgical, cultural, and sporting opportunities offered by the college - take on our community’s extra and cocurricular activities. With your support, our students will form a more spirited connection to the college, which is an integral part of their identity and belonging.

I look forward to walking with you on this journey over the year. 

Please contact me - Year 11 Pastoral Guardian (pipeb@staff.mta.qld.ed.u.au) - and Mrs. Kate Pacey, Teaching and Learning Guardian  (pacek@staff.mta.qld.edu.au) for pastoral/ academic concerns.