Year 10 Pastoral Guardian

Congratulations to the Year 10 girls on a wonderful, yet busy year.  I’m sure the girls would agree that Year 10 has been both enjoyable and rewarding.  It has been a pleasure to watch the girls flourish in their social, academic, and personal development over the year.

Camp was a highlight for the year, allowing the girls to enjoy a variety of activities while spending time in a relaxed outdoor environment.  Another highlight for the group was the opportunity to come together as a cohort for their Reflection and Leaderships Days.  These days allow the girls to reflect on their journey, what they can offer, and how they can impact others.  Throughout 2019, many girls were also involved in the opportunities offered to them by the College – sporting, cultural, and outreach activities.  It is here they showed their true spirit and connected as part of the Mount Alvernia community. 

It was pleasing to see so many Year 10 girls acknowledged at our annual Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony last Tuesday.  They are to be commended for their hard work and commitment throughout the year.  Whether it was in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage, or even in our wider community, I am proud of all the girls and what they have achieved.  At year level assembly today, our Clare School leaders launched the Year 10 Social to be held on Thursday 28 November.  The social is a perfect way for the entire Year 10 cohort to celebrate together after an incredible year.

During Personal Development classes this term, girls have been preparing themselves to be mentors to new Year 7 students in their  home rooms in 2020.  I have been impressed to see the girls asking and answering valuable questions, sharing stories, responding positively to scenarios, and being enthusiastic to become a positive role model and mentor.  

I would like to warmly welcome two new Year 10 students and their families to the Mt Alvernia community this term – Chloe Liebenberg and Maddie Ward.  Congratulations to Chloe who, with the encouragement of the Year 10 cohort, cut over 30 centimetres of her hair for the Ponytail Project.  This project empowers students to make a change in the world, as every ponytail makes a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.  Chloe has raised over $270 to be donated to such a worthy cause - the Cancer Council Queensland.

A special thank you to the Clare School leaders (Rhianna Janas, Sneha Reju, Charlotte Russell, Alana Tweddell, Samantha Maguire, and Laila Powell) and House Representatives (Charli Ryan, Molly Browne, Molly O’Brien, Erin King, Sophie Mitchell, and Teliah Allen) for their hard work organising activities, assisting in year level assemblies, and lending support throughout the year.

As this is the last Parent Corner for this year, I would like to wish all girls the best of luck for their final assessments and the remainder of the term.  It has been an absolute pleasure to be their Pastoral Guardian for Years 9 and 10.  I have watched each student grow into a mature and resilient young woman by embracing new experiences and challenges, with a confidence and determination to achieve her best.  I wish all of you the best of luck for your senior years.

Teena Christofis