News & Views

From the Desk  of the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

 

I hope this message finds you all well and enjoying the cooler Autumnal climate.  I must confess, I am quietly relieved that the Queensland weather has been kind to me these past couple of months as I have adjusted to the new latitude! 

 

As you will know, we have had a few action-packed weeks here at the College and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of you at both the P&FSN welcome event and, more recently, at our International Women’s Day Read Like A Girl Breakfast this week.  I would like to convey my thanks to all who were involved in the coordination and organisation of these wonderful college functions.  We are so blessed to have parents and staff who deeply value the integral role that community plays in our college and who so willingly give generously of their time, creativity, and skills. 

 

For those who are interested in offering their time and engagement with the College, the next P&FSN Annual General meeting will be held on Tuesday 16 March at 6.30pm in the Delamore Room or via the closed Facebook group.  We warmly encourage new parents to the college community to consider joining this wonderful group.

The Matter of Consent

I am certain that every parent has been distressed, as I have, to read of the courageous and harrowing accounts emerging from girls across Australia in relation to their experiences of sexual harassment and assault.  It is timely and pertinent to note that here at Mount Alvernia College we have been delivering for several years, the Love Bites Program (NAPCAN) to explore with our students in Years 7 to 10 themes of respectful relationships.  This program is designed to target a variety of topics that include (but are not limited to): bullying and gender relations, definitions of sexual harassment, challenging attitudes and behaviours, safety and trust, and setting boundaries and consent.  I know that, in speaking with Mr Elmore, the Rector of Padua College, he has addressed this topic in a recent newsletter.  Furthermore, I can confirm that respectively our colleges respectively will continue to support and reiterate with the young women and men in our care what constitutes right relationships, and will evaluate our programs and dialogues in light of this serious issue.

 

Importantly, in partnership with our parents, we would also encourage you to speak with your daughter and/or son on what constitutes consent.  A thought-provoking article written by Loren Bridge, the Executive Officer for the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia, highlights the nature of this societal and systemic problem.  The education of our young people on this serious issue is a responsibility that must be shared equally amongst, parents, schools, and society more broadly.  We collectively owe this to the young people in our care.

 

A further parental resource on consent includes a very helpful video on SchoolTV presented by psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg (approx 9 minutes).

 

Please also be reminded that the College will be hosting a Courageous Parenting presentation, delivered by Tanya Meessmann and neuroscientist Dr Diane Harner in the San Damiano Centre at 6.30pm on Thursday 25 March.

 

For student support in relation to any of these issues, our Pastoral Guardians and two College Psychologists are always available to our students.  Additionally, 24 hour external support is always available:

 

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Police 000

Proposed Year 11 Semi-Formal 

It has come to the attention of the College Leadership Team that a group of parents have organised a celebration for Year 11 students in late March.  I take the opportunity to formally convey the following: 

  • The College-organised Semi-Formal in Year 11 was decommissioned at the end of 2018 for several reasons; one of which was feedback from parents regarding the extra expense it placed on families.
  • Please note that this event is an unauthorised school activity, and the College accepts no responsibility for the activities therein.
  • The school day preceding the unauthorised event will be a normal school day.

Once again, we thank you for your ongoing support of the College, and I look forward to seeing some of you at our upcoming P&FSN meeting.

 

May we seek inspiration from those who have found the way of compassion, mercy, and justice; Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and Elizabeth Hayes – show us how to step boldly onto new paths.  May we walk with courage and perseverance together.
Amen

 

 

Peace and all good

Samantha Jensen