Assistant Principal

Student Learning

From the Desk of the Assistant Principal - Student Learning

Congratulations to all

Next week sees the Year 12s finish their time with us at Mt A.  It is always a very emotional time for students and staff for a variety of reasons.  For the girls, there is a level of excitement, trepidation, sadness, and joy, that their secondary school days are ending and there is something new around the corner. For the teachers, it may be all these feelings as well (for those of us who have been in this business for a long time); we farewell another group and wish them every success as they go out into the world. For those who taught the girls during the past two years, we reflect upon the progress made and trust that the skills and knowledge that have been attained will serve them well.   Whilst, at present, the seniors are sitting their final exams, they will experience a wide range of celebrations next week. Evolution Day will be pivotal in all of these 'rites of passage'.  There will be messages from past students that will reinforce those that we have delivered throughout their journey here.  Something I continue to promote to all of our girls was reiterated at Evolution Day last year, and it is always central to our message.

Be Bold, Brave, Passionate, and Powerful, because you need always to work towards success.  It is much more than simply trying, it is about taking action. Use the skills (and to a degree) the knowledge you have gained, but always be looking to solve new problems. The skills will trump the ‘facts’ you have gleaned.  Such good advice for all.

I encourage all of our young women to reflect on this.

This week, I asked all the girls in my Homeroom, but particularly, the Year 12s, “What was a standout learning experience for you?” There were some insightful and reflective responses:

They “learnt that it is necessary to persevere”

That “things don’t always turn out the way they thought they would – but that was okay?”

That “it takes effort and commitment to succeed.”

And, “to make the very most of what we have”.

There were more, but these clearly highlight that the values we espouse at Mount Alvernia are lived – we have high expectations for our young women, and these shine through every day.

This week also saw the reunion of the Integrated Studies classes; where all of the Year 12s step back in time to re-unite with their (for them) Years 8 and 9 IS Learning Group.  What a fabulous acknowledgment to the bonds and relationships that are created so early on in their secondary school journey.  I was very pleased to be able to once again ‘be’ with my IS class of 2015; they were then, and they continue to be, an outstanding group of young women.  I trust that our CORE classes will continue this tradition into the future, as it is a testament to the transition processes we have in place at Mt A.

Last week’s Academic Assembly

Last week’s assembly was truly an exceptional celebration of learning for all.  We acknowledged and congratulated (in front of the whole college community) the success of all of our awardees from Years 7 to 12, and showcased a number of exceptional students and their work this year.  Well done! It is, as is stated on our website, wonderful to ‘watch our girls flourish’.

Finally, I thank Abby Thomas, the Curriculum Captain, for the work she has undertaken this year – we have worked closely, and it has been an absolute privilege for me.  I thank all the Captains for the time and energy they put into their roles; they are wonderful role models for all of our girls. 

As all students are working hard and to capacity to complete assessment, I remind everyone that there are still some ‘jobs’ to do.  I encourage all to maintain the efforts and momentum to ensure that the best possible results are attained.  There will be time for celebration once the tasks are completed.

As I reminded everyone on assembly last week – it is important to “end well”.  Our Year 12s have certainly lived up to this, and I am sure that all of our young women will too.  It is important to consider the legacy that we leave. 

Good luck to all for their upcoming exams and assessments, and congratulations to our seniors of 2018.

Debra Evans