Year 10 Pastoral Guardian

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of Week 2 of Term 4. Year 10 students have shown an enormous amount of courage, resilience and determination this year to complete Year 10 in a positive way, even with the unpredicted challenges faced this year.  It was pleasing to see Year 10 students last week – all feeling energised and relaxed after their two-week break, ready for their last term in Clare School. They definitely represented this terms Franciscan value - ‘Joy’.

Last Friday, all Year 10 students participated in Leadership Day at Little Flower Parish Hall. This program was organised by Mr Richard Rogusz and facilitated by Mr Michael Fitzpatrick. The aim of this day was to prepare students for their leadership roles as Senior students within our College community. Students explored the concept of servant leadership, recognised the strengths of the Year 10 cohort and identified what they may need to embrace or change. At the end of the day, all students were each given the opportunity to affirm other students in the cohort for the individual gifts that they each bring to the cohort and our college community. This was incredibly touching to witness as their Pastoral Guardian. I thank each student for their maturity, openness and positivity during the day and participating whole-heartedly in the activities. I hope that each student finds time to reflect and that this day allowed them to broaden their perspectives of the cohort and their contribution to the Mount Alvernia community.  Below are two student reflections from Chiara Pezzetta and Lily Ryan. 

Leadership day was a special experience for me. I was encouraged to think deeply about my views on the school, the cohort, overall leadership, and myself. The activities really shaped my perspectives and helped me to step outside my comfort zone to find my brave. I learnt that it is okay to make mistakes, it is okay to try something new and take every opportunity as it comes, it is okay to do what makes YOU happy, not what everyone else wants you to do. This day has prepared me for Year 11 through the wisdom Michael provided us as it has made me think about how I want to flourish as a young woman at Mount Alvernia College.

Chiara Pezzetta

Last Friday, the Year 10 students participated in the Leadership Reflection Day run by Michael Fitzpatrick. The day was filled with bonding and relationship building activities that both prepared and readied students for possible leadership roles and future relationships. The highlight of my day was seeing each student step out of their comfort zone and participate in each activity whether that was through their encouragement, support or their attentiveness. I think I speak on behalf of the grade when I say that I was able to recognise the extensive number of staff members and year 10 students who will support, appreciate, and guide us through challenging times, no matter the circumstances. I believe that this is an extremely important concept within the Mount Alvernia college community and the leadership reflection day provided many students with the opportunity to realise the extensive support system within Mt A. 

Lily Ryan

“Teenagers are the most sleep-deprived segment of the population. This is a very under-recognised problem and the cost to society in the healthy development of young people is profound.” Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.  We are all aware of the importance of sleep as it helps to fuel our brain and our body. Teens need more sleep because their bodies and minds are growing quickly and is vital to their wellbeing.  The teenage brain and body experience significant development and the transition to adulthood brings important changes that affect emotions, personality, social and family like and academics. Many of our students are not getting the required average of 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night.  This is mainly due to distractions which have a negative impact on a good night sleep - eg mobile phone, Social Media, messaging, phone calls, games, YouTube, TV and online streaming platforms. 

As this is a short term, exam block is just around the corner. Sometimes the pressure of exams coming up can help students feel focused, other times it can cause more stress. The more prepared students are leading up to their exams, helps relieve the anxiety on the day.   A range of resources on both these topics are included here: Sleep | Mount Alvernia College (schooltv.me) and Exam Jitters | Mount Alvernia College (schooltv.me). I would encourage you to read through this section on SchoolTV with your child. Together you can watch interviews with leading specialists, as well as complete quizzes.  

This week Queensland Mental Health Week starts (9 – 17 October) and the theme is ‘Take time – for mental health’.  Mental Health promotion is all about creating environments that promote and sustain positive mental health for everyone.  This is an opportunity to – get healthy, keep learning, show kindness, connect, take notice, embrace nature and start a conversation.  For resources and conversation starters between you with your child, go to: Queensland Mental Health Week | 9-17 October 2021 (qldmentalhealthweek.org.au)

I look forward to spending this last term in Clare School with the Year 10 cohort.

Teena Christofis

Year 10 Pastoral Guardian