Dear Parents and Guardians

It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as the new Principal of Mount Alvernia College. Following on from the restrictions of last year in Victoria, I am truly overjoyed to have finally relocated back to beautiful Brisbane. The College is truly everything and more than I could have ever anticipated. The welcoming Franciscan hospitality received, and positive, inclusive school culture is alive in every aspect. It is a testimony to the outstanding work of our outgoing Principal, Dr Kerrie Tuite, upon whose legacy I wish to honour and build.

Yesterday we welcomed our newest Year 7 members to the Mount Alvernia College community, along with our new students in other year levels. It has been a joyful experience for all of us, with the anticipation of an exciting new journey we share together. Today we welcomed back our remaining cohorts at our Commencement Assembly, which included a welcome and blessing for our new staff members, the presentation of ties and badges to our Year 12 students, and commissioning of the College Captains.

You will have seen through our social media posts the excellent results of our Class of 2020. These results are a huge credit to the students, their teachers, and parents. As a college we can be very proud of the significant improvements made to our senior academic results last year. This achievement is even more impressive given it was the first year of the ATAR in Queensland coupled with a global pandemic. I extend my congratulations to the staff and Class of 2020 for their hard work and dedication. I have no doubt that these outcomes will serve as inspiration for us all in 2021. We will have further opportunities to celebrate and share more on these great results in the coming days.

As the protocols regarding COVID-safe practices within Queensland schools continue to be reviewed and evaluated, I take the opportunity to explain the current approach here at Mount Alvernia College. Due to the 1.5-metre physical distancing requirements for adults currently in place coupled with venue capacity, we will continue to offer our parent community the opportunity to participate in upcoming assemblies and parent evenings through Microsoft Teams Live. Links for these events will be sent in advance and a recording will be made available for those who are unable to join in real time.

The College Leadership Team and I will continue to review our COVID-safe practices as the year unfolds and in accordance with Government Health Directives. As always, the safety and care of our students and community is paramount.

I am currently relishing the Brisbane sunshine in the mornings at the front gate, so I invite you to come and say hello. I look forward to meeting as many of you as practicable over the coming weeks and months. In the spirit of ongoing partnership with you, I encourage you to contact us should anything be of concern to you during the year.

May God’s blessings be upon you for the commencement of our year together.

Yours sincerely

Samantha Jensen

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