From the Desk  of the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

As we approach the half year point, let us take a moment to pause and reflect on our words, actions, and deeds – a collective kindness and character ‘health check’, if you will. We have probably all heard the oft quoted saying:

“Watch your thoughts.  They become words.  Watch your words.  They become deeds. Watch your deeds.  They become habits.  Watch your habits.  They become character.  Character is everything” 

In the busyness of our days and amidst the frustrations, pressures, and distractions of our contemporary lives, it is all too easy to be senseless and unthinking to the details of these idiomatic processes. 

Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).  Allow us each over the coming days and months to pay greater attention to the person we have been asked to be.  Let us do this for ourselves, for each other, for our earth, and for our greater good.  I always find that some holiday time allows for important self-care AND reflection.

I know that you join with me in extending our thanks to the work of the teaching and support staff who give of themselves every day in working with our students.  Coupled with the development of engaging and rigorous learning programs are the hours of work they provide in giving valuable feedback to each student and in providing them with rich co-curricular opportunities that sit outside of the regular timetable.  Together with you as their primary caregivers, our teachers hold a privileged position in your child’s life as mentors, cheerleaders, and facilitators of their learning and, ultimately, their hopes and aspirations.  It is a role that none of us here at Mount Alvernia College ever take for granted.  This week I give thanks to the unending commitment and efforts of our staff who are professional, generous, and accomplished in all that they do.

On Tuesday of this week, we held our Years 10 and 11 Subject Selection Information Evening; I trust that, for those that attended, this was an informative and helpful start to an ongoing conversation as we embark in the SET Planning for our Year 10 students early next term.  For those who were unable to attend the evening, you can follow the link to the recording of the presentation; the slides are also available on the app.  I encourage families to continue to peruse the comprehensive Subject Selection Information Booklets that have now been circulated.  We look forward to working in partnership with our parents throughout this process of information sharing, support, and advice.

Here you will find a link to a Parent Survey in relation to our effective use of ICT (Information Communication and Technology) within the College.  We would appreciate you taking the time (approx 5-10 minutes) to complete the survey, which will remain open until Sunday 11 July, just prior to the commencement of Term 3.

This feedback will assist us in making improvements to our communication and delivery to you.

We can all feel very proud of our students who, through their optimism, spirit, and leadership, continue to be the shining light in our days.  It was truly a joy to see them on Monday participating, celebrating, and cheering on their peers at the Athletics Carnival.  A true embodiment of the world we wish to see – girls cheering on other girls.

I sincerely wish all of our Mount Alvernia College families a restful and restorative mid-year break.

Peace and all good

Samantha Jensen