Year 9 Pastoral Guardian
Teena Christofis
With the end of the year fast approaching, there surely is a lot to celebrate. Year 9 students should be proud of their commitment not only to their studies but the courage to participate in cocurricular teams, continue to try new things, and expand their friendship group. Although the holidays and Christmas are just around the corner, Year 9 students have continued to show they are determined and confident to perform at their absolute best. Today we celebrated together in our Christmas Liturgy and ended the day with our first cohort ‘Christmas carol off’. I may be biased, but the Year 9 cohort definitely had the most Christmas spirit.
Over the last few weeks, Ms Dendy and I had the pleasure to review Year 9 student applications for the Raise the Bar Leadership Program, as well as attending interviews for these positions. Each student showed a genuine commitment to developing their leadership skills and shared their personal vision for leadership. The successful applicants will be part of a team of students - one for each house in Year 10. Congratulations to all students who have taken the opportunity to apply for this program and show their dedication to being part of the Mount Alvernia leadership network. It is a time to celebrate your continued hard work and determination to reach for your goals. I would like to also thank the leadership group, consisting of 24 aspiring leaders, for this year. These students have attended meetings and leadership workshops, and assisted in planning and presenting at year level assemblies and writing articles for Parent Corner.
During our last Year 9 cohort assembly on Tuesday, I congratulated all Year 9 students on a wonderful, yet busy year. I am sure the cohort would agree that Year 9 has been unpredictable and challenging at times; however, overall enjoyable and rewarding. It has been an absolute pleasure to be their Pastoral Guardian for Year 9. I have watched each student grow into a mature and resilient young person by embracing new experiences and challenges, with confidence and determination to achieve their best. I am proud of how each student has flourished in their social, academic, and personal development over the year.
I hope that you and your family have a happy, healthy, and relaxing Christmas and break.
You may like to have a look at this week’s SchoolTV special report called Building Belonging.
Teena Christofis
Reflection from Year 9 student: Imogen Poole
At the commencement of 2022, the new Year 9 cohort began the year acquainting themselves with schoolwork and academics and preparing for the sporting and athletics season. As the year continued, we were faced with the new challenges presented in all aspects of college life, contrasting to our previous years at Mount Alvernia as Year 7s and 8 students. Some of these things include more challenging schoolwork, difficulties in friendships, and balancing school, home, and work life.
Furthermore, in Term 3, we began our journey to Kenilworth for our last camp ever. Summarised by our cohort as, ‘"one of the best parts of Year 9", camp allowed us to learn more about ourselves and others and try new things! Throughout the year, we were able to learn some valuable lessons in camp, and in our life on campus and, overall, I am confident that the Year 9 cohort can all say that 2022 was a great year full of fun and new opportunities!