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News &Views Issue 8, 17 May 2018
Contents Quick Dates Fri 18 May NAPLAN (Years 7 & 9) Conventions of Language
Year 10 Drama workshop
pm Bill Turner Trophy (Ferny Grove SHS)
pm UQ Cross Country Meet
Sun 20 May 10.00am-1.00pm College Open Day
Mon 21 May Year 7 Athletics Enhancement Day
Year 10 TAFE visit
NAPLAN (Year 9) Numeracy
Tue 22 May QC Cup Netball
NAPLAN (Year 7) Numeracy
3.30pm Time’s Up Discussion Forum
(All Hallows’)
Wed 23 May Fighting the Kaiser (Year 9)
Thu 24 May 7.30pm The Wiz Opening Night (San Damiano)
Franciscan value this term: COMPASSION
From the Desk of the Principal
Deputy Principal Mission &
Community
Mission & Community
Year 12 Study of Society
Homeless Immersion
Public Speaking
Where Are They Now?
World Challenge Vietnam
Experience
The Wiz—Mt A/Padua Musical
Careers
P&FSN
La Cucina
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from the desk of Kerrie Tuite, Principal
Thought for the Week:
We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have
roses.
Abraham Lincoln
Pax et bonum Kerrie
Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students, and Friends of Mount Alvernia College
As the term races on, it was really satisfying to spend last Saturday after-
noon with our delightful young women and their mothers, grandmothers -
and we were even blessed with the presence of several great-grandmothers.
I was particularly pleased at the opportunity this function afforded to talk to
our mothers and get to know them better. There was a palpable sense of
community, and I am really pleased for the work and planning undertaken by
our Parents and Friends Support Network Executive, who were
instrumental in the success of this activity. And it was lovely to see our
young women, dressed up and looking so grown up.
In a similar vein, I hope you managed to read Parent Corner last week. The reflections from staff and
students about the important women in their lives were both inspirational and extremely moving. It is still avail-
able on the app and website if you haven’t had time to read it just yet.
All is in preparation for our Annual Open Day on Sunday. The gardens are looking superb and are a credit to
our team of gardeners. The classrooms and the grounds are beautiful, and I know that we will all be proud to
have another opportunity to show off our particular style of education, which is deliberately designed to enable
our students to flourish. The looks on the faces of our potential students, when they see everything we can offer,
are delightful, and the commitment of our students who assist in guiding our visitors around the College makes
me feel very proud. Of course, it goes without saying that nothing happens without the support of staff, who are
selfless in giving their family time to support the College.
After Open Day is over, the College Alumnae gather for a reunion. Each year, the Alumnae comment on just
how much the College has changed and also just how much it is the same. I am grateful for the loyal support of
these women and their ongoing commitment to all that is Mount Alvernia College.
At the end of next week, Friday 25 May, I am travelling to Belgium to complete a two-week intensive course in
Catholic Identity at the Catholic University in Leuven. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn in a
university in a European country. I have spent some time at Boston College some years ago and I am hoping that
this experience will be as rich as my time in Boston.
We are in the process of organising the next World Challenge expedition to Vietnam at the end of 2019.
The initial meeting was very well attended by parents and students. Last year’s Cambodia trip was a big success
and we have extended the trip to three weeks to include a trekking component. There was an error in the flyer
handed to the girls at assembly last week – the trip is not four weeks, but three. Because of this error we will
have another parent information session if it is needed. This is an amazing leadership opportunity for our young
women.
Thank you as always for your support of all that we do at the College.
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From the Deputy Principal:
Mission and Community
Generation Hope
Pope Francis speaks of five great signs of holiness: inner strength, joy, boldness,
community, and constant prayer. Our young women demonstrate these five great
signs daily and are rising to be the generation of hope in the world.
This week I had the privilege of reading 33 applications from Year 12 students who seek
to be a companion at the 2018 Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp in September.
Now more than ever I am convinced that together we are raising young women who
demonstrate and articulate clearly these great signs of holiness.
I include a few short extracts from several of the applications so that you can be assured
that our Year 12 students live these signs of holiness.
I believe this program is a great initiative as it exposes us to the wider community.
It challenges us to be bold and to step outside of our regular comfort zones. I understand
this program is extremely demanding, but I would not be expressing my interest if I wasn’t
willing to work hard and give back. I have the strength to not only assist the children and
families, but to also strengthen my capacity as a young person.
~ another sign of hope.
There is not a single day of my life where I am unaware of, or don’t notice the need to,
reach out and help those in need. I cannot begin to imagine the sacrifices that some of the
parents of the children who are developmentally delayed must make. What I have in life is
such a privilege, and to be able to share my privilege and joy with those surrounding me,
whether in need or not, is something I aspire to do every day.
~ yet another sign of holiness
These children whom I assist when I volunteer in the kids’ room, and my cousin, who
has no words but speak volumes to me, have been my inspiration. They challenge me
to go beyond the ordinary and to accept challenges that others may not even consider.
Each day they are doing the extraordinary in their everyday. This gives me much joy to
witness.
Our Catholic and Franciscan tradition calls us again and again to go to the broken and brokenness in
our world. Pope Francis says ~ "What we need in these times is a culture of encounter!" We need to aim
to build a transformative culture. This means building a culture of 'more' - more God, more love, more
of an experience of 'the other'. This is important to us as we build a generation of hope and
compassion in the world.
This fortnight I pray that we live these five great signs of holiness: inner strength, joy, boldness,
community, and constant prayer.
Let us seek ways to action them with COMPASSION.
Blessings and peace.
Alison Stone
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Mission and Community
COMMUNITY DATES OF INTEREST:
ADVANCE NOTICE
#Time’s Up Student Forum: Tuesday 22 May, 3:20- 6:30pm, All Hallows’
School – only for Years 11 and 12 students.
Considering the recent media stories around sexual harassment in high profile industries it
is time to open the discussion about what constitutes harassment and how we are treating
our peers with respect. Students in Year 11 and Year 12 only should have registered
already through Moodle >Mission and Outreach for this important forum with other
Catholic schools and colleges in Brisbane. See Mrs Stone for more details.
Year 12 Retreat Day – over three days!
Wednesday 20 June (Belle Prairie & Greccio), Thursday 21 June (Perugia & Rieti), and Friday 22 June
(Spoleto & Villa Spada). This compulsory Year 12 Retreat Day is a very special day where the girls are afforded
the opportunity to immerse themselves further in the Franciscan way of action and contemplation. Adventurer
and advocate for unity in the world, Sam Clear, will inspire our ladies to make a difference in the world. This day
is held at the beautiful setting of Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre at Ormiston. Buses are provided, but the day is
a little longer than normal. Buses depart at 8:30am and the students return to the College by 3:40pm.
Desperately seeking wool … Our highly
industrious Tuesday Crochet Club still needs
eight-ply wool.
Can you assist? Any colour will do.
Our 2018 rosters for our Outreach programs and other Justice events are posted on Moodle.
We welcome volunteers from all year levels to action the call of being Christ in the world.
(continued next page)
Our new Outreach opportunity for Years 10 and 11 students continues – Holy
Cross Laundry Outreach – six students served hospitality and conversation,
and then worked in the dry fold area of the laundry for a short while with
employees who are part of HCL’s assisted program. This ministry runs most
fortnights on a Thursday 9:30am to 12:00 noon.
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Mission and Community
The Unknown Project will be at Open Day this
Sunday: A Brisbane-based initiative by young uni
students, The Unknown Project sells wrapped second-
hand books to buy school resources for young people
seeking asylum. The initiative hopes to teach Australians
not to ‘judge a book by its cover’.
All proceeds from sales go towards buying school resources for child asylum seekers learning English at the
Brisbane Romero Centre. They will also be at our Open Day on Sunday 20 May so bring along $5 or $2 and
purchase a book. Look for them in the Undercroft near the P&FSN Bake Stall.
Can you assist? We are collecting quality pre-loved books in excellent condition or new books for
YA or adults, brown paper, and string.
There is a green collection bin in the iCentre for these goods.
Food Friends & Faith: Our Mount Alvernia and Padua Youth Group will meet again next
term with dates yet to be confirmed. This is a great way to live The Year of Youth and join
other young people for some fun, food, and fabulous conversations about faith. All students in
Years 10, 11, and 12 are welcome.
Year 10 Reflection Day: Year 10 Reflection Day was a fabulous day full of rich learning experiences for
everyone. Connecting strongly with the Year 10 RE unit this term, students had the opportunity to explore the
words of MICAH – to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God – on their reflection day.
This day began with an immersive ‘refugee camp’ experience which was thought-
provoking and rich in lived experiences. Then it was time to experience justice as
we teamed up with Solar Buddy, to get MAD about energy poverty. Together
we constructed 140 personal buddy lights for children in Vanuatu who do not
have the ability to do their homework at night because their families do not have
access to electricity. Founder of Solar Buddy, Simon Dobel, and our own
Fr Mario shared personal experiences of living in and working in refugee camps
around the world. These stories and the experiences of the day motivated our
young women to seek ways to be the change in the world.
SEE SOLARBUDDY AT OPEN DAY ON
SUNDAY. Come to the Undercroft area
near the P&FSN bake stall and
introduce yourself.
(continued from previous page)
(continued next page)
Figure 2:Refugee support: Rory McGahan and Olivia Roney
at one of their book sales in Brisbane. Photo: Supplied.
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Mission and Community
(continued from previous page)
THANK YOU to all mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and young women who donated
generously to the Solomon Islands Education Fund at the Mother Daughter event last
weekend. The students who visited our partners in the Solomon Islands last year
initiated this project, and it was wonderful to have our community support the idea.
We know that all monies raised will educate four young women from rural
communities who attend the DIVIT Centre in Visale.
More information will come in Term 3 about the 2019 SOLOMON ISLANDS GIG – Years 11
and 12 students will have an opportunity to get involved globally as part of our commitment to justice
and solidarity.
The Romero Centre provides warm welcome and the right support for people seeking asylum.
We are in conversation with the Romero Centre about an exciting new ministry at the College next term.
Our gardens and warm community will be a place to share their journey and help make their life easier. Stay
tuned for more details.
This term, however, you can help: Romero’s Pantry is seeking donations of oil, rice, tuna and honey
(especially honey!) If you can assist, please send these items into College for delivery to Mrs Stone via
Reception, or come straight to her office.
People seeking asylum are struggling to survive.
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The Year 12 Study of Society Semester 1 focus is Who Gets What and Why, exploring social inequality,
stratification, disadvantaged groups in society, and homelessness. On Friday 11 May, the students were
engaged in an immersion - Footsteps: Exploring Homelessness on the Streets of Brisbane, organised and led
by Mrs Stone and assisted by Mrs Humphries. I would like to share with you a reflection written by
Sienna van Venetian, on behalf of the class. Thank you sincerely, Mrs Stone and Mrs Humphries, for
giving the students this outreach/social justice opportunity.
Mrs Farrow
Year 12 Study of Society teacher
Dear Mrs Stone and Mrs Humphries
I just wanted to say, on behalf of the Year 12 Study of Society class, thank you for giving and allowing us
the opportunity to be immersive within a very important issue found in our modern Australian society.
Personally, I found the experience amazingly eye-opening and, though the things we saw weren’t new
or hugely shocking to most of us, it is always different to see it in person and happening locally too.
I know a lot of the girls feel the same and it opened our eyes to the reality, as well as the diversity, of
the homeless situation. I know we will all pay a special close focus on our language when we put
people first by saying “people who are homeless”, rather than “homeless people”. I believe the
experience was one that will stick with us. We feel that it has certainly brought us a step closer to
standing in solidarity, developing a deeper understanding, awareness, and empathy with the people in
our society who find themselves in a situation of homelessness; regardless of whether it is primary,
secondary, or tertiary. It has broadened our horizons with action we can take to help and has
encouraged and inspired us to be the voice that educates, respects, donates, and volunteers. Hearing
real stories has fuelled our perspective of just how close, how easy, and how quick it is for one of us or
a loved one to become homeless. It has given us a new found respect and appreciation towards how
grateful and privileged we are to have strong and close support networks and excellent schooling that
prevent us from falling into—sometimes uncontrollable—trouble.
Thank you immensely.
Sienna van Venetien
on behalf of Tahlia, Amy, Grace, Caity,
Georgia, Morgan, Sandy, and Annalise
Year 12 Study of Society Homeless Immersion
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Public Speaking
38 students from Years 7 to 11 are currently benefitting from a series of
public speaking workshops. The initiative has been organised primarily to
provide an opportunity for girls to develop skills and gain experience to
apply for the Raise the Bar leadership program. However, many girls are
gaining generally applicable insights and confidence from working with
Mr Adrian Pauley, former teacher and convenor of the Toastmasters
International Youth Leadership Course.
In the three, weekly, 90-minute sessions, Adrian asks girls to step
outside their comfort zone in many ways, including practising
impromptu speaking, incorporating stories in a speech structure, and
exploiting pause and gesture. Small group activities and individual
challenges punctuate information, advice, and examples. Feedback
from the girls has been very positive and a second, advanced offering
is being considered for Semester 2.
Paula Egan
Teacher
My mother died as I was commencing my nursing training, which taught me to take care of myself at a much
younger age than most. I had a difficult adolescence (due to home and family circumstances), so I vowed that the
worst was over, and that the future would hold better things for me. I have carried this philosophy with me ever
since, and I endeavour to raise my daughter with the same positive outlook on life. We are the sum of our
experiences—good or bad—which we should embrace in order to fully love and accept ourselves. I am not
religious, but I still quite often recite to myself the Prayer of St Francis. The words are most powerful and
relevant for everyone.
The advice I would give young women leaving school is to never ignore your inner voice, telling you to believe in
yourself.
My teachers and my fellow students helped me through some very difficult times. I was not the best student I
could have been, but I think I gave as much of myself as I could. The highlight of my time at Mt A was music –
anything music. I still hold great friendships from this time, keeping up with quite a few ‘old girls’.
Emma Wallace
Lessons Learned at Mt A
Emma Wallace was a student at Mt A from 1994 to 1998,
and her mother, Elaine, taught here. Her goal at school was
to pursue a nursing career, and she continues to work in this
field.
Here Emma shares some insights from her time at school.
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Another fortnight, another Careers update!
Melissa Loveday
From the Careers Program Leader
See Careers News for information on the following:
Go – Graduate Jobs Directory
Is There a Test that Tells Me my Ideal Job?
Tertiary Education Experience (TEE)
Bond University Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Places and HELP
Loans
Gap Year Program News
Overseas Studies
Job Info
Private Providers
QTAC and Tertiary Entry
Queensland Curriculum and Assessment
Authority
TAFE Queensland
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
CQUniversity (CQU) News
CQUniversity Online Chat Session
CQUniversity Upcoming Career Expos
Griffith University
Griffith Uni GUESTS Applications for
Trimester 2
Griffith Uni Queensland Conservatorium
Year 12 Experience Days
GriffithBUSINESS Ambassador Program
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Updates
University of Queensland (UQ)
UQ Auditions for the 2018 B Music (Honours)
Program
UQ Exercise and Nutrition Sciences as Your
Pathway to Medicine
UQ Facts and Myths
UQ Young Scholars Program for 2018-2019
What’s Up at the University of the Southern
Queensland (USQ)
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La Cucina Roster
Term 2
Friday 18 May
Jen Davissen
Monday 21 May
Kate Wilson
Tuesday 22 May
Anne-Marie Sams, Debra Dotto
Wednesday 23 May
Robyn Nicolle
Thursday 24 May
Jo Holmes, Kathy Leddy
Any enquiries: please contact the
College Office—3357 6000.
Open from 7.15-9.30am &10.30am-
3.00pm (3.15pm Wednesday). Staff,
parents and friends are very welcome
to drop in for coffee—$3.50; $3 in
own cup.
The Mount Alvernia College Open Day is coming up on
Sunday. The P&FSN will be running a barbeque and cake stall on
the day, and will be looking for volunteers to assist with the set-up,
barbeque, and baking scrumptious goodies!! Register to assist here.
Thank you in anticipation for supporting this important community
event.
Important Flu Facts from Queensland Health
Flu is dangerous for everyone, but particularly for children.
Flu strains change each year.
Flu spreads easily between people, particularly children.
If you (or your child) are unwell, stay home until better
Remember it is not ‘just the flu’, it is a serious disease. Having an
annual flu vaccine will help keep you, your family, and the
community healthy this flu season.
Visit: http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/
condition/14/217/82/Influenza-The-Flu
In 2018, Queensland Health is offering free influenza
vaccine to children aged six months to less than five