Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Samantha Jensen is the principal of Mount Alvernia College, an independent Catholic girls’ high school in Brisbane.
From her early days as an art curator, inspired by the wonders of international museums and archaeological sites, to her current role, the journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Teaching, she discovered in her late 20s, was not just a career but a calling – one that offered her both meaning and the opportunity to inspire others.
Jensen’s ascent in educational leadership was shaped by the guidance of exceptional mentors who recognised her potential and encouraged her to embrace new challenges.
“I’ve always believed that leadership is about setting the tone, pace and example,” she says. “By staying informed of educational advancements and the challenges, I continue to encourage a culture of innovation. In education, the time has truly arrived where we cannot expect that the same things we have always done are going to ‘cut it’ in the future.”
As principal, Jensen has achieved the complex balance of increasing administrative responsibilities with maintaining authentic, relational connections with students and staff. She says, “I also try to build into every week combinations of walk-arounds, class visits and gate greetings in the mornings, and I never miss a staff morning tea.”
Her leadership style is characterised by empathy, energy and a steadfast commitment to building a positive culture.
Jensen’s most significant achievement has been leading Mount Alvernia College through a five-year journey of improvement. Under her stewardship, the college has seen its median ATAR rise dramatically:
82.70 in 2020
91.85 in 2024
This remarkable academic progress is matched by a renewed sense of self-belief and aspiration among students, fostered by a collaborative team, a robust academic agenda and innovative wellbeing programs. Jensen’s leadership has also brought public recognition, with the college featured on SBS/Netflix’s “The Swap” and “Gardening Australia.”
Professionally, Jensen’s greatest strength lies in her ability to inspire and motivate others. She leads by example, with authenticity and empathy, setting high expectations for herself and the community.
Over the past year, she has navigated the evolving landscape of education – marked by advances in technology and AI – with a human-centred approach focusing on critical and ethical thinking. She champions the importance of supporting educators and attracting outstanding teachers, recognising the increasing demands on the profession.
Her vision extends to school initiatives such as the Franciscan Centre for Innovative and Ethical Leadership and a new library designed in collaboration with First Nations perspectives, ensuring a lasting impact on future generations.
Jensen’s motivation is rooted in her unwavering belief in the potential of every student. Her inclusion on The Educator’s Hot List 2025 is a reflection of her dedication to excellence, innovation and the advancement of girls’ education.
“I approach my role with energy, warmth, intelligence, positivity and perspective,” she says. “I genuinely view each day as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on not only our students’ lives but also the community responsible for growing our future generation.”
82 Cremorne Rd, Kedron, Qld 4031
07 3357 6000
principal@mta.qld.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/samantha-jensen-a8a09558
mta.qld.edu.au
Samantha Jensen
Principal Mount Alvernia College
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Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2000–2005
2006–2010
2011–2020
2021–present
Present
Ancient History, Modern History and Visual Arts Teacher at St John’s Anglican College
2000–2005
Head of Faculty – Humanities and Commerce at John Paul College
2006–2010
Deputy Principal and Director of Studies at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak
2011–2020
Principal at Mount Alvernia College
2021–present
2025 Australian Principal of the Year
2025 NEiTA Leadership Award recipient
The Educator’s Most Influential Educator
The Educator’s Hot List
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
