02.11.2017 Avila College Newsletter

November 2 | 2017
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From the Principal
Last week we farewelled our Year 12s and the VCE and VCAL class of 2017 farewelled us too! They did so with colour and in style, reminding us of why we have cherished them so dearly and making us proud as they graduate from secondary school.
Next they embark upon the VCAA exams and adulthood after school with our very best wishes for this part of their journey.
We will keep them as a class in our prayers. Thanks to our Director of Faith and Mission, Ms Marino, every staff member has the name of one member of our Year 12 class to especially pray for in the coming weeks.
As young adults this class of Year 12 students have taken us on a memorable journey, supporting each other in times of joy and in times of sadness.
They will forever be a part a
global story, in the tradition of the Presentation Sisters and St Teresa of Avila.
Inspired by our Avila values of Faith, Vision, Community, Compassion, Action, Daring, Justice and Presentation they will continue to grow their personal identity, knowing that we, their Avila family will always be here for them.
We are indeed proud of each of them. They have shaped our school in a special way and they have changed us by being the people they are.
Congratulations Graduating Class of 2017!
I Do-Nut Know You Morning Teas
I have been delighted to meet with many Year 8, 10 and 11 students in the Term Four “I Do-Nut Know You Yet” morning teas in my of ce.
We have shared some “getting to know you” details around the table and then everyone, (staff attendees as well) shares something most people “do-nut know about them”.
This has been great fun and sometimes hilarious. Together we have found out about how some students ensure that poached eggs never touch the avocado or toast on their plate while others have double jointed thumbs.
Dr Michelle Cotter
Principal
Exec. MBA, M.Ed. Leadership, M.Ed. RE, Post Grad. Dip. IT, Post Grad. Dip. Adult Ed., Grad. Dip. RE, B.Ed
35 Charles Street, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149
T 03 9831 9600 [email protected]
avila.vic.edu.au
Avila College acknowledges the Wurundjeri people, the traditional custodians of the land on which the College is built.
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From being born in Dubai to having bungee jumped twice, there is a lot to learn about each other here at Avila.
There is no more fun than to talk with each other whilst having a donut (or two!).
Professional Learning Community
Our staff are committed to the learning of our students but also to continuing their own learning as well.
This week staff Professional Learning Community (PLC) teams shared their action research ndings from year long school based investigations.
The stories of their learnings were inspiring to listen to.
Grounded in academic research and explored through school based practice they are enhancing professional collaboration and
embracing student feedback. Teachers as learners - a little bit of gold in a busy school day!
Thanks to all of our staff who engage so openly in making learning better for all students.
Our nal Twilight Tours session for the year is on today. All sessions were booked out for this evening and will release dates for next year shortly.
Thank you to all our Avila Ambassadors who have done such a tremendous job leading tours around the college campus and showcasing our school to the community.
Happy Learning!
Dr Michelle Cotter
Prayer
In St Luke’s Gospel we read:
Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded
at his intelligence and his replies. Luke 2:46-48
Let us pray for all students undergoing examinations:
Lord, pour out your Spirit of Wisdom on these students: help them to remain calm, to attend carefully to the questions asked, to think clearly, to remember accurately, and to express themselves well.
Grant that they may re ect
on the best of the work they have done and the best of the teaching they have received.
Accept their best efforts in these examinations and in the great test of life on earth.
May your love be upon them, O Lord, as they place all their trust in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN
Taken from The Veritas Book of Blessing Prayers
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School Leaders 2018
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Year 12 Student Leadership Team
College School Captain
College Vice-Captain Community
College Vice-Captain Faith and Mission
Chisholm House Captain Flynn House Captain Mackillop House Captain Nagle House Captain
Art Captain
Art Vice-Captain
Drama Captain Drama Vice-Captain
Abbey Goullet Sarah Loughnan
Tiana Chandaratne
Carla Di Gregorio Emma Deegan
Vicki Andritsos Danielle Apidopoulos
Kate Tidswell Tyana Arhondis
Sophia Grubnic Olivia Bruce
Music Captain Music Vice-Captain
Sport Captain Sport Vice-Captain
Public Speaking
and Debating Captain
Public Speaking
and Debating Vice-Captain
Fire-Carriers
Stage Crew Captains
Jessica Satya-Graha Anita Mandarino
Logan Sharrock Ellie Karaula
Dinelle Hetitarachchi Paige Bryant
Natasha Palomara Caterina Bell
Leah Whiting Bianca Timi


Year 11 Student Leaders
Y11 Captain
Faith and Mission
Y11 Chisholm House Captain Y11 Flynn House Captain
Y11 Mackillop House Captain Y11 Nagle House Captain
Y11 Art Captain
Chiara Smith
Molly Feeley Sarah Ang Mietta Busscher Zoe Gifford Kate Tidswell
Y11 Drama Captain
Y11 Music Captain
Y11 Sport Captain
Y11 Public Speaking and Debating Captain
Y10 Drama Captain
Y10 Music Captain
Y10 Sport Captain
Y10 Public Speaking and Debating Captain
Y9 Drama Captain Y9 Music Captain Y9 Sport Captain
Y9 Public Speaking and Debating Captain
Sophia Grubnic Danielle Mattingley Tricia Cowan Emma Gare
Haris Andrikopoulos Isabel Amoranto Alicia Yiannios Priyanka Sharma
Emma Johnston Jocelyn Satya Graha Stephanie Wales Matilda Baumann
Year 10 Student Leaders
Y10 Captain
Faith and Mission
Y10 Chisholm House Captain Y10 Flynn House Captain Y10MackillopHouseCaptain Y10 Nagle House Captain Y10 Art Captain
Grace Giuliano
Jenna Di Gregorio Nicoletta Akritidis RebeccaWright Mia Voursoukis Elena Gallo
Year 9 Student Leaders
Y9 Captain
Faith and Mission
Y9 Chisholm House Captain Y9 Flynn House Captain
Y9 Mackillop House Captain Y9 Nagle House Captain
Y9 Art Captain
Caitlin Grima
Ally Redlich Amy Burns Olivia Thomas Katie Wylie Natalie Khoo
Year 8 Student Leaders
Y8 Chisholm House Captain Y8 Flynn House Captain
Y8 Mackillop House Captain Y8 Nagle House Captain
Nishara Fernando
Lynn Ng
Paige Jansens Ter Laeck Milagros Vargas
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Faith and Mission
Annual Leadership Camp
The annual Leadership Camp is a week-long training course designed to provide leaders and potential leaders with a variety of tools, techniques and, most importantly, hands on experience in working with young people.
The leadership program is a valuable experience designed to support, encourage and equip participants to work with young people, not only on camps, but in a variety of settings such as youth groups, parishes, schools and community groups.
Underpinned by the Salesian philosophy of friendship, fun and joy; this year’s camp will cover the following areas:
• Hands on experience for planning, preparing, leading and evaluating activities
• Tactics to facilitate effective communication with peers, teams and young people
• Understanding your leadership qualities and how you contribute to a group
• Strategies and tips to ef ciently work with young people within todays legal requirements
• Methods for successfully listening and accompanying young people with a Catholic settling
• Practical approaches for managing diverse behaviours in young people
• A variety of workshops showcasing different opportunities available to passionate young leaders
• Challenging and fun activities to test your leadership skills, knowledge, and understanding of your abilities
• And so much more... Holy Family Mass
Thank you to all the parents, grandparents and Holy Family Parishioners who joined the Avila Community to pray for the Year 12 students on Wednesday.
Carmela Marino
Director of Faith and Mission
Ms Carmela Marino
Director of Faith and Mission [email protected]
Maeve Gill
Tiana Chandraratne
Faith and Mission Captains
Chiara Smith Alicia Roy
Faith and Mission Captains
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LEADERSHIP CAMP 2017
Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December
For young people 17 years and older
The annual Leadership Camp is a week-long training course designed to provide leaders and potential leaders with a variety of tools, techniques and, most importantly, hands on experience in working with young people.
The leadership program is a valuable experience designed to support, encourage and equip participants to work with young people, not only on camps, but also in a wide variety of settings such as youth groups, parishes, schools and community groups.
Based on the Salesian philosophy of friendship, fun and joy; this year’s camp will cover the following areas:
• Hands on experience for planning, preparing, leading and evaluating activities
• Tactics to facilitate effective communication with peers, teams and young people
• Understanding your leadership qualities and how you contribute to a group
• Strategies and tips to ef ciently work with young people within todays legal requirements
• Methods for successfully listening and accompanying young people with a Catholic settling
• Practical approaches for managing diverse behaviours in young people
• A variety of workshops showcasing different opportunities available to passionate young leaders
• Challenging and fun activities to test your leadership skills, knowledge, and understanding of your abilities • And so much more...
www.donboscocamp.org.au
For more info contact: [email protected]
52-62 Dromana Pde, Safety Beach VIC 3936 (03) 5987 2692
Young Vinnies - Back to
School Supplies
The Young Vinnies Group are busily collecting stationery to donate to the Vinnies Tutoring Groups in Melbourne.
Please support Young Vinnies by donating stationery items for refugee families.
This drive will conclude at the end of this week.
Thank you to all those who have already contributed a range of items.
Register online at:
Faith and Mission Important Dates
Sunday's Gospel Reading
Sunday 5 November
Matthew 23: 1–12 Those who humble themselves shall be exalted.
Sunday 12 November
Matthew 25: 1–13 Parable of the ten bridesmaids
Thursday 9 November
Memorial of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Friday 10 November
Memorial
of St Leo the Great
Saturday 11 November
Memorial of St Martin of Tours
Saturday 11 November
Remembrance Day
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Learning and Teaching
VCE Exams
We wish our VCE students well as most Year 12 students commence their nal examinations with English on Wednesday 1 November.
Oral language examinations and performance examinations for Music and Drama students commenced earlier this term.
Students should be con dent in
the knowledge that they have been prepared thoroughly by their teachers and by their own revision, including formal practice exams so that they know what to expect.
Exams for Years 10 and 11 students will commence on Thursday 16 November.
Year 9 exams will be held on Wednesday 15 November.
Subject selection con rmation for 2018
All students currently in years 9, 10 and 11 have been issued with details of their subject allocations for 2018.
If there are any concerns about subject allocations, students should see Mrs Franken at lunchtime this week. When the nal pieces of the timetable
grid are nalized in the next couple
of weeks, students in Years 7 and 8 will be given booklists and written con rmation of their subjects for 2018.
Booklists
Students are reminded that to have
the required resources for HeadStart, booklists for Years 10, 11 & 12 they need to be submitted online to Campion by 3 November.
All other orders may be submitted to Campion by 30 November. All orders must be lodged online directly with Campion.
Campion will distribute senior students’ orders, including oversized items, from the Gathering Space between 12:30 and 4:00pm on Friday 17 November.
We encourage parents either to
make arrangements to pick up their daughters and her booklisted resources or to send a family member or friend with a car to collect purchases between these times.
Uncollected items will not be retained at the College; instead, they will go back to Campion for collection by parents at a later date.
Mrs Madeleine Franken Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Mrs Madeleine Franken
Deputy Principal
Learning & Teaching [email protected]
Ms Angela Torelli
Director of Studies Y10 - 12 [email protected]
Ms Klara Baka
Director of Studies Y7-9 [email protected]
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Pastoral Care
Rede ning the Beauty Ideal
How we see ourselves greatly affects our sense of wellbeing and this is especially the case for young people.
Members of the Students Create the Future Reference Group have been discussing ways to highlight body positivity and self love.
In keeping with this theme they are encouraging students/parents to watch Iskra Lawrence’s Ted Talk, “Ending the Pursuit of Perfection”.
Iskra is a body positivity activist and she talks about self-care and the most important relationship we will ever have; the relationship we have with ourselves. She cites that too much energy is wasted on self-loathing and negativity.
The student reference group feel that she is speaking in a context that young people can relate to and understand on a more personal level.
Ending the pursuit of perfection | Iskra Lawrence | TEDx University of Nevada
The ‘body positivity movement’ is gaining momentum with several leading media agencies and high pro le individuals known as ‘in uences’ changing the way women are being portrayed.
One such agency, Getty Images, the world’s largest photo agency, has
just banned photoshopped images altering body shape. Body-positive advocates are calling this initiative "hugely positive" and hope it will encourage more authentic and ethical representation of women.
Ms Janine Bauman
Deputy Principal Students
Can't view the video? Click here.
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Ms Janine Bauman
Deputy Principal Students [email protected]
Mrs Anne Stephens
Director of Pastoral Care Y7-9 [email protected]
Mrs Anna Marvelli
Director of Pastoral Care Y10-12 [email protected]


Year 10 Drama Festival
One Way Ticket
Inspired by the MarsOne project and Avila Alumnae Dianne McGrath who is shortlisted for the program, this student led production explored what could happen with a one way ticket.
Avila Alumnae Dianne McGrath came to Avila to speak with
the students during their
scripting process and shared
the background behind her application, the experience thus far and her preparations.
"Having Dianne McGrath come to speak to us was very inspiring. she spoke with so much courage
and this was something we wanted to display in our characters, not only saying that they wanted to go to Mars but the reason behind that decision"
Tiara Chandraratne , Year 10
Dianne undertakes resilience training as part of her preparation and shared her favourite quote: "What would you do if you weren't afraid? If you were guaranteed success what one thing would you dare to do?" This helped shape the scripts and gave students a new viewpoint.
Students have full reign over the subject material they choose and must create character diamonds as a script writing tool to build a character's depth and believability.
Year 10 students are then responsible for scripting, casting, directing, stagecraft, rehearsals, lighting design and sets.
One of the main objectives is for students to work collaboratively and problem solve. For example, they have had to transform custom built white boxes into sleeping pods, earth tables and garden pods as their set pieces.
"As a Director, I have most enjoyed seeing
the girls grow as actors.
I have learnt how to become more exible and adaptable and how to help the cast become more comfortable in the acting environment"
Emma Gare, Year 10
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Drama Awards
Congratulations Jenna Di Gregorio who was awarded the Vadi Trophy for Most Outstanding Student of the Drama Festival.
The Vadi Trophy is named in honour of former Avila College teacher Mrs Anne Vadiveloo, who started the festival over twenty years ago.
The recipient is recognised for their performance on stage and contribution to the performing team.
Year 10 Drama Captain Chloe Smith was the recipient of the Historical Award. Chloe is currently studying VCE Drama as an accelerated program and supported Ms Caroline Kelly in rehearsals and coordination of the Festival.
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Reunion
Reconciliation Group 20 Year Reunion
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Twenty years ago the Reconciliation Movement was in its infancy. Avila had already made a commitment to working with Aboriginal people when Sr Josepha Dunlop accepted the enrolment
of girls from Santa Teresa in the Northern Territory in the late 1970s.
In 1997 a small group of Year 11 students, impassioned by the words of Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin and Pat Dodson, decided to begin a small student led group that would support Aboriginal people in their work for recognition and rights.
They were supported by a remarkable woman, Mrs Anne Vadiveloo who was Head of English, Head of Drama and
Coordinator of Public Speaking and Debating ... she was a very busy lady who inspired the students who came into her care.
Last week Avila was blessed
with the return of some of those original girls (Isabel (Kennedy) Fernando and Kellie Ann Mc Dade) and Mrs Vadi to celebrate the group’s 20th birthday.
It was a special occasion with a number of former Reconciliation Group members returning to
meet the current enthusiastic students and their leader, Mrs Kate Johnston.
The group was addressed by Dr Cotter, Sarah Thom-Tydell (ex- Rec Group member and now
Avila staff member) and Ms Jane Vadiveloo (Anne’s daughter, who is the Coordinator of the group, “Children’s Ground”).
Jane spoke directly to the students who are carrying on the vision of the Rec Group and reminded them of the importance of honouring their “elders” by continuing
their work for the people she is companion to on a daily basis.
She spoke of the hardship faced by her “family” in the Northern Territory. She re ected on the students’ power to bring about change and hope.
Of course the party was a time
for reacquainting, remembering, celebrating – and eating Tim Tams!


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City Experience Creative
Year 8 student Porshia Motta was inspired to create this striking artwork after the City Experience.
"After meeting Saaj (Muslim girl) and hearing her story, I felt very inspired. Finding out how her religion leads to judgement and lack of respect from the community.
We learnt that her mum was threatened and was scared to call out for help. In that situation she was truly isolated from the rest of the community from the way she was violently treated.
As a muslim Saaj has to act a certain way, because she is representing all muslims. It was upsetting to nd out that people are so rude to her by saying thing like “ take that towel off your head.”
The reason she wears the headscarf is to show her de nition of modesty. Two out of ten people wear aHijab". PorshiaMotta8Pink
Royal Australian Chemical Institute Award
Congratulations to Avila College students Renee Hang, Sarah Philp, Alicia Roy, Sarah Burrowes and Jemima Morrison, Avila College's Year 8 and Year 9 teams in the RACI Crystal Growing Competition.
Both teams were recognised as having the Best Journal reports for the competition.
Students grew the crystals and recorded the results over 9 weeks then took artistic photographs and wrote a scienti c report. Well done!
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Year 9 Public Speaker of the Year Competition
The College's Public Speaker of the Year competition came to an end with the Year 9s who presented some very passionate and moving speeches. The competitors all showed maturity and insight in the principles that underpinned the messages to their audience.
Congratulations to Isabella Zois and Ella Mc Kenzie who were judged by Mrs Stephens to be Avila's Year 9 Public Speakers of the Year - a decision enthusiastically received by their year level.
Music School Message
Look at what was discovered in the Music School!
Avila Calendar Dates & Events
November 1 - 24
VCE Exams
November 6
Mid term break - students not required Of ce Closed
November 7
Public Holiday - Cup Day
November 8
Second Hand Uniform Shop open 1-4pm
Monday 13 November
Y11 Music recital
November 22
Second Hand Uniform Shop open 1-4pm
AVILA COLLEGE GENERAL OFFICE HOURS
8am - 4.30pm
PLEASE CALL THE ABSENTEE LINE BEFORE 10am IF YOUR DAUGHTER IS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL on 9831 9696
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REMINDER
9.35am
Late Start Tuesday 28 November
Day after Presentation Evening


Sport
and
Physical Education
SCSA Softball
On October 17, 40 eager Avila girls were up bright and early to attend the annual SCSA Softball competition in Geelong.
Each year level was faced with erce competition and battled it out in the heat.
The senior team started with a bang, but unfortunately after playing both of their games just missed out on making nals, placing third overall.
The intermediates were on re all day, winning all of their ve games. They placed rst in their age division with our very own Rebecca Wright being named the Most Valuable Player throughout the day.
The juniors played exceptionally well throughout each game, making the grand nal.
Unfortunately, they narrowly missed out by a small margin, and ended up placing second.
All girls gave it their best during the day, and should be proud of their efforts.
A big thank you to Mrs. Crowe,
Mrs. Benton and Mrs. Williams who gave their time to train and coach the girls over the four weeks and on competition day.
A special thank you to Sarah Papadimitriou, past Avila College Softball Captain, who volunteered her to time to work with
Mrs. Benton and the junior team.
Natasha Stathopoulos
Hot off the Press!
Congratulations to Year 11 student Monique Larose who on the weekend set a new Year 11 school record in the 200m in a time of 26.78 seconds at the Athletics Victoria Shield Round 4 meet.
This comes on the back of Monique breaking the Year 11 100m record earlier this month! Well done!
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Farewell
to the Class of 2017
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Year 12 Celebration Morning
The Avila community farewelled the Class of 2017 as they completed their secondary school education and celebrated their nal day in colourful style.
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Year 12 Leaders High Tea
Year 12 Leaders enjoyed High Tea with Avila staff.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whom do I contact if my daughter is absent from school?
Please ring the Absentee Line on 9831 9696. Please leave a clear message on this line stating your daughter’s name, homeroom, reason for absence and date of absence. This line is available 24/7.
Do I send a note with my daughter if she has been absent?
Yes. Once your daughter returns to school, please send a note with her to explain any absence. This note is to be handed to the Homeroom Teacher by the student.
What will I do if my daughter is late to school?
Please phone the General Of ce on 9831 9600 or give your daughter a note. A late pass will then be issued. This must be collected by the student from the General Of ce on arrival at school. No phone call or note will result in the Student receiving “LILO” (Late In/Late Out) for the duration the student was late.
What will I do if my daughter needs to leave the school early for an appointment?
Students are required to bring a note from their parent/guardian stating the student’s name, homeroom, date, time and reason for leaving early. This must be presented to the student’s Homeroom Teacher who will then issue an Early Leaver’s Pass. This pass is to be presented to the General Of ce at the time of leaving the school.
I dropped my daughter to school. Why did I receive an SMS?
An SMS is automatically generated if the student is marked late for Homeroom. If your daughter is running late, she must present to the General Of ce to recieve a Late Pass. Once the pass is issued, you will not receive an SMS.
Is my daughter permitted to use her mobile phone at school?
Students are permitted to use a personal mobile device (PMD) only under the direction and permission of staff. PMD use that interrupts the learning environment of the school is not acceptable. Please refer to the PMD section of the Student Agreement (available on SIMON) for full details
How does the Health Centre work?
Avila College provides a Health Centre staffed by a trained nurse. If a student is feeling unwell at school, she must present at the Health Centre where she will be assessed. If required, an emergency contact will be called by phone.
My daughter has text me to say she is unwell and needs to be collected from school.
What do I do now?
All students are requested not to call parents direct. If unwell, they must present to the Health Centre. If your daughter has called you instead, please ask her to attend the Health Centre. If required, the nurse will then contact you.
My daughter needs to leave school for a family emergency. What do I do now?
In an emergency, please call the General Of ce on 9831 9600. If your daughter is required for an emergency appointment later in the day, please email [email protected] giving permission and stating your daughter’s name, homeroom and time of departure. Your daughter will then receive an Early Leaver’s Pass which must be presented at the General Of ce prior to leaving the College.
My daughter has left her sports uniform at home. She needs it for her lesson in Period
2. What should I do?
Students are encouraged to be responsible and remember all items required for every lesson. We understand that occasionally items may be forgotten. These can be left at the General Of ce but we cannot guarantee that they will reach the student before the required lesson.
Why do I keep receiving Caremonkey reminders?
You have received an invitation for your daughter to go on an excursion or details regarding an event. Please go online and accept the invitation you have received.
I’m looking for answers regarding student behaviour, dress code or lockers?
Please go to SIMON and click on the relevant policy under School Links/Student Policies
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Final Community Mass & Celebration
Sunday, 19th November 2017 10.30amMass
Followed by Open House & Sausage Sizzle
As Holy Eucharist will be closing at the end of the year, come along and have a final wander around the school checking out classrooms, school grounds and reminiscing.
Thanks for the Memories
Any queries contact: [email protected]
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