07.12.2018 Avila College Newsletter

DECEMBER 7 | 2018


From the Principal
“And there were shepherds out in the eld, keeping watch by night.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.” (Luke 2:8-9)
Advent is a most beautiful season of waiting, of joy, of celebration and of thanks. We wait for the birth of Christ and with this birth the great hope of peace. We exclaim the joy of the holy family and all they represent for us today as people brave and courageous and strong in their commitment.
We celebrate the festivities of our modern world in gifts, some wrapped and others from the heart to those we love and cherish, just as the wise men and the shepherd did in the nativity story. We give thanks for a new life that beckons us to see, experience and offer faith, hope and love to the world.
Congratulations to all students and staff who have explored a rich diversity and complexity of skills, knowledge and aptitudes - people who have dared to learn!
Thanks to our staff who have once again shown their dedicated support of students, each other and the school community in visible and invisible ways.
Thanks also to the parents and families of our students who have entrusted the College to partner with you in your young person’s secondary education.
We look forward to walking in partnership further along the journey next year.
And to all the students and staff who embraced our Avila Elf over the last week, thank you for your enthusiasm and school spirit!
From the wider Avila family to each
of your families I wish you all of the blessings of the Christmas Season and a safe, happy and peaceful new year.
Dr Cotter
The academic year has drawn to a close and much has been learnt and achieved.
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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Prayer
Gracious God, We turn to you in wonder and praise as we celebrate Christmas.
Remind us during this sacred season of our collective story. May our roots extend deep into the soil of faith and spread outwards to share the Good News of Christ’s coming.
Focus our attention so that we remain attuned to the sights, sounds, and sensations of the season. May the presence of Christ be at the forefront of our thoughts and actions.
Fill us with hope with the coming of Christ in our world. May we never lose sight of the promise of the Kingdom of peace and compassion.
With gratitude in our hearts, we pray.
Amen
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Board Report
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Sincere thanks to Thinesh Chandraratne who chaired the Avila Advisory Board Reporting Meeting at the end of July.
At this meeting Ms Janine Bauman provided an overview of Avila College’s ongoing work and commitment to embedding the Child Safe Standards across every dimension of school life.
In her presentation Janine focused speci cally on recent efforts to further embed Standard 7 (related to Student Voice) at Avila. A video produced by Avila students from the ‘Students Create the Future Committee’ was shared with Board Members.
Dr Cotter also updated the Board about the Year of Review external review. Following completion of this review, the external reviewer presented a summary to staff, students and Board members who were able to attend. From this, Avila College staff have worked towards the development of a 4 year School Improvement Plan and the 2019 Annual Action Plan. This will be presented to the Board early in 2019.
In November the Board gathered for the nal meeting of the year. Avila students from a range of year levels shared their experiences of the year with Board members. It was most inspiring to experience the passion and commitment of the girls, to hear of them taking up opportunities to grow their own skills and knowledge and
to understand how they are helping motivate other students and community
members to grow and develop.
Ms Carmela Marino led the Board in a prayerful re ection on her recent pilgrimage to Ireland. Thank you Carmela for continuing to build our understanding of the Presentation values, so central to Avila College’s identity and mission.
In 2019, the Faith and Mission Team (Carmela Marino, Marie Stuart and Zoe Wood) are facilitating a series of Plenary Listening Sessions across the school. All community members, including Board Members and parents are invited to participate in this conversation. Please listen out for this important opportunity.
Over dinner together, Board members congratulated and thanked Mrs Madeleine Franken (Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching) and Ms Kim Rowland (Principal’s EA and Board Minute Secretary) for their extraordinary commitment to their roles, their generous service to the Avila Community and their professional contributions to the work of the Avila College Board.
We wish them success and happiness as they take up new opportunities at Avila.
Sally-Anne Petrie
Chairperson, Avila College Board


Faith
and Mission
Year 8 Re ection Day
Sunday's Gospel Reading
Sunday 9 December
First Sunday of Advent
Luke 21: 25–28, 34–36
Be ready for the second coming.
Sunday 16 December Second Sunday of Advent Luke 3: 1–6
John the Baptist proclaims a baptism of repentance.*
Important Dates
Saturday 8 December
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday 13 December
Memorial of St Lucy
Friday 14 December
Memorial of St John of the Cross
Tuesday 25 December
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day)
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Ms Carmela Marino
Director of Faith and Mission [email protected]
Tiana Chandraratne Chiara Smith
Grace Guiliano Caitlin Grima
Faith and Mission Captains


Student of the Term Awards
Term Four | 2018
Year 7 | Ellie-Rose Freeman
Ellie-Rose consistently aims to achieve personal excellence in her school life. Rather than saying “that is good enough”, she asks herself “how
can I make it better”. Because of this can-do attitude she has achieved positive individual results but has also helped those around her.
Generous with her time Ellie-Rose is always willing to share her skills and knowledge with the girls in her class and enacts the Presentation Values daily. She demonstrates community and compassion in the way that she cares for her classmates. Inclusive and pro-active, she invites participation and values all the voices in her homeroom and year level.
Action and justice are also important to Ellie-Rose. If she feels that something is not fair or right she responds in a constructive manner. She ensures that everybody is treated fairly and offers a positive example and role model to those around her.
Year 8 | Elizabeth Dinh
A committed and diligent learner, Elizabeth enthusiastically engages in classroom and extra curricular activities, balancing her workload with care and focus. A keen debater, she encourages her team members with calm reassurance and support and always demonstrates respect for opposing teams. She has been a reliable and thoughtful member of the school team providing leadership and assistance.
Elizabeth treats all members of the Avila community with respect and dignity. She has represented the school in an exemplary manner and genuinely embodies our Presentation Values throughout all facets of her school life.
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Year 9 | Julia Grubnic
Always striving to achieve her best Julia makes a valuable contribution to both the academic and community life at Avila. An active learner, she is mature and articulate, collaborating with classmates and working independently. Committed to her studies, she forms and shares strong opinions while always taking others in to account.
Embracing the theme of Dare to Do, Julia encourages others to get involved in school life and participates in many extra-curricular activities and community service initiatives including Drama and Public Speaking.
A proud Avila Ambassador Julia leads by example and exhibits the Presentation Values in all her interactions with the wider community.
Year 10 | Isobel Craig
A committed and dedicated student who applies herself to her studies, Isobel is an active participant in the classroom. Her insightful questions and careful preparation add value to classroom discussions and she consistently displays pride in all her work together with an eagerness to embrace new learning.
Isobel regularly puts up her hand to try new challenges and participates in a range of activities across the school. A valued member of the Avila community, she models respectful behaviour and always has a smile on her face, making sure that everyone is having a good day.
Year 11 | Grace Munro
A keen learner, Grace is a valued class member who shares her knowledge and understanding with others. She approaches her studies and role as a senior student with a positive and generous attitude and is always willing to take on a challenge and learn independently in her classes.
An active school citizen she gets involved in many facets of Avila college life. She contributes to sport, music and public speaking to name just a few extra-curricular activities and is a proud Avila Ambassador.
Though some might view her as a quiet achiever, Grace certainly makes her presence well and truly felt through the drums, as a member of the Avila Rock Band.
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Learning
and Teaching
Learning and Teaching
Presentation Evening
HeadStart
Last week, students undertaking VCE, VCAL or VET units in 2019 were involved in the HeadStart program. It was designed to provide a genuine introduction to their senior studies.
All students were required to undertake three lessons in each of their semester one subjects. This will assist students to become familiar with the expectations of the subject and to make a serious start on their learning.
Students have been set holiday homework to consolidate learning from the HeadStart program.
As a consequence of the HeadStart program, a few students may have recognised that they have chosen
a subject that is not the best t for them. In some cases, students may realize that the subject will require more challenging or different learning than expected. Students are urged
to discuss such concerns with their parents before the end of next week.
It was a delight to see so many parents and students at Presentation Evening on Monday 26 November.
The auditorium at Monash University was abuzz as we acknowledged and commended students from Years 7
to 12 on their academic achievements in 2018.
We look forward to sharing the results of Avila College’s VCE units 3/4 high achievers in a special results newsletter before the end of this year.
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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Parents can be crucial in encouraging resilience in the students at this point. However, experience shows us that, for some students, a subject change may be necessary.
Any VCE or VCAL student needing to make a change, should contact Mrs Franken as soon as possible by email to ascertain whether a subject change is feasible.
Late subject change requests are often limited by class sizes or clashes in the timetable grid. In addition, students making subject changes are expected to catch up, not only on the four hours of learning missed in HeadStart, but also with all the holiday homework that has been set.
Examination Feedback
Careful review and re ection on examination performance provides a rich learning opportunity. Students in Year 9 will have received their marked exams this week.
Students in Years 10 and 11 may collect their marked exams and a copy of the 2018 Yearbook from the General Of ce between 9:30am-10:45am on Tuesday 11 December.
After 11 December, any uncollected exams will be available between 9am and 4pm from the General Of ce until Tuesday 18 December only.
Semester Reports
Reports for students from Years 7 to 11 will
be released to parents from 2pm Thursday 13 December. An email alert will be sent to parents to advise when reports have been uploaded to PAM.
Units 3/4 VCE results will be released by the VCAA from 7am on Friday 14 December.
Year 12 students have been given details of how to access their results via the internet.
Year 12 students are reminded that should they wish to discuss a change of tertiary preference, Ms Jenny Dunn and Mrs Ann Boyce will be available in the Library from 9am Monday 17
to midday Wednesday 19 December. For more information, please see the Careers news page later in this newsletter.
The Learning and Teaching Team wishes all families a very joyful Christmas and safe, relaxing holiday too.
Madeleine Franken
Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching
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Active and authentic learning in the junior school
This week students from Years 7 to 9 have been engaged in learning in many different yet authentic ways outside the traditional classroom environment.
Year 7 students have been undertaking a World Integrated Unit. This program has been developed by teachers at Avila not only to extend the students’ Civics and Citizenship knowledge and skills, but also to provide
an opportunity for students to work in different teams on a project with real world application.
Students work in teams to determine who will be their Head of State, Treasurer and Chief Electoral Of cer. Students have taken on different responsibilities such as ag making, national dress design and construction, song composition, choreography, and social media advising. They have determined a name
for their ctitious country and developed a pro le of the country that includes geographic and lifestyle facts.
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Following some initial input from expert teachers,
students are developing a language, food or drink, animal, advertisement and website for their country. Over the course of the week, students have been applying their mathematical skills to complete a number of currency exchanges and using social media to promote their country’s achievements.
Their talent, energy and enthusiasm will culminate in nal presentations to their year level and staff on Thursday. Year 7 students have also participated in unique ways to extend their literacy and numeracy by undertaking “Sporty Maths” and “English Olympics”.


Year 8 students have undertaken various learning activities such as preparing for next year’s camp
by learning how to set up and cook with trangias; appreciating Australian Indigenous culture; learning about robotics from Robogals; following maths clues to complete an amazing race and learning about the effects of alcohol on the body. They also undertook a new and exciting STEAM environment program which was developed to increase and engage the students in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
On Thursday, the Year 8 students also participated in a Re ection Day which was centred around
the theme of Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si”. The day called the students to re ect on how we must work together to protect our planet.
Year 9 students have been preparing for work experience through participation in two careers days with career building activities, a visit to a
local TAFE, learning about smart earning and smart spending and completion of mandatory Safe at Work certi cates. Year 9s have also enjoyed the opportunity to mix with the boys from Mazenod College for a combined Re ection Day with this being held at Australian Catholic University for the rst time. Students were engaged in workshops and panel discussions on a variety of topics covering faith and wellbeing.
Klara Baka
Director of Studies, Y7-9
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Pastoral Care
Respectful Relationship Student Forum to Parents
Quotes from parents that attended.
"Having the opportunity to hear
the students’ perspectives on what constitutes a respectful relationship. Their contributions were considered and mature and it is heartening to know that the conversation around respectful relationships
is a comfortable one for them.
(Or at least it appeared that way)."
“..being a father with my daughter having just turned 13 and my son whom is currently 9 it was extremely bene cial.... especially hearing the youth of today share how they feel about growing up in a fast-paced world. They shared their hopes and dreams, also explained how at times they needed space from everyone and everything as in this hectic modern world it’s hard to nd the off button ...”
“Parents also spoke about the importance of nding time to reconnect away from social media platforms and making time for Respectful Relationship conversation starters.... things as a simple walk or spending quality time together through other avenues such as camping etc...”
“Key highlights were things such as getting out of our comfort zones and connecting through group humour... examples being making fun of ourselves respectfully in front of others without being judged or criticised ... eg open and frank group discussion about more seminars moving forward.... it was so refreshing to bring both generations together... there is hope in our society moving forward by having more of these discussions....”
"It was impressive to see so many schools collaborating and students involved. It was also enlightening to be compelled to talk to unfamiliar parents and students during the 'speed dating session'. Interesting to have interaction between other parents' teenagers and other students' parents."
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]
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Highlights from Resilience Week
Throughout Semester 2 Students Create the Future Committee have been looking at Avila College’s areas in need of improvement from the Resilient Youth Survey. In response to 5 themes identi ed the committee planned 5 days of activities across the two weeks of the exam period.
Creativity Day - Footpath chalk art and mural
To foster creativity, Amelia Pawsey, Rachel Iwuagwu, Monica Fazzino and Anna Zhang arranged a free- owing creative art activity. We had many students contributing chalk drawings to the pathways and creating a fantastic multi-coloured mural.
Stress-less Day - Disco and Meditation space
Recognising that everyone has different ways of dealing with stress, Mieke de Vries, Beatrice van Rest, Colette D’Costa, Katie Wylie, Mimi Chang and Grace Louey organised two different activities to stress less: a Disco, to release nervous energy and a Meditation space. We had fantastic feedback on the meditation space, with girls enjoying a designated quiet space to de-stress.
Hopefulness Day - Post-Its of Hopefulness Board
Alyssa Gregson, Amber Buzza, Jessica Loeding, Rachel Iwuagwu, Kavi Arunagirinathan and Sarah Cooke did a fantastic job encouraging students to think about the question “In 5 years, the future will be different to the present day.
What are you hopeful for that may occur in the future?". There were some incredible responses, with students hoping to have ‘swam with dolphins’, ‘accepted into university’ and that we would have ‘World Peace’.
Technology Day - Technology Challenge
The committee wanted to look at unhealthy technology use and encourage students to think about what they could do other than use their phone. A challenge between homerooms was set. Teams with the lowest phone use for the day in each year level won a prize. Thank you to Sarah Cooke, Elizabeth Dinh and Hannah Craig for encouraging both student and teacher participation on the day.
Connectedness Day - Friends Episode at Lunch
To nish off Resilience week, Sia Mattoo, Kavia Pynadath, Priyanka Sharma and Angelina Li wanted
to create an opportunity for students across all year levels to feel more connected. An episode of Friends was screened at lunchtime with students from all year levels, having a laugh together.
Student Leadership Flyers
As part of our new student leadership process students produced a yer that could be displayed on pin-up boards in their respective corridors in the school.
On the yer, they included a photo and other relevant images, outlined ideas on/expertise in Presentation Values, engagement with the whole Avila College community, public speaking experience, team-building skills and organisational skills, what they were proud of at Avila College, why they are the best candidate for the role and any other information that may be of interest
Re ection from a student: 'Mrs. Stephens, I love these yers. I don't know all of these girls but I can read all about them here. Also, I can see how creative they are at the same time.' These are so colourful!
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"not only did they learn from me, but I have learned from them" Samara Egglezos
Peer Helper Highlights
It has been a big year
for our Year 10 Peer Helpers
After completing their leadership, mentoring and mediation training they have been involved in numerous activities throughout the school year including the Year 7 Orientation, Smile Day, Cultural Diversity Week, Say No To Bullying Day, RUOK? Day, Parent Conversation Hour, Primary School Experience Day, the Year 7 Netball Competition, Year 7 Morning Dance Program and Homeroom Buddy Program.
Here they share their highlights.


"I have also learnt so much from my homeroom"
Hirushi Desanayake
Every aspect of being a peer helper was absolutely amazing but, the main highlight was meeting my Year 7 homeroom.
Being given the chance to create a such strong bond and watch them grow into con dent young women will be something that I treasure forever.
Seeing their friendships develop and knowing that we helped their transition into high school a little easier was enough of a reward.
I have cherished the times I spent with my own peer helpers and hope that they too cherish time spent in Year 7 and settle into Avila comfortably.
"All of it was amazing!"
Sanjana Nair
But I would de nitely have
to say, going to our Year 7 homeroom twice a week was my main highlight.
Getting to spend time with each
and every one of them, learning about them, laughing with them and dancing with
them will be memories I cherish going forward. Love you 7 Green!!
"I am now able to take these skills with me"
Jacqueline Vincent
One of my favourite parts about being a Peer Helper has been watching the class of 7 Gold grow over the course of this year and being able to be a part of their homeroom every week.
I’ve also really enjoyed the opportunities this
role has given me, such as participating in the Conversation Hour, transition days, planning events around the school and many more.
Being a Peer Helper has given me the chance
to learn many skills, such as leadership, peer mediation and organisation and I am now able to take these skills with me through my life.
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"to see that we were making an impact on their transition!"
Stephanie Michaud
My highlight has de nitely been forming a relationship with the Year 7’s. Organising fun activities for them, seeing
them each week in homeroom, and having them recognise us and say hello made it de nitely worth the time we put in.
It was really nice to see the students grow as people throughout the year, and to see that we were making an impact on their transition into
life at Avila. To see the smile on their faces when you’d organised an activity that they’d liked was incredibly rewarding. It feels really good to think that you have formed a close bond with these girls that you and they will cherish for a long time yet.
I will always remember the fun times I’ve spent with the girls from 7 Pink this year.
"it made me so happy!"
Renee Hang
The highlight for me would have to be forming a bond between my Year 7 homeroom and seeing it blossom over the course of one year.
It made me so happy seeing their faces around the school lighten up when they saw Steph and I, even better when they came up and said “hey”.
It’s been amazing watching their own friendships within their class grow stronger too because I know from experience that your rst friends in Year 7 will always have a special place in your heart and the memories you make in your rst year of high school are often cherished forever.
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"I instantly knew that this was what I wanted to do once I had the opportunity." Samara Egglezos
The highlight of being a Year 10 Peer Helper was being able to live out the expectations I had imagined ever since I was sitting
at my table in 7 Orange, admiring my own Peer Helpers three years ago.
The moment I learned what a Peer Helper was and what they did, I instantly knew that this was what I wanted to do once I had the opportunity.
With the year coming to an end, all the Peer Helpers organised a ‘Farewell Lunch’ with their Year 7 classes. During this time together, the girls of 7 Blue showered us with gratitude for making their rst year of high school comforting for them.
This gave me the reassurance that they have enjoyed the year as much as I have, and not only did they learn from me, but I have learned from them.
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The Curious Minds Project
Avila Anthology 2018
This year Avila created and published its own publication, The Curious Minds Project, an anthology of writing and art work celebrating curiosity, imagination and a spirit of enquiry.
Emerging from the Quill and Ink, Avila’s creative writing group, this exciting project has provided opportunities for students beyond the classroom and has enabled our students to extend their creativity, and develop their skills, in a wide range of forms and styles.
The Curious Minds Project is a space for the students of Avila to explore their ideas and thoughts on our world, the past, the present, the possibilities of
the future and the imaginative worlds of their own creation!
We encourage you to read, view and enjoy our very rst edition of The Curious Minds Project!
Pick up a copy from the General Of ce or read the digital copy here: http://any ip.com/yqgw/olkp/
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Brain STEM
StressBusters
The BrainSTEM project consisted of our mentor (Liz Senn), Dr Susan Long and four girls who had to commit across 12 weeks of hard work, frustration, teamwork, and FUN!
We chose to research the NOCEBO Effect as it was a topic we were interested in and thought it would be bene cial for other high school students.
The NOCEBO effect is when people are warned about
the potential side effects of treatments, and they then go on to experience them.
We wanted to nd out if the NOCEBO effect contributes to the way we as student experience stress.
Pawani Bhatia
Year 8
Chris Sequeira
Year 8
Stephanie Van Langenberg Year 8
Arianna Thenabadu Year 8
To do this we got all the Year 9's to participate in the experiment over two days. On the rst day, all the classes watched a short video. Three classes watched a video about the positive effects of stress and were introduced to a breathing exercise. Two classes watched a video about the negative effects of stress and the physical experience that it can induce, they were also taught the same breathing exercise. The last two classes watched a video introducing them to the BrainSTEM project. The next day each class did a spelling test of 10 of the most commonly misspelled words.
Our results showed that if you think about stress negatively during tests or exams, you are more likely to have more physical symptoms when in stressful situations, but you can perform better.
Presentation day was hosted by Swinburne University. We presented our experiment in front of the other BrainSTEM teams from other schools and to our parents and family. The funny thing about the presentation is that we were stressed while talking about stress. The day of the presentation was nerve-racking but our team got through.
We were happy with our achievements of the presentation night and overall it was a very valuable experience.


Carnevale in
the Classroom
As part of the Italian program in 2018 our Year 7 students studied Commedia Dell’Arte and the Carnevale di Venezia.
As part of this topic the students learnt about the history of this type of traditional street performance and the characters that made it so popular such as Arlecchino, Pulcinella, Pantalone and Colombina. The students then created their own Venetian Masks.
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Air4Life Day
Sixteen Avila students volunteered to join 1400 other young women from Years 6–10 of schools across the state who took part in the inaugural Air4Life day.
Air4Life has been created as a collaboration between RMIT and the federal government, speci cally the RAAF, and the Defence, Science and Technology group, with a very speci c goal to better understand why female participation in STEM courses and career pathways has fallen to 19%, especially given the projected growth in these elds into the future.
The girls attended a spectacular welcome to country including dance and a smoking ceremony. The girls were taught that Wominjeka is a word that means welcome and “I come with purpose”. They then had a get up move and sing session which speci cally taught them to use their gesture, their breath and their voice to be bold leaders.
Once the girls moved from the Palais Theatre to Luna Park they moved through Science, Maths, Engineering and Technology zones including a technology showcase where they interacted with virtual reality and augmented reality training, ight simulators and a range of products from industry partners like those who design protective equipment and heat seeking cameras.
The girls were treated as VIPs all day and were inspired to believe that #girlsdefygravity
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Year 9 French
"Learning a language opens the door to other worlds."
Year 9 French students have distinguished themselves as great language learners this term! They have achieved 13th place globally for their online learning activities.
Congratulations to the following students who were short-listed in the inaugural Language Perfect Video Making Competition:
Katie Wyllie, Nataliya Edwards, Stephanie Wales, Ashvika Thevanesan, Sarah Burrowes, Drusilla Kho, Ashley Sing, Victoria Yu, Anthea Sinnappu and Martina Go.
This competition is a great celebration of language learning with over 250 entries from many schools.
These students collaborated to create a video in French and have been awarded Excellence Certi cates.
Stephanie Wales also received an Honourable Mention in the SBS National Languages Competition 2018.
This is an exciting initiative to encourage and celebrate a love of learning languages in Australia. It’s a nationwide competition to encourage us to re ect on the cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity of Australia’s multicultural society and to celebrate what it is to be an Australian.
Stephanie submitted her artwork, using a combination of hand drawing and computer techniques to respond to the question, "What amazing possibilities learning a language opens for you?"
This is her poster (above), which she submitted with the title, Apprendre une langue ouvre la porte à d'autres mondes," which means "Learning a language opens the door to other worlds."
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Year 9 Gingerbread Houses
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Mission to Mars
Julia Grubnic
Year 9
Recently, one of the Year 9 Astro classes journeyed to Mars, to explore the terrain and experience the challenge of mission control.
Accompanied by Mr Francis and Mr Cash, this trip was organised to help us expand our knowledge and put into practice what we
had learnt about geology and astronomy this semester.
a second to spare. It felt as though we were in a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster as the room erupted into applause.
Everyone stood up, cheering after a stressful, yet successful, mission.
The second part was actually travelling to Mars, which included gearing up and getting some pretty cool instruments to conduct our research and gather our data with.
The location for our mission was on a crater, and the general instructions were to collect samples of rocks to take back to the lab and analyse to get an idea of what past Mars may have looked like. Although we all knew that we weren’t actually stepping foot on the red planet, walking out of the airlock into a simulation of it did feel pretty awesome. That is, it was awesome until the radiation on Mars climbed to levels a bit too high and we had to quickly return to the lander.
The nal part of the day was to go to the lab and examine the samples we collected. Using technology, drills, models and our knowledge of geology, we were able to paint a picture of Mars’ past, using the different rock types to better understand the former environment and counting the scratches on samples to nd their age.
Overall, the day was an incredibly fun and educational experience that was out of this world.
Throughout the day, there were three main activities. The rst was the chance for half of us to be in mission control, responsible for the other half, who were exploring the surface of Mars.
Mission control, although challenging, was very enjoyable. Surrounded by by blinking lights and computer screens, every second there was another issue with the environment or the oxygen tanks or, most frustratingly, the astronauts not doing their jobs correctly.
As members of mission control, all of us had different jobs monitoring things from the weather to the astronauts vitals, which was all fun
and games until we noticed that an extremely dangerous dust storm was speeding towards our explorers, putting their lives at great risk. Suddenly it was less solving minute issues and more, “Houston, we have a problem.”
Luckily, we managed to get everyone (as well as all the they data collected) off the surface of Mars with
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Pathways and Careers
Year 9 Careers
On Tuesday and Wednesday of alternate week Year 9 students participated in two days of careers activities. The sessions included:
• Smart earning, spending, saving and investing, a nancial literacy presentation.
• Setting up of a Careers Portfolio
• Writing a cover letter
• Polishing up a resume
• Presentation and activities on staying safe in the workplace
• Visit to Holmesglen TAFE and participation in a ‘hands on’
activity
As Year 9 students transition into Year 10 information and exposure
to the many possible pathways and occupations available is crucial to enable students to make informed decisions. Examples of activities and further resources are available on the Careers Guidance link in SIMON.
Ms Jenny Dunn
Pathways Co-ordinator
[email protected]
Ms Ann Boyce
Careers Teacher
[email protected]
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Year 12 results and Change
of Preference period
All students studying a unit 3 & 4 subject have been emailed regarding the various ways to access their results on Friday
14 December. We strongly encourage students not to make sudden decisions about future pathways on this day but to re ect on their educational journey and be proud of their efforts.
Many tertiary institutes will be open over the weekend for enquiries and visits if students wish to reorder or change their chosen preferences for future study.
Below is a link to this information.
https://vtac.edu.au/courses-inst/ institutions/inst-cop.html
Further information is available on the Year 12 page on the Career guidance link on SIMON.
Mrs Boyce and Ms Dunn will be available at the College Careers Hub from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm on both Monday 17 December and Tuesday 18 December. It is best to email rst with a time that suits you rst. If these times are not suitable please email Ms Dunn for an alternative.
Ms Dunn will be on campus Wednesday 19 August from 9.00 am to 11.59 am when Change of Preferences closes.
Please refer to the VTAC website or booklet for further dates.
Please remember:
• • • •
•
Youarewellprepared for this process
Therearemanypathways to the same place
Youaremuchmorethan a simple number
ATARsonlyexistto make life easier for tertiary institutes
Youhavealonglife ahead of you to get where you want to go!
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Year 7 Music Performance
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PFA In uencers Breakfast with Kala Gare
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The Knox Factor Update!
Congratulations to Year 8 student
Lynn Ng, who won the Grand Final
(Ages 12-15) of the Knox Factor on the huge stage at the Knox Christmas Carols.
Performing her own composition, “Lost”, she has now progressed to the regional nals on December 15 for a 20 minute set against three other bands.
Monash Extension Program
Congratulations to Monash University Extension program graduates Ranuli Manatunga and Jacinta Bonaddio.
The program allows students to undertake tertiary level units with an ATAR bonus and gives them an early experience of university life. Ranuli studied Biology and Jacinta studied Biomedicine. Their achievements were honoured at a graduation ceremony at Monash's Caul eld campus.
Music Theatre Guild Commendations
Congratulations to Anita Mandarino (Natalie) and Jonathan Yong (Chad) who received Commendations from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria for their performance in the Avila and Mazenod production of 'All Shook Up'.
This is a really great achievement for both of these students and an acknowledgement of their hours of dedication and hard work!
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2018 Avila Yearbook
The Avila College 2018 Yearbook is now available for collection. Yearbooks will be distributed to Year 7, 8 and 9 students on the last day of term and available for collection by Year 10, 11 and 12 students.
Well done to Year 10 student Ashleigh Trinh for the 2018 cover design! Thank you also to all our Yearbook editors, photographers and contributors.
The 2018 Yearbook Team included: Georgie Donnelly Danielle Apidopoulos, Tina Varone, Sanjana Nair, Martha Sarumpaet, Pawani Bhatia, Renee Hang, Priyanka Sharma, Beatrice van Rest, Emma Gare and Alicia Roy
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Avila Calendar Dates & Events
Wednesday 19 December
General Of ce Closes 1pm
Monday 21 January
General Of ce Opens
Friday 1 February
Term 1, 2019 Starts
Tuesday 5 February
Year 11 and Year 12 Information Evening
Monday 11 February
Year 10 Information Evening
Wednesday 13 February
Year 8 and Year 9 Information evening
Friday 15 February
Opening School Mass
SECONDHAND UNIFORM SHOP
Wednesday 12 December 1-4pm Tuesday 22 January, 1-4pm Wednesday 23 January, 1-4pm Thursday 24 January, 1-4pm Wednesday 30 January, 1-4pm


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Avila College Presentation Evening 2018
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2018 Major Awards
Marie Boyle Excellence Award Year 10
Emily Goncalves
Avila College STEM
Award
Tiana Pincic
Avila College Languages Award Karina Parisi
Mulgrave Country Club Scholarship Year 11
Holly Thompson
Lions Club Leadership Award Year 9
Matilda Baumann
Kwong Lee Dow Young
Scholar
Tiana Pincic
ADF Long Tan Award
Year 10 Renee Hang
ADF Long Tan Award
Year 12
Sophia Grubnic
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Monash
Scholar
Award
Isabel Amoranto
Monash Scholar Award
Mieke de Vries
Monash
Scholar
Award
Beatrice van Rest
Avila College Public Speaking and Debating Award Paige Bryant


Staff Alumni Service to the Wider Community Award Sophia Grubnic
Avila Community Engagement Award
Georgie Donnelly
Sister Raymonde Taylor Creative Arts Award Drama Sophia Grubnic
Sr Josepha Dunlop Christian Leadership Award Anita Mandarino
Susan Puohotaua Orchestra
Award
Jessica Satya Graha
Sister Patricia Carroll Service to Sport Award Abbey Goullet
Sister Raymonde Taylor Creative Arts Award Music Jessica Satya Graha
Sister Raymonde Taylor Creative Arts Award Visual Arts Theresa Avice
Patricia Ryan Love of Learning Award
Lauren Profeta
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LOVE OF LEARNING AWARDS
Recipients perform at a high level across a number of subjects and have been acknowledged for the way they fully engage in classroom activities, delight in the mastery of skills and are the type of people who relish new ideas or ways of learning.
Year 7
Jessica Loeding, Maya Abigail Reef, Melita Davis,
Ella Davis, Elisha Atkinson, Olivia Babbington, Emily O’Hara, Teia Wilson, Jessica Ham, Lucy Donnelly, Tyler Josephine Bennett, Amber Buzza, Caitlin Beyrooti, Kavipriya Arunagirinathan
Year 8
Isabelle Cooper, Amy Mascarenhas, Alissa Ann Li Yee, Melanie Muhundan, Nina Gerreyn, Katrina Katsoulis, Elizabeth Dinh, Linh Nguyen, Olivia Rowley, Caitlin Greenhill, Madison Taylor, Kaysha Somaia, Sarah Cooke, Matilda Wik
Year 9
Alicia Chiarilli, Suhavi Singh, Kimberly Berger, Matilda Baumann, Katie Wyllie, Martina Go,
Mia Ward, Adline O’Brien, Sarah O’Hara, Tina Varone, Alana Pallotta, Alana Piccolo, Pawani Bhatia,
Liana Barbis
Year 10
Imogen Galbraith, Elly Morgan, Meg Allan,
Martha Sarumpaet, Nicoletta Akritidis, Renee Hang, Stephanie Michaud, Alessandria Pezzimenti, Sherlin Kalarikkal, Jennie Sekhon, Tamsyn Pascoe, Jacqueline Vincent, Kayla Murray, Gianna Ska das
Year 11
Rachel Botros, Hayley Cameron, Madelyn Janky, Barbara Ravanal, Tricia Cowan, Emma Faraone, Chloe Luk, Shania Austine, Nimrit Kakkar, Sarah Ang, Angelina Domine, Monique Mason
Year 12
Emma Woolley, Alexandra Chant, Anita Mandarino, Caitlyn Toomey, Anna Ngo, Jessica Senzio,
Natasha Lucchese, Sarah Loughnan, Sophia Grubnic, Paige Bryant, Caitlin Pridmore, Meg McQueen, Sheanna Hettiarachchi, Tiana Chandraratne
Congratulations
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Recipients have produced work of an
excellent standard over a wide range of subjects throughout the year and demonstrate an exemplary work ethic.
Year 7
Bianca Fazio, Mia Donaldson, Ellie-Rose Freeman, Abbey Stizza, Sarah Patturajan, Jonelle Alvares, Emilie Michaud, Darcy Ferrier, Jacinta My Hong Dinh, Kira Tu, Danielle Weyermayr, Thanh-Vy Qu Nguyen, Charlotte O’Shea, Ruby Pagliaro
Year 8
Rocio Ravanal, Chloe Park, Lynn Ng, Sophie Parks, Sophie Marinis, Shenalie Fernando, Victoria Sara an, Felice Todd, Elisa Scholast, Milagros Vargas,
Jenica Rodrigues, Colette D’Costa, Grace Louey,
Greta Cassidy
Year 9
Ally Redlich, Natalie Khoo, Jocelyn Satya Graha, Jordan Chapman, Emma Johnston, Isabella Soehanto, Rachelle Patturajan, Julia Grubnic, Valerie Sova, Emma Curtis, Lana Marial Weeramuni, Amelia Pawsey, Karina Parisi, Luca Rivalland
Year 10
Beatrice Van Rest, Mieke de Vries, Mia Loh,
Tiana Pincic, Nicole Trawicka, Heidi Kleins, Rebecca Wright, Katerina Akritidis, Kimberly Chan, Erin Choo, Emily Goncalves, Isabel Amoranto, Alicia Roy, Alissa Baldwin
Year 11
Charlotte Boylan, Emma Gare, Prabhloyan Gill, Grace Munro, Claudia Chmielewski, Sinead Kelly, Lily Maul, Chiara Smith, Olivia Di Petta,
Amelya Laurence, Charlotte Nunn, Sara Whitehead
Year 12
Elena Goss, Jessica Satya Graha, Vicki Andritsos, Isabella Marotta, Hannah Petrie, Alessia Lo Surdo, Sashenka Justin, Michala Jean, Abbey Goullet, Theresa Avice, Kiran Kottakkal, Ellie Kleins, Hannah Krasovec, Jade Morgan


SPIRIT AWARDS
Awarded to the student in each year level who generously contributes to our college community through their readiness to give of their skills and time, and their exemplary support for other students in the College community. Their leadership is hallmarked by a strong sense of inclusion and school spirit.
Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Alyssa Gregson Olivia Rowley Kimberly Berger Jacqueline Vincent Anna Zhang
Sarah Loughnan
SUBJECT AWARDS
Awarded to the top performing student in each subject at each year level.
Religious Education
YEAR 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Molly Hemsley
YEAR 8 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Victoria Sara an
YEAR 9 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Rachelle Patturajan
YEAR 10 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Grace Giuliano
UNIT 1&2 RELIGION AND SOCIETY Olivia Di Petta
UNIT 3&4 RELIGION AND SOCIETY Kate Tidswell
The Arts
YEAR 7 ART Darcy Ferrier
YEAR 8 ART
Fotini Paraskevopoulos
YEAR 8 DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Madison Taylor
YEAR 9 DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Jocelyn Satya Graha
YEAR 10 DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Laura Mazzarella
YEAR 7 DRAMA Lucy Donnelly
YEAR 8 DRAMA Caitlin Greenhill
YEAR 9 DRAMA Emma Johnston
YEAR 10 DRAMA Neve Williams
YEAR 7 MUSIC Darcy Ferrier
YEAR 8 MUSIC Clare Ahn
YEAR 9 MUSIC Jocelyn Satya Graha
YEAR 10 MUSIC PERFORMANCE Alissa Baldwin
UNIT 1&2 MUSIC PERFORMANCE Madelyn Janky
UNIT 3&4 MUSIC PERFORMANCE Liyara Jayamanne
UNIT 1&2 PRODUCT DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Stephanie Cooper
UNIT 3&4 PRODUCT DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Theresa Avice
YEAR 9 STUDIO ARTS Faith Chung
YEAR 10 STUDIO ARTS Erin Choo
UNIT 1&2 STUDIO ARTS Hayley Cameron
UNIT 3&4 STUDIO ARTS Michala Jean
UNIT 1&2 THEATRE STUDIES Emma Gare
YEAR 9 VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS AND DESIGN Jordan Chapman
YEAR 10 VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS AND DESIGN Mia Loh
UNIT 1&2 VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS AND DESIGN Chloe Luk
UNIT 3&4 VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS AND DESIGN Michala Jean
English
YEAR 7 ENGLISH Caitlin Beyrooti
YEAR 8 ENGLISH Victoria Sara an
YEAR 9 ENGLISH Mimi Chang
YEAR 10 ENGLISH Beatrice Van Rest
UNIT 1&2 ENGLISH Chloe Smith
UNIT 3&4 ENGLISH Alessia Lo Surdo
YEAR 10 LITERATURE Alicia Roy
UNIT 1&2 LITERATURE Lily Maul
UNIT 3&4 LITERATURE Sophia Grubnic
Health and Physical Education
YEAR 7 HEALTH
& PHYSICAL EDUCATION Anja Hulston
YEAR 8 HEALTH
& PHYSICAL EDUCATION Daniela Hockley
YEAR 9 HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION Nataliya Edwards
YEAR 10 HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION Rebecca Wright
UNIT 1&2 HEALTH
AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Olivia Di Petta
UNIT 3&4 HEALTH
AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Meg McQueen
UNIT 1&2 PHYSICAL EDUCATION Laura Biondo
UNIT 3&4 PHYSICAL EDUCATION Angelica Rigopoulos
YEAR 8 FOOD TECHNOLOGY Grace Louey
YEAR 9 FOOD TECHNOLOGY Isabella Soehanto
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YEAR 10 FOOD STUDIES Isabel Amoranto
UNIT 1&2 FOOD STUDIES Ashleigh Thomas
UNIT 3&4 FOOD STUDIES Lauren Profeta
Humanities
YEAR 7 HUMANITIES Abbey Stizza
YEAR 8 GEOGRAPHY Grace Andrews
YEAR 9 GEOGRAPHY Joanne Sequeira
YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY Sally Barlow
UNIT 1&2 GEOGRAPHY Mia Sinclair
UNIT 3&4 GEOGRAPHY Hannah Krasovec
YEAR 8 HISTORY Sophie Marinis
YEAR 9 HISTORY Niamh Gallagher
YEAR 10 HISTORY Natasha Bellizia
UNIT 1&2 20TH CENTURY HISTORY Mieke de Vries
UNIT 3&4 HISTORY REVOLUTIONS Sophia Grubnic
YEAR 9 ECONOMICS Vara Tyrikos
YEAR 10 ECONOMICS Mieke de Vries
UNIT 1&2 AUSTRALIAN AND GLOBAL POLITICS Claudia Chmielewski
UNIT 3&4 GLOBAL POLITICS Caitlyn Toomey
UNIT 1&2
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Saje Watson
UNIT 3&4
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Jade Morgan
UNIT 1&2 CLASSICAL STUDIES Beatrice Van Rest
UNIT 3&4 CLASSICAL STUDIES Claudia Chmielewski
UNIT 1&2 LEGAL STUDIES Mia Sinclair
UNIT 3&4 LEGAL STUDIES Olivia Thurston
UNIT 1&2 ACCOUNTING Saje Watson
UNIT 3&4 ACCOUNTING Jade Morgan
Languages
YEAR 7 FRENCH Zoe Nguk Yan
YEAR 8 FRENCH Felice Todd
YEAR 9 FRENCH Mimi Chang
YEAR 10 FRENCH Pooja Soni
UNIT 1&2 FRENCH Amelya Laurence
UNIT 3&4 FRENCH Elena Goss
YEAR 7 INDONESIAN Gisella Santosa
YEAR 8 INDONESIAN Grace Louey
YEAR 9 INDONESIAN Taneisha Thom
YEAR 10 INDONESIAN Kimberly Chan
UNIT 1&2 INDONESIAN Emma Faraone
UNIT 3&4 INDONESIAN Jessica Satya Graha
YEAR 7 ITALIAN Sienna Costabile
YEAR 8 ITALIAN Victoria Sara an
YEAR 9 ITALIAN Karina Parisi
YEAR 10 ITALIAN Alissa Baldwin
UNIT 1&2 ITALIAN Olivia Di Petta
UNIT 3&4 ITALIAN Isabella Marotta
Mathematics
YEAR 7 MATHEMATICS Ruby Pagliaro
YEAR 8 MATHEMATICS Greta Cassidy
YEAR 9 MATHEMATICS Jocelyn Satya Graha
YEAR 10 MATHEMATICS Kimberly Chan
UNIT 1&2 GENERAL MATHEMATICS Olivia Di Petta
UNIT 3&4 FURTHER MATHEMATICS Andi Campisi
UNIT 1&2 MATHEMATICAL METHODS Prabhloyan Gill
UNIT 3&4 MATHEMATICAL METHODS Jessica Satya Graha
UNIT 1&2 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS Prabhloyan Gill
UNIT 3&4 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS Jessica Satya Graha
YEAR 7 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Danielle Weyermayr
YEAR 9 DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Julia Grubnic
YEAR 10 TECHNOLOGY Tiana Pincic
Science
YEAR 7 SCIENCE Dalena Vo
YEAR 8 SCIENCE Felice Todd
YEAR 9 SCIENCE Jocelyn Satya Graha
YEAR 10 AGRICULTURAL
& HORTICULTURAL STUDIES Emma Moran
UNIT 1&2 AGRICULTURAL
& HORTICULTURAL STUDIES Alexandra Michael
UNIT 3&4 AGRICULTURAL
& HORTICULTURAL STUDIES Jessica Vincent
YEAR 10 BIOLOGY Emma Moran
UNIT 1&2 BIOLOGY Ella McKenzie
UNIT 3&4 BIOLOGY Ellie Kleins
YEAR 10 CHEMISTRY Natasha Bellizia
UNIT 1&2 CHEMISTRY Chiara Smith
UNIT 3&4 CHEMISTRY Jessica Satya Graha
YEAR 10 PHYSICS Karin Jayadi
UNIT 1&2 PHYSICS Nimrit Kakkar
UNIT 3&4 PHYSICS Sashenka Justin
UNIT 1&2 PSYCHOLOGY Shannagh Leydon
UNIT 3&4 PSYCHOLOGY Chloe Luk
VCAL
YEAR 11 VCAL Sapphira Moraitis
YEAR 12 VCAL Teagan Hall