Avila Connect Alumnae Magazine 2021/22

Connect.
Digital Edition | January 2022

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CONTENTS WELCOME

Avila College Principal | Dr Michelle Cotter

WELCOME 01
From the Principal 02
Our Faith Community 03
Nano Nagle Statue 04
Entrepreneurial Learning 06
Creative Arts 2021

OUR ALUMNAE 08 Throughout the past two years our school community has
Elly Morgan 11 demonstrated such resilience, innovation and care for each other as
Hannah Rapp 14 we responded to a rapidly changing and constantly evolving global
Sinead Stubbins 16 pandemic.
Madeleine Pape 21
IWD Influencer 22 Although we were apart for much of this time, once again we have
Jessica Box 24 collectively drawn on our Gospel values of faith, hope and love as we
Geraldine Bilston 26 learnt and taught remotely for large parts of the school year.
Javira Altmann 27
Meenu Manickam The demands and challenges of COVID-19 and lockdowns have not
diminished the Avila spirit, as seen in the stories we share in this
AVILA edition of Avila Connect. Rather it continues to be illuminated as our
Archives 28 students, teachers and alumnae continue to embrace their diverse
passions, develop new strengths and make meaningful contributions
to the broader community, both locally and further afield.

A very special congratulations to the Avila College Class of 2021. Their
VCE, VCAL and VET years were unlike those of former cohorts, yet they
excelled in their academic studies and led the school with maturity,
poise and vision. Just like the venerable Nano Nagle they "shined a
light" and brought hope and compassion to our younger students.

Once again we thank all of our former students for sharing their
experiences in the wider world. They continue to be part of the Avila
family and offer a constant source of inspiration. I trust that you will
enjoy reading their stories and hearing the latest from our school.

Happy New Year.

Get Connected! Dr Michelle Cotter | Principal

Follow the latest from
Avila Alumnae on our
digital network.

Digital Edition 1

Our Faith Community

In 2021, our school community pledged to 'Be the Light'.

Avila’s Catholic identity is focused on the way in which the When we shine our own light, we are fulfilling God’s
Gospel values of Faith, Hope and Love and the role model purpose for ourselves. We also radiate Christ’s light and
of Jesus is given a living expression throughout the school make the world a brighter place in a way that it could not
environment. be if we did not shine.

This year our core focus has been based around the College Throughout the year we called on all the members of our
theme of ‘Be The Light’, taken from the scripture in the school community to continue the work of St Teresa and
Gospel of Matthew 5:16 ‘Let your light shine before others, the venerable Nano Nagle, to give a voice to the voiceless
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father and to share our skills and talents so that we can create
in heaven.’ a better world. This was done in a range of ways including
fundraising for Caritas and the Carmelites, knitting blankets
For us as a faith community, this year’s College theme and advocating for the work done by St Vincent de Paul,
invited each one of us to share our gifts and talents with and sharing in stories and reflections as we developed a
the whole school community and encourage others to do stronger understanding of our call to be the light for others.
the same.

2 Inspiring today for tomorrow Our Faith Community

Nano
Nagle
Statue

As part of the Ballygriffin construction project,
students and staff have collaborated on how
to capture and represent the key qualities of
Nano Nagle including compassion, humility and
hospitality as well as her call to help those in
need. Nano Nagle’s iconic lantern became a
highlight for the planning and designing of this
special bronze statue.

Our artist is currently finalising the clay
sculpture of Nano which will then be used to
subsequently support the bronze moulding
process.

As a faith community we look forward to sharing
more images of Nano with you as her bronze
likeness comes to life.

The artist at work

Mould production to prepare
for the bronze pour

Nano Nagle Statue Digital Edition 3

Entrepreneurial
Learning in Action

As part of the Careers education program Year 9 students participate
in an enterprise program,'The Brief', which develops their design,
marketing, innovation, creative and persuasive skills through an
authentic design project.

Working with industry professionals, The program culminates with a This year our Year 9 students designed
students are guided through the realistic and very energetic trade show a range of innovative products
process of creating a targeted product in the Hall. Students pitch their including slippers with built in
for the 13-18 year old market which product to students from other year illumination to light up as you get out
has the potential to be sold at major levels and Avila staff. of bed at night, self defence jewellery
retailers including Kmart. with rings that squirt pepper spray
The 'trade show' audience then vote and virtual reality books that bring
Students undertake all aspects of the for their favourite product taking into stories to life.
design and production process consideration aspects such as design,
including research, pricing, promotion appeal, price and practicality.
and distribution.

4 Inspiring today for tomorrow Entrepreneurial Learning in Action

'The Brief'is a project in which
the year 9’s undertook a task
where they had to brainstorm,
develop and pitch their own
unique products to the Year 7’s
and 8’s.

It focused on developing business and research
skills in the fields of marketing, pricing and
product development. Students also learnt
valuable skills in public speaking, persuasion,
creativity and teamwork. We were constantly
challenged and worked as a group to problem
solve whatever was thrown at us.

All of the Year 9’s showed exceptional
competence when it came to each and every
task and challenge and every single product was
incredible.
As a Year 9 student, I am unbelievably proud of
all of my peers and the extraordinary standard
we have set for the years to come.

Kaatje Vulling

Entrepreneurial Learning in Action Digital Edition 5

Creative Arts 2021

Although much of 2021 was spent in remote learning, we were lucky
enough to rehearse and deliver the Creative Arts Spectacular this year.

Performances were held in the newly refurbished Bunjil auditorium and showcased an entertaining and energetic array of
student led music, dance, drama and visual arts. This year's theme centred around Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night (1889).

6 Inspiring today for tomorrow Creative Arts

Creative Arts Digital Edition 7

ALUMNAE ELLY
MORGAN

Semi-Professional Basketballer
Indiana NBL. USA

After qualifying for a college basketball scholarship in the United States
of America during a global pandemic, Elly Morgan is now flying high at
the University of Evansville in the state of Indiana.

It has only been a year since you graduated from Avila and What does a typical day look like for you now?
you are now in the USA on a college basketball scholarship!
It usually starts with an hour of weights at 8am and then I
My journey since graduating Avila has been crazy. It started head straight to class. Between classes and studying, my
as a waiting game, as I signed my commitment to attend day is busy and then we have team practice in the
college in America in September of 2020 but didn’t need to afternoon that normally goes for around two and a half
be there until June of 2021. Up until then I was just working, hours. We then all eat dinner, study, relax and then get
playing basketball in a semi-professional basketball league ready to go to bed and do it all again the next day.
called NBL1 and making the most of spending my time with
my family and friends. Finally the time arrived and I started What new skills have you learnt?
my long journey to Evansville, Indiana. It consisted of a flight
to Sydney, then to LA, then to Chicago and the last leg to There are a lot of new skills you learn from moving
Evansville. As soon as I landed, I got settled and then it was countries and living out of home. You learn how to speak for
straight into classes and basketball workouts. yourself as you no longer have anyone to help you figure
out things or ask if you are confused. I have learnt how to

Elly Morgan Digital Edition 9

be more confident when meeting new people and putting
myself out there in situations where I can make new friends.
I have also learnt new skills that come from living out of
home like doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, going to the
bank by yourself or booking appointments.

Have you had a chance to explore your new city? Or has it
been restricted due to COVID?

I have had the chance to explore my new city, as the only
real restrictions due to COVID are wearing a mask when you
are indoors. The river front is my favourite place as it is so
pretty during sunset and most recently I went to Evansville
Fall fest where we tried amazing Fall foods.

Any funny or memorable moments?

The very first night I spent at college my teammates, whom I
had just met, helped me move my mattress from my dorm
to their house on the roof of their car, so we could all have a
sleepover for the first night. Another memorable moment
was when during my summer break, I had the opportunity
to fly to San Francisco to see Hannah Rapp at her college.

Highlights or fondest memories from Avila?

Elly visiting her Avila College buddy Hannah Rapp in San Francisco. Year 9 school camp had to be one of my highlights. I made
so many new friends and enjoyed canoeing and hiking
while we sang songs and played games. Another of my
fondest memories had to be the athletic carnivals and inter
school sports days as I loved playing sports, being
competitive and spending the day with friends.

What advice would you give to current students interested
in pursuing a sport scholarship in the future?

Elly's days at Avila College. Taken in 20216 during a Yr8 electronics class. Continue working hard at your sport, but also in the
classroom, as colleges will look at your grades along with
your athletic ability. Exposure is extremely important in
recruitment and you never know when a coach may be
watching. Always put your best foot forward and conduct
yourself in the best way possible during games, on the
bench and through your social media platforms. Colleges
want to recruit all round good people not just good athletes.
It is an amazing opportunity, I am really happy and would
strongly encourage anyone who is offered the opportunity
to play and learn at an American college to take it.

10 Inspiring today for tomorrow Elly Morgan

ALUMNAE HANNAH
RAPP

Semi-Professional Basketballer
San Francisco NBL. USA

Hannah is on the court
and in the classroom after
being awarded a Basketball
Scholarship at Division 1
College St Mary's near San

Francisco in the USA.

Hannah, we would love to hear more about your
experiences in the USA since graduating from Avila in 2020.

After graduating I moved to the USA to pursue both my
academic and basketball career. I arrived in San Francisco,
California in December 2020. Since then I have been training
almost every day and attending classes. I am a Business
Major with a Minor in Education. At my College (St. Mary’s),
my classes revolve around only two semesters, however
they go for 16 weeks and we take four classes each
semester. Our basketball season runs from November to
May, but we still train on weekdays. Check us out on
Instagram @gaelswbb

What does a typical day look like for you now?

Waking up at 8am, I go to class from 9am-12pm, have
weights from 12pm-1pm and then team training from
1:30pm-3:30pm. After training I do homework, eat dinner, go
to sleep and then repeat it all again the next day.

What new skills have you learnt?

Living in an apartment without my parents, I have become
much more independent. Back in Australia I was very used
to having my parents do everything for me and drive me
everywhere. Now I have to do it all myself and it has
allowed me to acquire many new skills especially planning,
budgeting, time management, driving on the opposite side
of the road/car and cooking.

Have you had a chance to explore your new city? Or has it
been restricted due to COVID?

When I first arrived, COVID had stopped any exploration of
my city. I was living in a dorm on campus and only sport
scholarship students were allowed to be on campus as all
other students were studying online. Now, with the majority
of the population vaccinated, I am able to go travelling and
can go into the City of San Francisco. Apart from going into
the city to see the Golden Gate Bridge and shop, I have
visited many states in the US for basketball and to also see
family and friends. My brother goes to college at
Washington State, so I’ve been able to visit him a few times
and also had the chance to see Idaho, Arizona, Los Angeles,
Las Vegas, Utah and Portland. It has been great travelling to
famous locations that you have seen in movies and just to
experience how life in the US compares to life in Australia.

12 Inspiring today for tomorrow Hannah Rapp

ALUMNAE

Any funny or memorable moments? What advice would you give to current students interested
in pursuing a sport scholarship in the future?
My most memorable moment was when my Dad flew over
from Australia and surprised my brother and I on my Give it a shot. It is not easy getting a scholarship, you work
brother's 21st birthday. My American family and I had no idea extremely hard and have to maintain your studies and
he was coming and I was so happy to see him as I hadn’t training which can be intense. The advice I would give is train
seen him in 5 months. Plus, I really enjoy catching up with everyday to keep reaching for your goals. Things don’t
some of the other Aussie athletes when we play against happen overnight. I have been playing basketball since I was
them. 6 years old, so it is a long process. It is hard being away from
family and friends, but they have been super supportive
Reflecting back on your time at Avila, what were the (thank goodness for FaceTime). I have not regretted my
highlights/fondest memories as a student? decision once, I am living my best life, meeting some
amazing people and getting a degree while playing the sport
Definitely hanging out with my friends at lunch and recess. It that I love.
was a great time to get to know people and just speak about
life. I played in some great sporting teams and I also really If anyone wants to checkout a game, go to the West Coast
enjoyed Avila Day, when we got to sing and dance with Conference website and look for St. Mary’s #gogaels!!
teachers and eat really good food (those potato sticks-
amazing). Our teachers were really supportive and would
help during their own time especially heading into exams.

Hannah Rapp Digital Edition 13

ALUMNAE

SINEAD
STUBBINS

Author, Writer and Editor

Tell us about your journey after graduating from Avila. I was lucky enough to come
I really enjoyed English and Literature at school, but wasn’t back for the 2021 season - this
sure if I wanted to jump straight into journalism. I was time in a physical writers’
lucky enough to have a few teachers like Mrs Dalwood, Mrs room - and it was awesome
Valladares and Mr. Gleeson who encouraged my writing and seeing how a TV show is
pushed me to think a little more critically. I ended up doing actually made. Getting a two-
a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, which book deal was a pretty huge
opened my mind to books, movies and TV shows I had moment for me! It still feels
never encountered before (not to mention gender studies, a bit surreal. Other than
which blew my mind). It made me realise that I was drawn to that, getting to write for
writing about the arts. Afterwards, I did a Graduate Diploma of American publications like
Journalism at RMIT, but I had already started freelancing by then. New York Magazine has
been pretty massive.
From there, I worked for Fairfax papers, streetpress magazines,
websites and advertising agencies. I’ve been freelancing since I What do you enjoy doing
left school and have written for publications like The Guardian, outside of work?
The Saturday Paper, Elle, The Age and more.
My hobbies often become the things I write about, so it
You recently published a book during a pandemic! can be difficult to carve out time strictly for leisure. I read
a lot and spend an obscene amount of money on books
In My Defence, I Have No Defence is a humorous non-fiction book every year. I love watching documentaries on historical
about trying to become a ‘better’ version of yourself. I hope it’s a figures and cultural events and going to the movies.
comforting read for anyone (especially young women) who feel
like they need to fit a certain mould -- whether that be what they Highlights or most memorable moments from Avila?
look like, the things they like, etc. - in order to be loved.
Something I reflect on all the time – especially with friends
I had been thinking about writing a book of essays for a few who also attended Avila – is that we were often encouraged
years and then when I was approached by my agent after a to be our most boisterous, clever, funny and vibrant selves
speaking event at The Wheeler Centre, that sort of kickstarted at school. I think that young women are often taught a
the process. It took about a year to write (I wrote every Satur- sense of propriety that tells them they should be quiet and
day while writing advertising copy full-time during the week) compliant so as not to ruffle feathers. That wasn’t my ex-
and I tinkered with it for about four months with my publisher perience of school at all! My favourite teachers encouraged
before it was released. me to show off a bit and take up as much room as possible.
I was so proud of being a General Leader in Year 12.
It has been super challenging to release In My Defence during
lockdown and I haven’t actually been able to do any in-person Avila Day was always a highlight. I was lucky enough to at-
events to promote it - those sorts of things are really import- tend our Principal Ms Salvatore’s last Avila Day, which was
ant to a debut author! But in other ways I feel like the book a really special event. We had a carnival on the school
came out at the exact right time. I hope that it made people oval and everyone was being very silly and joyful. I was
laugh or distracted them from the anxiety of the last couple of so grateful that Salvo was able to see what a happy and
years. Whenever someone sends me an email or DM about the supportive community she had helped forge.
book helping them through a rough day, I feel so grateful.
What advice would you give to Avila's aspiring writers?
You have written for a variety of mediums, highlights?
Write as much as you can! I think sometimes we feel like
Writing for television for the first time was really challenging we need to wait for permission to write, but the best way
but also super exhilarating. In 2020 I was approached to join the to learn is to just do it all the time.
writing team of the ABC’s The Weekly with Charlie Pickering.
It was strange to learn a new craft via Zoom, but I’m proud www.sineadstubbins.net
that I got through it! twitter.com/SineadStubbins

Sinead Stubbins Digital Edition 15

ALUMNAE MADELEINE
PAPE
ALUMNAE
Olympian & Academic currently
undertaking Postdoctoral Research,
University of Lausanne, Switzerland

2009 Australian Champion, Women’s 800m.

16 Inspiring today for tomorrow Madeleine Pape

Madeleine Pape, ex-olympian powerhouse has juggled a life of academia,
sport, travel and media and shows no sign of slowing as she works to
complete her Assistant Professorship in Switzerland.

Since graduating from Avila, you have competed in the Beijing Olympics, studied abroad,
contributed to policy, written for the media, completed your PhD and are now conducting research
in Switzerland. Please tell us more about your journey from Mount Waverley to Mont Blanc.

Gosh, where to start. I can definitely say that my time as a student at Avila College set me up
beautifully for the adventures to follow. Not least my french classes with Madame Laventure in
the house at the front of the campus. When I graduated from Avila, I went to the University of
Melbourne and moved out of my family's home in the first six months to live in a shared house
in Carlton North. I worked in a restaurant on Lygon Street (DiMattina's - no longer!), and was inspired
by a workmate to save up for a trip to the French Alps. I did that at age 20, and spent a winter
working in a small hotel just outside of Chamonix. I've been in love with the region ever since.

After that I decided to knuckle down and focus on my athletics, moving up from the 400m that
had been my main event as a high school student to the 800m. I also gave up football umpiring
with the Eastern Football League, which had paid for my first car. After a few serious injuries,
things came together for me when I moved back to the Waverley Athletics Club at age 22 and to
the coach who had been my coach as a junior athlete. By 23 I was starting to race internationally,
and at age 24 I qualified for the Beijing Olympic Games by becoming the fourth Australian
women ever to break the 2 minute barrier. The following year I also competed at the World
University Games in Belgrade, Serbia, where I won the 800m, and at the World Championships in
Berlin, where I represented Australia in both the 800m and 4x400m. As it turned out, those World
Championships would come to shape my academic career and life in ways that I never could
have imagined at the time.

At age 26, I sustained a career-ending injury: so began five long years without being able to even
jog a step. It was heartbreaking. My world was turned upside-down. I took up road cycling, did
some racing in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia, but mostly focused on finishing up my
undergraduate degree, which by that time had led me towards Sociology. While doing my
honours year at Monash University, I decided to apply to PhD programs overseas––in part to get
away from my life as an athlete, which was haunting me, and to have the chance to start a new
chapter somewhere else. I was accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which has a
very strong sociology program but which I otherwise knew nothing about (hint, the winter is very
long and VERY cold).

It was very hard to prepare to leave for the US, where you are expected to do a combined
Masters and PhD, meaning upwards of 7-8 years of study. I knew that it was going to be a life
changing move - that I would perhaps never have the same relationship again to my family, my

Madeleine Pape Digital Edition 17

city, and my country. And to date that has turned out to be start to think about myself as a feminist, and to start to
the case: I have now been away for more than nine years. notice the glaring gender inequities that continue to shape
But doing my PhD in Sociology at UW-Madison (go Badgers!) sport. Women experience fewer professional playing
was unquestionably one of the most rewarding experiences opportunities, less pay, fewer sponsors, less media coverage,
of my life. I grew in ways I never could have imagined. I met stereotypical media coverage, sexist uniform regulations,
so many fascinating people. I tolerated temperatures below and higher rates of sexual harassment and abuse. In most
freezing that I never knew humans could actually endure! sports, they're under-represented at all levels of the game,
particularly in off-field positions like coaching and
And, my life came full circle: my experience at the Berlin leadership.
World Championships, racing against South African superstar
Caster Semenya (a woman who has high testosterone as a I think we've become so accustomed to seeing men on our
result of natural variations in her sex development), has now television screens during prime time every Friday and
become a focus of my research and public engagement. With Saturday night that we don't stop to reflect on the fact that
my joint athletic and academic credentials, I've been able to there's nothing natural about male dominance in sport. As
claim a unique voice in debates about who ought to be sociologists, we see beyond the familiar story of "men are
eligible to participate as a female athlete. I now live in just better athletes" and recognise the many decades of
Lausanne, Switzerland, and on a clear day can see the tip of investment in men's sports, and what this means for
Mont Blanc from my apartment, over on the other side of lac sponsorship, viewership, and so on. Every example of male
leman. I speak in French with my work colleagues and dominance in sport that we see, from AFL to cricket, has
friends everyday. Oh, and I can also see the headquarters of been built over time. Women are only recently getting this
the International Olympic Committee from my apartment. I opportunity, and men often remain the gatekeepers.
feel like I'm in the right place and I'm excited to see what
happens next. I'd also say that it's no longer sufficient to talk about
"women in sport", as though we're one happy family. Clearly,
Your area of research focuses on gender equity in sport. women are a diverse bunch and we're not all equally
Tell us more about this and the progress or lack thereof you positioned to realise opportunities in sport. Think about
have seen and experienced. differences of class, race, sexuality, and disability, as well as
national differences. In Australia, we're very privileged
As a high schooler, and even as an athlete competing for relative to many other countries. This intersectionality
Australia, I never gave much thought to gender equity in matters, too, when we're talking about gender equality in
sport. This was despite the fact that Aussie Rules wasn't sport: if women are making progress, which women are we
available to me as a sport during high school, and that in talking about? And which women are being left behind?
Beijing in 2008, women were only for the very first time
competing in the 3000m steeplechase (it has been on the Diverse gender inclusion––the inclusion of trans women,
men's program since 1920). It took me moving to the US to women with sex variations, and nonbinary people––is the

Left: Madelaine speaking at the Oshkosh TEDx event. Right: 'A cyclists dream' riding with friends in the Alps.

18 Inspiring today for tomorrow Madeleine Pape

next frontier, and is what I'm studying. I think advocates of friendship network! Many of the people who work here have
women's sport––myself included––have a lot to learn from come for the outdoors.
the experiences of, for example, trans women. I think there
are ways we can work together to make sport a better place To address the elephant in the room, I'm unmarried and
for all women. have no children. My cat is my sole responsibility. But let it
be known that I have seen plenty of women take their wives
What have been the major highlights along the way? or husbands or partners and/or children with them when
they've made big career moves. Taking the road less
Being both an Olympic athlete and an academic has opened travelled is not incompatible with having a life partner or
all kinds of doors for me. I was a witness in a high-profile family.
case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, I've
been flown to Botswana to participate in an international It's also important to note that I cannot downhill ski. Yes,
women and sport conference, I was consulted by the that's correct. I did endeavour to learn earlier this year,
International Olympic Committee as part of their efforts to taking several ski lessons on hired skis surrounded by 3 and
promote inclusive women's sport, I have appeared on PBS 4 year-olds who were on their school holidays and appeared
Newshour as well as many other media outlets, and just to have no concept of the fear I was experiencing (for the
recently I was invited to the town of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to record, I'm 37). Needless to say I haven't been back.
be a speaker at their 2021 TEDx event. Other highlights are
the number of countries I have had the opportunity to travel Reflecting back on your time as a student at Avila, what were
to (both as an athlete and as an academic), my adventures the highlights/most memorable moments?
around the Midwest as a coach with the undergraduate
students of the Wisconsin Track Club, and sharing all of this My most memorable moments are the mundane ones:
with my parents, Claire and Peter. I lost my dad this year, in messing around with friends during class, hanging out at
the middle of COVID. Luckily, I was able to get back to Glen Waverley station, the homemade yo-yos at the tuck
Australia and get out of hotel quarantine before he passed shop (are they still there? they were AMAZING). I was blessed
away. He and my mum made this journey possible for me. with incredible teachers whose support (and idiosyncracies)
Special mentions also need to go to my Athletics Waverley I remember like it was yesterday. I can't say I liked the
coach Terry McGrath, and my advisors at Wisconsin uniform at the time, but now that I have lived in places
Professors Myra Marx Ferree and Erik Olin Wright. where high school students don't wear uniforms, I actually
think it was really cool that we had that to define us as Avila
Can you give us an insight into life in Switzerland. What do students. I just wish my parents had wanted to buy me
you enjoy doing outside of work? uniform that actually fitted me. A story I often share is how
my mum decided it would fulfil a lifelong dream of hers if I
Ah yes, it is life outside of work that I enjoy most here! I played in the school orchestra. I played piano, but there
confess to missing the energy of the US enormously, as well aren't many pianists in an orchestra. So, she inquired as to
as the nature and coffee of Australia. But, Switzerland is a what the orchestra was missing, and settled on the bassoon.
great place to be for now. There are mountains in every Let me just say that there was a reason why the orchestra
direction, as well as stunning farmland, vineyards, and old was short on bassoon players (it's a terribly uninspiring
cities and villages. It's a cyclist's dream. I always say that you instrument). But Mrs Saunders was always good to me. Mrs
may not find the wilderness in Switzerland that you can Graham in Art, too. English. Maths. Chemistry... all of my
experience in the US and Australia. But, what it lacks in teachers were fabulous. And of course, I have terrific
wilderness it makes up for with accessible nature. The train memories of competing in the maroon and blue for
network is excellent, the whole country is signposted with interschool sport, from netball, to cricket, to softball, to cross
hiking directions (the Swiss are mad about hiking), and there country and athletics. I also have great memories of donning
are seemingly endless peaks to explore in every direction. yellow for Flynn!
Lausanne is a very international city: over 40% of the
residents are not Swiss. This makes for a very interesting I love how the class of 2001 has stayed connected. I've loved
watching how my Avila friends have flourished over the past

Madeleine Pape Digital Edition 19

Madeleine upon
receieving her PhD
in Sociology at the
University of
Wisconsin-Madison
in 2019.

two decades (two decades already???). They have taken their slept so poorly as I did when I was competing at the top
careers in all kinds of directions, own homes, have lived level. Academia can be very lonely, and it's bloody hard to
overseas, have endured hard times (some of them incredibly move countries to start your life again. Year 12 was
hard), some are married and many are busy rearing the next unquestionably the most difficult and intense year of my life.
generation of crazy Australian children. There's lots to look I still remember it vividly. I was Dux of the school, but I think
forward to every time I open up facebook! I'm still recovering from the emotional toll that it took on
me. I fear it also distanced me from friends, and took my
As someone who has successfully straddled both focus away from relationships, in ways that have been
professional sport and academia, what career advice would harmful in the long run. That's a lesson that has come to me
you give to Avila students? later in life. I hope that next generations of Avila students
find ways to have it all.
Career advice is an interesting concept. What does a
successful career look like? Well, that really depends on the I would say that what I'm proud of, however, is that I've been
person. A successful career could be pursuing your wildest willing to back myself and take chances. And this is
dreams such as Olympic selection or an Assistant important no matter what kind of career or life you want to
Professorship in a cutthroat field that cares little for work-life make for yourself. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take
balance. Or, it could be finding a career that satisfies your (I once saw that on the wall of the Vermont South
need to have a work-life balance, for example to have time McDonalds). Know what you want, do your research, map out
for your passions outside of work, such as volunteering or the possible pathways, and be prepared to go out on a limb
making music. Or, it could be a career change. Careers to try to make them happen. And if first you don't succeed,
matter. You're going to spend a lot of your life working, even try, try again. You only live once, and as my dad learned
if you do manage to create a situation that is flexible. They cruelly, it might be shorter than you think. So, make it the life
also matter to the kind of world you create around you: what you dream of.
you choose for your career, and how you go about it, will
have real effects in the world. So, choose carefully!

I can't say that the choices I've made have come cost-free.
Being an elite athlete was a dream come true, but I've never

20 Inspiring today for tomorrow Madeleine Pape

In celebration of
International Women’s
Day, our Avila
Influencers Breakfast
featured Vice President
of the Board of Médecins
Sans Frontières
Australia and former
student Patricia Nayna
Schwerdtle (1995).

International Women’s Day

Our Avila community celebrated this significant day with a
wonderful breakfast featuring Alumnae Patricia Nayna
Schwerdtle, beamed in from Germany and hosted by a panel
of Avila students. Trish’s experiences working in critical care
nursing, public health and academia were both inspirational
and insightful and she demonstrated, once again, where an
Avila education can take you in the world.

Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle Digital Edition 21

ALUMNAE

JESSICA BOX

Head of Growth | Linktree & Managing Director | Girls in Tech

Tell us about your journey after graduating from Avila? Australia’s largest and most successful digital agencies
and spent the better part of five years working with local
What a journey it’s been. I remember feeling like life was brands like Lexus, Australia Post and Sportsgirl, as well as
going to end when Year 12 did, but little did I know it was helping global brands like Visa, Slack and Braintree land in
just beginning. I decided to continue an existing passion I the Australian market. A fast-paced environment like an
had in the creative arts and head to Monash University to agency is such a great launching pad when graduating
study a Bachelor of Performing Arts. The incredible from uni as you’re quickly exposed to such varied
journey ended in receiving the Dean’s Award for problems and opportunities. I learnt fast that’s for sure!
Outstanding Academic Excellence and what I take away
from those experiences is a life-long relationship with You are currently the Managing Director for Girls in Tech
learning. and heading up Growth globally at Linktree. Can you tell
us more about these roles.
Passionate about the intersection of creative and
technology I went on to complete a Master of While at IE, I was surprised by the lack of diversity in the
Communications. I started exploring the world of social technology sector. Coming from Avila where there’s such
media as businesses were beginning to transition into value placed on being independent and yourself, it was a
using community-led forums to build audiences and culture shock for me. So when I was approached to join
ultimately drive business goals. the Board of Girls in Tech Australia when they launched in
Melbourne, I couldn’t help but say yes!
I was fortunate enough to land at IE Company, one of

22 Inspiring today for tomorrow Jessica Box

The mission for Girls in Tech in Australia is to build a more still have some of my closest friends from my time in high
diverse and inclusive technology community in Australia. school. Highlights were definitely sports carnivals and
GIT exists for any women with an interest in technology, creative arts, but I also think Year 12 and in particular the
startups and provides women with a platform for growth. relationships I’d built with the teachers (our Drama
But we operate with the spirit of the girl within teacher Mr Cash gets a special shout out!) at that point
all of us - fearless, lively and determined. were pretty special.
Singing the Avila song at the top of my lungs will also
I lead the team responsible for delivering our programs never be forgotten.
across Australia which is all about carving out the strategic
direction for how we can build a strong community and Jessica's bestie - Whiskey, the cutest puppy in the world.
having the right volunteers to deliver on it.
What did you learn from your time at Avila that have
I am a volunteer and run GIT outside of my “day job” helped you or stayed with you beyond the Charles St gates?
which is heading up Growth globally at social-tech The importance of unwavering values. As you have more
platform Linktree. We’re an Australian born company with challenges and need to make tough decisions in work or
20M users and a team of 170 around the world aiming to life, the values that were framed in my time at Avila make
break down the fragmentation on social media. What those easier and act as a tool to make a positive impact
stood out to me about Linktree was the vision – the on the world around me.
opportunity to be a part of creating a better internet. I’m What advice would you give to Avila students today?
building the growth engine and currently have team Get into tech! No, seriously. It’s not the type of role you see
members in Australia, US, UK, India and Indonesia - it’s a all the time but there’s so much variety, diversity and
whole lot of fun with timezones! opportunity.
Also don’t be so hard on yourself if you don’t know what
Highlights? you “want to do when you grow up”. I think most of us are
still figuring that out now - life is about the journey, not
There’s been such huge milestones that I’m proud of, but I just the destination. Enjoy it!
think winning an Award for Google & B&T’s Women
Leading Tech in the mentor category is at the top of the
highlights. It shows that the wider industry recognises the
work we’re doing at Girls in Tech as well as the
contributions being made in companies to go that extra
mile around diversity.

But what has been the most fulfilling is bringing the next
generation into tech. I currently lead a global team of 15
and we’re aiming to hire 50 in the next 12 months.
Supporting the growth trajectory of people and leading
with empathy has been the major motivator for me everyday.
After all, we spend a lot of our waking lives at work!

Hobbies? Interests?

Because I danced for 20 years, that’s still a major hobby
and something I find provides a great balance to the pace
of work I have! Outside of that I have the cutest puppy
named Whiskey and love to go hiking or on weekends away.
The outdoors is nice when you’re living in the inner suburbs.

Memorable moments from Avila?

There’s so many! Avila has shaped who I am today and I

Jessica Box Digital Edition 23

ALUMNAE GERALDINE
BILSTON

Family Violence Consultant | Writer | Presenter

Can you tell us a little about your journey after graduating family violence support service and after a long few years
from Avila? navigating police, court and the system I eventually became
trained with Safe Steps and contributed to the family violence
After graduating I travelled to Western Australia and spent sector through their advocacy program. This gave me many
many years working in the mining industry delivering training opportunities including within the media. In 2019 I was part of
and inductions. a “You Can’t Ask That” episode, and in 2020 I had segments on
“Q & A” and “The Drum”.
Life took many twists and turns and I found myself in a violent
and abusive relationship. During this time I also became a For the past 2 years I have been working as an independent
mother. It was a very difficult and traumatic time in my life, consultant within the family violence space, and also part of
and I feel grateful for the persistent support of my family and the “Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council” which assists the
friends who assisted in my escape as well as my recovery. My Victorian Government to have a lived experience lens over
Avila friends are still a big part of my life, and they have loved policy reform and practice delivery.
and supported me through all the trials and triumphs.

During this time I was a client at Safe Steps - Victoria’s 24/7

24 Inspiring today for tomorrow Geraldine Bilston

Family violence is an uncomfortable topic for many. In What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies?
your opinion, how do we continue to keep the I love my friends and family and now live on the coast on
conversation going and effect change? beautiful Bunerong land.

I think we need to face the uncomfortability and continue The beach is my happy place – and it is a privilege to walk
through that. Victim-survivors of family violence still carry by the sea nearly every day.
the weight of shame associated with family violence, but
that is not theirs to carry, it belongs at the feet of the Reflecting back on your time as a student at Avila, what
perpetrator. were the highlights/most memorable moments?
I think Year 9 camp is such a highlight of my life. It was
As a community we must get comfortable with having this there that incredibly strong friendships that remain in place
conversation – so that we can support victims, hold today were formed.
perpetrators accountable, and work towards a future that is
free from violence. I also think Avila gifted me a strong feminist and social
justice lens for my life and I feel in recent years I’ve really
As a presenter, writer and advocate for the prevention of come back to that.
family violence you have seen, experienced and heard
many haunting stories. What does the future hold for Geraldine?
In January 2022 I will begin work professionally with Family
What are the positives that you have seen? Safety Victoria to develop their Lived Experience strategy.

We are beginning to really accept that gender inequality is I am looking forward to working with government on this to
both a cause and a consequence of violence against ensure the voices and expertise of those with lived
women. And I am seeing, especially in Victoria, a stronger experience continue to shape and inform policy and
and more tangible commitment to creating a future that practice.
respects women.

Geraldine Bilston Digital Edition 25

ALUMNAE JAVIRA
ALTMANN

University Student

What you have been up to since graduating from Avila? Memorable moments/Favourite memories from Avila?

I started a double degree at Monash University, studying the The first thing that comes to my mind would have to be
Bachelor of Science and Engineering, and majoring in sitting on the couch outside Ms Mannings office in the Year
physics, mathematics, and mechatronics engineering. 12 corridor and just enjoying the company of my friends. It
After two years, I decided to focus on physics rather than was the everyday things that I loved the most; from sitting in
engineering, and thus transferred to the Bachelor of Science front of the heater in Mr Kennedy’s Physics classroom on
Advanced – Research. I’ve just finished my Honours year, doing cold winter days, to dragging a friend with me to keep me
theoretical particle physics, with the thesis title “Close Packing of company whilst I lined up at the canteen for the pasta.
Lund Strings and its Effects on Strangeness Enhancement”.
However, I can’t talk about my Avila experience without
I’ve also continued to develop the love of music Avila gave mentioning the music school. Music Fest and Creative Arts
me by joining a brass band, Whitehorse Brass, conducted by were definitely always the highlights of my year, as well as
Mr Ford. I play for the Monash University Hockey Club and playing the music at Mass and hearing the whole school yell
have been given the opportunity to be the club treasurer. “AVILA” during the practice run of the Avila College Hymn.

What skills or attributes did you learn at Avila that have What advice would you give current Avila students?
been useful to you today?
Enjoy Avila while you can! Though high school certainly had
Though the physics/maths academic knowledge I gained from its ups and downs for me (as it does everyone), they were
Avila has been invaluable, I don’t think I truly appreciated at still some of the best years of my life and I wouldn’t change
the time the value of being well-rounded in all subjects; the a thing. The Avila community is so unique and special, so
way that literature improved my writing skills which I now don’t take for granted how great high school can be.
apply to my scientific writing, or how debating allowed
me to learn to analyse and present arguments in the What does the future hold for Javira?
most persuasive and straightforward manner.
Next year I aim to begin my PhD. My studies could potentially
One of the most important things Avila taught me was how lead to a career in academia where I would most likely move
to be empowered, particularly to be a strong and resilient to Europe and research/teach at universities there. However,
woman in STEM. At the time, I don’t think I truly appreciated I’m equally considering a career in high school teaching as
what a supportive and empowering environment Avila was ultimately, I just wish to share my love of physics and maths
for me. The students, incredible teachers and community as with other generations, regardless of whether that’s to high
a whole made me the person I am today. What I learnt most school or university students. STEM careers are so male
from Avila was who I am and who I want to be as a person, dominated; hence I want to show girls they can be successful
and that’s the most important thing I could have ever learnt. in STEM careers despite this, as Avila showed me.

26 Inspiring today for tomorrow Javira Altmann

ALUMNAE

MEENU MANICKAM
Cyber Security Analyst | Student

What have you been up to since graduating in 2017? In all honesty, it shocks me that 4 years have gone by. I very
quickly realised that I took many things for granted, like not
I entered a Science degree at Monash but very quickly being able to see my friends every single day, or interacting
realised that it was not what I wanted my future to hold. with the school staff who were all very genuine people. I
Luckily university degrees have many programs and options miss the school and my days there, but one thing Avila has
to try units from other areas. After a long-winded session of taught me is to challenge myself and strive to be my best.
trial and error, I am now graduating with a double degree in
Banking and Finance and Information Technology. What do you enjoy doing outside of work and study?

You are a firm advocate of women in technology. I love going out with my friends and enjoying what the
world has to offer, which includes hiking and working out at
Being an advocate for more women in STEM areas is the gym. Along with this I'm a dancer outside hours and
something I'm very passionate about. enjoy a good karaoke session, sometimes!

A study from EY found that organisations with 30% What does the future hold for Meenu?
female leaders could add up to 6 percentage points to
their net margin. I was lucky enough to be in a female I'm graduating this year and starting a graduate role in 2022.
lead team at ANZ in cyber security, which was not only I plan on studying for a Master's in Digital Marketing or
empowering but inspiring. We were very productive and Business Analytics hopefully at an Ivy league school.
achieved so many of our outcomes, it just proves that we
need more women in the field. My long-term goal is to gain a role in Technology leadership.
I want to truly experience the peaks of technology which
What were the highlights of your time at Avila? potentially includes me making the move to the United
States for a short while.
Avila is very close to my heart, I owe a great deal of
gratitude to the teachers and other students. Meenu Manickam Digital Edition 27

In Conversation

Join our Avila Archivist Anne Stephens on a step
down memory lane as she chats with former students.

In our first Heritage Collection Conversation video Anne chats with
Avila College's 1971 School Captain Angela Volpi.

Angela's School
Captain badge.

1971 Avila College
School Leaders

28 Inspiring today for tomorrow Avila Alumnae Network

Avila
Alumnae
Network

Join us today at alumnae.avila.vic.edu.au

Digital Edition 29

35 Charles Street, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149 | T 03 9831 9600 | E [email protected] | avilacollege.vic.edu.au