Avila Connect Alumnae Magazine 2018

Connect.
Edition 2018

Inspire your daughter

2019 Open Open Mornings Twilight Tours avila.vic.edu.au
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CONTENTS WELCOME

WELCOME Avila College Principal | Dr Michelle Cotter

From the Principal 01 Welcome to our latest edition of Avila Connect, in a year where
we "dared to do", celebrated the 300th anniversary of the birth
Our Catholic Identity 02 of the Venerable Nano Nagle and challenged gender norms in
the classroom and beyond.
Meet the Future 03 In the past, female education was not valued and the few
literate women were wealthy. The Presentation Sisters stood in
Girls Kicking Goals 04 defiance of this idea and set a trail for education, social service
and in recent times, advocacy for the environment. They, like
Super Coaches 06 St Teresa of Avila, are very much part of our story and shine a
powerful light on who we might be and how we might be our
Award Winning Moves 08 best selves.
Today Avila stands tall and strong for learning for all, believing
Mary Saunders 10 that all of our students have their own excellence to find
within themselves. We believe that academic excellence is a
Avila Musical 12 key focus and that this goes hand in hand with interpersonal,
teamwork and problem solving skills, growing social and
The Better World Project 13 emotional intelligence, compassion for others, resilience when
things go wrong, a sense of confidence in their own self worth
The Write Stuff 14 and a faith foundation to guide their decision making. It is
this combination of experiences that sets us apart and has us
Buongiorno. Italy Tour 15 stand tall and proud to learn together and then pursue further
studies, careers and opportunities as people of Avila.
Aghort 16 In this edition we celebrate the innovation, discovery and
creativity that our current and former students are bringing
OUR ALUMNAE 22 to the world. I am proud that we have shown such a strong
Michelle Aznavorian 24 commitment to striving for excellence as individuals, in teams
Gabrielle Bourke 26 and as an extended school community.
Santina Ponte 28
Clare Manning 30 Dr Michelle Cotter | Principal
Jade Casemore 31
Jessica Van Son 32 Welcome Inspiring today for tomorrow 1
Jess Perkins 34
Sinead Coulter 36
Fiona Brownfoot 38
Ruby Robertson 40
Suzanne Miller 41
Anna Hally

ALUMNAE DAY 42
Whole School Reunion 43
20 Year Reunion 44
40 Year Reunion, News

SAVE THE DATE 45
2019 Breakfast Series 46
2019 Alumnae Day

Stay Connected!

Follow the latest from Avila
on Facebook and Instagram.

Our Avila proudly holds true to her Catholic
CATHOLIC identity and ethos as a faith based
Identity learning community. We are called by the
Church, and by each other, to demonstrate
Beatrice van Rest Yr 10 Presentation values by modelling the
actions of people such as Nano Nagle and
Saint Teresa of Avila, and by living out the
Catholic mission in our lives. It calls us to
be generous, compassionate and whole-
hearted people of faith. Throughout the
year students learn how to integrate faith
with daily life and build their relationships
with God through Reflection Days, Masses,
liturgies, social justice fundraising,
community service and the core
curriculum.

2 Inspiring today for tomorrow Our Catholic Identity

Highlights of 2018
included the Avila
Mazenod Reflection
Day at ACU, Project
Compassion, Building
Bridges, The Walk
of Witness and the

Avila Day Mass.

Embracing our shared faith
through learning, reflection,

music, action and service.

Left | Santa Teresa Immersion program
Top | The Walk of Witness in Melbourne

| Mass in Avila's Reflection Garden
| Avila Day Mass | Y7 Reflection Day

| Project Compassion Drive
Our Catholic Identity Inspiring today for tomorrow 3

Year 7 students
researching
their project

MEET Students coding with the AGL New Energy team
the Future

Embarking on a Mission to Mars, coding the Amazon Alexa virtual assistant
with AGL engineers and viewing Venus in its gibbous phase have been just
some of the exciting future-focused initiatives at Avila this year!

As a twenty first century school, Avila College strives to Coding Workshop
provide students with extensive opportunities to engage Working together with a team of engineers from AGL,
in future-focused learning activities and expose them to Avila students learnt how to build a skills and voice app
new technologies and innovation beyond the classroom. in a special workshop. Compatible with any Amazon
Alexa device, the app was coded by students to answer
This year Avila partnered with the AGL New Energy Team, specific questions about Avila via voice commands.
local astronomer Alfred Kruijshoop, Robogals and the
Victorian Space Science Education Centre to enhance the An Evening with the Planets
core curriculum with interactive workshops designed to Avila's popular Astronomy Nights, re-introduced in 2018,
extend and engage students with design thinking, enabled all members of the College community to peer
industry role models and digital literacy. deep into the winter night sky through the lens' of large
compound telescopes. Students and families viewed a
Mission to Mars range of celestial objects up close including craters on
"It was an incredibly fun and educational experience the moon, a dust storm on Mars and the rings of Saturn.
that was out of this world." Julia Grubnic, Year 9
Robogals and the Avila Coding Club
With their space suits firmly belted up, Year 9 students Meeting weekly at lunchtime, the Avila Coding Club
explored the surface of Mars, navigated through a dust encourages students from all year levels to collaborate,
storm and collected rock samples in a simulated planet problem solve and and learn programming languages in
environment at the Victorian Space Science Education a fun, interactive and dynamic way.
Centre. Drawing on their Astro Stream and Geology
studies and utilising the Centre's drills and models, they Year 8 students also experienced a taste of engineering
analysed the samples to develop hypotheses and draw in action when they learnt how to program a robot to
conclusions about the nature and age of the planet's move and loop in their Robogals workshop.
environment.

4 Inspiring today for tomorrow Meet the Future

'The tech industry is
exciting and a great

pathway for future
studies and careers.

The AGL workshop
showed us that I.T. can

be fun and not just
about technical skills

but designing good
user experiences.'

Caitlin Le Grange, Yr 9

Exploring the Mars terrain at the VSSEC.

Meet the Future Inspiring today for tomorrow 5

Girls
Kicking

Goals

6 Inspiring today for tomorrow Girls Kicking Goals

In response to an overwhelming demand Avila's 2018 SCSA
from students to 'get on the ground', this Team was made
year we fielded our very first AFL team in up of students
the SCSA competition and kicked our way from Year 7 to 9
into the Grand Final.
No longer the
Female participation in Australian Rules we wanted to provide an opportunity for exclusive domain
Football has exploded since the first them to build a school team together and of boys, Avila girls
season of the AFLW began last year. further develop their skills on the ground". are kicking goals
Women now represent over 30% of all on the footy field
players, proving that the footy field is no The launch of AFL at Avila in 2018 was with the inaugural
longer the exclusive domain of the boys. met with excitement and enthusiasm Avila AFL team
with over seventy students trying out for successfully
According to Avila Sports Co-ordinator the junior squad. Captained by Abbey qualifying for the
Mr Tim Ross, the decision to offer AFL Goullet (Y12) and Tricia Cowan (Y11), Grand Final!
in the college curriculum was not just a the inaugural team made it through to
gender equity issue, though this was an the Grand Final narrowly missing out
important consideration. on the flag by only two goals. It was
a great result and next year Avila will
As Tim explains, "we have so many be introducing a senior team into the
students who are passionate about the school squad.
game and playing AFL on the weekends,

Our girls playing the
SCSA competition

Girls Kicking Goals Inspiring today for tomorrow 7

Super
Coaches

Alumnae Coaches

NATALLIE COSTELLO STEPH DELLA PENNA
| Swim Coach | Swim Coach

Many Avila "Avila girls have the dedication for "I love coaching the Avila team
Alumnae stay training, competition and sharing the Avila because I love helping people
connected and spirit. It is an experience to be a part reach new goals and achievements.
involved with of as a student but makes me prouder Especially students who I know can
the college as a coach. It is very rewarding and at push themselves to go faster, further
through the end of the day, it’s not about being or higher than they think. Coaching
coaching, placed first or second, but the effort the the Avila swimming team is a chance
supporting our girls put in and what they get out of it. It for me to give back the drive and
current sports couldn’t make me prouder of these girls motivation that was provided to me
teams with as a past Avila girl and a coach." during my Avila days, and has played
their time and a huge part in getting me where I am
expertise. About to enter her final year of a now."
Bachelor of Education (Primary) at
Top left to right | ACU, Natallie also works as a swimming Steph is currently completing her last
Dannielle Costello, instructor and pool deck supervisor for subject of a Bachelor of Exercise and
Steph Della Penna, Active Monash. A keen traveller who Sport Science at Deakin University.
Natallie Costello, aims to teach overseas in the future, she She is someone who loves the
Amanda Flynn, "loves being in the water whether it is outdoors and her spare time is
Carly Randle and the beach or the pool." It is no surprise mostly filled with work, volunteering
Nerida King that her role in the swimming team and swimming training. As a student
has created fond school memories and Steph represented Avila in numerous
Natallie remembers that "being able to SCSA competitions and admits that
compete and share the Avila spirit is she "loved competing in school
what being part of a team is about and sport but most importantly I built
Avila always shows that really well at incredible friendships with students
competitions, no matter what sport or from all year levels."
discipline area."

8 Inspiring today for tomorrow Super Coaches

ROISIN SELVARAJOO | Aerobics Coach "I came back to coach because
I love sport and wanted to give
Top left | Roisin Selvarajoo | 2018 Avila Aerobics Senior Squad back to the school, a place that
provided me with so much and
helped shaped me into the young
woman I am. I just love all things
Avila and just seeing the school
buildings was a great reminder of
how lucky I was to be a part of a
school which welcomed and cared
for everyone!"

Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Media Communications) at the University of
Melbourne, Roisin has been "crazy busy this year", juggling four part time jobs and intensive daily
aerobics training. Passionate about health and fitness, she "loves hanging out with friends, meeting new
people, joining university clubs and going out to festivals". Roisin also vounteers at the Glen Waverley
Salvos Store. Roisin fondly remembers Avila Days and admits that "the feeling of connectiveness and
sisterhood is something I dearly miss." She also acknowledges Avila teachers for their "work ethic, drive
and commitment for students to learn, understand and be their best self" and making school "such a
special place for me."

STEFANIE OLIVETTI
| Tennis Coach

"I wanted to come back to help
with the tennis team because I
knew I was going to miss being
at Avila and being in the team
once the last Sports Awards
Night was over and I’d finished
school."

Stefanie Olivetti featured left with the Avila Tennis Squad

Stefanie has just completed her first year at RMIT where she is studying a Bachelor of Interior Design
(Hons) and continues to play night competition tennis each week where her team just won the season
in the K.D.N.T.A Section 1 League. For Stefanie, her most memorable moments at school centred around
the musicals, creative arts festivals and sports team. As she recalls, "I met so many people outside the
normal classroom environment, many of whom are still firm friends".

Super Coaches Inspiring today for tomorrow 9

Award For the first time in eleven
WINNING years Avila College qualified for
the Schoolaerobics™ National
Moves Championships on the Gold Coast
and brought home the silver medal!
Avila College Aerobics | Silver Medallists

Following months of early morning trainings twice a week together with coach
Naomi Linossier (Class of 2013), Avila College's S&P successfully qualified for the
Schoolaerobics™ National Championships. The team of Year 9, 10 and 12 students
were marked on their creativity and artistic interpretation, together with their
technical skills including execution of moves, synchronisation and showmanship.

Competing against over 100 school teams from across Australia, S&P's final
routine proved to be medal-worthy and they were thrilled to secure silver in the
Stage 2 Senior Division of the championships. Congratulations to sisters Angelica
Rigopoulos and Christine Rigopoulos who together with Logan Sharrock, Sarah
Loughnan, Jenna Di Gregorio, Oneisha Talarico, Taneisha Thom and Ally Redlich
dazzled the judges with their jumping jacks, high leg kicks and straddle sits.

10 Inspiring today for tomorrow Award Winning Moves

MARY
SAUNDERS

Former Teacher | Music Department

"Music is not only important at Avila but for everyone for life. Music is a
gift that develops a sense of worth, pride, self discipline and most of all
enjoyment. To hear students tell me that the Avila music school was their
haven, where they felt valued and safe and felt they belonged says it all."

Music is an integral and vital part of the Avila tra- Mary remains incredibly proud of her students
dition. With over twenty ensembles, bands, choirs and is "honoured to remain in contact with many."
and orchestras, the music department brings She taught Roxane Lascaris, Avila's current Music
rhythm and vibrancy to daily College life. Co-ordinator, from Year 10 as well as Rebecca
Cetrola and believes that "so many students have
Former teacher Mrs Mary Saunders is passionate made significant contributions to the culture and
about music education and was instrumental in vibrancy of the music department."
establishing the Music department at Avila.
In 2001, Mary was invited to join the VCAA to
Mary started her Avila career in 1987 and worked "establish curricula from Prep to 12, vet VCE exams
tirelessly to develop the music school through a and support teachers in all Arts areas." Upon
combination of hard work, dedication and flair. retirement, Mary formed a 100 Voice Women’s Choir
Her first priority was instruments. As Mary at Holy Family Parish and a String Quartet of former
explains, "I hired instruments from schools in the students who performed at events and is now the
area, formed a Friends of Avila Music Committee proud grandmother of three - "such a blessing."
who did some fundraising and was lucky enough
to secure donated instruments from a Women’s Mary reflects on her time at Avila with fondness,
Band which had folded." "I loved every minute. It was a most inclusive, warm
and supportive environment where everyone felt
By mid-year Avila had launched a 50 piece valued for whom they are. To watch students
Orchestra after an intensive Music Orchestra develop such a pride in their achievements and in
Camp - the first of its kind. Mary also set up Avila's their school was always enriching. They would
much-loved annual Creative Arts Festival, the often start an instrument in Year 7 and be nurtured
inaugural Music Festival and introduced numerous and encouraged to perform at a most acceptable
groups including the String Orchestra, Flute level and belong to a Group who performed like
Ensembles, Stage Band, String Quartet, Percussion ‘professionals’!"
Ensemble, Madrigal Group and Special Choir.
"May God continue to bless this College with the
By the time she departed fifteen years later, Avila ‘Gift of Music’ which remains in the heart forever."
had a proud and competent 130 piece orchestra
performing the most challenging and exciting
repertoire, a tradition that continues today.

Mary Saunders Inspiring today for tomorrow 11

All Shook UP

The all singing, all dancing, musical spectacular

This year's all singing, all dancing, spectacular,
was the Elvis inspired jukebox musical comedy
'All Shook Up'. Proving to be a roaring success, the
Avila-Mazenod production received accolades on
the professional cast performances, brilliant set

design and 50's inspired costuming. The fun-
loving, comic storyline packed the theatre with
audiences treated to an infectious high-energy,

toe-tapping, roller-coaster ride of fun.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANITA MANDARINO & JONATHAN YONG
AWARDED 2018 HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR LEAD PERFORMANCES
12 Inspiring today for tomorrow All Shook Up

Don’t
miss
Avila’s
2019
Musical
‘Seussical’

> July 17-20

Mary Poppins Inspiring today for tomorrow 13

The
BETTER
World
Project

Emma White Yr 7

In the Better World Project, we had
to ask ourselves “what could make
the world a better place by the
time we are 30?”

Earlier this year, Avila's Year 7 students were involved
in a new enquiry learning initiative, The Better World
Project. We spent two weeks researching social and
environmental factors that will affect our future,
collaborating, compromising, designing and letting
our creative minds run free. Using data, graphs and
other materials, we put together posters which were
then presented to teachers and our parents. They
were so impressed at the knowledge we had gained
in just two weeks! We spoke about everything from
solar electric cars and gender equity to water
management and medical research. There were so
many creative ideas and such diverse topics.

Personally, I had such a good time and learnt so
much. In each class, there were three groups, which
were split into even smaller working groups. Each
small group had a subtopic. My topic was transport,
under our group subject of sustainability.

Our group worked really well together and I was able
to bond with girls who I now consider to be close
friends. I asked Mrs Kingston the Year 7 Co-ordinator,
why the Better World Project is being introduced to
the Year 7 students of Avila, Mrs Kingston told me:
“The world is changing quickly and this generation is

14 Inspiring today for tomorrow The Better World Project

going to have to solve a lot of problems like climate change and building greener Designed by Avila
cities. The Better World Project is about letting students think creatively and teachers, the Better
positively about how to make their world a better place. The ideas that Year 7 World Project is a
students came up with about the future gives us all hope for future generations.” unique cross-curricular
I think that what Mrs Kingston said about us making the world a better place is learning program that
very inspiring. One day we will be able to influence our future, so this could be encourages peer
the practice we need to have a positive impact on our world big or small. I think learning and an
the project was a great opportunity for everyone. It was a time where everyone's opportunity to think
opinion mattered and everyone had something to do. It also gave us hope and deeply about the world
confidence for the future. we live through
collaborative research,
I love the way the project turned out - this is the first year it has been run - and investigation and
I am especially grateful to our parents who came to watch our presentations and analysis. With an
the mentor teachers who made it all possible. emphasis on a positive
future, it contains a
strong social justice
and sustainability
component.

Ms Klara Baka
Director of Learning
and Teaching

WATCH
THE
BETTER
WORLD
PROJECT
VIDEO

The Better World Project Inspiring today for tomorrow 15

The WRITE Stuff

The Quill & Ink Guild offers aspiring writers a platform to
embrace their imagination and authorpreneurship

Beatrice van Rest Yr 10

16 Inspiring today for tomorrow The Write Stuff

READ THE CURIOUS
MINDS PROJECT

A new group entered the scene at Avila this year, made up of girls
who were determined to leave footprints on many aspects of Avila life.
The Quill & Ink Writers Guild was set up to provide a space for
writers to release their creative juices.

Beatrice van Rest Yr 10

Over the course of the year we creative ideas. A selected group of picture book made up of two
launched and contributed to several girls were able to compete in the unique stories written and illustrated
initiatives including an internal Avila Write A Book In A Day contest, in by members of Quill & Ink. Faith
Anthology known by the name, ‘The which they spent exactly 12 hours Chung, Beatrice van Rest, Mia Loh,
Curious Minds Project'; took part in a planning, writing, drawing and Charlotte Kuek and Mieke de Vries
number of events and competitions; creating an entire book whilst being are all to be congratulated on their
and utilised our writing skills to confined to set parameters. The outstanding work. Copies of the
contribute to the school newsletter. money raised by competitors in this book were distributed to visitors at
Australia-wide competition was Open Mornings, the primary school
Members of Quill & Ink had the donated to the Kids’ Cancer Project students on Primary School Day
opportunity to attend Girls Write Up and the winners of the competition and the Grade 4 Holy Family
Day in Melbourne, and in partner- had their books distributed to students on the day of the launch.
ship with Book Club, spent a day at children’s hospitals. It was certainly a successful
the Melbourne Writers Festival. showcase of Avila talent.
These particular events offered The highlight of the year was the
insights in the world of writing, internal Discover Avila competition, It has been a memorable year, but
interpreting and formulating which led to the publication of a there is much more to come!

The Write Stuff Inspiring today for tomorrow 17

18 Inspiring today for tomorrow Italy Tour

Buongiorno.
We’ve ARRIVED

It took just 300 pizzas, 19 days, 9 cities, 5 plane Italy Study Tour
trips, 3 teachers and 1 tour guide with a Brazilian September 2018
Flag for 16 students to be immersed in the Italian
culture for an incredible international study tour
that celebrated language, culture and food.

With early days, late nights and creamy ricotta tomato sauce. We Discovery List
many scoops of gelato, we trod visited the Uffizi and Accademia
the cobblestone paths of Rome Galleries to view masterpieces, > Papal audience
into the Vatican City, where we including Michelangelo’s statue St Peter's Square > Ruins of
were fortunate enough to sit of David. Exhaustion set in as
within the Papal audience in we sluggishly crossed Ponte Pompeii > Isle of Capri
St. Peter’s Square. Vecchio and climbed the many > Medieval city of Siena
stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo. > Leaning Tower of Piza
Blessed with the late summer > Language classes, Prato
sun, we explored the historical After Florence, a visit to Verona > Sorbet in Siena > Stairs to
site of Pompeii. We were was in order. Many of us
assailed by the fragrant aroma received luck as we touched the Pizzale Michelangelo
of lemons in Sorrento and statue of Juliet and viewed her > Florence sunset
travelled by ferry to the island ever-so-popular balcony, along
of Capri to discover stunning with love locks and letters. > Juliet's balcony, Verona
views of Campania’s seas, > Gondola ride Venice
vegetation and rocky beaches. A cool breeze brought us to our
final destination, Venice. In the
The medieval city of Siena, city surrounded by water, canals
home of the Palio was a brief and bridges we were treated to
interlude on our way to Prato, a breathtaking glass-blowing
where we attended Italian demonstration in Murano and
language classes, conversed to the vivid colours of the
with high school students and houses in Burano. Many of us
experienced a typical Italian rushed to get gifts for our
school day like the locals. family, as before we knew it, the
time had come to depart Italy.
Whilst climbing the worn steps
of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, we Together, we gained a cultural,
stopped to view the rolling historical and linguistic
green hills of Tuscany. The city experience we will remember
of Florence greeted us with a forever. Dana Tomljanovic and
flavourful bowl of farfalle with a Selina Pettit Yr 11

Italy Tour Inspiring today for tomorrow 19

Aghort | A rare
offering in the CITY

20 Inspiring today for tomorrow Aghort | A Rare Offering in the City

We have something very rare at Avila; the chance to be
hands-on with nature through the Agriculture and Horti-
culture Centre. Our organic food gardens, chicken raising
and animal husbandry classes give students the opportuni-
ty to study living biology in their own college environment.

As one of Avila's science stream subject choices, our happy free range chickens; each interaction in the
studies in the AgHort centre delve into a range of AgHort Centre provides a powerful learning experience.
environmental science issues including sustainability,
food and ethics. Students also get the chance to branch The highlight this year for many students has been
out into economics, commerce and marketing by the animal husbandry sessions where we tended to
promoting and managing the 'egg'-cellent produce from the resident stick insects (which Avila breed and are
our chicken coop and have demonstrated innovative specific only to this region of Melbourne) as well as
entrepreneurial skills in the process. turtles, chickens and bearded dragons. Classes have
also visited local farms to better understand how to
It is this multi-faceted approach together with the tag piglets, groom horses, milk goats and trim sheep
appeal of a living classroom in a natural garden hooves. It really is learning in action as we discover our
environment that has made our Aghort classes such natural world and how students can have an impact on
a popular subject choice. Whether it is studying plant this environment today and tomorrow.
microbiology and cell life, growing vegetables and Lauren Brody Aghort / Biology Teacher
herbs, managing the hydroponic system or tending to

‘VCE students managed the College’s hydroponics
system and reared chickens for eggs. Through
this, they developed their entrepreneurial skills by
selling products to make a profit (and quite a
profit at that.…whoever said there was no such
thing as a money tree!)’

Aghort | A Rare Offering in the City Inspiring today for tomorrow 21

ALUMNAE ‘Avila as an
institution had
Worn by Jennifer Lopez, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer
a significant Hawkins and the Kardashians, stocked worldwide
influence on me. and commanding over 400,000 Instagram
followers, the MISHA Collection is a global
Moving from fashion success. Founded and directed by Michelle
another school Aznavorian, who was recognised as the 2017 Ernst
to Avila in Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Emerging
Category), the brand is growing rapidly and
9, the quality setting the international fashion scene alight.
of teaching, the
environment and What does a typical day look like for Michelle Aznavorian?
the education I
received had a I’m in the MISHA Collection office, having meetings with my
large impact on team and external agencies, working on everything from
the successes I designs, fits, buys and production to sales and marketing.
It’s very busy and fast paced, but lots of fun!
have today.’
What has been your professional highlight?
Left | Michelle at head office
Melbourne. Bringing Bella Hadid to Australia for Fashion Week to walk
in the MISHA Collection show. And winning an Ernst &
Top | Catwalk at Young 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Australia Right | 2018
MISHA Collection Spending time with family and friends, travelling and
watching movies.

Do you still keep in touch with your Avila network?

Yes, definitely! Many of my closest friends are from Avila.

What advice would you give to Avila students who are
interested in pursuing a career in fashion?

Focus on creative subjects at school, and do your research
on tertiary fashion courses. We’re very lucky in Melbourne
to have many great options to study fashion after high
school, be it a short course or a degree, so find the course
that suits you best.

22 Inspiring today for tomorrow Michelle Aznavorian

MICHELLE AZNAVORIAN
Creative Director | MISHA Collection
Michelle Aznavorian Inspiring today for tomorrow 23

ALUMNAE A love of languages and passion for social ‘I love coming to work
justice has taken Gabrielle Bourke each day and being part
around the globe and she is now
of an organisation that
applying her skills and experience to a contributes positive
strategic international development role.
change in the lives of
GABRIELLE vulnerable children and
BOURKE
their communities.’
Field Advisor | World Vision Australia

Right: Gabrielle (5th
from right) in rural
Zambia. Left: World
Vision fundraising
event, 6K for Water

What were your pathways after graduation? I also undertook a research project on women’s
leadership in the Australian non-profit sector, for
I took a gap year after finishing Year 12 and spent which I was awarded the ‘Excellence Award for
almost nine months abroad, volunteering for local International Research Project’. After completing
non-government organisations (NGO) and travelling my degree, I travelled in Europe, before returning
in Cambodia, India and Nicaragua. My work involved to Australia. I began working with Jean Hailes for
supporting education and leadership opportunities Women’s Health, assisting their education and
among children and young adults. community outreach programs.

I returned to Australia to study a Bachelor of Arts I now work with World Vision - a dream workplace
(International Studies) at RMIT University. It was a for me - as a Field Advisor for the Program Resources
fantastic course that empowered me to think critically team – working with our field offices across Africa,
and creatively about global challenges of poverty, the Middle East and the Pacific to ensure best-
inequality and injustice. I focused on international practice integration of in-kind resource donations.
development and women’s empowerment, and We partner with Australian businesses and NGO's
also completed a Diploma of Languages. In my final to send resources (medical supplies, wheelchairs,
year, I undertook an internship in Colombia, and education resources, solar panels, water tanks) to
worked with a local NGO to support education, World Vision-supported communities, and my role
youth leadership and social enterprise among is to ensure these resources are well-integrated to
Afro-Colombian communities. support our programming.

Most memorable moments at Avila?

So many moments! My favourite memories are those
spent with friends, forging lifelong connections with
girls who have taken many different paths.

24 Inspiring today for tomorrow Gabrielle Bourke

I remember having a fantastic time at Orchestra Was there a teacher or student who had a
camps, performing in Creative Arts, and attending significant impact on your life?
the Year 7 camp as a Year 10 Peer Support Leader.
Year 12 was also a highlight – whilst there was a lot So many teachers have influenced the path I have
of pressure, our teachers were incredibly supportive taken in life. Mrs Wright, from my International
and it was also a time of great joy and excitement. Studies class, always inspired and encouraged me
to think critically about our world. Ms Griggs, my
Current hobbies, interests and passions? Year 12 Literature teacher, instilled in me a greater
self-confidence and love of writing. Ms Lascaris
Music continues to be an important part of my life. and Miss Cetrola were endlessly encouraging and
I play piano, am learning guitar, and teach music in supportive of my musical pursuits.
my spare time. I love to travel and explore new
countries and cultures – my favourite experiences Mrs Catanzariti inspired a love of languages that
have been in Turkey, Colombia and Spain, although led me to study Spanish and French at university
I am keen to explore more of South America and (which I now use in my work with World Vision!)
Northern Europe. I am fortunate that my role with Mrs Valladares, through her support of the
World Vision allows me to travel and see the Reconciliation and Social Justice groups, alighted
impact of our work in the field. my passion for advocating change in pursuit of
justice and equality.
I am passionate about ending extreme poverty,
addressing structural inequality and injustice, and And finally, my Year 12 Homeroom teacher,
empowering women and girls to access their rights Mr Kennedy, was incredibly kind and supportive
and freedoms. I am particularly passionate about during our final school year. I wish there was space
girls’ education and addressing the barriers that to continue – there were so many teachers at Avila
see 130 million girls worldwide denied their right who inspired me to work hard and pursue my
to be educated and empowered for their future. dreams.

Gabrielle Bourke Inspiring today for tomorrow 25

ALUMNAE

SANTINA PONTE

Fashion Designer | 'Santina-Nicole' Label

Santina and her 2018 Private Label Collection

26 Inspiring today for tomorrow Santina Ponte

Just over two years ago, Santina Fashion Week New York
Ponte launched her own Santina-Nicole debut
fashion label, Santina-Nicole.
Characterised by crisp lines, What are your favourite moments and
architectural shapes and memories from Avila?
impeccable tailoring, her
collections have been embraced The most memorable moments were
by fashion lovers and celebrities meeting my lifelong friends, and being
alike. The brand debuted at the Art Captain in Year 12 which
New York Fashion Week earlier allowed me to organise The Grad Show
this year and Santina is rapidly parade which was a lot of fun!
building a reputation for
timeless and elegant design. What are your current hobbies,
interestsand passions?
What was the pathway you took after
graduating from Avila? I am so passionate about fashion and
interior design, and when I get time
Having done Design Tech in Year 12, for myself I enjoy baking and kayaking!
my folio was an important asset when
entering my Fashion Design course. Was there a teacher or student who
Everything I learnt in that subject had a significant impact on your life?
throughout my years was the founda-
tion that ultimately paved my career. There were two teachers during my
After I left Avila I studied Fashion time at Avila that particularly stood out.
Design & Technology at Kangan
Institute, and I also went on to study Ms Jenny Dunn- Years 11 and 12 were
Event Management. naturally stressful when figuring out
your career path and I felt Ms Dunn
After years of study and working in this better prepared us for ’the real world’
field I finally felt ready to launch a with her advice, guidance and continu-
longtime dream of starting my own al support.
fashion label and in 2016 Santina-
Nicole was born. Mrs Lisa Walsh- what a gem! Her
patient and kind personality made
It has been a lot of hard work and Design Tech classes a joy. I learnt a lot
devotion but I am grateful for this in her classes which evidently impacted
opportunity and the experiences and my career.
lessons this journey has taught me so far.
Do you still keep in contact with other
The biggest highlight is seeing Avila students?
Santina-Nicole worn by celebrities and
various tv presenters/hosts across I sure do, my bestfriends today are the
Australia and America. More recently girls I met in my early years at Avila.
Santina-Nicole debuted at New York
Fashion Week in September which was
an unforgettable experience.

Santa Ponte Inspiring today for tomorrow 27

ALUMNAE

CLARE MANNING
Avila Teacher | Year 12 Co-ordinator
photo: From the 1988 Avila-Mazenod musical "West Side Story", I was in Year12 and played 'Anita'.

‘The joy of Year 12 Co-ordinator Clare Manning graduated from Avila in 1988.
finding a career Following tertiary study, Clare returned in a teaching role, and continues

where I got to to share her passion for the Indonesian language and culture.
use my linguistic
Favourite memories as a student? I loved debating and public speaking,
and literary music and the Avila-Mazenod musicals.
skills, engage My favourite memories of being a My trip to Bali with the first ever Avila
with intelligent student at Avila was the fun and talking tour to Indonesia when I was in Year
and thought- too much. Avila was always (and still 10 began a life-long love for the place,
provoking young is) a dynamic environment, especially the culture and the people (thanks
people and get if you got involved. The "girls can do Claudine Ryan!). I was also lucky to have
anything" idea was still fledgling in the been taught by inspiring scholars like
paid for it is wider community, but it was already Anne Vadiveloo, who showed me that
wonderful.’ firmly ingrained at Avila. We were academia was exciting.
encouraged to dream big, think deeply
and be whatever we wanted to be.

28 Inspiring today for tomorrow Clare Manning

What pathways did you take after graduating from Avila?

I had no idea what career I wanted to do beyond going to university. I com-
pleted a Bachelor of Arts, with Honours in Literature. Still unsure of a clear
path, I did a Dip Ed (Secondary) at ACU and found my calling. I was lucky
enough to gain a position (ironically back at Avila) as a maternity leave re-
placement, and have been here ever since. I teach Indonesian, English and RE,
but over my time have turned my hand to Music (I was terrible!) and General
Studies too. I have run the Duke of Edinburgh and Access Asia programs,
been Camps Co-ordinator, then spent many years as Languages Co-ordinator
before branching into my current role as Year 12 Co-ordinator, which I love.

As the Year 12 Coordinator you are working
with students about to graduate. How do
you believe Avila prepares them for their
next step in life?

My current role as Year 12 Co-ordinator is Clare, Matt and the boys in July when they sailed through
the most fulfilling, challenging, fun and Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia
exhausting one I have ever done. Being able
to help senior students navigate often the
most stressful year of their schooling is
a great privilege. Watching them manage,
grow, find their own measure for success
and eventually leave ready to take on the
world and show them what an Avila girl
can do is priceless.

What has remained the same at Avila and what is different now?

Life at Avila retains the same strengths it had as when I was a student - a ‘The two most
place where you are seen as an individual, where you can be pushed but enjoyable aspects of
supported at the same time. The facilities are so much better though! What working at Avila are
was my Year 12 Music classroom (indeed was the entire 'music school'), is now simple:
the Year 12 Common Room! Today's students should be glad they don't have
to have assemblies outside sitting on the asphalt in rain and heat. And our 1. the very special
'gym' was a concrete, uneven netball court. But the true spirit of the place, in people: my wonderful
the staff and students, is the same. It's why I'm still here. colleagues and our
inspiring students
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
2. the atmosphere
I'm now married (my husband, Matt is the Head of Biology at Scotch College), of a place that is
with two sons, aged 17 and 13, and am a crazy cat lady to my cat, Luna. I love nurturing but
travel, reading and music, especially jazz. I love escaping to the country to empowering for us
disconnect and recharge. all.’

Clare Manning Inspiring today for tomorrow 29

ALUMNAE JADE
CASEMORE

Musician

Can you tell us a bit about your music career? Jade with Avila 2018 Fire Carriers
Caterina Abell and Natasha Palamara
I’ve been singing now for about 14 years and it’s
always something I’ve loved. After graduation I was connected to my Aboriginal culture at school as it
torn between choosing a “real” career or studying could be a little difficult sometimes having lighter
something I enjoyed and I’m so glad I chose music. skin. Her support has continued on even after
At university I got to try out different aspects of a leaving Avila.
music career and was able to perform all the time
which I loved. I write and make my own music and Where to from here?
have been playing a few acoustic gigs, but I would
love to get a band together as well. The future is still quite a frightening concept for
me because I still don’t really know what’s in
Pathways after graduating from Avila? store. I want to travel, see more of the world and
continue with music even if it’s not full time. I’m
I studied for a Bachelor of Arts, Music at thinking about doing a short music production
The Australian College of the Arts (Collarts). course to learn more about making my own music
I graduated at the beginning of this year and have because that’s what I love to do.
been working in medical reception and playing
gigs wherever I can. What was it like to return to Avila this year?

Favourite memories from your time at Avila? When I came back for Reconciliation Week this
year, it was the first time I had been back to
The Santa Teresa Immersion. It was such an Avila since I graduated. Everything looked a little
amazing experience to be so welcomed into the different but still felt exactly the same. I was really
Santa Teresa community and it will stay with me shocked at the number of people who turned
forever. up to watch me sing but it made me feel so
welcomed and I had such a fun time performing.
What were your favourite subjects at school?

Definitely the more creative ones...photography and
music...although I did actually enjoy maths too.

Influential Teachers?

Mrs Benton! She took me under her wing very
early on in my Avila life and it was great to have
her guidance. She always made sure that I was

30 Inspiring today for tomorrow Jade Casemore

JESSICA
VAN SON

Secretariat | APMN

What were your pathways after Avila? Jessica at the United Nations

After graduation I travelled around Australia for I literally fell into a dream job with international
six months with 3 friends. It was the best time of travel, the year after uni. However I was 27 at the time
my life and taught me so much about and it took time to build myself up. My travel and
independence. The following year I took on a work experience was paramount to my ability to jump
Project Officer role at the Reach Foundation, in and take on a big role across the Asia Pacific.
which turned into a project manager role by the Most memorable moments from school?
time I was 21. I loved Reach, and it taught me to I was a massive drama, food and sports lover, so
trust my instincts and follow my bliss, so I went always in drama class and on the stage with Mr
off to work and travel for three and half years in Cash, getting creative in Food Tech rooms, and
Europe, North America and Asia. It was only then I playing in every single sporting team I could.
knew I wanted a career that made a positive Current Hobbies, interests and passions?
difference in the world, which led me to study Music, languages, being active and adventurous
international development when I got home. outdoors, travelling, food and wine, meeting new
people, and doing things that align with my
Half way through I swapped to International humanitarian values and make my heart sing.
Relations (a nervous but great decision). After Influential Teacher at Avila?
graduating I took one internship at a climate I really loved Ms Dunn. She was such a level
change think tank, and then one at the Red Cross headed woman who spoke to us with respect and
on regional migration. This led me to a part time always had a laugh. She was so intelligent but
role, to a contract, and for the last three and a played it all very cool, and knew just the right way
half years I have been the Secretariat of the Asia to connect with a bunch of teenage girls.
Pacific Migration Network (APMN), the network of
35 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies
in the Asia Pacific working to support the
humanitarian needs of migrants.

I was lucky enough to start the role when the
APMN was fledgling, and now, with the support of
the APMN co-chairs Australian Red Cross and
Maldivian Red Crescent, we have grown the APMN
to influence regional policy on migration, work
with governments, conduct information and
knowledge sharing, peer to peer learning,
research and mapping amongst a whole range of
other activities.

Jessica Van Son Inspiring today for tomorrow 31

ALUMNAE

JESS PERKINS

Comedian | Radio Personality

Jess with Do Go On co-hosts Dave Warneke and Matt Stewart

Triple J host, podcaster and stand up comedian Jess Perkins has forged a dynamic
career on the air and stage and just toured the UK with her Do Go On show.

Can you tell us a little about your flourishing I started doing stand up comedy not long
career in comedy and radio and the steps after and made it to the National Finals of
you took after graduating from Avila? the RAW Comedy Competition, which is part
of the Melbourne International Comedy
After graduating, I studied Media and Festival. Now I host a comedy podcast called
Communications at Deakin University, then Do Go On and we’ve just come back from a
started volunteering at SYN youth radio tour of the UK. I also work as a presenter on
station, and I also completed a short course Triple J, which is a dream come true. I’m lucky
at the Melbourne Radio School. Everything that I get to do a range of creative projects.
else kind of fell into place from there!

32 Inspiring today for tomorrow Jess Perkins

Left | Triple J studios What are your most memorable moments
Right | 30 Year or favourite Avila memories?
Comedy Festival Promo
Jimeon, Rod Quantock, My favourite time of year was always Creative Arts!
Jess Perkins, Anne That’s where I first discovered my love for
Edmonds and Frank performing, plus it was always so much fun to work
Woodley on making something and getting to perform it.

What are you current interest or passions?

I’m lucky that I get to do the things I’m passionate
about for a living. I love comedy and radio. I think
it’s really helpful to do other activities as well to
help expand creative work. So I like to read, play
music, exercise and travel.

Was there a teacher or student at Avila who had a
significant impact on your life?

There were a few! Ms Gleeson was a brilliant teacher
and Principal who supported and encouraged all of
her students. Mrs Boston pushed us in English class
and had a wicked sense of humour.

But of course, Mr Cash!

He helped me push myself, encouraged me and
helped me to reach my potential.

Do you still keep in contact with Avila students?

I do, particularly two of my best friends, Linny
Picone and Kristy Gard (née Benchik). Kristy got
married in October 2018 and I was her maid of honour.

I met a lot of wonderful girls at school, and it’s
been really lovely to continue to grow up together
after leaving school.

Jess Perkins Inspiring today for tomorrow 33

ALUMNAE

SINEAD COULTER

2017 Avila College Captain | Communication Design Student | Intern at Oaktree

In 2017 College Captain Sinead Coulter inspired the school community
to "Journey with Us". We asked Sinead to share a little of her own journey
beyond the Charles Street gates.

‘I am to be able What have you been doing in the year Besides the work and university study
to look back on since you graduated from Avila? components of the year, I have become
my years at Avila heavily involved with an organisation
and genuinely It honestly feels like yesterday I was called Lord Somers Camp and
say I felt loved, delivering my final speech at Powerhouse. This involves attending
graduation so it’s odd to reflect back many weekend camps throughout the
supported, on a whole year out of high school! year where I volunteer and help to
inspired by those facilitate an upbeat and welcoming
I have completed my first year of a environment for various members
around me and Bachelor of Communication Design of our wider-community; this could
appreciated for course at Billy Blue College of Design. include people with mental/physical
On top of this, I was fortunate enough disabilities, children suffering with life
every unique to be offered a Graphic Design threatening illness’, young people from
component of my internship at Oaktree; an organisation refugee or new migrant backgrounds,
that influences a diverse group of and families affected by drug or
being.’ young Australians to create a more just substance abuse.
world! This is something I’m super
passionate about, so being able to It is such a rewarding organisation to
combine my future profession with this be a part of and the experiences and
passion is an absolute blessing! I have memories I’ve made along the way are
also been working as a Barista in a absolutely priceless.
cafe and as a Pharmacy Assistant.

34 Inspiring today for tomorrow Sinead Coulter

How did Avila help prepare you for your tertiary that were thrown my way like confetti! The
studies and career pathways? constant smiles, support chats, encouragement
and all the love given from the younger year
When I reflect back, I honestly think my teachers levels, my own year level, and all the staff are acts
and the support staff must have known what the of kindness that forever hold a place in my heart.
future held for me because every ounce of advice
and guidance they gave me has been relevant. I can never truly put into words how grateful I am
to be able to look back on my years at Avila and
My year level were (and definitely still are!) some genuinely say I felt loved, supported, inspired by
of the most strong-minded and inspiring woman those around me and appreciated for every
I’ve ever met, and attending a school like Avila, unique component of my being.
with such a strong belief in empowering woman,
prepared me to consistently work towards being What are you looking forward to in the future?
my best self. At Avila, every opinion I had and
every direction I planned to go in was supported I’m looking forward to having absolutely no idea
and facilitated. In the real world, it isn’t always what the future holds! At Avila, every day was
the case… so Avila definitely prepared me to stay different. Something new was thrown your way
strong to my morals, values and goals/visions. and with my captaincy role, each and every day
threw a hurdle I didn’t expect. That is the same
Fondest memories of your time at Avila? now with life after school. I’m excited to embrace
whatever I will experience and to share that with
Beyond the incredible memories of events such all the amazing woman I was fortunate enough to
as Avila Day, Celebration Day and Graduation, my journey with throughout my years at Avila College.
fondest memories lie in the small acts of kindness

Sinead Coulter Inspiring today for tomorrow 35

FIONA BROWNFOOT
Scientist | Specialist Obstetrician

With a thriving private practice and public
consulting role at The Mercy Hospital for
Women together with a senior lecturing
and research position at the University of
Melbourne, Dr Fiona Brownfoot is
passionate about positive patient outcomes
and exploring medical innovations that can
improve the lives of mothers and babies.

After graduating from Avila I completed medicine,
specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology and
obtained a laboratory based PhD. I am now a staff
specialist at the Mercy Hospital for Women and a
Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne.
I really love the fusion of being at the cutting
edge of science and developing treatments to
improve outcomes and caring for patients with
normal and more complicated pregnancies.

It was during my years at Avila that I developed
a passion for maths and science. Inspiring
teachers including Mrs Sullivan, Mrs Gammer
and Mrs Woods taught me the intricacies of
maths and science and Mrs Vadi taught me the
importance of literature. It was their enthusiasm
that sparked my interest in a career in medicine

36 Inspiring today for tomorrow Fiona Brownfoot

as this brings together the biology of body systems, Fondest Avila memories?
the chemistry of medications and the physics of
diagnostics coupled with my interest in working I really enjoyed my time at Avila. I loved science
with people. and enjoyed mixing chemicals together in
experiments and seeing physics in the real world
During my clinical training I noticed there were very with the sound experiments we performed on the
few medical treatments for pregnancy complications. oval. I really enjoyed spending lunch time with my
This directed me to the Mercy where I completed a friends and they remain some of my closest
PhD. We identified two medications, safe in friends today. I was also involved in the debating
pregnancy, that could treat aspects of preeclampsia team and played tennis during my time at Avila.
in laboratory studies and have now partnered with a
team of incredible doctors in South Africa to see What advice would you give to Avila students
whether they might treat preeclampsia in the clinic. interested in a career in medicine or science?

I now have my own team within the Translational Follow your passion. Align yourself with like-
Obstetrics Group. We are focused on translating minded people with similar goals. Find inspiring
medical therapeutics for obstetric disease from the mentors. You really can do anything you want if
laboratory bench through to clinical trial. A new you put your mind to it!
research stream I am embarking on is medical device
development. It has been really exciting partnering What are you looking forward to in the future?
with physicists, biomedical engineers and scientists,
including Avila Alumni Associate Professor Suzanne I am really looking forward to building my obstetric
Miller (see page 40), to develop medical devices that practice and laboratory. When you are starting a
will hopefully reduce cerebral palsy and stillbirth. lab I think it is important to look where the
deficiencies are in your field. I think I have found
I feel so very lucky that I get to work in an area that my niche in marrying biomedical engineering and
I love, being an advocate for women, straddling cellular biology with obstetrics to develop treat-
clinical practice and molecular science. I chose to ments and diagnostics. I think this is where some
specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology as I felt it important discoveries will be made. I am also
had the perfect mix of surgery and medicine. really looking forward to building my clinical
Furthermore it is one of the only fields of medicine practice and teaching the next generation of
with generally really exciting, happy outcomes. obstetricians and scientists.

Perhaps the most interesting part of my career lies Don’t miss guest speaker
in the moment you realise you have made a Dr Fiona Brownfoot at Avila’s
discovery. There really is no greater exhilaration. 2019 International Women’s
The prospect that what you and your team have Day Influencer Breakfast.
found, may result in a treatment or diagnostic to
improve the lives of mothers and babies’, is really Details inside back cover.
very exciting.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Perhaps one of my greatest achievements was International
becoming a mum to our daughter Madeleine. Women's Day
She is a 2-year-old bundle of energy that brightens
our life. My other hobbies include running, tennis, Fiona Brownfoot
travelling and spending time with my husband,
family and friends.

Fiona Brownfoot Inspiring today for tomorrow 37

ALUMNAE RUBY
ROBERTSON

Musician and Songwriter | DACY

‘After signing to
Universal, my
brother and I
have both put
our university
study on hold
and are now

doing music full
time. We are

heading back to
the US in

January to
record and play
live for the US

record labels.’

Above | Ruby & Jack on tour
Right | 2018 Dacy promo

Tell us about your burgeoning music career!

I’ve always had a passion for music. From an early age myself and my brother Jack,
who attended Salesian College, both loved playing music together and writing
songs. We have been playing gigs around Melbourne as DACY for the past few
years. At the start of last year, a song that we wrote was played to a record label in
Sydney. A week later we were in Sydney showcasing our original works live for all
the major record labels. We were very fortunate to sign a record deal to EMI and
Universal Music and flew to Los Angeles to work with some amazing producers
and writers to further develop our work. We are currently recording and writing
our first album, which is looking to be released next year.

38 Inspiring today for tomorrow Ruby Robertson

What has been the highlight so far? I will forever be so thankful to Ms Lascaris who
had a passion for music that radiated through the
We were very fortunate last year to be the support entire school. No matter the time or day, she was
act for Pete Murray on his Australia tour. Playing at always there for a chat about music or to help
the Forum in Melbourne and the Enmore Theatre me in any way I needed. She taught me not just
in Sydney was such a surreal experience for us about music and song craft, but gave me a sense
but has been such a highlight. of confidence in my ability and inspired me in so
many ways.
What were the pathways you took after graduating
from Avila? During my time at Avila I was also very involved
in the art department, studying product design
After graduating at Avila, I completed a Bachelor and Vis Com. Mrs Walsh was another teacher who
of Science, majoring in Osteopathy. I didn’t helped shape me and my future. Whilst I didn't
formally study music after school, but was always go on to study fashion or design, Mrs Walsh was
writing and performing at any opportunity I could. someone who always supported me through my
studies and inspired me to love what I did.
Our dad is a record producer and has a studio
in the house, so growing up we were always Where to from here?
surrounded by music. Whilst studying, I would help
write for TV shows that dad was working on, or sing After signing to Universal, my brother and I have
backing vocals on records he was producing. both put our university study on hold and are
now doing music full time. We are heading back to
Best Avila memories? the U.S. in January to record and play live for the
American record labels.
I spent most of my mornings before school and
lunch times in the music school, playing and What advice would you give to Avila students who
singing in various groups. Being Music Vice Captain are interested in a career in music or the arts?
in Year 12 allowed me to share my love for music
with my year level and the school. The Creative Arts I think the biggest advice I could give is that if
festivals were always my favourite time of year. you really have a passion for something, take any
opportunities that come your way and go for it!
What were your favourite subjects at school?
We spent so many hours busking, emailing venues
I studied both science and creative subjects and and companies when we first started out asking
loved music, in particular the Year 10 Song Writing if we could come in and play for them, and saying
subject with Ms Lascaris, which was instrumental yes to any opportunities that came our way to
in my development and understanding of play in front of people.
songwriting. My other favourite subject was
Product Design and Technology with Mrs Walsh.

Were there any teachers or students who have had a
significant impact on your life?

Avila always gave me an underlying belief in
myself that anything was possible if I worked hard
enough to achieve my dreams.

I was so lucky to have such amazing teachers, who
all, in their own ways, gave me the confidence to
believe I could achieve my goals.

Ruby Robertson Inspiring today for tomorrow 39

ALUMNAE Favourite memories from Avila?

Looking back, Avila provided the
foundation for me in a number of areas
- I loved learning, I loved playing sport,
and I loved being with my friends.

All of these things remain really
important to me today, together
with my family (husband Adrian, and
children Joseph, Hannah (current
Avila student) and Sam). I particularly
enjoyed maths and science at school,
and there was never a time I thought
maths and science weren’t for girls!

SUZANNE
MILLER
Interests and passions?

Neurodevelopmental I am passionate about the work that I
Physiologist do. My aim is to develop treatments to
reduce the incidence and severity of

Left: Adrian and myself at cerebral palsy and other neurological
Cambridge University
problems that originate in fetal and
‘My aim is
to develop What were your educational/career neonatal life. There is currently no cure
treatments pathways after graduating from Avila? for cerebral palsy, despite this condition
to reduce the being the most common disability in
incidence and Bachelor of Science with Honours childhood. Cerebral palsy is caused
severity of (1992), Research Assistant with Faculty of by damage to the developing brain,
cerebral palsy Pharmacy at Monash University (1993), either in the fetus during pregnancy
and other Research Assistant at GSK (1994), PhD or around the time of birth. I have a
neurological in Medicine (1999), Postdoctoral Fellow large group who are looking at targeted
problems that at University College London (1999- treatments during pregnancy or for the
originate in fetal 2001), Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at infant, including the use of umbilical
and neonatal Monash University (2001-2015), and then cord blood stem cells to restore normal
Associate Professor and Group Leader in brain development. Many of the people
life.’ Neurodevelopment and Neuroprotection, that I work with are based overseas, so
The Ritchie Centre (2015-current). I get to travel a lot for my work, which

The Ritchie Centre is Monash University’s is particularly great when I can take my

research translational centre working to family with me! Work keeps me busy,

improve the health of women, babies and otherwise I really just like to hang

and children. out with my family.

40 Inspiring today for tomorrow Suzanne Miller

ANNE
HALLY

Audio-Transcriptionist
| Tennis Administrator
| Scottish Country Dancer

Top left: 1978 in my school uniform
Top right: At Avila Whole School Reunion
Middle: Chair Umpire Paralympic Games

Bottom: With Mum in the cockpit

What was it like returning to Avila What are your interests and passions
after 40 years? outside of work?

It was great returning to Avila for the Tennis has always played a huge role ‘I remember
Alumnae Day. I take every opportunity I in my life, whether it be as a coach, tossing my
can to attend these events as I’m player, official or administrator. I’m friend's pencil
interested in how the school’s currently secretary at one club and case out of the
progressed since its formative days. Vice President at another club. Going music room
I feel very privileged to have been the to Sydney to umpire the Paralympic window and
second generation of students to pass Games was certainly a highlight of my seeing Sr
through the gates, graduating in 1978. tennis “career” and I now do a lot of Raymond pick
Lots of changes, which I’d have given work with players with an intellectual it up. Man, did
my eye teeth for! TWO gyms, a music disability. I have a lot of
area, a computer room. Certainly beats explaining to do.’
the muddy old oval I ran around, and When not on a tennis court, I’ll be
the old Remington typewriters I learnt indulging my love of travel or reading a
to type on. good book. I enjoy musical theatre,
having performed in many amateur
Can you tell us a little bit about your productions. I also enjoy plane
pathways after school. spotting and flying 737-800 simulators,
honing my piloting skills. I’ve recently
After leaving school, I entered the taken up Scottish Country Dancing,
finance world before returning to study which is kinder on ageing knees than
as a mature aged student, obtaining my the Highland Dancing I used to do
journalism degree via correspondence. many years ago.
This sounds positively archaic by
today’s standards with the internet at Most powerful influences at Avila?
our fingertips! Several career changes
have finally found me in the medical Miss Patricia Ryan was probably the
industry, now working for surgeons as teacher who had the most impact on
an audio-transcriptionist (a fancy name my life. She had a wonderful energy
for typing medico-legal reports). and passion for everything, was firm,
but fair.

Anne Hally Inspiring today for tomorrow 41

Whole Avila Alumnae Day | October 2018
School
Reunion Avila hosted the first whole school reunion this year with former students from
classes over the past 53 years revisiting the school, touring the campus and looking
through the archives display. The Gathering Space was filled with laughter, shrieks of
joy from alumnae reuniting and tales from the past!

42 Inspiring today for tomorrow Whole School Reunion

20 Year Reunion

> Class of 1998

Whole School Reunion Inspiring today for tomorrow 43

40 Year Reunion

> Class of 1978

Alumnae News

Do you have news or photos to share? We would love to hear!
Send through to [email protected]

Below: NYE 2019 - Alumnae from the 1976 and 1977 Graduating Classes welcomed in the new
year together. Right: Congratulations to Lauren Marandola (nee Pecora) from the Class of 2011
on her recent wedding to former Mazenod student Vince Marandola

44 Inspiring today for tomorrow Whole School Reunion

20201

Influencers
Breakfast
November 2018

Kala Gare

20201

International
Women’s Day
March 2018

Paolo Di Trocchio

In 2018 the College launched the Avila Influencers Breakfast Series, providing current students and alumnae an
opportunity to hear from former students who are making an impact in their chosen industry.

Top | Actress & Singer, Kala Gare and the student interview panel. Middle | NGV Fashion Curator, Paolo Di Trocchio addresses a full house

2019 International
Women’s Day

Friday 8 March | Avila Influencers Breakfast Series

Science, Medicine, Women & Babies

Guest Speaker

Scientist | Specialist Obstetrician

DR FIONA BROWNFOOT

Avila is proud to present our 2019 International Women's Day breakfast speaker, Specialist
Obstetrician, Scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, Dr Fiona Brownfoot.

Join us for this inspiring look into the world of medical research and clinical practice.
Time: 7.15-8.30am | Cost: $10 | Book via Avila College Facebook

AlumAvnialae
Reunion

Saturday
12 October

2019

Whole School Reunion

Follow us on Facebook @AvilaCollegeMelbourne

This is your chance to reconnect with your class buddies at the ultimate once-a-year Avila Reunion.
Wth classes reaching back 50 years, stories to tell and memories to rekindle, make sure you register

for this event. Follow us on Facebook for more details.