Avila College Connect 2019

Connect.
Edition 2019

Discover a
new way to tour

our college.

Pickup your Avila passport to embark on a journey of discovery.
Tour our college and have your personal passport stamped at all of our discovery points.

2020 Open Mornings Wed 18 March | Thurs 28 May | Fri 31 July | Fri 23 October
2020 Twilight Tours Tues 17 March | Wed 27 May | Thurs 30 July | Thurs 22 October

| Book at avila.vic.edu.au

CONTENTS WELCOME

WELCOME Avila College Principal | Dr Michelle Cotter

From the Principal 01 To "be a person of Avila" is a special thing. It means you are a
person of justice, compassion, vision, community, daring, faith
Our Catholic Identity 02 and action. These qualities have been stewarded by
generations of Avila students past. Strong, courageous and
Vale 04 aspirational women who continue to make a difference in the
world locally, globally, socially, personally and professionally.
Shining the Light 05 Today these Presentation and Gospel values still ring true for
how to live life well. Our students of 2020 respect and embrace
Female Leadership 06 these strong values and they are people for the new decade.
Avila people are needed across all walks of life, on all
Stamp your Passport 08 continents and in many languages. As role models, mentors,
friends and family. As people of faith, hope and love and as
Conversations 10 inspiration to others. We celebrate and recognise "our people"
because we share a common heritage. We share a rich spirit of
The Master Plan 12 optimism and a belief that anything is possible when we set
our minds, hearts, hands and feet to the task. Our current
Creative Arts Spectacular 14 students and our Alumnae will always have their Avila
experiences as a thread connecting them to us, and to each
French Study Tour 16 other. Now we have a new digital portal that can strengthen
these connections across different year cohorts, geographic
VCAL 18 locations and industry sectors. It is a simple yet powerful
digital solution to stay in touch and support each other.
Young Leaders Dinner 20 With a clear vision to continue to shape the world as Daughters
of the Church, we who hold in trust the tradition of Avila in 2020
Avila Alumnae Network 22 look forward to celebrating with you, Avila past, present and future.

OUR ALUMNAE 24 Dr Michelle Cotter | Principal
Michelle Andrews 26
Nathalie Dabrowski 27 Welcome Inspiring today for tomorrow 1
Lisa Gadd 28
Stefanie Di Trocchio 30
Bernadette O’Mahony 32
Rachel Terkelsen 34
Rebecca Botros 36
Naomi Linossier 38
Kelly McMahon

ALUMNAE DAY
Whole School Reunion 40

NEWS 44
Alumnae News 45
2020 Events

Get Connected!

Follow the latest from
Avila Alumnae on our
new network. See
pg 22 for more details.

2 Inspiring today for tomorrow Our Catholic Identity

Our 1
CATHOLIC

Identity

Highlights of 2019 included the Vinnies
Winter Sleep-out Appeal at Avila,

McAuley Community Service for Women
personal care packs and Avila’s Poppy
Project for Remembrance Day

23 4

Together we can be advocates for change
making the world a better place for all.

5

Left | St Patrick's All School Mass
1 & 2. Vinnies Winter Sleep-out Appeal
3 & 4. Personal care packs for McAuley

Community Service for Women
5. Remembrance Day

Our Catholic Identity Inspiring today for tomorrow 3

VALE
Sr Patricia Carroll

1927-2019

Sr. Patricia Carroll was Avila’s first
College Principal from 1965-1970.
She was known at the time by her
pre-Vatican II name – Sr. Adrian.

1965, Sr Adrian with Form 2 students established colleges. We had been entrusted with the
task and were determined to give it our best.
Sr Patricia Carroll was often described as a strong,
determined young woman not easily fazed by a The sky was the limit.”
challenge.
When reflecting on her time at Avila, she said: Sr Patricia Carroll was a woman beyond her years,
“Fortunately we were young and energetic; we she was forward thinking, determined to give young
were known to be good teachers and we had not women every possibility that education could offer
been locked into the stereotypes and traditions of them. Her six years at Avila provided the framework
and grounding for what the future of Avila College
could be.

In her farewell speech she said: ‘Open your hearts
to the world. God seeks an open-hearted yes to life
with all its ups and downs. You are the builders and
planners of a new society. It is you who are to form
the society of tomorrow.

Sr Patricia Carroll gave her life as a Presentation
Sister, following the footsteps of Nano Nagle.

VALE Fiona was a faith filled, generous and committed
Fiona Russell teacher. She contributed in many ways to the school
community through 13 years of service as a teacher
1961-2019 of French, Religious Education and English. Fiona also
taught at John Paul College between 1986 - 2001.

4 Inspiring today for tomorrow Sr Patricia Carroll

In the face of fear, she chose to be daring,
In the face of anxiety, she chose to trust,
In the face of impossibility, she chose to begin.

Raphael Consedine P.B.V.M.

Shining
the light

In early 2018, Principal Dr Michelle Cotter and Director of
Faith and Mission Carmela Marino embarked on a pilgrimage
together with Sr Mary Franzmann pbvm to Ireland to walk the
steps of Nano Nagle. This year we were delighted to welcome
Sr Mary to Avila College to share her extensive knowledge about
Nano Nagle and what it means to be Presentation People in the
twenty first century.

Born in 1718, the legacy of the and an opportunity to escape an inclusive spirit of hospitality
venerable Nano Nagle, Founder dire poverty in dark times. It is a in her day to day life, offering
of the Presentation Sisters, story and message encapsulated respectful openness to all she
continues to burn brightly today, in the powerful symbol of light in encountered and creating a spirit
just as it did in Ireland, over two Nano Nagle's lantern. However as of at-homeness around her. At the
centuries ago. Sister Mary explained, there is so centre of everything she did was
much more to the story of Nano heart.
Many know the story of the Lady Nagle from which we can draw
of the Lantern and how Nano inspiration. As Presentation People today,
Nagle challenged the repressive we are called to be people
penal laws of the time by setting Through her actions, Nano Nagle of the heart and can express
up secret schools and educating demonstrated a social vision this in many ways - through
Catholic children by day, then that was in advance of her our compassion, faith, justice,
navigating the dark laneways of time. Her life work reflected the forgiveness, integrity and courage.
Cork by night, visiting the sick and preference of a compassionate
the poor. God for those who are poor and In today's society we can live and
powerless. Moreover, her faith and keep the charism and spirit of
It is a compelling tale of a devotion was expressed through Nano Nagle alive by sharing her
courageous woman who her very real compassion and vision and through our actions, be
dedicated her life and resources humanness. Nano Nagle lived people of heart.
to providing hope, love, dignity

Shining the Light Inspiring today for tomorrow 5

Female
LEADERSHIP

This year, students
embraced an array of female

leadership opportunities
with access to new captaincy

positions, positive female
role models and mentoring

initiatives.

6 Inspiring today for tomorrow Female Leadership

With a focus on authenticity, diversity and capacity
building, Avila students have embraced a range of
both formal and informal leadership opportunities
within the school community this year.

In 2019 Avila's formal student initiative and secondary school 'One of our
leadership structure and election experience days, harnessing student presentation
process was revitalised. A range of voice through the Students Create values is to be
new positions were introduced to the Future Committee, SRC and daring and taking
reflect a greater diversity of interest Ambassador program, directing risks and grabbing
areas across the school and offer performances and plays in the opportunities with
more accessibility and experiential Creative Arts Spectacular and Year both hands, even if
learning opportunities to emerging 10 Drama Festival and leading there is an element
leaders. community initiatives such as the of fear, is really
Poppy Project and Vinnies Sleepout. encouraged
Paired with staff mentors, the Students have also thrived on because it is the
student leadership team also the chance to lead panels in way that we grow,
participated in seminars and forums the Conversation Hour and Avila learn and develop
where they had an opportunity to Influencers breakfast series
self reflect, express ideas, develop events. In a year where the Avila Mieke de Vries, Yr 11
action plans and work together community pledged to be 'better
on implementation within their together,' students have embraced
portfolios. the opportunity to collaborate and
develop their capacity to lead.
Embracing the philosophy that 'you
do not need to wear a badge to be WANT TO KNOW MORE?
a leader in our school community', WATCH THE VIDEO!
students have welcomed the many
other leadership opportunities
on offer. These include mentoring
primary school students in the
STEM-4-All program, Book Buddies

Female Leadership Inspiring today for tomorrow 7

Welcome to Avila
Stamp your PASSPORT

Responding to the brief of creating a ‘travel guide’ to
Avila for primary school students, members of the Quill
and Ink Writers Group created the comprehensive and
colourful Avila Passport.

To help with Starting secondary school and moving "Events" and "Clubs and Activities".
the transition to a large campus with a labrinyth of
on this specialist classrooms, different routines Designed to fit into the inside
education and foreign spaces can be daunting pocket of an Avila blazer, it acts as
journey and for newly graduated primary school a reassuring guide for newcomers
assist with the students. and also offers visitors a chance
navigation to explore the school campus and
across the To assist with this transition, the Avila collect a stamp on the relevant pages.
expansive passport was designed to demystify the
Avila campus, community norms, places, events, clubs The response has been
students in the and activities that make up Avila and has overwhelmingly positive, with many
Quill and Ink been written and edited specifically with primary school students eagerly
Writers Group a primary school audience in mind. holding up their passports for stamps
collaborated to and completing the puzzle pages
create a useful Quill and Ink members brainstormed the craftily created by Avila students.
and engaging key features of Avila that they believed
resource; the characterised the school and were Congratulations to the Quill and
Avila passport. most important to understand. They Ink Writers Group, who under the
then distributed the writing duties and stewardship of teachers Clare Crowe
included "insider facts" as useful hints. and Pauline Catrice, continue to
extend and refine their writing across
The resulting publication features multiple audiences.
colour coordinated sections divided into
"Our Community", "Places and Spaces",

8 Inspiring today for tomorrow Stamp your Passport

Stamp your Passport Inspiring today for tomorrow 9

CONVERSATIONS

At Avila we recognise that positive
wellbeing paves the way for better learning.

The student-led Conversations series and
Respectful Relationships forums have

encouraged candid and open dialogue across
a wide range of topics.

Avila College was delighted to host the second series of the Conversation
Hour forums with parents this year. Designed to create a safe and supportive
space in which both students and parents can talk about and consider
current issues from all perspectives, the open discussions were candid,
illuminating and insightful. Based on survey feedback, focus topics included
'Does my daughter spend too much time online?', 'How to push your daughter
without pushing her away', 'Understanding the way we learn' and 'Respectful
relationships in the digital landscape'.
Together with Mazenod, Salesian, Sacred Heart and Siena Colleges, Avila is
also part of the Respectful Relationships Network with the City of Monash,
Link Health, Access and Headspace. This student network has a strong
focus on family violence prevention, gender equality and establishing and
improving respectful relationships.
The network provides opportunites for students and parents to actively engage
in open communication, learn more about the current environment and help build
the capacity for young people ‘to change the story’ for future generations.

10 Inspiring today for tomorrow Conversations

Network events included presentations ‘The shared
from guest speakers such as Dr Helen conversations
Keleher, who illustrated how times have allowed us to better
changed between generations and understand one
discussed how stereotypes, rigid gender another and as a
roles, expectations and damaging culture result, begin to
can impact young people. Actor, singer and consider the things
comedian Kelly Nash also discussed online we can all be doing
identity and health, including gaming, time day to day to work
management, boundaries, social media on building
communication, privacy, trust and safety. respectful
relationships in
Avila College's multi-dimensional all aspects of our
partnership with other schools and lives’.
community organisations will continue
to grow and develop next year with more Conversations Inspiring today for tomorrow 11
events planned.

The MASTER Plan

If you have visited Avila recently you may have noticed the new
building works in progress. Earlier this year the former Junior School
was renovated, and there is much more underway!

Avila is currently renovating the the classrooms include tables connection. The renovation also
Year 9 precinct and the Year 12 that can be configured together includes a student lounge fully
senior wing, both of which are for group work or set up individ- equipped with a kitchen and
on track to be revealed in time ually for independent study. communal dining area.
for the first day of school in 2020.
A Year 9 common space which Contemporary Classrooms in
With an emphasis on flexible enables the whole cohort to both wings have been designed
contemporary learning environ- meet together will be augment- to capture natural light, show-
ments, technology rich spaces ed with booths and community case vignettes of the College’s
and communal areas that inspire break out areas. green landscape and allow for
collaboration and connection, adaptable learning and teaching
classrooms will be opened up to For Year 12 students, the new approaches.
allow for greater natural light senior wing will provide enclaves
and seamless connectivity. conducive to private study The planning process for these
together with the space and works has been a rewarding and
New furniture items planned for opportunity for community collaborative process.

12 Inspiring today for tomorrow The Master Plan

Opposite | Yr9 Common area
Left | Yr9 Collarborative classroom
Above | Yr12 Corridor & locker setup

Colour palette As part of the redevelopment,
options Avila Learning Captains were
asked the question - what can
Below| Yr12 make a classroom a great envi-
Kitchen area ronment for learning?

Drawing on student feedback,
research, best practice and expert
opinion, the Learning Captains
responded with a number of
physical essentials and practical
considerations that contribute to
creating a “great classroom”.
These elements have been
factored into the current redevel-
opment works and the planning
stages of the upcoming Master
Plan major new build.

The key themes presented by
students included flexible spaces,
collaboration options and bright
colours with an emphasis on
natural light. Their input has
been integral to the design,
colour palette and furniture
selection for the new build so
that it reflects a student-centric
approach and the opportunity to
learn in an environment that can
be adapted to suit their needs.

The Master Plan Inspiring today for tomorrow 13

Creative Arts
SPECTACULAR

Themed as 2019 | 1920, Avila's much loved Creative Arts Spectacular saw students creatively reinterpret the
decadence of the 1920's in today's contemporary environment. Using music, art, dance, drama, song and
splashes of well timed comedy, it was an incredible showcase of student talent and creativity.

14 Inspiring today for tomorrow Creative Arts Spectacular

Creative Arts Spectacular Inspiring today for tomorrow 15

Discovery List

> Climb the Eiffel Tower
> Sacré Coeur & Montmartre

> Cruising on the Seine
> Opéra Garnier Tour
> Musée Fragonard

> Champs Elysées > Louvre
> Arc de Triomphe

> Montpellier Walking Tour
> La Croiz Rousse

> La Presqui’ile > Nîmes &
Sete Excursion > Language
Classes at Accent Français

16 Inspiring today for tomorrow Trés Fantastique

‘Très fantastique’
FRENCH Study Tour

The Avila French Study Tour occurred in September, a trip which
allowed the participating students in Years 10 and 11 a ‘très
fantastique’ opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and
culture of the country famed for its cheese, croissants, and of course,
the Eiffel Tower.

Beatrice van Rest Yr 11

The experience began with an through the traboules, a series mières, the Musée Du Louvre,
intensive week at the Accent of small passages in between Fragonard’s Perfumery and the
Francais language school in the buildings. Finally we went to guided Street Art Tour of
Montpellier, and it was here in Paris, where we became familiar Montpellier; but most memora-
this charming and vibrant town with the super convenient public ble were the moments where
in the south of France where transport, and saw for ourselves we were challenged by the
our Amorino’s gelato addiction why the city is one of the most language learning. It was not
began. This was followed by a visited places in the world. only a rewarding experience,
couple of days in Lyon, where but an inspiring one, and we are
we learnt about the city’s Ask any one of us, and we’ll tell all so thankful for having had
ancient origins and walked you that the highlights included the experience of a lifetime.
visits to the Atelier des Lu-

Trés Fantastique Inspiring today for tomorrow 17

VCAL
Putting knowledge
into action

At Avila College we pride ourselves on offering catalogues so they could select and create a
diverse learning opportunities, and the VCAL learning space they felt would offer the best
program, which recently celebrated its eleventh learning environment to suit their needs. As a
year anniversary, is a proud testament to this result, Avila now has bright open spaces which
philosophy. Launched with just 12 students in feature collaborative areas, breakout zones, quiet
Room 46 (with one cupboard!) the new VCAL spaces and effective storage systems. Based
purpose built classrooms offer a thriving pathway around a vocational scenario, the design enables
for students with clear vocational interests or for students to learn, experience and resolve the types
those not motivated by traditional classroom of challenges that can arise in a typical workplace.
learning or facing barriers which may inhibit their
VCE performance. Adopting the approach that success is inevitable
when students are allowed to follow their
The new classrooms, opened this year, were passions and curriculum is targeted to their
designed together with VCAL students who were needs, the VCAL pathway has seen many students
presented with a room plan, and product flourish when given access to the resources and

18 Inspiring today for tomorrow VCAL

VCAL students flourished in range of hands-on vocational subjects
throughout the year.

time they need to master their completed VET subjects – VCAL Class of 2019 was the
areas of interest and passions. popular choices include design and publication of the
Certificates in Allied Health “Taste It, Don’t Waste It” recipe
Avila proudly acknowledges the Assistance, Aviation, Early book, which demonstrated how
many VCAL students who have Childhood Education and Care, leftovers could be reimagined
graduated from university and Building and Construction and into a variety of new delicious
continued to study and work in Screen and Media - together dishes, thereby reducing the
the vocational area they with a range of vocational amount of food wastage in our
pursued whilst at school or learning activities such as road homes.
used their entrepreneurial skills safety, community service, resume
to develop niche businesses to planning and barista training. VCAL Inspiring today for tomorrow 19
meet consumer needs.
One of the highlights of the
This year, VCAL students have

20 Inspiring today for tomorrow Young Leaders Dinner

In recognition of the diverse and dynamic pathways our recent
Alumnae are embarking upon beyond the gates of Charles Street,
Avila hosted the inaugural Young Leaders Dinner in August with
special guest speaker Genevieve Townsend (Class of 2013).

Young Leaders DINNER

Following graduation, Genevieve completed a Genevieve shared her experiences and insights
double degree in Arts and Visual Arts at Monash with the audience, highlighting her 'five key life
University and was awarded a Colombo Plan lessons after Avila';
scholarship, to pursue research in Fiji.
1. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
Whilst studying, Genevieve was actively involved everywhere.
in Amnesty International, the Australian Youth
Climate Coalition and Oaktree. She was also 2. Social change is possible with ‘movements’
instrumental in setting up the Connections Art of people collaborating with compassion and
Space in Dandenong, an art gallery designed to strategy.
strengthen the community’s access to art through
exhibitions and workshops. 3. We don’t all need to be full-time campaigners to
make change. Use what we’re good at with what
Currently employed at the Salvation Army as the the world needs.
Schools Development Representative, Genevieve
works with schools and young people, educating 4. Listen, Learn, Unlearn, Repeat.
them on social justice issues and the welfare work
of the Salvation Army. 5. "There is nothing in nature that blooms all year
long, so do not expect yourself to do so." Liryae

Thank you Genevieve for a thought provoking,
perceptive and inspiring presentation.

Young Leaders Dinner Inspiring today for tomorrow 21

A NEW WAY TO
STAY CONNECTED

Avila Alumnae Network

We are delighted to offer a new digital platform where you can
celebrate, communicate and connect as a community of Avila
people with a shared heritage. I encourage you to explore the
platform and rediscover classmates from your time at Avila.

Dr Michelle Cotter | Avila College Principal

Right: The launch of Avila's
new network at the 2019 whole

school reunion in October.

‘This network Stay in Touch! Share News!
is brilliant, it Keep up to date with the Let us know what is
allows you to use latest from Avila and our happening in your
your Linkedin Alumnae network. world.
profile to pre-
populate your Give Back Find Jobs
Share your experience Post and find jobs,
details. No and expertise with the internships and
matter where Avila community. other employment
you are in the opportunities within
world you can Build Your Network the network.
connect or re- Connect up with other
connect with former Avila students in
your area or industry.
with Avila
Alumnae.’

22 Inspiring today for tomorrow Avila Alumnae Network

Avila
Alumnae
Network

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

Co-Founders Of
Shameless Media
Zara McDonald &
Michelle Andrews

ALUMNAE

the podcast for
smart women

...who love dumb stuff

MICHELLE ANDREWS
Co-Founder | Shameless Media

‘When I was at Avila, Please tell us a little about your blogging since I was 15, but was
I was taught that girls pathway from Avila to today! under the impression that there
weren’t any jobs in journalism.
and women should Absolutely! After VCE I had no which made me reluctant to see
dream big and chase idea what I wanted to do. There’s writing as a legitimate career
their careers, and to be a lot of pressure to have it all option. It wasn’t until I took a
figured out and I wish I could year out from uni that I realised
imbued with that cuddle every single teenager that if I didn’t try, I’d never know.
message as a teenager who has no idea, because for so Taking that gap year was so
(when the outside world long that was me. I originally pivotal; it showed me that I did
is telling you that how considered law but instead have direction and a goal, and
completed Arts at The University crystallised a determination to
you look determines of Melbourne and used my three achieve it. When I returned to
your worth) is years there to get a taste of a university I pestered Mamamia
invaluable.’ range of industries. I always - which was, at the time, the
loved writing and had been

24 Inspiring today for tomorrow Michelle Andrews

country’s largest women’s website - to give me an Are there any topics you have covered of which
internship, and after eleven emails they obliged. you are particularly proud?
I was offered a full-time job at Mamamia, and
progressed from editorial assistant, to senior writer, In early 2019 we eviscerated Ultra Tune for repeatedly
then weekend and evening editor. That’s where I choosing brand ambassadors that have been
met Zara, my business partner and co-host. We accused of violence against women, which sparked
knew the media industry was volatile and wanted a huge and glorious response from our community.
to prepare ourselves for the future so decided to There have been so many instances where our
train ourselves in podcast hosting, producing and community has banded together for the greater
editing to broaden our CV's. We saw a gap in the good - we have raised more than $50,000 for
podcast market for smart, witty pop culture analy- charities this year, and explored everything from sun
sis, and voila - Shameless was born. After Mama- safety and melanoma to the toxicity of casual racism.
mia didn’t want to take the idea, we pursued it
independently. Now, we run a small media compa- Where to from here?
ny that has almost 10 million downloads, an award,
and some creaky IKEA furniture to its name. We don’t even know! That’s the freeing and terrify-
ing part - we don’t know where we will be in five
What have been the highlights? years time, all we know is that we absolutely love
creating content for young women that entertains,
Winning Australia’s Most Popular Podcast this year educates and empowers. The media landscape is
was pretty wild! We also love touring the country changing too rapidly to make any grand, 10-year
to do live shows - our biggest audience yet is 800 plans just yet. Podcasting is ‘it’ now, but by next
people in Sydney, and we are planning to do a 2020 year we could all be getting around on our hover-
Melbourne show with about 1300 seats. boards with microchips in our brains

Why are podcasts so popular? Fondest memories from Avila College?

Podcasts fit around our lives seamlessly. Unlike Weirdly enough, assemblies! I vividly remember
radio, I don’t need to bend my routine to catch an some of the presentations that we were delivered
episode of my favourite show. I can get the content about feminism and the importance of empowering
I want on demand, with less ads, but also with a girls through education. I’ve spent most of my
greater level of preparation, polish and insight into career working alongside talented, clever, funny
the topics I actually care about. women, and much of that probably boils down to
my experience of going to an all-girls school. I think
What makes your show unique? women can achieve remarkable things when they
band together, and I first learned that at Avila.
I think our backgrounds as journalists have served
the show really well; we know how to dissect an What advice would you give current students?
issue thoughtfully, and how to ensure we are being
as balanced as possible. We won’t always get it Have a go. Give things a crack. If you have a passion
right, of course - but when it comes to celebrity for something, make it happen. You will feel
and pop culture content there was such a gaping humiliated from time to time, but you’re not going
chasm for thoughtful, intellectual analysis, and to hone your skills or improve unless you just DO
trying to fill it has been such a delight. People IT. Sure, being a successful fashion designer, artist,
often denigrate pop culture as vapid, but I’d argue poet, film director, actress or television host is
that zeitgeisty trends indicate a lot about who we going to be difficult - and not many people will
are and what we value as a community. truly ‘make it’, but SOMEONE will make it so why
shouldn't that person be you?

Michelle Andrews Inspiring today for tomorrow 25

ALUMNAE NATHALIE
DABROWSKI

Lawyer | Clayton Utz

Can you tell us a little about your pathway from Avila Keep moving forward, in spite of adversity. The path
College to your current role at Clayton Utz? to a legal career is as challenging as it is rewarding,
and failure is not only inevitable, but recommended
During my time at Avila College I was on the as part of your development. If you speak to any
debating team and had a keen interest in legal person successful in whatever endeavour they have
studies. While completing a Bachelor of Arts/Laws at decided to pursue, they will be the first to tell you
Deakin I volunteered at Victoria Legal Aid, undertook that they failed early and often, and it was through
a university exchange in the Czech Republic, held those failures that they were able to build the
executive leadership roles in organisations such as foundations for their achievements. My journey has
the Deakin Law Students’ Society and completed been no different, with my fair share of setbacks, but
two legal clerkships, where I cultivated an interest in building resilience will only make you stronger and
corporate law. Admitted into the legal profession in hungrier to reach that goal and make it that much
November 2018, I currently practise in corporate law more worth celebrating. In my experience, the best
specialising in mergers and acquisitions and equity lawyers possessed skills beyond a deep knowledge of
capital markets at Clayton Utz. the law. They also exemplified practical application
of their knowledge, resilience under pressure and a
What have been the highlights so far? balance of emotional and social intelligence. These
are the sort of soft skills you could only gain through
My time in the law has been an incredibly rewarding long-term experience and lessons learnt.
experience. It has not only opened up many doors
but has quite frankly been formative in my personal What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
growth. As clichéd as it may sound, the best aspect
so far has been the relationships I have gained and I enjoy playing tennis, swimming, pilates and
fostered along the way. I have met and engaged with catching up with friends on the weekends. I also
some of the most intelligent and driven people you love watching horror movies and reading.
could meet in any industry, many of whom have
evolved into lifelong friendships. Studying and Fondest memories from Avila College?
working in the law has also gifted me with a variety
of opportunities to travel overseas, work on high I have many fond memories from Avila College. My
profile matters and engage with the community favourite memories are attending Avila Days, school
through social justice initiatives. camp and the time spent forging life-long
friendships. Year 12 was a rollercoaster of a year with
What advice would you give current students who the pressure of VCE exams but it was such an
are interested in a career in law? exciting time filled with so much laughter.

26 Inspiring today for tomorrow Nathalie Dabrowski

Any skills that you developed at Avila that have been useful in your current role?
My participation in the debating team helped with my communication skills and overall confidence. There
were many amazing teachers who had an impact on my education. Mrs Christine Valladares was a supportive
and encouraging teacher and the most wonderful debating coach. I thoroughly enjoyed Global Politics with
Mrs Fiona Wright and Classics with Miss Maraya Robinson, who both went above and beyond to assist me in
Year 12 studies and prepare me for life outside of school

LISA GADD

Osteopath|Living Health Group

Can you tell us a little about your pathway from Avila makes us appreciate life. It also highlights what
College to your current role? impact we can have through education, and by
holding the space for others to grow and believe in
Fiercely passionate about health, it wasn't until themselves.
suffering a stroke in 2014 that I was able to
appreciate the implications of what it is to lose What advice would you give to current students?
bodily function, deal with the emotional loss of poor
health, or understand the resilience required to What ever you choose to do, do something you love,
rebuild the mind, body, and spirit post trauma. and never let anyone tell you, you can't do anything.

After studying a Bachelor of Applied Sciences and a Favourite memories from Avila?
Master of Osteopathy, I set up the Living Health
Group and currently work as an osteopath, fitness Playing every sport at school, especially representing
professional, coach and trainer focussing on holistic Avila at the Waverley international tournament and
health solutions that treat all aspects of well being. playing against schools from all over the world.
Ms Jenny Dunn not only gave a heap of support
How are you involved with Project genZ? during school but also supported and provided
guidance when it came time to choose a career path.
For the past 3 years I have had the opportunity to
work with the Project genZ team, where we run Where to from here?
entrepreneurial workshops in schools. I have been
fortunate enough to head an annual trip to I have recently just launched a new brand - Health
Cambodia to work with the local children. Student on Purpose, which focuses on the transitions to
teams come up with their own product or service, optimum health, identifying myths about health, the
and we teach skills in branding, marketing, roadblocks to change, and empowering audiences
leadership and budgeting and the students then get with the tools to create mental, emotional and
to sell their products within a limited time frame. physical transformations simply by choosing to be
purposeful about our health. So 2020 is going to be
Going on this trip really puts into perspective how full of workshops, coaching and speaking on health,
fortunate we are to live here in Australia and it truly mindset and leadership and empowering people to
live a healthy and purpose filled life.

Lisa Gadd Inspiring today for tomorrow 27

ALUMNAE

STEFANIE
DI TROCCHIO

Digital Content Director | Origin

Can you tell us a little about your pathway from After working through roles in educational pub-
Avila College to your current role as Digital lishing, agency, and then a software company – al-
Content Director at Origin? ways in marketing- and content-related roles – I
found myself with a unique skillset in digital
Gosh, where do I start?! I started my career as a publishing. Now, at Origin, I head up the digital
litigation solicitor, but realised quite early that content strategy, manage a team of content and
private practice wasn’t a great fit for me as I’m UX writers, and build content assets and platforms.
very creative. While I was figuring out what to do
with my life, I took a chance (and a paycut!) on a What have been the highlights of the journey?
role as an Editor at Lonely Planet and was select- Are there any projects of which you are most
ed out of 600 applicants for a job. What started proud?
out as a temporary deviation from my original
career path turned out to be one of the pivotal I’m lucky – there have been lots of highlights. At
decisions of my life. Very quickly I worked my way Lonely Planet I travelled to spectacular Morocco
through roles as a Commissioning Editor and a and did some authoring, while at MYOB I was part
Strategic Analyst and ended up as an Associate of the first brand and comms team to launch a
Publisher in the London office. Yes, working at brand in space, and when I was at Cengage in
Lonely Planet is as great as it sounds! I worked on educational publishing I got to visit the London
fantastic projects, worked with smart and passion- Book Fair (very exciting for a word nerd like me).
ate people (who have become lifelong friends), While I was a magazine editor for Italian food
and got to experience some amazing places. magazine Italianicious, I got to interview celebrity
chefs like Neil Perry and Patrizia Simone, as well
as the great Sophia Loren!

28 Inspiring today for tomorrow Stefanie Di Trocchio

Interviewing Neil Perry for Italianicious

Can you describe a typical day in the life of a spoke to my curiosity and interests. I worry when I
digital content leader? hear stories about student burnout – I always feel
that life has a way of sorting itself out as long as
One word will sum it up: BUSY! These days, media you work hard and stay true to your interests.
and comms uses an always-on model which can
be exhilarating – and really keeps you on your What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
toes. My day can involve anything from revising
copy to crisis comms management to creating a I’ve got two kids, 12 and 9, who keep me very busy,
Lean Canvas for a tech platform. The best parts of and I’m a writer. I have a writing partner and we
my day are when I’m collaborating with my team challenge each other to write 500 words per day
to create something new, or learning more about – about anything, in any style we choose – and we
whatever industry I happen to be in at the time. support each other to stay on track. I also have
two books on the go – a novel and a memoir. I
Communications have evolved so rapidly since hope to finish at least one of them in the next
your graduation from Avila, what advice would decade!
you give current students who are interested in
working in digital media? Fondest memories from Avila College?

Just get stuck in! Follow groups online or on Linke- There are so many! I had such a wonderful school
dIn, look for industry leaders and read their blogs, experience and my Avila friends are still my best
go to meetups and have a stickybeak. I often friends today. Year 12 camp stands out as a fun
marvel at the fact that the job I do now didn’t bonding experience and I really loved my teachers
even exist when I was at school, so I couldn’t have and their passion for teaching and learning.
even planned this career if I’d tried. I just kept French, Italian, English and English Literature were
following my nose and the opportunities that my absolute favourite subjects.

Stefanie Di Trocchio Inspiring today for tomorrow 29

ALUMNAE

Guest speaker at Avila's Influencer Breakfast, Bernadette O'Mahony is interviewd by panellist Elizabeth Dinh.

BERNADETTE
O’MAHONYInterviewed by | Beatrice van Rest Yr 11

Head of Development, Production & Distribution |
Australian Children's Television Foundation

Led to a brilliant career in Australian television production by a series of serendipitous steps,
Bernadette O’Mahony reflects on the drive and passion that got her there, and why she
ultimately continues to do what she does.

How did your career kick off? What does your role as a producer entail?

By accident really - somebody that I knew, knew A producer in television puts the whole thing
somebody else, and I was offered a job as a together. They work with writers to develop the
receptionist on a current affairs show. Then I idea, put the financing together and work closely
stepped in for a production manager and created with the director on things like choosing the cast,
documentaries before the company folded and I so both a creative role and a practical role.
became unemployed. I started freelancing, Ultimately they have the creative vision and are
secured a job on a kids’ drama series, and from responsible for delivering the show. We say a
then, it was job after job after job. television program is producer-driven, so directors
and other crew members are for hire, whereas
When I was at school I wanted to be a kindergarten feature films are director-driven, as often the
teacher and sometimes I think I didn’t get far from producer comes on board with the director’s idea.
it, because, as a production manager in the film In my current role as Executive Producer, I work with
industry, I organised crews which was a bit like producers on the creative concept to help develop
organising a bunch of children at times! their shows, as well as organise the financing.

30 Inspiring today for tomorrow Bernadette O'Mahony

Do you have a role model? with a new idea or Netflix emailing to say ‘we
want that show for the world!’ or a broadcaster
My role models are probably people that I worked agreeing to commission a show. There are always
with in the industry, my mentors along the way. new great stories, new cast to find, and new deals
Producers like Jill Rob, and Helen Watts, and to put together, and I love all of that.
people who were not just good to me, but who
understood me and wanted me to do well. I Most memorable moments?
worked with Jill Robb as a coordinator, and she
saw something in me and asked me to work as There are so many! I remember seeing a stuntman
her Production Manager. It was just after I had my friend perform a big car rollover in Darwin, and I
first child, but she was really supportive of me was watching it with my heart in my mouth.
coming back to work and understood what it took Blowing something up on set is always memorable.
to do so. She made sure that the production Winning awards, too; I won Children’s Producer Of
The Year in Australia, which was really special, and

Above | A range of children's television shows that Bernadette has been instrumental in getting to the screen:
Little Lunch, Dance Academy, Round the Twist and The Inbestigators.

budget contributed to the cost of a nanny so I seeing shows like Mortified and Dance Academy
could work on location. There weren’t many nominated for an international Emmy was amazing
people in the industry twenty six years ago who as well.
would’ve done that. Even after we worked together,
she remained a great female role model and a What’s something you’ve learnt from your career?
very supportive sounding-board for me. I think
mentors are really important. One of the key lessons has been that people
notice you and provide opportunities when they
What makes you excited about your job? can see that you love your work, contribute to the
team, work really hard and go the extra mile. The
I think it’s really important for Australian kids to other thing is - not to be in a hurry - it doesn’t
see themselves on screen, and to see their matter if you leave school and don’t know what
experiences, culture and peers, not just an you want to do, I didn’t know myself. I went where
American life or an American high school. It helps the first job was, did it well (I hoped), and people
them navigate the world and understand where noticed and recommended me to somebody else.
they’re going to be next. I love what I do, and There’s no one road to get somewhere, and I never
every day is different. I don’t know what’s going to would have predicted where I’d end up. You can have
come in the door everyday, whether it’s a creator a goal, but life will take you off in other directions!

Bernadette O'Mahony Inspiring today for tomorrow 31

ALUMNAE RACHEL
TERKELSEN

Senior Design Director | PUSH Collective

Above | Rachel Terkelsen
Left | I'm Change Climate campaign –

PUSH Collective

Above | AFLW brand Currently Senior Design Director at PUSH, soon bought out by FutureBrand. After
identity – PUSH Collective please tell us about your career journey. six years helping to create an iconic
brand for the Sydney 2000 Olympic
Like life, no career pathway is linear. Games, challenging the discreet status
I’ve landed exciting jobs and endured quo for Libra tampons and inspiring
extended periods of panic-inducing visitors to play a more active role in
unemployment. I’ve been involved the protection of animals and their
in career-defining projects and been habitats for Zoos Victoria, I moved on
published internationally yet suffered to Interbrand and then out on my own
self-esteem crushing redundancy. before getting in on the ground floor
Along the way I’ve helped build some with brand consultancy PUSH Collective.
brands and made lifelong friends. Seven years later we have built a team
of researchers, strategists, project
In 1997, with an Honours Degree in managers and creatives helping to
Graphic Design, I was in the right place define brands spanning sectors from
at the right time for a position at FHA, finance to fashion.
a strategic design studio in Melbourne,

32 Inspiring today for tomorrow Rachel Terkelsen

Perth Airport rebrand – PUSH Collective

Career Highlights? anticipate? What does a human - or even humanity-
centric future look like? What technologies are
The projects that most inspire me are those that needed and how will we interact with them? What
hinge on a clever ideas-based creative execution ethical issues need to be considered? And what
or those that bring about social change. The infrastructures and policies need to be put in
magic moment is when a project does both. place? How does our work impact not just the
user but entire societies and ecosystems? As we
I’m prone to randomly spout platitudes to my kids head towards a period of ever-greater system
like, “You can be anything when you grow up”. In upheaval, future-focused and adaptive thinking
2015, my daughter Eve, (currently at Avila) replied will be critical for a sustainable career in design.
“No I can’t Mummy, I can’t be a football player”.
Despite the fact that she had shown no interest Were there any skills that you learnt or developed at
or aptitude for AFL, her identification of gender Avila that have been useful in your current role?
as a barrier gave me great pause. It meant an
enormous amount when, the following year, PUSH As school captain, the public speaking and leader-
Collective was awarded the brand identity for the ship opportunities not only instilled a confidence
AFLW, a league that will continue to be meaningful that I deserved to have my voice heard but an
for generations of girls and women. understanding of the importance and value of
amplifying the voices of others.
Leading up to the 2019 Global Climate Strike, PUSH
Collective came together to create a campaign Looking back, it seems that careers can be
that could act as a rallying cry for everyone to constructed from a series of seemingly insignificant
show up. Amidst the sea of 100,000+ protesters, blocks, each one building on the strength of the
I'M CHANGE generated energy, started conversations one before. In this way, our Art teacher, Mrs Leahy,
and represented a tiny piece of hope. helped pave a solid foundation opening up the
opportunity for us to study life-drawing at Mazenod
Advice for students interested in working in design? College, forming the basis of my Year 12 folio,
which got me into the Bachelor of Design course
So many industries are rapidly changing with jobs at Swinburne University.
becoming obsolete at a pace that will only in-
crease. Rather than fight the future, designers are But the students who have had a significant
uniquely positioned to design it. There are inter- impact are the ones that, to this day, make me
esting practices emerging around speculative laugh and hand me a roll of toilet paper as I start
design. What do we want our future to look like? to cry. They are my beautiful, complex and
What challenges and opportunities lie ahead? accomplished Avila friends.
What disruptions and transformations can we

Rachel Terkelsen Inspiring today for tomorrow 33

ALUMNAE REBECCA
BOTROS

Channel 9 | Production Co-ordinator

Filming season opener
for Postcards 2019

What have you been up to since you graduated from Avila?
My pathway after graduating from Avila has been unique and quite unexpected.
Once I graduated, I was accepted into a Speech Pathology degree at ACU. After
a year and a half of studying Speech Pathology, I decided it wasn't for me and
moved to Swinburne University to start a double degree of Business (Marketing)/
Communication (Public Relations). I was excited to dive right into this industry and
landed an internship at a boutique music PR firm whilst starting my new degree.

I made some amazing contacts during this internship, one of whom later started
work at the Nine Network in their Publicity and Marketing department. A few months
later there was an opening in this department and my contact put my name forward.

34 Inspiring today for tomorrow Rebecca Botros

I spent two and a half years working in the Interviewing English
Marketing and Publicity team at Nine, working on Band, Bastille, at the
campaigns for key programs such as The Block, Australian Open 2019
Married at First Sight and the Voice. My role had
me working with these production teams and I What have been your highlights so far?
finally decided to give production a go and landed Any funny or unique stories you can share from
the role of Production Assistant in the Postcards behind the camera?
team. Since starting in production at the beginning
of 2018, I have worked in a number of roles on One of my highlights so far has been meeting my
various shows. Some of these include Talent favourite band, Bastille, whilst working on the
Coordinator for the TV Week Logie Awards, Australian Open broadcast at the beginning of 2019.
Production Coordinator for Vision Australia's
Carols by Candlelight and Researcher for the first Another highlight was a 3-day shoot for Postcards
season of a brand new travel show called at Mt. Hotham. Having never been to the snow,
Helloworld. As productions are seasonal, I am this was very exciting.
lucky enough to work on a number of shows a
year, keeping the job fresh and interesting. What advice would you give to current students who
are interested in working in television production?
What is a typical day in the life of a production
assistant on Postcards? From my personal experience, the biggest piece of
advice I can give is to get experience as early as
As Postcards is a travel and lifestyle show, a possible, even if this means becoming an unpaid
typical day involves looking for new and unique intern. Work in the television industry relies
locations and special guests to include on the heavily on experience and networking. These
program. To do so, I mainly surf the web, scroll internship/work experience will give you both.
through Instagram and read newspapers and
magazines. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Once our team makes the final decisions on what When you have a job that requires you to constantly
to feature, I reach out to each venue and work research travel opportunities, you tend to catch
with them to make the arrangements for the up- the travel bug rather quickly. I get out of Mel-
coming shoot. bourne any chance I get and absolutely love a
beach holiday or cruising.
I also work with our logistics team at Nine to book
camera and audio crew for the days that we are Fondest memories from Avila College?
shooting and create schedules for all the shoot
days. Our team usually films 3-4 days a week. Avila Day is definitely one of my favourite
memories - it was always so much fun!
My job also involves sourcing competitions for the
show and writing scripts for smaller segments.

Lastly, the role also involves going out on shoots
with the crew and building up my experience as a
producer. This is always my favourite part!

Rebecca Botros Inspiring today for tomorrow 35

ALUMNAE

Centre| Naomi as
a Peer Helper 2008
Behind | Victorian
team Victorian team,
winners of the Marie
Little Shield National

Competition
Below | The Avila

Dragons

NAOMI LINOSSIER

Avila Sports Co-ordinator | Head Coach Victorian All Abilities Netball

Currently employed as the Sports Naomi is the proud coach of the Avila
Coordinator at Avila College, Naomi College aerobics teams, who secured
cites former teacher, Nerida King, as an medals this year on the Gold Coast in
inspiration for her career choice and the schoolaerobics nationals, and
after studying Health and Physical together with Tim Ross, relaunched the
Education at Deakin University, was Avila AFL squad with their new mascot
delighted to go back to school as a – the Avila Dragons.
member of the teaching staff.
“I play AFL and absolutely love it! There
“The community, opportunities, are opportunities for women at the
enthusiasm for learning and awesome elite level now, so it is a great time for
PE team” made the transition easy and students to try different codes, transfer
Naomi thrives on her continued their skills, improve their overall
learning journey at Avila; “as a teacher athleticism and embrace all the
you are encouraged to experiment with opportunities now available”.
your pedagogy and it is great to
mentor young women and show them Outside of work, Naomi continues to
that there is more to life than school be involved on the court and field as a
and grades.” player and volunteer coach. Weekends
are jam packed with her sporting
commitments including netball, AFL
and coaching the St. Leonard's All

36 Inspiring today for tomorrow Naomi Linossier

‘get involved
now, don’t delay,

start small and
things will start
to snowball and
opportunities will

present them-
selves before you

know it.’

Team photo from the first game ever for the St Leonard's Stars.

For someone who was such an active sportswoman during her time at Avila, it is no surprise
that Naomi Linossier (Class of 2010) turned her passion into a vocation.

Abilities netball team, together with current Naomi has recently been appointed the Head
students Georgie Donnelly (Year 10) and Sarah Coach of the Victorian netball team for women
Ang (Year 12). Naomi helped establish the team with intellectual disabilities who compete in the
for young people with a mental or physical national Marie Little Shield competition, a role
disability two years ago together with five other that sees her managing training and interstate
netball coaches including Avila Alumnae Carla De competitions. Outside of sport, she loves the
Losa (Class of 2013) and Victoria Lecchino (2013). challenge and problem solving of escape rooms
After a patchy start - “initially no one showed up (having successfully completed 30 already!) and
but after six weeks of persistence, we had two travelling the globe, with a recent trip to Norway
players and by the end of 2018 we had 10 in the to see the northern lights being a major bucket
team” - they now have 26 regular players training list moment.
each week.
Ultimately however, it is the combination of sport
“Being able to provide the players and parents and education that provides the greatest
with an opportunity to be a part of a team, get satisfaction and she encourages all students to
active, socialise and improve their physical “get involved now, don’t delay, start small, things
health” offers its own reward but perhaps the will start to snowball and opportunities will
most fulfilling for Naomi is hearing from parents present themselves before you know it.” It is a
about what a difference it makes to the individual message that was consolidated in Year 10 when
players. “We had a parent tell us that one of our Naomi travelled to Santa Teresa and experienced
players got up at school assembly for the first firsthand “the difference you can make to others
time ever so she could show everyone her netball by doing small things, which has had a profound
medal”. As Naomi explains, “one game we only effect on me”.
scored one goal, but it was the best goal ever!”

Naomi Linossier Inspiring today for tomorrow 37

ALUMNAE 2007CLASS OF

KELLY
MCMAHON

Graphic Designer + Illustrator |
Design by Kelly McMahon

Can you tell us a little about your pathway from own range of accessories and bags. There is a really
Avila College to your current design business? great feeling in launching your own products and it’s
definitely one of the highlights of my career to date!
After Avila I studied a Diploma of Graphic Design at
RMIT and Bachelor of Visual Communication at What advice would you give current students who
Monash and was later employed at Charcoal Creative are interested in working in design?
for six years where I worked my way up to a lead
design position, before finally branching out on my You have to always be persistent. You will better
own this year. yourself every time you sit down to draw or design,
expand your creativity with each passing year and as
Tell us more about your business! What have been you experience more of the world, your ideas will
the highlights? Are there any projects or designs become more sophisticated. Take in every moment
of which you are most proud? and store it for later!

I’ve had the opportunity this year to exhibit my work What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
across Australia, America (including LA and NYC),
London and New Zealand. I have also been working I’ve always been a lover of the arts, theatre, anima-
with the cast from the new Jay and Silent Bob movie, tion, ballet and art galleries. Fashion has always been
leading Aussie game develops, collaborating on a a keen interest of mine, alongside travel. I feel very
range of brooches for Deer Arrow and launched my lucky to be able to indulge in my favourite things as
part of my career!

38 Inspiring today for tomorrow Kelly McMahon

Fondest memories from Avila College? Above: Circle mermaid pin from Kelly's Esty Storefront: kmmcmdraws
Kelly McMahon Inspiring today for tomorrow 39
Probably my friends. I met so many gorgeous
girls at Avila who have grown up to become
some of the most inspiring women I know. I
have very fond memories of representing
Avila in swimming as well as indulging in
Design Tech, Vis Comm and Studio Arts in Year
12. They were all such projects of passion at
the time and really helped me discover a very
valuable part of who I am.

Were there any skills that you learnt or
developed at Avila that have been useful in
your current role?

Many of the basic design skills developed in
Studio Arts, Design Tech and Vis Comm helped
me survive my first couple of years of univer-
sity and have helped drive my passion for
design as I’ve grown as an artist.

It’s a reunion for
EVERYONE

Avila Whole School Reunion | October 2019

Bigger and better with each year that passes, the Avila Whole School Reunion is proving to be a huge hit
for former students, offering a yearly opportunity to catch-up with old school buddies and re-connect with
the Avila community before the Christmas season starts. Special sub-reunions that were celebrated on the
day also included the Class of 1999 (20 years), Class of 1994 (25 years), Class of 1979 (40 years) and Class of
1974 (45 years). If you are planning a special 'numbered' reunion this year contact us and we can help with

promotional and archival material from your year level for the 2020 Whole School Reunion.

40 Inspiring today for tomorrow Whole School Reunion

Whole School Reunion Inspiring today for tomorrow 41

42 Inspiring today for tomorrow Whole School Reunion

Whole School Reunion Inspiring today for tomorrow 43

Alumnae News

Congratulations to Avila Alumnae Dr Margaret Elena Hellard awarded
the 2019 Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia
for significant service to medicine as an infectious diseases and public
health physician and research scientist.

Claire Rochecouste, (Class of 1998) has been appointed the Australian
Ambassador to Portugal. A career officer with the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade, Claire was most recently Director, Levant and Iran
Section. She has previously served overseas as Counsellor, Australian
Embassy, Paris; Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Baghdad;
Second Secretary, Australian Embassy, Kabul; and Second Secretary,
Australian Embassy, Buenos Aires.
In Canberra, Ms Rochecouste has served as Director, Regional Engage-
ment Section; and Portfolio Budget Coordinator, External Budget Section.
Ms Rochecouste holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard
Kennedy School; Bachelor of Business from Monash University; and
Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne.

Kala Gare (Class of 2014) will play Anne Boleyn in the Australian production
of Six the Musical. Kala’s theatre credits include: Alice in Thoroughly
Modern Millie (The Production Company) Sophie De Palma in Terence
McNelly’s Masterclass (Andrew Kay Productions); Maureen in Rent
(Chapel Off Chapel); Olivia in Twelfth Night (Melbourne Shakespeare
Company); Anastasia Steele in 50 Shades! (David Venn Enterprises).
Kala is also a classically trained musician with a Diploma in Classical
Piano. Her Musical Director credits include Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!
(Chapel Off Chapel); Legally Blonde Junior (Performing Artists Company).
Kala is also lead singer with the band, Legacy, which won Best Emerging
Band at the Emergenza Festival in 2017. More recently, she played the lead
role of Alice in the Steve Martin musical Bright Star at Chapel off Chapel.

Have news or photos to share?

Join the Avila Alumnae network today, upload photos to share, reconnect with past classmates,
build your profile, share jobs and request or become a mentor to Alumnae.
Go to alumnae.avila.vic.edu.au

44 Inspiring today for tomorrow Alumnae News

Book for any of our events through Avila Facebook or the Avila Alumnae Network2020 Events International Women's Day Breakfast
Join us in celebrating women at this amazing breafast as we
International pay homage to our diverse roles, challenges and passions.
Women’s Day
Wicked Date: Thursday 5 March
Avila/Mazenod Event Type: Sit-down Breakfast
Musical Location: Avila College | Gathering Space
Avila Young Time: 7:15-8.30am
Leader’s Dinner
Avila Day WICKED - Avila Mazenod Musical
Mass Yes, you read correctly! Avila's musical production this year
Alumnae is the irresistible international hit 'Wicked'. Follow us on
Whole School Avila Facebook to book your tickets early.
Reunion
Alumnae Performances: Thurs 16 July - Evening | Frid 17 July - Evening
Whole School Sat 18 July - Matinee & Evening
Reunion Event Type: Live Theatre
Location: The Besen Centre

Avila Young Leaders Dinner
A opportunity to come together for our mid-year dinner and
hear how our youngest Alumnae leaders are taking on the
world.

Date: Wednesday 5 August
Event Type: Dinner
Location: Avila College | Gathering Space
Time: 7pm-9pm

Avila Day Mass
Join us as a community for Mass and morning tea in
celebration of our patron Saint Teresa of Avila.

Date: Thursday 15 October
Event Type: Liturgy
Location: Avila College | The Hall
Time: 9am-10.30am

Alumnae Whole School Reunion
This is a reunion for all Avila Alumnae, no matter what year
you graduated. Take this opportunity to catch-up and
reconnect with school buddies and tour Avila in 2020.

Date: Saturday 17 October
Event Type: Drinks, Nibbles & Tours
Location: Avila College | Gathering Space
Time: 2pm-5pm

Avila Influencers Breakfast
Finish the year off with this fun, engaging talk-show style
breakfast where student panellists interview an Avila
Alumnae about their career and life.

Date: Friday 27 November
Event Type: Sit-down Breakfast
Location: Avila College | Gathering Space
Time: 7:15-8.30am

Avila 2020
Whole School

Reunion

Saturday 17 October 2020

No matter what year you attended Avila you are always welcomed back at our annual 'Avila Whole
School Reunion'. Revisit class buddies, rekindle memories and reconnect with Avila.
Bookings open in September via alumnae.avila.vic.edu.au & Avila Facebook.