Avila College Prospectus

Prospectus

Contents

Hello & Welcome 4 Leadership & Innovation 18

Our Catholic Faith 6 Sport, Drama, Music, Arts 20

Faith, Mission & Diversity 8 Future Building Works 22

Our Learning Community 10 Application Steps 24

Student Wellbeing 12 Avila College Map 26

Beyond the Classroom 16 Contact Details 28

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Hello and Welcome

Welcome to Avila College, a vibrant and centre of all that we do. They are essential
dynamic learning community where girls are touchstones for our spiritual development
empowered to develop into socially respon- and the life long learning journeys for all
sible global citizens who think critically, students, staff and alumnae.
work collaboratively, value diversity and
become the person they aspire to be. An All Girls Education
As a secondary school for girls, our students
At Avila we proudly challenge students are continuously exposed to positive
to discover and express their ‘voice female role models and traditional gender
and choice’ across a range of academic stereotypes are absent from the classroom.
options, co-curricular pursuits and At Avila, the student leaders, scientists, AFL
community activities. Our inclusive culture players and public speakers are all girls,
fosters a genuine sense of belonging offering powerful modelling opportunities.
and encourages students to be curious,
confident and capable young people with a We are proud of our school and extend a
well rounded educational experience. warm invitation to visit our campus, meet
our people and discover more about an
Our Faith and Mission Avila education for girls.

An Avila education is one that is Dr Michelle Cotter
founded on the tradition of Catholic and
Presentation values. Faith, hope, love and Principal Avila College
justice guide our relationships with each
other and the wider world and are at the

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Faith & Mission.

Faith & Mission Service & Justice

Faith and a deep commitment to our In the spirit of Nano Nagle, we are inspired
Catholic faith is central to daily life at Avila to serve our community through “deeds
College. Students are encouraged to not words”.-
explore their spirituality and live the Gospel
and Presentation values in all that they do. Our students and staff participate in a range
of social justice initiatives that build a deep
Our rich liturgical program brings our faith awareness, inspire purposeful action and
to life in a powerful and compelling manner, produce active and informed citizens who
drawing our community together through can enact change in the world around them.
prayer, music and reflection.
Students are able to express their service
Avila College’s Religious Education to others through fundraising drives,
curriculum challenges students to deepen volunteering work (Sacred Heart Mission,
their understanding of Catholic identity Halcyon Centre), community engagement
through teachings, symbols, rituals and activities, awareness raising events and
traditions, while also learning about other active participation in the Young Vinnies,
faith communities and belief structures around Reconciliation and Sustainability groups.
the world.

Embracing Diversity

We proudly celebrate our culturally diverse
and multi faith learning community. Within
our Catholic environment we teach and
practice respect and understanding for all
cultures and religions.

I have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full.

John 10:10

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Our learning At Avila College we value different skills, talents
community. and abilities and challenge ourselves to think
both critically and creatively, be intellectually
AVILA COLLEGE curious and adopt a global mindset.

With a focus on academic diversity,
innovation and engagement, Avila students
are encouraged to be agile thinkers, take
ownership of their learning journey and
achieve their own personal best.

Our broad and dynamic curriculum program
is complemented by an extensive array of co-
curricular activities designed to promote each
individual student’s intellectual, social, spiritual
and physical growth and development.

Each school day is structured around an eighty
minute period, to allow time for deep learning
and a chance to explore and understand
concepts in detail.

We understand that each student’s academic VCAL
journey is a personal one, which is why Avila The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning
College offers a variety of learning pathways (VCAL) develops skills and knowledge that
to suit a diverse range of needs, aspirations may not normally be the focus of traditional
and abilities. curriculum and provides an alternate option
for senior students.
Enrichment and Enhancement
VET
Enrichment, enhancement and acceleration Senior students have the opportunity
programs provide differentiated options, to pursue vocational pathways, learn
strategies and resources for students to be industry specific skills and gain a nationally
extended or supported across a range of recognised certificate by completing a
curriculum areas. Vocational Education and Training (VET)
program within the VCE and VCAL program.
VCE
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With over 30 VCE units on offer, Avila College
students have the opportunity to tailor a VCE
program suited to their interests, talents and
future pathways.

Co-Curricular Opportunities.

Avila College’s extensive co-curricular program provides Sport
students with enriching learning experiences beyond
the classroom and the opportunity to develop skills, As a member of the SCSA
contribute to the community, interact with like-minded
peers and discover new talents. network, Avila College students

Each lunchtime, before and after school, the Avila can enjoy the physical challenge
College campus is a hive of activity as students engage
in their co-curricular pursuits. From robotics to writing, and fun of training and
drama and coding, there is a club to suit every interest.
competing in a team through
Co-curricular options include
inter school and house sports.
• Junior Drama Club
• Debating and Public Speaking Sports on offer at Avila
• Reconciliation Group
• Coding Club • Aerobics
• Book Club • Tennis
• Craft Club and Crochet Club • Soccer
• Quill & Ink Writers Group • Swimming
• Orchestra and music ensembles • Diving
• Fitness Club • Netball
• Sustainability Group • Athletics
• Robogals • Cross Country
• Art Club • Volleyball
• Book Club • Basketball
• Games Group • AFL Football
• Stage Crew • Gymnastics
• Young Vinnies • Softball
• Indoor Cricket

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Wellbeing. Respect. Resilience.

We firmly believe that positive student Respectful Relationships
wellbeing paves the way for better learning.
Wellbeing encompasses all dimensions of As a member of the Respectful
life in our Catholic school. Relationships Student Network, together
with a number of other local schools
Our integrated and holistic wellbeing and services, Avila College pro-actively
approach aims to foster a sense of promotes healthy relationships and gender
belonging and connectedness within the equality within our school and community.
school community, promotes resilience The network works together to build
and offers a comprehensive and extended awareness and understanding and help
network of support for each student. build capacity ‘to change the story’ for
future generations.
A Vibrant Student Voice
Living and Values Program
Avila College students are empowered to
take an active and influential role in shaping Taught at all year levels, the Living and
our learning community and their own Values Program provides students with
education. integrated pastoral care and activities
to enhance their wellbeing and develop
Student voice is amplified through groups personal and social capabilities.
such as the Student Representative
Council (SRC), Uniform Committee and the A Supportive Network
Avila Ambassador program.
An established and comprehensive network
Events and forums, such as The Conversation is in place to ensure that each student
Hour, see students present their feels supported as they grow and develop
perspectives to parents and staff. Students through their formative secondary school
also make valued contributions to school years.
building projects, helping to shape the
design and layout of their learning spaces.

Regular meetings with staff and the
Principal provide opportunities for students
to put forward ideas, be part of the decision
making process and influence outcomes.

Each person is made in the
image and likeness of God.

Genesis 1:27

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Discovery. Adventure.

City Inquiry World Study Tours

City Inquiry is a civic and social equity Planning a space mission at NASA’s
educational program that fosters students’ Johnson Space Center in Houston is
research skills, critical analysis and just one of the many global learning
collaborative learning while developing experiences available to Avila College
their independence and initiative. students.

With the city as their classroom, students Other opportunities include international
explore the CBD, complete multidisciplinary language and cultural study tours,
tasks in a real-life context and investigate a sustainable community project expeditions
contemporary issue. to developing countries and an indigenous
immersion tour to Central Australia.
Camps & Adventures
International trip itineraries are carefully
The Discovery Learning Program is a constructed to enable students to further
dynamic element of the College curriculum, develop as a socially responsible global
and facilitates experiential learning beyond citizen, gain a better understanding of
the walls of the traditional classroom. themselves and build connections across
borders.
Outdoor education experiences on
residential camps offer a chance for
students to take greater responsibility for
themselves, connect with nature and each
other, explore an unfamiliar environment
and learn hands-on skills.

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Innovation. Leadership.
A seat at the table.

Surrounded by positive female role models Alumnae Influencers Network
and a culture of collaboration Avila College
students can creatively explore their ambitions Beyond the Charles Street gates is a dynamic
and aspirations in a safe, respectful and network of inspiring women who share a
supportive environment. common heritage as Avila Alumnae, yet
have pursued professional pathways across
An Avila College education offers a platform a range of global industries and sectors.
where girls are able to take responsible risks,
master new skills, build self belief and ignite a Our Alumnae maintain close ties with the
passion for life-long learning. school and each other, often acting as cross
generational mentors and regularly return
Student Leadership to Avila to share their experiences and ad-
vice as influencers in their chosen field.
Responsibility, commitment, passion and re-
silience are the hallmarks of Avila College’s STEM-4-All
student leaders. All girls are encouraged to
undertake leadership roles throughout their Designed to promote female leadership in
time at Avila. STEM, Avila College’s signature STEM-4-
All program was developed by a group of
The vast range of leadership opportunities teachers from the Science and Mathematics
available, both formal and informal, provide department.
students with invaluable experiences,
training and confidence to become strong, The inquiry based program teams Year
articulate and confident members of our 8 mentors with Grade 4 students and
school community and society. together they develop and test a hypoth-
esis through experimentation in the Avila
Leadership qualities are nurtured and College laboratories.
acknowledged from the junior years and
students are empowered to lead with Beyond 2040
integrity, empathy and authenticity.
Developed specifically for Avila College,
Peer Helpers Program the Beyond 2040 program is an inquiry
program that provides meaningful
Year 10 students have an opportunity to opportunities to engage deeply in solution-
become Peer Mentors to younger students finding and design thinking.
in the College. The program gives students
the chance to be positive role models and Year 7 students work collaboratively in
mentors, in addition to promoting positive, teams and consult with a panel of indus-
pro-social behaviours amongst the try experts as they research, discuss and
student body. consider what the future could look like if
we embraced the best solutions available
in Science, Technology, Engineering and
Maths today.

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Express yourself.

The celebration of creativity is an integral The annual Musical production with
element of the culture and character of Mazenod College is always a highlight of
Avila College, and extends beyond the the school calendar, playing to a packed
classroom into every facet of school life. theatre, while the Creative Arts Festival
unites the visual and performing arts in a
Students have many opportunities to spectacular showcase performance.
establish and develop their individual
talents, express themselves and create Visual Arts
unforgettable school life experiences by
embracing their creative passions. From photography to ceramics, painting
to sculpture, our visual arts department
Music offers an extensive array of artistic options
to develop technical skills, digital expertise
Finding your forte is easy within the Avila and inspire creative practice.
College Music School, a haven for aspiring
musicians and singers. The innovative Design Technology
Year 7 program offers students a choice of
instrument so they can discover their own A flair for fashion and design can be
individual rhythm early on, and learn how to nurtured in the studio where students work
be part of an orchestral experience. with different textiles and materials, learn
to adapt and create their own patterns and
With an enviable reputation for nurturing explore sustainable design.
passionate and accomplished musicians
and singers, the Music School also provides Debating & Public Speaking
private lessons and a chance for students to
further express and refine their musical skills Avila College has a long and proud
in a variety of bands, ensembles and choirs. tradition of debating and public speaking
with students regularly competing at state
Performing Arts and national levels. Life-long cognitive and
presentation skills are nurtured through the
Whether it is performing on stage or program as students develop the ability to
designing sets and costumes, Avila College communicate articulately with confidence
students are involved in all aspects of our and work together as a team.
vibrant musical and drama productions.

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Looking to the Future.

In line with our fast paced and rapidly Ballygriffin, the new senior learning precinct,
changing global environment, we continually named in honour of Nano Nagle’s birthplace,
evolve our physical and virtual spaces to is a two storey complex featuring flexible
reflect best practice, modern pedagogy and and interactive contemporary spaces for
student experience. learning and teaching.

Phase one of Avila College’s Master Building
Plan is currently underway and will see
the development of new state-of-the-art
facilities on the College campus.

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Equipped with the technology for With an emphasis on sustainability and
21st century learning, Ballygriffin has been innovation, the building is environmentally
purposefully designed to cultivate community sensitive in design, maximises natural
connections, incorporating numerous common light and connects seamlessly with Avila
areas and multi purpose zones where College’s green site.
students can collaborate and interact.

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Becoming an Avila girl.

Step One Step Two Step Three
SCHOOL TOUR APPLICATION ADMISSION
INTERVIEW
Visit Avila College, hear Submissions by August
from our students, meet 2 years prior (Grade 5) After applications close,
the teachers and tour our we conduct a short interview
College campus. Register The Application Form is with each applicant.
online for one of our school available for download
tour events. from the Avila College This short meeting is a
website. chance to get to know
Open Mornings, Twilight each other better and an
and Sunrise Tours are Complete and submit the opportunity for students
conducted on a regular form with the relevant to ask questions about
basis. You can also take a documentation. Indicate if secondary school, transition
virtual tour online. Avila College is your first and Avila College.
preference.

Step Four Step Five For further information
Contact the College Registrar at
OFFER TRANSITION (03) 9831 9600
[email protected]
Letters of Offer are sent to The Transition process avilacollege.vic.edu.au
all successful applicants by starts the year prior to entry
the third week of October. and includes a number of
events for students and
Offers must be completed, parents. Transition is
signed and returned to designed to prepare students
Avila College together with for a seamless entry into
the Enrolment Fee and secondary school, get
Debenture Deposit by the familiar with the school
due date to confirm the place. and meet other students.

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Getting to Avila.

Nestled in the leafy green suburb of Mt Waverley, Avila College is fortunate to be within
walking distance of numerous transport links.

Public Transport Private School Bus Service
The Mt Waverley transport hub offers both
train and bus options. Daily private bus services are offered to
Avila College students with routes and
• Glen Waverley train line stops determined by demand.

• Bus 623 Glen Waverley - St Kilda Details about the routes and contacts for
Australiner are available on the Avila
• Bus 733 Box Hill - Oakleigh College website.

On High Street Road, a bus stop is located Bicycle
on the Fleet Street intersection, a 600 metre
walk to Avila College. The Waverley Rail Trail and Scotchman’s
Creek Trail provide close bike paths.
• Bus 734 Glen Iris - Glen Waverley A bicycle rack is available on campus for
students who ride to school.



Our Heritage.

Founded in 1965, Avila College has a “The Presentation Sisters
proud tradition of educating girls, fostering teaching at Avila were
intellectual curiosity and empowering students nuns at the cutting edge
to achieve their own personal best. of education; they were
the original Women’s
Inspired by the spirituality, devotion and Libbers who instilled in
mysticism of St Teresa of Avila, the first female the girls the concept of
Doctor of the Church, the College was named
in her honour. ‘You can do anything’.”

The Presentation Sisters of 1965 brought to life Vivienne Hughes, 1969 College Co-Captain
the legacy of Nano Nagle, shining a light on
education for girls in a contemporary world.

From an initial enrolment of just 110 students
and two full time staff, Avila College has grown
tenfold since the first classrooms were built in
Charles Street.

Over the decades, the small site has
evolved and expanded through continuous
development, renewal and refurbishment into
a modern, green and technology enabled
school campus.

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Book your tour today.

avilacollege.vic.edu.au

Avila College, 35 Charles Street, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149 | T 03 9831 9600