2 November 2018 Avila College Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2 | 2018

From the
Principal

Celebrating the Class of 2018

Dr Michelle Cotter Last week we farewelled our Year 12 cohort with much colour,
celebration and joy as they formally graduated from Avila
Principal College. Thank you to Father Pearce and all the parents, teachers
Exec. MBA, M.Ed. Leadership, and staff who joined us for Mass and the graduation dinner
M.Ed. RE, Post Grad. Dip. IT,
Post Grad. Dip. Adult Ed., The Class of 2018 have 'dared to do' time on a Saturday afternoon to take our
Grad. Dip. RE, B.Ed and made a significant contribution visitors on school tours and show them
to the cultural fabric of our school as how the school campus and learning
35 Charles Street, leaders, sportswomen, poets, musicians, environment had evolved.
Mount Waverley, performers and community members.
Victoria 3149 The vivid stories and fond memories
T 03 9831 9600 They are now embarking on the next shared across the afternoon
[email protected] stage of their senior educational journey, demonstrated the passion and
avila.vic.edu.au studying and sitting for exams, making enthusiasm for our school and
tertiary and vocational choices and community still retained by so many
Avila College acknowledges the stepping beyond the Charles Street of our former students and once again
Wurundjeri people, the traditional gates as young women who epitomise reiterated how special it is to be an
custodians of the land on which the Presentation values of faith, vision, Avila girl and how our community
the College is built. community, action, daring, justice and connections last a lifetime.
2 compassion.
Over the last few weeks, the school
We hold them in our thoughts and community has also been involved in
prayers and wish them all the very best the electoral process for our incoming
for the coming weeks. Whilst they will leadership group and we are very
be missed from our daily school life, pleased to be appointing the student
they remain an integral part of the Avila leaders for 2019. Currently voting is
family and we look forward to welcoming underway for the Year 7 to Year 9
them back as our newest Avila Alumnae. leadership positions and I look forward
to announcing the student leadership
Speaking of Avila Alumnae, it was an group for next year shortly.
absolute delight to welcome former
students and teachers back to the Happy Learning
college for our Alumnae Day reunion.
Dr Cotter
Thank you to our current student
ambassadors who kindly donated their

Prayer

From The Veritas Book of Blessing Prayers

Let us pray for all students
undergoing examinations:

Lord, pour out your Spirit of Wisdom
on these students:
help them to remain calm,
to attend carefully
to the questions asked,
to think clearly,
to remember accurately,
and to express themselves well.
Grant that they may reflect on the
best of the work they have done
and the best of the teaching they
have received.
Accept their best efforts in these
examinations and in the great test
of life on earth.
May your love be upon them, O Lord,
as they place all their trust in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

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Faith Avila Day Reflections
and Mission
The purpose of Avila Day is to celebrate the feast day of Saint
Ms Carmela Marino Teresa of Avila, our school saint. We also came together as a school
to celebrate the day. The Mass was different compared to normal
Director of Faith and Mission schools, because it’s a bit more fun as everybody sings
and joins in with the songs.
[email protected]
Renee Antony On Avila Day, I enjoyed eating food from the food trucks. I enjoyed
Tiana Chandraratne Year 8 spending an entire day filled with fun and laughter. I also enjoyed
Chiara Smith not having any classes for the entire day.
Grace Guiliano
Caitlin Grima I liked the end of day when we all gathered as a group to watch the
Year 7 - 12’s (including the teachers) perfoming to all of us students.
Faith and Mission Captains But the best bit was the weather, because it was sunny and hot, like a
summer’s day.
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Makayla The purpose of Avila Day is for us to celebrate St Teresa of Avila’s
Cusolito feast day. It’s about coming together as a community to celebrate
Year 8 “our” birthday. On Avila Day, I enjoyed the food and being with
my friends and having no classes. I really enjoyed the Mass when
everyone was singing. It was good to see everyone dancing and
enjoying the day. I also enjoyed the trivia where everyone came
together with their answers.

Sunday's Gospel Reading Important Dates

Sunday 4 November Friday 9 November
Mark 10: 46–52, Memorial of the Dedication
Jesus gives sight to Bartimaeus. of the Lateran Basilica

Sunday 11 November Saturday 10 November
Mark 12: 38–44, Memorial of St Leo the Great
The widow's mite.
Monday 12 November
Memorial of St Josaphat

Saturday 17 November
Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary

Learning
and Teaching

VCE Exams

Mrs Madeleine Franken We wish our VCE students well as most Booklists
Year 12 students commenced their final
Deputy Principal examinations this week with English on Students are reminded that in order
Learning & Teaching Wednesday 31 October. to have the required resources for
HeadStart, booklists for Years 10, 11
[email protected] Oral language examinations and and 12 need to be submitted online to
performance examinations for Music Campion by Friday 2 November.
Ms Angela Torelli and Drama students commenced
earlier this term. Students should be All other orders may be submitted to
Director of Studies Y10-12 confident in the knowledge that they Campion by 29 November. All orders
have been prepared thoroughly by their must be lodged online directly with
[email protected] teachers and by their own revision, Campion.
including formal practice exams so that
Ms Klara Baka they know what to expect. Campion will distribute senior students’
orders, including oversized items, from
Director of Studies Y7-9 Exams for Years 10 and 11 students will the Gathering Space between 12:30pm
commence on Thursday 15 November. and 4:00pm on Friday 16 November.
[email protected]
Year 9 exams will be held on Thursday We encourage parents either to
29 and Friday 30 November. make arrangements to pick up their
daughters and her booklisted resources
Subject selection or to send a family member or friend
confirmation for 2019 with a car to collect purchases between
these times.
All students currently in Years 9, 10
and 11 have been issued with details Uncollected items will not be retained
of their subject allocations and at the College; instead, they will go back
booklists for 2019. to Campion for collection by parents at
a later date.
If there are any concerns about subject
allocations, students should contact Madeleine Franken
Mrs Franken immediately. Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching

When the final pieces of the timetable
grid are finalized in the next couple
of weeks, students in Years 7 and 8
will be given booklists and written
confirmation of their subjects for 2019.

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Pastoral
Care

Ms Janine Bauman So, what’s been happening in our
Living and Values Pastoral Program?
Deputy Principal Students
Let’s hear from our students:
[email protected]
To many students, beginning every day right
Mrs Anne Stephens
with a healthy and nutritious breakfast isn’t
Director of Pastoral Care Y7-9
in their daily routine. With the constant stress
[email protected]
of studying, leaving the house on time, and
Mrs Anna Marvelli
making sure we are up to date with the latest
Director of Pastoral Care Y10-12
gossip; it isn’t common for such busy Year 11
[email protected]
Avila students to eat healthy breakfasts.
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Gabi Ishak

Year 11 In our last LAVP lesson, the teachers

However, in the previous few LAVP and Year Level Co-ordinator, Mrs
Pastoral lessons, the teachers and Wright, ensured the whole year level
the Co-ordinator of Year 11 have been started our Tuesday morning correctly
stressing the importance of starting and in the most delicious way possible!
the day right - especially at such an
important time of our lives. We were all appreciative as students
were provided a variety of healthy and
Our lessons have explored the science nutritious breakfast options.
behind beginning with a full breakfast
in the morning and have included From yoghurt and muesli to toast and
healthy recipes, simple ways to make fresh fruit, every student had their
a healthy meal, and other options to choice of a nourishing and mouth-
start every day right around our busy watering option for the most important
schedules. meal of the day - there was even
enough for second servings!

Year 9 Students
Butterfly Foundation

Speaker Presentation

On Tuesday 23 October the

Year 9 students were visited by

a guest speaker from the Butterfly

Alexandra Cavalli Foundation.

Year 9 Speaker Jess Sanders talked about

the issues that social media imposes on young people

with regard to body image and their self esteem.

The feedback was incredible, as each student She also discussed the topic of body image and body
had something to eat early in the morning esteem, fitting in with the current Year 9 Living and
while still enjoying the healthy foods provided. Values Program.
Now every student has learnt to start the
day right and enjoy their healthy meals every This was a very important and valuable learning
morning. We have the caring teachers of Year experience for the Year 9 classes as it highlighted
11 to thank for providing such a big breakfast information mostly pertaining to young people.
treat to all students!
It was also great to have a speaker who was a younger
woman and that, together with her delivery, helped 7
us learn and relate better than we would have if the
speaker was older.

Year 10 Living and Values Program

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A Once Socially
Awkward Ambassador

When I first recieved an email
saying that I was able to represent
Avila College by becoming a
College Ambassador, I was over the
moon and knew that it was going
to be a fantastic opportunity!

I thought hosting guests After hosting more tours at open mornings and in the
was going to be easy, twilight tours, I became more comfortable engaging with a
however, I soon realised big crowd. The 20/40-year alumnae reunion and Teacher-
that it was more difficult Student interviews for Year 5's were also valuable learning
than I anticipated. experiences.

I discovered that I am What I realised from conducting each of the tours was that
they were different from one another, and each one made
more chatty with people me learn something new about communicating with a broad
range of people.
that I know, but a little
My experience as an ambassador has also taught me about
socially awkward when being a part of a team, as each time I do a tour, my group
members and I always try and evenly distribute our speaking
it comes to talking with roles.

Oviya people I don't know. Before being an ambassador, I wasn't much of a group
worker, but then I grew more comfortable and learnt to
Ponkathirvarathan In my first tour, I was adapt. One of the advantages I didn't expect was that I have
Year 8 also discovered something new about my school.
paired up with a senior

student who had far

more experience at talking to concerned yet

excited parents and curious children.

I observed how the Year 10 Ambassador

engaged with the parents and how she was

extremely confident in the way she spoke.

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Junior Debating

This week we had the last round of Debating for the
2018 season. It was a successful night for the juniors
who had 4 wins out of 5 debates. The students have
been very committed to learning the rules of Debating;
the skill of structuring a speech; and the difficult art of
rebuttal. Well done. A special congratulations to our
"Best Speaker" award winners: Jacinta Dinh, Victoria
Sarafian, Milagros Vargas and Luisa Oro.
Many thanks to Mrs Trembath who was the faithful
cheer squad for the Year 8s throughout the season.

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Rotary 4-Way Test Grand Final The Voice
Competition
Both Sanjana Nair and Paris Collins spoke with passion and
persuasion at the Grand Final of the Rotary 4 Way Test. Both The Voice is a competition
students are to be congratulated on their willingness to accept
advice in order to improve their presentations for this event. run by the United Nations

The judges were particularly taken by Sanjana's exploration Youth Association and was
of Kevin Rudd's claim that Climate Change is our nation's
greatest moral challenge. She was awarded runner up on held on two consecutive
the evening. This was Sanjana's second Grand Final in Public
Speaking competitions - she is proving herself to be a very fine days across a weekend for
communicator.
Kavia Pynadath both juniors and seniors.
Victorian State Debating Team Trials
Year 10 Kavia Pynadath, Sia
Avila's Debaters in Years 10 - 12 are encouraged to try out for
the State Team. This is an excellent way of improving your Mattoo, Priyanka Sharma,
debating skills.
Elizabeth Dinh, and Elisa Scholast represented
The trials will be held on Sunday 2 December at Caulfield
Grammar School, Glen Eira Rd, East St Kilda from 9.30 am Avila College in their divisions.
until 5:00 pm. On the day, students will be allocated into teams
and asked to participate in two secret topic debates in front Each of us was asked to present an ideal
of selectors. A small group of students will then proceed to a solution to some of the world’s demanding
call-back round, held in February 2019. issues in either education, farming or clothing
industry, nuclear weapons, animal rights or
There is no cost to students to participate in trials, but students issues relating to the representation of diversity
must register themselves online before 4pm Wednesday 28 in the government.
November.
We were then asked two impromptu questions
by the panel in regards to our solutions.

It was definitely, without a doubt, a unique
experience for all of us and we hope that more
students will take this opportunity in the future.

We are currently waiting on results to see if we
progress through to the finals.

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Legacy Public Speaking Competition State Final

Avila College Year 8 student Milagros Vargas competed at Over 480 students had competed across Victoria in 26
the State Final of the Legacy Public Speaking Competition regional finals before the twelve were chosen for this
held at the stunning Education Centre at the Shrine of final. The speeches were of a very high standard and
Remembrance. This was a very special event with the often included some very poignant stories of courage,
students being made to feel very special by the many determination and resilience. Congratulations to Milagros
legatees who were present and made up the enthusiastic who was runner up on the day - and has been invited
audience. to travel to Sydney to compete in the National Final in
November. We wish you well, Mila.

The DAV Junior British Parliamentary
Debating Competition

Last Sunday Elizabeth Dinh, Elisa Scholast and Milagros
Vargas competed in a round robin debating competition
hosted by the Debaters Association of Victoria. The style
of debating was not the usual 3 x 3, but 4 x 2. This style of
debating is more interactive as it allows for interjections
by members of the opposition. It is an excellent way to
develop skills in rebuttal.

The girls had a lovely day and improved their skills with
their results including a third place, second place and
finishing first in their final debate. Well done.

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Operation Christmas

For the past few months, Overall, we made 22 care packages with an
Marina Baroudi from Year 10 estimated amount of $650 worth of goods in them.
has been organising a project These included items such as Tim Tams, coffee,
called ‘Operation Christmas’. notebooks, pens, Blistex, puzzle books and more.
This project aims to provide
Australian soldiers with a better Marina started this project because she “wanted to
Christmas experience by sending show appreciation and support for the brave men
them Christmas Care Packages. and women who put their lives on the line and
sacrifice their comfort and freedom to protect us
Jacqueline Many soldiers deployed overseas and our national interests."
Vincent Year 10 do not receive any presents
at Christmas time for multiple Marina firmly believes that "our military definitely
does not get enough credit for what they do, and
reasons, one being that they may not have family no Australian soldier, sailor or airman should have
to spend Christmas in another country without any
back in Australia. communication from home."

Around fifteen Avila students have been involved Overall, the project went well and the packages will
in this project along the way, and on the 21st of be sent in the next week and a half
October, we came together to help out in various
ways including packaging, funding, writing cards
and more.

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Year 9 Studio Arts 3D

Year 9 Studio Arts students have
been busy in the studio working
to a brief of creating an "organic,
free standing sculpture".
Proving to be very resourceful,
students repurposed materials
and refashioned wire to create
an array of pretty, yet prickly
scupltures that have wowed all.

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Year 10's Menu Dinner

Parents and staff were treated to a fine dining experience as Year 10 Food
Technology students prepared and delivered a three course dinner with style.

15

Year 10
Geography

The Year 10 Geography classes were out on
Fieldwork on Wednesday 17 October. They
visited the Toolangi State Forest to see
remnant 1939 forest, Wirrawilla rainforest
gully, and a logging coup, as part of their
investigation into the proposal to turn the
area into a National Park. They also visited
the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie to survey locals
and tourists and consider the importance of
tourism to the region.

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Year 7 Indonesian

Year 7 Indonesian Language students embraced local traditions
by trying on and styling Indonesian cultural costumes in class.

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Pathways
and Careers

Reminder: VTAC Key Dates

Please take note of the following key dates.

Ms Jenny Dunn VTAC Personal Statement Friday 7 December 2018
ATARS Released Friday 14 December 2018
Pathways Co-ordinator Change of Preference (COP) Saturday 15 December 2018
[email protected] for Early International Offers closes
Change of Preference (COP) Closes Wednesday 19 December 2018
Ms Ann Boyce December International Round Offers Wednesday 19 December 2018
Main Round International Offers Tuesday 8 December 2018
Careers Teacher Main Round Domestic Offers Wednesday 16 January 2018
[email protected] Further Offer Rounds Monday 4 February 2019 onwards

18 Changes to UMAT for 2019 Monash Science

For students intending to sit the Parent Chat
UMAT in 2019 for entry to university
in 2020, the test is changing. Monash Science is offering a
resource for parents who may need
2018 will be the final year for some additional advice regarding
students to sit the UMAT. After 2018 their child's selection of a Science
it will be replaced by a new test, the degree at Monash University.
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude
Test). Parents can speak directly with a
Science VTAC Selection Officer to
This is a 2 hour computer-based test have their questions answered
offered on a variety of dates. around entry requirements, how to
calculate subject adjustment bonus,
For more information visit www. SEAS, Monash Guarantee or other
ukcat.ac.uk science-related enquiries.

For more details contact
[email protected]

Healthcare Card Tax File Number
for Australian Students
Year 12 students are reminded that they cannot
Once you have finished school you may be eligible enrol in a CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place)
for a Low Income Health Care Card. This card gives university course next year without a Tax File
access to a range of concessions on some health care Number (TFN). Students who do not have one
items and other goods and services. In particular, are reminded to apply for a TFN online and have
some TAFE and other short courses offer discounts for their identity verified through an interview at a
cardholders. Eligibility is based on YOUR income over participating Australia Post office. 
the previous 8 weeks. As long as your income is less
than $4,448 over that period (or $556 per week) you To apply and also to find out about participating
may qualify. Post Offices, visit the following link: Tax File Number
Applications.
You will maintain the Low Income Health Care Card as
long as your income does not exceed $5,560 (or $695
per week) in any 8 week period.

It is highly recommended that all graduating Year
12 students consider applying for this card once the
exams are over. Visit Low Income Healthcare Card and
find out more.

What is Sans Forgetica?? A font to remember | RMIT

RMIT has just launched Sans Forgetica, the world’s first typeface specifically designed to help people retain
more information and remember more of typed study notes. It was developed in a collaboration between
typographic design specialists and psychologists, combining psychological theory and design principles to
improve retention of written information. It is an excellent tool for students studying for exams.

The font was developed using a learning principle called ‘desirable difficulty’, where an obstruction is added
to the learning process that requires us to put in just enough effort, leading to better memory retention to
promote deeper cognitive processing. Sans Forgetica is available free to download

http://sansforgetica.rmit

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Avila Ambassador Thank You Lunch

Throughout the year Avila College runs numerous school events. Our team of
student Ambassadors play an integral role at these events welcoming guests,
leading school tours and representing Avila to the wider community.

Electrical and
Engineering Career
Paths with Metro
Trains

Avila College students
recently explored the
range of engineering
and electrical careers
available at the Metro
Trains Training facility in
South Kensington.

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Reviews from the Avila Book Club

Corina Pascoe Sethini
Year 8 Mudannayake
Year 8
Title: Gone
Author: Michael Grant Title: Save Me
Suitable for: Ages 13+ (Themes of violence) Author: Jenny Elliot
Suitable for: Ages 12+
In Perido Beach, everyone disappears. A dome
covers the atmosphere of this area blocking the The novel "save Me" by Jenny Elliot is about a girl
outside world. Slowly the kids develop powers and named Cara who is very unsocial. One day she
strange mutations. They are confused and turn meets a man, David, who she soon falls in love with
reckless. The main character, Sam Temple, fights for but she finds out a secret about him that changes
dominance with the antagonist, Caine. They must everything. Cara must battle her demons and
work together to survive until the dome comes overcome challenges to save her special connection
down, if it ever does... This book contains themes of with David.
violence, gore and strong language.
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Australia’s nextAvila College Parents + Friends Association present VCA Production | The Drowsy Chaperone Avila Influencers
big Drama Queen Breakfast

Breakfast with Actress, Singer & Alumnae Limited seats remaining!!

KALA GARE The Avila PFA is delighted to invite all members of
the community to enjoy breakfast and hear from
Influencers Breakfast former student, actress and singer Kala Gare.
Join us from 7.15-8.30am on Friday 23 November in
Friday 23 November | Season 2 the Gathering Space.

Avila College is proud to present an on-couch interview with Kala Gare. We talk about her transition Tickets are $5 and available via trybooking.
to the VCA, her involvement in theatre and her rising star. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with

Australia's next big drama queen. Seats are limited so book early.
Time: 7.15-8.30am | Cost: $5 | Book: Avila Facebook Event

Parent Carer Changing the story
Seminar for our young people.

Respectful Relationships | Glenn Manton Students from across our
network of schools, with the
help of Glenn Manton, present
an opportunity to explore how
and why we need to start a
conversation about Respectful
Relationships in our homes,
workplaces and classrooms.

Host | Glenn Manton Thursday 15 November 
6.30 - 8.30pm
Glenn Manton is an author, media personality,
youth advocate, professional speaker and ex Batesford Reserve Community Hub
AFL Premiership player at Essendon and 94 Batesford Road, Chadstone 3148
Carlton football clubs.
Light supper served before commencement.

The Monash Respectful Relationships Community Conversations Series provides a platform for you to share your
thoughts and experiences, and access resources and expertise on how we can assist young people to develop es-

sential life and learning skills, so that they may establish healthy and meaningful relationships in all aspects
of their lives. Help us create a culture of respect throughout our community.

Community Partners: Monash Council, Gateway LLEN, link Health & Community

Avila is a Partner School in the Dept Education & Training ‘Respectful Relationships’
Initiative. Our Schools Network includes: Avila College, Salesian College, Mazenod
College, Sacred Heart College, Emmaus College, Mt Waverley North Primary

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One Good Deed... Avila Calendar
A Real City Experience Dates & Events

As they were returning home during City Monday 5 November
Experience Year 8 students Julia Lipeneski, Mid Term Break - School Closed
Georgia Ventieri and Yoshika Cook found Tuesday 6 November
an iPad on the train and upon opening it Cup Day - School Closed
discovered it had something about Mazenod. Thursday 8 November
Theatre Studies Showcase 7pm
Julia nominated to take it home as her elder Monday 12 November
brother is enrolled at Mazenod and they Y11 Music Performance
thought the iPad belonged to a teacher. Wednesday 14 November
Y10 + Y11 Study Day
With her father's assistance, the iPad was Friday 23 November
returned to Dr Phillip Dutton, an Academic who PFA Avila Influencers Breakfast
had been delivering a presentation on to the Monday 26 November
Year 12's at Mazenod. Avila Presentation Evening

Dr Dutton is a distinguished Academic who SECONDHAND UNIFORM SHOP
has held Deanships/ Principal positions at Wednesday 14 November, 1-4pm
Wollongong University and ANU. Dr Dutton Wednesday 5 December, 1-4pm
was a teacher at Mazenod in the late 1970s
and part of the initial group of staff who 23
approached Avila to have students involved
in production work- the basis of what became
the Avila / Mazenod Musical .

Dr Dutton contacted Avila College to express
his extreme gratitude to the students
and praised them for their honesty and
responsibility.

Farewell Class of 2018!

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