Avila Connect Alumnae Magazine - 2023 edition

Digital Edition | January 2024 Connect.

Rediscover Avila College in 2024. Tour the school campus, meet students and chat to staff at an Avila College school tour. For upcoming dates and bookings, visit avila.vic.edu.au

1 Avila people live, learn and contribute across the globe. Once again the annual Avila Connect magazine features a selection of stories about Avila Alumnae who have been shaped and have shaped Avila past and present. And in sharing their journeys in this publication they leave another legacy for future generations of Avila students about what it is to "be Avila" in minds, hearts, hands and feet. The wonders of the past, present and future through the gates on Charles Street are brought to life via these captivating narratives. Avila people shaped by the friendships forged in those teenage years. Relationships maintained across years, decades and sometimes generations. Friends made in a faith community that honours each individual person made in the image and likeness of God. People who have a feel for justice and a compulsion to act for social justice, inclusion and change for the good. Wisdom imparted through great teaching and learning is woven across the memories of classes taught by educators with a passion for learning. An awareness of the critical thinking, questioning and investigation skills that champions of change, innovation and creativity need in their careers and lives. Avila people making a difference personally, locally and globally. Every day at Avila our current generation of students make their own stories. By seeking to know more, be more and achieve the most they can, our current students pursue academic, social, sporting, spiritual and cultural pursuits that will shape their lives. I hope you delight as I have in reading these insights into experiences of Avila and beyond. Dr Michelle Cotter | Principal WELCOME CONTENTS Avila College Principal | Dr Michelle Cotter WELCOME From the Principal 01 St Patrick's Day Mass 02 New Buildings 04 OUR ALUMNAE The Hon Justice Sharon Johns 06 IWD Breakfast | Jane Kanizay 09 Madeleine Cleary 10 Maria De Leon-Santiago 15 Laura Mazzarella 18 Maddy Forster 22 Evelyn Andrews 25 Alesesha De Mel Tucker 28 Nicole Donnison 32 Portugal World Youth Festival 35 Reconciliation Week 36 Digi Day 37 Year 12 Retreat 2023 38 SMASH Collaboration 39 COMMUNITY STORIES Introduction 40 Libby Hocart 41 Maureen Watkins 44 Kerin Kenny 45 Dawn Paton 46 EVENTS & ARCHIVES Reunion 48 Avila Archives 50 Get Connected! Follow the latest from Avila Alumnae on our digital network.

2 Inspiring today for tomorrow Madeleine Cleary

3 It was a great joy and honour to hear the Avila choir and musicians lead the music of the Eucharist on St Patrick's Day in Melbourne. The grandeur of the Cathedral was beautifully amplified through the voices of the congregation who joined Avila's choir and orchestra singing praise and glory to our shared faith, hope and love. St Patrick's Day Mass 2023 Watch the Video Listen to the evocative voices of our choir.

4 The Welcome Administration Building & New Food Technology Precinct The Welcome Administration Building Avila College's Welcome Administration Building seeks to invite our students, staff and families, past, present and future, to enter the College grounds with a distinctly Catholic spirit of warmth, hospitality and inclusiveness. Our existing Nano Nagle statue will guide visitors to the school entrance, through a green pathway, illuminated by a stained glass feature window, custom designed around the scripture reference: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10. Open and inviting, the building will seamlessly add additional layers of accessibility, functionality and security as the main entry point for the school campus. A purpose built reception area will offer a welcoming, efficient and child safe central hub for students and families in their daily interactions with the College. It will also be furnished with private spaces for parent meetings in addition to the Health Centre, providing greater ease of access. The contemporary and purposefully designed administration area will be reflective of the level of professionalism and collaborative spirit staff bring to work each day, providing even greater opportunities for cross functional teamwork. In line with our commitment to continuously improve and equip our school campus with 21st Century facilities we are pleased to annouce the following upgrades.

5 New Food Technology Precinct Following research, consultation and site investigations, the design of the new Food Technology kitchen and demonstration zone has been shaped. The state of the art facility will harness the latest in commercial and educational health and safety, equipment and sustainable solutions, enabling Food Technology and VET Hospitality students to learn in a modern, functional and fit for purpose zone. The design aims to encourage student collaboration and pedagogical innovation in a specialist learning environment. Sustainable Design and Technology Rich A healthy and sustainable building, the new facilities will be using materials from renewable sources, incorporating solar power, energy reduction systems and maximising fresh air and natural light. Most importantly, it will phase out fossil gas to reduce emissions and embrace renewable energy alternatives for a more sustainable future. It will also be enhanced with digital technology, audio visual equipment and ICT devices to support learning, teaching and school administration.

6 THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE SHARON JOHNS Family Court Judge | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Can you please tell us a little about your journey from Avila College to the Family Court. In 1986, I commenced studies at Monash University, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. As was the practice in those days, in my third year of study I secured Articles of Clerkship (to commence on completion of my law degree), although at that stage, I had no clear picture as to what would be my preferred area of practice. That changed in my final years at Monash, when I studied Family Law (which then was a full year subject) and also had the opportunity to represent Monash University in the inaugural Law Council of Australia Family Law Mooting competition. I discovered Family Law encompassed many different areas of law (including property, trusts, taxation and crime) whilst also dealing with real people who had real problems. Although my Articles of Clerkship were to be undertaken in a general practice at a local suburban firm, by the conclusion of my university studies, I held a strong ambition to become a specialist family lawyer. In 1993, I secured employment at a city firm in their specialist Family Law department, where I worked for five years, honing my skills. During that period, I discovered that the best days in my working week were those that involved Court appearances. As a result, in 1998 I completed the Bar Readers’ Course, signed the Bar Roll and commenced practice as a Barrister, specialising in Family Law.

7 Avila's 1985 House Leaders. That's me at the front on the left. Throughout my career as a Barrister, I was fortunate to appear in a broad range of cases both at trials and on appeals in the Family Court of Australia in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and also in the Family Court of Western Australia in Perth. In 2013, I was appointed as a Judge of the Family Court of Australia (now known as Division 1 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia) and I continue in that role to this day. What attracted you to the law and Family Law in particular? In Year 10, I saw a movie called The Verdict starring Paul Newman - it was about a drunk, down-and-out lawyer (who I hope bears no resemblance to me), who conducts a medical negligence case against a hospital and wins, against the odds – it was a true David vs. Goliath story and one that sparked my interest in the law. My interest in Family Law came later. During my university years, I had the opportunity to observe cases conducted in the Family Court and also to assist Family Law clients as a student lawyer at Springvale Legal Service. Those opportunities opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in Family Law. Family Law is challenging and interesting – its practice involves many different areas of law and also has raw human elements, as litigants deal with life after the breakdown of their relationships. Every case is unique, as every person has a different story to tell – a Family Lawyer/Judge has the enormous privilege of having a window into other people’s worlds. What is the most rewarding aspect of your role as a Judge? The opportunity to assist litigants in navigating what is often one of the most difficult periods in their life. The goal is to ensure that at the conclusion of each family law dispute, the litigants have certainty, stability and hope for their future. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Time with family in Melbourne and at the beach on the Surf Coast. I am actively involved in my local cricket club, where our son plays and also in our surf lifesaving club. I enjoy exercise and sport – not withstanding my age, there are often sightings of me bowling and batting in the nets at our cricket club and also boogie boarding on the Surf Coast! Family Law is challenging and interesting – its practice involves many different areas of law and also has raw human elements...

8 Can you describe a typical day in the life of Justice Johns? The day starts early – I have a son who is a competitive swimmer and has to be at training by 5.30am three days per week. The upside to the early starts is that I get a head start on preparation for the day’s hearing (or judgment writing if I do not have a case listed in Court). Court usually commences at 10.00am with a short break at about 11.30am and lunch between 1pm and 2.15pm. Court days conclude between 4.15 pm and 5 pm. After Court, time is spent reviewing the evidence heard that day, writing judgments and preparing for the next day. What advice would you give to students interested in a career in law? Work hard; maintain an open-mind – there are no guarantees as to which side of a case you will end up on; be brave and embrace new challenges. Favourite Avila memories? Lunchtimes shared with friends on the oval, with our socks pushed down to ensure an even tan! House swimming sports at the old Ashburton pool – I particularly remember that event held the day after the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, when the whole pool was black and covered in ash – we still swam! Weekly choir practices at lunch time with Sister Joan, especially when she baked cakes for us after a performance – I have fond memories of her chocolate cake made with a tin of tomato soup - yum. Performing in the Mazenod musical “Oliver” in 1984 – terrific fun. The friendships formed in the classroom, the quadrangle and on the oval, many of which endure to this day. (Left) The perfect pastime - fishing in Broome (Top) Drama days with school friends at Avila (Right) 1984 Avila Mazenod Cover design for Oliver - one of my favourite memories

9 International Women’s Day This year Avila was pleased to welcome back Jane Kanizay (Class of 1987) as the special guest speaker for our annual International Women's Day Breakfast. Jane joined us to share her insights and experiences as a mountaineer, educator and artist after completing a climb of Mt Everest in 2022 with her 19 year old daughter, Gabby, and a small team of Sherpas. Interviewed by a panel of four current Avila students, Jane relayed her adventures, fears, joys, passions and the inner voice that kept her going on the trek. Jane also spoke about her changing work pathways that saw her study Civil and Structural Engineering after graduation then work overseas in Hong Kong on Chek Lap Kok Airport and in Fiji on a Youth Ambassadors for Development project in 1999. In the 2000’s she retrained as a specialist literacy educator and now works specifically with children with dyslexia, dysgraphia and learning difficulties. Avila International Women's Day student interview panel Above: Gabby and Jane at the top of Everest

10 ALUMNAE MADELEINE CLEARY Diplomat, Author

11 A diplomatic posting in China, volunteer at the Amnesty International headquarters in London and about to publish her debut novel ... meet the dynamic Madeleine Cleary. Can you tell us a little about your journey after graduation? I went straight into five years of tertiary education and ended up with a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne. I think I chose international relations because I was curious about the world and always loved studying political affairs and foreign languages, but to be honest, I probably did not give it too much thought when I was 17 and finishing Year 12. After study, I spent about a year travelling through France, Italy, the UK and Greece, including a four month volunteer stint at Amnesty International in its London headquarters. On return I joined the graduate program in the Department of Home Affairs (then it was called Immigration and Border Protection) and moved to Canberra. I spent five years working in a variety of roles across the Department, cutting across policy and operational roles. Between 2020-22, I spent two years on a diplomatic posting in Guangzhou, a very large city in southern China. I returned to Canberra in 2022 and spent a year working in the Treasury on foreign investment policy, before moving back to the Department of Home Affairs. In my role, which is now based in Melbourne, I work closely with our overseas missions to balance our work and resources. What has been the most rewarding aspect so far? There have been so many, but I think it's the people who I have met along the journey. I was really comfortable at Avila and that was a good thing, because it provided me a solid foundation and the stability I needed to learn and grow. However, when I left school, I did find it hard initially to cope with and be resilient to change. Getting out of your comfort zone is really bloody hard, and I've done that a few times now in massive moves interstate, and then a bigger move to China. But the exciting thing I now hold onto is that when you make that leap, you never know who you will meet on the other side. I've made lifelong friends who I cannot imagine not being part of my life. I never would have made them if I had not taken those leaps outside my comfort zone.

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13 How did you adapt to life in Guangzhou, China? I don't think foreigners can ever truly adapt to life in China, because it's always surprising, more than often confusing and sometimes just plain absurd. All my life's highs and lows were in China. For us, language was always important to try to adapt. Language unlocked independent travel and communication in China, and honestly, it's one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the people can be lovely. We climbed the Great Wall and watched the sunset with no other tourists. We ate a Chinese New Year feast in a remote village in Guangxi province in southern China with a family. I tried every type of fruit on this planet in Guangzhou (city of fruit) and hiked solo for two days in Yunnan province in the mountains near Tibet. These are all the grand things, but the little moments were just as important. Lunches and laughter with my Chinese colleagues, riding my bike home from the consulate and stopping to watch a red sun over the Pearl River, playing Mahjong at my language tutor's apartment, and food ... the food! We were challenged by COVID, lockdowns, daily PCR tests, and numerous 'health apps' in WeChat we had to navigate in Chinese ... all these things were challenging, but my husband and I now feel capable to tackle any future travel related obstacle. China is not an easy place to travel (even now in post-COVID times) but if you can crack it just a little, it bears a lot of fruit. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? When I'm not doing my day job, I moonlight as a fiction writer. I've written quite a few short stories which have been listed in various short story competitions in Australia. While in China, I wrote a novel which was recently commissioned by Affirm Press, and will be published and available in bookshops in Australia and New Zealand in 2025. I'm working with my editor now to get it ready for publication, so it's a busy time! Other than that, I'm generally reading, travelling, eating or walking. Favourite memories from Avila College? Studying Year 12 Literature with Mrs Dalwood was a formative experience for me. Chris Dalwood was an incredible and inspirational teacher and I will never forget her wisdom, guidance and instruction. Her legacy will be remembered by those she taught.

14 ‘Be curious and be open to new experiences. ’ I was a fairly cocky English student when I first joined the Year 12 Literature cohort, and I probably did not put as much effort into my first essay as I should. Mrs Dalwood gave me a B, which is a respectable mark for sure, but I am mortified to think about my attitude when I received it. I told all my friends, in my most mature way, that it's obvious Mrs Dalwood has a personal vendetta against me. When I spoke with Mrs Dalwood about the mark, she told me with that twinkle in her eye, that I could do better. I could be better. She pushed me like no other teacher ever did, and I did do better. When I write now I think of Mrs Dalwood and her love of literature and words and EM Forster. I think about how I can be better. But no one will ever be as good as Chris Dalwood. Another amazing memory I have is in my senior drama classes with Mr Cash and our lovely, intimate Year 12 drama crew. I've called on those drama skills often in my professional life when I've done public speaking, engaged with diplomatic counterparts, led teams and given directions and 'performed' in my job. I will always be thankful for that class. Oh and Mrs Nicholls Maths Methods class. I will never forget Mrs Nicholls' sharp and engaged teaching style, her quick wit and wry sense of humour. I didn't choose to study Maths Methods in Year 12, I chose to be in Mrs Nicholls' class. I don't think I've ever used quadratic equations in my job, but Mrs Nicholls' passion for learning and a burning curiosity to understand and solve problems is something I've always carried with me. What advice would you give to current students? Be curious and be open to new experiences. You don't have to know where you're going. You don't have to have a five year, ten year or fifteen year career plan mapped out. You can follow your nose because you're interested in that thing, but it does not have to be your forever thing. Find the things that bring you joy, but don't let them consume you. Be diverse in your interests and expand your social circles. But equally, hold onto those friendships you make at Avila, because no one will ever know you better. We wear a lot of faces in our professional lives when we leave school, and it's comforting to know that you have people in your life who know the other side of you. But if you haven't made any good friends at Avila, then ignore this and go out into the world and find your people! Adult life can be consuming and dull and busy sometimes, but try not to take it too seriously. People won't remark on your share or property portfolio at the end of it all, but they will say if you were kind or generous or thoughtful. Madeleine's novel of historical fiction, The Butterfly Women, will be published in 2025 with Affirm Press. madeleinecleary.com.au

15 ALUMNAE Can you please tell us a little bit about your journey after graduation? After graduating in 1994, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science course at Monash University. I actually had no intention of enrolling in an Arts course, but I did well in my humanities subjects in VCE and thought perhaps I should explore whether I do have a knack for the Arts while pursuing my interests in science. I finished my course after four years, majoring in psychology, microbiology and immunology. I then continued on to complete my Honours and PhD in immunology where I investigated the structure of proteins in peanuts and tree nuts that cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them. Completing a PhD was a hard slog, but I enjoyed the experience of working in a laboratory and contributing to the knowledge around peanut allergy, which at the time was becoming increasingly common especially amongst young children. After a few years working as a postdoctoral researcher, I decided to step away from the laboratory and work as a medical writer. In this role, I was able to combine my writing skills with my interest in medical research. I was required to become familiar with many different clinical areas, which was challenging but the training and experience that I gained during my PhD gave me the skills to be able to think critically and to communicate complex ideas to different audiences. While I very much enjoyed my time working as a medical writer, I missed being around an academic environment where new and innovative ideas and concepts are always emerging. Eventually, I landed a role at the Department of General Practice at Monash University as a research administrator, which over the years gradually evolved to my current role as manager of SPHERE - a Centre of Research Excellence in Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in Primary Care. When I am asked what my current role involves, I always respond with “I do everything that a researcher does except the research.” I work with a brilliant team of national and international experts and early career researchers who are passionate about ensuring that all women in Australia have equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services. MARIA DE LEONSANTIAGO Research Manager | SPHERE

16 We are really interested in the research that you are conducting at Monash University, please tell us more. SPHERE is a Centre of Research Excellence that is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council. I manage a network of multidisciplinary researchers and healthcare providers who are passionate about achieving better sexual and reproductive health outcomes for women. SPHERE conducts research to inform solutions that will help women across Australia access essential sexual and reproductive health services, especially those who live in rural and remote areas where services are limited or non-existent. Our solutions are focused on the role of general practitioners, pharmacists, midwives and practice nurses in overcoming barriers to accessing these essential services as well as understanding women’s needs and preferences when it comes to the delivery of these services. Since SPHERE commenced in 2019, women’s sexual and reproductive health has been under both a national and global spotlight (rightly so!) and I feel privileged to be working with a team that is so passionate and committed to solving issues that are relevant not only to women in Australia but also to women all around the world. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your study and career journey so far? I think the most rewarding aspect has been the knowledge and experiences that I have gained over the years in academia and research and how that has helped me get to where I am now. It hasn’t all been rainbows and unicorns - there have been many times where I’ve encountered disappointments, but it’s always important to learn from them and figure out what you can do differently to achieve success. You’d be very surprised at how willing others are to help you ... don’t be afraid to turn to others for help – they might just have the right solution for you. Maria and her colleagues at the launch of the SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence in 2019.

17 be successful because they know how difficult the journey can be in a very competitive research environment. So don’t be afraid to turn to others for help - they might just have the right solution for you. Favourite memories from your time at Avila College? I always break into a smile when I think about my time at Avila College because I remember how funny my classmates were, especially some of their antics. Even the teachers would have a laugh! I also had some wonderful teachers who pushed me to be the best I could be. There were times when I was horrified to find my assignments with comments in red pen all over them, but I knew that this was part of the learning process and to not be discouraged. I loved being involved in sports at Avila (except anything that involved water!) and participated in Creative Arts Festivals. What skills and attributes do you think you learnt from your time at Avila? I think spending my high school years at an all-girls school has been an important influence in my adult years. I didn’t know it then, but those years at Avila were very empowering and gave me the confidence to pursue my interest in STEM without having to worry about gender stereotypes. I also remember the push for students to achieve and to fulfil their potential. High school years are very challenging and it’s very easy to get lost in the angst that comes with those years. I have distinct memories of seeing my friends and fellow classmates grow in confidence because of a teacher’s belief in their abilities and talents - those memories have stayed with me all these years. They remind me that we all have the capacity to instil confidence in other people to support them to be the best that they can be. What advice would you give current students who are interested in STEM and medical research? If you are truly passionate about STEM and enjoy STEMrelated subjects then I say go for it! If you have a curious and creative mind and like to harness knowledge to develop new ideas and solutions then you will probably enjoy a career in STEM or in medical research. I marvel at some of the discoveries and developments in therapies that have been made since I first studied immunology back in 1998 when many of them were just bold, cutting-edge ideas. Although I moved away from a career in a laboratory, my interest in research and making a difference in the community didn’t really leave me. I went on a different journey that allowed me to find a role that combined my best skills with my interest in research. What does the future hold for Maria? SPHERE was recently awarded funding for another five years, so I’m really looking forward to helping implement a new research program and welcoming new people into the research team. Personally, my younger daughter, Amara, will be starting Year 7 at Avila in 2024 so I’m looking forward to watching her get involved in school life and participating in the many activities that Avila has to offer. It will also be 30 years since the Class of 1994 graduated, so hopefully I will get a chance to catch up with old friends and classmates at the school reunion. Maria attending Avila 2023 Mother's Day with her daughter Lucia.

LAURA MAZZARELLA Fashion Designer ALUMNAE 18

19 Can you tell us a little about your journey since graduating from Avila in 2020. Since leaving Avila I have been studying a Bachelor of Fashion Design at Box Hill Institute and am about to graduate. I have taken every opportunity that I could in all aspects of the industry to gain experience and knowledge, such as volunteering back stage at Melbourne fashion events and collaborating with Russell Athletic to design and present a capsule collection. In second year I entered a competition collaborating with the music students to style them for an album they were producing over three days. I learnt an immense amount about styling for all sizes, budgeting, sourcing from op shops, coordinating people, time management and photography of both small and large groups. I have been very driven throughout my three years of study and my hard work paid off last year, being the recipient of the Most Outstanding 2nd Year Student. With that award came a two week internship at Supré which I recently completed. From this, I obtained part time employment as an Assistant Product Developer and have secured a full time job there after graduating. This year the 3rd year students were given the opportunity to collaborate with Raw Group London, where I produced my own brand to align with their brand 'No Land'. My 're-Mazz' collection consisted of a sustainable streetwear denim patch work capsule range. After the final presentation of my ideas and items produced, I was offered an international internship at their London based office early next year. I have been fortunate to be contacted by stylists to use my past work for photoshoots and was delighted that one of my designs featured on the front cover of French Moevir Magazine’s November issue. I have had the honour of being one of the selected designers from all fashion universities and institutes in Melbourne to show my collection at Melbourne Fashion Week 2023 Student Collections Runway. This was by far one of the biggest highlights of my journey so far. I am extremely excited with my degree coming to a close because of all the new upcoming opportunities. With this I will be able to continue expanding my knowledge of the fashion industry first hand which will ultimately assist in setting me up for my own successful label in the future. Laura recently presented her Sicilia Collection at Melbourne Fashion Week and her design was featured on the cover of French magazine Moevir.

Your Sicilia Collection is stunning. What was the inspiration? My Autumn/Winter 23 collection, ‘Sicilia’, pays homage to my Nonna and the heritage we share. My main inspiration is the island of Sicily, from the cloud covered tops of Mount Etna through the use of voluminous silhouettes, to the ancient art of Sicilian Majolica shown in custom digital prints and the abundant Sicilian lemon trees by lemon dehydration for surface enhancement. I find when a designer has a strong back story and heavy research, it always creates a much more cohesive and creative collection. This is the way Lisa Walsh taught me and this process continued throughout my course. How are you building the Mazzarella brand? During Box Hill Institute’s Bachelor course I have completed research and subjects to learn about marketing. After many essays and reports, I have a clear vision of my brand’s identity and my target customer. Having a skill in social media marketing is extremely important in building a successful brand. I am absolutely not a professional but I enjoy posting photos of my garments and looking back on my collections, which also helps me stay motivated to keep sharing. It is also a way of telling the story of my designs and having fun with it. What do you enjoy outside of study and design? I work as a casual sales assistant at Target where I have the opportunity to visual merchandise womenswear. I also work as a 3D kitchen designer. I love to play tennis on the weekends as well. It keeps me active, helps with creativity and gets me away from uni work. Favourite memories from Avila? Being involved in the art exhibition where Lisa Walsh would organise a fashion runway to showcase our work. We were the models of our own work which helped me get out of my comfort zone. I think it was a really good way of giving students that sense of pride to be able to wear and show off the pieces they made themselves. Is there anything you really miss from your time at school? I miss all of Lisa Walsh’s classes. She was such an amazing teacher and mentor who would go out of her way to help me in any way I needed. She motivated me to do the best I can do and never let my level of knowledge stop me from producing my designs. I now find myself having ideas of garments I have no clue how to make initially, which is where a lot of people tend to simplify them, but having the skill to test and experiment is the best part. I force myself to learn and expand my knowledge of pattern making and construction to be able to produce anything from my imagination. 20

Advice for students interested in fashion? Follow your dreams - it can be a hard and competitive industry but if you are passionate and dedicated, you will go places. Learn how to time manage yourself - this is probably the best skill to have as the fashion industry works to strict dates and university definitely sets you up well to handle this. I also recommend volunteering for events like Melbourne Fashion Week and Melbourne Fashion Festival where you meet new people who have the same interests. Networking is vital in the fashion industry and you never know who you are talking to! And finally, always be kind! To yourself and others. What does the future hold for Laura? I am excited to graduate and start my full time position at Supre as an assistant product developer, which will help to develop my industry knowledge. I also have the internship in London in 2024 within the design and product development areas of the brand Raw Group to look forward to. My ultimate long term goal is to own a successful fashion label. To follow Laura's journey visit @laura_mazzarella on Instagram. 21

22 MADDY FORSTER Personal Stylist | Mad About Fashion ALUMNAE Can you tell us a little bit about your journey from Avila to running your own styling business. When I left Avila, I was certain I wanted to be a Primary School teacher. I went straight to Deakin University after Year 12 and studied for 18 months before I realised that being a teacher didn't align with my career intentions. I took six months off, travelled to Europe and decided I wanted to get a degree in something more creative. I graduated with distinction in a Bachelor of Communications majoring in PR in 2020 and worked in the industry for 12 months before my health took a turn and I was made redundant during COVID. Living with two chronic illnesses has impacted my ability to work full time. I have Stage 4 Endometriosis, diagnosed in 2021 and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed in 2010, at the end of my first year at Avila. Both of these illnesses are invisible and cause pain and fatigue. I spent a lot of time in hospital during my adolescence and struggled with self doubt, self worth and self acceptance. Mad About Fashion came about after my fourth endometriosis surgery in 2022. I started an Instagram page with the intention to share my outfits while I was unemployed. It was more a hobby than anything. Then, after a lot of back and forth, challenging not only societal expectations but the expectations on myself, I took a leap and went back into the retail space until I decided what I wanted to do. I was travelling in Italy for seven weeks in October 2022 when I enrolled in my styling course with the Australian Style Institute. I wanted to earn an income from something I was passionate about; fashion. Mad About Fashion is a personal styling service where I work 1:1 with people to unlock their style potential. More recently, I have undertaken studies to step into the editorial styling space and build on my skill set if the opportunity ever arises. But for now, I am a business owner who can prioritise my health while changing other people's lives, which is truly fulfilling. What have been the biggest challenges and highlights? My biggest challenges have been around my self doubt and my health. I have grown up around people that work in an office and naturally I thought that's what I had to do to be successful and be comfortable financially.

23 While challenging society's expectations, I definitely go through waves of self doubt and question whether I can actually do it. But then I reflect and see how far I've come! The best thing I have ever done is trust myself. The silver lining of living with a chronic illness and starting a business is sharing the reality of my day to day life on my socials. It's given me a purpose and the ability to connect with others experiencing similar struggles. I have worked closely with Endometriosis Australia which has been a humbling experience. As someone who has raised the most money ever for the organisation ($18,600), I am recognised as an 'Endo Champion' which is an honour. Alongside this, I run an annual endometriosis fundraiser walk every March to raise awareness. There have been many personal highlights in the journey of starting a business, in particular seeing myself grow as a person. For Mad About Fashion, it's been working with brands such as Sportsgirl to create styling content, plus receiving the messages from clients after we work together and hearing their positive experience. It gives me a lot of purpose. Favourite memories from secondary school I loved Avila Day. I missed the first few years due to ill health however towards the end of my high school years these days stand out. I was fortunate enough to have strong relationships with my teachers throughout my time at Avila. The teachers kept me up to speed and made me feel as 'normal' as I could be despite not being able to be present in class a lot of the time. Any advice for future stylists or entrepreneurs? Trust your gut and stop worrying about what other people think. As someone who has changed careers 3 times in 8 years, I've needed to trust my decisions every step of the way. I was fearful of everyone else's judgement, especially after finishing school. I removed myself from people that didn't align with me and looked inwards on what I wanted. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be doing what I am now, because fashion was always something I never thought I could tap into. Travel the world, have fun and even when it feels like you're drowning, bring yourself back to the WHY and reset your intentions. It's not always easy but take the leap and don't look back!

24 What does Avila mean to you? Avila will always hold a place in my heart. Although I wasn't at school as much as I'd hoped, the school always had my back and encouraged me to do my best and be my best. I went through some of the toughest times with my health while I was at Avila, but I was always included. It meant a lot to me! What are your top three style tips for every body 1. Buy clothes that fit you properly, rather than fixating on the size on the tag. This will change your whole mindset around style. 2. Wear clothes that feel good for YOU. Don't put pressure on yourself that you have to constantly keep up with the latest trend, it's exhausting and can steer you away from who you are. 3. Declutter your wardrobe every season. Remove and donate clutter that no longer serves you. Check out Maddy's business Mad About Fashion at www.mad-aboutfashion.com.au

25 Can you please tell us a little bit about your journey after graduation? To be honest, I had a bit of trouble deciding what path to take after graduating from Avila in 2013. I had such a great time in school and knew that I loved learning, but had a variety of interests including health, psychology and law, and didn’t know how to choose between them. I initially signed up to a Biomedicine/Law double degree at Monash, but after some wise advice from an Avila College Careers Counsellor (who told me that the degree sounded quite long and stressful, and that I’d need to pick between the two fields in the end anyway!), I switched into a more general Science degree at the University of Melbourne. I’m very glad that I did, because the flexibility of a more general degree meant that I had the time and freedom to explore subjects in all of my areas of interest. I now look back on those early university years quite fondly. I had lots of time to relax and explore being a young adult outside of 8-5 education. It gave me the space to really work out what I was interested in and cared about, and I think perhaps I wouldn't have achieved that in a busy and competitive double degree. I was in my second year of Science when I attended my first Anatomy practical class, which involved cadaver dissections. I remember feeling equal parts light-headed (human anatomy classes can be quite confronting at first!) and completely in awe as to how complex and intricate the human body is. I recall leaving the class and gushing to my family over text message about how fascinating I was finding it all. Around that time I decided to major in Anatomy and set off on the path towards getting into Medicine. EVELYN ANDREWS Medical Registrar | Royal Melbourne Hospital Above: With Mum, Vicky Andrews (who was also an Avila student!) Left: A selfie I took in the Royal Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department as an Intern to commemorate having successfully done my first lumbar puncture.

26 I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at the University of Melbourne to do the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, and spent the next four years studying in Melbourne as well as across regional and rural Victoria. I had to move away from home to live near some of the hospitals where I trained, and spent almost two years in Ballarat where I learned from some truly incredible people. I ended up graduating at the top of my class, which was a real honour, and have since been working as a junior doctor at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. I am three years into working now, and I'm in the process of completing Physician training (the pathway to becoming a medical specialist). What attracted you to medicine? There are so many things! For one, it’s truly fascinating. Often I find myself at work learning about some teeny-tiny part of the body, or the way the immune system works, or hearing about a new medication which may cure a previously incurable disease - and I think, am I really getting paid to learn this stuff? It’s a career where things are constantly changing, and where people are continually pursuing improvements to make people's lives better. For that reason you truly learn something new every single day. I see people 30 and 40 years my senior who are still learning new things, which I think is awesome. The real clincher though is being able to work so closely with people and apply what you're learning to real life (and real lives!). It’s an enormous privilege for people to trust you with their health and with the health of their loved ones - and that’s something I try not to take for granted. Being able to share in people’s joy on some of their best days, and to offer some sort of comfort or understanding on some of their worst, is something that can make medicine challenging but also incredibly rewarding. You also tutored students through the Smith Family, can you please tell us a little about that experience and how you balanced volunteering with study? It's a great organisation if any students are considering doing some volunteering. The Smith Family are an independent charity who support the education of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. While I was studying in Ballarat, a group of the medical students would stay back after finishing at the hospital for the day and provide free VCE tutoring for students who were struggling and couldn't afford private lessons. It was definitely busy, but I never regretted making time to give back to the community who were giving us so much. The hardest part was trying to help students with subjects I had never done before myself! I remember sitting down with a boy who really needed help with his physics homework, which somehow all of the tutors (including myself) had successfully avoided throughout high school and uni. I didn't know how to do any of it, and distinctly recall the feeling of guilt as we very slowly worked through his questions one-by-one, using his text book (and Google) to muddle our way through. Afterwards, I drove home feeling a bit like I had wasted his time, and thought to myself that I probably shouldn't try to teach things I wasn't confident in. As it turned out, though, the student told the coordinator that he found that session the most helpful of them all, because he saw that Award for the Dean's Prize for Medicine at the University of Melbourne at the Dean's Honours Ceremony

27 (a) he wasn't expected to 'just know' everything intuitively, and (b) that even the adults need to slowly work things out, too! I think that experience was a good reminder that we often have more to offer people than we think, and that you don't need to be perfect or know everything in order to teach, or just to volunteer your time. Favourite memories from your time at Avila College? Recess and lunch times with my friends! I am very lucky to still be super close with the same group of friends that I made at Avila. We go on trips away together, send regular life updates in a Facebook messenger group chat, and have bi-annual Mexicanthemed dinner parties. My favourite memories would have to be just meeting and growing up with them all. I do also have very fond memories of playing in various sports teams and attending the school swimming/athletics competitions. I played in the netball team throughout school, and have such happy memories of the tournaments and how much we bonded as a team. What skills and attributes do you think you learnt from your time at Avila? I actually think that being involved in team sports at Avila, and having leadership roles within them, prepared me for some of the things I've faced while working in the hospital. Working through an emergency situation like a 'CODE' can feel oddly similar to working with teammates in a netball drill! I feel quite confident working in team settings now, and dealing with pressure. What advice would you give current students interested in STEM and Medicine in particular? If it's what you want, then go for it. If you're set on medicine, then my advice would be to try to find someone who is a year or two ahead of where you want to be (for example, a current biomedicine or medical student), so that you have someone to chat to for advice and tips on the process of 'getting in'. Try not to be disheartened if you don't succeed straight away, as there are many different paths to becoming a doctor, all of which are great for their own reasons. But for the people who aren't sure yet, I really want to emphasise that that's okay, too. That was me in Year 12, and to be honest, that's still me now! In life, and in medicine as it turns out, there are many different exciting paths you can choose to take, and no one 'right' or 'wrong' option. What does the future hold for Evelyn Andrews? The next few months for me will involve studying for another set of exams as part of my training (for any budding doctors reading this, the exams do continue for some time!). After that I will need to choose a specialty programme - something I'm not entirely decided on yet. I have the happy problem of enjoying all of the various subspecialties, which makes picking just one of them quite difficult. Otherwise, I hope that the future holds lots of coffee dates with my family, travel with my partner, and many more Mexican dinners with my Avila friends. ... we often have more to offer people than we think, and that you don't need to be perfect or know everything in order to teach, or just to volunteer your time. Outside Wangaratta hospital with 3 of my best work friends, Varun, Rhea and Laura. This was on our last day working as medical registrars at the rural hospital as a rotation from the Royal Melbourne

ALEESHA DE MEL-TUCKER Co-Founder | Cardigan Creative 28

29 Can you please tell us a little bit about your journey after graduation? I wasn’t one of those people who had a clear idea of what they wanted to do after finishing school and it took me a few goes to figure it all out! I’ve always had a keen interest in music so straight out of Avila I completed an audio engineering course at RMIT. I then enrolled in a Creative Arts degree at Deakin with the intention of broadening my skillset beyond the music industry, but struggled to see a clear career path for myself. By this point I was feeling stuck and unsure of what to do. Around this time, I also became a mum at age 22. It was a big shake up moment but in hindsight the turning point I needed to find some purpose and figure out where I wanted to go in life. After taking a semester off, I transferred into an Arts degree majoring in journalism and public relations. I always liked English and writing at school and had a natural curiosity for most things. I’d never really thought to pursue it before, but it felt like a good fit. I enjoyed the print journalism subjects the most and honed my writing on the side starting a cooking blog and also reviewing bars and restaurants around Melbourne. In my third year I started freelancing with a small communications consultancy that specialised in social media. In 2012 this was still an emerging field in marketing, Instagram was just kicking off in Australia and most of the big creative agencies were yet to have social media departments. That was my first taste of copywriting and I loved it. Short-form copy was something I had a knack for and I enjoyed the fast pace and multi-faceted aspects of creating content for social media. Completing my degree with a baby is one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. There were lots of late nights to finish assignments after my son went to sleep, but I do feel proud to have stuck it out and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of my husband and family who were always cheering me on from the sidelines. I’m certainly more resilient because of it. After graduating I decided to continue freelancing, mostly out of necessity as it allowed me to balance work and parent life in a way that worked for our little family. I worked in various roles as a journalist, publicist, copywriter and producer across a broad range of industries and it taught me a lot about running a small business, managing clients and set me up with the skillset to scale. I guess my key takeaway is that it’s ok to not have your life planned out at 18. I’m a firm believer that everyone gets to where they want to be eventually, some of us just take the scenic route to get there! ALUMNAE

30 What have been your favourite/most memorable events, accounts or campaigns that you have worked on? Working in sport has taken me to some cool places including a few trips to Paris for the French Open. Being on court when Rafa Nadal won his 10th title was pretty special. Other events I’ve worked on include the Australian Open, Wimbledon, F1 Grand Prix, and the Spring Racing Carnival. In 2021 I worked with Channel 7 running their social media and digital team for the Tokyo Olympics, which was another career highlight and a great opportunity to improve my leadership skills in a high-pressure newsroom environment. Seeing so many gold medal moments go viral was a real treat! I never aspired to work in sport, I sort of fell into it unexpectedly but I’m so glad it happened because it’s been excellent training for running a creative business and I’ve made so many wonderful friends along the way. There’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere on finals day at a Grand Slam or standing in the mounting yard during the running of the Melbourne Cup. It's such an adrenaline rush! I’ve had the chance to meet and work with some amazing athletes over the years but Roger Federer was definitely a highlight. He is very kind, gracious and down to earth! One of my favourite things about freelancing has been the chance to work across so many different industries, campaigns and marketing/communications disciplines. Every project is the chance to learn something new and I’m grateful for every opportunity. Can you tell us about Cardigan Creative and what it takes to run a creative business. Cardigan Creative is the content agency I run with my husband Jon. The name is a little nod to where we first met at RMIT on Cardigan St in Carlton (mushy I know!) but also our mutual love of knitted sweaters and the cosy feeling that comes with sharing a good story. We specialise in video and podcast production, digital marketing, graphic design and branding. Our client base is quite varied and includes events, food & beverage, not-for-profits, resources and service providers but at the crux of it, it’s all about helping brands showcase their services, products and people in authentic and interesting ways. ... I’m a firm believer that everyone gets to where they want to be eventually, some of us just take the scenic route to get there!

31 Some recent projects include recording a podcast series with a Melbourne University academic, producing shortform video content for the Melbourne Royal Show and running social ad campaigns for Bicycle Network’s cycling events across Victoria. Running a creative business requires big picture thinking, top notch communication skills and a nimble approach so you can achieve the best outcomes for your clients. As marketers it’s also important to understand people and consumer behaviour so your work can generate the right results. One of the hardest things is that you don’t always get to be creative, there’s also lots of admin, number crunching and analysing data, but I love the flexibility of being my own boss and still having the freedom to jump on the tools when I want. Funnily enough, a lot of those practical skills I learnt in my first two attempts at tertiary education I get to use now. So it all fell into place eventually! Favourite memories from your time at Avila College? I was very involved in music at Avila so that’s definitely the first thing that comes to mind. Playing the clarinet in the Orchestra and the weekend long camp to whip us into shape for Creative Arts, the Music Festival lunchtime concerts with the Rock Band and having the opportunity to perform with the Police Band. Mrs Saunders and Ms Lascaris had such an infectious passion for music and put so much love into the department. That rock arrangement of Our Father will forever be the coolest hymn at mass. My son, Jamison, started at Mazenod last year and plays the trombone so it’s been fun to relive some of the fond memories again through him. I’m trying to convince him to audition for the musical! Also just having fun and being silly with friends, how there seemed to be a cake stall on every week and those delicious giant choc chip cookies from the tuck shop. What skills and attributes do you think you learnt from your time at Avila? I loved learning with Mrs Dalwood in English and studying the plucky female characters of Howard’s End and The Dressmaker in Year 12 Literature. She taught me a lot about critical thinking and how to become a better writer. Looking back, I appreciate that we were surrounded and taught by so many inspiring female role models and the emphasis on doing what you love and doing it well, whether it be music, sport, public speaking, etc. I also value the strong sense of social justice instilled into us, the importance of standing up for a good cause and being kind to others. What advice would you give current students who are interested in digital marketing and branding or running their own business? I think one of the best things about marketing is how accessible it is. Don’t wait for a piece of paper to start gaining experience and anyone can start a business if they’re hungry enough and ready to embrace a challenge. While university laid the theoretical foundations, most of what I know about marketing I learnt from doing and upskilling. So my advice would be don’t wait, teach yourself the basics from the wealth of resources available on the internet and start a project! It could be an e-commerce store, podcast or helping a local community group build their social presence. It’s a competitive industry so it pays to stand out and show you’re interested and proactive. One of the memorable campaigns I worked on in sport. On court at the French Open. Check out Cardigan Creative on insta at https://www.instagram.com/cardigan_creative

32 ALUMNAE Can you please tell us a little bit about your journey after graduation? We are very interested in learning more about your roles in Samoa, social housing and social sustainability. After graduating I commenced an Arts degree at Melbourne Uni. This is where I formed my passion for city design and the influence the places we create can have on society, equality and economy. I then pursued this passion through a Bachelor of Applied Science (Urban Planning) at RMIT and later a Masters in International Development at RMIT. The past 20 years have seen me navigate a “meandering career pathway” as I’ve applied my skills in various ways – from writing urban policy at State Government; to strategic planning for the future land use and design of Melbourne’s activity centres; and honing my skills in social infrastructure planning and delivery like bringing forward the timing of schools, community centres and major recreation facilities in our growing outer suburbs. With a focus on building resilience in new urban communities through design and infrastructure provision, I drew on new skills in community development and local employment and job creation for some of Australias largest masterplanned communities. These communities would become home to hundreds of thousands of people, and I was able to play my part in making them more liveable and sustainable places. I have also had the pleasure of learning new skills working in cross cultural teams in the small island country of Samoa, home to 120,000 people across 9 islands. Samoa is experiencing the immediate and real impact of climate change in their every day life, and I was fortunate to spend 2.5 years working on bilateral projects with key agencies NICOLE DONNISON Social Procurement & Inclusion Manager | Construction Photo: Nicole (far right), National Women in Construction Excellence Awards 2023, Commendation - Sustainability.

33 like AusAid (DFAT), UNDP and World Bank, to deliver environmental management projects to address the impacts of climate change on coastal village communities; and to advance institutional strengthening of government policy and legislation to better protect the changing environment from non-traditional and emerging land use pressures as a result of rapid urbanisation. My work leading the UNDP Sustainable Management Plan pilot project in 2011-12 set a blueprint for managing rapid urbanisation and governance in non-traditional village settings (which accounts for only 20% of the country however absorbs the majority of urban growth and sits outside the traditional governance system of Samoa). I spent two of these years living in Country, making local friends, enjoying the most spectacular beaches and rainforests, and living first hand with the impact of climate change – cyclone, tsunami, etc. The past three years I have been entrusted with the role of Social Procurement & Inclusion lead at Icon, delivering on the Government’s biggest investment in social housing in 50 years, the $412m Ground Lease Model 1, social housing renewal at Flemington, Prahran and Brighton. This project will deliver 1,100 new social and affordable housing for people who need it the most, with handover due by end of January 2024. My role has led a commercial process related to generation of social value of almost $10m through engagement of aboriginal business, and social and disability enterprise, as part of design and construction. As part of this, I have led a strategy to prioritise employment opportunities for public housing tenants as part of the build in both professional roles (graduates) in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence through to labouring roles and working in our onsite canteens. I have also implemented a strategy to enable 190,000hours of employment for disadvantaged Victorians through trades, labouring, professional roles, and ancillary construction roles like manufacturing of PPE, supplying on site consumables, signage, public art, etc. 2024 will see me level up our commitment to social procurement, driving almost $50m social value through the delivery of the recently awarded $800m Ground Lease Model 2 project – social housing renewal Port Melbourne, Prahran, South Yarra, Hampton. I can't wait to get stuck into planning and implementation! What has been the most rewarding aspect so far? The most rewarding part of the work is my ability to drive broader social impact through delivery of projects. Working in a construction setting is fast paced, solution focussed and outcomes driven. This setting really suits my way of working and I love to see sites evolve over time and come to life as great places. Working on the social housing projects has been a career highlight for me. In particular, I am really proud of the work I have led with the Traditional Owner groups on Ground Lease Model 1 to enable a self-determining process for revealing cultural narrative through design of our public spaces. This process has been nurtured by aboriginal elders and business through design, placemaking, and construction of built elements like yarning circles, murals, artwork and audio walking trails. I think this project is really special, and I feel so privileged to have walked side by side elders, community leaders and artists to enable this legacy outcome. You are a passionate advocate of women in construction. What can you tell us about the experiences of and opportunities for women in this industry? What is the most common misconception and what is changing to make it a more inclusive industry? Construction is an industry that can be misunderstood, and laden with bias about the type of work available for women (or anyone, really). Construction is diverse and offers jobs through design, architecture, engineering, town Big Issue Womens workforce (Me in middle, looking very tall! Lol!)

34 planning, contract law / contract management, estimating, commercial procurement trades, labouring, HR, legal, bid writing, communications and marketing and much more. Women make up 4% of the construction workforce and the Government and industry are actively working to increase participation and equality. Policies such as the State Government Building Equality Policy include targets participation rates for women across all occupations in construction of Big Build projects. These targets require the industry as a whole to ‘level up’ and actively work on strategies to attract and, more importantly, retain women in the sector. And the latter requires a focus on culture and addressing gender stereotypes and norms head on. There is an acknowledgement that this work needs to be done to enable a more inclusive industry and I’m encouraged by the programs and policies being put in place to support this. I’m pleased to be collaborating with industry leaders in this space to move the industry forward where I can. What does a typical day as a Social Procurement & Inclusion Manager look like? There is no typical day! Although overall I would say that while the sum of what I do is transformative at an individual and societal level, the every day can be consumed with contracts, forecasting and tracking compliance data and working with sub-contractors to develop implementation plans to advance contractual targets. But I also get to have a lot of fun and to lean into my passion through purposeful work with social and disability enterprise and aboriginal business. Some of the best days I have involve spending time getting to see the impact that my decision making is having on real people and their families. You know, the grandmother in public housing who now has continuous employment in our construction canteen; the women facing homelessness who are working with the Big Issue Women’s Workforce to letterbox drop our project work notices and newsletters to surrounding residents and making money to provide them with certainty; or the ability to support people dealing with intergenerational trauma into supported and culturally safe work in construction and provide them with a hand up. Are there any particular projects in your current role that you are most proud of? I recently was awarded a National award for my work in partnership with the North Melbourne based social enterprise, Assembled Threads. Assembled Threads support employment for migrant and CALD women, many living in public housing, through local textile manufacturing. Assembled Threads engage circular economy through re-purposing of fashion waste to make their products; offer an ethical wage and are reviving a local artisan skill set with women who face significant barriers to meaningful employment. It is an absolute delight to work with the team at Assembled Threads and to see the direct impact of our partnership. Favourite memories from your time at Avila College? I really enjoyed my time at Avila – in particular my involvement in sport, music and debating. I recently took my son to the State Athletics Championships and all of these positive memories of Avila flooded back to me – running at Olympic Park, sitting in the seats in the stands proudly displaying the AVILA letters, the cheering and support of my relay team members and school cheersquads! The network of Avila community always seems to find you when you need it – re-connecting with Emma O’Halloran in my work with the Big Issue, or receiving a call after the passing of my mum from the lovely Mrs Mary Saunders, my orchestra conductor, who had maintained contact with my mum across all these years through her work. And she still remembered that I played clarinet! What advice would you give current students who are interested in this industry? My advice would be to talk to other women in the industry to find out what it's really like, and how you might find a place for your unique talent. Uncle Perry Wandin smoking ceremony, Prahran social housing renewal project.

35 Avila students Judy Fernando & Nerin Thomas who attended the Portugal World Youth Festival. The week before Judy and Nerin set off on their adventure to Portugal for World Youth Day, they met with the small group that they would be travelling with on the pilgrimage and attended a commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. While in Portugal, they visited many wonderful places like Fatima and St. Anthony of Padua Church. The highlight of their trip was being among large crowds of young people like them, full of delight, joy and faith. The theme for this year’s festival was “Mary arose and went with haste”. Pope Francis’ aim was to encourage young people to stand up and be faithful and active members of the Catholic Church. In times of struggle, especially after the pandemic, Pope Francis hopes that Our Lady shows all of us, and especially young people like herself, the path of proximity and encounter. Portugal World Youth Festival Insha Nafay | Yr 7 (Left) At the gates of World Youth Festival (Middle) Evening reflection (Right) Pope Francis appearance.

36 Reconcilation Week Jane shared her behind the scenes experiences on the documentary set and the continuing work of Children's Ground to build equity and access to high quality education for the next generation of First Nations children. A highlight of Avila's Reconciliation Week celebrations was the screening of "In My Blood It Runs" with Founding CEO of Children's Ground, Jane Vadiveloo.

37 Avila’s ‘Digi Day’ saw Grade 5 students from Christ Our Holy Redeemer Primary School visit, with Year 9 and 10 Avila STEM classes guiding the students through a series of fun and educational activities. These included creating 3D printed key rings, exploring Robomasters, VR and drones and engaging in Kahoot quizzes to test their newfound knowledge. The highlight of the whole day was the graduation ceremony, where students received certificates and the 3D printed keyrings they had designed. As an Avila student, I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this impactful event as it was a fun day for everyone. Digi Day gave the Grade 5 students a glimpse into secondary school life, while also igniting their interests in STEM and the world of technology. Digi Day Emily Zhang | Yr 10

38 Year 12 Retreat 2023 Avila College was delighted to welcome back Logan Sharrock, Sarah Loughnan, Tiana Chandraratne and Jessica Satya-Graha, from the Class of 2018 to the Year 12 Retreat in Warburton. Talking around the theme of 'One Step Beyond', they shared insights and wisdom from their Year 12 journey and the unexpected pathways that followed. Avila's 2023 Year 12 students were beginning their journey in Year 7 whilst these alumnae were completing their secondary schooling and enjoyed the chance to reconnect and share their experiences then and now.

39 SMASH Collaboration This year Salesian, Mazenod, Avila and Sacred Heart Colleges joined together as Catholic schools for the SMASH collaboration. This student led initiative included a musical performance and energetic netball tournament. Student leaders from each school also got together to prepare and present a conversation evening for parents featuring a range of topics relevant for adolescents and their families.

40 Introducing Community Stories Inspired by the memories, anecdotes and yes, even songs shared at the Founding Class of 1965 Reunion in March, Avila launched the Community Stories pilot program as a new way to capture the shared memories of alumnae. A group of students from Years 8-11 participated in the program designed to gather, interpret and showcase the experiences of students who had walked the Avila journey many years before themselves. Under the direction of a documentary maker and a professional author, the students engaged in a workshop to learn about interview techniques, identifying themes in narratives and how to write or edit a cohesive and interesting story. They then delved into the Avila and State archives to better understand the sense of time and place of Melbourne in the 1960's, before meeting and interviewing four members of the Class of 1965; Kerin, Maureen, Libby and Dawn. Each group then interpreted each alumnae's story in a unique way across different mediums and presented it back to their subjects. The process of discovery across the two generations resulted in the following pieces of writing and video. More than just a historical preservation exercise, the Community Stories program was a joyful and enthusiastic uniting of generations with a common heritage and community spirit. The Community Stories project is all about building connections, sharing experiences and encouraging intergenerational dialogue while preserving history. Communit y st ries

41 Libby and the Girls Mud. It was caked all down her crisp, knee-length white socks and her plaid school dress. Mud. It was violently penetrating her shoes, encasing them so tightly it appeared they were designed to be a brownish grey colour. Frost. Frost rattled her bones and chilled her breath, until she could only exhale in wispy, dragonlike breaths. But her heart remained snug, permeating warmth through her being. Spurred on by anticipation and love. Skidding joyously through the wintry trenches of mud, wet grass and shimmering frost, the Avila girls had not a care in the world. So young and careless, so absorbed by the simple game of seeing who could slide the furthest through the mud. Libby’s beaming smile could be spotted easily amidst the muddy portrait that had become her face. Not a care in the world. As summer entranced the plants and animals, coaxing them out of the ground and out of their dens, the girls entertained themselves with their boater hats. Small and round, solid and circular - the perfect frisbee. Libby tossed her hat to a friend, enthralled by the beaming sun, the blossoming flowers and the passion and love she felt for the girls she was surrounded by. She ran around, freed by the sight of the charming blue sky and the long grass reaching up to the sun after so many months of being prevented from it, lost in permeating darkness. It was just like Libby - rejuvenated by the things she loves most - her friends, her learning, her school. As she ran, she came across a long, stick-like object with iridescent scales emblazoning its body. A snake. Libby froze in terror. A long, drawling hiss emitted from the snake's mouth, a warning sign for what was about to come. She dashed across the grass, wailing in fear. She warned the other girls of the silent, deadly beasts patrolling the grass waiting for the perfect moment to Neve Kearn & Alex Michell | Yr 8 Alex and Neve created the following story upon interview with Libby Hocart. The theme of the story is a sliding doors view of being a student in 1965 and 2023. LIBBY HOCART

42 strike. Complaints regarding snakes poured in constantly, until Libby’s teacher, Sister Adrian, grew surfeited of the girl's persistent terror. She marched out, cane in hand, eyes injected with purpose. She hunted down each and every snake they saw, killing them with vicious satisfaction. The girls were extremely grateful for her fearlessness in those moments. The girls. They were just little kids back then in 1965, bonded by the common experience of attending Avila. They were a close knit group, a family in every way. They were constantly giggling together, entertained by the sheer fact they had one another for company. They would swap books with one another, sometimes they even had a roster for the class so everyone could indulge themselves in the stories. They cared for each other on a level unlike any other. They had started this journey together, Libby and the girls. For an eternity, their lives were inseparably entwined. A time to be treasured. Where there was nothing, they built something. They forged and critiqued the school's early ways, blossoming a meaningful and crucial relationship with every future Avila student in doing so. They etched their character, passion, spirit and pride into the school walls, passing down the sheer excitement that they felt upon walking to the school for the first time down to the youngest of students and to students whose lives have not yet even been touched by Avila. Everything built was a part of them. Their contributions, no matter how miniscule, would affect and maintain the school for years to come. They were the first students, and their faith in the school enabled them to certainly not be the last. Libby loved history. The inner workings of the people and events that affected and altered the way the world continued on fascinated her beyond anything. She would delve into her history classes, enthralled by the various subjects they were exposed to - ancient cultures, Iranian, Iraqi and Israeli history, modern European history and Australian history. Any fraction of history that was revealed to her she treated as a portal to another world, a world in which she could explore and develop her love and passion for history and for learning. School was a joyous occasion for Libby. She loved it, as it gave her a glimpse into another world, a world in which loneliness was dispersed, where minds were captivated by exciting teachers and an abundance of knowledge. Libby was a passionate learner. She had a hunger for knowledge, a desire to learn more. Her intense infatuation with history and geography enabled her to have a deeper connection with teaching. A deeper passion for her future career. Avila gave her a flame of devotion to her learning that could never be extinguished, and which was rather nurtured by her continuous, devoted involvement with schools. Avila gave her pathways to become a teacher. In the later year levels, when many students were leaving school to continue their journeys in life, Libby remained. She stayed in school to study history and to pursue teaching. Avila gave her resilience to get through things such as this, to persevere through difficult times. Avila gave her the strength to thrive and influence others around her.

43 Mud. Splattered and full and something to be mourned over on laundry day. Slathered over her shoes from that brisk skip across the thickly drenched lawn, beaded along her once-white socks. Maia straightened her summer dress, the navy faded from the lovely beaten Melbourne sun. Around her, the clatter of tripping shoes and scattered shrieks guided her through Saint Teresa’s garden, outside the front gate where masses awaited the school buses. She found herself wandering. I’ll miss my bus … she thought momentarily, but this was more interesting, this mild sense of urgency, of tugging interest. She paced briefly, examining the building, until a smile settled lightly onto her lips. Yes. This was it, undeniable. Though of course the photos shown in the newsletter were of pale shades of grey, it was clear to see that right here, this was the exact spot that they had stood, back when Avila began and the girls became pioneers of her school (her school, something that felt equally as much a part of her as she was of it), beginning a legacy out of a spirit that remained for decades, ever present beneath the gathering of buildings, of plantlife, of clean white pathways and smiling bricks in red and gold, all laced by ribbons of green. Changed somewhat, now, Maia considered. Free of snakes, for one thing. And yet there was so much that remained from back then, more than fifty years ago. This was where books were swapped, where history was taught and learnt and created. This was where so many people found themselves in the expanses of dirt and mud and warmth, in the words of those around them, in the imprint left by people who came and went like Melbourne weather. This was where those smiles began. She couldn’t help but wonder if they’d known at the time just how much would grow from their beginning of high school. Couldn’t help but wonder if they’d realise how much of an echo they’d leave from just … being kids. Cheeky little girls who created so much, became so much. Maia took out her phone. To think that a moment in time could be captured in the space of a second. And in the space of a photograph, she plucked a thread from the great woven tapestry of Avila’s history. Her history. Something to be treasured. Maia

44 Alumnae Maureen Watkins Class of 1965 Maureen’s early years were spent near a vast field along Stephenson’s Road. Regardless of the season, she walked or rode her bike to school each day and adhered to the strict uniform policy, being a lot of grey in long stockings and boater hats, as well as the same 'cherry' coloured jumpers as today. Being part of the founding class of Avila College was an adventure, with no central heating and thick blazers, that holds a memorable place in her heart. She recalls the community she grew up in as a nostalgic world different from the current suburban Mount Waverley. Most importantly, Maureen reminded us students of a forgotten mindset … that the world is for those who look beyond the horizon. No matter in or out of school, we need to be lifelong learners who search for the keys of opportunity to unlock our dreams instead of waiting for their arrival. Maureen had many fond memories at Avila to which she had recalled, yet the beat to her story was much beyond what she was provided as a young girl in society at the time. She describes the male dominating world in which she was brought up, with women only becoming teachers, hairdressers or secretaries with very few nurses. It is true that 80% of Avila’s 1965 class became teachers and many, even including secretary Maureen, had to end their career paths early, when they had kids. Yet Maureen told us that she knew her dream stretched beyond school life and wasn’t willing to give that up for the sake of societal standards. There is no full stop to life’s story Rosha Ghassemieh & Abigail Jia Li Yee | Yr 10 In the midst of a developing Australian community, young Maureen Watkins lived a joyful youth. We gathered together with Maureen, a founding class member of Avila College at the age of 70, to reflect on her experiences and story both from the past and still emerging. MAUREEN WATKINS

45 Monique Adolphe, Cynthia Castaneda-Moreno | Yr 11 & Mica Lai | Yr 10 Watch the Video Current students Cynthia, Monique and Mica chose to interview Kerin and produce a video story. Listen to Kerin's heart warming, funny and thought provoking memories of her time at Avila. KERIN KENNY

46 Catherine Barczynsk & Eloise Phelan | Yr 9 Watch the Video Watch as current students Catherine and Eloise interview Dawn about her student experiences, life in Mt Waverley during the 60's and life lessons she took away from Avila. DAWN PATON

47 Avila Alumnae Network Join us today at alumnae.avila.vic.edu.au

48 Avila Whole School Reunion | November 2023 Avila College was delighted to welcome former students and staff back to school for the 2023 Reunion. Is your cohort celebrating a Milestone Year? Contact us via the reunion request form on the Avila website. Reconnecting at the Reunion