21.09.2017 Avila Newsletter [Updated]

September 21 | 2017
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From the Principal
It's the last week of term and that means next week is the Term Three holiday break. Holidays are great! They are a time to rest and recoup and if you're in Year 12 or studying a Unit 3/4 subject it's a time to gear up in a different way
There are practice exams during the break which are important preparation for the November VCAA exams and a great opportunity to review, revise and practice, practice, practice.
Across the holiday break the Avila family will be thinking of you all and wishing you all the best, as your own families will be too.
Remember to look after your sleep, health and diet too - study needs to be balanced with all the other parts of life.
All importantly, if you need help make sure you seek it out. We are here for you.
Last week the annual “Art, Design and Technology Show” showcased the breadth and depth of creativity that is alive and well at Avila.
From 3D installations, 2D drawings, paintings, photography, product design clothing to pottery, VCD and much, much more - the talent of our students is without question.
At the opening of the show we heard and saw the fruits of creative labour and the detailed process for developing ideas and experimenting with mediums.
Congratulations to the students whose work was showcased and to the staff who have journeyed through the creative and design process to bring the show to fruition.
This week, on Thursday evening the annual Sports Awards Night highlights the sporting endeavours of our young people.
Dr Michelle Cotter
Principal
Exec. MBA, M.Ed. Leadership, M.Ed. RE, Post Grad. Dip. IT, Post Grad. Dip. Adult Ed., Grad. Dip. RE, B.Ed
35 Charles Street, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149
T 03 9831 9600 [email protected]
avila.vic.edu.au
Avila College acknowledges the Wurundjeri people, the traditional custodians of the land on which the College is built.
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With such a diversity of sports on offer at Avila and with a strong commitment to teamwork, skill development and practice, there have been many sporting feats for the whole school community to be proud of.
Congratulations to the Health and PE Department for their efforts in training and motivating individuals and teams this year.
On Sunday evening our 2017 Santa Teresa Immersion participants returned from their experience in the red centre of Australia.
We look forward to hearing from the perspective of our Avila students and staff what they have learnt further about Australia’s rst people, their experience of Australia today and what more we can do locally to bring about Reconciliation.
This week I hosted the nal “Year 12 Jelly and a Chat” in my of ce with Year 12 students.
It has been delightful to meet each of our Year 12's and hear a little about where they’ve come from, what learning they are loving the most at the moment and where they want to head.
Sharing a few laughs and some themed “journeying” background music has made for quite a number of entertaining morning teas throughout this term! Thanks to students and staff who have joined in the conversation, the paper plane making and the “aeroplane jelly”!
Happy holidays to all students and staff, well done on your Term Three efforts.
No doubt there has been much learning and many ways of showing what we have learnt through the curriculum.
There will have been much other learning too that is worth thinking about.
Such as when have we shown or received kindness and compassion to or from another?
When have we laughed with each other to release some tension?
When have we looked around and seen the beauty of a ower blooming?
When have we stopped to pause, to think and to re ect on the things we can be grateful for .... family, friends teachers, support staff, homes, libraries, computers, books, pens, trees, parks, freedom, dreams, God, shared values, vegetables, sweet treats, fresh air, safe drinking water ..... Faith, Hope and Love.
Happy Learning!
Dr Michelle Cotter
Prayer
Spirit of God,
Creative inspiration of all that we do which is beautiful.
We thank you for painting, sculpture, music, drama
and literature
and all the endeavours which point us beyond ourselves.
We thank you for every enrichment of our humanity and for the dedication which so naturally follows.
Amen
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Faith and Mission
Year 11 Re ection Day
At the Year 11 Re ection Day students explored through various sessions what it means to be on a journey of faith
The Year 11 cohort ventured to St
John's Church in South Yarra for their Re ection Day on Tuesday 5 September.
The day focused on exploring what it means to be on a journey of faith and how Pope Francis calls the youth to be active in faith.
Beginning with a Yoga and Meditation session provided an opportunity to focus on not only spiritual health, but on mental and physical health.
After devouring a delicious donut
for snack, speakers from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim Associate shared their personal journeys of faith and the importance of breaking religious barriers.
The connection each of the three women had to their faiths, as well as each other, was a very powerful image
Take a look at the spring edition of Australian Catholic magazine!
Congratulations to Morgan Triskelidis,
10 Green for being published in the
Spring Edition of Australian Catholics.
Copies of Australian Catholic are
available at the front desk at the
College. You can also read Morgan's
articles online here:
https://www.australiancatholics.com.au/ edition.aspx?cid=151
to witness.
This was followed by Nahid, a refugee speaker, who bravely retold the voyage she had made to Australia from the various con icted countries she had been in.
The passionate and courageous message she shared to "Not close our eyes" acted as a reminder of the need for justice and equality in the world.
A very memorable day could not have been possible without the work of Ms Marino and the support of the Year 11 homeroom.
We are truly grateful for such an enjoyable and eye-opening day!
Tiana Chandraratne
Faith and Mission Captain
Ms Carmela Marino
Director of Faith and Mission [email protected]
Maeve Gill
Tiana Chandraratne
Faith and Mission Captains
Chiara Smith Alicia Roy
Faith and Mission Captains
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Join us for Avila Day 2017 Mass
We warmly invite members of the Avila College community to join us for Mass and Morning Tea on Monday 16 October for Avila Day from 9am-10.30am.
The Mass will commence at 9am, followed by morning tea in the Gathering Space. To ensure that we cater appropriately, please book your seat via the following trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/319744
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the Feast Day of St Teresa of Avila. Please Note: students will be dismissed early at 2pm.
Faith and Mission Important Dates
Sunday's Gospel Reading
Sunday 24 September
Matthew 20: 1-16a
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Sunday 1 October
Matthew 21: 28–32
The man with two sons
Saturday
23 September Memorial of
St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)
Wednesday
27 September Memorial of
St Vincent de Paul
Friday 29 September
Feast of Ss Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
Saturday
30 September Memorial of St Jerome
October
World Mission Month
Monday 2 October
Memorial of the
Holy Guardian Angels
Wednesday 4 October
Memorial of St Francis of Assisi
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Learning and Teaching
Mrs Madeleine Franken
Deputy Principal
Learning & Teaching [email protected]
Year 12 Practice Exams
Students undertaking VCE 3/4 studies will be sitting practice exams in the second week of the Term 3 school holidays from Monday 2 October to Thursday 5 October.
Avila College prepares all students studying a subject at Year 12 level for their nal exams by creating the authentic experience of sitting a formal practice exam in each subject.
The conditions of the exam arrangements in the holidays match those of the external exams, not only in length, but also with the use of external supervisors and instructions delivered according to the VCAA script.
Students should use the rst week of the holidays to revise in order to maximise their opportunity for learning from the practice experience.
Students will receive feedback on their performance early next term that will identify areas that they need to address to achieve success in their nal exams.
Madeleine Franken
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching.
Ms Angela Torelli
Director of Studies Y10 - 12 [email protected]
Y12 Practice Exams
Monday
2 October to Thursday
5 October
Ms Klara Baka
Director of Studies Y7-9 [email protected]
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Pastoral Care
Living and Values Program Update
On Tuesday 29 August, the senior cohort (Years 11 & 12 combined) attended a session run by Kerryn Redpath on drug and alcohol awareness.
A crucial part of our LAVP program
is about helping students with risk management, and ensuring they have honest, factual knowledge and feel empowered to keep themselves and their peers safe.
Kerryn is an experienced educator and author in this eld, who is herself a recovering addict. The students were very appreciative of her honesty as she shared her story, which many felt was timely and useful. Kerryn's warnings of the ease into which a person can slide into these habits, and the ongoing, long-term effects it can cause were well received, even by those who found some of the session challenging.
Her willingness to answer any question, and her empathy were commented on by girls afterwards. This informative and helpful session was a timely reminder for students, especially Year 12s, who will be embarking, not just on "Schoolies", but on the next stage of their adult life.
Feedback from students and staff included these comments:
"she was so considerate of our individual situations and did not imply we were all the same" (Steph, Yr 12)
"She was genuine, and we didn't feel she was lecturing us" (Yr 12s)
"Her balance of factual information and practical advice was well pitched for this audience" (Yr 12 teacher)
Mrs Clare Manning
Year 12 Year Level Coordinator
Changeover to Summer Uniform
From the beginning of Term 4 until Friday 20 October, students can wear either the winter or summer uniform.
All students must be wearing the summer uniform by Monday 23 October
Please keep in mind that students cannot wear their sports uniform to or from school in Term 4. The PE uniform must be brought to school.
The Avila College Uniform Policy can be downloaded from SIMON. Queries should initially be directed to your Homeroom teacher.
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Ms Janine Bauman
Deputy Principal Students [email protected]
Mrs Anne Stephens
Director of Pastoral Care Y7-9 [email protected]
Mrs Anna Marvelli
Director of Pastoral Care Y10-12 [email protected]


Public Speaking and Debating
Staff v Students Debate
The cold and wintry weather we have been having, along with the dastardly colds and u, suggested that it was time for a good dose of laughter ... and that is what Public Speaking and Debating Week provided.
The Staff vs Student Debate was a notable event with Dr Cotter making her rst appearance as an Avila Debater. She was supported by a highly entertaining team of the dramatic Mr Cash and the all singing and dancing Mrs Carroll.
The student team of Dena Tissera, Tynah Pearson and Emma Spencer debated with structure, precision and eloquence - but they were not able to convince the adjudicator, Mrs Swift, who was swayed by the staff's panache as they proved that Avila needs to have more fun with Mazenod.
This event was followed later in the week by The Comedy Festival. Georgia Pitt and Tamara Ryan explored with cutting wit the Victorian Public Transport System; Sarah Baumann inspired the audience with her performance poetry; Amelia Pawsey of Year 8 proved she is going to be a star of the future; Sophia Grubnic's comic timing was perfect and Mr
Lo is currently being signed up by the ABC for a new comedy called the Family Lo.
The Public Speaking and Debating Captains would like to thank all of those who performed and made us laugh.
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Year 11 Public Speaker of the Year Competition
The Year 11's were entertained, motivated and stimulated by the speeches that were presented in this year's Public Speaker of the Year competition.
There were moving personal stories, accounts of alien invasions and speeches about the need for individuals to take action to change the world.
Congratulations to Kiran Kottakkal who was the winner. Her speech explored the power of words to move people to either hate or hope.
"All the great things are
simple, and many can
be expressed in a single
word: freedom, justice,
honour, duty, mercy, hope." Winston Churchill
Junior DAV Debating Round Two
There were lots of close results in Round Two
of the Junior Debating. The students are to be commended on the professional approach they have taken to their preparation, producing some excellent speeches on a dif cult topic.
This round we congratulate Tina Varone and Pawani Bhatia who were awarded Best Speakers.
Junior DAV Debating Final Round
In this, the last round of the competition, we had two of the four teams win. The season has provided the Junior Debaters with an opportunity to learn
a great deal about Debating - that Debating is not Public Speaking; that rebuttal is dif cult but so very important; and that you must work as a team to win. This is knowledge that will help the Year 8's as they move on to the Senior competition next year.
Congratulations to this round's Best Speakers - Emma Johnston of Year 8 and Ruth Edward and Nishara Fernando were given the highest scores in their Year 7 debate. Well done.
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Languages
The Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition 2017
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The Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition has been a Melbourne institution for years as students from all over Victoria come to Melbourne University to take part in this annual event.
The process began at the end of Term 1 when our Year 9 Italian students selected a poem to recite for the competition. Students needed to learn the poem by heart and practice pronouncing their words correctly, eloquently and clearly; stanza by stanza. A dif cult task, however our students rose to thechallenge and were magni cent in their performance on the day.
The afternoon was followed by lunch in Lygon St. where students indulged in pasta, pizza, cakes and of course gelato.
Avila has had a history of producing a number of nalists but none so many as in 2017, with seven students qualifying: Daniella Russo, Oneisha Talarico, Chanuri Agastinoge Don, Nicoletta Akritidis, Ella McKenzie, Kavia Pynadath and Christine Rigopoulos. Christine Rigopoulos nished 2nd overall in the Non-Italian section of the competition in a eld of 1600 entrants.
I would like to also acknowledge Amalia Cuda of Year 12 for nishing 2nd in the Original Poetry Writing Competition with a poem about her grandmother's migration to Australia from Italy. It is an enormous accomplishment to reach this stage in the competition and these students should be proud of their achievement.
Year 8 Italian Poetry Competition 2017
During Term 3 the Year 8 Italian students have been busily learning the poem 'Le Prime Viole'.
After being judged by their individual Italian teachers, nalists from each class were selected and the nal was held on Friday 25th August.
Our special guest judge was a former Avila College teacher of Italian and in fact also a judge at the acclaimed Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition.
Mrs Domenica Tarquinio was thrilled to be judging the very competition she began many years ago.
After listening to all the girls the following were selected as prize winners: Natarsha Scavello and Valerie Sova (equal rst), Karina Parisi (second) and Monica Fazzino (third). Congratulations to all the nalists and winners!
Salvatore La Fauci, Curriculum Leader, Languages


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Il viaggio della mia nonna
di Amalia Cuda
Lascio la mia famiglia,
i miei amici e anche la mia casa,
Per una vita da sola.
Attraverso la pioggia,
la grandine e lo splendore del sole.
Mi siedo sulla barca e divento la mia vita futura.
La prima cosa che porterò e` la mia borsa.
Questa borsa contiene la mia vita.
Ogni momento, ogni ricordo, e ogni foto,
Rimangano nella mia borsa, pronti per cimentarsi in un viaggio nuovo.
Un viaggio sconosciuto, Un viaggio doloroso,
Un viaggio che divulgherà
la mia cultura in tutto il mondo.
My grandmother’s voyage
by Amalia Cuda
I leave my family, my friends and even my home, For a life alone,
Through the rain, the hail and shining sun.
I sit on the ship and become my future.
The rst thing I bring is my bag.
My bag contains my life.
Every moment, every memory and every photo, Remains in my bag, ready to take on a new journey. An unknown journey,
A painful journey,
A journey that will expose my culture to the world.


"Ink" Book Launch
Avila College Principal Dr Cotter of cially launched the Year 8 Green Book "Ink", collection of short stories written, edited and illustrated
by the students and overseen by their editorial committee and English teacher Mrs Louise Swift.
Delighted by the title, as "ink makes me think", Dr Cotter commended students on their creative work and contributions.
A special visitor to Year 11 Human Development Class
It was a chance to see early learning in action at Avila College when Ms Felicity Brunell and baby Arnie paid a visit to Ms Rowell's Year 11 Human Development class.
A Wedding Breakfast at Avila College!
The students of Year 12 Purple celebrated Ms Maraya Robinson's upcoming wedding with a wedding breakfast (at lunchtime!).
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NCSS Challenge
An Indigenous Story
Robert Young, a Gunnai, Gunditjmarra Yorta Yorta and Waradgerie artist visitied Avila to share his indigenous story. He spoke of his God given gifts and talents that must not be wasted and tting in to a white mans world.
Robert is most well known for his murals and he was inspired by his family's long history in the Fitzroy area when designing the Charcoal Lane mural. His great-great grandparents were the rst Aboriginal people to live in Gertrude Street.
After setting up a church in their home others were invited in. Robert’s grandparents established one of the rst Aboriginal legal services in Fitzroy. His mother worked as a dental nurse on the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service bus, which was based where the mural is now seen.
The artwork took four days
to complete and was funded
by the state government's community crime prevention program, targeting graf ti in the area. You can see the mural at Charcoal Lane Fitzroy.
This year, Avila College had 30 students participate in the NCSS Challenge, from Year 7 to Year 12. It is called a challenge with good reason. The level of the problems that the participants have to solve rises quite sharply over the ve weeks. As usual, we had many girls achieve perfect scores and others achieve distinction and merit certi cates. I am very proud of the students who took part in the challenge for their commitment. Elizabeth and Greta share their experience below.
Ziad Baroudi
Over a course of 5 weeks, we have been participating in a competition called the NCSS Challenge.
In the NCSS Challenge, we had to solve problems using the programming language of Python.
These problems varied in dif culty starting with the basics and eventually ending in being able to ask questions and respond to the answers in various ways.
The language of Python is used very frequently around the world including programs like Facebook, Reddit and even Google!
They give you notes and examples and then we have to work out a similar problem.
We learnt how to code and problem solve different questions.
One of our favourite parts of the challenge was writing code to move the turtle to draw different shapes and images.
We recommend this challenge to anyone who is interested in being challenged and wants to learn a new skill.
The NCSS Challenge has given us the opportunity to expand our knowledge of coding
and overall, it was a fun and enjoyable 5 weeks.
Elizabeth Dinh and Greta Cassidy 7 Gold
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Art, Design and Technology Exhibition
Celebrating Creativity at Avila College
Launched with a dramatic catwalk parade featuring designs created in the Product Technology studio and a special four legged and furry guest model "Coco", the Art, Design and Technology Exhibition of 2017 was a kaleidescope of colour, media and creativity.
Watch the Video! If you are having trouble viewing your can watch it here: http://www.avila.vic.edu.au/ news-and-events/fx-articles.
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Sport
and
Physical Education
Avila College Sports Week
In the rst week of September, Avila hosted the inaugural Sports Week.
Monday introduced a jam packed week full of fun, exercise and games! The Year 7’s and 8’s battled it out for the title of Dodgeball champions, with the added bonus of getting to wear their P.E uniform to school! Tuesday again saw an intense and invigorating game of Dodgeball, this time between the Year 9 and 10 students.
National Health and Physical Education day on Wednesday highlighted the important reason behind all the fun and games.
The day is designed to raise awareness of, and advocate for a greater focus on Health and P.E., enable everyone to see the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle, and amplify the many and varied opportunities there are at Avila for sport!
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Thursday came and the Year 12’s conquered lunchtime dodgeball over the Year 11’s, but not without a ght! The gruelling 30 minute match had everyone sweating and puf ng. Even the crowd!
The crowd was even more excited as they sat around the Gym preparing to watch the annual Staff vs Students Marngrook Footy Match on Friday. Teamed with the Reconciliation Group, this was the highlight of Sport Week!
An energetic and excited group of students pulled on the students jumpers, but they were no match for the experienced and con dent teachers!
The week was topped off with a ‘wear your sports colours’ free dress day on Friday!
With a gold coin donation, many proud Richmond jumpers and (not
so proud) Hawthorn jumpers, we were able to raise $841.60 for St Peter’s Primary School in South West Sunshine.
In raising this money, we hope to purchase new sporting equipment for the primary school, allowing more opportunities and easier access to sport for the children and their school.
We hope that the initiative will raise awareness and ultimately lead to an increase in participation and education around the importance of sport.
Overall, watching all the girls
get involved and enjoy the week demonstrated the massive success it was. We can’t wait to see the week continue in the future.
Jorjia Cotte, Hannah Faraone, Abbey Goullet, Monique Louey and Kiara Lo Surdo


ISG Gymnastics Competition
This year between August 29 and 31, the gymnastics girls headed down to the Eastern Gymnastics Club to show off their routines following weeks of hard work and training. The girls performed outstandingly well, displaying their "tightest legs" and "pointed toes" - two things the girls were probably tired of hearing!
The competition consisted of several sessions across three days which gave Avila College many opportunities to achieve a high position on the leaderboard.
All three mornings started early with the students leaving school at 7:30am! If the girls were tired it didn't show. Despite having to wait longer than expected in order to perform, this didn't stop the girls from making Avila College, Miss King and us Captains extremely proud. We had amazing results over all days and divisions, nishing an outstanding 4th overall!
Avila had a plethora of students who placed rst, second and third as a team, as well as individually.
The Junior E division had multiple achievements, with teams placing rst, second and third. Two teams in
the Junior D division placed third and our B Division girls came home with an exceptional result, nishing rst. The Senior D Division team placed an outstanding second and our A1 Division team came in third.
Individuals that must be commended on their achievements were:-
* Samara Egglezos - First, Junior E Division
* Natalie Khoo - Third, Junior E Division and First, Floor * Marlee Langdon - Second, Junior D Division
* Erin Ardley - Second, Senior E Division, First, Vault * Rosin Selvarajoo - Second, Senior D Division
Both of us have watched all girls grow in their skill level, con dence and enthusiasm for gymnastics every training session.
We would like to thank some wonderful teachers who helped us throughout this term and encouraged all the students to do their best in training and on competition day. Thanks to Miss King for being the one and only amazing coach throughout this whole season as well as Mrs Bell for being a terri c assistant coach plus Miss Linossier and Mr Ross for their help on the competition days. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you to all the girls who participated this year and we hope to see you again next year!
Cristina Maiolo and Logan Sharrock
Gymnastics Captains
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Nagle Day
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Food Technology
Year 9 Sliders Competition
The annual Year 9 Sliders Competition is well underway with teams vying for the coveted trophy. Students and staff sample each team's creations and vote accordingly. Here are some of the latest contenders!
Year 8 Food Technology Field Trip
Year 8 Food Technology students enjoyed a tasty and colourful eld trip to Dandenong Market.
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News,
Updates
+ Reminders
Avila Musicians in Shanghai
Avila students Zoe Evans, Georgia Reade, Emily Glennon, and Jessica Satya Graha and Avila Alumnae Lisa Dupuy, Alysha Van Eyk, Olivia Stack recently visited China with the The Australian Youth Band.
The band was invited to perform at the Shanghai Tourism Festival 2017. Musicians from all around the world congregated to put on a spectacular show. About a million people attended the opening ceremony and it was broadcast to an audience of over 25 million.
Australian Scout Medallion
Congratulations to Year 9 student Sally Barlow who was awarded the Australian Scouting Medallion. Considered the pinnacle of
Scouting, this prestigious award re ects initiative, self discipline, teamwork and leadership.
Avila Alumnae Reunion
Avila College recently hosted a 10 Year reunion for the Class of 2017 and former VCAL students as the College celebrated a decade of VCAL. More reunions are coming up in October, details on our website.
Year 8 Zoo Excursion
Year 8 Indonesian students recently visited the zoo where they studied Asian animals and habitats.
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Avila Calendar Dates & Events
September 22
Term 3 Ends
September 23
French Study Tour departs
October 2-5
VCE Practice Exams
October 9
Term 4 Commences
October 9-13
Year 8 City Experience
Wednesday 11 October
Second Hand Uniform Shop open 1-4pm
Thursday 12 October
PFA Meeting 7pm
Saturday 14 October
Class of 1992 and 1997 Reunions
Monday 16 October
Avila Day
AVILA COLLEGE GENERAL OFFICE HOURS
8am - 4.30pm
Please Note: During school holidays the of ce is open from 8am-4pm
PLEASE CALL THE ABSENTEE LINE BEFORE 10am IF YOUR DAUGHTER IS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL 9831 9696
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Avila Reconcilation Group 20 Year Reunion Thursday 19 October at 4.30pm
SAVE THE DATE


Sunday 8th October: 13/U, 15/U, 17/U 4-6pm
Sunday 15th October: 13/U, 15/U, 17/U 4-6pm | Open/Premier League 6-7pm (13/U, 15/U, 17/U players must attend both sessions)
Salesian College Hall, Bosco St, Chadstone.
Dark shorts, skirt or leggings; white top
13/U (13 & Under as at the 31st December, 2018) 15/U (15 & Under as at the 31st December, 2018) 17/U (17 & Under as at the 31st December, 2018) Premier League and Open
stmichaelsnc.com.au/trials2018
Closes 4th October 2017.
If unable to attend 1 or both sessions, please contact [email protected] prior to the close of registration. Trials are open to all players, from any club.
13/U, 15/U, 17/U: $240
Open: $250
Premier League: $265
Fees include training court hire, court fees, umpiring fees, coaches’ remuneration, tournament entries etc (NVM to be purchased by players separately)
Compulsory: dress
Non-compulsory: club polo, hoodie, training top, socks, beanie
13/U, 15/U, 17/U: Sundays 10am-12pm @ Waverley District Courts (TBC)
Open/Premier League: Wednesdays 7-9pm @ Waverley District Courts (TBC)
Pre-season training: A number of training sessions will be held in December/January. These will be communicated to you by your coaches.
We ask all players and parents to read the club’s code of conduct (available on our website and TeamApp). Acceptance of the code is a requirement of registration with St Michael’s teams.
Commitment to training is required by all players to ensure the success of individuals and teams. It is club policy that any player who has not attended training is not guaranteed court time the following week.
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