APC Newsletter April 2023

OUR HEAD OF THE RIVER CHAMPS

IMPORTANT DATES

TUESDAY 4 APRIL

Year 9 into Year 10 Senior Years Insight evening

5.30pm – 6.30pm 40 Bay St

WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL

Drama Ensemble Performance Evening Drama room, Danks St campus 3.30pm – 7pm

THURSDAY 6 APRIL

Last day of Term 1

Students dismissed at 2.10pm

MONDAY 24 APRIL

First day of Term 2

Staff Professional Practice Day No formal classes

TUESDAY 25 APRIL

ANZAC Day public holiday

WEDNESDAY 26 APRIL

Classes resume for students

NEED TO KNOW

THE BOOK CLUB IS BACK page 15

BECOME AN APC TUTOR page 16

TUESDAY 2 MAY Year 10 Immunisations Catch-up vaccinations

THURSDAY 4 MAY Open Day – all campuses 2pm-6pm

TUESDAY 9 MAY

Annual General Meeting Library, Danks St campus 7pm

FRIDAY 12 MAY

Staff Professional Development Day No formal classes

TUESDAY 23 MAY

Parent-Teacher interviews online

WEDNESDAY 24 MAY Athletics Carnival

GOLDEN GLOW FOR APC ROWERS

Olivia Lewis and Ella Kilpikoski have continued APC’s magnificent winning tradition in rowing by taking out the doubles sculls in the open division in the Head of the River Schoolgirls in Geelong recently.

The duo have only been training together for a few months, after their coach, Olympian Virginia Lee, suggested they’d make a good combination.

And so it proved, when they defeated Kardinia, Corowa, Xavier and APC teammates Eva Levashova and Saska Paine in the Senior Doubles final on the Barwon River.

APC’s rowing teams may have received an early sign that the regatta would be a success, when the end of a rainbow appeared at Albert Park Lake during a recent training session (above).

There’s been no word if any of the crews got there in time to grab that pot of gold.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR CAMP DISCOUNTS? page 17-18

COVER: ELLA KILPIKOSKI, OLIVIA LEWIS AND THEIR COACH, OLYMPIAN VIRGINIA LEE, AFTER THEIR GREAT WIN

Thanks to parent Sally Lehmann for taking the rainbow pictures and sending them to us.

Rowing action, page 11.

WHAT A BUSY START TO A GREAT FIRST TERM

It’s been such a busy start to the school year that February and March have slipped by and I can barely believe it’s April already. So much has been going on – we’ve just completed NAPLAN testing, had the swimming sports, and held our first school camps. We’ve settled into the year brilliantly and I’m incredibly pleased with the great learning effort going on.

With all this positive activity and our excellent recent academic results it’s no wonder that we have expanded again, with enrolments reaching approximately 1600 and many new teachers coming on board. Welcome to all our newcomers.

ARTS CAMPUS GETTING CLOSER

As you know, we have new plans to make the college an even more exciting and creative place, with work progressing on the new Youth Arts Precinct in Gasworks Arts Park. The Victorian Minister for Education recently visited us to look over the site and was extremely positive about this exciting project. Once the final planning issues have been tidied up, we will share the design and tender details with you.

OUR STORY IS SPREADING

On Thursday 23 March we held a special party in the Danks Street Library to celebrate 13 years of success for APC and to launch the book I have written telling its story: From the Ground Up: How a Community with a Vision and Principal with a Purpose Created a Thriving State School.

The evening was a huge success, raising money for the college, and I want to thank every staff member, parent and community supporter who came along.

A special thank you must go to media celebrity and parent extraordinaire Kate Langbroek who came along and spoke passionately about APC, her own experience as a parent, and the importance of having a great public education system.

That’s pretty much what our book is about – how by working together we can create fantastic, creative and successful local schools for our children. By telling our story, we hope to help other schools learn from our experience.

Those who missed out on the event and want to get a copy can find it at major booksellers, including our own great local bookshop, The Avenue, as well as online at Black Inc.

STEVEN COOK WITH (FROM LEFT) VCASS PRINCIPAL HILARY BLAND, EDUCATION MINISTER NATALIE HUTCHINS AND ALBERT PARK MP NINA TAYLOR

ACTION FROM THE APC SWIMMING CARNIVAL

A COLLEGE IMMORTALISED IN WORDS …..

More than 120 people crowded into the Danks St library recently to officially help Foundation Principal Steven Cook launch his new book.

The book, “From The Ground Up: How a Community with a Vision and a Principal with a Purpose created a Thriving State School”, details how the Albert Park community worked closely with Steve to create one of Victoria’s

top secondary schools out of the rubble of its failed predecessor.

The book details APC’s early days and offers Steve’s views on how to build a successful public school.

APC parent and media personality Kate Langbroek launched the event with a passionate speech about the importance of public education, and why she chose APC for her children.

Special guests included former Albert Park MP and APC supporter Martin Foley, and his successor Nina Taylor.

Also in attendance were a number of former school council presidents, past and present members of the school council, and a who’s who of the APC school community.

STEVE WITH TANIA SCARAMOZZINO AND KATE LANGBROEK AT THE BOOK LAUNCH

SOME OF APC'S GREAT MEDIA COVERAGE (LEFT) SINCE IT REOPENED IN 2011

TEACHERS SINK IN RELAY BATTLE

The Year 12s had the last laugh on teachers when they convincingly won the Students vs Teachers relay at the 2023 Swimming Carnival recently.

The Year 12s also marked the end of the carnival - and their final year at APC - by lining up for their ceremonial Big Dive.

Students from Freeman, Winton and Flannery houses competed for points across a range of events throughout the day.

In the end, it was Flannery House that left Freeman and Winton in its wake to take out bragging rights with 442 points.

EDUCATION CHIEF TOURS SITE OF NEW ARTS CAMPUS

Minister for Education, Natalie Hutchins, recently toured the site for the new Victorian Youth Arts precinct in Gasworks Arts Park.

APC principal Steve Cook and Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School principal Hilary Bland guided Ms Hutchins and member for Albert Park, Nina Taylor, around the vacant site (right), which was formerly a depot for a local gas company.

Also in attendance during the tour were senior students from both APC and VCASS.

An increase in construction costs has led to some delays finalising design details. However, a revised tender is expected to be released soon.

Once completed, the precinct will be managed by APC and VCASS.

JOIN OUR FIGHT FOR SUSTAINABILITY

At APC we’re always thinking of new ways to decrease the college's carbon footprint.

This is the job of the Sustainability Subcommittee of the APC school council.

It consists of elected students, teachers, parents and community members, who work together to make this school carbon neutral and, with your help, carbon negative.

Applications for teachers, students, parents and community members for the Sustainability Subcommittee are now open.

If you’re interested in learning more email:

sustainability@albertparkcollege.vic.edu.au

alexanderdahlberg@albertparkcollege.vic.edu.au

RUNNERS GIVE THEIR ALL IN “BRUTAL” WORLD TITLES

The world’s best runners descended on Bathurst in NSW recently for the World Cross Country Championships, and an APC team was part of the action.

The four-girl team – Isla Mithen (Year 10), Poppy Donaldson (Year 9), Freya Mithen (Year 7) and Ruby Donaldson (Year 9) – ran in a 4x2km relay and competed hard, all running fast times.

They gave it their all in what was described as a “brutal” cross country course.

THE POWER OF THE PEDAL

On Friday, March 24, APC came to school sustainably.

Ride2School Day is the day where we celebrate our effort in reducing our carbon footprints.,

Students and staff came to school actively and enjoyed some delicious croissants and yogurt cups prepared by the Hospitality Club.

The environment team collected travel statistics from staff and students, which will help encourage sustainable commuting.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LEADERS OF 2023

Last week, APC made time to celebrate the incoming Student Leadership Group.

The student leaders make up the Student Representative Council who, along with the portfolio leaders, work closely with staff to elevate specific areas of curriculum and activities.

The group works throughout the year to create fundraisers, events and activities that bring the school campus to life.

The incoming student leaders heard from the College Captain group who spoke about their goals and plans for 2023.

Principal Steven Cook also spoke to them about his philosophy on leadership and what makes a strong and reflective leader.

The leadership group, who received special badges and certificates at the event, are looking forward to a fun and productive 2023.

FRENCH STUDENTS WELCOME

APC was delighted to welcome 22 French students from our sister school, Lycée Sainte Marie du Port, to Albert Park.

The students, who are being hosted by wonderful families from the APC community, have attended classes and toured local sights as part of their stay.

The exchange program has been running since the first visit from our sister school in 2015 and the relationship has gone from strength to strength.

This year, 10 of our senior students will be travelling to France in December for a seven-week visit.

Merci to everyone for making our French guests welcome.

RACHAEL SPEAKS FROM THE HEART

Rachael Gore, the head of mathematics at APC, was chosen by the Education Department to be part of a special video series that interviewed teachers about what it’s like working in the Victorian education system.

The vodcast series, "Subject Matters: A guide to teaching in Victoria," was presented by media personality Gorgi Coghlan. Interviewees included inspiring teachers at the very start of their career, through to principals with more than 20 years’ experience.

Rachael (left) was one of two Victorian Education Excellence Award (VEEA) winners interviewed specifically about the opportunities given to teachers to make a difference beyond their own school.

If you’d like to hear Rachael’s interview with Gorgi, go to episode 6 at:

https://www.vic.gov.au/teach-futuresubject-matters-vodcast

ON THE TRAIL OF DISCOVERY

The recent APC horse riding camp provided a group of students with many opportunities that the college holds dear: an immersion experience in nature, connecting with others and connecting with yourself.

And, of course, connecting with these impressive horses.

The students took part in inland and coastal trail rides around Gunnamatta, on the lands of the Dharawal people, developing their confidence and skills.

Bravo and giddy up!

YEAR 10 s GIVEN A WORKPLACE GRILLING

A big thank you to parents and other members of the APC community who volunteered their time to put Year 10 students through a series of mock job interviews at the Danks St campus recently.

Almost 30 volunteers came to the school to put students through a 10-minute grilling, followed by a fiveminute chat to provide their feedback.

The students really enjoyed the experience and many impressed their prospective “employers” with their confident approach and positive demeanour.

The interviews form an important part of the college’s Work Ready program to help students prepare for future job interviews.

The Year 10 students are now in the process of sourcing a work experience placement for later in the year, so

if your workplace or organisation is interested in taking on a student for a one-week placement, please let us know.

For details, contact Careers Adviser Jessica Archer at

jessicaarcher@albertparkcollege.vic. edu.au.

STAFF AND STUDENTS FLOWER POWER UP CLOSE

Year 10 photography students headed into the Pickles St community meadow garden last week to hone their skills.

It may have been a grey autumn day, but the colors and textures of the garden were captured in vivid detail.

Nature therapy at its best!

OUR ROWERS RULE THE RIVER

A huge crew of APC rowers made the college proud at the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta on the Barwon River in Geelong recently.

Ten crews entered a series of events with some outstanding results.

Congratulations to Ella Kilpikoski and Olivia Lewis who won gold in the senior doubles event and to Year 10 doubles Emma Westerbeek and Alice Roberts who took out silver.

Other teams were:

• Y9 Quad: Isabel Perkins, Koko Jones, Eliza Voss, Meikayla Stambolziev, and Indigo Brown (cox): 4th (after winning most of their races all season)

• Y9 Double: Jocelyn Doig, Hridaya Fofandi: 4th

• Y9 Single: Amber Cleaver: withdrawn due to injury

• Y10 Quad Div 3: Olivia Harvey, Angelica Wulff, Alex Caporrimo, Ruby Miller, and Georgia Arnott (cox): 18th

• Y10 Quad Div 2: Reya Sonigra, Bea Bradley, Jessica Marshall, Farrah Hall, Katelyn Truong (cox): 10th

• Senior Quad Div 3: Poppie Willson, Scarlett Laing, Liz Arnott, Mia Dourlay, and Isabelle Dethridge (cox): 5th

• Senior Quad Div 2: Hannah Speed, Mia Kachab, Isabella Flood, Eve Mouthaan, and Lulu GleesonPayne (cox): 5th

• Senior Double: Eva Levashova and Saska Paine: 4th (had an equipment failure - were favourites to win)

APC now has teams competing in Perth at the National championships.

The senior double of Eva Levashova and Saska Paine will compete in the U19 double. Eva and Saska will then team up Ella Kilpikoski and Olivia Lewis to race the Schoolgirl Quad.

NICK EAGER TO SHARE HIS PASSION FOR WRITING

APC is excited to announce that Nick Xuereb is our Writer in Residence for 2023.

Nick, who is currently completing his Masters Degree in Creative Writing at the University of Melbourne, sat down with Liberal Arts campus leading teacher Kathryn Riosa to talk about his writing.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I first became interested in writing through reading. When I was around 15, I started enjoying the books I was assigned to read at school. This led me to read books that weren’t part of the curriculum.

How would you describe your writing?

Broadly, I write fiction. That’s about as precise I’m willing to be on this subject. My writing style is diverse. I try not to do the same thing twice. I like to experiment with form, style and genre, though I wouldn’t describe my writing as experimental.

What does your writing process look like?

Every project is different. Lately, I’ve been trying to finish my first drafts fairly quickly so I can get on with the business of rewriting. A completed

first draft is important because it gives the piece a foundation on which you can begin to build something you might eventually be willing to show other people.

How often do you write?

I try to write every day, though that’s not always possible. If I have a whole day free for writing, I like to spend the morning reading, then write through the afternoon and into the evening if it’s going well.

What is your writing kryptonite?

In the past, perfectionism has stopped me from finishing things. I’m trying to remember that it’s better to finish a piece than labour over it endlessly.

What is your favourite book?

Probably Ulysses by James Joyce, simply because I have such fond

memories of reading it for the first time. Ulysses has this reputation of being a difficult modernist novel, but it’s also a lot of fun.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Always write with feeling. Be ambitious. Be patient. And, as much as possible, think critically about your own position. One of the worst trends in contemporary literature is writers being unable to think outside of their own experience.

What excites you about your residency at APC?

A lot of people write when they’re young, but often lose their enthusiasm for writing as they get older. My hope is that the workshops we run throughout the year help foster a lasting passion for writing in the students who participate. I’m also excited to see what students will bring to the workshops themselves.

YEAR 9 s HARNESS THE POWER OF ART TO INSPIRE CHANGE

This term our Year 9 Creative Endeavour students have been exploring the potential power of art to inspire social, political and environmental change in our world.

They have demonstrated incredible capacity and maturity to discuss issues that are important to them and express these through creativity.

Climate change, racism, gender equality, LGBTQI rights, police brutality, bullying, war and conflict, consumerism, capitalism and technology use some of their major concerns.

During the term they have produced a range of creative projects, using art, poetry, photography, dance, performance, sculpture and more that express these ideas.

The skills developed this term will prepare them for their Da Vinci Project and Exhibition in Term 2.

SOME OF THE CREATIVE WORKS PRODUCED BY OUR YEAR 9 STUDENTS.

A GREAT CAUSE DEMANDED A STERLING EFFORT

Year 11 student Sterling Baird put his head on the line when he decided to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Sterling, who last went to a barber three years ago, made the decision to shave off his hair and beard in front of classmates to raise money as part of the charity’s World’s Greatest Shave event.

“I remembered a friend shaved his head for the Leukaemia Foundation and he raised $1000,” Sterling said.

“I thought two things. One, wow! That’s a lot! And two, I can do better.”

He certainly did. In front of mesmerised students, Sterling was shorn and raised a total of $2500.

How did he feel as his hair and beard hit the ground?

“I felt weird and somewhat scared while shaving,” he said. “But after a while I’ve got used to my reflection. And people still recognise me.”

STERLING TALKS TO CLASSMATES BEFORE UNDERGOING HIS BIG SHAVE.

PICTURES: WILL CHEN

APC Book Club

Term 2 2023

Albert Park College is excited to invite students, their families and our broader community to take part in APC’s Book Club.

Book Club will return in 2023 on Wednesday 3 May

Book Club runs in the College Library from 6pm to 7pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Participants are kindly asked to bring their own keep cup.

Attendees are advised that the novel contains some explicit language and depictions of violence. It is not recommended for persons under the age of 16.

The Avenue Book Store on Dundas Place stocks the novel. Please consider purchasing your copy of the novel at The Avenue. Albert Park College now has an Avenue Bookstore Frequent Buyer account.

When purchasing books, cards or gift vouchers simply mention you’re part of the Albert Park College community and 10 percent of your purchase will turn into credit the library can spend.

Every purchase can accumulate ‘points’ and every $250 spent, the library will receive a $25 voucher.

BOOK YOUR FREE TICKETS AT: EVENTBRITE.COM

Limberlost by Robbie Arnott

ABOUT EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

•APC’s Alumni Tutoring Program gives students access to experienced tutors at the convenient location of the College’s Liberal Arts campus.

•All of the College’s alumni tutors have attained outstanding study scores themselves, are endorsed by APC teachers and have a current working with children check.

•TUTORS ARE AVAILABLE ONSITE ON TUESDAY AND THURSDAY AFTERNOONS FROM 3:30PM - 6:30PM at the Liberal Arts Campus (Pickles Street) during the school terms.

•APC’s alumni’s tutors offer targeted support to VCE and IB students.

•Tutors are available in most VCE and IB subjects but are subject to availability.

COST

TUTORING SESSIONS ARE 1 HOUR IN DURATION AT THE COST OF $33. Tutoring must be paid in advance via Compass in blocks of 5 sessions ($165).

Year 11 or 12 students who are interested in working with an alumni tutor are required to express their interest via the form.

Questions or inquiries about the alumni tutoring program can be forwarded to: tobycameronhooper@albertparkcollege.vic.edu.au

CANCELLATIONS

In the instance that a student needs to cancel a tutoring session, at least 24 hours notice must be provided in writing to the tutor and tobycameronhooper@albertparkcollege.vic.edu.au

Cancellations within 24 hours or non attendance incur the full cost of the scheduled session.