APC Newsletter May 2023

TALENT TAKES CENTRE STAGE

IMPORTANT DATES

THURSDAY 1 JUNE - FRIDAY 9 JUNE

Year 10 and Year 11 Exams

FRIDAY 2 JUNE Year 12 Formal

TUESDAY 6 JUNE

Headspace Parent Seminar

Drama Room, Danks St campus

5pm - 6pm

FRIDAY 9 JUNE – SATURDAY 10 JUNE

Litfest

Library, Danks St campus

MONDAY 12 JUNE

King’s Birthday Public Holiday

TUESDAY 13 JUNE – FRIDAY 16 JUNE Junior Snow Camp

THURSDAY 15 JUNE

GAT exam

Da Vinci Exhibition

5pm - 6.30pm 40 Bay St campus

THURSDAY 15 JUNE – FRIDAY 16 JUNE

The APC Dance Show Lawler Theatre, Southbank Thursday at 7pm and Friday at 2.30pm

WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE

School reports available on Compass from 10am

FRIDAY 23 JUNE

Last day of Term 2 Students dismissed at 2.10pm

MONDAY 10 JULY

First day of Term 3

MEDALS FOR OUR SPORTS STARS

A team of APC runners performed superbly to claim a silver medal at the Athletics Victoria Road Relay State Championships recently.

Poppy Donaldson, Ruby Donaldson, Bridgette Williams and Honour Tobin (above left) came second in the women’s under 16 event.

The four competed against 56 teams from private schools and were only beaten by a national champion runner who anchored home victory for Firbank Grammar School.

The championships are dominated by private schools, with more than 50 schools competing on the day. APC was one of three public schools to enter a team and the only school to achieve a medal - a remarkable achievement.

Also making APC proud was school captain Alexander Dahlberg (above), who came third in the 50m freestyle event at the 2023 SSV State Swimming Championships.

As one of the blue ribbon events of the meet, the event attracted a hot field, so to do so well was a stunning performance. Well done, Alex.

COVER: APC DANCERS REHEARSE FOR THEIR UPCOMING SHOW. DETAILS, P7. PICTURE: WILL CHEN

WE’RE A SCHOOL WHERE LEARNING NEVER STOPS

One of the things that sets APC apart from other schools is our absolute commitment to the professional growth of our staff. We are always looking to improve our teaching skills so we can give our students an even better education.

Two weekends ago, our teachers and staff gathered for a two-day residential conference in Creswick, where we discussed how to pursue excellence in everything we do.

The intensive conference program covered topics such as how to keep students engaged in their learning and aiming high, how to maintain discipline and a positive attitude, how to teach students about the positive uses and the negative pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence, how to use Virtual Reality in the Classroom, and much much more.

We heard from one of the world’s leading educators, Pasi Sahlberg, on how student results have declined globally over the past decade and the need to ensure every young person, no matter their family background, is assisted to learn.

Schools, he said, have to release everyone’s passion – something we take incredibly seriously.

As far as I know, no other school goes to these professional development lengths, but its benefits are enormous. There is a real sense of positivity and comradery among our staff as a result.

Those of you who work in successful workplaces know the extreme importance of these qualities and how difficult they are to build up and maintain.

The conference was yet another example of how staff and students at APC refuse to rest on our laurels – even

after last year’s stellar year-12 results – but aim to continually get better and better.

And the results of previous hard work and innovation are shining through.

As this newsletter details, over the coming weeks we will be holding our Lit Fest, Dance Show, Da Vinci Exhibition and more.

APC RECOGNISED FOR IT EXCELLENCE

We're helping spread this message about professional improvement to other schools. Last week we were given an Excellence Award by the

University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education, for taking in the most teacher trainees and helping them gain crucially important classroom experience.

We’re practising what we preach by being good educational citizens.

It’s another sign that something special is going on at APC.

Steven Cook Foundation Principal

EAGER FAMILIES FLOCK TO OPEN DAY

An estimated 500 people took the opportunity to learn more about APC during the college’s hugely successful Open day in the first week of May.

Families with primary school children were eager to tour the college and speak to teachers about the curriculum and specialist programs.

Four campuses were open – Danks St, 40 Bay St, Studio 120 and Pickles St – and APC staff and students were on hand to answer questions and conduct tours.

The main campus at Danks St was a focal point of the day, and families were treated to bands in the courtyard, science experiments, maths activities and games, and drama performances in the library.

The Hospitality Club kept everyone’s energy levels up by baking and selling a variety of treats to guests throughout the afternoon.

A highlight was the address by Principal Steve Cook to more than 300 people in the Danks St gymnasium.

It was a fantastic day and showcased the incredible passion of APC staff and students.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR A LITERARY FEAST

APC's annual Litfest is fast approaching and another stellar line-up of leading Australian writers will be guest speakers.

The two-day event, which kicks off on Friday, June 9, will boast:

• Sarah Krasnostein (The Trauma Cleaner, The Believer, and Not Waving, Drowning);

• Laura McPhee-Browne (Cherry Beach, Little Plum);

• Natasha Sholl (Found, Wanting); and

• Singer-songwriter Hannah McKittrick (The Day Has Again Bruised Me).

The authors’ books will be for sale on the night and expert writing workshops will be held for students on the Saturday.

Opening night on the Friday will begin with champagne and hors d'oeuvres from 6pm.

As part of the event, the Rotary Club of Albert Park will be holding a special book fair with loads of quality, bargainpriced second-hand books.

Tickets are $30 for adults, and $15 for concession, and can be bought on the link below or at Danks St reception.

SPECIAL GUESTS (FROM TOP): SARAH KRASNOSTEIN, LAURA M c PHEE-BROWNE, NATASHA SHOLL AND HANNAH M c KITTRICK

APC COMMUNITY STAGE IS SET FOR A DANCE SPECTACULAR

Our APC dancers have been working ferociously hard as they prepare for the 2023 APC Dance Show.

For the past 14 weeks, our incredible cast of 21 dancers have been learning and creating new choreography to bring ‘Thoughts of Nanushka, Vol I –XII’, by Jordan Bretherton, to the stage.

Ranging from our littlest dancers in Year 7, right up to our pre-professional Year 12s, these students have been rehearsing more than four hours a week with our Artist in Residence, and they are very excited to perform their work.

They have created a dynamic, thoughtprovoking production which is sure to wow the APC community when it is

presented at the Southbank Theatre over two nights in June.

The 2023 Dance Show is one of the most significant events on the APC performing arts calendar and should not be missed.

The Dance Show will be on Thursday, 15 June and Friday, June 16. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $20 for concessions.

COLLEGE KEEPS EXCELLENCE IN ITS SIGHTS

The teaching and administration teams gathered at the RACV Club in Creswick earlier this month for two days of professional learning and development.

The theme of the conference was “Driving excellence”, and staff heard from leading education experts as well as senior school leaders.

Staff also attended a series of workshops to discuss issues as varied as AI in the classroom, positive student management, and how virtual reality was transforming learning.

A highlight was a closing presentation by leading world educator, Pasi Sahlberg, who posed the question: “What can Australia do to improve education standards for its students?”

He told staff that global research confirmed that external forces outside of school were the most important factors in giving students the best chances of educational success.

MOTIVATIONAL: STAFF LISTENED TO A RANGE OF GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE CONFERENCE.

STAFF AND STUDENTS STAFF PUT THEIR ARTISTIC TALENTS ON SHOW

Around 50 staff put their creative talents on display at the 2023 Staff Art Show at Studio 120.

The annual event is designed to be a fun celebration of the many diverse talents of the APC staff, who were encouraged to enter a creative work, regardless of experience level or art form.

Over drinks and nibbles, staff and friends admired the works of colleagues and, in a sign of the quality on display, even opened their wallets to buy some pieces.

PORT OF MELBOURNE REVEALS ITS SECRETS

Year 9 Environmental Inquiry students recently visited the Port of Melbourne Education Centre and toured the port.

The students had the opportunity to see tugboats in action, and learn more about the stevedores, the people responsible for loading and unloading cargo from the ships.

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the giant X-ray machine used by customs officers to scan containers for illegal items.

The students were amazed by the sheer size of the machine and the technology it used.

The visit was an enriching educational experience for the Year 9s. Not only did it provide them with a better understanding of the port’s operations, it also highlighted the importance of the port to our local and national economy.

As an added bonus, it gave the students a glimpse into the wide variety of careers available in the maritime industry.

Our heartfelt thanks to Don, our operator for the day, and all the staff at the Educational Centre for giving the students such a great learning experience.

AND STUDENTS YEAR 9 s INVITE YOU TO AN EXHIBITION

The Year 9s are busy making lastminute touches to their work ahead of the Da Vinci Exhibition evening.

In Environmental Inquiry, students have been exploring the supply chain of materials through product research, and in Creative Endeavour they have been developing artwork designed to raise awareness, tell a story, evoke an

emotional response in the viewer or celebrate activism.

Their work will be on display at Studio 120 on Thursday, June 15 from 5pm to 6-30pm.

We look forward to sharing the students' creative work with you.

A MATHS ADVENTURE, ONE CUBE AT A TIME

They are called Columbus Cubes, and students from both the Maths Academy and Year 11 specialist maths class tested their skills recently to create these special objects.

As the pictures show, if done correctly, the paper cubes can actually be stacked.

The recently formed Maths Academy has proved a hit, with more than 30 students enrolled to have fun with mathematics. Classes take place after school on Mondays and before school on Fridays.

For those interested in knowing more about these types of cubes, the Columbus Cube is a variation of the Paul Jackson Cube in which one corner is turned inside out to the mid-point of three adjacent edges. This simple change means that Columbus Cubes can be stacked to form a tower.

STAFF AND STUDENTS

RIDE DAY HAS 'WHEEL' IMPACT

Last term, the Environment team held a Ride 2 School Day. Students who came to school using active transportation (cycling, scooting, walking, skateboarding) were rewarded with breakfast courtesy of the Hospitality Club.

The Hands Up! Survey, administered before, during, and after the event, revealed some noteworthy findings.

Firstly, the survey revealed that a steady 80 per cent of students demonstrated sustainable commuting habits. Secondly, there was a 10 per cent increase in the proportion of

students who rode their bicycles or scooters to school after R2S.

These results highlight that sustainability-oriented events, such as R2S, exert a favorable influence on the school community's ecological practices.

This event has done that, and we hope to celebrate its successes in the years to come.

TOWER: MATHS TEACHER ANDEW ROBINSON (ABOVE) AND MATHS STUDENTS (TOP) ADMIRE THEIR DELICATELY BALANCED CUBES

Enviro team

A SALUTE TO MELBOURNE MUSIC

Preparations are gearing up for one of the really big nights on the APC performance calendar – our Annual Music Concert - early in Term 3.

The concert will be a celebration of the college’s vibrant and diverse instrumental music program and the hard work of our talented students.

This evening comprises performances from a wide array of solos, duets and senior ensembles celebrating all Australian works with a special focus on the Melbourne music scene.

Our students can’t wait to share their amazing talent with you all.

The concert will be performed at Memo Music Hall in St Kilda on July 27 and 28.

Lock those dates in your diary and stay tuned for ticketing information.

JUNIORS INSTRUMENTAL IN CONCERT SUCCESSES

Five instrumental music concerts were held over consecutive evenings recently to display the great work of our instrumental music program.

Soloists, small groups and ensembles presented fantastic and varied musical events.

This semester’s concerts focused on our junior students, with many of them performing for the first time!

It was hugely exciting to see the depth of talent in our juniors and across our student cohort.

Big thanks go to all APC’s music students and instrumental music staff, and to the parents who encouraged the students to practise, practise, practise to produce such amazing music.

STAFF AND STUDENTS

OUR MASTER CHEFS IN THE MAKING

Year 8s proved they were budding master chefs recently when they were asked to plan and create a sandwich catering to the dietary needs of different individuals.

They had to choose from a young child and a fussy eater, a gluten intolerant office worker, a student on the run, a sedentary office worker, a tradie and a food critic.

Students were required to plate up their creations and present them to the class, justifying the choices they made.

They then voted on the most popular sandwich which, based on the pictures, would have been a very tough call.

Great to see the boys enjoying it so much.

LEUWIN DEFIES THE ELEMENTS AT ROWING TITLES

Leuwin Harridge capped off a fantastic season of rowing with a strong showing at the Australian Rowing Championships in Perth last month.

Leuwin competed in the schoolboys single scull over four days against a strong field of 44 competitors.

Despite strong winds and bad weather, which caused cancellations to races and changes to the schedule, Leuwin rowed consistently well.

He unfortunately just missed out on the A/B final but finished fourth in the C final.

Great work, Leuwin.

NO QUARTER ASKED, OR GIVEN

In the tradition of Staff versus Students clashes, there was nothing but winning on the minds of the two teams when they took to the volleyball court recently.

It was clear many rules were bent to obtain an advantage and, in the end, it was hard to tell who gave who a lesson. (Dis)Honorable draw, perhaps?

WORLD’S WILDLIFE GETS A BOOST

Students raised $835 for the World Wildlife Fund following a recent Out of Uniform day.

In Term 1, students were asked to vote on their preferred charity, and WWF was the most popular charity among students, receiving more than 35 per cent of the votes.

TEAMMATES: HAYDEN GOLD, WILL LUDLOW, ETHAN RASSIAS, LEUWIN HARRIDGE AND CLANCY HARVEY.

Other charities which received votes included UNICEF, (24.6 per cent of votes), Canteen (19.5 per cent) and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (17.5 per cent).

9 - 1 0 JUNE

9 JUNE, 6PM TILL 9PM

FEATURING SPEC IAL GUESTS : SA R A H KR AS N OST E I N L AURA MCPHEE-B ROWN E H ANNAH MC KI T TRIC K

1 0 JUNE, 10AM TILL 1PM

FEATURING SPEC IAL GUEST : N ATAS HA S H O L L

WITH:

Z I NE MAKIN G S ONG WRITIN G

COST

$30 ADULT | $15 CONCESSION

ADDRESS

ALBERT PARK COLLEGE LIBRARY, 83 DANKS ST, ALBERT PARK

ALSO FEATURING THE ANNUAL

ROTARY C LUB BO OK FAI R

THOUSAN DS O F P RE LOV ED BOOKS FOR SAL E

4PM - 9PM FRIDAY | 9AM - 2PM SATURDAY

OF NANUSHKA, VOL I - VI

BY JOR DA N B R ETHE R TO N