APC Newsletter March 2024

ROAR POWER

STAFF AND STUDENTS

WE MAKE A PROMISE TO KEEP IT CLEAN AND GREEN

The Library team is always on the lookout for new ways to promote important issues.

In honour of Clean Up Australia Day, the team asked staff and students coming into the library to make a special promise to do their bit for the environment.

Dozens of visitors made a pledge, and had it recorded.

• IMPORTANT DATES

MONDAY 15 APRIL

First day of Term 2

MONDAY 22 APRIL –

WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL

Horse Riding Camp

THURSDAY 25 APRIL

ANZAC Day Public Holiday

FRIDAY 26 APRIL

Staff Professional Development Day

THURSDAY 2 MAY

APC Open Day 2pm-6pm

MONDAY 6 MAY – WEDNESDAY 8 MAY

Music Camp

TUESDAY 7 MAY

Year 9 into Year 10 Information evening 5.30pm-6.30pm

TUESDAY 14 MAY

Parent/Teacher/Student online interviews

WEDNESDAY 15 MAY

Annual General Meeting 7pm, Library, Danks St

MONDAY 20 MAY

SEAL registrations close for Year 7 applications (2025)

FRIDAY 24 MAY

Athletics Day

THURSDAY 30 MAY – FRIDAY

JUNE 7

Year 10 & Year 11 Exams

COVER: LEILA WINSBURY, ALLY O'HAGAN, YASMIN DAKIS AND HAYA ATTEYA ARE READY TO CHEER ON THEIR HOUSES AT THE SWIMMING CARNIVAL. STORY PAGE 5. PICTURE: RYAN BASILE

• NEED TO KNOW

APC OPEN DAY page 14

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PARENTS page 15

AMPLIFY YOUR VOICE page 16

CONNECTING TO NATURE AND OUR COMMUNITY IS VITAL

It’s hard to believe that the world is entering what many are now calling the 4th industrial revolution.

Innovation and change is everywhere and, for educators, we are now grappling with new technologies that continue to transform how we teach and how students learn.

I was privileged to take part in a conference recently that explored the implications that cutting edge technologies - such as AI - will have on education.

Interestingly, discussion also centred on how individuals and the broader community would be able to cope with so much change.

What we learned was that our connection to nature, and our connection to each other, were going to become more important than ever before.

It is these bonds that will keep us grounded as all of us - students, parents, teachers and communities -grapple with the changes coming our way.

At APC, we are well prepared to meet these challenges. Our curriculum has a strong focus on nature, and we encourage students to touch and explore the natural world at every opportunity.

Our Year 9 curriculum, which focuses heavily on the environment, is now even more valuable.

APC is also blessed by our connections to our local community.

We are successful because we have been supported and nurtured by thousands of families over the years who have entrusted their children to our care.

They have backed our approach –that while achieving strong academic results is nonnegotiable, helping to create global citizens who care about each other, their community and their planet, is a worthy goal, too.

But we cannot afford to sit still and rest on our laurels. So I’m pleased to announce two initiatives designed to support APC and strengthen our community connections.

A WARM WELCOME TO ALPACCA

For more than a decade, APC Families has been a strong link connecting our school to the community. It has been an invaluable way to introduce newcomers to the college – and to each other.

But, as the saying goes, the only constant is change. And so I’m delighted to announce that APC Families is getting a makeover. Firstly, it has a new name. From today, APC Families will now be known as ALPACCA (Albert Park College Community Association).

Under new co-presidents Ruth Allen and Anna Vermooten and their committee, ALPACCA has some fun and innovative plans for the year. Their successful Loveboats-themed fundraiser last year was a taste of what is to come.

You can read about their plans on the next page.

MARSHALL WHITE JOINS OUR COMMUNITY

Famous local community and sporting organisations as well as businesses partner with us to supply classroom space, sports facilities, mentoring, advice, inspiration and financial support.

So I’m delighted to announce that Marshall White Real Estate has become a major supporter of our five major creative and performing arts events at the school this year.

Oliver Bruce, who is the director of Marshall White Albert Park, is a great supporter of APC. He has conducted a number of special auctions over the years at the annual APC Art Show.

Marshall White will sponsor

STUDENTS (ABOVE) GET CLOSE TO NATURE AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS.

ALPACCA CO-PRESIDENTS ANNA VERMOOTEN AND RUTH ALLEN AT THE PARENTS' DRESS-UP GALA LAST YEAR.

Marshall White will sponsor LitFest, Dance Show, Music Show, Vaudeville and the Albert Park College Art Show.

We are grateful to Oliver and the Marshall White team for their support, and we welcome them into the APC community.

In this world of change, we will continue to seek partnerships to support our activities, and continue to seek ways APC can support our community.

Together we will continue to thrive and prosper.

Have a safe Easter and see you all in Term 2

Steven Cook Foundation Principal

APC PARENTS GROUP GETS A NEW NAME

It’s official. APC Families has a new name.

So (drum roll please) let’s give a warm welcome to ALPACCA. ALPACCA stands for ALbert PArk College Community Association), and also references the alpaca farms that once operated in the Port Phillip district.

According to co-presidents Ruth Allen and Anna Vermooten, the APC Families committee decided a different name would be the perfect way to create a fresh vibe around the group and its plans.

“The new name is a nod to the past, but has a bit of fun about it so parents know that ALPACCA is going to do things a little differently from now on,” Anna said.

“We also want to expand a little, beyond the current families, and include alumni families and the broader APC community.”

Ruth said the ALPACCA committee was made up of fabulous parents with varying skill sets who meet up to collaborate, innovate and brainstorm ways to help support the APC community.

“Simply by having kids at APC means that you are part of ALPACCA,” Ruth said.

“We want to strengthen this vibrant and inclusive community to ensure it fosters connections and a sense of belonging for all.”

And, she said, have a right old laugh along the way.

“We have various social activities ranging from year level drinks to coffee catch-ups, social walks, a book club and an annual gala event that is not to be missed,” Ruth said. “It shouldn’t be just our kids that have all the fun.”

Anna said the committee was open to any ideas parents might want to champion and help arrange.

APC PARENTS GET INTO THE HOLIDYA SPIRIT AT THE LOVE BOAT GALA LAST YEAR

“And there are also plenty of events that will require volunteers (think Tea for Teachers, School Open Day, Literary Festival etc),” she said.

“This is such a great way of contributing. It might mean helping set up an event, minding a stall, baking a cake, serving a drink etc, all while getting to know other parents and carers along the way.

“Last year, we ran a hugely successful gala fundraising night based on the iconic TV show, The Loveboat. So please save the date for this year’s gala on Friday, August 9. It is going to be AMAZING!”

For ALPACCA’s upcoming calendar of events, or to contact Ruth and Anna, go to the APC website

STAFF AND STUDENTS

STUDENTS POOL THEIR CREATIVITY FOR SWIM CLASH

It was a day of action – and plenty of laughs – at the APC swim carnival recently.

On a 28C day at MSAC, Year 12 students showed their creativity with a vast array of dress-up styles.

While their theme was “Pirates”, the dress code was liberally interpreted, and costumes

included everything from sharks to water lilies.

Congratulations to top swimmers Arika Erdenko, Matilda Gray, Felix Jones, Jack Gonzalez and Nel Kitzis.

Bragging rights on the day went to Flannery with 5910 points, followed by Freeman with 4865 points and Winton on 4685.

NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM RECEIVE THEIR BADGES OF HONOUR

At a special presentation attended by staff and very proud parents and carers, 91 students received their 2024 leadership badges and certificates of recognition.

The presentations were held at the Danks St drama space.

APC is proud of its leadership program, which covers all year levels.

As well as college captains, the student leadership group includes portfolio leaders, house captains and year-level ambassadors.

PRINCIPAL STEVEN COOK AND STUDENT LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR ISABEL HOLLINGDALE WITH THE YEAR 8 AMBASSADORS (LEFT) AND COLLEGE CAPTAINS STERLING BAIRD AND AGNES McCALLUM (BELOW)

PRINCIPAL STEVEN COOK (ABOVE) WITH THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP GROUP FOR 2024.

MODEL BEHAVIOUR EXCITES OUR TEXTILE STUDENTS

This year’s textile students are still feeling the inspiration from watching APC’s first fashion parade.

The parade and photo shoot was conducted by the Year 11 textile students late last year.

With an array of accessories to choose from, students worked hard on their styling and then strutted their garments at the Danks St campus to a funky student soundtrack.

The parade was documented by professional photographer Michael Blamey, a long-term APC community partner.

Student Indi Edwards, a keen photographer herself, was mentored by Michael during the shoot and under his guidance used his equipment to photograph her classmates.

We’re all looking forward to what this year’s fashionistas dream up….

JESS OPENS UP ABOUT HER LOVE OF THE WRITTEN WORD

APC’S NEW WRITER IN RESIDENCE JESS ZANONI REVEALS HER WRITING KRYPTONITE

HAVE YOU ALWAYS ENJOYED WRITING?

I’ve had a pretty consistent relationship with writing since I was a kid, spawning from a huge love of reading. I think if you’re a kid who loves reading, most of the time you become interested in writing in some way.

WHAT TYPE OF WRITING DO YOU ENJOY?

I enjoy sensory, cinematic and emotionally evocative and precise writing. I don’t know if my writing is this, but it’s what I endeavor it to be.

WHAT DOES YOUR WRITING PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

I keep files and notebooks of images and ideas that will naturally show up in my work, not necessarily through referring to it, but by virtue of having written it down. For this residency, working on my first novel, I’m endeavoring to write for most of the day once a week at the school, forcing myself to get words down and edit later.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU WRITE?

Now that I’m starting a major project, I’m intending to write at least a little bit most days. Otherwise, I write in my journal several times a week. When I was in high school, I would write religiously every day no matter what. I wish I had that same discipline and motivation now!

WHAT IS YOUR WRITING KRYPTONITE?

Recently it’s being distracted by other creative work, and not being able to balance several projects at once.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR WRITING PUBLISHED? WHAT WAS THIS EXPERIENCE LIKE?

A lot of my music/arts journalism has been published, and I’ve had a number of creative writing / personal writing published in a few different journals.

Each experience has looked totally different. My published creative

writing involved a rigorous editing process with an editor. Journalism requires a quick turnaround period, with slight edits and minimal consultation.

I’ve felt very lucky to have had these opportunities—to be paid to write, and to receive support and encouragement from mentors, peers and editors.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK? WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR?

I have about 30 favourite books. A most recent favourite is The Town by Australian writer Shaun

Prescott. Hard to choose just one favourite author, but one would have to be Norwegian writer Karl Ove Knausgaard.

Some writers you just feel so lucky to have ever picked up a book of theirs in the first place, and he’s one of them.

COULD YOU DESCRIBE A FORMATIVE READING EXPERIENCE?

Reading In Cold Blood by Truman Capote in Year 12! I remember feeling obsessed with that book. I thought the writing was unlike anything I had read before, and I felt so close to the characters. It was certainly a book that illuminated to me what truly great writing is.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ASPIRING WRITERS?

All writing is rewriting, so just allow yourself to write, and edit yourself later. Accept that it’s going to be bad for a long time, and that good writing takes a lot of time and hard work. That, as well as reading as much as you can, along with noticing what you naturally pay attention to – this might tell you what your “thing” is, as a writer.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR RESIDENCY AT APC?

Having a dedicated time and space to write is what every writer craves, so I am grateful to be given exactly that.

Jess will be running workshops throughout the year. She will also be available for one on one chats to students in any year level.

GOLD, GOLD, GOLD FOR GIRLS IN THE DOUBLE SCULL

The APC rowing team came home with a swag of medals at two major rowing events recently.

But it was especially sweet at the Head Of the Schoolgirls Regatta, when Saska Paine and Lulu Gleeson-Payne comfortably won gold in the Open Double Scull.

It was the third time APC has taken out the gold for the double scull event, which is a remarkable achievement.

To prove APC’s dominance in this event, Alice Roberts and Ella Kilpikoski took out the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, the boys competed at the Scotch Mercs regatta with great success.

Luca Mercuri and Dan Tappenden won gold in the Senior Double while Darcy Ludlow, Dylan Morgan, Noah Gray, Hugo Everitt and Tommy Debien (cox) won bronze at the Junior State Championships in the Y10 Quad Division 2.

ROWING GUNS ALICE ROBERTS, ELLA KILPIKOSKI, SASKA PAINE, ISABELLE DETHRIDGE, LULU GLEESON-PAYNE AND ISABELLE DETHRIDGE (RIGHT).

Earlier this month, Saska, Lulu, Alice, Ella and coxswain Isabelle Dethridge won silver in the U21 Quad at Victorian championships and will now head to Sydney to compete in the Schoolgirls Quad at the Australian Rowing Championships.

Luca is also heading to Sydney to compete in the U19 Double and the Schoolboys Single Scull.

Good luck to them all.

NEWS FLASH

Just in from our rowing correspondent comes the exciting news that our schoolgirls quad finished a remarkable 11th overall at the Australian Rowing Championships.

Over four gruelling days, the crew of Alice Roberts, Ella Kilpikoski, Saska Paine, stroked by Lulu Gleeson-Payne and

by Isabelle Dethridge, were outstanding.

Second in their heat, they won the repechage, and then finished fifth in the semi-final, just two seconds outside the top four.

In the B final they finished in a very fast time in third place. This means they finished 11th over all in the country. What a performance!

coxed

SASKA PAINE AND LULU GLEESON-PAYNE (ABOVE LEFT) CELEBRATE THEIR WIN WITH COACH VIRGINIA LEE, AND THE APC GIRLS ROWING TEAM (ABOVE).

MAKE HEALTH AND WELLBEING YOUR PRIORITY IN VCE

LEWIS ADDISON HAS BEEN SUPER BUSY SINCE LEAVING APC.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU DO VCE?

I did VCE in 2022.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY?

I studied biology, chemistry, environmental science, literature, history and maths methods.

I focused on science since it was my main interest, and since I wanted to study it at university. However I tried to keep my studies well rounded, which is why I chose history and literature.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF YOUR SCHOOL YEARS?

The best parts for me were the year 9 trip, since I was lucky enough to go to Borneo, and meeting my friends. I am still very close with most of my school mates, and I even met my girlfriend of five years at APC.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE APC?

I’ve been studying biomedicine at the University of Melbourne, with a concurrent diploma in Chinese language. I’ve been able to pursue my passion for science, specifically biosciences and health, and was even lucky enough to travel to China this January for a study intensive.

I really find the freedom and expectations of university life rewarding, but it was definitely an adjustment after the structure of high school.

WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE WORKING IN 10 YEARS?

In 10 years I hope to have completed both my Bachelor’s

Degree and my Masters Degree, and be working in a hospital/

practice as a junior doctor. I aim to stay in Melbourne, as I love the city and the people here.

DO YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH APC?

I still stay in touch with APC via the alumni tutoring program. I come in every week to tutor VCE chemistry and biology. I also will

occasionally check the newsletter or Instagram page, and will chat

to former teachers if I run into them at tutoring.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THIS YEAR’S VCE CLASS?

Definitely prioritise your own health and wellbeing. I know that right now you may not care about

VCE, or you’re staying up late every night stressing about what ATAR you’ll get; but regardless it is much more important to keep your mind and body healthy.

You’ll look back in a few years and not remember what grade you got for this SAC or that exam, but you will look back and remember how stressed and tired you were, so I would say staying happy and stay healthy should be your top priority.

POWERFUL WORDS THAT INSPIRE

To celebrate International Women's Day, APC was one of 17 schools invited to Parliament House to listen to a panel discussed accelerating progress by investing in women.

The panel was hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, The Hon Maree Edwards MP, and accompanied by young entrepreneur Daizy Maan.

The panel included Professor Julianne Moss who is the director for the Centre for Research and Educational Impact at Deakin University, Jennifer Huppert who is a commissioner from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and MPs Nicole Werner and Eden Foster.

Representing APC (right) were Sophia Amin (year 11 ambassador), Agnes McCallum (College Captain), Claire Seear (Inspire Club Leader) and Nina Buchler (year 10 ambassador).

According to Sophia, they found inspiration in each panellist’s story as they shared insights into the challenges they faced as they rose to their position.

Sophia said it inspired them to foster a culture of collaboration and support at APC, and to recognise that women must unite to drive progress for all.

APC STUDENTS EXPRESS THEIR SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY (RIGHT AND BELOW RIGHT).

BONDI LIFE TO FACE BOOK CLUB SCRUTINY

A keen group of book lovers gathered at the Danks St library last week for APC’s first Book Club meeting of 2024.

Up for discussion was the Hummingbird Effect, by Kate Mildenhall.

The next Book Club meeting will take place on May 8.

Going under the club’s microscope will be We All Lived in Bondi Then, by Australian author Georgia Blain.

LOVE OF THE OCEAN BRINGS THEM TOGETHER

Students from a number of schools met at the Gatehouse last week as part of the Young Ocean Innovators program being championed by former APC student Alyssa Seckenger-Crow.

Alyssa, who is now at the University of Melbourne, is helping run the program for the university in partnership with a number of organisations such as Nature

Conservancy, World Wide Fund for Nature and Coastcare Victoria.

The six-week program is aimed at empowering high school students from across Melbourne to become passionate advocates for Port Phillip Bay while exploring why oceans matter in the face of climate change.

ALYSSA SECKENGER-CROW TALKS TO STUDENTS AT THE GATEHOUSE LAST WEEK.

OPEN DAY

THURSDAY 2 MAY | 2 – 6 PM

83 Danks St, Albert Park

Open Day presentations will take place at our main campus at 83 Danks St. Join a guided tour, peruse displays and talk to our sta and students.

SEAL information session 3.30 pm

Foundation Principal Presentation 4 pm

VISIT OUR CAMPUSES

DANKS ST

83 Danks St, Albert Park

DA VINCI

40 Bay St, Port Melbourne

PICKLES ST 62 Pickles St, South Melbourne

STUDIO 120 120 Bay St, Port Melbourne

SELECT ENTRY ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAM (SEAL)

In 2025 Albert Park College will provide a Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program for Year 7 students with exceptional academic ability.

Inquiries about the program should be directed to the college on 8695 9000.

Applications to the APC SEAL program and Edutest close on Monday, 20 May 2024.

Applications can be made through our website: www.albertparkcollege.vic.edu.au

FINANCIALASSISTANCE

INFORMATIONFORPARENTS

EveryVictorianchildshouldhaveaccesstotheworldoflearningopportunitiesthatexist beyondtheclassroom.TheCamps,SportsandExcursionsFundhelpsensurethatnostudent willmissoutontheopportunitytojointheirclassmatesforimportant,educationalandfun activities.ItispartofmakingVictoriatheEducationStateandtheGovernment’s commitmenttobreakingthelinkbetweenastudent’sbackgroundandtheiroutcomes.

CAMPS,SPORTS&EXCURSIONS

FUND(CSEF)

School campsprovidechildrenwithinspiringexperiencesinthegreat outdoors.Excursionsencourageadeeperunderstandingofhowthe worldworkswhilesportsteachteamwork,disciplineandleadership. All areapartofahealthycurriculum.

CSEF isprovidedbytheVictorianGovernmenttoassisteligiblefamilies tocoverthecostsofschooltrips,campsandsportingactivities.

If youholdavalidmeans-testedconcessioncardorareatemporary fosterparent,youmaybeeligibleforCSEF.Aspecialconsideration categoryalsoexistsforasylumseekerandrefugeefamilies.The allowanceispaidtotheschooltousetowardsexpensesrelatingto camps,excursionsorsportingactivitiesforthebenefitofyourchild.

The annualCSEFamountperstudentis:

• $150forprimaryschoolstudents

• $250forsecondaryschoolstudents

HOWTOAPPLY

Newapplicantsshouldcontacttheschoolofficeto obtainaCSEFapplicationformordownloadfromthe websitebelow.

Ifyouapplied forCSEFatyourchild'sschoollast year,youdonotneedtocompleteanapplication formthisyearunlesstherehasbeenachangein yourfamilycircumstances.

Youonlyneedtocompleteanapplicationformif anyofthefollowingchangeshaveoccurred:

● newstudentenrolments;yourchildhas startedorchangedschoolsthisyear.

● changedfamilycircumstances;suchasa changeofcustody,changeofname, concessioncardnumber,ornewsiblings commencingthisyear.

Checkwiththeschoolofficeifyouareunsure.

MOREINFORMATION

FormoreinformationaboutCSEFvisit:

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx