ART RULES
• OUR BEST ART SHOW YET P5-6
• LEIGH HOBBS HEADLINES ART WEEK P14
• ART SUCCESS FOR IB STUDENTS P9 DECEMBER
BASKETBALL GUNS FALL JUST SHORT IN STATE FINALS
What a stunning performance by our Intermediate girls basketball team, who made it all the way to the State Schools Victoria Victorian Intermediate Girls basketball finals recently.
After beating both Trinity College and Catherine McAuley College with impressive teamwork and skill, they came up against the formidable Lavalla Catholic College.
CAN YOU SKI OR SNOWBOARD?
Can you ski or snowboard? You don't have to be a superstar, just willing to give it a go! If the answer is yes then why not join the APC snow team.
APC competes at the Victorian Interschool Snowsports Championships at Mt Buller in late August each year.
The cross country consists of classic and skate events while the alpine skiing discipline covers
With only seven players available for the day, their depth was put to the test after an early on-court injury.
Despite the odds stacked against them, the girls played with heart, but ultimately fell just short.
It was a brilliant performance as around 350 schools took part.
Congratulations to Madelin Eliadis, Sienna Katsis, Lily Hazel, Victoria Peterson, Adele Dulson, Hannah Angus and Sienna Evans and their coach Lucas Vivarelli (above).
• IMPORTANT DATES
MONDAY 9 DECEMBER –THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER Year 7 and Year 8 camps
TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER
Parent Information evening Year 6 into Year 7 and Orientation Day
FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER Last day of Term 4
SATURDAY 21 DECEMBERSUNDAY 22 DECEMBER
Rotary Club Book Fair
Pre-loved books for sale 10am-4pm both days Library, Danks St campus
TERM 1 2025
WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY First day for years 7 and 12
THURSDAY 30 JANUARY First day for years 8, 9, 10 and 11
THURSDAY 30 JANUARY - FRIDAY 31 JANUARY Year 12 Study Retreat
THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY School Photos
WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY Year 12 Information evening 5.30pm-6.30pm Danks St campus
four events: Giant Slalom, Moguls, Slopestyle and Skiercross.
The snowboarding discipline covers two events: Giant Slalom and Boarder Cross.
If you would like to be part of the team or would like to find out more, please contact Luke Meehan, the parent Snowsports Co-ordinator on luke_meehan@ yahoo.com
For more information go click here.
COVER: FREEKE DE JONG'S SELF PORTRAIT WILL APPEAR IN A SPECIAL EXHIBITIO. SEE PAGE 9
VCE Information evening For Years 10 and 11 6.45pm-7.20pm Danks St campus
MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY
ALPACCA Welcome Picnic Gasworks Arts Park From 4pm
FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY
ALPACCA Coffee Morning
TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY Swimming Carnival
APC COMMUNITY
JOYOUS FAREWELL TO THE CLASS OF 24
Even though I’m writing this several days after our graduation ceremony, I can still feel the joy of the occasion.
On Friday 22 November some 900 students and family members gathered at the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne – a fantastic venue – to hear speeches, congratulate award winners and farewell the class of 2024 at thier final school event before they head off into the wider world.
One of the nicest elements of the evening – for which the decisionmakers upstairs granted us perfect warm weather – was talking to the parents, seeing how proud they were of their children’s efforts, and how appreciative they were of the work of the college.
It was another of those moments that make you feel glad to have chosen to be a teacher.
As I said to the students on the night:
"This is a special time. Remember it. The good VCE and IB scores you have achieved are important. But in many ways they’re like the long shadow you cast when the sun is still low behind you. Their importance will shorten as the days lengthen.
"What will remain are the other qualities you have developed. Your maturity, creativity, your public spiritedness, your values. Especially your kindness and care for each other.
"My hope therefore is that you have enjoyed your years with us. Created
art, played music, had fun on our camps, read books that helped you discover who you are.
I think most of all, I hope you made wonderful friends."
One of the highlights for me was hearing the graduation address from one of our Alumni, the formidable Oscar Pearce, destined for success in whatever he chooses to do – which we expect will involve the environment and politics.
We have included an excerpt from his speech in this edition of the newsletter.
For our senior students, the year is formally at an end, but there is much going on.
Lots of reading of next year’s novels and textbooks, 250 year-10s on work experience throughout the community, the year-9 Da Vinci Exhibition about to take place, and lots of fun and interesting school excursions.
Things are looking up for next year, definitely, when we will be unveiling some new directions to ensure our college remains a fresh and lively place.
For a full report on the year, look out for our Year-In-Review which will be hitting your In-box in the final days of term.
Steven Cook Foundation Principal
PRINCIPAL STEVE COOK ADDRESSES STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY
STAFF AND STUDENTS
BOOK FAIR DELIVERS CHRISTMAS CHEER
Even though most of the serious academic work of the year has passed, APC is still in the business of helping the community.
The last such event is the APC Albert Park Rotary Book Fair.
This great annual event raises funds for the college and our much loved local community organisations, like 123 Read for Me, Launch Housing and scholarships for students at all of our local schools.
APC is a notable recipient of the hard work of our local Rotary volunteers, including through four scholarships and support for our annual LitFest.
Thousands of quality secondhand books will be for sale. It’s perfectly timed for Christmas presents and summer reading!
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: APC and Rotary Club Annual Book Fair
WHEN: Saturday 21 December and Sunday 22 December, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Danks St campus Library
Please make sure you come along and pick up some great bargains for the Christmas holidays.
Our thanks as always go to Albert Park Rotary leader Ken Hall.
ART LOVERS FLOCK TO OUR BEST SHOW YET
The APC Art Show was a spectacular success.
Hundreds of visitors flocked to the three-day event, which was held at Studio 120 over the weekend.
For the first time ever, a student took out the Best in Show professional prize, worth $2000. A massive congratulations to APC Year 12 student Hannah Speed.
A special piece of art donated by renowned artist Lewis Miller was sold under the hammer by Marshall White Port Phillip director
Oliver Bruce. It was snapped up for $1700 by new Port Phillip councillor Alex Makin.
The depth and range of talent displayed by our students, in both the student showcase section and in the works selected for the main show, was phenomenal.
The standard of their work was a real testament to all APC’s Create staff.
Principal Steve Cook, who welcomed guests on opening night, said the ongoing success of
the art show lay in the wonderful support it always received from the school community, especially the parent volunteers.
“We are so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful school community,” he said.
A special thanks goes to art show co-convenors and APC parents Melinda Rochford, Amber Lucy and Simone Cresp, who did an incredible job putting on the exhibition and Opening Night this year.
The trio organised everything perfectly, from selection, to marketing, to installation and hanging. They were well supported by Carolyn Menzies, Ruth Allen and Anna Vermooten.
These parents were among almost 60 parents who gave up their time during the three-day event to ensure it ran smoothly. Their contributions were really appreciated.
And thank you to all our sponsors, who once again gave so generously to this year’s show. All money raised will go towards fitting out the youth arts precinct being planned for the Gasworks Arts Park.
APC is extremely grateful to everyone who came along, bought art or encouraged a student to submit work. See you in 2025!
You will find a full list of Art Show winners and more pictures on the APC Art Show website here
PRINCIPAL STEVE COOK WITH NINA TAYLOR MP (LEFT) AT THE OPENING
FORMER STUDENTS ALEXANDRA MCFARLANE AND SHANON RISTOW (TOP) WERE PART OF THE OPENING NIGHT CROWD.
ALEX MAKIN AND NATALIA PERERA WITH THEIR NEW ARTWORK (ABOVE).
FAREWELL TO THE CLASS OF 2024
It was a wonderful, but bittersweet, night as we celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2024 and said farewell to them at their graduation ceremony last week.
Around 900 people – families, teachers and students - came together one final time at the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne to witness VCE students be presented with their graduation certificates.
Leading Teacher for Positive Education in the Senior Years, Tamara Palfrey (far right), told the Class of 2024 that the night was a time to “reflect”.
“We've seen you grapple with complex ideas, navigate the intricate world of education, and show great strength in the face of adversity,” she said.
“Alongside your academic successes, you have formed lasting connections, engaged in extracurricular activities, and contributed to the vibrant tapestry of our school culture.
“Your unique talents and perspectives have enriched our school community and, for that, we say thank you.”
A special highlight was an address by Alumni speaker Oscar Pearce, a former college captain who graduated in 2020. Read more about Oscar on the next page.
It was a joyous, emotional night and we look forward to hearing of the achievements of the Class of 2024 in the years to come.
‘WE’RE ALL FAKING IT UNTIL WE MAKE IT’
FORMER STUDENT OSCAR PEARCE WAS INVITED TO GIVE THE ALUMNI ADDRESS AT LAST WEEK'S GRADUATION. IN HIS SPEECH HIS ADVICE WAS TO SEEK OUT CHANGE IN THREE AREAS: IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT, YOUR SKILLS AND YOUR MINDSET.
THIS IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY ABOUT MINDSET:
"Finally, my third piece of quarter-life advice: embrace change in your mindset.
Earlier I asked you to remember just how dumb you were as you graduated Year 6.The same exercise could be done with Year 6 graduates remembering themselves in prep.
And, I’m sorry to say it, but the same can absolutely be done with uni graduates remembering themselves in Year 12.
It is a boring cliche, but it is true that learning doesn’t stop at 18.
So how do you make decisions in the present, knowing that Future You might look back and laugh?
The wrong answer is losing confidence in your current self. You’re no more clueless than your mates, and them as youwe’re all just faking it until we make it.
But the fact of lifelong growth gives us a reason to embrace a certain healthy type of humility.
If we are all but guaranteed to grow in the future, then we have permission to look at our current selves as unfinished products, and be optimistic that we can shape ourselves for the better.
Likewise, embracing change in one’s internal life means practising a degree of humility when forming beliefs.
To steal shamelessly from Tim Minchin, there is a common refrain that opinions are like arseholes, in that everyone has one. But as Minchin points out,
“opinions differ significantly from arseholes in that yours should be constantly and thoroughly examined”.
I suspect you’d cringe at the idea of your year 7 self claiming to be an expert in just about anything - so don’t make the same mistake.
Be willing to listen to those who disagree with you. And then, after careful reflection, if you still think they’re a fool, feel free to tear ‘em to shreds, because there are certainly plenty of fools.
The best advice I have for striking that balance, then, between intellectual humility and self-assertiveness comes from a pair of socks that were given to me by my ex-girlfriend.
On the ankle, i.e. in the open, they say “I may be wrong”. On the sole, however, the socks read “but I doubt it”.
Move through the world with an openness to new perspectives that may change your mindset. But internally, once you’ve carefully reflected, back yourself in."
A TRULY TOUCHING THANK YOU BREAKFAST
Recently our wonderful parents staged their annual thank you breakfast for APC teachers and staff.
We want to pass on our heartfelt thanks to all the parents who participated, either by giving their time, baking yummy food or donating to provide free coffees from Lauren’s coffee caravan.
Parents Miranda and Michelle deserve extra thanks for the gorgeous floral arrangements they provided.
APC is truly blessed to have parents who appreciate the care teachers and support staff take with our hardworking students.
What a beautiful event!
STAFF AND STUDENTS
OUR IB ART STUDENTS ARE “EXEMPLARY”
We know our IB art students are talented, but now others will know too.
That’s because more than half of our IB Visual Arts students have been selected to represent their work in the 2025 Annual Victorian and Tasmanian International Baccalaureate Diploma World School Visual Arts Exhibition.
They have been chosen in acknowledgement of their "exemplary artworks."
Artwork by Freeke De Jong (right) and by Akoko Minifie (far right) will be on display.
STAFF AND STUDENTS
A GREAT TOY STORY
Year 8 Textiles students at APC recently showcased their creative talents by transforming drawings from Grade 4 students at Port Melbourne Primary School into handcrafted soft toys.
The project aimed to stay as true to the original designs as possible, turning the Grade 4 students’ imaginative ideas into tangible creations.
As part of the project, the Grade 4 students visited the Studio 120 campus to see their designs brought to life.
The younger students were thrilled to meet their Year 8 “toy makers” and see their artwork displayed alongside the completed toys.
This collaborative project highlighted the strong connection between the two schools and celebrated the creativity of both the designers and the makers.
The smiles and excitement shared during the visit made it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
A CELEBRATION OF YOUNG TALENT
Year 9 student Noah Esse loved the Performing Arts showcase. Here’s his report:
Last week we held our annual performing arts showcase at the Bay St campus.
This event showcased the wonderful talents of junior year students across the drama, music and dance curriculums at APC.
In all we had 57 different performances, with 250 students taking part.
In the drama department, the Year 7s produced some very scary scenes based on the horror genre.
The Year 8s looked back in time and showed us the power of Greek theatre, while the Year 9s did a few scenes from “the play that goes wrong” (which were great).
In the dance department the Year 7s, 8s and 9s each did their own
year group dances (right). The choreography was amazing and it was so cool to see what they had been working on together.
Finally, in the music department we had many different bands and orchestras play many of our favourite songs.
It was super fun to be able to hear them play through the night and show off what they had been doing at their rehearsals.
We also were able to have some good food from the Bay St canteen which was run by Mr Landmark and a few students who helped him cook.
I think it’s so cool to be able to show your parents your performance and be able to celebrate it together.
I loved the event and I can't wait for next year's one!
STAFF AND STUDENTS
ON TOP OF THE WORLD, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM APC
After making it home after her trek to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, Year 8 student Anika Bentley wanted to thank APC for its support:
“Standing 19,341 feet above the world was an unforgettable experience,” Anika wrote.
“It was tough - there were moments when I thought I couldn’t take another step - but knowing all of you were behind me gave me the strength to keep going."
“This climb wasn’t just about reaching the summit; it was about raising $50,000 for Miracle Babies."
“And APC’s Out of Uniform Day was the game-changer. Your energy, enthusiasm, and donations helped us smash our goal and make a real difference. With the help of Albert Park College, we managed to raise $51,485. "
“When I reached the top, I thought about how this wasn’t just my journey—it was our journey. It’s proof of what we can achieve together when we work hard and believe in something bigger."
“Thank you for being a part of this adventure and for making a difference. You’re all legends!”
STAFF AND STUDENTS
STUDENT LEADERS DELIVER
A YEAR TO REMEMBER
During the 2024 school year, our 87 student leaders have been instrumental in planning, creating and hosting events and fundraisers.
They have been supportive, collaborative and innovative, consistently working as a team to make the most out of regular opportunities and, in many cases, creating new ones.
Some of the events the student leadership team created this year include APC’s Got Talent, our first Model UN, House netball and futsal competitions, an Amazing Race for house points, a student-informed and developed financial literacy program for the
year 9s, a Christmas gift drive and participating in an advisory group for Nina Taylor MP.
In each case, a handful of leaders have felt passionate about an idea and have persevered, inspiring others to help them along the way to ensure successful events. What fantastic leadership and teamwork.
A particular shout out goes to the House Captains, led by Ms Emily Carroll, for leading many new events this year, including the significant implementation of house points as a system to increase participation and celebrate student achievement.
Other achievements included a successful Ride2School event, while more than $5000 was raised during our out-of-uniform days for charities such as the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, Operation Stitches, The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation, Wear it Purple Day and the Miracle Babies Foundation.
Student leaders have also helped run other school events such as the Inspire Club Fairs (including the clubs themselves!) and music and arts department events as helpers or performers.
A special mention goes to the music department and hospitality
club without whom many of these events would be far less fun!
Thank you to Mr Alex Handsen and Ms Cristina Chang for their tireless efforts and always being willing to support new events and ideas.
The 2025 leadership is shaping up to be just as motivated and enthusiastic, led by a fantastically organised Captains team. Buckle in!
Isabel Hollingdale Student Leadership Coordinator
APC'S STUDENT LEADERSHIP GROUP WITH PRINCIPAL STEVE COOK
MAKERS MAKE THEIR MARK FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
The Year 8 Makerspace students recently completed a topic called Create, Make, Sell with the aim of selling their final product to raise money for charity.
Great work, everyone!
STAFF AND STUDENTS
RECORDS SET IN READING CHALLENGE
This year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge had a record number of participants and it has been great to see our students get so excited about the magical world of reading!
The class with the most number of books read was 7F and they had the opportunity to meet and hear from award winning author Rebecca Lim about her craft.
Rebecca’s anthology of short stories Meet Me at the Intersection and novel Tiger Daughter are booklisted for our Year 8 students in 2025 so it was a useful experience to get a head start.
Keen readers Salome Umbach, Afiya Amitruda and Maisie Selwyn took out the first three places and should be very proud of their efforts!
They received coveted House points and book vouchers from The Avenue book shop.
We look forward to even more students participating next year.
REBECCA LIM TALKS TO STUDENTS (TOP) AND (FROM LEFT)
SALOME UMBACH, AFIYA AMITRUDA AND MAISIE SELWYN
A special Maker’s Market was held at the Danks St campus last month, and students and teachers were quick to snap up some wonderful pieces … for Christmas gifts perhaps?
The students raised more than $250 and chose to give it to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
ARTS WEEK!
A WEEK WHERE COLOUR, CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION COLLIDE
This year’s Arts Week, held in the final week of November, brought our school alive with colour, creativity and collaboration.
From workshops to community projects, the event truly celebrated the magic of art in its many forms.
AFTER SCHOOL INSPIRATION WITH LEIGH HOBBS
Renowned Australian author and illustrator Leigh Hobbs (right) hosted an exclusive workshop in Room 21 for a small group of students, teachers and parents. Participants delved into Leigh’s artistic world, explored his iconic works and discovered their unique drawing styles through creative exercises.
A big thank-you goes to Nat Jaensch from Year 8 for organizing this inspiring event.
SWEET ARTS AND WATERCOLOUR WONDERS
Ms Dimofski and Ms Winters turned lunchtime into a creative haven. Students gathered in Room 21 to draw delightful sweet treats on iPads and experiment with wax-resist watercolour painting techniques. These activities proved that art can be as fun as it is beautiful.
TAPE ART WITH A MESSAGE
Year 7 and 8 art and sculpture students, guided by Ms Grilli and Ms Winters, took their talents beyond the classroom. At Studio Hall, they created a striking tape art mural (above) spelling out the phrase, “The earth without art is just eh”.
This project brightened the local community hall and reinforced the importance of art in our lives.
A special thank-you to Ms Voterakis for coordinating this impactful initiative.
Arts Week once again demonstrated how creativity connects us, inspires us and brings our community closer together.
Thank you to all the staff, students and parents who made it a success. We’re already looking forward to next year’s artistic adventures!
BEACH CLEANERS GET THEIR JUST DESSERTS
Last Friday some of our Year 7 students volunteered to clean Port Melbourne beach as part of our classwork which focused on community.
It was a glorious day, so we were very happy to be out getting some fresh air. We collected all sorts of rubbish, such as plastic caps, water bottles and lolly wrappers. We hope that our local community can enjoy a clean beach for summer and continue to look after it, as we have.
Of course, with all that hard work, we deserved a nice cold ice cream at the end too!
ACADEMY FALLS UNDER MAGICIANS' SPELL
The APC Maths Academy had a great year, finding ways to have fun with maths that don’t involve homework and exams.
Naturally, we participated in a wide range of competitions sponsored by the Australian Maths Trust.
Major learning activities included relays, safecrackers, treasure hunts, sum searches (teacher and student designed), grid puzzles, geometric design drawing, Pascal’s Triangle investigation, Mathematical Bingo and we also watched interesting videos such as the duel between Dumbledore and Voldermort in the film Harry
Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
For this we used Eugenia, a computer graphics designer based in London, who uses VCE level Mathematics to help magicians conjure up some fantastic creative spells (which were much more advanced than just "expelliarmus" or "avada kedavra").
Another highlight was an incursion from the Maths and Stats Team from the University of Melbourne, to give Academy members a taste of being a university mathematician.
The 2024 APC Art Show would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support:
South Melbourne
Homer Family
Kerwin Family McCallum Family