Ave Maria College Newsletter Volume 103 No 5 – Friday, 24 June 2022
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Prayer Loving God, we pray for the dearly departed in our College community. We keep their families in our hearts and minds. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
From the Principal Dear Parents and Carers, Welcome to our final newsletter for Term 2. I invite you to read this edition of our newsletter to hear about what is happening around the College, in particular a show case of the following recently held events: •
Whole School Mass and Assembly
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Year 7 Special Persons Mass
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Year 7 Zoo Excursion
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Year 12 University Experience
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Parent Information Evening: Visible Wellbeing Presentation
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SCSA Cross Country
In my article this week I would like to draw to your attention the following: •
Introduction of the following programs at Ave: •
Student Ministry Program
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Senior Secondary School Certificate
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Instrumental Music Program
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Visible Wellbeing parent presentation overview and resources for families
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School review and upcoming parent focus groups
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60th Anniversary – call for volunteers for the planning committee
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School Advisory Council Sub-committee vacancies
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Fifth Plenary Council of Australia .
Faith Formation and Student Ministry Programs: As a College we are committed to our Catholic tradition and our Franciscan charism. As a College we work together in Mission with the church provide an environment in which students are able to: •
Encounter God in Christ and deepen their relationship with him
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Pursue wisdom and truth encouraged by a supportive academic culture
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Grow in the practice of virtue, responsible freedom and serving the common good. Working Together in Mission, p. 3
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This means that as a College we have Christian outlook in all that we do, we are explicitly Catholic in faith and practice, and are intentional in the faith formation of our young people by actively supporting the liturgical and sacramental life of the College. We recognise that each young person’s faith journey is different; however, we continue to explore ways that young people can actively engage with their faith and the liturgical life of the College. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that from the commencement of 2023 the College will be implementing the Catholic Youth Ministry Program as an additional Religious Education offering to students in Year 10, then Year 11 in 2024 and Year 12 in 2025. This program will be optional to students and will be completed concurrently with the core RE program as a specific unit within the core program at these year levels. The program aims to equip and inspire young people to: •
Sustain a personal living relationship with Jesus
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Develop a strong Catholic Identity through ongoing formation, discipleship and participation in the life of the Church
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Foster a culture of student led ministry and liturgical celebrations at the College through a student ministry team
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Support that development of school faith-based formation programs.
More information will be made available to families via the Subject Selection Guide that will be released to students and families at the commencement of Term 3. Senior Secondary Certificate: We all recognise that the world of work is changing very rapidly and therefore the skills the young people require to participate in the world of work post-secondary school is also changing. Enterprise skills and a focus on applied learning is becoming increasingly important for young as they prepare for their future. We want our students to have the foundational, technical, enterprising and career management skills to be able to navigate this future. Therefore from 2023 the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) are changing. The new certificate will be known as the Senior Secondary Certificate that will include offering VCE and VCE with a vocational major. The vocational major will replace the intermediate and senior VCAL certificates which will no longer exist. The emphasis of the vocational major will be a 2-year vocational and applied learning program. This program assists those completing to develop both person and practical life skills. It is a pathway into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (through alternative entry programs) and employment. I am pleased to announce that from next year the College will be diversifying our pathways options for students to ensure that we continue to meet both their learning and pathway needs moving forward. This will include offering that Senior Secondary Certificate that includes both VCE and VCE with a vocational major (previously known as VCAL). Instrumental Music Program: At Ave we have students who have a diverse range of gifts, talents and interests. We know that music for many is an important part of life that has the capacity to inspire creativity, engage young people in an important aspect of artistic expression and the development of lifelong skills. Page 3 of 27
From the commencement of Term 3 the College is pleased to announce that we will be offering an instrumental music program to students at the College. The program will be delivered by Melbourne Music Academy and provide lessons in piano, guitar and singing. For more information, please see the flyer included with this newsletter. Visible Wellbeing Parent Presentation: On Wednesday 8 June the College hosted Professor Lea Waters to present to parents on Visible Wellbeing: Building strength and resilience. The evening was attended by about 100 parents and families. The emphasis of her presentation was to introduce the program to parents but for our guests, to also learn about how small shifts in style and approach can yield big results for our young people and ourselves. At the end of the day, we all want to raise emotionally and intellectually healthy young people. This evening was important part of our commitment to the wellbeing of our students. This is a journey that commenced two and half years ago when the College recognised that the wellbeing needs of young people was changing and there was a need for a more coordinated approach. This awareness was realised before anyone was aware of COVID-19 and the impact that this would have on people’s lives. We now know the need to support young people’s wellbeing has only grown since this time. Lea is an Australian psychologist, academic, researcher, and author who specializes in positive education, parenting and organizations. She has held an academic position at the University of Melbourne for more than 20 years. As well she holds affiliate positions at Cambridge University’s Wellbeing Institute and the University of Michigan’s Centre for Positive Organizations… and is a member of the Science Board at The University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Centre. The College selected this program for our students because of the knowledge and expertise that Lea brings to the area of school psychology and student wellbeing. This is evidenced by her work over the past decade working with hundreds of schools across the globe. The Visible Wellbeing Program which is underpinned by the search framework and uses a strength-based approach has been implemented in four stages at the College. What is unique about this program is it is not one solution fits all. It is derived from research that draws on a range of strategies and approaches that can be adapted to the needs of the person. Put simply, it is an approach to teaching that builds student wellbeing as students learn. For families who were unable to attend this presentation Lea has invited families to access a number of resources that are publicly available from Lea’s website, https://www.leawaters.com/ and https://vwb.thinkific.com/. Some of these resources include: •
Visible Wellbeing e-Program – a free program to support the wellbeing of families.
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SEARCH Family Wellbeing Activities – a free resource for families
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The Strength Switch: Online Positive Family Program – a paid online family program
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Warning: Being positive is not for the faint hearted! – a Tedx talk presented by Lea which explores how social media can be used to have a positive impact on others’ wellbeing
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School review report and parent focus groups: In the last newsletter I wrote to families about the recently completed whole school review and how the report and feedback will be used to write the next strategic plan for the College. Today I would like to share with you a snapshot of the feedback provided in this report. The College strengths highlighted as part of this review include: •
Our sense of identity and community
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The environment which is conducive to student engagement, learning and growth
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Staff commitment to students
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Student appreciation of and respect towards their teachers and their support
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Opportunities for student learning and staff professional development
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Our commitment to continuous improvement
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Curricular and co-curricular program offerings to students and the continued willingness to expand and diversify these
The areas of focus identified for inclusion of the new strategic plan include the considered approach to continuing to strengthen and enhance the Catholic life of the College, the culture of learning and the professional development of staff. As we prepare to write the next four-year strategic plan, I would like to take the opportunity to invite parents to take part in parent focus group discussions: The areas of focus will include: •
Catholic life of the College
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Parent school partnership and communication
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Student learning, engagement and program offerings
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Enhancing the health and wellbeing of students
Parents who agree to participate in these focus groups will be expected to: •
Support the Catholic tradition and charism of the College
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Listen to the opinions of others with respect, courtesy and fairness
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Be willing to engage in positive relationships
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Commit to attend scheduled meetings
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Advocate for the college.
The College will be holding the parent focus group discussions in Term 3 at a date and time to be determined. I will be writing to families with further details including instructions on how to register once the Term commences. As Principal I look forward to working collaboratively with you so that all students at Ave can belong, engage, grow and thrive.
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60th Anniversary Celebrations: 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment and opening of Ave Maria College. To celebrate this milestone a committee involving staff, students and parents is being established to ensure community involvement in the planning of this very special occasion. Parents who would like to be involved are invited to submit an expression of interest to myself via principal@avemaria.vic.edu.au. I would also like to invite families and alumnae to nominate for School Advisory Council subcommittees as outlined below. School Advisory Council Sub-Committees The College held its first School Advisory Council Committee for the 2022 years at the end of Term 1. In this meeting the Council ratified the introduction and establishment of two new sub-committees which are: •
Finance and Property – The purpose of this sub-committee is to engage in discussion and provide feedback/recommendations to the Principal on matters related to the College budget, property, facilities, capital resourcing and master planning.
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Policy and Curriculum – The purpose of this sub-committee is to engage in discussion and provide feedback/recommendations related to policy development/updates and new curriculum initiatives being considered by the College.
The College is now seeking expressions of interest from parents or carers or alumnae for these two sub-committees. Interested parties will need to go through the volunteer process and have a Working with Children Check and comply with the: •
School’s Child Safety Code of Conduct
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MACS Code of Conduct for School Advisory Council members
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MACS Conflict of Interest Policy for Employees, Contractors and Consultants
Any interested parties are asked to email me directly via prinicpal@avemaria.vic.edu.au. Fifth Plenary Council of Australia As many of our community would be aware, the Catholic church in Australia through the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, has been on a four-year journey of listening to the Holy Spirit, of listening to God, of listening to one another’s story of faith, of dialogue and of discernment. Families who would like to read the reports coming from Phase 1 of this Council or details related to the second assembly that will be held in Sydney during the month of July, can visit the Plenary Council website. As we too listen to the Holy Spirit, I would like to share the following prayer with you. May the Spirit of God set our hearts on fire as happened for the apostles at Pentecost. May the Spirit of God be our protector and guide, giving us courage and strength. May the Spirit of God gift us with Jesus’ deep peace and joy. Let us take the Way of the Gospel. Amen
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God bless and may we follow the way of our college patrons as we continue to strive for truth through love.
Deputy Principal Tutor Learning Program 2022 Congratulations to all students for the completion of Semester One learning and especially to the Year 10 and Year 11 students who worked hard to prepare for and undertake the midyear examinations. These exams are an excellent opportunity for students to practice revising units of work and managing their time in exams in preparation for future VCE and VCAA examination periods. Semester One Reports A reminder that Semester One reports will be available via the Parent Access Module (PAM) on Friday, 24 June. Parents/carers will receive a notification via Skoolbag when reports become available. Semester Two has commenced! The College timetable rolled over to commence Semester Two this week. The start of a new semester of learning is an optimal time to re-set learning goals and review areas of learning that may need more attention in Terms 3 and 4. It is also timely for students to be reminded of the home learning expectations for Years 7-12: The total amount of time spent on home study that students are expected to do per week is set in accordance with the following guidelines:
Year 7: 6 – 7 hours per week (approx. 60 minutes per subject per week) Year 8: 8 – 10 hours per week (approx. 75 minutes per subject per week) Year 9: 10 – 12 hours per week (approx. 90 minutes per subject per week) Year 10: 12 – 14 hours per week (approx. 2 hours per subject per week) Year 11: 15 – 18 hours per week (approx. 3.5 hours per subject per week) Year 12: 22 – 25 hours per week (approx. 5 hours per subject per week) Home study may be set during holidays, but it should be an amount which is reasonable and in line with the amount of time set for each Year Level. Wider reading at all levels is always encouraged (especially during holidays). Page 7 of 27
Finally, I take this opportunity to congratulate all students on what they have achieved in Semester One and we look forward to working with you to support your daughters and further encourage the pursuit of learning endeavor and excellence for the rest of 2022. May all families enjoy the Term 2 holiday break!
Assistant Principal (Students and Engagement) Whilst there is much illness pervading our new sense of Covid/flu norm at schools the counterweight to this is the energy that comes from the students with involvement in everyday face to face learning and the extra-curricular activities. This was reinforced by Professor Lea Waters Parent forum held at the College on Wednesday 8 June, that young people will be ok if we work with them on growing their resilience and connection through our Visible Wellbeing framework. Connections are evident as we review the last few weeks at the College: Year 7 Zoo Excursion The Year 7s embraced their Zoo excursion with the focus on extinction. This excursion could not occur last year due to Covid. Tired on their return, students were only too happy to say how they enjoyed the butterfly enclosure, the meerkats, or the elephants. Spending time with each other exploring the zoo, whilst learning is a powerful connection. College Production Rehearsals Each week the students have been rehearsing for the upcoming production, testing their lines, their dance routines and in particular working together to bring the musical to life. The smiles say it all and are witness to the deeper connections that are being re-established for young people. Please see the details towards the end of the newsletter about booking tickets for the Production.
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SCSA Events These connections were very apparent in the College team that represented Ave Maria at the SCSA Athletics. Students who were selected to compete and the students that volunteered to be helpers, worked as one to be their best at the Carnival. This commitment by students was also witnessed at the SCSA Cross Country. Student Leadership Initiatives Students Leaders across Years 7-11 are busy planning with the Senior Student Leadership Captains to have full participation in Ave Day and Multicultural Week in Term 3. As part of the student led Period Project the Leaders and Captains have also been instrumental in designing posters and communicating to each year level the importance of respecting the trial to have Sanitary items available in three toilet blocks for emergency purposes. Ukrainian Refugee Casual Clothes Fundraiser
These same student leaders and captains have enthusiastically communicated to all year levels the Casual Clothes for a cause. They worked with the Year 10 Design Thinking class to ensure that they had school wide communication of the plight of the Ukraine refugees and that as students they had the ability to help the situation. Caritas Ukraine Refugee Fund will receive $3600 to help support their efforts with providing basic human resources to those that have fled the war. One such example of this is Lyuba a mother of a nine-year-old daughter who fled Ukraine and recently arrived in Adelaide on a Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa available to Ukrainian citizens. As Lyuba said, “I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in management of foreign economic activity. When I left (Ukraine, as a war refugee), I was head of sales and marketing and oversaw about 165 staff.” Her resilient words followed: “I have always been an independent woman who has overcome many obstacles in my life and on my career path, and now I feel like a kitten - helpless and dependent on everyone else. It is very difficult to accept this feeling and this situation, particularly when my husband id defending our country and I am so far away. But our daughter is safe, she is loved, and I will get through this.” Page 9 of 27
Year 12 Students The Year 12s have moved into their final phase of preparation for exams. They have been granted the opportunity to wear their Year 12 hoodies Thursday and Friday of each week as a sign of their ongoing commitment to each other, to their studies and to being leaders of school expectations. They have also been granted the ability to come later or leave earlier if they have an Independent Study Period. This is aimed at creating a more independent approach as the young adults move into university or work pathways next year. Year 10 and 11 students have approached their exams with commitment. They have supported each other finalising their notes and being prepared. As the Term break begins, may everyone find the time to find the moments of joy in their lives. May you share this joy with others, as connection helps everyone’s mental health.
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Director of Catholic Identity and Mission Visit to Year 11 RE by Sherene Hassan On Friday 3 June, Year 11 students undertake Unit 2 Religion and Society. Area of study 2 requires a comparison of the ethics of two religions and so students explore Catholicism and Islam. Students were fortunate to have Sherene Hassan from the Islamic Museum of Australia speak to them and so enrich their understanding of Islam as well as answer their questions. As someone who was born in Australia, is a mother and a qualified teacher, she brings rich and relatable experiences to her presentation. Year 7 Special Persons’ Mass On Tuesday 21 June, Year 7 students and their invited guests gathered in Francis Hall to celebrate Mass, led by Father Nhan Le, from St Martin de Porres, Avondale Heights. After the last two years, it is wonderful to gather, acknowledge and celebrate the relationships that enrich our lives. As Mary Douglas, Year 7 Academic Captain said: ‘We are very grateful to the people who are special to us who could join us today. Thank you for your love and support over the years – we have really appreciated it!’
Whole School Mass The College gathered in Francis Hall on Friday 24 June. This was an unique opportunity to celebrate all of God’s gifts, individually and collectively. It was also a chance to reflect upon the College theme: ‘for it is in giving that we receive’. Mila Pickett (8F) reflected upon the ways that the College lives our theme ‘for it is in giving that we receive’ such as Mission Action Day or the recent casual clothes day to raise money for those affected by the war in Ukraine and encouraged the College community to ‘have a think about how you can live by the words of St. Francis, “For it is in giving that we receive” and spread the gift of giving to those who need it the most’.
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Ella Hill (12C) spoke of her experience with refugee tutoring through Edmund Rice Community and Refugee Service: ‘This experience has made me so grateful for the life and education I receive and inspires me to always appreciate every opportunity I am given. I have definitely been inspired to explore more ways that I am able to contribute in some way, in the future after this experience’.
Director of Learning and Pathways Subject Selection Evening We are excited to welcome students and parents to our subject selection evening on Wednesday the 27th of July. This evening, which showcases the many and varied subject options for our senior students, will commence at 5:30 and run until 8:30 pm, at Ave Maria College. Subject selection is an exciting process for our young students who are seriously starting to consider their future pathways both at and beyond secondary schooling. We will run through the process of applying for subjects, looking at how these might impact future studies. We will also explain the process of considering required subjects versus electives, and how the VCE model works in terms of units of study and satisfactory completion. At our subject selection evening, you and your child will be able to talk to all of the teachers and Domain leaders who run the exciting programs of study at our College. No matter whether your child already knows exactly what they want to do, or has no idea at all, talking to the experts in the field – the passionate teachers – can help consolidate even half formed plans in terms of subject selection. We look forward to seeing you at this event. Come with your questions, and we will answer them!
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Director of Student Wellbeing Child Safety Standards As part of the ongoing development of Child Safety in Victoria, the Minister for Education released Ministerial Order No. 1359 which includes 11 Child Safe Standards. These new standards come into effect on 1 July, 2022 and mark the evolution of the previous Ministerial Order No. 870, which included 7 Child Safe Standards. The new Child Safe Standards are: 1.
1. Culturally safe environments
Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued. 2. 2. Leadership, governance, and Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in culture organisational leadership, governance and culture. 3. Child and student empowerment Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously. 4. Family engagement Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing. 5. Diversity and equity Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice. 6. Suitable staff and volunteers People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice. 7. Complaints process Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused. 8. Child safety knowledge, skills and Staff and volunteers are equipped with the awareness knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training. 9. Child safety in physical and online Physical and online environments promote safety environments and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed. 10. Review of Child Safety practices Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved. 11. Implementation of Child Safety Policies and procedures document how the practices organisation is safe for children and young people.
While these are the minimum standards for child safety, our goal at Ave Maria is to embed these standards and fulfil the spirit of child safety, embedding it into the fabric of the college. This is why Child Safety features on every meeting agenda, is considered in every event or program and is a guiding factor in our decisions. Central to this ensuring that our students have a voice, that they feel safe and that they grow in their ability to enhance their own wellbeing. Page 13 of 27
As we continue with the implementation of these new standards we will be increasingly supporting students to engage with this information so that they have a rich understanding about child safety and what it means in the physical and online environments of the College. Mentor Program Term 3 The Mentor Program in Term 3 will be largely focused on the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum. This program is one that has been developed in collaboration with and approved by Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS). In addition to this, students from Year 9 to Year 12 will participate in Elevate Education workshops to help them develop the habits and goals that will enrich their approach to their studies. Year 7
Year 8
Year 9 Year 10
Year 11 Year 12
Managing Social Media with a presentation from Jill Kirkpatrick from Victoria Police • Gender and identity, positive gender relations • Problem Solving • Managing Social Media with a presentation from Jill Kirkpatrick from Victoria Police • Problem solving • Gender and identity, positive gender relations • Positive coping • Personal strengths • Gender, respect and relationships • Safer socializing • Consent • Roadset • Gender and the media, positive gender relations • Gender, relationships, pornography • Financial literacy • Gender literacy and gender norms •
The Mentor Program allows us to educate students about contemporary issues through a Franciscan lens. We work to support the full flourishing of our students as they grow into young people of strength, compassion and character. The program supports them making thoughtful and considered decisions in all areas of their lives.
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Around the College
To see more of daily life at the College, follow us on: Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
Careers Education Leader Year 12 Tertiary Experience Day On Thursday 16 June, Year 12 students attended an excursion to several tertiary institutions. The purpose of this excursion was to help students become familiar with post-school career pathways, programs, campus locations and opportunities. In the morning session, students selected to visit either La Trobe, Melbourne, Swinburne or Victoria Universities. This was followed by an afternoon session in the city, where students experienced the campuses of RMIT or ACU.
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Year 10 Careers Day On Friday 15 July, Year 10 students will participate in ‘I Plan’ Careers Day, where they will learn about our VCE and VET subjects; research university and vocational education courses; investigate VCE subject prerequisites and plan their VCE subjects. The day will include a visit to the Melbourne Career Expo, where students will explore careers and courses from over 150 exhibitors. Parents/carers will receive the consent for this excursion over the holidays. This day ensures students make informed choices that reflect their interests and future study aspirations. Early Entry Programs There are many early entry programs now being offered by universities. Successful applicants can gain entry into their preferred, or pathway course with a lower, or no ATAR (minimum study scores required). Universities use a range of criteria for selecting successful applicants. These differ according to each tertiary program. Criteria can include: •
Year 11 results
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employability/transferable skills
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demonstration of the institution’s values
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volunteering at school or in the community
Now open for Year 12 students to apply: VU Guaranteed for University and TAFE courses. As a partner school, students respond to questions and are eligible for two $2000 scholarships. La Trobe ASPIRE program for students who have volunteered or undertaken leadership in the community or at school. Swinburne Early Entry Program requires responses to questions about how Swinburne values are demonstrated and a school recommendation. Newsletter articles available here. Topics this week include: •
National Youth Science Forum and Santos Science Experience
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Australian Federal Police: A Day in the Life of an AFP Forensic Scientist
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Agriculture program – Defying the Drift Program
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Defence Force Gap Year Program
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Monash University – Business Explorer Program
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Amazing new cyber security program
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Early admission programs Page 16 of 27
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CASPer test – required for all teaching courses and nursing at VU
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Open Days in August! Download the calendar of key dates
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Upcoming dates – workshops in Acting, Design, Architecture, tours at Melbourne University, La Trobe, VU and ACU
Business Manager Canteen Volunteers The Canteen is operated by the College to provide a service to our community. To enable this work to occur we are seeking an expression of interest from members of our community who are interested in volunteering as a Canteen Assistant. Rosters and times of attendance are flexible and will be discussed on an individual basis. All Volunteers are required to have a current Victorian Working With Children Card, VIT registration or other valid exemption. Volunteers must also meet the Covid-19 vaccination requirements in place at the time of attending. Currently you will need to have received three doses of an approved Covid-19 vaccine. Please email your contact details to Anthony.Kirley@avemaria.vic.edu.au. An application form and other child safety documents will then be sent to you Term 3 Fees Families who are paying their fees on a quarterly basis please note that the due date for term 3 is Friday 15 July. A reminder that if you are experiencing difficulty in meeting your fee obligations, please contact email me at BusinessManager@avemaria.vic.edu.au or by phone 9331 9303.
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Year 7 Semester One Reflection Our Transition to High School Year 7 2022 It is hard to believe how far the year 7 cohort has come, from the first time we walked into Ave, as nervous and unsure Year 7’s about the year ahead. It is hard to believe we are halfway through the year and looking over our semester, there are many things to smile about. Year 7 students have strived as we have overcome and learnt to be resilient. With the help of each other and all our year 7 teachers, we have been able to make our very first semester a memorable one. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to bond with new people and build new relationships. Ave has been an amazing place to grow and learn together. Semester one has been a blast. As Year 7’s , we have all achieved so much together. After attending the Year 7 Faith Formation Day there was so much new knowledge and awareness that we have been empowered with. The Year 7 Social Justice Focus is the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project. The Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project aims to provide refugees with hospitality, support, freedom and rights. They are working for more justice in our Australian society. Ave Maria College was fortunate enough to have the project coordinator Sister Bridget Arthur come and speak to us. We are now running a drive to donate items to these refugees in need. Seeing so many Year 7 students contributing and donating items has been uplifting. We are really making a difference in so many people’s lives. The opportunity to bond with our classmates as we walked around the Maribyrnong River, on Mission Action Day, was only one of the many highlights of Semester One at Ave Maria College. Other memorable occasions were the Athletics and Swimming carnivals where the rivalry between the houses was electric! The teachers have helped all the Year 7 students feel comfortable as they tackled the challenges of transitioning from Primary to Secondary school. The staff have guided us to adjust and flourish, just like the school motto “She who belongs. She who thrives.” On the 15th of June, in mentor period, we brainstormed ideas and even played some fun games to display how to build respectful relationships and learn how to be an upstander. This was an amazing way to communicate and act not only as a group but as a community. This session inspired us to come together and understand that we are all unique in our own ways. We were able to identify teamwork and collaboration by doing movements in unison which proved to us that we can work and when we do we are respecting each other. Semester 1 has been action-packed. We have achieved many things. We have become more confident, respectful, and learning the importance of being an upstander. We have built new friendships and have found our place where we belong. We look forward to all the sensational experiences we will encounter in Semester Two. Grace Cottle, Mia Reddie, Sophie Tennant, Mia Villani, and Mary Douglas. Year 7 Leaders Page 18 of 27
Maths Tutoring Students interested in Maths tutoring after school on Tuesdays and Fridays in Term 3 are asked to please fill out THIS FORM to ensure availability of tutors. A reminder that Absolute Maximum is also available for all students (Year 7 – 12) in H205 daily at lunchtimes.
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Production Tickets The College is thrilled to announce that tickets to our 2022 Ave Maria College Production of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast will be available from 9am Monday 27 June via THIS LINK. The production will be performed on Friday 19 August – Saturday 20 August at the St Bernard’s College Auditorium. Our students have been rehearsing enthusiastically for months, and we cannot wait to see this wonderful showcase of talent. We hope to see you all there!
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Music Lessons Available
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Helene Library Holiday Hours The Helene Library will be open during the term break during the hours: Monday – Friday: 8.00am – 4.00pm We look forward to seeing you!
QUICK LINKS Parent Access Module (PAM) Click here to access the College Parent Access Module (PAM) SkoolBag The SkoolBag App is the easiest way to keep up with school events, last minute notices, newsletters and all school communications. CDF Pay CDFpay is an online payment platform families can use to pay for school services from your mobile, tablet or computer at any time. Families can: • place student online lunch orders. • add funds to student accounts to be used for over the counter canteen purchases. • add funds to student accounts to be used for Printing Credit. Dates of Importance Date Change Families are advised of a date change in relation to the Term 3 calendar of events. Ave Maria Day will now take place on Friday, 12 August 2022 and the Professional Practice Student Free Day will take place on Monday, 15 August 2022. Ave Maria Day is a whole school celebration day and students are expected to attend as normal. Monday, 15 August will be a Student Free Day with no classes taking place. All College calendars have been updated to reflect this change. College Calendar Please refer to the College Calendar for all Upcoming Events and Dates of Importance. Click on the heading to take you to the Calendar. Page 22 of 27
Medical Management Plan Families are reminded that any changes or updates to the medical management plan of students should be communicated to the College via email to the AMC Health Centre AMC.HealthServices@avemaria.vic.edu.au and updated by the parent/carer on PAM. Community Announcement – School Drop off / Pick up Drop off / pick up times are always busy. Please remember that road laws need to be always obeyed. Moonee Valley Council Officers regularly patrol the area around the College and will issue fines if they observe any breaches of the laws. Do not park on or near a school crossing. Do not double park and let your child out on the road. You cannot stay in the drop off / pick up zone for longer than two minutes. Your child needs to be waiting in the zone before you arrive. Fines for offences are; • • • • • • •
Stopping in a “No Stopping” area - $165.00 Stopped in a Bus Zone - $99.00 Parked for a period longer than indicated - $83.00 Stopping on or near a children’s crossing - $165.00 Stopped on a footpath - $99.00 Stopped on or across a driveway or other way of access - $99.00 Parked / stopped on a nature strip - $99.00
The College values being part of the local community and asks you to respect our neighbors by always obeying the road rules.
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