Dear Avila Community
As we move closer to Easter, our sense of community is strengthened as we consider how we are of service to each other in these Lenten times. For the five weeks of Lent we have been preparing for the Paschal mystery. Holy Week is ahead and we move towards this solemn time as a Global Church throughout the world. As a Catholic and Presentation community we remember the saving work of Jesus and seek to follow him in lively faith.
The awareness and fundraising efforts of students are much to be proud of and our Caritas campaign continues to celebrate 'Being More' in all ways that we can be, locally and globally. The tunnel ball competition at lunch time was a great example of bringing us together in joy because of our faith and love.
Thanks to staff, students and parents for your participation in my formative review this week. Avila is a wonderful community to be a part of and to lead. We have much to be proud of each day in big and small ways.
Happy Learning!

Dr Michelle Cotter | Principal
Exec. MBA, M.Ed. Leadership, M.Ed. RE, Post Grad. Dip. IT, Post Grad. Dip. Adult Ed., Grad. Dip. RE, B.Ed
|
|
Palm Sunday
This Sunday the Church celebrates Palm Sunday, a significant event as it marks the beginning of Holy Week. This is a very important day as it is when Jesus began His journey toward the cross.
In each of the gospels, we find the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, then laid them out on the ground before Him as He rode into the city. The palm branch is known to represent goodness and victory, symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfil over sin and death.
|
|
|
Faith & Mission
Weekly Prayer
Loving God, as we step into Holy Week, we remember your triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We sing your praises, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David”. You alone are the true King, the leader greater than all others. Even so, in your great mercy you chose to become like us, taking on human form and living among us. As we celebrate and shout “Hosanna” today, may we remember what will soon follow. Keep us faithful in word and deed, and help us to love you always. We ask this through Christ, our Lord
Amen
|
|
Faith & Mission
Liturgical Calender
Sunday 28 March
Mark 14: 1 – 15: 47
The Passion
28 Mar Palm Sunday
1 April Holy Thursday
2 April Good Friday
3 April Holy Saturday
4 April Easter Sunday
|
|
Yr 9 & 12 Leadership Breakfast
Highlight of the Week
|
|
This week, the Year 9 and 12 student leaders were able to embrace their leadership qualities by participating in the Yrs 9 and 12 Leadership Breakfast. Students from all portfolios gathered together early on Monday morning, to eagerly discuss upcoming goals and plans for the Avila community, all while enjoying croissants and cereal. With many brainstorms and plenty of rigorous discussion, Avila students proved just how important leadership and teamwork is!
Student leaders are to be commended for their dedication to the Avila community and upholding our Presentation values of community and action. Through this engaging meeting, each portfolio was able to share and collaborate with each other, bringing together the spirit of Avila and the values that we strive for.
Be sure to keep an eye out for any new events and changes in the Avila community that your leaders have been working hard for.
Julia Augustyn | Yr12 Learning Captain 2021
|
|
Learning & Teaching | PST
Parent-Student-Teacher Conversations
All parents/carers and students are encouraged to participate in Parent-Student-Teacher conversations for Semester 1. Year 12 parents/careers and students who were unable to attend in Term 1 are also encouraged to make a booking. It is a great opportunity to discuss student goals for 2021 and students next steps for learning.
-
Virtual bookings for all year levels Wednesday 21 April 3.30-8.30. Bookings will open on PAM on Wednesday 31 March and close 6pm on Tuesday 20 April.
-
Virtual bookings for all year levels Tuesday 27 April 2.30-5.30. Bookings will open on PAM on Wednesday 31 March and close 6pm on Monday 26 April.
These days will operate with shortened periods with students finishing at 1.10pm.
|
|
Curriculum | Year 10 Geography
Field Trip
Year 10 students investigated temperature and housing variations in the Melbourne suburbs, visiting sites in Brighton, Clayton and Olinda.
|
|
VET | Sport & Recreation
Audit
As part of their VET Sport and Recreation program, students audited a PE lesson from an OH&S perspective and then conducted a review meeting with the staff member.
|
|
Curriculum | Religious Education
Stations of the Cross
The all-encompassing air of creativity filled the Year 9 corridors as classes combined forces and resources to create the Stations of the Cross that we hope will be shared with the school community at our liturgies at the end of term. Students rediscovered the joy and inspiration of communal collaboration and as one student remarked: "that was lovely; we were all so happy; can we do more of that, please?".
|
|
Curriculum | Humanities
Medieval Times
From apothecary to knights, Year 8 students showcased their learning in a Medieval Expo.
|
|
Curriculum | Food Technology
Masters of Pasta
Year 9's foray into the world of pasta this week included mastering the art of pasta making with a follow-up class on perfecting sauces.
|
|
Sport | SCSA News
SCSA Swimming & Diving
Avila's Swimming and Diving squad made a splash in the pool last night, finishing 4th overall at the SCSA Competition. Congratulations to all our swimmers and divers and to Madeleine Horvath (9 Gold) who broke the SCSA record for the 50m Breaststroke in a time of 33.67 seconds! The previous record was 35.80.
|
|
Year 7 | Lunchtime
Cookies with Dr Cotter
|
|
Faith & Community
Tunnel Ball for Caritas
|
|
Students and staff took part in a friendly and enthusiastic competition of tunnel ball to raise money for Caritas. Congratulations to the student team who won by a small margin.
|
|
Student | Voice
Latest Podcast Episode

The latest episode of Avila's student podcast, Let Nothing Frighten You is now live on the Avila website. In this episode, Amelia and Chiara chat with the Year 12 Faith and Mission captains about our 2021 school theme "Be The Light", where this theme comes from, what it's all about and how we can be the light at Avila.
|
|
Community | Faith
Project Compassion

There is only a week left for our annual Project Compassion fundraiser. If you would like to donate to Project Compassion you can donate to our Avila Caritas Page.
|
|
Face Masks
All students who catch public transport to or from Avila are reminded the wearing of face masks is still compulsory on all forms of public transport. Please be aware this is a condition of travel.
Social Distancing
Students are reminded to respect signs at the Mount Waverley Shopping Centre for the maximum number of people in stores and allow members of the public space to socially distance in these areas.
|
|
|
Experiencing flu-like symptoms? Please get tested and isolate at home until you receive your results.
|
|
|
|
|