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18 March 2022 

Dear Avila Community,
This week there has been much to celebrate. Last Sunday the performing arts relationship between Avila and Mazenod sprung to life again with the first rehearsal for the 2022 musical Shrek. Our Year 7 students have relished the opportunity to discover all sorts of new learning at their Marysville Camp. College staff have completed a deep learning dive into Catholic Social Teaching on the Professional Learning day modelled on the research of Professor Anna Rowlands. As a Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic School (MACS), Avila has also had the opportunity to celebrate Catholic Education Week and St Patrick's Day.
 

As we close off week seven of term one, it is a good time to pause and reflect on all we have achieved as individuals and collectively as a learning community. Our theme this year - Create 2022 - has consistently been brought to life in small and big ways each day and the months ahead promise a richness of opportunity, adventure and learning. 

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

Liturgical Calender

Gospel Reading

Sunday 20 March
Luke 13: 1–9
The parable of the fig tree

Sunday 27 March
Luke 15: 1–3, 11–32
The parable of the prodigal son

19 Mar Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
23 Mar Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo
25 Mar The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Faith and Mission
Last weekend marked the 400th anniversary of the canonization of St Teresa of Avila, St Francis Xavier and St Ignatius of Loyola.

Pope Francis, in his homily, made the following comments:

“One of the great tragedies of our time is the refusal to open our eyes to reality and instead to look the other way. Saint Teresa helps us to move beyond ourselves, to go up the mountain with the Lord, to realise that Jesus also reveals himself through the wounds of our brothers and sisters, the struggles of humanity, and the signs of the times. Do not be afraid to touch those wounds: they are the wounds of the Lord.

We are often tempted…to give primary importance to many secondary needs. We risk focusing on customs, habits and traditions that set our hearts on passing things and make us forget what remains. How important it is for us to work on our hearts, so that they can distinguish between the things of God that remain, and worldly things that pass away!”
 
Caritas has been drawing our attention to our ‘wounded brothers and sisters’ through the Project Compassion appeal this Lent and we encourage families to continue to support this important work. Caritas is currently providing on the ground support to the 2 million plus refugees who have fled Ukraine and Avila College ensure that part of our fundraising is directed to this cause. Your daughter can donate by either bringing money to her homeroom collection box or on-line. Every little bit counts.
Donate to Avila College's Project Compassion Fundraiser

Quick Links

Learning and Teaching

Parent Student Teacher Conversations 

All parents/guardians and students are encouraged to participate in Parent Student Teacher Learning Conversations for Semester 1. It is a great opportunity to discuss student goals, feedback provided on SIMON/PAM and the next steps for learning. 

2022 arrangements have taken into consideration the ongoing need to maintain a COVIDSafe environment for our community.  All Parent Student Teacher Learning Conversations will be conducted virtually using zoom.  Students and parents/guardians in Years 10 to 12 will also be able to access Careers Practitioners via the booking platform on PAM.

  • Virtual bookings for all year levels Thursday 31 March 3.30pm-8.30pm. Bookings will open from 3pm on Friday 25 March and close 5pm on Wednesday 30 March. 

  • Virtual bookings for all year levels Tuesday 26 April 3.30pm-8.30pm. Bookings will open from 3pm on Friday 25 March  and close 5pm on Monday 25 April. 

These days will operate with shortened periods with students finishing at 1.10pm. 

Click here to download the Parent Booking Instructions.

If a teacher is fully booked once the bookings have opened, please email pstconversations@avilacollege.vic.edu.au with your daughters full name, year level and the name of the teacher you would like to speak with.

Learning and Teaching

Years 9 and 10 City Inquiry Programs

The Year 9 and 10 City Inquiry Program will provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage deeply with interdisciplinary learning, animating our students to become more resourceful and self-directed through rich inquiry.  A unique aspect of the City Inquiry Program is an overnight stay in the city. Detailed information about the program and overnight stay will be shared with parents/guardians via Operoo.

Students should dress in full academic uniform, including blazer, for the duration of the program. If a student is unwell and unable to participate in the daily program, a parent or guardian should contact the General Office on 9831 9600 by 8.00am.

Avila College

SCSA Indoor Cricket

Playing sport at Avila is my favourite extracurricular activity, especially watching all the teams come together and support each other whatever the outcome of the day. On Wednesday 16 of March three teams played in the SCSA Indoor Cricket completion. Our Juniors placed 2nd, the Intermediates came 1st, and the Senior team placed 3rd. All of the teams did such an awesome job and achieved so much - great bowling skills, fielding as a team and batting to the best of our abilities.
Just watching the teams improve over the day was extremely rewarding. I had the privilege of being the Cricket Captain this year, and I am extremely grateful to have worked with such an amazing group of teachers and students. The amount of effort and enthusiasm put into the competition and training was impressive.

No matter whether it was a loss or a win, the sportsmanship displayed was phenomenal and it’s so amazing to be a part of such a great community in sport and in general. There is a spirit like no other when you’re a part of the Avila Dragons! 

Jessica Ham | Indoor Cricket Captain

Performing Arts

First Rehearsal - Shrek the Musical
Rehearsals for the Avila Mazenod production of Shrek the Musical have now begun. The cast and crew have been busy preparing for the performances in July. More information and the ticketing details will be released in Term 2. 

Co-Curricular

Quill and Ink
The Quill and Ink writing group is running on Day 9 at lunch in Art Room 4. This week (due to a postponed session last week) Natasha Forster of 10 Pink generously shared a presentation on the Graphic Novel focusing on her interest in the futuristic style.

Her genuine passion and enthusiasm engaged and informed the Quill and Ink audience. Next week Amy Dickson 10 Pink will be presenting on her writing journey here at Avila.  

Year 7

Camp Marysville
We anticipate that there will be some tired Year 7 students tonight. The camp at Marysville saw our students climbing new heights, camping under the stars and enjoying a range of outdoor team activities. 

Wellbeing Resources

Free Webinar - Dr Andrew Fuller
How can parents support their children in these turbulent times? Clinical psychologist Dr Andrew Fuller is presenting at a free webinar. More information available here

Wellbeing 

Cultural Diversity Week
Avila College will be celebrating Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day next week with a range of lunchtime activities in The Carroll Centre.

Avila College

Learning in Action
Year 8 students enjoyed a virtual and interactive presentation from Michelle Kadarusman, author of their English text 'Girl of the Southern Sea'.
Year 9 Textiles students dyed fabric.
Year 9 students created bird sculptures.

Archives

Flashback Friday
Camps are back!  Year 7 set out on Wednesday morning, full of excitement for the great adventure - the Year 7 Camp at Marysville. Camps have long played an important part in the learning and spiritual development of students at Avila, beginning way back, in 1968!
1968 Pound Bend
1976 Mornington Retreat
1990's Art Camp
2011 Year 9 Sovereign Hill
2010 Santa Teresa
2018 Year 7 Camp

Community Announcements
Jump on the Avila website to download the 2022 school calendar directly to your digital devices.
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Avila College | 35 Charles St Mt Waverley 3149
9831 9600 | avila@avilacollege.vic.edu.au | avila.vic.edu.au

Avila College acknowledges the Wurundjeri People as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

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Avila College · Avila College · 35 Charles St · MOUNT WAVERLEY, VIC 3149 · Australia