Dear Ave Maria Community,

Farewell to the Class of 2023

Over the first few weeks of this term, the College said farewell to the graduating class of 2023. To make their farewell special, the College held their final Year 12 Assembly as a formal farewell, a celebration day and then the Graduation Mass and Valedictory Dinner. The three days of celebration were a wonderful mark of respect to this incredible group of young adults.

As they conclude their education with us, we wish them well for their examinations and thank them for their contribution to the Ave community, sharing with them our hopes for their future using our college name as a guide.

A is for continuing to have an adventurous spirit so that you can go out into the world with confidence and courage.

V is for being versatile, and using what you have learnt here in life, in your career, so you can adapt to the ever-changing world around you.

E is for endeavour and enterprise, so that you may always be curious and give your best.

M is continuing to be motivated, so you can always work towards your goals, even when things get tough, or, the circumstances around you change.

A is for remaining appreciative of all of God’s gifts and for those around you that continue to support you throughout life’s journey.

R is for maintaining your inner radiance so that you can be a positive light in the world, similar to the star on our college crest.

I is for being influential and impactful, so that you make choices that leave a positive impact on the world.

And finally, A is for you to continue to be an advocate to the less fortunate with your community and being true to your values. Mary and Helene have taught you to stand up for what in the world.

The journey through secondary school is different for each young person and it does not occur without the support of families and staff. In fact, we often say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to educate one.

To our parents and carers, thank you for the ongoing support, love and care you have given your daughters during their time with us. And for the ongoing support, love and care they will continue to receive from you throughout their life journey. Most importantly, thank you for trusting us with their secondary school education.

Thank you to the outstanding work of our teachers and staff, whether this year or in previous years. You have challenged, encouraged, guided, shaped, and taught these young adults and are deserving of our highest praise. I thank (in particular) the way the Year 12 Mentor Teachers and more specifically Ms Lear and Ms Rushbrook, for their dedicated care and service to you over the course of this year.

And finally, to the Graduating Class of 2023 congratulations and sincere best wishes for the future. May you continue to strive for truth through love in the years well beyond your time at Ave.

Year 12 Student Leadership Team 2024

As you may remember in the last newsletter, it was my great honour to announce the College Co-Captains for 2024. Since then, the College has finalised the remaining Year 12 Student Leadership appointments. It is with great pleasure that I share the below information with you as part of this newsletter publication.

College Captains: Sienna Athaide and Charlotte Rowbottom

Franciscan Captains: Erica Di Matteo and Amelia Formosa

Academic Captain: Georgia Cullie

Arts Captain: Amelie Schembri and Sophie Smith

HOUSE CAPTAINS

Clare House: Isabella Ewing and Beth Gollant

Francis House: Anna Jackson and Tylah Bell

Helene House: Ava Newman and Sienna Peso

Mary House: Sarah Gillard and Chiara Hutchinson

Each of these leaders will bring their own talents, aspirations and ideas to the team and their leadership role. We wish them all the very best as they take up their important positions of student leaders at Ave Maria College.

Arts and Technology Festival 2023

Congratulations to all our students for the wonderful work submitted and displayed as part of the Arts and Technology Festival. The subjects represented included:

• Media
• Studio Arts
• Visual Communication and Design
• Drama
• Music Performance
• STEM and Product Design

The creative talent of our students is both inspirational and a cause for celebration. Well done to all! A special thank-you to the Arts and Technology staff who worked with our students to make sure this event was the success that it has been. In particular, I would like to thank Ngaire Wallace, Domain Leader: Visual Arts, Cassandra Hutchison, Domain Leader: Performing Arts and Kate De Bolfo, Domain Leader: STEM, for their vision and collaboration to put this event together. Thank you to all the staff who worked to make this event such a success. And finally, thank you to all the students, staff and families who attended on the night.

God bless and as a community may we continue to strive for truth through love.

News Article Author

Ms Tanya Hutton
Principal

Schedule of Classes:

Families are reminded that there will be no scheduled classes for students on the following days:

Preparing for Examinations – The 6 Ps of Examination Success:

The College wishes all students involved in the Semester 2 2023 Examinations the very best of luck. Included below are ‘The 6 Ps of Examination Success’ that may be of assistance to families as we work in partnership to support students with their examination preparation.

VCAA Examinations:

The VCAA Written Examinations commenced onsite for students on Tuesday 24 October 2023. The College wishes our Year 12 students and our accelerated Year 11 students the best of luck as they continue to participate in these assessments over the coming weeks. Families are reminded that the College Library and the various other study areas on campus remain available for students should they prefer to prepare for these assessments onsite. Subject Teachers and Mentor Teachers also remain available to offer support.

COVID-19 Reminder:

As the transmission of COVID-19 continues within the wider community, please find below some reminders associated with the College COVID Safe Plan.

Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms: 
In instances that students experience symptoms associated with COVID-19, it is recommended that they undergo Rapid Antigen Testing (RATs) and take the appropriate steps associated with infection control, isolation etc.

Rapid Antigen Testing:
It is recommended that Rapid Antigen Tests are used by students in the following circumstances:

• If symptoms of COVID-19 infection are present, no matter how mild.
• If a student is a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19.
• If a student is a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.

Rapid Antigen Tests are available via Council sites for those who need them. Individuals can attain 2 free packs (10 tests) for themselves and 2 free packs (10 tests) for each of their household members.

Testing Positive to COVID-19 – Notifying the College:
The following process is to be activated in circumstances that a student tests positive to COVID-19:

• Register absence via the standard process for students and report positive test result via email to community@avemaria.vic.edu.au

Testing Positive to COVID-19 – Isolation Recommendations:
The Department of Health recommends that individuals who report a positive result isolate for a minimum of 5 days and do not attend school until their symptoms have resolved.

Face Masks: 

• Face masks will continue to be available for students who choose to wear them.
• The Department of Health recommends that face masks be used in the following circumstances:
• Worn by a person who has COVID-19 for at least 7 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.
• Worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.

Infection Prevention and Control:

• Individuals are encouraged to practice good hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet.
• Sanitiser Stations continue to remain in operation around the College.

College COVID Safe Plan:

• The College COVID Safe Plan will continue to remain in operation until further notice.

Learning Spotlight – International and Interstate Learning Tour Program:

As part of our celebration of student learning, each Newsletter will feature a different learning program. This aims to educate the community in relation to our wide range of offerings as well as celebrate the different pathways the students have the opportunity to engage in. This edition of the Newsletter will focus on the Ave Maria College Acceleration and Enrichment Learning Pathways.

Multiple pathways and opportunities remain in place to support students eligible for Acceleration and Enrichment. These are tailored to meet the needs and interests of each individual, providing opportunities for learning that maximise growth and engagement.

Some of the many opportunities available for acceleration and enrichment across Years 7-12 include:

• Horizons Program (A bespoke program that provides accelerated and enrichment learning opportunities for students. With a focus on the Charter for Education Learner Attributes and the Victorian Curriculum Capabilities, the program stimulates critical and creative thinking whilst also providing the opportunity for students to collaborate with like-minded peers both within our local context and the wider community.).
• Accelerated Personalised Learning Plans
• VCE Acceleration Program
• VET Acceleration Program
• University Acceleration Program
• Mathematics Enrichment and Accelerated Learning Program
• STEM and Interdisciplinary Accelerated Learning Projects/Modules
• College Cocurricular Program

The Acceleration and Enrichment Learning Pathways in operation are complemented by the College Targeted Testing and Assessment Program that enables us to collect ongoing data about student learning associated with Literacy, Numeracy and General Reasoning as well the performance of individuals and groups within subject based formative and summative assessments.

News Article Author

Mr Dane Calleja
Executive Deputy Principal

Year 12 Farewell

On Monday 16 October we celebrated the graduation of our Year 12 students with our Graduation Mass at St Therese's Church and our Valedictory Dinner at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Throughout the week prior, we took opportunities to celebrate with our students and to acknowledge their extraordinary journey throughout their secondary schooling. 

A morning tea shared with all staff gave the Year 12 students the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to their growth throughout their time at the College. The following day was marked by the Year 12 Assembly where we gathered together for inspiration and a sing-along led by Madeline and Isabella. Our Whole School Assembly included the procession of Year 12 students accompanied by Year 7 students. This symbolised the journey of our graduates as well as the deep connection our students have with each other. This was a moving tribute that included sisters accompanying each other. Our 2023 College Captains delivered their final address and welcomed our 2024 College Captains, who then offered their maiden speech to the College community. We finished with a guard of honour led by the Year 11 cohort.

The week concluded with Farewell Day. Students began the day with bagels for breakfast before spending time with their Mentor Teachers and Mentor Groups. Karaoke and a photo booth provided fun moments and long-lasting memories. Patchy weather meant that our picnic lunch moved to the Piazza as students indulged in a box of pastries and sweets from Mary Eats Cake. They were delighted with their gifts from the College which included a commemorative sash with our 60th Anniversary logo, a keyring and a picnic blanket.

As we bid farewell to the students from the College on Friday afternoon the tears and hugs, they shared told us how connected the students are to each other and the College.

Celebrating Students

At the end of Term 4, we have opportunities to celebrate the achievements, growth and contribution of our students. The ACE Awards assemblies are opportunities for us to recognise a student from each class or mentor group in the following categories:

There will be two assemblies for these awards. The Year 10 and Year 11 ACE Awards assembly will be held on Thursday, 23 November during Period 3. The Year 7 to 9 ACE Awards assembly will be held on Thursday, 30 November during Period 5. All students are expected to attend these assemblies.

On the evening of Tuesday, 5 December we will hold the Academic and Community Awards Night (ACAN). On this evening we present community awards as well as acknowledging the highest achieving students in each subject at each year level. Students receiving an award will be invited to attend, along with parents, carers or family.

Parents and carers are warmly invited to join us at the ACE Awards assemblies. If you are attending the Year 10 and 11 ACE Awards please arrive at the College from 11.00am on Thursday, 23 November to sign in at reception. The Assembly will commence at 11.25am.

If you are attending the Year 7 to 9 ACE Awards on Thursday, 30 November we are expected to commence at 2.10pm with parents arriving from 1.50pm to sign in at reception.

Students are expected to be in full school uniform for these events.

News Article Author

Ms Natalie Meddis
Acting Assistant Principal (Student Wellbeing & Community)

God’s Word

The celebration of the Graduation Mass for our Year 12 students was a wonderful occasion. We are fortunate at Ave Maria to have so many people willing to contribute to our community events. In particular, the choir, led by Ms Sophie Maclure, were exceptional in what they contributed to the liturgy. We are also thankful to Fr. John Hannon, who in his homily reminded us of the value of the message of the Gospels and why we should take the time to listen to it.

‘One thing that strikes me is that Catholic secondary education gives you a good base for understanding the Gospel message of Jesus as a very positive and fulfilling way of living life well and happily. We surely know that a life based on selfishness and greed, with a determination to not let others get in our way is not a happy one. Jesus reminds us of the need to love others, in all the dimensions of that word.’

This year we have included many opportunities for our community to listen to God’s Word. This has included the retreat for our Year 12’s, Faith Formation Days for students and staff, Masses and liturgies, daily prayers provided by our community and many other examples. However, as Fr. John reminds us, it is in the doing, the living out of this message, that the God’s word becomes real in our world.

Laudate Deum / Praise God

Pope Francis released a new document on October 4, published as an Apostolic Exhortation called Laudate Deum or Praise God. This document builds on his 2015 encyclical, Laudate Si’ about the global environmental crisis the world is facing. In exploring this emergency, the Pope describes the current time as a watershed moment, during which our world must respond or face devastating consequences. In the document he describes how, ‘We’re not reacting enough’ and ‘we’re close to breaking point.’

Pope Francis also provides hope that we can face this challenge and that our young people deserve a future within which they can flourish. Our Catholic tradition has a long and proud history of spiritual leaders who have seen and experienced the beauty of God’s creation. One of our House Patron’s, St Francis of Assisi, is one of many Christian mystics who wrote about connecting with the natural world. Catholic theology describes the natural world as the primary revelation of God, meaning it is the first and fundamental way in which we can experience the divine. Let us take some time in our busy lives to do just that.

“Laudate Deum”: the Pope’s cry for a response to the climate crisis - Vatican News

"Laudate Deum": Apostolic Exhortation to all people of good will on the climate crisis (4 October 2023) | Francis (vatican.va)

News Article Author

Mr Patrick Hogan
Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

STEM MAD

The STEM MAD Student Showcase is a celebration of student learning designed to acknowledge and promote STEM learning initiatives that address real-world problems and demonstrate the particularity of Catholic Schools. Through this initiative, students are encouraged to make a difference (MAD) in the world by acting for justice and the common good.

Congratulations to Grace, Sienna and Ayla (Year 9) on representing the College in the MACS STEM MAD Showcase who were awarded third prize for their entry, The Surf n Saver (SNS). The SNS is a solar powered and environmentally friendly surfboard that can be used by lifeguards to monitor surf conditions and erosion patterns around Australia's beaches, to monitor the coastal lines. Long-term monitoring builds up an evidence base to help understand coastal processes, and the risks, opportunities, and consequences with coastal management.

Grace, Sienna and Ayla are now headed to compete in the National competition. STEM MAD National is a celebration of excellence in Catholic education, in which the nation's best primary, secondary and 'Future is STEM' student teams, nominated by their dioceses, showcase their projects to conference participants, diocesan representatives, sponsors and affiliated organisations, school communities and their fellow students. A fantastic result for the Ave's first year competing!

News Article Author

Ms Deborah Bradshaw
Director of Learning and Pathways

Early Entry Programs

Congratulations to over 70 Year 12 students, who have an early entry offer to tertiary study. These offers may be for a preferred or pathway course.

There are now seven different early entry programs available for students for tertiary entry. Each has different requirements but mostly recognise students’ community involvement, volunteer work, employability skills, or any leadership roles. ACU Guaranteed and the new, La Trobe ASPIRE Year 11 Conditional Offer programs also consider Year 11 results.

Successful applicants receive either:

• Entry into preferred course, with a lower ATAR, or
• A conditional offer with only prerequisite study scores required.

Students are encouraged to get involved in their school or community to be eligible to apply. See more information on Early Entry Programs here.

Work Experience 2024

Work experience will be available for Year 10 students in 2024 and is optional and voluntary. Students who wish to pursue a placement in a career area of interest are encouraged to start researching now. A letter will be sent home to parents later in Term 4 with further details. Enquiries are welcome to Ms Zoe Anderson, careers@avemaria.vic.edu.au

Media Industry Experience

Our six Media Ambassadors, from Year 7 to 11, represented Ave at Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School, by taking photos of students learning at their school. These photos will be used on the new school website. The team used their camera equipment, expertise and work skills to collaborate in a professional manner. All students contributed their great ideas, regardless of year level. Students communicated effectively with the Principal, Teachers and the primary school children, to ensure wonderfully creative and colourful photos.

Gems in STEM

On Friday 27 October, our Year 10 students heard from a panel of inspirational women that are caring for our environment and community, through careers in Engineering! Solving problems for our world, using technology to provide safe drinking water, new recycling systems and protecting our resources, are all areas that our students could pursue in their future careers.

Local Job Opportunities

Ave students 15 years and older, are encouraged to apply for casual summer work in all entry level areas. Due to the jobs boom, now is a great time to apply! Jobs are advertised on business windows, company websites and on employment websites. Recent advertisements have included Baker’s Delight, Kmart, Grill’d, Ascot Vale Leisure Centre, MVRC Events and Playtime. Tips to apply are in this week’s newsletter.

Unit 3/4 VCE subject results (Year 11 and 12 students)

All students will receive a statement of VCE study scores from VCAA via post.

To access the Results and ATAR Service online or via the App, from 7am, Monday 11 December, students will need to register on the Results and ATAR website before this date. Students will be asked to provide their name, VCAA student number, date of birth, email address and create an 8-letter password. The password created will be valid for use in both the app and website.

For more FAQ see: https://resultsandatar.vic.edu.au/results/html/faqs.htm

Year 12 Transition information

ATAR

The ATAR is released on Monday 11 December 7am, together with VCE subject results via the Results and ATAR website. As per instructions above, students must register to access their results and ATAR online.

Final Change of Preference

Students can change tertiary course preferences if desired, but final change of preference closes Wednesday 13 December (12pm). All Universities and TAFEs have 1:1 counselling hotlines and online service between 11-12 December. Our Careers Advisors will be available at this time for counselling. Phone or email for an appointment careers@avemaria.vic.edu.au.

Offers and Enrolment

• Offers are emailed to students & in VTAC account on Thursday 21 December, 2pm
• Enrolment = accepting the offer (due within a few days)

• Always accept the offer

• MUST attend/or enrol online
• pay students amenities fees
• choose subjects
• pay tuition fees or provide a Tax file number for HECS

• Officially defer prior to enrolment date, as per University email instructions.
  

Latest newsletter articles available on our Ave Maria Careers website. Topics this week, include:

• University of Melbourne VCE Summer School
• Job seeking tips and tools
• Year 11 University of Melbourne – VCE Summer School
• Summer Jobs - employers looking now!
• Medicine and Dentistry UCAT webinar
• Year 9 and 10 Santos Science Experience – Agriculture program
• Music Careers Guide
• Victoria Police Careers Guide
• Careers working with people with eye disorders
• Train to become a flight attendant
• Explore outdoor education and outdoor recreation courses
• Interested in forensic science?
• Upcoming career events and programs.

News Article Author

Mrs Poppy Ibrahim
Careers Education Leader