APC Newsletter December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

PREMIER ISSUES A READING CHALLENGE

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APC COMMUNITY

ANCIENT CRAFT SECRETS REVEALED Recently Studio 120 played host to an indigenous art market.

The event was organised by the Bay St Traders Association, who arranged for some of the artists to do demonstrations for our students.

The artists were very generous with their time as they demonstrated their skills to their eager young audience.

IMPORTANT DATES MONDAY 11 DECEMBER – THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER Year 8 Camp TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER Year 6-7 Orientation Day for 2024 and Parent Information Evening No formal classes for students

MONDAY 18 DECEMBER Sailing Day

TUESDAY JANUARY 30, 2024 Year 7 and Year 12 Students commence Term 1

TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER Staff Professional Practice Day No formal classes for students

WEDNESDAY 31 JANAUARY Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 commence Term 1

WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER Final day of Term 4

COVER: PREMIER JACINTA ALLAN AND LOCAL MP NINA TAYLOR CHAT TO APC STUDENTS

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PRINCIPAL'S SAY

AS WE SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2023, WE WELCOME A NEW GENERATION Another year, another 12 months of outstanding achievement at APC. On Sunday our latest set of VCE results came out and our senior students achieved highly once again. We maintained our median study score of 31, which places us in the top ranks of non-selective public schools.

There were some fantastic highlights, with our Dux Ash Hill achieving an ATAR of 99.5, and Lauren Reed scoring a perfect 50 in Food Studies.

The culture of hard work and record of achievement they created now passes to the next generation. As the 200+ year-12s move on to adult life, they have been replaced by 250 year 6 students who recently visited from primary school to prepare for year 7.

They enter a secondary college that earlier this year was selected as one of the best schools in Australia by world educational expert Pasi Sahlberg, and we proved his judgement correct, not only through our VCE results but by achieving outstanding results in NAPLAN too.

That success comes, naturally, from great teaching. But as experts will tell you, the secret to getting young people to succeed is engaging them in their schooling by activating their creativity and interests.

We did that this year with a record number of camps and expeditions (32), a huge number of students in our instrumental music classes (250), many more in our music ensembles (200), as well as more great events like our dance show, our musical, our music concert, fantastic leadership programs . . . the list goes on.

At our farewell night for the year-12 students, our guest speaker reminded us of the importance of gratitude. As so many young people around the world today face hardships, it’s important

to acknowledge the great fortune we enjoy as members of our wonderful community.

This year, with their involvement in charity events and community volunteering, our students proved they have the right values. Watch this space for action on gratitude when school resumes at the end of January.

YEAR 6 STUDENTS BORROW BOOKS FROM THE DANKS ST LIBRARY DURING THEIR TRANSITION DAY THIS WEEK

Enjoy the holidays.

Steven Cook Foundation Principal

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

ALL CLASS AS YEAR 12s SAY FAREWELL TO APC It was a night filled with joy - and a touch of sadness - as parents, carers and teachers celebrated the Class of 2023 and farewelled them at our Presentation Evening.

This was held for the first time at the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne and was a roaring success.

We had an incredible guest speaker, Fatima Yousifi, who brought some members of the audience to tears with her moving speech about resilience and overcoming the Taliban regime while being a female football (soccer!) player in Afghanistan.

It was an incredibly moving moment, which reminded us all that we indeed live in the Lucky Country.

From 2018 when they arrived at APC, we have watched the Class of 2023 grow into a wonderful group of young adults and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve in years to come.

Good luck to you all.

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

YEAR 8 FOODIES TAKE A JOURNEY INTO ASIAN CUISINE

This term in Year 8 Food Studies students explored Asian cuisine and cultures.

They were given a ‘hero ingredient’ which they had to research and incorporate into a dish.

At the end of the unit we were able to all sit down together to share in a delicious Asian banquet with a wide variety of different flavours.

enjoyed the food and the opportunity to share their creations".

“It was a proud teacher moment!”, she said.

According to teacher Caro Flood, “the students really excelled and thoroughly

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

DANKS ST BUZZES FOR A WORTHY CAUSE

There was a buzz around APC recently when three staff and a student went under the trimmers for a worthy cause.

In front of staff and students, teachers Leanne Jones, Fiona Wright and Al O’Donnell, along with year 7 student Josh Radle, took it in turns to watch their luscious locks hit the floor.

It was all part of Rock The Chop, an event to raise money for Variety and provide hair for wigs for patients undergoing cancer treatment Staff and students who donated money for the event were also given the opportunity to take part in the shear lunacy by carving their own path across the scalps of the willing participants.

The bald fact is that the four cropped tops raised more than $5300.

IT'S A HAIR RAZING ADVENTURE FOR STUDENT JOSH RADLE (RIGHT) AND TEACHERS AL, FIONA AND LEANNE (BELOW)

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APC COMMUNITY

THE PREMIER REVEALS HER PASSION FOR BOOKS APC was delighted to welcome the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, to the Danks St campus for an informal visit.

The Premier was accompanied by local MP Nina Taylor, who is a great friend of the school.

The Premier spoke about her passion for books and challenged students to make sure books remained an important part of their lives.

The Premier also handed out certificates to three Year 8 students who excelled in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Congratulations to Nayley Wijegunawardana, Raniya Ahmed Osman and Lavinia Smith who led the school with the number of books they read.

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

CLAIRE’S LITERARY TALENTS RECOGNISED

BY THE AGE The writing talents of Year 9 student Claire Seear was recognised recently when she was named a finalist in The Age/Dymocks Essay Prize.

Claire was one of 13 finalists shortlisted in the 14-18 age category, while four were selected in the 19-24 category.

Launched in August, the award aims to highlight the talent and skill of young writers across Victoria.

Entrants were invited to respond to one of the following essay topics:

CLAIRE READS EXCERPTS OF HER ESSAY TO STUDENTS

1.

2.

3.

What makes you optimistic about the future of Melbourne or Victoria?

How is Victoria different from the rest of the country, and how have those differences been established?

What is the one law you would change and why?

The judges were looking for original, compelling content, paired with exceptional writing skills, an engaging voice and style, and the ability to form

a solid argument that is both thoughtprovoking and timely.

According to the judges, Claire focused on Melbourne’s artistic merit, and wrote about her everlasting love of books and her optimism for the future thanks to the endless knowledge the city’s stories contain.

Great work, Claire!

You can read Claire's essay here.

STAFF AND STUDENTS

MAIA’S POWERFUL POETRY PLEA Year 9 student Maia Ryks recently won an award in the My Brother Jack literary competition run by Glen Eira Library.

THESE WOODS NO LONGER

We are dark while these forests ebb viridian We are silent while these trees murmur softly We are clothed while these woods are exposed Sharp axe, soft trunk Hard mind, gentle woods Power preys on the powerless We are the perpetrator while these trees are now victims We are fire while these forests are now scarred We are breathing these woods no longer

Maia won the junior secondary poetry category for her piece titled “These Woods No Longer.”

The annual My Brother Jack Awards celebrate the literary talents of people who live, work or study in Glen Eira.

Maia Ryks

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

IB CLASS PUTS A WONDERFUL YEAR OF HARD WORK ON DISPLAY

The Year 11 IB class celebrated their achievements in the IB Core by presenting their work to family and friends in the Danks St library last month.

Also taking an interest were Year 10 students who will be starting the IB diploma program in 2024.

Among the projects presented by the Year 11 students were their Theory of Knowledge exhibitions, Extended Essay snapshots as well as progress reports detailing Creativity, Activity, Service experiences undertaken so far.

After a wonderful first year in the IB diploma program, we can’t wait to see everything these students will achieve in Year 12.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS TAKE A KEEN INTEREST IN THE IB WORK, AND (ABOVE) STUDENT JAIME ZARCO-VERA WITH TEACHER JESS LANGDON

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APC COMMUNITY

ART SHOW LEAVES VISITORS WANTING MORE

Art lovers came in their hundreds to enjoy the Albert Park College Art Show at Studio 120 last week.

Other APC student prizewinners were: •

Judges’ Choice: Nikki Briggs

•

Curator’s Choice: Will Yelland

Almost 300 works from professional, new and emerging artists were on display, covering categories such as traditional and digital art, sculpture and photography.

•

The Spring Prize: abstract art, all mediums: Hannah Speed

•

Photography Award: Luke Hill

•

APC Peer Award: Jed Lingo

The show was another wonderful success, and visitors seemed equally amazed at APC’s impressive arts campus as they did with the great works of emerging and established artists.

Thank you to our extraordinary Art Show team, who have worked tirelessly to make this show a success.

The major prize, the $2000 Best in Show, was won by Mina Afra, while the $500 Best in Show for APC students was won by Jed Lingo.

As is tradition, the winning artworks were bought by APC to be added to the school’s art collection and will shortly be put on public display.

Thanks also to our judges, and to all who exhibited, visited, volunteered and purchased art over the weekend. It was a wonderful celebration of art and creativity in our community.

TRIBUTE TO NAT, THE BEST LIBRARIAN Year 7 student Will Yelland made no secret of the fact that he thought APC librarian Nat Blom was pretty special.

So much so that the talented young artist made a digital illustration of Nat and entered it into the art show.

The title for his fantastic looking work?

The best librarian I’ve met so far.

Even more wonderful for both Will and Nat was that an anonymous art lover purchased the work and gifted it back to Nat. Nat said it was a hugely generous gesture by the anonymous donor.

“I am so thrilled and hope that they know that I appreciate this meaningful gift very much,” Nat said. “I will be giving the beautiful work to my parents when I go back to visit them in WA!” CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

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WILL AND NAT WITH HIS SPECIAL ARTWORK

BIDDING WAR FOR PRIZED ARTWORK It was no surprise that bidding was hot for the artwork that the award winning artist Lewis Miller generously donated to APC for the event.

Lewis was in the audience as Marshall White auctioneer Oliver Bruce teased, tempted and cajoled the crowd to keep bidding.

After some quickfire bids, followed by pregnant pauses at the pointy end of the sale, the prize was finally knocked down to local resident Sophia Gatti for $3300.

Sophia and her husband (right) chatted to Lewis (centre) after their success.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Thank you to the enormous number of volunteers who helped make the art show such a success.

APC students did the school proud by greeting visitors, providing the musical entertainment and serving in the cafe.

Students also showed their impressive hospitality skills (right) by serving food to guests throughout the Friday night gala.

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APC ALUMNI

BELLA GOES FROM APC STAGE TO ABC SCREEN

NOW A REPORTER FOR THE ABC IN DARWIN, BELLA TOLHURST SAYS MEMORIES OF APC WILL LAST FOREVER

WHAT YEAR DID YOU DO VCE?

I completed VCE in 2018.

TELL US WHAT YOU STUDIED AT APC, AND WHY.

I studied English, Maths, Philosophy, Legal Studies, History Revolutions and Drama. I’ve always enjoyed Arts subjects the most, and wanted to study things I was genuinely interested in… over subjects that may have gotten me the best ATAR. It’s important to enjoy what you’re learning!

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF YOUR SCHOOL YEARS AT APC?

I loved my time at APC, and what stands out the most were the people.

Being able to make great friends, and then have fun with them doing things like Vaudeville, interschool sports, dance shows etc… I created memories at APC that I’ll have forever.

TELL US WHAT YOU’VE BEEN DOING SINCE VCE.

After graduating, I did a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, where I tried a wide array of subjects, but ended up majoring in Media and Communications, and Politics. I finished my degree in 2021, and was awarded the Caroline Jones Scholarship and Cadetship with the ABC.

I spent a year working in the ABC Melbourne newsroom, learning the ropes of journalism. This year, I moved up to Darwin, where I’m now a full time reporter and news presenter with the ABC, working across all platforms- TV, radio, and online.

WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE WORKING IN 10 YEARS?

I’m not sure where I’ll be in 10 years… it’s a hard industry to predict, and I imagine news will be told very differently in the next decade. I’d love to report from overseas, and would love to continue presenting/hosting in some capacity.

DO YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH APC?

I keep in touch with a handful of friends from APC, who will be friends for life.

I also keep in touch with some of my teachers - I even ran into one here in Darwin recently!

LOOKING BACK ON YOUR VCE YEAR, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE NEXT YEAR’S VCE CLASS?

I think it’s important to do your best in VCE, as it keeps your options open for further studies. But it’s worth remembering that VCE is such a small part of your life and career, and it’s normal to not know what you want to do post-high school.

You don’t realise how much the things you learn in high school come in handy later on... so put the effort in. I still use lessons from legal studies when I’m doing court reporting, or use the improvisation skills I picked up in Drama when doing a live cross. Alas, I don’t think I’ve had to use Pythagoras’s theorem any time recently.

JOIN OUR ALUMNI

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NICHOLAS CHAN, CLARA BYCROFT AND SHANNI COHEN WERE PART OF THE DEBATING TEAM

STAFF AND STUDENTS

JUNIOR DEBATERS WIN THE ARGUMENT Congratulations to our two teams of junior debaters for their success in the recent school’s competition run by the Debater’s Association of Victoria.

Both teams did a fantastic job debating a variety of topics, including ‘whether the sale of non-food animal products should be banned’ and if ‘Australia should tax drinks based on the amount of sugar they contain’.

Special congratulations go to our Year 7 team, who won every debate in the competition.

Students who took part were Brianne Barton, Gabrielle Scully, Nicholas Chan, Clara Bycroft, Iris Parker, Adeline Tan, Shanni Cohen, Ivy Franklin, Victoria Jahan, Kanha Pala and Iliana Exarhos.

A big thank you to Sterling Baird of Year 11, who also helped the teams prepare for their debates.

HOSPO TEAM HAS A YEAR TO REMEMBER Congratulations to the hardest working group of students at the school - the Hospo team!

The APC Hospitality team has catered for a number of school events this year, including the menu design, production and serving of the delicious savoury and sweet canapes at the recent APC Art Show.

NATALIE JAENSCH AND SOPHIE KHVATSKY FROM THE HOSPO TEAM

It's been a wonderful year of cooking workshops and events – from customer service workshops to cake decorating and lacto-fermenting.

Our students have expanded their repertoire of skills and had the opportunity to practice these skills in real events while having a bit of fun.

We also want to congratulate and welcome our new fearless Hospitality leader for 2024, Olivia LloydBloomfield!

Everyone is looking forward to a wonderful, creative and productive year of hospitality ahead.

Also, for those who don't know, APC Community Foods is a club where students come together and make delicious and healthy meals to donate to the Father Bob Foundation to support the homeless community in our area.

We are so proud to announce that nearly 100 meals were donated by our students! ​ PECIAL THANKS TO OUR DYNAMIC S UNIFORM TEAM We can’t end the year without giving a special thank you to the hardworking parents who run the APC secondhand uniform store.

Tania Slotboom is the organiser, assisted by parents Francine Dignard and Donna Robb. They work on a volunteer basis and give up so much of their time to raise extra funds for the school.

A special mention must also go to Kaye Slotboom (grandmother to two APC students) for all her help throughout the year.

Families who have uniforms in good condition that they no longer need can bring them to Danks St reception for rehoming.

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

MATHS ACADEMY MAKES IT COUNT The inaugural Maths Academy Family Games night was a great success.

Students from years 7 to 10 attended with their families to present their game designs and receive their graduation certificates.

It was a truly intergenerational experience with grandparents, parents, and siblings playing and laughing together. All for the love of maths!

Andrew Robinson and Rachael Gore shared the experience of running the first year of Mathematics Academy with teachers from across Victoria at the recent Mathematics Association of Victoria’s Annual Conference.

The audience was blown away by the success of the program and there were talks of creating similar programs across the state.

Students were asked to share why others should join the Academy: "It’s an extremely fun and positive space where you can play fun and engaging maths games."

MADDEN (YEAR 8)

"It’s a great way to go expand your knowledge, and learn different ways to tackle complex questions."

HARUKI (YEAR 8)

"It’s a great way to make new friends and have fun, unlike the title suggests.

The second you join and start a lesson is the second you realise that you will never, ever, look at maths the same ever again."

JOY (YEAR 7)

"It is a place that embodies the idea of maths for everyone. No matter what year level you are in, it is where anyone can come together and 'lean into' the maths."

ALICE (YEAR 11)

ANDREW ROBINSON ADDRESSES THE MATHS GRADUATION AND (TOP) MATTHEW LAU AND HIS FATHER DAVID TEST THEIR MATHS SKILLS

The Academy will be running again in 2024. All students are welcome to join.

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

OSCAR RACES INTO NATIONAL TITLES Oscar Woodhouse competed against the best athletes in his age group from around Australia and had outstanding success.

Competing in the 12 Year Boys 800m at the SSA National Track and Field Championships in Launceston last week, Oscar (right) ran a personal best of 2:13.66 to qualify for the final.

The next day, in a tough physical race, Oscar exceeded all expectations to finish fifth.

His performance gained him an automatic national qualifier for the Athletics Australia Junior Track and Field championships in Adelaide in March.

STAFF AND STUDENTS

ACADEMIES DELIVER A POWERFUL FIRST YEAR The APC Athletics and Triathlon academies have each had a great first year.

The APC Triathlon Academy has also had a fabulous first year, according to coaches Sam and Chris.

Students from years 7-12 attended the Aths Academy and quickly became stronger, fitter and faster as they worked towards their individual goals.

“Our APC athletes displayed commendable commitment by participating in training sessions twice a week during school terms and showcased their skills in a variety of events throughout the year,” Sam said.

The Aths academy is targeted at anyone who wants to improve their fitness, strength and speed for individual pursuits and team sports.

Training is on offer all-year round and includes additional training on weekends and school holidays, as well as racing opportunities.

“They have also shown tremendous resilience and determination by pushing themselves to overcome fears and challenges such as in swimming in open water, or competing in events and environments that they are not familiar with.”

YEAR 8 STUDENT LEO RAFTOPOULOS (LEFT) AND YEAR 7 STUDENT MORRIS WARING AT THE ATHS ACADEMY LAST WEEK.

Sam said the academy was filled with real excitement and anticipation for the 2XU Triathlon Series events coming up in St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton and Sandringham in the coming months.

Both academies are looking forward to welcoming new and existing members for 2024.

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

HOSPITALITY SCHOOL SERVES UP A SPECIAL COURSE FOR STUDENTS

VCE VET Hospitality SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality What you will be learning This qualification has been targeted to a front-of-house hospitality stream. Over two years, you will complete all the units required for your Certificate II in Hospitality including your RSA and food handlers' certificate. You will be able to work in cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs or clubs.

Year One

APC has partnered with Serve It Up Hospitality School to offer the Certificate II in Hospitality as part of the VET Delivered to Secondary Students program.

The Serve It Up training facility and cafe is at 39/617-643 Spencer St, West Melbourne, just 400m from North Melbourne train station.

The two-year course is available to students who will be in Year 10 or 11 in 2024.

This qualification has been targeted to students interested in front-of-house skills. Students will cover all units required to complete the Certificate II in Hospitality including RSA and food handlers’ certificate. Every session will include practical skills and theory.

SITHIND006 - Source and use information on the hospitality industry SITXFSA005 - Use hygienic practices for food safety SITXFIN007 - Process financial transactions SITHFAB025 - Prepare and serve espresso coffee SITXCCS011 - Interact with customers SITXCOM007 - Show social and cultural sensitivity

Year Two SITHIND007 - Use hospitality skills effectively SITHFAB021 - Provide responsible service of alcohol SITHFAB024 - Prepare and serve non-alcoholic beverages SITHFAB027 - Serve food and beverage BSBTWK201 - Work effectively with others SITXWHS005 - Participate in safe work practices

Further infromation Please contact your school to discuss fees Enrol anytime up to 3 weeks after the commencement of school year This course consists of 302 nominal hours over the 2 year period, which equates to 3 VCE credits when successfully completed.

This course is suitable for students entering years 10 or 11 Location

Course Information: • • •

•

Classes are 2pm-6pm every Wednesday – 1 day per week over two years.

No classes during the school holidays.

12 service periods in a real workplace form part of the work experience component. Students can complete work placement at Serve It Up’s cafe.

This course can contribute towards the VCE and the VCE Vocational Major.

39/617-643 Spencer St, West Melbourne, 3003 Scan QR code to express interest or visit www.serveitup.com.au/hospitality-vce

RTO 22542 info@serveitup.com.au 1300 555 748

For more information, students and parents can contact Jessica Archer on: jessicaarcher@albertparkcollege.vic.edu.au

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STAFF AND STUDENTS

WORK EXPERIENCE A VALUABLE LESSON IN NEW SKILLS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: FLYNN TSAGLIOTIS, CHLOE FELL AND JACK PSOMOTAGOS

In 2024 our VCE Vocational Major students completed two week-long Structured Workplace Learning placements throughout the year.

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) gives students the opportunity to try out different careers and practise the work skills they will learn in their VCE VM subjects.

Year 10 student Flynn Tsagliotis undertook a placement at Blake’s Feast in Glen Iris in November and said he had a fantastic time “meeting all the chefs and making a lot of yummy food for customers”.

“I got to make arancini, deep fried chicken schnitzel, pastry desserts, homemade curry paste and so much more,” he said.

“You might be lucky to get free food and drinks. So I highly recommend going to Blake’s Feast if you're up for a bit of a challenge and if you love cooking.”

Chloe Fell (10C) completed SWL at Kapt Roofing, a company that specialises in terracotta roofing.

CHLOE FELL LOVED HER TIME AT KAPT ROOFING

Chloe spent lots of time re-roofing a home, and she got to experience tiling, rendering the roof edges and cleaning up a job site.

Jack found the experience to be much more tiring than school, but enjoyed the hands-on experience he got at the dealership.

Chloe is considering a career in plumbing, so she especially enjoyed being part of roof plumbing.

Jack Psomotagos (10I) completed SWL at South Yarra BMW where he spent time fitting new brake pads and greasing old brake pads. He also got to watch the rewiring of a car’s electronic key system.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Albert Park College in conjunction with

Rotary Club of Albert Park

ANNUAL

BOOK FAIR Albert Park College, 83 Danks St, Albert Park 10am-4pm Saturday 16 December 10am-4pm Sunday 17 December THOUSANDS OF PRELOVED BOOKS ART, HISTORY, FICTION, NON-FICTION, COOK BOOKS, CHILDREN’S BOOKS AND MORE!

ALBERT PARK COLLEGE - 9699 7222

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