DANCERS DELIVER FIRE & ICE
STUDENTS ROLL OUT SOME PIZZA PIZAZZ
The Hospitality Club has launched into a new year of its popular food workshops with a pizza making class using the APC wood-fired pizza oven.
Under the watchful eye of “Chef”, environmental science teacher and pizza lover Alasdair O’Donnell, the students worked up some healthy appetites by rolling out a range of tasty pizzas.
The Hospitality Club gives students real-world food industry experience by catering at school events.
The students help plan the menus, manage the food preparation, and work in both front and back of house roles for the events.
However, because school events are infrequent, teacher Cristina Chang came up with the inspired idea of organising after-school workshops using the talents of teachers and parents.
• IMPORTANT DATES
FRIDAY 4 APRIL
Last day of term 1
Students dismissed at 2.02pm
TUESDAY 22 APRIL
First day of Term 2
FRIDAY 25 APRIL
ANZAC Day Public Holiday
No classes on this day
FRIDAY 2 MAY
Staff Professional Learning Day
No classes on this day
“The idea was to upskill the students, give them ideas for menu development for school events, and expand their repertoire when they cook at home,” Cristina said.
“We've run more than 20 staff or parent-led workshops, and subjects have included everything from learning to decorate a
cake, filleting fish, and lactofermentation, to how to make dumplings, edible paper flowers, and perfecting meringues.
The club runs on Tuesdays after school. All year levels are welcome.
The next workshop will teach the art of cupcake decorating.
TUESDAY 6 MAY
Year 9 Senior Years Information Evening
WEDNESDAY 7 MAY
APC Book Club 6pm
Danks St Library
THURSDAY 8 MAY
Open Day
Students dismissed at 12.14pm
FRIDAY 9 MAY
ALPACCA Coffee Catch-Up
From 8am
Gasworks Cafe
TUESDAY 13 MAY
Annual General Meeting 7pm
Danks St Library
MONDAY 19 MAY
Parent Cyber Safety Evening 5.30pm
Drama Space, Danks St campus
TUESDAY 20 MAY
Parent/Teacher/Student Online Interviews
THURSDAY 29 MAY - FRIDAY 6 JUNE
Year 10-11 exams
COVER: APC DANCERS WOWED THE CROWD DURING ELEMENTIS. STORY, P5
APC’s Student Representative Council is creating a cookbook to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our school, and it needs your help!
Whether it’s a beloved dish passed down through generations or a favourite meal that brings your family together, we want to feature your recipe in their cookbook.
All proceeds from book sales will go to a local charity.
Submit your recipe (including ingredients, steps, and any special traditions behind it) via the link below.
Submissions close on April 28 at 5pm so get cooking!
SUBMIT HERE
PRINCIPAL'S SAY
YEAR 11 CONFERENCE LOOKS TO THEIR FUTURE
While APC exists to give students every opportunity to achieve academic success, it’s no accident that the first word in our college motto is Lead.
Why? Because we also want to instill in our students the knowledge that they can help shape their world IF they are prepared to rise to the challenge and become a leader.
That was the theme of our very first Year 11 Future Leaders Conference at the Melbourne Exhibition and Conference Centre recently (above).
We chose the impressive venue deliberately. Firstly, we wanted our Year 11s to recognise that they faced the two most important years of their secondary school life.
Secondly, we wanted them to start thinking beyond secondary school to their future career and their place in the world.
At the conference, students spent the day exploring how to become the best version of themselves and become a true leader.
Someone who does the right thing.
To be a leader in the classroom and earn the respect of classmates. Not someone who follows others in doing the wrong things in an attempt to fit in.
To have self-control. To not act irrationally or hastily. And when they do act, to put well considered values and beliefs into action.
Our Year 11s were asked to look in the mirror and ponder what sort of leader they wanted to become?
What qualities would define them in their career? How would their families and friends describe them in the years ahead?
Importantly, they learned that people who showed leadership and cared for those around them were often those who succeeded academically, and in the real world.
The key lesson was a simple one: that by becoming a leader you are not sacrificing your own success, you are guaranteeing it. You can read more about the conference on the next page.
At a time when many global leaders are modelling a perverse - even cruel - style of leadership that is strident, hectoring and bullying, it has never been more important for leaders to be thoughtful, caring and conscientious.
Great lessons for everyone, don’t you think?
Steven Cook Foundation Principal
YEAR 11 s CHALLENGED TO BE LEADERS
It was a day of inspiration and empowerment for APC students at the first Year 11 Future Leaders Conference at the Melbourne Exhibition and Conference Centre recently.
The conference was designed to help students supercharge their academic success in Years 11 and 12, and to start thinking about their future after APC. The conference was the brainchild of assistant principal Duncan Box, who wanted to give Year 11s new ways to enhance their studies, and to start thinking about life after Year 12.
Duncan said the choice of location was a deliberate one.
“I thought it was important to choose a formal venue that spoke
to the sense of responsibility and rigour that we want to see from our Year 11 students,” he said.
There were a range of thoughtprovoking workshops throughout the day.
“We ran an important session on AI, both its risks and possibilities, a session on the psychology of memory, a session on ethics and
a session on study superpowers which linked values and purpose to study habits,” Duncan said.
“I also thought it really important to encourage students to place themselves in their future.
“So we asked them to ponder questions such as: ‘Who do you want to be in a few years’ time? What purpose and values will you bring to whatever you choose to do in the wider world?’ “
Duncan said leadership was a key theme throughout the day.
“We asked students to consider how they were viewed by their peers and how they wanted to be viewed over their final two years of secondary school.
“Would they be seen as a leader, someone who took positive action? Would they be seen as caring and kind? Or would they be perceived as something different?
Guest speaker for the day was former APC co-dux Alyssa Seckinger-Crow, who spoke about combining personal values with purpose and “putting yourself out there” to explore your potential.
Alyssa spoke about her passion for the environment and the actions she took to make a difference.
In Year 12 in 2022, Alyssa took time off to swim the English Channel and has worked on a number of environmental campaigns. She is now studying Antarctic Sciences in Tasmania.
YOUNG LEADERS GET THEIR BADGES
APC’s new student leadership for 2025 received their badges and commemorative certificates at a special ceremony at the college last week.
The group, made of more than 70 students, include year-level
ambassadors, portfolio leaders who focus on specific curriculum areas, as well as the college captains and vice captains.
The year ahead is in good hands.
ROWING ACADEMY STORMS HOME WITH A SWAG OF MEDALS
The APC Rowing Academy has continued its fiercesome form with outstanding results at the Victorian State championships at Nagambie recently.
The academy’s senior and under 17 crews competed and they came home from the regatta with one gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
While most of the squad finished in the medal count, a number of crews came close with a series of 4th, 5th and 6th places in the finals.
Congratulations to everyone!
Our medallists were:
GOLD:
• Female under 17 Quad Scull: Coco Gleeson-Payne, Georgie Camillin, Daisy Merrett (cox), Anna Lill, Elise Doig
SILVER:
• Schoolgirl Open Quad - Division 1: Meikayla Stambolziev, Ella Strangward, Jocelyn Doig, Koko Jones,Indigo Brown (cox)
• Male under 17 Quad Scull: Daisy Merrett (cox), Leo Stepancic, Sam Crawford, Daniel Simpson, Sam Roberts
BRONZE:
• Schoolgirl Open QuadDivision 2: Julia Kwiatkowska, Naami Hibberd, Bea Bradley, Farrah Hall, Romy Sekulich (cox, missing from photo)
• Schoolgirl Open QuadDivision 4: Lucia Hamilton, Hridaya Fofandi, Aria Black (cox), Georgie Camillin, Ruby Miller
• Schoolboy Open Single Scull - Division 1: Daniel Tappenden
STAFF AND STUDENTS
DANCERS PROVE THEY ARE A FORCE OF NATURE
Evocative. Moving. Thoughtprovoking.
These were just some of the words used by the audience to describe APC’s fantastic contemporary dance show, Elementis.
Over three shows at the Malthouse Theatre, APC’s dancers kept proud parents, friends and APC staff and students spellbound as they captured the forces of nature in their one-hour show.
Congratulations to artistic director Laura Macaphee and Artist in Residence Deanne Butterworth for their emotion-filled choreography, and to the dancers who worked so hard to deliver three exceptional performances.
Marshall White Port Phillip is the principal sponsor of APC’s major performing arts events, which includes the Dance Show. We are grateful to directors Oliver Bruce and Ben Manolitsas for their continuing support.
HEADS SPIN AT LUNA PARK PHYSICS CLASS
Laughter and learning is a combination that’s hard to beat.
But that’s what happened when more than 40 VCE and IB physics students took their annual pilgrimage to Luna Park.
The emerging physicists got to experience kinematics concepts in action as they analysed ride dynamics and design .... and have a bit of fun in the process.
As a bonus, they were also able to "land" a helicopter using an Australian Defence Force simulator at the park.
The excursion was organised courtesy of Vicphysics Teachers' Network Inc.
STAFF AND STUDENTS
CLIMATE AND HUMANITY AT THE HEART OF YEAR 12 EXCURSION
Recently, Year 12 Art Making and Exhibiting students attended The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) for a guided tour of the exhibition ‘The Change That Binds’.
As part of their Area of Study 3 research, students learnt about exhibition design and curatorial considerations.
They will use this knowledge in their Unit 3 SAC to plan, design and curate their own fictitious
exhibitions, using three artists who inspire their artmaking this year.
Annie Barton, APC’s visual arts teacher, said the excursion was “inspiring”
“A huge range of artworks in the exhibition were bound together with the themes of climate and humanity, and our students were articulate and considered in their responses to the works they saw on show,” Annie said.
OUR SWIMMERS EXCEL AGAINST THE REGION'S BEST
APC athletes delivered outstanding performances at the Beachside Division Interschool Swimming Carnival, with many students earning a place at the regional championships.
A special congratulations to Logan Viljoen, who was named the top swimmer in the 13-year-old girls’ category.
Logan had victories in multiple events, including the 50m butterfly, 50m breaststroke, and 50m freestyle.
And a huge round of applause for Jack Gonzales, who set a Beachside Region record time in the 100 Breaststroke.
Other students to come first in their events were:
• Millie Andrich: 200m freestyle
• Xavier Benson: 50m breaststroke
• Ethan Son: 50m butterfly
• Nicole Li: 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke
• Hannah Angus: 100m freestyle
• Felix Jones: 50m freestyle
• Silvana Mandile: 50m freestyle
In addition, APC secured qualification for the 12-13 Medley Relay and Freestyle Relay thanks to stellar performances by Ethan Son, Felix Jones, Kane Peacock and Nelson McLean.
As a result, APC came second overall in the championships, 18 points behind Elwood College with 469 points, and it won the Junior Boys division with 104 points.
We are incredibly proud of our athletes and look forward to seeing them represent the college at the upcoming regional championships.
LOGAN VILJOEN (RIGHT) WAS NAMED TOP SWIMMER IN HER AGE CATEGORY
YEAR 10 s GET READY FOR WORK
Year 10 students took part in Work Ready Day this week to learn about the world of work.
Students heard from a guest speaker, Roman MC, who delivered an interactive presentation to get students out of their comfort zone and teach them about embracing change over their career journey.
Later in the day, the Year 10s heard from senior students about
their work experience placements, created a resume, and learnt about personal branding.
Each Year 10 student then had to face up to a mock job interview in front of a parent or member of the community (far left) , who generously volunteered their time.
Thank you to everyone who was involved.
STAFF AND STUDENTS
ICONIC FINALE FOR CLASS OF 2025
It was a beautiful day at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre as Winton, Freeman and Flannery battled it out for house bragging rights in the annual swim carnival.
While the competition in the pool was intense, equally impressive was the work Year 12s put into their outfits for the day.
Their theme was Aussie Icons and spotted on the pool deck was a Qantas flight crew, some very tasty, flavoured Shapes, and lots of Steve Irwin-inspired bush wear.
As was tradition, to celebrate the last swimming carnival of their secondary school lives, the Class of 2025 did a ceremonial jump into the deep end at the end of the day.
For the record, Winton won the day with 556 points, followed by Freeman (531) and Flannery, who splashed home a close third (507).
YEAR 8 s TAKE A TRIP TO THE MCG
On a memorable week, our Year 8 students embarked on an exciting educational excursion to one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks - the MCG.
Students toured the museum, tested their sporting skills in the Interactive Zone, and went behind the scenes to see where players prepared for matches.
They also went out onto the ground, and had the unique opportunity to visit the exclusive corporate boxes and media areas - places usually reserved for VIPs.
A particularly fascinating part of the tour was dedicated to sustainability.
Students learned how the stadium is continually working to become more eco-friendly, with initiatives in place to reduce waste, save energy and promote sustainability in every aspect of its operation.
STAFF AND STUDENTS
DID YOU KNOW
The first APC Parent-StudentTeacher Interviews for the year were a massive success. A whopping 6479 interviews were held. Well done to everyone involved.
URBAN DESIGN OFFERS FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Recently, Year 11 Visual Communication students had the opportunity to visit the University of Melbourne's Design School.
The highlight of the trip was the Edible Urban Futures exhibition (left), where students explored innovative design projects from designers around the world that reimagined food and sustainability in urban environments.
As well as the exhibition, students experienced a glimpse of university life, touring the design studios, project spaces and learning environments that Bachelor of Design students work in.
The visit provided valuable insights into pathways in design and inspired students to think critically about the role of design in shaping the future.
WHEN IT COMES TO KEY DECISIONS.... ‘TRUST YOUR GUT’
BACK YOUR INSTINCTS IN YEAR 12, AND THE IMPORTANT STUFF WILL USUALLY FALL INTO PLACE, SAYS SHANON RISTOW.
WHAT YEAR DID YOU COMPLETE VCE?
2017
WHAT DID YOU STUDY IN VCE?
I studied Maths, English, Business Management, Visual Communication Design, Studio Arts, and Psychology. I particularly enjoyed my folio subjects, as they allowed me to explore my creativity and work closely with peers.
Psychology stood out as one of my favourites, as I was fascinated by learning about human behaviour and what shapes who we are. While balancing two folios was challenging, it ultimately helped me grow and pushed me in meaningful ways.
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF YOUR SCHOOL YEARS?
Years 9 and 12. Year 9 was a big transition period, but the Da Vinci Program made it special with our school trip to Malaysia. It fuelled my already ingrained interest in connecting with new people and experiencing different cultures. Year 12 was socially rewarding - a mix of challenges, camaraderie and excitement about the future.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE FINISHING VCE?
I started university but soon realised I wasn’t quite ready, so I decided to take a break. Right after COVID, I took the leap and sold my belongings to move to the Philippines, where I reconnected with my culture, made new friends and spent time with family. That experience taught me so much about myself and helped me feel more grounded in my identity.
Now, I work for Highway Foundation, a youth charity tackling loneliness. It’s incredibly
rewarding to help young people feel seen, heard, and valued. I love working in roles where I can connect with people and make a difference.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
I hope to be in a role where I’m making a meaningful impact, particularly in developing countries like the Philippines, while continuing to pursue creative projects. I also want to travel more and discover new places.
LOOKING BACK ON YOUR VCE YEAR, WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO THIS YEAR’S VCE CLASS?
Trust your gut—it’s usually right, especially when making tough decisions. This period can be tough, so lean on your friends and offer support in return. These connections will carry you far.
Most importantly, don’t stress too much about figuring everything out right now - take the time to have fun, embrace the journey, and trust that things will fall into place. This is a time to explore, grow, and enjoy the process, even if the path ahead isn’t always clear.
A FINAL WORD .....
A heartfelt thank you to the teachers and friends who encouraged me to explore my passions and stay true to myself.
A special shoutout to Mr Wallace Smith, whose Humanities class ignited my curiosity about the world and others, especially through the inspiring travel photos he shared with us.
JOIN OUR ALUMNI
FRENCH STUDENTS MEET THEIR HOSTS (ABOVE) AND STUDENTS ORDER AT ROULE GALETTE (BELOW)
STAFF AND STUDENTS
CAFE DELIVERS CREPE EXPECTATIONS
What better way to reward the hard work of our Year 9 French students after completing their oral assessment than to get them to put their French into practice at the crêperie Roule Galette in Carnegie.
The 24 students did a great job ordering their meals and drinks all in perfect French.
The event was a tasty build-up to La Semaine de la Francophonie (15-23 March), a week that
celebrates French speakers all over the world.
To coincide with this special week, we were thrilled to welcome 20 students and three teachers from our French sister school, Lycée Sainte Marie du Port.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful host families who provided such a warm welcome to our visitors.
To celebrate Semaine de la Francophonie, students have also been able to take part in range of ‘francophone’ activities, including:
• Our junior French extension students’ videos for a ‘Cuisine de la Francophonie’ video competition
• Our French Immersion Program students’ research and presentations on Francophone countries
• The launch of the Berthe Mouchette poetry competition across the college
• Our inaugural ‘grande lessive’, an event which encourages people from across the world to write and illustrate a poster in French to celebrate la Francophonie.
DID YOU KNOW
The APC School Council election was held recently and the successful elected members in the school council Parent category were Ruth Allen, Simone Cresp, Christopher Goss, David Lau and Anna Vermooten. The successful elected member in the student category was Alice Reid-Rodrigues.
STAFF AND STUDENTS
LESSONS IN LIFE
In our final week of the term, some incredible classroom experiences took place across the college.
Our Year 8 students have been participating in a range of community projects, spent time at Alba Aged Care, the Albert Park Library and Parks Victoria.
It has been wonderful to see our students engage with the broader community and take time to consider the positive impact they can have on others.
The work at Alba Aged Care has been particularly heart-warming to see.
Our Year 9 Basketball class were given the incredible opportunity to play wheelchair basketball while, for the past the past two weeks, our instrumental music students have been showcasing their musical talent to the school community at the instrumental music evenings.
Meanwhile, Year 9 SEAL English students took part in an immersive and sensory seaside poetry writing session at the beach.
And for serious practicality, nothing could beat Year 12 students getting a lesson on how to change a tyre, and how to save a life.
What a way to end the term! Well done to our very creative teachers who made this possible. DID YOU KNOW
The City of Port Phillip has an extensive holiday program which includes excursions to mini golf, a DJ workshop and a hike to Werribee Gorge State Park and a range of library activities. For details go to the council website.
OPEN DAY
THURSDAY 8 MAY | 2-6PM
ALUMNI ALUMNI TUTORING TUTORING PROGRAM PROGRAM
ABOUT ABOUT
APC’s Alumni Tutoring Program gives VCE and IB students access to experienced tutors at the convenient location of the College’s Liberal Arts campus
All of the College’s alumni tutors have attained outstanding study scores themselves, are endorsed by APC teachers and have a current working with children check
Tutors are available onsite on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm - 6:30pm at the Liberal Arts Campus (Pickles Street) during the school terms.
Tutors are available in most subjects but are subject to availability.
COST COST
Tutoring sessions are 1 hour in duration at the cost of $60.
Tutoring must be paid and booked in advance in blocks of 5 consecutive sessions ($300).
EXPRESSIONS EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OF INTEREST
Year 11 or 12 students who are interested in working with an alumni tutor should express their interest via this form.
Questions or enquiries about the alumni tutoring program can be forwarded to:
alumnitutoring@albertparkcollege vic edu au
In the instance that a student needs to cancel a tutoring session, at least 24 hours notice must be provided in writing to the tutor and:
alumnitutoring@albertparkcollege vic edu au Cancellations within 24 hours or non attendance incur the full cost of the scheduled session.
Students who regularly cancel their scheduled sessions will have their enrolment in the program reviewed. For further information refe r to the program’s Cancellation Policy
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.
CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors. Excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works while sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are a part of a healthy curriculum.
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
The annual CSEF amount per student is:
• $154 for primary school students
• $256 for secondary school students
HOW TO APPLY
New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from the website below.
If you applied for CSEF at your child's school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
• new student enrolments: your child has started or changed schools this year.
• changed family circumstances: such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about CSEF visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund
Come join your friends to play footy at your local community club the Bloods!
• Belong to our Bloods community –safe and inclusive o ering end-to-end pathways
• Boys and Girls aged 8–18 in every age level
We have spaces available for Boys to join U13, U14, U15, U16 Girls to join U16 & U18
• Weeknight training with Sunday games
• Early Birds Register before 21/02/25 and SAVE $50
Come down & check out training NOW!
To register or for further info, scan the QR Code or go to www.playhq.com/afl/register/bd6c48
Netball
South Melbourne Districts now has a Netball Club
Come on your own, bring a friend, or bring your team. Players and Coaches wanted.
SMDNC play Saturday mornings at the Parkville State Netball Centre. To register your interest for the upcoming Spring Season (July – Dec), please email president.netball@smdsc.com.au or call/text Rachelle on 0405 233 862
SMDNC proudly support the Albert Park Indoor Sports Centre and their Woolworths NetSetGo Program for Junior Netballers. NetSetGo is held Saturday mornings at the Pits, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park. If you are interested in signing up, please email netball@apisc.com.au or call/text Lizzie from the APISC on 0424 186 726.
For more information please visit smdsc.com.au/netball
