YOUR CHANCE TO PARTY IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY
The countdown has begun for ALPACCA's most adventurous gala yet - a night where guests will party in a galaxy far, far away.
Prepare to channel your inner alien, astronaut or star traveller for the Intergalactic Gala - a night of cosmic fun, community and connection!
The gala will blast off on Friday, June 13 at Bells Hotel in South Melbourne.
Tickets are $80 and include a welcome drink, plenty of delicious finger food, spot prizes and a competition for the best dressed space traveller.
Plus, enjoy our raffle and silent auction, with stellar prizes up for grabs.
Coming solo or new to the APC community? No problem! We’ll be forming teams on the night to help everyone mix, mingle and feel right at home.
All money raised will support the redevelopment of the Danks St campus food training centre. This $600,000 project, which includes a new commercial kitchen, will create an inspiring space for students to learn and create.
BUY TICKETS
• IMPORTANT DATES
THURSDAY 29 MAY – FRIDAY 6 JUNE
Year 10 and Year 11 exams
MONDAY 2 JUNE
Inspire Tour Pre-Departure Session 5pm
Drama space, Danks St campus
TUESDAY 3 JUNE
Sustainability Sub-Committee meeting 5pm, Danks St campus
THURSDAY 5 JUNE
Year 12 Formal Lakeside Pavilion Albert Park
MONDAY 9 JUNE
King’s Birthday public holiday
TUESDAY 10 JUNE – FRIDAY 13 JUNE
Music Camp Years 7-12, Phillip Island
WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE
APC Book Club 6pm, Danks St library
FRIDAY 13 JUNE
ALPACCA Intergalactic Gala
From 6.30pm Bells Hotel, South Melbourne
TUESDAY 17 JUNE GAT Exam
FRIDAY 20 JUNE
Casual Clothes Day
Gold coin donation to raise money for charity
TUESDAY 24 JUNE
Year 10 information session for Year 11 in 2026 5.30pm
Drama Room, Danks St campus
WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE –THURSDAY 26 JUNE Music Concert
FRIDAY 27 JUNE – THURSDAY 17 JULY
Inspire Tour to Europe Group 1
WEDNESDAY 2 JULY –WEDNESDAY 23 JULY Inspire Tour to Europe Group 2
THURSDAY 3 JULY Da Vinci Exhibition 5pm Bay St campus
FRIDAY 4 JULY Last day of term
COVER: ROWING CHAMPS FARRAH HALL, NAAMI HIBBERD, ROMY SEKULICH, BEA BRADLEY AND JULIA KWIATKOWSKA. STORY, P7
WHAT A VIBE! WHAT A CROWD!
WHAT A SUCCESS!
What a truly magnificent Open Day it was when we welcomed the community into our campuses earlier this month.
About 1000 people - mainly local primary school students and their families – came to meet staff, look at our facilities, and ask questions of our teachers and senior leaders.
There was a really special vibe around the college throughout the day and it was fantastic to hear of the strong enrolment interest from local parents.
So why do we continue to attract so much interest? Simply, it’s because in just 15 short years we have built a powerful record of success.
Our “brand” – as a school that engages students through innovative programs and high-quality teaching to deliver excellent VCE And IB scores – is now established.
Without doubt, at the heart of our success is the fantastic work of our teachers. They are committed to excellence and work hard to create a positive learning environment in their classes.
As a school, we are committed to ensuring our teachers have every opportunity to develop their skills, which is why we spend two days every year at a special staff conference where we hear from experts and explore the latest in teaching methods.
We’ve just returned from this year’s conference invigorated by listening to key speakers, and confident that everything we do is backed by rigorous research.
But, as I’ve said before, no school can be successful without the backing of its community.
We are very, very fortunate to be supported by wonderful parents who support APC in so many ways.
Here’s just one example. Our passionate parent group, ALPACCA, is leading our drive to raise $600,000 for a new food training centre at the Danks St. campus.
The new training centre, which will boast a commercial kitchen, will be an inspiring space for students to learn and create.
ALPACCA’s annual gala this year is an Intergalactic, cosmic affair taking place on June 13.
Tickets are on sale now and all the money raised at the gala will go towards the new food centre. If you can’t make the gala, they are looking for donations of all kinds, as well as volunteers to help make the night a success.
ALPACCA's unofficial motto is “Why should our kids have all the fun” and I can vouch for the fact that you will have a fabulous night.
Earlier this year, we also established a strategic partnerships subcommittee made
up of a small number of parents with strong business and community connections. Their aim is to seek out new business and community partnerships that can support future projects, and to help APC thrive and prosper over the next 15 years.
If you would like to support APC by becoming a member of this important committee, or would like further details, email School Council member Francesca Valmorbida at francescavalmorbida@ albertparkcollege.vic.edu.au
Steven Cook Foundation Principal
STAFF AND STUDENTS
COMMUNITY WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS
What an incredible Open Day we had.
A phenomenal amount of visitors – estimated at around 1000came to the college early this month, which looked absolutely spectacular as the sunshine bathed our campuses in an autumn glow.
The hard work, attention to detail and enthusiasm among staff and students was easy to see as they greeted families eager to see what makes the college so special.
Hundreds of primary school students and their parents asked questions, got involved in science and art activities, ate food prepared by the food department, chatted to Inspire Club members and listened to the school orchestra and bands throughout the afternoon.
More than 500 people crammed into the gymnasium to hear an address from Principal Steven Cook and Assistant Principal Madeleine Campbell, while more than 300 parents and their primary school-aged kids stayed on to learn more about APC’s SEAL program.
Assistant Principal Kate Merakis, who was in charge of organising the Open Day, said many parents commented on the passion and energy of the staff that they spoke to.
“APC is fortunate to have such amazingly dedicated teachers and support staff,” Kate said.
“They are the secret ingredient of our amazing school culture.”
“APC IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE SUCH AMAZINGLY DEDICATED TEACHERS ”
STAFF AND STUDENTS
HIGH FLYING MUSICAL A SHOW YOU CAN’T MISS
STAFF AND STUDENTS
MUSIC MAKERS READY TO MAKE THEIR MARK
Our amazing music students and their teachers will hit the stage in June for to showcase their wonderful musicianship at the APC’s spectacular Music Concert.
Last year’s concert was an outstanding success, and the crowd was mesmerised by the enthusiasm and sophistication of the acts. This year’s event, once again at Memo Hall in St Kilda, is going to be even better.
The concert will take place on June 25-26. For tickets and details, scan the QR code.
Marshall White Port Phillip is the principal sponsor of APC’s major performing arts events, which includes the Music Concert. We are grateful to directors Oliver Bruce and Ben Manolitsas for their continuing support.
This year, APC’s talented performers will be staging ‘STUCK!: The Musical’, an exciting student-written show set on a dramatic Christmas flight from Manhattan to Melbourne.
With singing choir students and dancing flight attendants, it’s a show that you can’t miss!
Our cast of 60 students, ranging from Years 7-12, have already begun rehearsals - and we’ve certainly been busy! We’ve learnt dances, songs and scenes, well and truly bringing the world of ‘STUCK!’ to life.
The show itself is packed tighter than the overhead compartments, including a lovestruck choir student, a grieving widow searching for peace, and an unforgettable boy band number. Not to mention the catchy songs
which have been stuck in my head for weeks.
Students involved in the writing process have been particularly thrilled to see their own work come to life.
The show was written by APC’s Performing Arts Academy last year, with the help of Artists in Residence Conor Neylon and Jackson Peele.
It has been so exciting to bring their amazing work to life, and we cannot wait for you to see it!
Tickets will be on sale soon. We’ll see you on board at the National Theatre on July 31 and August 1.
Ivy Glenfield
APC Drama Captain
SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT
IT’S WELL KNOWN THAT APC DELIVERS OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC RESULTS. BUT DID YOU KNOW ITS ATHLETES DELIVER GREAT RESULTS, TOO? IN OUR SPECIAL SEVEN-PAGE REPORT, WE HIGHLIGHT JUST A FEW OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS.
ROWING
ACADEMY HAS ITS BEST SEASON EVER
APC has had its most successful rowing season ever, taking home a swag of medals during the recent rowing season.
Academy coach and Olympian Virginia Lee described it as “an outstanding team effort”.
“It is our most successful year yet across all crews,” Virginia said.
APC won a record four medals at the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta in Geelong earlier this year.
Of the eight APC crews entered in the regatta, four made the A Final and all four crews won a medal. APC finished 9th on the medal table out of 39 schools!
The regatta is one of the biggest schoolgirl rowing events in Australia with more than 2000 competitors battling for honors over three days.
The atmosphere was electric with rows of white marquees lining the Barwon River, and thousands of family, friends and schoolmates cheering from both sides of the river.
Our incredible results were:
GOLD: Senior Division 2 quad
Romy Sekulich (cox), Julia Kwiatkowska, Naami Hibberd, Farrah Hall and Beatrix Bradley
SILVER: Junior girls double scull
Coco Gleeson-Payne and Lillian Hinneberg
BRONZE: Junior girls single scull
Elise Doig
BRONZE: Senior Division 1 quad
Indigo Brown (cox), Meikayla Stambolziev, Jocelyn Doig, Ella Strangward and Koko Jones
Our boys also had great results in two major events. Dan Tappenden won gold in the senior boys single at the Scotch Mercs Regatta. At the Junior Boys State Championships two APC crews won silver. They were:
Year 10 Division 2:
James Cotter (cox), Leo Stepancic, Sam Crawford, Daniel Simpson and Sam Roberts
Year 10 Division 3:
Felix Jones (cox), Nathan Ruhl, Oscar Sterkenburg, Miles Gutteridge and Josh Hall
ABOVE: ACADEMY COACH VIRGINIA LEE WITH SILVER MEDALLISTS COCO GLEESON-PAYNE AND LILLIAN HINNEBERG, AND BRONZE MEDALLIST ELISE DOIG
TOP: GOLD MEDALLISTS FARRAH HALL, NAAMI HIBBERD, ROMY SEKULICH, BEA BRADLEY AND JULIA KWIATKOWSKA.
SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT SWIMMING
Jack Gonzales (left) is king of the 100m breast stroke after coming second in the State final, narrowly missing out on gold.
His silver medal was a great reward after setting a new secondary school record in the Beachside District competition, and then winning the Southern Metropolitan Region (SMR) event to progress to the Victorian final.
The APC squad is full of star performers. Year 7 student Logan Viljoen (below) was named champion in the 12-13 years girls section at the Beachside District, and went on to win the 50m butterfly in the SMR competition. In the state finals, she finished a creditable sixth.
Year 10 student Millie Andrich (bottom) was third in the 200m freestyle in the SMR while the relay squads picked up multiple medals at the same event.
SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT MOUNTAIN BIKE
LAWN BOWLS
YEAR 9 TEAM GETS ON A ROLL
Intermediate and senior lawn bowls teams did the college proud this year during the Interschool Sports at the Middle Park Bowling Club.
APC’s most experienced team - the Year 12 combination of Will, Veni and Joe - were admirable in their efforts but came up against strong opposition.
The Year 11s fielded three teams. Livia and Jamela competed consistently as a pair, while Max, Tommy and Levijn bowled well
and got rewarded with a couple of wins against good opposition. Nash, Tom and Cruz went on a stellar run all the way to the final, falling just short against a strong Glen Eira team.
But a round of applause for the Year 9 team of Nick, Luca, Cohen and Pheonix (right) who not only won the day, but then took out the Southern Metropolitan Region competition to make it all the way to the state final before coming up short.
What a performance!
SUNNY
SHINES AT
THREDBO
Year 11 student Sunny Beer took to the air during the Interschool mountain bike competition at Thredbo earlier this year.
Sunny finished in fourth, just a few seconds off third place. It was a great achievement, given it was her very first interschool competition.
SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT EPEE FENCING
KAT HAS NO POINT
TO PROVE
BASKETBALL
Madelin Eliadis has been selected in the New Zealand under 16 girls basketball team, while APC's senior girls team has made it to the SMR finals.
Year 12 student Kat Egan is on top of the world after her success in the Australian Women’s National Championships in Epee fencing in Sydney on the weekend.
CRICKET
Year 7 student Cleo Dau is dominating at junior cricket and football, while APC's Year 7 mixed cricket team has advanced to the SMR finals.
Kat came second and, due to the sport’s point system, is now ranked 1st in Australia for Women’s Senior Epee Fencing.
SOCCER
Kaya Jugovic has been named in the Junior Matildas squad, while APC's senior mixed soccer team has advanced to the SMR finals.
That is simply oustanding!
RUNNING
Year 10 student Bridgette Williams has made the national finals in long distance running.
SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT FOOTBALL
GIRLS POWER THROUGH TO THE
NEXT ROUND
APC’S senior and junior girls’ football teams are through to the Southern Metropolitan Region finals in July after strong wins at Beachside.
A special mention also has to the intermediate girls team who were forced to field an understrength side after some late withdrawals. They may not have won, but they played with real heart.
And APC’s intermediate boys football team has moved into the
TO THE
SOCCER
Our Intermediate girls and boys teams took out the Beachside District titles, and both will now play in the Southern Metropolitan Region finals.
THE PROUD SENIOR GIRLS TEAM (ABOVE LEFT) HAS ADVANCED TO THE REGIONAL FINALS AND WELL DONE
INTERMEDIATE TEAM (TOP)
SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT VOLLEYBALL
BATTLE OF THE SANDS
The Year 8 girls swept all before them to win gold at the Volleyball Victoria Beach Schools Cup at South Melbourne Beach earlier this year.
Gemma Yong, Sarah Corcoran, Isabelle Dimiropolous, Mariana Londono Munoz and Angie Zhou continued on their great form,
TENNIS
The senior boys tennis team (right) took out the district and regional competitions to earn the right to play in the state finals early this week. Despite playing some hot tennis, they fell just short in their hotly contested matches.
The Year 7 girls (far right) and the Year 8 girls also showed their class by taking out the district finals and will play in the regional finals in September.
having won gold in the Year 7 division last year.
It was an all-APC final, too! They played off against fellow Year 8s Lola McBride, Hanna Middleton,
Sofia Cross and Michaela Lam, who won silver.
Almost 70 school teams competed in the tournament and APC came away ranked 10th in the state.
The Year 8 girls took their great form into indoor volleyball, winning both the district and Southern Metropolitan Region finals. They will compete in the state finals in November.
SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT ATHLETICS
WE SHOW OUR RIVALS A CLEAN PAIR OF HEELS
CROSS COUNTRY
When it comes to the world of cross country, APC knows how to show its rivals a clean pair of heels.
At the Beachside cross country event, APC runners came home first in multiple age groups.
Well done to everyone who was first across the line: Fiete Diers (under 12-13 boys), Oscar Woodhouse (under 14 boys), George Dickie (under 15 boys), Jed Farthing (under 16 boys), Hannah Angus (under 16 girls), Patrick Moore (open boys) and Honour Tobin (open girls).
ROAD RUNNERS POWER AROUND THE PARK
On a crisp autumn morning at Princes Park, teams from across the state gathered for the highly anticipated Victorian All Schools Road Relay event.
The format involves teams of four runners taking it in turns to run 3km around the Carlton track.
APC had five teams competing, and two teams finished in the top five:
U20 Girls: 4th from 23 teams
Poppy Donaldson: 12:09, Isla Mithen: 12:08, Ruby Donaldson: 11:47, Honour Tobin: 11:39
U16 Boys: 5th from 36 teams
Oscar Woodhouse: 10:34, Finn Meehan: 11:09, Fiete Diers: 11:26, Max Ilett: 11:13
U16 Boys: 17th from 36 teams
Maxim Bowring: 11:20, Xavier Benson: 13:32, Teddy Roche: 13:04, Curtis Brown: 13:01
U14 Girls: 17th from 26 teams
Alex Naidoo: 14:16, Vivan Cunsolo: 14:50, Cleo Dau: 14:14, Violet Campbell: 14:55
U18 Girls: 18th from 36 teams
Hannah Angus: 11:56, Frey Mithen: 13:32, Olivia Sadler: 18:27, Millie Andrich: 13:28
As icing on the cake, the under 15 boys won the teams event, while the 12-13 boys, the 12-13 girls and the under 14 boys teams came second.
TEACHERS TAKE A DIVE DEEP INTO THE POWER OF THE BRAIN
APC’s annual two-day conference early in May brought together more than 200 staff to take a deep dive into the latest neuroscience research relating to new ways to learn.
That was the theme from keynote speaker Judi Newman, who took staff on a deep dive into the power of the brain to rewire to improve teaching outcomes.
The keynote address kicked off two days of staff workshops, with a range of topics such as “Thinking for thinking: overcoming biases in teaching and learning” and “Nutrition, Neuroscience and Education: The Adolescent Diet that Enhances Learning”.
Senior APC staff led group discussions on learning collaboratively and connecting more effectively with young students.
The evening dinner also had the theme of “The sky’s the limit” to add a further positive vibe to the conference.
“Best conference ever”, was how one senior staff member described the event.
HANNAH LEAVES HER CREATIVE MARK ON APC
HANNAH SPEED MIGHT BE ONE OF APC’S NEWEST ALUMNUS, BUT SHE HAS ALREADY LEFT HER MARK BY WINNING THE MAJOR PRIZE AT THE COLLEGE ART SHOW.
WHAT YEAR DID YOU COMPLETE VCE?
2024!
WHAT DID YOU STUDY IN VCE?
I chose a creative focus throughout VCE because I love design and expressing ideas visually. I completed 3/4 Art in Year 11, then studied Visual Communication, Product Design (Textiles), English, Business Management, and General Maths in Year 12.
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF YOUR SCHOOL YEARS AT APC?
The best part was the environment, especially the creative energy of Studio 120. The talented and supportive teachers, along with the freedom to explore ideas, made it a place I really enjoyed being in. I also loved the Year 12 events that brought everyone together. They were a highlight and made a difficult year feel special.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE FINISHING VCE?
I took time to relax, go on holiday, and work to recover from all the spending! I’ve now started studying Interior Design at RMIT, which keeps me busy, but I’ve also got travel plans mid-year to keep a healthy balance.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO WIN THE MAJOR ART PRIZE AT THE APC ART SHOW LAST YEAR?
Winning the art prize was such an honour — knowing that something I created will hang at APC permanently is incredibly meaningful and a reminder of where it all began.
I actually found out I had won while I was on Schoolies, which made the moment even more surreal and exciting.
It gave me a huge confidence boost to keep sharing my work, and since then I’ve exhibited in other shows and local cafés.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE WORKING IN 10 YEARS?
I hope to be working as an interior designer, creating meaningful, beautiful spaces that reflect people’s lives and stories. I also hope my artwork continues to grow, with pieces exhibited Galleries and displayed in people’s homes
LOOKING BACK ON 2024, WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO THIS YEAR’S VCE?
Take VCE one day at a time. Working consistently and putting in effort really pays off, but don’t be afraid to ask for help - there are so many people at APC who genuinely want to support you. VCE can feel intense, so make time for yourself and the things you love. Getting involved.
Your happiness and well-being are just as important as your ATAR, so keep things in perspective and enjoy the year whenever you can.
HANNAH SPEED IS CONGRATULATED ON HER WINNING ENTRY BY PRINCIPAL STEVEN COOK AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL HAYLEY SCHIRMER.
JOIN OUR ALUMNI
STAFF AND STUDENTS
A WALK BACK IN TIME
Year 11 Food Studies classes recently took a special discovery walk through the Botanic Gardens to learn more about the rich history and thriving cultures of Australia's First Peoples.
During their walk, a First Nations guide shared stories, connection to plants and unique uses for food, tools and medicine.
The students even got to sample some native berries.
STAFF AND STUDENTS
YEAR 11 FOCUS SHIFTS TO THE WORLD OF WORK
Year 11 students spent a day focusing on their future as part of APC’s Career Insight Day.
As part of the event, students interviewed APC parents and community members about their work, and listened to the career journey of people working in areas as diverse as law, renewable energy, game design and more.
Students then attended a Volunteer Fair, where they met representatives of local organisations and learnt how to get involved in community work.
Thank you to all parents and members of the school community who volunteered their time in both the Career Insight Seminars and Volunteer Fair.
BUDDING TYCOONS FACE A GRILLING
This year the Year 10s had the opportunity to choose Entrepreneurship as an elective and it has proved an instant success with more than 30 budding business tycoons taking part.
The students were asked to form small teams and develop an idea they could turn into a successful business.
Just like in the TV show Shark Tank, they then had to pitch their idea to a panel of parents who were also successful business people.
Some of the ideas pitched by our young entrepreneurs included a fishing lure made of biodegradable material, a recipe app designed to give young people cooking
skills, and an e-bike company to facilitate inter-campus travel.
Each team faced a panel of four parents, receiving both feedback and advice.
A big thank you to our parents and panel members Melissa Byrne, Ruth Allen, Kevin Saunders, Susie Fitch, Jenny Hsieh and Darren Thomas for taking time
out of their busy days to ask insightful questions and offer their professional feedback.
Isabel Hollingdale Entrepreneurship teacher Student Leadership coordinator
OUR PARENT PANEL (LEFT) RUTH ALLEN, MELISSA BYRNE, KEVIN SAUNDERS AND SUSIE FITCH PREPARE TO INTERVIEW OUR YOUNG ENTREPREUNERS.
Albert Park Scout Group is looking for young people to join their Group!
Scouting actively engages and supports young people aged 5-25 in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Our Section meeting nights are Joeys | ages 5-8 | Thursday 5:15pm - 6:15pm Scouts | ages 11-14 | Tuesday 7pm - 9pm
Cubs | ages 8-11 | coming to Mondays in Term 3
Register your interest now!
We meet at 31A Ferrars Place, South Melbourne
For more information or to join, please email gl.albertpark@scoutsvictoria.com.au
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
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about CSEF visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund
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
