Always Aloysius, Winter 2023

Always Aloysius

WINTER 2023 ST ALOYSIUS

Year 7 Co-Education Commences

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Principal’s Welcome

MARY FARAH, PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the Winter edition of Always Aloysius,

The first semester of 2023 at Aloysius College has been a bustling and exciting time for the college community and, reflecting this, the Winter edition of Always Aloysius brings a host of exciting news to our community. This semester will forever be remembered as when we commenced coeducation in Year 7, a decision taken after careful consideration and extensive research, and now one fully endorsed by what has been a very positive change. This semester though also bore witness to a multitude of celebrations and activities, including International Women’s Day, St Aloysius Day, and the return of our high achievers from the Class of 2022, as well as excellent learning and teaching!

The semester commenced with our inaugural coeducational cohort at Year 7, enabling the college to immediately offer a more comprehensive educational experience and a fully inclusive environment which better aligns with the values of our community. The girls and boys at Year 7 have settled in well, with all enjoying their recent camps and classroom experiences, as indeed have the staff! Within the first

few weeks of term, we also celebrated International Women’s Day, with the college organizing various events and activities, including engaging talks, aimed at empowering and inspiring the whole college community - pictures and details are shared within this publication.

St Aloysius Day was another highlight of the semester, with students, staff, and alumni coming together to celebrate the life and legacy of our college’s patron. The day was filled with various activities, including Mass, wonderful games and performances, and a festival atmosphere that brought the college community together in a spirit of Mercy, camaraderie, and goodwill.

We were also thrilled to welcome back our high achievers from the Class of 2022, who returned to the college to share their experiences and achievements with our current students. Their stories and successes were a source of inspiration for everyone, and all at the assembly were reminded of the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance - of the need to Strive for Higher Things. The Class of 2022 certainly did it tough throughout the COVID lockdowns, so

their achievements were especially warranted.

This semester I am also delighted to report that work on the new Master Plan is reaching finalisation, with Stage One set for commencement prior to the end of 2024. The Master Plan aims to enhance the college’s infrastructure and further provide state-of-the-art facilities for our students. It is a mid to long-term project that will see significant investment in the college’s facilities over the next few years. We are very confident that this will greatly benefit our students and will further contribute to the wonderful academic success that has become a hallmark.

One of the great aspects of first semester is welcoming new staff members into the family that is St Aloysius; I am pleased to share that all have settled in well and have already started to make very positive contributions to the St Aloysius College community. Our new colleagues bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are so excited to have them join us.

As I close this editorial, and encourage you to read ahead, I can

confirm that this semester has been one of learning, new starts, great celebrations, and some reflection for the Aloysius College community.

We are proud of our achievements in such a short period of time, inspired by the successes of our students, and

genuinely excited about what the future holds. As these pages of Always Aloysius will reveal, we continue to be a school of great optimism and hope, a wonderful community of past and current students, families and friends, and a college steeped in the Mercy

traditions providing the platform for being innovative and daring, for challenging and supporting each individual to seek out their own story, to make their mark, to strive for ever higher things.

College Co-Captains

Hello, my name is Celeste Barravecchio and I am one of the College CoCaptains for 2023.

I have had multiple opportunities of being a House Leader and Class Captain throughout the years. Through my leadership roles I have learnt how to be a successful leader, developing effective communication skills, how to be confident and how to be an active listener to my peers. At the College, I’ve also had opportunities to pursue my passion for basketball, 150 years of Catholic education mass, Sports leader breakfast and representing the College with pride and respect. I hope as one of the College Captains to be more inclusive with the school community expanding and becoming co-educational, making sure the boys are involved with our St Aloysius and Mercy day activities. I would encourage the boys to participate in the activities being provided and to participate in

the school community and get involved with what significance St Aloysius has and what influence he has on the school community. With that said, also incorporate what Mercy Day is about and how we can help the wider community by providing money from our fundraising activites to Catherine Maculey services and how we as a school can help individuals with essential needs. This year we have used our House teams Fallon, McAuley, Scully and Verdon charities to influence how we can raise money for them. Being in Verdon House our charities are about being sustainable and how we as a community provide and educate people to be sustainable and help to be eco-friendly.

My name is Chloe Collin, I am one of the College Co-Captains of 2023. This year I have the amazing opportunity to work as a part of the Perfect team. This is one of the many experiences I have had during my time at St. Aloysius

college. Throughout my time from year 7–12 like others I have experienced the tight community of St. Aloysius, the constant support from teachers and others around me, as I feel that our school community is very close. I have found this especially important during Year 12 and other times such as throughout Covid . I have gotten opportunities like competing in SCSA sports or College activities like the musical in 2021 which allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. Other opportunities such as House athletes and swimming or even days like St. Aloysius day will be things I remember as these days are so significant and fun each year. One of my goals for 2023, being a College Co- Captain, is getting more people to try these things or new things that they wouldn’t normally do. I think this is extremely important not only for the younger year levels but for everyone around the school as some of these opportunities only come once. I also think that building on things that the College offers, like school sports, musicals, house competitions or other clubs and getting more people participating is one thing I will work on alongside with the Prefect team as this will allow the College community to bond.

CELESTE BARRAVECCHIO, COLLEGE CO-CAPTAIN

CHLOE COLLIN, COLLEGE CO-CAPTAIN

2023 College Prefects

We are proud to introduce the 2023 College Prefect Team

“Leadership is not a position or title, it is action and example”

TAHLIA WATSON Scully House Prefect

TABITHA DE LOS SANTOS Creativity Prefect

KAI VENTURA McAuley House Prefect

PRANIDHI PUSRAM Student Action Prefect

FREYA TAYLOR Art Prefect

CHARLOTTE NELSON Fallon House Prefect

DINA TESHOME Social Justice Prefect

KELSEY CHATTERTON Sports Prefect

JASMINE HERRERA Verdon House Prefect

ISABELLA FRASER Sustainability Prefect

Community Connect

RUTH MCCLELLAND PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY CONNECT

I am pleased to introduce myself and the rest of the committee of the St Aloysius College Parents and Friends Association, Community Connect. As the president of Community Connect and the parent of a current St Aloysius student, I am delighted to be a part of a group of individuals who are passionate about supporting our school community.

Our aim is simple: to connect the school community and make St Aloysius College an even better place for its students, families, staff and friends of the College. We are committed to achieving these objectives by organising a variety of events and activities throughout the year. From fundraising events to social gatherings, our aim is to create a vibrant and supportive community for everyone involved with St Aloysius, whilst also supporting the College’s growth and development.

Already, we have run a successful Year 7 family evening (please see Megan’s article on P9 for more about that!), and we are in the process of organising other activities and events for the wider College Community.

We welcome expressions of interest from members of this brilliant community who may wish to support the College by supporting us (via treasurer_cc@aloysius.vic.edu.au)

We thank you for your continued support of Community Connect and look forward to watching the College thrive together.Time

How can you get involved?

• Volunteering to help organise and run events and activities such as fundraising events, school holiday programs or social gatherings

• Serving as a mentor to current students, providing guidance and support in areas such as academics, sports coaching or career development

• Participating as a member of Community Connect (current families only) to help shape policies and decisions that affect the school community

Expertise

• Sharing professional skills and expertise to benefit the College and its students

• Speaking at College events, sharing insights and experiences in areas such as career pathways,

personal development, entrepreneurship, leadership, or community service

• Providing feedback and insights for school programs or initiatives, based on knowledge and experience in related fields

Goods

• Donating supplies or equipment for the school, such as books, art supplies, or sports equipment

• Providing in-kind donations, such as printing services or catering, for school events and activities.

• Sponsoring or supporting fundraising initiatives, such as contributing prizes for the Mother’s or Father’s Day Breakfasts.

Catholic Education Week

MICHAEL CHESSER, DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC MISSION & MERCY ETHOS

Catholic Education Week, which ran this year from Sunday 12 March to Sunday 19 March 2023, was an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the sector.

This theme for Catholic Education Week 2023 was: Forming lives of faith, hope and love in the light of Christ.

The week coincides with the feast day of St Patrick with a special celebration Mass on St Patrick’s Day Friday 17 March at the Cathedral.

The Young Speakers Colloquium for senior secondary students was also held

straight after the Mass of St Patrick for Schools. Secondary students walked from St Patrick’s Cathedral to the Catholic Leadership Centre for lunch and guest speaker Fr Rob Galea.

As part of the Catholic Education Week, there was a Creative Arts Exhibition.

The Creative Arts Exhibition showcases the wonderful artwork of primary and secondary students in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It reflects their creativity in a broad range of impressive and inspiring works across various disciplines, including painting, photography, sculpture, fashion and film.

On the 17th of March, a few selected Year 10 students accompanied Mr Chesser and Ms Donato to the St. Patricks Cathedral in East Melbourne for the annual St Patrick’s day mass. Catholic primary and secondary schools from the Melbourne Archdiocese were in attendance, the mass was celebrated by Archbishop Comensoli and other concelebrates. Following the mass, we were able to introduce ourselves and partake in a photo with the Archbishop.

Next, we walked down to the Catholic Leadership Centre (CLC) for a special lunch and to hear the guest speaker, Father Rob Galea, a parish priest from Bendigo. His story was inspiring, speaking about his troubled life in Malta as a teenager before deciding to follow God and become a priest. Father Rob is also an accomplished singer-song writer who has sung for the Pope and will take part in the World Youth Day in Lisbon Portugal, later this year. Father Rob also told us that as Christians and Catholics, we don’t follow a religion but a person, Jesus Christ. He connected with us and spoke about his passion and love for God, he explained to us that everyone is ‘messed up’ in their own way, and it was okay to acknowledge that. Father Rob also shared with us the importance of praying to Jesus for guidance.

We want to thank Mr Chesser and Ms Donato for giving us this opportunity to partake in the mass and the conference. Thank you for taking us to the venues and giving us your time.

From a Year 7 Parent

MEGAN CUSACK

Change is always confronting, especially when starting a new school, let alone one that is also transitioning to co-ed education. For our family however, the transition to St Aloysius was seamless. The boys were warmly embraced by the school community from day one. They made new friends, settled into a route surprisingly quickly, participated in all the sports and languages on offer, and from an academic view they have excelled in areas we didn’t even know they enjoyed. The bonus is that as a family too we have made new friends as we have participated in the host of events made available to us to meet new families – especially at the Community Connect bowling and pizza evening where our boys introduced us to their new friends and the parents. The school and its community has exceeded all of our expectations, and we look forward to the boys continuing to thrive at St Al’s!

ALYSSIA, CHRISTINE AND HANNAH

Reflections of St Aloysius Day

MICHAEL CHESSER, DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC MISSION & MERCY ETHOS

Celebrating the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga is obviously very important to our College, but is also a day to come together as a Community to celebrate our life as a Catholic School, including joyous and festivity activities. We commenced the day with a pastoral reflection, being reminded of the life attributes of our patron saint, and then completing Year Level allocated activities, including letters to future students, and cards of inspiration to our student buddies.

A key component of the day was our Whole School Mass celebrated in the Hall by Fr Thang Vu, who, during his homily, thanked us on listening attentively and reminded us on how we are to love one another as ourselves. The mass was enhanced by the lovely singing of the College Choir and cantors, Alyssia Diegmann 10C, & Alyssa Jandayan 11B. It was also a pleasure to have the Junior Band lead our final hymn, concluding the mass with great vibrance. The mass was a

great way for various members of our school community to be involved in significant aspects as well as a time to be in the presence of our Lord in prayer and communion.

Concluding the Mass, students and staff dressed up in costume representing decades passed. There were plenty of celebratory activities to be involved in, including a disco, carnival games, a photo booth and a Staff vs Students volleyball game.

Overall it was a lovely day, and despite the weather bringing a very cold breeze, the warm shinning sunlight reminded us of how St Aloysius Gonzaga was a Shining Light to his community and how now, we may celebrate his life by continuing to bring warmth, comfort and joy to those in our community, guided by the Light of Christ.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Harrison Brink

Congratulations to Year 7 Student Harrison Brink. Harrison is a member of the Hyde Street Youth Band and travelled to the Australian National Band Championships in Newcastle on the 6-10th April, along with about 40 other band members. Harrison returned to Melbourne as an Australian National Junior Brass Band Champions, and Open D Grade Brass Band Champions. Harrison is also an Australian Junior Tympani Champion. Well done Harrison on this fantastic achievement and we can certainly see that all the rehearsals and practice paid off.

Congratulations to Molly Mealmaker and Amelia Cafali

This year St Aloysius is delighted to announce that we have two Year 11 students that placed in the Catholic Education Week Arts competition for 2023. Molly Mealmaker received the Portraiture Prize Secondary Winner in first place for ‘Self Portrait’. Amelia Cafali receiving the Royal Botanic Gardens Inspired by Nature Award – Secondary Winner for ‘Sunset’.

Congratulations to Jayla Nguyen

Jayla Nguyen recently competed at the Judo Victorian Competition. Jayla won Gold in the Cadet Women’s U18 & Junior Women’s U21. She also won Silver in the Senior Women’s Over 21. An amazing achievement!

Life is co-ed & so are we. The transition toward co-education encompasses various aspects including learning, wellbeing and overall wider school experiences. Regardless of whether our students are in a single-sex or co-educational setting, from a teaching and learning perspective the provision of a robust curriculum is a fundamental. As a whole school, the priority of ensuring the curricula offerings allow for deep learning and the crucial future-proofed skills of critical thinking and problem solving is driven and supported by the expertise of our team of knowledgeable Learning Leaders.

Commencing Co-Education

CHRIS NEEDLE, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING (YEARS 7-9), CO-EDUCATION TRANSITION LEADER

Moreover, the Universal Learning Programme plays a vital role in shaping our curriculum structure, benefiting not only the junior school but the entire school community. Through coaching and explicit competence development, we strive to enhance students’ character, collaboration, passion, and mastery.

Student agency creates the platform for ownership of learning. The transition to co-education has further highlighted the College’s commitment to – and inextricable link between – learning and wellbeing. We remain dedicated to nurturing respectful relationships and upholding the core Mercy Education values of hospitality, service, and compassion that define our school. This commitment is highlighted through a multi-faceted and comprehensive approach, including learning and wellbeing conferences, the provision of

school guidance, in-classroom support and a whole-school wellbeing agenda facilitated by our skilled wellbeing team, including our Wellbeing Director, College Psychologists and Year Level Leaders.

Learning and wellbeing extend beyond of the classroom. The transition to co-education has seen an already flourishing co-curricular programme grow from strength to strength. The expansion of sport through our membership of the Association of CoEducation Schools, the annual Musical Production, Social Justice Clubs, itinerant musical programmes and debating belong to an ever-expanding list of co-curricular activities that create an environment where every student is supported to discover the passions and follow the interests that inspire them.

St Aloysius College St Aloysius College

Production of Production of

Enrolments Closing Soon for

Year 7, 2025

KEY DATES, YEAR 7 2025

Enrolment Applications close

Friday, 18th August 2023

Offers sent

Friday, 20th October 2023

Offer Acceptance Deadline

Friday, 10th November 2023

Share your story and stay in touch with the St Aloysius community

We love hearing from former students and staff about life developments, engagements, weddings, big career moves and families starting.

ALUMNI UPDATES

Scan the QR code to send us an update or head to website link below to let us know.

https://www.aloysius.vic.edu.au/ community/alumni/share-alumni-news

STAY IN TOUCH

Need to updated your details? Scan the QR code or visit aloysius. vic.edu.au/community/alumni to update your details.

CLAIM YOUR BRAGGING RIGHTS!

Have a personal achievement you’d like to share with the St Aloysius community? We’d love to celebrate with you!

Please email your story to Tom Madden at maddent@aloysius.vic.edu.au

New Staff Welcome

TOM CROWLE

I’m very excited to be joining St Aloysius in 2023 – a year that promises to be a dynamic year of growth for the school, its students and its community.

I join the St Aloysius community with seventeen years’ experience across both all-girls’ education in the Catholic and Independent sectors, as well as experience in co-education. I value a return to Mercy Education and its emphasis on supporting Mercy women to flourish and serve their community.

GRACE FETHERS

Hi there, my name is Grace and I am very excited to commence 2023 as the College’s new Education Support Officer. I am very much looking forward to joining the St Aloysius community, where I will be working closely with students to support them in their learning. I am passionate about celebrating student diversity and uniqueness, and this is very much part of the St Aloysius ethos. Along with the Learning Diversity team, we will be ensuring that all students’ needs are being catered for and that everyone feels included and supported. Currently, I am in my final year of a Masters of Teaching at the University of Melbourne. I am also a North Melbourne local, where I can regularly be found in cafes, the library, and walking around Royal Park.

NATALIE GEARY

I’m Natalie the new Science Laboratory Technician.

I come from the Department of Agriculture’s AgriBio building which is Victoria’s leading research facility for Agriculture Biosciences. AgriBio is the Victorian governments arm of scientific research and respond to all events that affect our primary industries. AgriBio is involved with many scientific advancements including the well-known A2 milk or drought resistance crops. AgriBio staff also respond to quarantine events and natural disasters that affect our state such as bushfire, flood recovery and pest response. After 15 years as AgriBio’s Laboratory Manager I am looking forward to this big change to personally grow further and help shape, support, and encourage the new generation of scientists into the world here at St Aloysius.

I have a deep passion for science, nature and working with animals. I have 2 beautiful sons Samuel and Michael, who are at the core of everything I do, and you’ll often find me creating fun science and nature-based activities for them.

BRAD HALL

I’m very excited to be joining the St Aloysius community. I have been teaching for five years with St Al’s being my third school. Previous to teaching, I spent many years at the University of Melbourne in various finance and administrative roles across many faculties. I specialise in teaching English, Humanities, and Commerce subjects and have a passion for helping students reach their full potential. I have two children whom I love spending time with and in my free time, I enjoy listening to R&B soul/funk music (1975 to 1985 is the sweet spot) and practicing Karate.

ELISA LITVIN

I have been a teacher of history and Humanities for over 23 years. Originally from Detroit, USA, I have had varied experiences educating senior school students in both Victoria and the United States.

Most recently I was at Assumption College as a Humanities teacher and Humanities Learning Leader. My very first school in the Detroit area was run by the Sisters of Mercy, though, so I view starting at St Aloysius as a form of homecoming. I look forward to helping students make sense of the world they live in. I also look forward to leading the Humanities team at St Aloysius.

Because of my love for all things Humanities, you can find me on my off time in galleries and museums (history), visiting places near and far (geography), or involved with social programs and issues (civics & citizenship).

DIANNE MARTIN

Hi everyone, my name is Dianne Martin and I will be joining the College community this year teaching Year 7 and 9 Maths and Science.

I live locally but grew up on a dairy farm in Central Western NSW, where I learned to love the natural world. I enjoy returning to the farm to visit family, admire the landscape and see the sky full of stars. More locally, I like to go on walks next to beautiful spots like mountains, rivers and the ocean. This year I will be seeking to share a sense of wonder with students in my Maths and Science classes. I hope to encourage students to be curious about the world around them, and to help their brilliance shine through their studies and in their relationships with each other. I look forward to getting to know the students, families and staff in the College community this year!

KAREENA MARTIS

I am Kareena Martis, a Science, Biology and Music educator from New Zealand. I grew up in Auckland and have a background in Biomedical Science, Performance Violin and Education. I bring a decade of experience as a science educator and leader in various New Zealand schools. Outside work, I enjoy drinking coffee with a good book, playing the violin, tramping and exploring new places with my family.

I am so excited to join the fantastic team at St Aloysius College and share my expertise and passion for innovative education with this community.

PIPPA MILLS

Hello! It’s lovely to meet you all. My name is Pippa Mills and I am commencing my first year of teaching here at Aloysius.

I recently graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Masters in Secondary teaching at the end of 2022. Before that and (in between various spells of travel, pre-covid of course), I completed a Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne University with a Major in Creative Writing and English Literature. Whilst studying, I worked for a Barristers Clerk amongst the Melbour ne Court district for 4 years so I’m very much looking forward to the change of working in an educational setting. I’m incredibly honoured and excited to be teaching Literature, Media and Drama this year as we embark on what promises to be an exciting new era for St Aloysius as a co-educational institution.

In my spare time you can find me either nestled up with a book, watching films, attending theatre shows or swimming laps up and down the pool. I cannot wait to work in in an exciting environment that draws from St Aloysius’ long tradition, whilst embracing the new 21st century model of co-education. I look forward to meeting and getting to know the students, fellow teaching staff, parents/guardians and the wider community of this wonderful school. Bring on 2023!

SASKIA MUECKE

I’m Saskia, the new art and STEM technician. I am a practicing ceramicist having graduated from RMIT. I have a love of the outdoors, animals and anything creative and I am incredibly excited to become a part of the St Aloysius community.

STEFAN ODACHOWSKI

I am joining St Aloysius this year after 9 years as a teacher. My methods are English and History and I will be joining the school as an English teacher for 2023.

Previously I have spent seven years at St Kevin’s College with a two-year stint teaching in London in between. I absolutely loved my two years abroad, and visiting the Globe Theatre which made Shakespeare famous, and visiting Bath which inspired Mary Shelley were just a couple of highlights.

I am thoroughly looking forward to sharing my love of reading with the students and will be teaching a range of English classes from junior to senior.

ADAM VALLADARES

Hello and thank you to everyone at St Aloysius for such a warm welcome. I am thrilled to become part of your community after twenty years of teaching in other Catholic school in Melbourne.

I will fulfil the role of English Learning Leader at the College. I hope to continue to build on the success achieved in previous years.

I look forward to meeting and working with you over the coming months.

JEN SANTALUCIA

I am delighted to join the St Aloysius Staff and Community after having been appointed to the newly created role of Senior Leadership Administration Assistant. I will be working closely with and providing support to our Deputy Principal and Directors of the College.

Having worked previously in various administrative roles over the past 25 years or so, I have gained experience working with a few different companies both in the corporate and private sector. Some of my previous roles include personal assistant, customer service, marketing, and more recently, administration assistant working in a busy primary school environment.

Originally from Perth, I enjoy travelling back to the West with my family, visiting the beautiful beaches Perth has to offer during the summer holidays.

I am extremely excited to take on this new chapter at St Aloysius College. The staff here are genuinely wonderful and very supportive. I have already been made to feel extremely welcome and I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to work here. I look forward to making many new lifelong friendships within this wonderful community.

DANNY YIN

My name is Danny Yin. I have joined the College this year and am excited to be teaching VCE Mathematics and Physics. I am very much looking forward to being part of the St Aloysius College community.

TAMARA ZAFIROPOULOS

My name is Tamara, and I am the new College Psychologist at St Aloysius College. I come to the role as an Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrar with a wealth of experience working with children and adolescents with a range of mental health concerns, along with young people with neurodevelopmental differences and learning difficulties. As well as proving counselling services to students, I will also be conducting psychoeducational assessments to support students, their families, and teachers to best understand an individual’s learning needs. In my practice as a psychologist, I employ the philosophy of unconditional positive regard for my clients, and I have a passion for supporting people to live meaningful lives in line with their goals and values.

I’d like to thank all the staff and students at the college for their warm welcome of me into the community. I feel very honoured to be taking on this role and I am excited to be supporting student and whole school wellbeing and flourishing in 2023 and beyond.

BETH MCNAMARA

Hi my name is Beth. I have been working in regional Victoria and am excited to be living and working in the city. I am into cats (I have two) and enjoy spending my time with friends and family, music, gaming, and fitness.

I am a psychologist who has 10 years experience in working with children, young people, and adults - particularly those who have experienced trauma, developmental, and educational issues. I also have experience in delivering seminars, workshops, and mentoring other professionals. I am especially passionate about supporting children and young people in my work.

I am excited to join St Aloysius and look forward to meeting all the staff and students.