Always Aloysius, Summer 2019

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A St Aloysius College Publication Summer Edition 2019

Contents Invitation to Alumni Event............................................. 2 Principal’s Welcome ........................................................... 3 Celebration Evening........................................................... 4 2020 College Prefect Team .............................................. 6 Student Achievements...................................................... 7 Year 7 to 10 Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition .............................................................................. 8 VCE Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition...... 10 Class of 2019 ..........................................................................12 Facilities Update..................................................................14 Introducing our Alumni Committee.........................16 Alumni Profile – Suzan Rustom ..................................17 Alumni Events – Christmas in July & Class of 2018 ..............................18 Alumni News........................................................................20 Farewell to Camile Bradley .......................................... 22

Alumni Reunion Alumni Reunion Alumni Reunion A reunion for students who graduated in years ending in 0....

A reunion for students who graduated in years ending in 0....

2010, 1980, & 1960 A reunion students1990, who graduated in years 2010,for2000, 2000, 1990, 1980, 1970 1970 &ending 1960in 0....

A reunion for students who graduated in years ending in 0....

2010, 2000, 1990, 1980, 1970 & 1960 2010, 2000, 1990, 1980, 1970 & 1960

Thursday, 27th February 2020 Thursday, 2020 Thursday, 27th February February 2020 Twilight Twilight Evening Evening 5.00 5.00 –– 8.00pm 8.00pm Twilight 5.00––8.00pm 8.00pm TwilightEvening Evening 5.00 Join us for a BBQ and refreshments in our recently Join us for a BBQ and refreshments in our recently renovated courtyard at St Aloysius College. renovated courtyard at St Aloysius College.

Join foraaBBQ BBQ and refreshments refreshments in recently Join ususfor and inour our recently renovated courtyard at St Aloysius College.

RSVP at: https://www.trybooking.com/BGXXO renovated courtyard at St Aloysius College.

RSVP at: https://www.trybooking.com/BGXXO before 24th February 2020 RSVP at: https://www.trybooking.com/BGXXO before Day 24th February 2020 RSVP at: https://www.trybooking.com/BGXXO before Day 24th February 2020 RSVP at: Forhttps://www.trybooking.com/BGXXO more information contact Rose on 93259262before Day 24th February 2020 Day 24th February 2020

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Always Aloysius – Summer Edition, 2019

St Aloysius College 31 Curran Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 Ph: 03 9325 9200 Email: principal@aloysious.vic.edu.au Website: www. aloysious.vic.edu.au Design: DMC Group / dmcg.com.au / info@dmcg.com.au

Principal’s Welcome “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

One may indeed say that Summer is an extraordinary time for ordinary people........ or is it in fact that ordinary people have an extraordinary time? The ordinary and the extraordinary are words that describe life at St Aloysius on a daily basis. They are words which describe Always Aloysius, they are words which describe our community and, as Principal, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Welcome to the Summer edition of Always Aloysius. and Queensland and the news brings stories of great courage by ordinary people in extraordinary situations.

As you flick through these pages you will also bear witness to extraordinary achievements, extraordinary efforts, extraordinary kindness, extraordinary friendships and extraordinary talents.

The St Aloysius College community is truly extraordinary, but its heart also beats genuinely with the ordinary, for it is a grounded place, it is a compassionate place, a hospitable place and it is true to its inspirations. Always Aloysius indeed.

Our College theme for 2019 has been ‘Courage’, perhaps the greatest of the Mercy values, for without courage it would be impossible to practise consistently any of the other values. Summer of course is not only about sunshine, it is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and these words of courage, ordinary and extraordinary keep coming to mind. When I think of the birth of Christ the word ordinary doesn’t seem appropriate, but then it occurred to me that God invites ordinary people to do extraordinary things, and perhaps this is no better demonstrated than in the life of Joseph. In the most miraculous moment in human history - the birth of Christ - we find at the heart of the story an ordinary man, but a man of God, a Just man. Joseph displays courage and turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

As I write this introduction, terrible bushfires are ravaging the states of NSW

The two most inspirational figures in the story of St Aloysius College are arguably

Catherine McAuley and St Aloysius.

We don’t often think of these greats as ‘ordinary’, just as we don’t think of Joseph as ordinary. But the truth is that all of these extraordinary people were ordinary people who displayed unique courage and created the extraordinary.

Courage turning ordinary into the extraordinary. This is the story of 2019 at St Aloysius College and it is the theme that runs strongly throughout this Summer edition. Enjoy the read, as Summer embarks enjoy time for yourself, for your family and friends, trust in God for the courage to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Wishing you a fantastic Summer, a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful and loving 2020.

In the footsteps of Catherine McAuley, Mary Farah Principal

Always Aloysius – Summer Edition, 2019

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Celebration Evening 2020 College Co-Captains, Eunice Abis and Georgia-Mae Salvo, were joint Masters of Ceremony at our annual Celebration Evening and together they highlighted, with confidence and competence, the 2019 successes and achievements of our students.

Congratulations to these students and the Prefect Team on officiating the proceedings with finesse and service-leadership. The Melbourne Convention Centre was filled with families and students, excited and proud of our 2019 academic year. Our College Theme of ‘Courage’ was highlighted to an appreciative audience for not just the award recipients but also of the talents of our students performing and presenting on stage.

Rachel Valentine Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching

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Always Aloysius – Summer Edition, 2019

Mercy Spirit Staff Award Kim Sue Hendry

Commitment to Innovation Staff Award: Andrew Lonsdale

Advisory Council Staff Award: Hannah Herodotos

Guest Speaker - Lucy Schulz

College Choir

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Introduction of 2020 College Prefect Team It is with great pleasure we introduce our 2020 College Prefects.

We look forward to the continued contribution these students will make to the College community.

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Student Action Prefect:

Olga Suchodolak

Sport Prefect:

Caledonia Segafredo

Social Justice Prefect:

Samerawit Molla

Verdon Prefect:

Josephine Dang

Scully Prefect:

Miab Taha

McAuley Prefect:

Kylie Lieu

Fallon Prefect:

Tyra Garcia

House Cup Prefect:

Amy Nguyen

Liturgy Prefect:

Elizabeth Sheridan

Arts Prefect:

Aanisha Monteiro

College Co – Captains:

Eunice Abis Georgia- Mae Salvo

Always Aloysius – Summer Edition, 2019

Year 7 to 10 Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition This year’s Year 7 to 10 Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition opening night on Tuesday 27 August was a fantastic success and was attended by many students, their parents and staff.

This year the Visual Arts and Technology staff awarded certificates in the categories of Technical and Creative ability and Principal’s Merit Award. Almost all the award winners attended with their families and friends. We thank the students in Food Technology who made an impressive supper for the night. One of the highlights was the large LCD screen hired in specially to present the animated pixel stories that were done by students in Year 10 Photography. Also popular were the Year 9 group canvasses, the Year 10 architecture model houses and the textile bags and jumpers. The staff feel that now we were able to attract so many parents to support their students’ efforts in visual arts and technology, the event is set to grow next year. The pictures on this page show happy award winners with their certificates.

Ric Roberts Art Leader

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VCE Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition This year’s VCE exhibition of Visual Arts and Technology exhibition was the final opportunity the College had to see the work of this group of talented students.

Year 11 and 12 classes in Studio Arts, Media and Visual Communication Design put together a comprehensive display of art forms, ideas, methods and techniques. The opening night held on Friday 15 November in the STEM Centre was a completely new date for this event and brought with it a wonderful atmosphere of celebration of the year’s senior work. Highlights of the show were the wonderful paintings and drawings done in Year 12 Studio Arts. The Visual Communication Design examples demonstrated our students’ capacities in technical and presentation drawing using both manual and digital skills. The Media

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Always Aloysius – Summer Edition, 2019

work this year comprised three out of 4 of the students working in the ‘print’ media form with one other completing an animated story. A significant point to note is that two of our students in Visual Arts completed all three of these subjects. The standard of art, media and design works was high and can only serve to motivate our students in Year 11 who have already begun their orientation to the courses in Visual Arts in Year 12.

Ric Roberts Art Leader

Student Achievements We are extremely proud of the students at the College and celebrate these special achievements.

Music Theatre Guild Awards Earlier this year the College musical Hairspray Jnr entered the Music Theatre Guild Awards.

There are many shows and performers that enter each year, with awards recognising a variety of aspects of the performance and individual performers.

We are very proud to share that Aanisha Montiero of Year 11, received a Commendation for Best Supporting Female for her role in our production of Hairspray Jnr. If you had the privilege of seeing Aanisha perform this role, you will agree that she was outstanding on stage and is deserving of this recognition.

Wedding Bells Members of our College choir had the privilege of singing at the wedding of their Vocal Teacher, Natalie Ward as she married her partner Matt. The choir sang a moving version of “I can’t help falling in love with you” as Natalie walked down the aisle. There was not a dry eye in the church as the choir sang “Amazing Grace” at the service.

Write for Fun Congratulations to Poppy McNeal of Year 9 who received First Place for a poem she submitted in the “Write for Fun” competition.

Poppy’s poem, Beautiful Fractures is a lovely piece of writing, see her poem below.

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Class of 2019 “DARE TO DREAM” “Dare to dream with wings that take you across the pain that scars the world. Fly swift, fly sure, have courage and live the dream. God has called you out of darkness into the wonder of the light. Be strong in faith, hope and love; live out the dream.”

The Class of 2019, along with family and friends came together to celebrate their time at the College.

The Valedictory Mass and Dinner is a special time for students and their families.

It is a time of reflection on the years past as well as a time to look forward to the future.

As students embark on the next chapter of their life journey, they take with them fond

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memories and the Mercy values they have learnt throughout their time at the College.

They leave knowing they have made a contribution to the College community and are encouraged to make their mark on the world as Mercy women.

Jodie McLeod Community Development Manager

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Facilities Update The College continues to innovate and update facilities to ensure all programs can be supported with an efficient and effective 21st Century learning environment.

The College continues to listen to our community and its wishes so that funds are invested in areas that best serves the requirements of the students. In order to facilitate this we continually review and update the College Masterplan, which was initially approved in 2017.

Photos of progress – Classrooms

In 2018 the College opened its “Performing Arts and Technology precinct” on the south west corner of the College campus.

Based on this success the College has obtained further federal funding for the development of its VCAL classrooms and external courtyard spaces to provide: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Upgrade of classrooms to provide dedicated pastoral rooms and internal locker spaces for senior year levels.

Creation of dedicated, discrete counselling offices.

Creation of a dedicated student reception entrance.

Creation of visitor restroom facilities.

Development of external learning spaces and courtyard to dovetail with the Performing Arts and Technology precinct and create a Community Hub.

VCAL Room

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Counselling Office

The College has also refurbished the College Hall by: 1.

2.

3.

4.

These works are expected to be completed by the Commencement of Term 1 2020 and should provide a spectacular new vista for students, staff and parents to enjoy both in a classroom and community event setting.

Learning Areas

5.

Repainting the entire building Replacing the old wind up blinds with fully automated block blinds Replacing the old screen and motor and moving to a position that allows better usage of the stage area when the screen is being projected on to Replacing the old heavy velvet stage curtains with new modern fire retardant ones Modernising the College Honour and House Boards

Honour Boards

Facilities Update

Stage

Honour Boards

Whilst upgrading facilities we remain mindful of the environment and look to ensure that all projects consider sustainability when being developed.

This takes the form of materials used, energy saving devices and future proofing for wider sustainability projects such as solar power.

The College will continue to enhance its facilities as areas are identified for renewal. The masterplan has the following areas designated for attention over the forthcoming years: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Re-development of the Design Thinking and Innovation Centre Development of Curran Street House to provide a Community Learning Centre Modernisation of the College Science Block Further integration of remaining outdoor spaces into Curricula offerings

Jonathan Stringfellow Business Manager Always Aloysius – Summer Edition, 2019 13

Introducing our Alumni Committee In April os this year the St Aloysius College Alumni Sub-Committee was launched. The committee aims to keep you informed of the wonderful accomplishments of our alumni and keep you informed about upcoming events at the College.

The Alumni Committee Members are: Rose Parente - College Archivist & Alumni Co Ordinator, Vivian Vecchio - Class of 1978, Maria Ruberto - Class of 1985 and Nadia Cinalli-Wong - Class of 1988 Rose Parente

VIVIAN VECCHIO Class of 1978 After graduating from St Aloysius College in 1978, I was fortunate to land my first preference and study at the University of Melbourne. While there I studied Psychology and History and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts. Then it was time to engage in the workforce. I secured a job with Telecom (now Telstra) and here I spent the next 25 years of my working life with a short sojourn in 1987 while I studied a Graduate Diploma of Information Services at RMIT. My studies have given me the tools to be able to work in various areas of Telstra, from credit management, marketing, strategy, information services and operations. The broad based skills I gained were invaluable to allow me to have a rewarding and engaging career so that now I can give back to the College as a volunteer.

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NADIA CINALLI-WONG Class of 1988

MARIA RUBERTO Class of 1985

I attended St Aloysius from 1983 to 1988. I went on to study a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and as part of my university studies l participated in a student exchange program with the University of Florence in Italy which was the highlight of my studies. I returned from abroad and enrolled in my Master of Accounting and became a sessional tutor and lecturer. I landed a graduate program job with the State Revenue Office of Victoria, then spent eight years working at Ernst and Young, followed by a management role in a 2nd tier accounting firm before becoming a consultant.

I attended St. Aloysius College and graduated in 1985, they were some of the best years of my life. This year I celebrate 23 years in my vocation as a psychologist and as an alumna of St Aloysius College, the Mercy Cross has always been at the centre of my work. From St. Aloysius I went straight into University at Monash to study Social Sciences with the intention of majoring in Zoology. I then turned my attention to psychology as I was told it was the same, but different. I only began to really enjoy the studies in my last year, so I went on to study further and registered as a Psychologist in 1997.

I am married with 2 daughters, and my eldest has started Year 7 at St Aloysius this year. l now work as a part time business development consultant. I am thrilled to have reconnected with the College and to see how much it has changed since my days here. I remember my days at St Aloysius fondly and am proudly still in touch with many of my school friends.

Today my work is strongly aligned to the development of mental fitness and emotional health.

My current purpose is to lift women’s voices, help protect their rights and allow their strengths to be acknowledged rightfully and without prejudice. To have women know that they are vital to the fabric of our society.

Alumni Profile SUZAN EL-KHOURY, NEE. RUSTOM - Class of 2009

to further the vision of the incredible Catherine, educating the next generation in Psychology, Religious Education, and STEM. Also, as the Year 8 Learning and Wellbeing Level Leader, I can now not only teach, but care for the wellbeing of these girls in the way that my Year Level Coordinators did for me when I was at St Aloysius. It was these teachers who inspired me to be where I am now.

Through this journey, the advice I would give to any student considering where they want to be in the future, is to not be afraid to change your mind. You will only find where you truly belong by exploring your options, and do not ever feel like you have to be stuck in a job that does not fulfil you. If you do not wake up in the morning loving the job that you are going to, consider what can.

Where are they now?

After graduating from St. Aloysius in 2009, I decided to undertake a double degree in Bachelor of Psychology (Social Science) and Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at RMIT University. This decision came from my love of VCE Psychology, and my desire to make a difference. After completing this in 2014, I was left with the decision to pursue a career in this field, or to continue further study. While I loved the work I was doing, including working in the out-of-home care system, working with domestic violence survivors, and

community members in need of emergency relief, my heart was always in education.

Because of the inspirational teachers that I had at St Aloysius, and the compassionate and empowering community I was educated in, I decided to pursue Secondary Teaching at ACU. Now, it seems the values inspired by Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy had a more profound effect on me than I realised, as I was drawn to educate girls in a Mercy school, which I am now doing. Working at Mercy College, Coburg, has fulfilled me in so many ways, where now, I get the chance

I look back on my time at St Aloysius and remember attempting to stand on a surfboard at camp in Torquay, dancing at the St Al’s Day discos with my friends, the prayerful experience at the Amberley Retreat, getting dolled up for the Years 10 and 12 formals, and the glamour of every annual production. I also remember the incredible teachers and leaders, and the lessons that opened my mind and heart to the world around me. It excites me that I can now contribute to the same kind of remarkable memories for my students now, and to come.

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Alumni Events CLASS OF 2009 AND CLASS OF 1999 10 & 20 YEAR REUNION On the 25th July 2019 the Class of 2009 and Class of 1999 returned to the College after 10 and 20 years.

Many had not been back to the College since they left, many years ago. They were amazed at how much the College had changed over the years, although they shared a number of happy memories.

They recalled teachers, friendships and experiences that have helped shape them into the people they are today. The remembered fondly the classes they took and the teachers that showed them care and compassion. As they toured the College they were amazed at the facilities available to our students, wishing they too had such wonderful learning spaces when they were here and classes as interesting as our current students. They recalled their trips to Torquay, comparing them to the current programs our students have to travel globally and take part in opportunities such as Space Camp. “We never had anything like that” many commented. It is always wonderful to see the pride on the faces of Alumni as they return to the College and share their experiences of life, study and travels since graduation.

Rose Parente Alumni Co-Ordinator

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Alumni Events CLASS OF 2018

On the 17 September 2019 we welcomed back the Class of 2018.

After the excitement of seeing each other again graduates from the Class of 2018 were eager to tour the College to see how the current works and renovations were progressing. They were amazed at how much work was being done to the College grounds.

The girls have settled into their chosen studies and are enjoying the independence of combining work with university life.

We wish the Class of 2018 the best of luck in the next stage of their lives and look forward to many more opportunities to welcome them back to the College Rose Parente Alumni Co-Ordinator

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Alumni News Thank you….

Alumnae Marah Houlihan (Class of 2004)

Alumnae Marah Houlinan recently married her partner Simon in a fun-loving celebration at The Line. Among her guests were fellow St Aloysius students, Loretta, Abbey & Deb (all graduates from the class of 2004). The girls all met as students at the college and have remained close friends ever since.

Congratulations Marah Houlihan!

My sincere thanks to you, Mary, Rachel, Pauline and Sr Carmel for hosting a simply wonderful afternoon on Saturday. I felt very privileged to return to St Aloysius after 37 (!!!) years. While many aspects of the school had changed - revamped buildings, gorgeous greenery and landscaping, a STEM laboratory, new art rooms - the warmth, sincerity, enthusiasm and inclusivity of a Mercy welcome had not. In the company of Mrs Joan Seal (from the class of 1943), I thoroughly enjoyed the school tour, photo opportunities and afternoon tea. It was particularly kind and thoughtful of you Rose to locate artefacts from Joan’s and my school days. What a treasure trove of happy and meaningful memories the St Al’s archives must be. I am so grateful to you all for the preparation and care that you devoted to the afternoon, and for giving up your day to ensure a bunch of old girls enjoyed remembering and celebrating old times. One of the highlights for me was visiting the convent and chapel, and meeting Sisters Margaret and Moira (Dorothea).

Again, my warmest thanks to you Rose and to all the leadership team, and my very best wishes to all at St Aloysius. In being steered by such intelligent, driven, compassionate and kind women, your students are in very good hands. I look forward to keeping in touch.

Yours sincerely Jacqui Thompson (Class of 1982)

Jourdane Roda (Class of 2009)

Congratulations to Jourdane Roda who celebrated her wedding on November 9th she is looking forward to the honeymoon in January. We wish Jourdane, a lifetime of happiness.

If you have some “news” to share such as a recent marriage, engagement or birth of children please email:

alumni@aloysius.vic.edu.au

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Farewell to Camille Bradley the years. We introduced Ballroom Dancing and Self Defence at Year 10 plus several new sports in order to give our students a greater range of skill level development.

We began to give our students the opportunity to experience types of activities in the form of camps and excursions. Some were based at Torquay but most were at different locations depending on the activity and ranged from ski and horse riding camps to ice skating, roller skating and 10 pin bowling which became regular end of term outings.

I was lucky enough to be interviewed and employed by Sr Helen Delaney in 1979 and I started teaching at St Aloysius College in 1980, so after 40 years teaching at St Aloysius, I have been grateful every day since for the opportunity she gave me.

Chris White was also employed in 1980 and we joined Leonie Charles who was already here as Head of PE. The three of us were the Sport & PE Department for over 30 years and together formed a formidable team.

As a team we reintroduced the House System and therefore House sporting competitions as well as in 1981 the SCSA Inter School competitions that still exist today.

In 1981 theory became an integral part of our assessment and that lead to the development of Physical Education as a VCE subject with the increase in the number of students studying Units 1-4 over

In 1980, our “gym” was what is now the staff carpark that is a caged area behind the house next door and was both wet and cold and would be classified as a hazard today!

We have always had to learn to adapt. I have always been very proud of what we were able to achieve in our department. In 1984 a storage warehouse on Boundary Rd was leased and converted into a gym and we could finally provide our students win a wider choice of activities.

In 1980 there were 76 staff members and the average class size was 32 and some were even 35! I was the pastoral teacher for 10 Green and one of the students in that class was Moira Kelly who was the founder of the Children First Foundation and who I am still very proud of as one of our Alma Mater. Every time I attended any of the school reunions that I was invited to, I was always very pleased to see what wonderful women our girls had become and as such, great ambassadors for St. Aloysius College.

some remarkable and dedicated teachers and made some memorable and lifelong friends. I have some very sad memories but overall very happy memories with wonderful stories to match. In particular, I would like to mention Michael Donovan, Michael Bernardi, and Sr Mae Maclean who are no longer with us but who were also wonderful ambassadors.

I have been part of St.Aloysius College for half my life and although the formal association is over, my personal connection will always exist. The College and all those who have been or who will be part of it are now part of me also. The lives of the friends I have made and the students I taught are now intertwined with me and will always be part of my life as well.

One of my favourite quotes is from a very brave and special girl who was a great inspiration to me because she was the same age as the students I was teaching when she began her journey for equality. I always thought she could have been any one of the girls from St.Aloysius and I hope she has inspired some them along the way.

The quote below is from Malala Yousafzai:

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

I have taught some wonderful and talented students and met some amazing parents. I have had amazing support and encouragement. I have taught with

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Strive for Higher Things