Always Aloysius, Winter 2018

Title Here

A St Aloysius College Publication Winter Edition 2018

Artwork by Alana Lacy – Year 11

Contents Principals Welcome............................................................. 3 College Co-Captains........................................................... 4 College Prefects.................................................................... 5 2017 High Achievers............................................................ 6

Introducing Rose...

Opening Mass........................................................................ 7

I started at St Aloysius in January of this year as the School Archivist & Alumni Administrator and have already had the opportunity to assist in co-ordinating the first St Aloysius Reunion for 2018. It was a wonderful event and great to see the returning students speak so fondly of their days at the College.

Introduction of new staff................................................ 8 Development Plans........................................................... 10 College Musical – Legally Blonde Jnr.......................12 Japan Trip...............................................................................14 Lake Mungo Immersion Experience.........................15 Alumni Profile – Abbey Justin.....................................16 Class of 1998 Reunion........................................................18 Year 12 Formal...................................................................... 19

The role of School Archivist is altogether fascinating and very new to me. St Aloysius has a rich history and at times it can be difficult to keep from being immersed in the beautiful historical artefacts and memorabilia that the school has accumulated over the years. I am looking forward to the privilege of preserving and displaying the collection of the College’s records spanning some 131 years.

All the staff have been extremely helpful and the hospitality extended to new staff has made me feel very welcome.

Rose Parente Archivist & College Administration All enquiries regarding Alumni of Archives can be directed to Rose at parenter@aloysius.vic.edu.au

Cover image: TBA

Follow us on Facebook St Aloysius College – Alumni Association

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St Aloysius College 21 Curran Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 Ph: 03 9329 0411 Fax: 03 9328 2801 Email: principal@aloysious.vic.edu.au Design: DMC Group / dmcg.com.au / info@dmcg.com.au

Principal’s Welcome Welcome to the Winter edition of Always Aloysius.

Although we are only nearing the mid-point of the year, it has already proven to be one of great opportunity, new learnings and certainly one that is living up to our 2018 College theme of Reach.

This edition reflects this, with features on the High Student Achievers of 2017, the College Production of Legally Blonde Jnr and trips far and wide, to communities at Lake Mungo and to our sister school in Japan, plus much more. We have also welcomed and farewelled staff and students, and improved school facilities, in particular the Arts Precinct project.

Schools are always places where the present is a wonderful mix of the past and the future and I think this edition demonstrates that St Aloysius College is certainly in that space. Our focus is always on ensuring the history and traditions of the College are honoured and lived, alongside twenty-first century opportunities, facilities and thinking. We

are always Striving for Higher Things.... and, as such, we chose Reach as our College theme for 2018.

In March I wrote the following regarding our College theme: Our College theme for 2018 is just one word, ‘Reach’. Some may say that it’s a simplistic theme and to them I say yes! The Brazilian writer, Paulo Coelho, once said that it was the most simple things in life which were the most extraordinary, and I am a firm believer that he was right. Over the recent break I began to reflect upon the meaning of the theme and realised that the reason it was so immediately powerful was because at St Aloysius College we are constantly challenged to reach ever higher and reach ever further; our motto, Strive for Higher Things, compels us to reach for new heights in understanding and in spirituality, whilst our College values compel us to reach out to others, to the disadvantaged and to the lonely.

Easter time in so many ways embodies

that notion of ‘reach’, a time when we reach out to Christ, reaching back to that first Easter Sunday, a time when we reach out to family and friends and a time when we reach out to community, making each stronger, each higher and each re-newed.

One of the reasons why we are able to Reach the potential of each of our students is because of the support of the Old Girls. You are such an integral part of this community and we love hearing your stories, once a St Aloysius girl, always a St Aloysius girl. I know that you will enjoy this edition and I look forward to you visiting the College soon.

In the footsteps of Catherine McAuley, Mary Farah Principal

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Introducing our 2018 College Co-Captains Therese-An Ho

College Co-Captain

Maxine Chau

College Co-Captain My name is Maxine Chau and with Therese-An, it is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to represent St Aloysius College as a Co-Captain in 2018.

From a personal perspective, my journey here at the College began in 2013 as a Year 7 student. I distinctly remember the strong sense of belonging; for all who have experienced St Aloysius’ in some way, shape or form. It is in this sense of connectedness and in our capacity to ensure all members of the community feel safe, supported and included that makes our College unique. With the realisation 4 Always Aloysius – Winter Edition, 2018

that 2018 marks our final year of schooling still yet to fully sink in, I aspire to embrace all challenges and opportunities. This year is not about the 12 of us in the Prefect Team. It’s about ALL Year 12 students.

Along with College staff and students, the Year 12 cohort and the Prefect Team, we strive to uphold the values of our College, to emulate the Mercy Values, embody the teachings, and walk in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley.

In some of my favourite words, ‘together, we can achieve great things’.

My name is Therese-An and I am deeply humbled to be one of your College CoCaptains alongside Maxine. With an array of events this year, there is so much to look forward to and participate in. The Prefects are very excited to offer what we have to our school community in our final year of secondary school here at St Aloysius College. With it also being the Year of Youth, announced by the Australian Catholic Church to mark the ten-year anniversary of World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, it is important to recognize that we, as youth, are even more encouraged to immerse and engage ourselves in our community, and I urge every single student to seize every opportunity that is presented to them this year, doing so with integrity, passion and enthusiasm.

I wish every student the utmost success with all they aspire and set out to achieve in this school year, whether academic or extra-curricular, and of course, may you strive for higher things.

2018 College Prefects Student Leadership is integral to the St Aloysius College Community. At the heart of our Student Leadership group are the College Prefects . Congratulations to the following students who fulfil Prefect positions for 2018.

College Co-Captain

Maxine Chau

College Co-Captain

Therese-An Ho

Arts Prefect

Tahlia Pizzicara

House Cup Prefect

Jenny Do

Liturgy Prefect

Kaitlyn Marzan

Social Justice Prefect

Nyandeng Goch

Sport Prefect

Aian Agong

Student Action Prefect Banisha Gagnani House Prefects Fallon

Angela Berro

McAuley

Megan Chen

Scully

Mackenzie Grace

Verdon

Lynn Nguyen

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High Achievers of 2017 As a College we are extremely proud of our students’ achievements. Each year, they continue to demonstrate a high level of academic excellence and provide inspiration to students who follow.

To mark the beginning of Term 1, we invite the top achieving students from the previous year to our College assembly.

Acknowledging their achievements and recognising their future pathway provides great inspiration for our students.

It is with great pleasure and pride that we heard from our 2017 College Dux, Winnie Lay, as she reflected on her time at the College. She reminded students to work hard toward their goals. She acknowledged the role the College, staff and her family played in helping her achieve her goals.

Congratulations to the Class of 2017 on their outstanding achievements.

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Opening Mass

Coming together as a whole school community is always a wonderful occasion at St Aloysius that strengthens the College community in unity and faith. Our Opening School Mass in 2018 provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the theme for this liturgical year as identified by the Australian Bishops.

2018 is the national Year of Youth. The Year of Youth recognises the importance of young people in our Church and Society.

The Australian Bishops called for an active focus on the reconnection and renewal of a new generation of young people in the life of the Church.

Our Opening School Mass was celebrated at St Brendan’s Church, Flemington by our College Chaplin Fr Hien Vu. During the mass new members of staff were inducted

by Mercy Education Chair, Lucy Molony, we also welcomed our Year 7 students and new students to the college from all year levels. During Fr Vu’s Homily we were reminded of our College Theme for 2018, ‘Reach’, that we should always ‘reach’ out to God and to our community and this is never more important than in a Year of Youth.

The community of St Aloysius have embraced this Year of Youth through celebrations, events and workshops, run by our School and also the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Staff and students of St Aloysius College were invited by Bishop Mark Edwards to attend and participate in the ‘Rise Festival’, an event which saw students become immersed in their faith through the Catholic intellectual tradition.

These events and others that the College has participated in provide an excellent opportunity to refocus; to re-centre the Catholic Faith in all aspects of our lives, striving to ‘reach’ for higher things.

Mr Michael Chesser Catholic Mission and Mercy Ethos Leader Always Aloysius – Winter Edition, 2018 7

Title Staff Here Introductions New The staff at St Aloysius College continue to provide professional guidance and expertise to our students. This year we welcome the following staff to the St Aloysius College community.

Alizee Bourgault Teacher I feel so blessed and grateful to be teaching at St Aloysius. All staff have been very welcoming and helpful.

I feel like I have already created positive bonds with most of my students and we have fun in class, which is the best way to learn ! I want to encourage my students to continue with the great effort they are putting in. And most importantly, I really feel like I am given room to grow and experiment as a teacher. The Principal has been very supportive of all my ideas.

Demi Cartledge GATE Leader I have never felt more welcome in a school community. I love teaching in an all-girls environment and, thanks to the wonderful staff and the students, I have found it easy to adapt to St Aloysius. I am excited to continue to work with, and alongside, intelligent and thoughtful young women.

Laura Curti VCAL Leader Having completed my own education at a Mercy school, it is an honour to now be teaching at St Aloysius College and immersed within a culture that is enriched with warmth, kindness and passion.

I am enthusiastic about English and Psychology and particularly, VCAL. I am looking forward to developing the VCAL program further and encouraging the students to both strive and succeed.

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Josephine Donato Teacher Since joining St Aloysius, I have experienced many memorable moments, particularly the Opening Mass, Celebration of the class of 2017, Ash Wednesday and Lenten services, ANZAC service and the House Swimming Sports. I was especially impressed by the commitment to the musical Legally Blonde by the cast and crew. It was definitely a highlight to play a small part as a supervisor. I look forward to contributing my best as a member of this St Aloysius community for the remainder of 2018.

Hannah Herodotus Teacher Since joining St Aloysius College, I have found it to be a wonderful and caring community of staff and students. The girls are kind and enthusiastic, and I am enjoying getting to know them, and the great opportunities that are available at the College. I look forward to seeing the girls progress, as I also learn more about them each day.

Title Staff Here Introductions New Rachel Ivell Teacher It has been a true pleasure to begin my teaching journey with St Aloysius College.

The students and staff have welcomed me with warmth, gentleness and a commitment to making this college a place where dreams really can become a reality. I look forward to what the rest of the year holds!

Tamara Lourdes Religious Education Learning Leader I started my journey at St Aloysius College with the Year 12 Retreat, it was a wonderful opportunity to get to know the senior girls while learning about life in a Mercy School. I also had the opportunity to attend the Rise Festival a chance for the Youth of Melbourne to come together and celebrate their faith. Joining a new school is always a huge change however I feel that the community have made me feel warmly welcome. A highlight was the opening school mass and the celebration of St Aloysius birthday liturgy. I look

forward to many more opportunities to come together as a faith community.

Rita Stangherlin Teacher Since starting in Term 1, I have been invigorated by the diversity and attitude of the student body. Although, St Aloysius is a small school, I have been impressed by what can be achieved both in terms of academic achievement and a real sense of community. A wonderful learning and teaching environment, and one which forever will be in hearts of all who cross its path.

Owen Stephens Teacher Since joining St. Aloysius College, I have been lucky enough to find myself part of an enthusiastic community of learning, welcomed by both colleagues and students alike. Teaching largely VCE classes, I have enjoyed seeing students who are beginning their final years of study where all of their hard work comes to fruition.

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Facilities Update 2018 Over the past few years visitors to St Aloysius have commented on how much work has been done around the College and how the enivornment has improved since previous visits. We are very proud to confirm that these reactions will continue to be the norm as Stages 1-4 of the College Masterplan, completed in August 2017, have been approved, works scheduled and completion planned by the end of July this year.

These works relate to what was known as Physics 11, which as the name suggests was an old science laboratory, and Arts-11 and Arts-12, rooms which have been used as Music Practice areas for a number of years.

Moving forward these rooms will become a Music Centre (incoporating 3 practice rooms) and a Textile Design speciailist classroom respectively. This will allow the College to have dedicated, modern facilities located in a single area of the College grounds improving both utilisation of space and educational offerings. These facilities will have lift access providing disability access to the area.

The approved design also means the external area of the College abutting Melrose Street will receive a well earned makeover, as below, incorporating a small section of the Music Score from the College Song.

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This is an extremely exciting project for everyone involved. We have been incredibly fortunate to obtain a Federal Grant to help fund this project and off the back of which we have applied for funding on future stages of the Masterplan which will only continue to enhance and improve facilities and learning opportunities provided to the students and community of St Aloysius College.

Facilities Update 2018

First Floor: New Textiles, Music Classroom (incorporating 3 Music Practice Rooms)

Ground Floor: showing new staircase, locker area, 4th Music Practice room and General Store room

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College Musical

Our annual College musical, Legally Blonde Jnr completed four wonderful performances in April.

Over 80 students from our College, along with three students from Simonds College, performed to over 1000 people.

The feedback from audiences was extremely positive as they were impressed with the calibre of singing, dancing and stage craft the students displayed. This energetic musical required tremendous commitment and dedication from the cast, crew and staff involved. Congratulations to all involved for such a successful season.

When students work collaboratively on a project such as the musical they learn about themselves, their peers and the craft. Events such as this positively promote the students, the programs and the College to the community.

Jodie McLeod Community Development Manager/Musical Producer

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Japan Tour 2018 The 2018 Japan Study Tour which took place in April, was the opportunity of a lifetime for 17 students and 3 teachers. The 14- day tour included visits to Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Osaka and a 5-day school program at our sister-school Kyoto Seibo Gakuin. As if this wasn’t enough, the group also got to experience travelling on several bullet trains and they witnessed an aweinspiring display of cherry blossoms!

There were so many amazing things about this trip; it is so difficult to pick just one!

One of my favourite memories included the small convenience stores that were great for a delicious, yet affordable dinner, or perfect for some snacks with friends.

So many of my memories lie within the convenience stores – I will miss them dearly! I am also very grateful for the new bonds and friendships I made in Japan Greta Linehan

It is such a privilege to share an international study experience with students and to watch them blossom because of the experiences and the sites.

Undoubtedly though, the highlight of international travel is quite often the people we meet and the connections that we make. As you will read below, this tour was no exception and it was certainly a delight to watch the girls make connections with their Japanese buddies that will hopefully last for many years.

Pauline Cutajar Director of Students & Programs My favourite part of this trip was meeting the students from our sister school. The friendships we have made is something that I will never forget.

Vanessa Tran The things I enjoyed most in Japan were their custom, culture and study in Kyoto Seibo. This will be my best memory in Japan; I will never forget it.

Isabella Kwok

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I really enjoyed spending time with our sister school. We experienced the daily lives of students in Japan and it wasn’t very different to in Australia. Although the whole trip has been amazing, I have really enjoyed spending time in Kyoto.

Keely Mair

The whole tour has been such an enjoyable experience, but the highlight of the trip was spending time with the Japanese Students. It was so nice to see how different their lives are to our own. It was also nice to be able to make friendships that are most likely be kept forever!

Aanisha Monteiro

Lake Mungo Immersion Experience On Monday 9th April to Friday 13th April, Ms Enya Hannigan and I accompanied six students to the incredible Lake Mungo for an Indigenous Immersion.

Lake Mungo in NSW is truly one of the world’s very special places. Aboriginal people walked Lake Mungo and we were able to encounter the footsteps of their ancestors since the Dreamtime.

Scientists have discovered artefacts of this ancient culture dating back over 50,000 years across the expanses of the last ice age. This makes Mungo one of the oldest places outside of Africa to have been occupied by modern humans since ancient times.

On our trip we were able to explore the remarkable story of how a culture was able to stay strong and care for Country in the face of extreme climate change, change that dried up the lakes that were the lifeblood of the region.

We had the privilege to go on a guided tour to what is called The Walls of China. You can only enter this part of the lake if you have an Indigenous tour guide because it is sacred land. The rest of day allowed for exploration of Lake Mungo, creative writing, art and journaling activities. In the evening we were taught about the stars and our guide shared his personal experience experience of The Stolen Generation.

Before our long trip back home to Melbourne we spent a few hours at The Pioneer Settlement where a young indigenous guide taught us all about his culture. He showed us tools used, played the digeridoo, taught us how canoes were made, showed us trees and huts, animal furs and much more. We were able to gain an understanding of the life and times of the Indigenous people from this presentation.

Mary De Bono Year 9 Leader

We stopped at a number of places on the way and we had a Message Stick presentation and a traditional welcoming fire ceremony. One of the first things that was said by a student when we arrived was “I can’t believe how quiet this place is.”

We all stopped, took a deep breath and just took in our surroundings and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

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Title Here Alumni Profile Abbey Justin

Time spent at St Aloysius College shapes the future pathways for many. Alumni Abbey Justin, had aspired to join the Police Force since she was in Year 10. Since completing her studies she has fulfilled that desire and is currently a Detective Senior Constable at the Footscray Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT).

Abbey shares with us some insight to her studies and career since graduating from the College in 2004.

What year did you finish at St Aloysius College? I completed VCE in 2004 What study did you undertake after Year 12? After I finished Secondary school I completed a double degree - Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Human Services at LaTrobe University in Bundoora. It was a 4 year degree.

Briefly outline your work history; Once I finished my degree I secured a

job as a Child Protection Practitioner at The Department of Human Services in Footscray. I worked there for 3 years in a reunification team. I worked directly with families to implement support programs to enable them to have their children returned to their care or to support families to keep their children with them.

In September 2011 I joined Victoria Police.

I was in the Police Academy in Glen Waverley for 33 weeks. I lived onsite at the Police Academy throughout my training.

Upon graduation from the Police Academy I went to the Altona North Police Station as a uniform Police member. Throughout my time at Altona North I was given the opportunity to work at the Vehicle Crime unit. I investigated theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles.

I did this for 3 months before moving to the Divisional Response Unit. This unit investigated drug matters. I was at this unit for 12 months which also included some time at the Embona Armed Robbery taskforce.

In December 2015 I was given the opportunity to do some temporary duties at the Footscray Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team and in early 2016 I started training to become a Detective.

In June 2016 I secured my first Detective position at the Footscray Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team where I am still stationed at the moment.

What influenced your choice of career?

I wanted to join the Police force in high school although I decided to study and gain some more experience. I’ve always wanted to work in an area that makes a difference and helps people. I like that you can do so many different things within Victoria Police. I actually did my Year 10 work experience at Williamstown Police Station.

Outline any voluntary work you have done over the years; I’ve always had a desire to help people, which lead me to engage in various voluntarily work. I was a volunteer for St Johns Ambulance for several years.

I was also a volunteer on the Street Surfer Bus which ran every Friday night in the western suburbs. It was a program aimed to engage youth in the area. As part of this program I also got to visit rural Aboriginal communities at Christmas

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Title Here Alumni Profile Abbey Justin

time delivering Christmas presents.

As part of my university degree I did a placement at a primary school supporting children transitioning into high school. I also had the opportunity to do a 3 month placement in India working in rural Indian communities to bring about change and an empower people and communities.

What have been your career highlights?

Kokoda in November 2017: I was selected to take part in a Kokoda program working with at risk youth from the western suburbs. We trained every Sunday for 14 weeks then trekked the 100 km Kokoda trail. This experience was both mentally and physically challenging but an amazing experience.

In my work I have the opportunity to work with many families.I enjoy working with children and helping families.

What skills have you learnt in your current career? My work is varied.

I have developed a range of skills to assist me with my work. I have learnt how to effectively talk to people; to show compassion and understanding. I have developed an understanding and appreciation of other people’s stories.

strong voices and big hearts and that’s what I aspire to be like.

What are your career aspirations/goals in the coming years? I like working with people and helping people so for me it’s important to remain in a role in Victoria Police that allows me to do this. I’ll continue on the Detective path and look at eventually working at Missing Persons Squad or Sex Crimes Squad in the city.

What do you recall of your time at St Aloysius College? I came to St Aloysius at the beginning of Year 11 knowing only one other student. I remember feeling so comfortable and accepted straight away.

I loved my 2 years at the College. I felt supported and encouraged in all that I did.

I met an amazing group of friends who I still see today. I have fond memories of my Deb, Year 12 retreat and the College production “Grease” which I was part of.

If you could give your high school self some words of advice, what would they be? It’s not a race. Stop and smell the roses and do what makes you happy.

Who has inspired you? My family inspire me. I have been so unbelievably lucky to grow up in a family where we are all supported and encouraged to be who we want to be. I have two very strong women in my corner, my mum and my sister who inspire me every single day. They have Always Aloysius – Winter Edition, 2018 17

Title Here Where are they now?

Class of 1998 and 2008 Reunion

On 22 March 2018 the College hosted a reunion for the Class of 1998 and Class of 2008, an evening of celebration over wine and a light supper. It was a great opportunity for the Alumnae to reconnect as some had not seen each other since their Year 12 graduation. Mary Farah welcomed our guests, for many it was the first time back since leaving the College.

The group quickly began asking about the teachers they had over the years

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and recounted some stories that caused outpouring of laughter. They chatted about where their careers had taken them and what they were doing at the moment.

One of the ladies told how she married last November to one of the boys in the 2007 Debutante photo that she appeared in. The excitement continued as they were taken on a tour of the College by Mary to see some of their familiar classrooms and the many upgrades to the College.

Some got the chance to see a few of their teachers, Mr Chris Georgiou, Ms Audrey Abelardo, Ms Chris White and Ms Camille Bradley. They continued to reminisce about the lively times that they enjoyed, the fond memories they held and looked forward to continuing their connections both with each other and the College.

Rose Parente Alumni & Archivist

Year 12 Formal On Friday the 2nd of February our 2018 cohort gathered at the Melbourne Pavilion to celebrate the start of their Year 12 journey in style. Both staff and students celebrated the night together. The students looked very glamourous as they shared a beautiful meal, joyous catch up conversations about holiday adventures and danced the night away. I would like to thank all staff and parents for their involvement. It truly is a community event that gave our girls such a great burst of energy before returning to tackle their first term as Year 12 students.

Ms Siobhan Bloomfield Senior Years Leader

“On the 2nd of February, the Year 12s finally had the very anticipated formal. As we left retreat early in the morning, excitement was in the air. We scattered off to go to our various hair and makeup appointments, all in the attempt to look our best. The night was upon us and we were looking forward to wearing our fancy dresses.

It was filled with laughter, enjoyment, dancing, strange cowbells and fascinating memories. The night brought the whole year level together as a celebration of the year ahead.

It truly was an unforgettable night.”

Banisha, Tahlia and Mackenzie Year 12 Students

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Strive for Higher Things