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A St Aloysius College Publication Winter Edition 2020
Contents Principal’s Welcome ........................................................... 3 High Achievers’ Assembly .............................................. 4 Alumni Reunion ................................................................... 6
2022
Enrolments
College Works ....................................................................... 7 Remote Learning & Teaching ..................................... 10 Alumni Profile – Julie Hinton...................................... 12 Alumni Profile – Nicole Dunn ....................................14 New Staff.................................................................................16
Enrolment applications must be received at the College
St Aloysius College invites families to submit an enrolment for the coming years. Limited enrolments for 2021 for all year levels are still available by contacting the College at registrar@aloysius.vic.edu.au
Letters of offer will be sent to families by the College
Due to COVID-19 we understand that some families have not yet had the opportunity to visit the College.
Families to accept the offer made by the College
We will support you through the enrolment process and provide you with virtual tours and additional information as required. Feel free to make contact with us to have your questions answered.
www.aloysius.vic.edu.au
Cover Image: Art work completed by Year 7 students while learning from home
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Always Aloysius – Winter Edition, 2020
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.” In September 1859 six courageous Sisters of Mercy left Liverpool Docks on the ship “Ocean Chief”, eventually arriving in Geelong in early December 1859. Throughout 1859, almost 30 years prior to the establishment of St Aloysius College, Charles Dickens, the great Victorian era novelist, wrote A Tale of Two Cities. During this last school term, the opening paragraph of this novel has perhaps never been so vivid or so relevant to our everyday lives:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
Welcome to the Winter edition of Always Aloysius. As I write this Winter Edition introduction, I do so in lockdown. During the last few weeks, the community of St Aloysius College, like indeed the rest of the country and in fact most of the world, have faced incredible difficulties and challenges presented by the insidious spread of Covid-19. Our challenges have been met as one, with teachers, staff, parents and students embracing remote learning to not only ensure the continuity of learning and teaching, but indeed to ensure it remains of the highest quality. Our challenges have been real and evolving, but others both in Australia and most notably in the USA and Europe have suffered the tragic loss of loved ones and the fear of contracting and sharing the virus with those most vulnerable within our society. The global economic shock has been the most severe since the Great Depression, and time will only tell when we will resume our normal existence. Indeed, these past few months have been the worst of times and the season of darkness.
of Australians, and the world, coming together whilst physically remaining apart. We have caught up with colleagues and loved ones via teleconferencing technologies like never before. These days have also seen so many essential health workers caring for the sick and risking their own lives. We have also seen the season of light with so many brilliant scientists across the globe working on a common goal, a vaccine and a cure. Of course, this reminds us of the way St Aloysius himself tended to the plague sick. This Winter Edition of Always Aloysius is therefore, in one sense, like no other, but in another sense it’s like every other – the same sense of community, the same good news and the same commitment to our students, past and present. In the footsteps of Catherine McAuley Mary Farah Principal
Nevertheless, these past few months have also been the best of times in the sense
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High Achievers’ Assembly
At the beginning of the school year we had a wonderful celebration of the high achievers of the Class of 2019. We are incredibly proud of their results, proving that hard work and determination leads to success. It was a pleasure to share this pride with the entire College community and the families of these students. Our 2020 Year 7 students were also officially welcomed into the College community, receiving their College badge
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from Ms Farah. Whilst our Year 12 students received their Year 12 badge, marking their final year at St Aloysius. As a College we acknowledged the achievements of the year passed and look forward to the successes this year will bring our students. Our College Dux of 2019, Julia Pham spoke of her success. She recalled fondly the teachers that supported and encouraged her and reflected on the love and support of her family. She encouraged the students to work hard and enjoy being part of the St Aloysius College community.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming an Alumni back to the College as our guest speaker. Jess Azzopardi, Class of 2017 addressed the College community with confidence and pride. She spoke of her experiences at the College and how they helped shaped her love of Maths and Science. She shared her dedication to her studies and desire to pursue Engineering which she is now studying at Melbourne University. Jess is a wonderful example of following your passion.
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College Works There is a significant amount of progress since the students were last on site in March and we are looking forward to being able to welcome them back through a new student entrance accessed via the newly renovated courtyard.
In progress pictures:
The project was part of a wider, Capital Grant program that included the upgrading of three General Purpose Learning Areas, a new dedicated Counselling office, Senior Year’s locker area and a revamp of the central courtyard space to incorporate new learning spaces and event spaces. Earlier in the year the College held an Alumnae reunion for the Classes of 2010, 2000, 1990, 1980 and 1970 in the new courtyard enabling the College community to enjoy the new facilities for the first time.
Pictures of completed areas
Senior Year’s Learning Space 6
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Lockers
Counselling Area
College Works Completed Works:
Courtyard The College continues to look for ways to improve the learning environment for students and staff and to provide a welcoming environment for the entire College community. We are in the process of updating a number of other facilities/amenities around the College:
1.
The Design Thinking and Innovation Centre – creating learning “hubs” within the DTIC designed around the pillars and concepts of Design Thinking.
2.
Student toilet facilities – upgrading some of the more out dated amenities throughout the College.
3.
Food Technology facilities – updating the Food Technology area to enable a more streamlined learning experience
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Remote Learning & Teaching
The transition to online learning has had some challenges and it will never be the same as face to face teaching where you can see all your students at a glance, but it’s felt quite seamless in the delivery of courses and content. Having our comprehensive learning management system, which the students were accustomed to, has enabled this. We also benefited from trialling ‘Microsoft Teams’ with the students towards the end of Term 1. But ultimately it has been our students, who have embraced the changes and have adapted so quickly to online learning and worked together with teachers to resolve the challenges. As the Year 7 Leader I have really missed seeing the Year 7s and having our morning chats at school, but I have kept the same routine of visiting them daily, now online in their Pastoral ‘Teams Meetings’, even if it’s just to say a quick hello for the day. This has allowed me to stay connected to the students and a reminder that I, along with all their teachers are there to support them during this time. Being an Arts and Technology teacher
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has created some challenges, but some changes to initially planned tasks and organising materials and equipment kits towards the end of last term for each student has allowed them to carry on with all their creative subjects. The students have created digital portfolios which has enabled me to see how they’re progressing and to give feedback during their lessons. It’s been lovely to see how students have set themselves up for their practical classes, some even choosing to work outside in their gardens during our Art lessons. I’ve emphasised the need to create a space, to play music and for them to enjoy this time working away from their devices. For their wellbeing, it’s been so important for the students to continue these creative practices, using their hands and having tactile experiences. Partnerships between our families more than ever have been so important during these challenging times. Both parents and students have provided valuable feedback through this time and we have been able to work together as a community to adapt and change to suit the needs of our students and to deliver meaningful and engaging lessons. I look forward to seeing all our students’ smiling faces back in the classroom. Daniela Franze Year 7 Leader & Transition Leader
Student working on her art remotely
Remote Learning & Teaching Growing together and staying connected
The online learning experience has been a largely positive experience. E-Learning as a pedagogical approach, or indeed a necessity at present, has reminded us of the importance of adopting a critical approach towards the learning content. It has really focused the objectives and outcomes of lessons to pinpoint the learning that we want the students to embrace. Moving forward, the experience has confirmed my thoughts that a blended learning structure is a key pedagogy – with the mix of critical thinking, subject understanding or core knowledge, practical activities and more focused curriculumbased questions to assess as well as reinforce the learning. The use of flipped learning has been powerful; students have received a video to watch the day before the lesson to get an idea, and hopefully an understanding, of the key concepts so that deeper learning occurs, and more questions can be asked during lesson time.
We are all in an unknown space, and we are trying to find or define what the new normal is. Teaching and learning look different. Connecting with others looks different, but what shines through is that we are all in this together. Teachers and students are learning new and innovative ways to connect with challenging concepts and to flourish in this unique teaching and learning space. I am enjoying finding new ways to deliver content. Redefining connecting with the cohorts as a Year Level Leader has been challenging, but the use of technology has been instrumental in ensuring that connections are not lost. Students are connecting as communities and sharing stories and memes via their Teams messenger to keep that special bond going. Students are still reaching out for support but just in a different way. While I am very much looking forward to returning to the classroom and to that face to face connection, I believe we will all emerge from this stronger more resilient people. In the sage words of Winnie the Pooh, “ You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” Siobhian Bloomfield Senior Years Leader
Chris Needle Learning Leader Health & Physical Education
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Alumni Profile “WHERE ARE THEY NOW?” What advice would you give to someone considering undertaking this study path? There are thousands of different aspects of IT as an industry and it needs all kinds of people. If you enjoy the idea of ‘how things work’ then there is no limit to the interesting ideas and concepts you will get to discover. Then you can specialise but it’s ok to change your mind when something else comes along!
JULIE HINTON What Year did you graduate? 1976 What study did you undertake after Year 12? In 1977 I studied Applied Science – Computing for a year at Caulfield Institute of Technology (now Monash University Caulfield campus). Then, when I was 36, after the birth of my third child, I studied Information Management at Monash University to better understand internet technologies and data management.
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What influenced your choice of career? When I was sixteen years old I had a holiday job at a computer processing bureau in Port Melbourne. I was supposed to do filing and data entry. Even though I did typing as a subject at school I was not very fast so I asked a lot of questions of the programmers and was fascinated by their answers. I got to find out about all the different types of computing jobs not just programming. From time to time I would have to go into the main IBM computer room and when I saw those massive 370 series boxes I was hooked! I suppose you could call it work experience but I got paid which was also important. Study/career/travel highlights Following my first computer course I embarked on a 40 year career in IT. I have worked in industries such as, banking, telecommunications, finance and tertiary education. When I was 23 I was promoted to a big bank’s Technical Training and Development team, I was the youngest and the first female. A few years later I became the manager of that team.
Throughout my 20’s I travelled Europe and many Asian countries but I really enjoy South Korea and Japan and went again last year in winter to ski Furano in Japan for my 60th birthday! I would love to live anywhere is Japan for a while or Busan in South Korea. What skills have you learnt? Leadership, Leadership, Leadership! I made the mistake early in my career to believe the narrative that you have to be aggressive to lead. I have been on so many expensive management/leadership courses (paid for by my employers), however to be a strong leader, you will need to be kind and compassionate and put people before things. These characteristics are not weaknesses. You will find that it is the people issues that will take the most time not the projects or tasks. For example, if a team member comes to discuss a problem personal or otherwise, they are the most important person in the room. Listen to them and work through problems together allowing them to make their own decisions whilst facilitating what they may need to assist them. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome? When I started working full-time, I lived my life to excess for years before I understood that it does not bring happiness or contentment or contribute positively to those around you. In other words, do what is the next right thing and be true to yourself even if it means leaving others behind. Only good will come of this and you may influence others through leading by example.
What do you recall of your time at St Aloysius? What is your fondest memory? I remember my first day in Year 7 and my teacher Mrs Abraham. I was scared of the nuns because of my primary school experiences. How wrong I was! The sisters and teachers were kind and loving to me. I felt a huge relief. St Aloysius became my sanctuary, a place where I could be myself whilst being encouraged to do the best I can. There are so many fond memories including the excellent leadership but I remember Mr Brick taking sessions with us in Year 12 about how to live our lives when we leave school. We could openly discuss any fears or concerns or just questions about employment or what it is like at University. I really appreciated those sessions. How forward thinking back then! If you could give your high school self some words of advice, what would it be?
I would say this ‘You know what Julie? You are the youngest in a family of 7 and you don’t have much but ….so what? You deserve the best and don’t underestimate the value of this school and your education, these years will be with you for a lifetime. Learn as much as you can about mental health and your own mental health. Reach out to those you trust and ask for help. It’s ok. Remember it’s easier when there are others who are willing and sometimes paid to support you. You are never alone. Who or what has inspired you? Over the many decades I have always returned to Our Lady, Mary and she is always there waiting for me. I now pray to her for her wisdom, kindness and how I can be of service to others. These prayers and meditations give me a sense of peace and serenity that helps me make good decisions.
What are your career aspirations/goals in the coming years? At the end of 2018 I left my employer intending to take a year off in 2019 to spend time with family and travel, as in February I turned 60 years old. In 2020, I had planned to do some consulting work in a non profit organisation. I also intended to live or work overseas, for a period of time. As I write this I am in self isolation at home in Melbourne. My experience tells me that everything happens for a reason and this too will pass. I feel happy, content and blessed waiting for the next chapter and what that may bring for all of us.
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Alumni Profile “WHERE ARE THEY NOW?”
What advice would you give to someone considering undertaking this study path? There are many ways you can achieve your goals and chosen career path in life if you remain focused and believe in yourself. What influenced your choice of career? I have always been someone who enjoyed being healthy, active and would consider myself a ‘people person’ so working in health care was a really good fit for me. I also became a carer for my Grandmother in 2015 after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which inspired me to start my own business.
NICOLE DUNN What Year did you graduate? 2000 What study did you undertake after Year 12? I completed the first year of Health Sciences then transferred and completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy both at La Trobe University. I have spent the last 15 years working as a physiotherapist and an Emergency Department Care Coordinator in public hospitals and the last 3 years running my own business connecting seniors to home based aged care services.
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Study/career/travel highlights • Working for 18 months as a physio in London • Working in emergency to respond to COVID19 • Starting my own business ‘Empower Aged Care Consulting’ • Invited to be a speaker at the Aged Care Royal Commission to advocate for families and carers. What skills have you learnt? • To be calm in a crisis! • Clinical aged care, health care and physiotherapy skills. • Business skills – which I never thought I would do in high school.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome? Working in health care whilst concurrently being a carer for my Grandmother was a huge challenge to overcome, however it taught myself so much personally and professionally. What do you recall of your time at St Aloysius? What is your fondest memory? I loved physical education (PE) and had wonderful teachers with great memories of interschool sports, being on the school swimming team and having fun playing sport. I also developed wonderful friendships in high school that have continued to this day. If you could give your high school self some words of advice, what would it be? Never underestimate the impact you have on your students. Who or what has inspired you? My Grandmother certainly inspired me to be humble and care for others and was always enormously proud of my educational pursuits. What are your career aspirations/goals in the coming years? I am passionate about the current work I am doing to support older people to remain at home by linking them with home based aged care supports. I hope to use this platform to pursue more work in the public arena to advocate for seniors and their carers.
Alumni Reunion YEARS ENDING IN 0
On 28th February 2020 the College had the pleasure of hosting a reunion for alumni bringing together students from the Classes of 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010. Guests were welcomed to a barbeque dinner and refreshments in the newly renovated courtyard area where everyone gathered around the class photos and yearbooks on display and happily chatted about their college days. Many hadn’t seen each other in years and the eruption of excitement in seeing each other was wonderful to see. The evening’s highlight was the staffled tours of the College, gathering in small groups we all headed in different directions. As alumni wandered through the classrooms and hallways they reminisced about their time at St Aloysius, stopping to admire the upgrades and artwork, to look at the honour boards and to pose for photos along the way. Past student Julie Hinton (Class of 1976) remembered her exact seat as we visited one of the classrooms. Many of the guests said the evening ended too quickly and promised to continue the connection after they said their goodbyes.
If you or someone you know would like to register details on our Alumni Database please contact Rose Parente at the College Rose Parente Alumni Coordinator
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New Staff This year we welcome the following staff members to the St Aloysius College community. They bring with them a range of experiences and talents and have already become such an important part of the College.
Lauren French Teacher
Tom Madden Teacher
I commenced my role at St Aloysius College as the Food Technology and Textiles Teacher at the beginning of this year. I am from Western Australia and completed my teaching degree at Edith Cowan University in Perth. On graduating I worked at Applecross Senior High School for 3 years then I decided to see the world and went to the UK for 2 years. This allowed me the opportunity to work in schools around London and to travel to many parts of Europe which was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Prior to St Aloysius I worked at Methodist Ladies College in Perth. In my spare time I enjoy yoga, playing netball, going for long walks and listening to my favourite podcasts. I also enjoy cooking and baking and trying to come up with new and exciting recipes for my students.
I went to school at St. Bernard’s College and after completing VCE I went straight to university and completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Victoria University. Upon completion of that degree, I decided I wanted to become a Physical Education Teacher so I completed my Master of Teaching at The University of Melbourne (majoring in Health and Physical Education). After I completed my Master of Teaching in mid 2018, I went into casual relief teaching. I balanced the majority of my work between St.Bernard’s College, Scotch College and Melbourne Girls’ College. During this time I was fortunate enough to secure contract work at St.Bernard’s College in 2018 and Scotch College in 2019.
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My interests outside of work include sport, in particular footy which I still play and spending time with family and friends.
Chris Needle Health & Physical Education Learning Leader I love being a teacher and I am very grateful to be in the word of education. I’m originally from the U.K. and have lived in New Zealand for the past 7 years until Melbourne became my new home in January. I’ve been fortunate to teach in a wide range of schools in the countries that I’ve lived. Ranging from very challenging inner-city schools through to elite independent schools. Whilst I have always taught Health & Physical Education I have also held a variety of other positions from Head of Faculty to Year Leader so I’ve been able to see different aspects of schooling. Obviously, being from England, my great passion is football (soccer if you must) along with rugby league, tennis, fitness, the list goes on….as you would expect from someone in HPE!
and I completed my teaching masters at Australian Catholic Cao U University (ACU). I have commenced as a Music Teacher at St Aloysius this year. It has certainly been interesting to start my first year of teaching in the era of COVID-19. Natasha Stewart English Learning Leader
Rachel McVea Human Resources Officer
I joined the St Aloysius community this year as Learning Area Leader for English. I have been teaching for 11 years and have loved every moment of it! My career has seen me teach in a diverse range of schools, from a small country town in southwest Victoria, to a large state school in England. More recently, I have worked at Catholic Regional College and Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar. Each school I have worked at has taught me something unique and I value every experience I have had in each of these wonderful schools. I have completed an Honours degree (History), Diploma of Education and Bachelor of Arts (English and History majors), and am currently completing my Master of Education (specialising in Leadership and Management) at The University of Melbourne. I have spent years working and travelling overseas, and although teaching is a passion of mine, the most important role I play in life is that of a mother. I have two young children, a six-year-old (Donovan), and a four-year-old (Annie). Having children has helped me to grow as a teacher, as well as to embrace a different perspective on teaching and the relationships I develop with students and parents.
Originally from Northern Ireland I moved to England to study for 4 years at university before embarking on an around the world trip. I never made it full circle as that was 20 years ago and I am still in Australia! I spent the last 13 years working for a Real Estate company – of which the last 9.5 years have been in an HR/payroll capacity. Having only started with St Aloysius College 6 weeks ago I have already witnessed the supportive, caring and team environment that St Aloysius provides.
Life is busy, but I never spend a day without a moment of joy or a lesson learnt.
Michelle Reeves Teacher I am a singer and songwriter, an active performer and I do a lot of performances and crew work with the Warrandyte Theatre Company. I am currently having guitar lessons online, working on my fingerstyle playing. I have studied JAZZ / Contemporary Voice at the Victorian Collage of the Arts (VCA), Melbourne Uni – Masters of Music Performance Teaching
Antoinette Bonacci Teacher I have joined the wonderful staff at St Aloysius this year. However, I worked at the College for a term in 2017 and then again in 2018. As a student, I attended the Academy of Mary Immaculate, also a Mercy school, and I am still thrilled whenever I meet another Mercy girl. I expect that is because my own experience at school was a very happy and positive one, and I have remained good friends with a few of my friends from those days. After completing my studies at Melbourne University, I decided to go into teaching, and I have never regretted my decision. I have worked in several secondary Catholic schools, as well as one secondary state school. I feel fortunate to have had a wide range of experiences in different schools and with different students. I have met many inspiring teachers and students. This year, my role is in Learning Support. This is a very new experience and I am enjoying my contact with students in new ways. I am learning new things every day. Always Aloysius – Winter Edition, 2020 15
Strive for Higher Things