- Term 1 Progress Reports
- Mission Action Day
- Parent Teacher Student Conferences
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From the Principal
- Term One Achievements
- Child Safety
- Easter Message
Dear Ave Maria College Community,
Term One Congratulations
As we draw near the end of Term One, I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to all our students for their remarkable achievements thus far. Your dedication, hard work, and resilience have truly shone brightly, reflecting the spirit of Ave Maria College and the Franciscan tradition we hold dear.
First and foremost, I want to express our profound gratitude for the commitment shown by our students towards their academic pursuits. Your academic achievements, whether large or small, are a testament to your dedication and perseverance. Whether it be mastering a new concept, excelling in an extracurricular activity, or demonstrating outstanding character, each accomplishment contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our school community.
We are immensely proud of the achievements of all of our students, but today I would like to acknowledge and congratulate students who have excelled in the sporting and debating arenas. We would like to congratulate the following students:
I would also like to wish the cast and crew of High School Musical who will be rehearsing over the holiday period all the best. Thank you to Katie Houghton and Cassandra Hutchison for their leading role in making this opportunity possible for our students.
Child Safety @ Ave Maria College
At Ave Maria College, we are not only committed to academic excellence but also to the safety and wellbeing of every child entrusted to our care. As part of our ongoing dedication to child safety, we continue to implement robust policies and procedures to ensure that our students thrive in a nurturing and secure environment. Together, we strive to create a community where every individual feels valued, respected, and protected.
As part of these policies and procedures the College has a Child Safety Reference Group which includes both student and staff representation. This group meets regularly throughout the year. The College also has a number of nominated child protection officers, from our Sub-School Leaders and Counselling teams. Our senior child protection officers include:
Parents and carers who wish to access more information regarding child safety at Ave Maria College are welcome to visit the Child Safety section on our College website in the ‘About’ tab.
Democratic Principles and Values for Education
Furthermore, Ave Maria College stands firm in its commitment to democratic principles and values for education. We believe in fostering an inclusive and participatory learning environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and every voice is heard. Through open dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual respect, we empower our students to become compassionate leaders and active contributors to society.
Parents and carers who wish to access more information regarding these democratic principles and values for education at Ave Maria College are welcome to visit the Faith, Mission and Values section on our College website in the ‘About’ tab.
LFC International Academy Skill Development Clinics
As part of our partnership with LFC International Academy, Ave Maria College will be hosting our first round of skill development clinics in Term 2. Running from Wednesday 1 May to Wednesday 5 June, we will be extending an invitation to our broader community to come and join our weekly clinics that will provide students with the opportunity to 'learn to play the Liverpool way'. For more information, please visit the LFC website, https://lfcacademy.com.au/vic/...
Easter Message and Prayer
As we approach the Easter season, I invite our Ave Maria College families to reflect on the profound significance of this sacred time in our Catholic faith. Easter reminds us of the transformative power of hope, renewal, and redemption. Let us embrace the spirit of Easter as we come together in prayer, gratitude, and solidarity with one another.
Dear Lord,
As we journey through the Easter season, we are reminded of the boundless love and mercy you have bestowed upon us. We humbly thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose resurrection brings hope and salvation to all.
During this time of reflection and renewal, may we be inspired by the selfless sacrifice of Jesus and strive to emulate his teachings of compassion, forgiveness, and love. Grant us the strength to overcome challenges, the courage to stand firm in our convictions, and the grace to extend kindness to all whom we encounter.
Bless our Ave Maria College community with unity, peace, and commitment. May we continue to grow in faith, wisdom, and love, guided by the light of your divine presence.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
Wishing you all a blessed Easter filled with joy, peace, and the abundant blessings of the risen Christ.
May we continue to strive for truth through love.
God bless.
Executive Deputy Principal
- Term 1 Progress Reports
- Mission Action Day
- Parent Teacher Student Conferences
Term 1 Progress Reports (Years 7-12):
The Term 1 2024 Progress Reports are now available for families to access via the Parent Access Module (PAM). These aim to provide families with an overview of student growth and development in relation to the Ave Maria College Charter for Education.
The Progress Reports specifically report on student development associated with our Learner Attributes. These reports should be viewed in conjunction with the feedback and assessment marks released by staff throughout Term 1 2024.
Families with questions or requiring further information associated with the Progress Reports are welcome to contact Subject Teachers and/or the Mentor Teacher.
The publication of the Progress Reports will be complemented by the Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Conferences that are scheduled for Wednesday 24 April 2024. The Progress Report for each subject indicates whether a conference is welcome or required.
Commencement of Term 2 2024:
Families are reminded that Term 2 commences for students in Years 7-12 on Monday 15 April 2024.
College Assembly and Mission Action Day – Friday 19 April 2024:
The College will host its Annual Mission Action Day for students in Years 7-12 on Friday 19 April 2024.
This event provides an opportunity for students and staff to bear witness to our College mission and vision and live faith in action by participating in a walkathon. By participating in Mission Action Day, our community lives out our Franciscan charism by helping those in need and we walk in a show of solidarity with the students of St Maria Mazzarello School, Venilale.
Families are asked to refer to the information provided and consent form for further details.
Parent Teacher Student Conferences – Wednesday 24 April 2024:
Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Conferences will be held online via MS Teams on Wednesday 24 April 2024 from 10.00am – 7.30pm.
All interviews will be 6 minutes in length, providing the opportunity for families to meet with Subject Teachers to discuss current academic progress and areas for improvement.
There will be no classes for Years 7-12 on this day to enable Parent Teacher Student Conferences to operate.
Booking Online Interviews:
Participating in Online Conferences:
Assistant Principal (Community and Partnerships)
- College Tours
- She Who Explores - After School Program
- Parent Engagement Night
College Tours
The College continues to have high demand for the twice weekly College Tours for prospective families. The success of these Tours are made possible by our student Tour Assistants who help lead families through the College, providing the student perspective on life at Ave. Our current Year 10 students facilitate the Tours and, more recently, have been assisting with the selection of new Tour Assistants from our Year 9 cohort who have shown interest in taking on this role. Over the last few weeks, we have encouraged our Year 9 students to apply to be a Tour Assistant from Term 2 onwards. We have completed our first few stages of interview and now look at our final selections for Term 2. Amazing opportunities for students at Ave Maria to get involved and give back to the community they love.
She Who Explores: Food Technology
In Term 2, the College will be launching a brand new after school program for future Ave students. She Who Explores has been specifically designed for Year 4 & 5 students to explore subjects that they will be able to study at Ave Maria College. The first iteration of the program will be centred around Food Technology, allowing budding young cooks to enter our kitchens and work with our fantastic Food Technology teachers and current students to cook a range of different recipes across four weeks. Students are welcome to attend one session or all four, with sessions running on different days each week between 7 May and 29 May to accommodate different schedules. For more information, please email AssistantPrincipalCommunity@avemaria.vic.edu.au or register at https://app.enquirytracker.net...
Parent Engagement Night - Save the Date 30 May
Ave Maria Parents are invited to attend a Parent Engagement Night on the topic of developing better ways to build boundaries with your kids. This is a joint initiative with St Columba’s College and will be held at St Columba’s College. Not only will this be a great chance to hear from Justin Coulston from Happy Families, but an opportunity to share experiences and meet parents facing the same challenges as you.
St. Columba's & Ave Maria Colleges | 30 May 2024
More information will be sent out next term.
Assistant Principal (Students and Engagement)
- International Women's Day
International Women's Day
As International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world, we were very fortunate to have the Year 12 Captains lead the way with their messages of support, and compilation of females role models whose messages they provided each day in the student bulletin.
The Year 12 College Captains Charlotte Rowbottom and Sienna Athaide and Academic Captain Georgia Cullie were fortunate to attend the International Coalition of Girls Schools International Women’s Day breakfast at Parliament House. Here are their accounts of the learnings from each leader they were able to listen to:
On Tuesday the 12th of March, we were given the opportunity to attend a breakfast held by the International Coalition of Girls School at Parliament house. We heard from 3 guest speakers who shared their empowering stories of being a woman in leadership.
Ms Georgie Crozier MP:
Georgie Crozier was first elected as a Member of the Southern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council of the Victorian Parliament in 2010, however, her passion for politics began long before. At a young age, Georgie held strong beliefs about defending the right of freedom of choice and freedom of speech. In doing so, she was subject to hate and abuse, however, her perseverance and continued determination to stand up for her beliefs, lead her to a career in politics. Initially, Georgie began her working in the healthcare industry as a nurse, midwife, and diabetes educator. Following this, she shifted her focus into working with small businesses and major corporations in consulting, human resources and recruiting. Her diverse experience in medical and business sector, ignited her passion for ensuring that our health system is accessible, and essential support is provided to all small businesses. Georgie shared her desire for all Victorians to have a voice and the ability to make a difference, which promoted her to run for Parliament. In 2022, Georgie was elected Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Liberal Member for Southern Metropolitan Region. Her admirable passion for societal change encourages us to make a difference, whether it be small or large, in our own community. Her empowering speech reflecting upon her journey as a female in leadership, continues to inspire us to persist in the face of hardship and make positive change.
Ms Jess Wilson MP:
Jess Wilson was elected as the member for Kew at the November 2022 Victorian State Election. Having graduated from a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University, Jess was admitted as an Australian lawyer in the Supreme Court of Australia. Through her experience in the Supreme Court, Jess communicated the importance of tenacity and perseverance, encouraging us to be remain determined and driven to achieve our goals, despite how difficult they may seem. During her presentation, she emphasised that we would go through many career changes in our lives, and that for herself, it meant that her passion for making a difference encouraged her to pivot into a career of politics. This reassured us that even through the uncertainties we may face in the future, there is always more than one path to success and happiness in life. Through her continual hard work, Jess was appointed Shadow Minister for Finance, Shadow Minister for Economic Reform and Regulation and Shadow Minister for Home Ownership and Housing Affordability in December 2022 for the Australian Liberal Party. Jess stressed the importance of having a balanced life, interests and passions outside of school and our jobs in the future, being a member and premiership player with the Kew Box Hill Hockey Club herself. Ultimately, her speech taught us that not only is it okay and normal to change career trajectories, but to always remain determined to achieve success, as this will guide us down our right path.
Professor Katie Allen:
Professor Katie Allen is a former member of Parliament for Higgins and sat on the committees Trade and Investment; the National Broadband Network; the Parliamentary Library; Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources, Health and Aged Care, and Communications and the Arts. She was also a paediatrician at the Royal Children’s hospital, professor at Melbourne University and The University of Manchester, as well as the founding director of the Australian Centre of Food and Allergy Research. As she spoke, she told of us about her journey from growing up in Albury, NSW to getting to where she is today. She had to leave her family to attend high school in Melbourne to better her education and opportunities. She first chose medicine because every member of her family was somewhat involved in the medical field. She saw the good they did for people every day, and decided she wanted to do the same. As she made differences in the medical field, she was approached by people who told her to give it a try in politics. She decided to give it a try and was rejected twice. Despite this rejection, she did not give up and tried again a third time in which she was successful. This taught us that if you want something in life, keep trying until you get it. Katie used her determination and perseverance to make a name for herself and make a difference, which is something all girls at Ave can be inspired by.
At Ave all young people can strive to achieve and to make a difference in their communities through perseverance and being open to meeting new people and opportunities.
May Christ’s resurrection bring you much joy at Easter.
Director of Students
- Teenagers and Eating Disorders
Research shows that the prevalence of eating disorders in teenagers has more than doubled since 2020. Experts identify body dissatisfaction and a desire for weight loss to be two factors which can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. It’s important for parents to be aware of the signs so that they can intervene early.
Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, other specific eating disorders and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. You can learn more about the different categories here: Eating disorders explained - Butterfly Foundation
This video outlines some important signs to look out for: Mayo Clinic Minute: 5 signs your teen might have an eating disorder (youtube.com)
The above signs could indicate an eating disorder, or they could be part of disordered eating which can develop into an eating disorder. The Butterfly Foundation as identified the following distribution:
This article provides useful information about eating disorders in young people. In particular, this article discusses focusing on health rather than size, taking a weight neutral approach, not focussing on appearances, incorporating lots of variety into the diet and encouraging young people to engage in physical activity that they enjoy.
If parents are concerned about a young person’s eating or exercise habits they can:
The College has significant experience working with families and students to support them through recovery. Please get in touch with the relevant Sub-School Leader or member of the counselling team if you would like further support.
Director of Learning and Pathways
- NAPLAN 2024
NAPLAN 2024
All year 7 and 9 students completed between the 13-25 March. All students who participate in NAPLAN receive an individual report of their results. Individual student reports are not provided for the NAP sample assessments. NAPLAN individual student reports (ISRs) will be provided to schools from Term 3 and then these will be mailed to families.
NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards, with student achievement shown against 4 levels of proficiency. There is a standard for each assessment area at each year level. This replaces the previous numerical NAPLAN bands and national minimum standards. The NAPLAN measurement scale and time series have also been reset.
Director of Catholic Identity and Mission
- Opening School Mass
- Holy Week Liturgy
- Easter Reflection
Opening School Mass
Our annual opening Mass was celebrated on 21 February, again led by Fr Tony Doran, our custodian of mission, with a prayerful celebration to begin our year. Fr Tony asked our community to reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit who is our source of inspiration as we endeavour to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Once again, our new Year 12 captains were involved in the procession of symbols, the readings and prayers of the faithful. The College choir led by Sophie Maclure were outstanding leading the singing, continuing the strong student involvement in the preparation and celebration of liturgy at Ave Maria College.
Holy Week Liturgy
In preparation for Easter, the College celebrated our Holy Week liturgy on 27 March. Our Franciscan leaders prepared and led the liturgy, which focused on five key moments from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Scripture and reflective readings were used as we recalled the last supper, the arrest of Jesus, the denial of Peter, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. The College choir greatly assisted in helping our community prayerfully reflect on the meaning of Holy Week. Our Franciscan leaders should be congratulated as they put in so much work to provide as all with the opportunity to ponder the meaning of Easter.
Easter Reflection
During our Holy Week liturgy, we heard a reflection from Sr. Monica Cavanagh, modified for our community.
Called to be an Easter people of Hope.
The Easter event transforms Jesus into a new being and calls us to do the same. The early disciples’ lives changed forever as they encountered the Risen Christ. They changed from being fearful to being courageous as their consciousness of Love impelled them to continue the mission entrusted to them.
As we celebrate Easter this year, our call is to be people of hope. To be people who let the light of the Easter candle burn brightly within so that others may share in the reassurance of what the Easter message offers. Even amidst the atrocities coming out of the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine, we see glimmers of hope and life. We see people reaching out and welcoming people to their homes, providing food, clothes, and comfort, playing music, and bringing moments of joy. Easter reveals God’s desire to transform our doubts, our worries, and fears into experiences of new life. Where do you see the seeds of new life emerging in our world and at Ave today? How can we be bearers of hope?
Called to be an Easter people of hope - a reflection — Catholic Religious Australia
Careers Leader
- Year 12 Tertiary Experience Day
- Work Experience
- Morrisby Online Profile
- Careers Website
The Ave Maria Careers team includes Ms Zoe Anderson and Ms Poppy Ibrahim. We aim to provide a hope-filled, strengths based and future focused approach. We are located in the Helene Library and provide student resources, programs, events, classes and careers counselling. Parents/carers are welcome to contact us at careers@avemaria.vic.edu.au or 9331 9328 to discuss pathways for their daughter.
Year 12 Future Planning meeting and Tertiary Experience Day
In Term 1, Year 12 students had an individual Future Planning meeting with a careers adviser. To complement their research into pathways, students also attended a Tertiary Experience Day excursion on Tuesday, 26 March. Students visited either Melbourne, Swinburne, La Trobe or Victoria Universities in the morning, followed by either ACU or RMIT in the afternoon. These opportunities are valuable in making informed pathway decisions for 2025.
Work Experience
Students in Year 10 have had the opportunity to undertake one week of work experience in Term 1. Mikayla Conidi completed her Work Experience at Niddrie X-rays and Mia Meskovski completed it in the marketing Department of Kangan Institute. Work experience is also avaiable to be undertaken during the school holidays, or by negotiation at another time. Those wishing to go during the July break must ensure they contact Ms Zoe Anderson to cover all required paperwork by Wednesday, 24 May 2023.
Morrisby Online Profile
On Tuesday, 14 March 2023, all Year 10 students completed the Morrisby Online Profile vocational testing. The career suggestions from this profile are based on individual strengths, interests, and personality. This provides our students with a valuable tool to determine a variety of suitable careers. Students will use their profile to select and research careers of interest, possible pathways for VCE and relevant tertiary courses.
Ave Maria Careers Website
Our Ave Maria Careers website can be easily accessed, via our main website links or click here. It is a wonderful tool for students and families to explore important career information and resources.
Upcoming events:
VCE and VET Leader
- 2024 General Achievement Test (GAT)
- Unit 3 & 4 Trial Examinations
2024 General Achievement Test (GAT)
All VCE and VCE VM students who are studying a Unit 3 & 4 subject during 2024 will sit the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday June 18 2024. Further details regarding times will be published early in Term 2. The GAT is a compulsory test that is overseen by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). All VCE VM Students must sit Part A of the GAT which typically is scheduled for the morning session. All other students must sit Part A and Part B. Specific details will be communicated in due course.
Unit 3 & 4 Trial Examinations
Unit 3 & 4 VCE Trial Practice Examinations are scheduled for the first week of the Spring school holidays:
Monday September 23
Tuesday September 24
Wednesday September 25
Thursday September 26.
Practice Examinations are compulsory for all students completing scored assessment. More detail pertaining to exact dates and times for all subjects will be communicated once the timetable has been completed in Term 3.
Any queries may be directed to Zoe Anderson VCE and VET Leader on zoe.anderson@avemaria.vic.edu.au
