Ave Maria College

Tutor Learning Program

In recognition of the disruption to students’ learning in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Victorian Government has invested $250 million in the Tutor Learning Initiative. The Tutor Learning Initiative enables schools across Victoria to engage qualified teachers as tutors to work with small groups of students and support their learning in literacy and numeracy. The initiative is consistent with Australian and International evidence, which shows that small group tutoring is one of the most effective educational interventions available to support students to progress in their learning.

The College has identified students from Years 7 -10 who may benefit from the small group tutoring support provided in our school through the Initiative. This is based on achievement data and other measures of learning, which indicate that a student’s expected learning progress may have been impacted by remote and flexible learning. A literacy and numeracy tutor have been employed to work with these students at the College for the remainder of 2021.

Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences Survey

Many thanks to parents/carers who completed this survey last week. The feedback was very positive and constructive and will inform our planning of PTS Conferences in Semester Two and beyond.

Semester One Reports

Communication will be sent to all families this term regarding the Semester One reporting cycle. Semester One reports will be available to all families on Friday, 25 June 2021 via the Parent Access Module (PAM).

Michelle Robertson

Seeing is Believing: She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives.

It is very important that when we state at Ave Maria College “She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives” that it can be backed up on a daily basis with evidence across all Year Levels. In the last month this evidence continues to mount as students partake in the myriad of opportunities on offer at Ave. It is through belonging that each student grows in their resilience and understanding of self, and as such will thrive in their learning and in their interactions with others.

This is evidence from the student’s perspectives below of a number of events that have taken place this term:

Leonie Rushbrook

Year 7 Camp with Year 11 Peer Support Leaders: She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives.

The Year 7 students really looked forward to attending the Year 7 Camp. lt was such a great experience for students to get to know other each other and enjoy fun activities along the way. There was so much enthusiasm from all the Year 7 students participating in many challenging activities. Some of our favourites were the Flying Fox: a 200m long zipline over a small creek and trees. Other favourites included; the High Ropes, 9 Squares in-the-air, Hut Building, Rock Climbing and the Initiative Course. These activities really extended us and encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones.

It made for such an enjoyable and happy camp with smiles on everyones faces. One of the highlights of camp was the Peer Support Leaders. They created an entire variety show for everyone to enjoy and participate in and they provided a great support system for the students to know that they had someone they could look up too! Everyone looked super happy during this time, and we all had so much fun. They were so supportive, encouraging some to face their fears and try their best on new and exciting obstacles.

The Year 7 students really showed their inner gifts. The camp was a huge success.

Mila Pickett and Millicent van Diemen - Year 7 Level Captains

Year 8: Project Rockit: She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives.

On Thursday, 6 May 2021 the Year 8 cohort had the incredible opportunity to work with the Project Rockit team. Through creative activities and interactive talks we gained knowledge about bullying and its place in our society. Their vision is, a world where kindness and respect thrive over bullying, hate and prejudice and every young person is free to realise their own potential.

During our day we focused on learning ways to combat both face to face and cyber bullying. It has helped us grow as people and understand to the full extent how our words can affect others. We don’t always think about the reasons people act the way they do, but hearing answers from such inspiring role models has empowered us to search deeper inside everyone else and find the root of their problems, so we too can be a person someone else can look up to.

We participated in workshops that helped us improve our confidence in standing up for ourselves and what we believe is right. This led us to cooperate with each other and freely share ideas whilst also pushing us to step out of our comfort zone to benefit those around us. Together we are now a stronger Year Level that is more than capable of fighting injustice.

Alisa Villani - Year 8 Level Captain and Isabelle Spicer - Year 8 Franciscan Captain

Year 9 Camp: She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives.

From Wednesday, 21 to Friday, 23 April 2021, the Year 9 cohort attended Auscamp’s Survival Camp in Wensleydale.
For three days, we were immersed in nature, surrounded by tall trees, creeks and animals. We participated in various activities, such as hiking in and navigating our way through the National Park, surfing in Anglesea, team building exercises and adventure sports. We also encountered many interesting experiences, like sleeping in tents or tarps and carrying our belongings in large packs.

One of the activities that we were fortunate enough to participate in was surfing. When the bus arrived at Anglesea beach, the mesmerizing ocean was enough to make everyone forget about the chill in the air. Each person was given a sized wetsuit and a lesson on how to safely handle a surfboard in the water. In no time everyone was up and giving it a go. The time washed past so quickly that it only felt like moments since we had walked within the shallows of the water. Many people had never been surfing before; however, it was definitely an excellent experience.

Something else which particularly stood out was carrying all our belongings in large backpacks called 'packs'. Most of those who attended the camp had never needed to carry their belongings and resources, such as food, equipment, clothes, tents and sleeping bags, in packs, so it was very much a new experience. Although there were times where it was challenging, everyone truly displayed determination and perseverance as they hiked and walked throughout the forest trails.

The entire Year 9 cohort thoroughly enjoyed this camp, as it has created so many unforgettable memories. We highly recommend this to the incoming Year 9 students of 2022.

Alannah Boccabella and Anica Raspudic – Year 9 Year Level Captains

yLead Leadership Seminar : She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives.

The yLead seminar was nothing like I had ever experienced.  On the Wednesday, 28 April 2021 the Student Leaders of Ave Maria College were invited to an afternoon beyond their imagination. During this time, we weren't told what leaders were, we were shown. We were all towers in the room. Equals, collaborating to understand why we chose to become the leaders of 2021. 

Through the seminar we grew in our understanding of what it means to be a leader. We looked at what inspired us to do our best and the strength required to never give up. As a Year 7-12 group of leaders we met so many amazing leaders from different Houses, Year Levels and positions and together we worked to solve problems and come up with ideas that we may never have thought of ourselves. 

The range of activities we participated in were my favourites, as we connected our learnings and findings to the world around us. We listened and we acted.

I really enjoyed the seminar and learnt so many amazing things that made me want to be a leader even more than I had before. Being a leader is not about having a badge, it’s about how we use our talents to collaborate and serve others. 

Olivia Sadiq - Year 10 Franciscan Leader

Year 12: Thriving through Choices at the Victoria VCE and Careers Expo: She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives

The below Photo Gallery speaks for itself: Thriving Ave women investigating their futures careers.

Year 11 Faith Formation Day

On Thursday, 29 April 2021, the Year 11 students had their Faith Formation Day. They had the privilege of listening to Michelle Newland, who shared her amazingly inspirational story of courage and perseverance during her recovery after sustaining a catastrophic brain injury. Additionally, we experienced Sister Therese’s eye-opening presentation about the organisation ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) and how they are working against the travesty of human trafficking, which is the Year Level Social Justice focus. At the conclusion of the day, the Year 11 cohort participated in a liturgy which centered around hope and gratefulness.

Overall, the day was exciting and very informative, and we thank all who helped bring the day together. '

Simona Mussie Brhane 11C and Ella-Grace Arnold 11B

Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI)

In order to get the most accurate picture of the Catholicity of the College, we complete the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) survey every four years. The data from those surveys are part of the planning for the upcoming School Improvement Plan (2023-2026).

Thank you to those parents who have already completed the survey. Please complete the survey no later than Monday, 24 May 2021.

1. Access the surveys at www.ecsi.site/au/user/

2.Enter the case-sensitive password Ghj654 and click login.

3.If you’re a new user: Click the New user button.

4. Enter the College Survey Access Code aASY42

Sherene Hassan

Sherene Hassan from the Islamic Museum of Australia came and spoke to Year 11 students on Friday, 7 May 2021. She taught us about how she is Muslim and what that really entails. Sherene gave us an insight into her culture and what their different traditions mean to them and how it represents showing their love to Allah. She also broke down stereotypes about various things such as terrorism, like the 9/11 terrorist attack a few years ago, she explained how that impacted her day-to-day life. I can speak on behalf of Year 11 in saying that listening to Sherene was truly insightful and inspiring, we all took away so much from her time with us.

Tara Walsh 11D

Semester Two Commencement Date

Semester Two will commence at the College on Monday, 21 June 2021 for all Year Levels. 

Change of Subject Requests for Semester Two

Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 are welcome to make requests to change a subject for Semester Two by completing the Change of Subject Request Form (found on Daily Messages on Ave Learning). Students and parents/carers are reminded that whilst we always do our best to accommodate requests, some cannot be granted due to class size limits or timetabling constraints.

Unit 1 Mid-Year Examinations

Unit 1 Mid-Year Examinations are taking place from Thursday, 10 June to Thursday, 17 June 2021 (inclusive).
Students in Year 11 and those Year 10 students who are undertaking accelerated studies are expected in attendance throughout the period. Some examination clashes are present within the timetable, and students will be advised of an alternative time that they will be required to complete the examination. Class teachers are also in the process of preparing students for these examinations.  

The Examination Timetable, along with further information and FAQs, will be communicated to students and parents/carers on Friday, 21 May 2021.

General Achievement Test (GAT)

The VCAA General Achievement Test (GAT) is taking place on Wednesday, 9 June 2021 for all students currently studying a Unit 3 and 4 subject. This will take place between 10.00am and 1.15pm. Students should aim to arrive at the College approximately 45 minutes beforehand. Further information will be communicated to parents/carers over the next week.

 Studiosity - Reminder

Students across all Year Levels have access to Studiosity, the online study help platform designed to complement the work of your child’s subject teachers. As part of this platform provided by the College, students have access to the Writing Feedback and Connect Live services.

• Writing Feedback provides students with feedback about their writing structure, as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Connect Live allows students to seek assistance from subject specialists in English, Mathematics, Science, and general study skills.

Students can access Studiosity via Ave Learning >> Learning Areas >> Student Resources >> Studiosity.

Students can access this service on demand at any time outside of school hours (subject to some limitations). Response times on the platform are indicated to students prior to submitting work for feedback or asking questions so that you are not waiting aimlessly for a response from the study specialists.

For more information, please visit this LINK or watch this brief VIDEO.

 James Vella

Visible Wellbeing

We have been privileged to have Lea Waters work with our staff to introduce the foundations of Visible Wellbeing and to introduce the first module: Strengths.

As you may recall, from previous newsletters, Visible Wellbeing is an evidence-based framework. Lea described the essence of the framework as making the invisible visible. We are learning about how to read behaviour, tone and mood in the classroom. In reading these indicators of wellbeing we are better able to understand the wellbeing of the people we are working with. Visible Wellbeing also supports a strengths-based approach, emphasizing working with each other’s strengths in order to work at our best.

Lea described emotional or psychological fitness as being similar to physical fitness. She talked about improving wellbeing by working consistently on developing those protective factors. This includes healthy relationships, developing a growth mindset, practicing good habits and investing in self-care regularly. Teachers are working on those habits and self-care strategies by incorporating brain breaks into the classroom routine. This allows students a pause during lessons to clear their minds and take a short break. Part of our aim is to help students to be aware of their own mental health throughout the day, to be able to build the skills to manage positive mental health and to practice this regularly. Through regular practice under low-stress conditions, students are better able to draw on those skills during high-stress conditions (such as assessments or moments of conflict). We practice taking a pause and a break so that students become used to managing their emotions using these tools. Students have reported that they feel clearer and more energized after a brain break, which leads to a better learning experience.  Students may recognize Stillpoint, when we pause for a reflective minute each day, as being connected with the practices encouraged in Visible Wellbeing.

This highlights the importance of students engaging in self-care activities at home and ensuring that they get enough physical, mental and emotional rest. Routines and structures can help in this, but it is also important that students learn to read their own emotions and identify strategies to help manage those emotions. 

Natalie Meddis

Does your daughter love all things books?

Helene Library’s co-curricular Book Corner is back this year and we are looking for new members. 

Book Corner is a casual gathering of students across all Year Levels to discuss book themes, plots characters and villains.

Students are encouraged to bring their lunch, bring a friend and their passion of reading.

Book Corner meets twice a term, next gathering on Tuesday, 8 June 2021.

Laura Pugliese - Helene Library Leader

Ave Maria College is proud to introduce Simon Everywhere, a smartphone app, designed to streamline the communication process for our families.

Simon Everywhere allows you to conveniently access your daughter’s reports, grades and attendance, update medical information, notify student absences, give consent for excursions and communicate directly with teachers. Essentially it is your Parent Access Module (PAM) account in the convenience of an app.
To utilise this facility simply download the Simon Everywhere app from your devices App Store, select Ave Maria College from the schools dropdown list and enter your previously supplied PAM account credentials.