Graduate News
VCE 2013
TO
P
TH
IS
!
Leading Acts
College Leaders 2014
Out and About
Italy Trip
July 2014
Welcome!
A Blockbuster
Congratulations to the OLMC
and Marcellin College M² Theatre
Company for their highly
professional and entertaining
production of Footloose.
Over six performances in May, the cast was spectacular
and the producers and back stage crew did a great job.
Special thanks to staff from Marcellin who directed and
produced this year’s production.
In addition to the cast having enormous fun, audiences
were seen jigging and jiving in the stalls and leaving the
auditorium with a spring in their steps. Footloose was truly
a feel good and first class show.
Photos courtesy of Randall Bezaire, Marcellin College
and Mark Jenkinson, OLMC
R
FO L
ED CIPA
V
ER RIN
S
RE HE P
T
On a scale
of 1 to 3
CapeStreet | July 2014
The genesis of So Quiche is a VCE
Vocational Education and Training
(VET) Hospitality course, based
on a national training package.
Successful completion of the
course offers students portable
qualifications which are recognised
across Australia. The girls’ journey
to successful completion will be
demanding and their competencies
will be rigorously assessed, but
for those who choose a career
in the hospitality industry, this
qualification is significant. I am proud
and delighted that the College has
extended its VET programs in 2014
and is offering this program. The girls
have delighted us with the quality
of their food, their capable and
gracious service, their dress code and
their overall work ethic, all of which
are admirably evident in both early
morning and late evening ‘gigs’.
In and amongst the
routines of our regular
timetable, Semester 1
has been punctuated
with a series of special
events, many of which
are featured in this
edition of CapeStreet.
One event this semester that is close
to my heart and likely to remain
etched in warm memories for some
time is the launch of the Caldow
Collection in May. The collection
features artworks from Design, Art
and Technology students across
all year levels. It is displayed in
a relatively new gallery area of
the reception and administration
building. Many of our students are
producing pieces that are of an
exceptionally high standard. It is both
gratifying and deserving that these
works are now able to be shared with
and appreciated by a greater number
of staff, students, family members
and other visitors to the College.
To name a few, we have had the
Opening School Year Mass and
Welcome to Year 7 Barbeque, the
Swimming Carnival, the performing
arts productions of Footloose and
Mr Melancholy,, the Mother’s Day
liturgy and supper, the International
Women’s Day Breakfast, the Italy
Language and Study Tour, the
Biggest Morning Tea and, on the
last day of Term 2, Dare2Donate
fundraising activities.
The collection is named in honour of
Mr Jim Caldow, an elderly man who
made all the frames for the artworks
in his home studio. Jim learnt
the techniques of framing in his
retirement years and quickly turned
his craftsmanship into an art form in
its own right. We have loved working
with Jim and on many occasions
have counted our blessings that the
showcasing of our students’ works
are in his capable hands.
My final highlight occurred at the
beginning of the school year, when
teachers began the work of ‘drilling
down’ into the College’s VCE
performance data and sharing their
views on factors that contributed to
the exceptional results of our 2013
graduates. On a range of measures
we recorded our best ever results,
including a College median score of
34, and 15.3% of study scores being
over 40. More good news about the
results is presented on pages 2–3.
There was considerable reflective
dialogue underway about the
‘X factors’. Consistently and
resoundingly, staff attributed much
credit to the work ethic, study habits
and aspirations of the students
themselves. Many staff spoke
about individual students and their
achievements with great affection
and insight, and there was a strong
sense of the teacher-student bonds
that had formed over a long and
sometimes arduous journey through
the VCE years.
Just as resoundingly, and
persuasively, I reminded staff of the
many ways that they had led the way
in shaping a strong learning culture.
Like the students, they ‘dug deeper’
when the going was tough. They had
modelled the work ethic expected
of students and the students had
reciprocated.
The VCE teachers deserve our
highest commendation. They are now
mid-way through their 2014 repeat
performance. May the end experience
reward them as it did earlier this year.
Julie Ryan
Principal
In several of these special events,
it was a great joy to have our very
own company of young women,
So Quiche,, providing us with in-house
catering services. In CapeStreet,
you will read an account of the
establishment of So Quiche in the
words of its founding members
(page 4). You will glean from this
that the girls have made a strong
start in their endeavours and that
they have ‘hit the ground running’
in terms of their bookings.
1
Graduate News
VCE High Achievers 2013
The College celebrated the
outstanding achievements of our
College Dux and 9 other graduates
at a full school assembly in February.
Some proud parents and family
members joined us for the occasion.
The ATAR results of our Top 10 graduates were publicly
acknowledged, along with the respective study scores of
each (2 graduates achieved perfect scores of 50). There
was a strong sense that current students across all year
levels recognised the significance of these achievements.
The applause was generous and resounding.
Isabelle Conroy
99.60 – COLLEGE DUX
Elisa Bolzonello
97.95 ATAR
Frances Cardamone
97.20
Sophie Dole
96.95
Kathryn Dowling
99.15
Kaitlyn Krahe
97.10
Carissa Malliadas
98.20
Erica Manini
98.45
Laura Ryan
98.85
Rebekka Syrjanen
98.80
Hindsight and Advice
Special thanks to the College Dux, Isabelle Conroy,
for her judicious reflections at the assembly about
balancing academic pursuits with other priorities,
such as personal health and wellbeing, friendships,
community engagement and at least one hobby or
passion. Some extracts are reproduced here.
In conversations with teachers throughout the year, the
notion of maintaining hobbies and doing things other than
‘study’ cropped up on numerous occasions. Personally, I
found playing and umpiring netball, participating in GSV and
being a member of the school leadership team as a House
Captain, fantastic outlets. But I had to make the choice to
stop a few activities too! The key message, one that I would
certainly advocate, is that having hobbies and keeping
the balance in life are integral to maintaining wellbeing in
Year 12. Yet alongside this must come good choices and
responsibility – because ultimately, to paraphrase Louis
Nowra in his play Cosi, the ‘important things like studying,
sleeping, eating well and staying active must come first’.
A lot of people have said that to really get the best out of
yourself in Year 12, you have to be doing it for yourself; you
have to want to do well. I certainly can’t dispute this, but last
year I discovered that there is a worthy concession to this
statement. You have to want to do well for your supporters;
for your family, friends and teachers.
2
When you’re lacking
a bit of motivation
and feeling a bit tired,
sometimes it is hard
to harness your own
dreams and regain your
drive. I know I found that
maintaining commitment
was easy when I stopped to remember that my teachers had
worked really hard to help me and that my family had made
sacrifices to support me.
To all of the students here, but perhaps most specifically
to the Year 7s, don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in every
activity that OLMC has to offer, because the opportunities
for learning and growth here are most certainly not isolated
to the classroom! To the Year 12s of 2014, tackle each
challenge you face this year with a fire in your belly. Be
determined to achieve what you are capable of and be
excited about the challenges you will face.
CapeStreet | July 2014
Topping This and That
Every year, the Victorian Government hosts
a VCE Season of Excellence in Melbourne’s
major cultural venues. Outstanding VCE
students who completed technology,
design, visual or performing arts studies
are invited to participate. OLMC was well
represented in several prestigious events.
TOP ACTS
Our Performing Arts students did exceptionally well. Eight students were invited to
audition for either a Drama or Theatre performance at the Melbourne Recital
Centre. Only 47 students from across the state are invited to perform and our girls
were right up there.
Congratulations to Natasha La Rosa and Luisa Scrofani for their TOP ACTS –
DRAMA auditions and to Natasha for moving beyond the auditions to a highly
successful and engaging performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Congratulations also to our TOP ACTS–THEATRE STUDIES students – Kiana
Daniele, Olivia Morison, Carly Draper, Danielle Cuce, Felicity Thompson and
Genevieve Oxley. Kiana and Olivia progressed to the finals and were outstanding.
The Top Acts performances attracted many OLMC teachers and families who were
bursting with pride and delight. Our current Year 11 and 12 Drama & Theatre Studies
students did some of their finest work as cheerleaders!
TOP DESIGNS
The work of 2 Year 12s was shortlisted for exhibition – Brianna Buscema for
Food and Technology and Emma Prowse for Media. Again, this is a stunning
number as only 94 exceptional VCE students from across the state make it
through the shortlisting process and go on to have their work exhibited at the
Melbourne Museum.
A third wonderful accolade was afforded to Year 11 student Breanna Farrugia,
who made it through to the Top Designs exhibition in Food and Technology.
Her story and achievement are featured on page 7 of CapeStreet.
1. College Dux, Isabelle Conroy, with parents
2.High achievers
3.Dux Speech – Isabelle Conroy
4.Olivia Morison as Beatrice Ethel Appleton
5.Kiana Daniele, also as Beatrice Ethel Appleton
Outstanding
VCE Results!
VCE Median Score
34
VCE Completion Rate
100%
VCAL Completion Rate
100%
Certainly our 2013 graduates
have raised the bar.
Percentage of VCE study scores over 40
15.3%
Percentage of students with ATAR over 90
26%
Percentage of students with ATAR over 80
60%
3
Out & About
Business is Booming
The VCE VET Hospitality program
at OLMC has stepped up a notch
in 2014. The College now offers
a nationally recognised course,
Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen
Operations), and our students
have ‘gone corporate’ through the
establishment of the So Quiche
catering company. They have had
a very successful start, with
bookings for several special events
and countless requests for a
business card.
We have also ventured into the ‘real world’ of industry,
with excursions to restaurants in Federation Square and
the Ivanhoe Town Hall and Function Centre. Discussions
with head chefs, event coordinators and function
managers have given us insight into the long days and
late nights involved in hospitality. We’ve had some great
tastings along the way!
From the students
At the beginning of the year, we worked as a group to
think of a branding strategy that would best promote
our company. So Quiche represents our girl power,
as we work as a team every week to produce culinary
delights for specialist clientele.
Our first function involved serving fifty very hungry
GSV swimmers. We researched the best ways we could
replenish the energy lost during their morning training.
With complex carbohydrates and a number of food
choices, our customers were more than pleased with
their flavour-packed boxes. We also conducted a primary
survey so we could learn from our reviews and further
understand our customers’ needs.
In our Wednesday afternoon timeslots, we work extended
shifts in the kitchens. This is where we dress in our
uniforms and set up our ‘mise en place’ for functions.
There have also been some early morning starts (6.00am)
when we have served food to College visitors and staff
attending the International Women’s Day Breakfast.
With tired eyes, we powered through to serve our
greatest supporters – the women who mentor and
guide us in our daily lives.
Our biggest function so far has been to prepare and
serve cocktail and finger food for one hundred guests
at the opening night of Footloose. We were so excited
to serve the public. Our nerves slowly disappeared once
we saw the reactions to our food.
It has been an amazing start to the year and we love
working together as a team to cook new and interesting
dishes. As an extended VET subject, we are pleased to
be accelerating our study and creating a strong pathway
to VCE success, as well as cooking up a storm along
the way!
4
CapeStreet | July 2014
Leading Acts
Our Frontline Leaders
The College congratulates the senior girls who were voted by their peers
to undertake important leadership responsibilities in 2014.
❚❚
Samantha Roxas and Genevieve Oxley –
School Captains
❚❚
Celine Pierre, Faith and Justice Captain
❚❚
Elizabeth Potter, Faith and Justice Vice Captain
❚❚
Claudia Bonnici, Arts Captain
❚❚
Danielle Cuce, Arts Vice Captain Drama
❚❚
Telisha Postans, Arts Vice Captain Dance
❚❚
Jessica Rosa, Arts Vice Captain Music
❚❚
Mareesa Ballao, Arts Vice Captain Voice / Choir
❚❚
Claudia Altavilla, Arts Vice Captain Visual Arts
❚❚
Rebecca Philip, Sport Captain
❚❚
Hayley Turner, Sport Vice Captain
❚❚
Rebecca McInerney, Carmel House Captain
❚❚
Daniela Pericic, Carmel House Vice Captain
❚❚
Miranda Bakowski, Loreto House Captain
❚❚
Emma Kearney, Loreto House Vice Captain
❚❚
Martina Carrieri, McAuley House Captain
❚❚
Laura Todesco, McAuley House Vice Captain
❚❚
Breanna Farrugia, Mercy House Captain
❚❚
Katherine Polazzon, Mercy House Vice Captain
❚❚
Lara Stovell, Environment Vice Captain
❚❚
Ingrid Atkinson, Yearbook Vice Captain
A Word from the College Captains
So far…
As we submit this comment, it has been 130 days since
the Leadership Team walked through the gates of OLMC
as the official leaders of 2014. The days have been
filled with joy, challenges and hardships in planning
for and promoting many of the school’s events whilst
simultaneously putting into action new ideas and initiatives
to benefit staff and students. The workload has been a
definite concern at times, however, it is easily outweighed
by the many moments of privilege, celebration and
success that come with being College Captains and
members of the Student Leadership Team.
Samantha Roxas and Genevieve Oxley
5
Faith and Justice in situ
Our Inner
Pilgrimage
There is a smartphone app titled
GPS for the Soul, intended to help
us yield the benefits of meditation.
What next, we might ask?
A growing body of scientific evidence is telling us that
meditation can help with stress management and with
developing personal resilience. It can be beneficial for
so many other aspects of life, from disease and pain
management, to sleep, to control of emotions, increased
creativity and strengthened feelings of compassion.
At OLMC we are proud of our Meditation Program.
Since 2012, staff have been building their expertise
in meditation practices and contemplative traditions.
Meditation is now a core component of the RE curriculum,
with all students meditating at least once a cycle as
part of their RE program. We have also extended our
campus locations for quiet prayer and reflection.
In the Christian tradition, we have a long and rich history
to draw on when exploring the spiritual benefits of
meditation. In more recent times, the work of Benedictine
priests such as John Main and Laurence Freeman are
helping us to value contemplative practice as an essential
and central dimension of all Christian spirituality.
Bring Back the Girls
Several months ago, 276 Nigerian
school girls were taken in the
night by a group of heavily armed
militants – a terrorist group
opposed to western education,
especially the education of women.
It took almost a week for this story to reach the
international forum and it was only because of the uproar
on social media sites that the public was made aware.
It is unacceptable that in the 21st century the abduction
of these girls was not prioritised in the media. Perhaps if
the world knew sooner, we could have acted faster. It got
me thinking, if a year level and a half was abducted from
OLMC, such a story of 276 missing ‘Australian’ girls would
be all over the globe in a matter of hours.
What staff and students are learning is that meditation
is not simply about relaxation or cleansing the mind
of all thoughts. Meditation is hard work and it takes
a lot of practice to get better. The more we do it, the
easier it becomes to experience and enjoy stillness
and peace. For many of our students who live busy
lives, it has added meaning because it may be the only
quiet, reflective experience they have in the week.
We are planning to establish a Parent Meditation
Group in second semester. For prospective
members, a link on the Parent Portal page to the
Australian Christian Meditation Community may
offer some useful information, and motivation!
Maryann Cantwell
Meditation Program Coordinator
6
In partnership with Ms Ryan and other wonderful staff
members, I held a senior school assembly to highlight
the importance of this story and to make sure that, unlike
similar situations in the past, these girls are not forgotten. I
spoke about the ways that we as a school community could
take action and that we should find comfort – cold comfort
perhaps – in the fact that grown men hide behind their
bullets because they are scared of girls who wield pens.
What you see here is a vase, inside of which are the names
of the 276 Nigerian girls, on nametags. At the assembly,
each OLMC student placed in the vase ‘their girl’, and we
prayed for the safe return of each and every one of them.
We continue to pray for the girls and we stand in solidarity
with their families and the Nigerian people who want their
girls back!
Alyssa Totham
Year 12 MLTO
Class Acts
CapeStreet | July 2014
Inspired by Nonna
A new and impressive precedent
was established when Breanna
Farrugia, a Year 11 student
undertaking an accelerated
VCE Unit 3/4 study in Food
and Technology, was invited to
display her folio at the Melbourne
Museum, as part of the Victorian
Government’s 2014 VCE Season
of Excellence.
I was beyond thrilled when I received a letter in December
to notify me that my Food and Technology folio had
been accepted into the Top Designs Exhibition. The
exhibition is such a prestigious event. It showcases
the works of very talented VCE students in subjects
such as Product Design and Technology, Visual
Communications, Media, Systems Engineering and
Food and Technology. To see my folio amongst work
of such a high calibre was an incredible honour.
This opportunity would not have come about if it were
not for my beautiful Nonna and the way in which she
has inspired my passion for cooking. For as long as I can
remember, Nonna has been forcing food down my throat,
shouting ‘mangia’ at every possible opportunity. Some of
my fondest memories are of Nonna and me in the kitchen,
making homemade pasta and biscuits, and of course the
all-important sauce-bottling day. It was from here that my
passion for food stemmed and it was where the theme for
my folio was discovered.
My folio showcases food from Nonna’s home region of
Abruzzo, in the east of Italy. The dishes I cooked are all
readily eaten in her region and here too, at Nonna’s home.
I also used Nonna’s apron and kitchenware from Abruzzo
to style my work. In this way my folio is truly a testament
to the love and passion for cooking which Nonna
continues to show every time we visit her.
Everything you learn in Food and Technology can be applied
in a very practical setting and I think this is one of the things
that sets it apart from other subjects. It goes without saying
that any folio subject is quite time consuming, so having
completed it before Year 12 is most definitely an advantage.
Undertaking a Unit 3/4 subject, whatever it may be, is a
fantastic way to get a taste of Year 12 and the expectations
that it places upon you. Food and Technology can offer
so many possibilities and I encourage girls to give it a go,
because you never know where it may lead.
It is hard to express just how much this exhibition means
to me. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience and I am
making the most of every part of it. A huge thankyou is
extended to my wonderful teacher, Ms Bregantic, who
offered me the absolute best guidance and assistance
throughout the year and corrected countless design briefs
and practice exams. Ms Bregantic and Nonna share this
honour with me. My joy is their joy.
7
Events Showcase
Mister Melancholy
Three hermits, living in a lighthouse without a light,
discover a runaway circus clown washed ashore, resulting
in comical chaos and absurd events. This is the storyline
of the Matt Cameron playscript, Mister Melancholy. VCE
Theatre Studies students, Unit 3/4 were introduced to
the playscript in Term 1, along with an assessment task
to develop an interpretation of the text through the 3
stages of the theatrical production process – planning,
development and presentation.
The girls formed a theatre company, titled Runaway
Productions, and worked in teams to create and deliver
a range of stagecraft techniques and devices, including
directing, lighting, publicity, marketing and performance.
Over the course of 3 months, they were resolute and
focused on fulfilling their goals. On Wednesday, 30 April,
Runaway Productions had a successful night, with 2 shows
that were executed wonderfully.
Caldow Collection Launch
A relatively new gallery area in the reception and
administration building now features artworks from
Design, Art and Technology (DAT) students across all
year levels. The collection was launched on 8 May and
showcases the artistry of over fifty students. The intention
is that each year teachers will select pieces from the
various DAT classes, with the chosen works displayed in
the gallery area from February to December in the year
following selection.
The Caldow Collection honours Mr Jim Caldow, the
College’s master framer. Jim made all the frames for the
collection in his home studio. There is an art in framing
and Jim displays this in the choice of framing materials
and in the meticulous detail he applies to his craft. He is
intent on ensuring that each work is presented in a way
that will invite the viewer to fully engage with the work.
We refer readers to the Principal’s reflections on page 1
for more information about this naming honour.
The girls are very appreciative of all who supported
their endeavours. They would especially like to thank
Ms Bradmore, Mr Close and Mr Kay for their help and
assistance. ‘We are really proud of what we have achieved;
as a team and as individuals,’ student Taylah Fleming says.
‘It has been an incredible and unforgettable experience.’
Photos courtesy of Aislinn Ryan, Year 11 AGLE
8
Guests at the launch were presented with a beautiful
catalogue and a ‘mocktail’ as they browsed the
exhibition’s varied works. Some calming lounge music
added to the ambience, courtesy of Renee Chung (Year
11). Sr Eileen Ann Daffy rsm officially launched the
collection, and Jim’s wife, Maureen spoke on Jim and the
family’s behalf.
Congratulations to the students whose work is showcased.
Staff, other students, family members and College visitors
are impressed by your talents and appreciative of the
emotions and thoughts your artworks evoke.
CapeStreet | July 2014
Boys at OLMC?
A Staff versus Students debate held in Term 1 attracted
one of the biggest crowds ever in House Debating
competitions. Many attribute the strong attendance
to the highly engaging and provocative topic –
‘That OLMC should become a co-ed school’.
OLMC’s Biggest
Morning Tea
There are very few people whose lives are left untouched
in some way by cancer. In recognition of this, and to raise
much-needed research funds, the OLMC community
annually holds a Biggest Morning Tea. This event was
hosted by the Year 7s on 21 May.
The girls approached the event with their trademark
initiative and enthusiasm. The treats made by the girls
were scrumptious and the way in which they presented
their cake stalls was most creative. With each class
adopting a theme – Alice in Wonderland, Finding Nemo
and Rainbow, to name a few – the Hall was transformed
into a veritable heaven for sweet tooths!
Thanks to the support and generosity of staff and
students, the Year 7s raised $1,760.
Good upon the Year 7s. They have raised the bar quite
considerably for those that follow!
Backstage at Wicked
The resulting arguments on either side provided food
for thought and entertainment for all. Adjudicators
Ms Taine and Mr Ryan kept both sides of the debate in
line. This was sometimes difficult given some of the more
outlandish arguments and counter arguments put forward
by respective teams, including:
❚❚
Boys smell. The school/corridors would smell if they
came here.
❚❚
If the boys smell, then it detracts from the women smelling.
❚❚
There would be an overload of Lynx body spray, making
it difficult for others to breathe and therefore we will die
if OLMC has both boys and girls.
As for the winners, congratulations to the students,
who argued against a co-ed future for OLMC. Endless
opportunities, building relationships with other young
women, empowerment and NO LYNX were all highly
credible and convincing reasons why girls schools rock!
On Wednesday 21 May, the Year 10 VET Live Production
class travelled to the Regent Theatre to see the musical
Wicked and meet with some of the cast and crew. It was a
special, highly privileged experience, as described here by
one of the fortunate VET students.
In our VET studies, we look at all of the different elements
of theatre and are now finding ourselves noticing things
that we never used to during a show. We no longer focus
on just the performers on stage, but everything else,
such as lighting, sound, set design, ticket design and
advertising.
After the show, we met with the Australian Creative Team
for Wicked, as well as Daniel, a performer. When we had
finished asking all our questions, we were blessed with the
opportunity to go on stage and backstage, which was very
interesting and gave us a very different perspective from
what we had just watched as part of the audience.
On behalf of all of the girls, I would like to thank Ms Taine
for organising an awesome excursion and sharing her
knowledge with us. We love you Ms Taine!
Annabelle Sassano
Year 10 AMCE
9
Please Explain!
There is no such thing as ‘same old, same as’ at OLMC.
In any given day there is always a ‘happenstance’ or
something quirky, unusual or unprecedented that
elicits the curiosity, delight and amusement of staff
and students. The CapeStreet editors recently
issued some ‘Please Explains’ in relation to the
following photographic record of events.
Dear Dot (Ms Georgiou)
Dear Tayler
Dead body in your classroom? Or
someone injured? Who dunnit?
Please explain.
We believe that’s you in that CAS
(calculator). We are trying to join the
dots between the CAS, your House
and the swimming carnival. Perhaps
you had a scorer’s role? Please explain.
Dear CapeStreet Editors
Dear CapeStreet Editors
Dear Rosa
The CAS bears no relationship to my
House, or swimming. Rather, the week
before the carnival, my calculator
got drenched in water (a mishap)
and it stopped working. Imagine my
angst and fury! I decided to come as
a calculator to demonstrate to the
water WHO’S BOSS!
You look amazing, and your
‘persona’ intrigues us. What and
who inspired you? Please explain.
Of course, like most Year 12s, I wanted
to be noticed in a costume that
people will remember. I hope they do!
I wonder if VCAA will let me use the
CAS in the Maths exams? Seems a
shame not to extend its shelf life!
Tayler Martin
Year 12 LMGL
Dear CapeStreet Editors
Thank you for the compliment.
This is my ‘Nonna Rosa’ outfit.
I had always wanted to find
a stand-out outfit for my last
swimming carnival. I found this
green dress at Savers, then raided
my Nonna’s wardrobe to find
a green head scarf and typical
‘Nonna’ gold broach. At the
swimming carnival, Nonna Rosa
was star-struck by all the paparazzi
begging her for a photo.
Every House needs a Nonna to help
them win. She will provide them
with all the love and food they
require to conquer any carnival
and to achieve victory... just like
Carmel House did. I leave you with
the inspiring words of Nonna Rosa
herself...’FORZA CARMEL!’
Rosa Nastasi
Year 12 CAPR
10
Settle down. There was no crime, no
dead body and no need to fear, for
the VET Allied Health girls were there
to take care of the patient!
With their theoretical and practical
knowledge of how to safely move a
patient, the girls are becoming wellequipped to assist any Allied Health
professional in the workplace. Guided
by Mercy Health training staff, they
are learning about working with a
culturally diverse cohort of clients and
they are becoming increasingly adept
at decoding medical terminology.
Be assured, they had this client up
and about in no time!
Dot Georgiou
Careers Practitioner
CapeStreet | July 2014
Dear Alicia (Ms McHugh)
This looks great. If we overcome our wetsuit anxieties, would you like some
volunteer staff? What would be involved? Please explain.
Dear Cape Street Editors
The Year 10 Mind-Body-Soul students would be more than happy for staff
volunteers to don their steamers and head to Anglesea for their surfing and
kayaking trip! You would have to duck dive, hang ten, ride goofy in the glass
house and be careful not to drop in on the gnarly Year 10s! Following your
2-hour surfing lesson, the girls would be able to show you a thing or two about
catching some awesome waves in a sit-on-top sea kayak. We are sure you
would agree with us that it was a ‘totally sick’ day!
Alicia McHugh
Loreto House Coordinator
Dear Sally (Mrs Garvey Page)
Dear Katherine
Why the glum face, and what’s
with the ‘floaties’? Please explain.
Dear CapeStreet Editors
I’m stealing a beach! Well, I mean
my character Ollie is, in the
VCE Unit 3/4 Theatre Studies
production of Mister Melancholy,
by Matt Cameron. While it may not
look like I am enjoying myself, I can
assure you that was just acting.
Creating this production as a class
was an incredibly rewarding and
entertaining experience for all of us.
Katherine Gately
Year 11 CKBR
We can’t help but feel a little
fearful for the Year 8s. Is our fear
misplaced, and is Tower of Terror a
compulsory activity? Please explain.
Dear CapeStreet Editors
‘Life throws you in all directions’.
The Tower of Terror helped
the Year 8s to overcome their
fears and prepare for their
outdoor education challenge
scheduled for later in the year.
I respectfully suggest your fears are
indeed misplaced. You need to get
with the program!
Sally Garvey Page
Year 8 Coordinator
Dear Mareesa
Congrats on Footloose. For those of
us who missed the show, what’s with
this prop – the straw-broom/hat/scarf
thing? Please explain.
Dear CapeStreet Editors
That’s Mama – Willard’s Mama. Mama
gives a lot of good advice, like:
❚❚
Don’t hold your breath for longer
than an hour
❚❚
Never eat anything bigger than
your head
❚❚
Don’t buy a chandelier unless you’ve
got a ceiling
❚❚
Once you drive up a mountain, you
can’t back down.
Willlard loves Mama. Thinks she’s
a wiz, a genius. Us girls are a little
dubious, but we love her, and we love
it that Willard loves his Mama.
Mareesa Ballao
Year 12 MAFL
11
News from the Staffroom
New Aussie
Citizens
1
3
Bells and Bubs
Congratulations to staff who have celebrated
milestone events in Semester 1. As colleagues
we shared and continue to share their joy.
1.Grace Austin married Arthur Tsibouriaris on the 4 January 2014 at St
Thomas More’s Parish, Mt Eliza, followed by a reception at Summerfields
Estate, Mornington Peninsula.
2.Maree McMahon and Silas welcomed Hermione Brigid into their lives
on 18 February at Box Hill Hospital.
3. Hayley Gamble Curran and Pete became proud parents of Joshua John
following his birth at the Mercy Hospital for Women on 4 January.
4.Andrew Gibson and Emma presented their first-born, Benjamine, with
a sister, Florence Jean, on 3 June at the Mercy Hospital for Women.
2
4
When the school
year began, we were
delighted to hear that
Sanil Jacob, his wife
Gini and children Sarah
and Samuel became
Australian citizens
at an Australia Day
ceremony in the City
of Whittlesea.
Their journey to citizenship began in
2007. Gini, a nurse in India, applied
for a student visa and then undertook
a 6-month bridging course to secure
registration with the Nurses Board
of Australia. This was a challenging
time for Gini because of the strict
English proficiency tests and the
expenses required to relocate and
complete the course. St Vincent’s
Public Hospital in Melbourne
sponsored Gini for a Working Visa
and then extended this sponsorship
to Sanil. St Vincent’s later sponsored
both of them in the process of
attaining permanent residency.
As for Sanil’s journey, he worked in a
supermarket for several years before
securing the position at OLMC. From
that time on, Sanil and Gini were able
to confidently plan for the future.
The job here helped us a lot. Our
lives became more secure. In 2010
we bought a house and 2 years later
Sarah was born. So ours is a good
news story. We can say that it is
definitely a lucky country!
Congratulations Sanil and Gini. Yours
is an uplifting story and we remain
delighted for you.
12
Leading Science Profile
and Partnerships
The College’s science programs, in particular our Budding
Biochemists@OLMC program, are attracting high levels of
commendation in the wider educational community. We
are ‘under the microscope’ for a host of good reasons.
In Term 2, for example, the program was featured in
Director’s eNews, a publication of the Catholic Education
Office Melbourne. In addition, our forensic science
program attracted front-page and ‘feature article’ status
in Labtalk, the secondary science journal of the Science
Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.
Internally, our students are exhibiting high levels of
confidence in the science programs. Enrolments in VCE
Chemistry and Physics are steadily increasing, and the
number of OLMC graduates pursuing science-related
career pathways is trending upwards.
The rising reputation of the Budding Biochemists program
has led to our science staff now sharing their expertise
and learnings with other Catholic secondary schools
in Victoria. In 2012, with the support of the Catholic
Education Office Melbourne, the College was awarded a
Nucleus Schools Grant to develop a professional learning
program titled the Budding Biochemists Partnership
Program. Through this partnership, our science staff
support teachers in other Catholic secondary colleges
by engaging them in a process of consultation, planning,
equipment ordering, training and support during
classroom implementation.
The grant also includes a small amount of start-up funding
for partner schools for the purchase of the molecular
biology equipment.
Currently our partner schools are Presentation College,
Windsor and Catholic Ladies’ College, Eltham. Later this
year, a team from the Academy of Mary Immaculate,
Fitzroy will come on board. The schools now form part of
a network that exchanges resources freely and supports
the respective endeavours of schools – both scientifically
and pedagogically.
Congratulations to our science staff for their collective
efforts in developing and delivering such highly regarded
programs. A special commendation also to Lisa Chiavaroli
and Lauren Farrugia for their leading role in the Budding
Biochemists Partnership Program.
First and Lasting Impressions
assisting parents and sometimes grandparents in matters
of left-behind lunches, phones, sports uniforms, musical
instruments, mouth guards and homework.
At OLMC, we are blessed with Front office staff
who deliver on these expectations with the utmost
professionalism and healthy doses of humour and warmth.
While Hazel Lynch, Janet Horak and Marion Sarmas each
have distinct skill sets and roles, collectively they are a
formidable team. It is clear to all who see them in action
that they enjoy their jobs and each other, as we do them.
Hazel, Janet and Marion have long learnt to expect the
unexpected in their jobs. For this article, we asked them
to identify 3 of the more unusual or ‘left-field’ tasks of the
last 12 months. Their response will surprise and amuse!
Every organisation recognises the significant role and
‘value add’ of its front-of-house staff. In many instances,
they are the first contact and ‘public face’ of an
organisation, hence expectations are high that their foyer
and phone communications are courteous, professional
and helpful. They need to be well-groomed and to
consistently demonstrate initiative, discretion, a positive
attitude, dependability and a capacity for dealing with
challenging situations.
On top of this, they need to perform multiple tasks quickly,
including directing visitors to destinations, handling mail
and deliveries, answering and fielding calls, filing, recordkeeping, data entry, cashiering duties and security control
functions! There is also the requirements of greeting and
❚❚
The local Labrador who regularly attended the school
for love and attention, with our job being to save him
from himself and traffic and make retrieval arrangements
with his always embarrassed owner.
❚❚
The unannounced delivery of a crocodile at Reception,
for the Zoos in Schools program, causing our usually
sanguine Hazel to shriek in shock and horror and beat
a hasty retreat to the far corners of the admin area.
❚❚
The live crickets, periodically delivered via Reception for
the Science labs that, on hot days, required us to keep
them cool and well hydrated until Lab staff arrived. We
avoided cricket fatalities, in fact we have become adept
at cricket care, but delivery arrangements have changed
and they now go straight to the labs.
13
When in Italy
In April, 46 students and 6 teachers
spent 18 days in four regions of Italy
and travelled through a fifth. The
beauty, history and diversity of the
various regions and people of Italy
had a significant impact on the life
journeys of all students and staff.
From the iconic seaside town of Sorrento in Campania,
to the ruins and hustle and bustle of Rome in Lazio, from
the elegance of Florence in Tuscany, through picturesque
Emilia Romagna, we travelled onward to the romantic and
mysterious canals of Venice in the Veneto region.
Throughout the tour, students were given daily challenges,
such as investigating why the ‘Spanish’ steps are in Rome,
deciphering the mural at the international school to learn
about Roman history, and discovering the ancient and the
modern meanings of the letters SPQR. All students also
worked in groups to contribute to the daily blog, covering
interesting topics such as Pompeii, the Vatican, Palm
Sunday and Easter Sunday Mass, as well as their cooking
lesson with a genuine ‘pizzaiolo’ and the fashion trends
they observed.
The school experience was invaluable. The students were
taught by innovative and enthusiastic teachers in a truly
international environment. They were lucky enough to
meet students from a variety of countries and participated
in conversation classes with them.
14
Each day, groups of students took responsibility for
leading another group to a particular destination. This
entailed the use of maps, public transport and lots of
walking. They quickly made sense of the underground
rail system (la metrò) and the tricks used in successfully
crossing the busy city streets.
In the midst of their experiences, the students constantly
demonstrated a curiosity for the language and culture.
There were endless questions about Italian life and
society. As they became immersed in the language, their
interest in the workings of Italian language and grammar
increased. Many grammar lessons took place in the
streets, restaurants and public transport.
The above words are certainly not enough to express the
success of the tour. The students were joyful, engaged,
interested and energetic throughout the whole trip.
It was an enriching experience for all of us.
Cenza Basile
Tour Leader
CapeStreet | July 2014
News from the Parents’ Association
Sports Lab Benefactors
The AGM of the Parents’
Association, held in early March,
was a timely and much welcomed
opportunity for the Principal, Julie
Ryan and Vice Principal, Andy
Kuppe to officially thank parent
members for their fundraising
efforts in 2013.
Committee Members 2014
Thank you to the following
Committee members, appointed
at the AGM, who will lead the way
in 2014.
Eugene Ballao, President of the Association, proudly
presented Julie Ryan with a cheque for $18,500, all
of which had been spent ‘in advance’ to partially
fund the new Sports Science Laboratory. The Sports
Lab is a space in which our girls will be challenged
and supported to perform, observe, analyse and
report on practical laboratory exercises and examine
the relationship between different variables.
Parents’ Association members were given a guided
tour of the new lab, with PE Teacher Stephanie
Smyth leading the way. It is an impressive facility
and everybody was delighted. The girls are equally
impressed and we have every confidence that
the lab will generate long-term dividends!
❚❚
President – Eugene Ballao
❚❚
Secretary – Bronwyn Bettello
❚❚
Treasurer – Colin Spence
❚❚
Publicity Officer – Lynda Martin
❚❚
Community Care Committee - Maria Spence,
Rosemary Keppel
❚❚
Fundraising Committee – Irene Deady, Archilles Tsiavas,
Frank Salamone
❚❚
Hospitality Committee – Pauline Ferrarese, Paul Pigram,
Storm and Dennis Rigoni
❚❚
General Committee – Trish O’Riley, Carmel Abrahams,
Robyn Hopkinson.
New Parents
Welcomed
Every year the Parents’ Association
play an important part in welcoming
new parents to the College. The
popular Welcome BBQ for all Year 7
families in February, with the Year 9
Peer support families also attending,
was once again a good night
enjoyed by many. Zumba on the turf,
impromptu karaoke and snow cones
were all major highlights.
15
News from the Past Pupils
Volunteer Honours
At the recent 2014 Banyule
Volunteer Awards dinner, two of
our past pupils, Liana Gangi and
Rachael Ward, from the Class of
2013, received a highly commended
award for their Truth 4 Youth
group’s contribution to the Banyule
community.
Truth 4 Youth is a blog written by young people from the
Banyule area. Every month, its members workshop ideas
with professional mentors and contribute topical posts to
the blog. Liana and Rachael became involved with Truth 4
Youth during Year 12 and found it a great place for them
to voice their opinions and meet other young writers from
the area.
College staff and past pupils present were also delighted
that Br Harry Prout FMS received the inaugural Banyule
Citizen of the Year award in recognition of his long-term
work with the Olympic Village Exodus Community and
the residents of West Heidelberg. This award honours and
celebrates the practical and emotional support Br Harry
has given to many, as well as the programs and initiatives
he has established. This award is truly well deserved.
Well done Harry!
Jo Murphy Tribute
Community connectedness is an important part of what it means to be an
OLMC student, past or present. This was clearly demonstrated by a group
of OLMC past pupils when they
organised ‘A Night to Remember’, a
fundraising event in honour of their
friend and classmate Jo Murphy,
from the Class of 1994.
Jo Murphy was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer
in February 2011 and passed away early in 2013, aged
36. Always thinking about others and in the midst of
treatment, Jo found a way to raise much needed funds for
the Oncology Ward of the Royal Women’s Hospital. Her
event, ‘The Afternoon Tea’, brought together 120 women
to celebrate friendship and good health. It raised $8000.
Contact Us
Marie Jenkins is the ‘Go to’ person based at the College
for all matters pertaining to past pupils.
T: 9455 7596 | E: [email protected]
16
The inaugural ‘A Night to Remember’ was held at the
Thornbury Theatre in October, 2013 and was enjoyed by
close to 300 people. The night raised $40,000 – a great
effort for a first-time event. The money raised will help
provide the best of care to women and their families at the
Royal Women’s Hospital Oncology Department.
Planning has commenced for the ‘A Night to Remember
2014’. If you wish to volunteer or donate an item
for the silent auction, or simply find out more about
the event, please go to the website facebook.com/
anighttorememberforjo.
CapeStreet | July 2014
50 Year Reunion
Class of 1964
On 13 April (Palm Sunday), 20
women from the class of 1964
gathered in the OLMC convent
boardroom to celebrate their
strong and enduring connections
with each other and the College.
Those present at the luncheon
found it hard to believe that 50
years had passed since they had
left the College.
The PPA supported and encouraged the idea of a
celebratory luncheon at the College to mark the 50th
anniversary of the group’s graduation. Following on from
the Centenary celebrations, the PPA now organises a
reunion on Palm Sunday each year. Decade reunions are
particularly encouraged.
As the women warmly greeted one another and started
sharing their stories, snippets of conversations could be
overheard – careers, families, children, partners, illnesses,
elderly parents and travels were some of the common
threads to emerge. Several had come from interstate and
many others from distant locations in Victoria.
All were pleased they had made the effort and took
delight in being in each other’s company. The women
were delighted that the current principal, Ms Julie Ryan,
had called in to say hello.
At the end of the day, many assurances were given to stay
in touch. Many expressed their gratitude in subsequent
emails to the organisers.
Past Pupils’
Committee
The Committee is
pleased to welcome
three new members
for this year – Fiona
Douglas (Cowhey),
Class of 1988; Jackie
Wilson, Class of 1982;
and Helen Lim (Wells),
Class of 1965.
We now look forward to the Past
Pupils’ Association Dinner on
Thursday 4 September, with guest
speaker Metka Skrobar (nee Slavic).
Metka was a student at OLMC
in the 1960s and now works as a
professional artist in Queensland.
17
Sports Highlights
and Results
❚❚ We have 3 new Tennis teams
(Junior, Intermediate and
Senior), with 8 students in
each new team)
❚❚ We have recently become the
GSV Cross Country Division
2 Champions – A MAJOR
ACHIEVEMENT
❚❚ Numbers in the GSV Triathlon
team have increased (from 6
to 13 students)
❚❚ We were Term 1 GSV
Premiers in Junior B Softball
+ Intermediate B Softball
❚❚ The Equestrian team is back
(3 students have competed in
2 competitions)
❚❚ We were Term 1 GSV Runners
Up in Junior A + B Tennis,
Intermediate A Softball +
Senior B Tennis
❚❚ We have 3 new Junior Netball
teams (from 6 to 9 teams)
❚❚ Over 400 students have
participated in GSV so far
this year (35% of school
population)
❚❚ There was great student
involvement at House
Swimming Carnival, with
Carmel taking home the
shield
❚❚ Our GSV Swimming team
qualified for Division 2 and
finished 7th (equal highest
result)
❚❚ Eight students qualified for
the GSV Swimming Finals
Night, with 2 awarded gold
medals
❚❚ Our GSV Diving Team
finished 5th in Division 3
(highest ever result)
❚❚ There are huge numbers
training in Aerobics every
Monday and Thursday
morning in preparation for
the first competition
❚❚ We were Term 1 GSV Finalists
in Junior A Softball
Term 2 Finalists
(finals to be
completed)
❚❚ Junior Netball A, B, C, D, E, F,
G and H
❚❚ Intermediate Netball A, C
and D
❚❚ Senior A and B Netball
❚❚ Intermediate Hockey
Congratulations to students
and staff for the many ways
these impressive numbers
and results build OLMC’s
reputation as a formidable
force in competitive sport. May
Semester 2 continue to honour
this reputation.
Brad Giles
Sport Coordinator
CapeStreet | July 2014
CapeStreet is a bi-annual publication of
Our Lady of Mercy College
A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd
ABN 69 154 531 870
52 Cape Street (PO Box 293)
Heidelberg, VIC 3084
T: (03) 9459 2511 E: [email protected]
Web: www.olmcheidelberg.catholic.edu.au
Editorial committee
Christine Heffernan, Marie Jenkins
Design: Xsd
Print: RA Print – Printed on Maine Recycled