E-News 21 May

 

Welcome to Term 2

Welcome to Week 6

This Wednesday I have the privilege and the daunting task of reading the National Simultaneous Storytime book for 2024 to our Junior School, ‘Bowerbird Blues’. I am very excited to share the story with all our students, along with thousands of students across Australia. It is a wonderful initiative that promotes the love of reading, encouraging students to talk about what they have read or listened to with others.

In my preparation for Wednesday morning, I decided to read the story with my own 7-year-old. The story and wonderful illustrations went down a hit, stimulating many questions and conversations. The story provided a wonderful blend of simple yet engaging narrative that provided educational elements about the bowerbird’s habits, making it an enriching read for both children and adults.

Reading with your children is such a heartening activity on so many levels. For me, it is that quality time, attempting to create the calm before bed, though this is often not succeeded! It helps to foster a love for learning, whilst expanding their vocabulary and comprehension. It sparks their imagination and curiosity about the world, providing a perfect opportunity for a conversation that might allow an opportunity to talk about emotions, values or just to laugh. If your child is in our Junior School, then I strongly encourage you to read and discuss the beautiful story of the Bowerbird Blues written by Aura Parker at home. Should you wish to, you can download the

Throughout the book, the Bowerbird is constantly searching for anything ‘blue’. Representing the craving for connection, a desire for something, but it turns out to be for someone. Illustrating to the reader, the value of relationship and friendship rather than possessions that might be superficial. Pope Francis once shared, ‘Humans find meaning in relationships, not technology… relationships with others lie at the heart of our existence.’ Reading the book allowed me to reflect upon the powerful message that Father Rob Galea proposed to all our staff last Friday. Fr Rob spoke to us powerfully about our responsivity as educators in a Catholic school. He believed that faith is caught and not taught, stressing the importance of being still and allowing ourselves to be at peace with God. By finding this peace, away from distractions, we start to build a stronger relationship with God and begin to know Him, not just know about Him.

The Catholic Identity and Mission philosophy of Av԰ Christ is grounded on the notion to propose, rather than impose, our Catholic worldview. It is in this space where encounters can authentically take place, where needs can be met, and our community can truly be in service.

Best wishes and every blessing.

Tim Shanassy

Acting Principal

 

Fr Rob Galea

Av԰ Christi College was honored to host Fr Rob Galea, who inspired students and staff with his story of faith and resilience. His charity concert and personal engagement deeply moved the community, while his staff development day emphasized wellbeing and faith. Fr Rob’s Teaching Mass also offered profound insights into the Eucharist. His visit has had a significant and lasting impact, reinforcing the values of hope and faith within our community.

Year 10 Retreat: 'Answering the Call' at Av԰ Christi College

The Year 10 Retreat at Av԰ Christi College, themed ‘Answering the Call,’ was a transformative three-day event fostering self-reflection and service. Students engaged in activities that challenged them to serve others and grow personally, including community volunteer work and reflective exercises. The retreat also facilitated meaningful connections with the St Thomas More Parish and younger students, reinforcing the college’s values of courage, commitment, and compassion. This experience is set to shape the students’ future paths and inspire them to embody the college’s mission in their lives.

Celebrating the First Holy Communion Parent-Child Workshop

Av԰ Christi College recently held a First Holy Communion workshop, marking a key step in our students’ spiritual journey. This sacrament, symbolizing the first reception of the Eucharist, deepens their bond with the church and embodies Christ’s teachings. The college, whose name signifies the ‘Body of Christ,’ encourages students to live out Christ’s love and grace. We applaud the young communicants and their parents for their commitment, showcased during the Commitment Mass. As they prepare for this sacred event, we invite you to consult the College calendar for further details and join us in prayer for their continued spiritual growth.

Launching the 'Outstanding For Others' Program: A New Era of Service at Av԰ Christi College

Av԰ Christi College proudly introduces the ‘Outstanding For Others’ program, a dynamic approach to student service that fosters courage, commitment, and compassion. This innovative program replaces the previous service model with a tiered system that recognizes various acts of service, from helping neighbors to volunteering in the community. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 can earn points for their service activities, aiming for a total of 15 points per academic year to complete the program. Exceptional service will be celebrated with special recognition and awards.

The program is set to launch soon, alongside a new Ministry Portal for easy tracking of service acts. Special thanks go to the College Student Ministry Team and Ministry Captains, Hannah and Declan, for their contributions to the program’s development.

Discover the full potential of the ‘Outstanding For Others’ program and how it empowers students to make a positive impact by visiting our blog for more details. Join us in this new era of service at Av԰ Christi College and witness the extraordinary ways our students contribute to the community.

The Significance of May: A Call to Venerate Mary and Pray the Rosary

May is a cherished time in the Catholic tradition, dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. It’s an invitation to strengthen our devotion, particularly through the prayer of the rosary, which reflects on Christ’s life and Mary’s virtues. Av԰ Christi College encourages everyone to engage in this meditative practice, offering rosary beads at Mr. Ramos’ Office for those in need.

Embrace this month as a period of spiritual growth and connection. For guidance on starting or deepening your rosary devotion, visit our blog for more insights.

Best wishes,

Damian Ramos

Deputy Catholic Identity and Mission

 

Dear College Community,

I am excited to share some details regarding our upcoming Av԰ Christi Day, set to take place on Friday, 14 June 2024. This year, we embrace the theme ‘Spirit of Love,’ inspired by the unifying message of 1 Corinthians 12: ‘Many gifts, one spirit.’ It is a day to honour the diverse talents and collective spirit of our K-12 student body.

Please be reminded that participation in the Av԰ Christi Day festivities is compulsory for all students as we celebrate our College’s Feast Day. The school schedule will follow the usual Friday start and finish times; and students are expected to wear the following:

  • Junior School: Pupils from Pre-Primary to Year 5 are to be in Sports Uniform (not House Shirts), while Year 6 students should wear their Leaders shirts.

  • Senior School: Please wear your House Uniform.

In a true spirit of inclusivity and festivity, we are delighted to host a Talent Show that will highlight the many talents within our student community. We encourage all students to participate, whether individually, in groups, or as class acts, showcasing their skills in singing, dancing, acrobatics, playing instruments, or even unique performances such as comedy or magic.

All performances should embody our theme, ‘Spirit of Love,’ and be under 3 minutes and submitted through the provided link, While there will be no overall winners, participants will have the opportunity to earn points for their Houses, promoting a friendly and collaborative atmosphere.

Kindly take note of the important deadlines for talent submissions:

  • PP – Year 10: By Week 6, Friday 25 May

  • Year 11 – 12: By Week 8, Friday, 8 June

Rehearsals should be arranged outside school hours.

We will share more details about the event in due course. We are looking forward to a day filled with joy, unity, and the spirit of love!

Best wishes,

Patrick Woolley

Deputy of Community

 

College Calendar Tips

Maximize Your Engagement with the College Calendar!

Did you know our College Calendar offers dual access? It’s publicly available online for general viewing, but signing in reveals a richer, more detailed schedule.

We understand the importance of keeping up with your child’s school activities. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the College Calendar effectively. This tool is essential for parents eager to be involved in their child’s educational path.

Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to make the most of the calendar and support your child every step of the way. Check out the Parent Calendar Overview on our IT Helpdesk for all the details you need: Parent Calendar Overview - IT Helpdesk. 📖

 

College Uniform

We're excited to announce the following items are back in stock.

  •  K-2 Short Sleeve Polo – No purchase limits apply

  • K-2 Long Sleeve Polo – No purchase limits apply

  • Tie (Elastic Loop)

  • Tie (Regular – 137cm)

  • Tie (Long – 147cm)

  • Softshell Jacket (Year 3 – Year 12)

All items can be purchased via  and in person at the Uniform Shop. 

Please note:

  • Any items that are ordered through Flexischools and have a Junior School student allocated, these orders will be taken to the Junior School reception for pick up. 

  • Parents are encouraged to monitor Flexischools online shop for items that are showing as out of stock. If they are out of stock on Flexischools the shop will not have stock on the shelves.

 

Enrolments Update

Year 7 2026 – Progressing Enrolment Applications has commenced!  

We have some vital information for all new and existing families who are interested in a place for Year 7 in 2026, as follows: 

Year 7 2026 - Enrolment Applications for Siblings of Current Av԰ Students 

  • Do you have a child who attends another Primary school in Year 5 in 2024? 

  • Are you interested in a place for Year 7 in 2026 for your Year 5 child? And,

  • You have another child who is a current Av԰ student?  

If you have answered YES to all of the above questions, please lodge an enrolment application for your Year 5 child as soon as possible!
Siblings of current students are required to lodge their own enrolment application to be considered for a place at Av԰ Christi College. 
For noting, current Av԰ Year 5, 2024 students are not required to lodge enrolment applications for Year 7 in 2026.  

Kindergarten 2027 – Apply now!

If you have a child born between 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023, please apply now for 4 Year Old Kindergarten commencing in 2027. 
While we will not be interviewing for this cohort until a few years’ time, places are limited and we encourage enrolment applications to be lodged in advance to avoid missing out on a place! 

Lodging an Enrolment Application at Av԰ Christi College

For ALL Years, enrolment applications are lodged online via our College website by clicking on this link: 

 
 

Dear Av԰ Christi College Community,

At Av԰ Christi College, we're committed to fostering the holistic well-being of our students, staff, and community. Through our dedicated team, we prioritise creating supportive environments that promote positive mental health and resilience.

Our approach emphasises interconnected strategies to nurture growth and empower every student to excel academically and personally. With registered Counsellors and an Educational Psychologist on board, we provide proactive support through individual and group interventions. Working closely with Heads of Year and teachers, we develop whole-school programs to equip students with essential life skills.

We're thrilled to introduce our new initiative: a fortnightly blog designed to support you and your family's well-being journey. Each post will offer valuable tips, advice, and insights on topics relevant to everyday life, from managing stress to promoting self-care.

Warm regards,

Luisa Rossi

Head of Wellbeing

 
 
 

Week 6 Update

Dear Parents and Guardians

As we approach the halfway point of the school term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress already made by our students and express my gratitude for your unwavering support. The first half of the term has been filled with exciting learning opportunities, significant milestones, and a strong sense of community within our school. Your involvement and encouragement have been instrumental in fostering a positive and productive environment for our students. As we look forward to the remaining weeks of the term, I am confident that, with your continued partnership, we will achieve even greater success and growth.

In just a short space of time we have had several significant events take place for our students. Each providing different links to our College values of Courage, Compassion and Commitment.

Year 6 Av԰

Reflecting on our recent Year 6 camp, I am filled with pride and joy at the experiences and growth our students have undergone. The camp was a remarkable opportunity for the students to step out of their comfort zones, build resilience, and strengthen their bonds with classmates. From the team-building activities to the outdoor adventures, each moment was crafted to foster independence, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility. I was particularly impressed by the students' enthusiasm, positive attitudes, and willingness to support one another throughout the camp. These experiences not only created lasting memories but also played a significant role in their personal development, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

As our Year 6 students step into their roles as school leaders, we witness the culmination of their growth, maturity, and readiness to take on new responsibilities. Embracing leadership has provided them with opportunities to inspire their peers, set positive examples, and contribute meaningfully to our school community. This transition aligns beautifully with the principles in Simon Sinek's book "Together is Better," which emphasises the importance of collaboration, shared goals, and fostering a supportive environment. Our Year 6 leaders have embodied these values, demonstrating that true leadership is not about individual success but about lifting others and working together towards common aspirations. Their journey as leaders reflects a commitment to building a cohesive and inclusive community, proving that indeed, together is better. 

First Holy Communion Commitment Mass

The First Holy Communion Commitment Mass was a profoundly significant event that marked the beginning of our students' journey toward receiving the sacrament. This special Mass brought together our young candidates, their families, and our faith community in a heartfelt ceremony of dedication and commitment. This beautiful occasion not only set the stage for their preparation but also reinforced the strong spiritual foundation that will support them throughout this sacred journey. A special thanks to the following people in ensuring the Mass was a success; Father Phong, Mr Overton, Mr Ramos, Mr Honey and the year 4 teachers.

House Patron Week – MacKillop and Merici

The Junior students got to experience another successful House week. This is not only a great opportunity to build that sense of belonging within each House group, but also a chance for students to discover their Patron Saint. Here are some quick fun facts for children about the patron saints, MacKillop and Merici:

St Angela Merici:

  • Was born in Italy in 1474. She grew up in a small village called Desenzano del Garda.

  • Started a group called the Ursulines, which was dedicated to teaching girls and helping the poor. This was one of the first groups of its kind.

  • Is the patron saint of teachers and educators because of her dedication to teaching and helping others learn.

St Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop):

  • Was born in Australia on January 15, 1842. She grew up in a large family with eight siblings.

  • Together with Father Julian Tenison Woods started a group called the Sisters of St Joseph. They dedicated their lives to teaching and helping the poor.

  • Is very special because she is Australia's first saint. She was declared a saint in 2010.

  • Inspires many people to live with compassion and dedication.

 Mothers’ Day Breakfast

The K to 12 Mothers’ Day Breakfast was a heartwarming celebration that brought together students, their mothers, and guardians for a morning of appreciation and joy. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to express their gratitude and affection. The atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and a sense of community, as everyone came together to recognise the invaluable role that mothers and guardians play in nurturing and supporting their childrens’ growth and education.

 4 Blue and 2 Blue Assemblies

We have had two marvellous assemblies in the last two weeks, each showcasing the learning taking place and core themes that are relevant to us as a community. 4 Blue shared with us some of their understanding of the Body domain in the Berry Street Model. This domain centres on helping students achieve physical regulation and a sense of safety. It recognises the fundamental need for students to feel physically secure and comfortable in order to engage effectively in learning. In Junior classrooms, the Body domain's principles can be integrated into daily routines and teaching practices to support young learners.

Year 2 Blue focused their assembly on sharing with us how to create a persuasive text. My favourite take away was the message that words are a powerful tool that you can use. This is so true in not just our writing but also in the way we connect and interact with each other. My message to the students is to use their words in powerful ways that create positivity but also help others. One kind word or smile can have a lasting impact on a peer.

 Through the enchanting realm of children's literature, we can learn so many valuable things.

Warm regards,

Katya Anderson

Head of Junior School

 

Dear Year 7 and 8 Parents

URSTRONG’s whole-school friendship strategy has improved the social climate in schools around the world with a common language of friendship. We are proud to be a URSTRONG School and are committed to empowering your children with friendship skills and this year have begun rolling this into Year 7 & 8 Pastoral Program.

You are invited to take advantage of a  to access hundreds of resources – including an 8 session video series. This will allow you to learn the same language & strategies being taught in the classroom through the Friendology 101 curriculum which we are currently using with students from Year 1 to Year 8.

We hope that, as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home. As a next step, we would recommend:

  •  to view an overview of URSTRONG.

  • Activate your  and explore all the resources available to your family.

  • Explore the hundreds of resources available to you!

We believe that empowering our students with these skills will create a culture of kindness at our school and we hope that, together, we can support your children to have healthy, feel-good friendships.

 
 

Own Your Path

Year 10 students at Av԰ Christi College have recently completed a series of Pathway lessons, designed to help them discover their passions and potential career trajectories. These sessions have been crucial in preparing them for the subject selections in Years 11 and 12. The highlight was the ‘Own Your Path’ evening, a dynamic event connecting students with tertiary institutions and industry experts, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing every student’s individual journey, be it towards university, vocational training, or other avenues. Dive into our blog for more on how we’re guiding students to their futures.

 
 
 

Isla Emmerson

We are thrilled to share the remarkable accomplishments of Isla Emmerson, a dedicated Year 10 De Vialar student, who has been making waves in the lacrosse community. Isla was selected to represent Western Australia in the U18’s Lacrosse team, showcasing her exceptional skills at the National Australian Championships held in Melbourne over the Easter period.

In a nail-biting semi-final against Victoria, Isla’s prowess was on full display as she scored the decisive goal, securing an 8-7 victory and propelling the team into the final. The grand finale saw Western Australia go head-to-head with South Australia in a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Despite a tough loss of 7-6, Isla’s contribution was monumental, scoring three goals and delivering an extraordinary performance throughout the game.

But the journey doesn’t end here. Isla’s passion and commitment to lacrosse are taking her to new heights as she prepares to travel to the United States in June. She will be participating in six lacrosse prospect camps and showcases, a testament to her ambition of playing lacrosse at the collegiate level in America.

Please join us in congratulating Isla on her impressive achievements and wishing her the best of luck as she continues to chase her dreams and represents on the international stage in June!

WA Flute Competition

On Sunday 5th of May, several Av԰ Christi students performed at the WA Flute Competition at Hale School. They were all given excellent feedback from the adjudicators, WASO musicians Andrew Nicholson and Sonia Croucher. Nicolas Willey was given first place in the grade 3 flute solo and he was part of a flute duet that was also given first place in the Junior Flute Ensemble section. He was also highly commended in the 13 and under Solo flute section. He also performed at the Winners’ Concert on Sunday, May 19 at UWA. 

On Wednesday, May 15, some Av԰ flute students also performed at The Fremantle Eisteddfod. Amelie Braine played beautifully and was given 3rd place in the 15 and Under Wind recital. Nicolas was given 1st place in the Grade 3 Wind solo. Clarinettist Ashley Smith was the adjudicator. 

The other Av԰ Christi students performing at these competitions played very well and the standard was very high. Chirag Verma, Meikin Ashby, Charlotte Mattock and Emily Boudville all performed and got valuable performance practice and they all did a great job.

ACC Senior Soccer Championships

Our senior students had a fantastic day competing in the annual ACC Soccer Championships. This day carnival was held at Lark Hill Sportsplex on Thursday 9 May. The girls competed against Seton Catholic College, St Norbert College and Frederick Irwin Anglican School. The boys came up against Seton, St Norbert’s and South Coast Baptist College. Both teams demonstrated quality football all day, culminating in the boys progressing to the knock-out stages of the competition. The girls were undefeated but missed out on the next round due to goal difference. We congratulate our departing Year 12 students on a wonderful display of leadership and thank them for their contribution to Av԰ Soccer over the years. We wish the Senior Boys all the best in the next round!

Mrs Barendilla & Mr Bean

⭐ Share Your Story ⭐

We love celebrating student success, so if you have a story to share please send details and a photo to: marketing@corpus.wa.edu.au

 

Learn to Swim at Av԰

Av԰ Christi College offers a Learn to Swim Program onsite at the Jennifer Reilly Aquatic Centre. The aquatic centre features a covered and heated 25 metre, eight-lane indoor lap and water polo pool, a separate 12 metre learn-to-swim pool and terrace seating for 180 people.

Our Learn to Swim Program is facilitated by Speed With Style, a company who provide a unique approach to swim teaching called Individualised Custom Teaching, which was developed by Dr Nigel Williams in collaboration with head coach and Speed with Style Founder - John Williams.

The Learn to Swim program is available to both Av԰ Christi College students and those external to the College.

You can register and find more information about Speed with Style here:

 
 
 
 

In case you missed it...

Keep up to date with news as it happens by following our social media accounts and by checking out our latest updates below:

 
 

The next edition of the Av԰ Christi College e-News will be released on 4 June 2024.

 
 
Av԰ Communications