E-News 20 August
Term 3
Welcome to Week 6
The Arts
Av Christi College has a long and illustrious history in celebrating The Arts. We recognise the importance of promoting The Arts across the K-12 College in support of the holistic development of our students.
The Arts provide students with the opportunity to develop key skills that will set them up for future success in our modern world. Professor Robyn Ewing from the University of Sydney says, "arts processes embody a whole lot of those important processes we need in terms of developing our skills for coping with the huge challenges of 21st Century living and beyond."
䷡’s The Impact of Arts Education meanwhile indicates:
“As skills become the global currency of the 21st Century, education systems should equip students with the skills required by our global, knowledge-based economies. In particular, education has to foster the skills that fuel innovation in the economy and society: creativity, imagination, communication and teamwork to name a few. Arts education is particularly likely to foster these very skills.”
The Arts, of course, as Maxine Greene suggests, can also “release our imaginations to open up new perspectives, identify alternatives. The vistas that might open, the connections that might be made, are experiential phenomena; our encounters with the world become newly informed.”Given the importance of The Arts, we therefore ensure we provide a rich array of related learning opportunities for students both in and outside of the classroom. The last fortnight has again seen the College proudly represented by a large number of students in the Catholic Arts Performing Arts Festival. These students are to be commended for their efforts in the lead up to and during their special performances.
From a Visual Arts perspective, we were thrilled to again be involved in exhibiting student works in the Angelico Arts Exhibition which was held in the Forrest Centre, Perth last week. This special exhibition is open to all Catholic schools in Western Australia, inviting works from both the primary and secondary sectors. The Angelico Exhibition for Catholic Students is “a prestigious annual event on the Catholic school art calendar. The Angelico Exhibition is named after Blessed Fra Angelico, Patron before God of Artists” (Spirit of the Arts).
The catalogue of works presented was outstanding and we congratulate those students from the College who were selected to have their work exhibited. A very special congratulations to Year 12 student Ava Komnick, whose outstanding artwork entitled “Be Still” won a number of signature awards on the evening including:
Angelico 1st Prize 2-Dimensional Artwork Over Years 11 and 12
Fra Angelico Award
Angelico Tenant’s Choice Award
Angelico Packer’s Prize Award
To win four awards in the one the exhibition is outstanding and we commend Ava on this amazing achievement. This remarkable performance is complemented by Ava also taking out the 1st Place Prize St George’s Cathedral Art Award earlier this year.
Ava’s successes this year follow on from a wonderful series of achievements in 2023 for her piece “Portrait of a Man”, including:
1st Place Prize St George’s Cathedral Art Award
St George’s Cathedral People’s Choice Award
Angelico Tenant’s Choice Award
Angelico Packer’s Prize Award
Angelico 1st Prize 2-Dimensional Award
We acknowledge Ava’s wonderful efforts and the perseverance and commitment that she has devoted toward her studies. Well done, Ava.
We look forward to our own Av Christi Arts Exhibition which will be hosted at the College on 5 September where students from across the K-12 community have the opportunity to proudly exhibit their works. We thank our very dedicated Visual Arts team for their excellent support of our students and the encouragement that they provide them to stretch their thinking and to step outside of the comfort zone to learn. This flourishing and inclusive learning environment instils confidence in students and allows them to confidently create their own individual and meaningful works of art.
Student Engagement
In the last edition of eNews, I updated our community on our whole school strategy to promote student “readiness to learn.” As mentioned, this strategy was co-constructed by our students and seeks to provide them with prompts as to how they can intrinsically shift themselves into the ready to learn space and to push themselves to become outstanding in their selected learning pathway.
On Wednesday last week, we had the opportunity to share this strategy directly with parents and caregivers at our Friends of Av meeting. We sought parent input on how we can continue to shape the strategy and lean on their support to ensure a common language between home and school. We value the feedback provided during the evening and look forward to developing associated tools and strategies to firmly entrench the student engagement plan into the life of the school.
Best wishes and every blessing,
Jeff Allen
Principal
Upcoming School Photo Days
The School photo days will be held in Week 7 on Wednesday 28 August to Friday 30 August 2024.
Your child will receive information in an envelope this week with ordering information and their 2024 access key, the information is also replicated below:
This is a friendly reminder regarding your child(rens) upcoming school photo day. Each student will need to bring their personalised order envelope on photo day even if no photos are purchased. If no photos are purchased on photo day the envelope will be returned to the student to give to the parent a second chance to order prior to the cut-off date.
Online Payments
Scan the QR code on your envelope or go to
Enter your child’s 2024 access key - provided on the envelope (please note each child has a unique access key).
Follow the prompts to place your order.
Write the ‘Order Reference Number’ on your child’s school photo envelope and make sure they have their completed envelope on photo day.
The last day to order online is: 6 September 2024
Cash Payments
Browse our packages listed on the envelope.
Tick your order on the reverse of the envelope.
If paying by cash, please ensure that the exact amount is sealed inside of the envelope as no change can be given.
Make sure the student has their completed envelope on photo day.
Sibling Photos
Please collect a sibling order form from the school office.
Once you have placed your individual orders, click continue shopping.
Enter the sibling access key provided on the envelope.
Fill out the details and follow the prompts to place your order.
The last day to order sibling photos online is: 6 September 2024
If you have any queries regarding your order, please contact wecare@fotoworks.com.au
Wednesday 28 August - Friday 30 August 2024.
Enrolments Update
Sibling Applications
If you have a child enrolled at another school and you would like for the child to join their siblings at the College, (regardless of the academic year), please lodge an enrolment application at your earliest convenience. The College continues to receive an unprecedented amount of enrolment applications so to avoid disappointment in missing out on a place, please ensure you have lodged an enrolment application for your child to join their siblings at Av Christi College! Enrolment applications may be lodged online:
Currently Accepting Kindergarten 2027 and Year 7 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. To avoid missing out on a place, we encourage enrolment applications to be lodged in advance as places are limited.
Contact Us
The Enrolments Team welcomes you to contact us should you have any enrolment questions: Call: 6332 2566, Email: enrolments@corpus.wa.edu.au or Visit: Senior School Administration Office, off Murdoch Drive.
Wellbeing Blog: Boundaries
Parenting and working with teenagers can be both rewarding and challenging. Our latest Wellbeing blog offers valuable insights on setting boundaries, a crucial aspect of guiding our children towards independence and healthy relationships. Setting boundaries is essential for children’s development, helping them learn to treat themselves and others well, solve problems, manage emotions, and function independently. Consistent boundaries provide safety and teach children to respect others’ limits. Discover practical tips and expert advice to support your parenting journey in this blog!
Last Thursday, our College united with millions of Catholics worldwide to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This significant feast invites us to reflect on Mary's complete surrender to God's will and her extraordinary journey into heaven, body, and soul. Our Parish Priest, Fr. Phong, led us toward the Eucharist, drawing our hearts to the profound example of Mother Mary and her pivotal role in the life and mission of her son, Jesus Christ.
Before Mass commenced, our Liturgical Dance Group, accompanied by Mr. Charles Pinkham on piano, Miss Alyssa Cutler on vocals, and Zaria Timson on harp, graced us with a moving rendition of "Pie Jesu." This beautiful performance, embodying comfort, peace, and mercy—qualities that Mary exemplified throughout her life—set a contemplative and reverent tone for the Mass. We were also treated to the artwork of our Pre-Primary Students, who inspired by various images, made their own examples of Mother Mary to help create our prayer focus for the Mass.
As always, our Liturgical Choir uplifted the celebration, leading us in song and enhancing our collective worship experience. In gathering as a community to celebrate the Eucharist, we are not only honouring Mary's Assumption but also seeking inspiration from her unwavering faith and devotion. This feast challenges us to detach from worldly attachments and, like Mary, to open our hearts fully to God. By embracing her example, we aspire to become more like Mary, allowing God's presence to resonate more deeply within us, so that we can, in turn, be the real presence of Jesus in the broader community. This in essence is what being ‘The Av Christi’ – or the ‘Body of Christ’ – is all about.
As a truly K to 12 experience, all students are to be commended on their reverence during the Mass.
Photography by Year 7 Matt Watt
Photography by Year 7 Matt Watt
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Book Week
All parents are invited to watch the Book Week Parade on Wednesday 21 August at the David Heath Gymnasium, which will start at 9.00am and finishes at 10.00am. The celebrations will begin with a wonderful play directed by Mr. Jackson for the students and families to enjoy. From there, we will transition into a mini parade around the gym for each class group.
Kindy:
To help ensure the parade starts at 9.00am, we are asking that all Kindy students meet their classroom teacher at the David Heath Gymnasium at 8.45 am.
Kindy families are encouraged to drop their child’s bag off at the classroom first before making their way down to the Gymnasium.
At the conclusion of the parade in the Gym, students will then parade through the Senior School campus as they head back to class.
PP to Year 6:
Students are to be dropped off at their classroom at 8.30 am. All students will walk down to the Gym together at 8.45 am.
At the conclusion of the parade in the Gym, students will then parade through the Senior School Avus as they head back to class.
Junior School Athletics Carnival
The Junior School Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday 2 September on the Senior School Oval. Communication has been sent to families via email on Tuesday 20 August and will be linked to the College calendar. You can access more detail when logged into the Calendar as a parent.
I look forward to seeing you all at the various events this Term as we celebrate together the incredible work of the students and their courage to have a go at everything.
Warm regards
Katya Anderson
Head of Junior School
Exciting News for Junior School Aspiring Musicians
We are thrilled to announce that music tutoring is now available for the following instruments:
Drums/Percussion – Year 6 (previously senior school only).
French Horn – Year 5/6 (previously senior school only).
Guitar – Year 4 (previously available for Years 5-12).
We have 2 places per instrument, which will be first come, first served. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your musical skills!
Sign up now,
If you have any questions, please contact our Arts Administrative Officer here.
Coffee Van Tuesdays
A coffee van will be available every Tuesday morning throughout Term 3 at the Junior School! This is a fantastic opportunity for parents, guardians, and staff to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while catching up with friends and the school community. The coffee van will be stationed outside the Junior School Reception from 8.00am to 9.00am, offering a variety of hot beverages. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a warm, welcoming start to our Tuesday mornings together.
Maximise 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. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to make the most of the calendar and support your child every step of the way here:
Below are some downloadable graphics to help you remember what’s coming next, but please refer to the College calendar for more details.
Patron Week: 3 September - 6 September
Dear Families,
In Week 8 of Term 3, we are thrilled to celebrate Salvado and Xavier House Week. While students from these Houses will be engaging in special activities, we are pleased to invite all of our Pre-Primary to Year 12 students from all Houses to participate in a few house fundraising activities. This gathering is an opportunity for all Houses to unite in the celebration, with all proceeds going towards House charities.
For those eager to have their children join in, please take note of the following details:
Junior School:
Thursday 5 September – Popcorn sales outside the JS Courts at lunchtime, $1.00 with proceeds going to House charities.
Senior School:
Tuesday 3 September – Recess Bake Sale outside Mater Christi. Cash only sales – items will be $1.00 – $3.00.
Tuesday 3 September – Lunch Live Music: Live music and $2.00 soft drink cash sales outside the Mater Christi Centre.
Friday 6 September – Soft drink cash sales $2.00. Free live music at Mater Christi, $1.00 spin the wheel - cash chocolate raffle, big games on the library lawn.
More information will be emailed in Week 7 and linked to the College Calendar.
We look forward to celebrating in Week 8 of Term 3!
Registrations are not needed to attend - all welcome!
Graphics above are correct at time of publication.
Please refer to the College Calendar for the most up-to-date event dates and information, as it serves as the definitive source.
Ticketed Events
Interhouse Play Wednesday 21 August 6.30pm
Av Christi College is delighted to announce the performance of the Inter-House Play Competition. Students from Years 7-12 work together within their house teams to compete for house points by preparing their own interpretation of their hat selected, Roald Dahl Revolting Rhymes. The students have been working very hard on this performance and are excited to show you their work!
Music Night
We are thrilled to invite you to a spectacular evening of music, where the incredible talents of our College ensembles will be on full display. This event promises to be a night filled with harmony, rhythm, and the pure joy of music. Join us on Tuesday 27 August at the Caroline Payne Theatre from 6.30pm.
The Shifting Heart
We welcome you to attend the Year 11 General Drama Night, an opportunity to witness their performance and interpretation of the Shifting Heart.
The Shifting Heart is set in 1950s Melbourne and follows the Bianchis, Italian immigrants in Collingwood. The story explores friendship, marriage, trust, honesty, and family, while delving into the psychology of racism. When Gino returns home bloodied, tragedy strikes. This drama reflects the migrant experience of Australia’s past and resonates with contemporary immigrants. Written by Richard Beynon, the play premiered in Sydney in 1957, toured nationally, and debuted in the West End in 1959. It was adapted for radio and television by the ABC. Beynon’s other works include Face of a Man and Simpson J. 202.
Emerge
Join us on September 5 at 6.30pm for Emerge, an assessed performance showcasing Year 12 ATAR dance and music students. Enjoy Original Solo Compositions by Dance students and exam pieces by Music students. Year 10 and 11 Dance students will also perform. Don’t miss this opportunity to support our talented students!
Artwork by Lathen, Year 11.
Senior School Interhouse Athletics Carnival
The Senior School Interhouse Athletics Carnival was a great success, link to more photos and the results available here.
Italian Exchange Student
We were thrilled to welcome Tommaso Pietripaoli, an Italian exchange student, who joined us in Week 11. Hosted by Year 11 student Zachary Wong, Tommaso fully immersed himself in College life. Read more about their incredible exchange journey and experiences on our blog: Italian Exchange.
Year 7 STEM Week
This week all of our Year 7 students will participate in a STEM challenge during their Science, Technologies and Mathematics classes. The challenge will require students to think creatively and work collaboratively to solve an engineering problem in groups in a fun and supportive environment.
Senior School Book Week
All Senior School students are invited to dress up as their favourite book character this Friday 23 August.
Join the Library to explore the enchanting yellow brick road and meet the staff dressed as characters from the Wizard of Oz and the Faraway Tree.
VET Newsletter
Have you ever wondered what Vocational Education Training ‘VET’ is about? How you can be paid while still at school if you undertake a school-based traineeship or wanted to start on your apprentice via a pre-apprentice while still at school? Or would you like to complete a VET certificate in Years 11 or 12 and gain work-ready skills along with a pathway into further tertiary training post-school? Our first-ever VET Newsletter has all the information you are looking for.
Dorothy Lai and Aldrich Kartadinata
We congratulate Dorothy Lai (11 PA) and Aldrich Kartadinata (11MA) for making the finals of this year’s joint CEWA and Catenians Association Speak for Faith competition. This annual competition involves students from years 11 and 12 speaking on any topic related to the Religion and Life ATAR course. Topics ranged from how to engage young people in the Church to the role of our Catholic leaders in making decisions for future generations. Dorothy chose to focus on the understanding of ecumenism, and Aldrich looked at coming to terms with who Jesus really is. The third, second and first placed winners came from La Salle, St Brigid’s, and John XXIII respectively.
We thank both Dorothy and Aldrich for volunteering their time and commitment to this opportunity and hope they may be inspired to return to the competition next year to speak for their faith once again.
Max Laycock
We are pleased to share the exciting news of Max Laycock’s recent accomplishment. Max, a Year 7 student had the honour of representing Western Australia as Vice Captain in the National AFL 12s Championships held in Geelong, Victoria.
Max’s team had an outstanding performance, winning 4 out of 6 matches and proudly bringing home the bronze medal!
Congratulations, Max, on this fantastic achievement!
Eilidh Milne
Eilidh set off for Scotland on June 11th to compete in the National Scottish Swimming Championship, representing South Lake Dolphins. She trained with Aberdeen University Swim Club before the competition, which ran from June 28th-30th at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. Competing at the Open level, Eilidh achieved 2 PBs from 3 swims and ranked 2nd among 16-year-olds in the 50m and 100m backstroke, and 4th in the 200m backstroke. Grateful for the support from her swim club and Av Christi, she returned to compete in the Short Course State Championships, winning 2 golds, 1 silver, and achieving 5 PBs.
Congratulations Eilidh, very impressive!
![Finals[32].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57f874e8440243944ef66aa7/1723699872268-NV1EXEQ3LG7ZR7XWLSUF/Finals%5B32%5D.jpg)
⭐ Share Your Story ⭐
We love celebrating student success, so if you have a story to share please send details and a photo to: enews@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...
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