FROM THE PRINCIPAL - Academy of Mary Immaculate

Issue 2/2011 25 th February 2011
Dear Lord,
As we look to tomorrow and the time ahead, let us today, embrace the past with remembrance and
the future with confidence and hope –daring to stay open to whatever today will offer us, daring
to go fearlessly into things without knowing how they will turn out, daring to keep on going even
when something doesn’t work for the first time.
Amen
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of the College,
I always believe that the month of February is the busiest month of the year given that there are so many firsts!
It is an equally busy time for parents with a number of Year Level Information Evenings to attend. Thank you to the
parents who attended the Year 7 Information Evening a couple of weeks ago and more recently the Year 8 City Cite
Information Evening. It was wonderful to hear how well our Year 7 students have settled into the College and how
much they are enjoying the challenges of Secondary School. I know the Year 8 students are eagerly anticipating
their City Cite Week and we look forward to hearing of their experiences.
The next Information Evening is on Thursday, March 3 rd - “VCE – Meet the Teachers Evening” Parents are warmly
invited to attend this evening and to meet the teachers who will be guiding your daughters through these two important
years.
On February 15 th the College Community gathered together for the Beginning of Year Mass which included the
Investiture ceremony for the Year 12 Leaders. At that Mass the leadership of all Year 12 students was acknowledged
as well as the particular call to leadership of the SRC and Sports Leaders. Students were reminded that true leaders
“serve, nurture, uplift and empower” their communities. At the Mass the SRC and Sports Leaders received their
badges of office and were also presented with their braided blazer. It was lovely to see Year 12 and Year 7 students
walking in together as Big Sister and Little Sister and also to see the Little Sisters of the Leaders assisting with the
Investiture ceremony. The excellent speech given by the College Captain, Sylvia Rienks, is included later in the
newsletter. Our Sports Leaders, Grace Donohoe and Pinky Hui also spoke well.
The AMI College Advisory Council met on February 21 st for the first time this year. The members of the College
Advisory Council are:
Mr James Baker, Chair
Ms Anne Walsh, Deputy Chair
Sr Madeleine Fox, Mercy Secondary Education Inc Representative
Sr Carole McDonald rsm
Mr Peter Cattapan, Parent
Ms Deni Hexter, Marketing Consultant
Ms Rita Grima, Parent
Ms Maureen Bohan, Parent
Mrs Andrea Whitty, President, Alumnae Association
Mr Adrian Fuller, Deputy Principal
Sr Mary Moloney, Principal
Mr Paul Romanin, Business Manager (Minutes)
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

The College Advisory Council provides advice and support to the Principal. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the
wonderful work they do and their willingness to give of their time to the College and I look forward to working with
them in 2011.
Following the College Advisory Council Meeting, on February 21 st
Association took place. The Parent Executive is as follows:
President Wendy Baldrey
Vice President Robyn Nichols
Secretary Terri Drum
Treasurer Joanne Hobden
the first meeting for the year of the Parents’
Likewise I acknowledge the work of the Parents’ Association. As an Association they work extremely hard in the area
of fundraising.
With best wishes
Sr Mary Moloney rsm
Principal
SNAPSHOTS OF YEAR 7 STUDENTS’ FIRST DAY AT THE ACADEMY
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

DIRECTOR OF FAITH AND MISSION
This year Australians have felt disaster hit really close to home, and in response to this the Justice Group hit the
ground running, holding our first fundraising event on the Friday of the first week back. Our group members made blue
ribbons to sell so that the AMI community could show support for victims of floods and natural disasters, and we
showed an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S in the hall to help out our friends in Queensland. Both events were extremely
successful, and we raised $576. This amount will be split in the following way - to the St Vincent de Paul Society for
their work with people affected by floods in Victoria and in Queensland, and Caritas for their work with those affected
by last year’s flood in Pakistan.
We would like to thank the staff and students of Academy for their generous support of these victims of natural
disasters.
You’ll be hearing from us again soon!
Ellie Murphy and the Justice Group
Ms Andrea Luscombe, Director of Faith and Mission
VCE COORDINATOR - REPORT
The spiritual dimension of school life is something we consider to be paramount to the development of every student
at the Academy. The Year 12 retreat days on Thursday, February 17 and Friday, February 18, run by Youth Mission
Australia were an opportunity for the girls to reflect on their relationships with each other and their relationship with
God. The two dynamic and enjoyable days were spent at Victoria University, Flinders Street, really seting the scene
for a wonderful year ahead and asking all of us to live the College theme for 2011, “Celebrating Unity through
Diversity”
Many students described the experience as worthwhile and an opportunity to spend time with other students with
whom they sometimes don’t normally spend time.
I would like to thank all the year 12 students for the manner in which they conducted themselves on both days and I
was so very pleased to get feedback from the facilitators as to how cooperative they were.
Our journey this year in many ways is a personal one , but it is always good to know that we have a companion in God
who will be our most loyal friend along that journey.
Mr
John Andritsos, VCE Coordinator
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

VISUAL ART DEPARTMENT
Another triumph for Academy Arts
Congratulations to Yr 11 students, Ria Patel and Tania Romano. Last year, both girls became finalists for the Art
About Town Yellow Pages Cover Competition. Over the Christmas holiday period, the winners were announced and
we were delighted to discover that Ria’s entry had won the Central Melbourne Region. This means that Ria’s artwork,
a lino print self portrait of herself as a young child, will grace the cover of the new Central Melbourne Living Local
Book to be issued in May. Further to this, Ria’s prize also includes a $2000 dollar art course.
Ria submitted the following explanation of her artwork and its relationship to the competition theme of ‘local
community’:
“My community means the children, our future generation and it is children who represent the community and bring
the world forward. Children are the ones who are vital to deciding how the world will appear in the future. Children
reflect their families and as they grow, they implement their teachings towards the community.
Children are like wet cement; whatever falls on them, it makes an impression. We all strive to make a utopian
community - however sometimes we do not achieve this, because we don't realise it's the kids who enlighten it.
This world needs light and that light is only brought by a child, who gives hope and the will to live life. Our world isn't
perfect; nevertheless, it is beautiful because a child brings a spark of beauty to it.
My lino print depicts a child, because that is what I feel represents my community. The future is in the hands of
children.” Ria Patel
This success comes on the back of what was a highly successful year for our visual art students in a number of
exhibitions held in the broader community last year. In the prestigious Under the Bridge Exhibition organised by
Steps Outreach of Care Australia, eight of our students’ photographs were finalists and we eventually won 1 st , 2 nd and
5 th place. In Sydney’s Spirit of Mercy Exhibition two students received special commendations for their art work.
We hope that this recent success will inspire other students to take the plunge and exhibit their art work in
competitions as they arise throughout the year.
Well done girls and congratulations also to the hard working art department for their constant support and
encouragement of our students.
Mr Martin McInerney, Head of Visual Arts
Ria Patel (left) and Tania Romano (right)
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
Greetings school community,
Thank you to all the students who have worked extremely hard playing in ensembles, performing as cantors and
involved in the production of Grease. There has been much hard work, effort and enthusiasm and the results have
been fantastic. Special thanks must go to the Choreographers consisting of Sarah Cardamone, Isabella Cavedon,
Giulietta Busso and Emily-Rose Guarnuccio and the Production Team Members; Paraskevi Amanatidis, Jennifer De
Guzman, Caitlin Farrelly, Harriet Darby and Alex Vavala. These girls have worked very hard to assist me in putting the
musical together. The musical is going to be fantastic, please make sure you get your booking in or you will miss out.
Musical Report
Hi everyone. My name is Alex and I’m part of the Production Team for our 2011 musical “Grease”. For the past 5
months, I have been working very closely with Mr Hessey and the Production Team to get this musical up and
running. We have been working endlessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything will be perfect. The array of
tasks that we’ve had to complete range from designing costumes, flyers and sets to encouraging students to listen to
the choreographers. Our job not only entails doing the administrative work but it includes trying to keep Mr Hessey’s
stress levels down to a minimum (not an easy feat at all)! This musical is looking amazing so far. Our dancers are all
extremely talented, the acting is superb and the singing is angelic. This is going to be our best musical to date at the
Academy but this musical also makes history as this is our first musical with Simonds Catholic College. I encourage
everyone to come watch this little slice of history unfold.
Alex Vavala Year 12
Production Team
Instrumental Music Lessons
All students who have private music lessons are to check their lesson times on the timetable located in the music
room. Please notify your instrumental teacher directly if you cannot attend your lessons in advance. If there are any
other concerns about private instrumental music lessons please see Mr. Hessey or Ms Tran in the student office.
Students who wish to commence private instrumental lessons will now have to wait to enrol in Semester Two.
Best Wishes
Mr Allan Hessey, Head of the Performing Arts
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

NOTICES
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
Married couples, make 2011 the year that you prioritise your relationship. It underpins your family life. Please join us for a Marriage
Encounter weekend this year. Our weekend helps you to remember why you married and gives you skills to maintain your love for each
other.
Couples and a priest present the weekend. It is based around catholic values but you don’t need to be catholic to attend. The next
weekends will be held on 8-10 April, 3-5 June and 19-21 August. For further information and bookings contact Peter & Erika Smith (03)
9899 0824 or Email vicbookings@wwme.org.au. Checkout the website for more information on www.wwme.org.au
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will conduct its next national Census of Population and Housing on
Tuesday 9 August 2011. The key to a successful Census is the strength and quality of field staff and the ABS
expects to be recruiting approximately 8,000 across Victoria, starting with part-time Area Supervisor positions.
If you are interested in applying just visit our website at www.abs.gov.au/census
Got the kids settled in at school, now it’s time to think about you…
Vocational Education and Training plus a huge range of short courses
Floristry
MYOB
Legal Administration
English as a Second Language
Italian
Communication, Self Esteem and Assertion
Choir
Government subsidies available (subject to eligibility)
Computer courses (all levels)
Medical Administration
Certificate IV and Diploma in Business Administration
Maths for entry tests and nursing
Spanish
Wine Appreciation
Solo singing
Diamond Valley Learning Centre
Corner of Diamond Creek and St Helena Rd Greensborough
9435 9060 www.dvlc.org.au
Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association
Invitation to the 100 th Anniversary of International
Women’s Day
Every year on March 8 th International Women’s Day (IWD) is
celebrated around the world to acknowledge women’s contribution to
life, human rights and to inspire and celebrate women’s achievements.
On behalf of the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association we
formally invite parents, staff and students of all backgrounds,
especially Vietnamese , to attend. Learn about the Vietnamese Trung
Queen’s exceptional Leadership.
Friday, 4 th March 1.00am to 2.00pm Fitzroy Town hall
For more information please contact Layla Vu on 90396 1922
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

ESSAY SKILLS WORKSHOPS
To be held at Academy of Mary Immaculate
FOR YEAR 9 to12 STUDENTS
The ICS Learning Group will be presenting two valuable workshops for students attending Academy of Mary Immaculate.
As class sizes are limited, early enrolment is advised to secure a place.
Essay Skills: for year 9 & 10 Students
This course is for students who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. It will provide a step by step approach -
from reading and interpreting an essay question to the final draft. Students will learn how to organise their knowledge
and understanding of a topic into a well structured essay.
Course Dates: Tuesdays 22, 29 March & 5 April
Times: 3.30 to 5.30 pm
Effective Essay Writing for year 11 & 12 Students
This is a short and intensive 6 hr program designed to familiarise students with the core requirements of essays for each area of study: text
analysis, creating and presenting and analysis of media issues. This course offers a step-by-step guide to assist students in understanding the
elements of producing the required responses for English Expression, SAC’s and Exams.
Dates: Monday 28 & Wednesday 30 March & Monday 4 April
Time: 3.30 to 5.30 pm
Class size is limited to 18 students – early enrolment is advised.
To enrol – book on line www.skillscentre.com.au
Or phone the ICS office on 9818 3888 for further information
College Captain’s Address – Investiture Mass
Opening School Mass Address
Good morning Sister Mary, Mr Fuller, staff, parents and students. I chose to write this speech today about how, sometimes, we can
let the world envelop us in its details and intricacies, and about how we sometimes forget to see the world as it is, a truly wonderful
place.
Have you ever caught yourself so wrapped up in the world you forget to see the big picture I constantly find myself stressing about
things that are of little to no consequence most of the time. I have to admit, a lot of it is worrying about what’s happening on the
next episode of Glee.
One of the hints that was given to me when I started year 12 was to keep perspective and I think that this isn’t something that only
applies on year 12, I think we lose track of this throughout life. Shouldn’t we be thankful for everything around us
Once I got to thinking about this I realised that we have a lot to be thankful for. We go to a school where so many opportunities are
available for us - were you can carry around a ukulele and people just give you the “that’s cool” nod, where talent – in any area,
whether it be sport, art, dance or music – is admired, where the teachers care about the students and want to see us succeed,
where we can see several senior male teachers cross dress for Mercy day.
But it’s not only perspective about Academy. But what about where we live We have the right to freedom of speech, we have
crazy cultural rituals, like going to the beach on Australia Day, we have clean air, beautiful beaches, no filters on our internet
access and we have a wonderful multi-cultural society. We can love whoever we want, choose when we want to marry and have as
children in the hundreds if we want.
What about ourselves We are healthy, and I speak for all of us when we say that we are incredibly beautiful and incredibly
talented. We don’t have to conform to any stereotype: we can be boisterous, or quiet, or crazy, or emo, or indie, or alternative or
Justin Bieber obsessed. We have the opportunity to create an identity that is singularly our own.
We have a lot to be thankful for - for the fact that someone had the ingenious idea of Glee, for the freedom that we have – as
young people, as women and as Australians, for the beauty of our country, for our creativity. We can be thankful that we are
ourselves, different from the next person, yet linked nonetheless.
I’m not saying don’t stress. Stress is healthy in small amounts. It keeps you working and moving. What I am saying, however, is
that the next time you catch yourself losing sleep over a test mark, or crying because you haven’t finished homework, or
complaining to classmates about how badly you did on your SAC take a time-out. A deep breath. And put it all into perspective. At
least you are alive, at least you go to an excellent school, at least you have the support of your classmates. At least the Earth is still
rotating. Then look around. There are miracles all around us. Miracle: Breaking Dawn will be out soon and the last instalment of
Harry Potter. Miracle: We can look up at stars – stars that are millions of light years away and billions of years old. Miracle: that
Justin Bieber hasn’t been kidnapped by a crazy fan yet. Miracle: that you right here, right now, existing.
So, keep perspective, and look for the miracles around you.
Sylvia Rienks, College Captain 2011
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

ACADEMY OF MARY IMMACULATE
&
SIMONDS CATHOLIC COLLEGE
2011
.
OPENING NIGHT
THURSDAY 19 TH
MAY - 7:30PM IN THE SCHOOL HALL
EVENING & MATINEE PERFORMANCES
FRIDAY 20 TH MAY -7:30PM SATURDAY 21 ST MAY - 2:00PM
FRIDAY 27 TH MAY -7:30PM SATURDAY 28 TH MAY - 2:00PM
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

The Academy of Mary Immaculate &
Simonds Catholic College
Proudly Present The 2011 Production…
“Grease”
Ticket Sales
Adult
Child/Concession/Student
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
$15
$10
$35
NB Please indicate your preference (1-5). Be aware that there are a limited number of seats for each
performance and ticket allocation cannot be guaranteed!
All forms and monies due by Friday 29 th April. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grease Ticket Order Form
Please indicate the number of tickets required for each performance. Place payment and completed form in a
clearly labeled envelope marked with “Grease”,
and return the Academy Student Office no later than
Friday 29 th April. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Thank you.
Student Name: _________________________________ Student Homeroom: ________
Contact Phone No:______________________ Mobile No:_________________________
Opening Night – Thursday 19 th May at 7:30pm
Adult ___ @ $15 = _________
Child/Concession/Student ___ @ $10 = _________
Family (1 ticket for 2 adults & 2 children) ___ @ $35 = _________
Total no. of tickets: _____ Total = $_________
Friday 20 th May at 7:30pm
Adult ___ @ $15 = _________
Child/Concession/Student ___ @ $10 = _________
Family (1 ticket for 2 adults & 2 children) ___ @ $35 = _________
Total no. of tickets: _____
Total = $_________
Saturday 21 th May at 2-00pm (Matinee)
Adult ___ @ $15 = _________
Child/Concession/Student ___ @ $10 = _________
Family (1 ticket for 2 adults & 2 children) ___ @ $35 = _________
Total no. of tickets: _____ Total = $_________
Friday 27 th May
Adult ___ @ $15 = _________
Child/Concession/Student ___ @ $10 = _________
Family (1 ticket for 2 adults & 2 children) ___ @ $35 = _________
Total no. of tickets: _____ Total = $_________
Saturday 28 th May at 2-00pm (Matinee)
Adult ___ @ $15 = _________
Child/Concession/Student ___ @ $10 = _________
Family (1 ticket for 2 adults & 2 children) ___ @ $35 = _________
Total no. of tickets: _____ Total = $_________
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au