Across Campus

CULTURE DAY

On the 19 July, we celebrated our first Academy Culture Day. The purpose of this event was to celebrate and acknowledge all the different diverse cultures that make up our school community and to embrace everyone’s unique identity. 

At recess, we had the privilege of having African Drummers come in to perform for us all, allowing the school community to participate in West African drumming and dance.  It also was an opportunity for teachers to dance, bond with students and create solidarity. 

At lunchtime, a fashion parade showcased the beautiful cultural attires. This allowed the school community to embrace cultural attire from different backgrounds and Academy girls to show off their rich culture. We also had three judges to choose who was the best-dressed year level and the Year 11s won the competition with the Year 7s as runner-ups. We had a special performance from Nina Le in Year 7 who sang ‘Hello Vietnam’ and we had an exciting performance from the African Dance Club girls. 

We also had the opportunity to have a bake sale of cultural sweets which allowed students to connect with each other through food and enjoy our delicacies. With over thirteen dishes many different cultures were on display including Ethiopia, Germany, Ukraine, Australia and Vietnam, with an extremely popular Vietnamese Iced Coffee! The foods all sold extremely well, and we thank the efforts of all the students who put so much work into creating such delicious foods. 

Academy Culture Day taught us the significance of embracing our cultural identity and not being afraid to share that with each other. It also provided an avenue for us to see the beauty in cultures through dancing, instruments and delicious food. 

Akos Brobbey-Awuah, Grace McKinnis, Mia FragomeniYear 12

MRC

Welcome back to Term 3 which is always an exciting time in the world of libraries as Book Week is celebrated in August. “Read, Grow, Inspire” is the theme for 2023, and our library is taking shape with wonderful displays in readiness for “Book Week” later in August. 

Next week all the Year 7s will be involved in our annual author visit. This year we are very excited to be having Huda Hayek. 

About H. Hayek… 

H. Hayek is the second-youngest of seven children, born to Lebanese-Australian parents. She was born in Adelaide, grew up in Perth and now lives in Melbourne. She struggled with reading and writing through her earliest years at school, but knew from the time she was a little girl that she wanted to work with words. After completing a degree in Mass Communication (Journalism & Public Relations) she went on to graduate with a degree in Teaching. She has worked as a primary school teacher in Melbourne's west and as a journalist. But above all, writing stories involving unique kids, with unique backgrounds, has been her passion. H. Hayek enjoys exploring themes of identity - what it means to be Australian, Muslim, and Lebanese. She also enjoys being a little bit mischievous. 

Happy Reading 

Cathy Bennett & Anne Chowne MRC Co-Learning Leaders

LANGUAGES

Yamawaki High School Exchange

We are pleased to announce that three exchange students from Yamawaki Senior High School in Tokyo, Japan have recently joined us at the Academy. We extend a warm welcome to Sae Miyagi, Mayu Ohashi, and Hina Takakusagi who will be with us for all of Term 3. 

As exchange students, Sae, Mayu, and Hina have come to Melbourne to not only expand their knowledge of the English language and gain new experiences, but also to share their rich cultural heritage with us. We encourage all students to interact with our new peers and embrace the opportunity to learn more about Japanese traditions, language, and customs. 

To ensure their smooth transition into our campus life, their Year 10 “buddies,” Phoebe Gowans, Skyla Le, and Sienna Komarnycki are guiding and supporting them throughout their school day. We believe that fostering a sense of belonging and friendship will create a positive and memorable experience for all involved. Not only do we extend our thanks to these girls, but also to Alexis and Madeline Wilson of Year 11 who are hosting Mayu Ohashi and to Ada Ryan (Year 11) and Lucy Ryan (Year 9) who are hosting Hina Takakusagi. 

We hope that Sae, Hina, and Mayu’s journey at the Academy is an exciting and enriching one; filled with academic growth, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendships.

Natalie Dickson Languages Learning Leader

September 2024 Italian Cultural Tour

After a hiatus from travelling, we are now excited to announce that the Academy is in the process of exploring the possibility of a 18-21 days Italian Study Tour in September 2024. The trip will include visiting significant cultural landmarks and the possibility of visiting our sister school, Ruffini, in Imperia.  

The trip will be open to:

• In the first instance, Italian language students who will be in Year 10 or Year 11 in 2024
• In the second instance, to students in Year 10 or Yr 11 in 2024 who are interested in the cultural exploration of history and the arts 

More information will be provided over the weeks to come, however to assist in this initial stage of planning, interested students will need to submit an Expression of Interest letter to Sr. Mary at pa@academy.vic.edu.au by Friday 11 August explaining their reasons for wishing to participate in this study program. 

If you wish to discuss any aspect of this study tour, please contact Ms Elena Camera elena.camera@academy.vic.edu.au

Costs associated with the Italy Study Tour Program will be provided in the coming weeks.  Planning so far has suggested that costs will be approximately around $8000.  

The Italy Study Tour is a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of language and culture

Warm regards,

Elena Camera International Program Co-ordinator