Â鶹´«Ã½AV

Year 12 VCE VM

Market Day – Student Reflection

On Tuesday 18 August, the Year 12 VCE VM students hosted our 2026 Market Day. This amazing experience represented a culmination of weeks of planning and creating our own businesses. There were many stalls for people to choose from on the day, such as lip scrubs, stickers, iced drinks, loaded cookies and handmade clips/keychains, just to name a few.

As part of the program, we received a $20 loan from Â鶹´«Ã½AV. We were able to use this to work independently, or we could combine our money and work as a group. However, the onus was on us to pay back the loan in full including an interest payment of $1.

The atmosphere at lunchtime was incredible. The students from all levels were keen to check out each and every stall. The market scene looked busy, sounded exciting and felt satisfying. It was so memorable!

Overall, we made a total of $1,759.80 in sales. After repaying the Â鶹´«Ã½AV $560 loan, $1,199.80 will go to the charities supported by Kildare Ministries as noted below:

• $230.60 to Saltbush Balnarring Beach
• $300.05 to Wellsprings for Women
• $669.15 to BASP (Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project)

Special awards:

• People’s Choice Award, for the business voted by the people: Loaded Dough – Indiana F, Erika S and Alexis M
• Most Sustainable Business: Charmed by Ruby and Grace – Ruby H and Grace S
• Most Profitable Business: Squeeze me – Samara G, Eve D, Gemma C and Kiara L
• Highest Profit by Percentage: Ingo’s Stall – Belinda G

Grace T and Abbey T

VCE VM Leaders

Living Legacy Program

As part of the VCE VM Living Legacy program, our Year 12 students recently had the opportunity to hear from two inspiring former Â鶹´«Ã½AV students, Madeleine Edwards née Bolch (Class of 1976) and Marian Le Bas née Kelly (Class of 1975).

Sharing stories from their time at Â鶹´«Ã½AV and their lives and careers since leaving the College, Madeleine and Marian offered our students a valuable opportunity to reflect on their own pathways, the experiences that shape us and the enduring connections we share with our Â鶹´«Ã½AV community.

Read on for reflections from our Year 12 students, Angelina and Isabella, followed by Madeleine and Marian’s own reflections on their time at Â鶹´«Ã½AV.

Student Reflection

As a part of our VCE VM Projects curriculum, we have had the pleasure of meeting various past students of Â鶹´«Ã½AV. Two of which were the lovely Marian Le Bas and Madeleine Edwards who attended the College during the 1970s. They shared many stories and memories of their time at Â鶹´«Ã½AV, which included the tale of how they met and became best friends in their first year of secondary school. This story resonated with us as we share the same experience.

Marian and Madeleine told us about how they have enjoyed many experiences together over the years such as raising kids, going on holidays and other special events like each other’s weddings. It highlighted the importance of having friends and made us grateful for how Â鶹´«Ã½AV is a nurturing environment where friendships can be made.

Marian and Madeleine went on to talk about all of their school memories and realised how important Â鶹´«Ã½AV remains in their respective stories. They feel that values are important and the Â鶹´«Ã½AV motto of Strength and Kindness resonates with them.

The ladies also gave us some insight into everyday aspects of their school life. Marian displayed her uniform for us. We really enjoyed seeing her dress, blazer, jumper and bag and compared the items to our own. They mentioned that things were stricter in their time and that they felt quite scared in Year 7. We are grateful that we do not share that same experience. 

Overall, meeting Marian and Madeline gave us a meaningful insight into the lasting impact Â鶹´«Ã½AV can have on its students. Their friendship has continued throughout their lives and shows how the connections made at school can become lifelong relationships. Hearing about their experiences also helped us appreciate how Â鶹´«Ã½AV’s values of strength and kindness have remained important to past students, just as they are to us today. We are grateful for the opportunity to hear their stories and compare their experiences with our own, and we hope that the friendships and memories we create at Â鶹´«Ã½AV will remain just as strong in the future.

Angelina D and Isabella F

Year 12

Â鶹´«Ã½AV in the 1970s: A Time of Change, Tradition and Growth

The 1970s were a fascinating decade to be a student at Â鶹´«Ã½AV. As Australian society evolved and the changes inspired by Vatican II continued to influence the Church, students found themselves growing up in a world that was rapidly changing. At Â鶹´«Ã½AV, tradition remained strong, but new ideas and opportunities were beginning to emerge.

For many students, Â鶹´«Ã½AV was much more than a school. It was a community built on values of learning, service, hospitality and care for others. These values were not displayed on posters or promoted through advertising as schools often do today. Instead, they were woven into everyday life through the example of the Brigidine Sisters and dedicated teachers.

The College encouraged young women to think beyond themselves, to value education and to develop confidence and independence. Students were inspired by strong female role models who demonstrated kindness, resilience and a commitment to social justice. Our time at Â鶹´«Ã½AV fostered a lifelong love of learning and involvement in the wider community.

School life in the early 1970s was notably formal. Uniform expectations were strict, with hats, gloves, stockings and carefully regulated skirt lengths part of daily life. Students quickly learned that uniform infringements did not go unnoticed. Yet as the decade progressed, the atmosphere became more relaxed, reflecting broader social changes occurring throughout Australia. New leadership (Sr Pius and Sr Marietta) brought a gentler approach, and school culture gradually adapted while remaining grounded in its core values.

The decade also brought significant changes to the College itself. The much-loved willow tree made way for a new library, providing students with greater educational opportunities. The former petrol station opposite Coles was transformed into a Canteen and Year 12 lunchroom, while existing buildings were repurposed as boarding facilities closed. Uniforms evolved too, with the removal of gloves and stockings from the summer uniform and the introduction of a more comfortable a-line winter skirt for senior students.

Many teachers left lasting impressions on their students. Inspiring educators nurtured interests that would continue long after graduation. Mr Jarzebski’s History classes sparked passions that led some students to university study and teaching careers. Mrs Sandys, a strict Year 7 teacher, was remembered for regular tests and a rigorous academic approach. In contrast, Mrs Depasquale, the Art teacher, stood out for her vibrant personality, colourful clothing and slightly rebellious spirit, offering students a glimpse of creativity and individuality that reflected the changing times.

Outside the classroom, students enjoyed the everyday experiences that made school life memorable. Lunchtimes were spent gathering with friends near favourite spots around the school grounds. Popular culture found its way into conversations and fashion choices, with music programs such as Countdown shaping trends in hairstyles and clothing. While some fashions pushed the boundaries of school expectations, they reflected the spirit of a decade known for change and self-expression. The era of Farrah Fawcett hairstyles, earrings and jeans was impossible to ignore.

Community service remained an important part of Â鶹´«Ã½AV life. Activities such as Mission Fridays encouraged students to support others through fundraising and outreach, reinforcing the College’s commitment to compassion and service. These experiences helped students understand that education was about more than academic success; it was also about making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Social events were highlights of the school year: The Â鶹´«Ã½AV Ball at Moorabbin Town Hall, dances at St Bede’s Hall and annual Speech Nights created cherished memories. The Inter College sports where all the Victorian Brigidine colleges competed and Â鶹´«Ã½AV always won – there was a fleet of buses parked along Mentone Parade ready to transport us to victory! For many students, these occasions represented important milestones and opportunities to celebrate friendships and achievements.

Looking back, former students remember Â鶹´«Ã½AV in the 1970s as a place of both tradition and transformation. It was a school where high expectations were balanced with care, where strong values shaped daily life, and where young women were encouraged to develop the confidence, resilience and compassion that would guide them into adulthood. The memories of uniforms, inspiring teachers, changing times and lifelong friendships remain an important part of Â鶹´«Ã½AV’s rich history and continue to reflect the spirit of the College today.

Madeleine Edwards née Bolch (Class of 1976) and Marian Le Bas née Kelly (Class of 1975)

Student Reflection – Active Volunteering

Back in June, a group of six of us VCE VM students came together to volunteer as part of our Certificate II in Active Volunteering. Held in partnership with Family Fresh Butchers in Chelsea, we organised and hosted a community barbecue with all proceeds donated to the Long Beach RSL. The experience was a meaningful opportunity and we thank Shaun and Lisa at Family Fresh Butchers for allowing us to make this happen. It was a rewarding experience that reminded us of the importance of giving back.

Amelia H

Year 12

Edithvale-Aspendale Football Netball Club 

I thoroughly enjoyed watching some of our Year 12 VCE VM students achieve a thrilling victory in their recent Elimination Final.

Congratulations to Erika S, Lexi M, Indi F and Kiara L who all played an exciting game of footy.

Year 11 VCE VM

Mock Interviews – Student Reflection

On 31 August as part of our Enrichment Day, we participated in a mock job interview. We prepared our resumes and cover letters based on our dream jobs and then practised what it would be like to attend a real job interview. One by one, we sat down with an interviewer and answered questions about our resumes, skills, experience and ourselves.

I found this activity very useful because it gave me the opportunity to practise answering interview questions in a realistic situation. After the interview, we received feedback on what we did well and what we could improve. This helped me understand what to expect in a real job interview and made me feel more confident and prepared for future opportunities.

Holly S

Year 11

Botanic Gardens – Student Reflection

Recently, our class had the opportunity to enjoy a wellbeing trip to the Botanic Gardens, giving us a chance to take a break from our usual school routine and spend some time outdoors. We started off immersed in nature, where our guide led us to a seating area featuring unique chairs made from the wood of some of the first trees planted in the gardens. We learned about the rich history of the gardens, including that they are the oldest botanical gardens in Melbourne, before exploring the beautiful trees and flowers, some of which have been there since the gardens first opened. As we walked through, we enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and spent time connecting with our friends and classmates. We finished the day birdwatching and getting up close to some amazing black swans. Overall, it was a refreshing opportunity to relax, clear our minds and focus on our wellbeing while enjoying the beautiful environment. 

Maja C

Year 11

Jennifer Gamble

Learning Leader: VCE Vocational Major