Throughout the year, Avila Alumnae are invited to reconnect with the school community at a variety of events. To stay up to date with future events, you can join the Avila Alumnae Network.
It was such a pleasure to welcome the founding students of Avila College, the Class of 1965, together with special guest Kate Biggs, through the gates of Charles Street once again. These students began as Form 1 and Form 2 when the first bricks of Avila College were laid – with humble beginnings in a portable at St Leonards Primary School in Glen Waverley before moving to where we remain today in Mount Waverley.
International Women's Day Breakfast 2023
We were delighted to welcome Jane Kanizay (Class of 1987) back to Avila to share her experiences in Mountaineering, STEM, Education and Art for our 2023 International Women's Day Breakfast. While not all of us can climb Mt Everest, Jane inspired us all to reach our own summits, embrace opportunities and take up space. Thank you to Jane and our student panel for a lively and energetic start to IWD2023.
"Avila girls we can go on and do whatever we want to do" - Jane Kanizay
Year 12 Retreat 2022 Alumnae Panel
During their graduating year (2017), Year 12 school leaders Sinead, Maeve, Tamara and Georgia invited the whole school to "Journey with Us". This message resonated powerfully with the Year 7 students at the time, who are now completing their final year of school. It was a delight to welcome the 2017 leaders to the 2022 Year 12 retreat where they shared their own journeys since graduating from Avila.
International Women's Day Breakfast 2022
Head of Growth at Linktree and Girls in Tech Managing Director Jessica Box (Class of 2008) enthralled the audience with her insights of the fast moving digital world. Jessica pursued her passion for the performing arts as an undergraduate and then completed a Master in Communication, combining her interest in both the creative and technology sectors. Interviewed by our student panel, Jessica's experience as a woman in tech generated much discussion.
International Women’s Day March 2021
We were delighted to welcome Avila Alumnae Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle (Class of 1995) as our keynote speaker – from Germany! Through the power of Zoom and video our student panel shared Trish’s inspiring story and insightful reflections based on a career in critical care nursing, public health and humanitarian work and research. Whilst we missed Patricia in person, her impact went beyond borders, highlighting the importance of diversity, inclusion and ‘glimmers’.
International Women's Day Breakfast March 2020
Avila College was delighted to welcome former student and current parent Kerrie Brewer (Class of 1994) as the keynote speaker for our International Women's Day Breakfast. As the General Manager of Foundation & Community at Hawthorn Football Club, Kerrie shared her experience and insights on gender equality, women in AFL, community engagement and diversity in sport.
Avila Influencers Breakfast November 2019
Head of Development, Production and Distribution of the Australian Children's Television Foundation, Bernadette O'Mahony (Class of 1979) has been instrumental in bringing popular programs including Round The Twist, The Inbestigators, Little Lunch and The Henderson Kids to our screens. In response to probing questions from our student panel, Bernadette provided the audience with a fascinating peek into the life and career of a television producer.
Alumnae Reunion Day October 2019
Former students and teachers from across the years enjoyed an afternoon of recollections, laughter and reconnection at the Avila Alumnae Reunion Day. School tours conducted by current students brought back a flood of memories and exclamations of astonishment. Special reunions were held for the Classes of 1974, 1979, 1980, 1987, 1994 and 1999. Photos are available on the Avila Alumnae Network.
Young Leaders Dinner August 2019
Former student leaders from the last decade joined current students, staff and parents for dinner and to hear guest speaker Genevieve Townsend (Class of 2013). Since graduation, Genevieve has completed a double degree in Arts and Visual Arts and was awarded a Colombo Plan scholarship to pursue research in Fiji. Currently employed as the Schools Development Representative at The Salvation Army, Genevieve helped set up the Connections Art Space in Dandenong, a gallery designed to strengthen community access to art through exhibitions and workshops.
International Women’s Day March 2018
With a thriving private practice and public consulting role at The Mercy Hospital for Women, together with a senior lecturing and research position at The University of Melbourne, Dr Fiona Brownfoot (Class of 2001) is passionate about positive patient outcomes and exploring medical innovations that can improve the lives of mothers and babies.
