Alba Newsletter – November 2023

 

It is a very busy time for all of our community.

Year 12 Orientation for 2024 has just finished, Year 10 exams are beginning, and Year 9 have done their Semester Tests. Year 7 and 8 are finalising assessments, and planning is well under way for 2024.

Thank you to everyone for the way they have managed all of this. Behaviour and participation on exams have been excellent. Well done all!

Facilities up Date

We are currently having the F wing reblocked. This maintenance has meant that classes and staff have been moved, and there have been disruptions to other buildings.

We would like to thank everyone for their understanding in managing these disruptions as these important works are undertaken.

Covid-19 Update

There is at present an increase in community transmission of COVID-19 in Victoria.

You can help us keep our school as safe as possible by taking 2 important steps:

1. Ensure your COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date.  Information on how and where to get vaccinated is available on the Get vaccinated webpage.
2. If your child shows symptoms of COVID-19, please ensure they stay home and get tested.  The easiest way to test is to use a rapid antigen test (RAT).  We have RATs available at our school for collection.  Free RATs are also available from your local council where you can collect 2 packs of 5 RATs and an extra 2 packs for each person in your household.  People with disability and their carers can get 4 packs of 5 RATs.  You are not required to have a Medicare card and you can collect RATs as many times as you need.  You can also buy RATs at supermarets, pharmacies and other retailers.If your child has symptoms but tests negative, please ensure they stay home until they no longer have symptoms.If the RAT test result is positive, please ensure they stay home for at least 5 days and until there are no symptoms.

Thank you for your support – these steps will help us all stay well

Year 12 Formal

We said a final goodbye to our Year 12 students on Friday 17 November, at their formal held at the Luxor Function rooms. Students dressed up in style and danced the night away, celebrating their time at the College and all they have achieved. They have finished their exams and we wish them all the very best for the next steps in their journey. Many are anxiously awaiting ATARs and study offerings, while others are taking up apprenticeships and work. To all of our Year 12 students we couldn’t be more proud of all you have achieved. We hope you take a little bit of St Albans Secondary College with you into your future and you continue to be part of our Alumni community in the years ahead.

Exams, Orientation, Semester Tests and Reports

We are right in the midst of exam and orientation time at the College. Year 9 finished their semester tests and Year 10 will begin their exams next week with Year 11 Orientation beginning 30 November. Students in Years 7-9 will begin to look at course content and skills in core subjects required for next year and it is important that students stay focused and prepared for learning up until their last day. 

Semester 2 reports will be available on December 13. As always, coordinators will be contacting families if we need to meet to discuss the reports or have any concerns about progress. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s coordinator.

In weeks 11 & 12, Year 7 and 8 students will participate in a collaborative, critical thinking project as they imagine what St Albans Secondary College might look like in 100 years. Students will engage in games and activities to spark ideas and test their thinking, develop a survey, plan and justify their ideas, and present their vision of the future to their peers. 

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program Application Outcomes

Close to 2000 applications were received for this prestigious scholarship and the selection panel were highly impressed by the academic performance and community involvement demonstrated by students.  Successful applicants of the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program will become part of a supportive university community and peer network through a tailored program of events and activities.  

Congratulations to Successful Class of 2025 Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars

• Minhthu Huynh 10E
• Ricardo Vom 10D

Grade 6 Welcome Evening for Parents and Students

It was wonderful to welcome a large turnout for our annual Grade 6 Welcome evening on Tuesday 21 November. An overview of the range of activities and opportunities as well as the breadth of curriculum were provided during the evening.  There was a social meet and greet over a barbecue dinner provided by the Junior Sub School team who we thank for their support of the evening. Thanks also to Marlene Cassar and Lauren Honeycombe for their organisation of the event and the leadership team who provided more detailed information on all that the school has to offer.  

The transition to secondary school is an important milestone for Grade 6 students and we are pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic group along with their parents.  These evenings are always well received and provide a great opportunity for the school to build strong connections with families so we thank all those who attended for their participation. If you have a child coming to the School next year and were unable to attend, please contact the school if you require any information.

End of Year Student Free Days and Dates

The following are student free days in Term 4:

• Monday 4 December – Report Writing Day
• Wednesday 20 December – Curriculum Day

The following are the last day of term for each Year Level with dismissal times:

• Year 11 – Thursday 23 November (Dismissal 3:10pm)
• Year 10 – Friday 8 December (Dismissal 1:30pm)
• Year 9 – Wednesday 13 December (Dismissal 3:10pm)
• Year 7 & 8 – Tuesday 19 December (Dismissal 12:40pm)

 

  

 

 

 

General Office Hours 

8:15am to 4:15pm   

Compass Communication

Any important information will be sent to parents and families via the Compass News Feed.  Parents are asked to ensure that they have access to Compass.

 

 

 

 

General Office Payments

Preferred method of payment for School Events and Curriculum Contributions is via the Compass school management system.  Parents will log in to this system using their allocated unique User ID and a temporary password.  Payments can be made through the Action Centre from the home screen.  Please contact the General Office on 9366 2555 should you need further information. 

 

 

 

    

ID Cards

Students are reminded that they require their ID cards with them when they present to the front office.

Lost or Damaged Id Cards

• go the ‘Organisation’ menu (grid icon)
• select ‘Identity Cards’.
• in the ‘Orders’ section, click ‘Individual Orders’.
• complete the details to order the card

A payment will be required when placing your order.

When the card arrives, it will need to be activated.  Follow the steps below to activiate the card.

• go the ‘Organisation’ menu (grid icon)
• select ‘Identity Cards’
• click on ‘Individual Activation’
• complete the information on the screen to activate the card.

The office will no longer be taking payment for replacement cards.  Please contact the office on 9366 2555 if you have any queries.

Student Lunches at the General Office

Families are advised that the General Office is unable to accept lunches for student collection.  Please discuss and prepare for a different course of action with your child, should they forget to bring their lunch to school.

If your child has forgotten their lunch at home, parents can leave money in an envelope for their student to collect at the office.  The canteen has an array of choices for your child to purchase their lunch.

College Expectations 

Attendance, Uniform, Punctuality  

We greatly appreciate the support we receive from parents to make sure that your child attends school regularly and punctually, is in full uniform, and is well prepared for all classes with books and equipment.

 Attendance  

Students must have a minimum of 90% attendance in all classes at each year level.

Uniform  

Full uniform must be worn to and from school, at school and on all school excursions, including interschool sports.

Punctuality  

Students are expected to be punctual at the start of each day and for all classes. Any student who is late more than 4 times will have a Friday detention from 3:20pm to 5:20pm. 

Sustainable School Shop

The Sustainable School Shop website is available to purchase and/or sell second-hand uniforms and used textbooks.

 Parents can log in or register at any time at  www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

When selling items, click the Sell Uniforms button and follow the prompts. Assistance is given to construct your “For Sale” ads including a pricing guide.

To see the ads for items currently on sale or to obtain the seller details, you will need to log-in to the Sustainable School Shop website, click the blue Stocktake button and then click the item you need. Buyers contact the seller directly.

 Sellers are asked to delist For Sale Ads as items sell.

Student Absence 

Parents and guardians are now able to leave student absence messages directly with the relevant Sub School.

Follow the telephone prompts to be connected to the Sub School needed.

• Wait for the beep before leaving a message
• State who you are, eg:  I am the parent of ……..  and clearly state your child’s name and home group
• Clearly state the reason for your child’s absence and how long they will be absent for

Please ensure that your message is audible (not on speaker phone) and there is no background noise.  

Camps, Sports, Events Fund (CSEF)

Parents with a valid Health Care Card may be eligible to apply for the CSEF.  The CSEF is a yearly payment for each child in the family attending our College.  This payment is to assist with the cost of Camps, Sports and Excursions for your child to attend.  Applications for 2024 are now open.  Click here to access the 2024 CSEF application from.  The form will need to be printed, completed, and returned to the school.

State School Relief (SSR)

Should you have a valid Health Care Card and require assistance to purchase school uniform and/or school shoes; you may be eligible for SSR. Health Care Card holders with students enrolled in the VCAL program may also be eligible for assistance with the purchase of personal protective gear. Please enquire at the General Office.

 

 

Monday, 20 November 2023

All Day Yr 10 Classes Last Day

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 9C Frontiers for Young Minds Live Event

Tuesday, 21 November 2023

All Day Yr 10 Exams Start

01:30PM – 03:30PM VET Orientation Day for Students Starting a new VET course in 2024

04:15PM – 06:30PM Music Performance for Grade 6 Welcome Evening

05:30pm – 07:30pm Grade 6 Welcome Evening

Wednesday, 22 November 2023

All Day Yr 10 Exams

08:35AM – 03:10PM Yr 8E/8G Indigenous Science Workshop

11:00PM – 11:50PM S.T.O.M.P

Thursday, 23 November 2023

All Day Yr 10 Exams

All Day Yr 11 Classes Last Day

All Day Yr 12 VCE Orientation Last Day

08:35AM – 03:10PM Yr 8H & 8K Indigenous Science Workshop

08:55AM – 10:30AM Strength

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 ADVANCE Sherbrooke Forest Circuit Walk

11:00AM – 12:40PM SHINE

02:20PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 Assembly

Friday, 24 November 2023

All Day Yr 10 Exams

08:35AM – 03:10PM Yr 8J & 8M Indigenous Science Workshop

Monday, 27 November 2023

All Day Yr 10 Exams

Tuesday, 28 November 2023

All Day Yr 10 Exams

Wednesday, 29 November 2023

All Day Yr 10 Exams Last Day

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8E Strathbogie Camp

09:00AM – 12:00PM Individual Needs Orientation Day

11:00AM – 11:50AM S.T.O.M.P

01:30PM – 02:20PM Diversity Champions

Thursday, 30 November 2023

All Day Yr 11 VCE Orientation Starts

All Day Yr 11 VCE VM Orientation Starts

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8E Strathbogie Camp

08:55AM – 10:35AM Strength

10:35AM – 12:40PM Dance at the St Albans Station

11:00AM – 12:40PM SHINE

Friday, 1 December 2023

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8E Strathbogie Camp

01:15PM – 03:10PM Bioeyes Science Incursion

Monday, 4 December 2023

 Report Writing Day – Student Free Day

Wednesday, 6 December 2023

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 ADVANCE Lorne Dukes Award Camp

11:00AM – 11:50AM S.T.O.M.P

Thursday, 7 December 2023

All Day Yr 11 VCE Orientation Last Day

All Day Yr 11 VCE VM Orientation Last Day

08:45AM – 03:00PM High Ability Masterclass

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 ADVANCE Lorne Dukes Award Camp

08:55AM – 10:35AM Strength

11:00AM – 12:40PM SHINE

Friday, 8 December 2023

All Day Yr 10 Classes Last Day

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 ADVANCE Lorne Dukes Award Camp

11:00AM – 12:40PM Yr 10 Assembly

06:30PM – 11:00PM Yr 10 Formal

Monday, 11 December 2023

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 7G & Combined Strathbogie Camp

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 7G & Combined Strathbogie Camp

Wednesday, 13 December 2023

All Day Yr 9 Classes Last Day

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 7G & Combined Strathbogie Camp

11:00AM – 12:40PM Yr 9 Assembly

11:00AM – 11:50AM S.T.O.M.P

01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 9 Dance Celebrations

Thursday, 14 December 2023

08:55AM – 10:35AM Strength

11:00AM – 12:40PM SHINE

                                             

Bronwyn Anderson

Hello St Albans Secondary College Community,

My name is Bron and I am the new Secondary School Health Promotion Nurse replacing the much loved nurse Nadia.  I have worked as a nurse in the child and adolescent setting for about 10 years and have worked in education across primary and secondary schools for about 4 years.  I am very passionate about health promotion and supporting the community to access quality health services and information.

In my spare time I make ugly pottery, attend too many music gigs and hang with my great dane and two cats.

I look forward to meeting you all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your children in Junior School are finishing the year with a flourish.  Many of the Year 8 students have been able to take the opportunity to attend the Strathbogie Campus for a three day camp.  The campus has been closed for several months during 2023 while important fire protection measures and minor renovations were completed.  Students attending camp have appreciated the new doors and windows, the refreshed atmosphere in the dining area and the new carpet throughout the cabins.  Additionally the old school house has been demolished and removed.  Whilst on camp, students have been undertaking a range of activities such as Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Canoeing and Kayaking.  Several groups have visited the creek at Polly McQuinns and others have gone further afield to Gooram Falls.  All groups have made the trek to the summit of Mt Wombat to take in the views across Euroa and all the way down to the lights of Melbourne.

Year 8 students have also been going on excursions to the Science Gallery, in Carlton.  This museum space opened quite recently and is a welcome addition to the science education facilities in Melbourne.  Our students have been learning about how Indigenous people used science in everyday life and compare the sustainability of past practises with current ones. They have also been attending Dark Matters exhibition to explore the fundamental essence of life and the universe and how much of it remains unknown to us. 

Our students have been encouraged to finish the year strongly, ensuring that they continue to attend every class on time, with all the required materials and follow teacher instructions.  This will help to ensure the best learning outcomes for all our students.

 

Mr Craig Moore – Junior Sub School Assistant Leader

 

The second half of term 4 has seen all middle school students busily preparing for End of Semester Tests and exams. The Year 9 cohort completed these assessments throughout week 7, with the Year 10 exams beginning in week 8. These assessments provide the opportunity for all students to show their learning and growth throughout the semester. Semester reports will then be available through Compass on December 13 to all families.

Year 10 students will participate in an orientation program, with those undertaking a Vocational Major pathway in 2024 attending their VET orientation. Students are encouraged to participate in all orientation activities and attend all days to be best prepared for the start of Year 11.

Students in the Middle School have had opportunities to expand their learning through various activities. Year 9 Drama students travelled to the Bowery Theatre in St Albans on October 30 where they watched a play and participated in practical activities.

 

Year 9 Art classes visited the National Gallery of Victoria to experience first-hand what it would have been like to be an artist submitting their artwork to the Salon in Paris. The activities supported their classroom work and learning in the Impressionism unit.

 

We have continued our ‘Giving Back’ theme, where students have been encouraged to give back to the school community through small acts of kindness. As the term draws closer to the end, we want to remind our students of this and encourage everyone to finish the year strong by attending classes and exams, being punctual to class and participating in all learning activities.

 

Mr Andrei Alexandrescu – Middle Sub School Assistant Leader

Year 12 VCAA Exams

The Year 12 VCAA external examinations have concluded for the year. Thank you to Jenny Crocker, her experienced VCAA exam supervisors and the Senior Sub School team who ensured the smooth running of the exams. Thank you also to our Year 12 VCE students who attended all their exams on time and were always well prepared. We wish them the best of luck with their final results, which will be released on Monday 11 December 2023.

Year 12 Formal

On Friday 17 November, the Year 12 students joined together in one final celebration, the Year 12 Formal at Luxor Function Centre. Students and staff enjoyed the night with a three-course meal and great company. There was plenty of positive energy in the room, and the students danced from the start to the very end of the evening. On behalf of the school community, we would like to wish the Year 12 students all the best with their upcoming results and their future endeavours.  

 

Orientation Programs

Our Year 11 students are engaged in the Year 12, 2024 Orientation Program, which will run until Thursday 23 November 2023. On the last day of the Orientation Program, the Year 11 students will have an assembly period 6, to celebrate their achievements and discuss the arrangements for the start of next year.

The Year 11, 2024 Orientation Program will run from Thursday 30 November to Thursday 7 December 2023. Year 11 VCE VM students will attend on Thursday 30 December and Friday 1 December 2023. This will be the Year 10 students’ first experience of the VCE or VCE VM Programs. We wish them every success as they prepare for the next two years in the Senior Sub School.

Year 10 into Year 11 Transition Interviews

The Senior Sub School will be conducting interviews with all Year 11 students to support them in their transition from the Middle Sub School to Senior Sub School. The transition interviews give their Year Level Coordinators an opportunity to get to know their students, and vice versa. It also ensures students to know who they can go to if they need advice or support.

 

Ms Marlene Cassar – Senior Sub School Leader

 

Year 9 ADVANCE Zoo Excursion

A Day of Adventure and Education: Exploring Melbourne Zoo with Advanced Program Students

In a delightful expedition, 18 eager Year 9 students from the advanced program embarked on a thrilling journey to the Melbourne Zoo, immersing themselves in the wonders of wildlife while gaining valuable insights from the zoo’s endangered species program.

The day commenced with the group gathering at the train station, anticipation and excitement palpable in the air. As the train whisked them away to the Melbourne Zoo, the students eagerly discussed the animals they were about to encounter, having previously studied them as part of the endangered species program.

Upon arrival, the students were greeted by a plethora of fascinating creatures, from majestic giraffes to intelligent elephants, colorful birds, mischievous baboons, playful monkeys, and even a wise and ancient turtle. The Melbourne Zoo provided an up-close and personal experience, allowing the students to witness the beauty and diversity of these endangered species.

One of the highlights of the day was observing the interactions among the animals, as well as learning about the conservation efforts being undertaken by the zoo. The students, armed with knowledge from their studies, engaged in thoughtful discussions with zookeepers, deepening their understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation.

After a captivating visit to the zoo, the group ventured to Lygon Street for a well-deserved lunch. The lively atmosphere of this iconic Melbourne street provided the perfect backdrop for students to relax, share their favourite moments, and reflect on the educational value of the excursion.

Mr. Dang and Mr. Marinelli, the dedicated teachers accompanying the students, expressed their satisfaction with the day’s activities. Both educators noted that the excursion was not only enjoyable but also highly informative, aligning seamlessly with the advanced program’s emphasis on experiential learning. They were pleased to witness the students actively participating, asking insightful questions, and demonstrating a genuine passion for wildlife conservation.

 

Mr Jacob Marinelli – Advance Program Coordinator

 

 

In September this year 26 students in year 7 and 8 learnt poems by memory and performed in front of a visiting judge.

We once again performed very well with one of our year 7 students Rory Cottell, receiving ‘high praise’.

The following students also received poetry certificates:

Merit awards went to:

• Abdirezac Abdi
• Georgia Gauchi
• Stephanie Huazeen
• Hannah Kopfschar
• Hien Nguyen
• An Nguyen
• Kian Bernabe
• Jessica Le
• Farishtay Naqvi
• Thanapat Nguyen

Participation awards were received by:

• Rayan Ahmed
• David Denic
• Mia Tansey
• Julia Ho
• Jasmire Kaur
• Christine Le
• Kaitlin Xuereb
• Jennifer Vu
• Sevanna Orlikowski
• Ken Pham
• Dylan Pham
• Amy Shi
• Wilhelm Tomoana Araniva
• Spike Gillbee
• Layla Le.

Congratulations again to everyone and a big thanks to all the Italian teachers.

 

Mrs Piera Bentley – Italian Teacher

 

As part of the cultural exchange program at the College, all year 10 students studying Japanese prepared presentations and videos for our new Sister School, Sakuragaoka High School, located in the city of Yokohama, approximately one hour from Tokyo.

Our students put their Japanese speaking skills to practice by introducing themselves in the language and carefully preparing presentations on nature conservation in Australia, where they discussed the ways in which endangered species and the natural environment, such as beaches, were being protected.

The videos our students prepared were shown to year 10 students in Japan as well as year 10 students from Germany currently participating in an exchange program at Sakuragaoka High School.

Our classes enjoyed this cultural exchange and we look forward to more opportunities to foster the bonds between our schools in the future!

 

Ms Caroline Tran – Sister School Program Coordinator | English & Japanese Teacher

 

Yr 10 Food for Thought Cake Display

We would like to thank everyone who came down to support our students for the cake display during lunchtime on Friday, November 17.  Our Year 10 “Food for Thought” cake display was a huge success, with over 40 cakes showcasing the talent of our incredible Year 10 students. The dedication and hard work put into this project truly paid off, resulting in a display of fantastic and creative designs. Thank you once again to everyone who attended.

Ms Julie Panayioyou – Food Studies Teacher & Design Technology LAL

 

Junior Softball Team makes State Finals

 

Congratulations to our Junior Softball Team, who recently represented the Western Metropolitan Region at the Interschool State Finals held at Jells Park, Wheelers Hill. The team was competitive against Balwyn and Preston

High Schools with Pitcher-Catcher combination, Lina Dhingra and Alana Dang, working well together and the team developed their softball skill set. The players are to be congratulated for their positive attitude and being “good sports” with the opposition teams and the softball umpire.

Mr Lakovski, our Sports Coordinator attended the State Final with Ms Mortimer – providing the transport, coaching and scoring for the team. His practical support and wise counsel was most appreciated – thank you, Rob.

A Commendation Award is given to Softball-Baseball coach, Di Phyland, who has successfully coached many SASC teams over the past few years. Students have been given the opportunity to learn new skills and have had fun playing in a competitive sporting team. Thank you, Di.

We still have a “a lot to learn” – however, with plenty of practice, winning the State Finals in 2024 is an achievable goal.

JUNIOR INTERSCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM MEMBERS 2023

Ava BIRD – 7A, Alana DANG – 7G, Lina DHINGRA – 7A, Nahmmi MCATEER – 7G, Ella NGUYEN – 7F, Jenny NGUYEN – 7D, Jenny PHAM – 7D, Oceana SHAW – 7G, Chahat SIDHU – 8K, Yenny TIRUNEH – 7F, Karen TRAN – 7F and Ava WATSON – 7F.

 

Ms Marion Mortimer –  Science Teacher | Scholarshop Coordinator | Softball Assistant Coach

 

Connect 4 House Blitz Competition: A Battle of Strategy and Fun!

Thanks to all for those who participated in the SASC Connect 4 House Blitz competition. There was a nice sense of fun with a touch of competitive friendly rivalry. The competition ran over three days, with the grand finale at the end. It was great to walk around and see the students so focussed and working swiftly on their 40 seconds per move. I saw strategic blockades to exhilarating four-in-a-row victories over many rounds with about 30 students representing their House. Each student played about four games per lunch hour. Even those who came to watch their friends ended up having a few games which was good to see.

Sebastian Ong, a Year 7 student amazed everyone with his calculated moves winning the finals, best of three games, securing the win for Freeman with his clever gameplay.

I eagerly anticipate next year’s competition, where there will be the use of old and new strategies and the Connect 4 champion title will once again be up for grabs! We hope not to hold it so late in the year with Year 11-12s busy studying for exams at this time. A heartfelt thank you to all House participants. Stay tuned for more thrilling events and activities that celebrate SASC ‘s House spirit and camaraderie.

 

Ms Alex Chan & Ms Julie Panayiotou

 

As a research centre, the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, at the University of Melbourne, is committed to giving back to the community by providing science engagement and knowledge-sharing opportunities, especially to young people. This year former SASC student and Neuropsychiatry PhD student, Lucy Zhang ’16, invited our Year 9 SEAL science class to participate in a “live review” event for scientific journal papers in collaboration with the Frontiers for Young Minds journal.

In the lead up to the event, students reviewed scientific papers on the topic of neuroscience, specifically empathy and meditation, that have been submitted to the Frontiers for Young Minds journal. With the assistance of science mentors from the University of Melbourne, they provided constructive feedback on the papers, specifically around their readability for young audiences. The students were also asked to decide on whether the paper should be accepted, accepted with revisions, or rejected for publication in the journal.

On Monday November 20, following a tour of the University, the class presented their feedback and decisions to the authors at the live review event held in one of the University’s lecture theatres. The students decided that both articles should be accepted with revisions, much to the relief of the authors. This was an amazing opportunity for students not only to be exposed to current developments in neuroscience but also to develop critical thinking skills. This was evident in the many thoughtful questions asked in the Q&A following the review. A huge thank you to Ms. Dickinson for her leadership in this collaboration, and to Ms. Mana Mohan for providing support and supervision at the event.

 

 

To join our alumni community please send us an email at alumni@stalbanssc.vic.edu.au and let us know:

• What year you graduated (or would have, if you didn’t finish Year 12)
• What did you do after school (study, travel, working, etc)
• What do you do now?

You can also stay in touch with us through our college’s official Alumni Facebook page and Alumni LinkedIn

 

Ms Nicole Gurd – Alumni Coordinator