Principal Louise Gunther says Carnival Day is as much about recognising the achievements of past students as it is about looking to the future for current and prospective students and their families.

"We want to celebrate successful education for the last 50 years. We're very proud of our alumnae; some great women have gone out into the world and achieved some amazing things in politics, medicine and the arts," she says.

In 2014, Victorian Minister for Health and past Avila student Jill Hennessy was invited to speak at the college. Ms Gunther says past students' successes can light the fire in current students of what is possible for them to achieve.

Current, former and prospective students and their families of the Year 7-12 Catholic girls' school, as well as Mt Waverley broader community, are invited to join in the fun on Carnival Day, which will offer a range of festivities as well as the chance to speak with students, staff and parents.

Avila will also hold four Open Mornings: Tuesday, February 17; Tuesday, May 26; Wednesday, August 12 and Tuesday, October 27. On these days, school tours are conducted from 9am to 9.30am and led by students, who, Ms Gunther says, are the school's best advocates.

"They speak honestly and are very proud of their school. Parents and prospective students hear the personal stories of our young ladies and I can see the parents are thinking, 'I'd love my daughter to grow up to be like that'."

Tours are followed by a talk from the principal and key leadership staff, and then parents and their daughters are invited to "share a cuppa" with staff who will answer questions in a more informal setting. The mornings finish about 10.30am. Parents need to register for a tour and are advised to prepare a few questions relevant to them and to allow plenty of time for parking.

Holding the tours during school hours gives parents the chance to "see the learning that is occurring in a range of settings," says Ms Gunther. Avila promotes its academic successes and also provides support to students with a range of learning needs.

"Parents can see how education has transformed since they were at school. A highlight of the tours is seeing the integration of computers in the classroom – parents can see how the girls engage using their MacBooks; the ways they use them are astounding, The MacBook implementation has been a wonderful success for us.

"Parents often get a feeling for a school that is a combination of the physical elements as well as the interactions of students and staff."

A new multi-purpose building was opened at Avila this year and more construction is underway. The school has developed a Strategic Master Building Plan that will see it well placed to meet the needs of future learners.

For more details go to: www.avilacollege.vic.edu.au.