Newsletter | Hear the Call of Jerusalem: widen your horizons

Monday 4 November
Student Free Day

Tuesday 5 November
Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 6 November
House Dance Off – lunchtime, LHC
Year 9 Drama Performance Evening

Friday 8 November
Year 10 and 11 Exams commence

Monday 11 November
Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF) Year 7 Concert Bands and Sion First Band excursion

Tuesday 12 November
Year 7 Spring Concert - 7.00 pm, LHC

Wednesday 13 November
Sion First Band End of Year Concert - 5.00 pm
Sion First Band 2025 Information Evening - 7.00 pm

Friday 15 November
Year 10 and 11 Exams conclude

Monday 18 November
Correction Day (student-free day)

One of the strengths of our school is the relationships we aim to foster with our families. It is an important part of who we are as a Sionian school as we work in partnership to support the learning and personal development of our students.

I would like to thank the many families who joined us last week in celebrating their daughter’s achievements. It was certainly a great week for creativity and looking forward to the future.

Firstly, thank you to those who joined us for the Creative Arts and Technologies Week launch. The calibre of student work continues to inspire us. Congratulations to all students whose work we enjoyed. Thank you to Ms Borg, Mrs Wright and the Arts and Technologies staff for all their work in bringing this wonderful exhibition to fruition.

Secondly, thank you also to Ms Rebecca Bennett, the Year 9 Ayin teachers and Ms Tilley for another successful Significant People, Significant Lives Launch. Our Miriam Theatre hosted many guests as we celebrated the significant people in our Year 9 students’ lives. Thank you also to our special guests, Megan Dickinson and Adrian Ferris who inspired us with reflections on their work in supporting women’s health as well as children who have experienced serious illness and those suffering with physical or mental health needs.

Thirdly, thank you to the many, many families who joined us for the 2024 junior play, The Wind in the Willows. What a fantastic production it was. The Year 7, 8 and 9 students who contributed to this production both front and back of stage, and in the lead up were an inspiration! Thank you for the wonderful entertainment you provided. Thank you also to Mrs Bennett, Mrs Bleazby, Mr Kelly, and all staff, senior and past students who worked behind the scenes. Such productions cannot be held without their tireless efforts.

A big thank you to our Parents Association for their sponsorship of one of our final events for the year. We enjoy a beautiful tradition at the College of presenting each Year 12 graduating student with a Sion rose. The roses are paid for and wrapped by the Parents Association. Thank you to our parents who came in to wrap the roses so that all was in readiness for our Graduation evening.

Parents' Association AGM

I would also like to thank the following parents who were appointed for 2025 at the recent Parents' Association AGM.

• President: Jakkie Poustie
• Vice President: Gina Giusti
• Treasurer: Belinda Van Der Lit
• Secretary: Andrea Barnett

Finally, our prayers and support also continue for the Class of 2024, most of whom commenced their written examinations this week. It has been great to see so many of them still attending the College; it is a real privilege to provide the environment and access to their teachers that they seek. We wish them every success as they focus on this important period of their secondary education.

Best wishes also to our Year 10 and 11 students who are currently preparing for the end of year exams which begin next Friday.

Again, I thank our parents and carers for your support as we approach the final stages of the 2024 academic year.

Blessings for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

There was great excitement when we received notification that Anria A (10 Purple), is one of only four students in the Archdiocese of Melbourne who will be receiving the Father James Wall Bursary Leadership Achievement Award. This annual award offered through the Catholic Development Fund, is open to Year 10 Catholic secondary school students, with the bursary going towards school fees and other expenses for Year 11 and 12.

As a part of her application, Anria responded to three main criteria to describe her ongoing commitment and leadership in areas such as her academic studies, involvement in sport and the arts and her active participation in social justice here at school and in the community, along with the ways that she supports her church and the wider community through service.

Her passion and dedication to strive for positive change was evident as she described her continued support for causes such as Project Compassion, Sion Day fundraising, Days for Girls, and the Vinnies Winter and Christmas appeals. Her roles as Year 10 Liturgy Representative, where she regularly leads chapel and participates in College liturgies, and as a member of the St Vincent de Paul Conference also highlighted her strong commitment to her faith and to working towards a just world.

Anria shared that she feels blessed and privileged to help others, both at school and within the broader community. Guided by her faith in Jesus, she strives to make a positive impact through acts of service filled with kindness and compassion.

We congratulate and give thanks for all that Anria does to live out our College mission, through the many ways that she demonstrates her leadership, and helps to make a difference to bring hope to the lives of others.

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.

Significant People, Significant Lives

A highlight of the Year 9 Ayin program, the Significant People, Significant Lives Launch once again was a huge success. Students showcased their learning to their special guests, and visitors shared some significant lessons and messages from their lives. Our first guest speaker, Megan Dickinson, embodies the attitude of ‘never see a need without doing something about it’. She spoke about the importance of holistic health care especially for young women, while Adrian Ferris extended this mindset and drew on his long experience of service and generosity to others with his message, “do something for yourself and also do something for others”. Both our guest speakers unknowingly spoke to the charism of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and were inspiring to students, staff and visitors alike.

Thank you to all of our visitors and people who supported the event.

2025 Subject Selection

As we release the subject allocations for 2025, I remind everyone of the process for requesting changes. Students should complete the Subject Change request form that can be found on SEQTA under Forms and Info. These can be submitted to Student Reception or emailed directly to me. Students can also attend lunchtime sessions so you should keep an eye on the Student Bulletin for times and venues.

At this stage, not all requests can be accommodated as the classes may be full or there could be too many clashes. Students in Years 9 and 10 are also reminded that they are selecting ‘taster’ subjects and that VCE pathways do not have prerequisites.

Year 10 and 11 Exams

Our Year 12 students are setting a wonderful example of study routines and processes. The Year 10 and 11 students are also in the final stages of assessment and revision in preparation for their exams. Information regarding the exam process has been shared with students and families. While assessments can be challenging, it is important to remember that these exams are part of the preparation for VCAA exams, and that students have already achieved throughout the year. If the levels of stress are not productive, please reach out to subject teachers, Homeroom teachers or the relevant WAGL for support.

Time for Reflection

As I look back on 2024, it’s rewarding to reflect on the positive strides made through Sion Connect, our initiative focused on Expectations, Attendance, Relationships, and Engagement. This "back to basics" approach has helped students understand what it means to be active, responsible members of the Our Lady of Sion community. Throughout the year, we have worked to instil a sense of responsibility, build stronger connections among students and staff, and encourage students to find confidence in their learning. By promoting regular attendance and involvement in co-curricular activities, we aimed to support a greater sense of belonging and wellbeing across our student body.

Our observations have shown that students who attend regularly and engage actively in school life manage their learning more effectively and benefit from supportive relationships. However, we have also noticed that some challenges remain, particularly in attendance and lateness, which continue to be impacted by post-COVID habits. The Pastoral team has been closely monitoring these areas and providing guidance to help students maintain a steady rhythm with their schoolwork and responsibilities. There is still room for improvement, and we are committed to continuing to work with families and students in this area.

As the school year draws to a close, we encourage parents to support their daughters in maintaining positive routines. Encouraging adequate sleep, a balanced schedule, and a constructive approach to assessments can help students finish the year with confidence. Speaking with your daughter about the importance of valuing her assessments, and supporting her in preparing effectively, can reinforce a healthy approach to learning as we wrap up 2024.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to build on the foundation of Sion Connect. We will be expanding the initiative to include goal-setting and skills development as key components. This next phase aims to support students in setting meaningful goals and equipping them with skills that will serve them well, not only academically but also in life beyond school. Drawing from recent MACSISS feedback, our strategies will be shaped by student voices, ensuring that we address their needs and aspirations.

Thank you for partnering with us in the success of Sion Connect this year. Together, we look forward to supporting every student in achieving high growth and personal excellence in 2025 and beyond.

Our particular thoughts and prayers go to Tiffany K (11 Purple) for the passing of her grandmother. Also, to Alyssa C (8 Silver) for the passing of her grandfather.

We remember Tiffany, Alyssa and their families in a special way at this sad time.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen.

With Semester 2 Examinations around the corner, the Homeroom team will be working with the Year 11s to consider any preparation for their final assessments. During Pastoral last week, students were encouraged to reflect on their progress this semester, whilst being encouraged to look ahead. Consider the subjects they are completing next year, and how they might see this opportunity to refine some study skills, to try something new, or hold themselves accountable to the standards they want to achieve. Information about Semester 2 Exams has been shared via EdSmart Broadcast sent Friday 25 October.

Year 11 Students are also navigating the Notre Dame building as the VCAA Year 12 Exams started this week. Some Homerooms have been asked to move lockers to accommodate these exams. We have encouraged students to take home any resources they no longer need, and to consider the essentials for each class to ensure their bag is not too heavy. Students will be able to access their lockers in the morning until 8.30 am, but will need to carry their school bags with the relevant learning resources for the day. Please contact us should your child need other arrangements to support their health or accessibility.

We thank all Year 11 students for their cooperation during this time. As they approach the end of the Unit 2 subjects, we hope they are able to recognise the learning and progress they have accomplished this year. We wish all accelerating students, all the best for their final VCAA Unit 3/4 Exam!

That time of the Semester is upon us...that’s right, end of Semester exams, and honestly it's not all about exams. This time of the Semester is about continuing to support what students have learnt in each of their classes, and what they have learnt about themselves. How did they learn, how did they respond, how did they prepare, what strategies did they use, did they reflect to allow growth, or did they stumble along repeating similar mistakes and not learn from them.

I would like all our students and families to know that nervousness is okay and it will happen throughout the coming weeks. It is a natural part of life that shows you care, you want to do the best you can.

Tips for Sitting Tests and Exams

When you sit an exam, you are demonstrating your ability to understand course material, or perform certain tasks and demonstrate your skills in sitting an exam. These suggestions may help:

Come prepared; be on time

• Bring all the materials you will need such as pencils and pens, a calculator, a dictionary, and a watch. This will help you focus on the task at hand.

Stay relaxed and confident

• Remind yourself that you are well prepared and are going to do well
• Don't let yourself become anxious; if you feel anxious before or during an exam, take several slow, deep breaths to relax.

Examination and test anxiety is contagious

• Try and calm anyone who is around you
• Spend 10% of your exam time reading through the exam carefully
• Mark key terms (once reading time has finished) and decide how to allocate your time
• As you read the questions, jot down brief notes indicating ideas you can use later in your answers if that helps.

Answer the Exam/Test questions in a strategic order

• Begin by answering the easy questions you know, then those with the highest point value
• Try to never leave high mark questions. Some students often answer the longer questions first to make sure they complete them.

The final resources I would like to share with you is Preparing for Exams - Andrew Fuller. Here, you will find a series of mini topics that Andrew Fuller has put together to support our young people to prepare for exams. Although he reflects on students completing Year 12 exams, I encourage all community members to adopt and adapt these skills to suit current needs.

I want all families to know that in support of the communication that has been emailed home about the upcoming exams, I have also placed this information, plus additional support material on the google classroom that the students have access to. During the exams I will post up a video exploring what I have seen each day and guide how the students can continue to grow and develop during this time.

The past fortnight has been a busy and exciting time for the Year 9 students. We welcomed guests to the College to acknowledge their part in the lives of students through the AYIN Significant Person Project. Violet D (9 White) discusses the project and event below:

On 22 October we welcomed our significant people for a morning tea at the College. We celebrated their incredible experiences, their importance and the influence that they have in our lives. This was the final point in a project that we had been working on for a part of Term 3 and 4. We had to interview a significant figure in our lives, write an essay detailing their experiences and how they positively affected us, then create an artwork that represented them.

The final portion of the project was the significant people morning tea and we got to show our significant people their artworks and essays.

It was a fun and engaging project, I loved being able to acknowledge all the significant people in our lives and fully appreciate the positive impact that they have on us. Violet D (9 White)

This week we were also able to thank the Days for Girls charity for providing us with the opportunity to create the period packs for women and girls in developing countries. Throughout the year a number of Year 9 students have dedicated their time to various aspects of creating the reusable period products from cutting the liners, drawing stencils onto the material and pinning the products together for sewing. As a cohort we have been able to raise over $2,000 for this organisation. This has been an opportunity that the Year 9s have enjoyed participating in and one which allows them to build bridges with others in our world.

Over the last week, there have been two distinct themes running through the level. The first, is the academic support and expectations for success as the assessments become more frequent over this part of the term. During the Pastoral Period, the students received a booklet, designed to assist them in creating study plans, and many strategies for success in assessments and proven revision techniques. I have every confidence in our students’ abilities and we must continue to convey this belief through our words and our actions. Expectations are more than just achieving good results, we expect they will be brave and try to do their best, expectations of the way we treat others, and expectations that they can be successful in their own way. We are working together to build a belief system.

After the session, the students returned to class to create a small range of achievable goals for the different assessments (both tests and assignments) they face over the next fortnight.

Sophie J (8 Gold) and Davina C (8 Blue) hosted a leaders meeting to look at the non classroom activities and the decision was made by student vote to run a netball tournament, information on Creative and Performing Arts as well as any House Activities in the near future.

We are looking forward to celebrating achievements in both themes over the coming weeks as a Year level.

Adolescents will often face conflicts with friends, family, and classmates. These conflicts can be challenging to navigate, and during pastoral last week we discussed different strategies and scenarios that students may experience when dealing with conflict.

Classes discussed the following strategies:

• Take a break. When a conflict arises, it's important to take a break and cool down. This will help prevent the situation from escalating.

• Remove technology. Putting away phones and other devices and instead having a face-to-face conversation when they are trying to resolve a conflict allows for more clear and effective communication, as well as privacy for those involved.

• Compromise. Sometimes, it's necessary to compromise to reach a resolution. Even though the solution may not be the one we specifically wanted, it is often best to reach middle ground instead of continuing the argument.

• Have a restorative conversation. Restorative conversations are a positive way to repair relationships after a conflict, with the assistance of an adult. The Homeroom Team and Wellbeing and Growth Leader at each level are always willing to help students to work through issues that may arise.

Here are some additional things parents and guardians can do to assist:

• Model positive conflict resolution. Demonstrate and model how to handle conflicts calmly and respectfully.

• Encourage them to express their feelings. It's important for adolescents to be able to express their feelings in a healthy way. Our feelings may not always be happy, but they always have a place.

• Provide them with support. Let them know that you are there for them and that you will support them through any challenges they face, even when they have done the wrong thing.

Junior Play 2024 ‘The Wind in the Willows’

Congratulations to our amazing Cast of ‘The Wind in the Willows’.

We began auditions in May and rehearsed twice a week from then until now, learning characters, skills, many lines and forming close friendships along the way.

Performance nights were fantastic with audiences highly entertained and impressed by the crazy antics of Toad and the delightful characters that inhabit his world by the riverbank in England long ago.

Thank you to our Cast and Crew for a very successful run of shows.

Thank you to Tash Borg for her beautiful creation of Program and artwork competition. Thank you to Paul Kerr for ticket coordination and to Ben Kelly for lighting and sound coordination and Alex Bleazby for all aspects of Production. Our student Crew were also terrific, helping with makeup, lighting, sound, backstage and front of House. Many Sion staff also contributed their time and talents to various aspects of the Production journey. We thank you all.

A truly happy collaboration of so many talented students, staff, and even past students helped bring to life this entertaining Junior Play 2024.

Well done and thank you to everyone involved.

Sion Musical 2025

The launch of the Sion Musical 2025 will happen at lunchtime on Thursday November 7, in the Miriam Theatre so make sure to come along as we reveal the exciting show, and all the details regarding characters, auditions, dates and rehearsals.

In the meantime enjoy the ‘teasers’ on our socials and in the Drama room window

After the success of our Senior Play, ‘The 39 Steps’ and Junior Play ‘The Wind in the Willows’, we can’t wait to begin our whole school Musical Production for 2025.

Look forward to seeing you at the launch.

CAT Week Snapshot

The Creative Arts and Technologies Exhibition Opening at Our Lady of Sion College on Wednesday 23 October was a remarkable celebration of student creativity and innovation, showcasing works from Years 7 to 12. The event featured an array of artistic and technological projects, including printmaking, painting, 3D printed designs, textiles, garments, architectural models, and digital media such as photography, short films, and trailers. Live demonstrations in Food Studies, Augmented Reality and Robotics added an interactive dimension, while live music performances enhanced the vibrant atmosphere.

Several outstanding students were recognised with major awards during the evening. The Food Studies Award was presented to Isabella B (12 Silver) for her passion and practical skills in food exploration. The Fine Art Award went to Tess F (12 Gold) for her exceptional watercolor landscapes. Abbey M (12 White) received the Production Innovation Award for her creativity and technical excellence in her media work. The Fibre Art Award was awarded to Clea M (12 Gold) for her intricate textile sculptures exploring the seven deadly sins. The Good Design Award was given to Georgia N (12 Silver) for her innovative work in Visual Communication Design, creating a learning environment and brand strategy. Caitlin M (12 Silver) won the Social Justice Award for her powerful piece "Revolution," highlighting the struggles of the French Revolution. Kahlya C (12 Blue) was selected for the Principal’s Choice Award for her thought-provoking artwork exploring fear, and the highest honor, the Bezalel Art Award, was presented to Mary S (12 Gold) for her intricately hand-printed textile work reflecting the contrasts of the Belle Époque period.

The evening concluded with film screenings, light refreshments, and an invitation to explore the gallery spaces and view the live demonstrations marking a successful celebration of student achievement and creativity in the Arts and Technologies Areas.

Creativity Shines at Robot Cookie Competition

The atmosphere at the Our Lady of Sion College was electric as students gathered for the much-anticipated Robot Cookie Competition. This new event for the Creative Arts and Technologies Week challenged students to design and bake cookies in the shape of robots or decorate them with intricate robotic designs.

The competition, a collaborative effort between the College’s Digital Technologies and Food Studies departments, aimed to foster creativity and technical skills among students. Participants from Years 7 to 11 were encouraged to combine their knowledge of baking with their passion for robotics.

The competition was judged by Mrs Read, Mrs White, Mrs Wright and our 2025 STEM Captain Gaby R (11 Blue). Criteria for judging included creativity, technical execution, and appearance of the cookies.

This year’s competition saw a variety of impressive entries. One standout was a scaled down full-sized robot by Tiana K (10 Silver). Their attention to detail and artistic flair earned them high praise from the judges.

After much deliberation, 1st prize was awarded to Alicia F (7 Red) with Mia O (7 Blue) achieving 2nd place and Grace N (11 Red) 3rd.

I commend all participants for their hard work and ingenuity. This competition is a fantastic way to inspire our students to think creatively and apply their skills in new and exciting ways. It’s wonderful to see how they’ve combined their interests in technology and baking to create something truly special.

Year 10 Geography Excursion

Year 10 Geography students recently had an excursion to the Mornington Peninsula. They share their reflections below.

The purpose of our excursion was to explore how human actions affect the coastal environment on the Mornington Peninsula. We visited key locations to see how people manage and sometimes harm these areas. We learnt about marine parks, the species in Port Phillip Bay, and the impacts of climate change, like rising sea levels and erosion. This helped us understand the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems for the future. Sarita T (10 Blue)

On our excursion to the Mornington Peninsula, we were able to relate what we were learning in class, to real life. It was interesting to see impacts of coastal erosion and climate change, which we had learnt about in class on Rye, Portsea and Sorrento beaches. It was really eye opening to see some of the predicted impacts of climate change on the Rye front beach. Being able to go to see nearby beaches was very beneficial to enhance our learning back at school. Mia H (10 White)

A new thing that I learnt on our geography excursion was how much of an impact climate change has had on the Mornington Peninsula. Something that really surprised me was the fact the slightest change in water temperature could affect marine species. For example, fish species may head further south to get to cooler waters, and because the fish are the seals' food source, they are forced to head south too in order to get food. Amy F (10 White)

New knowledge from the Mornington Peninsula can guide future efforts in sustainability, responsible tourism, and cultural preservation. Awareness in ecosystem protection and biodiversity can support climate action elsewhere. Sustainable tourism strategies can balance economic growth with environmental and community well-being. Insights into cultural heritage and community engagement can shape future projects that prioritise local traditions promoting responsible development. Anika G (10 Blue)

Instrumental Music Private Tuition 2025

We are pleased to announce that enrolments are now open and available online for Instrumental Music lessons in 2025. All the details including fees, instrument hire charges and conditions are available here.

Application for enrolment needs to be completed via the Google form here. Please note that Instrumental Music lesson fees will be applied to your College fees statement in early 2025. Please address any enquiries to the Head of Music at: mmacaulay@sion.catholic.edu.au.

Instrumental Music Lesson Scholarship Applications

A limited number of music lesson scholarships, lasting two years, will be made available in 2025 to students currently in Years 7 and 8 for the following instruments:

• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• French Horn
• Euphonium
• Trombone
• Percussion
• Guitar

Interested students/families should email Mr Macaulay for an application form at mmacaulay@sion.catholic.edu.au.

Term 4 Music Soiree

A small but immensely talented group of performers played solo and small group pieces at the Term 4 Music Soiree, last week. It was terrific to see these students present work they have been developing this Semester with the support of their instrumental tutors – outdoors in the new music space in the Ratisbonne Discovery Centre.

Rock Band rocking the CAT Week launch

The Notre Dame foyer was rocking at the opening of the Creative Arts and Technologies event last week. Congratulations to Rock Band members, and their director Mr Gregory, who wowed the audience with their performance of various songs from different rock and popular genres.

Year 7 Spring Concert – Book Now!

All Year 7 ensembles, small groups, and those Year 7s in Intermediate level ensembles will be performing at the annual Year 7 Spring Music Concert, to be held on Tuesday 12 November 7.00 pm in the LHC. Bookings are now open via the TryBooking link here.

Upcoming Music Department Dates

• Victorian School Music Festival – Monday 11 November, Hawthorn Arts Centre – two Year 7 Concert Bands and Sion First Year 6 Concert Band
• Year 7 Music Spring Concert – Tuesday 12 November 7.00 pm, LHC. Book here.
• Sion First Band 2024 Final Concert – Wednesday 13 November 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Sion First Band 2025 Launch – Wednesday 13 November 7.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Year 12 Valedictory Mass and Dinner – CVE and Senior Strings, Thursday 21 November, 6.00 pm, Marvel Stadium
• Night of Excellence – Thursday 5 December 7.00 pm, LHC

GSV Senior Cricket

Our Senior Cricketers had the perfect home and away games securing five wins. They qualified for the Grand Final against Star of the Sea on Wednesday 30 October at Basil Reserve, Malvern. Prior to the match, the team was awarded their Senior A Zone Winner Pennant before quickly moving into game mode and bowling first. Lily L (11 Gold) got a wicket with her four overs before Ava V (11 Red) and Grace N (11 Red) both took two wickets and were set a chase of 5/116. Grace and Lily led the batting making 11 runs off the first over but were slowed down in the following overs with tight bowling and good fielding. After the 16 allocated overs we finished on 4/76 falling short of the Star of the Sea total. We are extremely proud of their performance on the day and their commitment at trainings and matches throughout the season.

GSV Junior Cricket

Our Junior Cricketers are looking to follow in the Seniors Cricketers footsteps with strong performances each week. Our Year 8 Sports Representative, Zara L (8 Red) provides an insight into the season so far.

Over the past few weeks, the Junior Cricket team have been lucky enough to participate in a cricket clinic run by Cricket Victoria. The clinic has consisted of several drills that focus on perfecting technique and game development. Some favourite drills have involved hitting to coloured cone targets and bowling on sections of the pitch. There have also been a number of competitive warm up games and drills that we have all loved. The clinic has been very successful in building both skill and confidence within the squad and has helped to develop our confidence on the field too. Thank you so much to East Box Hill Cricket Club and Cricket Victoria for this incredible opportunity to have carefully thought-out training sessions that have helped us so much with our cricket. Zara L (8 Red)

Swim and Dive Training

Our GSV Dive and Swim Squad commenced pre-season training in preparation for the 2025 GSV season. Training sessions are on Wednesday mornings starting at 7 am at Aquanation in Ringwood, we are very fortunate to have access to fantastic facilities for swimming and diving! The five training sessions this year focus on fundamentals in diving and swim strokes which will provide a strong base to compete in our Preliminary and Championships Carnivals in Term 1 next year.

Student Spotlight

We are very excited to share upcoming competitions for two of our students, both excelling in their chosen sports.

Zara T (10 Blue) will be representing Australia at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in South Africa in November. Zara will be competing in Junior and Senior Kata Female divisions; it will be an amazing experience and a reward for her effort and consistency with training. Good luck Zara!

Gabriela T (9 White) has been selected in the International Pathway National Training Program at the AIS in Canberra for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. She has commenced training at the Junior International Level, working very hard to prepare for Australian and international competitions in 2025. Hopefully, she will soon have the opportunity to represent Australia at the international level. Well done Gabriela!

Christmas Toiletry Bags

Over the past fortnight our Social Justice representatives have launched the annual Christmas Toiletry Bag Appeal across their year levels! This initiative is a practical way to show compassion and solidarity with those in need, collecting essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant. Each Homeroom from Year 7 to 11 is encouraged to contribute to creating these toiletry bags, which will be distributed to St Vincent De Paul Fitzroy and the Box Hill Conferences supporting vulnerable individuals. By participating, students are helping make a tangible difference and meaningful impact in our community. The toiletry bags will be presented at the end of year Mass.

SnapShot

This edition of SnapShot focuses on how the work of the Society aligns closely with the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

St Vincent De Paul Society and Catholic Social Teachings

The St Vincent de Paul Society uses Catholic Social Teachings as a guide to their charitable efforts. These teachings emphasize human dignity, the common good, and social justice. Here’s how the society's work embodies these principles:

1. Human Dignity

Catholic Social Teaching holds that every person is made in the image of God and, therefore, has inherent dignity. The St Vincent de Paul Society prioritises helping people in need, especially those experiencing poverty, homelessness, or disadvantage, without discrimination. By offering support and advocacy, they uphold the dignity of every person, ensuring they are treated with respect and compassion.

2. The Common Good

The St Vincent de Paul Society works toward creating conditions that allow individuals and communities to reach their full potential. Their programs aim to benefit not just individuals, but society as a whole, contributing to a more just and equitable world.

3. Solidarity

Catholic Social Teachings teaches that we are all one human family, regardless of nationality, race, or economic status. The St Vincent de Paul Society demonstrates solidarity by advocating for those who are disadvantaged and working to create a more just society. The society’s volunteers actively build relationships with the people they serve, standing in solidarity with them during times of hardship.

In our next newsletter we will look at how the work of St Vincent D Paul aligns with the principles of Preferential Option for the Poor, Subsidiarity and Participation and Care for Creation. Lia C (11 Gold)

Desire! That’s the one secret of every man’s career. Not education. Not being born with hidden talents. Desire. Johnny Carson

Students and families can find the fortnightly Careers newsletter here.

In this fortnightly Newsletter there is information relating to:

• Dates to Diaries Term 4 – 2024 Year 12 VTAC dates reminder

• Upcoming Events: Swinburne Study Expo

• Career in the Spotlight – Economics

• Things to consider: CAS Hawker Scholarship

• Researching options: Monash University – Pathways to Physiotherapy, Melbourne University: New Commerce Major in 2025, Melbourne University: New guaranteed Pathways for Bachelor of Design students.

We are at that stage of the year again, the senior exam period. This is an important period in an adolescents’ educational journey. Exams provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their long-term learning and receive feedback to support their future learning. This period however, may create additional stress for your child and your family. Whilst some stress is a normal and a motivating response to exams, an extreme response can prevent adolescents from effectively studying, interpreting and retaining information.

You might notice that your child is suffering from exam stress. This could present in various ways including losing touch with friends and activities they enjoy, they may feel moody or overwhelmed, they may not be interested in food or sleeping poorly, they may experience headaches or struggle to concentrate. This may affect their wellbeing and prohibit them from engaging in normal activities and routines.

It is very normal for adolescents to experience exam stress. These may be high stake assessments where students are wanting to do well and succeed. Concerns about preparedness, recall of information in a timed period, difficulty in comprehension of content or worry about general performance may contribute to exam stress.

It is important to support adolescents as they prepare for exams. Here are some practical strategies to support your child throughout this period.

Managing exam stress:

• Ensure they have a clean, quiet space with all the necessary equipment to study.

• For effective learning, study blocks/chunks are essential. Insisting your daughter study for hours on end, is not conducive to learning and in fact, counterproductive. Encourage the use of study block periods. This includes setting a time and studying intensely for 45 mins and then setting a timer for a 15 min break. During a break, insist they move away from their study and do something that is supportive of their self care (go for a walk outside, spend some time with the family pet, indulge in a sweet treat).

• Ensure they have good sleep hygiene. This includes maintaining a good sleep routine, getting to bed at a reasonable time and avoiding the use of devices an hour before bedtime.

• Ensure they are drinking plenty of water and avoiding an overconsumption of stimulant drinks such as coffee which may affect sleeping patterns.

• A well balanced diet is essential, try to keep your child fuelled with regular meals they enjoy from all food groups.

• Eliminate distractions and things that distract their study such as blaring televisions.

• Self care: allow time for rewards, this is essential to a balanced approach and maintaining motivation to study.

For more information and support please visit: https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/exam-stress

As always however, if you have any concerns about your child that you would like to discuss, please contact their Homeroom Teacher, Wellbeing and Growth Leader, or the Counselling Team.