Newsletter | Live a life worthy of the calling you have received

A warm welcome back to all students, staff, and families as we begin Term 3 of College life. It’s hard to believe that two weeks have already flown by in what is an unusually short term for this time of year. With only seven weeks remaining until the next break, there’s much to plan for, experience, complete, and achieve.

Year 12

A word to our Year 12 students who are edging ever closer to their final months at the College. It was a pleasure to speak with them last week and offer some words of encouragement. I hope they know that together with their teachers, they have my support and prayers. I encouraged them to remember the importance of working collaboratively, using all available resources, and seeking support from teachers, families, and others who can offer meaningful guidance. Their positive study habits have been commendable, and as they approach the final stretch of the ‘marathon’ this is the moment to dig deep, draw on their inner strength, and strive to do their very best.

They stand at the threshold of adulthood, with all the opportunities and challenges that come with it. Finally, I invited them to remember the future isn’t something you arrive at all at once. It is something you build day by day; through the choices you make now. Every small step, every effort they put in today, lays the foundation for the life they dream of tomorrow. I wish them all the very best in the coming months and look forward to sharing lunch with each Homeroom this term.

Term 3 Assembly

Congratulations to all the students recognised at our Term 3 assembly. A total of 52 students from Years 7 to 11 received a Principal’s Award for achieving a score of 90 or above in all their Semester 1 subjects.

We also celebrated 22 students from Years 7, 8, and 9 who were recognised through the ACER Awards in Literacy and Numeracy. These awards highlight students’ abilities to think critically, solve problems, and apply their knowledge in new and creative ways.

We also welcomed Alya Katkat visiting from the Notre Dame de Sion school in Istanbul. Alya is in Australia catching up with family. Thank you for joining us and for your curiosity and openness in exploring our community and country.

Mamma Mia!

We’re thrilled to announce that all four performances of Mamma Mia! are officially sold out! That means we will welcome nearly 1,400 audience members over the three-day run. A heartfelt thank you to families, friends, and students for your incredible support—your presence will mean the world to those involved in bringing this production to life for you. Performers, back and front of stage, staff and students are excited to showcase the fruits of their work and their many talents next week. A huge thank you to the production staff who have facilitated our 2025 musical. Your efforts and commitment are much appreciated.

Sion Day and the Spirit of Our Community

At our Term 3 assembly I was joined by Lia C (12 Red) , our Social Justice Leader and Ms Gionfriddo in speaking about Sion day. I reflected on our College theme this year, Live a life worthy of the calling you have received which reminds us to live a meaningful life, use our strengths well, and make a difference in our own unique way to creating a just world.

Our Mission statement also calls us to be bridge-builders, people who are open to change and committed to others. This invites us to be curious about the world around us, participate in learning about local and global issues and to remain open to those beside us every day.

In the face of ongoing conflicts in places like Ukraine and Gaza, it’s also natural to feel powerless. But even from afar, we can prepare ourselves to be bridge builders in our world. We do that by learning, by listening and questioning, by choosing empathy and understanding, by thinking beyond ourselves, standing up for justice, and ensuring that respect is the foundation of all we say and do. This is how we begin to become part of the solution – even from a distance.

In today’s world, it can feel easier to focus on differences and divisions. But our school stands for something very different: unity in diversity, compassion in action, and hope in community.

On 15 August, we will celebrate Sion Day, a moment that encapsulates all we believe in. It is a celebration of community, of joy, and of what it means to live as people who build bridges—with our hearts, our actions, and our hope.

With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

Year 7 Retreat

This week, our Year 7 students took part in their very first retreat day at St Paul’s Retreat Centre in Wantirna. The theme for the day was 'Making our Mark at Sion Through Positive Action.' As the students continue to settle into secondary school life and grow as a year level, the retreat was a valuable chance to reflect on what it means to be part of our supportive and inclusive community. Throughout the day, the students explored the importance of belonging, showing kindness, welcoming others, and making choices that contribute to the wellbeing of others. It was a meaningful day that encouraged the year level to think about how their actions can have a positive impact on those around them, both at Our Lady of Sion College and beyond.

On Tuesday 29 July all of the Year 7 students attended our first Sion retreat day. In the morning, we were split into different groups and participated in different rotations throughout the day like meditating, learning about our school motto and more deeply exploring scripture. We also listened to Sister Mary Reaburn share her experiences about her life and what it means to be a Sister of Our Lady of Sion. We finished the day with a Mass led by Father Mark. Overall, we had a wonderful day! Eva G (7 Red)

Sion Day Fundraising

At our College Assembly this week, Social Justice Captain, Lia C (12 Red), officially launched, our Sion Day fundraising which will once again go towards international social justice projects led or supported by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion through two scholarship programs via:

Bethlehem University
Our Lady of Sion Education Fund in Jerusalem for Primary and Secondary Students.

In response to the crisis in Gaza, we will also be donating money raised from Sion Day to the Caritas Australia's Gaza Emergency Appeal, to provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

Sion Day tickets are available to purchase through Trybooking until Wednesday 13 August. They are $12 and they allow students to wear casual clothes on the day and enjoy a BBQ sausage (dietary requirements will be catered for) and a drink.

Carnival tokens will once again be used instead of cash at each of the stalls. Each token is valued at $1 and will need to be purchased using credit/debit card or cash, prior to Sion Day at recess and lunchtime from Student Services on the following dates:

Years 7, 8 and 12: Monday 11 August
Years 9, 10 and 11: Tuesday 12 August
All year levels: Wednesday 13 August
All year levels: Thursday 14 August

Tokens will also be available for purchase on Sion Day.

We are looking forward to celebrating this very special day.

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.

While we are in week 2, Term 3 is short, and so we have already crammed a lot in!

Notre Dame students have experienced Student Progress Meetings already. We hold these a little earlier than the Years 7-10 meetings, as they can work on the feedback earlier. We look forward to the 7-10 SPMs in Week 5. Supporting the Year 12 students as they make decisions about university entry, families have been invited to the VTAC Parent Information session on Tuesday 5 August.

While all students are thinking about subject selection for 2026, our current Year 10 students who would like to continue accelerating have already submitted their applications, with a reflection on their Semester 1 learning, as have the Year 9s who are thinking about this for the first time. These are currently being processed and the students will be contacted shortly. Our Year 10 families are also coming in for Subject Selection Interviews on the 5 and 6 August. Information has been sent out with instructions on how to make the appointments.

As all of this has been going on, the Year 10s loved their week of Work Experience. A big thank you to the community that supported this program, and especially to Brooke O’Hara who completes all of the administrative requirements and ensures the students have a safe and positive experience. Universally, this has been a resounding success in 2025, with students having a genuine experience of workplace life.

Meanwhile, the Year 8s experienced a sample of medieval life with the annual Medieval Day. Once again we had knights and jesters, queens and scullery maids walking the halls of the College. The Year 12 English students experienced a play, the Italian students competed in the Dante Alighieri poetry competition, the debating team took on other students through the DAV competition. This is just naming a few of the events in the last two weeks.

This is why, when we celebrate the Principal’s Awards for Semester 1, we emphasise that excellence takes a lot of forms, and that each activity, each practice test, each conversation with a teacher, builds to something spectacular. Congratulations to everyone who was recognised with an award and to all of the student leaders who spoke of what they have achieved throughout the semester.

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope your family enjoyed a restful break, and for those who were able to travel, that it was a refreshing experience. We look forward to a positive and engaging Semester 2 for your daughter.

This week, staff participated in our second anaphylaxis briefing for 2025. Important updates were shared, particularly regarding risk assessments and the introduction of new templates for classrooms, as well as for interstate and overseas travel. These changes will strengthen our ability to work in partnership with families to implement strategies that minimise risk, especially when students are involved in camps and other co-curricular activities.

Working Together to Keep Students with Anaphylaxis Safe

The health and safety of every student is a shared responsibility, and for families of students with anaphylaxis, this partnership is especially important. At the College, we are committed to doing everything we can to reduce risk and keep your daughter safe, but we can’t do this without your support. Together, we can help your daughter confidently manage her health and enjoy all aspects of school life.

How you can support your daughter and the College:

Please ensure the College has a current Anaphylaxis Action Plan for your daughter, signed by her doctor. These must be reviewed and updated generally every 12 months (or as designated on the plan) or sooner if there are any changes to her medical needs.
Provide the College with an in-date adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) for use at school. Your daughter must also carry a personal auto-injector to and from school each day. This is essential for her safety.
If your daughter experiences an allergic or anaphylactic reaction, whether at home, or elsewhere, please let the College know as soon as possible. This helps us review her support and safety measures.
Take time to help your daughter understand her allergy, recognise risk situations, and practise how to respond, especially in environments where she might be exposed to allergens. This builds her confidence and independence.
If your daughter is attending a camp, excursion, or trip, we ask you to work closely with the College to provide updated medical information and discuss any concerns.
For any school travel involving a plane or ship, a specific travel plan, completed by a medical practitioner, is required to ensure your daughter’s needs are properly planned for and supported.

Our Commitment

All College staff are trained in anaphylaxis management and attend twice-yearly briefings to ensure they are prepared to respond in an emergency. Risk assessments are conducted for all camps, excursions, and trips, with anaphylaxis risks carefully considered as part of this process.

We understand how worrying it can be to send your daughter to school when she has a serious allergy. Please know we take this responsibility seriously and are here to work with you to keep her as safe as possible.

If you have any questions, or need to update your daughter’s medical information, please contact Student Services or your daughter’s Wellbeing and Growth Leader at any time.

The Two People Who Can Change Your Child’s School Life – An Article by Dr Justin Coulson

I invite you to read another great Happy Families article by Dr Justin Coulson. The article is linked here.

It was lovely to see our Year 12 students return from the holidays looking rested and recharged for Term 3. The focus for this term is very much about maintaining a consistent approach to studies. In last week’s Pastoral session, students had the opportunity to reflect, reset, and prepare for the term ahead. The session offered practical strategies for strengthening study habits and tackling common challenges, such as procrastination, helping students start the term with clarity and purpose.

Many of our Year 12 students embraced the opportunity last Tuesday to attend Student Progress Meetings as a way of seeking feedback from their subject teachers. I encourage the students to take on board the recommendations from their teachers to ensure they can achieve their potential in their final Unit 4 studies.

While study remains an ongoing commitment, we continue to encourage students to keep a balance in their life by enjoying and getting involved in activities both in and outside of school. This balance was certainly evident at the end of last term when students had the opportunity to let off steam and enjoy some friendly rivalry in the Year 11 v Year 12 Dodgeball competition organised by our College Captains, Sara K (12 Red) and Zoe F (12 Red).

On behalf of the Year 12 cohort, I would like to extend our best wishes to the Year 12 students performing in the upcoming production of Mamma Mia!, and to those contributing behind the scenes. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, hard work, and generosity in sharing their talents with the school community.

Please note some of the important dates and events coming up for our Year 12s this term:

Tuesday 5 August: Year 12 Group Photo (P2 Pastoral - Full academic uniform required)
Tuesday 5 August: Year 12 VTAC Information Evening 7.00 pm
Friday 15 August: Sion Day - Students dismissed at 2.30 pm
Thursday 21 August: Student Free Day
Friday 22 August: Student Free Day
Friday 5 September: Significant Men’s Breakfast
Friday 19 September: Final Day Term 3 - Students dismissed at 1.25 pm
Monday 29 September - Friday 3 October: VCAA Trial Exams

Welcome back to Term 3.

The first two weeks of Term 3 have been a dynamic and valuable time for our Year 10 students. Last week, they took part in work experience, stepping into new environments and exploring potential future pathways. We are incredibly proud of how they represented both themselves and our school community. It was a privilege to visit students in their various placements and witness them thriving in new and diverse learning spaces.

Work experience provides far more than just a taste of the workforce — it encourages students to develop important life skills such as organisation, punctuality, communication, and independence. The challenge now is for students to bring these skills back into the school environment and apply them consistently in their learning and interactions.

This experience often becomes a turning point — helping students recognise what is possible, or highlighting areas where growth is still needed. We encourage all parents and carers to continue supporting and reinforcing these positive habits at home. Over the next fortnight, your guidance can play a vital role in helping students embed these behaviours into their daily routines — ensuring the benefits of work experience extend well into the second half of the year.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

Ballroom Dancing

This week, over one hundred of our Year 10 students began their Ballroom Dancing Program in partnership with Whitefriars College — and what a fantastic start it’s been!

The first session was a success on many levels. It was wonderful to see students learning the steps of their first dance, counting carefully to stay in beat, heads held high, and smiles all around. Even more encouraging was the positive interaction between students. There was a genuine sense of collaboration, with students supporting each other, sharing a laugh, and showing a real willingness to learn together.

Programs like Ballroom Dancing offer far more than just movement — they help build confidence, foster new friendships, and strengthen our students' sense of belonging. We’re excited to watch their progress over the coming weeks and to see how this shared experience helps them grow both socially and personally.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards Evening

Shortly, all students and their families who have completed the Bronze award will receive an invitation to attend our Awards evening to be held on Wednesday 20 August in the Miriam Theatre, commencing at 7.00 pm. I take this opportunity to thank all families for their continued support of the Duke of Edinburgh program.

There are so many activities over the next two weeks for our Year 10s to be involved in, such as Ballroom, GSV, Music, House, Art, preparation for Sion Day and I encourage the students to actively engage in as many of these events as possible. Until next newsletter keep exploring your #innerexcellence.

Welcome back to our Year 9 students and families. It’s been wonderful to see students return refreshed and energised, ready for the term ahead. There is much to look forward to, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

I would firstly like to acknowledge the students who were nominated and received acknowledgement for our year level Curious, Kind and Courageous Awards. We had over 30 different students nominated across the three categories by both students and staff. It was truly wonderful to see the range of ways that Year 9 students have continued to live our theme. Congratulations to the following winners for Term 2:

Kindness Award: Charlise P (9 Red)
Curiosity Award: Abby T (9 White)
Courage Award: Zara H (9 Blue)

Days for Girls

Our generous spirit was also on display at the end of term with our Days for Girls Raffle prizes being drawn. Year 9 students were invited to donate items to go towards a period pamper pack and we were able to put together three very full prizes to raffle off. I would like to thank the students who donated goods or their time to put the prizes together. We continue to support Days for Girls with two more packing days remaining for the 2026 year. I look forward to announcing our fundraising total in coming weeks.

Pastoral

In our Pastoral session last week we welcomed a panel of senior students to discuss their experiences of VCE and VCE-VM. The seniors were able to discuss the way they manage their range of subjects, the thinking that went into choosing their subjects and the important study skills they continually use and adapt as the years progress. Senior students were chosen to represent a range of study pathways including:

A Maths/Science course
A student completing two ‘folio subjects’ and drama
Students completing a language
A student completing the VCE-VM pathway
Student leaders
Students playing high level sport
Students involved in a range of extra-curricular activities

The feedback from the Year 9s showed the relevance of this opportunity to them, particularly at a time where they are considering their subjects for 2026.

With this in mind we have encouraged the Year 9s to consider the ways they prepare for study and how to strategically plan their time outside of school. Should they need support with this, they are encouraged to make a time with their Homeroom teacher to discuss ideas.

Have a great fortnight ahead.

Science at Sion Semester 1

During Semester 1, Science students have been busy exploring, experimenting, and expanding their understanding of the world around them.

Our Year 7 students proudly earned their Bunsen burner licenses after learning how to safely use this essential laboratory tool. They also investigated different types of forces, conducting hands-on activities to explore how pushes, pulls, friction and gravity affect motion.

In Year 8, students launched into the vast topic of space and the universe, learning about celestial bodies, orbits and the scale of our solar system. They also designed and built creative Rube Goldberg machines, using a chain reaction of events to investigate how energy is transferred and transformed.

Year 9s focused on the interconnectedness of life, studying biodiversity and food webs. They explored how organisms depend on one another for survival and examined the impact of human activity on ecosystems, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation.

In Year 10 Physics, students investigated the principles of electrical circuits. They experimented with current, voltage, resistance and circuit design, developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. One student reflected:

In my Pre-Physics class, we had the opportunity to solder together a small circuit featuring ten flashing LEDs. We began by learning the theory part of electricity first, including Ohm’s law, the properties of series and parallel circuits, and how to draw circuit components like resistors, capacitors, and LEDs. After a five-minute soldering crash course, we were tasked to put together a full circuit kit with exactly 75 joints to solder.

Many students in my class, including myself, went with the 'soldering for functionality, not aesthetics' mindset. We realised how much fine motor skills were required to connect tiny components with a 300˚C iron just centimeters away from our fingers. If the solder blobs merged with each other, it would short circuit when connected to the battery. I still really enjoyed this task because it gave me a clearer understanding of how our class learning translates into real-world applications. Jessica Z (10 Blue)

The final two weeks of Term 2 provided an engaging and dynamic finish, with students undertaking a range of hands-on STEM experiences. They explored cutting-edge facilities and industry-focused research at the Veski Bionics Institute and RMIT’s Additive Manufacturing Lab, competed in real-world problem-solving at Deakin’s Science and Engineering Challenge, and nurtured developing zebrafish embryos through Monash University’s BioEYES program.

Veski Bionics Institute - RMIT Additive Manufacturing Laboratory Site Visit

On Monday 23 June, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit RMIT for a tour of the Veski Bionics Institute and the Additive Manufacturing Lab. We explored cutting-edge medical technologies, saw advanced 3D printing machinery in action, and learned how additive manufacturing is shaping the future of healthcare and engineering. We also learned about real-world research projects currently shaping the future of prosthetics and biomedical design. It was an inspiring experience that encouraged curiosity about the possibilities of STEM careers. Diya P (11 Gold)

Deakin Science and Engineering Challenge

On Tuesday 24 June, a few of the Year 9 students were able to participate in the Deakin Science and Engineering Challenge. We spent the day with a partner competing against students from other schools in STEM based challenges, such as creating a plane that was scored on distance and precision, creating a bridge that can hold weight, and creating schedules that won’t clash based on requirements. At the end of the day, points were tallied up and we ended the day coming 4th. Leena H (9 Purple) and Mia S (9 Blue)

BioEYES

On Monday 30 June, a group of Year 8 students had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Monash University BioEyes program. Throughout the week, we were able to observe zebrafish eggs and embryos and learn about the different stages of reproduction and their development whilst in the egg. Every morning, we checked in on our eggs to see what stage of growth they were in using a microscope. During this program we developed a deeper understanding of biomedical science and opened up new areas of science for us to pursue in the future. Evdoxia S (8 White) and Chloe G (8 White)

Welcome to Mrs Jennette Green

We welcome Mrs Jennette Green to Sion who joins the Music staff in Semester 2 replacing Mrs Stancombe who is on leave.

Ensembles Concert Night - Music Triumph!

Congratulations to every musician who performed at the annual Music Department Ensembles Concert. In the last week of Term 2, over 400 students presented their band repertoire to a packed Miriam Theatre, the culmination being the orchestra and combined choir piece, made up of students from all year levels, performing ‘Defying Gravity’ from the musical ‘Wicked’.

The Ensembles Concert was a time to demonstrate my musical achievements and the development of everyone in their respective ensemble. The excellence and energy put in by the girls was incredible. Chantelle A (11 Red)

The piece we did in Senior Concert Band was a real challenge, and I think we played our best on the night. Evdoxia S (8 White)

Term 3 Principal’s Assembly

Congratulations to members of the Combined Strings and CVE who performed at the Term 3 assembly this week.

Victorian Schools Music Festival and Royal South Street Eisteddfod – Term 3

The Music department will be very busy early in Term 3 representing Sion at the Victorian Schools Music Festival and the Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod in Ballarat. The schedule of participating groups, dates and venues are as follows:

CVE Tuesday 5 August, departing Sion 3.45 pm, returning 7.00 pm, venue: Box Hill Salvation Army Hall
Intermediate Concert Band Tuesday 26 August, departing Sion 11.45 am returning 3.15 pm, venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre
Senior Concert Band Thursday 4 September, departing Sion 3.15 pm returning 7.00 pm, venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre
Jazz Club Monday 8 September, departing Sion 12.30 pm, returning 4.15pm, venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre
CVE at Royal South Street Eisteddfod Tuesday 9 September, details to follow.
Senior Jazz Ensemble Friday 12 September, departing Sion 3.45 pm returning 7.00 pm, venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre

Term 3 Instrumental Music Soiree – Save the Date!

Instrumental students will have another opportunity to perform solo and chamber ensemble material at the Term 3 Music Soiree on Monday 8 September at 5.00 pm. Students can sign up via their respective instrumental teacher.

Term 3 Sport Begins

As Term 3 kicks off, our sporting calendar is already in full swing with exciting opportunities, strong performances, and some history-making moments for our College teams. Term 3 is a big term for the Sport Department with Sports Week in the final week, including Sports Awards Night which our Sport Reps and Individual Sports Captains have started planning!

The new term welcomes the start of Badminton, Indoor Cricket, and Soccer seasons. We wish all our teams the best of luck after promising starts in their opening matches this week.

Badminton trials saw a fantastic turnout this year. With more students trialling than ever before, competition was fierce. While not all could be placed in a team, we’re thrilled to offer a lunchtime training program for those who missed selection. More information will be shared next week.

Our Track and Field squad has begun their training meets in preparation for the upcoming Prelim Carnival on Thursday 14 August. Averaging 50 students at morning sessions, we have a strong focus on sprints/middle distance and specialise on jumps (Mondays) and throws (Wednesdays). The dedication from students is outstanding and we cannot wait for competition!

St Francis Hoop Time – Year 9 Coaches

Ten Year 9 students accompanied the SFX Year 3 and 4 squad to Dandenong Stadium on Monday 28 July to coach their Basketball teams. Our students coached teams in pairs and represented our College in a terrific manner. Our students helped the teams which varied in skill level including some students that have never played Basketball before. Teams played 5 matches across the day with coaches assisting with refereeing and scoring when they were not actively coaching.

This is the second year offering the program to our students and we would like to continue it for many years to come. The amount of growth our students gain from coaching a team is invaluable teaching them communication, patience and how to motivate students. Our Year 10 students will have the opportunity to coach Year 5 and 6 students at their Hoop Time event on Friday 29 August. Please see the below feedback from Stacey McCabe, PE & Sport Coordinator, St Francis Xavier

I just want to say a huge thank you to the students who attended basketball on Monday. They were organised, mature, knowledgeable in basketball and had a great rapport with our students and staff.

So many of our staff commented how the Sion girls were 'lifesavers' in helping them with the teams, taking over the coaching, scoring and refereeing (where needed) so our staff could just focus on managing students and behaviours.

Thanks again. It was a massive help. Stacey McCabe, PE & Sport Coordinator, St Francis Xavier

National Aerobics Championships

Our Aerobics teams are set to take the stage at the National Championships in Tasmania from Friday 15 August to Sunday 17 August.

They will compete at Wrest Point on Saturday, with both morning and afternoon performances. We’re incredibly proud of their journey so far and excited to see how they build on their success from the State Finals.

A big thank you to Mrs Macdonald and Ms Gurciullo, who will accompany the teams alongside our dedicated coaches Alyssa and Scarlett. Each training session, the coaches continue to develop their teams in preparation for Nationals focusing on synchronisation, execution, and formations.

Senior Girls Herald Sun Shield

For the first time in College history, we were invited to compete in Division 1 of the Herald Sun Shield—a major milestone for our sports program.

Teagan M (12 White) represented the College at the official Shield Launch at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday 23 July, where she heard from AFL Richmond and AFLW St Kilda players about the vital role school sports played in their careers.

Our team faced a strong SEDA side at Box Hill City Oval on Wednesday 30 July. The girls played with heart and intensity throughout the match. A determined second-half performance saw several scoring opportunities, but SEDA’s tight defence held strong.

A special congratulations to our Year 12 players, many of whom began their journey together in Year 7 GSV. Their final match was a true display of spirit and teamwork.

We’re proud of the team for stepping up to this challenge. A big thank you to Mr Steward for coaching and guiding the squad throughout the season.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Food Drive and Pyjama Day

Over the last few weeks of Term 2, Our Lady of Sion College students embraced the spirit of giving by actively contributing to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Food Drive. Across all year levels, students brought in non-perishable food items, helping to restock the local St Vinnies Food Pantry at St Francis Xavier Parish that supports individuals and families experiencing food insecurity during these difficult times.

As part of this initiative, our Year 12 students led by example by holding a Pyjama Day. On this special day, students were invited to wear their pyjamas at school in exchange for a gold coin donation to St Vinnies and a contribution of tins of tuna and SPAM—two essential items that are always in high demand. In addition, on the last day of the term, students participated in a Casual Clothes Day for a Cause. The day was a huge success, raising an incredible $1,600. This will allow us to purchase 80 essential $20 Woolworths vouchers, which will be donated to St Vinnies to support local families in need by helping provide everyday essentials.

Ozanam House

Our community’s commitment to social outreach continued with our monthly visit to Ozanam House, where Alyssia R (11 Gold) and Lena T (11 Gold) were accompanied by Mr Paul Kerr and spent time engaging in meaningful conversation and connection with those experiencing homelessness. These regular visits offer a powerful reminder of the importance of presence, dignity, and solidarity.

Days for Girls

Our Year 9 students participated in the second Days for Girls workshop for the year. This meaningful program empowers young women globally by assembling sustainable feminine hygiene kits and raising awareness around issues of period poverty.

These recent activities are a testament to our community’s commitment to living out the values of justice, compassion, and service. Through their involvement, Sion students are not only learning about social justice—they are becoming active agents of positive change.

FIRE Carrier – Days of National Significance

Estella F (11 Gold), our FIRE Carrier Captain, continues her exploration of days of national significance for Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.

Coming of the Light – Tuesday 1 July

Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islander peoples to mark the arrival of Christian missionaries on July 1 1871. It commemorates the introduction of Christianity to the Torres Strait by the London Missionary Society, which many Islanders embraced. The day is significant as a blend of cultural and spiritual identity, honouring how Torres Strait Islanders maintained their traditions while adopting new beliefs. Celebrations include church services, song, dance, and storytelling.

NAIDOC Week – Monday 7 July – Monday 14 July

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It originated from the 1938 Day of Mourning and has since evolved into a week of pride and empowerment. Each year has a theme that highlights ongoing struggles, resilience, and contributions. The week promotes awareness and unity across all communities in Australia, with events such as art exhibitions, awards, and cultural performances.

Anniversary of the Aboriginal Flag being flown – Wednesday 9 July

On July 9 1971, the Aboriginal Flag was flown publicly for the first time in Adelaide’s Victoria Square. Designed by Harold Thomas, the flag symbolises Aboriginal identity and pride: black for the people, red for the land, and yellow for the sun. Its first raising marked a powerful statement in the land rights movement. The anniversary highlights the enduring significance of the flag in representing resistance, recognition, and unity.

Newsletter | Live a life worthy of the calling you have received

Important Dates

What's On

From the Principal

Principal's Message

Year 12

Term 3 Assembly

Mamma Mia!

Sion Day and the Spirit of Our Community

From the Deputy Principals

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo

Year 7 Retreat

Sion Day Fundraising

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott

Acting Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Paul Kerr

Working Together to Keep Students with Anaphylaxis Safe

Our Commitment

The Two People Who Can Change Your Child’s School Life – An Article by Dr Justin Coulson

In Remembrance

Sr Mary Barry

Year Level News

Year 12 – Kathryn Steward, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 11 – Beth Amos, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 10 – Adam Rieusset, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Ballroom Dancing

Duke of Edinburgh Awards Evening

Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Days for Girls

Pastoral

Year 8 – Chris Wilkes, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 8 Homeroom Basketball Competition

Year 7 – Stephanie Mainwaring, Acting Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Learning Area News

Medieval Day – Allan Kerr, Humanities Learning Leader

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! A Most Noble Account of Year 8's Grand Medieval Day

⚔️ Of Weapons and Armour

💃 Of Dance and Revelry

🏯 Of the Kingdom of the Rising Sun – Medieval Japan

👸 Of the Fair and Formidable Women of Yore

Drama – Alex Bleazby, Arts Learning Area Leader

Mamma Mia!

Year 8 Drama

Science – Francis Nguyen, Science Learning Leader

Science at Sion Semester 1

Languages – Gail Amato, Learning Leader

Dante Alighieri Poetry Recitation Competition

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Visual Arts – Alex Bleazby, Arts Learning Area Leader

Senior Art Showcase Opening – Save the Date!

Arts Precinct Gallery Space

Literacy – Stephanie Mainwaring, Coordinator

Science and DOHSA – Francis Nguyen, Science Learning Leader

Veski Bionics Institute - RMIT Additive Manufacturing Laboratory Site Visit

Deakin Science and Engineering Challenge

BioEYES

Co-curricular News

Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music

Welcome to Mrs Jennette Green

Ensembles Concert Night - Music Triumph!

Term 3 Principal’s Assembly

Victorian Schools Music Festival and Royal South Street Eisteddfod – Term 3

Term 3 Instrumental Music Soiree – Save the Date!

Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport

Term 3 Sport Begins

St Francis Hoop Time – Year 9 Coaches

National Aerobics Championships

Senior Girls Herald Sun Shield

Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator

St Vincent de Paul Winter Food Drive and Pyjama Day

Ozanam House

Days for Girls

FIRE Carrier – Days of National Significance

Careers and Pathways – Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator

Work Experience

Parent News

Sion Day Op Shop - Donations Needed

College Psychologist – Sofia Stagnitta

Dr Justin Coulson Parent Webinar - Anxious: Helping your Child Navigate a World of Worry