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

As this term unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the many ‘lasts’ I’m experiencing at the College. Two of the highlights of this past fortnight which have particularly brought this home to me include our College musical, Mamma Mia! and today’s Sion Feast Day celebrations.

Mamma Mia

Events such as this year’s musical prompt me to reflect how the performing arts are such an essential part of education and how they should never be underestimated for the value they bring each student and the student body as a whole.

Participating in the performing arts enhances memory through learning lines and choreography, promotes focus to ensure performers and those responsible for the technical aspects of the production are attentive and synchronised. Interpretation skills and emotional intelligence are also strengthened as students develop their understanding of characters and storylines.

The performing arts foster teamwork, public speaking, and creative problem-solving that in turn build confidence and self-expression. For some students, the arts can lead to self-discovery and pursuing their passion. Live performances also invite people to come together, and in doing so create a sense of belonging and collective memory as they experience something unique to that moment and context.

If families and students were fortunate to attend one or perhaps two of the performances of Mama Mia, they would have witnessed something quite extraordinary. They observed students who have grown in confidence, who have become even more expressive, empathetic, creative, and resilient, and who have authentically collaborated. Older students have become mentors and passed on a legacy that in turn will be passed onto future generations of Sion students. In this way, the performing arts enhance culture and traditions that are positive and enduring.

Ultimately whether they were a member of the cast or played the vital roles of backstage and front of house, students have grown towards becoming well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, and socially capable young people. Whether or not they continue to pursue a career in the performing arts is not important because the personal development gained through the arts may last a lifetime.

I am sure that audience members who attended this year’s production would agree that it was an unforgettable experience not only from a performance perspective but more so to witness the dedication and quality of work produced. What an extraordinary achievement and what a pleasure to be part of this experience of student learning.

Thank you to our producers and directors Alex Bleazby and Catherine Bennett, who worked with such commitment to excellence and supported our students to achieve their best. Thank you to Martin Macauley for his musical direction and the wonderful accompaniment offered by the band and to Ben Kelly for his extraordinary technical support. Thanks to all the behind the scenes staff and students who came together to make this a real team effort. Well done!

Sion Day

What are feast days and why do they exist? Within my Italian heritage, celebrating feast days was a common feature of my life. It meant attending Mass with my family to commemorate a particular saint and then going on picnics with friends and others within our community. The adults would prepare traditional food to share and children would enjoy games. There was always a raffle or fundraising opportunity with money donated to those less fortunate. However, this was not just an Italian tradition

In the Catholic tradition, feast days invite people to gather and reflect on the things that bind them. They celebrate our story, our beliefs and values, and ultimately, who we are and what we stand for. Sion Day is always held on or close to the Feast of the Assumption (15 August), a day that honours Our Lady, the mother of Jesus.

From the moment they join our school, students are encouraged to see themselves as a Daughter of Sion. This title reflects the qualities we see in Mary, qualities that reflect someone who is concerned for others, who is prepared to stand up for justice and work for peace.

I thank the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion for joining us on what is also an important occasion for them. Thank you to all the staff for their organisation of the various elements of the day which included time to celebrate Mass, time to enjoy delicious food, time to enter into fun games and fundraising activities, and finally time to strengthen House spirit and enjoy the great sense of belonging that our school is known for. Thank you to all students who celebrated with us on was my final Sion Day, a day I will remember with great fondness.

With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

Sion Day 2025

Today we celebrated one of the most significant days in the College calendar, Sion Day. The day began with a beautiful Eucharist, marking both the Feast of the Assumption and our special celebration. Fr. Mark Reynolds led us in prayer and reflection, helping us to enter more deeply into the sacredness of the day and its meaning for our College community. The music and singing led by our talented musicians and CVE, were especially moving, and it was a joy that some of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion were able to join us.

At the end of Mass, Mrs Apostolopoulos officially launched Sion Day and all present were invited to sing along to We’re All In This Together from High School Musical, as a way to celebrate the day.

The House Kahoot in Homerooms was a great way to start the fun through testing the students’ knowledge about all things Sion. There was lots of shouting, cheering, and it was a fantastic way to build House spirit and kick off the day's festivities.

The carnival was an exciting part of the day, full of music, colour, and buzz. Students enjoyed tasty food and drinks, picked up some great finds at the Op Shop, and made friendship bands. The staff-student debate added some friendly competition, with plenty of laughs and cheers from the crowd. The disco and karaoke kept everyone dancing and singing along. It was a great way to celebrate being together and just having fun.

After lunch, the House Spirit Competition brought out creativity and school pride in full force. 'Guess the Staff', Spoken Word Songs, and House Karaoke showcased both talent and humour. Each House worked together to impress the judges and support one another.

Once the students had gone home, the staff gathered to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. Our annual silent auction featured an array of wonderful items, thanks to the generosity of the staff and their families, the Parents Association, The Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, our College business partners and local businesses. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated items and to the staff who purchased these contributions.

We are so grateful for all of the efforts made to make Sion Day such a special day for all involved. We are especially moved and give thanks for the generosity of all those who supported our fundraising efforts which will go towards educational scholarships for Christy and Dana who attend Bethlehem University, a Catholic university in the West Bank led by the De La Salle brothers, and for Ilaria, Tal and Saliba via the Our Lady of Sion Educational Fund in Jerusalem for children who attend Christian primary and secondary schools and to Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal where our donation can directly support people who are suffering.

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.

Subject Selection

Thank you to everyone for the way that, once again, we have engaged in the process of subject selection for 2026. While this seems a very long way off, the College has commenced the process of preparing the timetable and staffing for 2026.

Once we have moved forward with the timetable, students will receive their confirmed subjects. This will be later in Term 4.

2026 Learning Resources Announcements!

Consistent with our very successful BYOD program for Years 10-12, from 2026, Year 7 students will provide their own laptop for use at school. Students in Year 8 and 9 in 2026 will be able to use a laptop if preferred, however the teaching focus will be on the iPad. There is no expectation that families provide a separate device.

As always, students will be supported in accessing our network, printers and software, and teachers will continue to guide students in ICT. To further support families with this process, we have partnered with JB HiFi to develop an optional College portal. This will allow families to access a range of suitable devices (that meet the minimum specification requirements) at educational pricing. More information will be provided directly to our 2026 Year 10 families.

We are very grateful for the feedback that was provided by students, staff and families as we make the transition to whole College BYOD. We believe that the increased power and scope of a laptop will reap significant educational gains for our students.

In 2026, Box of Books will be our new Learning Resources Provider. While more information will be provided to families shortly, we are pleased to be able to streamline our processes for families, minimising costs and increasing delivery speed. Box of Books is a company of Officeworks, and so families will truly have a ‘one stop shop’ for all their Learning Resources needs, without too much change in how to order the resources.

An additional feature for Box of Books is the web based browser for online resources. This platform provides additional support for students and staff and we believe it will better support the learning of our students.

Looking at the Term 3 calendar, there’s a wonderful variety of activities for students and families, both in and out of the classroom. Yet, in this busyness of daily life, calm can sometimes feel out of reach. Between school, work, sport, homework, meals and the constant pull of technology, many families are juggling competing demands while trying to create a balance in their home.

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to bring a sense of calm is through routines. Routines give students something deeply reassuring and predictable. When young people know what to expect next, it reduces anxiety, builds confidence and helps them feel more in control of their day. Over time, these small, consistent patterns become anchors that support wellbeing, learning, and family connection. After all, schools are built with predictable structures and routines and even though we sometimes complain about bells, they work.

Why Routines Matter

Routines are more than just habits. They help regulate emotions, support healthy sleep patterns, improve focus, and encourage independence. In fact, research shows that children with regular routines tend to have better academic outcomes, stronger social skills, and lower stress levels. For teenagers, whose lives can often feel fast paced and unpredictable, routines offer a reassuring sense of stability. Jah Et al. (2018) – The Profundity of the Everyday, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that predictable routines at home, such as bedtime, meals, home responsibility (eg household tasks like emptying the dishwasher) are linked to fewer behavioural problems, lower levels of anxiety and greater school engagement. The research also found that teenagers with strong home routines showed higher emotional security and better executive function at school.

If practical routines make such a difference, how should I implement it? Truth be told, a simpler, more consistent approach is better than a complicated timetable.

Here are some practical routines that make a real difference:

Morning Start – Consistent wake up times, a healthy breakfast, and a few calm minutes before they head for the car, train or bus, helps boost mood, focus, and readiness for the day.
After-School Connection – How was your day? What did you get up to? Taking time to reconnect strengthens trust, encourages conversation, and lets them know you are interested in their school day.
Study/Homework Routine – A predictable study time in a distraction free space improves focus, reduces procrastination, and builds strong habits.
Evening Wind-Down – We all need a calm, screen-free routine before bed. It helps the body and mind switch off, improving sleep quality and mood.
Meals Together – Sharing meals builds family connection, encourages conversation, and reduces risky behaviours. This has become difficult with sport and part time work for older students. Make some effort for as many family meals as is practical for you.
Weekend Traditions – Small, regular activities create stability, build identity, and strengthen family bonds. (Eg watching a Friday night movie, games, sport)

How to make routines stick

The best intentions can lead to routines fading over time. Starting small, you can focus on one important routine, for example a consistent morning time or morning routine and embed that before layering others. You may need to model these routines and reinforce them early on. You can even make it satisfying with simple verbal rewards or something special on a Friday night. You can always monitor and adjust the routines you introduce to fit the purpose and evolve them with your changing family needs and your teenagers personality.

In an ever changing world, routines are a quiet form of care. We may not do it perfectly, but with a little consistency, we can create a calm that supports our young people as they journey through their secondary education.

Dr Justin Coulson – Time Is Love: Why Being Present Matters More Than Ever

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

We have been absolutely astounded by the positive response to this year’s musical production of Mamma Mia and we are incredibly proud of our amazing students. With a brilliant cast and a dedicated crew, they shone in so many ways throughout the entire process of bringing this show to life.The production concluded with a standing ovation for Carla Venkataya’s stunning performance of The Winner Takes It All, and during our final bows, the audience was up and dancing right along with us! Beyond the wonderful performances, what stood out was the camaraderie and strong sense of community built by these students. While it’s always a little sad when a production comes to an end, we can take heart in knowing this opportunity was wholeheartedly embraced by all involved.Though the final product is just four performances, it represents months of hard work behind the scenes. We are so grateful to our dedicated and generous staff who lent their expertise in countless ways. Staff from across the College supported supervision and front-of-house roles, enthusiastically joining in the excitement of production week, costume alterations, administrative and publicity support. Our amazing maintenance team helped with set building and managed the huge task of bump-in and bump-out days. A special thank you to:

Mrs Schwab, who led a fantastic team of set painters to create the magical scenery that transported the Miriam Theatre to Greece!
Mrs Breanna Norton, who managed our ticket sales — a massive job this year with demand so high we sold out quickly!
Ms Borg and Miss Madeira, who designed our gorgeous publicity materials based on the original artwork by student Alessia Di Sario.
Mrs Geilings, who choreographed the large ensemble numbers.

Chanel T (12 Red) our current Drama Captain, who choreographed specialist dance numbers — especially memorable during the final show, which had the audience on their feet!

A very special shoutout to the teachers who led this production: Mrs Bennett, Mr Macaulay, and Mr Kelly. This dedicated team is always such a pleasure to work with.

Between our last two performances, we continued a few cherished traditions, including cast awards. These are presented not necessarily to those with the biggest roles, but to students who went above and beyond both on and off the stage — showing dedication, energy, passion, or stepping out of their comfort zone. This year’s award recipients were:

The SOS Supporter Award – Sarita T (11 Gold)
The Super Trooper Award – Alice D (9 Red)
The Dancing Queen Award – Chanel T (12 Red)
Focused and Friendly Fernando Award – Josh Lyons (Whitefriars)
Take a Chance on Me Award – Zara H (9 Blue)

Musicals like Mamma Mia not only allow students to grow as performers, but also offer valuable opportunities in backstage and front-of-house roles — and our students excelled across the board. We are incredibly proud of every single student who participated in the cast, orchestra, or crew. They created a joyous and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Road to Zero Experience, Melbourne University

Recently, our Units 1 and 2 Vocational Major students ventured into the city for a day of hands on learning at the Road to Zero experience at the Melbourne Museum, followed by time exploring Carlton's various forms of graffiti.

The Road to Zero education centre, created through a partnership between the Transport Accident Commission and Melbourne Museum, offers a highly engaging approach to teaching road safety. Aligned with the Victorian Government’s goal of achieving zero road deaths by 2025, the program equips young people, many of whom are beginning to learn to drive, with the knowledge and awareness to make safe decisions on the road.

Our visit included two main learning experiences. In the Experience Space, students explored interactive, multi sensory exhibits from a virtual reality journey through the evolution of cars from 1970 to 2055, to an elevator simulation replicating a sudden ‘drop’ from the 11th floor. Students were also considered the Graham sculpture, designed to show what a body would need to look like to survive a crash.

Afterwards, as part of our VM Literacy Unit 2 study on current issues and opinions, students explored Carlton and considered various forms of graffiti whilst engaging in the debate: Is graffiti art or vandalism?

Below are some comments from students about their experience:

I had lots of fun on the excursion. It was nice to get out of school for the day and go to the city. At the Melbourne Museum, my favourite part was putting together an advertisement about road safety. There were different options to choose like pedestrians, cyclists and car safety. We were able to be creative and add different sound effects to convey the story we wanted to tell. I think that VM is a great way to learn important life skills because we apply these skills to interactive and hands on experiences. Katie D (11 Red)

I learnt how to make my own ad at Road to Zero about safety in school areas and how to be safe and make people safe when they ride their bikes to school. Marie B (11 Silver)

The interactive experience at the Road to Zero was mind opening. It taught us about road safety and how the Government is trying their best to reduce serious accidents and deaths to zero. We used simulators and understood what would happen at certain speeds, and injuries that could be inflicted. Zarah W (11 Gold)

Alliance Française Oral Competition

Last Friday 8 August, our Year 12 French students participated in the Alliance Française Oral Competition, a valuable opportunity to showcase their speaking skills. During the event, students engaged in conversation with a native French teacher, allowing them to practise authentic pronunciation, expand their vocabulary, and gain confidence in real life communication. This experience not only supported their exam preparation which will be taking place in October but also deepened their appreciation for French language and culture.

We are now eagerly awaiting the results.

One of our students would like to share her experience with us.

As Year 12 French students, we recently took part in the Alliance Française Oral Competition. In preparation, we practised extensively, focusing on speaking fluently and naturally. The competition involved a general conversation on topics such as family, school, and future aspirations, followed by a discussion where we explored a chosen topic in depth. Speaking with a native French assessor was both challenging and exciting, pushing us to think on the spot and draw on everything we’ve learned. Personally, it was rewarding to see my preparation pay off and to feel my confidence in French grow. As a class, we supported one another throughout the process, making it a memorable experience and a great way to celebrate our final year of French together. Carla V (12 Gold)

Dante Alighieri Recitation Competition

Last term, some of our Year 9, 10 and 11 Italian students participated in the Dante Alighieri Recitation Competition, achieving excellent results.

We are very proud of our 20 students who made it to the finals, placing them in the top 10% statewide:

Daniela D (9 Silver), Mietta N (9 Gold), Gabby Z (9 Red), Lauren B (10 Purple), Valentina F (10 White), Shaelle LP (10 Purple), Elouise P (10 Silver), Sienna D (10 White), Viva McG (10 Gold), Charlotte R (10 Blue), Ava R (10 White), Alessia DS (11 Gold), Siena F (11 Purple), Sienna G (11 Red), Zara O (11 Gold), Sienna S (11 Purple), Anna F (11 Blue), Zoey R (11 Purple), Michaela U (11 Red) and Ashley W (11 Purple).

The following students received a High Distinction:

Erica B (9 Red), Brianna G (9 Red), Dayna P (9 Purple), Claise S (9 Purple), Alyssa L (10 Red), Bridgette L (10 Red), Jasmine O (10 Blue), Olivia O’H (10 White) and Cecilia B (11 Red).

The students listed below received Distinction:

Alice D (9 Red), Anastasia K (9 White), Zara L (9 Blue), Angela S (10 Blue), Zoe K (10 Purple) and Sarah M (11 Gold).

Evelyn I (9 White) and Chloe T (9 Gold) received a Credit.

We congratulate all our students on their excellent achievements.

A finalist in the competition would like to share her experience with us.

The Dante Alighieri poem competition was held on the Thursday 26 June, with a group of 200 people, including myself, being called back on the Thursday 25 July for the finals. It was a great learning experience, as it was different from our normal classes and allowed me to expand my vocabulary in an engaging way. Being able to recite my poem to a judge was amazing, as it pushed me to not only memorise and learn the poem but add a layer of expression into my speaking skills that has helped me be more confident when talking in Italian. Alessia D (11 Gold)

DOHSA Precious Plastics – Space of Waste Excursion

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and STEM learning, students recently participated in an engaging incursion exploring plastics, recycling, and the Circular Economy. Through hands-on activities and innovative reprocessing equipment, they discovered creative, real-world solutions to reduce waste and gained insights into this vital area of environmental responsibility by shredding recycled plastic bottle caps into functional items including pens, carabiners, pot plants, and yo-yos.

Student Reflection

On Thursday 7 August a group of Year 7 and 8 students took part in an engaging Science incursion about plastic. During the incursion, we worked with other students to learn about recycling plastics and were given the opportunity to transform it into new creations.

It was a really enjoyable experience where we learnt a lot about different plastic and what we can do to properly recycle them. We found it fascinating seeing how scrap pieces of grated up plastic could become new and beautiful creations. We had fun selecting colours we liked to make pens, pots and carabiners. We did this by using two incredible machines, one was used to shred up the bottle caps, the other was used to melt down the bottle caps, after this, the melted plastic is transferred into a mould that we could make into a pot, pen or a carabiner.

We are grateful to Mr Nguyen for providing us with the opportunity to take part in an interesting and educational incursion. Olivia W (7 Blue) and Olivia M (8 Silver)

Monash Organic Spectroscopy Symposium Excursion

Year 12 Chemistry students recently took part in an interactive workshop at Monash University, deepening their understanding of the core principles behind the spectroscopic analysis of organic molecules. During the session, students used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Infrared (IR) spectroscopy instruments to collect and interpret spectra. They also worked with Mass Spectroscopy and Elemental Analysis data to identify unknown organic molecules, applying their theoretical knowledge to real-world analytical techniques.

Upon arrival, we watched a brief introductory video outlining key experimental techniques used in chemical elucidation, including mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy. We were then divided into groups and given the opportunity to observe the NMR and IR spectroscopy processes firsthand. During these sessions, we used specialised equipment to carry out the experiments and collect data. Using the results from NMR and IR spectroscopy, along with information provided through mass spectrometry, we were able to determine the structure of various organic compounds. This hands-on experience offered valuable insight into the type of practical lab work we can expect at university, particularly as we prepare for our studies in the coming year and beyond. Grace N (Year 12)

Another fortnight down in weekly sport! Congratulations to our Senior, Intermediate and Junior teams that have started the season with strong performances in Badminton, Indoor Cricket and Soccer!

We would like to congratulate our 2025 GSV Representative Netball and Soccer students who competed against the AGSV Representative Teams on Wednesday 30 July at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS).

All matches were played at a high standard and in great spirit. The AGSV teams provided strong competition across the board, making for exciting and hard-fought games. 18 GSV schools came together, proudly representing their schools and GSV. The individual talent on display was impressive, and the teams combined well to deliver some excellent performances. Below are reports from the matches:

GSV Rep Netball

Score: AGSV 55 def GSV 42
Player of the Match: Cleo M (Melbourne)

Playing in the GSV representative team against AGSV was such a great experience. It was a high quality, hard fought match, and the first half was super competitive, being level at halftime, but AGSV came out strong in the second half and pulled ahead to take the win 55–42. Even though the result didn’t go our way, it was an awesome opportunity to play with girls from other schools in such a great match. Ava M (11 Gold) and Olivia McD (11 Gold)

We would also like to congratulate Olivia McD (11 Gold) on her selection in the Victorian U19 Top 50 Squad – she will continue to trial as selectors narrow it down to a team of 12.

GSV Rep Soccer

Score: GSV 1 drew AGSV 1
Goal: Katie D (Sion, 11 Purple)
Player of the Match: Lucy R (Ivanhoe)

After being asked to trial, and successfully making it through both rounds, we were thrilled to now experience this opportunity in its full form! On the day of the match, nerves were high, and it was competitive. In the first half, Katie scored, giving GSV a strong start. However, AGSV came back strong in the second half and ended up scoring the equaliser with roughly ten minutes left, making it 1-1. Although GSV didn't take home a win, we still remain undefeated, and the experience was unforgettable. We are both so grateful to have been a part of this experience, especially having represented Sion. It's something we'll remember forever! Katie D (11 Purple) and Alexis L (11 Purple)

GSV Rep Cross Country

Erin M (11 White) and Sophie F (10 Red) ran this morning against APS, AGSV and CGSAV Girls’ Representative Cross Country Teams at Yarra Valley Grammar. This year’s team of 10 includes students from 7 different GSV schools. Erin and Sophie have Nationals on the horizon and we cannot wait to hear about their experience following the event.

ACC Mixed Netball Final

What a great event this was! In the second year we were defending our crown in the A division and looking to go one better than our Runners Up finish last year in the B Division. The Sion and Whitefriars students were fantastic both on and off court throughout the day. The B team took out the premiership by a point after an undefeated run in the round robin stage. Our composure and defensive pressure created opportunities to score throughout the matches. The A team finished in 3rd place after losing to St Joes/Mater Christi by a point in their final round match in what was a very tight competition. Well done to all involved!

In Term 4, CGSAV will host a similar competition for a Junior A and B team which we look forward to! More details will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Track and Field – Preliminary Event

Our Track and Field squad took to Lakeside stadium on Thursday 14 August. Over 80 students represented the College in events competing against 7 other GSV schools. We are so proud of our students for their commitment to training and recent training meets at Box Hill Athletics Track. We have had over 100 different students attend a training session since the season started in Term 2 which is a magnificent result! Our results from the Prelim Carnival are below:

Junior Result: 5th
Intermediate Result: 4th
Senior Result: 3rd
Overall Result: 4th

Our next event will be either the Division 3 (Tuesday 26 August) or Division 2 (Wednesday 27 August) Championship event. With only three more training sessions until Championships we encourage students to keep the momentum rolling with strong attendance.

National Aerobics

Wishing our Aerobics teams the very best for their competition in Hobart this weekend! The squad is flying out this afternoon in preparation for Nationals tomorrow (Saturday 16 August). Our Junior team is competing at 9.00 am whilst our Senior team due to take the stage at 5.30 pm. We are looking forward to sharing the experiences and results with our community.

Team Victoria: School Sport Australia Soccer Nationals

Congratulations to Natalie A (12 Purple) for representing Team Victoria in the School Sport Australia Soccer Nationals.

On Friday 26 July, I travelled from Melbourne to Brendale, Queensland, to represent Team Victoria in the School Sport Australia Soccer Nationals. We began the tournament with an opening ceremony on Saturday, welcoming all the athletes from various sports and states in Australia. I played five games against WA, SA, ACT, QLD and NSW. Although Victoria didn't get the results we wanted, it was a great experience to compete against some incredible players and something I'll definitely remember forever! Natalie A (12 Purple)

2025 Australian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships

Congratulations to Gabriela T (10 White) on her incredible success at the 2025 Australian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships, held in Gold Coast in early July.

Gabriela proudly represented Victoria in the Developing International Category. Across two intense days of competition, she performed all four apparatus—Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor—twice, with final rankings based on her combined scores. Despite competing with ongoing wrist pain, Gabriela demonstrated remarkable resilience, discipline, and focus throughout.

We are thrilled to share her results:

Bronze medals in both Vault and Floor
Ranked 6th All-Around in Australia

These accomplishments add to her strong record at the state level, including success at the State Championships earlier this year. Gabriela has also been selected to attend the International Pathway Gold National Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, from 18 to 22 August, where she will train alongside current Olympians, an exciting next step in her gymnastics journey.

Gabriela is to be congratulated not only for her achievements, but for the dedication, perseverance, and strength of character she has shown throughout. Her dream is to one day represent Australia on the world stage and to support other young gymnasts as they follow their own paths in the sport. Well done Gabriela!

AFLW Debut - Georgie Brisbane (Class of 2024)

Georgie was a Year 12 student last year and will play her first AFLW game for Fremantle this week in Adelaide. We are very excited to watch her debut and follow her career!

Vinnies to Vogue

Our Lady of Sion College recently hit the runway with Vinnies to Vogue, a fashion show that proved style can be sustainable. The initiative began with a simple but powerful idea: to take pre-loved clothing from St Vincent de Paul Op shops and give them new life through upcycling. Students from across year levels scoured Vinnies stores for hidden gems, then reimagined and reworked them into one-of-a-kind fashion pieces.

The project not only nurtured artistic talent but also shone a spotlight on two important messages. First, the Catholic Social Teaching principle of Care for Creation, reminding us that the choices we make as consumers can help reduce waste and protect the environment. Second, the importance of supporting those in need through purchasing pre-loved garments from Vinnies Op Shops to help support the work of St Vincent de Paul in our local community.

Congratulations to the following winners who received a $20 St Vinnies Vault Gift Card which can be spent at any St Vinnies Op Shop.

Top 3 Whole Look Transformations
For complete head-to-toe upcycled outfits with standout creativity and cohesion.

Mirabelle T (9 Purple)
Harriet A (7 Silver)
Ellie H (7 Blue)

Best Garment Transformation

Sierra P (7 Gold) – For repurposing a single item into a completely new product (eg: tote bag, hat, headwear).

Wearable Wonder Award

Evie K (7 Silver) – For the most fashionable, functional, and wearable upcycled garment.

Best Use of Unexpected Materials

Chantelle A (11 Red) – For incorporating unusual or surprising items into the upcycle.

FIRE Carrier – Days of National Significance

Estella F (12 Purple), our FIRE Carrier Captain, continues her exploration of days of national significance for Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day- August 4

This day celebrates the unique identity, culture, and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It highlights the importance of community, connection to culture, and the need to nurture strong foundations for future generations. First celebrated in 1988, this day also acknowledges the impact of past government policies, such as the Stolen Generations, and works to ensure every child feels proud of who they are. Through storytelling, community events, and cultural activities, Children’s Day helps build cultural pride and awareness across Australia, promoting the idea that all children have the right to feel safe, loved, and connected.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous people – Saturday August 9

Declared by the United Nations, this day recognises the rights, cultures, and achievements of Indigenous peoples around the world. It draws attention to the ongoing challenges many communities face, including marginalisation, loss of land, and cultural erosion. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this day is a chance to stand in solidarity with global Indigenous communities, sharing stories of resistance, survival, and resilience. It also raises awareness among non-Indigenous Australians and the global community, encouraging actions that support cultural preservation, language revival, and Indigenous self-determination. It reminds us that Indigenous voices are vital in shaping a fairer, more inclusive future.

Anniversary of the Yirrkala Bark petitions – Wednesday August 13

On August 13, 1963, the Yolngu people of Yirrkala in Arnhem Land presented bark petitions to the Australian Parliament, protesting against mining leases granted on their land without consultation. These were the first traditional documents recognised by the federal government and became a historic assertion of Indigenous land rights. Although the immediate outcome didn’t stop the mining, the petitions laid the foundation for future legal battles, including the landmark Mabo decision. This day is significant as it symbolises the start of formal land rights activism in Australia, showcasing the power of combining cultural tradition with political action in the fight for justice.

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

Important Dates

What's On

From the Principal

Principal's Message

Mamma Mia

Sion Day

From the Deputy Principals

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo

Sion Day 2025

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott

Subject Selection

2026 Learning Resources Announcements!

Acting Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Paul Kerr

Why Routines Matter

How to make routines stick

Dr Justin Coulson – Time Is Love: Why Being Present Matters More Than Ever

In Remembrance

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 8 – Chris Wilkes, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 7 – Jade Goss, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Learning Area News

Drama – Alex Bleazby, Arts Learning Area Leader

VCE Vocational Major – Pamela Ioannidis and Bridie Macdonald, VCE VM Unit 2 Teachers

Road to Zero Experience, Melbourne University

Languages – Gail Amato, Learning Leader

Alliance Française Oral Competition

Dante Alighieri Recitation Competition

Science – Francis Nguyen, Science Learning Leader

DOHSA Precious Plastics – Space of Waste Excursion

Student Reflection

Monash Organic Spectroscopy Symposium Excursion

Co-curricular News

Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music

‘Mamma Mia!’ – Musical Theatre excellence!

VSMF Platinum (again) for CVE!

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

Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport

GSV Rep Netball

GSV Rep Soccer

GSV Rep Cross Country

ACC Mixed Netball Final

Track and Field – Preliminary Event

National Aerobics

Team Victoria: School Sport Australia Soccer Nationals

2025 Australian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships

AFLW Debut - Georgie Brisbane (Class of 2024)

Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator

Vinnies to Vogue

FIRE Carrier – Days of National Significance

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day- August 4

International Day of the World’s Indigenous people – Saturday August 9

Anniversary of the Yirrkala Bark petitions – Wednesday August 13

House and Student Leadership Coordinator – Kate Apostolopoulos

Careers and Pathways – Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator

Parent News

College Psychologist – Claire Jenkins

Why Teens Procrastinate and How to Help

Sion Day Staff Silent Auction - Thank You

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

Important Dates

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principals

Year Level News

Learning Area News

Co-curricular News

Parent News

Important Dates

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principals

Year Level News

Learning Area News

Co-curricular News

Parent News

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