College Assembly – Investiture, House Cup and Year 12 Final Assembly
Friday 10 October
2026 Leaders Camp
Saturday 11 October
Holy Spirit Fete - Intermediate Concert Band Performance
From the Principal
Principal's Message
2026 Student Leaders
It is with great pleasure that I introduce the 2026 Our Lady of Sion College Student Leaders who will take up their leadership early Term 4 following our Investiture assembly on 8 October.
Putting yourself forward for leadership requires commitment, courage and a genuine desire to serve the community. We were once again humbled by the number of applications we received and the aspirations shared by students eager to make a positive contribution to their school. Amongst the many thoughtful ideas was a strong commitment to fostering relationships amongst students especially across year levels. Fr Theodore would have been proud! His aspiration was to ensure the schools he established were underpinned by respect for diversity and a strong family spirit of unity. Our 2026 College Leaders have captured the essence of his ambition, recognising that through a strong sense of belonging and community, all have the chance to pursue their dreams and to truly thrive. Thank you to all applicants and congratulations to the following students.
Significant Men’s Breakfast
Another highlight was our 2025 Significant Men’s Breakfast attended by a record 575 visitors and students. As I mentioned on the morning, the breakfast was my final one at the College, and I couldn’t be prouder of how this event has grown over the years. It’s become more than just a breakfast. It’s a symbol of the connection between our students, their families, and the College. Whether it was the first time for those who attended or they had participated before, everyone’s presence meant a great deal to me. Thank you to all for your support and best wishes for an enduring relationship with the students who invited you.
Day of Dialogue
At a time of ongoing conflicts and tragedies, it was a privilege to invite students from Catholic, Islamic and Jewish schools to join Sion students for our annual Day of Dialogue. From the very beginning of the day, we witnessed respectful curiosity and a genuine openness to learning about each other’s faith traditions and customs, and to recognising how much we all have in common. We have hosted this day for the past 11 years and continue to be awe struck by how deeply students value this interfaith opportunity. I hope you enjoy reading some of their reflections in this edition of our newsletter.
Best wishes
Finally, I wish our Year 12 Units 3 & 4 VCE students and those in Year 11 who are undertaking a Unit 3 and 4 subject, all the very best as they prepare for their VCAA exams next term. As we know, practice exams under time constraints are an important part of this final assessment period so in the second week of our break they will undertake trial exams and receive feedback when they return. They have worked hard this year and in these final weeks, I encourage them to take every opportunity provided by their teachers to achieve their best.
With the end of term fast approaching, I thank all staff and students for their contribution to the learning, teaching and co-curricular programs we have enjoyed. I hope the upcoming break is a safe and restful one for you and I look forward to seeing you again next term.
Tina Apostolopoulos
From the Deputy Principals
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo
Day of Dialogue
This week we held our annual Day of Dialogue here at the College. This significant day, now in its 11th year, was once again a wonderful opportunity for our Year 10 students to participate in inter-faith dialogue with Jewish, Christian and Muslim students.
Zara D (10 Gold) and Kaelyn F (10 Purple) Reflect:
Day of Dialogue was a day spent with five schools, including Our Lady of Sion College who hosted this special day. The schools that attended were from the three religious backgrounds Judaism, Catholicism and Islam. The schools were Catholic College Sale, Ilim College, Marist-Sion College Warragul and Mount Scopus Memorial College. The day was rich in new friendships and sharing of religious culture.
Once the schools arrived, some travelling as far as 2 hours and 30 mins, we all settled in, making sure that we were sitting with other students from the visiting schools. Students then presented a brief history about their schools and some other interesting information. After recess we watched “You can’t ask that” videos, where more questions were answered about the students' religion and school life. We then divided into our small groups and began the ‘Day of Dialogue’, asking questions ranging from “What’s your favourite dessert?” to “What do you find most challenging about your faith?”. Sometimes we didn’t stick to the prompts given for discussion but still found that the dialogue flowed. It was nice to hear people our age talk about their religion and share so many stories, and things that they may find normal, but we didn’t know about. For example, I was talking about how communion is special to me during mass, and I was then asked, “sorry, what’s a mass?”.
During the lunch break we gave some of the students a tour of our school, proudly showing off the chapel where the Jewish students were surprised to see Hebrew language on our walls. We also spoke about L’Chaim, and the Shalom Garden, as they are also Hebrew words. After lunch we broke off into our groups, engaged in more discussion, before bidding farewell to our guests and thanking them for an amazing day.
Day of Dialogue was such a great opportunity to share conversations with other people our age and discuss aspects of our religion, faith and what it means to be a part of that community. We were able to gain so much knowledge and create new connections with others, we otherwise wouldn’t have made without this experience. Being able to be a part of this opened our horizons and gave so much more of an appreciation for others of different faiths and their values.
For me, I felt like I got to learn more about other religions and what kind of rituals, activities and celebrations they take part in and the significance of them. Being able to talk with others my age also helped me feel more comfortable and connected as conversations were able to diversify from religious questions to more general things like VCE and “what’s your favourite dessert?”, and I feel so lucky and grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it. Zara D (10 Gold) and Kaelyn F (10 Purple)
It was so pleasing to see all students present embrace this opportunity with great enthusiasm and interest and we look forward to hosting this wonderful and important day again in 2026.
Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott
Term 3
Well done to everyone on a triumphant conclusion to Term 3. We have had some really big learning highlights this term both inside and outside of the traditional classroom; including the recent Day of Dialogue and the musical Mamma Mia!. Whether it is these sorts of really visible events, or the students attending music or sporting competitions, debating or just visiting exhibitions, the Our Lady of Sion College students always make the most of opportunities, representing themselves and the College with pride.
As we move into Term 4, the Unit 3 and 4 VCE students are preparing for the trial exams in Week 2 of the holiday break and for the end of year celebrations. Information has been sent to students and families regarding this important learning experience for the students. The best way to support students with this process is to help them set up a study timetable with balance between studying and social/relaxing time. Remind students of what they have achieved and all the support that they have around them. Please reach out to key staff if you have any concerns.
As much as the students have been active in their learning over the term, so have our staff. Read more about the literacy initiative later in this edition of the newsletter. Other external professional learning opportunities for staff have included the offerings of the subject associations, leadership and mentoring training, assessment and rubric writing, engagement and participation strategies, wellbeing and pastoral care opportunities. Always so much going on.
Acting Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Paul Kerr
R U OK? Day
Today at Sion, we joined the nation in recognising R U OK? Day – a reminder to check in with those around us, have meaningful conversations, and supporting one another. Our College was decorated in yellow, and students enjoyed a variety of fun activities to brighten their day.
A highlight yesterday was our traditional Whitefriars vs Sion Netball match, where both schools brought incredible energy and gave it their all for the trophy. Congratulations to Sion on their win!
We remind everyone: a simple question can make a big difference. Always take the time to ask, “R U OK?”, and really listen. Together, we can build a caring and connected community.
Why Handwriting Still Matters
As we approach the upcoming trial examinations and a fairly packed assessment calendar, there is one revision tool which may be overlooked. In a world of laptops, iPads, and other devices, it can feel like handwriting belongs to another era. But the research is clear, putting pen to paper still plays a powerful role in how students learn, think, and perform, especially in secondary school.
When students write by hand, they do more than write words. The slower pace forces the brain to summarise, organise, and make decisions about what matters. This extra thinking builds deeper understanding and stronger memory. Studies comparing handwritten and typed notes consistently show the same pattern: typed notes are longer, but handwritten notes lead to better comprehension and long-term learning. That’s exactly the kind of thinking we want to encourage in Years 7–12.
There’s also a very practical benefit. Many VCE assessments are still completed on paper, under strict time limits. Students who have fluent, legible handwriting can focus more on what they want to say rather than how to get the words on the page. When handwriting becomes automatic, it frees up precious working memory for planning, vocabulary, and constructing higher quality responses. A large educational review (Santangelo & Graham, 2015) found that strengthening handwriting skills improved how fluently they wrote and most importantly, the quality of their writing.
This isn’t about rejecting technology. Laptops and tablets are fantastic for collaboration, research, and producing polished work. But when it comes to locking in learning, building exam stamina, and producing effective study notes, handwriting is still a critical skill.
At school and at home, encouraging students to blend both approaches works well. For example, write summaries by hand, plan extended responses on paper. Use digital tools later to refine and present ideas. Families can support and encourage handwriting at home by:
Encouraging the use of pen and paper for planning - Whether it’s a plan for an assessment, timeline outline, or examination revision plan, writing by hand helps prioritise tasks and strengthens memory.
Students creating a 'visual wall' - Put handwritten formula sheets, essay plans, or key quotes somewhere visible. The act of writing and repeatedly seeing them reinforces learning. Similarly, creating 'Mind Maps', which is a favourite with some of my students.
Handwritten flashcards - Writing out definitions, quotes, or formulas improves recall compared to typing. Quizlets exist, but most students have not created them, they only play them.
Practising retrieval - Have students close their laptop, handwrite what they remember from a topic, then check for gaps in their answers.
Balance digital and analogue - Encouraging a mix of handwritten notes and typed summaries. Research shows this 'dual mode' approach works best.
Students with fluent handwriting write more quickly and structure responses more effectively under examination conditions, boosting both confidence and performance. Automatic, effortless writing frees the brain to focus on ideas and quality rather than forming letters. Handwriting also supports planning by allowing students to sketch ideas, map concepts, and organise thoughts before drafting. Because it engages more areas of the brain, it strengthens memory and recall, helping students retain and retrieve information during exams. Clear, consistent handwriting ensures markers can read and assess work accurately, while confidence in these skills, reduces stress on the day. The most effective approach blends handwritten notes with typed summaries, using both to deepen learning and improve outcomes in different assessment modes, in particular, examination settings.
Dr Justin Coulson – Little Niggles Can Lead to Big Dramas: Why Parents Should Act Early
I invite you to read another great Happy Families article by Dr Justin Coulson. The article is linked here.
Year Level News
Year 12 – Kathryn Steward, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
People, Perspective and Power
During last week’s Pastoral session, our Year 12 students participated in a powerful and thought-provoking presentation by Katrina Gurciullo titled People, Power, Perspective. Drawing from her own remarkable journey of resilience, Katrina Gurciullo shared a deeply personal story of overcoming a life-altering accident, transforming adversity into a platform to inspire and empower others.
Her message centred around key themes such as resilience, connection, perspective and the legacy we each leave behind. With honesty and strength, she challenged students to reflect on how they respond to setbacks, manage negative self-talk, and reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.
At a time of year that is both demanding and defining for our Year 12 cohort, Katrina Gurciullo’s presentation served as a timely and uplifting reminder to stay grounded, connected, and forward-thinking. Her words resonated strongly with the students and left a lasting impact on many.
Here are some of the key student takeaways from the session:
I really took away the fact that we leave a legacy in our life, and that we are the only true deciders of who we want to be and what we want to be remembered as.
I liked the focus on cherishing the relationships with the people who have helped you in a time when we need a lot of guidance.
That I am in charge of how I handle situations, that life is more about how I respond to challenges rather than the challenge itself.
Staying true to yourself, being in tune with your emotions, and listening and acting on what your gut is telling you, is key to living your best life.
Our mindsets are incredibly important in shaping the way in which we view, accept and encounter the world. I loved hearing our teacher's own experiences but also her words of wisdom on how to approach life - and this isn't just now in the present but literally up until the end of my life, I will carry this knowledge.
Year 12 Important Dates and Events
This period of time is one filled with both excitement and anticipation for our Year 12 students. Amidst the completion of SACs, trial exams and preparation for final exams there are many celebratory events coming up to acknowledge this important milestone. Please note the important dates regarding upcoming events for Year 12 students. These have been communicated via an EdSmart broadcast. A summary table of events is below and also linked here.
Year 11 – Beth Amos, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
Well done to the Year 11 cohort for (almost) making it through Term 3! Only five more days for the term.
Term 3 brought several opportunities for the cohort. Starting with Year 11 Formal what a beautiful occasion to socialise with students and guests. Shortly after formal students were invited to apply for the Year 12 2026 Leadership positions. Congratulations to all students who applied and to those students who have been selected for these roles. They will be recognised in the upcoming Investiture assembly early Term 4. Thank you to all students for taking the time to put yourself out there as a representative of the cohort. Leadership can be pursued in a variety of contexts. Your strengths, talents and gifts are valued, we hope to experience this next year.
Thank you to all our Year 11 students for their contributions to thePastoral Respectful Relationshipsunit throughout Term 3. It is always inspiring to engage in meaningful conversations with young people, whose observations and experiences continue to shape and inform their worldview.
Students who are accelerating in a Unit 3/4 subject, we wish you all the best for your final preparations for the Trial Exams throughout the Term 3 Holidays.
With only one term to go, students have a short period of time left before they commence their Semester 2 exams, final projects, tasks and/or assessments for VM or VCE. Whilst we can easily look ahead to ‘what is next’ there are still so much learning and experiences to come. Whether that is at school, and in the months during their holiday breaks - to grow as a person, to connect with others and learn more about themselves. I encourage all students and families to recognise the growth in your child and consider what they are looking forward to for the remainder of the school year.
Have a great break, stay safe, and have fun. We look forward to seeing you back at school for Term 4.
Year 10 – Adam Rieusset, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
The past month has continued to be a very busy time for our Year 10 students. It started with us recognising 108 of the Year 10 cohort who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. This is an outstanding achievement and shows a real commitment, patience and persistence to achieve a globally recognised award. I’d like to thank all the families who attended our awards evening. It was a lovely night that allowed us to recognise this outstanding achievement.
Our students have also participated in our recent L’Chaim excursion that saw the cohort experience either ACU/RMIT or Deakin and Monash University. This excursion allowed the cohort to experience what post secondary education might look like.
The students have also celebrated Significant Men’s Breakfast and submitted expressions of interest for leadership positions for 2026. And this week the students have participated in the Day of Dialogue, RUOK? Day, Ballroom Presentation evening and to round out the week House Social Justice Day.
Each of these opportunities have a few common links. Building and developing relationships and taking on new opportunities. Year 10 is a year of fostering and developing relationships. Relationships that have previously been established and just as importantly new relationships.
Each allows our Year 10 students to question and explore who they are and what they might like to achieve. Sometimes they may not know the answer, other times they might change their minds and in the middle of this, they might still be unsure. Here is where that pivotal learning occurs. It is here that they can question, be inquisitive and then start to put into action what they think the next best step could be.
And it is with this thought, I’d like to encourage all families to embrace the power of making, creating and embracing new opportunities and relationships over the term break. Stay safe everyone and enjoy the final week of term and term break ahead.
Until next newsletter keep exploring your #innerexcellence.
Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
As we come to the end of Term 3 I continue to admire the enthusiasm of our Year 9s. Whether it be in their participation, their willingness to ‘get behind’ the year level theme or their thirst for new opportunities – this is a group to watch!
In the final weeks of term I shared with the Year 9s that they, as a cohort, have earned over 400 community spirit points in this term alone. This shows us that community and living in a way that promotes our Curious, Kind and Courageous Year 9s is something that is important, but also that the 9s do it in a way that is continually recognised by their teachers and other staff. This is shown in their approach to learning and group tasks, their willingness to offer assistance or in looking out for others.
Next week we look forward to another opportunity to support our Year Level Charity – Days for Girls – with another packing day open for student involvement. This hands on opportunity allows the students to make a difference to other women around the world.
We will also seek to acknowledge our Term 3 winners of the Curious, Kind and Courageous Awards. There are over 40 nominations from students and teachers alike, showing the relevance and affirmation opportunity of this theme for the year level. These will be acknowledged in our final year level assembly next Thursday.
I wish all the Year 9 families happy and safe school holidays – with the opportunity to reflect on growth during the season of Spring!
Year 8 – Chris Wilkes, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
As the end of Term 3 draws to a close, we can look back and say what a term! It has definitely been an action-packed one, but I would personally like to thank and congratulate all the Year 8s for their ongoing commitment to life at Sion. The Homeroom teachers and I have been blown away by their enthusiasm, especially with the Homeroom Cheer and Dance Competition, which they have been rehearsing in their most recent Pastoral. In our next Pastoral, we will be running a year-level session called ‘Your Safety Matters’, which is based on physical and psychological safety and wellbeing. I encourage you to continue discussions with your daughters after this workshop on Tuesday.
Next term, we transition back to the summer uniform. Please take the opportunity over the break to check dress length and ensure that socks and hats are in good condition. Socks should be plain white (no logos) and be able to be pulled up to just below the knee. We have also noticed a high level of students wearing their PE uniform when they should be in their academic one. We kindly ask that you support us with this by being aware of your child’s timetable and checking whether they have a reason to be in their PE uniform and not providing them with a note unless there is genuinely a rare occasion where they are unable to wear their academic uniform.
Finally, I would like to wish all Year 8 families a wonderful Term 3 break.
Year 7 – Jade Goss, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
Adolescents may often face conflicts with friends, family, and classmates. These conflicts can be challenging to navigate, especially during periods such as the term breaks, where regular contact is not always guaranteed. At Year 7, we have discussed different strategies that students may use when dealing with conflict.
Students could consider the following:
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 in the lead up to/following the break.
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 your child 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 your child 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.
Learning Area News
Year 9 History, Sovereign Hill Excursion – Allan Kerr, Humanities Learning Leader
Retirement plans foiled
Tragedy struck Sion History teacher, Allan Kerr this week when, once again, Year 9 students failed to discover gold of any real value at the bi-annual trip to the Sovereign Hill Living Museum.
A reporter on the scene caught a desultory, Kerr, 57, muttering under his breath ‘it’s like they care more about getting educated rather than finding the gold that will set me up for a well-deserved retirement’.
Indeed, the Year 9s themselves agreed that their efforts to pan for gold were somewhat ‘mixed’, only one student, Erica B (9 Red) could legitimately claim a ‘Eureka’ moment pocketing a nugget that could easily be worth 34 cents.
Others seemed more concerned about ‘learning’ and they ‘mined’ workshops on how gold impacted the icy township of Ballarat and the country, whilst also investigating a through-line from the Industrial Revolution to the Colonisation of Australia to the double-edged sword of population growth.
One student, Mabel D (9 Blue) really drove a stake into Mr Kerr’s heart when she stated quite loudly, ‘this is really interesting’. Kerr was seen ruefully shaking his head as he pondered continued employment.
Languages – Gail Amato, Learning Leader
Our Year 12 French students recently demonstrated their language skills by taking part in the prestigious Alliance Française Berthe Mouchette Competition. As part of the experience, they held a nine minute conversation in French, showcasing their ability to discuss both general topics and a detailed study of their own choice. This challenging task highlighted their fluency and capacity to sustain a dialogue in French.
We are delighted to share that one of our students has reached the finals, and several others achieved outstanding results, earning High Distinction and Distinction awards for their performances.
Congratulations to the following students on their remarkable success:
Finalist
Hannah T (12 Blue)
High Distinction
Evangelia C (12 Red), Pamelia F (12 Red), Chanel T (12 Red) and Tiahna T (12 Blue)
Distinction
Carla V (12 Gold)
The finals will be held on Sunday 14 September, and we wish Hannah the very best as she represents our school at this prestigious event.
We congratulate Hannah and all the students who participated and are very proud of all their achievements. Thank you to Rebecca Cusmano and Chris Wilkes who assisted the girls in their preparation.
Our finalist wishes to share a short reflection with us:
The competition was a valuable opportunity to practise my French speaking skills, especially with my oral exam coming up in October. Although I was a bit nervous, the examiner was really friendly, and I felt at ease once I had begun the competition. Hannah T (12 Blue)
Italy Educational Study Tour
We are delighted to share that the Italy Educational Study Tour will depart on Saturday 13 September, with 26 students and four teachers embarking on this enriching experience.
Across two weeks, the group will journey through Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Orvieto, Florence, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, Venice, and Verona, discovering Italy’s remarkable history, art, language, and culture.
The tour reflects our philosophy of learning through exploration and active participation, which is at the heart of all our language programs. Through this approach, students are encouraged to think critically, embrace new perspectives, develop both intellectually and personally, and further enhance their language proficiency and passion for the language they are studying.
Upon our return, we look forward to reflecting on our journey and sharing it with the Sion community.
Pamela Ioannidis, Director Curriculum and Learning
Recently, the Curriculum and Literacy teams participated in the first of two professional learning sessions with Hayley Harrison, a highly experienced educator and literacy consultant, as part of our ongoing focus on strengthening literacy across all learning areas. This work directly builds on our priorities which ensures a consistent, whole school approach to developing students’ writing skills.
The session centred on practical strategies to support writing in every subject. Staff explored scaffolds for complete writing processes, explicit approaches to sentence level writing and the use of guided templates to promote structured and purposeful responses. The session served as a wonderful reminder and validation of the value of low stakes writing opportunities and the importance of revision, as a means of deepening student understanding, much of which we already do.
In Term 4, the Curriculum and Literacy teams will continue their work with Hayley in an additional session, before moving to a whole staff session in December to prepare for our 2026 curriculum. Through this model, all teaching staff will be supported to integrate literacy practices into their classrooms, fostering consistent approaches and having a positive impact on student learning across all learning areas.
Denise O'Hara Science Academy Science Gallery Excursion – Francis Nguyen, Science Learning Leader
Students recently took part in DETECT.ai, an interactive workshop exploring the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence.
Focusing on fake news and misinformation, students worked in teams to simulate how AI can be used to create and spread false information.
The hands-on activities encouraged critical thinking about the impact of misinformation on society, while equipping students with strategies to evaluate the authenticity of online content. This engaging experience highlighted both the potential and the risks of AI, preparing students to navigate an increasingly AI-powered world with awareness and responsibility.
Student Reflection
On Tuesday 26 August a group of Year 8 and 9 students participated in an excursion at the Science Gallery Melbourne. During the excursion we explored their ‘Distractions’ exhibit full of interactive activities and stations. We also participated in an AI social media workshop learning how to identify AI along with how AI can be used to create sock puppet accounts and spread misinformation.
Overall it was a fascinating experience and we learnt a lot about AI in our developing world. We are thankful for Mr Tan and Ms Tan for taking us on this excursion, and also Mr Nguyen for helping organise this day for us! Evelyn T (8 Silver) and Matilda P (8 Silver)
Co-curricular News
Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music
More excellence from the Victorian School Music Festival
Congratulations to the Senior Concert Band and their director, Ryan Parks, and Jazz Club musicians under Elliot Lamb, who received Platinum and Silver awards respectively for their performances at the Victorian Schools Music section, held at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. Outstanding results for our wonderful musicians.
CVE – dual winners at Royal South Street Eisteddfod
Our amazing CVE College Vocal Ensemble continued their exceptional year with wins in two choral sections at the Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod held in Ballarat earlier this week. It’s the first time in many years that we have sent a group to this competition, and Sion scooped the pool against some very strong schools.
Term 3 Instrumental Music Soiree
23 Sion musicians who are in the Instrumental Music program performed solo and small group material at the Term 3 Music Soiree last Monday 8 September. It was a varied mix of instruments, voices, and repertoire.
VCE Music Class Unit 2 & 4 Recitals
The final recitals for the students completing Unit 4 of their Music Performance studies, in preparation for their external assessment, will be held this coming Monday 15 September, 5 pm in the Miriam Theatre.
Students studying VCE Music Unit 2 will undertake their performance assessment on Monday 6 October, 5 pm also in the Miriam Theatre.
Feeder Primary School Fete Performances
Early in Term 4, two Sion ensembles are performing at the following primary school fetes – details will be sent to respective families:
Intermediate Concert Band, Holy Spirit Primary School fete, Saturday 11 October
Intermediate Strings, St. Francis Xavier Primary School fete, Saturday 18 October
Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport
Track and Field – Finals Evening
Girls Sport Victoria celebrated the Final Carnival event for the 2025 season on Tuesday night at Lakeside Stadium for the Finals Evening. We had 16 students from Year 7-12 represent our community in their event. To qualify in the top 8, 12 or 15 students across the 23 GSV schools is an amazing achievement.
A special mention to the students below who placed on the podium.
Sophie F (10 Red) – 1st – Year 10 1500m
Maddie P (12 White) – 2nd – Year 12 Hurdles
Ava V (12 Gold) – 3rd – Year 12 High Jump
Grace N (12 Purple) – 3rd – Year 12 Shot Put
A huge thank you to Mr Rieusset and Mr Armstrong who have played instrumental roles with our Carnival results this year. We have achieved our best results in Cross Country and Track and Field with a record number of students attaining personal bests.
We cannot wait to continue the momentum for the 2026 season. We will miss our Year 12 students who have contributed so much over the years, hopefully we will see some return as GSV coaches to inspire the next generation of Sion athletes.
Sports Awards Night – Monday 15 September
Only a couple of days before we host our 11th
Sports Awards Night! Our Sport Representatives and Individual Sport Captains have been very busy putting the night together. We can not wait to hear from our guest speaker Jo Weston about her Netball journey from a GSV student at Sacre Couer to representing Australia.
Sports Week Activities
We have received great sign ups for Sports Week events.
The Staff team are looking forward to rising to the challenge and defending their crown for Staff v Student matches in Volleyball, Dodgeball and Netball. We encourage students to attend the LHC at lunchtime on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to cheer home the staff team!
The morning workouts are open to all staff and students to attend. If you would like to join the Pilates or Zumba morning workouts, please come to the Sport Office to be added to our list. Pilates Workout will be on Wednesday 17 September from 7.15 am and we will finish the term in style with a high energy Zumba Workout on Sport Colours Day on Friday 19 September!
Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator
Over the past fortnight, our Social Justice program has been a hive of activity, with students and staff engaging in a range of initiatives that highlight our community’s commitment to compassion, awareness, and action.
St Vincent De Paul School Conference Networking Event
Our Lady of Sion College was proud to host the St Vincent de Paul School Conference Networking Event. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, share ideas, and be inspired by the collective impact young people can have in their communities. Below is a reflection from two of our students who attended the event, capturing their experience and the insights they gained.
The St Vincent De Paul conference was such an eye-opening experience. With six other schools in attendance, and a total of 70 students, the conference showcased each school’s social justice initiatives as well as their association with Vinnies. After the school’s presentations with an abundance of insightful discussions, there was a collaborative task. We were split into groups and told to brainstorm our passions in regard to social justice topics. With that, we created an initiative that focused on our group’s chosen topic. We made a short campaign and presented it to the rest of the students. It was so intriguing to hear everyone’s unique ideas! This conference really got us thinking about the social injustices within our world and what we can do to help. It was such a privilege to attend this conference! Ellie H (7 Blue) and Sierra P (7 Gold)
Ozanam House
We continued our support of the Ozanam House meal service, an initiative that provides practical assistance and hospitality to those experiencing homelessness and hardship. Our students, Bani K (11 Blue) and Elana V (11 Blue) and staff member Kirsty White, once again embraced the opportunity to serve with generosity and compassion, working alongside staff and volunteers to help prepare and share meals. This experience not only offered a chance to live out our commitment to social justice but also deepened our understanding of the challenges faced by many in our community. Through this service, we were reminded of the dignity of every person and the importance of small acts of kindness.
FIRE Carrier Program
In recent weeks, our College community has taken part in a number of events that reflect our commitment as FIRE Carriers. These opportunities have allowed us to deepen our understanding of First Nations culture, honour the importance of reconciliation, and live out our responsibility to foster respect, inclusion and equity.
FIRE Carrier Formation and Commissioning
The FIRE Carrier Formation and Commissioning ceremony was a significant moment for our community, as students committed themselves to the important role of fostering reconciliation and respect for First Nations peoples. Below is a reflection from our FIRE Carrier Captain, sharing her experience of the day and what it means to take on this responsibility.
At the FIRE Carrier Formation and Commissioning at our College, we were fortunate to hear from Lisa Maloney, FIRE Carrier Program Coordinator at the Opening the Doors Foundation. She guided us in exploring what it means to be a FIRE Carrier leader, both within our school and in the wider community. Lisa encouraged us to see leadership as a responsibility to walk alongside others in the journey of reconciliation, not just as a position of recognition. Through her analogies, we reflected on the symbolism of the flame: it can bring light to the world through awareness, and it can spread to others, creating inclusion and hope. This reminds us that our responsibility as ambassadors is to share knowledge, foster respect, and ensure all voices are heard. Following this, we were formally inducted into our roles, marking our dedication as a community to the journey of reconciliation and strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples. FIRE Carrier Captain - Estella F (12 Purple)
Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation and Blackburn Lake Sanctuary Student Day
We participated in the Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation and Blackburn Lake Sanctuary Student Day which provided our students with an opportunity to explore First Nations cultures. The following is a reflection of the event.
On Friday 5 September, our Year 7 and 8 FIRE Carrier ambassadors, along with Liturgy and Social Justice representatives, visited the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary to deepen our understanding of Indigenous culture, symbols, and practices. We were warmly welcomed by Aunty Mer, a proud Aboriginal Elder from Tasmania, who shared stories about Aboriginal Australia as well as her own personal experiences. We listened to her Welcome to Country song and learned about the significance of her possum skin cloak and other cultural items. We also explored the meaning behind symbols used in Aboriginal artwork and even had the chance to create our own. One of the highlights was meeting Sue, who has been working at the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary for over 40 years. She guided us on a walk around the lake, teaching us about various Indigenous plants and their uses. This was such a valuable and inspiring experience, and it has encouraged me to continue learning more about the First Australians and the land we share. Charlotte T (8 Silver)
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.
Indigenous Literacy Day – September 4
Indigenous Literacy Day is celebrated each year to highlight the importance of literacy and to promote equity of access to books and learning resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and communities. The day raises awareness of the rich cultural stories, languages, and knowledge of First Nations peoples while also supporting programs that help close the literacy gap. It is both a celebration of Indigenous culture and an invitation for all Australians to work together in creating opportunities for a brighter future through literacy.
Careers and Pathways – Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator
Students and families can find the fortnightly Careers newsletter here.
In this issue of the Newsletter there is information relating to:
Dates to note in Term 3 –2025/2026 – VTAC applications and Equity schemes reminder and September school holiday opportunities, VCE revision workshops, Monash University Health student experience day, La Trobe undergraduate webinars
Careers Industry in the Spotlight – The difference between a Coroner and a Medical Examiner
Things to Consider – Westpac Young Technologist scholarship, Gallipoli Scholarship for current Year 12 students
Researching options: Swinburne University new course Exercise and Sport Science/Master Physiotherapy, Studying Law at RMIT and University of Melbourne – Bachelor of Oral Health.
Parent News
Parents' Association – Wrapping of the Roses volunteers needed
College Psychologist – Sofia Stagnitta
Parenting in an online world
In today’s tech-driven world, teens are growing up surrounded by digital devices — using them to connect, learn, communicate and explore. To support you in keeping your daughters safe online, here are some helpful tips and resources so you can confidently guide the young people in your life toward a safer and more positive online experience.
1. Set clear ground rules
Have open and honest conversations to establish the rules on how, when and where they use their devices – and be consistent. Phones have great ways of tracking and limiting usage with certain apps.
2. Keep personal information private
Talk to your child about why it's important to not share personal information when online like their name, location, where they go to school etc. This includes with online friends who they have met through gaming etc.
3. Proactively engage and listen
It’s important your teen knows that you are there for them - check-in with them regularly, make sure you listen without judgement, and help ensure they connect with people positively online. If you don’t know what they’re doing online it can be hard to support them.
4. Model healthy online habits
It’s really important to be mindful of the example you set for your young person with your own technology use and online behaviour.
5. Let them have fun and express themselves
Spending time online can be a great opportunity for your teen to be creative, learn, use their voice to share their views, and support causes that are important to them - it’s just important to do this safely and responsibly.
There are some amazing resources online and we encourage you to visit the below websites to familiarise yourself with online safety.
