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

Welcome to our new Principal

One of the highlights of the last fortnight is the announcement of Ms Rebecca Cetrola’s appointment as the next Principal of Our Lady of Sion College. As communicated by our Board Chair to all families, Rebecca comes with a wealth of leadership experience and attributes that will make a significant contribution to our school community in the years to come. I have invited Rebecca to visit the College in a few weeks’ time to begin the handover process. I hope this will ensure a seamless transition and a positive start to her tenure.

Congratulations

I take this opportunity to once again congratulate our 2026 College Leaders who were commissioned last week at our Investiture assembly. They are a thoughtful and committed group of young people who are eager to make a difference to their school. In their applications they wrote:

'I want to help girls notice their talents, support one another, and feel proud of themselves.'
'A good leader represents all, not just themselves.'
'Leadership is about reflecting others’ ideas and choosing what is best for them, not yourself.'
'Authenticity is key—but it requires knowing who you are and being open to self-discovery.'
'Good leadership is about service, listening, learning, and being approachable and reliable.'

And my personal favourite: 'I would like to encourage all Sionians to sing the school song "Veritas in Caritate" with all their might.'

Thank you to their families for joining us on this important occasion and to Cecilia B (11 Red) and Elana V (11 Blue), our 2026 College Captains who launched their leadership by committing to 'build our school community and foster a connection through each Daughter of Sion'. They called 'on every student to work together, share your ideas, speak freely and most importantly speak the truth in love, to help our community flourish in 2026.'

Class of 2025

I also congratulate the Class of 2025 for the manner in which they have now formally concluded their time at our school.

In the second half of Term 3, I had the pleasure of sharing lunch with each Year 12 Homeroom. During these conversations, they reflected on their time here - what they had valued, what could be improved and their hope for the future.

They have been a cohort marked by hard work, generosity, resilience, and respect. They joined us at 12 or 13 year olds, just as the COVID-19 pandemic started. With much of Year 7 and 8 was spent online, and with the challenge of returning to school life in Year 9, they persevered and showed remarkable adaptability.

As they prepare to walk through the cherry red gates one last time, I invited them to reflect on this year’s theme: Live a life worthy of the calling you have received, to share their gifts and personal qualities, to be kind, generous, and compassionate and to let their light continue to shine in the years ahead.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate the following students who received awards at the Graduation ceremony on Wednesday evening:

Valedictorian: Estella F (12 Purple)
Simone Richardson Award: Valentina J (12 White)
Mollie Holman Award: Gabrielle R (12 White)
St Cecilia Award Choral: Ava D (12 Red)
St Cecilia Award Bands & Orchestra: Jasmine C (12 Purple)
Excellence in VCE VM Award: Charlize R (12 Silver)
ADF Leadership & Teamwork Award: Sarah W (12 White)
ADF Future Innovators Award: Sienna P (12 Red)
Rotary Citizen Award: Zoe F (12 Red)
Sion Spirit Award: Sara K (12 Red)
Sion Woman of the Year Award: Lia C (12 Red)

Sion Day Fundraising

Congratulations and thank you to all students and staff for raising $24,992 on Sion Day. At our assembly I informed our school community that we have already sent the money to the Palestinian students attending primary and secondary schools in Jerusalem and those attending Bethlehem University. Their academic year has just started so the money raised helps them to have a more certain start to the year knowing that their school fees have been paid.

We have also made a significant contribution to the Caritas Gaza appeal, which will support those who have lost everything, to access food, water, emergency shelter and health services.

2025 House Cup

Finally, one of my favourite things at this time of the year is announcing our House Cup winner. Congratulations to Lourdes for their success this year. It was a close finish and a well deserved one. Thank you also to Carmel, Fatima and Loreto students for your strong House spirit and best wishes for the years ahead.

With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

Investiture Assembly

Term 4 began last week with a beautiful Investiture assembly held on Wednesday 8 October.

During the assembly, we expressed our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing College and Portfolio Captains for their outstanding service and leadership throughout the year. We then warmly welcomed and commissioned our new Captains, who will now guide the College through the remainder of this year and 2026.

Thank you Lunch

A thank you lunch was also held last week to acknowledge the work of this year's Liturgy Captain, Aleisha D (12 Red), Social Justice Captain, Lia C (12 Red) and FIRE Carrier Captain, Estella F (12 Purple). It was a special opportunity for our Year Level Representatives to gather with their Captains one final time, to reflect on the journey they shared and to celebrate all they have achieved together. It was also a special time for Estella, Lia, and Aleisha to extend their appreciation to the representatives who supported them so wholeheartedly in their roles.

I would like to thank Aleisha for the passion and dedication she brought to enriching the faith life of our College. Her support of the Liturgy Team was invaluable and truly allowed for our liturgical celebrations and our year level chapel prayers to be faith filled, meaningful and reflective. I also wish to acknowledge and sincerely thank Lia for her outstanding commitment and compassion in her role as Social Justice Captain. Her leadership has inspired others to engage deeply with social justice issues and live out our Sionian vision and mission. Thank you to Estella for her passionate and dedicated role as FIRE Carrier Captain and for her deep commitment to reconciliation and raising awareness of First Nations cultures and histories within our school community.

2026 Liturgy Captain

We now extend our congratulations and a warm welcome to our new Liturgy Captain, Lorena G (11 Blue), Social Justice Captain, Anria A (11 Purple) and FIRE Carrier Captain, Ananya D (11 Silver). We look forward to the leadership and inspiration they will bring in the months ahead.

Year 12 Graduation Eucharist

Finally, the Year 12 Graduation Eucharist, celebrated by our College Chaplain, Fr. Mark Reynolds, was held on Wednesday night this week. It was a beautiful time for the students to reflect and give thanks for the many achievements and milestones they have reached over the past six years, as well as an opportunity for them to express heartfelt gratitude to their families, friends, and the staff of Our Lady of Sion College who have supported them throughout their journey. The scripture readings chosen by the students, Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Matthew 5:13-16, offered them messages to walk confidently in faith, to trust God’s guidance, to live lives of hope and to serve others with compassion and kindness. As they move forward beyond Year 12, may these messages continue to guide and inspire them.

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.

Term 4 Events

Term 4 is always fast paced, and 2025 is no exception. Between the Significant People launch, Humanities excursions, and Mr Squiggle competitions, the Senior Art Showcase and all of the events for our graduating class, the end of year will be upon us in no time.

Year 10 and 11 exams commence in Week 5. Students are already thinking about and preparing for this process, reflecting on their goals from Semester 1, and what changes they can make to their study routines to improve their overall experience. More information will be shared with families and students shortly.

Year 12 Graduation

It was an absolute pleasure to watch our graduating students walk over the stage on Wednesday evening.

With a full audience, we were able to celebrate our students in all aspects of their life at Sion. As the students committed to the traditional student pledge, their words especially rang true:

As the graduating class of 2025, and as women who will be forever Daughters of Sion, we commit ourselves to be people who will always strive to speak the truth in love, determine ourselves to sow the seeds of hope, uncover the excellence within, and inspire a commitment to justice.

We pray that we will always be people who live justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God. Amen.

We would like to acknowledge once more, the special award winners:

Special Award Winners

Valedictorian: Estella F (12 Purple)

Simone Richardson Award: Valentina J (12 White)

Mollie Holman Award: Gabrielle R (12 White)

St Cecilia Award Choral: Ava D (12 Red)

St Cecilia Award Bands & Orchestra: Jasmine C (12 Purple)

Excellence in VCE VM Award: Charlize R (12 Silver)

ADF Leadership & Teamwork Award: Sarah W (12 White)

ADF Future Innovators Award: Sienna P (12 Red)

Rotary Citizen Award: Zoe F (12 Red)

Sion Spirit Award: Sara K (12 Red)

Sion Woman of the Year Award: Lia C (12 Red)

2026 Learning Resources Lists

In 2026, Our Lady of Sion College will to move to Box of Books for our learning resources. There are lots benefits to this change, including an interactive platform that will provide teachers with a variety of supports to tailor learning to individual students and gather data on the use of the resources.

As we prepare to release the 2026 lists, families will be provided with information about how to purchase resources, including any frequently asked questions. As usual, families can access the College with any additional needs.

Year 12 Final Weeks

The first two weeks of Term 4 are always a unique time in the life of our Year 12 cohort, filled with emotion, celebration and a real sense of transition. As formal classes come to an end, students are asked to balance joy with focus, marking the close of a significant chapter in their schooling. Much like the final episode of a long-running series, these final moments carry a special kind of meaning. With the Celebration Mass, Awards Assembly and Celebration Day at the centre of this special time, our students entered these events with a spirit of gratitude, maturity and togetherness.

Investiture Assembly

The Investiture assembly remains a significant moment in our school year, as our current College Leaders formally pass on their roles to the incoming 2026 leaders in front of the College community and their families. It is not simply a handover but an act of trust and hope, acknowledging that leadership continues through shared values and vision.

This year’s ceremony also included a heartfelt farewell to our Principal, Mrs Tina Apostolopoulos, as she concludes her time leading our College. Our Captains spoke with deep appreciation, sharing these words: 'Above all, may you know that your legacy will live on in every classroom, in every tradition, and in every student who carries forward the values of kindness, resilience, and compassion you have so generously instilled. You will forever be part of the heart of Sion.' It was a moving reminder that leadership is remembered not only for achievements, but for the spirit in which it is lived.

Celebration Day

Celebration Day once again brought colour, laughter and a sense of unity to the campus as students marked their final day of classes in a joyful and respectful way. We congratulate the Class of 2025 on the way they have finished their journey and the example they have set.

Leadership Retreat

As one chapter closed, another began. The newly appointed Year 12 leaders attended their Formation Retreat, designed to build problem solving, organisation and teamwork. Cecilia B (11 Red) reflected:

Leadership Retreat was a great opportunity for us to grow not just as individual leaders, but as a united team...My personal highlight was our community time on Thursday night where every leader dressed up in costume, and we all took part in karaoke...Leaders Camp has left me feeling so hopeful for next year, and I’m really looking forward to what the 2026 leaders will bring.

Their journey has begun with energy and unity, and I have every confidence they will lead with purpose throughout 2026

Dr Justin Coulson – You Find What You’re Looking For: Changing the Way We See Our Kids

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

Parent Webinar

As the Class of 2025 conclude their classes this week, I would like to congratulate them on their dedication and hard work throughout the year. It has been a privilege to walk alongside them during this final stage of their secondary schooling. The final weeks are marked by a number of significant events and milestones highlighting how special this time is for our school community.

Investiture Assembly

Last week, at the Investiture assembly, our 2025 leaders officially handed over their responsibilities to the incoming 2026 Captains. I would like to congratulate and sincerely thank our leaders for the outstanding work they have undertaken this year across their various portfolios. I would also like to thank Ms Kate Apostolopoulos for her guidance of these students in their roles.

As a tradition, the Year 12 cohort purchases a gift for the College community as a token of gratitude. This year, the Year 12 students chose to support The Torch, an organisation that empowers First Nations people through art and culture. As a Fire Carrier school committed to reconciliation, we felt a strong connection to their values. The Class of 2025 gifted the College with an artwork titled Raindrops by L. Rose of the Gunditjmara people. The artist’s message, ‘It doesn’t matter how far apart we are, we are always connected’ resonates with the students as they draw closer to embarking on their different journeys.

On Monday morning, the Year 12s were touched to be welcomed by a beautiful display of hearts with encouraging and thoughtful messages from the Year 7 students. This heartfelt gesture is a reminder of the great sense of community at the College.

With a continued sense of gratitude, Monday also marked a special celebration of the teachers who have played a significant role in both the educational and personal growth of our students throughout their years at Our Lady of Sion College. The students hosted a morning tea for all the staff within the school which was greatly appreciated.

Vinnie's Soup Van

As part of their Personal Development Skills unit, our Year 12 Vocational Major students baked over 600 muffins for the Vinnie's Soup Van. While this week marks a time of celebration and milestones, their generosity also shows they are prepared to enter the world with compassion and a drive to make a difference.

Graduation Mass and Ceremony

On Wednesday evening, we acknowledged each individual student at our Graduation Mass and Ceremony. As part of this evening some special awards were announced and I congratulate all the recipients. Thank you to all who attended for making this such a memorable evening for our students.

Thank You

On behalf of the Class of 2025, I would like to acknowledge and thank the Year 12 Homeroom team – Mrs Karen Read, Mr Ben Kelly, Mrs Tabitha Southey, Ms Kate Apostolopoulos, Dr Melissa Walsh, Ms Amy Garnham and Ms Stacey Noulas for their support of our Year 12 students throughout the year. I would also like to thank the Year 12 subject teachers who have worked tirelessly to support our students with their academic endeavours. We are also grateful for the ongoing guidance and expertise given by Ms Dale Hunter and Ms Brooke O’Hara to our students as they travelled this challenging year and are making decisions about their future beyond school.

Valedictory Dinner

We will look forward to celebrating together at the Valedictory Dinner on Friday, 21 November. Tickets can be purchased by Year 12 parents and students via the Trybooking link and sales close on Friday 31 October.

Good Luck

To the Class of 2025, I wish you all the very best in the weeks ahead. To those preparing for final exams, I wish you success in your revision and study. For those who are not sitting exams, I hope you enjoy a well-earned and restful break before embarking on your future pathway.

Our Significant People, Significant Lives project is a special tradition for our Year 9 students. Each student chooses someone who has had a positive impact on their life and creates an artwork and biography to celebrate their story. This week we unveiled the gallery and welcomed the significant people into the College to share the morning with their student. A huge thank you to our wonderful keynote speakers for their inspiring words, and to everyone who continues to influence and encourage our students in such positive ways.

Student Reflection

The Significant People project made us learn more about the people and the world around us. We all chose a person in our lives that has made an impact on us. We then interviewed them and found out about their lives, something we might not have known about yet. We then all wrote beautiful descriptions of our people and the lives that they have touched with their kindness and generosity.

Over the holidays, we were given plastic cutouts of a person, and we were to paint our bollards with symbols and ideas that represented our person. The display of treasured people is displayed in the LRC area for everyone to see and read about how these people changed our world. On Tuesday 14 October, the significant people were invited to come to the school and spend time with the Sion students who honoured their achievements.

Two guest speakers came, Cherie Dear and Andrew Parkinson shared their story and experiences and how they have helped the community, Andrew being an ex- NBL player who recently survived multiple cancer scares, shared his journey to recovery and his catchphrase “you may see me struggle but you'll never see me give up". And Cherie Dear, whose husband (ex-Hawthorn player) recently passed away from cancer and how she started a charity “Dare to Hope”. Overall, this was such an incredible journey, from interviewing, to painting, to hearing about these significant people, Year 9s enjoyed it all, and we can’t wait to see the effort and artwork made next year! Ella M (9 Purple) and Liv A (9 Purple)

Educational Study Tour to Italy

It was truly an incredible experience to travel to Italy with 26 enthusiastic Italian students and Ms Dawes, Mrs Schwab and Mr Wilkes.

This once in a lifetime journey provided our students with countless memories and the chance to immerse themselves in the history, architecture, fashion, art, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes of this extraordinary country.

It was wonderful to witness firsthand how the trip ignited their curiosity and deepened their love of learning. Students were inspired as they explored the places they had previously only studied in class, practised their language skills, and expanded their knowledge through language lessons in Florence. Watching their growing passion for the Italian language, culture, and way of life was an absolute pleasure.

We thank our students, who represented our school with maturity and enthusiasm, acting as outstanding ambassadors throughout the trip. Their joy, curiosity, and sense of adventure made this Italian journey truly unforgettable.

Student Reflections

Special thanks to Michaela U (11 Red) and Zara O (11 Gold), who have shared their reflections and experiences with us.

Guided by our four amazing teachers, we fully immersed ourselves into Italian culture, exploring Ancient Rome, the timeless city of Pompeii, the Vatican City, Sorrento, Capri, Firenze and much more.

Each day was a new adventure, and we couldn’t have shared it with better people!

We started our trip off in Rome, where we were all blown away by the incredible monuments and architecture. We had the opportunity to visit the Colosseum, which was incredible. As well as this, we had the chance to visit the Vatican and see Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, which was breathtaking.

We then all headed south to Sorrento, where we took a ferry out to Capri and were able to explore the beautiful island.

In Orvieto, we had the opportunity to stay at a farmhouse and were able to learn how to make pasta and Italian cakes with the “nonne” there. Through this, we were truly able to gain an insight into the Italian lifestyle, as well as have the opportunity to stay in the beautiful Italian countryside.

We then visited Florence, where we were able to see the statue of David, visit the Palazzo Vecchio, walk through local markets, and take part in language school, which allowed us to improve our Italian.

We were later able to visit Pisa, Verona, and then Venice, where we were all amazed by the beautiful canals and gondola rides.

Overall, this trip allowed us to completely immerse ourselves into Italian culture as well as allowing us to build new friendships that will last us a lifetime.

We would like to thank Mrs Apostolopoulos for giving us this incredible opportunity. A special thank you also goes to Mrs Amato, Ms Dawes, Mrs Schwab and Mr Wilkes who accompanied us on the tour, for their care, guidance, organisation, and for making every moment so meaningful and enjoyable. Michaela U (11 Red) and Zara O (11 Gold)

Sion Intermediate Concert Band at the Holy Spirit Primary School Fete

Congratulations to members of the Intermediate Concert band who performed a terrific set of music at the Holy Spirit Primary School (North Ringwood) Fete last Saturday. The weather was kind, and the girls represented Sion so well; they looked and sounded first class. Our Intermediate Strings will be one of the featured performances at the St Francis Xavier Primary School (Box Hill) Fete tomorrow, Saturday 18 October.

Instrumental Music lessons at Sion 2026

Enrolments are now open and available online for Instrumental Music lessons in 2026. All the details including fees, instrument hire charges and conditions are available at the link here. Confirmation of enrolment needs to be completed here. Please note that charges will be applied to your College fees statement in early 2026. Please address any enquiries to the Head of Music at: mmacaulay@sion.catholic.edu.au

Instrumental Music Lesson Scholarship Applications

A limited number of instrumental music lesson scholarships, lasting two years, will be made available in 2026 to students currently in Years 7 and 8 for the following instruments:

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

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

Term 4 Music Soirees

There are many opportunities for students to perform at the upcoming Music Soirees early in Term 4. The Term 4 Music Soiree, including the Year 10 Music class recitals, is this coming Monday 20 October, followed by the Vocal Soiree next Thursday 23 October and the String Soiree in week 4.

Year 7 Junior Concert Bands – Monday and Tuesday Concert Bands

Both Year 7 Concert Bands (the Monday morning group and the Tuesday afternoon group) will be representing Sion at the Victorian Schools Music Festival to be held on the morning of Monday 10 November, at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. This event is open to the public, is free and live streamed, with more details to be announced in coming weeks. String and voice students will have a special program on-site at Sion on that morning.

Year 7 Spring Concert – Bookings Open Tuesday 21 October

All Year 7 musicians, ensembles, small groups, and those Year 7s in Intermediate level ensembles will be performing at the annual Year 7 Spring Music Concert, to be held on Tuesday 11 November 7.00 pm in the LHC. Tickets are free but must be booked via the TryBooking link which will be sent to Year 7 families via a Broadcast on Tuesday 21 October.

Sion First (Year 6) Music Program 2026

Those families with students currently in Year 5 (Year 6, 2026) are invited to the Sion First Music Program launch on Wednesday 13 November at 7.00 pm in the Miriam Theatre. This is an opportunity to find out about this terrific program – students can trial a range of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Please see below for further information and details on how to register.

Welcome to Term 4!

As we begin our final term of the year, we look forward to another busy and inspiring period filled with opportunities to put social justice into action. Term 4 promises to provide us with a chance to come together as a college community—continuing to live out our Sion values of compassion, justice, and service.

Social Justice Day

Our House Social Justice Day was a wonderful success! The event brought together House spirit and our commitment to social justice, as students worked collaboratively to raise funds for four local charities that make a real difference in our community. House and Social Justice representatives and Year 8 students baked and sold delicious treats to support their chosen causes and raffled lolly jars in support of their House charities:

Carmel – Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Lourdes – Operation Toilets
Loreto – Generosity Collective
Fatima – Opening the Doors Foundation

A special congratulations to Loreto House, who raised the most funds for the Generosity Collective. In total, over $1,000 was raised across all four charities — a fantastic effort that reflects the generosity and compassion of our Sion community.

Farewell lunch and welcome

Ms Anna Gionfriddo and I recently hosted a lunch to farewell our Year 12 Liturgy Captain - Aleisha DM (12 Red), Social Justice - Lia C (12 Red), and FIRE Carrier - Estella F (12 Purple) and to thank all our Year Level Representatives from Years 7 to 11 for their wonderful contributions this year.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Lia and Estella for their incredible leadership and dedication to both the Social Justice and FIRE Carrier programs throughout their time at Sion, and especially in their role as Captains this year. Their passion, commitment, and tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on our community and inspired many around them.

I wish them every success in their future endeavours and hope they continue to inspire others and create positive change wherever life takes them.

I am also delighted to welcome our Year 12 Captains for 2026:

Anria A (11 Purple) - Social Justice Captain
Ananya D S (11 Silver) – FIRE Carrier Captain

Indigenous Immersion 2026 launch

Last week we launched the 2026 Indigenous Immersion Experience to Central Australia to our current Year 9 and 10 students, who will be eligible to participate as Year 10 and 11 students in 2026. This unique opportunity invites students to deepen their understanding of First Nations culture, history, and spirituality through meaningful connection and shared learning. We look forward to interviewing interested students in the coming weeks as part of the preparation process. In the lead-up to the immersion, participants will take part in a series of formation sessions designed to build cultural awareness, reflection, and readiness for the experience, which will take place in June next year.

Other highlights include:

On the last day of Term 3 we held a “Sports Colours Day” where students and staff were encouraged to wear a sports top of their choice and in return were asked to make a gold coin donation which raised $313 to support the work of the Sisters of Sion
Our monthly visit to Ozanam House where Year 11 students Lorena G (11 Blue) and Amy F (11 Gold) assisted with the dinner meal service.

GSV Term 3 Finals

Well done to our Term 3 teams that qualified for finals in their weekly sport. The squads represented the College with pride and were very competitive in their matches.

Senior Badminton – Lost to PLC in the Senior Badminton Semi Final. The team was awarded Zone Premiers!

Inter Indoor Cricket B – Runner up to Siena in the Inter Indoor Cricket Grand Final

Inter Badminton B – Lost to PLC in the Cross Over Inter Badminton Final

Junior Indoor Cricket A – Lost to MLC in the Junior A Indoor Cricket Semi Final

Junior Indoor Cricket C – Runner up to Strathcona in the Junior C Indoor Cricket Grand Final

Sports Awards Night – Monday 15 September

More than 150 Sionians attended the 2025 Sports Awards night at the Louise Humann Centre in the final week of term, where they were recognised for their outstanding performance and contribution to the College sports program throughout the year.

It was fantastic hearing from Australian Diamonds and Melbourne Vixens netballer, Jo Weston, who reminded us that it is okay not to be perfect, to celebrate the small wins, and to embrace the journey.

A big thank you to the Sport and PE staff and the student Sport Leaders for all their effort in making it a wonderful evening.

Congratulations to our 2025 Six Colours Award recipients and Sports Women of the Year:

Six Colours Award: Ava B (12 White)
Six Colours Award: Zoe F (12 Red)
Six Colours Award: Jemima F (12 Silver)
Sports Women of the Year - Year 7: Phoebe D (7 Purple)
Sports Women of the Year - Year 8: Annie M (8 White)
Sports Women of the Year - Year 9: Elaina H (9 Purple) and Mia S (9 Blue)
Sports Women of the Year - Year 10: Claire R (10 Silver)
Sports Women of the Year - Year 11: Samantha O (11 White) and Jessie M (11 White)
Sports Women of the Year - Year 12: Jemima F (12 Silver)
Sports Woman of the Year - Jemima F (12 Silver)

Staff v Student Sports Week

Staff took on the Year 12s and All Stars (Year 7 to 11) students in volleyball, dodgeball and netball at lunchtimes in Sports Week. Matches were played in great spirit and passion. Staff were undefeated in dodgeball and volleyball however went down to the Year 12s in netball. It is a highlight of the week and always draws a great crowd in the LHC!

Sports Week: Morning Workouts

Our morning workouts for Sports Week were a huge success with Pilates (Wednesday 17 September) and Zumba (Friday 19 September) being offered to students and staff. Below are some reflections from students who attended:

Pilates:
As a beginner I found this both fun and challenging. The fun part of this was that I was able to find exercises that were challenging but didn’t have to use up that much space. I also got to laugh with my friends and try to help them out with parts that I found easier. The challenging part of this was some of the exercises that we did, pushed me beyond my limits. Pilates is a fun and enjoyable way to exercise, whether at home or with friends. The exercises require balance and core strength, which were challenging at first, but over time it became easier to stay focused and maintain slow, controlled movements. Olivia M (8 Silver)

Zumba:
I participated in a Zumba class for HPE/Sport week. It was a very fun and positive experience and was such a great way to start off the day. The amazing instructor Tara, was super energetic and everyone got involved and had a great time. Aliarne S (9 Blue)

Sporting Achievements over the Term Break

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics - Gabriela T (10 White)

Gabriela T has been selected to represent Australia at the 29th International Tournament Combs La Ville in France (1–2 November 2025) and the Gympies Gymnova Cup in Belgium (7–9 November 2025) in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. This is an incredible opportunity for her to train and compete at international academies and tournaments, bringing her one step closer to her dream of becoming an Olympic gymnast.

2025 Basketball Club Championships

The 2025 Foot Locker U14 Basketball Club Championships were held in Willetton, Perth between 27 September and 3rd October. This championship sees the best 48 Club teams from around Australia compete on the big stage, 24 of each gender.

Mikaela H (7 Purple) and Eliza D (7 Silver) representing the Bulleen Boomers, finished second in Australia and were the top-performing team from Victoria, earning a silver medal!

National AFL Draft Combine – Chloe T (12 Silver)
Well done to Chloe T who participated in the National draft combine over the term break. We wish her the best as she prepares for exams and the upcoming AFLW draft.

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

Important Dates

What's On

From the Principal

Principal's Message

Welcome to our new Principal

Congratulations

Class of 2025

Sion Day Fundraising

2025 House Cup

From the Deputy Principals

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo

Investiture Assembly

Thank you Lunch

2026 Liturgy Captain

Year 12 Graduation Eucharist

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott

Term 4 Events

Year 12 Graduation

Special Award Winners

2026 Learning Resources Lists

Acting Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Paul Kerr

Year 12 Final Weeks

Investiture Assembly

Celebration Day

Leadership Retreat

Dr Justin Coulson – You Find What You’re Looking For: Changing the Way We See Our Kids

Parent Webinar

In Remembrance

Year Level News

Year 12 – Kathryn Steward, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Investiture Assembly

Vinnie's Soup Van

Graduation Mass and Ceremony

Thank You

Valedictory Dinner

Good Luck

Year 11 – Beth Amos, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 11 Trivia

Notre Dame Centre access

Year 10 – Adam Rieusset, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Diary Dates

Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader and Joshua Larkins, Director of Innovation and Learning

Student Reflection

Year 7 – Jade Goss, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Why are good habits important?

What are some good habits to start practising?

Learning Area News

Languages – Gail Amato, Learning Leader

Educational Study Tour to Italy

Student Reflections

Drama – Alex Bleazby, Arts Learning Area Leader

Celebrating the Creative Arts at Our Lady of Sion

Titration Competition and DOHSA Future Leaders Program – Francis Nguyen, Science Learning Leader

2025 Titration Competition Champions

DOHSA - Future Leaders Program

Co-curricular News

Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music

Sion Intermediate Concert Band at the Holy Spirit Primary School Fete

Instrumental Music lessons at Sion 2026

Instrumental Music Lesson Scholarship Applications

Term 4 Music Soirees

Year 7 Junior Concert Bands – Monday and Tuesday Concert Bands

Year 7 Spring Concert – Bookings Open Tuesday 21 October

Sion First (Year 6) Music Program 2026

Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator

Welcome to Term 4!

Social Justice Day

Farewell lunch and welcome

Indigenous Immersion 2026 launch

Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport

GSV Term 3 Finals

Sports Awards Night – Monday 15 September

Staff v Student Sports Week

Sports Week: Morning Workouts

Sporting Achievements over the Term Break

Careers and Pathways – Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator

Parent News

College Psychologist – Claire Jenkins

World Mental Health Day 2025: Connect with Your Community