Tuesday 18 March Open Day, 2.30 – 6.30 pm (Students to be in Homeroom at 2.00 pm and will be dismissed at 6.30 pm)
Wednesday 19 March NAPLAN
Thursday 20 March AYIN Presentation Evening, 7.00 pm
Monday 24 March Drama Week Breakfast, 7.30 – 8.30 am Year 7 Camp departs Term 1 Music Soiree, 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
Wednesday 26 March Year 9 Days for Girls French Film Festival
Thursday 27 March Social Justice Hot Cross Buns for sale for Project Compassion (recess)
Friday 28 March Year 9 History Excursion Staff versus Students Basketball Game for Project Compassion, lunchtime, LHC Class of 2024 Reunion, 3.30 – 4.30 pm Year 7 Parents/ Carers Meet, Eat and Mingle evening - click here to book
From the Principal
Principal's Message
As Principal of Our Lady of Sion College, it is a real privilege to walk alongside our students in some of the most formative years of their lives. Our supportive and inclusive community works to ensure that students are named and known and that we create diverse opportunities to help students feel a strong sense of belonging. In turn we hope this will motivate them to embrace all opportunities in their learning.
We enjoy wonderful facilities and resources that as you will read from our students below, they value.
To this end, it is with excitement that I can confirm the completion of Stage 2 of our Masterplan. This stage commenced in late January 2023 with the demolition of what were the Learning Resource Centre and Arts rooms. In their place we now have a three storey building which provides five Science classrooms, four Arts classrooms and two refurbished Arts room in the adjacent building, an additional Drama Room, new Music Room and expanded Fitness and Weights Room. It also includes new Student Services facilities, main reception and administration areas.
As highlighted in previous Newsletters, our former Administration building is now complete and includes six new classrooms for our Year 10 students, office and meeting spaces. The new front gardens separate passive recreation areas for students from the new carpark.
Some of our students have recently shared the following thoughts about our new facilities with us.
It’s a bright, happy and welcoming place. You feel open and ready to learn.
It’s a very open space where we can really focus on our work and learn. It is very modern and exciting being in there.
I’m excited for the new building to take me on many new adventures.
It’s a new and modern space and you feel ready to learn, grow and be innovative.
When we construct or refurbish buildings, we do so for many reasons. Firstly, as a structure of functionality, school buildings serve as places for learning, study, collaboration, celebration and recreation. Buildings are also structures which reflect the values we hold and the hopes and dreams we pursue. When a building supports all these aspects and also serves to inspire those who will occupy and use it, I think we can be very proud of our achievements.
As per the letter I sent last week, I would love our current families to visit the College and see our new facilities next Tuesday afternoon when we host our annual Open Day. Bookings are essential and can be made via the following QR code or clicking on the image below.
I hope you can join us. If you know families who are considering the secondary school for their daughters, please make them aware of this timely opportunity to visit Our Lady of Sion College.
With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.
Tina Apostolopoulos
From the Deputy Principals
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo
Ash Wednesday/Lent
Our Lenten journey commenced last week with Ash Wednesday. Students and staff gathered in year level groups to participate in a student-led liturgy where they reflected on the wisdom of scripture and joined in prayer. During the liturgy, they also received ashes as a powerful symbol of penance and humility.
During the 40 days of Lent, which ends on Holy Thursday, we focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord at Easter. As a Catholic and Sionian community, we are invited to embrace ways to live a life worthy of the calling we have received, by experiencing the true meaning of Lent through acts of justice, peace, and love. This commitment is reflected in our fundraising efforts to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, which aims to transform the lives of countless people in need around the world today.
Year 7 Family Eucharist
It has been heartening to see how well our Year 7 students are settling into secondary school life, and the positive relationships they are forming with each other and their teachers. This was especially evident on Wednesday night when we celebrated the Year 7 Family Eucharist. It was a joyful occasion, with many families coming together, joined by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and celebrated by our College Chaplain, Fr. Mark Reynolds. The Year 12 Captains were also there, helping to make everyone feel warmly welcomed.
The theme of the Mass was Celebrating the Family and Our Sion Family, and over the past few weeks, the students worked closely with their RE teachers to prepare various parts of the Mass. It was wonderful to see so many Year 7s involved, which included writing prayers and reflections on the Scripture readings, to sharing Our School Story and bringing forward the gifts during the offertory. With the beautiful music and singing, it was truly a celebration.
During the Communion Reflection, the students spoke about their time at the College so far where they have been made to feel welcome. They reflected on their first day and how excited they were when they came home. They also spoke about how their teachers and support staff had really helped them to settle in and how they are looking forward to the many experiences to come during their time at Our Lady of Sion College.
An important symbol of belonging to our College community is the wearing of the House badges, which were presented to the Year 7s by our Year 12 House Captains during the evening.
The night concluded with a lovely supper provided by the Parents’ Association, offering a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and build relationships within our school community.
Wishing all members of our College community many blessings.
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott
Learning Inside and Outside of the Classroom
The mid term period is a perfect time to reflect on the nature of learning at Our Lady of Sion College. On Wednesday night the Year 7s converted their study of the history of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and the College into a role play as part of the Year 7 Family Mass. Our Year 8s celebrated Pi Day with a treasure hunt. The Year 9 students just returned from City Experience and are buzzing about the places that they visited and the experiences that they shared, including their inquiry task that they are now putting together into their presentations. Meanwhile Year 10s are adventuring in and around Lake Eildon as part of the Adventurous Journey and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Year 11 and 12 students have been attending masterclasses for their VCE subjects, selecting which sessions to attend and what content meets their needs during the Shatal and Gadal sessions. Learning takes lots of different shapes and forms.
The Student Progress Meetings are scheduled for the beginning of Term 2, and families will be sent instructions on how to make the appointments through ‘Booked’. Of course, if you would like to speak to someone about your child’s learning prior to this, subject teacher email addresses are available in SEQTA Engage. If your concern/query spans more than one subject, you can contact Homeroom teachers or the relevant WAGL and they can pass on information to subject teachers/staff.
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Christine Kralj
Public Transport and School Pick-Up Safety
As many of our students travel to and from school using public transport, we encourage families to have a conversation about responsible and safe commuting. A few simple actions can make a big difference in ensuring a positive experience for all passengers.
We have had some concerns regarding students boarding buses. When waiting for a bus or train, students should be mindful of allowing others to disembark before boarding. They should also be aware of their surroundings—bags can easily bump into others, which can be off-putting for fellow commuters, especially the elderly. Additionally, while enthusiasm and energy are natural, loud conversations or group singing can be disruptive to those commuting home after a long day.
Basic courtesy is key: students should avoid sitting in disabled or reserved seating unless needed and should offer their seats to those who may require them. We also encourage students to support each other in maintaining respectful behaviour—sometimes, a simple reminder to a peer can make all the difference.
While we receive mixed feedback from commuters, it was heartening to recently hear from a passenger who encountered two of our Year 9 students during City Experience. She praised their kindness and support, describing them as a credit to themselves, their families, and the College.
Safety extends beyond public transport to school drop-off and pick-up. We ask parents/carers to set a good example by avoiding double parking in the service lane. Instead, consider parking a short walk away to ease congestion and ensure the safety of all students.
By working together, we can promote a safer, more respectful travel experience for everyone.
Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families resources
The College is pleased to provide families with access to Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families resources, including a recent webinar, Emotional Regulation: A Heart-Centred Approach to Supporting Children (see link below), and a range of written materials designed to support parents. This week, we highlight the PDF resource: Help! My Child Has Been Replaced by a Human Shrug! This practical guide offers valuable insights into why adolescents often become less communicative and provides effective strategies to encourage meaningful conversations. We encourage parents to explore this resource and make the most of the expert advice available through our Happy Families subscription.
Webinar recording link Please be patient as Dr Coulson encountered a few issues at the beginning of the session.
Our particular thoughts and prayers go to Mrs Sheena Wright, Technologies Learning Leader, whose father-in-law passed away recently, and to Mr Simon Armstrong, Sports Administration Assistant, whose grandmother passed away. Also, to Ms Courtney Madeira, Teacher of Art, RE, Texts and Traditions, and Visual Communication and Design, whose grandmother passed away, and to Isabella H (12 White), who recently lost her great grandfather.
We remember Mrs Wright, Mr Armstrong, Ms Madeira, Isabella and their families in a special way at this sad time.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen.
Year Level News
Year 12 – Kathryn Steward, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
After a busy fortnight of assessments, our Year 12 students appreciated a well-deserved long weekend. They continue to show a dedicated approach to their studies and school life, completing a number of assessments and participating in a range of events. This was evident with a number of students opting to attend the English Conversation Panel during Gadal to listen to the Year 12 English teachers discuss the themes in the text, We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Their insights sparked meaningful discussion and deep thinking, which will be invaluable as students prepare for the upcoming assessment. Given the value of this session, a repeat session was offered and we are grateful for the expertise and time given generously by the Year 12 English teachers.
In addition to managing a heavy workload, many of our Year 12 students participated in the Responsible Serving of Alcohol course that was on offer and are to be commended for taking up this opportunity. The students have also been given the opportunity to complete a Food Handling course in May and they may like to attend the Mentors Breakfast in Term 2. If students are keen to participate in either of these opportunities, it is important they have completed the expression of interest via the Google form that was sent to the students by Mrs Brooke O’Hara.
A reminder that Open Day is scheduled for Tuesday 18 March and students will have an altered timetable for this day with a later start and finish. It is important for students to look ahead in case alternative plans need to be made for part time work or sporting commitments.
As we continue on the Year 12 journey, a reminder that we are here to support your daughter in any way we can, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is a need.
Year 11 – Beth Amos, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
Last week we had the opportunity to gather as a year level to recognise and celebrate the Year 11 leaders for 2025. This involved acknowledging the SRC leaders, portfolio representatives and class leaders. As the voice of Year 11, I will be working with these young people throughout the year to seek their feedback, ideas, wants and needs. We thank them in anticipation for their leadership throughout the school year.
This week, we had the opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day! The senior students were able to discuss topics and prompts during Conversation Cafe.
Selected students from Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 were invited to attend the International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club, Box Hill. A small number of students were selected to attend the event at Box Hill Town Hall. The morning consisted of gathering for an early breakfast and listening to three keynote speakers. It was a delight to see other schools attending as well as other significant figures in our community, all striving to learn how to break down gender inequalities and ‘accelerate action. Zoe F (12 Red)
As a group we heard from three keynote speakers:
Michaela Drieberg is the Chief Executive Officer for Gender Equity Victoria and former Mayor of Monash and discussed the current gap and inequality that women face. Michaela informed us that it would take anywhere between 300 to 130 years until we succeed in gender equality. Her campaign “Put her name on it” advocates for women’s names to be used for street signs, and recognised in their communities.Lizzy W (11 Blue) and Elana V (11 Blue)
Dr Jo Newton (OAM) is an advocate for gender equality, specialising in agricultural science she encourages participation for women in STEM. Jo introduced us to the importance of champions instead of mentors, reflecting on how a special champion in her life positively influenced her career trajectory.Violet D (10 Silver) and Sarita T (11 Gold)
Clea Smith who is the CEO of Tradeswomen Australian and the Director on the Board of Cricket Australia, spoke of her experience in playing cricket for Australia and the discrimination and barriers she experienced in women’s sport.
By attending the event we were able to understand how we too can 'March Forward' to close the gap of gender inequality and respond to our calling as the young women of today. This event showed us the changes we can make to the world concerning gender equality in both the future and present regardless of which pathway we intend to take after our time at Sion. Lorena G (11 Blue) and Bani K (11 Blue)
Engaging young people in these types of conversations is exciting and insightful to hear about their observations and experiences in the world. We have been able to hold the space, listen and engage in dialogue with our young people, allowing them to freely talk about their experiences and observations. Thank you to all students who were involved in the International Women’s Day celebrations at Sion last week.
Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader, and Joshua Larkins, Director Innovation and Learning
What a week!
The Year 9s ventured into the city for the AYIN City Experience Program - a four day learning opportunity which allowed our students to grow in curiosity, courage and confidence. On behalf of the Year 9 AYIN Team, Year 9 Pastoral Team and the staff who also ventured in to support the students, we would like to extend our congratulations to all Year 9 students for participating in such a positive and engaging manner.
Please read the student reflections below:
Our journey through Melbourne was a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and exciting new experiences. We are so thankful to Ms Tilley, Mr Larkins, and all staff involved for making this an unforgettable week.
On day one, we navigated our way to Wesley Uniting Church, our daily meeting point, before racing around the city for the Amazing Race. Over the next two days, we explored landmarks like the MCG, Eureka Tower, and Queen Vic Markets, as well as educational sites such as the Shrine of Remembrance and the Big Issue Classroom. Visiting the Melbourne Jail was a highlight, giving us insight into its rich history, while the MCG’s games and Olympic medals were fascinating.
On Friday, we worked on inquiry projects, researching Melbourne by surveying the public. This experience helped us build confidence in public spaces, navigate transport, and approach people for help. Exploring the city in small groups without a teacher was initially nerve-wracking but became exciting and rewarding. Over the week, we walked around 80,000 steps!
A huge thank you to everyone who made this experience possible—we will always cherish the memories and lessons learned. Students of 9 Silver
Year 8 – Chris Wilkes, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
During our Pastoral lesson this week, we did a refresher on the zones of regulation in a simple and straightforward way and then had a discussion about why it is normal and okay to experience all zones at different times. We also made links to AIR (Autonomy, Independence and Respect) by highlighting the importance of understanding emotions and how to respond to them, taking ownership and asking for support if needed rather than avoiding or letting somebody else solve the issue for us.
Then, linking to the concept of respect, we addressed the following questions to underline that we are all different in our own ways, which is a great thing for our world.
Why is it important to be different from others?
Why do others want to conform to the ‘popular’ things/opinions?
Why do people sometimes put others down for their differences? Is this okay?
What is the best way to respond to others' differences?
These could be great conversation starters to continue with at home to emphasise that in our current climate, it is vital that we appreciate, respect and celebrate our differences that make our world so vibrant and move away from using them as a way to separate or divide us.
On that note, it is common for young people to build new connections and friendships as they learn more about who they are and the people that they want to surround themselves with. This could mean that old friendships may fade as they grow into their own identity. In our next pastoral session, we will be discussing this along with how to respectfully manage this complex dynamic. Kindness and respect are essential in these situations, remaining friendly with those that they may no longer be ‘friends’ with as they have been in the past.
Year 7 – Jade Goss, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
As our Year 7 students navigate the challenges of academic life, it’s no surprise that many face stress, particularly when it comes to managing the homework that has begun to be assigned, and preparing for their first summative assessment tasks. We appreciate the support that you as parents/ carers are able to offer the students at home.
Ways that a supportive study environment can be created at home include:
Creating a designated quiet, well-lit study area
free from distractions. If space allows, it is best that this area is outside of the bedroom
Removing devices from the study area that may be a distraction during homework/study blocks
Helping your child break assignments into smaller tasks
Encouraging your child to follow up areas of uncertainty with their subject teachers/ Homeroom teacher. Students are welcome to do this by emailing their teachers or discussing the concern with teachers face-to-face
Checking student planners with your child each morning and each evening to ensure they are ready for the day and know the homework that needs to be completed
Allocating breaks to prevent burnout and encouraging physical activity/ mindful activities for a mental recharge
Reinforcing the idea that mistakes are part of learning. Acknowledge their hard work and remind your child that doing their best is what truly matters
Ensuring that a balanced sleep cycle is being maintained. For teens, this should be about 8-10 hours a night.
By offering emotional support and creating a balanced environment, you can help your child manage stress and thrive in high school. We will continue to remind students of the support available to them at school, including their subject teachers (for questions and concerns about specific content areas), their Homeroom teacher/s (for questions and concerns about overall stress and wellbeing), the counselling team and myself as Wellbeing and Growth Leader.
Learning Area News
NAPLAN – Pamela Ioannidis, Director Curriculum and Learning
Year 7 and Year 9 students should be congratulated for their focus, effort, and preparedness as they began their NAPLAN assessments this week. The remaining assessments will take place on Monday March 17, and Wednesday March 19. These adaptive assessments assess the literacy and numeracy skills students have developed through their English and Maths curricula over the past two years. While these assessments may cause some anxiety, it's important to remember that NAPLAN data is just one of many tools that help schools and families identify strengths and areas for growth in each student. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is expected to release results to schools mid-year, and information will be sent home to families soon after. If you have any questions or concerns about the NAPLAN assessments, please feel free to email me here.
Religious Education – Amy Garnham, Learning Leader
Recently, our Year 8 students and their teachers embarked on an enriching excursion to the Jewish Museum of Australia, an experience that deepened their understanding of Jesus' life within the historical and cultural context of Judaism. This visit provided an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world insights, reinforcing the Jewish traditions, customs, and beliefs that shaped Jesus' identity and teachings.
The museum offered an immersive journey through Jewish history, from ancient times to the present day. Students explored exhibits showcasing Jewish festivals, sacred texts, daily life in biblical times, and the synagogue’s central role in religious practice. Students were also given the opportunity to take part in a traditional Shabbat blessing.
One of the most impactful moments of the visit was the opportunity to see artifacts like those that Jesus himself might have encountered—Torah scrolls, a shofar (Ram’s horn) and a prayer shawl. Engaging with these pieces helped students gain a greater appreciation for the Jewish customs Jesus observed, such as Sabbath celebrations and Passover rituals.
Beyond enhancing their knowledge of Jesus' historical background, the excursion fostered interfaith understanding and respect. By learning about the enduring traditions of Judaism, students gained a greater awareness of the cultural and spiritual heritage that continues to influence religious communities today.
The Jewish Museum was a very eye-opening experience. We learned about the daily life of Jewish people during biblical times and the events that Jesus experienced, that shaped his life. We visited a synagogue later in the day and explored the significance of all the artifacts and symbols. Overall, we had a lovely time and were educated on so many things relevant to daily life in the time of Jesus. Zoe K (8 Gold)
Co-curricular News
Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music
Music Representatives 2025
Congratulations to the following girls who were appointed as Music Representatives for 2025. This group meets each fortnight and offers initiative and support to the range of musical events throughout the school, such as Open Mics, Liturgies, Soirees and Concerts
2025 OLSC Music Captain: Ava D (Year 12 Red)
Year 11 Music Representatives: Chantelle A (11 Red) and Nasya Susanto (11 Gold)
Year 10 Music Representatives: Bella L (10 Purple) and Amelie P (10 Blue)
Year 9 Music Representatives: Clare N (9 White) and Ella M (9 Red)
Year 8 Music Representatives: Ava M (8 White) and Grace T (8 White)
Year 7 Music Representative portfolios will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Year 7 Junior Choir
Congratulations to members of the Year 7 Junior Choir who performed so wonderfully at the Year 7 Family Eucharist this week. They have only been rehearsing for a couple of weeks and despite the limited time to prepare their parts, sang so beautifully at the Eucharist.
Term 1 Music Soiree – Monday 24 March 5.00 pm
The first opportunity to perform in concert is the Term 1 Music Soiree, which will be held on Monday 24 March at 5.00 pm in the Miriam Theatre. Girls involved in the Instrumental Music program will feature at this first public concert for 2025. Interested students gain Arts Points and can sign up via their instrumental teacher.
Year 7 Music Program – Year 7 Monday Concert Band starts next week!
Our Year 7 Junior Choir, Year 7 Junior Strings, and the Tuesday afternoon Concert Band have all started their rehearsal programs. The final Year 7 ensemble, the Year 7 Monday morning Concert Band, start their weekly rehearsals next week on Monday 17 March in the Miriam Theatre.
Big Sound Sisters
If any Year 8, 9 or 10 girls would like to be a ‘Big Sound Sister’ that is, to be a mentor in one of the Year 7 ensembles, please see Mr Macaulay for details. This counts towards your Arts colour and can help with hours needed to complete the Duke of Edinburgh program.
Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport
GSV Swim and Dive Preliminary Recap
On Friday 28 February, our GSV Swim and Dive Squad showcased exceptional effort and enthusiasm at the GSV Prelim B competition held at MSAC. Despite the challenging field, our students delivered outstanding performances, with nearly one-third of our swimmers achieving personal bests and another 10 swimmers coming within a second of their records. Competing against seven schools, four of which qualified for Division 1 and two for Division 2, we are proud to announce that we have qualified for Division 3 (AM Event). This presents a new and exciting challenge, as we will face schools we have not yet competed against, giving us renewed confidence for Champs.
Our Divers excelled under the leadership of our Senior students, securing top spots in their respective age groups. Special congratulations to Olivia M (11 Gold) and Ella R (11 White), both of whom placed first, and to Olivia O (11 Purple), who finished 3rd. Our diving team has also made history by qualifying for Division 2 (PM Event) for only the second time, a remarkable achievement that we are thrilled to celebrate. A massive thank you goes to our Dive coach from Ringwood Dive Club, Olivia Kloss, and our Senior Dive Captains, whose commitment and leadership have raised the standard of the team and contributed to the significant success this season.
With only a handful of divers not listed in a swimming event, all divers will take the bus with the Swimming Squad and be on standby as emergencies if needed for swimming events in the morning session. Please see times below. All details can be found on the EdSmart form sent to families.
Swim and Dive Squads Depart College: 6.30 am
Swim Squad Return to College: 1.30 pm
Dive Squad Return to College: 5.15 pm
Term 2 Weekly GSV Trials
Term 2 is fast approaching! Trials for AFL, Hockey and Netball will be held over the coming fortnight and the first week of Term 2. Weekly Sport fixtures commence in the second week of term creating a tight turnaround to announce teams. We encourage all students to trial for a sport. Below are the dates of the upcoming trials. If students are unable to make a session, please communicate with the Sport Office and send an apology to sport@sion.catholic.edu.au stating the reason you are unavailable to attend.
Junior Trial Dates
GSV Junior Netball
#1 - Friday 21 March, Afternoon 3.30 - 5.00 pm, LHC and Top Courts
#2 - Friday 28 March, Afternoon 3.30 - 5.00 pm, LHC and Top Courts
#3 - Thursday 3 April, Morning 7.15 - 8.15 am, LHC and Top Courts
#4 - Thursday 24 April, Morning 7.15 - 8.15 am, LHC and Top Courts
GSV Junior Hockey
#1 Thursday 3 April, Lunchtime - Top Courts
#2 Wednesday 23 April, Morning 7.00 - 8.00 am, KBH Brumbies Elgar Park (College bus returning to Sion)
#3 Thursday 24 April, Morning 7.00 - 8.00 am, KBH Brumbies Elgar Park (College bus returning to Sion)
Intermediate and Senior Trial Dates
GSV Intermediate and Senior Netball (Including Premier Netball)
#1 - Tuesday 25 March, Afternoon, 3.30 - 5.00 pm, LHC and Top Courts
#2 - Tuesday 1 April, Afternoon, 3.30 - 5.00 pm, LHC and Top Courts
#3 - Tuesday 22 April, Afternoon, 3.30 - 5.00 pm, LHC and Top Courts
GSV Intermediate and Senior Hockey
#1 Tuesday 1 April, Lunchtime Training - Top Courts
#2 Wednesday 23 April, Morning 7.00 - 8.00 am, KBH Brumbies Elgar Park (College bus returning to Sion)
#3 Thursday 24 April, Morning 7.00 - 8.00 am, KBH Brumbies Elgar Park (College bus returning to Sion)
Individual Sport Captains
Well done to our individual Sport Captains who have been leading in their sports so far this term. The majority of leaders have made themselves available at trainings and matches to coach and mentor younger year levels which has been amazing for our program. We meet as a group each fortnight to discuss upcoming events, participation, leadership strategies and coaching. Our individual captains will play a large role with Sport Representatives in organising our Sports Awards Night at the end of Term 3. Our Term 2 individual Sport Captains will be busy with trials and a big season of AFL, Hockey, Netball and Cross Country!
Our individual Sports Captains are below:
Swimming: Viva M (10 Gold), Zara O (11 Gold) and Jemima F (12 Silver)
Diving: Olivia M (11 Gold) and Jessica P (11 Gold)
Triathlon: Maddison R (10 Blue), Maia T (11 Silver) and Zoe F (12 Red)
Softball: Violet D (10 Silver) and Elizabeth B (10 Purple)
Volleyball: Olivia O (11 Purple) and Macy V (11 Silver)
Tennis: Zoe F (12 Red)
Learning Resource Centre – Margaret Lawson, Head of Library and Information Services
The role of a reading challenge is to encourage students to set their own personal reading goals. These can range from reading a number of books, finishing a series, or reading different genres of fiction. For many seasoned readers, it might be to read their favourite book every year.
In a conversation with Mrs Apostolopolous at the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge morning tea last year, she revealed that she tries to read her favourite book “The Great Gatsby” every year; taking away different learnings and experiences.
Many students feel guilty if they are caught re-reading a book that they have previously read, but the research tells us that re-reading allows students to develop their decoding skills, increase their reading fluency and increase their understanding of the text (Scholastic, 2018). Read more about the benefits of rereading books here.
Sion Reading Challenges
Our promoted reading challenges start with the Summer Reading Challenge to encourage students to read five books over the summer. These can be school texts or books discovered on their travels. Once the days of Summer have finished, our Sion Book Bingo Card is available for students to collect and work through, reading four books that complete a line on the bingo card.
When talking with our College Captains, Zoe (12 Red) and Sara (12 Red) about their favourite books, Zoe mentioned that her reading has changed throughout her time at Sion. Reading lots of fantasy and mystery in the younger years, she prefers non-fiction productivity books as she makes her way through Year 12. Sara brought in two favourite books that she had as a young child and that belonged to her brother that she really enjoyed reading. Both Captains were steady readers throughout their younger years and they can now enjoy the benefits of regularly reading as they complete their VCE.
Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator
Ozanam House
The following is a reflection from Zara T (11 Purple) who volunteered in the first Ozanam House meal service for the year.
On Wednesday 5 March, Anria A (11 Purple) and I (Year 11 Social Justice Representatives) went to Ozanam House for the first of the meal services our year level is participating in this year. Despite some traffic on the way, we arrived in time to get our aprons on, clean up the dining room and start serving food. It was an amazing experience that allowed us to give back to the community and actually put the Catholic Social Teachings into action. It was beautiful to see the smiles on people’s faces when they came and collected their meals and desserts, and we are so grateful that we had the opportunity to volunteer. Zara T (11 Purple)
Launch of Project Compassion 2025
A reflection from our Social Justice Captain, Lia C (12 Red), Anria A (11 Purple) and Evdoxia S (8 White) who attended the launch.
On Tuesday 4 March we were fortunate to attend the Project Compassion launch at Emmaus College. We were involved in a liturgy and commissioning celebrated by Archbishop Peter Comensoli who reminded us that Project Compassion is not so much doing for others, but doing with others. It was a great opportunity to meet students from other Catholic schools around Victoria who are like minded and have the same passion for Social Justice as us. We were able to share ideas on how to raise awareness and funds for Project Compassion, whilst also discussing the impact Project Compassion has on so many lives. One of our key takeaways from the day was that “the human family is suffering, and it is up to us to make a change, everything counts” (Mission Director, Michael McGirr). This experience left a mark on all of us, opening our eyes and hearts, and deepening our understanding of the work of Caritas Australia, especially in this Holy time of Lent.
Thank you to Mrs Miotello for accompanying us to this event and for allowing us the opportunity to attend. Lia C (12 Red), Anria A (11 Purple) and Evdoxia S (8 White).
Year 7 Just Dance
Our Year 7 students have taken their first steps in making a difference through their participation in Just Dance for Project Compassion! The year level displayed their dancing prowess with enthusiasm and generosity, by embracing the challenge of raising funds to support communities in need and demonstrating the spirit of compassion and justice.
A huge congratulations to our Year 7s for their commitment and we can’t wait to see how they continue to live out our school’s values in the years to come!
Donating online
A new initiative this year is to invite families to join us in making a difference by donating to Project Compassion via an online platform. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will help provide essential resources such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education to those who need them most.
We highly recommend you donate through your daughter’s House which you can locate by scrolling down to the bottom of the page. Once located, click on the House that your daughter is in and follow the instructions.
The House which raises the most money will be awarded 200 points towards the House Cup.
Finally, we have a number of fundraising initiatives coming up to support Project Compassion. We look forward to your continued support as we ‘Unite Against Poverty’.
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:
Upcoming Events: Victorian Careers and Employment expo, Discover ACU campus events, Discover Monash Events, La Trobe Bendigo campus talk and tour
Careers Industry in the Spotlight – Maths: Make your Career Count
Things to consider: Carlton College of Sport, Education USA and Shelli Brunswick, former US Air Force and COO of Space Foundation seminar
Researching options: RMIT newly revised courses, ANU – Applications 2026.
Parent News
Year 7 Parents and Carers Social Event - Meet, Eat & Mingle
St James Primary School, Vermont – Tours and Open Days
