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

Monday 31 March
Project Compassion Bake Sale (Recess and Lunchtime)

Tuesday 1 April
Year 8 Toolbox Education Session (Pastoral)

Wednesday 2 April
Project Compassion – Voices for Change Concert (Lunchtime)

Thursday 3 April
Project Compassion – Casual for a Cause Day

Friday 4 April
Last Day of Term 1 (Students finish at 1.30 pm)

Friday 18 April
Good Friday

Sunday 20 April
Easter Sunday

Monday 21 April
Easter Monday

Term 2

Tuesday 22 April
All students return for Term 2
Year 8 Beyond the Horizon Day 1

Thursday 24 April
Student Progress Meetings Session 1 (online) - Students dismissed at 12.55 pm

Friday 25 April
ANZAC Day - Public Holiday

Monday 28 April
Year 8 Beyond the Horizon Day 2

Tuesday 29 April
Year 10 Retreat
France 2026 Study Tour Parent Information Evening (7.00 pm)

Wednesday 30 April
Student Progress Meetings Session 2 (onsite) - Students dismissed at 12.50 pm

Thursday 1 May
Talk and Tour

Next Friday marks the conclusion of Term 1. How quickly this term has flown, and rather than slowing down, in the last fortnight we have enjoyed many events that have helped us to provide a myriad of opportunities for our community. Thank you to all students, staff and families for your support and the contributions you have made during this term.

Adventurous Journey Camp and Year 7 Camp

Congratulations to our Year 10 students on a very successful Adventurous Journey camp at Lake Eildon. Last week, teachers remarked that this group of students were absolutely fantastic in the way they met each challenge and supported each other.

This week our Year 7 students participated in their first Sion Camp at Dewar Lodge in Myrniong. Again, we received very positive feedback on their experience. Each camp is an important way for students to develop resilience and practise communication and collaboration skills, attributes that we hope will stand them in good stead in their studies and for their future. Thank you to Adam Rieusset, Jade Goss, Year 7 and 10 Homeroom Teachers and other staff for their support. Without them, the camps would not be possible.

Open Day

Another important event that we celebrated last week was our annual Open Day. We were very pleased with the attendance numbers which reached an all-time record of just over 800 people. It was a real pleasure to showcase the school and our faith, learning and wellbeing programs to prospective families. One very significant highlight was the way in which students volunteered to take visitors around the College and share their experience of what it is like to be a Sion student. We are proud of the way we can support them to develop leadership and public speaking skills in this authentic manner. Another highlight was opening our doors for families to see our new facilities and witness how students learn in our spaces. Again, we received very positive feedback. Thank you to current families who also took this opportunity to join us.

Project Compassion and Easter

This year Easter falls on the final weekend of the term break so there are still a few weeks of Lent to go. My sincere thanks to families, students and staff who have responded to our Project Compassion online fundraising appeal. Student Social Justice Leaders have also been working with great commitment to raise awareness of those in need and why in our Catholic tradition we are called to respond. They should be very proud of their efforts and are a real credit to themselves, their families and our school. This coming week students from all levels will lead the entire school body in a Lenten reflection. In recent weeks, they have rehearsed to create a prayerful recreation of Jesus’ final days. Lenten events and services help us to further instil in all our students whether they are Catholic or not, the value we place on being compassionate and working towards building a just and inclusive world.

St Patrick Mass for School

I would also like to thank the Year 8-10 students who accompanied Amy Garnham, our Religious Education Leader and I to the St Patrick Mass for School at the Cathedral last Friday. We were part of a congregation of over 2000 students and teachers, and watching Chloe M (8 Blue) and Evdoxia S (8 White) holding our College flag as they processed into the Cathedral with other students was a moving experience. It was also a great reminder of the broader Catholic school community to which we belong.

Parents' Association - Thank you

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the dedicated support of the Parents' Association on Open Day, their sponsorship of tonight’s Year 7 Meet, Eat and Greet social evening and the Justin Coulson parent forums and resources that are now available to all families. These are just a few ways that parents and carers can be involved in the life of the College. Early next term, all parents will also have the chance to hear from teachers how their child(ren) is/are achieving at our Student Progress meetings. We hope parents and carers and students find this an invaluable experience

With every blessing for the final week of Term 1.

Tina Apostolopoulos

This week, Mrs Stott and I had the privilege to participate in the 6^th Annual Notre Dame de Sion International Schools’ Meeting, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The theme of the conference was Multiculturalism, Interculturality and Interreligious Dialogue in Our Notre Dame Schools. The conference began with a lovely dinner where we met Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, members of the Congregational Schools' Team, along with participants connected to Sion schools from around the world including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Turkey, and USA.

During the Opening Prayer we were asked to reflect upon the message from Pope Francis in this Jubilee Year- which calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope, 'we must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.' As the week unfolded, it was very interesting to learn about the various schools that make up the international Sion family, reflecting upon our similarities and differences, and ways that the Sion charism is expressed within our schools.

We heard from several keynote speakers focusing on topics such as Education in a Multicultural Context, Best Practices for Respecting Student and Family Diversity, and Religious Diversity and Interfaith Dialogue. Each of the speakers brought a real passion to their presentations and certainly reinforced the important role that we all play to help build community and to promote a more inclusive and understanding environment for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, which is so important especially given the challenges in our world today.

A highlight was visiting École Bilingue Notre-Dame de Sion School where we were made to feel very welcome by the students and staff. During our time there, we were able to participate in classroom activities such as English games, small projects, Art and Music. We also participated in a global school exchange where we shared information about our school, including our values.

Mrs Stott and I thank Mrs Apostolopoulos for inviting us to participate in this invaluable experience, which has allowed us to strengthen our connection with the international Sion family and we hope to continue building strong and lasting relationships. We look forward to presenting what we have learnt to our Sion community and thinking about how we can implement new ideas coming out of this conference.

Whole School Lenten Reflection

Next Friday, the College community will gather for our whole school Lenten reflection where we will be focusing on the Stations of the Cross. This will be a very special time for all to reflect on the significance of Christ's constant love and sacrifice for humanity.

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings as we approach the final week of Term 1 and Easter celebrations during the term break.

Potential Government Provided Broadband

The Australian government is offering financial assistance to low income families without an existing internet connection to enable students to fully access their learning at home. Families can find out more about this program, including eligibility requirements via this link.

Feedback available through SEQTA

At this stage of the term, students are busy preparing for, sitting and submitting assessment tasks. Families and students are reminded to read the result in conjunction with the written and verbal feedback that is also provided. Growth data is more important than achievement data and so the focus always needs to be about any gaps in learning and potential next steps. Students are encouraged to speak with their teachers if they have any concerns.

Student Progress Meetings

Families have now been sent information about the Student Progress Meetings in weeks 1 and 2 of Term 2. These meetings will complement the information provided on SEQTA. Students are strongly encouraged to attend the Progress Meetings with their parents, empowering them to be advocates for their own learning and agents of change.

Beyond the Horizon

Our Year 8 Students will be anticipating the first of their Horizons project days on Tuesday 22 April. We look forward to them investigating a problem, innovating a solution and creating a proof of concept. Such an exciting learning experience for them.

Child Safety - A Gentle Reminder to Our Parents and Carers

While the Child Safe Standards have been in place in Victoria since 2016, they remain an essential framework for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students. At Our Lady of Sion College, we are committed to embedding these 11 standards into all aspects of school life. Each year, we also take the opportunity to remind and inform our parent community of these important standards to uphold a shared commitment to student safety.

As a quick reminder, the 11 Child Safe Standards are:

1. Establish a culturally safe environment that respects and values the diverse identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people
2. Embed child safety and wellbeing in organisational leadership, governance, and culture
3. Empower children and young people about their rights, involve them in decisions affecting them, and take their views seriously
4. Inform and involve families and communities in promoting child safety and wellbeing
5. Uphold equity and respect diverse needs in policy and practice
6. Ensure people working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
7. Provide child-focused processes for complaints and concerns
8. Equip staff and volunteers with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
9. Promote safety and wellbeing in physical and online environments while minimising opportunities for harm
10. Regularly review and improve the implementation of the Child Safe Standards
11. Document policies and procedures to demonstrate how the organisation is safe for children and young people

Emotion Coaching - Tips on Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child - An Article by Justin Coulson

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

Our particular thoughts and prayers go to Mrs Suparna Rijhwani, Learning Support Officer, for the recent passing of her father.

We remember Mrs Rijhwani and her family in a special way at this sad time.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen.

As the first term of 2025 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Year 12 students on their efforts in completing the first term of their final year at secondary school. The diligence and commitment they have shown towards their studies and their involvement in school life is to be commended.

I would also like to acknowledge and extend my gratitude to the Year 12s for their participation on Open Day. Some students led activities while others attended their scheduled classes. I extend heartfelt gratitude to our talented VCE Vocational Major students for their amazing skill and dedication as they worked tirelessly running the newly named Cherry Gates Cafe coffee cart serving coffee and hot chocolate to our visitors. I was extremely proud of the way the Year 12 students conducted themselves as ambassadors for the school.

During the term break it is really important that our Year 12 students adopt a balanced approach to having some much needed rest while also revising and studying. This is to ensure they enter back into Term 2 with a renewed energy and a sense of being up to date with their work.

I would like to thank you as parents and carers of our Year 12 students for your open communication and support throughout the term and I wish you and your families a very happy Easter.

Congratulations to the Year 11 cohort for (almost!) making it through their first Term of VCE and VCE VM. We have one more week left and these young people have settled into the pace in returning to school for 2025. They have been taking ownership and accountability for themselves, by exploring new and different ways to engage in their learning.

In ‘stepping up’ to this transition period, we hope that the Year 11s can focus on:

1. Clear communication - across the different facets of their life (personal, social, emotional, academic)
2. Seeking assistance when needed
3. Being curious and creative
4. Being willing to learn and collaborate.

Whether your child is participating in VCE or VCE VM - there are a lot of new processes, routines, and questions to be asked. Please if you need some support and guidance, you may like to contact:

• Dale Hunter - Director of Senior Learning (VCE and VCE VM)
• Brooke O’Hara - Careers and Pathways Co-ordinator (VET and VM)
• Sarah Chalmers - Director of Learning Diversity

As a team, we work together to monitor and support your child - from an academic and pastoral perspective. Please continue to reach out if you have questions regarding processes and support for VCE and VCE VM programs.

Well done Year 11s! Acknowledge and celebrate your successes. Consider what you have learned across the past 10 weeks. We look forward to seeing you back at school for Term 2.

And just like that, we are about to head into the final week of Term 1. I start this article by saying congratulations to all community members of Year 10. All students should be very proud of what you have achieved.

Duke of Edinburgh - Adventurous Journey:

What an experience. What an adventure. Our time around Lake Eildon is one that will not be forgotten quickly. We experienced a myriad of weather that kept us on our toes each day. But each day what I saw was a cohort that invested in the opportunity to be a part of something special. From mountain bike riding, to white water rafting, to canoeing, setting up tents, cooking on a trangia and hiking around the many tracks around Eildon. With each experience, I saw our young people allowing themselves to be pushed to their limits. By doing so, they were starting to see what is possible. In the middle of the challenges, they were capable, they chose to support each other, they understood that by allowing those around them to succeed, ultimately they too would succeed. Our Year 10s will not experience much tougher challenges this year. There will certainly be other, new challenges (these happen everyday), but their Duke of Edinburgh - Adventurous Journey was a true test of grit and resilience and they all came through with flying colours. They have every right to be so proud of themselves.

In the coming week I will share with our Year 10s the next step to ensuring they complete their Bronze award. This step entails the students writing two reflections into their Online Record Book (ORB). This task will take no more than 15-20 minutes to complete and I ask for your support to ensure that this is completed prior to the end of the term break.

I would like to thank the following staff members who accompanied the Year 10s on our Adventurous Journey. We thank you for your guidance and support: Ms Muller, Mr A Kerr, Ms McLean, Mr Tan, Ms Malone, Mrs Prendergast, Ms Callum, Ms Hawkes, Mr Whitely, and Mr Steward. I also thank Mrs Kralj for her support at school during our Adventurous Journey.

Reflect upon Term 1

As we complete our final week of Term 1, I wish to ask all Year 10 families to reflect upon what has been achieved, both as a family unit and for your daughter's journey at school. The three questions I’d like you to consider are:

1. What went well? What is it as a family and as a student that has gone well during Term 1?
2. Even better if... Think along the lines of, if I had done X then Y would have been better?
3. My next brave step is... No more than one to two things, what is the action, habit or behaviour you see that will serve you to continue to move forward in Term 2?

On behalf of the Year 10 Pastoral Team, thank you for partnering with us to allow your young person to see what is possible throughout Year 10. Until the next edition be curious and open to sharing your experiences that have both challenged and positively changed you.

As Term 1 comes to a close we are provided an opportunity to reflect on the ways that the Year 9 cohort has lived our theme of Curious, Kind and Courageous.

We have seen curiosity flourish in the classroom with students taking the opportunity to learn in their new electives, through the questions they ask about their learning and in coming to know more about the various topics covered throughout the term. Curiosity was particularly present in their time on City Experience with many tour guides commenting about the quality of the questions and inquiries that the students made.

Kindness has shone through with the students taking time to get to know their peers, to make new connections and in their openness to the constantly moving seating plans in core classes. The students looked after each other in the city and also supported each other in their City Experience presentation night; encouraging each other after each presentation.

Courage has been shown through the safe risks that the Year 9s have taken. Whether it was in catching the train into the city without support, courage to take educational risks by offering an answer or question during class, or courage in putting themselves forward for new friendships.

As a culmination of our year level theme, students have also had the opportunity to nominate others for our Curious, Kind, Courageous Awards. Teachers and other staff have also been able to acknowledge girls within the year level who they feel have lived some aspects of our theme, and we look forward to acknowledging these individuals at our next Year Level Assembly.

The Year 9 Pastoral Team wishes our Year 9 families a safe and restful Easter break.

Over the last fortnight, we elected our Class Leaders. Congratulations to the following students who will take on a leadership role within their Homerooms:

8 Blue – Siena E and Charlotte G

8 Gold – Elodie B and Lessi G

8 Purple – Sherise B and Ellie B

8 Red – Ella K and Sofia M

8 Silver – Olivia M and Milla R

8 White – Sophie D and Emee L

I look forward to working with these students, along with the SRC and portfolio representatives to make Year 8 a wonderful year for the whole cohort!

Our next Pastoral will be a workshop called ‘Thinking Traps’ run by Toolbox Education and will teach students how to recognise unhelpful thinking styles, where they show up, and the basis for challenging these types of thoughts.

Finally, I would like to praise all students for completing their first term of Year 8! Each of them has had a range of unique challenges and successes that they should all be very proud of. I wish all members of our community a happy and safe Easter period to recharge and return ready for Term 2!

This week has been very exciting in Year 7, with three days spent on camp at Lake Dewar Lodge in Bacchus Marsh. Students were challenged to step outside their comfort zones as we reach the end of our transition period. The camp gave them the opportunity to explore new friendships and test new skills such as cooking their own dinner using a trangia (outdoor stove). The camp consisted of one night sleeping in a cabin and one night in a tent, which was a very new experience for many students. The Year 7s should be proud of the resilience they showed, as well as the support they were able to offer to friends and new acquaintances alike.

I enjoyed camp as I got to meet new people and have fun with my friends. The food was also pretty good and the first night in a cabin was fun as the movie was really enjoyable. The activities were fun, especially the flying fox. At first, I was very nervous but then once I did it I wanted to do it over and over again! The last activity, the amazing race, was cool as we won overall and the water sports were easier than I expected as I quickly learned how to paddle with the oars. On the second night, the night walk was nice because when we got back we had roasted marshmallows which were delicious! Arielle A (7 Purple)

I absolutely loved camp this year because I made so many new friends and I met a lot of new people. I also tried so many new things, such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding! As well as that, sleeping in a tent was so much more fun and enjoyable than I could have ever imagined because we cooked our own nachos and had ice cream. My favourite activity was the flying fox, because it was so much fun going over the gorge! I would definitely go again! Suzie Y (7 Purple)

As we approach the end of Term 1, our language students have made impressive progress in their language studies, with significant improvements in both comprehension and communication skills. In particular, our VCE students have demonstrated remarkable growth in their speaking abilities as they prepared for their first oral outcome. This progress is a testament to their hard work and dedication, laying a solid foundation for future assessments. Overall, Term 1 has been a productive and rewarding period, with students advancing in their language learning journey, and we are excited to witness their continued growth and achievements throughout the year.

On Wednesday 26 March, Year 10, 11, and 12 students attended the French Film Festival to watch The Most Precious of Cargoes. Based on a novel by Jean-Claude Grumberg, the film tells the touching story of a family journeying through France in search of safety. The characters’ emotional journey highlighted to our students themes of resilience, survival, and human connection. Beyond its emotional content, the film also allowed students to enhance their French language skills, improving their listening comprehension and vocabulary through authentic dialogue.

We thank Ms Cusmano, Mr Wilkes and Ms Raspa for accompanying our students on this very valuable and enjoyable experience.

Student Reflection

On Wednesday 26 March all French students from Years 10-12 went on an excursion to watch a French film in commemoration of the French Film Festival. La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises was an outstanding movie that captured horrific times for individuals during World War 2. The cartoon film enriches the emotion and delves into the emotional difference of each human experience. The performances are incredibly raw, with the display of each character's internal battle during the war. The film blends the beauty of French cinema with the harsh realities of life, offering not only amazing visuals but a deeply felt emotional journey. It speaks to the value of human connection, the consequences of exploitation, and the lengths we go to survive in a world that often seems indifferent to our own suffering. For me, La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises was more than just a film, it was an experience. The experience to understand the challenges faced through a range of different individuals and the significance of World War 2. Elana V (11 Blue)

Term 1 Music Soiree

Congratulations to all the soloists and small groups that performed on Monday evening at the Term 1 Music Soiree. There were many outstanding moments from all the performers, and it was terrific to have support from a very appreciative audience.

Open Day

Music filled the air as Our Lady of Sion College opened the doors to many visitors at the annual Open Day last week. Our ensembles and soloists performed all day in the Miriam Theatre and the new Music classroom which is part of the Ratisbonne Discovery Centre (RDC). A special thanks must be extended to the Music Staff and Music Representatives who supported the girls throughout the day.

Year 7 Ensemble Open Rehearsals

Year 7 Parents and Carers are warmly invited to attend open rehearsals of their daughter’s respective ensemble. The open rehearsal specific dates and times are below.

It has been a busy fortnight for the Social Justice program at our Lady of Sion College.

Open Day

During Open Day, the Social Justice team highlighted the various initiatives and opportunities available to students throughout the year. Our FIRE Carriers and Social Justice leaders did a fantastic job engaging with parents and carers, answering questions, and sharing their important work. Prospective families also had the chance to purchase tickets for our Easter raffle.

Handover HeARTwork Project

This year, we have introduced a new initiative to our Social Justice program. The Year 8s will be provided the opportunity to participate in the Handover HeARTwork Project, which connects schools with hospitals and palliative care units. Our first workshop was held last week and below is a reflection from one of the participants.

Last week, 20 Year 8 students participated in the Handover HeARTwork Project workshop. In this workshop we decorated brown paper bags to give to families whose loved ones have passed away. These bags replace the traditional blue plastic “Patient Clothing” bags. We wrote messages on the bags to show our compassion and then decorated the bags with flowers, hearts, etc. We did this to show our compassion and comfort for the families who have lost a loved one and to provide dignity to the individuals who have passed. I found this experience to be extremely inspiring and it showed me that one small thing can make a world of difference in some of life’s most challenging moments. Lila-Grace E (8 Red)

Days for Girls

Over the years, the Year 9 cohort has supported Days for Girls, a global movement dedicated to empowering women and girls by improving access to menstrual care solutions and health education. Through workshops and fundraising, students have contributed to this important cause. Days for Girls assemble kits which include washable and reusable sanitary products, help ensure that girls who cannot afford menstrual products do not have to miss school or work due to a lack of access to essential period care.

This week, the Year 9s participated in their first workshop of the year, assisting in assembling items for the kits. Their tasks included tracing patterns and cutting fabric, playing a hands-on role in making a difference. A second workshop is scheduled for next term, providing another opportunity for students to contribute to this meaningful initiative.

Project Compassion

We have continued our support of Project Compassion by:

Easter Raffle

Our Social Justice representatives and their friends dedicated a busy lunchtime to assembling and wrapping 15 generous hampers, which will be raffled in support of Project Compassion. A heartfelt thank you to all the families who generously donated goodies for the hampers. Students can purchase raffle tickets every lunchtime in the Piazza, with the draw taking place on Wednesday 2 April.

Online Donations

Donations can still be made to Project Compassion via our online platform. Currently, Lourdes is in the lead with $895, followed by Loreto with $521, Fatima with $512 and lastly Carmel with $239.

To donate, please visit this link.

The House which raises the most money will be awarded 200 points towards the House Cup.

FIRE Carrier – Dates of National Significance

The following are some of the significant anniversaries for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for reconciliation.

Anniversary of the Gunditjmara Native Title Recognition

On 30 March 2007 the Gunditjmara people in the southwest of Victoria were granted native title recognition for approximately 140,000 hectares of land, rivers, reserves, national parks, creeks, and sea. This grant marks a significant victory for their heritage and identity and the end of a long struggle for recognition and land justice.

Anniversary of the Bringing them Home Report

The anniversary of the "Bringing Them Home" report, which was released on 5 April 1997 follows the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families. This report is a tribute to the strength and struggles of many thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by forcible removal. We acknowledge the hardships they endured and the sacrifices they made and remember and lament all the children who never returned home. Estella F (12 Purple), FIRE Carrier Captain.

Open Day

Open Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate and show the community what services we provide in the Learning Resource Centre. There was a lot of interest in our display for the new library space, which will be located in the former science block.

Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge

The largest reading challenge that we conduct at Sion is the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge. We encourage students from Year 7-10 to read a wide range of books appropriate for their age bracket and take time to regularly read until the end of Term 3, which is when the Challenge ends. The Challenge is accessible to every Year 7-10 student and requires them to read a total of 15 books over the course of 6-9 months.

Sion LRC Newsletter

A new edition of our Library Newsletter is ready to read here with suggestions for good books to read and events to get involved in at your local libraries. We welcome feedback on what our community would like to see in this newsletter. Take a look and then forward suggestions using the following google form here.

GSV Swim and Dive Championship Recap - Tuesday 18 March

Our squad's goal for the Championship Carnival was to improve on our individual times from the GSV Preliminary carnival. We had a total of 34 students swim a PB or be within half a second of their times which we were super proud of! We have seen so much improvement in the pool this year and we are in a great position to translate our improvement into strong results if we maintain this consistency into next season.

Swimming Division 3
Juniors: 4^th
Intermediates: 6^th
Seniors: 5^th
Overall: 6^th

A special mention to Hannah G (12 White) for qualifying for the Finals Evening on Tuesday 1 April. Her time was in the top eight students across the 23 GSV schools which is a fantastic achievement. Our senior students have been exceptional this term with training attendance, encouragement and being a role model for younger age groups. The Senior relay was a great way to cap off their final swim for Sion finishing second with amazing personal times.

Our divers individually performed well across age groups and divisions. Again our Senior divers led the way with podium finishes for Ella R (11 White), Olivia M (11 Gold) and Olivia O (11 Purple) and taking out the Senior Division 2 age group for the first time in our College history! Both Ella and Olivia will represent the College at the finals evening on Tuesday, we can not wait to see how they go!

Diving Division 2
Juniors: 8^th
Intermediates: 7^th
Seniors: 1^st
Overall: 7^th

Individual Sport Captains

I am pleased to announce our Individual Sport Captains for Term 2! Our captains will be supporting Junior and Intermediate teams this year at trials, trainings and matches.

The GSV Cross-Country squad had their first training session on Wednesday with 60 students participating. The majority of our training will incorporate high-speed efforts to improve on results from last year. If you are interested in joining our GSV Cross Country squad please contact the Sport Office.

Weekly Sports (AFL, Netball and Hockey) have started well with great attendance at the trials. All details for trial dates can be found on Year Level Classrooms.

House Cross Country (Tuesday 6 May) and House Athletics (Wednesday 14 May)

Sign Ups for House Carnivals are now open! Please ensure you sign up for the House Cross Country and select your preferences for the upcoming House Athletics in Term 2.

House Cross Country (Tuesday 6 May) will be at Springfield Reserve, students will walk down at lunchtime and complete the 1.5 km circuit twice (3 km total) in period 5.

House Athletics (Wednesday 14 May) is again at Tom Kelly Athletics Track, Doncaster East. This is a highlight for the school community each year. We encourage everyone to get involved and score some points for your House. May the best House win!

AFL News - Coates Talent League Representatives

Congratulations to Chloe T (12 Silver) who will be captaining the Oakleigh Chargers in the 2025 AFL Coates Talent League Girls. Chloe will be playing alongside fellow Sionian Teagan M (12 White). We also have two Year 11s playing for the Eastern Ranges – Maeve G (11 Red) and Zoe O (11 Red). We wish our students all the best this season!

Students and families can find the fortnightly Careers newsletter here.

In this issue of the Newsletter there is information relating to:

• Upcoming Events: University of Melbourne – April school holiday opportunities, University of Melbourne residential open day, University of Melbourne – Focus on Melbourne Information sessions, LCI Visual Art and Design workshop, Simpsons Barracks Open day

• Careers Industry in the Spotlight – The Science Industry

• Things to consider: AgCAREERSTART Gap Program

• Researching options: RMIT Bachelor of Engineering, Monash University Professional Practice in Engineering.

Sometimes it can be difficult to check in and have open conversations with adolescents, especially about how they’re going at school. It is important to have positive and open communication about the things going on in their life, especially if at times they are not going so well. Sometimes we need to ask more than “so how was school today?”. Below you will find some suggestions on how to start the conversation a little bit differently, and try to find out a bit more about how your adolescent is going at school:

• Ask them to share their best and worst of their day, and don’t forget to share yours
• “Tell me something that made you laugh today”
• Ask them how they helped someone today, and how someone helped them
• You can ask specific questions about their friends, and follow up with conversations that you have previously had
• “What are you feeling most worried about at/with school at the moment?”
• Ask them what their school would be better with, and what would it be better without
• You could ask them to tell you about one or two questions they might have had during class today, especially if they were not answered
• “If your day at school was an emoji, what would it be?”
• Explore with them what they’re learning about in their favourite subject
• Encourage them to express any difficulties they’re having, or if there is anything that you can help them with.

It’s important that this is a two-way conversation so it doesn’t feel like an interrogation about their day. Make sure you share things about your day, and perhaps answer some of the questions above as well.

The holidays provide a perfect opportunity to chat with your child about how they’re going at school. If any issues arise or you would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Counselling team here.

The CSEF (Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund) is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid directly to the school to use only towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is:

$256 for secondary school students

You will only need to submit an application form in 2025 if any of the following changes have occurred:

• new student enrolments: your child has started or changed schools or you did not apply at the same school in a previous year
• changed family circumstances: such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2025.

If a form was not lodged at the College in 2024, parents or legal guardians are required to complete a CSEF application form and lodge it with the College for processing.

Application forms should be completed and lodged with the College as soon as possible.

CSEF payments are for the current application year and cannot be claimed retrospectively for prior years.

Please click here for more information and to download the 2025 application form.

If you have any questions, please contact College Accounts here.