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

Official Opening of New Centres at Our Lady of Sion College

A highlight of the last fortnight was the official blessing and opening of our new Ratisbonne Discovery Centre, Colmar Centre, and Ein Karem Centre. This event brought together students, staff, families, and special guests to celebrate this significant moment in the history of our school.

Guests included the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, Very Rev Fr Mark Reynolds, College Board members, neighbouring school principals, and project partners - William Ross Architects, Devco Construction, Landbuild, Turner and Townsend, Catholic Development Fund and the many consultants who worked with the team.

I hope each new centre speaks to our unwavering commitment to student learning and personal growth. As mentioned at the beginning of this year, the Ratisbonne Discovery Centre draws inspiration from Fr Theodore Ratisbonne whose faith and self-discovery mirrors the aspirations we hold for our students—to explore their gifts, develop critical and creative thinking skills, and discover their purpose in life.

The Colmar Centre commemorates Joseph-Louis Colmar whose legacy of compassion and unity, will I hope, continue to inspire students using this space to adopt the same love of learning, hope, and an authentic concern for others that he demonstrated.

The Ein Karem Centre, which now supports our Counselling and Learning Diversity teams will offer students a tranquil space for reflection and wellbeing.

It has been heartening to see our students respond so positively to these new spaces, embracing both their beauty and functionality. Ultimately, this stage of our Masterplan is the culmination of a shared vision and commitment to future generations. I sincerely thank all who contributed to its realisation and all who joined in our celebration last week.

A message for our community

Last week, families and staff received a letter from the Our Lady of Sion Congregation Leader, Sr Pat Fox nds and Mr Chris Gebbie, Chair of the College Board informing the community of my retirement at the end of this year.

While it has not been an easy decision, after 44 years in education, it is time for me to step down from the leadership of our wonderful school and support the College to welcome fresh perspectives that will guide our school community into a future full of promise and continued growth.

Between now and the end of the year, I intend to fulfil my responsibilities in the same way as I have done for the last ten years. My commitment to our students, their families, staff and the programs that we have launched will remain my focus.

There will be time later in the year for me to say more, but for now, I thank you for your support over the last ten years and look forward to what the last few months may hold for us all.

Dialogue with the Principal

Since joining the College, one of my favourite traditions has been to invite the College Captains to engage in a dialogue with the Principal at our Term 2 Assembly. Over the years, each session has touched on topical issues which have been thought provoking and enriching.

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of speaking with this year’s Captains, Sara K (12 Red) and Zoe F (12 Red) about their goal for the year of strengthening the sense of sisterhood that exists within the College and how we can empower each other to become stronger and more confident within ourselves.

We touched on the importance of many things which contribute to this goal such as building each other up, avoiding gossip or people who bring us down, listening to and encouraging student voice, not being afraid to take risks and putting ourselves out there. This year, we also introduced a new experience to our dialogue by inviting all students in the assembly to share their thoughts with each other.

Thank you to Sara and Zoe for their openness to engage in the dialogue and to all students for also responding so positively to what I hope was an engaging experience for them.

Student Reflection

At the Term 2 Assembly for 2025, we had the opportunity to discuss matters related to female empowerment and the importance of ‘sisterhood’ with our College Principal, Mrs Apostolopoulos. Fostering an environment of belonging and sisterhood has been a consistent goal of ours that we hope to leave behind at the conclusion of our tenure as College Captains. We discussed the significance of cultivating a sense of community and uplifting one another. This candid conversation enabled us to unpack our aspiration through drawing on the experiences of students and the opportunities we are provided as students at Our Lady of Sion College. We posed the question of why it can often feel daunting to take a risk– especially as women– and explored how this invisible barrier can hold us back, even when the reality is that the sky's the limit. After the assembly, we both received extremely positive feedback from teachers and students in regard to what was discussed within the conversation. It was enlightening to hear that the Sion community felt the impact of what was said, and it was rewarding to know that our words evoked a desire to continue to make positive changes in the school community. Sara K (12 Red) and Zoe F (12 Red)

With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

As the year progresses, the students are embracing our College theme for 2025 Live a life worthy of the calling you have received, where they are being encouraged to consider who they are, their relationships with others and how they can make a difference through embracing opportunities.

Recently, student representatives wrote reflections about ways in which their year levels have been called to live out our theme. These reflections have been added to our theme symbol. Below are extracts from each one.

Year 7

Our year level lived out the College theme by finding ways to join in the community and help others. We have been called to show kindness in the way we speak to each other and the small actions we can do to help others. This helps us to build a supportive environment where everyone feels supported and happy. Hannah L (7 Orange) and Athena V S (7 Orange)

Year 8

So far this year, I think almost my entire class and maybe even our year level has lived out the College theme pretty well. Many people have participated in school activities, such as sporting events, the school musical, the bake sale, and many more. We all use our time to celebrate what we can. Jasmine B (8 White)

Visiting the Jewish Museum in St Kilda, we learnt about the Jewish faith, so we can learn from them, so we are respectful towards all people of different faiths and cultures. Adriana J (8 Blue)

The College theme is lived out by my class (8 Silver) by helping one another when one of us needs help with something, and always celebrating each other's achievements. Anna M (8 Silver)

I have tried my best in my schoolwork and I have helped every opportunity I get. Zoe S (8 Gold)

Year 9

At City Experience we were called to show kindness, courage and leadership to others. We support people in need by donating time to Days for Girls. Abby T (9 White), Olivia C (9 White), Ruby W (9 Silver), Sienna P (9 White)

Year 10

The Year 10 cohort has engaged with the College theme Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. At the Duke of Edinburgh camp, we saw resilience and support as students stepped out of their comfort zones and worked together. This term has invited us as a cohort to reflect on our strengths and values. Through acts of kindness, such as checking in on a peer, students show how everyday choices reflect the theme in action. Verona W (10 Gold)

Year 11

We feel that as young adults we have been able to Live a life worthy of the calling we have received, by pursuing our VCE and VCE VM programs that supports us as learners and young people. We have been called to embrace learning and opportunities at Sion, that gives us a sense of appreciation, hope and optimism for our future. Elana V (11 Blue), Cecilia B (11 Red)

Year 12

As Year 12s, we are reminded that to Live a life worthy of the calling we have received, means to journey together with purpose and unity. In times of both stress and anticipation, we have been called to uplift one another and stand strong as a cohort.

The overwhelming support we’ve received from our peers reflects our calling in action, and we look ahead to the coming months alongside each other. Zoe F (12 Red), Sara K (12 Red)

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.

It is hard to believe that we are already half way through the term, but also worth remembering that we only have four weeks until we change to Semester 2 on Monday 23 June! This will be a busy time for all students as we complete the final learning tasks and prepare for assessment, so please reach out to the Subject teacher, Homeroom teacher or Wellbeing and Growth Leader, should you have any concerns.

Year 10 and 11 Exams

While the ‘E’ word can be scary, it is important that we contextualise our Years 10 and 11 exams into the learning process. Students have already been assessed for their acquisition of the skills and knowledge through the classroom assessment process. If students require more support as we approach exams, the teachers (and students) will know this already. We implement exams at these levels to support the students in assessment familiarity and to prepare them for the VCAA exams at the end of Units 3 and 4. The mark is secondary to the experience at this stage.

Study is different to homework and does require a shift in practices for many students, who potentially work to ensure that classwork is finished and assignments are prepared for, but who may not have the skills yet for long term study. Encourage your student to speak to the Subject teacher for specific strategies to assist them with study skills. Students and families will have the information they need sent directly to them.

Unit 3 and 4 students and the GAT

A VCAA requirement for all of our Units 3 and 4 students, the 2025 GAT preparation is well underway. The students have already completed the trial GAT and will shortly receive feedback that will be unpacked with them. As well as providing Literacy and Numeracy benchmarks, the GAT can influence the students’ final study scores and so it is important the students approach this exam in a way that will benefit them best. Families have been sent separate information about GAT requirements.

NCCD

An annual requirement of the College is to prepare and submit the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disabilities. This is an internal process whereby we examine each student, determine any additional support that we provide, and potentially attract funding for this. Families of students who receive these additional supports are generally aware of this. If you would like to understand this process better, please follow the link to NCCD information to families page.

Helping Girls Build Their Self Worth: A Shared Journey

One of the most powerful things we can nurture in our young people is self-worth. At Our Lady of Sion College, we understand that for girls in particular, confidence isn’t just an asset, it’s a foundation for learning, leadership, and wellbeing.

This message was strongly reinforced at our recent Mentors' Breakfast, where our guest speaker reminded students, that self-doubt is often bigger than the challenge itself. Her encouragement to resource themselves with supportive people and to lift others up was a timely reminder that when we champion those around us, we are more likely to receive encouragement in return.

Psychologist and author Dr Lisa Damour, a leading voice in adolescent development, speaks often about the importance of building girls’ confidence through experience. According to Damour, confidence doesn't come from empty praise, but from trying hard things, taking safe risks, and seeing growth over time. This aligns with what our students are experiencing at Our Lady of Sion College, opportunities to stretch themselves, supported by a community that celebrates effort and resilience as much as success.

At Monday’s Term 2 Assembly, our College Captains spoke with Principal, Mrs Tina Apostolopoulos, about the importance of backing yourself, even when success isn’t guaranteed. They reflected on the value of taking chances and not catastrophising the possibility of something not working out or someone saying ‘no’.

We need to remind young people that the lives we most admire are often built on a series of brave, thoughtful risks; people who have chosen to believe in themselves even when the path ahead was uncertain.

We see this truth reflected in inspiring Australian women like:

Sam Kerr, who has become a global football icon by backing her talent and resilience in a male-dominated arena
Grace Tame, who transformed personal adversity into national advocacy by courageously sharing her story
Dr Marita Cheng, who founded Robogals and promotes women in STEM, reshaping opportunities through innovation and persistence.

None of these journeys were easy, but each one reflects the power of self-belief, community, and courage.

We know that confidence building doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s a shared responsibility between home, school, and the student themselves. When these three parts work together, a young woman is far more likely to feel safe enough to take healthy risks and see herself as capable, even when things don’t go perfectly.

At Sion we aim to provide the perfect environment for trying new things whether it be singing at an Open Mic, applying for leadership, volunteering at Ozanam House, or trying out for GSV. It is a place to take ‘safe risks’ and with every small step forward, our students develop the 'can do' attitude that helps them reach higher next time, not only for their own growth but in service of others.

Let’s continue working together to show our girls what’s possible when they believe in themselves and help them build a strong, grounded sense of worth that will carry them through challenge and triumph.

Emotion Coaching - The Liking Gap: Helping Kids Feel More Confident in Friendships - 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.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, Live a life worthy of the calling you have received, it has been truly heartening to see our Year 12 students embody this message across many areas of school life. Time and again, they have embraced opportunities to contribute and generously support both our school and the wider community.

During the school-based RE program, the Year 12s have reflected on what it means to be a true Daughter of Sion and how to bring positive change to our world. Part of their exploration was to focus on responding to our calling to be compassionate people. As such, all Year 12s supported the Handover HeARTwork Project whose mission is to bring compassion, dignity, and comfort to the delicate moments when individuals pass away in healthcare facilities.

Students were asked to decorate bags that are provided to healthcare facilities to be used in the process of returning a patient’s belongings to their loved ones when they pass away. These personalised bags replace the clinical and impersonal plastic 'Patient Clothing' bags, offering a more compassionate and dignified approach to this sensitive task.

Taking time out of their busy schedule, our Year 12 students generously contributed to this social justice initiative. We extend our gratitude to Ms Miotello for providing the Year 12s with this opportunity.

Careers Expo 2025

Next Tuesday 3 June, the Year 12 students will participate in the Careers Expo at Our Lady of Sion College. This Expo runs from 1.30 - 6.00 pm and will take place in the Upper Notre Dame Building. Year 12 families are invited to attend in the afternoon. All Year 12 students will attend during their scheduled Gadal session in Period 5.

After School Study Sessions

A reminder that the Year 12 after school study sessions continue to run every Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 3.15 - 5.00 pm. This is a great way for students to maintain a regular study routine and to complete a significant amount of work before heading home. It is positive to see students take up this opportunity through regular attendance.

As we approach the halfway point of Year 12, I encourage all Year 12 students to continue their dedicated and positive approach to their studies and I commend them for their commitment to school life.

Earlier this week, the Year 10s took part in our second Pastoral session that focused on how to best approach preparation strategies for the upcoming Semester 1 exams. In this session we discussed:

Setting up a good study space
Looking after yourself (sleep, being physically active and having a well balanced diet)
What study versus homework looks like
How to use ‘flash cards’, ‘brain dumps’ and 'mind maps'.

We also discussed what students could do if they had:

10 Minutes to study:

Review terminology
Write down quotations
Complete a mindmap
Plan an essay.

20 Minutes to study:

Develop character profiles for English
Plan an essay and write an introduction
Attempt extension questions
Write your own series of exam style questions and answer them.

Our second session aimed to promote new strategies that our Year 10 students can try, develop and refine over the coming weeks. In doing so, they will start to develop what works well for them. These skills and habits will then be further developed in Semester 2.

Executive Functioning

In our third part of exploring executive functioning skills, I would like to encourage Year 10 students and families to explore:

Emotional Control:

This will focus on how our young people learn to feel and respond to their emotions. And then just as importantly to use the words to convey these emotions rather than acting out. This is a learned skill and will take time to fully develop. Over the coming weeks our Year 10s will complete their first series of exams. Without doubt, this will bring up BIG emotions. This will give our Year 10s the opportunity to problem solve and try both learned and new strategies that will support them regulating their emotions. Over the coming weeks, I encourage all community members to be patient and supportive of our Year 10s as they navigate a new and emotional experience.

Self Monitoring:

Looks at our ability to reflect, review and plan for change. As I have said above, our upcoming exams will be a time period that will bring much emotion with it. It also brings the opportunity to reflect, review and plan. BUT, our Year 10s will need support with this. Sometimes we might not be able to see clearly what the plan can be, because of what we experience. This is where all community members come into play. We can support our young people by role modelling what self evaluation looks like and feels like. We can also discuss how new experiences can support growth through reflection.

The upcoming exam period will support our cohort to start to develop strategies that will stay with them throughout their life. This exam period is new to them, they have not undertaken this many exams in this time period previously. Skill and habit development is key over the coming weeks. So is reflection, processing emotions, asking questions and finding the words to describe how they feel. I ask that we are all patient with our young people, catch them doing good work and congratulate them on the habits and skills you see them cultivating. And it is ok to discuss with your young person what you remember exams were like for you. What worked well, what did you learn early and late and, knowing what you know now, what would you like your young person to know about exams.

As we head off into the next cycle, explore what is possible, be curious and ask plenty of questions.

We have had a huge fortnight of opportunities within the Year 9 cohort and it has been wonderful to see the students take these up with such enthusiasm.

Middle Leaders Network Meeting

On Thursday 22 May our Class Leaders and SRC attended the first Middle Leaders Network Meeting at Whitefriars College. This opportunity allowed the Year 9 Leaders to make connections with leaders from other Catholic high schools and to consider their personal leadership growth.

Student Reflection

At the Middle Leaders Network Day at Whitefriars, we had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with student leaders from a range of schools across the eastern suburbs. It was a welcoming and engaging environment where we were encouraged to share our experiences and learn from one another.

Throughout the day, we had meaningful conversations about leadership skills, how to plan and organise events, and the importance of building strong connections within our school communities. It was a great opportunity to reflect on our roles as leaders and to gain fresh ideas and inspiration for the future. Ruby W (9 Silver) and Georgie S (9 Silver)

Year 9 Altitude Day

This was followed on by The Year 9 Altitude Day, led by YLead and attended by our STEM, Environment, Liturgy and Debating Representatives.

Student Reflection

From the sessions today, I learnt that everyone can be a leader in their own way. This could mean taking charge and leading a group, but it can also mean cheering on each other from the side. I learnt that it is important to embrace challenges in life, because these are the challenges which strengthen us. I also learnt that it is important to step out of your comfort zone every now and then, and learn to build connections with new people. Kate L, STEM Representative (9 Gold)

Year 12 Students Visit Pastoral

Finally, we welcomed Year 12 students to our Homerooms for a Pastoral session to discuss their study tips, revision strategies and their experiences of senior schooling. This was a great opportunity to learn from our senior learners and to create connections between year levels.

We look forward to seeing the fruits of this learning in weeks to come.

Over the last fortnight, Year 7 came together for a year level assembly. They took time to celebrate the outstanding achievements and growth of our students as they continue to settle into their high school journey. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as we recognised the hard work and dedication of our Year 7 students.

A key highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the badges to the portfolio representatives. These students have shown great leadership potential, and their commitment to upholding the values of our school makes them shining examples for their peers. The process was not an easy one and required a written application as well as an interview with a staff member and Year 12 Captain, with SRC applicants also required to present a speech to the year level. All students who applied for a leadership position are commended for their enthusiasm and support. We also look forward to appointing the class leaders for each Homeroom over the coming weeks.

The assembly also served as an important reminder to all students that leadership isn't defined by a badge. While the Portfolio Representatives' badges symbolise their roles, leadership exists in many forms. It’s seen in how our students support each other, how they show kindness and resilience in the face of challenges, and how they take initiative in and out of the classroom. As we move forward, it’s important for every student to understand that leadership is not just about titles or symbols, but about character and actions.

These skills were on display throughout the Year 7s first Athletics Carnival and it was fantastic to see the encouragement and support that each student offered to their peers, as well as great participation shown in the novelty activities and House cheering. Congratulations to Fatima for winning on the day.

We are excited to see this cohort continue to grow, support one another, and contribute to the positive spirit that defines our school community.

Year 9 Religious Education excursion to the Islamic Museum of Australia

As part of the Year 9 Religious Education curriculum, our students recently had the opportunity to visit the Islamic Museum of Australia. This excursion was designed to support their exploration of the topic Inspirational Women of Faith and to promote a deeper understanding of the value of interfaith dialogue.

During the visit, students engaged with guest speakers who shared their lived experiences as Muslim Australians. These presentations provided valuable insights into Islamic faith, culture, and identity, while also addressing common misconceptions about Islam and the roles of Muslim women.

The day began with an introductory session on Islam, where students explored the core beliefs and practices of the religion. Students were particularly intrigued to discover the shared roots and significant similarities between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—highlighting the importance of mutual respect and understanding among the Abrahamic faiths.

A guided tour of the museum further enriched the experience. Students explored exhibitions highlighting the contributions of Islamic civilisation to science, art, and culture, as well as learning about the unique connections between Muslim migrants and Australian history.

As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Catholic Church’s promulgation of Nostra Aetate, which affirms the Church’s commitment to dialogue with other religious traditions, this excursion served as a timely reminder of the importance of fostering respectful relationships across faiths. The visit inspired reflection and meaningful conversation, allowing students to appreciate the beauty of our shared humanity.

These opportunities would not be possible without the support of our dedicated staff. I would especially like to thank Mrs Tilley, Miss Cross, Miss Hennelly, Miss Stafford, Miss Muller, Mrs Anderson and Miss McGovern for giving their time to attend and support our students.

Student Reflection

The Year 9 students had a wonderful excursion to the Islamic Museum in Thornbury. It was an eye-opening experience listening to a speaker who was Muslim and had faced hardships because of her religion. Some things she talked about were the stereotypes people may have regarding Muslim people and the effects that the events of 9/11 had had on their culture. The museum was interactive and had lots of artefacts which made it enjoyable to learn about the Islamic faith. Thank you to all the teachers who came that helped make this happen. I think we speak for most of the year level that we had a great time. Ashley T and Maddy P (9 Gold)

Maths Challenge

Currently the Maths Challenge is running for Years 7-10 and it is great to see that so many students have signed up and are tackling these extension questions. The focus of these questions is not just on getting the answers right, but the students’ ability to explain their steps of working. There are still a couple more weeks of this competition to run.

PLUS pathway

With the implementation of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, the Year 7 and 8 teams are trialling a new structure to our work plans for each topic, where students can either select the standard pathway or the PLUS pathway, which includes some problem-solving questions or enrichment questions. Many students have selected the PLUS pathway, but we would like to see more students extending themselves. If your child is achieving at least 80% on her maths tests in Year 7 or 8, they should be attempting the PLUS pathway.

Year 8 Maths Enrichment classes

The Year 8 Maths Enrichment classes have been running since the start of the year, and currently we are working on the Maths Challenge problems. These classes run once a cycle where students are withdrawn from their regular Maths class to attend the Enrichment class. It is great to hear the buzz in the room as the students share ideas and collaborate on these problems. In a few weeks, the Year 8 teachers will assess their class lists and invite any Year 8 students who have high grades and have extended themselves throughout the semester to join the Maths Enrichment program.

This week we celebrated Languages Week – a chance to recognise the value of learning languages and the diverse cultures that enrich our community. Language helps us connect, understand others, and explore the world beyond our own experiences.

Our celebrations began last Friday with two exciting events:

Chinese language students visited the Chinese Museum and took part in a guided Tour of Chinatown, learning about Chinese migration, culture, and contributions to Australian society.
Italian language students took part in an engaging incursion on Italian immigration to Australia, exploring the history and legacy of Italian communities and their cultural impact.

These events set the stage for an inspiring week ahead, filled with activities that celebrate language, culture, and the joy of global connection.

Some of our students wish to share their experiences with us:

On Friday 23 May, my Year 11 Chinese class, Year 9 Chinese class and teachers took a walking tour in Chinatown to learn about the history of Chinatown in Melbourne.

The tour lasted about 1.5 hours. We visited many landmarks in Chinatown. Through the guide and our Chinese teacher's introductions, we learned that Melbourne’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in Australia. We also gained a deeper understanding of the history of early Chinese immigrants in Victoria and some of its oldest Chinese heritage buildings.

The guide also showed us photos of old shops and festival celebrations in Melbourne’s Chinatown from the 19th and 20th centuries. It was fascinating to see how the shops have changed over time and to learn about the cheap, old houses where immigrants once lived.

It was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to learn outside the classroom with friends! Charissa V (11 Silver)

On Friday morning, we arrived at the large gate near the Chinese Museum. There we took lots of photos and got ready to start our excursion. The gate was very impressive and big, and we later found out that it was gifted to Melbourne by Tianjin, Melbourne’s sister city.

Soon afterwards, we began our Chinatown tour. Our tour guide took us around and told us about the history of the different buildings, and about the early Chinese migrants. It was interesting to learn about this building which had a mix of both Chinese and European architecture, and I also enjoyed seeing the people making Xiao Long Bao in the morning, which were small soup dumplings.

Overall, the Chinatown trip was very enlightening and was a great way to experience Chinese culture. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to go back there next time. Kate L (9 Gold)

On Friday, the Year 9 and 10 Italian students took part in an engaging incursion focused on Italian immigration to Australia. We were fortunate to welcome Signor Fagiolo to Sion, who shared the moving story of his father’s journey from Italy to Australia. He also introduced us to some traditional Italian dances, making the experience both educational and fun. It was a highly entertaining and insightful session, and I found it fascinating to learn about the history of Italian immigrants through a personal, first-hand account. Shaelle L (10 Purple)

Signor Fagiolo's visit to the school was a great experience for us students to learn more about the history of migrating due to World War 2, and it was very interesting to learn about the lives of the migrants. As well as this, Signor Fagiolo made the experience very fun and interactive, with the quiz questions to the students and inviting us all to learn how to dance. Learning his life story was very inspirational, and it was a fun and educating experience. Lauren B (10 Purple)

It has been another bumper fortnight of music making at Sion, with plenty of opportunities for the students to put themselves in the best light and demonstrate their outstanding musical abilities.

Term 2 Music Soiree – Monday 19 May

Congratulations to the students who performed at the Term 2 Music Soiree last Monday afternoon in the Miriam Theatre. It was a great platform to improve their technique, tone production and performance skills.

Year 7 Ensembles Open Rehearsals

It was great to see so many attend the Year 7 music ensembles open rehearsals. Parents/carers got a first-hand ‘behind the scenes’ look at how an ensemble practice session runs! Some of the parents even joined in!

Blessings and Opening of the New Buildings

CVE and the Senior Strings were fortunate for the opportunity to play an important role in this significant event last week.

Sion First Year 6 Music Program – Debut Concert

The 37 students involved in the Year 6 ‘Sion First’ Music program had their premiere performance last week. In front of a very enthusiastic audience, the String Ensemble, Concert Band and small groups performed pieces to show how far they have come in such a short space of time.

Prospective Students Information Evening – Intermediate Strings

Many thanks and congratulations to members of the Intermediate Strings, under the direction of Mrs Jackie Tinsley and Mrs Lynette Stancombe who performed so wonderfully at the Prospective Families Information Evening on Tuesday.

Term 2 Full School Assembly

The Senior Jazz Ensemble, CVE and members of the cast of the upcoming 2025 production of Mamma Mia all performed at this important whole-school assembly

2025 Ensembles Concert Thursday 3 July 2025 - TryBooking Opens Friday 6 June

We are very excited to present the annual Music Department Ensembles Concert this year as part of Music Week. All Our Lady of Sion College ensembles, large and small, will be performing. It will run in two ‘acts’ according to the schedule below. TryBooking links will open on Friday 6 June at 9.00 am with booking details to be sent via an EdSmart Broadcast.

Act 1: 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm

Year 7 Junior Concert Band 1 (Monday morning group)
Jazz Club
Year 7 Junior Strings
College Choir
Intermediate Strings
Flute Ensemble
Senior Concert Band
Combined Strings
Symphony Orchestra and Combined Choir

Act 2: 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm

Year 7 Junior Concert Band 2 (Tuesday afternoon group)
Rock Band
Year 7 Junior Choir
Senior Strings
VCE Music Class
Intermediate Concert Band
College Vocal Ensemble
Senior Jazz Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra and Combined Choir

GSV Cross Country Preliminary and Champs

We are super proud of our GSV Cross Country Squad that ran at Yarra Bend Park on Tuesday 20 May. It truly was a team performance with 56 of our 80 students either recording a PB or finishing within 5 seconds of their PB! The consistency in numbers and effort at trainings has been exceptional, resulting in qualification for Division 2 at the Cross Country Championships on Friday 30 May at Cruden Farm. Below are some highlights from the Preliminary Event:

Preliminary B Overall Result: 4^th Place

Aggregate Results:
Juniors 2^nd
Intermediates 5^th
Seniors 4^th

Top 10 Finishers:
1^st Place Juniors – Emma R (8 Silver)
10^th Place Juniors – Molly D (7 Silver)
3^rd Place Intermediates – Sophie F (10 Red)
1^st Place Seniors – Erin M (11 White)
10^th Place Seniors – Hannah G (12 White)

We are so proud of these results. It is the highest ranking our College has achieved for a GSV Preliminary Carnival with an overall ranking 10^th out of 23 schools. Results from Championships will be shared on social media and in the next edition of the Newsletter, we can’t wait to share our results with the community!

Our final GSV Carnival sport for 2025 is Track and Field. Signups have been sent to students. A lunchtime meeting will be held Wednesday 4 June for students interested in morning trainings (Monday and Wednesday at Box Hill Athletics Track) and meets starting soon!

Aerobics State Championships – Saturday 31 May

This weekend, three of our talented Sion aerobics teams — Vortex, Supernatural, and Spellbound — will be competing in the State Championships at Rowville Secondary College!

Our squads are aiming to qualify for the National Championships in August, to be held in Tasmania.

Let's wish them the best of luck as they take to the stage and showcase their hard work, dedication, and team spirit. Go Sion!

GSV Rep Students

The students listed below have been nominated to trial for the Girls’ Sport Victoria (GSV) teams in Netball, Hockey, and Soccer. It’s an exciting time as our students put their skills to the test. The first trial was on Tuesday 27 May with the second on Tuesday 3 June. Successful students will be selected to represent GSV against Associated Grammar Schools Victoria (AGSV) on Wednesday 30 July at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS).

Hockey: Ava H (10 Red) and Ava V (12 Gold)
Netball: Lara W (10 Silver), Olivia M (11 Gold), Ava M (11 Gold), Coco L (11 Silver) and Chloe M (12 Blue)
Soccer: Katie D (11 Purple), Alexis L (11 Purple) and Natalie A (12 Purple)

Wishing all our students the best of luck as they represent our school with pride at the trials! Below are some photos of Ava M (11 Gold) and Olivia M (11 Gold) in their debut for the GSV Rep team last year.

Catholic Girls Sports Association of Victoria AFL

Trials for our Catholic Girls Sports Association of Victoria (CGSAV) squad have been taking place at Box Hill City Oval on Tuesday afternoons, with strong performances and great energy all around.

We're excited to announce our final squad for the upcoming CGSAV Tournament on Tuesday 10 June which is our pathway to the Herald Sun Shield.

Our GSV Senior and Junior teams have been very competitive this season. After coming so close last year to winning the Herald Sun Shield in Seniors, we're more determined than ever to go one better in 2025. Stay tuned for updates from the Sport office.

Victorian Gymnastics Championships

On 16 May, Gabriela T (10 White) competed in the 2025 Senior Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships, organised by Gymnastics Victoria. It was a high-level event, with two Olympians also participating.

Gabriela won Bronze medals in both Vault and Floor, placed 5th on the Uneven Bars, and was awarded the 'All Round' Bronze in the Junior International Level category. This achievement is the result of years of hard work, countless hours of training, and her determination to push through various injuries.

We’re also thrilled to share that Gabriela has qualified to represent Victoria at the 2025 National Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships, to be held on the Gold Coast this July.

House Theatre Sports was on last week and teams competed for the glory and honour of being crowned the most dramatic team! We love these lunchtime opportunities that are always filled with fun and frivolity. Carmel was the strongest House across both our Junior and Intermediate/Senior teams winning the competition. Well done!

Last week the VCE Performance Evening featured Year 12 Ensemble performance work themed around a prescribed structure exploring the opportunities, challenges and possible solutions in a future focused on Artificial Intelligence. Both ensemble groups performed with poise and confidence! Year 11 students dazzled audience members with their strong energy and creative interpretations of solo structures. The evening was full to the brim with talented performers showcasing their passion for performance. Congratulations to all VCE Drama performers, you wowed and entertained us!

Also last week the Year 10 Drama students were treated to an excursion to Her Majesty’s Theatre to see Hadestown the musical. This was a creative interpretation of a Greek Mythological story of Eurydice and Orpheus. Students were inspired by the creative directorial choices and impactful use of production areas. It is a joy to take our students to the theatre and this performance really did invite the audience into a unique blend of music and storytelling and proved to be a most memorable experience.

Our 2025 school musical Mamma Mia feels like it’s not too far away now! Performances will be held 7, 8 and 9 August in our very own Miriam Theatre. Bring all of your friends and family, this is set to be a brilliant show. Please see a picture of our three Dynamos who performed at our Term 2 Assembly this week and a rehearsal pic from our first Sunday rehearsal. Ticket sales will be open soon so watch this space for the school bulletin and the next Newsletter for more information about how you can get your tickets!

Visual Arts Open Studios

A new event was put on the calendar this year, The Visual Arts Open Studios. Our Visual Arts Team was pleased to open our new Arts Precinct spaces to our community! VCE students demonstrated our spaces in action and gave insight into what each of our offerings in the Visual Arts entail. We had many parents/carers, community members and students pop into the precinct. Some students were curious about electives for Years 9 and 10 and others who were intrigued about the four VCE subjects, Media, Visual Communication and Design, Creative Practice and Making and Exhibiting. We were also delighted that students working in the VCE classes were excited to show their work to proud parents. This event was the first of its kind at Sion and allowed community members to come and see the brilliant work of our students and teachers. Thanks to our knowledgeable and inspirational Vis Arts Team for opening their doors to the community to view the extraordinary work that students produce!

Missed the event? Not to worry! Within the Arts Precinct we have a beautiful gallery space for student work to be exhibited. The Visual Arts Team has curated a display especially for students to figure out what Visual Arts subjects will work for them. Please pop up to level 2 in the Ratisbonne Discovery Centre, learn about different career pathways in the arts, read student quotes about the subjects and view the brilliant work samples of our students.

Behind the Shelves: How we curate the Sion LRC Collection

At this time of the school year, we are starting to see students covet their favourite books. There is the book that is passed amongst friendship groups; well worn with dog ears. Or the favourite book which has tabs and post-its throughout it; colour coded to show favourite sections of the story.

At Sion we try to keep our library collection up to date and relevant. We always have new or refreshed books waiting to go out on the shelves and we are constantly asking ourselves how we can build the collection to meet the needs of our community.

Books that are damaged or that havent been read in a few years are evaluated and sometimes moved on to our street library (currently located in the Colmar Centre), where students can use them for reading or even craft.

Towards the end of Term 2 we will ask students to complete our yearly survey which will guide how our collection will grow and how our practice will improve. As a result of the 2024 survey, we introduced a new genre called 'Adventure' and a sub-genre called 'Horror'. The upside has shown increased engagement in the collection, both physical and also electronic.

How do we go about growing our collection?

There are a number of tools that we use to keep our collection fresh and interesting:

Bookshop newsletters: keep us informed as to what has just been released in the Young Adult section of the bookshops
Standing order boxes: books that have been read by Teacher Librarians and often come complete with a detailed review
Industry journals: Magpies or SLAV: FYI magazine.
Social Media Connections: there are a lot of school librarians on Instagram that will often review or recommend books
Book requests: students will request a book or make us aware of a new book that is about to hit the shelves.

We encourage student requests, and once a book is requested we:

Check the title of the book against the recommended age range
Check the website Common Sense Media for feedback from parents/carers and students
Send a request to our professional networks 'has anyone read this one yet?'.

We are mindful that sometimes the books that are marked down at Kmart, Target or Big W do not come with content warnings and can often be 18+, so we always check titles that we don’t know even if the author is well known.

Donated Books

If books are donated to the College we go through the same selection process. If the book is deemed 'too adult' for our cohort, we will offer it to staff to read, or it will be recycled.

Unfortunately, donated school textbooks are often out of date and we will recycle them.

Damaged Books

If a student returns a damaged book, we will speak to the student and then ask them to replace the damaged book. We have had everything from leaky drink bottles to pet accidents! We encourage students to use plastic pockets for their school books to ensure they are returned in good condition. If an accident does occur, please let one of our friendly librarians know.

We have truly settled into Term 2 where we welcomed our two Year 7 Social Justice representative to the team. Congratulations to Ellie H (7 Blue) and Sierra P (7 Gold), we are so excited to have you both on board as our new Year 7 representatives. Your passion, fresh ideas, and commitment to making a difference will be a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to working with you as we continue to educate and show compassion within our community and beyond.

Ozanam House

This month I accompanied Ananya D S (11 Silver) and Diya P (11 Gold) to Ozanam House. The following is a reflection of their experiences:

This month, we were provided with the opportunity to visit Ozanam House where we volunteered and helped serve meals to others who aren't as fortunate as we are. The experience opened our eyes to the different challenges people face. It showed us how important it is to spend time helping those who have completely different lives and experiences to us. We enjoyed helping with the meal service and conversing with the residents and other volunteers. It was a great reminder to always be grateful for what we have and how our small acts of kindness can make a big difference to others. Volunteering has also helped me build valuable social skills and left me feeling a lot more inspired and pleased to have had the chance to give back to the community. Overall, it was a great experience for us and I strongly encourage others to take part in opportunities like this. Ananya D S (11 Silver) and Diya P (11 Gold)

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week ran from May 19 – 25 this year and celebrated the power of volunteering to bring people together with the theme ‘Connecting Communities’. Our Lady of Sion College was acknowledged for our contribution to Ozanam House over the past 16 years with a Volunteer Profile that will be displayed at reception.

Handover HeARTwork Project

Our Year 8 students enthusiastically participated in the second Handover HeARTwork Project workshop for the year contributing their creativity and compassion to create personalised bags that will be provided to healthcare facilities to be used in the process of returning a patient’s belongings to their loved ones when they pass away. Their efforts reflected our shared commitment to social justice and building a more compassionate community.

National Sorry Day

At our Term 2 assembly, we commemorated National Sorry Day with a respectful and heartfelt acknowledgment of the ongoing impact of the Stolen Generations. As a community, we paused to reflect on the pain and resilience of First Nations peoples and recognised the importance of truth-telling and reconciliation. To show our solidarity and support, both students and staff wore ribbons in indigenous colours honouring the strength of those affected and our shared commitment to healing and justice.

Our Year 11 Social Justice representatives attended the Whitehorse Sorry Day Flag Raising ceremony.

Student Reflection

On Monday 26 May, in honour of National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week, Anria A (11 Purple) and I had the privilege of attending the Whitehorse Sorry Day Flag Raising ceremony. Whilst we were there, we got to listen to a traditional welcome to country in Woiwurrung, the native language, as well as some touching stories about culture and experience, before viewing some Aboriginal artwork. We were particularly interested by a piece of art called “The Tree of Knowledge” as it used vibrant blue colours, as opposed to the earthy browns that are typically used. Overall, it was an incredible experience in which we were able to foster a deeper understanding and compassion towards Sorry Day and its importance. Zara T (11 Purple)

FIRE Carrier – Dates of National Significance

Estella F (12 Purple), our FIRE Carrier Captain continues her exploration of significant dates of national significance for First Nation peoples.

National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for us as a society to acknowledge historical wrongs committed against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through forced removal and to recognise the intergenerational trauma and ongoing impact these policies have had. On May 26th each year, we commemorate the Stolen Generation. From 1910 to the 1970s, race-based policies of both state and federal governments saw thousands of First Nations Peoples children forcibly removed from their families and communities. National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for people to come together and share the journey towards healing for the Stolen Generation, their families and communities.

1967 Referendum – May 26

The 1967 Referendum was a landmark achievement following decades of activism by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people, where more than 90 percent of Australians voted in favour of amending two sections of the Australian Constitution; to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the national census of the population and to give the Australian Government the power to make uniform, specific laws about Indigenous people (rather than individual states making their own laws). Legislation reflecting the referendum was enacted on 10 August 1967. The 1967 referendum has iconic status in Australian history. It was the first time the nation came together to show overwhelming support for Indigenous people, and the first time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were able to mobilise the non-Indigenous population to make the referendum successful.

Torres Strait Islander Flag Day – May 29

Torres Strait Islander Flag Day, observed on May 29, is a significant occasion that celebrates the official recognition of the Torres Strait Islander Flag in 1992. Designed by the late Bernard Namok, the flag is a powerful symbol of Torres Strait Islander identity, culture, and unity. The day highlights the importance of cultural pride, respect, and acknowledgment of the unique heritage and ongoing contributions of Torres Strait Islander peoples within Australia. It serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusion, recognition, and reconciliation in building a more just and respectful society.

In our next newsletter, Estella F (12 Purple) will continue the exploration of dates of national significance in particular a reflection on our celebration of National Reconciliation Week 2025.

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

Important Dates

What's On

From the Principal

Principal's Message

Official Opening of New Centres at Our Lady of Sion College

A message for our community

Dialogue with the Principal

From the Deputy Principals

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott

Year 10 and 11 Exams

Unit 3 and 4 students and the GAT

NCCD

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Christine Kralj

Helping Girls Build Their Self Worth: A Shared Journey

Emotion Coaching - The Liking Gap: Helping Kids Feel More Confident in Friendships - An Article by Justin Coulson

Year Level News

Year 12 – Kathryn Steward, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Careers Expo 2025

After School Study Sessions

Year 10 – Adam Rieusset, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Executive Functioning

Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Middle Leaders Network Meeting

Year 9 Altitude Day

Year 12 Students Visit Pastoral

Year 8 – Chris Wilkes, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 7 – Jade Goss, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Learning Area News

Religious Education – Amy Garnham, Learning Leader

Year 9 Religious Education excursion to the Islamic Museum of Australia

Mathematics – Libby Kempton, Mathematics Learning Leader

Maths Challenge

PLUS pathway

Year 8 Maths Enrichment classes

Languages – Gail Amato, Learning Leader

Co-curricular News

Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music

Term 2 Music Soiree – Monday 19 May

Year 7 Ensembles Open Rehearsals

Blessings and Opening of the New Buildings

Sion First Year 6 Music Program – Debut Concert

Prospective Students Information Evening – Intermediate Strings

Term 2 Full School Assembly

2025 Ensembles Concert Thursday 3 July 2025 - TryBooking Opens Friday 6 June

Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport

GSV Cross Country Preliminary and Champs

Aerobics State Championships – Saturday 31 May

GSV Rep Students

Catholic Girls Sports Association of Victoria AFL

Victorian Gymnastics Championships

Drama – Alex Bleazby, Arts Learning Area Leader

Visual Arts Open Studios

Learning Resource Centre – Margaret Lawson, Head of Library and Information Services

Behind the Shelves: How we curate the Sion LRC Collection

Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator

Ozanam House

National Volunteer Week

Handover HeARTwork Project

National Sorry Day

FIRE Carrier – Dates of National Significance

House and Student Leadership Coordinator – Kate Apostolopoulos

Careers and Pathways – Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator

Parent News

Dr Justin Coulson Parent Webinar - Better Ways to Build Boundaries with your Kids

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) Application Form

Important Dates

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principals

Year Level News

Learning Area News

Co-curricular News

Parent News