Tuning into Teens (Orientation at Sion), 6.30 - 8.00 pm
Wednesday 30 July
Principal's Assembly
Thursday 31 July
Carmel Feast Day
Talk and Tour
Ballroom Dancing classes 4.00 - 5.00 pm
From the Principal
Principal's Message
Term 2 Reflection
Term 2 has been a vibrant and rewarding time for our College community. We've provided a wide range of opportunities to support student growth and development—academically, socially, and emotionally, and it has been a genuine pleasure to witness students engaging with each other and their teachers, embracing new challenges, and celebrating their shared experiences.
In today’s educational landscape, we recognise that authentic learning must be holistic; academic progress is enriched when we also nurture students’ personal and social-emotional wellbeing. Without this balance, education risks becoming a disconnected pursuit.
That is why, at Our Lady of Sion College we place a strong emphasis on truly knowing and understanding our students. This personalised approach enables us to better support their diverse learning needs and aspirations.
Looking back over Term 2, it's remarkable to consider the breadth of activities that took place. Alongside classroom learning and a wide variety of excursions and incursions, students participated in a number of personal development experiences such as:
Year 7 Chesed (Friendship) Day
DAV Debating
Year 9 Leadership Forums
Retreats for Years 8, 9, 10 and 11
Social justice initiatives, including Year 11's involvement with the Ozanam House program, the Year 9 Day for Girls, and the Year 8 Handover HeART Work Project.
Age-appropriate pastoral care programs
We’ve also offered academic enrichment opportunities through:
Year 8 Beyond Horizons program
Weekly Maths Assist program
Senior Masterclasses across key disciplines
Denise O’Hara Science Academy, where students explored advanced scientific concepts through experiences at the Synchrotron, the GIS Bionics Institute STEM Mentoring Program and the Year 9 Science and Engineering Challenge.
This term, we proudly celebrated STEM Week, Careers Week, Languages Week, and Reconciliation Week. Our students represented the College with pride at community events such as ANZAC Day and The Long Walk.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about what’s to come. Planning for the 2025 Italian Language and Cultural Tour continues to progress, as does our 2026 International and Interstate program, which includes a combined Language, Culture and History Tour of France and an Indigenous Immersion Program.
Participation in co-curricular and sports programs remained strong, with hundreds of students involved in:
GSV competitions including Cross Country, AFL, Basketball, Netball, and Hockey
CGSAV AFL
State and National School Aerobics qualifiers
Our vibrant House culture was also on full display during Fatima Feast Day and our Athletics Carnival, both of which foster a strong sense of belonging and school spirit.
Careers and future pathways were a focus through:
Year 9 AYIN Mock Interviews
Year 10 Careers planning and Work Experience preparation
Year 12 Mentors Breakfast
Our College Careers Expo
We also greatly value our partnership with families. This term, it was nurtured through events such as:
Student Progress Meetings
Significant Women’s Breakfast
Tuning into Teens program
Dr Justin Coulson parenting webinars and resources
Our thriving Arts program offered many highlights, including various Drama and Music Ensemble evenings, and we look forward to concluding the term next week with our much-anticipated Ensembles Evening, showcasing students’ musical and choral talents for families.
There is certainly much to celebrate. Thank you to our students for the energy and joy they bring to our College. Their passion for learning and their commitment to our community are both inspiring and deeply affirming. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff who continue to provide such rich and meaningful experiences for our students.
Important Reminder: 2026 Subject Selection Process
Next week marks the formal beginning of the 2026 Subject Selection process. Key events include:
VCE/VCE VM Subject Selection Expo and Information Evening for current Year 10 and 11 students
Year 10 2026 Subject Selection Evening for current Year 9 students
It is essential that families attend these events to ensure well-informed decisions regarding your daughter’s senior program are made. Subject choices will close on Monday11 August, allowing six weeks for thoughtful consideration. Details will be outlined during the information sessions, and we look forward to welcoming you.
Applications for Enrolment at Our Lady of Sion College
We are currently experiencing strong enrolment interest from prospective families. Please note:
Applications for Year 7, 2027 close on Friday, 15 August
Limited places remain for Year 7, 2026.
Current families with younger daughters are reminded to submit a formal application to secure a place. If you know of anyone considering Our Lady of Sion College, please encourage them to apply before the deadline.
Upcoming Staff Changes
Please note the following staff who will be on leave: Deputy Principal Faith and Mission, Anna Gionfriddo and Director of Pastoral Care, Paul Kerr will be on leave the for final week of this term and Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing, Chris Kralj will be on leave for Semester 2. During this time, Paul Kerr will be Acting Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing. Our Music teacher, Lynette Stancombe will also be on leave for Semester 2 and Our Year 7 Wellbeing and Growth Leader, Jade Goss will be on leave for the first three weeks of Term 3. In Jade’s absence, Stephanie Mainwaring will be the Acting Year 7 WaGL. Thank you to those taking on new responsibilities and best wishes to those who will be on leave.
As we approach the end of Term 2, I wish all students, staff and families a safe and restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 21 July for what promises to be another enriching term
With every blessing for the weeks ahead.
Tina Apostolopoulos
From the Deputy Principals
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo
This week the Year 11 Students gathered in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of the Don Bosco Retreat Centre in Lysterfield for their retreat day. After such a busy time completing exams, it was wonderful for them to be able to spend time outside of the school environment to reflect, contemplate and to celebrate the Eucharist together.
The retreat focused on the theme, 'Follow my lead to inspire others to make a difference,' which connected with the students as they look towards upcoming leadership roles and Year 12. Throughout the day, students participated in workshops designed to help them explore the meaning of this theme in their own lives, especially through the lens of servant leadership. The workshops included a meditation about servant leadership based on Jesus’ teachings found in Matthew’s gospel. The students spent time reflecting on the dynamics within their families and the influence of significant people in their lives in the workshop called ‘The Couch’. In another workshop, the students discussed the leadership qualities demonstrated by key female figures in the Bible and as a final activity, students wrote letters to their future selves, outlining the kind of leaders they hope to become. These letters were collected and will be returned to the students during their Year 12 Retreat at the beginning of next year.
Student Reflections
On Tuesday 24 June, the Year 11 cohort hopped onto the bus and headed towards Lysterfield, arriving at the Don Bosco Retreat Centre a short while later. The day offered many activities for each Homeroom to partake in. The first activity was a reflection of female figures and their characteristics of leadership. We also wrote letters to our future selves. Activity two was based on creativity, where I sat with my friends to draw an image of a couch and then think of who we would like to invite to the couch and why. Activity three was by far the most popular, which was a guided meditation. The retreat offered us time to be relaxed and feel better about going back to school, especially after finishing our Semester 1 exams. Alannah M (11 Purple)
We ended our retreat day with a beautiful Mass which was conducted by our own Father Mark Reynolds along with the presence of Mrs Apostolopoulos. Students from each Homeroom led the different parts of the mass including reading scripture passages that mirrored the activities we participated in. This allowed all of us to sit and reflect on the theme ‘follow my lead to inspire others to make a difference’. Throughout the day we were reminded that leadership is more than a badge but should be seen in our actions. During Mass, Father Mark’s teaching about leadership also highlighted the qualities that a leader should portray. Overall, the day was a time to think about our personal lives and how we can incorporate qualities of leadership through a Catholic lens. Elana V, (11 Blue)
Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott
2026 Subject Selection
Subject Selection is upon us again. As students select electives for Years 9 and 10, and VCE programs for Year 11, it is important to remember that there is a lot of support available to students and families. Students in Years 9 and 10 have been issued with a card outlining the processes and timelines of subject selection. They will also receive information about web preferences and how to enter their selections. Below are just some of the key resources that support the decision making:
Student Presentations (Year Level assemblies)
Subject Selection Expo (Upper Notre Dame Centre)
Subject Selection Handbooks (College Website)
Subject Selection videos (Seqta Learn under Subject Selection)
Student acceleration interviews (students entering Year 11)
Parents have been emailed information about the 2026 VCE/VCE VM Parent Information evening which will be held on Monday 30 June commencing at 7.00 pm. This allows families to attend the Subject Selection Expo prior to this evening function.
Current Year 9 families also have the information that they need regarding the Year 10 2026 Parent Information Evening being held on Tuesday 1 July at 7.00 pm. This evening will outline the process for Year 10 elective selection, potential acceleration options and information about the Careers Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there prerequisite subjects for VCE?
No, there are Year 10 electives that are beneficial to have before commencing the VCE subject however students can study a VCE subject without having done the Year 10 version. They may need to do some catch up learning however their teacher will support them with this.
Do I have to be in VM to study a VET?
No, there are a lot of options available to scored VCE students that allow them to study a scored VET. This means that the VET subject will generate a study score and will contribute to an overall ATAR. Mrs O’Hara can help more with this.
What do I need to consider when studying a language?
Students must complete a full year of Languages (Italian, French or Chinese) in Year 9 and then can select it as an elective in Year 10 and beyond. It is worth noting that as Languages need to be studied for the full year, and other electives do not, the Language choice takes the place of two electives.
What if I study a subject outside of school?
We love that and the College can support you with it. We do ask you to let us know if you are studying an additional VCE subject as this can impact your internal program. Students are only permitted to include 6 subjects in their ATAR calculation and we would not want students to be studying a subject for nothing.
What if I change my mind about a subject?
We construct our timetable around student subject choices. This ensures that we have the fewest number of clashes and students are allocated to subjects that they select. Once the timetable is constructed a combination of factors such as class sizes and line combinations can become barriers to making changes.
It is always best to think carefully about subjects when making the original decisions and then to commit to the program. Especially in Years 9 and 10, students should be exposing themselves to the breadth of the curriculum and may well enjoy a subject that they may be nervous about when the time comes closer.
Tutor Learning Initiative
For 2025, Our Lady of Sion College has been granted a small amount of funding under the Tutor Learning Initiative. This is a grant from the Victorian Government designed to support student learning growth through targeted small group tutoring in the areas of Numeracy and Literacy. After reflecting on our data and student needs, we are going to allocate this funding to Years 7 and 9 Mathematics. More information has been sent directly to families. Of course, there is lots of support available to all of our students in the area of Mathematics. Please contact your child’s Maths teacher directly should you like any more information.
Notre Dame Student Progress Meetings – Tuesday 22 July
Access to ‘Booked’ and information about the upcoming SPMs for our Year 11 and 12 students has been sent to families. We schedule the SPMs early in the term to ensure that the feedback received is timely and actionable. All families should note the adjusted period times for this day.
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Christine Kralj
Rest. Reflect. Re-engage. Supporting Your Daughter for Semester 2
The halfway point of the school year is an ideal time to pause and take stock, not just for students, but for families too. After a busy Semester 1, many girls are understandably tired, both physically and mentally. While rest is essential, true wellbeing is about more than just switching off. It’s also about finding the right moments to reconnect, with family, friends, routines and healthy habits.
Encouraging your daughter to engage in self-care is important, but it’s not about stepping back from responsibilities or isolating herself. Self-care is about balance, ensuring she gets enough sleep, makes time for the things she enjoys, connects with people who support her, and takes small, meaningful steps towards her personal and academic goals.
A great place to start is by reading her pastoral care report. These reports give insight into your daughter’s demonstrated strengths, achievements and the areas where she’s capable of growing. They are not simply an academic snapshot, but a window into her wellbeing, engagement and how she presents at school.
Taking time to reflect on these reports with your daughter with curiosity rather than criticism helps her see that feedback isn’t about being perfect, but about learning and developing.
Remind her that students who grow the most aren’t always the ones who get it right the first time, they’re the ones who listen, reflect and try again.
Together, we can help every student approach Semester 2 with confidence, knowing that small, positive changes can make a big difference.
I also wanted to take a moment to let you know that I will be taking Long Service Leave for the remainder of the year. During this time, Mr Paul Kerr, our Director Pastoral Care, will be stepping into my role and supporting both students and families throughout Semester 2.
Paul brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our school community, and I know he will ably continue the work of guiding and supporting our students during this important time.
I wish you and your daughter all the very best for the remainder of the year and thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.
Helping Our Kids Build a Healthy Body Image – An Article by Dr Justin Coulson
I invite you to read another great Happy Families article by Dr Justin Coulson about healthy body image. The article is linked here.
In Remembrance
Our particular thoughts and prayers go to Mrs Lucy Miotello, Social Justice Coordinator and Teacher of Legal Studies and RE, and her daughter Isabelle M (8 Silver) whose mother/grandmother passed away recently.
We remember Mrs Miotello, Isabelle and their family in a special way at this sad time.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen.
Year Level News
Year 12 – Kathryn Steward, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
As we reach the end of Semester 1, there is a strong sense of gratitude and pride in our Year 12 students. Their commitment to both their studies and broader school life has continued to flourish. In the last newsletter, I reflected on the idea that Year 12 is about more than academic achievement—and the following snapshot is a testament to the diverse ways our students have engaged, contributed, and shown leadership across a range of pursuits.
GAT and Trial English Exam
Year 12 students demonstrated strong commitment and adherence to VCAA processes, with their participation in the recent statewide General Achievement Test (GAT). This dedication continued with the English Trial Exam, where students engaged in rigorous academic practice to further develop their skills in their chosen English discipline. The exams will be externally marked, providing valuable and timely feedback to support students' preparation for the term ahead.
VM Work placements
Our Vocational Major students actively engaged in work placements across a range of industries, gaining hands-on experience and developing practical skills. These opportunities not only enrich their learning but also provide valuable insights into future career pathways, helping them build confidence and expand their skill sets.
CGSAV Football Championships and Senior GSV Hockey Final
Congratulations to the Year 12 participants in the recent CGSAV football championships who successfully defended their title in being crowned Division 1 champions. We wish them well as they proceed to the Herald Sun Shield round robin in pursuit of their third consecutive Grand Final appearance.
In addition, our Senior Hockey team qualified for the GSV Senior Finals which involved a number of our Year 12 students. This is the first time in many years that Senior Hockey has qualified for Finals so this is a great achievement for the team. The Premier Netball Senior team also played in the GSV finals in the inaugural Premier League and finished in 3rd place overall.
"PJs for a Purpose" - Supporting St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal
Year 12 students are proudly supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal by donating canned food items such as tuna or spam to assist those experiencing hardship during the colder months. To help raise awareness and engagement, Year 12 students who contribute to the appeal, will be allowed to change into pyjamas on Wednesday 2 July. A heartfelt thank you to Lia C (11 Gold), our Social Justice Captain, for leading this meaningful initiative, and to all Year 12 families for their anticipated generosity in supporting vulnerable members of our community.
Inter-Homeroom Volleyball Competition
It was lovely to conclude Pastoral sessions this term with a Homeroom volleyball competition. There was lots of hype and competitive spirit around the event and congratulations goes to 12 Gold who were the overall winners of the competition and celebrated with a pizza lunch.
As we look forward to the much-deserved holiday break, I hope all our Year 12 students have the opportunity to rest, re-charge and maintain a balance between keeping on top of their study and finding the time to do the things that bring them joy.
Year 11 – Beth Amos, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
What a massive achievement, we are (nearly!) at the end of Term 2! Congratulations Year 11s.
VCE students received their Exams back during Shatal on Thursday (26 June) and were encouraged to reflect on their feedback, and check in with their subject teachers to clarify further opportunities for learning. VCE VM students have completed their projects, developing work-related skills, micro-credentials, work placements and VET subjects.
We encourage the Year 11s to consider what their achievements were throughout Semester 1. Their overall progress, their potential and considerations for what the rest of the year might look like for them. Year 11s have started their Unit 2 subjects, some with slight changes to subjects and teachers. Others are continuing their learning for Unit 2 - with a strong consideration of subjects for 2026.
On Tuesday (24 June) we had the Year 11 Retreat at Don Bosco Retreat Centre in Lysterfield. Students had the time to gather as a group, consider how to ‘inspire others to make a difference’. Engaging in workshops with a focus on servant leadership, students considered what it means to be in service to others, and others who are in service to these young people. It was great to see students engage in the set activities, enjoy each other’s company, and immerse themselves in the surroundings.
Looking ahead to Term 3
Year 11 Formal (Friday 25 July, Week 1) - a reminder about College expectations will be sent early next term in anticipation for this event
Student Leadership 2026 applications (due Wednesday 2 July
Pastoral with a focus on Respectful Relationships curriculum (more information to come).
We hope your child has had a successful Semester 1 for 2025, and that your family have a great and restful school holiday! Stay safe and well. There is so much to celebrate and be proud of. Well done to all Year 11s for a great Term 2.
Year 10 – Adam Rieusset, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
Can you believe that Term 2 concludes at the end of next week? I can’t. The Year 10s have done such a great job in Semester 1 and in particular Term 2. The way in which the students concluded their exams was fantastic. They then commenced Semester 2, which meant a new set of electives, new teachers and classmates to meet and they have done this with a very positive vibe about them.
This week we have also commenced talking about subject selections for 2026 and what their Notre Dame years (Years 11 and 12) might look like for them. I look forward to supporting both the cohort and families early next week with the Information Session the College will be holding to discuss and inform all our Year 10 community.
I would like to wish all the students (and families) all the best for Term 3 week one, when the students will be out on work experience. This truly is a fantastic opportunity for the students and I am very much looking forward to hearing about their experiences.
Finally, I wish all families a well deserved Term 2 break, you have earned it. I want you to all know that your young people have done such great work throughout the first half of the year and I am looking forward to what the second half will bring.
Remember to be curious, inquisitive and ask plenty of questions over the coming two weeks. The more we seek to understand, the better we can take a well informed, next step.
Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
This past fortnight has provided the Year 9s with the opportunity to showcase their learning through the range of assessments that they have completed. It has been encouraging to see them reach out for support, whether it be subject specific or seeking assistance to create study timetables to better manage their time.
A number of students in Year 9 are deeply involved in community sports and various clubs, which are an important aspect of the growing connections that serves them well into the future. As the workload of school increases, it is important that students take time to sit down and strategically map out how they can do their best at all the things they are wanting to achieve, but also that they recognise that their best can look different across the year.
In times of heavy assessment, the mental load of managing these things can become difficult so it is important to work towards strategies and routines that promote resilience. Homeroom teachers and I are able to support the creation of study timetables or advice on how to juggle the various aspects of their life.
The Year 9 team would like to wish our Year 9 families a safe and restful term break. We are continually proud of the Year 9s for their enthusiasm of their programs and learning, their encouragement of each other as well as the way they have moved through the first semester of the year!
Year 8 – Chris Wilkes, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
It has been wonderful to see the Year 8s interacting so positively with their peers and teachers this term. It has certainly been an action-packed one!
During our Pastoral session last week, the students explored the concept of empathy and how it can impact positively on developing respectful relationships with their friends and anybody else they interact with. The following questions could be conversation starters between you and your child/ren:
Why do people need to be able to empathise with others?
What sorts of things can happen when we do not empathise with what others are going through?
What is the difference between sympathy and empathy?
What is it like for you when no one empathises with you?
How do we develop our empathy?
What do you think helps develop your empathy?
How do you think it comes about that 13-year-olds are more empathetic than 6-year-olds?
We also discussed the ‘emotions iceberg’. This metaphor is used as a way to explain the way in which some emotions can be happening close to the surface, while others may be buried, but are still affecting us. The emotions that are deeper below the surface may even be causing the ones closer to the top. For example, fear, hurt or shame often cause anger and jealousy, though it might be just the anger that shows.
Finally, I would like to wish all Year 8 students and their families a restful and safe school holiday break!
Year 7 – Jade Goss, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
As Semester 1 finishes and Semester 2 begins, we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our achievements so far in 2025. During Pastoral on Tuesday, we posed the following questions:
What have you enjoyed the most about starting at Our Lady of Sion College?
What are three things you have found difficult about starting secondary school?
What are two techniques you are using to help you stay organised and up to date with your work?
Are these techniques effective? Why or why not? Would you change anything about them?
Looking at your SEQTA page, what result are you most proud of? Why?
What was the teacher's feedback on this result? What can you do to continue your progress?
Identify three tasks/subjects that you would like to improve on next Semester. What feedback are you receiving on these tasks?
What strategies or techniques can you use to progress in these subjects? What will progress look, feel or sound like?
I encourage all families to take time to continue this discussion outside of school, particularly focusing on the last point regarding progress. We know that the transition to secondary school has been challenging for many, and progress may not look, feel or sound as we are expecting it to. Approaching the remainder of the academic year with a growth mindset may help students to engage with their learning. This can also be applied to extracurricular activities, such as GSV sport, ensembles and bands and out of school activities.
Having a growth mindset involves actively seeking feedback from peers and teachers about how best to improve, as well as recognising that success and progress are individual to each person. Students who are reflective in this manner often find themselves able to articulate their areas of strengths and weaknesses in a way that allows them to celebrate their achievements and personal development over the course of their schooling.
Learning Area News
Drama – Alex Bleazby, Arts Learning Area Leader
Year 8 Drama – Greek Tragedy and Italian Commedia dell’Arte
In our Year 8 Drama classes, students explore two dynamic performance styles: Greek Tragedy and Italian Commedia dell’Arte.
These rich traditions not only offer historical insights but also encourage our Year 8s to embrace bold theatrical choices, build confidence, and fully embody their characters.
Their performance work also featured beautifully crafted Commedia masks that each student made for their characters. These personality filled masks are now proudly displayed in the Miriam Foyer.
Last week, our Junior School students escaped the winter chill to join a Year 8–led Drama Club workshop.
A heartfelt thank you to Siena D (8 White) and Sofia Z (8 Purple) for sharing their creativity and passion by leading the session. It’s fantastic to see students inspiring each other through performance!
Mamma Mia!
We’re also overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response to ticket sales for our 2025 musical, Mamma Mia!. With four exciting performances scheduled for August 7–9, we are nearly sold out—only a few seats remain for the Saturday matinee. If you haven’t already, snap up your tickets today at TryBooking and get ready to dance in your seat!
Languages – Gail Amato, Learning Leader
Languages Report
This term has been full of exciting opportunities for our Language students to deepen their understanding of culture and strengthen their passion for language learning. A particular highlight was the Year 8 Chinese class excursion to the Chinese Museum in the city on Monday 16 June.
The students explored various aspects of Chinese history and culture, including migration to Australia, Cantonese Opera, symbolic animals like the lion and dragon, and the Han and Qin dynasties. They gained insights into traditional customs, artefacts, and historical developments.
The excursion was both educational and enjoyable, leaving students inspired and more deeply connected to their language studies. We thank our Chinese teachers Ms Tan and Ms Wang for their support and guidance on the day, and for making this valuable learning experience possible for our students.
Student Reflection
Two of our students wish to share their experience with us:
On Monday 16 June the Year 8 Chinese class travelled into the city to visit the Chinese museum. We started off at school and took the train to the city accompanied by Ms Tan and Ms Wang. We soon arrived at the Chinese Museum and met our lovely tour guide. We learnt about historical Chinese events, such as when the Chinese immigrated to Australia, the Cantonese Chinese Opera, and the significant animals of China like Chinese lions and the famous Chinese dragon, and their timeline and how they have developed over the decades. Did you know that the Chinese female lion and male lion protect different things? The male lion protects the outside of a building, and the female protects the inside! We were also taught about Ancient China and the Han and Qin Dynasty and how things were made back then. We highly recommend going because we had an amazing time with our peers learning about Chinese history and more. Rachel H (8 Blue) and Elodie B (8 Gold)
Visual Arts – Alex Bleazby, Arts Learning Area Leader
Within our vibrant Arts Precinct in the Ratisbonne Discovery Centre, students’ creativity is more visible and celebrated than ever.
Our Gallery space rotates regularly with impressive work from across all Visual Arts subjects. Our current feature highlights Year 8’s enchanting fairy houses—delicate, whimsical, and intricately crafted.
The Year 8 Visual Arts course offers a broad-ranging exploration of materials and techniques, and it’s been wonderful to see how deeply students are immersing themselves in the creative process. We’re excited to launch two new competitions for keen visual artists:
Diary Cover Competition (whole school): Design the front cover for the 2026 student planner. Submissions should reflect our Sionian community values and spirit. Please submit both a physical copy to the Arts Hub Office and upload an electronic version to the Visual Arts Competition Slideshare on the Visual Arts Competition classroom code: prgxaxa.
Year 7 Spring Concert Competition (Year 7 only): Create artwork inspired by your experience in the Year 7 Music Program. Think about how your design can visually represent the joy, growth, and meaning you’ve found in this musical journey. Submit a hard copy to the Arts Hub Office and an electronic copy via the Slideshare link in the Visual Arts Competition classroom code: prgxaxa.
Every entry to these competitions will earn points toward Arts Colours recognition.
Co-curricular News
Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music
Ensembles Concert Night – ticket update!
Please note the following ticketing update for the Music Department Ensembles Concert on Thursday evening 3 July starting at 5.00 pm. Tickets are free but must be booked through the Trybooking link below.
Our String players had an amazing incursion earlier this week with John Noble, a professional musician currently engaged by Orchestra Victoria, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. He worked all day with our four ensembles and our VCE students gained some important insights to developing their program repertoire.
Term 3 Instrumental Music Soiree – Save the date!
Instrumental students will have another opportunity to perform solo and chamber ensemble material at the Term 3 Music Soiree on Monday 8 September at 5.00 pm.
Victorian Schools Music Festival and Monash Youth Music Festival – Term 3
The Music department will be very busy early in Term 3 representing Sion at the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF). The schedule of participating groups, dates and venues is as follows:
College Vocal Ensemble Tuesday 5 August, Departing Sion 3.45 pm, returning 7.00 pm, venue: Box Hill Salvation Army Hall
Intermediate Concert Band Tuesday 26 August, Departing Sion 11.45 am returning 3.15 pm, venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre
Senior Concert Band Thursday 4 September, Departing Sion 3.15 pm returning 7.00 pm, venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre
Jazz Club Monday 8 September, 12.30 pm returning 4.15 pm, venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre
Senior Jazz Ensemble Friday 12 September, Departing Sion 3.45 pm returning 7.00 pm, venue: Hawthorn Arts Centre
Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport
GSV Term 2 Finals Netball and Hockey
Intermediate Netball Finals – Wednesday 18 June
Our four Intermediate Netball teams qualified for the finals after exceptional seasons, with each being named premiers in their respective zones. The D, C, and B teams competed strongly but were unfortunately defeated in the zone crossover stage. The A team had a particularly impressive run, winning their first two matches to secure a spot in the Grand Final. Despite a determined effort, they were defeated by a strong Sacré Cœur team by 10 points.
Junior Netball Finals – Thursday 19 June
Our Junior Netball also saw great success, with teams Sion 1, 5, 7, and 8 advancing to the finals. Teams 5 and 8 reached the Grand Final in their respective divisions, a fantastic achievement. Team 8 capped off an outstanding, undefeated season with a commanding Grand Final victory. Team 5 unfortunately went down in a close Grand Final, collecting runners up for their division.
Team 7 narrowly missed a Grand Final berth after a close Preliminary round match and went on to compete in the bronze medal game defeating Ivanhoe.
Team 1 also made it to the Preliminary round but finished fourth overall after a tough loss in the bronze medal match against MLC. Finishing 4th in Division 1 from the 23 GSV schools in the competition is a very commendable result. A big thank you goes to Ms Rebecca and all Junior Netball coaches for their dedication throughout the season.
Premier Netball – Monday 23 June
In Premier Netball, our Senior team finished the regular season in 3rd place, having lost to Mentone and Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC). They faced Mentone again in the Preliminary match but were unable to overcome them after a challenging second quarter. OLMC went on to defeat Mentone in the inaugural Premier League final, with the standard of play throughout the finals series being exceptionally high. Special thanks to Ms Southey for her leadership and coaching, 3rd in premier division is a great result! Congratulations to all Senior squad members for their commitment and performances across the season—you should be proud of your efforts.
Senior Hockey – Monday 23 June
Our Senior Hockey team achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the GSV finals for only the second time in the College’s history. It was a record-breaking season in terms of performance and consistency. Although the team was defeated in the Preliminary Final by Lauriston with a score of 4–0, their dedication at training and in matches was exemplary. A huge thank you to Ms Stafford for her guidance and support throughout the season.
All Schools Cross Country – Saturday 21 June
Congratulations to Molly D (7 Silver), Emma R (8 Silver), and our Cross Country Captains Sophie F (10 Red) and Erin M (11 White), who represented the College at the All Schools Cross Country Championships over the weekend in Bundoora.
All four girls delivered outstanding performances in a highly competitive field:
Molly D placed 80th in U14, running 12:07 over 3km
Emma R finished 28th in U15, clocking 15:56 over 4km
Sophie F placed 16th in U17, with a time of 14:57 – a personal best
Erin M delivered an exceptional run, placing 6th in U18 with a time of 14:05 – also a personal best
Reflection from Cross Country Captain, Erin M (11 White) It was a lovely morning for cross country and a great effort all round from everyone! Bundoora was as hilly as always, but thankfully there was little mud or rain compared to previous years. Molly did incredibly well in a field of 180 girls, placing in the top half. Emma ran a great 4k, Sophie smashed her PB, and I was really happy with my 6th place and time. It was a rewarding day and I am very proud of everyone! Erin M (11 White)
A special congratulations to Erin—her top 10 finish places her in strong contention to represent Victoria at the 2025 Australian All Schools Cross Country Championships in August. She will also represent GSV in the upcoming inter-association meet against AGSV, APS, and CGSAV.
Learning Resource Centre – Margaret Lawson, Head of Library and Information Services
Throughout Term 2 we have been focusing our Makerspace energies on YarnCraft! Students have still been 3D Printing, using the Cricut and playing with Drones but working with yarn has been the more popular activity as the days get colder.
Crocheting some granny squares and the potential of Yarn Bombing something in the school, has ignited the imagination of many students and we have faithful groups pulling out boxes of wool, crochet hooks and knitting needles at lunchtime from the activities trolley.
The impact of Covid and increased dependency on digital devices has impacted on the development of fine and gross motor skills which would normally be developed through hobbies and craft. We can see evidence of this through our classes when we ask students to handwrite something, cut in a straight line or tie a knot in a piece of thread.
For most students the idea of 'crafting for the sake of crafting' is boring. But what about making something for a grandparent for Christmas or something for Father’s Day? A handmade gift for someone is worth so much more than a bought gift.
