Principal's Message
Welcome back to all within the Our Lady of Sion College community. I had hoped we would continue to experience onsite learning in the way that we all enjoy but unfortunately, this is not yet possible. Having said this, I take great comfort that we were able to make the transition very smoothly when the health authorities and the Victorian Government made their call. While some were understandably disappointed, many of our students also let us know that they are getting on with it as they left last Thursday afternoon.
It is certainly reassuring for all of us to know that students are developing strong skills of resilience and independence, however, I am aware that we also need to continue to support them during any period of uncertainty. We aim to work in partnership with our families and so I ask parents and guardians to communicate with the relevant Homeroom Teacher and Wellbeing and Growth Leader (WaGL) should your child need further support. As we are witnessing across the world, the Delta variant is more infectious and so it is imperative that we do all we can to protect the health of our students, staff and families. This includes the mental health of our students.
I also acknowledge the commitment and hard work of our staff who work tirelessly to provide the resources and learning program for our students. While the transition to and from Online Home Learning (OHL) is now more familiar, it is certainly not easy. Learning face to face has a very different dynamic to OHL. Successful learning growth occurs when relationships on which the learning is based are strongly supported. Learning is not a static process of curriculum delivery. Authentic engagement where students and their teachers are in dialogue and using the critical thinking skills that support both, is vital. Our College Mission statement emphasises that amongst many other things, our students will become young adults who will always strive ‘to discern’. Discernment can only occur if we grapple with our learning; if we challenge our thinking and the thinking of others; if we ask good questions that help us understand not just remember; if we apply our learning not just review it for a test or exam, and if we ask for feedback so that we become highly skilled in our learning.
To this end and following the release of our Semester One Reports, I hope parents and guardians have had the chance to reflect with their child how important it is for them to engage in both their face to face and, in particular, their online class discussions. It is most important to seek feedback at every opportunity. I know it is challenging to do this online, but it is essential for each student's learning and personal growth at this time. It will also support our teachers to plan the next steps in the learning program that will assist our students to achieve their best and pursue their goals.
We now await the next government announcement to know what the return to learning at school will look like. Following the announcement, I will communicate arrangements with families, as soon as possible.
Finally, I would like to share with the community the thoughts of our Year 11 students at the launch of our 2022 College Captain process. In my introduction, I asked them three questions. I have included their affirming responses below.
These insights into what our students value in the leadership of others and what they are called to be in seeking their own leadership opportunity, give us much to be inspired by. Our world is in very good hands with students who, with the support of their families and school, want to lead with integrity and a genuine desire to serve the common good. I wish all applicants the very best as they undertake the next stages of the leadership process and remind them that they have so much to offer our College.
Blessings for the fortnight ahead.
Tina Apostolopoulos
