Newsletter | With a Grateful Heart - Our Lady of Sion Newsletter

As per our tradition, the Term 3 Principal’s Awards assembly recently acknowledged the academic achievement of students from Years 7–11 who attained over 90% across all their subjects. Congratulations to students who received an award at the assembly. Their ability to maintain this standard is to be applauded.

At the assembly, I also shared with students that learning and achievement come in many forms and that we are all capable of personal growth in all aspects of school life. I also shared Nelson Mandela’s reflection that:

Education is the great engine of personal development.

It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.

It is what we make out of what we have, that separates one person from another.

A key message for our students is that through their education and participation in school life, they too can achieve personal growth.

Some of the achievements that we recognised at our assembly included:

The Year 8 students who participated in the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Global Academic Challenge achieved Distinction and High Distinction in Reading, and Distinction in Mathematics. Congratulations to all who participated in the challenge.

The outstanding Ensembles Evening at the end of Term 2 which saw 400 students showcase a wonderful evening of musical and choral performance. Their practice and dedication are to be applauded.

The students who travelled to Mt Gambier for the Generation In Jazz competition –something we haven’t had the chance to do in recent years.

The many students who are participating in the Victorian Schools Music Festival. Since the assembly we can proudly share that the Intermediate String Ensemble were awarded Gold for their performance. Well done to Mrs Jackie Tinsley and the 34 students who comprise this ensemble.

The Year 10 students who reflected on their Term 2 Duke of Edinburgh camp. While camps are always much anticipated and fun activities, they are also a way for students to learn life skills as they extend themselves to achieve in ways, they never thought possible. Congratulations to the Year 10s who participated in this experience.

The students who will extend themselves by participating in the Language and Cultural Trip to Italy in September. We wish them ‘buon viaggio’ and know they will have an amazing learning experience.

The students who will really stretch themselves later this year by attending the Space school program in Houston and those undertaking Ocean School on the Great Barrier Reef in 2024. What a fantastic way to apply and extend their learning to real life situations.
The students who have worked with great dedication over many months to bring us a spectacular production of Shrek, the Musical this week. What an achievement, especially given this is the first musical we have been able to hold since 2019. Congratulations to all involved!

The many GSV teams who last term reached finals and placed first and students who recently participated in the Catholic Girls Sporting Association of Victoria AFL competition. The intermediate team not only won the day but now have the chance to represent the CGSAV in the Herald Sun shield. Congratulations also to Erin M (Year 9) and Sophie F (Year 8) who competed in the All-Schools Cross Country Championship and will represent Victoria in the National Cross Country championships in Canberra in August.

The Year 8 students who thoughtfully dressed in relevant costumes and extended their understanding of the life, laws and customs in the middle ages during our recent Medieval Day.

Next week three of our aerobics teams will travel to Adelaide to compete in the National Schoolaerobics competition. This is on the back of our senior team winning the Nationals last year. Good luck to all.

Other ways that we celebrated achievement is through the community building and social justice activities that our staff and student leaders organise - the Term 2 House Social Justice activities at each year level, Feast Days, House competitions and our upcoming Sion Day celebrations and fundraising. These events need planning and organisation to make them happen. As well as building community, students who get involved are learning important life and leadership skills.

It is with pleasure that we recognise some of the many ways our students are participating and achieving.

At the assembly, I also shared some comments made by prospective families when they visit our school. They will often mention the calmness they sense. They tell me that students are focused and engaged and have the chance to really learn. The second thing they note is the strong sense of community and belonging that they witness and hear from our Year 10 tour guides. And the third thing are all the opportunities that the school offers students.

As parents and staff, we work together to provide our young people with every opportunity to grow and achieve. Our College Vision statement: Sowing the seeds of hope, uncovering excellence within, and inspiring a commitment to justice respects the great diversity and potential each of our students brings to our school. It is a real privilege to offer them the opportunities and support to help them achieve their personal best.

We shared feedback with parents and carers of our Notre Dame students at our recent Student Progress Meetings and look forward to sharing feedback with Years 7-10 families on Thursday 17 August.

With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

Principal’s Awards Assembly

Last Monday we were able to gather as a whole College to celebrate the learning and co-curricular achievements of the students across Semester 1. We recognised 52 students who achieved an average above 90% but we also celebrated the student’s musical, sporting and co-curricular achievements. The Principal’s Awards are a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the range of opportunities available to our students and the heights that they can achieve when we work together. Thank you to everyone involved, especially our Captains Ava S (12 Silver) and Bettina Z (12 Silver), who did a great job MCing the event.

It is certainly not too late for students hoping to be awarded an academic colour to stretch themselves in their learning. They are encouraged to reach out to their teachers for guidance on how to progress their learning growth.

Years 7-10 Student Progress Meetings

We look forward to meeting with families for the next round of progress meetings on Thursday 17 August. This is a student free day allowing teachers to fully engage in the feedback they will be providing. Good questions for families to consider asking include:

Are there any gaps in learning that my child should be working through? How can we go about supporting her with this?
What are three key strategies that my child can be doing for study and revision?
What does the formative feedback tell you about her progress on this topic? What are the next steps to extend her learning? How can she grow within her proximal range of learning?

2023 NAPLAN results

Families in Years 7 and 9 will have received their NAPLAN report. The College is in the process of unpacking this information and sharing it with teachers so that they can leverage strengths for learning growth. The NAPLAN data is part of the picture that the College routinely accesses to inform our practice, combined with everything else that we know about our students. Families should note that due to changes in the formatting of the testing, comparative data is not available.

Understanding and Identifying Adolescent emotions

Adolescence is frequently characterised by a rollercoaster of emotions and intense feelings. Many students experience extreme highs and devastatingly low lows.

It is therefore important that parents and carers are able to identify whether your child is experiencing sadness or a more concerning condition such as depression. While it can be challenging to differentiate between normal mood swings and a more serious issue, here are some signs to look out for:

Persistent sadness: If your child displays ongoing sadness (often without a traceable reason), irritability, or a consistently low mood that lasts for more than two weeks, it may be a cause for concern. Pay attention to any significant changes in their behaviour or emotions.

Social withdrawal: If your child abruptly withdraws from activities they once enjoyed or isolates themselves from family and friends, it might indicate a deeper emotional struggle. Notice if they become disinterested or reluctant to participate in social interactions.

Changes in appetite and sleep patterns: Keep an eye out for noticeable changes in your child's eating and sleeping habits. Significant weight loss or gain, insomnia, or excessive sleepiness can be red flags for depression.

Lack of energy or motivation: If your child seems persistently fatigued, lacks enthusiasm, or has a decreased interest in activities they once found enjoyable, it could be a sign of depression. They may also experience difficulties in concentrating or making decisions.

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide: Be vigilant for any hints or direct expressions of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Take any mention of self-harm seriously and seek immediate professional help.

Remember, these signs alone do not confirm a diagnosis, but they can serve as valuable indicators. If you observe these behaviours in your child, we strongly encourage you to consult with a mental health professional. Early intervention and support are crucial in addressing mental health concerns and ensuring your child's wellbeing.

As always, maintaining open lines of communication with your child is key. Encourage them to express their feelings and validate their emotions. By fostering a supportive environment at home, you can help them navigate any difficulties they may be facing.

If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to a member of the Pastoral Care team. We are here to support you and your child's wellbeing.

There is no denying that the students in Year 9 are at an age where we start to expect more from them. The increased responsibility through their day-to-day schoolwork, their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award or juggling responsibilities outside of school. Whether it be a part time job, sporting commitments or their social life, they all require forward thinking, initiative and organisation. Students have well and truly reached the point where the adults in their life are starting to take small steps back and adolescents begin to take the wheel (both figuratively and for some literally!).

During our Pastoral lessons in Term 3, Ayin and Homeroom, we are discussing some steps to avoid procrastination and highlight the importance of goal setting and planning ahead. Some simple steps that can be reinforced for them at home could be as simple as:

having students set an alarm and waking themselves up for school
packing their own lunch and schoolbag the night before school
filling out and taking responsibility for paperwork
adults not running forgotten items into school when they have been left at home
adults not emailing teachers without having your daughter approach and speak to the staff member first.

It is important that your child’s failure to plan doesn’t become your emergency to solve.

Yes, sometimes there will be consequences, but consequences are important in allowing students to learn from the actions that have been taken. It is your goal and ours, to play a part in raising capable and confident individuals. Let’s work on taking a step back in areas where students can continue to develop and stand on their own two feet.

On Tuesday 15 August, some Year 12 students have generously volunteered their time to spend with the Year 9s during Pastoral, teaching them study skills and organisational habits, something I think will be extremely beneficial for the current Year 9 group. Perhaps something worth talking about around the dinner table over the coming weeks.

Over the last three weeks, our students have enjoyed the company of four visiting students from USA. The weeks were spent showing off and delighting in what our state has to offer with visits to the city, Victoria Market, Eureka tower, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Philip Island.

The visiting students were taken in many other places in Victoria by their very generous host families. After countless unforgettable experiences made at school and with the host families, tears were shed as students and host families farewelled their new international friends. Eight of our students participating in the program will visit their new found sisters in USA in December 2023-January 2024.

United Nations Conference

On Tuesday 1 August our Year 12 Italian students participated in the Italian Language Model United Nations 2023 which simulated a full-day session of the United Nations General Assembly speaking completely in Italian. Our students made up two teams representing two countries, China and Saudi Arabia. The students researched and, on the day, they used their discussion and diplomacy skills to express the views of their allocated country on the global issue - Combating Climate Change / Committing to Global Action. Students presented their country’s position to the General Assembly, interacted with other delegates during the caucus sessions, and moved amendments to a Draft Resolution. It was a very rewarding and enjoyable day for all the students involved.

Student Reflections

On Tuesday 1st August, the Year 12 Italian class attended the Model United Nations, held in the city on Ocean Conservation, and focussing on protecting the world’s seas, and marine resources.

Upon arrival, we were greeted virtually by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and the Victorian Education Minister Natalie Hutchins. At the commencement of the conference, delegates from their respective countries presented their position statements and what their countries were doing to combat the climate crisis through preserving our oceans. During the second half of the day, we participated in a Caucus. During this time, delegates asked questions of other countries and debated their resolutions and clauses, whilst expressing their country’s views and seeking the views of other countries before moving on to the Draft Resolutions. Through the Caucus, countries were allowed to raise the country placard to motion to the Secretary General any questions they may have had on other countries amendments, and this prompted us to freely move around the room to discuss our amendments with other countries and seek potential supporters. We were provided lunch, which we enjoyed in the outside spaces of the facility. After lunch, we headed back inside to begin voting on the resolution; whether each country’s amendments would be approved. To conclude the day, we were congratulated by the hosts of the Model United Nations. It was a fun day and we were able to challenge ourselves in speaking in Italian. Sofia F (12 Blue)

We students of Italian had an amazing time at the United Nations convention on Ocean Conservation! We learnt a lot about the impacts of climate change from each country and how they have implemented plans to improve the state of our world's oceans and marine life. This was especially challenging, as we had to speak from the perspective of our chosen country and in Italian! However, we all had so much fun in getting involved and representing our school at the convention. We gained many valuable skills, which has helped us in improving our own language capabilities, as well as working in teams with other schools to tackle these issues. Amelia F (12 Gold)

Year 7 Retreat

Recently, the Year 7 students had the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a Daughter of Sion when they gathered for their first Retreat Day. It was held at St Paul’s Retreat Centre in Wantirna South, and the theme of their retreat was 'Making Our Mark at Sion Through Positive Action'.

Throughout the day the students were invited to consider who they are as students at Our Lady of Sion College and how they can make a difference, through their words and actions, to help build a better world.

They participated in three workshops which focused on meditation through Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching and reflecting on our 2023 College Theme - 'With a Grateful Heart' and they also attended two presentations - one given by Sr Patricia Fox NDS who spoke of her amazing life, and another given about the work of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in the Philippines. The retreat concluded with the celebration of Mass, which the students had prepared during their RE lessons. It was a very happy day for all.

Student reflections:

I think that the Year 7 Retreat was an amazing opportunity and experience for us to spend some time with each other and learn more about the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion whilst having so much fun! I think it was amazing for us to be able to have a day to rest after being so close to 100 days at Our Lady of Sion College. It was such a fun time being able to be with one another and being able to meet the surprise guest Sr Patricia Fox NDS. Katelyn C (7 Silver)

The Year 7 Retreat for me was an amazing experience, and a great time to get to know staff and other students better. I think all the activities that were chosen were just right. Some of them included reflecting on our College theme, ‘With a Grateful Heart’, meditation, making truffula trees, and learning more about the Sisters of Our Lady Sion. It was also an amazing opportunity to have a conversation with Sr Patricia Fox NDS, who is a Sister of Sion! She talked to us about her life journey, and all the wonderful things she has done, like working in the Philippines, and helping the community there. It truly was an amazing day. Jeanelle M (7 Silver)

Intermediate Strings grab a Gold at VSMF!

Last week, our Intermediate Strings, led by the wonderful Mrs Jackie Tinsley, performed at the Victorian Schools Music Festival held at Hawthorn Town Hall and were awarded a gold award for their outstanding performance. They performed their repertoire, listened to other schools perform similar repertoire and had an on-stage tutorial with chief adjudicator Mr Chris Kopke. Over the next few weeks, five more Sion ensembles will present their pieces in choral, concert band and jazz sections.

Concert Bands masterclass with Jeff Ball

Members of the two Year 7 Concert Bands, Intermediate Concert Band and Senior Concert Band (a total of 171 students) were fortunate enough to work with internationally renowned American conductor and educator Mr Jeff Ball. Jeff, a native of Brooklyn, New York, took the groups through their paces on the material they have been working on for the Victorian Schools Music Festival.

‘Shrek’ Orchestra – a great mix of old and new!

Congratulations to the cast, crew and musicians who were involved in ‘Shrek’ the Sion musical production for 2023. Of particular note, was the involvement of five current students Jess Z 8 Red, Valentina J 10 Silver, Emma G 11 Purple, Cady L 12 Gold, Megan M 12 White), two former students and a host of Music staff who made up the orchestra for this fantastic production.

Harry Styles’ saxophone player visits Sion!

In our continued pursuit of providing great opportunities for our students at Sion, members of the Senior Jazz were treated to a visit from Melbourne born, Los Angeles based Lorren Chiodo. Lorren is a world class multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who most recently toured the world as part of Harry Styles’ global ‘Love on Tour’ shows. Lorren took the ensemble through their material and was a passionate advocate for females in the music industry and pursuing your dreams – a fantastic moment for those lucky enough to be there.

Sion First – Year 6 Music Program Concert

Future Sionian string, woodwind, brass and percussion student musicians will be on display Wednesday 16 August at 5.00 pm for the annual Winter Concert to be held in the Miriam Theatre.