Newsletter | With a Grateful Heart

Monday 4 September

• Year 10 Immunisations
• Year 10 Ballroom Dancing Program, Box Hill Town Hall, 4.00 pm - 5.15 pm

• Tuning into Teens 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm

Thursday 7 September

• Year 10 Ballroom Dancing Presentation, Box Hill Town Hall, 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm

Friday 8 September

• Year 10 L'Chaim Excursion

Saturday 9 September

• Italy trip departs (returns Tuesday 26 September)

Monday 11 September

• HPE and Sport Week commences
• VCE Unit 4 Music Recital, 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Sports Awards Evening, 7.00 pm

Tuesday 12 September

• Loreto Feast Day
  

Wednesday 13 September

• Year 12 Drama Solo Performance Night, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm

Thursday 14 September

• RUOK Day

Friday 15 September

• Last Day of Term 3
• Footy Colours Day

Monday 2 October

• First day of Term 4

College Leaders for 2024

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to the school community, our College Leaders for 2024. Each year, we are blessed to have many students who have a strong desire to serve the student body and support the leadership of our school. I sincerely thank all Year 11 students who applied for the 2024 roles and recognise the great contribution they will make in the new year.

As mentioned previously, by the time our school community receives this newsletter, I will have begun a period of enrichment leave. I have just arrived in Tel Aviv where I will undertake a pilgrimage throughout the Holy Land visiting significant places to our Catholic tradition, including Jordan. The significance of the places we will visit in Israel reflect the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. On a fundamental level, a pilgrimage can be defined as a personal journey of self-discovery. Some consider that one’s life is a pilgrimage; a lifelong set of encounters and experiences on a journey towards what we hope is self-fulfilment.

In the Christian tradition, a pilgrimage is a journey to significant places in order to encounter God. Throughout this journey, pilgrims pray, celebrate Mass, and reflect on the significance of the places they visit.

Pope Benedict, in an address given at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in 2010, gave this summary of Catholic pilgrimage:

“To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its

treasures of nature, art or history. To go on pilgrimage really means

to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has

revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendour

and produced rich fruits of holiness among those who believe.”

In this manner, a pilgrimage offers an experience of transformation. I thank the College for supporting me to undertake this pilgrimage and look forward to sharing the experience upon my return.

Should you require my support throughout my time away, parents and carers are asked to contact their child’s Wellbeing and Growth Leader or Christine Kralj who will be acting Principal or Paul Kerr who will be acting Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing.

Finally, I wish all within the community a smooth end to this term and a restful term break. In particular I will hold all our Year 12 students in my thoughts and prayers as they complete their studies and prepare for final assessments or examinations.

With every blessing.

Tina Apostolopoulos

The start of September brings with it the new season of Spring. As they say, “The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming!”

Pope Francis has asked us to pray on the first day of September each year for the care of creation. In a message given on 13 May in Rome, the Pope referred to Psalm 104: 30, calling on the Holy Spirit to, ‘once more hover over the waters and guide our efforts to "renew the face of the earth”’ (Francis 2023).

As people who are made in God’s image we are called to be good stewards of God’s creation. We can find peace in respecting and caring for creation in all its forms – from plants and animals to our fellow human beings.

Pope Francis describes St Francis of Assisi’s life on earth as a possible example for us to follow: “'He was a mystic and a pilgrim who lived in simplicity and in wonderful harmony with God, with others, with nature and with himself. He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.'

Last week, as part of Year 11 Chapel prayer, we were reminded of the words of St Teresa of Avila – that, 'Christ has no body but yours; no hands, no feet on earth but yours.' We are therefore called to treasure, protect, love and care for God’s creation in all that we do and with all whom we encounter.

Always seeking to provide best practice learning opportunities, and recognising that pathways into STEAMD (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths and Design) and related professions is a national priority area, the College is actively exploring ways that our curriculum can align with this.

The Australian Council for Educational Research has been exploring the reasons that females are less likely to engage in digital technologies as part of STEAMD studies. The ACER recognises the following:

• Teacher confidence in using the digital technologies can be low and professional learning is required to improve this
• The gender imbalance in student preparedness to experiment with digital tools is still present with more boys selecting subjects and ‘tinkering’ in their own time
• Providing lots of exposure to STEAMD ideas from a young age is important, including female role models
• Challenging the media portrayal of STEAMD professionals and particularly IT professionals as ‘dorky’ or ‘nerdy’ is needed as stereotypes that diminish women’s roles are prevalent
• That equipping parents with more information so that they can guide their young people into pathways that align with STEAMD studies, understanding pathways and career opportunities encourages participation
• That we need to broaden everyone’s understanding of IT studies beyond gaming and coding
• The need to actively encourage females into formal study of Digital Studies through school and into university, to become leaders in the field.

What questions can you ask at home that might address your student’s understanding and perception of STEAMD careers and pathways? Who do they recognise as leaders to look up to and where can they point to STEAMD ideas in their current learning?

Apps that support Wellbeing and Social Emotional Development

In today's digital age, technology can often be maligned but it also offers a myriad of resources to support and improve the mental well-being and social-emotional skills of our adolescents.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the holistic development of our students, I have compiled a list of free apps available that can help adolescents navigate their emotions and build resilience.

Smiling Mind - offers a comprehensive library of guided meditation sessions specifically tailored to various age groups, including adolescents. This app promotes emotional well-being, mindfulness, and improved focus through short and easy-to-follow meditation exercises.

MoodMission - assists adolescents in identifying and addressing negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, and low mood. This app provides personalised mental health challenges, offering evidence-based strategies to improve emotional well-being and overall mental health.

SuperBetter - SuperBetter is a gamified app that empowers adolescents to build resilience and develop a growth mindset. Through engaging challenges and activities, users can overcome obstacles, boost motivation, and foster positive habits to tackle life's challenges.

Stop, Breathe & Think Kids - Designed with adolescents in mind, Stop, Breathe & Think Kids helps develop emotional intelligence and empathy. This app encourages self-reflection through short meditation exercises and guides users in recognising and managing their emotions effectively.

Clear Fear - is designed to support adolescents in managing anxiety. The app provides information about anxiety and offers techniques such as grounding exercises and deep breathing to cope with anxious feelings.

It is essential to encourage open conversations with your children about the appropriate use of these apps and emphasise that they are tools to complement their wellbeing journey, not substitutes for professional support when needed. We encourage you to explore these apps alongside your adolescents and work out which ones might be helpful.

As always, our school counsellors and Pastoral Care team are available to provide guidance and support. Together, we can foster a positive and emotionally resilient environment for our students as they navigate adolescence and beyond.

Our particular thoughts and prayers go to Tilda R (8 Purple) and Maya R (9 Blue) whose grandfather passed away. Also, to Sophie L (10 Gold) whose grandmother passed away.

We remember Tilda, Maya, Sophie and their families in a special way at this sad time.

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

Earlier this week the Year 11s completed Lesson 2 for Respectful Relationships, during Pastoral. Throughout this lesson, students had the opportunity to reflect on their lived experience when it comes to gender, society and culture. We looked at Disney as a case study - reflecting on the stories they consumed as children. In particular how Disney characterised and presented relationships on screen. We also considered the media they consume, reflecting on the relationships presented in these stories.

During Pastoral this week we were able to unpack gender stereotypes in the media. We looked at Disney films to reflect on these ideas surrounding masculinity, femininity and the types of characters audiences expect to see. Looking at it from this perspective, when we were younger, we really didn’t realise some of the messaging behind Beauty and Beast (1991) or Mulan (1998). But we considered how we have been raised on the stories of contemporary Disney Princesses who have ambition and romance is not a key component to the storyline. For example, Rapunzel from Tangled (2010), or Merida from Brave (2012). Bianca D (11 Silver) and Steph C (11 Purple)

So far throughout these lessons, the students overall have been eager to contribute and talk about their lived experiences, views and ideas about the world! Looking ahead we have one more Pastoral lesson for the term, focussing on consent and gender-based violence. Parents and carers please refer to the letter sent (Wednesday 2 August), should you have any questions about the Pastoral program.

I would like to give our Year 10 community a bit of a feel as to what it is like at school for our Year 10 students.

Below is a list of activities that the Year 10s have either just completed or are coming up for them.

• Day of Dialogue
• Herald Sun Shield
• Significant Men’s Breakfast
• Vaccinations
• GSV Track and Field Champions Carnival
• Final Year 10 Ballroom rehearsal
• Ballroom Presentation evening
• L’Chaim excursion to tertiary institutions
• Final two GSV weekly sport rounds

Each of these events support the growth and wellbeing of all students involved by a simple willingness of the students to say, YES. Yes, that I am willing to turn up and do my very best. Yes, I understand that it might be challenging and hard. Yes, I appreciate that I will learn new skills and strategies along the way. Yes, I will be surrounded by like minded community members, that like me, want to do the best that I can.

We continue to foster the exploration on intrinsic skills and growth and often we can look for the big moments to see them. Rarely do we see them in big moments, more often, it is a culmination of all the smaller moments, like the ones above, that allows us to refine and define our intrinsic strengths, that over time we appreciate. We appreciate our strengths and begin to utlise them in all elements of our lives and I for one cannot wait to see the growth in all of our Year 10s over the remaining of this term.

Ballroom Dancing

Monday 4 September and Thursday 7 September sees our ballroom dancing program come to its finale and what a finale it will be. Monday night will be a normal rehearsal for our dancers to be held at Box Hill Town Hall. Then on Thursday night we get the opportunity to present all the hard work to our community members at our presentation evening.

The evening will commence for the students at 6 pm, where they will complete one last rehearsal. Then at 7 pm, we open the doors and eagerly await all our community members to come and watch our presentation. The presentation element of the evening will commence at 7 pm and conclude at 9 pm.

On the night, I do ask that we keep our guest numbers to two parent/carers/family members to be in attendance. I am really looking forward to sharing next Thursday night with you all.

Fortnight study skills focus:

To continue to encourage the study skills focus for this term, I invite our Year 10 community to support our students by reminding our young people:

1. Work out when you ‘study best’, for instance some people are able to concentrate better in the morning. Then use these times to study those topics that require the most effort and energy

2. Do not leave your most difficult or hardest subjects till the end of the day. Instead try to get these out of the way early on

3. After completing a revision period cross it off from your timetable. This will help to instill a sense of accomplishment.

Until our next newsletter, explore those intrinsic strengths that support you to develop and cherish your #innerexcellence.

During Pastoral this week the Year 9 students took part in the ‘Your Safety Matters’ session that is run each year at the College. This session focuses on the importance of consent and respect within peer relationships, at school, in the home, within themselves, with friends and the broader community. Throughout the session we identified where to go and how to seek support if needed and provided all students with important information regarding these sensitive topics. The Year 9 students asked some great questions and left feeling empowered and informed.

Finally, throughout 2023, the Year 9 SRC and Class Leader Representatives have had the opportunity to meet with other schools in the area and work alongside their Year 9 Leaders to discuss their perspective goals, challenges and successes over the year.

There were two occasions the students had the opportunity to meet, one of them being last week.

The objective of this day was to create a space for the students to continue to grow in their leadership journey and to listen to other leaders, as well as providing an opportunity for each school to share information and advice about the progression of their leadership goal(s) that were developed from the previous session.

The students were able to gain confidence, perspective, new leadership connections and a new motivation to continue their work throughout the year and we thank CLC for providing us with the opportunity this time around.

Student feedback

The 2023 Year 9 Leadership Day was such a joy to attend. Throughout the day we participated in a wide range of activities that further strengthened themes of leadership and social involvement. By participating in icebreakers with the schools, we got to talk to and get to know some of the other leaders and their roles at their colleges. Overall, we had a great time and it is definitely one of our highlights from Year 9. Maya J and Amelia W (Class Leaders, 9 Red)

As we near the end of Term 3, we have started to look ahead to our big event of the year…CAMP! Information has been sent out to families via EdSmart, including permission slips. We ask that you kindly complete the required forms by Monday 11 September so that we are able to begin preparations. If you haven’t received these communications through EdSmart, please contact your child’s Homeroom teacher.

Whilst camp is a wonderful experience, we understand that there is an element of being out of your comfort zone for our young people. We are working on maintaining positivity towards camp and ask that this is continued at home. If there are specific concerns, please ask your child to reach out to their Homeroom teacher and we will often be able to reduce or remove the worries they may have, rather than allowing them to grow.

Lastly, our Homeroom Basketball Competition concluded this week, with the grand final being played between Blue and Silver in front of a packed LHC! Congratulations to Blue who were our winners, along with all players from every class and active supporters who got involved from the sidelines. It was wonderful to see such a positive, competitive spirit throughout the competition! I would like to thank our SRCs (Simona C, 8 Silver, and Maddy R, 8 Purple) and Sport Reps (Violet D, 8 Silver and Willow M, 8 Blue) for their efforts in organising and running this event.

Week 8 of Term 3 brings challenges in the sense of increased levels of assessment and making choices for languages to study in Year 8. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of students seeking advice around their worries and stress levels which prompted a Pastoral lesson this week.

Managing stress, worries and anxiety is a necessary skill and included in this is the idea of what is a ‘real’ problem we’re experiencing now, a ‘maybe’ problem and an 'imagined' problem. A lot of our concerns do not happen in reality, but we certainly dedicate ourselves to thinking about them!

The Pastoral lesson sought to discuss what worries us and look at what we can and cannot control. I invite families and friends to continue this discussion at home, talking about our worries and putting our concerns into perspective is a powerful tool.

Students have had the opportunity to reflect on what is a worry for them, as well as the skill of identifying whether this is a concern that they are able to let go of as it is out of their control. These skills will need to be revisited over the years in order to develop resilience and positive coping strategies during challenging times. All resources can be accessed through the Year Level Google Classroom using student iPads.

In Term 3 of Art Making and Exhibiting, classes have been busy expanding their understanding of exhibitions through visiting a variety of excursions.

On July 27 the Unit 2 Art Making and Exhibiting class visited the Whitehorse Art Space gallery to view the Connections exhibition.

The exhibition celebrated the connections of First Nations people to the land through the paintings of Helen S Tiernan and a wide range of artworks created by First Nations artists from the city’s collection.

Students gathered inspiration from, and investigated the many themes presented, including Identity, Portraiture and the Landscape.

The following week on Tuesday 2 August the Unit 2 and 4 classes explored the Melbourne Now exhibition at the NGV Australia in Federation Square.

Here students were able to immerse themselves in a total gallery experience where commissioned artworks were positioned alongside artworks from the collection. They could look specifically at the curation, presentation, and preservation of the artworks in a large public gallery.

In the afternoon we explored the smaller commercial galleries and artist run spaces in the Nicholas Building.

Model United Nations Assembly

Humanities students have been busy recently with a number of opportunities to extend their learning. Four of our Year 10 students participated in the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA); all demonstrating an outstanding ability to research current world issues and contribute to meaningful debates. Congratulations to Ava V H (10 Red) and Carla V (10 Blue) for being awarded the Best Overall Delegates at the event. They represented Ethiopia wonderfully.

Student Reflections:

MUNA is an experience that allows high school students to participate in a mock version of a United Nations Assembly to discuss and debate crucial world topics. These topics were focused on climate change and tackling world disasters, the restructure of the UN Security Council, protection of international trade routes, and the regulation of social media. This experience allowed us as participants to develop our skills in problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, public speaking research and negotiation. Although we were playing roles, MUNA allowed us to take part in a learning experience that allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of international affairs. Carla V (10 Blue)

At the Model United Nations Assembly, we were able to hone in on real world issues and apply our debating skills in a simulation of how United Nations makes significant decisions which impacts peace in our world. We discussed four resolutions of which are commonly debated topics in today's society. While one concerned the global environment and our response to them as a civilisation, another regarded social media regulation. We gave our speeches and opinions on each of the resolutions on behalf of a country and advocated cultural values, religious belief and societal qualities which meant that we got to investigate how a country other than Australia operates. We were also able to engage in intellectual conversation with other delegations from all over the world to discuss amendments and other concepts within the resolution being discussed. We learnt skills such as respectful communication and debate, concentrated on our public speaking abilities and did it all in a serious atmosphere. Sara K (10 Silver)

Participating in the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), has provided each of us with a unique and invaluable opportunity. The experience has honed our debating skills, communication, research capabilities, and understanding contemporary issues present in the 21st century.

One of the standout takeaways of MUNA is the art of conducting research. The practice equips us with skills to effectively gather reliable information from a variety of sources. The teaching of how to sift through data to gather specific details, has also contributed to the development of succinct writing skills, conveying complex ideas through poignant sentences.

On a verbal front , MUNA has been an exceptional source for the development of communication skills. The articulation of thoughts clearly, audibly, and at a steady pace is a transferable skill set, applicable when applying for jobs, completing assignments, and engaging in everyday conversations. Additionally, MUNA has taught us the significance of body language and posture - essential factors when addressing the secretary general and the audience. Our confidence amplified our insightful analysis during debates and also presented us as calm and in control.

Furthermore, MUNA’s impact stretches beyond immediate gains. We have been enlightened by the pressing challenges our generation must face, such as war and the pressing climate change. By immersing ourselves in discussions of global issues, we have opened our minds to creating a solution. With newfound knowledge, we have begun to create a future where solutions are generated and debates are conducted to find middle ground for our problems, and create a more equal playing field between the delegations.

MUNA has been a transformative experience, and sharpened knowledge that can be used in the future. Through mastering communication, public speaking and concise writing, our generation has armed ourselves with the skills needed to tackle challenging problems and dissect complex issues. MUNA has undoubtedly guided us in shaping a better future through informed debates and meaningful action. Ava V H (10 Red)

Sovereign Hill

The Year 9 students went to Sovereign Hill for the day to further their studies about the Gold Rush era.

Our excursion to Sovereign Hill was a great start to our topic about the Gold Rush. We learned about what life was like during that period and were able to understand the basics in a fun and engaging way before going into more detail in class. Michaela U (9 Red)

Going to Sovereign Hill propelled our class into learning about the Gold Rush and life in the 1800s. This was great for our class as we learnt so much and were then able to transfer it into our class work. We also had previous knowledge from learning about the Industrial Revolution and the First Fleet moving convicts to Australia, so we were able to have a basic understanding of the life of Australians at the time. Our class got a greater understanding of the Gold Rush from Sovereign Hill staff who brought an immersive aspect to teaching us about the jobs, the people, the life and the events. Anna F (9 Gold)

This excursion to Sovereign Hill was a fun and engaging way to learn about the Gold Rush. To experience what it was like in the 1800s in person through activities like watching gold pour and walking through the underground mines helped us to understand and keep involved in the classwork about the Gold Rush. Lila H (9 Silver)

Overall, this excursion has been really eye opening and informative about events throughout the Gold Rush period. This excursion has helped us gain a deeper understanding towards this topic and we look forward to further enhancing our knowledge on Australia’s history. Ananya D S (9 Silver)

Stay Tuned!

Stay tuned for more news about Sion’s Market Day, the Parliamentary Convention and Humanities Week activities to come in the next edition of the newsletter.

Denise O’Hara Science Academy (DOHSA) Excursion to Crystal-a-con

On Friday 25 August, 21 Year 7 and 8 students attended Crystal-a-con at the Melbourne Convention Center. As part of the 26th Congress and General Assembly of the International Union of Crystallography, Crystal-a-Con was a tailor made educational experience for junior science students to explore.

With seven different exhibitions to visit and collect stamps from (to represent the seven different lattice structures within crystals!), the students were able to engage with different scientists and see how their study of crystals and crystal structure informs their research.

The junior DOHSA excursion of Crystal-a-con was a great experience. We were able to discuss patterns in nature with professional crystallographers. There were fun and creative activities including drawing and finding patterns within natural and man made structures. Overall, I enjoyed this amazing opportunity. The staff at the exhibition centre were great teachers and I learnt so much. Amelie P (8 Gold)

Intermediate Concert Band & Senior Concert Band at Victorian Schools Music Festival

Congratulations to the Our Lady of Sion College Intermediate Concert Band, under the direction of Mr Dullard, and Senior Concert Band (Mr Parks) who performed at the Victorian Schools Music Festival held at the Hawthorn Town Hall. Both groups received a Silver award and benefitted from the on stage tutorial given by the guest adjudicator Mary K Schneider, who is Professor of Conducting and Director of Bands at Eastern Michigan University in the US, and listening to other schools in the same section.

Term 3 Music Soiree

Congratulations to the 35 students who performed solo and small group items at the Term 3 Soiree held last Monday. While it may have been cold outside, the music presented was anything but as students from every year level performed repertoire they have been working on with their specialist instrumental teacher. A special note of thanks to our wonderful College accompanist, Ms Adeline Han who supported many of the students with her brilliant piano playing.

Senior Jazz Ensemble perform at Significant Men’s Breakfast

Congratulations to the Senior Jazz Ensemble, and Drama Captain Ella C (12 White) who performed at the Significant Men’s Breakfast this morning. After their success at the VSMF, this ensemble continues to extend their technique and play some challenging pieces.

Year 7 Spring Concert Tuesday 14 November – Save the Date

All Year 7 ensembles, small groups, and those Year 7s in Intermediate level ensembles will be performing at the annual Year 7 Spring Music Concert, to be held on Tuesday 14 November.

Upcoming Music Department dates:

• VCE Music Performance Unit 4 Recitals Monday 11 September 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• VCE Music Performance Unit 2 Recitals Monday 9 October 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• String Soiree Tuesday 17 October 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Term 4 Music Soiree Monday 23 October 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Year 7 Music Spring Concert Tuesday 14 November 7.00 pm, LHC

GSV Track and Field Division 3 Championship

On Wednesday 23 August our Track and Field team competed at the Championship Carnival at Lakeside Stadium. The team’s energy was high, and our students embraced the opportunity to represent Sion in a range of events. With some great individual and team results throughout the day, Sion finished in fifth position, two places higher than our ranking from the Preliminary meet. A fantastic achievement.

Congratulations to the following students who have finished in the top competitors out of all 24 schools and hence have been invited to compete at the GSV Finals evening on Tuesday 5 September.

• Ava V H (10 Red) - Year 10 High Jump
• Emily L (8 Blue) - Year 8 Javelin
• Erin M (9 Purple) - Year 9 1500m
• Erin M (9 Purple) - Year 9 800m
• Grace N (10 Silver) - Year 10 Shot Put
• Jessica P (9 Purple) - Year 9 Javelin
• Maddie B (10 Red) - Year 10 Long Jump
• Maddie B (10 Red) - Year 10 Triple Jump
• Sophie F (8 Blue) - Year 8 1500m
• Sophie F (8 Blue)- Year 8 800m

The following students have been named as emergencies:

• Emily N (12 White) - Year 12 400m
• Olivia McD (9 Purple) - Year 9 400m
• Sam O’D (9 Purple) - Year 9 Hurdles

Term 3 GSV Sport Highlights

After many weeks of competition, finals week is approaching! Our Badminton and Soccer teams have grown in confidence and displayed some great teamwork and skill over the term, while our volleyball teams are looking likely to have the opportunity to compete for the Championship in finals!

Herald Sun Shield Grand Final

Congratulations to our Intermediate AFL team who have won through to the Herald Sun Shield Grand Final on Friday 1 September. The Grand Final will take place on the iconic Ikon Park and be the curtain raiser for the opening round of the AFLW match. We look forward to seeing them run out in the cherry red and black as they compete for the Division Two title. Good luck to all involved!

Individual Sporting Achievements

Congratulations to the following students who have recently achieved some great feats in their sporting endeavours.

• Ella S (9 Purple) - A member of the Gold medal winning School Sport Victoria Netball team at the recent National Championships.
• Keets B (12 Silver) and Nat B (11 Gold) - Selected for the GSV Water Polo Representative team.
• Erin M (9 Purple) and Sophie F (8 Blue) - Competed at the Cross Country National Championships in Canberra over the weekend. Erin placed 27^th and Sophie placed 46^th in Australia.
• Ella M (12 Blue) - Selected in the Yarra Junior Football League Team of the year.
• Zara T (9 Gold) - Won Gold at the Australia Karate Federation National Championships.

It's hard to beat a person who NEVER gives up. Babe Ruth (Professional Athlete)

Students and families can find the Fortnightly Careers newsletter here.

In this fortnight's newsletter there is information relating to:

• Dates to diarise – Year 12 VTAC timely applications and VTAC SEAS and Scholarship applications
• Upcoming Events – RMIT School holiday campus tour, A day in the life of a Swinburne student, Monash experience day workshops, Discover Monash series, ACU talk with industry, Box Hill Institute – free nursing bootcamp for Year 12 students
• Career Industry in the Spotlight – Psychology
• Things to Consider – Westpac Young Technologist Scholarships and University of Melbourne Year 12 Principals Scholarship
• Research ideas – University of Melbourne, Fine Arts and Music degrees in 2024

Supporting Your Teenager Through Bullying

As a parent, it can be difficult to know how to help your teenager as they navigate social relationships and dynamics, especially if they are experiencing bullying. Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and online, and can have serious consequences for teenagers’ mental health and wellbeing. Here are some things you can do to support your teenager through bullying:

Listen and Validate

Have an open conversation with your child about what is going on. Let them know that you believe them and that you are there to support them. It is normal to automatically want to jump to problem-solving, but staying calm and listening first will help your child to process things and give input into how they would like you to help.

Work With the School

If the bullying is happening at school, it's important to work with the school to address the issue. Schedule a meeting with your child's Homeroom Teacher and/or Wellbeing and Growth Leader to discuss what steps can be taken to address the issue.

Encourage Help-Seeking

If your child is struggling, encourage them to speak to you, another trusted adult (such as another relative or favourite teacher), or a counsellor to help them process what is going on.

Encourage Coping Strategies

Coping strategies can help to deal with the effects of bullying in the short-term, including practicing relaxation techniques, journaling, or participating in activities/hobbies they enjoy.

Monitor Their Online Activity

If the bullying is happening online, monitor your child's online activity and consider setting appropriate limits. Talk to them about the importance of online safety and how to avoid cyberbullying.

If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s Homeroom teacher, their Wellbeing and Growth Leader, or the Counselling Team.