Saturday 28 October
Monday 6 November
Tuesday 7 November
Wednesday 8 November
Thursday November 16
Our school community continues to pray for all those impacted by the war in Israel and the Palestinian territories. This increasingly difficult and tragic time has brought unimaginable suffering and loss to the communities of these regions. At times such as this, we feel powerless or wonder what can we do? We recognise the suffering etched deeply in the faces of parents, children and families and perhaps cling more tightly to those in our own families, grateful for all that we have – peace, love and hope for our lives that is grounded in certainty. How do we respond and extend our support to those who are so far away and are living in such precariously dangerous and uncertain times?
Prayer and understanding the complexity of the situation is what is now possible. At Our Lady of Sion College, we talk often about the importance of dialogue to seek understanding so that all are respected and there is the possibility of finding common ground. At this tragic time, we pray that all leaders and in particular those directly involved in this conflict see reason and understand that the only way forward is respectful dialogue that seeks to protect human life above all else.
The Sisters of Our Lady of Sion have communities in Jerusalem and Ein Karem, a village just outside of Jerusalem. We continue to extend them our support and prayers. Sr Trudy Nabuurs, an Australian sister who has lived in Jerusalem for many years wrote a few weeks ago to all who are praying for their safety and the return of peace.
Dear friends,
Most sincere thanks for the many messages of concern and assurance of prayer following the horrific and tragic events of these last days in Israel and Palestine.
For the mourning and grieving families who have lost loved ones and for those captured, and for those wounded on both sides.
At this point there is no more I can say as the world media is capturing it all. Here at Ecce Homo, in the old city, it is reasonably calm as most shops have remained closed and it is mainly the residents of the old city who move in and out cautious to keep safe. Pilgrims and tourists are keen to leave the country as quickly as possible. This will mean that again we will have an empty city and empty places of welcome! Once again work will come to a standstill adding increased hardship for many.
We continue to unite our prayer with all who are imploring heaven for a speedy cessation of the violence experienced. Neither violence nor war will ever bring peace. We continue to walk with compassionate hearts, keeping hope alive, hoping that all in our small ways will contribute to eventual justice and peace in our world, but especially at this moment for the land that is holy for so many.
With love, prayer and renewed thanks
Trudy.
And so we pray…
Oh God,
Grant peace to your holy land and to the whole world.
Root it deeply in the hearts of all humanity.
For your divine peace is the peace the world cannot give.
Your peace sets free all those caught in the nets of physical or psychological violence whether perpetrator or victim.
We feel powerless as we witness the many forms of violence and injustice in war, in politics, in society and even in individual lives.
Oh God, fill the mighty with your spirit of love and justice.
Help us also to contribute to the establishment of your kingdom of peace by acknowledging and living according to your divine law, given to us for the peace and wellbeing of all humanity and the whole of creation.
For that we pray, oh god of love and faithfulness.
We praise you and thank you for ever and ever.
Amen.
I take the opportunity this fortnight to congratulate and thank all teachers who worked to support students in their Art and Technologies subjects this year. Last week’s launch of our Creative Arts and Technologies Week was testament to the creativity of our students and their insightful ability to create works that communicate thoughtful and important ideas about our world. This is only possible through the work of their teachers who develop their skills, and harness and support their ideas. Congratulations to all involved and thank you to the hundreds of family members who attended the launch in support of their children. Your presence added to the wonderful celebration of student achievement.
Congratulations are also extended to Emma G (11 Purple), our 2024 Liturgy Captain who has been selected by the Australian Catholic University in partnership with the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools to travel with a group of twenty students for the 2023 ACU School Leaders Program. Next month, Emma will travel to Rome and London to participate in a learning and formation program focused on the Catholic tradition and western civilisation. We pray that this time will be an enriching experience for Emma, and we look forward to her sharing it with us in 2024.
This week we continue to extend our support for our Units 3 and 4 students who commenced their written examinations on Tuesday. We keep them also in our prayers at this important time.
With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.
Tina Apostolopoulos
As we read earlier from our College Principal, last week we received some great news. Our newly appointed Liturgy Captain, Emma G (11 Purple), was successful in her application to take part in the 2023 ACU School Leaders Program. This is an immersion program in the Catholic tradition where Emma will spend time in Rome and London.
As part of her application, Emma was asked to respond to the question, 'How do you handle discussing different points of view, especially on difficult or sensitive topics?'
Her response was very Sionian as she highlighted the importance of dialogue with others:
I believe that it is very important to listen and consider all perspectives. A key characteristic of education at OLSC is 'listening'. Everyone should have their voice heard and feel respected in a group. Without having two-sided dialogue on controversial issues, we are limiting knowledge that can be learnt, and ideas that can be created. Aligning with the OLSC vision statement; 'Speaking the Truth in Love', it is necessary that we speak our minds to create positive change. However, I know that it is important to tread carefully when exploring difficult and sensitive topics. It is necessary to take a diplomatic and thoughtful approach in challenging situations.
At Sion we are taught that true dialogue enables you to listen to the thoughts of others, share your own thoughts, and be open to change. Much of this can come through questioning. I am inspired by a story that one of my teachers once told me. He said that there was once a winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics who gave the following reply as to how he had arrived at such an achievement. He said, 'When I was a child, my parents never asked me for my marks after school. They simply asked me, 'Did you ask some good questions today!'
We wish Emma all the best and look forward to her sharing the learnings with the school community on her return.
A big thank you to all of the families and friends that supported the 2023 CAT Week. Putting all of this together takes a lot of work and effort on behalf of the teams and when friends and families reap the rewards, it makes it all worthwhile. The students love showing off what they can do across the Arts and Technology learning areas. I particularly enjoyed the topics that the students engaged in when creating their pieces, they certainly are informed, active and vocal in world issues. Well done to them.
Another contribution from our community is the Ayin Significant People launch. The students put together a very expressive piece of art while at the same time the biographies they wrote really tells us what they value and admire in others. Congratulations to all involved.
By the time that you are reading this, the VCAA exams will be in full swing. The Year 10 and 11 Semester 2 exams will commence in Week 6. The students have worked hard all year and this period is merely an opportunity to show this off. It is important for our Year 10 and 11 students to know that the internal exams are a preparation for the Year 12 version, that they have already been successful in their subjects, and that feedback for improvement is the main goal. Exams bring a level of stress and anxiety regardless of how we experience them, and knowing that there are supports available to help us manage this is essential. If you have any concerns, please make contact with the subject teacher, Homeroom teacher or Wellbeing and Growth Leader.
Families and students will be emailed directly with the exam timetable and requirements.
In today's interconnected world, it's increasingly challenging to shield our children from global events, some of which can be distressing. One such recent conflict that is dominating headlines is the Israel-Gaza conflict. Discussing such events with our children is essential, as it provides an opportunity for them to learn, develop empathy, and navigate the complexities of the world. It is also useful to remember that they are being exposed to this information through friends and social media and, if you don’t add in a measured and supportive voice, who will?
Start by creating an open and safe environment for discussions. Ask your child what they've heard or seen and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. Ensure they know their questions are welcome.
Be sure to tailor your conversation to your child's age and maturity level. Provide age-appropriate information without overwhelming them with excessive details or graphic imagery. Be mindful that older teens often hear about graphic videos and images circulating on social media and sometimes seek them out, only to regret viewing the violence they contain. At other times they might unwittingly be sent media and be exposed to violent images without knowing what they are going to view.
While discussing such events, advise your daughter to limit her exposure to such content and be cautious when accessing unsolicited videos or images. Explain how graphic images can be emotionally distressing and cannot be ‘unseen’. Empower your child to make conscious choices about what they consume online. Help them understand that they can control what they see by setting filters and blocking graphic content.
Encourage your child to think critically about the information they encounter. Discuss the importance of reliable sources and the potential bias in news reports. Highlight the importance of understanding multiple perspectives. Sometimes the truth is that there is wrong and right on both sides. Teach them about empathy and help them see the human side of conflicts, focusing on the people affected.
Share your family's values and beliefs. Discuss how these values can guide your child's understanding of global events and their role in promoting peace and tolerance. Encourage your child to channel their concerns into positive actions, such as supporting humanitarian efforts, learning more about diplomacy, or participating in peaceful advocacy.
Lastly, reassure your child of their safety and that you, as their parent, are there to provide love and support.
By engaging in these conversations and taking these steps, you help your daughter become more informed, empathetic, and a critical thinker in a rapidly changing world. Remember, your guidance is invaluable in shaping their understanding of global events, their place in the world and appropriate actions that bring hope.
With Semester 2 examinations around the corner, the Homeroom team will be working with the Year 11s to consider preparations for their final assessments.
Throughout Pastoral (Tuesday 24 October) students were encouraged to reflect on their progress this semester, whilst being encouraged to look ahead; consider the subjects they are completing next year, how they might see this opportunity to refine some study skills, to try something new, or hold themselves accountable to the standards they want to achieve. Information about the exam timetable, expectations and other processes will be communicated in Week 5.
Year 11 Students are also navigating the Notre Dame building as the VCAA Year 12 Exams started this week. Some Homerooms have been asked to move lockers to accommodate these exams. We have encouraged students to take home any resources they no longer need, and to consider the essentials for each class to ensure their bag is not too heavy. Students will be able to access their lockers in the morning until 8.30 am but will need to carry their school bags with the relevant learning resources for the day. Please get in contact, should your child need other arrangements to support their health or accessibility. Please refer to the email sent to parents and carers (Wednesday 11 October) via SEQTA.
We thank all Year 11 students for their cooperation during this time. As they approach the end of the Unit 2 subjects, we hope they can recognise the learning and progress they have accomplished this year. We wish all accelerating students, all the best for their final VCAA Unit 3/4 Exam!
That time of the semester is upon us...that’s right, end of semester exams, and honestly it is not all about exams, this time of the semester is continuing to cultivate what we (students) have learned in each of our classes AND JUST AS IMPORTANTLY, what have we learned about ourselves. How do we learn, how do we respond, how did I prepare, what strategies did I use, did I reflect to allow growth, or did I stumble along repeating similar mistakes and not learn from them.
I want all our students to know that nervousness is ok and it will happen throughout the coming weeks. It is a natural part of life that shows you care, you want to do the best you can. I also want you to know that each time you present for an exam, a test, a job interview, that first shift, meeting someone new, getting your L’s you get to know yourself better. You start to embrace the nervousness and harness your fullest potential. You grow by being courageous, even when it doesn’t feel comfortable.
I want to challenge you all about how you feel when you hear the word exam or test. These words invoke a feeling, an emotion, a meaning of conclusion of a period of study or effort. What you are being asked to do is to ‘show me what you know’, no more, no less. BUT, you do that each day. We go to school, go to work and we show what we know, we apply all our knowledge, our learning to new environments and situations. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes, wrong. Either way we learn and grow. I want all Year 10 community members to embrace the upcoming Semester 2 exam period as the next opportunity to learn and grow. What have you learned about yourself and how can you apply those skills moving forward.
When you sit an exam, you are demonstrating your ability to understand course material, or perform certain tasks and demonstrate your skills in sitting an exam
On behalf of the Year 10 Pastoral team, until our next newsletter, explore those intrinsic strengths that support you to develop and cherish your #innerexcellence.
It’s been another busy two weeks in Year 9 with some of the stand outs mentioned below.
Over the past couple of weeks, we have launched two opportunities for our students for Year 10 2024. Applications were made available for the students last week to be a part of the Peer Support Program and/or to become a Talk and Tour Guide. Although these roles are very different in nature, both promote growth in taking on responsibility and leadership within our school community. It was great to see such interest in these opportunities from the students, with the number of applicants exceeding previous years. We look forward to seeing how they contribute to these roles in 2024. Successful applicants will be notified shortly.
The Year 9s also welcomed their ‘Significant People’ into the College on Tuesday for morning tea, to show them the figures they created and the biographies they wrote. It was great to see the students' pride in what they had created but most importantly it was so lovely to see how much it meant to those in our community who shared in this experience with them and were recognised for all they have done. This is always such a special event in Year 9.
We also had our final volunteer opportunity for ‘Days for Girls'. This also concluded our events throughout the year to raise money and awareness for this amazing organisation. As many are already aware, the funds are to go towards purchasing the expensive waterproof fabric they need to buy for the sanitary items that are made and to purchase new underwear to put in the packs sent out to those in need. I am excited to announce that the final amount raised was $2,190.95. This exceeds any amount raised by a year level for a fundraising campaign, something that is a great testament to their selflessness and passion.
I also wanted to mention, next week is week 5 of Term 4, in the coming weeks, assessments will increase and final tasks will need to be completed.
It is vital the students are practising good study habits. The Year 9s this year have had two sessions on study skills, one with their Homeroom teachers and one with the current Year 11s. This is a great opportunity to ensure these strategies are being used so they can begin to gauge what does and doesn’t work for them, especially in preparing for Year 10 in 2024.
This week our focus was preparing for the most exciting event of the year…CAMP! Below are some key points that were discussed, so please continue these conversations at home to maintain a positive attitude so that camp is a wonderful experience.
Finally, I respectfully ask students to please check the ‘what to bring’ list to ensure that all necessary items are packed. This was included with the permission through EdSmart and a copy has been placed on the year level Google Classroom for students, along with some basic rules and expectations. If parents/carers have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your daughter’s Homeroom teacher or me and we would be happy to help out!
The Arts and Technology Department ran a successful Creative Arts Week for Year Levels 7-12 from 16-20 October 2023.
We enjoyed a very well attended opening night with families and students lined up outside the Notre Dame doors for the opening speech from Chloe L (12 White) Arts Captain 2023 and awards presentation. This was followed by guests visiting the gallery space to see the collection of amazing works across all year levels on display.
Throughout the evening visitors were entertained by our Rock Band and the Drama students who performed their solo work which just added to the community feel on the night.
The following awards were presented to selected students on the night:
Winner: Holly Y (12 Gold)
Awarded to Holly for demonstrating passion in the exploration of food, placing emphasis on extending her food knowledge and practical skills.
Winner: Gabriella B (12 Purple)
My photographic series, ‘Candied Isolation’, is an exploration of the concepts of a futuristic dystopia that incorporates cyberpunk aesthetics. The series depicts seven different characters, each assigned with a singular emotion and a correlating colour from birth, portraying them in their dystopian city environment, their individual characteristics and how each emotion interacts with one another. Gabriella B (12 Purple)
Winner: Aurelia A (12 Silver)
Cornelius and Antoinette Remington have decided to open their own restaurant, Late Checkout in CBD, Melbourne that aims to create a unique dining experience, allowing the patrons to feel like they have travelled to another world. Presentation 1 asks for a multi-level building design that hopes to transmit a very maximalist style and striking colour palette. The clients requested an interior and exterior of the building design. This is seen through multiple finals showing the interior and exterior. The maximalist style in the building is seen through the decorations above the window and the bright pink colour palette being used. I needed to optimise the amount of light in the building by including a glass roof and using artificial lights such as pendants and chandeliers. Additionally, I was able to work with heritage features and reflect the surrounding environment using a Victorian Architectural style; as seen through the paned windows and the ornate trimmings. However, the building can still stand out and create a clear identity through its pink exterior. Aurelia A (12 Silver)
Winner: Cady L (12 Gold)
The Return 2023. Textiles, synthetic feathers. Inspired by a recent trip to a beach in New Zealand, it is around the time of high tide, I notice this bird landing on the nearby grass, it is there it stands, and then very slowly, shrivelling down into the ground as life slowly flows out of its body. Though there doesn’t seem to be much pain in this process, instead rather peaceful, there were no dreadful noises, instead, it was surrounded by the sound of waves washing up the shore. There I thought, perhaps one day, the body of this bird will be brought away by those sea water, just like those sands, returning to the earth which has once created it. The underlying serenity in this process is what led me to the making of this work, exploring the idea of the origin of life and the process of return. With the medium chosen being textiles, for me the textural surfaces just seem to provide such warmth. As its body slowly makes its return to its origin, fertilises the beginning of a new living in the womb of the deep earth, the underwater. Cady L (12 Gold)
Winner: Zaneta S (11 White)
Theme: How do I perceive the urban landscape? View of Katong. Acrylic Inks on Paper. Zaneta’s sophisticated study of the urban landscape draws the viewer into the work to explore the fine detail. The use of a strong open composition with a variety of viewpoints reflects a complex level of technical skill using perspective to create depth and realism. Zaneta has developed an individual style through the use of acrylic inks. These have been refined to create tonal depth and colour highlights within the mostly neutral cityscape. Zaneta S (11 White)
Winner: Scarlett H (12 Silver)
'Even After Me Too’ (Photographic series). My photographic series ‘Even After Me too’ explores women's safety by combining cause and effect scenarios through parallel images. I aimed to display how men’s behaviour impacts women and how their safety can be threatened in any location at any time of day. There perspectives also impose the restrictions of stereotypes surrounding gender and discrimination. Scarlett H (12 Silver)
Winner: Jordyn W (12 Red)
The client; Michael Daybrook, is the founder and owner of Daybrook Youth Support, a web-based facility that provides online resources for underprivileged teens in Melbourne, who are struggling or in need of support to further their education, skills and knowledge. He decided that he wanted to take his online business a step further, providing real life support and opportunities for rehabilitation, and created the concept for the Daybrook Correctional Youths Center, or DCYC. A hub for pre-teens and teens to admit themselves into the care of trained professionals, where they are provided with rehabilitation, resources and living quarters to help improve their lives and offer them the ability to start fresh. As a result of this, Daybrook Youth Support required the architectural design of their Daybrook Correctional Youth Center, as well as a new corporate identity to go along with the release of their new rehabilitation facility. Jordyn W (12 Red)
Winner: Sophia S (12 Purple)
‘Eighteen’ (Short Film). Eighteen is a dystopian and coming of age short film, the themes of growing up, change happiness and grief are prominent. Trapped in an eerie dystopian world, Lily and Grace attempt to escape the darkness of the city of Eternity, embarking on a new life in Moon Shore. Does happiness and freedom really last forever? Has Lily’s life in Eternity ended, or is it just beginning? Sophia S (12 Purple)
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all students, families and staff members for attending the opening night and your support is much appreciated on another successful Art exhibition.
To celebrate Creative Arts and Technologies week the Year 7s were invited to participate in an Editable Art Pastry Competition.
The event showcased the artistic and culinary talents of our Year 7 students. It emphasised the importance of creativity, innovation, and attention to detail, all while appreciating the fusion of art and technology in the form of culinary arts.
Lara B (7 Red) won first prize for her ‘Two birds eating seeds on a branch’ creation. Well done to all other students who participated.
On Tuesday morning we were blessed with the company of amazing people, incredible stories and, thankfully, beautiful weather for our Significant People, Significant Lives Launch. This occasion is a special one in the Ayin calendar, the culmination of months of work completed by our students across various subjects and platforms.
Launched back in Term 2, the Significant People, Significant Lives Project firstly aims to provide an opportunity for students to interview, learn and publish a person’s achievements in print and through art. Secondly, it intends to be in line with the meaning of Ayin - to see - to encourage the students to see beyond what is immediately in front of them and to see beauty and inspiration in the world. Through seeing so many guests present, in reading the biographies, viewing the artwork, and hearing the stories shared, it was clear that these objectives were met by our Year 9s.
Students, staff and guests were incredibly moved and inspired by our guest speakers Ben, Kate and Aldo – the Significant People of Zara O (9 Silver), Elana V (9 Gold) and Diya P (9 Gold). Their stories were testament to the human capacity to give and enrich the lives of others in any walk of life. With very different experiences, it was poignant that each of them wove a message of service, of challenging oneself to ask what they can do for others and how in doing so, you might just find your true purpose.
Enrolments are now open and available on-line for Instrumental Music lessons in 2024. All the details including fees, instrument hire charges and conditions are available via the link here. Confirmation of enrolment needs to be completed here. Please note that charges will be applied to your College fees statement in early 2024. For any enquiries, please address these to the Head of Music at: mmacaulay@sion.catholic.edu.au
A limited number of music lesson scholarships, lasting two years, will be made available to students currently in Years 7 and 8 for the following instruments:
Interested students/families should email Mr Macaulay for an application form.
Over the past fortnight we have had many girls performing solo and small groups pieces, as well as ensemble performances in the String Soiree, held last week, and the Term 4 Music Soiree, held earlier this week. It was terrific to have so many students present work they have been developing this semester with the support of their instrumental tutors – truly embracing musical life at Sion!
The Notre Dame foyer was rocking at the opening of the Creative Arts and Technologies event last week. Congratulations to Rock Band members, and their director Mr Gregory, who wowed the audience with their performance of various songs from different rock and popular genres.
Congratulations to members of the Intermediate Strings who performed at the St. Thomas the Apostle Primary School Fete last weekend. The girls were led by Mrs Tinsley and Mr Woinarski and played their repertoire to a very appreciative audience. It was an extra bonus for some girls who re-visited their old primary school.
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 7:00 pm in the LHC. Bookings are now open via the TryBooking link here.
The Senior 9-12 Cricket team concluded its season this week at Whitefriars College with a valiant effort against top of the ladder team St Catherine’s. With many hard-fought matches along the way, Sion finished seventh in our pool. A big thank you to Mr Steward for coaching the team this term.
We would like to recognise Samantha P (10 White) for her outstanding achievements in sport.
In September, Samantha P travelled with the U17s Victoria Samoa Netball Association team to Samoa to compete in the 2023 Samoa Netball Association Cup. This was the first tournament for Samoan netball players as a platform to play at an international level and experience being on tour as an association and a team.
Victoria faced off against fellow Samoan associations from NSW, QLD and Auckland. Samantha’s team made it all the way to the Grand Final, with the Auckland Association taking out the Premiership.
Samantha also had the opportunity to celebrate Samoan culture through participating in traditional activities and events throughout the tournament.
Congratulations to Samantha and the team on an amazing result and an incredible experience.
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Wayne Gretzky (Professional Athlete)
Students and families can find the Fortnightly Careers newsletter here.
In this fortnight's newsletter there is information relating to:
As many of you would know, the Counselling team ran a parenting group called 'Tuning into Teens' in Term 3. We received some great feedback from the parents/ carers who took part in the group and I wanted to share one concept that many parents/carers found particularly helpful.
This concept was developed by Dr Dan Siegel, a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine. It is called the Hand Model of the Brain and it helps us to understand the roles that different brain structures play in emotional expression and regulation. It can also help to explain why young people can be more susceptible to stress and why it can be so difficult for young people to control their responses when they are experiencing strong emotions.
Here is a link to a short video that explains the model:
The counsellors often explain this model to students, who tend to find it helpful to understand and visualise what is happening inside of their brain when they are feeling stressed, flustered, or upset (i.e. they have 'flipped their lid'). Understanding this model is often a useful first step in recognising and responding to negative emotions more effectively. I would encourage you to watch the video above and discuss it with your teen if you think it could be helpful for them.
We will be running the 'Tuning into Teens' program again in 2024, so please keep an eye on the newsletter next year if you are interested in attending.
If you have any questions or concerns about your young person, please feel free to get in touch with the Counselling Service via counselling@sion.vic.edu.au
As reported in our last newsletter, Our Lady of Sion College is excited to announce our participation in CASE Film & Arts School International Study Program in December 2024. All Our Lady of Sion College students currently in Years 8, 9, 10, and 11 are invited to join CASE Film & Arts School to visit two of the world’s most iconic locations, New York City and Los Angeles.
This 14-day immersive international study program in the USA explores the arts, offering a unique experience. It emphasises the creative process, finding your voice, and development—bringing together top STEAM organisations, creative industry leaders, and esteemed arts institutions for a unique learning adventure.
CASE Film & Arts School cultivates young leaders, nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for any study path.
This program is a creative adventure, empowering young leaders with the skills for tomorrow's innovation.
Click here to join Our Lady of Sion College expedition.
Information Session 6 pm Thursday 23 November 2023, via Zoom.
We have partnered with Sustainable School Shop to provide families access to second-hand textbooks, uniforms, calculators, musical instruments, sports gear and much more!
Sustainable School Shop have preloaded items specific to our school onto their site. This makes it super easy to list your items for sale and to buy items.
See all the second-hand uniform items for sale here.
See all the second-hand textbooks for sale here.
By listing your items for sale you will be:
Login or register here.
