Newsletter | Work hand in hand, be the light that heals the Earth

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of Pauline Malady (nee Davoren), who served as Principal of Our Lady of Sion College in 1974 and 1975. Pauline passed away on Tuesday 24 February at the age of 93.

Pauline was also a past pupil of the College, attending from 1938 to 1945. Her deep love for Sion led her to accept the role of Principal, taking on the position at a time when lay leadership in Catholic schools was still rare. She wrote: It is very commonly said that "to travel is better than to arrive", but my coming back to Sion, after many years, has led me to believe that the opposite is the case. To be back here for the first time since my own school days has been one of the best experiences of my career, one of the happiest "arrivals" of my life. Pauline Malady

A dedicated English teacher at heart, she eventually returned to the classroom, where she found great joy. Pauline is remembered as a gentle and steady leader who cared deeply for teaching and for her students.

We acknowledge Pauline’s contribution to the College during her time as Principal and extend our thoughts and prayers to her family and all who knew her.

May eternal light shine upon Pauline, and may she rest in God's eternal peace.

Lent

As we journey through the early weeks of the school year, our Catholic community has entered the sacred season of Lent. Lent invites us into a time of reflection, renewal, and deepening our relationship with God. This year, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that fasting is not only about abstaining from food but also about 'disarming our language - choosing to refrain from words that wound, avoiding harsh judgement, and replacing hurtful speech with kindness and peace'. I invite our students, families, and staff to reflect on this call throughout the season. To consider how our words can build up rather than tear down, and how listening, kindness, and compassion can shape the way we live and learn together. In doing so, we join the wider Church in allowing this sacred time to transform our hearts and guide us closer to Christ’s love.

We are also reminded of the timeless wisdom of the prophet Micah: 'What does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God?' (Micah 6:8). May these words guide our hearts and actions during this sacred time.

I also warmly invite our community to participate in the various Project Compassion campaigns and activities that our students have prepared for this Lent. Further details can be found in the Social Justice report in this fortnight’s Newsletter.

In the last fortnight, our staff engaged in our annual Staff Lenten Reflection afternoon which was led by Mr Mark Wash, Director Formation and Mission for the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. Our staff were invited to consider how they might open themselves to the possibility of transformation, not just for their own good, but for the flourishing of the community of creation. The session invited staff to reflect on scripture, wisdom from our Catholic and other religious traditions, silence, dialogue, and music to contemplate how we are called to Work hand in hand, be the light that heals the Earth.

This week, our Year 12 College Leaders met with me over lunch. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the year ahead and the kind of leadership they hope to embody. Each leader offered a single word that captures their aspirations: kind, encouraging, energetic, supportive, approachable, fun, persistent, brave, active, enthusiastic, committed, innovative, inclusive, uplifting, representative, ambitious, and impactful. These words reflect their shared desire to lead with generosity, courage, and authenticity, and to create a school environment where every student feels supported to participate and thrive.

Our conversation also touched on what students are most proud of within our community. The leaders spoke about our strong academic achievement, the deep sense of safety and belonging that students experience, the way our whole school community encourages one another, and the unique opportunities that come from being an all-girls school that nurtures confidence and leadership. Their reflections affirmed the strength of our culture and the pride students hold in being part of Our Lady of Sion College.

As we spoke about leadership and student voice, it became clear just how important our rich co‑curricular and extra‑curricular life is in shaping the Sion experience. Our programs allow students to explore passions, step into new opportunities, and discover their unique talents. These experiences build friendships, confidence, and character, and this vibrant life beyond the classroom enriches every student’s journey.

I encourage parents/carers to support their child to embrace these opportunities, whether in music, sport, debating, drama, art, STEM, House activities, or any of the many opportunities, so they may continue to grow, connect and contribute to our vibrant Sion community.

The strong sense of community that shapes so much of life at Sion was beautifully on display as our students gathered for the annual House Swimming Carnival on Friday 13 February. The day was filled with energy, encouragement and joy as students and staff came together to cheer one another on. Well done to Loreto House for winning the House Cheering Competition! Congratulations to Fatima House for taking home the Swimming Carnival trophy! Most importantly, well done to every student whose enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment made the day a strong expression of the Sion community.

This week we welcomed prospective families to Sion for our termly Talk and Tour Meeting. There is something truly special about opening our doors and inviting visitors to experience the heart of our community firsthand. A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Year 10 Tour Guides, who led our guests with such confidence, warmth and pride. Their ability to share their experiences, highlight what makes Sion unique, and genuinely connect with families made the morning meaningful for every visitor.

May we continue to discover, in all we share as a community, the truth of the Psalmist’s words, How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.

Our Lenten Journey Begins: Prayer, Penance, and Peaceful Words

Our Lenten journey commenced last week with Ash Wednesday, marking the start of this sacred season of spiritual renewal. Students and staff gathered in year level groups for a moving, student-led liturgy. Together, we reflected deeply on the wisdom of Scripture, united in prayer, and received ashes, a powerful symbol of penance, and humility.

Lent spans 40 days, concluding on Holy Thursday, as we prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. This time invites us to embrace the three pillars of Lenten practice: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. As a Catholic and Sionian school community, we are called to live these out through acts of justice, peace, and love and will be reflected in ways such as our fundraising efforts to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, which aims to transform the lives of countless people in need around the world today.

In his message for Lent 2026 on the theme 'Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion', His Holiness Pope Leo XIV urges us to open our hearts to listening, fasting, and community, with a special emphasis on a practical form of abstinence: refraining from words that wound others.

'I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour.'

He calls us to disarm our language:

'Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.'

By doing so,

'words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace'.

During this Lenten season, may we take up Pope Leo XIV’s invitation to reflect on the power of our words and the gift of listening well, to ensure that everyone in our community feels valued and at peace.

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.

A message from our Liturgy Captain Lorena G (12 White)

My name is Lorena and I am the Liturgy Captain for 2026. I am so grateful to have been given this wonderful and significant position. I plan to make Liturgy at Our Lady of Sion College accessible and enjoyable for all through a focus on interactive chapel sessions which encourage reflection and incorporate creating elements to be more engaging for the community. An example of this is a chapel session which will be held outside and will focus on God’s creation.

Another initiative I am excited to continue running this year, is our lunchtime Dialogue Group. I aim to create a safe space for everyone to share any ideas or questions concerning their faith journey, whilst feeling supported in a friendly environment.

An important part of 21st century learning, and a key aspect of the Our Lady of Sion College pedagogical framework, is explicit teaching of digital literacies. This includes practical knowledge such as sending and responding to emails, setting up file structures or managing operating systems. Also important is the way that we engage with the online community, apply discernment when exploring online resources and opinions, and the safe and appropriate use of AI tools.

This is a process of both explicit teaching and modelling to build digital literacy skills. We recognise that students require access to rich and diverse digital resources and the legislation has been designed to protect and continue this.

Consistent with the protective requirements of the Social Media Delay legislation, the College has implemented changes to student sign-in practices.

Students are no longer able to use their College Google accounts to sign in to social media platforms or any services that use Google authentication (for example, signing in to YouTube with a school account). While students may still be able to create accounts using their school email address on some platforms, access via Google sign-in is restricted.

Where platforms such as YouTube are identified under the legislation, account enforcement, including age verification and account closure for users identified as under 16, is managed by the platform provider, not the College.

Students can still access YouTube for educational purposes without being signed in.

Should you have any further questions about this, please see the information provided by the E-Safety Commission.

Box of Books: Feedback Form

We are very aware that the change to Box of Books has led to challenges with the delivery of, and access to, learning resources. As part of our normal practice of review and improvement, we are asking all stakeholders; families, students, teachers and administration, to provide feedback on their experience (both positive and negative) so that we can make decisions moving forward.

For this to be an informed process, we ask families to respond to the feedback form. We would like to hear from families even if they have already contacted the College with concerns. Please click here to access the feedback form.

Staying Connected: Why Up-to-Date Information Matters

At Our Lady of Sion College, the safety, wellbeing, and success of each student is our top priority. A key part of this is ensuring we have the most accurate and up-to-date contact information for every family. This includes phone numbers, email addresses, emergency contacts, and details about living arrangements, parenting plans, or any Family Court orders that may apply. Keeping this information current allows us to respond promptly and appropriately to any situation that may arise.

We recognise that sharing information about family circumstances can be challenging, and at times emotional. However, the more we know, the better we can support students and families in practical ways. Up-to-date information enables us to:

Provide timely and sensitive support, including counselling if needed

Manage permissions and approvals efficiently for excursions, events, and special programs

Ensure family members are appropriately included in Student Progress Meetings and important school communications and events

Maintain smooth, respectful communication between parents and the school.

We treat all information with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. Our aim is always to act in the best interests of the student, while supporting families with care and understanding.

If your circumstances change at any time, including changes to living arrangements or family court/parenting orders are put in place, we encourage you to notify the school promptly. If you wish to discuss your situation in more detail, please contact your daughter’s WaGL, and a meeting can be arranged to ensure your family’s needs are fully understood and supported.

While the school is required to operate within Family Law directives, clear communication, mutual understanding, and a caring approach go a long way in helping families and the school work together effectively. By keeping us informed, you help ensure your daughter’s school experience is safe, supported, and positive in every way.

How to Update your Details - Click here for MyPortal Instructions

Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families resource

The Happy Families article for this publication is:

When Should Kids Get a Smartphone? The Research, the Risks, & a Better Way Forward

The past two weeks have been an incredibly positive time for our Year 10 cohort. Students have had the opportunity to take part in a range of significant College events, including our Top Achievers’ Assembly, Lourdes Feast Day, school photos, Ash Wednesday liturgy and the House Swimming Carnival.

Alongside these events, our Year 10s have been actively involved in GSV team sport and our Aquatics program. We have also seen our school ambassadors confidently begin welcoming prospective families to our College community, while our peer support leaders have commenced guiding and supporting our Year 7 students as they settle into secondary school life.

On top of all of this, each day, our Year 10 students have been investing in their academic progress in their Semester 1 subjects. Their teachers are reflecting that they are seeing a cohort who are:

Asking questions
Working collaboratively
Being proactive when they need support

They are witnessing students who are learning to take charge of their Year 10 journey. To further support their journey, I would like to share the following article with you that talks about the importance of ensuring that all community members remain open to and inquisitive about how your young person went at school. One of the best things parents/carers can do, is show an interest with what happens each day at school. I do hope you find this a useful resource:

Talking about school with kids and teens | Raising Children Network

Duke of Edinburgh's Adventurous Journey

The much-anticipated Duke of Edinburgh's Adventurous Journey is just around the corner. In preparation, students have continued to explore all elements of the program during Pastoral periods and Homeroom. This has included walking with full packs, pitching tents, learning how to safely use a Trangia, and making well-informed food choices for the journey.

To further support conversations at home, I would like to re-share the images discussed at our recent Parent Information Evening. These provide helpful suggestions of what breakfast, lunch and dinner might look like during the Adventurous Journey.

As we have discussed at school, during our Adventurous Journey, the students will be very active, more so than what a normal school day entails. It is important that students ensure they have plenty of food to sustain themselves throughout this experience.

Until the next edition, be curious and inquisitive and open to sharing experiences that have both challenged and positively changed you.

As the cohort has settled into the new year, it is important that they continue to look for ways to embed a growth mindset into their daily lives. Being in a new space, with new teachers and new subjects provides an opportunity for a safe challenge where growth can flourish. Throughout this time it is important that the expectations remain: reachable, but high and that we look for signs that these young people need further support.

I'm reminded of the anecdote told by Rabbi Dr Abraham Twerski about the growth of lobsters. He explains that when a lobster outgrows its shell, it becomes uncomfortable - it leaves the old shell behind to find a newer, bigger shell and repeats this process throughout its life. He explains that the 'stimulus for growth is that the lobster feels uncomfortable' - I would suggest that the beginning of a new year, new classes and teachers, changes in social groups, can all lead to a time of discomfort, but this is where growth happens. I would add that the challenges presented at school are safe challenges; that students are supported through these times by a huge network of College based supports, unlike lobsters that need to go under a rock. This message has featured on our Year Level display board as a reminder to students - be the lobster!

As a Pastoral team, we are committed to providing students with support in their growth, managing their study and homework, accessing mental health supports at school and working with them on setting and achieving attainable goals. Last week in Pastoral, we filmed students verbalising their goals as a way for them to keep themselves accountable to what they hope to achieve across the year. We will continue to reflect back on these to have open and encouraging conversations on how goals can be adjusted, the importance of considering 'where they are at' in their journey and what strategic steps we can take to get there.The process of goal setting allows students to see where the growth is happening and an important reflection point in the year to come.

Year 7 has met their first weeks of high school with enthusiasm and engagement in all that life at the College has to offer. There have been many firsts experienced in the past weeks, including their first Opening College Eucharist, Opening Assembly, school photos, House Homerooms and Swimming Carnival at Sion.

It's wonderful to witness new friendships blossoming and students developing the skills needed to connect with others. However, it's important to remember that for some students, these friendships are still in the early stages and may take more time to grow. Parents/carers are asked to discuss with their children the importance of nurturing new friendships and to encourage them to continue engaging with new people.

Week 4 also brought with it an opportunity for students to refocus on key skills, such as organisation and time management, that will be vital as students begin to receive more structured homework. Students may occasionally be required to complete unfinished classwork outside of lessons. Homework is provided separately to reinforce learning, revise class content, and support regular engagement with key concepts.

With this, also comes tasks that allow staff and students to reflect on learning through feedback and identify areas of strength and improvement. As such, you may hear your child reference either of the two assessment formats we utilise here at Sion;

Formative assessments: assist teachers with the development of learning and teaching programs as well as encourages students to reflect on their learning and monitor their progress (likely resulting in a Satisfactory/ in Progress/ Not Satisfactory result)

Summative assessments: to measure student achievement against standard (likely resulting in a formal grade as a percentage result).

Details of the task and dates of completion are visible to both students and parents/carers through the respective SEQTA apps, making this a great starting place for initial information. If there are any questions or concerns regarding either of the above tasks and their information, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s subject or Homeroom teachers if it is across subjects.

The school calendar weeks appear to be flying by and it is hard to believe we are almost halfway through Term 1! You may have noticed your child’s homework beginning to increase over the last week or so. This is a natural and important part of the learning cycle. Students may have already completed their first formative tasks or will do so shortly, giving them the opportunity to practise, receive feedback and refine skills which they will later demonstrate in summative assessments. Results and feedback are regularly released through SEQTA, and I encourage you to take the time to review and discuss this information with your daughter. Consider discussing what she felt proud of in the task and identifying one or two areas she could focus on next, to continue building and extending her work.

Regular homework plays a key role in consolidating classroom learning. Students should be engaging in consistent practice each evening. When there is no set homework, this time can be used purposefully for revision, reviewing class notes, completing unfinished work, or maintaining regular reading. These steady study habits not only strengthen academic progress but also support general wellbeing by reducing last minute stress and building confidence.

As always, balance is essential. Continuing with after school activities, sport, creative pursuits and social time is just as important. Helping students establish routines that include study, rest and recreation supports both achievement and wellbeing and keeps home life feeling manageable for everyone.

NAPLAN 2026

All Year 7 and Year 9 students will complete the online NAPLAN assessments this term on the following dates:

Wednesday 11 March – Writing
Thursday 12 March – Reading
Friday 13 March – Conventions of Language
Monday 16 March – Numeracy

NAPLAN is a national assessment that measures students’ literacy and numeracy skills at a point in time and how they have developed through the school curriculum. The results provide parents/carers with information about their child’s progress against national proficiency standards.

In the lead-up to these assessments, Year 7 and Year 9 students in English and Mathematics classes have set time aside to explore the ACARA NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site. This allows students to become familiar with the online format, navigation tools and question types they may encounter. Families are welcome to explore the demonstration site together linked here.

As assessments will be completed online, students are reminded to:

Bring a fully charged BYOD (Year 7) or iPad (Year 9)
Bring a pen
Bring wired headphones (no airpods)

Further information for parents/carers is available from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) via the NAPLAN information brochure here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to make contact with me directly.

The year is off to a fantastic start in the world of Drama at Sion, with energy, creativity and enthusiasm flowing through our performance spaces.

We are thrilled to share several exciting advancements that are already enriching our students’ learning experiences. Our new access to Digital Theatre Plus has opened up a brilliant world of theatrical resources for students in Years 7–12. With access to high-quality recorded productions, interviews with industry professionals, and in-depth study guides, students can now explore live theatre in new and dynamic ways. This platform is proving to be an invaluable tool, broadening their understanding of performance styles, practitioners and texts while enhancing their classroom studies.

In addition, the RD Drama Space has been upgraded with professional rigging and an impressive array of new theatre lighting. These enhancements are already transforming our practical work, enabling students to experiment with production elements and production areas at a higher level. The space is buzzing with creative possibilities and is elevating the standard of performance work across all year levels.

Our junior students have launched into the year with enthusiasm, diving into improvisation and building their confidence through spontaneous performance and ensemble collaboration. They are now embarking on their first exciting units exploring voice for Year 7s and the dramatic world of Greek tragedy at Year 8. The Year 9s are learning how to present monologues and VCE students have been delving into contemporary performance styles.

Our Drama Captain Georgia D (12 Blue) and Drama Representatives are equally energised and eager to continue building on our much-loved lunchtime workshop program. Georgia has already kicked off the series with a Broadway dance workshop that was exceptionally well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was wonderful to see students from across year levels coming together to dance and celebrate musical theatre.

Meanwhile, rehearsals are well underway for our Senior Production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. The cast is embracing their gentlemanly personas with great flair, relishing the sharp wit and clever comedy of Wilde’s iconic lines. Audiences can look forward to an evening of laughter and lively performance when tickets go on sale later this term for our May performances.

After the incredible success of last year’s production of Mamma Mia!, which sold out quickly, we encourage families to keep an eye out for booking details, you won’t want to miss out!

With many excursions, workshops and performance evenings still to come, 2026 promises to be another vibrant and rewarding year for Drama. We are proud of our rich drama culture and of the talented, dedicated and courageous students who bring it to life. We cannot wait to showcase their amazing work in the months ahead!

The Chinese Club kicked off 2026 with a bang, celebrating the Lunar New Year in vibrant and festive spirit. This joyful event was a wonderful way to begin the year, bringing culture, learning, and community together. A heartfelt thank you to Ms Wang for her dedication and hard work, to Ms Casarin for her involvement on the day and to the students whose enthusiasm and teamwork made the celebration such a success.

Student Reflections

The Chinese Unit 1 & 2 students organised an unforgettable Spring Festival celebration on Tuesday, 17 February, blending culture, learning and fun. The event began with a video on Chinese New Year history and traditions, followed by a lively Kahoot quiz with prizes for the top five. Mirabelle T's (10 Silver) rendition of "Good Fortune Comes Soon" created a joyful atmosphere. The most exciting moment was the distribution of red envelopes, symbolising blessings and good fortune, filled with candy and various coins. This delighted the students and helped them understand the meaning of good luck. The celebration concluded with a lively group dance. This made the 2026 Sion Spring Festival not only a fun and energetic event but also a meaningful opportunity to appreciate Chinese culture. Judy M (11 Blue)

Participating in the 2026 Spring Festival celebrations was an unforgettable experience, especially as I had the privilege of being the host. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the audience and striving to create a vibrant, warm and friendly atmosphere. Seeing everyone's smiling faces, their active participation, and their growing understanding of Chinese culture filled me with immense pride and gratitude for being a part of such a meaningful celebration. Paris X (10 Blue)

The Chinese Club was really fun, and I enjoyed it a lot! I am super grateful to Ms Wang and the other students for organising this, and it was probably one of the best things that I have done in my first three weeks at Sion! Milla K (7 Blue)

As a second-generation Chinese Australian, I'm delighted to learn more about Chinese culture through activities in the Chinese Club. My favourite activity was the Kahoot quiz, because the questions resonated with how my family and I celebrate Chinese New Year. Vivienne T (7 White )

Top Achievers' Assembly Performances

Congratulations to members of the Senior Concert Band (Mr Mitchell) who performed March of the Belgian Paratroopers, and the VCE musicians who performed Billie Eilish’s Wildflower, and CVE (Ms Murone) who helped honour the Top Achiever’s from the graduating class of 2025 with their performance of the College Song Veritas in Caritate.

Music 2026 Ensemble Rehearsals – EdSmart Permission Forms

It’s fantastic to hear so much live music being played around the school. Parents/carers with students involved in before/after school ensembles are reminded to please confirm their attendance by responding to the EdSmart email for the respective ensemble(s).

Year 7 Music Program – instrument trials are now over!

Over the last two weeks, Year 7 students have been trailing a range of instruments in their Music classes. There was much excitement as all Year 7 musicians have received their instrument allocation for the year and have started learning their first notes. Here are some student reflections:

Over the last couple of weeks, I trialled four instruments and have been allocated the cello. In my first lesson, we learnt how to hold the instrument, then we plucked the strings and next week we will use the bow for the first time! Maddie R (7 Gold)
I trialled trombone, saxophone, cello and flute. I’m doing tenor saxophone and I learnt how to put a reed on the mouthpiece, use the neck strap and even got to play ‘Hot Cross Buns’ in our very first lesson! Stephanie T (7 Gold)
I am very excited about flute! We practised how to use the keys, clean our flute and put the instrument together. It’s a but trickier than I thought. Lisa K (7 Gold)

Please note the starting dates for the Year 7 Music ensemble rehearsals:

Year 7 Junior Choir (each Tuesday morning 7.25 – 8.30 am in Music Room RD1.22) already commenced Tuesday 24 February
Year 7 Junior Concert Band 1 (Monday mornings 7.25 – 8.30 am). The first rehearsal is Monday 16 March
Year 7 Junior Concert Band 2 (Tuesday afternoons 3.25 – 4.30 pm). The first rehearsal is Tuesday 10 March
Year 7 Junior Strings (Wednesday afternoons 3.25 – 4.30 pm). The first rehearsal is Wednesday 11 March

What a terrific fortnight in the Sport Department! Weekly Sport and our Carnival squad continue to go from strength to strength, aerobics made its return with trials in the LHC and some huge events with House Swimming and Triathlon.

House Swimming Carnival – Fatima goes Back-to-Back!

The Carnival this year was one to remember, participation and house spirit was a highlight with students and staff supporting races, dives, novelty, volleyball and cheering.

Loreto brought the vibes; they were loud from start to finish and were rewarded with the House Cheering Trophy. Carmel took out the Volleyball just securing the win over Lourdes. It was Fatima’s day to celebrate taking our Novelty event, Swim and Dive events and crowned the overall winners.

Highlights in the pool included a super tight 'Fastest 50' for our eight fastest freestyle swimmers, Erin P (7 White) swimming a time of 30.64 in the final. Mrs White, Ms Muller, Mr Lake and Mr Rieusset were extraordinary in the Staff v Year 12 Student relays, a fast finishing Year 12 Carmel squad couldn’t pull back the lead. A big thank you to all staff that played their role on the day, the Carnival ran so smoothly with your efforts.

The bar has been set for House spirit for House Cross Country and House Athletics in Term 2, if our community brings the same level of energy they will both be massive events!

GSV Golf Tournament

Adele P (9 Purple) represented our College at Metropolitan Golf Course on Tuesday 10 February at the annual GSV Golf Tournament. On a challenging course she navigated her way through nine holes with some great shots on display.

Below is a reflection of her experience:

The Metropolitan golf course was a lovely place to play golf with fellow GSV schools. The course was really beautiful, the fairways and greens were well kept and meticulously clean. My competitors had great skill and it was a nice challenge to push myself to play against the girls. I am so grateful to be able to have opportunities like this to play against other girls that hold a passion for golf as much as I do. Adele P (9 Purple)

GSV Triathlon

We had another fantastic turn out at Altona Beach for the GSV Triathlon on Sunday 22 February. 70 students represented our College across 24 teams and two individual entries. In hot conditions the students' attitudes and work ethic was tremendous across all swim, bike and run legs. Results will be posted in the next newsletter.

Thank you to our staff that attended the day, in particular Mr Rieusset who continues to inspire and motivate our ATFX (Athletics, Track & Field, Cross Country) Squad. The growth in our students who regularly attend morning trainings and meets is amazing!

Sion on the World Stage!

Elisabeth O (10 Purple) and Annie M (9 Red) wrapped up their school holidays in unforgettable style, working at the 2026 Australian Open as regulars on Centre Court. It was an incredible experience at one of the world’s biggest sporting events!

A special congratulations to Elisabeth, who was selected as the Female Top Gun from all the ball kids, an outstanding achievement. She will travel to the French Open later this year, a trip of a lifetime! She reflected on her experience below:

During the summer holidays, I spent my time working as a ballkid at the Australian Open. It was an experience that allowed me to be part of a major sporting event and taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and staying focused under pressure. Throughout the tournament, I met lots of new people, made strong friendships, and created memories that I will always remember.

I was lucky enough to be recognised as Top Gun, which was something I never expected, as this recognition is usually given to net-position ballkids and I am a base ballkid. Being selected meant I had the opportunity to ballkid during some of the biggest matches of the tournament, including the Men’s Semi-Final, the Women’s Final, and the Men’s Final. One of the highlights for me was during the Women’s Final presentation ceremony, where I was chosen to carry the trophy onto the court and place it on the plinth.

After the Australian Open, I was also told that I had been selected to travel to Paris to ballkid at the French Open (Roland Garros). This was an exciting opportunity and felt like a reward for the effort and commitment required throughout the program. Overall, being a ballkid has been an unforgettable experience that helped me grow in confidence and responsibility, and it is something I am very grateful to have been part of.

Project Compassion

Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Project Compassion. The theme of Project Compassion 2026 is Unite Against Poverty. It reminds us that when we work together as a global family, we can make a real difference. Poverty is complex, but it is not inevitable. When we act with kindness, courage and generosity, we can help create a fairer world where everyone has what they need to live and grow. This year’s theme invites us to reflect on the example of Jesus, who walked alongside the poor and marginalised and called us to do the same. His message was clear: love one another, stand with the oppressed, and respond to suffering with empathy and action.

We invite all families to support Project Compassion by making a donation through our College online portal.

Click here or scan the QR Code below to donate.

Donate via your child’s House which can be found at the bottom of the page. The House which raises the most will be awarded 200 points towards the House Cup.

Days for Girls

This week, we continued our support of Days for Girls, a global movement dedicated to empowering women and girls by improving access to menstrual care solutions and health education. Days for Girls assemble kits which include washable and reusable sanitary products, help ensure that girls who cannot afford menstrual products do not have to miss school or work due to a lack of access to essential period care.

This week, the Year 9s participated in their first workshop of the year, assisting in assembling items for the kits. Their tasks included tracing patterns and cutting fabric, playing a hands-on role in making a difference. A second workshop is scheduled for next term, providing another opportunity for students to contribute to this meaningful initiative.

FIRE Carrier Program

Our College theme this year is ‘Work hand in hand, be the light that heals the Earth’, inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si', which reminds us that the Earth, our common home, calls for our care.

Indigenous Australians have lived this message for thousands of years through their deep connection to Country. This year, as we continue to reflect on our responsibility to care for our common home, we are excited to share a series written by our FIRE Carrier Captain Ananya DS (12 Gold) and the FIRE Carrier ambassadors. Throughout the coming year, they will explore the Indigenous seasons of Victoria, with a particular focus on the Kulin Nation in the Melbourne region, especially the Wurundjeri people.

This series will deepen our understanding of how First Nations peoples have long observed the land, skies, plants and animals to guide sustainable living and care for Country. We look forward to learning from this rich knowledge and growing in our respect for the wisdom of the world’s oldest continuing culture. Below is the first instalment of the series.

Indigenous seasons are traditional seasonal calendars developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that reflect detailed knowledge of local landscapes, climate, plants, animals, and natural patterns. In Victoria, there are seven Wurundjeri seasons and Biderap is the first season in the year that occurs from January to February; also known as the Dry Season.

This season is marked by hot, dry weather and very little rainfall. During this time, the Southern Cross constellation points south at sunrise, female brown butterflies can be seen flying around the tall, dry grasses, and rivers and creeks begin to lower as the land becomes drier.

This season was traditionally a time for cool, controlled cultural burns across Victoria. These burns encouraged new growth, cleared away old and dry grasses, and reduced the risk of larger bushfires that could threaten lives and the land.

During this hotter season, the dry ground made it easier to track animals for food. It also allowed for safer travel, enabling trade between groups and the carrying out of important ceremonies.

The next season to be explored will be Luk. Stay tuned. Ananaya DS (12 Gold) – FIRE Carrier Captain