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

Welcome back to Term 2.

I hope that all members of our community enjoyed a joyful Easter and a restful term break. Easter invites us into a time of renewal and hope, an opportunity to begin again with gratitude, purpose and a renewed sense of joy. As we begin the term together, we are drawn forward by the promise of God’s faithfulness and presence in our lives. As Scripture reminds us, 'Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength' (Isaiah 40:31).

Over the term break, I found myself captivated by coverage of NASA’s Artemis II mission as humanity once again reached toward the moon. I was particularly moved by the moment when the astronauts passed behind the far side of the moon and lost communication with Earth, a planned and expected silence that nevertheless felt profoundly human. In those final moments before the blackout, astronaut Victor Glover paused to speak not about technology or achievement, but about love. He reminded those watching around the world of Christ’s words, that the greatest commandment is to love God with all that we are, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. As the spacecraft moved into silence, his message lingered. Even as we explore the vastness of space, the greatest mystery and responsibility entrusted to us remains love. As Scripture tells us, 'God is love' (1 John 4:8). The Easter story reveals this love as a profound mystery, made visible in Christ’s self‑giving life and his resurrection. It is a love that goes beyond understanding, yet calls for response, inviting us to live with courage, compassion and faith in our world today.

Last week, our community paused to acknowledge ANZAC Day, a time of remembrance that invited us to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have gone before us. As I reflected on their legacy, I was reminded of the enduring cost of conflict and the shared responsibility we hold to work for peace. In a world that continues to face division and suffering, these moments of remembrance call us to choose compassion, understanding and reconciliation in our daily lives. This reflects the charism that guides our College, inspired by Theodore Ratisbonne, whose life’s work was grounded in dialogue, respect for human dignity and an unwavering commitment to peace. His legacy continues to encourage us to be thoughtful, courageous and hope filled people who seek unity through understanding.

I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our parents/carers for their engagement in the recent Student Progress Meetings. These conversations are an important part of our shared commitment to student growth and wellbeing, and they reflect the strength of the partnership between home and school. When families, students and teachers work together with trust and purpose, learning is enriched and students are best supported to flourish. I look forward to continuing this important work together throughout Term 2.

Holocaust Memorial Service

Our Lady of Sion College will be hosting a Holocaust Memorial Service on Tuesday 5 May, at 7 pm. This service is a continuing initiative involving members of the Catholic, Anglican, and Uniting Churches, supported by the Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria) and the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, Australia. This important gathering provides an opportunity to remember those who suffered, to honour the survivors, and to recommit ourselves to standing against hatred and indifference. By coming together in reflection and prayer, we strengthen our shared commitment to peace, learning from the past as we work to shape a more just and compassionate future. Details about this service and registration can be found here.

Teaching Excellence Program

Our school values the learning and development of our staff, and the positive impact this has on student outcomes and school improvement.

We are proud to share that Dr Melissa Walsh recently began the Teaching Excellence Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.

This program enables skilled teachers to further advance their capabilities and skills in teaching.

Through the program, Dr Walsh will grow her knowledge of teaching practices by engaging with contemporary educational research and inquiring into two areas of their practice.

We look forward to Dr Walsh sharing her skills and knowledge from the program to continue to support student learning and wellbeing outcomes at our school.

Welcome back after the term break. We hope that Easter celebrations were joyful and renewing for families. As we return, we are reminded of the meaningful way we concluded last term in faith and reflection.

On the final day of Term 1, Holy Thursday, students and staff came together for our annual Lenten reflection, where we journeyed through the Stations of the Cross. This year we were helped with the powerful images of the Aboriginal Stations of the Cross which were commissioned by the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry of Victoria in 2017. They were painted by the artist John Dunn, an Olkola man of the Kunjen Nation and Mularidji man of the Djabaguy Nation. For the College community, this was a time for prayer and contemplation, offering everyone the chance to reflect on the passion and sacrifice of Jesus.

ANZAC Day

On the morning of Thursday 23 April, the College community came together for our ANZAC Day ceremony, to honour and pray for the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who have died in service. We gave thanks for the freedom we have living in Australia and our prayers also extended to those still affected by war.

That afternoon, Ms Cetrola and I had the privilege to accompany the following students from Year 8: SRC Representatives Despina C (8 Blue) and Sierra P (8 Orange) Liturgy Representatives Isabella B (8 Red) and Siena W (8 Red), Social Justice Representatives Genevieve W (8 Gold) and Harriet A (8 Purple) and FIRE Carrier Ambassadors Tabatha B (8 Silver) and Ellie H (8 Silver) to the Annual Box Hill RSL Schools ANZAC Service which was held at the Cenotaph in the Box Hill Gardens. As a part of this moving service, the ANZAC story was shared and it was an honour that our students were be invited to lay a floral wreath.

As we come to the end of the fourth week of the Easter Season, where we continue to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, may we be agents of justice, peace and love through our thoughts, words and actions.

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.

Understanding the 11 Child Safe Standards (Part One)

The safety and wellbeing of every student is our highest priority. In Victoria, all schools must meet the 11 Child Safe Standards under Ministerial Order 1359. These standards guide how schools create environments where children feel safe, respected and empowered.

Over the next two Newsletter articles, I will provide parents/carers with a snapshot of what each standard means and some practical ways the College is actively implementing them.

Below covers standards 1 to 6

1. Culturally safe environments - We promote inclusion and respect for all students, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Our approach includes:

Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags, and Acknowledgment of Country at College gatherings

Staff encouraging and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights

Celebrating Reconciliation Week and involvement in the Long Walk

Indigenous immersion and the FIRE Carrier program.

2. Leadership, governance and culture – Child safety is led from the top and embedded in decision-making. A Code of Conduct outlines expectations for the behaviour of staff and volunteers in relation to children, and the promotion and maintenance of child safety and wellbeing. Our approach includes:

Public statement via the website of the College’s commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing

All staff including the College Board undertake Mandatory Reporting training to better understand reporting indicators, processes and obligations

Child Safety is a standing item on College Board, Leadership, Pastoral Care Team and staff meetings.

3. Child and student empowerment - Students are supported to have a voice and understand their rights. Our approach includes:

Empowerment through the Student Leadership program and student led initiatives

Posters in every classroom providing information on help seeking resources such as the College’s Counselling team, Kids Helpline and Headspace.

4. Family and community involvement - Strong partnerships help keep students safe. Our approach includes:

Newsletter articles regarding Child Safety matters

Policy review through the College Board and Parents’ Association

Working with parents/carers in the development of Safety/Pathway/Learning/Medical Plans.

5. Equity and diverse needs - Safety planning considers individual student needs. Our approach includes:

Mission and Vision Statement is that all people are made in the image and likeness of God

The work of the Counselling Team

Learning Support team including educational assessments and PSG meetings.

6. Suitable staff and volunteers - Robust recruitment and screening processes are in place. Our approach includes:

All staff are provided with the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

All staff must read, sign and abide by the Colleges Code of Conduct

Rigorous employment process including screening and child safety questions in all interviews and references

Induction of volunteers via the volunteer pack (WWCC required).

If you have any questions or want to share a concern regarding a student's safety, please do not hesitate to call the College and speak with myself or Paul Kerr, Director Pastoral Care. We are here to support our families.

Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families resource

The Happy Families article for this publication is:

Resilience is Relational

Partners in Parenting Opportunity

Partners in Parenting is an evidence-based, online program designed to help parents carers build skills and confidence in supporting their teenager’s mental health. More than 5,000 families across Australia and the UK have already benefitted from the program, and researchers at Monash University want to give more families in the community access to the program.

To do this, they are conducting a research trial comparing two different versions of the program. Both versions include the same online program, providing parents with evidence-based parenting strategies. The program is free to join, and parents will receive e gift vouchers for each follow-up survey they complete.

Learn more about Partners in Parenting and express your interest here.

Where can a camping program take them?

A few days outdoors can do something to young people that is difficult to replicate anywhere else. As our Year 7 students returned from camp, it was not just the activities that stood out, but what they discovered about themselves along the way. Student reflections included:

I nearly could not get on the Flying Fox, but I am so glad I did
I never cooked on an outdoor stove
That is the first time I have slept in a tent.

Research from Deakin University, the American Institutes for Research, and studies in environmental psychology (Kaplan, 1995; Kuo, 2015) consistently shows that outdoor experiences improve resilience, wellbeing, and students’ sense of belonging.

Many of our young people are growing up in environments where life is highly structured. Their time is organised, their challenges can be often moderated, and you as a parent/carer is maybe nearby to step in. Camp comes with similar support, but with a great sense of change and it is often through those moments that young people discover what they are capable of.

Camp creates space for this kind of growth. It places students in unfamiliar situations, asks them to solve real problems, and encourages them to persist when things don’t go to plan. What stands out is not just what they do, but what happens between the activities.The voice of so many students, the friendships that form from the experiences, the quiet moment of the friendship that forms quickly and the quiet moment of realisation: I didn’t think I could do that.

Looking ahead

As students return, Homeroom conversations move beyond the highlights to what was challenging and how those challenges were worked through. This mindset carries into Term 2, where increased academic demands create further opportunities for students to flourish through confidence and approaches that can remind them of their success on camp.

When young people are given the chance to face genuine challenge, they begin to understand what they are capable of. Camp is one part of this; the classroom and co-curricular life build on it, supporting their continued growth and opportunities to flourish.

In each Newsletter, we will feature Student Leaders at our College. We are proud to nurture confident and empowered young women who actively contribute to our community.

In this issue, we are delighted to introduce our 2026 Social Justice Captain, Anria A (12 White).

Hello everyone, my name is Anria and I’m so grateful to be your Social Justice Captain for 2026.

My role has involved organising activities such as bake sales and raffles to fundraise and spread awareness for Project Compassion and Vinnies. I’ve always enjoyed Sion’s strong Social Justice program and over the years I’ve participated in various opportunities such as volunteering at Ozanam House, involving myself in the Vinnies Conference and the Days for Girls Workshops. I have also been a Social Justice Representative three times during my time at Sion.

Aside from the area of Social Justice, the opportunities offered at Sion have allowed me to explore other interests such as Sports, Arts and House activities.

My favourite experience at Sion so far has been participating in plays and musicals as a crew member or actor. I’ve been in three performances and what I value the most are the friendships I share with students of various year levels and the thrill of show nights. Participating in these performances allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and showed me I’m capable of a lot more than I think.

I was inspired to be Social Justice Leader due to my passion for helping others, my willingness to make a positive difference in the community and my belief that acts of service is a great way of living out the Catholic faith.

After our success with Project Compassion, I’m excited to support the Vinnies Conference at Sion, we have a lot to look forward to such as scrunchie making workshops, baking to support the Soup Van as well as selling soup and bread rolls to fund Vinnies vouchers for those who are struggling. Myself and our College Captains, Elana V (12 Red) and Cecilia B (12 Red) have been planning activities to raise awareness about Women’s Health and we’re excited to share these opportunities with our school community.

I’ve been inspired by several Social Justice Leaders I’ve worked with in the past but I was most influenced by last year’s Captain, Lia and Fire Carrier Captain Estella. Their passion for Social Justice has really motivated me to give my all as a Student Leader this year and I’ll never forget the kindness they had for their representatives.

Welcome back to Term 2.

The start of term for our Year 10 cohort has been a fast start with plenty going on. Classes have recommenced after the break and we have commenced our Semester 1 exam preparation. Plenty of extra curricular activities have also recommenced and we participated in our ANZAC day service and student progress meetings.

My focus over the coming weeks with our Newsletter will be to support families with the lead up to the Semester 1 exams.

Let’s start with some key dates:

Year 10 sees our students partake in their first full series of exams and this can be a nervous time for the students and families (and that’s ok). Each day we face lots of little exams (or challenges), when to cross the road, serving that customer at our part time job or completing the modules that lead to obtaining your learners. Our Semester 1 exams are the First Attempt at Learning with what it takes to successfully navigate this process. It certainly won't be perfect (and we don’t strive for perfection, we strive for improvement) the first time round, BUT, we will learn, lots. We will learn about how we have gone with our preparation and how we went with our performance on the day(s) of the exam.

Executive Functioning

Executive functioning refers to the set of skills that helps us manage our thoughts, actions and emotions that support us to achieve our goals. As we commence our exam preparation we will focus on both what we know, but we will also explore, develop and refine our ability to time manage, focus our attention and regulate our emotions.

Over the next cycle, I want to encourage all families to invest in looking at:

Organisation:

Supporting your young person by setting up a daily timetable that includes all elements of life. Schooling, part time work, sport commitments, bed time and opportunities to study.

Planning and Prioritising:

Is the opportunity to break tasks down into smaller chunks and to set realistic goals.

Here the opportunity exists for families to share what has worked for you. Show your young person your diary or calendar so they can see how you structure your day. This is a great role modelling opportunity that will lead to conversations about how you use these skills to manage your work each day. Both at work and at home. These are skills that will be developed at school and be refined as the students get older.

These two skills are not developed by chance. They are cultivated by repetition and trial and error. I want to encourage all families to have open conversations around the importance of organisation, planning and prioritising over the next cycle. Setting up and refining approaches now, will support what the end of the semester will look like, when exams come upon us.

Late last term the students told us that they would like support with the below study habits and I encourage all families to discuss the above strategies to support what the students have told us below:

Time Management and Procrastination:

The most frequently cited issue is procrastination, often linked to poor time management, difficulty starting work, and balancing the workload, including competing demands from sport/training and extracurricular activities. Many respondents want help with getting work done immediately, meeting deadlines they set for themselves, and avoiding staying up late.

Organisation and Study Skills:

Students are looking to improve their organisational skills, including creating and sticking to study timetables and ensuring they are studying effectively. Specific requests include improving study techniques (memorising faster, finding new ways beyond flashcards/Quizlets), knowing how to prioritise subjects/tasks, and understanding what to focus on when studying for tests.

Focus, Motivation, and Distractions:

Many students struggle with maintaining motivation, focusing in class and at home, and being productive, particularly regarding putting the phone away and dealing with distractions.

As we head off into the next cycle, explore what is possible, be curious and ask plenty of questions.

Recently, we valued the opportunity to connect with families through our Student Progress Meetings. These collaborative conversations are an important part of supporting student growth, providing a space to reflect on progress so far, identify next steps, and discuss strategies to support ongoing learning and wellbeing. They also reinforce the importance of partnership between families and school in helping each student thrive.

Building on this commitment to student learning and wellbeing, we recently launched our Study Without Stress (SWOS) program for Year 11, 2026 students. The evidence based program developed by Dr Viviana Wuthrich from Macquarie University, is grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy and continues to be a valuable wellbeing initiative for our senior students.

Following the strong success of the program over the past two years and positive feedback from participants, we have seen continued interest from students keen to build practical strategies for managing the pressures that can accompany the senior years. Several Year 11 groups are participating in the program this semester, with sessions now underway every Thursday morning. Students will complete the program prior to the commencement of exams, equipping them with practical strategies they can apply in these settings.

Study Without Stress is designed to support students in managing stress and developing healthy coping strategies during demanding senior years of schooling. Across the weekly sessions, students explore topics such as managing stressful thoughts, strengthening study and life skills, overcoming unhelpful patterns such as perfectionism and procrastination, and developing strategies they can continue to use beyond school.

The program is facilitated by trained staff who support students in a safe and encouraging environment, ensuring the program is delivered effectively while prioritising student wellbeing. Participation remains voluntary, with groups meeting each Thursday before school at 7.30 am with a warm drink and snack. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to begin their day positively while developing practical tools to support both their learning and overall wellbeing.

Please reach out if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about the program, please see the link.

Drama Week- A Celebration of Creativity and Performance

Drama Week was a vibrant and inspiring celebration of creativity, collaboration, and student talent across our school!

We held a lively Drama Breakfast, where students connected over food while diving into a series of fun and engaging improvisation games. This set the tone for the days ahead, building energy and enthusiasm within our drama community. Students then had the opportunity to participate in an engaging workshop featuring a range of impressive performances. These moments not only showcased the talent and but also the comedic prowess of our students!

A highlight for our VCE Drama students was the excursion to Top Acts, where they experienced exemplary performances designed to inspire and inform their own work. The experience offered valuable exposure to high-quality theatre and encouraged students to reflect on their own performance-making practices.

Back at school, leadership and initiative were on full display as our own students facilitated a Character Development Workshop. This peer-led session provided a supportive space for participants to explore and refine their skills, while also demonstrating the depth of talent within our cohort.

We were also delighted to welcome Ruccis Circus performers, who delivered dynamic workshops and an exciting lunchtime demonstration. Their energy and expertise brought a unique dimension to the week, introducing students to new performance styles and techniques.

Throughout the week, students enthusiastically participated in three Drama Week competitions. We have been thrilled by the overwhelming number of entries, reflecting both the creativity and commitment of our students.

Finally, we were excited to hold the first Sunday rehearsal for our upcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest. The cast has made a fantastic start, and the production is already shaping up to be a highly entertaining performance. Book your tickets for May 14, 15 and 16 now via this link or the QR Code. This is certainly a show not to be missed.

Drama Week has truly highlighted the passion, dedication, and talent of our students, and we look forward to seeing this momentum continue throughout the year.

Alex Bleazby

Competitions

Students were invited to take part in three competitions - a mask design, costume design, and tableau competition, throughout Drama Week.

We congratulate all the students that participated. It was wonderful to see so many clever and creative designs. We would also like to congratulate the winners in each competition. These designs showed incredible talent.

Mask Design Winners: Maddie T (7 Purple) and Kitra S (7 Purple)
Costume Design Winner: Phoebe D (8 Blue)
Tableau Competition Winner: Mary X (8 Blue)

Laura Geilings, Teacher – Drama

2026 Senior Play Poster and Billboard Design Competition

The curtains are rising on preparations for our 2026 Senior Play, The Importance of Being Earnest. To celebrate this Oscar Wilde classic, students were invited to participate in a Poster and Billboard Design Competition.

The challenge was to create striking, A3 portrait imagery that captured the wit and elegance of the play, while leaving ample space for production details to be added. We received a fantastic range of digital and manual entries, showcasing a sophisticated eye for design across all year levels.

A special congratulations to our featured artists whose work will represent the production this year:

Overall Winner (Poster & Billboard): Aries C (10 Blue)
Program Featured Artists:
- Mary X (8 Purple)
- April W (8 Purple)
- Emerson C (8 Blue)
- Scarlett W (8 Purple)
- Suzie Y (8 Blue)
- Elizabeth Z (8 White)

We look forward to seeing these designs throughout the College as we build excitement for the upcoming performances!

For more information about upcoming competitions please see the promotional poster below:

Nurturing Creativity: Re-Introducing the Sion Creative Club

At Our Lady of Sion College, we believe that fostering creativity is essential for student wellbeing and personal growth. To provide our students with even more opportunities to explore their artistic talents outside the classroom, we are delighted to introduce the Sion Creative Club.

This student-led initiative, facilitated by our Visual Art Representatives, offers a vibrant and inclusive space for students of all year levels to gather, experiment, and collaborate. Whether your daughter is an aspiring artist or simply looking for a relaxing way to spend her lunchtime, the Creative Club provides a supportive environment to try new things.

What’s on offer? Each session features different hands-on workshops designed to spark the imagination. Students will have the opportunity to engage in:

Collaborative Design: Working in teams
Skill Workshops: Exploring various media
Competition Support: Refine entries for upcoming College art competitions

Details for Students:

When: Tuesday A at Lunchtime
Where: Junior Art Room (RD2.09)

We look forward to growing our creative community.

Aerobics - State Qualifiers

Our Sports Aerobics squad has been training diligently with early morning sessions since February in preparation for their first competition on Friday 1 May at Doncaster Secondary College.

Ms Macdonald has led her team of four alumni coaches (Scarlett, Alyssa, Bella and Macy) who developed their skills through the Sion Aerobics program and have returned to inspire and mentor the next generation.

If successful at the State Qualifiers, our teams will progress to the State Championships on Saturday 23 May at Rowville. We are incredibly proud of the commitment, enthusiasm and work ethic our students have demonstrated throughout their preparation!

Term 2 Weekly GSV

Term 2 Weekly Sport is now underway, with our Senior, Intermediate and Junior teams competing in AFL, Hockey and Netball.

Congratulations to all students who attended trials over the past month. The standard of performance was high, with strong participation across all age groups. Term 2 features a seven-week season. This year we are offering a lunchtime training squad for Junior Netballers that missed out on GSV selection. We run drills and play matches commencing next Thursday for Junior students who would like to participate. A sign up link has been sent to all Junior students.

Students are reminded to maintain clear and consistent communication with the Sport Office and their coaches regarding attendance at both training sessions and matches for the season.

GSV Cross Country

Our Cross Country squad has been training consistently on Monday and Wednesday mornings, covering distances of 5-6km with a focus on interval and sprint work. While our students are building strong endurance, our current training is centred on improving race pace.

Our first training meet was held at The Tan on Tuesday 28 April, with an excellent turnout of 55 students representing the College. The squad is building well towards our GSV Preliminary Carnival on Tuesday 19 May at Yarra Bend. Consistency remains key, therefore continued commitment to training will support strong results.

Term 2 House Carnivals

House Cross Country

The House Cross Country Carnival will be held at Springfield Reserve on Tuesday 5 May, with just under 200 students registered to participate in the 3km course. Students will leave class at 1.20 pm and walk down at the start of lunchtime to run in P5. Last year, Loreto claimed victory by a very narrow margin. Can they defend their title in 2026?

House Athletics

The House Athletics Carnival will take place on Wednesday 13 May. Registrations have now closed and event lists have been finalised on Year Level Classrooms.

A reminder that all participants contribute points to their House total. Every event can make a difference in determining the overall winner. We look forward to another vibrant day, building on the energy, house spirit and enthusiasm shown at the Term 1 Swimming Carnival led by the Year 12s.

Student Spotlight - Jaci K (8 Red)

Congratulations to Jaci K (8 Red) on her outstanding achievements in wrestling this month.

Jaci competed in both the 2026 Wrestling Tri-State Cup and the 2026 Wrestling Victoria State Championships, finishing equal first in the Junior 55kg division at the Tri-State Cup and earning a silver medal in the U15 Girls 58kg division at the State Championships. This is a fantastic accomplishment. Well done, Jaci!

Families are encouraged to share students’ sporting achievements with the Sport Office so we can celebrate their successes and continue to inspire our school community.

Project Compassion

We are pleased to share that our Project Compassion campaign has now come to a close, and what a fantastic effort it has been from our whole College community. As part of the campaign, we raffled off 11 Easter hampers. Congratulations to all the staff and students who were successful winners! It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and participation. We also held our Big Water Walk during lunchtime, which provided a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with the challenges faced by others around the world and reflect on the importance of access to clean water.

Finally, through our online fundraising portal, we raised an impressive $8,233. A special congratulations goes to Carmel House, who raised the highest amount and will be awarded 200 points towards the House Cup. Our final grand total will be announced at the Term 2 assembly later this semester - stay tuned!

A big thank you to all families, students, and staff for your generosity and support throughout this year’s campaign. Your contributions have truly made a difference to Unite Against Poverty.

St Vincent De Paul College Conference - Commissioning ceremony

Last term we held a commissioning ceremony for our new members joining the Our Lady of Sion College St Vincent De Paul College Conference. Grounded in prayer, reflection, and the Gospel message of Matthew 25: 31-40, the ceremony reminded us of our call to serve others with compassion, dignity, and love.

We welcomed Mr Milan Poropat, President of the Box Hill Conference, who shared inspiring insights into the mission of St Vincent de Paul and the impact of serving those in need within our local community. He commissioned our new members who also received their badge, symbolising their dedication to living out the values of St Vincent De Paul within our school and wider community.

Over the coming term, the St Vinnies Conference has a number of initiatives planned to raise awareness and support those in need. These efforts will focus on engaging the community and encouraging meaningful contributions through various events and campaigns. With exciting activities ahead, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved and make a difference. Stay tuned for more updates and ways you can help.

Ozanam House

During our monthly visit to Ozanam House, Charlotte DB (11 Purple) and Trilby G (11 Red) were accompanied by Mr Frank De Melis to support the evening’s activities. Together, they assisted with the dinner meal service, helping to prepare and serve food to those in need. The experience provided a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community while fostering compassion and awareness.

It has been an inspiring start to the year for our newest cohort! We are thrilled to announce that our Year 7 Student Leadership positions have been officially filled.

The selection process was incredibly competitive, and it was wonderful to see such a high volume of applications. The courage and passion displayed by our Year 7s during their presentations and interviews truly set a high bar.

We congratulate the following students on their leadership roles:

SRC: Mavis H (7 Purple) and Annabelle S (7 Blue)

Liturgy: Emily W (7 Blue) and Matisse W (7 White)

Social Justice: Eloise N (7 Silver) and Alona A (7 Silver)

Drama: Ashley M (7 Silver) and Ava P (7 Purple)

Debating: Isla C (7 Silver)

Environment: Olivia C (7 Purple) and Aria D (7 Blue)

Music: Allegra S (7 Red) and Natasha M (7 Silver)

Sport: Maddie C (7 White) and Gabrielle M (7 Gold)

Visual Arts: Poinciana N (7 Gold) and Tessa B (7 Red)

Carmel House: Rose M (7 Gold) and Sarah H (7 White)

Fatima House: Asha P (7 Blue) and Alyssa T (7 Blue)

Loreto House: Chloe S (7 Blue) and Adele M (7 Gold)

Lourdes House: Nikolina R (7 Blue) and Maddie H (7 Gold)

While formal titles are a great achievement, we want to remind all students that leadership is not defined by a badge. We encourage every Year 7 student to 'lead from where they stand' - whether that’s by helping a friend, maintaining a positive classroom environment, or showing initiative in extracurricular activities.

If you weren't appointed to a formal role this time, remember that this is only the beginning of your leadership journey. There are still plenty of ways to get involved and make your mark:

Class Leaders: Applications for Class Leader positions open today. This is a fantastic way to contribute to your immediate classroom community.
Try Again: Leadership is a skill that grows over time. We strongly encourage everyone to reflect on their experiences and apply again next year.

Congratulations to our new leaders, and thank you to everyone who stepped up to the challenge!

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

Important Dates

What's On

From the Principal

Principal's Message

Holocaust Memorial Service

Teaching Excellence Program

From the Deputy Principals

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Ms Anna Gionfriddo

ANZAC Day

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Ms Allison Stott

Student Progress Meetings

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Mrs Christine Kralj

Understanding the 11 Child Safe Standards (Part One)

Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families resource

Partners in Parenting Opportunity

In Remembrance

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care – Mr Paul Kerr, Director

Where can a camping program take them?

Looking ahead

Student Leader Spotlight

Student Leader Spotlight - Anria A (12 White), Social Justice Captain

Year Level News

Year 12 – Mrs Kathryn Steward, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

After School Study Sessions

Year 12 Rugby Tops

Share the Care

Term 2 - Key Dates

Save the Date

Year 11 – Mrs Leanne Anderson, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 10 – Mr Adam Rieusset, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Executive Functioning

Year 8 – Ms Laura Malone, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 7 – Ms Jade Goss, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Learning Area News

Curriculum and Learning – Ms Pamela Ioannidis, Director

Drama – Ms Alex Bleazby, Teacher

Drama Week- A Celebration of Creativity and Performance

Competitions

Arts – Ms Natasha Borg, Learning Leader

2026 Senior Play Poster and Billboard Design Competition

Nurturing Creativity: Re-Introducing the Sion Creative Club

Co-curricular News

Music – Mr Martin Macaulay, Head of Music

Year 7 Ensembles Open Rehearsals

Term 2 Music Soiree

VCE Music Unit 1 and 3 Recitals

Ensembles Concert Thursday 25 June 2026 – save the date!

Sport – Mr Liam Cox, Head of Sport

Aerobics - State Qualifiers

Term 2 Weekly GSV

GSV Cross Country

Term 2 House Carnivals

Student Spotlight - Jaci K (8 Red)

Social Justice – Mrs Lucy Miotello, Coordinator

Project Compassion

St Vincent De Paul College Conference - Commissioning ceremony

Ozanam House

House and Student Leadership – Ms Kate Apostolopoulos, Coordinator

Careers and Pathways – Mrs Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator

Parent News

Parents' Association Term 2 Meeting Invitation

Holy Spirit Community School 50th Anniversary - Invitation

Important Dates

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principals

Pastoral Care

Student Leader Spotlight

Year Level News

Learning Area News

Co-curricular News

Parent News

Important Dates

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principals

Pastoral Care

Student Leader Spotlight

Year Level News

Learning Area News