Newsletter | Hear the Call of Jerusalem: widen your horizons

Monday 30 September – Thursday 3 October
VCE Unit 3 / 4 Trial Exams

Monday 7 October
First day of Term 4
VCE Unit 2 Music Recital, 5.00 pm

Tuesday 8 October
Year 11 Movie Evening, 5.00 pm

Wednesday 9 October
Investiture, House Cup and Year 12 Final Assembly
China Study Tour Parent Information Night, 7.00 pm, Miriam Theatre

Friday 11 October
Year 7 Horizons Program

Monday 14 October
Talk and Tour

Tuesday 15 October
String Soiree, 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre

Wednesday 16 October
Year 9 Days for Girls
Year 12 Graduation, 7.00 pm, LHC

Thursday 17 October
Last day of Year 12 classes

Friday 18 October
Year 12 Celebration Day

2025 Student Leaders

It is with great pleasure that we introduce the community to our 2025 Student Leaders. All applicants for the roles presented themselves to a very high standard during a thorough process that commenced in July. We are very fortunate to have students who so willingly offer themselves for leadership roles. Many spoke of their desire to give back to a school that has shaped them and helped them to grow. They are also very keen to support all students to embrace the opportunities they have enjoyed over the years. Congratulations and thank you to the following leaders. You have our prayers and support as you take up your roles.

This week our 2025 Student Leaders attended their leadership camp to consider their respective responsibilities, appreciate each other’s gifts and talents, and strengthen their understanding of the importance of relationships and teamwork. It was a pleasure to witness their growth through this induction program and listen to their ideas and strategies for how they hope to lead.

On 9 October we will gather as a whole school community for our Investiture assembly where we will thank our 2024 Student leaders for their invaluable contribution to College life over the last twelve months and formally commission next year’s team.

Class of 2024

Over recent weeks I have invited our Year 12 students to join me for an informal lunch. It is an opportunity for me to celebrate their imminent graduation and thank the Class of 2024 for their contribution to the College over their time as a Sion student.

Over lunch they shared elements of our school that they have valued and enjoyed as well as advice for things we could improve. I have really appreciated their feedback as another means of strengthening the elements of school life that support students as well as looking for further opportunities to do so.

St Vincent de Paul Conference

It is with pride that we share that our newly established St Vincent de Paul Conference is now the largest and most active school conference in Melbourne. To date we have 64 student members who are committed to the work of Vinnie’s and together with the staff and in particular through the leadership of Mrs Lucy Miotello, our Social Justice Co-ordinator, are making a real difference as is reflected in the recent letter I received from the local Box Hill conference. Thank you to all students and staff who have given so generously.

Dear Tina

You should be very proud of the outstanding collection of food and essentials donated by the students and staff of Our Lady of Sion College this year. It has been the most successful appeal by far. On top of the groceries, $880 of gift vouchers were also donated. The young women of Sion are cultivating an admirable virtue of generosity toward those less fortunate. Our pantry shelves are bursting at the seams but that is a wonderful problem to have. Distribution of the goods will bring relief, and a heartfelt smile to many faces in Box Hill over the next year. Please pass on our deepest appreciation to all the students and staff. We thank you also for your leadership in this area and in addition to Lucy Miotello who coordinated the effort. She brings a vibrant energy to the whole project. I am sure that it is infectious!

Once again with deep appreciation,
Milan Poropat
on behalf of the St Vincent de Paul Conference Box Hill

Building update

As we approach the final stages of the construction of the Ratisbonne Discovery Centre, the most frequent question I am asked is when will it be finished. We continue to work closely with the project managers, architects and builders and have been told that it should only be a matter of weeks now. We are planning a staggered decanting process given the number of staff and resources that need to be moved into the building. Once completed and all certifications are in place, we will communicate with staff, students and families. I look forward to sharing more exciting news soon.

Today brings us to the end of another wonderful term of learning and co-curricular activities. To this end, best wishes to all staff and students for a restful and safe term break.

Tina Apostolopoulos

As we reach the end of Term 3 it is an opportune time to give thanks for the many rich experiences which we have had in the faith life of the College over the last few weeks. In particular, we give thanks for our annual Day of Dialogue which was held at the College last Tuesday 10 September where students from Mount Scopus Memorial College, Ilim College, Catholic College Sale and Marist- Sion College, Warragul joined our Year 10 students for a wonderful opportunity for inter-faith dialogue between Jewish, Christian and Muslim students.

Student Reflections

The Day of Dialogue was an extremely interesting day that Ava and I were lucky enough to participate in. The day started with us learning about each school, their religion and some traditions at their schools. It was definitely insightful to see just how different some of the schools were from ours.

We were given the opportunity to talk in small groups with students from each of the schools. We had conversations about a variety of topics to do with our personal lives, faith and life at school. It was amazing to see how different each of us lived our daily lives and how our faith was reflected through that.

The day was one that furthered our knowledge on interfaith relationships and allowed us to deepen our understanding of each other. The main takeaway from the day for us was that although we all came from different backgrounds and religions, we were all able to bond over shared interests as young people. Cecilia B (10 Red) and Ava L (10 Purple)

It was so pleasing to see all students present embrace this opportunity with great interest and enthusiasm and we look forward to hosting this most significant day again in 2025.

Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.

Year 7 Challenge Day

On Friday 11 October, the 7s will conclude their Horizons Program for the year. It will be great to see the innovative and inventive responses to the Challenge Day. The day has a STEM focus but the key will be their use of the general capabilities; critical and creative thinking, ethical and intercultural considerations in their decision making and personal and social reflection and interactions.

Preparing for the end of year!

Our Year 12 students are in the final days of finalising assessments and moving into revision. Scheduled for the second week of the holidays, the Trial Exams are an important part of assessment readiness and will ensure that students not only receive quality feedback on work produced under exam conditions, but will provide students with an authentic experience of the VCAA process. This will mean that as they come to sit their final exams in October, they will already be familiar with where they need to be and who they can seek support from.

The students are to be commended for the way that they have approached what can be a very challenging end of term. Please reach out to the key staff if any more assistance is needed. Families and students have separately been communicated plans for the Graduation, Celebration Day and Valedictory Mass and Dinner.

Subject Selection 2025 and Smart Start

Planning for the 2025 timetable has continued at pace and students and families will have confirmation of this as early as possible. The Learning Resource Lists are also being concluded at the moment and information regarding how to access the Campion portal will be circulated shortly.

We hope you and your daughter are looking forward to a restful and enjoyable break.

This year our extensive range of GSV sports and co-curricular activities have been in full swing, offering students diverse opportunities to develop new skills and interests. To that end I would like to draw your attention to new concussion protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, especially those participating in physical activities.

The protocols list actions that will be followed for any concussion incidents, whether they occur during school activities or outside school hours. Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding Concussion: Concussion is a temporary disturbance of brain function caused by trauma. It doesn't always involve a direct hit to the head and may not result in loss of consciousness. Symptoms can develop over hours or days, making it challenging to diagnose immediately.

Policy Highlights:

• Recognition and Immediate Action: Any student suspected of having a concussion will be removed from the activity and assessed by a staff member or in the case of GSV a designated First Aider. We will use a concussion recognition tool which looks at symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and confusion as critical indicators.

Once the recognition tool has been used, the students cannot continue to participate in the activity. The recognition tool will support one of two lines of action:

Action 1: Call 000 and the parent/carer is notified. It is highly likely that the student would be transferred to a local emergency department. Staff will document the incident, and this will be logged on SEQTA.

Action 2: Parent/carer is called and asked to take their daughter to a local general practitioner or local hospital emergency department, particularly if there is any doubt on the condition. Staff will document the incident, and this will be logged on SEQTA.

• Once the tool is used to assess a student, the school will apply our concussion protocol. This requires the student to be symptom-free for 14 days and obtain written medical clearance before re-commencing training/active PE. They then need to wait at least 21 days before returning to competitive sports. This will also happen if we are notified that your daughter has sustained a concussion or suspected concussion outside of a school activity e.g. Community sport.

• If the family supplies the school with medical documentation that the student did not sustain concussion in the incident, the protocol can be removed.

• It's crucial for parents/carers to inform the school of any concussions sustained outside of school activities to ensure appropriate management and support. This helps maintain a safe environment and ensures that the student receives the necessary care and support for a full recovery.

The new protocol aims to prioritise student health and foster a collaborative approach to managing concussions.

Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to a productive and enriching Term 4 when the girls return.

Our particular thoughts and prayers go to Mary S (12 Gold) for the passing of her mother Janine. Also, to Jaymie S (12 Red) for the passing of her grandfather.

We remember Mary, Jaymie and their families in a special way at this sad time.

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

R U Ok?... Any Day

R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times. Young people are more likely to speak to their friends and family first. That’s why it’s important that everyone is prepared and knows what to do if they are worried about someone.

In 2024, R U OK? is calling on everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day. R U OK? encourages Australians to check in with others all year round. Recent research commissioned by R U OK? found that people who are regularly asked if they are okay feel more supported, connected, and cared about.

This year, in conjunction with the Visual Arts Leaders, we designed a yellow silicone wristband featuring the image of a flower and the text “Growing together.” The same image was painted as a mural on the art space in the Piazza.

Once again, we hosted Whitefriars for the Sion/Whitefriars R U OK? Year 12 Netball Challenge, which was won by the hosts this year. This event attracted nearly every student in the school and included an R U OK? Day video with students from both schools sharing their voices.

On Thursday, the college began with prayer, and we also played a video made by our Year 7 students for each homeroom in the school. The week concluded on Friday with an Open Mic session interspersed with songs and a segment called “Chit Chat for a Kit Kat,” where students answered questions and gave tips on supporting friends and loved ones. A copy of the Year 7 video is included here.

This period of time is one filled with both excitement and anticipation for our Year 12 students. Amidst the completion of SACs, trial exams and preparation for final exams there are many celebratory events coming up to acknowledge this important milestone. Below is a summary of the upcoming events for our Year 12 students and their families. Please refer to the communication sent out via EdSmart for further details.

Year 12 2024 End of Year Summary Table

Well done to the Year 11 cohort for making it through Term 3!

Term 3 brought on several opportunities for the cohort. Starting with the Year 11 Formal, what a beautiful occasion to socialise with students and guests. Shortly after the formal, students were invited to apply for the Year 12 2025 Leadership positions. Whereby they were asked to complete a written application, present a speech to the cohort, and partake in an interview with relevant staff. Thank you to all students for taking the time to put yourself out there as a representative of the cohort. Leadership can be pursued in a variety of contexts. Your strengths, talents and gifts are valued, we hope to experience this next year. The Year 11 Retreat at Don Bosco retreat centre in Lysterfield was a great way to gather as a year level, have a change of scenery and engage more deeply with our Catholic faith as a cohort. Thank you to all Year 11 students, for their contributions to the Pastoral, perspective and points for discussion during the Pastoral lessons dedicated to Respectful Relationships. It is always so exciting to have meaningful conversations, with young people about their observations of the world.

With only one term to go, students have a short period of time left before they commence their Semester 2 exams, final projects, tasks and/or assessments for VM or VCE. Students who are accelerating a Unit 3/4 subject, we wish you all the best for your final preparations for the VCAA exam.

Whilst we can easily look ahead to ‘what is next’ there is still so much learning and experiences to come. Whether that is at school, and in the months during their holiday breaks - to grow as a person, to connect with others and learn more about themselves. I encourage all students and families to recognise the growth in your child and considering what they are looking forward to for the remainder of the school year.

Have a great break, stay safe, and have fun. We look forward to seeing you back at school for Term 4.

Congratulations to all Year 10 families on a fantastic Term 3. There has been plenty of growth in our Year 10 cohort in relation to their development as a student and more importantly as a community member. We look for actions to gauge growth and I can affirm actions such as, communication, taking responsibility, engaging in discussions that support learning and a willingness to be involved in the variety of activities have been consistently seen throughout Term 3. I certainly hope that at home you are seeing similar actions.

Ballroom Dancing

Thursday 5 September saw the culmination of eleven ballroom rehearsal sessions (12 hours worth of rehearsals) all come together in our presentation evening.

This year, we had more students participate than any other previous year in our combined Sion and Whitefriars College Ballroom dancing program. We also had the most numbers of community members attend our presentation evening, with just over 400 parents and carers and family members attending on the night. I am certain that you will agree that the students from both Colleges did a wonderful job in their dances on the evening. The energy of each performance along with their desire to get every step correct was a highlight of the evening.

It takes courage and a willingness to be vulnerable to be a part of a program such as this. It places our young people in a new and unfamiliar environment. Learning a new style of dance, they would not normally do. Learn with a group of people, they would not normally learn with and engage in conversation with many new people. That being said, the individual growth seen within our ballroom group was enormous. The journey started early Term 3, nervous, unsure what to say or do and by our presentation evening, although nerves were still present, a sense of confidence and familiarity had emerged. I congratulate all the students involved with our Ballroom dancing program and hope that in the year to come, this will be an event they remember with a sense of pride and fun.

What I’d like you to know…

Social skills are vital in all that our young people do and our Year 10s have told us that:

• 87% know how to make friends (state 82%)
• 88.5% want to behave well and follow rules (state 84%)
  
• 72.1% are good at solving conflicts (state 76%)
  

This data tells us that our Year 10s want to do the right thing and that they can make friends, but they need some support when friendships face conflict.

Helpful Articles

I would like to share with you the follow articles, the first three are from Andrew Fuller and he gives advice on how to make friends and the importance of forgiveness and compassion. The final article is from the mental health care centre for kids. This article looks at a guide on how to support our young people when conflict arises. I think the section on, ‘Tips to help teens manage emotions during conflict resolution’, might be of interest.

• How to make Friends – Andrew Fuller
• Relationships- Forgiveness – John Hendry, Neil Hawkes and Andrew Fuller
• Relationships - Compassion – John Hendry, Neil Hawkes and Andrew Fuller
• A Guide to Conflict Resolution for Teens – Michael Vallejo

I share these thoughts with you as I hope that during the term break that our Year 10s will look at opportunities to make, further develop and actively participate in their friendships (especially face to face). Spending time with our friends is important and these relationships will grow as we actively engage within our new or existing social groups.

Until Term 4 (which goes by very quickly), enjoy the next few weeks, stay safe and keep exploring your #innerexcellence.

As the term comes to a close, it has been great to see students take on opportunities to embrace this fortnight’s focus of communication. In the spirit of this, the students utilised the key messages of our Pastoral session where they consider the way that we communicate how we are feeling through words and actions. The metaphor of an iceberg is used to encourage us to think how the emotions we show (above the water line) are connected with the more difficult emotions to communicate (below the water line). The Year 9s then each completed the teen love language quiz to learn about the way they can show and receive love in the various relationships they have. It was great to hear them talking about both of these experiences throughout the week as this contributes to their ability to have positive relationships with others.

At SnapShot we have finished learning our Term 3 dance and it has been such a great experience to come together each week and enthusiastically participate together as a year level. We were also able to use this time to consider the ways we can support each other, through our R U OK? Day activity where students wrote affirmations and words of encouragement on yellow post-it notes, which have been displayed in our Year 9 area.

I’d like to wish all the Year 9s a restful and restorative break. I have encouraged them to make time for activities that ‘fill their cup’ and allow them to come back to school refreshed and ready for a positive Term 4.

As the end of Term 3 draws to a close, we can look back and say what a term! It has definitely been an action-packed one, but I would personally like to thank and congratulate all of the Year 8s for their ongoing commitment to life at Sion. The Homeroom teachers and I have been blown away by their enthusiasm, especially with the Homeroom Cheer and Dance Competition!

In our most recent Pastoral, we discussed the role of stress in our lives and how it can be managed because it is often impossible to avoid entirely. We focussed on how stress can manifest itself along with sharing some strategies that students might use to reduce the impact of it on their functioning, with references to the Zones of Regulation and the Thinking Traps workshop from earlier this year.

Next term, we transition back to the summer uniform. Please take the opportunity over the break to check dress length and ensure that socks and hats are in good condition. Socks should be plain white (no logos) and be able to be pulled up to just below the knee.

Finally, I would like to wish all Year 8 families a wonderful Term 3 break. I trust that all will run smoothly while I am on leave and I hope that the break is a restful one to be re-energised for an exciting Term 4!

Navigating the complex world of friendships can be challenging for young adolescents. In Pastoral this term, the Year 7 Homeroom Team has been working with our students on friendships, including what qualities make a good friend, how to strengthen existing friendships and how to identify whether someone else has the qualities they find important in a friendship. As parents and carers, your support and guidance can continue at home. Here are some tips to help you start these important conversations:

• Choose the Right Moment: Find a time when your child is relaxed and open to talking. This could be during a casual activity like a walk, a drive, or even while cooking together.
• Be Open and Non-Judgmental: Show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences without immediately offering solutions or judgments.

Listen, Guide, and Empower

Listening is a crucial part of supporting your child's friendships. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Active Listening: Pay full attention, make eye contact, and avoid interrupting. Show empathy and understanding through nods and affirmative sounds.
• Offer Guidance, Not Solutions: Instead of jumping in with advice, ask what they think might help or how they want to handle a situation. This empowers them to develop their problem-solving skills.
• Be a Safe Space: Let your child know that they can talk to you about anything, without fear of punishment or disappointment. This builds trust and encourages open communication.

By following these tips, you can help your child navigate the sometimes tricky waters of friendships with confidence and support.

Year 12 Chemistry – Titration Champions Competition

Recently, we participated in the 2024 Annual Titration Competition. Classmates cheered all finalists on who aimed to determine the unknown concentration of dilute sulfuric acid by titrating it against standard sodium hydroxide. We carefully measured and titrated the solutions, observing the colour changes and noting the precise moment when the acid-base neutralisation was complete. It was a real challenge, but after some careful calculations and a few hiccups along the way, we nailed it! The thrill of getting closer to the endpoint with each trial added to the fun, and our persistence paid off when we achieved the most accurate result in the class. The titration is one of the many laboratory experiments we conduct during lessons, and our year has been filled with many hands-on experiences that make learning engaging and memorable. We are grateful for all the experiences we have been offered from our Chemistry studies this year! Helen Q (12 Blue) and Zaneta S (12 Blue)

Business Management Market Day

The Unit 2 Business Management students recently held The Market Day small businesses, raising a total of $2,104.81, which will be used to support two scholarship programs firstly through Bethlehem University and through the Our Lady of Sion Education Fund in Jerusalem for Primary and Secondary Students. Here are some reflections from the day.

For our market day stalls we were required to create a business idea to propose to the school. While working on our business ideas we had to incorporate many aspects to make our products appealing, such as the aesthetic, pricing and marketing etc. Over the process of designing our stalls, students made sure to effectively market their business idea, this was effective as we had a rough idea of how many customers we would have. Diya P (10 White)

Prior to market day, our Business Management class studied Unit 2 area of study 2 which was marketing. During this unit we learnt about how to market a business using the marketing mix, different forms of advertising, the product life cycle, the relationship between marketing strategies and business objectives and public relations. The Market Day focus was very beneficial for putting the things we learnt into practice. After the actual Market Day, our classes were required to write up a report based on our businesses. In this report we worked with the concepts we learnt in class, and applied them to our businesses. Zara T (10 Blue)

During this process, we learnt about the importance of teamwork, persistence and having back up plans. Creating our product took a lot of planning and negotiation within our groups which enabled us to learn how to work together as well as create a good product that sold to our target market. Something surprising was how much people were willing to buy from everyone’s market day stalls and how quickly almost everything sold out resulting in profits being raised for the Sisters of Sion. Ananya d S (10 White)

Some of the knowledge I gained from market day was how to have determination, work in a team and to set up a business. I can apply these skills in the future by knowing what to do if I decide to set up my own business. I will know how to market my business, decide the target market of my product and know what I need to do in order to get a competitor's advantage to increase my profits. I also will know how to work well with my employees and customers as well as be determined when things go wrong. Katie D (10 Purple)

COASIT Italian Assistance Association

In the last week, language students engaged in two enriching language and cultural activities. The first was an excursion to COASIT, where Italian VCE students delved into the history of Italian migration to Australia after the Second World War. Through a presentation and interactive exhibits, they learned about the challenges and contributions of Italian migrants, deepening their understanding of the community's cultural impact.

The excursion to COASIT’s Italian Museum was a great experience, where we were able to deepen our understanding of Italian migration. We began the day with a presentation outlining reasons for migration to Australia. It was clear that they were driven by the goal of creating a more promising future. We also gained a perspective into the challenges faced by Italian migrants, including the distance from their families, the language barrier and cultural discrimination. Following this, we were shown through the museum, learning about individual experiences of migration, as well as the various aspects of culture brought to Australia at the time. Amongst the many items was the iconic Italian ‘caffettiera’, shaping the famous Melbournian coffee culture today. Finally, it wouldn’t have been an Italian excursion without enjoying a pizza and gelato at Lygon Street’s Brunetti to conclude our day. Overall, the excursion was a fantastic experience for us as we were able to immerse ourselves in the rich history of Italian migration. Nikita N (11 Blue)

Mid-Autumn Festival – Chinese Club

On Monday 16 September, the Chinese Club hosted a lunchtime session celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. More than 60 students attended this popular session, and they all enjoyed traditional mooncakes, participated in cultural activities, and learned about the festival’s significance, fostering appreciation for Chinese customs and improving their linguistic skills in an engaging setting.

On Monday 16 September, we celebrated the mid-autumn festival! This year, it was held on the 17 September. The mid-autumn festival is also known as the moon, reunion or harvest festival. On this day, the Chinese believe that the moon is at its brightest and fullest size symbolising reunion and togetherness of family and friends. This is the second most important festival in the Chinese calendar as it celebrates the successful reaping of rice and wheat and expresses gratitude to the moon. In a way of honouring and celebrating this event, we organised an informative slideshow presentation, booklet and brought mooncakes to share with students who came to EC2.4 at lunch!

This event and cultural task were very successful in a way that we gathered as a Sion community allowing anyone to join! I am very pleased and satisfied with our performance as we collectively worked hard to prepare and learn about the mid-autumn festival. Thank you to Ms Wang and Ms Tan for assisting us in making this event possible and a success. It was one of the highlights of our Chinese class and it allowed us to connect more. I look forward to having more cultural tasks and events like this and spreading the fun with the Sion community! Charissa V (10 White)

As part of their study of French, Year 7 students completed their Cultural Assessments: Regions of France this term, where they researched one of the 13 regions of France on their own or with a partner. This task had two parts, the first to prepare a promotional written brochure or booklet with information on the region and the second, to prepare a short speech highlighting interesting aspects of the chosen region and making some promotional materials to present at a Travel Expo.

The Travel Expo for both 7 White and 7 Purple was held in class on Tuesday 17 September. The students were all excited to be able to share all the research they had completed on their region with their peers and to display the promotional materials they had prepared for the occasion, to promote travel to their region! Ms Teicher and her French Year 10 students visited the Travel Expo during their French class on the day.

Intermediate Concert Band at the Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF)

Congratulations to the 48 members of the Intermediate Concert Band, under the direction of Mr Dullard, who performed at the Victorian School Music Festival held at the Hawthorn Town Hall last week. The group received a Silver award to complete our involvement in the competitive VSMF season. The two Year 7 Concert Bands (Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon groups) will be performing at the ‘Beginner’ event in November.

Term 3 Music Soiree

Congratulation to the 37 students who performed solo and small group material at the Term 3 Music Soire held last week. It was so popular that we ran concurrent concerts simultaneously in Music Room OG6 and the Miriam Theatre.

Year 7 Spring Concert – Save the Date!

All Year 7 ensembles, small groups, and those Year 7s in Intermediate level ensembles will be performing at the annual Year 7 Spring Music Concert, to be held on Tuesday 12 November 7.00 pm in the LHC. Bookings via the TryBooking link, which will be made available next term on Tuesday 8 October.

Term 4 Music Soirees

The Music Department has more opportunities for soloists and small groups to perform (and gain valuable Arts points). Please speak to your instrumental teacher to sign up for a spot.

• String Soiree – Tuesday 15 October, 5.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Music Soiree – Monday 21 October 5.00 pm, Music Room OG6

AMEB External Instrumental Examinations

We have 28 instrumental musicians (including a bunch of first time Year 7 students) entered in the final round of grade examinations with the Australian Music Examinations Board in Term 4. Students are preparing their list material, working with our accompanist Ms Han and are either submitting a video of their performance, or will complete their performance in person at the AMEB studios in Hawthorn. Good luck to everyone!

Upcoming Term 4 Music Department dates:

• Tuesday 15 October – String Soiree, 5 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Monday 21 October – Term 4 Music Soiree, 5 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Monday 11 November – VSMF Year 7 and Sion First Concert Bands
• Tuesday 12 November – Year 7 Spring Concert, 7 pm LHC, bookings via TryBooking
• Wednesday 13 November – Sion First Final Concert, 5 pm and Launch 7.00 pm, Miriam Theatre
• Thursday 21 November – Year 12 Mass and Valedictory 6 pm, Marvel Stadium
• Wednesday 27 November – Year 10-11 Final Day and Mass
• Thursday 5 December – Night of Excellence Awards Evening
• Friday 6 December – Year 7-9 Final Day and Mass

Sports Awards Night

Our Sport Leaders put on an amazing event for the annual Sports Awards Night on Monday 16 September. Students and families celebrated team success and individual excellence from Term 4, 2023 to Term 3 this year. Our two Sport Captains Ava K (12 Purple) and Pippa L (12 Red) were magnificent hosts alongside Sport Year Level Representatives and Individual Sport Captains. Our student leadership team commence planning for this in early Term 2, it was fantastic to see it come together so well. Special thanks to the Aerobics team for their live performance and to Kate McCarthy (AFLW Player and Media Presenter) sharing words of wisdom about her journey through sport and women on the sport field and in the media.

We also paid tribute to Mr Rieusset and Ms Gurciullo, who have been involved in the Girls Sport Victoria program since the College joined in 2015, with a touching tribute from previous Sports Women of the Year. Their input and guidance throughout the years has had an enormous impact on so many students, families and staff.

On behalf of everyone within the sports program, I would like to again congratulate our 2024 Sports Women of the Year:

• Year 7 - Hannah P (7 Red) and Annie M (7 Red)
• Year 8 - Aliarne S (8 Blue)
• Year 9 - Violet D (9 White)
• Year 10 - Samantha O (10 Purple)
• Year 11 - Jemima F (11 Red)
• Year 12 - Pippa L (12 Red)
• 2024 Sports Woman of the Year - Pippa L (12 Red)

Staff v Students Matches

Staff v Student matches are considered by many to be the highlight of Sports Week. Staff, Year 12s and All Stars (Students from Years 7 – 11) teams play-off in a round robin across three lunchtimes in the LHC in front of big crowds. Our Sport leaders chose Volleyball, Basketball and Dodgeball and ran each lunchtime event. Each match was played with great enthusiasm and inclusiveness. Thank you to all students and staff for buying in and representing your teams! Kudos to the staff team for taking home the chocolates this year!

Intermediate Badminton Finals

Well done to our Intermediate Badminton B team for making the GSV finals! Unfortunately, PLC were too strong in the Preliminary final on Wednesday 11 September played at MSAC. Big thank you to Ms Bennett for coaching the team in a terrific season.

GSV Track and Field Finals Evening
Well done to the athletes that represented the College at the Track and Field Finals Evening on Tuesday 10 September. Special mention to Adam Rieusset for Track Marshalling on the night. We are proud to announce the following 8 students who placed in their event from the 24 GSV schools!

Erin M (10B) 800m – 2^nd Place & 1500m – 3^rd Place
Emma R (7S) 800m – 3^rd Place, 1500m – 3^rd Place & 400m – 7^th Place
Grace N (11R) Shot Put – 3^rd Place
Amy H (7P) Shot Put – 4^th Place & Discus – 6^th Place
Sophie F (9W) 800m – 4^th Place & 1500m – 7^th Place
Maddie B (11G) Triple Jump – 6^th Place
Ava V (11R) High Jump – 7^th Place
Carla P (7G) 1500m – 13^th Place

Well done girls, a great way to finish off the Track and Field season. Bring on 2025!

Senior Football Herald Sun Shield

Our Senior team made it to the final round of the Herald Sun Shield, playing off against Ivanhoe Grammar in the Grand Final at Braybrook Reserve on Thursday 12 September. In windy conditions, Ivanhoe kicked away in the first half to set up a strong lead. Our team kept competing hard for every contest and unfortunately were unable to redeem any reward on the scoreboard. With many Inside 50’s, we could not penetrate the last line of the Ivanhoe defence. Thank you to Mr Steward for coaching on Tuesday afternoon sessions at Box Hill and his support on game day. We are super proud of our squad and hope they can stick together next year as we are so close to the ultimate prize! A big thank you to Stephen Roe for taking action shots of the team on the day.

Term 4 Sport Trials

Term 4 Sport Trials are underway for Basketball and Cricket! Our Intermediate Basketballers had their first trial on Wednesday and our Juniors had trials on Thursday for Cricket and Basketball. If the standard of the trials is anything to go by, it will be a very successful season!
Thank you to all students that have attended, trials will commence in the first week back in Term 4. Keep an eye out for the fixtures on Year Level Classrooms which will be posted once confirmed by GSV.

I can’t believe we have reached the end of Term 3. In the past weeks, we held our third packing day for Days for Girls where Year 9 students were generous with their time by volunteering to put together items to go into the packs that are distributed by Days for Girls in areas around the world where young women don't have access to appropriate sanitary items.

Year 11 students, Chantelle C (11 Blue) and Isabel W (11 Blue) visited Ozanam House with Ms Bernadette Anderson to help with the dinner meal service.

Finally, congratulations to Lia C (11 Gold) who is our Social Justice Captain for 2025. Lia was the Year 10 Social Justice representative and regularly participated in various initiatives over the years. She is also member of our St Vincent De Paul School Conference. Lia has shown a commitment and a passion for Social Justice issues, and I look forward to working with her next year as we continue to grow the presence of Social Justice at Our Lady of Sion College.

I hope you all have a restful term break and look forward to what Term 4 has to offer.

St Vincent De Paul School Conference

Food Drive

On behalf of the SVD College Conference, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support of our recent food drive. All items have been donated to the St Vinnies Box Hill Parish Pantry located at St Francis Xavier Church. Your contributions have made a significant impact on the lives of those in need, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity. The Sion community has shown an unwavering commitment to helping the less fortunate. It reflects the true spirit of community and compassion, and it inspires us all to continue working towards making a difference.

School Conference Networking Event

This year, Our Lady of Sion College hosted the St Vincent De Paul School Conference Networking Event. This event provided an opportunity for students from different school conferences the chance to connect with cohorts from our local area. We welcomed students from St Kevins College Toorak and Holy Family School Mount Waverley. All participants were able to learn from each other and celebrate their Good Works. Our students delivered a presentation on an initiative which they were proud of from this year and then collaborated to plan future efforts.

St Vincent De Paul SnapShot

This edition of the SnapShot looks at homelessness and how tackling this issue is at the heart of SVDP’s mission.

Having access to a safe house is a fundamental human right and lies at the heart of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria’s mission. It ensures that everyone can live a life with dignity and security, and assistance is offered to people experiencing disadvantages or seeking to escape harmful situations, such as family and domestic violence or homelessness.

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is committed to addressing homelessness by providing essential support services. Their initiatives include emergency accommodation, a Soup Van service delivering meals, a No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) for essential items, and housing assistance through VincentCare.

Our school conference at Sion plays a vital role in supporting their mission. By organising fundraising events or awareness campaigns, we raised funds and educate students about homelessness. We also prepare baked items for the Inner-City Soup Van. By engaging students in discussions and activities about Social Justice we can inspire them to take action and contribute to the community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness. Constantia W (9 Silver) and Sophie W (9 Red)

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Beverly Sills, American Operatic Soprano

Students and families can find the fortnightly Careers newsletter here.

In this fortnightly Newsletter there is information relating to:

• Dates to Diarise Term 3 and 4 – 2024 Year 12 VTAC dates reminder
• Upcoming Events: Experience day at Federation University, La Trobe September Campus Tours, RMIT Student for a Day
• Career Industry in the Spotlight – An Actuary
• Things to consider: Work Experience with Austin Hospital 2025
• Researching options: RMIT – New Diploma of Radiation Science, Monash University – New courses, Majors/Minors and Pathways into Bachelor of Education.

Helping Teens Navigate Peer Pressure and Build Independence

As teens progress through adolescence, peer pressure can become a powerful force. We know that many parents worry about the negative influences peers may have on their teen, the risk of unhealthy behaviours, conflicting family values, or feeling like they’re losing their influence.

Supporting teens in managing peer pressure while fostering their independence is essential for their overall development. Here are practical strategies to guide you in these areas:

• Foster open communication: Create a safe, judgment-free space where your teen feels comfortable sharing their experiences and concerns. Be prepared to discuss any topic, no matter how sensitive, and explore the pressures your teen might face to fit in.
• Get to know their friends: Show genuine interest in your teen’s social group. Ask questions that show your curiosity and listen without jumping in with advice. Invite their friends over, allowing you to become more familiar with the people they spend time with.
• Normalize saying no: Encourage your teen to set boundaries and understand that it’s okay to say no, even with friends, to protect their values and well-being. Equip your teen with polite yet assertive ways to decline or step away from uncomfortable situations. If it is helpful, consider providing a script for saying no.
• Boost self-confidence: Support your teen in exploring hobbies and interests that bring them joy and fulfillment. When they feel confident in their identity, values, and abilities, they become more independent and less susceptible to peer pressure.
• Model healthy relationships: Demonstrate the importance of respectful, boundary-oriented friendships. Engage your teen in conversations about recognizing healthy dynamics and avoiding unhelpful ones. This will help them form positive, independent relationships of their own.
• Develop critical thinking skills: Teach your teen to evaluate situations, question peer influence, and consider the consequences of their choices. This will enhance their ability to make independent decisions.
• Promote responsibility at home: Give your teen age-appropriate responsibilities, such as managing their schedule or making decisions about schoolwork. Practising independence at home helps them build the confidence to handle pressures outside.

By nurturing their independence, we can empower our teens to face peer pressure with confidence while staying true to themselves. A strong sense of self equips them to tackle challenges and grow into resilient, self-assured individuals.

If you have any concerns about your teen, please contact their Homeroom Teacher, Wellbeing and Growth Leader or the Counselling Team here counselling@sion.catholic.edu.au.