Newsletter | Hear the Call of Jerusalem: widen your horizons

Ratisbonne Discovery Centre

The highlights for the first two weeks of this term have been the move into our new building - the Ratisbonne Discovery Centre and the wonderful ways in which the Class of 2024 have concluded their time at Our Lady of Sion College.

The RDC, as it is coming to be known, marks a significant milestone of the College masterplan, a planning process that commenced in 2017 with the development of a brief to choose a visionary architectural company. We sought a firm that would help us realise our vision for education with a particular emphasis on inspiring young women to see a myriad of possibilities for their learning and on supporting staff with an environment that was designed to deliver excellent learning and teaching programs. Williams Ross Architects was appointed in 2018 and consultations began with staff, students, families, the Board of Directors and the Sisters. Designs were developed in 2019 and the plan began to be implemented with an extension to our Louise Humann Centre with a new stage and audiovisual infrastructure in 2020. The covid years saw a pause in our planning but by the end of 2022, the College was ready to launch the exciting construction of a new STEAMD and Administration Building which we have occupied for the first time last week.

Staff moved into the building on the first day of Term 4 and all students have experienced a tour of the building. Their feedback has been very positive with a number of students sharing the following with me “It’s inspiring”, I love the colours and the views are amazing”, “When are we able to do Art in these rooms?, “It’s like a second Notre Dame Centre”, “It’s so calm in here”, “I want to do Science now”. It is humbling to witness their excitement.

Over the next few weeks, we will begin to move the resources from the current Arts and Science rooms into the Centre. All but one of the portables will then be decommissioned and removed from the oval. This will occur immediately after the Year 12 students conclude their exams so that there is no disruption to this important time for them.

This week the builders have turned their attention to the former Administration building which in the coming months will be refurbished into six new classrooms. Work on the landscaping and carpark at the front of the College will also continue. This week we also commenced the refurbishment of the adjacent house that the College owns. 12 Graham Place will be turned into a Wellbeing Centre which will become the new home for the Counselling team and Student Support team.

A school’s curriculum can be accessed via the planned and documented program and the pedagogical practices that provide engaging learning experiences that promote the growth of students and staff. I believe the third and important element of the curriculum is the environment within which the two come together. An inspiring environment motivates and supports us to reach our best.

At this point in time the College is very proud to have created another inspiring environment within which we will learn and work.

Farewell to the Class of 2024

Last week the student body and staff farewelled the Class of 2024 at their final whole school assembly. This week we celebrated this milestone during a shared morning tea on Tuesday and their breakfast celebrations this morning. We also marked this special moment with their families at our Graduation evening on Wednesday.

Rites of passage such as there are opportune times to give thanks for all that we have been gifted and to trust that we have been provided with the chance to develop the knowledge, skills and personal attributes that will help us to continue to achieve and to be the person we are called to be.

On behalf of the whole school community, I thank the Class of 2024 for all they have contributed over the last six years and wish them every success not only for the upcoming exams or transition to further learning but most importantly for the exciting life that awaits them beyond our cherry red gates.

With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

Ask any teacher and they will say that the start of Term 4 holds a certain excited energy. It is partly to do with the sunshine and warmer days, but it is also related to the culmination of learning and planning from across the whole year.

Year 7 Challenge Day

A good example is the Year 7 Challenge Day held last Friday 11 October. This day saw all of the Year 7 students apply their learnings of angles and measurement from Maths to their study of forces in Science in order to create a marble run that included a loop. Students then competed against each other to determine the furthest distance of travel for the marble. In order to win the competition, the students applied their knowledge of design thinking from Technology and the Arts as well as their team working skills, something that they have focussed upon in the Pastoral program.

The second challenge asked the students to build a tin foil boat designed to hold the maximum weight. This led to a discussion about materials and shape, as well as displacement. Most of the boats floated, some sank and one was able to carry a massive 900 grams!

The data collected will now be part of the Maths curriculum!

A big thank you to our guest speakers; 2025 Stem Captain Gaby R (11 Blue), and past students Nolan Wen and Claire Peterson, who supported the learning on the day. A lovely way to start the term.

Year 12 Finals

Also feeling the culmination of a lot of work, the feeling in the LHC for our 2024 Year 12 Graduation was electric. The class of 2024 have been a joy to work with and I wish them every success in the future. While every student was recognised for their success across the two years of VCE, a big congratulations to the special award winners:

SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS

Simone Richardson Music Award – Tianna D (12 Blue)

Denise O’Hara Science Academy Award – Isabel G (12 Purple)

St Cecilia Choral Award – Hayley B (12 Silver)

St Cecilia Bands & Orchestra Award – Kiera D (12 White)

VCE Vocational Major Award – Mary P (12 Blue)

ADF Leadership & Teamwork Award – Astrid H (12 Purple)

ADF Future Innovators Award – Alana B (12 Silver)

Rotary Citizen Award – Madeline S (12 Blue)

Sion Spirit Award – Paige H (12 Red)

Sion Woman of the Year Award – Pippa L (12 Red)

2024 Valedictorian – Sienna H (12 White)

2025 Resource Lists

The 2025 Learning Resource lists are nearing completion and will be sent to families on Monday. Any queries can be directed to the Learning Resource Centre or the relevant teacher.

Supporting Safe and Responsible Technology Use: Key Takeaways from the MACS eSafety Summit

At the recent MACS eSafety Summit that I attended, we explored key insights and strategies to support the safe and responsible use of technology among students. A central takeaway was the importance of educating young people on the purposeful use of technology, with parents and carers playing a crucial role in setting expectations around online behaviour.

As mobile phones are being provided to children at younger ages, it is increasingly important for parents and carers to take the lead in educating their children on how to be responsible and safe digital citizens. This includes teaching them how to navigate potential risks such as apps, online scams, and social interactions through platforms like Snapchat, which can expose them to harm.

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), it is becoming harder for both students, and adults, to distinguish between real and artificial content. For example, apps like Candy.AI can generate virtual companions that offer human-like dialogue and interactions, including deep conversations, role-playing, and emotional support. While these technologies can be engaging, they can blur the lines between reality and fiction, posing new risks.

The summit also highlighted the rise of concerning trends such as deepfake content and financial extortion schemes targeting teenagers. Kelly Britnell, from the eSafety Commissioner’s office, provided valuable insights into identifying red flags in online interactions to help prevent harmful incidents. She emphasised the role of the eSafety Commissioner in addressing complaints and working with schools, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to ensure the rapid removal of harmful content, especially illegal material and child exploitation.

As a school, we are committed to educating our young people about online safety using a strength based approach, focusing on how technology can be used positively—such as fostering friendships, enhancing wellbeing, and managing privacy settings.

For parents and carers, staying informed is crucial. The eSafety Commissioner offers valuable resources, including webinars and a guide on risky apps, available at esafety.gov.au. Additionally, the Department of Education has developed helpful fact sheets for both students and parents: Safe Socials for Parents and Carers.

As our graduating class of 2024 conclude their classes this week, I would like to congratulate each and every one of our Year 12 students on their efforts throughout the year. It has been an absolute privilege to travel this final year of their secondary schooling with them. I admire the way this cohort of students have remained committed to their studies, persevered through the challenging times and supported one another throughout the journey.

As part of farewelling our students our 2024 leaders handed over their leadership to our incoming 2025 leaders last week at the whole school Investiture Assembly. I congratulate our leaders on the incredible job they have done this year within their different portfolios. I would also like to thank Ms Jennifer Tilly for her guidance of these students in their different roles.

Tuesday marked a special celebration of gratitude for the teachers who have played a significant role in both the educational and personal growth of our students throughout their six years here at Our Lady of Sion. The students generously catered and hosted a morning tea for all the staff within the school which I know was greatly appreciated.

In keeping with tradition, we acknowledged each individual student within the 2024 cohort at our Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday evening. This was a special gathering of students, staff and families as our students received their graduating certificate and gift from the school. As part of this evening some special awards were announced and I congratulate all recipients of these honourable awards. Thank you to all who attended for making this such a memorable evening for our students.

It is only fitting that I acknowledge and thank the Year 12 Homeroom teachers – Cassie Marsden, Maria Hawkes, Amy Garnham, Francis Nguyen, Melissa Walsh and Rob Steward for their consistent efforts and support of our Year 12 students throughout the year. I would also like to thank the Year 12 subject teachers who have worked tirelessly to support our students with their academic endeavours. It is also important for me to recognise the ongoing guidance and expertise given by Dale Hunter and Brooke O’Hara to our students as they travelled this challenging year and are making decisions about their future beyond school.

As the farewell celebrations continue for our graduating class of 2024, I wish them well with the weeks ahead. For those who are sitting final exams I wish them well with their revision and study and for those who are not I hope you begin a well earned rest. As the journey draws to a close we will continue to support one another and celebrate everyone’s achievements.

Welcome to Term 4

Throughout Term 4 we have set the Year 10 students the challenge 'to be courageous, not comfortable' and to do this, the students have been challenged to further develop their inner strengths, inner excellence to be the best versions of themselves as possible. We have identified the following as ways that our Year 10s can be courageous...

Ask questions
Seek clarification
Arrive to class on time
Present in perfect uniform
Apply for 2025 leadership positions
Sign up for 2025 GSV opportunities
Prepare for final assessments early
Develop sustainable study routines
Limit screen time

There are many other opportunities to be courageous and it will look different for everyone. Term 4 allows us to be challenged to continue to grow and look forward, developing our intrinsic skills our #innerexcellence.

Diary Dates

Term 4 moves quickly and I would like to share the following key dates with you all. I encourage you to print these dates out and stick them on the fridge.

1 November - 7 November:

Will be an assessment free week for our Year 10 students (Normal classes will run and will focus on final assessment preparation)

8 November - 15 November:

Year 10 and Unit 2 VCE exams will be conducted. (Only required to be at school when you have an exam. Full college summer academic uniform is required).

18 November:

Student Free Day

19 November - 26 November:

SmartStart week. All students will commence their Senior years program, be that VCE or VM pathway.

27 November:

Final day for Year 10 students.

I ask that all members of the Year 10 community remain focused and supportive as we help our students strive to be the best they can be. Our collective goal is to guide them in completing Year 10 in a positive manner, fostering growth in all areas of their education journey. For the students, the focus should be on continuing to develop and apply the necessary skills that ensures they finish the year with confidence and readiness for the challenges ahead.

This year our Year 11 Italian students across the state were invited to participate in the Famiglia Siciliana Competition run by Co.As.It (Italian Association of Assistance) and the Famiglia Siciliana Club. This competition gave students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and historical legacy of Sicily. This competition focused on "The Fascinating World of Magna Graecia", inviting participants to explore the lasting influence of Ancient Greece on the region.

Participating students were required to research the topic of Magna Graecia in Sicily and write a 350 word piece in English on an aspect of the subject assigned to them on the day of the competition at Co.As.It.

Nakita N (11 Blue) demonstrated remarkable dedication and insight, leading to her being awarded the prestigious first prize of $1,500. This achievement is a testament to her hard work, curiosity, and passion for learning.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nakita for her outstanding accomplishment. Her success in the competition not only reflects her academic excellence but also celebrates her ability to embrace and honour her heritage in a meaningful and rewarding way.

Nakita has shared her experience with us:

Participating in the Famiglia Siciliana Competition was an amazing experience, where I was able to deepen my understanding of the region of Sicily. This year’s topic was titled ‘The Fascinating World of Magna Graecia’, where we were to explore the impact of Ancient Greece on Sicily. I was able to discover the various ways in which culture, traditions, architecture, cuisine and language were influenced by the Greeks, gaining a deeper insight into the rich history of the region. The competition also provided me with an opportunity to connect to my cultural roots, given that my family backgrounds are both Sicilian and Greek. It was an honour to be awarded first prize and was a truly rewarding experience. Nakita N (11 Blue)

As part of Year 10 Civics and Legal Studies, a number of students recently attended a Parliamentary Convention. Some student reflections are shared below.

Parliamentary Convention

At the end of last term, a group of Year 10 students were fortunate to attend a Parliamentary Convention hosted by Marymede Catholic College. The main focus of the Parliamentary Convention was an in-depth discussion on whether the Age of Criminal Responsibility should be raised to 14. Students were encouraged to dive into their debating skills, collaborate through teamwork and apply their knowledge of Politics and the Australian legal system. It was an engaging environment where critical thinking and thoughtful arguments were essential. Participants had the opportunity to explore complex legal issues and contribute meaningfully to a pressing political issue that concerns our own and future generations. Chiara M (10 Gold)

The focus was to make high school students very aware of today's issues and to debate whether the Age of Criminal Responsibility should be raised to 14. This relates to our world through social impacts, legal implications and understanding of how our world is evolving causing actions to take place. By debating and learning we can now use this information to educate and recognise the political world, as high school students it displays the impact we will have when we are older and how we can successfully change it. Elana V (10 Red)

At the convention, we were given an incredible opportunity to learn a wide range of new skills and knowledge about the topic. One of the key things we learned was how to effectively craft and deliver an opening speech for a debate. This included understanding how to clearly express our views and opinions in a structured and confident manner. Through group activities, we worked together to create a well-rounded speech that took into account the diverse opinions of everyone at the table. We also practised rebuttals, learning how to respond thoughtfully and respectfully when it was time to challenge opposing viewpoints. These experiences not only sharpened our communication skills but also taught us the importance of collaboration and respectful discourse in a debate setting. Sarita T (10 Blue)

From these learnings, we can apply our knowledge of parliament's functions while passing a bill, and amendments that take place during these discussions into our own lives, as we witness current elections, and come to vote on ideas proposed in referendums. The skills of public speaking and clear articulation of one's ideas were also practised during this convention, as well as acknowledging other opinions, while also maintaining your own. Respectful acknowledgement of ideas is an essential ability we learned from this experience, which will be applied to future events, school assignments and meeting other individuals. Eliza A (10 Purple)

Welcome back to Term 4 and for what I hope will be an exciting conclusion to the year.

Sports Colours Day

On the last day of Term 3 we held a fundraising event “Sports Colours Day” where students and staff were encouraged to wear a sports top of their choice and in return were asked to make a gold coin donation to support the work of the Sisters of Sion. These initiatives provided opportunities to take action to help others in need, providing human dignity for all and living “with a grateful heart”.

Thank You

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the incredible leadership and dedication that both Maddie S (12 B) and Paige H (12 Red) have had for both the Social Justice and FIRE Carrier programs over their journey at Sion and in particular this year as Captains. Their passion, commitment, and tireless efforts have made a real difference in our school community and have inspired many around them.

I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and hope that they will continue to inspire and bring positive change wherever they go, and life takes them! We also welcome our new Year 12 captains for 2025, Social Justice – Lia C (11 Gold) and FIRE Carrier – Estella F (11 Gold).

Other highlights include

Our monthly visit to Ozanam House where Year 11 students Zoe F (11 Blue) and Jemima F (11 Red) assisted with the dinner meal service.
We held our last Days for Girls workshop for 2024. Year 9 students assisted with packing reusable sanitary items for women around the world to ensure that girls get to go to school/work year-round and not miss days during menstruation because of a lack of access to appropriate period products.

St Vincent De Paul College Conference

SnapShot

This edition of the SnapShot looks at how and why OLSC supports the St Vincent De Paul Society through its many initiatives.

Our Lady of Sion College supports St Vincent de Paul as part of our commitment to social justice and living out the College charism and mission statement, fulfilling the values of compassion, service, and solidarity with those in need.

St Vincent de Paul is a Catholic organisation that aligns with the College's mission to educate students in the spirit of Catholic values and encourage them to become socially responsible citizens.

By advocating and assisting St Vincent de Paul, the College provides opportunities for students to engage in charitable works, deepen their understanding of poverty and inequality, and develop empathy and a sense of responsibility towards marginalised communities.

The College conference groups have organised after school baking sessions, the Christmas Appeal as well as the St Vinnies Winter Appeal, all of which are run by participants voluntarily and freely. Raising awareness is a key focus of these events, contributing to the St Vincent de Paul mission, and promoting education as the key to action, making an impact on the community. We do this through informing the community in this SnapShot.

Supporting such initiatives allows students to practise the teachings of Jesus regarding love, care for the poor, and social justice, and reflects the Catholic identity of the College.

Through fundraising for the various appeals, food drives and other opportunities offered to students, they can directly contribute to helping those in need, building a culture of service and justice at the school.

Bani Kalsi (10 Purple) and Eliza Alkemade (10 Purple)

CVE Auditions – Tuesday 29 October

VCE Music Performance Unit 2 Recitals

In the first week of Term 4, we had the Year 11 Music students performing their major performance recitals which forms a large part of their assessment in Unit 2 Music performance this year. Students presented solo material, of differing styles and genres, with both live and pre-recorded accompaniment. Many thanks to Ms Adeline Han for her outstanding accompaniment skills.

Investiture and Year 12 Farewell Investiture Assembly

Last week, we farewelled the Year 12s and welcomed in the new portfolio leaders and captains. Congratulations to the College Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Mrs Jane Murone and the Senior Strings, directed by Mr Woinarski, who provided music for this important assembly.

Term 4 Music Soirees

The annual String Soiree took place this week and over 50 String Students in the Intermediate and Senior level string ensembles performed. The Term 4 Music Soiree will be held this coming Monday 21 October, starting at 5 pm in the new Music Room, Ratisbonne Discovery Centre.

Year 7 Junior Concert Bands – Monday and Tuesday Bands

Both Year 7 Concert Bands (the Monday morning group and the Tuesday afternoon group) will be representing Our Lady of Sion College at the Victorian Schools Music Festival to be held during the day on Monday 11 November at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. This event is open to the public, is free and live streamed, with more details to be announced in coming weeks.

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 pm in the LHC. Bookings are now open via the TryBooking link here.

Sion First Year 6 Music Program 2025

Those families with students currently in Year 5 (Year 6, 2025) are invited to the Sion First Music Program launch on Wednesday 15 November 7 pm in the Miriam Theatre. Please see below for further information.

Upcoming Music Department Dates

Monday 21 October Term 4 Music Soiree, 5 pm, New Ratisbonne Discovery Centre (RDC) Music Room
Wednesday 23 October Creative Arts and Technology Week, 6 pm, Notre Dame (Rock Band)
Monday 11 November VSMF Year 7 Concert Bands and Sion First Concert Band (morning)
Tuesday 12 November Year 7 Spring Concert, 7 pm, LHC
Wednesday 13 November Sion First 2024 Final Concert, 5 pm, Miriam Theatre
Wednesday 13 November Sion First 2025 Launch, 7 pm, Miriam Theatre
Thursday 21 November Year 12 Mass and Valedictory, 6 pm, Marvel Stadium (CVE)
Wednesday 27 November Year 10-11 Final Day and Mass
Thursday 5 December Night of Excellence Awards Evening (CVE, Senior Concert Band)
Friday 6 December Year 7-9 Final Day and Mass

GSV Rep Waterpolo

Congratulations to Natayla B (12 Purple) on representing the GSV against APS on Friday 11 October at Caulfield Grammar School. Natayla played as the Centre Back and was strong in defence all day. GSV swam away victorious winning 11 to 5. Well done to Natayla, you made everyone at the College very proud, great way to finish your school career!

Term 4 GSV Sport

Basketball and Cricket season officially commenced this week following our trials from Term 3. We had great interest in both sports with a strong number of signups across all age groups. Both Junior and Senior Cricket teams are training and playing home matches at Whitehorse Reserve, East Box Hill. The Junior squad is halfway through a four-week clinic devised by Cricket Victoria focusing on fundamentals. Our Senior Cricketers won their two matches in convincing fashion against MLC and Ivanhoe.

We are very excited to watch our Basketball teams grow at each training and matches throughout the season. The Intermediate team played their first match against Fintona on Wednesday with the A’s losing narrowly and both B and C teams winning.

New Gym Open

Our new gym space is officially open! We have been blessed with a larger gym space and new equipment in the area. HPE Classes have been utilising the new gym in their classes and feedback from students has been terrific. On Friday mornings our Junior Strength and Conditioning students participate on a circuit focused on functional movement using the equipment and LHC space. Year 9 – 11 students are using Box Hill City Oval facilities on a Friday morning. Box Hill Football Club has been amazing allowing our students access to elite equipment for our program. We encourage any students that are interested in joining the S&C sessions on Friday morning to come down to the LHC office and speak with Mr Armstrong or Mr Cox.

AFL News

Congratulations to Chloe T (11 Gold) who took out the 2024 AFL Coates Talent League Girls premiership with the Oakleigh Chargers on Saturday 21 September. The Chargers faced off against Eastern Rangers, captained by Georgie B (12 Blue), for the second year in a row. Finishing the day with a 37-19 win. Well done to both students on competing in the Grand Final!

Georgie also participated in the 2024 National Draft Combine on the weekend in Melbourne. A total of 47 athletes from across the country were selected to attend, where they took part in Club interviews as well as physical testing at the MCG and MSAC respectively. Well done on such an amazing achievement!

Newsletter | Hear the Call of Jerusalem: widen your horizons

Important Dates

What's On

From the Principal

Principal's Message

Ratisbonne Discovery Centre

Farewell to the Class of 2024

From the Deputy Principals

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott

Year 7 Challenge Day

Year 12 Finals

SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS

2025 Resource Lists

Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Christine Kralj

Supporting Safe and Responsible Technology Use: Key Takeaways from the MACS eSafety Summit

In Remembrance

Year Level News

Year 12 – Leanne Anderson, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 11 – Beth Amos, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 10 – Adam Rieusset, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Welcome to Term 4

Diary Dates

Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Year 8 – Paul Kerr, Acting Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Reversing the Anxiety Cycle

Year 7 – Stephanie Jones, Wellbeing and Growth Leader

Learning Area News

Languages – Gail Amato, Learning Leader

Drama – Alex Bleazby, Drama Teacher

Beauty and the Beast

Staff versus students Theatre Sports

Junior Play

Humanities – Sarah Chalmers, Learning Leader

Parliamentary Convention

Co-curricular News

Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator

Sports Colours Day

Thank You

St Vincent De Paul College Conference

Careers and Pathways – Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator

Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music

CVE Auditions – Tuesday 29 October

VCE Music Performance Unit 2 Recitals

Investiture and Year 12 Farewell Investiture Assembly

Term 4 Music Soirees

Year 7 Junior Concert Bands – Monday and Tuesday Bands

Year 7 Spring Concert – Save the Date

Sion First Year 6 Music Program 2025

Upcoming Music Department Dates

Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport

GSV Rep Waterpolo

Term 4 GSV Sport

New Gym Open

AFL News

Parent News

College Psychologist – Vanessa Cheng

Wind in the Willows

Creative Arts & Technologies Exhibition Opening

Important Dates

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principals

Year Level News

Learning Area News

Co-curricular News

Parent News

Important Dates

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principals

Year Level News

Learning Area News

Co-curricular News

Parent News

Follow Us