Last Friday 14 June, members of our College Leadership Team embarked on a meaningful journey from Box Hill to Warragul to participate in a Sion Formation day. This Formation brought us together with heritage schools, Marist Sion Warragul and Catholic College Sale, fostering a wonderful sense of community and a shared commitment to the teachings and charism of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.
One of the highlights of the day was a story shared by a Warragul staff member. She recounted how she was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage. Initially, this seemed impossible due to family commitments; leaving her a little frustrated. Seeking advice from her father, she explained her situation and the reasons she felt she couldn’t go. Her father, in response, asked her a simple yet profound question: what would happen if your 'no' became a 'yes'? This question prompted her to re-evaluate her self-imposed hurdles. With effort and a bit of sacrifice from everyone involved, she realised that the trip was indeed possible.
As we reach the middle of the year, this story prompts me to ask myself and our College community: what can we achieve if we change our 'nos' into 'yeses'? What happens if we work through our self-imposed limits to give more to others, achieve more for ourselves, and contribute more to our community?
Each day, I am inspired by the hard work, skills, and dedication of our students and staff. In the past fortnight, our students have said yes to a number of opportunities that foster self growth. Our Year 9 students participated in the second workshop for Days for Girls, supporting the Balwyn chapter by creating and packing reusable sanitary items for girls around the world.
Our Year 12s made blankets for the homeless, and a warming gift for those in need during the upcoming cold winter months. Additionally, our Year 7s enjoyed a fantastic Chesed Day, engaging in workshops focused on Tuning into Emotions, Wellness and Self Care, and Making Connections.
This fortnight also saw our Years 10 and 11 students take on their Semester 1 Exams, and our VCE/VCE VM students completed the GAT. Our students approached these assessments with focus and determination, demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence. While assessment time can be challenging, it is a valuable learning experience that helps students grow and develop their academic skills. Exams provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding, manage their time effectively, and apply their knowledge in a focused environment.
As we approach the last week of term, many students have transitioned to new subjects with the change of semester. We encourage them to transform any 'nos' into 'yeses', giving themselves the best chance to excel and build on the lessons learned in Semester 1. Parents and carers are encouraged to take advantage of our upcoming events: the Subject Selection Expo, VCE/VM 2025 Subject Selection Evening, and Year 10 2025 Subject Selection Evening as we provide families with valuable information about pathways and subjects for 2025.
On Friday 28 June, Semester 1 reports will be uploaded to SEQTA. Parents and carers can effectively engage with this valuable feedback by thoroughly reviewing them, celebrating achievements, discussing the results with their daughter, setting goals together, identifying needs and planning to implement small improvements in the future, if warranted.
Lastly, we will conclude the term with a night of music on Thursday 27 June, featuring our Ensembles Evening in the Miriam Theatre. The night showcases the students' hard work, talent, and collaboration. It's a celebration of the College’s wonderful music program and highlights the importance of Arts education and its positive impact on student development and school culture.
I wish our families a restful and happy school holiday break and safe travels for those heading to warmer destinations.
From the Deputy Principals
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo
For their Retreat this week, the Year 9 students spent a wonderful day exploring the Catholic Precinct of Melbourne. The students installed on their phones the Mary Glowrey Museum- Catholic Precinct Walking Tour app. With the rich information about the history of Catholic Melbourne, it was certainly a great resource to support the students throughout the day which began at the ACU Cathedral Hall in Brunswick Street Fitzroy.
As always St Patrick’s Cathedral was of particular interest to the students. Upon arrival, the students gave an Acknowledgement of Country, as they stood around the Aboriginal stone inlay depicting the Creator Spirit which is located in the forecourt of the Cathedral. Whilst inside the students looked at the beautiful stained-glass windows accompanying the chapels.
The Chapel of Our Lady was a focal point, with the stained-glass windows highlighting scenes from the life of Mary including the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, and the Presentation in the Temple. Also featured in the windows were women from the Old Testament such as Sara, Miriam and Ruth, all of whom had been studied by the students in their RE unit on the Spirit of Women. It was also lovely that the students could spend time in the Cathedral to just sit, contemplate and pray.
The lives of St Mary MacKillop, our first Australian saint and Mary Glowrey, who was the world’s first Sister-doctor, were also explored and reflected upon, especially through visits to the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre and the St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Chapel and Square, and the Mary Glowrey Museum. The students were given the opportunity to delve into these significant Catholic women’s lives, both of whom answered God’s call to help the poor and disadvantaged of their time, and of their continuing legacy. The students were also invited to consider how they too might respond to God’s call through word and action.
We learnt about the life of Mary Glowrey from one of her relatives which made the experience more personal. Mary Glowrey was an influential and brave woman.Ava K and Ashlee E (9 Blue)
I found the day really interesting. I had no idea that Melbourne had such a strong Catholic history.Amelia W (9 Red)
Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott
2025 Subject Selection
Parents of current Year 9 and 10 students are reminded about their respective Subject Selection Parent Information evenings next week as well as the Subject Selection Expo. The 2025 Subject Handbooks are now live on the website and students thinking about senior classes can look at the Subject Selection Learning Area videos that are available on SEQTA Learn. We make these videos so that students can speak for themselves about what is good in each subject and the staff can address frequently asked questions.
The Handbooks also outline the acceleration request process, as entry to an accelerated subject is not guaranteed even for students who have already undertaken a Unit 1 and 2 study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there prerequisite subjects for VCE?
No, there are Year 10 electives that are beneficial to have before commencing a VCE subject however students can study a VCE subject without having done the subject in Year 10. They may need to do some catchup learning however their teacher will support them with this.
Do I have to be in VM to study a VET?
No, there are a lot of options available to scored VCE students that allow them to study a scored VET. This means that the VET subject will generate a study score and will contribute to an overall ATAR. Mrs O’Hara can help more with this.
What do I need to consider when studying a language?
Students must complete a full year of Languages (Italian, French or Chinese) in Year 9 and then can select it as an elective in Year 10 and beyond. It is worth noting that as Languages need to be studied for the full year, and other electives do not, the Language choice takes the place of two electives.
What if I study a subject outside of school?
We love that and the College can support you with it. We do ask you to let us know if you are studying an additional VCE subject as this can impact your internal program. Students are only permitted to include six subjects in their ATAR calculation and we would not want students to be studying a subject for nothing.
What if I change my mind about a subject?
We construct our timetable around student subject choices. This ensures that we have the fewest number of clashes and students are allocated to subjects that they select. Once the timetable is constructed a combination of factors such as class sizes and line combinations can become barriers to making changes.
It is always best to think carefully about subjects when making the original decisions and then to commit to the program. Especially in Years 9 and 10, students should be exposing themselves to the breadth of the curriculum and may well enjoy a subject that they may be nervous about when the time comes closer.
VCE Key Dates
19 June: VCE/VM 2025 Curriculum Handbook available on website/SEQTA
24 June: Application forms to undertake a Unit 3 and 4 subject in Year 11 available on SEQTA
25 June: Year 10 2025 Subject Selection Parent Information Evening, 7.00 pm (onsite)
27 June: Year 10 2025 Subject Seminar (Students only–P2 AYIN)
28 June: Semester 1 reports available on SEQTA
15 July: Unit 1/2 acceleration applications due
18 July: Bookings for Year 11 2025 Subject Selection interviews open
22 July: Year 12 2025 student interviews (parents and carers not required)
29 July: Online bookings for Year 11 2025 Subject Selection interview close at 9.00 am
31 July: Year 11 2025 Subject Selection interviews for parents and carers and current Year 10 students (9.00 am – 7.00 pm)
31 July: Web Preferences open, 4.00 pm
1 August: Year 11 2025 Subject Selection interviews for parents and carers and current Year 10 students (9.00 am – 1.00 pm)
6 August: Subject Preferences due - Web Preferences close 8.00 am. Web preferences printed receipt to Homeroom teacher.
Acting Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Paul Kerr
Over the last 12 months, governments in most parts of the world, including states such as South Australia, have emphasised the need to ban social media for young people in their early teens. Love or hate it, I feel social media is here to stay. The sooner we acknowledge this, the sooner we can be proactive in taking steps to protect the people in our care.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to social media’s charms and don’t always recognise the possible harm. During adolescent development, the brain regions involved in self-control have not fully matured, while those associated with the desire for attention, feedback, and reinforcement from peers become more sensitive. That can end up quite negative. For example, our children can start watching something relatively harmless, such as exercise videos, which were extremely popular during the pandemic. However, the social media algorithms can continually suggest more material and some of this is related to body image and weight. This reinforcement of what should be normal, can change perceptions of body image, food and can lead to significant wellbeing issues for the people in our care.
Most young people have social media. You will find that many students use Tik Tok, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube. We may wonder why our teens are locking themselves in their rooms on the end of their devices, however, this increased need for connection with peers is part of typical teenage development. For the first time in their lives, there is a new and very influential group of people, their peer group. As families, we need to understand that this connection is extremely important to them and very normal.
From around Year 9, most students understand the downsides to social media. They are aware of safety, bullying, distraction and even addiction. Speaking to Year 12 students, they were all in favour of banning it for younger year levels and a number had deleted all their apps entirely. As one student suggested, 'I am not sure why my parents are so against social media, when my mum posts all the time.'
So how can we help? Your young person may be chatting with friends or answering a Snapchat, which is not necessarily all negative. It can still be an important tool for communication and connection when she is not at school. I am not suggesting a free for all, boundaries need to be in place which leads to a mindful use of social media. You could sit down and create an agreed plan that might include:
Screen-free zones: Eg, No technology at the dinner table
Screen-free times: One hour before bed, during homework, family time
Device curfews: When the device is removed and at certain times on various days
Balancing online and offline time
Digital safety: Ensure privacy settings, like location sharing on apps, are secure
Consequences for non-compliance (The hard part, but necessary)
Try and be collaborative in your approach, validate your daughter's opinion and see suggestions from her perspective. She may want to connect online, but sleep is of vital importance, we need a balance. Ask her to agree in advance to be a part of the discussion.
Attached is a link to a resource to create a family media plan [here]. Another great resource is the Connect Safely Quick Guides. These are short, clearly written guides for you to read and print. You can access them [here].
If you develop a plan, just remember, it is for everyone, not just your teenager. Everyone, including parents/carers, must adhere to the same rules. You might find it quite difficult to adhere to the plan you helped create. That will promote another discussion and one that will be of great benefit.
Year Level News
Year 11 – Beth Amos, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
What a massive achievement, we are (nearly!) at the end of Term 2. Congratulations Year 11s!
For VCE students, they have undertaken their Unit 1 subjects, having completed their assessments and coursework for their subjects, and recently finished their exams. For VM students they have participated in a variety of subjects, developing work-related skills, work placements and VET subjects. We encourage the Year 11s to consider what their achievements were throughout Semester 1. Their overall progress, their potential and considerations for what the rest of the year might look like for them.
Looking ahead to Term 3
Year 11 Formal (19/7, Week 1)
Student leadership 2025 applications and interviews
Pastoral with a focus on Respectful Relationships curriculum (more information to come)
We hope your child has had a successful Semester 1 for 2024, and that your family have a great restful school holiday! Stay safe and well. There is so much to celebrate and be proud of. Well done to all Year 11s for a great Term 2.
Year 10 – Adam Rieusset, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
Congratulations to all Year 10 families and in particular all students for participating in the Semester 1 exams. At each session I saw a group of young people who took these new challenges, so positively, each and everyday. Our focus for these exams was to see progression with controlling all those things within our control. These include: turning up on time, having all the materials needed, listening to each briefing and conducting themselves in a calm and confident manner. Without doubt, nerves were present, but these nerves ensured the best possible outcome with each exam. The students set the standard high from day one and maintained it all the way through til the last exam. New habits and mindsets have been developed and I hope to see them maintained throughout Semester 2. One important habit I hope our students will maintain is to stay disconnected from their phone throughout the day. To have it switched off and locked in their locker. By doing this it will allow them to fully immerse themselves with each activity they participate throughout the day. By eliminating the phone as a distraction it will further support all learning experiences.
Subject Selections
Earlier this week we continued to talk about the upcoming subject selection process. We discussed and explored what a VCE and VCE/VM pathway might look like. We looked at how VET can play a positive role in either pathway. Early next week all families will have the opportunity to attend a VCE and VCE/VM information evening. At this event, students and families will have the opportunity to learn and ask many questions about what Year 11 and Year 12 can look like.
These discussions have commenced and I encourage Year 10 families to engage in many conversations over the subject selection period. Remember, no question is a silly question.
Work Experience
I am really looking forward to visiting our Year 10 students out on work experience placement during the first week of Term 3. A quick reminder that Year 10 students will not be attending any classes during this week.
Ballroom dancing
Once we are back at school in the second week of Term 3, we pop, jive and tango our way straight into our ballroom dancing program with Whitefriars College. This program commences on the Monday evening of Week 2 in Term 3.
Semester 1 Reports
Later next week, all students will receive their Semester 1 reports. Although families have had access to results throughout the semester, one piece of new information will be ‘Approaches to learning’, for each subject.
I encourage all families to look at the patterns that you see with the approaches to learning. The approaches to learning are in control of each student, each and every lesson. It is reflective of how the students show up and present each and every day.
From the two examples above we can see that this student tends to do ok bringing materials to class, completing tasks on time, is motivated and responds to feedback. They are doing really well with engaging with class work. However, seeking feedback is an area that could be improved to be more consistent. I encourage all families to look for those trends across all subjects, then ask the following three questions:
What would you like to keep (what approach to learning is going really well)
What would you like to change (what is an approach that needs to be improved), and
What would you like to stop doing (what is not supportive of you achieving your best approach to learning)
Finally, well done to all Year 10 community members for completing another successful term of 2024. Stay safe over the break and I look forward to seeing you all at the commencement of Term 3. Until our next newsletter, explore those intrinsic strengths that support you to develop and cherish your #innerexcellence.
Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
Welcome to Semester 2! This week the Year 9s were welcomed back into their space with new displays and encouragement to see these two weeks as a fresh start, but also that each day is a chance at a fresh start. The foci for the fortnight ahead is Organisation and Making Connections. This feeds into their fresh start as they meet new people in their new elective classes and can use their new timetable to consider the ways they can organise their week.
Next week we will be facilitating a Bake Sale to fundraise for the Days for Girls Charity and it has been great to see the Class Leaders leading their Homerooms with a positive and encouraging attitude. Students will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for our Year 9 Period Pamper Pack raffle.
Red Frogs
During Pastoral this week, we welcomed Dave from Red Frogs to deliver their Party Safe Program. This program encouraged students to consider the positive and negative aspects of party environments and was prefaced in the legalities of certain partying behaviours. This program provided practical advice for keeping ourselves safe and also considered the ways that we can look after each other in partying environments.
This presentation will feed into the topics covered in Term 4 Health & PE and Religious Education, where Year 9s will focus on healthy relationships and the various behaviours that can impact these.
Year 8 – Chris Wilkes, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
This week brought an end to the wonderful Homeroom Basketball Competition, with the grand final being played on Tuesday between Purple and White. In one of the games of the season, Purple prevailed with a thrilling 3-point win! Congratulations to all players for their efforts throughout the tournament and thank you to all of those who came to watch and support their peers. A massive thank you to our Year 8 Sport Reps, Tiana A (8 White) and Zara L (8 Red), for their leadership in running this event and to Year 9 student, Ava K (9 Blue), for volunteering her time to assist with the refereeing.
During our Pastoral lesson this week, the Homeroom teachers spoke about setting S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals and what they look like. In this session they needed to decide on at least two goals to work towards and have been encouraged to discuss these with you. As this week marked the beginning of a new semester, it is a great time to reflect on areas of improvement from the first semester. We want them to think about their approaches and lead up rather than the result itself. It could be a great conversation starter and a fantastic way to support them in achieving their goals and therefore hopefully further increasing their motivation.
Finally, I would like to wish all students and families a restful school holiday period. It was a long term, but we got there. I look forward to seeing the students back for Term 3!
Year 7 – Stephanie Jones, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
As Semester 1 finishes and Semester 2 begins, we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our achievements so far in 2024. During Pastoral on Tuesday, we posed the following questions:
What have you enjoyed the most about starting at Our Lady of Sion College?
What are three things you have found difficult about starting secondary school?
What are two techniques you are using to help you stay organised and up to date with your work?
Are these techniques effective? Why or why not? Would you change anything about them?
Looking at your SEQTA page, what result are you most proud of? Why?
What was the teacher's feedback on this result? What can you do to continue your progress?
Identify three tasks/subjects that you would like to improve on next semester. What feedback are you receiving on these tasks?
What strategies or techniques can you use to progress in these subjects? What will progress look, feel or sound like?
I encourage all families to take time to continue this discussion outside of school, particularly focusing on the last point regarding progress. We know that the transition to secondary school has been challenging for many, and progress may not look, feel or sound as we are expecting it to. Approaching the remainder of the academic year with a growth mindset may help students to engage with their learning. This can also be applied to extracurricular activities, such as GSV sport, ensembles and bands and out of school activities.
Having a growth mindset involves actively seeking feedback from peers and teachers about how best to improve, as well as recognising that success and progress are individual to each person. Students who are reflective in this manner often find themselves able to articulate their areas of strengths and weaknesses in a way that allows them to celebrate their achievements and personal development over the course of their schooling.
Learning Area News
Drama – Alex Bleazby, Drama Teacher
We are so lucky to be able to showcase the talents of our Performing Arts students in a variety of ways within our College and some of our Senior students have been chosen as cast members in the Whitefriars College Senior Production of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'.
The cast and crew have been working tirelessly and the production is set to be some fantastic theatre not to be missed!
In the quaint village of Sleepy Hollow, stories of wonder and strangeness surround the legend of a mighty headless Hessian. When the humble schoolteacher Ichabod Crane vies for the hand of the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel, the townsfolk might protest, but it is ultimately the Horseman who will decide his fate.
Performances will be held on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July in The Healy Wilson Theatre at Whitefriars College. Book your tickets TODAY through Trybooking here and support the wonderful cast and crew for this production.
Food Studies — Kirsty White, Teacher
Year 9 Delicious and Nutritious students have just finished writing their own recipe booklet.
The first recipe they had to include was one that modified a packet of two minute noodles into a healthy after school snack. It was great to see students apply their creativity, knowledge of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and recipe writing/modification skills to produce a broad scope of options.
Many managed to pack in a wide range of vegetables, extra carbohydrates, a source of protein or sometimes a serving of dairy to their recipes.
Students produced mini quiches, noodle pizza, noodle soup, noodle paper rolls, stir fry, fritters and Pad Thai just to name a few dishes. It was rewarding to see the students’ nutrition knowledge come to life on a plate!
Co-curricular News
Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music
Ensembles Concert Night – some tickets still available!
We are beyond excited for the Ensembles Concert next Thursday evening 27 June starting at 5.00 pm. Act 2 is sold out, however limited tickets are still available for Act 1. Please book here for Act 1.
Term 3 Instrumental Music Soiree – Save the date!
Instrumental students will have another opportunity to perform solo and chamber ensemble material at the Term 3 Music Soiree on Monday 9 September at 5.00 pm.
Victorian Schools Music Festival and Monash Youth Music Festival – Term 3
The Music department will be very busy early in Term 3 representing Sion at both the Monash Youth Music Festival and the Victorian Schools Music Festival. The schedule of participating groups, dates and venues are as follows:
Jazz Club VSMF Monday 29 July. Bus departs Sion at 12.15 pm, arrive back 3.45 pm, Hawthorn Town Hall
Senior Jazz Ensemble VSMF Monday 29 July. Bus departs Sion at 3.00 pm, arrive back 7.00 pm, Hawthorn Town Hall
College Vocal Ensemble VSMF Tuesday 6 August. Walking to venue at 3.15 pm, return 6.30 pm, Box Hill Salvation Army Hall
College Vocal Ensemble Monash Youth Music Monday 12 August Departs Sion at 3.00 pm, arrive back 6.30 pm, Salvation Army Waverley Temple
Senior Concert Band VSMF Monday 26 August. Bus departs Sion at 3.15 pm, arrive back 7.00 pm, Hawthorn Town Hall
Intermediate Concert Band VSMF Friday 6 September bus departs Sion at 8.45 am, arrive back 12.00 pm, Hawthorn Town Hall.
Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport
With GSV Term 2 Weekly Sport seasons coming to an end, it was finals time last week! We are so proud of all our students that represented the College throughout our Term 2 season.
Term 2 GSV Inter Netball Finals
Our Intermediate Netball teams all qualified for the GSV Finals which is a terrific achievement. Our A and B team had narrow loses in the Quarter Finals against strong opposition. Our C team were able to hold on in a tight Quarter Final and were able to gain momentum to take out the premiership! The D team had a great year but were unable to get going against Star of the Sea College in the final.
Results from the day are below.
Thank you to Ms Bennett, Ms Cardaci, Saskia and Holly on coaching throughout the season!
Term 2 GSV Junior Netball Finals
Three of our nine Junior teams qualified for Junior finals on Thursday 13 June. Unfortunately, after dominant seasons teams were unable to return with a premiership. The commitment to training and to a team first mindset can not be questioned by any of our Junior teams. Hold your head high and keep on training with intent.
Well done to Ms Stafford and Ms Rebecca for taking the squad this term. We had a team of great GSV coaches and we could not have done without them!
GSV Junior AFL Result
Our AFL Junior team were awarded premiers for their undefeated season! The GSV do not have finals for Junior AFL B Grade so there was no Grand Final day. The students were fantastic at training with consistent numbers attending, allowing them to improve significantly throughout the season. Well done to Mr Steward on a fantastic season as coach, the team's development places them in a great position to transition into the Intermediate and Senior team in years to come.
GSV Senior Basketball
Ten of our Senior students represented the College at the GSV Senior Basketball Tournament at MSAC on Wednesday 12 June. The team lost their first match narrowly by 1 point against Toorak College. In the next 3 matches the girls played solid defence with well structured offence to secure 3 wins in a row, setting up a bronze medal match. After a tight start, the team was able to go on a consistent run and win comfortably over MLC by 14 points. Ms Gurciullo was fantastic throughout the day; coaching with passion and expertise. Looking forward to going one better next year!
Congratulations to Pippa L (12 Red), Sienna O (12 Gold), Olivia W (12 White) and Hannah A (12 Silver) who finished their basketball career with the College with a strong win.
Term 3 Trial Dates
Trials for Term 3 Weekly Sports are in full swing! Students are trialling for Badminton, Soccer and Volleyball for Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams. All dates can be found in year level classrooms and in the Student Bulletin. We have a had a strong number of sign ups and the standard throughout sessions has been outstanding. The Weekly Sport season commences in Week 2 for Intermediate and Junior teams with Seniors starting in Week 3.
S&C @ Box Hill and Track and Field season
Track and Field season is officially back! Our squad had their first training session on Wednesday 19 June with a sprint repeat session at Box Hill Gardens. Our squad will be training at Box Hill Athletics Track on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 7.00 am – 8.00 am before walking back to school for Homeroom. Our first training meet is not too far away which will be at Box Hill Athletics Track on Tuesday 23 July after school.
Friday mornings are now at Box Hill City Oval. We are extremely excited and grateful to use this space to grow our program. If you are interested in participating, please come down to the Sport Office.
Learning Resource Centre – Margaret Lawson, Head of Library and Information Services
The landscape of Libraries and Information Services has changed dramatically over the last year. With the increased integration and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the role of School Libraries and library professionals has become even more important.
One of the challenges that our students face when navigating AI in a worthwhile and constructive way, is that the mainstream media often highlights improper or negative use rather than positive use. There are plenty of stories of students using the tools to generate creative writing pieces or essays for their teachers. Unfortunately this often results in severe consequences.
Given that we are at the end of Term 2, an excellent use of the tool for our students would be to set some goals for Term 3.
For Example:
If a student were to create an electronic document of their assessment results and their teachers comments for each subject from Semester 1, they could use a tool such as Chat GPT to generate some goals for Term 3.
Within their electronic document, they should replace their name for privacy reasons before copying the text across.
All you have to do is copy and paste the raw comments and marks into ChatGPT and ask it to generate goals for next term. Subsequent enquiries might ask Chat GPT to narrow these goals down into Literacy, Numeracy or interpersonal goals.
Getting the best out of AI, is all about writing effective prompts. In the same way that you would craft a research question or a searching string.
'Please look at the following data and create three goals that I can use to improve my marks in Term 3'
'Please reword these goals into simpler terms'
'Please create a weekly schedule so that I can learn these skills'
'Create a mantra for me for Term 3, something I can put on a poster to encourage me to work harder on my academic studies.
Take a look at an example of what this might look like here.
The LRC Team is here to support students if they would like to use this tool to create academic goals for Term 3.
Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator
Over the past two weeks, we have seen continued support for Days for Girls (DFG). Year 9 students participated in the second workshop for the year by assisting with putting together items to go into packs that are distributed by DFG in areas around the world where young women don’t have access to appropriate sanitary items.
St Vincent De Paul College Conference
St Vincent De Paul SnapShot
This issue of the SnapShot provides an insight into Saint Vincent De Paul, the Patron Saint of Charities.
Love the poor. Honour them, my children, as you would honour Christ himself.Saint Vincent De Paul
Frédéric Ozanam called the society he founded the "Society of St Vincent de Paul" to honour St Vincent de Paul, the Patron Saint of Charities. Vincent de Paul was born in the small southern French town of Pouy (later renamed Saint Vincent de Paul in his honour) on 24 April 1581 and ordained as a priest in 1600 at the age of 19. As a young man he ministered to the wealthy and powerful. However, an appointment as chaplain to a poor parish, and to galley prisoners, inspired him to a calling of working with those most marginalised and powerless within society. Vincent De Paul was known for his deep commitment to serving the poor and his practical works of charity. By naming the society after St Vincent de Paul, Frederic Ozanam wanted to align his organisation with these values and aspirations, emphasising the importance of service to the poor and following the example of one of the greatest of charities in Christian history.Judy M (9 Gold) and Jasmine O (9 Red)
Winter Appeal
There is still time to donate new or good quality blankets, jackets and coats for distribution by the St Vincent De Paul Society to those who desperately need it during the cold winter days and nights on the streets within our community. We ask that all donations are placed in baskets which are located at student reception. Collection ends on the second last day of term so please bring in your donations before then.
Careers and Pathways – Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator
Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. Francis of Assisi
Students and families can find the fortnightly Careers newsletter here.
Wishing our Year 10 students the best of luck as they embark in Term 3 for their work experience. May this opportunity provide valuable insights and help shape their future careers. We eagerly anticipate hearing about their adventures, challenges, and lessons learned upon their return.
In this fortnightly Newsletter there is information relating to:
Dates to diarise in Term 3 – Melbourne Careers Expo, 2024 Year 12 VTAC information evening for families, 2024 Tertiary Open day calendar
Upcoming Events: Years 10 – 12 Sion Mini Tertiary Expo, Discover ACU, 2024 Tertiary open days, SAE Qantm, Create for a day, Federation Walk and Talk campus tours
Career Industry in the Spotlight – Firefighter
Things to consider: Victoria University – Block Model
Researching options: ACU Exercise Science and Sport science/Nutrition Course, William Angliss – Certificate III Travel.
Parent News
College Psychologist – Vanessa Cheng
Term 2 is always busy for students and families with many assessments and tests/exams. As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect opportunity for teenagers to unwind and recharge so they are prepared to face the second half of the year head on.
Mindfulness and gratitude are just some of the skills that young people (and adults) can use to enhance their wellbeing and resilience, especially in preparation for stressful periods. Here are some tips to help your child practice mindfulness and gratitude over the holidays:
Lead by Example: Model mindfulness and gratitude in your own life and invite your child to join you. Whether through meditation, daily walks, or simply expressing gratitude at the dinner table, young people are much more likely to try something if they see someone else doing it first.
Encourage Mindful Activities: Some activities that naturally lend themselves to mindfulness include going for a walk in nature, practising yoga, or cooking and baking. These activities should be done without any background noise or distractions and allow us to pay full attention to our senses.
Practice Gratitude Rituals: Remember that mindfulness and gratitude is a journey, and it may take time for young people to fully embrace these practices. Explore a variety of ways to make gratitude a habit together, whether that’s by encouraging your child to keep a gratitude journal or simply asking each family member to share something they’re thankful for each day.
Limit Screen Time: While technology has its benefits, excessive screen time can detract from mindfulness and gratitude by fostering distraction and comparison. Encourage your child to take breaks from their devices and spend time engaging in offline activities that promote presence and connection.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your child’s efforts towards practicing mindfulness and gratitude, no matter how small. This reinforces young people’s commitment to these practices too, so they are more likely to keep them going during times of future stress.
If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing that you would like to discuss, please speak to their Homeroom Teacher, Wellbeing and Growth Leader, or email the Counselling Team.
