Newsletter | Speaking the Truth in Love

Celebrations

It has been a long-standing tradition of our school to recognise achievement in all spheres of College life. In the early days, the Sisters would do so by awarding medals and sashes to the students who wore them with their uniform. Last Friday, we continued this tradition at our Term 3 Principal’s Awards assembly which recognised students who attained above 90 in all their Semester One subjects. We congratulate the 76 students who were awarded a certificate in recognition of this achievement.

However, as I explained to the students in my reflection, learning comes in many different forms and so the assembly was also a chance to celebrate other equally important achievements. We recognised Year 10 students who completed their Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Adventurous Journey camp in Term 2. We heard from Emma (Drama Captain) and Natalie (Arts Captain) about Music and Drama achievements and we congratulated the cast and crew as they prepare for our Junior play, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in October.

We recognised Year 10 students, Caitlin and Tianna who were selected for the Monash University Scholars Program and Year 8 students, Charlotte, Athena, Siena, Abbey and Maya who achieved High Distinctions or Distinctions in the Global Academic Challenge, a new initiative designed to stretch high-performing students by applying their skills and knowledge beyond the traditional curriculum.

Our Jazz Band performed as did our CVE, both to an exceptional standard. Ava from Year 11 who was named ‘outstanding soloist’ on principal trombone at the recent All State Jazz Championships and Year 11 student, Cady who successfully passed her AMEB ‘A Mus A’ (Associate of Music) examination on piano last month were also congratulated.

Finally, Liturgy Captain, Charlotte reminded us of the importance of Sion Day which will be celebrated on 12 August. She encouraged all staff and students to continue to work to support the San Luis Lumad Community School in the Philippines. Students should be very proud of how they have supported this school over recent years. Through our efforts the school has refurbished its dormitories and upgraded its library and science facilities.

Last Friday we also received news about Maddie Barras (Class of 2019). Maddie commenced a Bachelor of Public Relations at RMIT in 2020 which she is due to complete this year. After successfully obtaining an eqUIP Sport Youth Leadership scholarship from the international Commonwealth Games Federation, Maddie is now in Birmingham for three weeks as a member of Commonwealth Games Australia’s operations and communications team.

At our assembly, I shared the words of Nelson Mandela whose birth was recently marked. Despite his many years of imprisonment, Mandela never gave up hope. Once released, his mission was to support others to embrace opportunities and to celebrate their achievements.

“Our biggest fear is not that we are inadequate; our biggest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves: ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’

His response was ‘Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your ‘playing small’ doesn’t’ serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

You are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within you. It’s not just within some of us – it is within everyone! And as we let our own light shine, we consciously give to other people permission to do the same.” Nelson Mandela 1994

Ultimately, I congratulate all students for their efforts in Semester 1 and encourage them to acknowledge and pursue their individual potential for the remainder of this year.

Finally, I offer our Year 12 students the support of the College as they prepare for the conclusion of their courses this term and I encourage our VCE students to make the most of the learning and assessment opportunities they will be offered by their teachers in readiness for the end of year examinations.

Indigenous Immersion

As mentioned in the last newsletter, Allison Stott, Alice Dawes and I will accompany 24 year 10 and 11 students on our Indigenous Immersion in September. Thank you to Emma, Mia and Charlotte who have shared some of their hopes and wonderings about the immersion.

Hopes:

• I hope to gain a deeper insight into what it is like to live in an Indigenous community
• I hope to broaden my understanding of Indigenous history and traditions
• I hope that I can meet new people, form new relationships and make the most of the experience
• I hope to form a connection with the land and with the people we will meet during our journey
• I hope to gain a better understanding of the history of our country whilst listening and talking with elders and other various people we will meet
• I hope to broaden my perspective of the Aboriginal culture as well as form closer relationships with students and teachers on the trip
• I hope to gain new friends and relationships developed through the shared experiences from this opportunity
• I hope to gain new knowledge on the ways of the indigenous groups and incorporate that into my own life
• I hope to also further educate those around me
• I hope that I myself will change over the course of this journey
• I hope that I can unlock parts of our history that I never knew before

Wonderings:

• I wonder what work we will be immersing ourselves in with the indigenous communities we will be visiting.
• I wonder how the Yirara Secondary College will be similar/different to Our Lady of Sion College
• I wonder if what I will gain from this experience will impact who I am as a person
• I wonder how learning about the lifestyles of our indigenous counterparts will truly impact me as a person or those around me
• I wonder about the significance of Dreamtime stories within the communities that through this trip I will be able to gain
• I wonder if from these experiences I will discover newfound friends and a sense of community that I have never truly known before

Thank you to Emma, Mia and Charlotte for sharing their thoughts.

With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

Applications for Year 7, 2024 are closing soon

Families already enrolled at the College still need to submit an Application of Enrolment Form for each additional child wishing to attend Our Lady of Sion College. If you have a daughter in Year 5, please ensure you submit her Application for Enrolment by Friday 19 August 2022.

For all enquiries, please contact Ms Robyn McCann, College Registrar, on 9890 9097 or registrar@sion.catholic.edu.au.

Celebrating Sion Day

Next Friday 12 August, Our Lady of Sion College will be celebrating Sion Day as we recognise the Feast of the Assumption. Sion Day is our school’s opportunity to support the work of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.

Again, this year, we will raise funds for the San Luis Lumad Community High School in the Philippines. For the past three years, our school has supported a school in the Philippines that operates under very difficult conditions. Funds that we have sent to this school recently have been able to support them in improving their science labs and dormitory areas where their students sleep.

Below is an extract from a letter that Sr Patricia Fox received on 18 June 2022 from the San Luis Lumad Communtiy High School, providing us with an update:

I am glad of your update that your school in Box Hill is still very willing to support the San Luis Lumad Community High School. Yes, I can send you some pictures of what we had been doing last school year.

For some updates from the school:

• We hope to commence the construction of the Clinic/Dispensary which is funded by Sion College either this year or early next year
• The school is applying for Face to Face Classes and hopefully, we will be allowed after fulfilling the health protocols and other facilities they strictly require from the school
• This school year we ended with the Moving Up Ceremony of our Grade 10 students but without their parents because mass gathering is not yet allowed due to COVID.

Thank you, Sr Pat for your letter. We are very grateful that you still support us by encouraging your friends, your Sisters and your school to support our IP Apostolate.

Be assured of our prayers.

Best regards,
Sr Etta

As a Catholic school, we take great pride in having the willingness and determination to seek justice for those who cannot seek justice for themselves. This is part of our College’s Mission Statement.

Buy your ticket here.

Principal’s Awards Assembly

On Friday of last week we were able to gather as a community to recognise the achievements of the students from across Semester 1. It was a wonderful opportunity to pause, and recognise, just how many students, and in how many ways, excellence is represented in the College. In fact our College Captains, Alana and Chelsea, did an amazing job updating the script on the fly to include all of the most recent achievements. Congratulations to all of the students who were officially awarded and to all others who are daily striving to do their best.

Student Progress Meetings

On the 24 and 25 August the College will hold the Semester Two Student Progress Meetings. We have made the decision to hold the SPMs online. Instructions will be provided closer to the date but we are confident that this decision best meets everyone’s needs.

Curriculum Activities

A big thank you and congratulations to the Year 10 students who completed the PISA assessments. This data informs the global educational community and helps develop national and global policy. It has already been a very busy term for Curriculum, starting with the Medieval Day for Year 8 students, Maths Week and Library Week. We look forward to Science Week later in the month.

Breaking a Habit before it Starts

This week I thought it was important to take a break from working through the 11 new Child Safe Standards and address the growing use of vapes in young people. As parents, carers, and a school community, we have an obligation to work together to stem the rise in vaping and educate the young people in our lives about the serious health risk the habit can pose.

What is Vaping?

Vaping uses e-cigarette devices to deliver an aerosol by heating a solution that users inhale and exhale. The liquids used in e-cigarettes may contain a range of toxic chemicals including those that add flavour. Sometimes they contain nicotine even if labelled as ‘nicotine free’. While vaping began as an idea to help smokers quit, it has quickly become a profitable industry praying on adolescents through fruity flavours, slick packaging, and product placement with social media influences.

The Cancer Council Victoria reports that:

• Only 12% of young people aged 18-24 believed vaping was harmful to their health

• 64.5% of 14–17-year-olds and 39% of 18–24-year-olds reported they were never smokers at the point they first tried e-cigarettes

• The Australian Secondary Schools Alcohol and Drug survey found that only 7% of parents believe their children have used an e-cigarette but 13% of children reported e-cigarette use.

While many young people view vaping as harmless, or at least a safer alternative than smoking cigarettes, the reality is that it comes with serious risks. We need to ensure our students have a clear understanding of the health impacts.

Our Lady of Sion College is committed to the health and safety of our students, and is working hard to educate through:

• Educating students about the composition of vapes and the health impacts through the Health and PE program

• Publishing articles in the newsletter for parent/carer education (Edition 7, 20 May)

• Adding material to the Pastoral Care program in the coming term

• Offering counselling to students who believe that they are addicted to vaping or are using it as a coping mechanism.

Parents/carers should note that vaping and the possession of vaping material is banned at the College and school events, and any student caught vaping will be placed directly on an after-school detention where further education and reflection will be undertaken.

However, vaping is not just a problem for schools to monitor as most of the vape usage is occurring out of school time, especially at social gatherings. I strongly encourage parents/carers to become well informed about vaping and start an open and honest conversation with their child. It is important that parents/carers are providing accurate information that amplifies the College’s message that vaping is not safe.

Our particular thoughts and prayers go to Tess D (10 White) whose half-sister passed away recently, and to Annabel K (10 Purple) who has lost two grandparents in the last few weeks.

We remember Tess, Annabel 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 soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen.

Last week marked a significant time in the lives of our Year 12 students. During scheduled program, Brooke O’Hara, our Careers and Pathways Counsellor, launched the application process through VTAC for courses of study in 2023. As part of this presentation, students were given their student identification numbers to register with VTAC and were provided with the key dates that are important for this process.

As a follow up to this presentation, a VTAC Information Evening for parents and carers was held on Monday night. I thank the parents who attended this online meeting and hope you feel better informed in supporting your child as they begin to make choices about their future beyond secondary school.

We are very aware that this experience can be both exciting and daunting as students begin to consider their pathway beyond life at Our Lady of Sion College. Some students will be very clear about their plans for 2023 and will work towards achieving those goals. Others will still be trying to work out just what it is they would like to pursue.

As educators and parents, it is important we acknowledge there is no normal in this process.

In my role as Wellbeing and Growth Leader I am fortunate to live amongst these incredible young people on a daily basis. This allows me to see and value the individuality of each student and respect where each one is at along their journey of becoming a young adult. Our main aim as the significant adults in their lives needs to be on guiding and coaching them so they can reach their full potential in both an academic and personal sense. The coaching model encourages us to empower our students to look at all possibilities, weighing up the pros and cons so that they can make informed decisions.

As we travel through the remainder of the term our students are likely to experience fluctuating levels of stress which is very understandable as they complete their Unit 4 studies. As a parent it is difficult not to feel your child’s stress or level of discomfort in certain situations but please be mindful that in these times our students need the adults and their support crew to remain calm and encouraging. If at any stage you or your child need some extra support in managing the workload or the process of making decisions about 2023 please do not hesitate to contact the relevant staff members within the College so that supports can be put in place.

Amidst the study, I encourage the students to make the most of the extra-curricular activities and special events like Sion Day which is coming up on Friday 12 August. These experiences that provide some balance in the lives of our students are extremely important.

We are well into Term 3, with a lot of exciting prospects ahead: Leadership for 2023!

During Week 1 of Term 3, students had the opportunity to attend an information session hosted by Mrs Kralj and Mr McInerney. Students were able to hear from Chelsea L about her experience of leadership at the College. Chelsea was able to answer plenty of questions and provide some insightful advice to the Year 11 students. Mrs Kralj discussed the overall application process, the expectations, and the timeline for interviews and successful applicants. All information regarding the timeline and role descriptions can be found on the SEQTA Learn landing page under ‘Forms & Info’.

During Pastoral this week students who applied for College Captain presented their speeches to the cohort. They all spoke so well and were able to present some really exciting ideas, hopes and aspirations they intend to bring to the role of College Captain. Students were able to vote throughout the week, whereby College Captain votes closed at 3pm today (5 August).

We look forward to hearing from the students who applied for the various Portfolio Representative positions. We wish them all the best for their upcoming speeches during our next Pastoral session on Tuesday 16 August (Week 6, Term 3).

The last two weeks have again allowed Year 10 students many opportunities to explore their excellence within. The students are in the final elements of completing their Duke of Edinburgh's International Award reflections for submission to achieve the award. Year 10 Ballroom continues with the boys from Whitefriars and to this I would like to say a continued well done to all our students for the way in which they are conducting themselves with Ballroom. It has been fantastic to see the growth in all in such a short time. And earlier this week the Year 9 and 10 students spent some time together in preparation for Sion Day.

Students from 10 White have also reflected on:

Principal’s Awards Ceremony

On 29 July, we had our first Principal's Awards Assembly since 2019. This was a great chance for everyone to gather as an entire school and congratulate classmates on their achievements throughout Semester 1. During this assembly, our year level gave a reflection of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Adventurous Journey. We also heard performances from various ensembles across the school and we were told about upcoming events such as the Junior Play and long-awaited Sion Day. Soph K, 10 White

House Cupcake Competition

The House cupcake competition was a way that students could participate in an event within their houses. Students could put their creativity to work and show off their cupcake decorating skills. Many students participated in the event and some even won in their category. Ally C, 10 White

Semester 2 Student Progress Meetings

In the next few weeks we will be holding our Semester 2 Student Progress Meetings and I encourage all Year 10 families to ensure that they are actively involved in this process. I also encourage your daughter to be an active participant. These interviews give students, staff and parents the opportunity to have a clear picture of how things are going and what steps can be taken to further improve.

My last topic for this newsletter is around respect and friendship groups. As I have mentioned previously, Year 10 is a year of movement within friendship groups. This is a natural part of growing up and evolving as a young person. With these changes it is not ok for people to be disrespectful of people who are leaving a group, spreading rumours, excluding them from events or simply giving those people a hard time. There are many reasons why young people will change friendship groups and as they do they have the right to be treated respectfully. I encourage parents and carers to have a conversation with your young person about what it was like for you, when you changed friendship groups as you went through high school.

So, until our next newsletter, we hope that all Year 10 families will continue to discover their ‘excellence within’ by taking on new opportunities.

There is no denying that the students at Year 9 are at an age where we start to expect a lot more from them. This increased responsibility through their day-to-day schoolwork, their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award or juggling responsibilities outside of school, whether it be a part time job, sporting commitments or their social life, requires some forward thinking and initiative. Students have well and truly reached the point where the adults in their life are starting to take small steps back and adolescents begin to take the wheel (both figuratively and for some literally!).

During our Pastoral lessons in Term 3, Ayin and Homeroom sessions are focussing on some steps to avoid procrastination and to highlight the importance of goal setting and planning ahead. Some simple steps that can be taken at home to reinforce to them that taking on this increased responsibility could be as simple as:

• Having students set an alarm and wake themselves up for school
• Pack their own lunch and schoolbag the night before school
• Filling out and taking responsibility for paperwork
• Not bringing forgotten items into school when they have been left at home
• Not emailing teachers without having your daughter approach and speak to the staff member first

It is important that your child’s failure to plan doesn’t become your emergency to solve.

Yes, sometimes there will be consequences, but consequences are important in allowing students to learn from the actions that have been taken. It is your goal and ours, to play a part in raising capable and confident individuals. Let’s work on taking a step back in areas where students can continue to develop and stand on their own two feet.

On 16 August, some Year 12 students have generously volunteered their time to spend with the Year 9 students during Pastoral, teaching them study skills and organisational habits, something I think will be extremely beneficial to the current Year 9 group. Perhaps it's worth discussing this around the dinner table in the coming weeks.

It has been a busy couple of weeks in Year 8 with Medieval Day last week, the Principal’s Awards assembly and subject selections being due. In addition to this, we had our fortnightly Pastoral session. This lesson was built on recognising personal strengths in others and ourselves, and developing these.

Part of this lesson involved taking the VIA Character Strengths survey, an online test developed by Professor Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Centre at the University of Pennsylvania. This test shows your top five of 24 strengths. It does not mean you are low in other strengths, rather it shows where you are highest. After completing the survey, each student can download their individual report explaining their strengths. I would encourage you to ask them about their results and discuss their strengths with them, along with brainstorming ways they can apply these throughout their day-to-day lives. You might also like to undertake the survey yourselves if you’re curious. I know I was definitely intrigued by my own results!

Last Tuesday we celebrated an important milestone in Year 7, 100 days of secondary school! Considering the turbulence of the past two and a half years, this is an incredible achievement. Our Year 7 students have become an integral part of our College, immersing themselves into all areas of College life. The students were (mostly) surprised with a party, including music and delicious cupcakes, and an opportunity to highlight their favourite moments of the year so far.

Memories from camp included the famous Mud Run, the joint Giant Swing and the chance to form new friendships. Being selected for GSV teams, athletics and swimming carnivals, being part of the bands and ensembles were also frequently mentioned as important events in the year so far. I personally enjoyed how many students discussed the relationships they’re developing with each other and with their teachers, especially with our year level theme of ‘Making Connections’.

There is much to be thankful for and celebrate in 2022. With a term and a half remaining there are many more memories and connections to be made!

The Year 8s have taken to their latest performance style in Drama of Greek Tragedy, learning about the many ways that the ancient Greeks have influenced our contemporary theatre today. Students participated in a heated debate around Jason and Medea's story and the question 'who has done more wrong?' The tension in the air between team Jason and team Medea was palpable! They then split into groups and performed choral pieces with stylised use of voice and movement. These pieces were performed with creative direction and fantastic exaggeration. You can see some shots of the rehearsal process for these!

Our Senior Drama club is underway. We have had two well-attended sessions facilitated by our Drama Captain Emma H on Musicals and Absurdist Theatre. We are looking forward to more Drama frivolity in the coming sessions and are planning some special Juniors Only workshops to bring them in on the act.... pun intended!

Alex Bleazby

The Year 10 Art of Theatre class was very fortunate to secure tickets to one of the final performances of ‘Cinderella’ at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday 20 July. It was a spectacular show with enormous scope for the girls to analyse production areas such as set design, props, costume and lighting. We have been discussing the skills of the performers, themes and the genre of Musicals and Fairytales. This was a brilliant opportunity particularly for the girls who are looking forward to studying Drama or a Visual Arts subject at VCE to attend a professional production, and to experience, discuss and analyse elements of Drama and design.

Thank you very much to Ms Bleazby who accompanied us on this excursion, and our wonderful students for their enthusiasm and impeccable representation of Our Lady of Sion College.

Cinderella was a wonderful experience. The whole class was so excited to finally analyse and see a play live. It was truly amazing to be in the audience and see the shiny costumes and beautiful lighting up close. I loved this magical performance. Maddie S, 10 Purple

On Wednesday the Year 10 Art of Theatre class saw Cinderella the Musical. For some of us it was the first time seeing a live theatre performance. It was such a bright and enjoyable musical experience. We are extremely lucky and grateful to have been given this opportunity. Hannah D, 10 Purple

Junior Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Our cast has been announced and rehearsals are well underway for our exciting production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

Congratulations to our fantastic Year 7 to 9 cast. We are rehearsing every Monday after school in preparation for performance nights on October 27, 28 and 29. The students are getting their teeth into the Shakespearean language. They have already researched their characters and are skilfully creating Shakespeare’s eclectic mix of clowns – the Mechanicals, Fairies – good and bad – but mainly mischievous, royalty, young people in love and their meddling families.

It is a wonderful, entertaining play full of complications and comedy, and the cast are looking amazing.

Catherine Bennett

Maths Week

Maths Week was held in week 3 of the term and it was fantastic to see so many students participating in the various activities. Each day there was a Problem of the Day for students to attempt and submit their answer. Across the week there were close to 350 entries.

Wednesday lunchtime saw the revival of the annual House Maths Competition, where students worked in small teams from their Houses to complete maths problems and puzzles. Thursday was present box making, and Friday involved a Rubik’s Cube challenge. Constantia W from 7 Gold proved to be the victor, completing a Rubik’s Cube in 39.2 seconds!

Last week I participated in the House Maths Competition. It helped me to extend my maths and teamwork skills. It also enabled me to work in a group and have fun with my friends. I also really liked the questions that we had to answer as they were visual and easy to understand. I will definitely be coming back next year to participate. Charlotte M, 8 Blue

Each form of participation during the week earnt the student’s House a point for the overall Maths Week House Challenge. Congratulations to the winning House Loreto followed by Lourdes.

Earlier this term, the Year 12 Physical Education students participated in part two of an incursion run by METS. In session one, students had the opportunity to observe and participate in the Wingate Anaerobic Capacity Test and VO2 Max Testing.

This current session covered a recap of Unit 3 and introduced the Unit 4 content. Students were presented with the opportunity to apply their understanding of theory through utilising the latest assessment technology available to athletes. This included using a drone to analyse their movement patterns, force plates, light gates, and GPS athlete tracking equipment.

This term, the Year 10 Core HPE classes complete a six-week Self Defence unit. The students are taught about staying aware and keeping safe in everyday activities. They learn basic physical skills that allow them to gain confidence and awareness of their own abilities.

Medieval Day

Last week Year 8 students travelled back in time to the Medieval Period. They dressed in their finest medieval clothing and spent the day immersed in workshops that taught them about the music and dance, punishments and medical practices, weapons and armour, games and the way of the Japanese warrior. Here are some of the things they learnt from the day:

In Medieval Japan they take their swords and ancestral rites seriously as it’s really important to them. The nobles and merchants made people play games to pick out those who were clever enough and fit enough to benefit them. Charissa V, 8 Blue

Some knights wore 25–30 kilograms of armour while fighting. Over time the only continuous area for knights to aim for were the enemy's eyes. Charlotte K, 8 Blue

Doctors in the Medieval Period believed that some medicines should be put into your body from up your bottom. They realised that this was more effective. The Harm and Healing activity was one of my favourite sessions as it was hilarious as well as informative. In Music and Dance we learned about an instrument that was the mix of a piano and a violin: a hurdy-gurdy. It was very interesting to watch the instructor play it and it was a great experience. Angelica N, 8 Blue.

Year 9 Visual Communication

Our Year 9 Visual Communication students have achieved some amazing things in Semester 1 so we would like to shine a light on some of their work.

One point perspective task

The perspective activity has produced some astounding results. Students were asked to draw a cityscape from a bird's eye view. Here are a few drawing designs to highlight what the students were able to achieve.

Earring Design

In this task students were able to create 3D earrings in accordance with a theme of their choosing.

It was an enjoyable and informative project that was a good introduction to Viscom. We followed the design process and were able to use our creativity whilst using new and different materials such as shrink film. Our favourite part of the task was completing the photoshoot as it allowed us to use our imagination and to showcase our earrings in our own way. Overall we loved this task and have loved Viscom as a subject. Reema H (9 Purple) and Olivia G (9 White)

Intermediate Strings grab a Silver at VSMF

Last week, our Intermediate Strings, led by the wonderful Mrs Jackie Tinsley, performed at the Victorian School Music Festival held at Hawthorn Town Hall and were awarded a silver for their outstanding performance. It was the first time this event has run in three years, and this group, many of whom have been playing only for a year or two, represented Sion especially well. They performed their repertoire, listened to some other schools and had an on-stage tutorial with chief adjudicator Dr Gail Barnes, professor of Music Education at the University of South Carolina in the US.

What a beautiful venue! The feedback from the adjudicator fine-tuned our work over the last few months – it was an awesome experience. Charlie G, 9 Red

Over the next few weeks, four more Sion ensembles will present their material in concert band and jazz sections.

Monash Youth Music Festival – CVE successfully defend their title

Our brilliant College Vocal Ensemble, under Mrs Janine Jones and accompanied by Ms Adeline Han, performed last week at the Monash Youth Music Festival held at Huntingtower College in Mount Waverley. CVE successfully defended their title from 2019, in the Senior Secondary Choir division.

It was fantastic to be performing at MYMF again this year to a live audience. The support of parents and others in the audience was amazing and we were lucky enough to come away with the win! Tianna D, 10 Silver

Sion First – Year 6 Music Program Concert next week

Future Sionian string, woodwind, brass and percussion students will be performing this coming Wednesday 10 August at 5.00 pm for the annual Winter Concert to be held in the Miriam Theatre.

Library and Information Week

A number of events were held in the Learning Resource Centre in the week starting Monday 18 August, including; “Getting organised” with planning sheets and strategies, ”Plan our new School Library” (engaging students with ideas), "Chill out space" with mindfulness colouring in and puzzles.

Throughout the week we also held a “Clickview Interactive” Harry Potter competition for students where they had to watch a short video and then engage with questions via Clickview. We had over 200 students participate in this competition, with Community Spirit points being awarded to students who completed all of the questions and submitted their answers. 76 students scored 5/5 on the quiz.

Adding money to Papercut

Students can now add money to their printing and photocopying accounts via Flexischools.

At the end of Term 3, this method of payment will take over from students using money to add to their account through the Learning Resource Centre. This will mean that students who need to do a lot of printing for Folio subjects will need to be organised enough to update their account the night before. This is a separate service from Flexischools and students will not be able to transfer money from their canteen account to photocopying/printing and vice versa.

Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge

Congratulations on the following students who have completed the challenge since the last newsletter:

• Olivia M, 7 Gold
• Estelle H, 9 Silver
• Grace N, 9 Red
• Mae B, 8 Gold
• Abbey G, 8 Gold
• Chiara G, 8 Red
• Paige M, 8 White
• Ashley W, 8 Silver
• Sana C, 7 White
• Layla N, 8 Gold
• Cherie Q, 7 Purple
• Shaelle L, 7 Gold
• Rebecca M, 8 Purple
• Amelia W, 7 Purple
• Natalie A, 9 Silver
• Asmira A, 8 Purple
• Marlee D, 8 Red
• Nasya S, 8 Red
• Olivia O, 8 Red
• Ava B, 8 Gold
• Charlise D, 8 Red
• Sienna G, 8 Silver
• Venus L, 9 White
• Lucy P, 7 Silver
• Ilia P, 7 Blue
• Kristina S, 7 Purple
• Elizabeth W, 8 Blue

The following Homerooms are leading in the reading challenge:

• Year 7 Silver 154 books
• Year 8 Gold 205 books
• Year 9 Silver 159 books

If something is wrong, fix it now. But train yourself not to worry. Worry fixes nothing. Ernest Hemingway

Students and families can find the Fortnightly Careers newsletter here.

In this fortnight's newsletter there is information relating to:

• Upcoming Events: 2022 Tertiary Open days
• Career in the Spotlight: Human Resources
• Things to consider: Melbourne University Principal’s Scholarship, 2023 Year 12 VTAC guide, Casper Entry requirements for teacher qualification
• Research ideas : News from Federation University (Bachelor of Psychological science and Bachelor of Engineering), Studying nutrition at ACU.

Soccer

Many students have been busy over the past few weeks, with four teams participating in GSV soccer. We participate in weekly matches against other schools, and early mornings training on Tuesday (intermediates) or Thursday (juniors). The season has been off to a great start. After the first two rounds, the Junior A team has won one and lost one match, the Junior B team has experienced two wins! This is a wonderful achievement and shows how much hard work the girls have put in!

The intermediate squads so far have shown perseverance and strength with the A team unlucky with two losses and the B team having only played one game due to a bye, pulled away with the 2-1 win. The students demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, determination, and teamwork. We couldn’t be more proud of them. We’re all looking forward to our upcoming matches, with fingers crossed for the finals. Soccer Captains - Zaneta S (10 Silver) and Nadia S (10 Gold)

Volleyball

It has been a great start for GSV Volleyball at Sion! There have been lots of students getting involved with seven teams in total across all year levels. All teams have won at least one game so far in the season with special mentions to the Intermediate A, Junior A and Junior B teams who are all undefeated after two matches. It is great to see the fun, energy and excitement across all teams at their games and training. Their team spirit really shows when they play together. Congratulations on an amazing start to the season girls and good luck for the rest of the season! Volleyball Captain - Sienna A (10 Red)

Track and Field

For the past few weeks, students at Sion have attended early morning training at Box Hill Athletics Track. Even though it was dark most days, they powered on ready and prepared for the Preliminary Carnival on 9 August. Over the last two weeks on Tuesdays and Fridays, our training meets were held. Everyone gave their all and it was great to see the hard-earned skills put into play. Everyone will continue to train their best and try out some new events to help increase participation levels for this year. We have seen lots of effort put into the carnival so we hope to see our efforts pay off. Thank you to all the coaches, and to Ms Clarke, Mr Cox and Mr Rieusset for organising each training session and meets. It was amazing to see how many students this year attended. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the next carnival. WELL DONE! Athletics Captain - Alyssa G (10 Purple)

Athletes of the week

While our world is a beautiful and vibrant place, global and local events are a constant reminder that it is also a place of conflict and disasters. Young people are regularly exposed to and cannot escape bad news given how socially and technologically connected we all are.

Young people may react to bad world news in a variety of ways, including feeling anxious, depressed, scared, helpless, confused, or angry. Therefore, it is important to teach teenagers to learn about current affairs in a healthy way and support them when bad news is affecting their wellbeing.

• If you sense something is wrong, start an open conversation with your child about what is bothering them. It is normal to feel down about the state of the world and acknowledging and validating their feelings can help them feel less alone when dealing with big emotions.
• Involve them in discussions about current events to help process what’s happening. Research topics together to model how to find factual and trustworthy news sources, as reading ‘click-bait’ or biased sources can often escalate negative emotions about the news.
• Suggest a temporary break from the news cycle. Try ‘switching off’ together by doing a family activity, spending time with one of their hobbies, or putting away all electronic devices.
• Discuss long-term strategies for how to manage news consumption. For example, try only checking the news once a day or having no news/social media discussion during family events.
• Help your child to accept that there will always be some things out of their control, particularly when it comes to global issues. Understanding the limits to our circle of influence can reduce stress when we are faced with bad news. Instead, help them to focus on the small, positive things in their life to re-establish a sense of control.

If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s Homeroom teacher, their Wellbeing and Growth Leader, or a member of the Counselling Team (counselling@sion.catholic.edu.au).

The Op Shop is a highlight of Sion Day with a steady stream of students moving through the library in search of a bargain. Ultimately, it does rely on donations and we would greatly appreciate it if you could search around your house for any items that might become someone else’s treasure. Clothes and shoes are particularly popular. Donations can be handed in at Student Reception prior to Friday 12 August.

Thank you in anticipation from the Op Shop team.

We are pleased to announce that Sophie A (11 Purple) has been named a finalist in the Westfield Knox Local Heroes program!

Sophie needs your vote to win $20,000 to support her work volunteering at Pinchapoo! Sophie, who lives with Down syndrome doesn’t let ANYTHING stand in her way contributing to and belonging in her community. We hope this program will help to inspire other local businesses, community groups and organisations to see how creating space for greater diversity and inclusion can be a very powerful thing for all!

Sophie has been passionately volunteering at Pinchapoo now for over three years and enjoys getting hands on deck at POO HQ, giving out the best hugs and making us all smile, dancing and singing loudly! Sophie’s signature song is Alicia Keys – “This Girl is on Fire” and it couldn’t be more fitting!

You can vote quickly and easily here- Westfield Knox webpage link #westfieldlocalheroes

Sophie and her family would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to vote for her and show your support. Please feel free to share to all of your networks, friends and family.

Catholic Schools Parents Australia invites parents to complete a Survey that they will use to report to the Australian Government and Catholic education on existing and emerging concerns that parents/carers have in relation to the wellbeing and learning of their children. If you would like to avail yourself of this opportunity, please click the link below.