Newsletter | With a Grateful Heart

Lent

We have just concluded the second week of Lent, an important journey within the Catholic tradition that invites us to reflect on our life and the lives of others. During this time, we are reminded to continue to support the neediest and marginalised within our community and world, and our students are meeting this need through prayer and action. Chapel sessions, work with Caritas Australia and St Vinnies, volunteering to serve meals to the homeless of Melbourne at Ozanam House and fundraising are some of the opportunities currently being presented to our students and staff. I thank all for their generosity of time and tangible contributions. As we journey through Lent towards the hope which is Easter, let us pray:

Lord,

As I enter another week of my Lenten journey, guide me to the path that leads to you. Fill my heart with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace as I strive to become the-best-version-of-myself, honestly admitting my shortcomings and sins.

As I renew my resolve each day to become a better person, let me hear your voice in the deepest reaches of my heart. Give me rest in you.

Help me to accept others, showing them your great love instead of casting judgment. Stay with me through the busy days this week and remind me that when I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you.

Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving and come closer to you through prayer this Lent.

Amen.

School Improvement Plan

By now all families have received the 2023-2026 School Improvement Plan (SIP) which was emailed in recent weeks. The plan was developed following our whole school review conducted by external facilitators appointed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools in 2022. Following the reviewers’ evaluation of our facilities and learning provisions, we received strong endorsement for the way we operate the College and provide spiritual, learning and wellbeing opportunities for our students.

The College has always sought to make gradual improvements to the learning environment and the experiences we offer our students. It is a tradition that spans our 95-year history. One area that we have focused on in recent years is strengthening student agency and voice. We recognise that our young people will enter a very different adult life compared with their parents and grandparents and to this end, it is a moral obligation to ensure they are well prepared.

Educators recognise that effective learning is no longer the concept of ‘filling up’ our students with knowledge. Times have changed and it has become increasingly important for students to be active participants in their learning rather than passive recipients of information. We want them to be curious, critical and creative in their engagement with the world. These are skills that can be practised and strengthened every day through their learning opportunities.

The first priority area of our SIP is Student Growth. This is intentional. We would like to see each student demonstrate learning growth not only in their outcomes at the end of the year but also in their work habits which will optimise their learning growth.

Last year, I highlighted the importance of learning behaviours. These behaviours are one way that students have agency in their learning. If all students aimed for the highest rating of Consistently in the following Approaches to Learning, they would be giving themselves the best chance of genuine learning growth across the year:

• Bringing required materials to class
• Completing set tasks on time
• Engaging effectively with class work
• Demonstrating motivation to learn
• Seeking feedback
• Responding to feedback

This is an ideal time for all parents and carers to open conversations with their children about how they can experience personal growth by practising these simple behaviours. In particular, I encourage students to consistently seek and use feedback from their teachers. If this could be the goal for the rest of this semester, students would be creating the conditions that will help them experience personal success.

Open Day

Our College Open Day is one of the highlights of our school calendar and we are very much looking forward to welcoming prospective and current families to visit the College. The day will be held on Tuesday 21 March from 2.00 pm – 6.30 pm. Information will be sent shortly to all families. The day is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and highlight the best aspects of Our Lady of Sion College – our students, our teachers and our facilities. I remind current families that you are also most welcome to attend the day and invite you to book via our website so that we are well prepared to welcome all visitors.

Australia’s best teacher campaign

News Corp has launched its ‘Australia’s Best Teachers’ campaign and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) is a major partner. The 'Australia’s Best Teachers’ campaign aims to recognise the wonderful work of those in the profession by celebrating our most inspirational and innovative educators. The campaign calls on Australians to nominate the great teachers who have, and have had, an incredible impact on our students and all of our lives. We have been informed that a panel of expert judges will then select and announce the top 50 teachers on Saturday 6 May 2023. We have great teachers at Our Lady of Sion College and I would like to encourage the entire school community to contribute nominations via the following link.

We are now half way through Term 1 and well underway with our programs and activities. I hope families enjoy reading how our students are embracing life at Sion so far this year.

With every blessing for the fortnight ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos

The importance of Prayer in our school

As part of who we are and what we do here at Our Lady of Sion College – we pray.

Prayer plays such a significant part of our daily lives and is grounded in our 95-year foundations of being a Catholic school in the tradition of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.

Each year, our College is invited to complete the MACSSIS survey where one focus area relates to Religious Education and Catholic Identity. Every four years, we survey our community and gain research data from the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) project. Research into the significance of the personal prayer life of students and staff in Victorian Catholic schools found ‘a correlation exists between personal prayer and Catholic school identity’ (CECV 2021).

The findings of our most recent data recommended that, ‘we should invest in developing the prayer lives of students, staff and parents’ and that if we wish to enhance prayer life, we need to pay attention to the quality of our sacred spaces.

Therefore, every day here at Our Lady of Sion College, in our Homerooms, where we have a prayer table for focus, we begin with prayer. Our RE classes begin with prayer – as do our assemblies and other major occasions. Once a fortnight, each year level gathers in the Chapel for prayer. Prayer is at the centre of our identity as a Catholic school. Our faith guides who we are and how we act. By participating in prayer, we aim to encounter the sacred and to take active responsibility for enriching and expressing our Catholic tradition.

Prayer reminds us of God’s love for us and our commitment to our God.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Learning

There has been a lot of discussion in the media around the impact of AI (ChatGPT among other sources) on schools and learning in general. Some voices present AI as a wholly negative influence, allowing students to create texts that look original but are in fact not their own work.

It is important for us as a College to ‘teach’ the appropriate use of any technology, and AI is no different. While there is potential for misuse, plagiarism has been around for a long time, and is generally indicative of an underlying problem that teachers need to be aware of. Anything that is generated via an AI tool is easily searchable and teachers are aware when students suddenly have a leap in skills, a change in writing styles or produce learning that is inconsistent with their class experience.

Below are some positive uses of AI to discuss with your children:

1. Learning by teaching - when students use ChatGPT they have to input key ideas. Distilling the core information is a higher order thinking skill. The system then generates a response that the student must be critical of, make discerning choices about what is useful and what is not, again, a significant part of the learning process.

2. Providing an alternative explanation - many of the AI sites have a very conversational tone and allows students to read/hear an explanation as an alternative to what was discussed in class. Similar to a tutor, the learning still needs to be interpreted and applied. Moreover, this is round the clock assistance, and allows the learner to progress when it suits them.

3. Breaking through procrastination - often getting started is the hardest part and is a symptom of anxiety. Using an AI tool to provide sentence prompts or suggest starting points is a great way to get the learning underway.

4. There are lots of ways to be creative using AI. Sites that generate photorealism, create poetry, music, solve problems all allow students a mechanism for self expression.

Artificial Intelligence is not going to replace the workforce of the future, however workers of the future will need to know how to use AI to be effective in their roles, so, like any technology, it is beholden upon us to teach our students appropriate ways to engage with AI and to make the most from it.

If you would like to read more, consider this article.

Gender Equity @OLSC

In light of International Women’s Day, Wednesday March 8, I would like to celebrate our students and the women in their lives that inspire and support. Our young women have seen a dramatic improvement in their opportunities over the last decade. From a greater uptake of STEM careers to the increase in popularity in women’s sports; women have more choices than ever. It has also been heartening to see the greater representation women have as leaders. The work of female leaders such as New Zealand's former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, highlighted the importance of a society that values a woman’s ability and use of voice, to build systems that include women of all ages in decision making and leadership.

As a girls' school, our students are the creators, leaders, and motivators in their community. They are encouraged to participate in once predominantly male endeavours of STEM, leadership, and sports without the fear of comparison to another gender. This helps our students to believe that women of today should have every opportunity and strive to create lives that follow their interests and dreams.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme was #embraceequity. The day began with each student receiving a 2023 IWD badge. The badge was designed by Chantelle B (12 Purple) and just over 1000 were made through the significant efforts of our College Captains, Ava S (12 Silver) and Bettina Z (12 Silver), and the SRC. My sincere thanks to the girls for their hard work and organisation. Selected students once again engaged with students from Whitefriars College in a Conversation Cafe while other students were involved in painting an art installation or a lunchtime Sion Search.

Our message is clear...girls and women can do anything!

Body Confident Children and Teens Webinar

The Butterfly Foundation is running a Body Confident Children and Teens Webinar that could be of interest to parents/carers.

'It can be hard for children and teens to be accepting of and confident in their bodies. It can also be hard for parents/carers to know what to say or how best to support them. Hear from the experts at Butterfly on how to help your child towards a positive body image.'

Please see registration details below:

Date: Tuesday 21 March 2023
Time: 7.00 pm - 8.15 pm (AEDT)
Format: Live, via Zoom (time limited recording available)
Cost: $15

Register here.

Our particular thoughts and prayers go to Ms Jennifer Tilley, House and Student Leadership Coordinator, whose grandmother passed away recently.

We remember Ms Tilley and her family in a special way at this sad time.

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

During my session, The Power of Words, which was one of three workshops offered as part of ‘Chesed’ Day, the groups spent time discussing problem solving. Part of the session involved making decisions on who to speak to if they face some of the issues described in the session. Research suggests that it is not always going to be parents or teachers, which leads me to ask, “well, why not?” Most of the responses fell into a few categories. Firstly, they want some time to digest information to think of a plan. It can be much easier to talk to a friend or sibling. Older cousins came through as clear favourites for many who wanted some advice. Mum and dad or a teacher, they can make things worse!

So how do I respond, with the best of intentions to create the balance my child/student is looking for? The students accepted there are quite a few situations that they need to talk to parents or talk to staff about, but it was not those issues they wanted to discuss. Of course if we are bullied we will look for help.

We deliberately make our homes and school environments conducive for our children to flourish, through academic and emotional success. We hope that our children have the resource pool at their disposal to meet the challenges of school and daily life (Cahill, 2014). Hopefully this will equip them to withstand peer pressure, find their tribe, feel a sense of belonging, be successful and have positive relationships with a wide variety of new people of different ages. Generally speaking, research would suggest that this is true, however there are always situations in our daily lives where our resolve can be tested.

These situations arise, not just in examples from the session, however when perhaps we did not get the result we might have expected or did not make the current GSV sporting team after recent tryouts. In the future they may not be accepted for a work experience place, or get that part time job that was deemed an absolute certainty. There are days when our expectations are not met or simply just don’t go the way we planned, however how we approach these situations will be the difference.

In these circumstances, young people need to develop an internal locus of control. Developing an internal locus of control helps individuals in maintaining good mental health and also plays a key role in helping them adjust well to the surrounding environment when faced with adversity (Jain & Singh, 2015). There are elements in our surroundings that we cannot control, however there are many areas of life in which we are in control. For example, we cannot control our past mistakes, or other people’s behaviour, but we can control how we choose our friends, being accountable to ourselves, how we treat others, being kind and how we respond to challenges. If students believe they have some control over what happens to them at school and in life, we allow them a sense of pride in their achievement. We also need to allow them the opportunity to learn when things don’t always go their way. For example, should they alter their training regime to make a difference in getting into the sporting team? Or do they need to try new strategies to improve on a future assessment. It often helps to praise the strategy, not always the result. We need our students to be able to say, “I mucked that up, it's fine, I know what I need to do to get better.”

One of the keys for creating a different mindset is to accept honest feedback from those around us. On this occasion, I certainly accepted the feedback from many students. I am happy to tell you what happened and get your advice, but please let me try and solve it myself. It may not always work, but they will learn to withstand the odd failure that will inevitably come about. The difference is they have the power to make change when they believe and know that we are in control of where they are going and develop skills on how they might get there.

In acknowledgement of International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March, I had the privilege of being a part of two discussion groups. The Conversation Café allowed both junior and senior students from Our Lady of Sion College and Whitefriars College to discuss issues relating to equity.

As part of the discussions, the students were given prompts to further explore the 2023 IWD theme of #embraceequity. I was so impressed by the way the students clearly identified that equity recognises that individuals have different circumstances and therefore suitable resources and opportunities need to be allocated for people to be able to reach the same outcome.

It was interesting to listen to the different perspectives from the participants on how they are impacted by issues relating to gender and how these change depending on your age. The older students articulated that the people who influence them most are those who are within their close network of family and friends, whereas when they were younger, they were more impressionable and susceptible to external and societal influences. We cannot underestimate the impact parents and educators have on the views and behaviours of our youth.

The students involved also confidently expressed their concerns for the inequities that still exist in society for women, but they are feeling there is greater advocacy around these issues which provides hope for the future. I was extremely proud of our 25 Year 12 students who volunteered to be a part of the IWD Conversation Café and I have great confidence they will continue to be the strong women our society needs to bring about change.

This week, we had the opportunity as a school community and year level to celebrate International Women’s Day!

Year 11 students were also invited to write an application to attend the International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted at the Rotary Club, Box Hill. Seven students were invited to attend the event at Box Hill Town Hall. The morning consisted of a breakfast, and three key note speakers: Dr Helen Szoke Ao, Chair of You Matter a charity organisation that works to support women and children affected by family violence; Hayley Dureau, Assistant Principal at Mentone Girls Grammar, who has been recognised for her achievements in education; and Mikaela Starface, founder of the charity WomenCAN, that provides peer supported vocational training pathways to support employment.

Mikaela shared a story when she visited her local Coles. She used the public bathroom and saw a regular looking woman, washing her hair in the public sink. Mikaela was reminded in that moment that poverty and the impact of violence disrupts the lives of women every day. Emma G (11 Purple)

The theme of ‘Embrace Equity’ for International Women’s Day, was a clear focus for the keynote speakers. There needs to be an understanding that everyone starts at different places in their lives. We need to understand that where they come from, has meant they have had to overcome many barriers, in comparison to other people. Teghan VDB (11 Red)

Engaging with students on the topic of gender has been exciting and inspiring. We have been able to hold the space, listen and engage in dialogue with our young people, to allow them to talk freely about their experiences and observations. Moreover, there was a sense of hope and frustration regarding the barriers these young women have noticed about their world. These opportunities have provided a collective validation of their experiences, which highlights the importance of having conversations with young people, to empower their voices and perspective.

May we be bearers of the light of Jesus as we continue to strive to live out our call to embrace life. College Prayer

Year 10 is a year full of opportunities, new beginnings and a continued exploration of our personal, intrinsic skills that allows us to discover our inner excellence.

Earlier this week, the Year 10 cohort had two discussions around further understanding and appreciating their gifts and talents.

Question One: What does success look like for you? And what is the next step you need to take?

Question Two: What are the two strengths, gifts or talents that you bring with you every day?

Both questions have been asked to allow Year 10 students to start to reflect on how and what they can achieve each and every day. The questions will also allow them to reflect positively on their self-esteem and the positive impact that they can have both personally and on their community.

So far, Year 10 students have explored their inner excellence by participating in or planning for:

• Start of the school year. Opening College Mass. Talk and Tour Leaders.
• Peer Support leaders. Commencing portfolio leadership positions.
• Participating in the GSV program. Participation in our Music / Drama Programs.
• House Swimming Carnival. Preparation for our Duke of Edinburgh – Adventurous Journey.

Each of these opportunities have and continue to support Year 10 students to explore the strengths they have, that will support them in these events. They continue to learn the skills necessary to be resilient when they are faced with an opportunity that pushes them outside their comfort zone and it is through the success and failures that growth transpires. Often this growth is not linear, it is not easy but by being willing to embrace a little discomfort, a little of the unknown, we are capable to authentically develop and experience our inner excellence.

On behalf of the Year 10 Pastoral team, we congratulate Year 10 students on how they have conducted themselves throughout Term 1 to date. Each student has brought a can-do mindset which has allowed a positive environment through the classrooms and corridors. Extending upon this, I congratulate all Year 10 family members for the support you are giving at home. Never underestimate just how positive your encouragement, guidance and the occasional listening is.

I hope that all families have a joyful long weekend and that all our Year 10 students are ready to embrace their Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey in the coming week. Until our next newsletter, explore those intrinsic strengths that support you to develop and cherish your inner excellence.

Last Wednesday, Year 9 students were introduced to a new Pastoral program called, ‘The Snapshot Initiative’.

Each Wednesday in Homeroom, Year 9 students will gather as a Year level in the Louise Humann Centre (LHC) to participate. They are provided with a bandana (their Homeroom colour) to identify each Homeroom and a small booklet in which they are asked to write each week at the end of the session.

The Snapshot Initiative is a quick, easy to run, engaging program. It focuses on the key elements of resilience, community and kindness. Snapshot encourages personal reflection to help achieve considerate and positive outcomes.

The program has a strong focus on the idea of ‘capturing a moment’.

• Capture the good
• Focus on what is really important
• Develop from negatives
• Filter through reactions
• If it does not work, take another shot

The Snapshot Initiative creates a platform for young people to promote wellbeing through building self-esteem and developing social skills. In each session there is a warm-up, main activity/team building task and finish with affirmations and gratitude writing in their ‘snapbooks’.

I encourage you to have conversations at home about what was covered each week. A great conversation starter.

We’re past the half way point of Term 1 now and it has been great to see Year 8 students settling back in and being such great role models to the Year 7 students!

Last Tuesday during our Pastoral lesson, we spoke about how they’ve found the transition into Year 8, both individually and in terms of their friendships. A key point of the discussion was that change is naturally uncomfortable to us as human beings…it’s in our DNA; we like things to stay the same! Change is also a great growth opportunity, whilst it may be uncomfortable initially, it enables us to mature and develop. With friendships, they may meet new people that they want to spend time with and their current friends may feel upset about this. It is important to maintain friendliness and respect with everybody as the minimum expectation, even though friendship dynamics may have changed. This is a great discussion to have with your children and use the Zones of Regulation to establish what Zone they may be in and how they might get back to/stay in the Green Zone.

In addition to addressing these changes, we spoke at our assembly about some expectations starting to slip and so decided to do a bit of a refresher and reset to maintain the good start to the year. Some expectations mentioned were:

• Lockers should not be accessed between Periods 1 and 2 or 3 and 4
• Lock your lockers
• Punctuality is expected
• Ensure spaces are kept clean and tidy
• Stick to seating plan to remain open to making new connections
• Treat everyone around you with kindness and respect.

Please encourage your daughter to approach their Homeroom teacher or me if they would like any further support with any of the above. Your support with maintaining consistent messages about what has been covered is greatly appreciated.

It was fantastic to see how each student participated and enjoyed Chesed on Tuesday 28 February - previously known as Friendship Day. Chesed is a Hebrew word meaning 'goodness and kindness'. Staff from the Pastoral and Wellbeing teams developed three workshops for students, Tuning into Emotions, Making Connection and The Power of Words. Each workshop focused on how we can have a positive impact on those around us by consciously choosing kindness everyday in our words and actions. This day presented us with the opportunity to reinforce our sense of belonging as a community of Our Lady of Sion College, especially as we move towards our largest year level event - Camp!

When looking at our community here at school, we are hoping that all of the Year 7 students continue to feel more settled into their surroundings and classes. It has been noted by staff that the Year 7 students are demonstrating the following traits:

• Politeness
• Hardworking
• Willingness to contribute actively to the class
• Willingness to collaborate with their peers.

Several teachers have also made individual comments to myself and our Homeroom team:

• 'Very enthusiastic class and they're trying their best!'
• 'Overall they are a very conscientious, hard-working class.'
• 'Such a good class to teach!'

With Leadership applications for Portfolio representatives submitted this week, we cannot wait to see how our next leaders continue to make their mark on the College.

Our 2023 Drama Captain Ella C (12 White) and her Drama Representatives have been hard at work on some new ventures that Ella would like to tell everyone about:

Due to its success in 2022, this year we are continuing the Senior Drama Club for Year 10, 11 and 12, being run every Thursday B at lunchtime. It is a great opportunity for students to get to know other people that share a passion for Drama, in addition to developing essential skills for both on and off the stage. This year we are also introducing a Junior Drama Club, which will run every Thursday A, for Years 7, 8 and 9. Everyone is welcome to come along to Drama Club and I hope to see you there! Ella C (12 White), 2023 Drama Captain

Year 8 Drama

Year 8 Drama students have done some brilliant work debating the question ‘Who has done more wrong?’ after learning about the Greek Tragedy of Jason and Medea. The passionate arguments presented were so well executed and highly engaging. Amazing work Year 8s!

Year 11 and 12 Drama

Last week our Year 11 and 12 Drama students attended an excursion to the Malthouse Theatre to see the VCAA playlisted performance of ‘Nosferatu’. This gothic horror styled performance contained many throwbacks to traditional vampire films. The idea of the vampire was brought into modern day making reference to capitalism. Two more excursions for our Drama classes in the coming weeks will be Top Class Drama for Year 11 and 12 Drama on Friday 17 March and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for our Year 10 Drama students on Wednesday 22 March.

Shrek

Our Year 7 successful Shrek auditionees have recently joined our musical family participating in their first rehearsals! We welcome our youngest musical stars and we are so excited to continue the performance making process with you!

Humanities News March 2023

The Humanities Learning Area has been making the most of the good weather recently and heading out into the wider world to investigate what is happening and what has happened in the past first-hand. Here are some student reflections on their experiences.

Year 9 History excursion to Ballarat

The focus of our excursion was to experience a first-hand understanding of life on the minefields. Our experience even included an exciting trip into a mine, which really helped to further our understanding of what the miners' conditions were like during this time period. Lorena G (9 Red)

The focus of this trip related to what we have been learning in class and it helped us to further our understanding through our participation in educational workshops in an environment that was an authentic replica of what it would have been like during the gold rush years. Nasya S (9 Blue)

I learnt that buildings were preserved and that candy was used as medicine. Alexis L (9 White)

I learnt about how the Waddawurrung were impacted by the Industrial Revolution in Australia and the things that they did in order to survive. Marlee D (9 Blue)

The things we have gained from this period of time are the ideas and inventions that we have used in order to improve our quality of life. We have also learnt from the mistakes that were made and this helps us to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Alessia DS (9 Silver)

Year 10 Geography excursion to the Mornington Peninsula

On Monday we took a trip to the Mornington peninsula, we went to Portsea Front beach to investigate the measures taken to combat the rising sea levels. We were surprised to see part of the beach was replaced with a big wall of sandbags used to protect the land from the incoming tide. We then took a boat ride around Port Phillip bay where we saw Burrunan Dolphins and Australian Fur Seals and we talked about the danger that climate change poses to our marine life. After lunch we took a short bus ride to Rye foreshore where we used surveyors equipment to visualise what our beaches and piers would look like in the future due to the rising sea levels. Sophie T (10 Silver)

Our excursion to Mornington Peninsula related to what we’ve been learning in class as it provided us with real examples. In class, we’ve been learning about coastal environments and what can damage them. We were shown what will happen if we don’t do anything to prevent the damage, such as where the tide will be at the end of the century. These examples helped us to understand the topic much better. Caitlin B (10 Purple)

From the knowledge gained at the excursion, we can work to live more sustainably, keeping in mind the affects our actions have on the world. There are almost 10,000 endemic species that live in Port Phillip Bay, all of which can be greatly affected from the warming of the oceans and the rising sea levels. On the excursion we learnt that with the carbon the ocean absorbs from the atmosphere, not only does that make the water warmer, but it also makes it more acidic. This means that crustaceans, such as the giant spider crab, are unable to form their shells. There are only 100 Burrunan dolphins left in the area, and with harmful waste and chemicals in the water, they will lose their source of food, declining the population further. When we visited the Rye foreshore, we were visually shown the large portion of beach that would be submerged under water in the BEST case scenario if we decide to live as sustainably as possible. This was further increased by 60% when taking into account storm surges. With the knowledge that even in the best case scenario, so much will be lost, it encourages us to live sustainably, today and in our future. Analise P (10 Silver)

The highlight of the excursion was seeing seals and Burrunan dolphins on the boat so close in person as the dolphins are endemic to Port Phillip Bay and can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Chloe M (10 Blue)

On Tuesday 7 March, the ‘Education Perfect Global Language Championships’ (“EPGLC”) began for 2023. The EPGLC provides our Chinese, French and Italian students with the opportunity to represent their school in a completive global tournament centred around language learning.

This involves students accessing the ‘Education Perfect’ platform to complete language activities which test their vocabulary, as well as their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The EPGLC is a great incentive for our students to learn while having fun, with many prizes to be won! The competition will conclude on Tuesday 14 March and we look forward to our students achieving some exciting results!

NAPLAN

Throughout the last fortnight, during Homeroom assemblies and English and Maths classes, our Year 7 and 9 students have been introduced to the NAPLAN demonstration site to prepare them for the assessment period which will take place shortly this month. The demonstration site provides students an opportunity to become familiar with the platform, its functionality and trial practice tests.

Public Demonstration

As NAPLAN testing will take place online, students will need to remember to have their iPad fully charged and bring along a pen and wired headphones in order to complete the tests.

NAPLAN Timetable

• Wednesday 15 March - Writing
• Thursday 16 March - Reading
• Monday 20 March - Conventions of Language
• Wednesday 22 March - Numeracy

Makeup Sessions for Absent Students

• Friday 17 March
• Friday 24 March

Music Representatives 2023

Congratulations to the following girls who were appointed as Music Representatives for 2023. This group meets each fortnight and offers initiative and support to the range of musical events throughout the school, such as Open Mics, Liturgies, Soirees and Concerts.

• 2023 OLSC Music Captain: Megan M (12 White)
• Year 11 Music Representatives: Anna S (11 Red) and Tianna D (11 White)
• Year 10 Music Representatives: Ava D (10 Purple) and Valentina J (10 Silver)
• Year 9 Music Representatives: Chantelle A (9 Blue) and Asmira A (9 White)
• Year 8 Music Representatives: Sophia B (8 White) and Jocelyn B (8 Blue)

Year 7 Music Representative portfolios will be finalised in the coming weeks.

Ensemble rehearsals – up and running!

It is great to have so much Music happening all over the school. Below are some pictures of our musicians getting back into the groove of playing music together. The Senior Concert Band, under the baton of Mr Ryan Parks, are rehearsing a piece called ‘Salt March’ by American-Indian composer Aakash Mittal. The Term 2 performance of this work will be its first performance outside of the United States! In line with the band's commitment to promoting new music and living composers of diverse backgrounds, the OLSC Senior Concert Band joined a consortium of 46 secondary schools and universities to help fund the writing of ‘Salt March’.

‘Salt March’ was written in dedication to Gandhi’s historic peaceful protest in 1930. The composer blended traditional Indian music, known as a raga, and march style band music. The students of the ensemble are excited to delve into musical language that they are rarely exposed to and learn about the cultural and historical contexts that surround music. Before the performance, the band will be joined by composer Aakash Mittal in a Zoom rehearsal to help them further their understanding and appreciation of the music. Keep your calendars clear for the Term 3 Ensembles Concert for this Australian premiere!

Term 1 Autumn Soirée – Monday 20 March, 5.00 pm

The Term 1 Autumn Soirée will be held on Monday 20 March at 5.00 pm in the Miriam Theatre. Girls involved in the Instrumental Music program will feature at this first public concert for 2023. Interested students gain Arts Colour Points and can sign up via their instrumental teacher.

Year 7 Music Program – Junior Strings starts next week!

Our Year 7 Junior Choir, the Year 7 Monday and Tuesday Concert Bands have all started their rehearsal program. The final Year 7 ensemble, the Year 7 Junior Strings, start their rehearsals next week on Wednesday 15 March from 3.25 pm – 4.25 pm in the Miriam Theatre.

Big Sound Sisters

If any Year 8, 9 or 10 girls want to be a ‘Big Sound Sister’ to be a mentor in one of the Year 7 ensembles, please see Mr Macaulay for details. This counts towards your Arts colour and can help with hours needed to complete the Duke of Edinburgh program.

GSV Triathlon

There were 20 students who competed in either teams or as individuals in the annual GSV Triathlon in Altona. Despite the early start, the girls came with much enthusiasm and cheered each other on to achieve their best. All students who participated are to be congratulated on their efforts and team spirit!

GSV Swimming & Diving Preliminary

The GSV swimming team has been busy this term so far. We have had great attendance at trainings and training meets. As preparation for the Preliminary carnival we had three training meets which was a great opportunity to practice racing and spend time together as a team. On Friday we had the Preliminary carnival. It was a great day and we had an opportunity to compete. We saw great results, especially from our intermediate diving. We are so excited for the Championship carnival coming up! Chiara P (12 Blue)

GSV Weekly Sport Results

With only four rounds left of the season, our GSV weekly sport teams are progressing well! See below results from last week. With many teams towards the top of the ladder, finals berths are still possible for many of our teams!

GSV App

Did you know there is now a GSV app where you can find fixtures, results, and ladders for our weekly sports teams? Head to your app store and search for ‘GSV’. Download the app and you can follow our teams throughout the year!

Ozanam House

We had our first visit for the year to Ozanam House on Wednesday March 1. Throughout the year, on a monthly basis, two Year 11 students and staff will volunteer their time to support the work of Ozanam House which provides support and services to both men and women who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. Daily they provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and other services to approximately 100 residents. Liz C (11 Red), Molly P(11 Red) and Ms Loretta Kitch visited where they supported the meals program, including serving the evening meal, working in the kitchen and assisting with cleaning.

Project Compassion

Our support for Project Compassion continues with Social Justice representatives selling Zooper Doopers at lunch time on Fridays. Donations are also collected every Tuesday and Thursday. To date we have raised over $680. This can provide tree planting and gardening around school premises in Nepal along with covering the weekly supermarket order to provide healthy meals for the young people who come to programs at Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group in Emerton, New South Wales.

Seeking Donations for Project Compassion Easter Hampers

Final reminder that the Social Justice team are kindly asking for donations for Easter hampers which will be raffled off to raise funds for Project Compassion. Your donations can be placed in a basket which will be located in student reception by Tuesday March 14. Last year we raffled off six hampers and were very successful.

Raffle tickets will be able to be purchased from the week beginning Monday March 20. More details to follow shortly.

The Sion Learning Resource Centre gets used for many things from structured lessons to printing/photocopying access for students.

If students need to add money to their printing and photocopying account, they can do this through their Flexischools account. Parents need to set up an account that is linked to their student’s school ID card. Once this is done, parents can opt to deposit money onto their photocopy account. The LRC is not set up to accept cash for photocopying. Once money is placed onto their photocopy account, it cannot be transferred into the canteen account.

Parents can get access to Flexischools via SEQTA > Flexischools icon.

Overdue resources

As we edge closer to the end of Term 1, students will start to get overdue resource reminders on a Monday morning via email from the LRC. Students are encouraged to talk to the LRC Team if there is a problem with returning a book on time, or if the book has been misplaced.

If a book is not returned within four weeks of the due date, it will be assumed that it is lost. Lost or damaged books will warrant a letter asking for replacement or recompensement via Our Lady of Sion College school account. Students are given many opportunities to return an overdue book before a letter is sent home to parents.

If there are any questions about this process, please get in contact with Ms Margaret Lawson, Head of Library and Information Services.

You are BRAVER that you believe, STRONGER that you seem, SMARTER than you think and LOVED more than you’ll ever know. AA Milne

Students and families can find the Fortnightly Careers newsletter here.

In this fortnights newsletter there is information relating to:

• Upcoming Events – Year 10 Work Experience assistance, HMAS Cerberus Open Day, Education USA Information Session. Box Hill Talk and Tour, Discover Monash Seminar Series, Victorian Police Careers Expo
• Career Industry in the Spotlight – Dental Technology and Oral Health
• Things to Consider – 2023 Work Experience reminder, 2023 Year 12 Careers Meeting, UCAT Registration reminder
• Research Ideas – RMIT Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Recently, the counselling team were involved in the Year 7 Chesed Day. It was a great day where students were involved in activities to support and enhance emotional regulation skills.

Emotional self-regulation focuses on one’s ability to manage and control their emotions. The process begins at birth and continues into adulthood. Teaching these skills to adolescents encourages them to learn, support new ways of behaving appropriately, develop genuine and positive relationships with others and assist in their development of independence. Adolescents demonstrate self-regulation by developing organisation and planning skills, persevering with challenging tasks, behaving in socially appropriate ways and considering how their behaviour may affect or impact those around them.

As adults, we self-regulate our emotions repeatedly throughout the course of the day. During the developmental stage of adolescence, emotions can be heightened and impacted by the process of puberty. Young people are learning to master emotional regulation whilst simultaneously experiencing lots of change: transition to secondary school or different year levels, adjusting to new environments, understanding and adhering to new expectations and developing new social groups. It is no wonder they can feel exhausted and grumpy.

Developing genuine and positive relationships is important to adolescent emotional regulation. It is important we support young people through this process, so they can transition confidently and securely into adulthood.

Here are some tips that may assist parents with supporting their child’s emotional regulation:

1. Create a home environment where your child can feel free to express how they are feeling
2. Foster genuine, empathic listening where problems are not necessarily solved, but heard and understood
3. Talk about emotions experienced and strategies used for regulation
4. Remember that positive emotions need regulating too.