Years 10 and 11 students' final day (1.00 pm dismissal)
Thursday 26 November
Sion One Morning
Friday 27 November
Year 7 2027 Orientation Day
Year 9 iPad return date
Thursday 3 November
Night of Excellence
Friday 4 December
Years 7-9 students' final day (1.00 pm dismissal)
From the Principal
Principal's Message
A Shared Mission
Last week Sister Mary Reaburn nds and I attended the Global Center for Catholic Leaders discussion on Co-responsibility in the Mission of the Church with Cardinal Mario Grech, the current Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. The discussion explored the evolving vision of a synodal Church, including themes of shared responsibility, collaborative leadership, and participation in the mission of the Church.
A key message was that synodality is more than a process, it is a way of being Church. It calls us to listen deeply, discern together, deliberate together, and work together in service of a shared mission.
The conversation offered a timely reminder that the Church is fundamentally a "we", a community of people called to walk together in faith and mission. This is reflected in the life of our College, where students, staff, families, the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and local parishes each have a role to play. Through these relationships, we live out a shared responsibility for forming young people and building a community grounded in faith, service, hope and relationship.
Finding the Rhythm
On Tuesday evening we gathered in the LHC for the Year 7 Spring Concert. It was a wonderful celebration of our Year 7 students. For many students, this year has included learning an instrument for the very first time. While the audience enjoyed the final performance, what we witnessed was the culmination of months of learning, practice and growth.
Learning an instrument is much like finding your place in a new community. It begins with uncertainty. There are unfamiliar notes, new expectations and moments when progress can feel slow. Confidence develops gradually through persistence, encouragement and the willingness to keep learning. Along the way, students discover that mastery is not achieved alone.
The most powerful music is rarely a solo performance. It emerges when musicians learn to listen to one another, support one another, and work together towards a common outcome. In the same way, our Year 7 students have spent this year learning the rhythm of College life. Through classroom learning, co-curricular activities, friendships and shared experiences, they have been building relationships, developing confidence and discovering what it means to be part of our Sion community.
The concert was a beautiful reminder that a strong community, like a successful ensemble, is built on relationship. Every person matters. Every note helps create the whole. When students are named, known, and connected to others, they become confident participants rather than spectators. Just as individual notes come together to create harmony, our students, families, staff, and wider community each help shape the rich and distinctive character of Our Lady of Sion College. Together, we create something far greater than any one of us could achieve alone.
MACSSIS Student Survey Results
Recently, more than 800 students participated in the MACSSIS Student Survey, providing valuable feedback about their experience of learning and belonging at Our Lady of Sion College.
We are delighted that the results highlight many strengths within our community, with student responses indicating a positive experience that sits above the average across MACS schools.
Perhaps most encouraging was the feedback relating to safety, belonging and connection. Students indicated that they feel safe at school, experience a strong sense of belonging and value the positive culture of the College. These results affirm what we strive to create every day, a learning community in which students feel safe, connected, valued and known. They speak to the quality of relationships between students and staff and reflect the welcoming and inclusive culture that is at the heart of a Sion education.
The survey also provides important direction for our future work. While students reported strong levels of safety and belonging, school engagement remains an area for continued focus. This aligns with feedback received through the ACER Review earlier in the year and challenges us to consider how we can further strengthen student agency, engagement and learning dispositions so that every student is empowered to participate fully in their learning journey.
As a learning community, we celebrate our strengths while remaining open to opportunities for growth. We thank our students for sharing their perspectives so thoughtfully. Their feedback will continue to inform our planning and help shape the next stage of Our Lady of Sion College's improvement journey
From the Deputy Principals
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission – Anna Gionfriddo
It is a busy and exciting time at the College as students across all year levels complete their final assessments and prepare to conclude another successful school year. At the same time, preparations are well underway for our End-of-Year Eucharist, which students in Years 7 - 11 will celebrate on Wednesday 25 November. This special celebration provides an opportunity for our community to come together in gratitude, reflecting on the many achievements, contributions and personal growth of our students throughout the year. It will also recognise the many ways students have embraced and lived out our College theme, Work hand in hand, be the light that heals the Earth.
As a Catholic and Sionian school, we are called to sow seeds of hope and act with justice. During Chapel in recent weeks, the students spent time in prayer and reflection considering how they can care for others, support those facing hardship, and bring God's love to life through their actions. In response, we launched the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, inviting students to donate toiletry items that will be distributed by the St Vincent de Paul Society Box Hill Conference
to support local individuals and families in need this Christmas. This is a wonderful opportunity for our College community to demonstrate compassion, generosity and solidarity with those who may be facing challenges at this time of year.
It is also timely to express our sincere appreciation for the students who have served on the College Mission Team in 2026- Cecilia B (12 Red), Ananya D (12 Gold), Siena F (12 Blue), Clare N (10 White) and Nilushca N (10 White). Their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to share their ideas strengthened the team and highlighted the importance of student voice within the faith life of our College. This year's focus for the team centred on exploring practical ways our College community could embrace the teachings of Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’: Care for Our Common Home, both within and beyond the classroom. Through their thoughtful insights, creative suggestions and collaborative spirit, these students helped inspire meaningful action and reflection across the school.
Wishing all members of the College community many blessings.
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching – Allison Stott
Assessment Exams and Awards
As we move into the second half of Term 4, and assessment timelines appear more crowded, it is important to remember why we undertake summative assessment. Once we used to talk about summative assessment as check points for allocating grades indicating how well a student has learnt something. We now speak about assessment as the bridge between teaching and learning, where the progress of the student is actively used as information to the teacher to discern the next steps in the learning process. This means that we focus on growth rather than achievement. Students can use this approach too. By setting a goal, using the learning intentions and success criteria that are provided every lesson, and questioning the feedback that is provided on the formative tasks, students can make decisions about the next steps in the parts of the learning that they control - homework and study.
This is always a partnership, and while there is a good level of pressure which motivates us to get started and tick things off the to-do list, there is also a level of stress that makes it hard for us to concentrate or make decisions that move us forward. If you think that your daughter needs support to manage her workload, please contact your daughter’s Homeroom or subject teacher for support.
Looking forward, we are preparing for the 2026 Colours and Awards program. It is great to achieve set goals and be your best, however the focus needs to be on learning and growth, rather than a percentage. Students cannot calculate their own average that qualifies them for an award. Teachers make this decision based on the conditions, the task and the cohort needs.
2027 Subject Selection
Students have now been sent their confirmed subjects for 2027. There is an opportunity to request a change of subjects, however this process must have the same integrity and consideration as the initial choice. Subject choices need to be based on pathways and learning success. There are also more limitations as the timetable was designed from the initial preferences. Families can complete the forms on SEQTA under Subject Selection to request a change. Subject change requests must be submitted by Monday 23 November to be considered.
Learning Resources List - Box of Books
Families now have access to the 2027 Learning Resources List. This provider offers benefits to the community including access to bulk stationery prices, and fewer hidden fees, as well as a significantly improved digital platform for use of online texts. Based on feedback from families, Box of Books has implemented changes in the distribution and delivery processes, including a tracking system so that families can monitor the progress of their orders.
More information is available in the Box of Books mail out.
SmartStart
Years 10 and 11 (Years 11 and 12 for 2027) will shortly receive their SmartStart Timetables. Not only does this maximise instructional time, SmartStart is designed to activate continuous connection to learning across the long break, ensuring that students maintain currency in their skills and knowledge. Each subject will allocate a number of home learning tasks that are to be completed across the summer break, ready for submission in the first week of classes. The tasks will be explained to the students and they will have the opportunity to ask questions of their teachers.
While the SmartStart timetable is based upon the 2027 College timetable, due to a range of variables, it is not always possible for students to be allocated to the class/teacher that they will continue with. Teachers are highly collaborative and all learning experiences are aligned.
BYOD/iPad Program
A reminder that the Year 9 students will shortly return their iPads to the College. As we move to BYOD across the school, it is timely to remind families that students can use a laptop device that meets the minimum requirements for our networks and learning tools. If families in Year 8 have questions about this, please contact the IT office.
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing – Christine Kralj
Friendships: Finding Your Circle and Knowing Where You Belong
Friendships are an important part of adolescence, providing connection, belonging, support and opportunities to learn about ourselves and others. Having a wide circle of friendships, both within and beyond the College, can be incredibly valuable. It exposes young people to different interests, activities, perspectives and ways of being. It also provides a broader network of support when particular friendships become challenging or change over time. Importantly, it helps young people discover the qualities they value in the people they choose to surround themselves with.
However, being part of a large, close friendship group can sometimes bring its own challenges. Large groups are rarely made up of people who all share the same values, interests or level of connection with one another. Group dynamics can become complicated, with disagreements, shifting alliances, smaller subgroups and the feeling that sides need to be chosen. It can sometimes seem that there is always another dilemma or disagreement for your daughter to navigate.
You may be noticing that your daughter's large friendship group is beginning to run its course. While this can be unsettling, it is also a natural part of growing up. As young people mature, they begin to make more deliberate decisions about who they invest their time and emotional energy in. Sometimes, the temptation is to remain part of the largest or seemingly most popular group because it feels safe. However, staying in a group where friendships are not reciprocated can leave a young person continually chasing acceptance and feeling a diminished sense of belonging.
If your daughter is experiencing friendship difficulties, encourage her to reflect on the peers with whom she feels most comfortable, valued and accepted, and who demonstrate that they genuinely want to be friends with her. Remind her that friendship is reciprocal; she should not have to continually work to earn a place in someone's circle.
As parents/carers, listening without immediately trying to solve the problem is important. Gentle observations about how others treat her, alongside thoughtful conversations, can help her make measured decisions rather than reacting to the emotions of the moment. A couple of sessions with a College counsellor may also provide a helpful space to work through changing friendship dynamics and consider positive ways forward.
While the heart wants what the heart wants, sometimes taking a step back and reflecting on friendships can help young people make choices that strengthen their confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
In Remembrance
Our particular thoughts and prayers go to the family of Anne Burke, past staff member at Our Lady of Sion College. She was a much loved Sports Teacher and also taught Typing and Shorthand in the 1960s.
We remember Anne 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.
Student Leader Spotlight
Student Leader Spotlight – Bani K (12 Purple) and Olivia P (12 Gold), Lourdes House Captains
Hi everyone, we are Bani and Olivia and we have had the incredible opportunity to be your 2026 Lourdes House Captains.
Over our years at Sion, we have both loved being involved in the College community, particularly through leadership. We started our journey at Sion as Year 7 SRCs. We were both so inspired by our time working with the 2021 College Captains and used them as role models to the type of leaders we aspired to become.
Being able to lead our House has been such a rewarding experience. To be in a position to encourage younger students and lead the House's spirit has been a true privilege.
House Cross Country was one of the highlights of our year with Lourdes winning the event for the first time in over 20 years. This amazing achievement is a testament to our tremendous House spirit. It was this enthusiasm that led us to the victory of winning the House Cup for 2026. With this being the third consecutive year that Lourdes has won the House Cup we feel fortunate to have been part of this legacy and for that we are forever grateful.
Thank you everyone who assisted us in making this year a memorable one, especially Ms Cetrola and our fellow House Captains.
Year Level News
Year 11 – Leanne Anderson, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
A very brief message from me this week as our Year 11 students have either been on work placement or completing exams. All students are to be congratulated on their efforts throughout the past week. I understand that families play a significant role in supporting their daughters through these times and therefore you too need to be commended.
The feedback from staff who have made visits to our VM students has been extremely positive. I hope our VM students see that their efforts and perseverance in finding a placement have paid off. The growth in both confidence and developing skills through opportunities like this are invaluable.
Please note some of the key dates for our Year 11 students for the remainder of their school year.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Year 9 – Jennifer Tilley, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
As we move towards the end of the term, we have begun our Mind, Body Soul unit in AYIN. This unit sees the paired Year 9 Homerooms rotate through two lessons each of content to learn about their mind, body and soul - to consider the ways they can grow in these aspects of their lives. Our Mind rotation made the most of the beautiful weather to move into the Shalom Garden for a discussion and participation on the importance of laughter for the soul.
We will finish this unit with Mind, Body, Soul Day at the end of the term which provides an opportunity for students to move their bodies, connect with each other and our student leaders and to take time to pause and restore their mind & soul.
Year 9 students should also be working towards the completion of their Duke of Edinburgh Award sections for Physical Activity, Volunteer Service and Skill. In having these completed by the end of 2026 the only remaining component to complete the award is attendance at the Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Camp which is part of their Pastoral program next year. It has been really wonderful to read and share the assessor reports with students and their parents/carers as an affirmation of their commitment, responsibility and positive approach towards the program.
I would also like to congratulate 9 White for their completion of the Year 9 bingo activity. This year long activity provides opportunities for Homerooms to connect over a range of challenges. To win bingo, a Homeroom had to finish the whole card - which 9 White successfully completed by Week 3 of this term - well done!
Year 8 – Laura Malone, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
Year 8 City Camp
Our Year 8 City Camp, which took place on Monday 26 - Wednesday 28 October, was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore Melbourne and learn beyond the classroom.
Throughout the camp, students had the opportunity to stay in the heart of the city and discover some of Melbourne’s significant places and stories. Students were lucky enough to engage in a wide range of activities and experiences across Melbourne’s CBD! Some experiences included listening to the stories and history at The Koorie Heritage Trust, exploring the Gothic Buildings of Melbourne, visiting the artistic laneways of the CBD and learning about Australia’s history at the Immigration Museum. Students immersed themselves in everything the City had to offer. It was wonderful to see them asking questions, showing curiosity and developing a greater understanding of their world around them.
A definite highlight of the camp was our evening activity at Hijinx Hotel. Students worked their way through a series of fun challenge rooms, where teamwork, communication and problem-solving were essential. There was plenty of enthusiasm, laughter and encouragement as students supported one another and tackled each challenge together.
Beyond the activities and excursions, one of the most rewarding aspects of camp was seeing the growth of our Year 8 cohort. Students embraced every opportunity, demonstrated genuine curiosity and showed kindness throughout the experience. We were particularly proud of the way students represented our school so positively while exploring the city.
City Camp was a memorable experience filled with learning, connection and fun. We hope students feel proud of how they challenged themselves, supported their peers and continued to live out our Year 8 theme: Choose Kind, Try Brave.
Year 7 – Jade Goss, Wellbeing and Growth Leader
The energy in Year 7 has been electric these past few weeks as our Homeroom vs Homeroom Volleyball Tournament has taken over Monday lunchtimes! The courts have been alive with friendly rivalry, cheering supporters, and plenty of laughter as teams battle it out. From soaring serves to incredible saves, every game has shown not only the great level of participation within our year level, but also the teamwork and encouragement that make our community so special. We look forward to the grand final, which will take place between 7 Silver and 7 Blue in Week 8.
Alongside the excitement of volleyball, we’re also looking ahead to 2027 student leadership opportunities. The application process is well underway, offering students the chance to step forward, share their ideas, and contribute to shaping our College community in new and inspiring ways. Leadership at our school isn’t just about titles, it’s about service, collaboration, and setting a positive example for others. The year level has heard from those wishing to represent the cohort as part of the Student Representative Council, with students applying for leadership positions in the process of completing their interviews. It has also been fantastic to see students step outside their comfort zone in applying for roles that they feel passionate about, showing their fantastic growth this year.
With only three more weeks of classes remaining, the Homeroom teachers and myself will begin a ‘transition’ process of sorts for our Year 7s, preparing them for expectations in Year 8, as well as how their current organisation, resilience and kindness skills will set them up for success in 2027.
Learning Area News
Arts – Natasha Borg, Learning Leader
Creative Arts Week 2026: People’s Choice Award Winner
Following an inspiring Creative Arts Week filled with interactive gallery trails, student screenings, and outstanding visual displays across all year levels, our College community cast their votes for the 2026 People’s Choice Award.
We are thrilled to announce that Year 12 student Amy F (12 Silver), who is studying Unit 3/4 Creative Practice, has been named the recipient of the 2026 People’s Choice Award.
A Reflection on Past and Present
Amy’s featured artwork, titled Coming Home, captured the attention of students, staff, and families throughout the Showcase evening.
Her painting thoughtfully explores the connection between one’s past and present self. Rather than viewing growing up as completely leaving childhood behind, Amy’s work conveys the idea that our younger selves remain a foundational part of who we become. Coming Home holds a sense of warmth, innocence, nostalgia, and personal reflection.
Drama – Alex Bleazby, Teacher
Year 10 and 11 Performances and the 2027 College Musical
Our Year 10 Drama students recently performed their 20-minute ensemble-devised work, exploring the theme of climate change, at The Malthouse Theatre. The camaraderie within the ensemble was phenomenal, with students demonstrating outstanding commitment, focus and synchronisation throughout their performance. Their work was met with brilliant feedback from industry professionals, recognising the creativity, collaboration and dedication evident in their performance.
The Year 10 students then brought their work to the stage once again at our Ensemble Evening, sharing their performance with parents/carers and the wider college community. They were an impressive team of performers who demonstrated the strength of their ensemble work and the value of their collaborative creative process.
Our Year 11 Drama students also performed at the Ensemble Evening, presenting two contrasting ensemble pieces developed from the prescribed starting point, The Lost Property Office. This imaginative structure explored a world in which Keepers of the Office were responsible for storing memories and faced the difficult task of deciding which memories would be preserved and remembered, and which would be discarded and forgotten. The students demonstrated a thoughtful and creative performance-making process, transforming the stimulus into engaging and distinctive pieces of theatre. Their work was a testament to their imagination, collaboration and growing confidence as performers.
2027 College Musical Announced
The 2027 College Musical Is… HADESTOWN!
Our Musical Launch was met with tremendous excitement, as students eagerly gathered to discover whether their theories about the clues hidden around the school were correct. We are delighted to announce that our 2027 College Musical is HADESTOWN!
Auditions will take place over the coming weeks, and we encourage all students to consider getting involved, whether as a cast member or as part of the production crew. Auditioning is a valuable experience in itself, providing students with opportunities to build confidence, develop their skills and take creative risks. As there are always significantly more students auditioning than available roles, it is important for students and parents/carers to understand that casting decisions are based on students’ performances during the audition process. Successful applicants will demonstrate the strongest overall performance across all three components: acting, singing and dancing. Selection is based on audition performance, regardless of year level or previous involvement in College productions.
Students considering auditioning must also be able to commit to all scheduled rehearsals, including the four Sunday rehearsals, as well as the intensive rehearsal and performance schedule during Production Week.
For further information, audition resources and application details, students are encouraged to join the 2027 College Musical Classroom using the code gnue4qld.
We look forward to seeing our students embrace this exciting opportunity and bring the world of HADESTOWN to life in 2027!
Co-curricular News
Music – Martin Macaulay, Head of Music
Victorian Schools Music Festival – Year 7 Bands representing Our Lady of Sion College
Congratulations to the 92 members of our two Year 7 Concert Bands (the Monday morning group and the Tuesday afternoon group), and members of the Sion First Year 6 Music program, who performed at the 2026 Victorian Schools Music Festival on Monday. The girls presented the repertoire that they have been working on in the magnificent Hawthorn Arts Centre. Students also benefitted from an on-stage tutorial with the adjudicator and got to listen to bands from other schools.
Year 7 Spring Music Concert
All Year 7 ensembles, small groups, and those Year 7s in Intermediate level ensembles performed at the annual Year 7 Spring Music Concert on Tuesday evening in the LHC. It was a celebration of the hard work the girls have done all year in their large ensembles and small tutorial groups. The Year 7 musicians have come such a long way this year.
2027 Instrumental Music lessons at Sion
Enrolments are now open and available on-line for Instrumental Music lessons in 2027. All the details including fees, instrument hire charges and conditions are available via this link. Confirmation of enrolment needs to be completed here. Please note that charges will be applied to your College fees statement in early 2027. Address any enquiries to the Head of Music.
Sport – Liam Cox, Head of Sport
Term 1 Sign Ups and Trials
Sign Ups for Term 1 Sport have opened for Softball, Volleyball and Tennis! We will commence trials this term in Week 8 and 9 for Term 1 Weekly Sports, please keep an eye out for dates and times. The Weekly Sport season will start in Week 2, 2027.
Sport Leaders 2027
We would like to congratulate our two Senior Sport Captains for 2027, Maddison R (11 White) and Isabelle Archbold (11 White) on their appointment! A big thank you to all students who applied for the Sport Captain position and all students who have applied for a Sports Representative role for their year level. Both Maddison and Isabelle have started assisting with Sport Representative Interviews. They have solid contributors and leaders within our Sports Program since starting at the College as Year 7 students in 2022.
Isabelle has played GSV Soccer as our Goal Keeper and a star in our CGSAV AFL teams. She has also played Hockey, Cricket, Indoor Cricket and a regular at GSV Carnivals.
Maddison has represented the College at Netball and participated in Carnival Sports (Triathlon, Swimming, Cross Country and Track and Field) every year, leading with her actions at squad trainings and meets.
Maddison and Isabelle will attend Sacre Coeur on Thursday 4 February 2027 at the Sport Leaders’ Breakfast which will be a workshop run by Holly Bailey from Play Like a Girl. Bring on 2027!
Social Justice – Lucy Miotello, Coordinator
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Toiletry Bag Appeal
As we approach the Christmas season, our College community has once again embraced the opportunity to put compassion and generosity into action through the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Toiletry Bag Appeal.
Launched across all year levels, the appeal invites students to help bring a little joy and dignity to individuals and families who may be experiencing hardship this Christmas. Each Homeroom has been provided with two Christmas bags, along with a checklist of toiletry items for students to donate. Through this initiative, students are encouraged to work together to fill their bags with essential personal care items, helping to remind those in our wider community that they are valued, supported and not forgotten during the Christmas season.
All completed bags will be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Box Hill Conference, who will distribute them to people in need. Can all items please be brought in by Monday 23 November.
Ozanam House
We recently completed our final visit to Ozanam House for the year, providing our Year 11 students with another valuable opportunity to connect with and support members of the wider community. These visits have been a wonderful way for students to put the values of compassion, service and social justice into action, while developing a greater understanding of the challenges faced by others. A heartfelt thank you to all Year 11 students and staff who have participated in and supported the program throughout the year. Your generosity, commitment and willingness to give your time have made a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for your contribution.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Toy Drive
Families are encouraged to donate new toys to help bring a smile to children and families who may be experiencing hardship during the festive season. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a difference and help ensure that more children have something special to open on Christmas Day.
All families wishing to donate items are kindly asked not to wrap them, but to place them in the Christmas boxes located in Student Services. Gift Cards can be handed to Reception staff for safe keeping. All donated toys will be given to the St Vincent de Paul Ringwood Conference, who will distribute them in hampers to families in need within the local community. This Christmas initiative will be running to Monday 30 November 2026.
To ensure all families benefit from this drive, the following age groups have been allocated to various year levels.
Year 7 ages 0 - 3 yo
Year 8 ages 4 - 6 yo
Year 9 ages 7 - 10 yo
Year 10 ages 11 - 13 yo
Year 11 ages 14 - 16 yo
Careers and Pathways – Brooke O'Hara, Coordinator
Students and families can find the fortnightly Careers Newsletter here.
In this issue of the Newsletter there is information relating to:
Upcoming Events: 2026 Year 12 VTAC Upcoming Key Dates
Careers Industry in the Spotlight – Employment Projection
Things to Consider – AFL Sports Ready Traineeship, 2027 Year 10 Work Experience, 2026 Year 12 VTAC Change of Preference Period, 2026 VCE Results and ATAR: accessing your VCE results
Researching options –The University of Melbourne – Naarm Scholarship Program, CAS Hawker Scholarship, Gay Year and working holiday programs.
