College Advisory Committee

College Advisory Committee Meeting / Tuesday, 27 August 2024 

Summary Provided by Dee Jackson (Advisory Committee Member – Parish Representative)  

College Advisory Committee welcomed a few new parents, which was great to see! We now have nine parents to advise the Executive Team at the College.  Our discussions at our recent meeting in August centred on the achievements of the College in the past term under the banner of the College’s five ‘Our Commitment to Action’. 

Lisa communicated to members the different programs/activities that underpin each the College Commitments to Action. These inform the work of staff at the College, not the students. Lisa spoke about the Student Achievement and Recognition Process that is underway. This will recognise the students who are involved in the life of the College going over and above what is expected of them.  

Lisa spoke about the recent Heritage Day, 2024 Sion Leaders and Friends Gathering and our 50 Years Celebrations Planning Committee. We understand that the 50 Years Celebration is next year with work underway, and members will be provided with further information as time moves forward. Staff and the wider community have been invited to provide information to the College that would be useful in celebrating 50 years. If you know of information you think would be valuable, please share.  

We heard about the Year 10 Ltyentye Apurte Immersion from Jacinta Johnston (Deputy Principal – Catholic Identity and Mission). A program that brings life to Marist-Sion College from distance but shared amongst the Marist community and the local Catholic Churches.  This link was great to see at Masses; students speaking about their experiences on their faith journey whilst away from family; appreciating the life of others, their struggles and complete acceptance of their blessed life.  

Jacinta was also able to share in depth the recent Year 11 Retreat and the positive impact the retreat has had on our young adults.  It was identified that prior to the retreat many were not excited but on return their impressions and opinions had changed. I know from our own daughter attending, she was keen to attend but had mixed feelings.  On return she was moved by the experience as it asked her to reach deep and look honestly at who she is and wants to be. A wonderful safe space and experience for our young adults. Thank you to the staff that attended.  

Daniel Nisbet was officially introduced to the members as our new Deputy Principal – Wellbeing Partnership and Safety. He provided the members with opportunity to look over and ask questions about the current Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy. The policy is quite in depth covering many aspects of child safety and it was apparent the high priority the College places on this policy.  

Looking to the future, discussions will continue to be had on the girl’s winter dress blouse, student diaries and mobile phone policy.