From our Principal

Stewardship of Resources: College Master Plan

We have now selected the architects to enable the Marist-Sion College, Warragul Master Plan. The architects are Williams Ross Architects. Williams Ross Architects responded positively to our Education Brief and presented a strong portfolio that showcased successful master planning projects, including examples of work in similar scale and complexity. Through a collaborative approach, their work showed a commitment to sustainable design and the integration of environmentally friendly practices.

We look forward to working with Williams Ross Architects to introduce creative and forward-thinking design concepts that align with the College's vision.

You can review their portfolio of work in education here.

Annual Progress Towards our Strategic Goals

We are making steady progress with our Child Safe Culture. Staff meetings have a focus on building our professional culture ensuring staff understand their obligations and take individual responsibility for their behaviour and actions in line with Child Safe Standards.

We are continuing to strengthen staff voice in the development of the culture within the College. Staff have fed into our recent timetable review process and this is shaping up well for 2024.

Student Achievement and Growth

For our students, we are working to maintain a culture of excellence characterised by rigour and aspiration. 70 more students will be receiving awards at Presentation Evening this year because of the new awards we have instituted to recognise student growth and various academic award. The Wellbeing Award for the Virtue of Humanity will recognise students who demonstrate the character strengths of:

• Love: Valuing close relations with others demonstrating genuine warmth
• Kindness: Caring for others
• Social Intelligence: Understanding what motivates their peers.

The Wellbeing Award for the Virtue of Justice will recognise students who demonstrate the character strengths of:

• Teamwork: Responsibly contributing to group efforts
• Fairness: Adhering to principles of justice and equity
• Leadership: Organising group activities and positively influencing others.

Learning and Teaching: VIT Celebration

Quality teaching and leadership is at the heart of our work. St Marcellin himself had this to say, “Remember that the young people you teach are your brothers and sisters.” Sally Price recently presented her VIT Portfolio seeking full registration as a teacher. Sally’s inquiry question focussed on the use of worked examples improve the standards of PQE (Pattern, Quantify, Exception) for Year 8 Geography students. Sally’s organisation and evidence informed practice was on display through his portfolio of evidence. It is great to have someone of your calibre in the profession, Sally.

Learning and Teaching: VIT Celebration

Congratulations to Tegan Svetina also presented her VIT Portfolio to move from provisional to full registration as a teacher. Teagan’s inquiry question focussed on the utilising ICT to improve student learning. Teagan’s 90-page portfolio showcased her work across the course of the year. Congratulations, Teagan.

Leadership: Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice – Lexie Fenton and Tammy Barnes

Congratulations to Lexie Fenton and Tammy Barnes who will undertake the part-time sponsored Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice in 2024. The course will be delivered by the Career Education Association of Victoria (CEAV) Institute over 12 months and will be clustered into four modules, comprising a total of seven units of competency (five core units and two electives). CECV part-course funding ($5,150) will be paid to the CEAV Institute on behalf of successful applicants and the College will contribute to the cost of the study. Lexie and Tammy will also support with the Morrisby Testing in the coming years. This is excellent news for our students. Lexie and Tammy!

Student Achievement: Year 9 Camp

We have had good reports from the Year 9 Camp. The Outdoor Education experience is important to teach our students self-reliance, interdependence and leadership. In addition, it helps our students to develop an adventurous spirit, managing personal risks and experiencing safe journeys in nature. I was concerned with the number of students who opted out of the Year 9 Camp. These students missed out on valuable learning opportunities with their peers. Parent support in enabling our students to step outside their comfort zones is vital.

Student Voice: Laptop Bags

Student voice was gathered in relation to the selection of the College laptop bags for 2024. I thank the Year 11 students who supported this process. It is important for us to empower our students and include their voice in the design of improvement efforts across the College.

Chapel Rectification Works

Works have commenced on rectifications to the College Chapel. The Insurance Claim and Scope of Work was issued on Wednesday of last week. This should be completed within the fortnight.

Positive Community Feedback

I would like to pass on some positive feedback from a member of the public:

“I just wanted to pass on some really positive feedback about some of your lovely students! Whilst driving with my 3 yr old son yesterday we saw a group of girls dressed as the grinch (since found out they were Marist-Sion girls). My son loves the grinch so we pulled over and I asked if it was possible, we could get a photo with them. They instantly all said yes and engaged in conversation with my son trying to reassure him when he was hesitant. They were incredibly patient and I thought it was worth an email. I’m a teacher in the area and I know teens can get a bad rap and positive feedback is so important – and unfortunately not as common as we’d like! Jacquie”

May our students move into the world as architects of understanding, love and tenderness. Thanks to those who have offered our students hope, challenge and support as they have journeyed through their time at Marist-Sion.

We are a community where all people feel welcomed, known and loved.

Ms Lisa Harkin

Principal