From our Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers
Welcome to Marist-Sion College, a vibrant Catholic learning community where faith, hope and love guide our shared journey.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to nurture the whole person – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially so that each student may flourish in a dynamic and complex world.
I extend a special welcome to our new students in Year 7 and those commencing from other schools across multiple year levels. I spent a lot of time with the Year 7s through their orientation program. I encourage you to persevere as you navigate a series of firsts over the coming weeks. You will find your way around the school in time.
Our Vision
At Marist-Sion College, students experience an education where they are known and loved, grow as life-long learners and live as active citizens inspired by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Our vision is aligned with the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) priorities, and brought to life through high expectations, relational trust and a deep belief in the dignity and potential of each person.
Our Purpose
Our work is focussed on improving the learning and life outcomes of the students in our care.
Catholic Identity
Full of Grace – Transform the World with God’s Love
Full of Grace – Transform the World with God’s Love is our College theme for 2026.
This theme connects us with 55 Marist schools across Australia and with Marists around the world. The Scripture quote, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk 1:37) connects us with 39 primary and secondary schools and even more parishes across the Diocese of Sale.
It will guide us as we continue shaping Marist-Sion as a place where each person feels valued, supported and called to grow. Grace is God’s love, freely given, unconditional and unmeasured. It is offered to everyone without judgment.
When we receive it, something begins to change within us, reshaping our actions, and our capacity to learn, love and live in community. There’s a call to action to transform the world with God’s love.
“For nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk 1:37).
Whole School Masses
Parents and guardians are encouraged to save the dates for these whole school Masses:
- Commencement and Year 7 Welcome Mass: Tuesday 24 March 2026
- Champagnat Day Mass: Thursday 28 May 2026
- Heritage Day Mass and Celebrations: Thursday 13 August 2026
- Year 12 Mass of Gratitude and Thanksgiving: Tuesday 20 October 2026
Holy Month of Ramadan
Like Lent, Ramadan is a sacred time of prayer, fasting, reflection, generosity and community, and I acknowledge the deep spiritual significance this time holds for you. To support students during Ramadan, the College will make a quiet prayer space available for students who wish to pray during the school day, in keeping with our commitment to inclusion and respect for faith traditions. The provision of a prayer space during Ramadan reflects our ongoing care for students of diverse religious backgrounds.
Leadership at Marist-Sion
When I met with various student groups over the course of last year, they often said, “We need leaders who we feel comfortable expressing our fears and concerns to.” They spoke of the need for leaders who show strength and are reasonable, leaders who bring clarity and certainty and also care deeply about what others have to say.
This is encapsulated in that distinctly Marist-Sion value of respect.
Great leaders are not the ones with the loudest voice or the most flamboyant persona. They are not always the ones out front showing everyone the way. The best leaders are those often working quietly in the background, the ones who softly and intently listen far more than they speak, mostly they are the ones who move out of the safety of shore and shallows and draw on faith to show them the way.
When we commissioned the senior student leaders during the first College assembly, I invited every student to take time this year to reflect on how they can live out the value of respect and help Marist-Sion grow as a place of faith, learning and life.
In the Gospel, Jesus called us to be “like light for the whole world.”
College Photos
The College Photos were taken on Thursday 26 February 2026. Students who were not in the correct uniform on the day, including personal presentation will have an opportunity to have their photo taken on Tuesday 10 March 2026.
College Uniform
The Marist-Sion College uniform is an important mark of our identity and is an expression of our beliefs and values. The College uniform is well recognised and regarded within the wider community. As a College community, we expect that our students will wear their uniform correctly, showing respect and pride in themselves and in our College. The uniform of any organisation worn correctly, says to all: "This is where I belong, and I am proud of where I belong."
As a College, we believe that the College uniform:
- promotes a collective sense of respect, responsibility, identity, and pride
- allows all students to feel equal, preventing competition based on clothing, trends, and materialism
- ensures each student’s appearance reflects the expectations and spirit of our College community
- ensures all students are dressed safely and responsibly to engage in all aspects of College life
- encourages students to develop pride in their appearance and an understanding of the importance surrounding formal events
- prepares students for the expectations of employment.
Parents, guardians and carers play an important role in ensuring we maintain student engagement and value learning. Together we can support our students with this by attending to uniform expectations and appropriate personal presentation as we strengthen our commitment to belonging.
Learning and Teaching
VCE High Achievers Assembly
The VCE High Achievers Assembly was held Tuesday 10 February 2026. College Dux, Hayley Beale, VCE VM Dux, Mia Christian and Proxime Accessit, Archibald Dunn were presented with a certificate, trophy and gift. I would like to congratulate our 2025 VCE DUX, Proxime Accessit and VCE VM Dux!
VCE Dux
Hayley Beale
Proxime Accessit
Archibald Dunn
VCE VM Dux
Mia Christian
When College Dux, Hayley Beale addressed the College, she said:
“The teachers genuinely want the best for you and are here to support you, guide you and help you succeed, both academically and personally. I really appreciated the teachers that went above and beyond for me. The dedication and love for their job made learning enjoyable and so much easier to do. In particular, I would like to shout out the Health and PE department who gave up so much of their time to help me do the best I could. The afterschool sessions, endless marking, lunchtime activities and the friendly nature of the entire office made my VCE experience far more enjoyable and positive!”
When College VCE VM Dux, Mia Christian addressed the College, she said:
“Living and learning with ADHD means my brain runs like it has 47 tabs open ... and the one I actually need is buffering. Some days focusing was impossible, but I made it. What I've learned is that our struggles don't define us, how we respond to them does, and I learned that success doesn’t have to look perfect ... thank goodness, because mine did not. The VCE VM was perfect for me, hands-on and practical. Learning is not one size fits all. I'm excited for my next chapter at Chisholm, where I'll be undertaking a diploma in beauty therapy, a path I'm passionate about.”
Lucinda Reeves (Class of 2025 – Sion House) King Scout Award
Lucinda Reeves recently achieved the prestigious King’s Scout Award. This is the highest achievement for a Venturer Scout and reflects exceptional dedication, leadership and service.
The King’s Scout Award recognises Venturers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment across all areas of the Scouting program. To earn this honour, Lucinda completed an extraordinary range of requirements. Lucinda now joins a distinguished group of young people recognised nationally for their leadership and service.
Year 7 Welcome Evening
The Year 7 Welcome Evening was well attended on Tuesday 3 February 2026. I always love speaking to parents/carers on these evenings and hearing about the students’ first fortnight in secondary school.
Year 7 Bootcamp
There was an energetic tone in our College community as the Year 7 students participated in their Year 7 Bootcamp. This is an exciting time for our junior students who are learning about the safe and appropriate use of digital technologies, including the internet, applications, computers and tablets.
Child Safety
House Swimming Carnival
The House Swimming Carnival was a big success. Student attendance, participation and engagement was stronger than last year. I congratulate the students who supported their House in the pool and poolside.
Where to access support?
The College has a support network for all students to assist in managing their mental health and wellbeing. Students are encouraged to seek wellbeing support from the Counselling and Wellbeing Services Team. Mrs Mel Bradley (Student Counsellor) and a team of counsellors are available five days a week to meet with students and families.
Additional support is available by contacting Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline on
13 11 14, Parentline Victoria on 13 22 89 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
Stewardship of Resources
The Creation Sculpture – Honouring Story • Deepening Identity • Walking Together
The Creation Sculpture stands at the heart of Marist-Sion College as a powerful symbol of culture, spirituality and community. Rooted in Kurnai Country, it invites all who encounter it to reflect, listen and learn.
Carved into a Mountain Ash trunk, the Kurnai Creation Shield forms the central motif. This shield represents protection, strength and cultural heritage—a reminder of the enduring presence and wisdom of the First Peoples of this land.
Set atop the trunk are two native birds, each carrying their own meaning:
The Southern Emuwren — a sign of resilience, gentleness and mystery, calling us to walk thoughtfully and respectfully on Country.
The Superb Blue Fairywren — a vibrant messenger of joy and community, reminding us of the beauty of connection and belonging.
Together, these elements reflect the storytelling traditions of the Kurnai people, the transmission of knowledge across generations, and the College’s commitment to reconciliation, cultural safety and genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities.
College Masterplan – Covered Courts and Campus Heart
Last year, the Campus Heart Landscaping Project was completed. Work on this project followed significant student, staff and parent consultation.
We have engaged a company called Greenline to deliver two covered courts this year. Greenline specialise in designing and building shaded structures. They understand our vision, requirements and budget.
Julia Curl – Tour of China
Julia Curl (Classroom Teacher) and Ash Murdica (Instrumental Music Teacher) have just returned from a tour of China, where they performed supporting SVN – a London based singing group made up of the original West End cast of SIX the Musical.
Touring with eight other Australian musicians, Julia performed 18 shows across Shenzhen, Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. While weekends were often busy with up to five shows, there was still time to sightsee whenever the schedule allowed between travelling and rehearsals.
Full of Grace – Transform the World with God’s Love.
Ms Lisa Harkin
Principal