From our Principal

Zaria Dalton – Victorian All School Track and Field Championships in Melbourne

Zaria Dalton recently tore up the track at the Victorian All School Track and Field Championships in Melbourne. Zaria enjoyed the chance to compete at the event, setting a personal best and finishing in the top three in her event against the best Victoria has to offer. Zaria won the bronze medal in the women’s under 14 100m final, finishing at 12.95 seconds. Congratulations Zaria.

Tutor Group – Positive Results from Refocus

Since the implementation of this trial, the College’s attendance data has recorded a significant improvement in students across all year levels attending Lesson 1 on time. This trial provided a necessary refocus on learning with an emphasis on maximising the learning opportunities presented in the classroom.

Higher attendance rates from the start of Lesson 1 have subsequently resulted in consistently high student attendance at Tutor Group each day. Overall, students have been getting to school and classes on time. We now note that most students get to class on time. This takes concerted effort on the part of the students themselves and we are proud of how far we have come with this initiative.

Tutor Group – Placement from HeadStart

As the placement of Tutor Group during the school day was a trial, we undertook to review the trial. When a recent survey was circulated, 413 students provided feedback through the optional survey. 51 staff provided feedback through the optional survey.

Given the feedback received, it was decided that Tutor Group will be moved to the start of the school day. Students overwhelmingly felt the need to see their Tutor first thing in the morning as a positive way to begin their day and to allow them to check their emails and respond to any events that are coming up during the day. Staff feedback echoed the students. Tutors and Heads of House particularly understand the importance of the first interaction of the day to be with their Tutor to enable them to start their day effectively. 

Tutor Group – Key Date

This timetable change will come into effect from Tuesday 28 November 2023. The Bell times can be found below:

Presentation Evening – West Gippsland Arts Centre

Presentation Evening will be held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Thursday 30 November 2023. This night promises to be a wonderful celebration of student achievement, academic achievement and community involvement.

Year 12 Exams Conclude

The Year 12 VCE Exams concluded today. 

The conclusion of exams and vocational studies marks the beginning of an epic voyage for our Year 12s, a choose-your-own adventure – as they prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives. As individuals. As young adults. As global citizens – ready to go after the life you really want for yourself – whether that’s to remain local, or to pull on your explorer socks and wander far and wide and wherever the breeze takes you.

Advice for Exams – Talk to your Teachers

For our senior students, please know that your teachers are available by email or in person for urgent queries. If there is a problem you still do not understand, your teachers are here to help. If there is a particularly perplexing part of the English course you would love to have explained, your teachers are here to help.

Remembrance Day 

Remembrance Day commemorations mark 103 years since the first Armistice Day services were held around the world on 11 November 1919. We observed one minute’s silence at 11.00am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. A minute's silence is dedicated to the deceased, especially for soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation. In many countries, people wear a poppy to commemorate those who died in war. Poppies were chosen as a symbol because they often grew in battlefields after the soldiers stopped fighting. Under the flag poles, wreaths were laid to acknowledge the service of armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

Pope Francis’ Address to the Synod of Bishops

The following is the address delivered by Pope Francis this afternoon in the Paul VI Hall, during the Opening Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: click here to read.

Recruitment – 2024

Over the course of Semester 2, we have developed a recruitment strategy at Marist-Sion College to ensure that the College can identify and hire individuals who align with its mission, values, and educational objectives. The success of our College relies on attracting and retaining talented and dedicated staff members.

As the College continues to evolve and adapt to changing educational needs, we will be able to identify skill gaps and areas of expertise required to deliver a high-quality education and provide adequate support for the students in our care.

With every peace and blessing.

Ms Lisa Harkin

Principal