Student Learning Culture and Growth

During the coming days, the excitement of our Year 12 students shifts from nervousness to relief after sitting their VCE Examinations across fifteen days of the examination period.  On behalf of the College, we congratulate your diligence and drive to continue with your studies, right until your very last exam. The manner in which you have arrived prepared, focused and committed to each and every exam is a demonstration of your willpower and we hope you can reflect on the final phase of your journey at Marist-Sion College as we come together this Friday for the Year 12 Valedictory.

Over the coming weeks, all students progress through their end of Semester exams including PAT testing for Years 7-10, to start preparing for the commencement of HeadStart on Tuesday 28 November. This is a significant stage in our school calendar as it provides all students with the opportunity to progress into their 2024 learning programs, meet most of their new teachers and to establish learning routines before the commencement of the Christmas School holidays.

As students receive their 2024 timetables prior to HeadStart, please be mindful that the College has prepared a range of learning programs for all students across Years 7-12, and that the HeadStart program allows opportunities for all students to engage in subject choices that have been selected through the subject preference process, for Years 9-12, along with an newly designed timetable structure to accommodate our student’s learning needs and our College Strategic Intent.

This includes;

• Focussing on our Moral Imperative to raise the bar and close the gap for all our students. 

• A timetable that supports student engagement in all subjects. 
• Adjusting the timetable that delivers lessons across a ten day cycle that is fair and equitable for all students.
• Builds skills and knowledge for students across all areas of curriculum. 
• Provide equality across the four main learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities as stand-alone subjects.
• Allow students to engage in a variety of subjects across Years 7 and 8.
• To work towards addressing the teacher shortages and to place our teaching staff in Learning Areas where they can engage students within their area of expertise.  

To ensure the transition into the 2024 program is achieved, any changes to a student’s learning program will be considered at the conclusion of HeadStart to allow all students to engage in lessons throughout the course of the ten-day cycle. Significant changes to a student’s timetable and classes can lead to significant disruptions to both the student’s engagement, commitment to their learning program, as well as balanced student numbers across classes.

Showcase Evening – LEAP Passion Projects and Performing Arts

The College was delighted to be witness of the extensive LEAP passion projects that were displayed at the 2023 Showcase Evening, held at the College last Thursday, followed by the high-quality performances by our students from Years 7-11, held at the Marion Theatre.

Both parents, students and staff witnessed great enthusiasm by the students as they showcased their diverse range of interest within their projects and displayed great courage and commitment in learning to play and perform music items and sing alongside their peers (as well as sing-along from the audience). 

The College appreciates the way that our team of staff have supported both the LEAP passion projects and the Performing Arts students throughout this year to enhance student growth both academically and personally.

2023 Marist-Sion College Presentation Evening - Thursday 30 November at 7:00pm

The Marist Sion College 2023 Presentation Evening will be held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, Corner of Smith and Albert Streets, Warragul, commencing at 7.00pm. 

This significant College event will celebrate the effort and determination our students have displayed throughout the 2023 school year, and it is our intent to celebrate these milestones with our wider- school community.

The wide range of students who will be receiving an award have now received their invitation to attend and tickets for this special occasion will be available from Monday.   

Mr Tim Morrison

Deputy Principal: Student Learning Culture and Growth