Staff News

Graduate Mentor Program  

Our 6 Graduate Teachers are almost at the end of their first term of their graduate year. Being a graduate teacher brings with it a lot of emotions and learning and we have been so blessed to have exceptional graduate teachers who are already creating excellent relationships with students and colleagues.  

On Thursday 26 March, our Graduates will attend the DOSCEL Graduate and Mentor Day with their allocated VIT Mentors. The day is to support their transition into full time teaching as well as to support their mentors through the VIT Inquiry process to support them to achieve full registration. Along with this day, our Director of Professional Learning and Development, Mrs Gabrielle Catania, has been working closely with them to guide them through the challenges, questions, and concerns as well as to celebrate their wins and achievements. Gabrielle will also be working with our Director of College Organisation to create a bespoke graduate program, commencing in Term 2, that supports them specific to the needs they have identified throughout Term 1.  

I wanted to take a moment to congratulate our Graduates on a successful first term: 

• Abby Gregorovich 
• Christian Bertacco 
• Grace Judd 
• Matthew Bakker  
• Anastasia Romanoff 
• Antony Nicolli 

Staffing Updates  

We wish the following staff all the best as they embark on their new adventures. 

Resignations 

• Ms Ruby Hardy – English Teacher  
• Samanthi Wanigarathne – Learning Support Officer  

We welcome the following new staff to Marist-Sion College. 

New Staff  

• Ms Chloe Babet – First Aid Officer  

Staff Spotlight 

This is an opportunity for our staff and community to get to know each other by way of asking each staff member to answer a few questions about themselves. I would like to share these with our community as I believe the partnership we have with our parents/guardians/carers is a valued and respected one and I am sure you would like to get to know the staff of your child’s school as a way of building these positive relationships and partnerships.  

This month I would like to introduce to you Ms Heather Murdoch – Director of Learning Adjustment  

Where was I born and where did I grow up? 

Born and raised in Rockhampton/ Central Queensland. 

What is a unique/interesting part of my childhood? 

Travelled around Australian x2 before the age of 10. Spent time in UK, and India as a independent teenager. 

 My favourite food combo is …… 

Sugar, chocolate and caffeine. 

What I love most about my career is …… 

Thinking outside the box to solve problems and connecting with young people.  Seeing the lightbulb moment when students get the new learning. 

If I was stranded on a desert island, the 2 people I would want with me are …… 

Bear Grylls and a genie 

Real - people – more people who I care about.

When I want to unwind and do some self-care I ….. 

I love to kayak and bush walk. 

 I am most inspired by …….. 

Life- My Mother and Aunt 

Teacher - Mrs Walsh 

Life view - Millicent Fawcett 

Contacting the College regarding your child/ren. 

On occasion, you may need to contact the College in relation to your child/ren. Just a reminder to all parents, guardians and carers that your first point of contact should always be your child’s Tutor. Their Tutor is the staff member they see each morning and is trusted with monitoring their attendance, academic progress, wellbeing and social behaviour. Depending on the nature of your concern, your child’s Tutor can determine who is best places to support your child. This may mean involving several other staff. 

If you are unsure who your child’s Tutor is, you can find this on PAM, or you can ring College reception and they can let you know.  

This ensure we are following a process where we can be best placed to support your child/ren and ensure all the staff who can support, can be aware and involved. 

Significant Events  

This term brought with it some incredibly significant events for our students and staff as well as the community. It is such a joy to be witness to the collegiality, comradeship and sense of inclusion and belonging when we come together.  

Some key events this term have been: 

• Year 7 Welcome Evening  

• Interhouse Swimming Carnival 

• Harmony Day 

• Commencement Mass and Year 7 Mass of Welcome 

• Blessing of our Creation Carving  

• Year 7 Connection Week  

A huge thank you to all the students who participated so vibrantly and to the staff that ensure that these events will be remembered for years to come.  

Have your contact details or family circumstances changed? 

If you have had any changes to your contact details or had family circumstances change it is important to contact the College to update your details. This also includes any changes to other family members or friends you have listed as a contact for your child. Ensuring your details are up to date means that we can make contact when needed. Please call or email College Reception to update your details.  

Happy Easter 

The end of Term 1 brings it with it great joy as we celebrate Holy Week and Easter. Whilst this term was busy, what stood out was the immense gratitude and generosity of our students and staff to raise funds for Project Compassion through Caritas Australia. This was a challenge set by Mr Clarke and Mr Mazzolini for students to think about others and give something to those who do not have a lot. A beautiful way to spend the Lenten period of reflection and giving. 

Wishing all of you a very Happy Easter and to our staff and students, a well-deserved break. 

Mrs Georgie Beekhof

Deputy Principal – Professional Culture and Growth