School Life & Wellbeing

SchoolTV: Embracing Change and New Beginnings

On Tuesday, we welcomed nearly 230 enthusiastic Year 6 students to Marist-Sion College for their Year 7 Orientation Day. The day began with a warm welcome from our College Captains and Vice Captains, setting the tone for a program filled with engaging activities and community spirit. 

Lead by our Heads of House, students participated in hands-on sessions including Art, Science, Religious Education, and an exciting Amazing Race challenge, all designed to help them connect with peers and teachers in a fun and supportive environment. 

Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive—they loved the interactive lessons, the chance to meet new friends, and the guidance from our dedicated staff and student leaders. Special thanks to our Student Leaders and Year 7 Ambassadors, who were outstanding role models, and to the Wellbeing Services team for their extra care and support throughout the day. The event concluded with a shared BBQ lunch for students and parents, reinforcing the strong partnership between home and school. 

The changes from a primary school to secondary school can be daunting for some. Days like these help students identify the key personal who are there to support them, create an opportunity for them to orientate themselves around the campus, and allows them to make new connections with their peers. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this day a memorable and meaningful start to the Marist-Sion journey for our incoming Year 7 cohort. 

The Holiday period is a great time to reset and recharge from the busy school year but the changes in structure and routine can be difficult to manage for some. In the school TV link below, Dr Michael Carr- Gregg outlines proactive strategies that may assist parents in managing the wellbeing of their children during this time and preparing them again for the changes a return to school in the new year may bring. 

SPECIAL REPORT: Embracing Change & New Beginnings | Marist-Sion College 

Loreto Assembly

Our recent Loreto Assembly was a wonderful celebration of community, gratitude, and student achievement. The event featured inspiring addresses from Loreto Captains, Marli Edwards and Cody Welch who reflected on the them of Loe as a Character Strength and embracing the Christmas spirit as we look forward to 2026. 

“Love is when you your friend waits for you at your locker even when you are running late to class or shouts you a Zooper Dooper on a hot day. Love is when a teacher puts in an effort to learn all the students' names because they want you to feel seen. Love is when someone notices that you are quieter than normal and checks in.”  

– Marli

“At Christmas time, that love feels even learer. Christmas isn’t just the lights, music or holidays. It's the feeling of generosity, the small acts of kindness and the moments when people go just a little further for each other.” 

– Cody

A highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the Active Citizens Awards, recognizing students who exemplify kindness, inclusivity, and peer support: 

Years 7–8 

• Olivia Reynolds: Commended for her exceptional care and reassurance when assisting a student in need of medical support on the bus. 
• Kensie Shave: Recognized for her consistent helpfulness, including assisting a younger student when their laptop bag broke. 

Years 9–10 

• Christian Jamieson Bone:  Celebrated for his demonstrating Catholic values, his positive attitude, and his caring support for others. 

Years 11–12 

• Taylor Van Hout: Honoured for her unwavering encouragement and empathy, supporting classmates during stressful times and fostering a welcoming environment for all. 

We also acknowledged students who achieved 100% Attendance throughout the year: Wayne Kaphiri, and Nicholas Parkin. 

Congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions to our Marist-Sion community. Your actions embody the values of care, respect, and leadership that we hold dear. 

A Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all of our families. Stay safe, and I look forward to seeing you all again next year. 

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. 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.

Mr Daniel Nisbet

Deputy Principal: Wellbeing Partnerships and Safety