Professional Culture and Growth
Welcome to our New Staff
As we commenced Term 2, we welcomed the following new staff to Marist-Sion College:
- Mr Matthew Shepherd – Classroom Teacher
- Mrs Genevieve Shepherd – Library and Information Services Leader
- Mrs Carly Kitchingman – Executive Assistant to the Deputy Principals
- Mrs Krystal-Lee Stott – Agriculture and Horticulture Assistant
- Ms Chloe Rees – Learning Support Officer
- Mr Chamara Ranasinghe – Learning Support Officer
- Miss Emma Atherton – Learning Support Officer (Casual)
- Mrs Kristy Easton-Byrne – College Reception
Our Director of Staff Development, James Mazzolini and our Compliance Officer, Leanne Dunsmuir, spent Tuesday with our new staff on their formal induction to the College. We are very blessed to have them join our community and bring a wealth of experience and passion with them.
Head of House Formation Day
On Tuesday 16 April, our Heads of House, together with the Daniel Yamada – Director of Student Wellbeing and Janelle Burgess – Deputy Principal – Wellbeing, Partnerships and Safety gathered for a Formation Day. This day was curated for the Head of House team as crucial middle leaders within our college to work together and strengthen their team work as well as build and refining their leadership skills. Whilst sometimes we may question why we take time away from teaching and students, on occasion it is important to step-back and retreat to have the time and space to have more strategic dialogue without interruption or distraction.
The day allowed for the team to work on areas such as:
- Leading their teams
- Driving school improvement
- Student Attendance and Wellbeing
- Student Engagement
- Child Safety
Thank you to Daniel and Janelle for leading the day and to James Mazzolini – Director of Staff Development, for the logistical organisation of the day.
Staff Wellbeing and Positive Behaviour Support PL Day
In 2024, the College decided to begin each term with a Staff Professional Learning Day. Beginning the term in this way allows for fresh and rested minds to focus on the term ahead and enter into effective planning and dialogue on a particular College focus.
On Monday, staff spent the day working together with a focus on student wellbeing and positive behaviour support. We were lucky to secure the expertise of Charmaine Jessiman and Cara Barrie from LOOKOUT Centre to teach us about Trauma Informed Practice in the School Environment”. The take aways from the presentation supported staff in developing skill and knowledge when working with students who may have a trauma background and also provide us with strategies on how to teach them best and work with them to learn as effectively as possible and achieve their best.
Staff then attended a series of workshops presented by colleagues in the areas of:
- Wellbeing for Learning – led by Mrs Stephanie Rogan
- Routines for Learning – led by Mrs Janelle Burgess
- SIMON and WSAPBS – led by Mr Daniel Yamada and Mr Drew Thomas
These workshops provide staff the opportunity to collaborate with and build on their skills and at times provides a great reminder of the expectations we have on our teaching staff and how they work with our young people.
Semester 2 Timetable
Our Director of College Organisation is currently underway in building the Semester 2 timetable. As many of you would know, the change in Semester occurs just prior to the end of Term 2. This is to ensure we have equal teaching and learning weeks for each semester.
More information will be available soon for students who may wish to request a change of subject for Semester 2.
College Photos Update
I am pleased to announce the final approval has been given to the 2024 College Photo proofs and they should be available shortly for delivery.
Georgie Erpisimidis
Deputy Principal – Professional Culture and Growth