From our Principal

Welcome to the new College year! This year we celebrate a significant milestone in the life of the College, our 50 Year Anniversary.

I extend a special welcome to our new students in Year 7 and those commencing from other schools across multiple year levels. I spent a lot of time with the Year 7 students through their orientation program, and I encourage you to persevere as you navigate a series of firsts over the coming weeks. You will find your way around the school in time.

Our Vision

At Marist-Sion College, students experience an education where they are known and loved, grow as life-long learners and live as active citizens inspired by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Our work is focused on improving the learning and life outcomes of the students in our care. 

Strategic Pillars – Our Commitment to Action

Catholic Identity

We activate identity and mission through Catholic Social Teaching and affirming the dignity and inclusion of all.

Pilgrims of Hope – Look Beyond 

Pilgrims of Hope – Look Beyond is our College theme for our Golden Jubilee. It is a common theme that connects us to 55 Marist schools across Australia and beyond to a global focus through the Church. In 2025, Pope Francis is asking us to be signs of hope for others, by putting Catholic Social Teaching into action through caring for the environment and supporting those who are experiencing war, hunger or poverty through organisations like St Vincent de Paul. The theme will support us as we continue to take Marist-Sion forward and work together to make it the best place it can be for all members of our community.

Learning and Teaching

We build expert teachers, adaptive teaching teams and collaborative expertise.

VCE Top Study Scores Assembly

The VCE Top Study Scores Assembly was held on Tuesday 11 February. College Dux, Sidath de Abrew, VCE VM Dux, Kieren Willis and Proxime Accessit, Mya Smith were presented with a gift of a laptop to support them with their future studies. I would like to congratulate our 2024 VCE DUX, Proxime Accessit and VCE VM Dux!

When Sidath addressed the College, he said:

“I am extremely grateful for all of my teacher’s and staff’s support they provided me throughout my last few school years. They were all willing to assist me and give me wise advice whenever I needed it which is how I am standing here. Despite having such a busy schedule, they all put in the effort to help any student which is truly special for us. 

 

At the end of the day, you will spend 6 years at Marist, and I hope that during this time you will try to always think positively regardless of the situation and form fun memories that you won’t forget.” 

Father James Wall Bursary Leadership Achievement Award 

Congratulations to Jemma Maloney (Year 11 – Joseph House) who was selected as one of seven students across Australia to receive the Father James Wall Bursary Leadership Achievement Award. The $5,000 Father James Wall Bursary Leadership Achievement Award will be provided through the sponsorship of the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) to assist with school fees and other expenses incurred whilst Jemma undertakes Years 11 and 12 at Marist-Sion College. Jemma’s nomination demonstrated her skills and attributes worthy of the Award. Congratulations Jemma!

Victorian State Track & Field Championships 

Zaria Dalton (Year 9 – Lourdes House) recently competed at the Victorian State Track and Field Championships this weekend at Lakeside Stadium in the Women’s U/16 100M & 200M events. Zaria walked away with two silver medals completing the 100M in 12.55 seconds and running a personal best for the 200M – 25.96sec. 

Zaria has now qualified to compete in both of these events at the Australian Athletics Championships over in Perth in April, and also has already met the entry standards to compete in the Women’s U/17 100M event at the 2026 National Championships. Congratulations Zaria!

Year 7 Welcome Evening

The Year 7 Welcome Evening for all Year 7 students and their parents, guardians and carers was be held on Tuesday 4 February. I always love speaking to parents/carers on these evenings and hearing about the students’ first fortnight in secondary school.

Year 7 Bootcamp

There was an energetic tone in our College community as the Year 7 students participated in their Year 7 Bootcamp. This is an exciting time for our junior students who are learning about the safe and appropriate use of digital technologies, including the internet, applications, computers and tablets.

Child Safety

We commit to sustaining and improving our child safe practices and culture.

Year 7 Activities Week

Year 7 students have participated in a range of activities this week including a day at Camp Rumbug in Foster North, the Catholic Identity Reflection Day, and a Gumbuya World experience on Friday 28 February. So many Year 7 students alighted the buses at the end of the day having made new friends and with a big smile on their faces.

House Swimming Carnival

The House Swimming Carnival was a big success. Student attendance, participation and engagement was stronger than last 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. Mrs Joanna John (Psychologist) and 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.

Stewardship of Resources

We provide a vibrant and sustainable future for generations to come.

Upgrades to College Facilities over the Holidays

During the 2024 Christmas holidays, a range of upgrades and improvements were completed across the College, including essential safety works, rectification projects, and enhancements to learning and staff spaces.

Key Projects:

• Learning Spaces:
  • HUM3 converted into a Flexible Learning Centre.
  • Jericho 1 transformed into a classroom.
  • Jericho 2 repurposed as a Head of House office.
  • Hall interior repainted, with new curtains installed.
  • Back Oval Locker Bay refreshed with new lockers and a fresh coat of paint.
  • Pressure washing of pathways.
  • Air conditioning systems serviced across the College
  • A new internal bin system introduced College-wide to support sustainability efforts.
  • Library upgraded with communal study benches featuring power outlets to enhance student collaboration.

These improvements aim to create a safer, more functional, and engaging learning environment for students and staff.

College Masterplan – Covered Courts and Campus Heart

In December, the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) Board approved the Campus Heart Landscaping Project. Work on this project has commenced following significant student, staff and parent consultation. We have engaged a company called Greenline to deliver two covered courts this year. Greenline specialise in designing and building shaded structures. They understand our vision, requirements and budget.

Save the Dates!

Sunday 26 October 2025

50 Year Anniversary Community Mass and College Open Day

We will hold a Mass at 10:30am and College Open Day 12:00pm – 4:00pm on Sunday 26 October 2025.  Old Collegians, in particular, are welcome to come along to this event to reconnect with old friends and our learning community.

Wednesday 4 June 2025

Old Collegian Mentor Breakfast for Year 12 Students

Old Collegian Mentor Breakfast for Year 12 Students will be held in Lesson 1 on Wednesday 4 June 2025. If you would like to be involved in this event, please contact Mrs Elly Martin (Careers and Pathways Leader).

Looking forward to another great year of learning.

Pilgrims of Hope – Look beyond.

Ms Lisa Harkin

Principal