From our Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers 

Term Two has been full of positive beginnings, with intentional transition processes helping students settle, connect and feel at home in their classes. 

Our Purpose 

Our work is focussed on improving the learning and life outcomes of the students in our care. 

Our Priorities 

Our College Priorities centre on forming lifelong learners by placing student growth, belonging and excellence at the heart of everything we do. Guided by Student Voice and strong pastoral care, we prioritise child safety, wellbeing, inclusion and leadership opportunities, ensuring every learner is known, supported and empowered to contribute.

Alongside this, we invest deeply in Staff Formation and Coaching, with a strong focus on professional learning, feedback and recognition, and formation grounded in the Catholic tradition. Our work is brought together through a clear Instructional Model and a coherent approach to Curriculum and Assessment, enabling staff to know their curriculum, practice and impact, and ensuring learning is purposeful, consistent and responsive. 

Use of Student Planners 

Please continue to encourage your child to use their Student Planner to record key dates, track their responsibilities and stay informed about important school expectations. As highlighted in our Student Commencement Programs, students are encouraged to use their planners to note timetables, set goals, reflect on their responsibilities and help them to begin each day prepared and confident. 

Learning and Teaching 

George Collins Kokoda Reflections from Jett Driscoll and Lily Di Grandi 

Year 12 students Jett Driscoll and Lily Di Grandi shared powerful reflections from their 2025 Kokoda experience. Speaking with authenticity and humility, they connected their personal challenges on the Track with the enduring courage of Australian soldiers. Their words invited the College community to reflect on the resilience of those who served. 

“One of the biggest challenges they faced was the harsh environment. When we walked the trail, we faced steep hills, uneven terrain and dirt that quickly turned into mud with the heavy rain. For me the trail was extremely hard, but I had the support of my porter, food cooked for me and dry place to sleep at night. The Australian soldiers had none of this. The Soldiers, some not much older than me, had to walk long distances while carrying heavy equipment, often with very little food or rest. They did all this while facing constant danger of enemy attacks” 

(Lily Di Grandi – Year 12 Marcellin House). 

“Following in the footsteps of those who had come before us showed me that resilience isn’t all about raw strength or muscles, much rather it is the ability to keep going, putting one foot in front of the other, whether in sunshine or rain, going up or down, morning or night and regardless of our own feelings or tiredness. Every step was a challenge but at the very least we didn’t have to wade through gun fire or lug around machine guns. There were numerous times across the mountain ranges where we all had our breaking points and wanted to through in the towel but with the spirit of the soldier in our poker we had to finish the track in their honour”  (Jett Driscoll – Year 12 MacKillop House). 

 2026 George Collins Kokoda Awardees 

At the College Assembly this week, we proudly acknowledged the 2026 George Collins Kokoda Awardees, recognising students who demonstrated deep reflection, courage and commitment through a rigorous application and interview process. Congratulations to Cohen Cogo (Sion House) and Samantha Richards (Joseph House), whose have stepped forward to embrace this significant leadership and service experience. Their achievement was met with strong affirmation from their peers. 

House Cross Country Carnival 

The House Cross Country Carnival was a celebration of participation, perseverance and House spirit, with a strong turnout of students choosing to compete and support one another throughout the day. Held at Burke Street Park, students ran with determination across the 2 km and 3 km courses, encouraged by peers and staff alike. Congratulations to Lourdes House, who were crowned overall winners, and to all individual place‑getters across junior, intermediate and senior divisions. 

As a College we speak often about connection over correction, and yesterday that sense of connection between staff and students was absolutely evident. Being trackside with Mitch Diston, Dean Hendrikse and Michael O’Keeffe and hearing them cheer students on by name was fantastic. I was also struck by the way students lifted themselves, even if they had been walking for part of the race, as they came past and were encouraged. Those small moments matter, and they were everywhere. 

Thank you to you and the Health and PE Team. I am always reminded just how much work goes into events like this, particularly when they fall so early in the term, which I know brings additional challenges. The success of the day is a real testament to your planning and, importantly, to the strong team-based culture that exists across our sporting program. 

College Musical – Peter Pan 

Rehearsals for Peter Pan, our 2026 College Musical are underway. 

We have assembled a strong cast for this year’s production and the level of enthusiasm shown by the students has been exceptional. 

Student Engagement – Marist Girls Netball Carnival 

“We’re excited to announce that the 2026 Marist Netball Carnival is fast approaching. This year, the Carnival will be hosted by Marist College Bendigo and Assumption College Kilmore, and our team will be travelling to Bendigo to compete against other Marist schools from across Australia. Training has already begun, and the girls have hit the ground running. They will be working hard in the lead-up to the Carnival, building on their skills and teamwork as they prepare for the competition. 

Last year was an incredibly successful campaign for our team. It marked our first official Carnival in a few years, and the girls rose to the occasion, finishing in the top division and placing 5th overall. Throughout the week, the team demonstrated strong teamwork with many players delivering standout performances. 

One of the biggest highlights of the Carnival was Georgia Coleman being awarded Player of the Carnival. This award is particularly special, as it is voted on by opposing teams after each game. With 17 teams and around 200 students competing, this meant Georgia was recognised as the top player across the entire competition — an incredible achievement.” 

Georgia Coleman (Year 12 – MacKillop)  Player of the Carnival, Marist Girls Netball Carnival 

Student Engagement – Northern Territory Experience 

The itinerary for the Northern Territory Experience, is in its final stages of development. This will be provided to families once it is received from our agent. Scheduled for September 2026, the program provides Year 10 and Year 11 students with the opportunity to engage deeply with Australia’s cultural, historical and natural landscapes, supported by a dedicated staff team. 

Catholic Identity 

 ANZAC Services 

Marist-Sion College Students Honour ANZACs through Service and Remembrance 

Marist-Sion College students have marked ANZAC Day with a moving program of remembrance, service and intergenerational connection across the Warragul community. 

On Friday 24 April, student leaders and staff from Marist-Sion College visited local aged care facilities, including Abbey Gardens, Warragul Community Aged Care, Cooinda Lodge and Fairview Village, to lead ANZAC services and spend time with residents who hold close personal connections to Australia’s military history. 

Through prayer, reflection, readings and the laying of wreaths, students honoured the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women, bringing the spirit of ANZAC Day directly into the hearts of the local community. 

At the heart of ANZAC Day is servant leadership — ordinary people choosing to serve something greater than themselves, highlighting the importance of walking alongside others, especially in difficult moments. Our students were deeply aware that they were standing alongside people for whom ANZAC Day is personal and lived. It was a privilege for them to listen, learn and honour that legacy. 

Sienna Bucknall (Year 10) said, “The ANZAC Day Service today made me realise that if the Great War was today, then my two brothers would have been called to serve. It is important that this day isn’t seen as a celebration. For the residents of Abbey Gardens, it was eye-opening to see that they are so much more connected to horrors of war given their lives span many generations.” 

As part of the College’s ongoing partnership with the Baw Baw Schools RSL Ambassador Program, students took responsibility for leading prayers, scripture readings, reflections and the Ode, as well as laying wreaths and observing a minute’s silence with residents and RSL representatives. 

Student reflections during the services centred strongly on gratitude — for peace, for freedom and for those who made sacrifices in service of others. 

The experience was formative for students, with many recognising their own family connections to ANZAC service through grandparents and relatives. By serving our aged care residents and honouring their stories, our students gain a deeper understanding of history, humanity and their own responsibility to contribute to a just and compassionate society. 

Staff News 

Kelly Mills and Gabrielle Catania have begun the Teaching Excellence Program! 

Our school values the learning and development of our staff, and the positive impact this has on student outcomes and school improvement. 

We are proud to share that Kelly and Gabrielle recently began theTeaching Excellence Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. 

This program enables skilled teachers to further advance their capabilities and skills in teaching. Through the program, Kelly and Gabrielle will grow their knowledge of teaching practices by engaging with contemporary educational research and inquiring into two areas of their practice. We look forward to Kelly and Gabrielle sharing their skills and knowledge from the program to continue to support student learning and wellbeing outcomes at our school. 

Raising Calves 

Learning Area Leaders were welcomed by the Technology Team to the Agriculture and Horticulture Centre to experience bottle feeding the calves. It was a wonderful afternoon. Thank you to MPH Farming for their continued support of the College. It is a privilege to provide these sorts of encounters and learning experiences for our students. 

Child Safety and Wellbeing 

Primary Connection Visits 

This week, our students and staff thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with our feeder primary school communities through a series of Primary Connection Visits. We were warmly welcomed at St Angela of the Cross Primary School, Warragul; St Joseph’s Primary School, Warragul; St Joseph’s Primary School, Trafalgar; St Ita’s Primary School, Drouin; and Columba Catholic Primary School, Bunyip. The visits provided a valuable opportunity for our Year 7 students to share their lived experience of secondary school, answering thoughtful questions and offering reassurance and encouragement to Grade 5 and 6 students. The confidence and engagement shown by our students reflected the strength of student voice and leadership at Marist‑Sion College. 

Student Leadership Seminar – Transform the World with God’s Love 

A highlight of the Student Leadership Seminar was the opportunity for leaders to engage in two purposeful, hands‑on learning experiences. During the Leadership Panel, students heard candid reflections from College leaders and senior student representatives, who shared their personal leadership journeys and responded to thoughtful questions about influence, service and responsibility within our community. Later in the day, students participated in an Appreciative Inquiry and Design process, working collaboratively in mixed‑leadership groups to identify strengths across the College and to design action plans that bring our 2026 theme, Full of Grace – Transform the World with God’s Love, to life in practical ways. These activities showcased high levels of student voice, collaboration and ownership, with leaders committing to actions that will shape College life throughout the 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 Mel Bradley (Acting Director of Student Counselling) 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 

Social Media 

Parents and guardians can stay connected with Marist-Sion College by following us on our social media channels: 

• Facebook: Marist-Sion College Facebook Page 

• Instagram: Marist-Sion College Instagram Page 

Save the Dates 

Significant Women’s Breakfast 

Tickets for the Significant Women’s Breakfast are selling fast. We anticipate this year’s event on Thursday 7 May 2026 from 7:30am – 9:00am will sell out. Buy your tickets today to avoid disappointment. 

Significant Men’s Breakfast 

The Significant Men’s Breakfast will be held on Wednesday 9 September from 7:30am – 9:00am. 

Old Collegian Mentor Breakfast for Year 12 Students 

Old Collegian Mentor Breakfast for Year 12 Students will be held in Lesson 1 on Wednesday 3 August 2026. This was an outstanding event last year. If you would like to be involved in this event, please contact Mrs Elly Martin (Careers and Pathways Leader). 

Thanks for your on-going support of our work at Marist-Sion College and for attending the Parent Teacher Student Interviews in such numbers. It is a privilege to serve this community. 

Full of Grace – Transform the World with God’s Love. 

Ms Lisa Harkin

Principal