Valedictory - celebrating the Graduating Class of 2023
Year 7 Orientation Day
New Student Orientation Day
Wellbeing Report - Resilience

Valedictory - celebrating the Graduating Class of 2023

On Friday 17 November, students from the Graduating Class of 2023 joined in celebration with College staff and their parents and guardians at this year's Valedictory at Lardner Park.

Our College is a remarkable community and the House system an integral part. Each House story is now a part of the identity of our graduating stories and they will carry memories of wearing the navy, orange, green, blue, white, red, purple or yellow throughout their lives. Students, over the years you have each been encouraged and mentored by your supportive Tutors and Heads of House as you grew from that excitable Year 7 to the mature young adults graduating this evening. It is during Whole School Celebrations, Wellbeing Program, Production, Camps, Retreats and Reflection Days, Heritage Day, Sport, and House competitions that bonds have been formed with students of all year levels. Your spirit and participation in the many facets of College life has been a tangible expression of belonging to our community and has set the example of other students. We are grateful for your contributions to our College.

It is important that we express our gratitude to those who have been instrumental in planning and organising our Valedictory celebrations.

Thank you to our Heads of Houses, Tutors and staff present this evening for your unwavering support of our Year 12 students throughout their educational journey. Thank you too to Mrs Jenna Dore, Director of Senior Learning, Mrs Elly Martin, Careers and Pathways Coordinator, and Mr Carlo Piad, Applied Learning Coordinator for your support of our students through the ups and downs of Senior schooling and for helping them to find personal success in their future pathways. I also acknowledge Mr Ben Cunningham, a parent here this evening but you too have guided this Year 12 cohort in their Careers and Pathways during your time at the College. Thank you.

Celebrations such as this do not just happen. The organisation of the dinner this evening is a culmination of a years’ worth of planning and preparation. I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to my Assistant Karyn Booth, to Brooke Ryan our Administration Team Leader, Sarah Saliba and Maintenance Team and to Brooke Thomas our Public Relations Manager for your teamwork to make this evening a success. Thank you to our students who formed our Val Committee –Alyssa, Violet, Mia, Connor and Kasey, I thoroughly enjoyed our Tutor Group and regular Recess planning meetings and catch-ups. Thank you for your creative ideas and leadership. Thank you also to Lardner Park for providing us with this venue this evening.

To our Graduates, we hope that you leave our College now, knowing that you are unique, valued and loved individuals, that God will always walk with you throughout your lives, and that you have a great deal to offer our community.

“Remember the past with gratitude,

Live the present with enthusiasm

And look forward to the future with confidence.”

Pope John Paul II (2001)

Year 7 Orientation Day

On Friday 24 November, we welcomed with big smiles our newest Year 7s and the Class of 2029. Our Student Leaders greeted students before Zizi and Bailey, as College Captains, and Ms Lisa Harkin as College Principal extended a friendly welcome. Our Student Leaders led the Acknowledgement of Country and prayer all whilst sat under their House banner dressed in their House colours. During their time with their Head of House and House Captains, students participated in ice breaker and team building activities, completed an Amazing Race to help orient themselves, engaged in a Wellbeing Lesson with their Year Level Tutor, House Captains and Head of House, joined together as a new cohort in the College Chapel and introduced to our Catholic Identity in a dynamic session led by Mrs Jacinta Johnson, Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity and Mission. Students then enjoyed a BBQ Lunch, creating a House mural before departing what was a fantastic day.

With days like this, there are always many hands behind the scenes working busily to prepare. Thank you very much to Susan Rankin, College Registrar for your support in ensuring our students and families experienced a smooth transition. Thank you to our Heads of House, Year 7 Year Level Tutors, Learning Adjustment staff, Maintenance Team and our Student Leaders for your support and care of our new students.

We look forward to welcoming our Year 7s for their second Orientation Day on Friday 2 February 2024.

New Student Orientation Day

On Monday 27 November, our newest members to the College in Years 8-12 participated in our New Student Orientation Day. This day saw students greeted by our Principal, Ms Lisa Harkin, followed by conversations with key members of our College including Mr Tim Morrison, Deputy Principal - Student Learning Culture and Growth, IT and members of our Counselling and Wellbeing Services Team. Students were introduced to their Heads of House and together, toured the College, their House area and Locker Bay. The organisation of this day works to provide our students with the feeling that they are known and loved in the Marist way. Thank you to Susan Rankin, College Registrar, for your support of our students. Thank you too to our IT Team for your hard work in ensuring student laptops were ready and helping students navigate Simon.

Wellbeing Report - Resilience

As we commence Headstart this week, some of your young people may be worried about not having friends in their new classes. Whilst this is understandable, it creates a wonderful opportunity for your child to navigate and cope with these new challenges and build up resilience which benefits their long term mental health.

This week’s school TV resources explores the topic of resilience in more depth. Please refer to the link below.

Resilience | Marist-Sion College (schooltv.me)

Mrs Janelle Burgees

Deputy Principal: Wellbeing Partnerships and Safety

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