From our Principal

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. 

As Term 3 draws to a close, there’s much to celebrate. Thank you for taking the time to attend our recent Parent Teacher Student Interviews. These conversations are such an important part of the learning journey, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with you. Strong partnerships between home and school make a real difference. Your insights help us to better understand and support each student in their growth as young people. 

Our Commitment to Action: Learning and Teaching 

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

At Marist-Sion, we are committed to creating the conditions that enable our leaders and teachers to thrive. We take shared responsibility for using every moment of our students’ instructional time in the most impactful way possible … to shape the strongest learning and life trajectories for every student, regardless of their starting point. That is our vision of true social justice for our community. 

Developing a New Instructional Model 

Recently, a working party was established to co-create a new Instructional Model. This is a first step on a 5 Year Roadmap – stay tuned for further updates. 

Understanding Maths Anxiety 

The Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership recently published a helpful guide for parents and carers, Understanding Maths Anxiety. The way parents and carers talk about maths (sometimes referred to as numeracy) has a powerful impact on how children feel about the subject. When maths is spoken about negatively at home, children are more likely to experience maths anxiety – a sense of fear or worry when faced with mathematical tasks. This anxiety can lead to lower achievement and/or avoidance of maths altogether. On the other hand, positive maths talk – like emphasising effort, persistence, and everyday usefulness can foster a growth mindset. 

VCAA Music Performance Examinations 

I am pleased to share that our request to host the VCAA Music Performance Examinations this October has been successful. This is a valuable opportunity for our Unit 3/4 Music students to undertake their assessments within the familiar environment. The benefits to our senior students are significant. All ten of our students have been scheduled across the four-day examination period, alongside participants from other schools. Preparations are now underway to ensure all logistical and operational requirements are met to support a smooth and professional examination experience. 

Our Commitment to Action: Catholic Identity 

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

Significant Men’s Breakfast – 3 September 

In preparing for the event, Joshua Bradley and Angus Dunsmuir were invited to consider a guest speaker who could authentically speak to the theme of inclusion and belonging. As educators, our mission is to form good Christians and virtuous citizens — people who welcome others, do not judge, and serve the most vulnerable in our community. We were thrilled when Mr David Hobbs accepted the invitation to speak. David is a passionate advocate for men’s health and community engagement. Thank you for sharing your story with those who attended the Significant Men’s Breakfast, David. 

Carlo Acutis – The First Millennial Saint 

On Sunday 7 September, Carlo Acutis became the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint at a solemn canonisation Mass in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The Mass was held in conjunction with the celebration of the Holy Year’s Jubilee for teens. The canonisation Mass was to be conducted by Pope Francis but was delayed due to his death. Pilgrims have been flocking to the church in Assisi, Italy, where his body wearing sneakers, jeans and a t-shirt lies in a shrine. 

Mass is Celebrated Every Friday at 8.10am 

Mass is celebrated in the College Chapel every Friday at 8.10. The Mass goes for 20 minutes and provides space for prayer and reflection. All community members are welcome to attend this Mass. 

Our Commitment to Action: Leadership 

We are impactful leaders, building capacity and driving school improvement. 

Election of our 2025 College Captains, Vice Captains and Student Executive Leadership Team 

We recently elected our College Captains and Vice Captains for 2026. Each of these leaders spoken with passion about their hopes and dreams for our awesome community. 

We were thrilled to congratulate Ruby Griffiths and Dane Hammond, who have been elected as College Captains for 2026! Their humility and leadership shone throughout the selection process. 

We were also pleased to announce Ava Patterson and Oliver Turner as our Vice Captains. Again, their commitment and character stood out, and we’re excited to see what they will achieve in their roles. 

Passing of Christopher Holt – Former Principal of Marist-Sion (1993 – 2006) 

Chris served as Principal of Marist-Sion College from 1993 to 2006. He was an outstanding human being and a gifted educator whose passion for education shaped every aspect of his life.  During his time at the College, Chris gave generously of his time, love and creativity.  Many former students and colleagues will remember him with deep respect and a sense of joy for having had the privilege to know him. 

Chris passed away peacefully in London on Sunday at the age of 84. He had been living there with his partner Dawn and writing prolifically, producing nearly a book a year over the past 15 years. Chris wore many hats throughout his life: author, farmer, soldier, principal, husband, father, son and friend. He was also the great-nephew of former Prime Minister Harold Holt, a connection he carried with quiet pride. 

Chris is fondly remembered as a visionary leader whose legacy lives on in the spaces he shaped, the programs he championed and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed. 

Our Commitment to Action: Child Safety 

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

Student Achievement: ADFA Showcase Work Experience – 22 September – Veronica Pollard (11 Joseph) 

Veronica Pollard successfully applied for the ADFA Showcase Work Experience on Monday 22 September. Congratulations Veronica! 

Student Achievement: Grade 5 Saxophone Exams 

Mem Haley, Lucas Georgakopoulos and Ethan Cox passed their Grade 5 Saxophone exams, an impressive milestone. Grade 5 saxophone demands technical precision, expressive playing and a knowledge of complex musical theory. What makes this achievement even more commendable is the hours they’ve spent practising, refining their tone and mastering challenging repertoire. 

Student Achievement: Gwen Gilchrist and Lexi Bartlett – VicSpell State Finals 

Gwen Gilchrist and Lexi Bartlett made it all the way to the VicSpell State Finals. Gwen finished second. Congratulations Gwen and Lexi on your effort and achievement. 

2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Recognition Dinner 

I was honoured to attend the 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Recognition Dinner, celebrating the achievements of our graduating students. It was a pleasure for Jacinta Johnston (Deputy Principal – Catholic Identity and Mission) and myself to join Carlie Nightingale (Year 12 – Lourdes House), and her mother Vicky for the special occasion. The evening was a meaningful celebration of identity, resilience and educational success. 

SSV – Year 7 and 8 Girls – 3rd Best in the State 

Year 7 and 8 students recently made the finals and placed third in the state. Congratulations team! 

Student Achievement: Lily Di Grandi and Jett Driscoll – Kokoda Trail 

Last holidays, Lily Di Grandi and Jett Driscoll completed the Kokoda Trail. Lily shared, “The Kokoda Trail was a life-changing and unforgettable experience, creating lifelong memories and friendships. It was an extreme mental and physical challenge, but the stories of the Australian soldiers who risked their lives for us gave me the strength and resilience to keep going.” Jett added, “Kokoda was an amazing experience; it was both physically demanding and mentally challenging. It would take us hours to crest a single hill but in the end we all gained a greater appreciation for teamwork, history, and the strength of those who came before us. 

Our Commitment to Action: Stewardship of Resources 

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

Planning for 2026 

Planning is already well under way for the 2026 school year. To assist us with accurate planning for classes, staffing and resources, we kindly ask families to notify the College as soon as possible if your child will not be returning in 2026. Early advice enables us to support a smooth transition for both your child and the College community. 

Campus Heart Project 

The Campus Heart is really taking shape. This project will provide a passive recreation space for students to gather during break times. It is anticipated that this project will be completed in the fortnight following the holidays. 

Consultation on New Learning Spaces 

Our next consultation process with Williams Ross, College architects was conducted last week. Four targeted cohorts of staff participated in the process. This will enable the next phases of the College Master Plan to come to fruition. 

Pilgrims of Hope – Look beyond.

Ms Lisa Harkin

Principal