Student Learning & Growth 

Celebrating Student Engagement 

Marist-Sion College continues to offer students diverse opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with pathways beyond the classroom. 

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Programmes 

Through the Baw Baw/Latrobe VET cluster, our students can access more than 20 Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes, both onsite and through partnerships with TAFE Gippsland and other local providers. This model gives students the chance to explore hands-on industries such as hospitality, agriculture, trades, sport and recreation, community services and tourism. It also provides real-world experience through structured workplace learning, which is a valuable component of the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) programme. 

Our Year 10 students are already thriving in their chosen VET courses. Logan Wallace (Marcellin House) shared that he loves “the opportunity to build stuff with my own two hands” through Carpentry. Similarly, Archi Blizzard (Marcellin House) enjoys “getting out in the workshop and making projects,” while Cooper Dowsett (Jericho House) values the practical skills that will help him pursue a career as a carpenter. Each of these students had a taste of different trades last year and are now using that experience to focus on carpentry pathways.  

Their stories highlight how VET allows students to combine their interests with meaningful career options. They graduate with practical skills which allows for flexible pathways as students can continue on in the VCE VM programme, keeping pathways to university, TAFE advanced study or apprenticeships open.  

Humanities Competitions 

Equally impressive has been our students’ performance in the Australian History Competition. This national event challenges students to apply their knowledge of Australian history, critical thinking, and source analysis skills under exam conditions. 

We also celebrate achievements in the Australian Geography Competition, which tests students’ understanding of the world around them, from physical landscapes to human interactions. 

Ms Alysoun Smalley

Deputy Principal: Student Learning Culture and Growth