From our Principal

Water from the Rock #32 

Wherever the followers of Marcellin are present, working together in mission, this “family spirit” is the Marist way of communal living. Its well-spring is the love that Jesus has for all his brothers and sisters – all of humanity. Through this spirit we offer an experience of belonging and union in mission. (Water from the Rock #32) 

Thank You for Reaching Out 

As was communicated via email, on Saturday night, we had an intruder onsite who smashed a window of the Chapel near the entrance and committed an act of vandalism. 

The College took proactive steps following last week’s incident and have additional security measures in place. The College is now working with Victoria Police and the La Trobe Detectives to respond to the matter. We appreciate the many parents and friends who have reached out with messages of support for the College. We appreciate your level of concern and care for our community. 

Statement of Support for the Israeli and Palestinian People – Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion 

We, the leadership of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion, strongly condemn the attack on Israel by Hamas and the escalation of violence that it has unleashed, resulting in the deaths and injuring of countless people, Israelis and Palestinians. We also denounce the taking of hostages as a weapon in the escalation of this conflict. 

We acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense. However, we cannot ignore the increasing violence suffered by the Palestinian people. Both peoples have a right to a secure future. We hope and pray for all those who have lost loved ones, for the injured to recover from their wounds and for the hostages to be returned to their families. 

May leaders with influence in our world work towards a cessation of this violence and to a just and lasting solution that will lead to peace and justice in the region. 

We pray in solidarity with all in our congregation and with all people around the world who long for a time when “…they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Is: 2:4) 

Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education – Congratulations Kelly Mills 

The Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education Award recognises staff who have made a significant contribution to Marist education beyond the ordinary. Such significance would be evident through the personifying of a characteristically Marist approach to ministry over a long period, service above and beyond what would be expected, and/or a major contribution to a particular Marist project or initiative. The Award recognises staff who evidence a spiritual identification with the deep purposes of Marist education. 

Kelly-Anne (Kelly) is a dedicated Marist educator who goes above and beyond to ensure our students have the best opportunity to achieve their potential. Kelly has demonstrated a commitment to Marist education through various teaching and leadership positions during her extensive time at the College. Kelly has a love of work and deliberately seeks to build collective efficacy through the teams that she works with to ultimately ensure that our students feel known and loved. 

Kelly is an innovative educator who regularly engages in professional learning to enhance her teacher practice. Kelly consistently supports learners through differentiation and the facilitation of excursions and incursions to improve and enhance access to the curriculum – especially the marginalised. Kelly is an inspiring educator of multiple senior English classes, always putting her students first and providing assistance and support outside of lessons. Kelly has also taken on additional classes to support colleagues and friends. 

Kelly is an excellent exemplar in the classroom and models our Marist value of presence in our community. In the way of Mary, Kelly’s answer is always a resounding yes. Kelly’s supportive and responsive attitude towards the staff in her team enables all teachers to feel that that they are part of a community of professionals focused on good instruction. 

Kelly is the trusted leader of the English Learning Area, providing opportunities for personal growth, collaboration and building collective teacher efficacy. 

A very worthy recipient. Congratulations Kelly. 

Soirée – VCE Unit 3 and 4 and VET Showcase Evening 

Last night we held our VCE Unit 3 and 4 and VET Showcase Evening. For our VCAL, VCE Unit 3 and 4 students, participation in these learning areas has been transformative – helping them feel successful and empowered whilst navigating a changing and dynamic landscape. 

I am in awe of the creativity of our Marist-Sion students. Some of their work explored personal identity – gender, sexuality, race and nationality. All of the work revealed a unique insight into the world of our students. Thank you to our staff who supported our VCAL and VCE Unit 3 and 4 students with their learning across the years. 

Thank you to Lily Tambassis and Joel Collings for hosting the evening. 

Inspiring Young Women Dinner 

I had the privilege of attending the Inspiring Young People Dinner last week, an annual event hosted by the BBLLLEN (Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning & Employment Network). The students pictured below are considering careers as Researchers, Criminal Psychologists, Surgeons and Art Curators. Students had the opportunity to meet women from a variety of industries, professions and sectors across Baw Baw Shire. These inspiring women shared their pathways, education, career moves and drive for social change. Students were able to ask them questions over a formal dinner with leaders and the guest speakers. Our students were encouraged to follow their dreams and remain open to changing direction. 

Year 12 Gratitude to Staff Morning Tea 

This week, we began an emotional journey as we farewell our 2023 Year 12 students. On Tuesday, the Year 23 students hosted a morning tea to say thank you to their teachers and support staff. Over the next couple of weeks, a number of planned activities will provide the Marist-Sion College staff and students the opportunity to say thank you for all they have contributed to the Marist-Sion College community and wish them all the best for the future. 

 Year 12 Farewell and Gratitude Day 

Over the last six years, our Year 12s have made a positive contribution to our learning community. The Year 12s have impacted on us in ways they may never truly understand. Through the warmth of a simple smile or greeting, an act of kindness or a gesture of appreciation, their impression will remain with us. Your willingness to support each other, to accept and respect each other’s differences, working together to make this community stronger. Amongst your many achievements, the friendships you have established and the bond you share is probably the greatest. 

In their final year, led magnificently by College Captains Alyssa Weir and Violet Pyle, our Year 12s have become the confident and talented young men and women. 

May our Year 12s stay close to their faith, stay close to their families and surround themselves with great friends. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the remarkable accomplishments of these young people in the future. 

Gippsland SSV Finals 

Good luck to our Boys and Girls Cricket Teams and our Girls Basketball Team who are participating in the Gippsland SSV Finals this week. We are proud of you. 

VCAA Performance and Language Oral Exams 

The VCAA Performance and Language Oral Exams were held last week. Our students prepared for and performed well during these exams. It was excellent to hear so many students speaking positively about their experience in having one exam successfully under their belts.  

Year 10 Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) 

The Year 10 Structured Workplace Learning students returned to school this week having identified future career options and pathways. Students can access support from the Careers Team and through the informative Careers Newsletter. 

Assessing Wellbeing in Education (AWE) Survey 

In a survey conducted with students across all year levels, it was identified that sleep is an area for significant improvement. It is important to remember vital role that rest and quality sleep play in the lives of your children. Adequate rest is not a luxury, but a cornerstone of their overall wellbeing. It is during periods of rest that their bodies heal and minds refresh, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that each day brings. As parents and guardians, I urge you to prioritise and support healthy sleep habits for your children. Encourage a consistent bedtime routine and provide them with a calm and conducive environment for rest. In doing so, we equip our students with the energy and focus needed to thrive in their academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. This will set the young people in our care up for success. 

Ms Lisa Harkin

Principal