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.
On Monday 6 October, we welcomed our students back with renewed enthusiasm. Our Year 12 students have shown focus and resilience as they prepare for final assessments. Their leadership and presence continue to inspire younger students.
Our Commitment to Action: Learning and Teaching
We build expert teachers, adaptive teaching teams and collaborative expertise.
Royal Melbourne Show – Student Achievements
Congratulations to our talented students who were recognised in the 2025 Royal Melbourne Show – Arts, Crafts & Cookery Competition. Vivien Turner placed third in the Granola category, with Callum Pepping and Setayesh Taimorey receiving Highly Commended, and Seth Milne, Elise Pritchard, and Sophie Maloney Commended. In the Spiced Chutney category, Lucas Dalton and Hugh Cunningham earned Very Highly Commended, while Liv Nicosia and Lachlan Walker were Commended.
College Production – 2026
Planning has begun for the College Production in 2026. Mrs Sharryn Marshall (Learning Leader – Performing Arts) and Mrs Louise Haley (Learning Leader – Music Performance) will make a special announcement on the College Production at the Community Open Day.
VCE Practice Exams
It was a busy week of trial exams in Week 2 of the holidays! Student attendance remained high and on day one sat at 97%. The trial exams are a privilege and they provide an indication on learning that is understood and applied and other areas that represent gaps that need to be a focus and addressed. Students were outstanding and followed the VCAA expectations. Thank you to Mrs Jenna Dore (Director of Senior Learning) for her leadership. I wish all VCE students the best as they prepare for their final exams.
Our Commitment to Action: Catholic Identity
We activate identity and mission through Catholic Social Teaching and affirming the dignity and inclusion of all.
Community Open Day
Families are warmly invited to attend our Community Open Day on Sunday 26 October. We already have over 600 people who have registered to attend the Community Open Day.
What’s On
- Learning area showcases with interactive activities
- Guided and self-guided College tours
- History displays honouring our journey
- Live performances in the new College Heart
- Sport competitions and exhibition matches
- Food trucks, BBQ, and refreshments
Family fun including rides, face painting, and balloon art
Who’s Invited?
- Current and past families and staff
- Prospective families considering joining our community
- Members of the wider Warragul community
2025 Spirit of Marist-Sion Award
The Spirit of Marist-Sion Awardrecognises a staff member who has lived out the Spirit of the College in their work and their professional relationships with students, staff and parents. Reference should be made to one or more of the characteristics in Marist-Sion's mission statement: Our mission is to provide an innovative education which integrates faith, learning and life in a welcoming community. Nominations will be received until Tuesday 21 October 2025.
Santa Teresa Immersion Success
Students and staff recently returned from the Santa Teresa Immersion with full hearts and new perspectives. Over eight days, they experienced the warmth and generosity of the Ltyentye Apurte community, taking part in school and aged care visits, community service, and cultural exchange. From sharing meals and stories to watching the sunrise over the desert, every moment deepened their understanding of faith, gratitude, and connection.
Our Commitment to Action: Leadership
We are impactful leaders, building capacity and driving school improvement.
Student Leadership - Student Executive Leadership Team and House Captains
Following the election of the College Captains and Vice Captains, we have moved to elect the other Student Executive Leadership and House Captain roles. This represents a broader strategic priority to broaden the base of students appointed to leadership at the College. I have enjoyed listening to staff reflect on the calibre of student leaders at Marist-Sion College.
Our Commitment to Action: Child Safety
We commit to sustaining and improving our child safe practices and culture.
Raising Concerns Respectfully – Complaint Handling Policy and Procedure
We are committed to listening and responding to concerns in a respectful, timely, and constructive manner. If parents or carers have a concern, we encourage them to refer to our Complaint Handling Policy and Procedure, which outlines clear steps for raising and resolving issues. Initial concerns should be directed to the relevant teacher or Tutor who will be happy to answer your questions. The policy ensures that all complaints are handled fairly and in alignment with our values of dignity, inclusion, and transparency.
The Impact of School Phone Bans – Two Years On
Two years after mobile phone bans were introduced in many Australian schools, the outcomes are clear: improved learning focus, stronger peer relationships, and a greater sense of belonging among students. These changes support our commitment to fostering inclusive, engaged, and respectful learning environments. I encourage parents to read more in the recent Guardian Australia article: The Impact of School Phone Bans – Two Years On
Accessing Support through the College
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. 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. We encourage any student who feels unsafe to confide in a trusted adult or contact the College’s Child Safety Champions by emailing: ChildSafety@mscw.vic.edu.au.
Our Commitment to Action: Stewardship of Resources
We provide a vibrant and sustainable future for generations to come.
Facilities and Grounds – Maintenance and Upgrades
Thank you to the Facilities and Maintenance Team and various contractors who completed a whole host of work across the holidays. It’s been a very busy period! I cannot commend the maintenance team highly enough, especially Paul, Zol and Wayne, for the tremendous amount of work they’ve put in. We’ve also had help from our cleaner, Harry and casual, Tom over the 2 weeks. The College is looking fantastic and we will maintain this standard in anticipation of our 50th Celebration Community Open Day.
Painting in following locations
- Whole exterior of Ratisbonne building
- Planter boxes and rendered block work surrounding Ratisbonne and Chapel
- Chapel Exterior render and surrounding pillars
- Bell Tower
- Exterior of Champagnat Building- Bus Loop Side
- Exterior of Café
- Exterior of Champagnat Building- CHA 1-6
- Walkway leading to Campus Heart
- Exterior of Locker Bay under CHA classrooms
- Exterior of Materials Technology
- Exterior of Back Oval Locker Bay
- Champagnat 4 Classroom touch ups
- Interior walls in Ratisbonne 4, 5 and 16
- Exterior of Administration Building adjacent to Campus Heart
- All concrete walls in Jericho Courts
- Hall Foyer
- Theatre and surrounding hallway
- Joseph 9
- Joseph Locker Bay
Pressure washing in following locations
- Jericho Basketball courts
- Champagnat Courtyard
- Exterior of Chapel
- Outside Café
- Deck surrounding Ratisbonne Building (north and south)
- Hall Entrance
- Exterior walls and path of Theatre
- Joseph Square render
- Ratisbonne tiered seating
- Ratisbonne Perspex roofing
- Staff lounge external area
Excavation work
- Excavating Champagnat courtyard grass and have laid new buffalo turf
- Pulling out foliage and weeds in Pauline Hutchison memorial garden (hall) and will replant in the next week
- Pulling out foliage and weeds in garden bed outside IT office, Joseph 5 and 6 and will replant in the next week
- Excavating all grassed areas in the Lourdes village and new turf laid
Carpet Steam Cleaning
- Hall Foyer and surrounding hallways
- St Mary Mackillop Building Open Area
- Administration Building
- LaValla Boardroom
- Champagnat 4
Maintenance Tasks
- Cleaning classroom whiteboards (whole College)
- Polishing Administration exterior Matrix cladding
- Polishing Wayfinder signs
- Cleaning bin surrounds
- Removing COVID 1.5m safe distance stickers around College
- Cleaning Joseph walkway ceiling
- Installing benches in Marian 1 classroom
- Installing new paper towel dispensers to whole College
- Fitting Salto locks to all doors in Ratisbonne 5
- Repairing concrete landing in Chapel
Grounds Tasks
- Weeding and mulching garden beds
- Trimming back plants and hedges around College
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 nearing completion – delivered on time and to within budget. This project will provide a passive recreation space for students to gather during break times. Currently, we are just waiting on the supply and install of the furniture.
Pilgrims of Hope – Look beyond.
Ms Lisa Harkin
Principal