Professional Culture and Growth

Professional Learning and Development

As we draw Term 2 to a close, I reflect on how much has been achieved from our staff in terms of their professional development. A lot of work has been taking place with curriculum reviews in preparation for the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 which will be implemented in 2025. There has also been numerous staff led workshops that have been offered this term for staff to develop their skills in specific areas. It highlights the willingness and collaborative culture that we have within our staff community.

Our staff continue to utilise the thousands of courses offered through our Learning Hub platform. We will be working towards putting our own training sessions on the hub so that staff can access this online at a time convenient to them and to support new staff as they commence their employment journey at Marist-Sion College.

Voice Care Workshop for Teachers

Mr. James Mazzolini – Director of Staff Development

Our voices are one of the main modes of communication at our workplace. Speaking excessively, loudly, over noise and projecting our voices across school grounds are among the many vocal challenges teachers need to manage to help prevent voice fatigue. In 2019, our school engaged with ‘In Good Voice’ to provide an on-site workshop for all staff regarding voice care and in 2024, it was time for a refresher opportunity. On Monday 20 May, the Professional Culture and Growth Team conducted an optional Voice Care Workshop for Teachers to protect the most important tool of our trade. This workshop was facilitated by speech pathologist, Samantha U’Ren, who addressed a variety of helpful techniques to assist staff to use their voice more effectively and safely. This workshop covered the basics of anatomy and physiology of the voice, phonation, respiration, and resonance, and how each contributes to speech. We explored vocal hygiene and care strategies and discussed common voice disorders including signs and symptoms. Finally, we practiced warm up and cool down exercises and practical activities and strategies to keep our voice healthy and avoid voice fatigue. We look forward to our continued partnership with ‘In Good Voice’ to provide our staff with voice care support now and in the future.

Term 3 staff Professional Learning Day – 15 July

Monday 15 July is a student free day. Staff will be attending a Professional Learning Day focusing on wellbeing. We are excited to have wellbeing specialist and teacher, Meg Durham, to present to staff on strategies for wellbeing specific to those working in education. Please note that College reception will be closed for the day.

Have your contact details or family circumstances changed?

If you have had any changes to your contact details or had family circumstances change it is important to contact the college to update your details. This also includes any changes to other family members or friends you have listed as a contact for your child. Ensuring your details are up to date means that we can make contact when needed. Please call or email college reception to update your details.

Staffing Changes for Term 3

We farewell the following staff and thank them for their service to the College:

Ms Laurienne Shepherd
Mr Darren Besanko
Mrs Genevieve Shepherd

The following staff will be taking a period of leave at the commencement of Term 3:

Mrs Vivian Lally – Semester 2
Mrs Sharon Gardiner – Term 3
Mr James Mazzolini – Returning 1st September.
Mrs Kate Davey – Semester 2
Mrs Brooke Hollier – Semester 2
Miss Guilia Marcolin – Semester 2
Mrs Maddy Arima – Semester 2

We welcome the following new staff to Marist-Sion College:

Mrs Melanie Williams – Food Technology and Geography Teacher
Mrs Maria Bucknell – English and Humanities Teacher
Mr Bernard O’Connor – English and RE Teacher
Ms Tanya Rosenquist – First Aid Officer
Miss Serena Peregin – Public Relations Manager
Ms Angela Lambie – Academic Support Officer
Mrs Chloe Walker – College Receptionist
Ms Coby O’Hehir – Administration Officer
Mr Chris Hand – Materials Technology Assistant
Mrs Holly McArthur – College Café Assistant
Mr James Rowley – Learning Support Officer
Miss Felicity Waddell – Learning Support Officer

I wish all our staff and students a restful term break.

Georgie Erpisimidis

Deputy Principal – Professional Culture and Growth