From our Principal

Welcome Back

Welcome back to the 2024 school year. It is great to have the students back and in advance I thank all our parents for their support throughout the course of this year. 

I extend a special welcome to our new students in Year 7 and those commencing from other schools across multiple year levels. I spent a lot of time with the Year 7s through their orientation program. I encourage you to persevere as you navigate a series of firsts over the coming weeks. You will find your way around the school in time.

A New Strategic Plan

This year, we launched a new strategic plan to guide our work over the coming four years. You can read it here: https://www.mscw.vic.edu.au/our-college/strategic-improvement-plan-annual-improvement-plan/

Shaping Marist-Sion’s Future

Today’s 15 years olds will likely navigate 17 changes in employer across 5 different careers. They will sometimes be self-employed, at other times working with and for others. This strategic plan seeks to develop the critical skills our students need to thrive in the world.

As technology reduces the need for workers to complete routine, manual tasks they will spend more time focusing on people, solving more strategic problems and thinking creatively (The New Work Smarts, 2017).

By 2030, it is predicted that we will, on average, spend 30 per cent more time per week learning skills on the job; spend double the time at work solving problems, spend 41 per cent more time on critical thinking and judgment, and 77 per cent more time using science and mathematics skills; utilise verbal communication and interpersonal skills for 7 hours a week each; and develop an entrepreneurial mindset due to having less management, less organisational coordination and less teaching (Future of Work, 2019).

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.

Strategic Pillars – Our Commitment to Action

Catholic Identity

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

Year 7 Welcome Evening

The Year 7 Welcome Evening was well attended and a great way for the Year 7 students and their parents/carers to meet Heads of House and Tutors. I always love speaking to parents/carers on these evenings and hearing about the students’ first fortnight in secondary school.

VCE Top Study Scores Assembly

The VCE Top Study Scores Assembly was held on Friday 9 February 2024. College Dux, Shannon Huntingford was presented with a gift of a laptop. VCAL Dux, Harry Graafsma was presented with a drone.

When College Dux, Shannon Huntingford addressed the College, she said:

“I would say in order to make the multiple, seemingly long years of school more fun, to focus on the positives of it all, rather than the negatives and what could possibly go wrong. For instance, no one is going to remember if you happen to come last in the freestyle event in Year 9, but instead you can choose to have a bit of fun and create memories of you and your friends dressing up and getting in the pool just because. It is because of these moments that I was able to get through the years that I thought I would never get through, and without these memories my ATAR score wouldn’t have as much meaning as it does to me now. 

If I hadn’t had these moments that allowed for the stress to be pushed aside, the hard work would have simply been hard work, without much reward. When I think back to school now, it is not the nights of stress before a SAC or classes spent writing an essay that I remember, instead it is the less serious moments spent with both teachers and friends. So, surrounding yourself with people who are both fun to be around, but also support you and motivate you to continue to push yourself and put in your greatest efforts is one of the best ways I found to get the most out of the years here at Marist, and is such a vital part of being able to maintain a balance between the work and social aspects of school.”

Harry spoke of the support his parents provided and affirmed the importance of flexible pathways for all students. It was inspiring listening to Harry and Shannon.

Learning and Teaching

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

Hannah Smith awarded National HEIA Home Economics Teacher of the Year

Hannah Smith was awarded the HEIA Home Economics Teacher of the Year 2023 – 2024 for Australia, as well as the HEIA Home Economics Teacher of the Year 2023 – 2024 for Victoria at the national HEIA conference held in South Australia from January 8 – 10. The event brings together Home Economics teachers from across Australia and the Solomon Islands for professional development and networking.

Hannah is an outstanding educator and a leader in the field of Home Economics. At the heart of Hannah’s exceptional contribution is a deep commitment to student growth and wellbeing. Her classroom is a nurturing environment where students do not just learn about food and health, they learn essential life skills, self-confidence, wellbeing, and resilience.

Hannah’s teaching approach recognises that Home Economics is about equipping students with the knowledge and abilities they need to thrive in their everyday lives, and she provides opportunities in her teaching for students to do so.

Hannah is a fantastic advocate for Home Economics education and has presented at numerous professional learning days, with a focus on practical cooking skills, practical classroom management, exam success for Victorian students, along with curriculum planning for teachers.

Photo: Marist-Sion College, Warragul Home Economics teacher Ms Hannah Smith receiving an HEIA award from Treasurer – Committee of Management (Victoria) Home Economics Institute of Australia Inc (HEIA) Ms Rhonda McInnes. 

Year 7 Bootcamp

There was an energetic tone in our College community as the Year 7 students participated in their Year 7 Bootcamp this week. This is an exciting time for our junior students who are learning about the safe and appropriate use of digital technologies, including the internet, applications, computers and tablets.

Leadership

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

Teaching Excellence Award

I am delighted to announce that Chris Senini was the winner of the Teaching Excellence Award.

Chris is a passionate classroom practitioner who purposefully supports our Catholic Identity through his dedicated work as a Tutor in Marcellin House. Chris is a change maker who believes he can make a difference in the lives of the students in his care. Chris’s passion for agriculture influences all who work alongside him.

Spirit of Marist-Sion College Award 

I am delighted to announce that Emily Lace was the winner of the Spirit of Marist-Sion Award.

St Marcellin Champagnat said, “The work of education is a work of love; it is a continuous act of self-giving.” Emily exemplifies a love of work. Aligned with the philosophy of St Marcellin, Emily sees her work as a vocation, and is convinced that it is a great one. Emily builds positive relationships with students and staff. Emily demonstrates truth, charity, and constancy in all aspects of her life – she is a joy to work with. Emily’s unconditional love and support for the least, the lost and last exemplifies the Spirit of Marist-Sion Award.

Child Safety

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

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. Mrs Joanna John (Psychologist) and 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.

Ms Lisa Harkin

Principal