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.

Our Commitment to Action: Learning and Teaching

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

Marist-Sion College Students Shine as National Finalists – Your Vote Can Help Them Win!

We are thrilled to announce that four Marist-Sion College students have been named Australia-wide finalists in the prestigious Cows Create Careers Competition! We need your support to help them take out the top prize! Voting is open now and closes at close of business on Monday 17th November 2025. Please take a moment to view our Marist-Sion entry and cast your vote!

Voting Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCC25Commercial 

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

Reconnect, Discover, Celebrate! – With that motto, Marist-Sion College welcomed the community to our Golden Jubilee Open Day on Sunday, 26 October 2025. This special event commemorated 50 years since the College’s founding, and the turnout exceeded expectations. Over 1000 parents, past students, former staff and friends registered to attend, turning our campus into a lively reunion. Visitors enjoyed student-led guided tours of new and historic facilities, dramatic performances including a charming Sock Puppet Show by our drama students, and even friendly staff-vs-student debates that showcased our community spirit.

Even intermittent rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm. In true Marist-Sion spirit, staff members literally gave visitors the coats off their backs, or rather, the umbrellas out of their hands. Many teachers lent their umbrellas to guests caught in the rain, ensuring everyone stayed dry and welcome.

The Open Day was not only an opportunity to showcase our facilities and programs, but also a chance for alumni from across decades to reconnect. Longtime former teachers and graduates swapped stories with current students in hallways transformed into galleries of memorabilia. The sense of history was palpable – as one attendee noted, “walking the campus brought back so many memories, yet it’s wonderful to see how the College has grown.” We also displayed archival photos and opened a special 50th Anniversary exhibit highlighting our Marist and Sion heritage, which many visitors appreciated.

A highlight for many was seeing the commitment of our current students on display. From science project showcases to music ensembles performing, our students took pride in representing the College to the public. The day lived up to its theme of “Reconnect, Discover, Celebrate,” bridging past and present. We thank all staff, students and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make the Open Day such a success – including those who helped run stalls, performances, and those managing rainy-day logistics! The positive feedback received (and the smiles on the day) indicate that our 50th anniversary celebrations struck just the right chord of nostalgia and optimism for the future.

The Community Open Day capped off our jubilee year on a high note. We’re delighted to have shared this milestone with so many of you and look forward to the next 50 years with renewed spirit.

Our Commitment to Action: Child Safety

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

Farewelling the Class of 2025

The Mass of Gratitude was a beautiful liturgy celebrating the journey of these students and offering prayers for their future. Later in the day, the whole student body lined the central walkway for the Farewell Parade, cheering and applauding as the Year 12s walked through the guard of honour one last time.

As I said to them after the Mass of Thanksgiving:

You are entering a new world, ready to make your mark, follow your dreams and become who you are meant to be. To enter that world you must now leave your home, at least your educational home, of so many years.

Home is where we find purpose and meaning. It is where we turn in uncertain times for grounding, support and trusted advice. It is the foundation from which we leap into the unknown, and the place we always know we can return to … where we are known and loved for who we are, not just what we’ve done.

Author John Ed Pearce said it beautifully: “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to get back to.” Home is a sanctuary from a troubled world. It is place where you can be yourself.

This school has been your second home. And like any family, it comes with its challenges … there’ve been times when you’ve been challenged when you’ve rocked up late or forgotten to clean the kitchen … and but I can say without hesitation that each of you has enriched our Marist-Sion home. 

Your presence has made a difference.”

Our student leaders have been exceptional role models. A special thanks to College Captains, Mandy Yako and Josh Bradley, and Vice-Captains Alana and Angus, and to the entire Year 12 Student Executive Leadership Team for your outstanding leadership and for living out the College values of truth, charity, and constancy.

Retirement of Mr Michael Hall

Following an extended period of long service leave, we will farewell Michael Hall after an extraordinary 40 years of service to Marist-Sion College. Michael (Mike), a revered teacher and former Humanities Leader, has announced his retirement, effective January 2026. Michael’s tenure at the College spans generations of students. In his four decades here, he has been a valued teacher, mentor, and leader, known for his passion for History and his warm, encouraging presence in the staffroom. Mike led the Humanities Department for many years, fostering a love of learning in areas like History, Geography and Social Studies. In a letter accepting his resignation, I thanked Michael for his dedicated efforts over the past forty years and noted the significant legacy he leaves at the College. Generations of students have been inspired by Michael, many of them now adults who still recall his lessons. Congratulations, Mike!

Farewell to Ms Amanda Lee

This term we also say goodbye to Amanda Lee (Director of Junior Learning), who is moving on to a new role at Sacred Heart College in Geelong. Under her leadership, the College introduced the Endeavour & Excellence Award process to recognise student learning and growth. Congratulations, Amanda!

Farewell to Mrs Joanna John

Earlier in the term, our Director of Counselling – Psychologist, Joanna John, also stepped into a new chapter after 16 years at Marist-Sion. Joanna decided to move into full-time private practice as a psychologist, a decision informed by her dedication to serving the community in new ways. Over her many years on staff, Joanna has led our Counselling and Wellbeing Services Team with compassion and professionalism, always advocating for the needs of the most vulnerable. Best wishes, Joanna!

Farewell to Deacon Mark Kelly

We will farewell Deacon Mark Kelly with deep gratitude for his faithful service and spiritual leadership within our College community. His presence at our liturgies and pastoral events has been a constant over the last 19 years. Thank you, Deacon Mark!

Farewell to Mrs RoseMarie Black

Following an extended period of long service leave, we farewell RoseMarie Black with appreciation for her years of dedicated service, over 14 years, as Learning Area Leader – Religious Education and Director of Mission. Her deep commitment to faith formation, social justice and the spiritual life of our College has left a lasting impact on students and staff alike. We thank RoseMarie for her leadership, compassion and belief in the transformative power of Catholic education, and we wish her every blessing in the journey ahead. Congratulations, RoseMarie!

Farewell to Mrs Jill Lawrence

We farewell Jill Lawrence with sincere appreciation for her contributions as Instrumental Music Teacher and former Learning Leader of Performing Arts at Marist-Sion College. Jill’s passion for music and her dedication to nurturing the talents of our students have enriched the cultural life of the College for many years. Her musical expertise has left a lasting impression on both the classroom and the stage. We thank Jill for her service and wish her all the very best in the next chapter of her journey.

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, 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.

This newsletter report barely scratches the surface of all the positive stories from this term, but we hope it gives you a sense of the vibrancy of College life in Term 4.

Pilgrims of Hope – Look beyond.

Ms Lisa Harkin

Principal