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The buzz around Siena has been building over the past few months and we are all very excited that production week is here. Our opening night audience left the auditorium amazed at the talent on display and word of mouth has now sold out all shows bar the Saturday matinee. Limited tickets are still available for that session here. Many hours of work have gone into the production, both on and off the stage and we would like to congratulate all students and staff whose dedication and talent have made the show 'a singular sensation'!
For many students, the annual music camp is one of the highlights of the year. Students in Junior Band, Symphonic Band, Junior Choir, Junior Strings, Senior Strings and Groove Train will all be attending the ensemble rehearsals and sectionals over the weekend of 4 to 6 August. The camp will be held at the Rutherford Park Country Retreat, a warm and inviting conference centre in Blampied.
Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Groove Train and Junior Band will all be participating in the Victorian School Music festival. Please check the upcoming Music Dates below for the scheduled times. This festival gives our students the opportunity to perform two to three pieces to adjudicators and to listen to other bands from the same section at the Hawthorn Arts Centre or the Australian Institute of Music. Each band participates in an onstage workshop with the guest adjudicator and the conductors will also hold a tutorial session. Please look out for the CareMonkey permission forms that will be sent out shortly.
Siena's Guitar Ensemble has been invited to participate in the Guitar Ensemble Extravaganza, a festival for school acoustic guitar ensembles on Sunday, 29 July at MLC. This is the first festival and excursion that Siena's guitar ensemble will be taking part in and it will be a wonderful learning opportunity for our thirteen guitar students in the ensemble. We hope they have a fantastic time and have fun!
Ensemble students are reminded to bring their instruments on Tuesday, 31 July as we will be having our Annual Music Photographs taken on that day. All students will need to be in full winter uniform, with black tie and clean shoes. Students will be notified regarding specific photo times on the day.
Term 3 Music dates
|Students Involved
|25 to 28 July
|A Chorus Line: High School Edition
|Susan Alberti Auditorium
|Cast, musical orchestra, crew
|29 July
4.00pm - 7.00pm
|Guitar Ensemble Extravaganza
|Guitar Ensemble
|31 July
|Music photos
|Siena College Hall
|Music students
|4 to 6 August
|Music Camp
|Rutherford Park, Blampied
|Symphonic Band, Junior Band, Junior Strings, Senior Strings
|7 August
|St Dominic's Day Mass
|St Dominic's Parish Church
|Choirs, musicians, whole school community
|10 August
4.00pm - 7.30pm
|Wind Orchestra Workshop
|Ensemble Room, Siena College
|Wind orchestra
|10 August
|European Music Tour Information Evening
|Susan Alberti Auditorium
|2019 Wind Orchestra and Senior Choir students
|15 August
Performance 6.00pm
|Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF)
Symphonic Band
|Hawthorn Arts Centre
|Symphonic band students
|20 August
|VSMF - Wind Orchestra
|Hawthorn Arts Centre
|Wind Orchestra students
|22 August
Performance 2.00pm
|Year 9 Music excursion
The Boy from Oz
|Melbourne Arts Centre
|Year 9 Music Performance students
|24 August
|VSMF - Groove Train
|AIM - Australian Institute of Music Melbourne
|Groove Train students
|3 September
|Annual Music Concert
|Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre,
Xavier College
|Music Ensembles
|10 to 19 September
|Ensemble Auditions including European Music Tour
|West Wing, Siena College
|Music students
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth
Psalm 103 (104):1, 24, 29-31, 34
The holy day of Pentecost, celebrated on Sunday, 9 June, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus while they were in Jerusalem. The gift of Pentecost is about being freely given what we have not asked for. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to renew us all.
It was lovely to welcome back students from past decades to share their career paths and their expertise at the 2019 Careers Showcase. This was the sixth such event hosted by the Siena Alumnae Association and a much valued opportunity for students to reflect on future directions. The stories shared on the night were diverse and inspiring with a wide range of professions represented. Thanks are extended to Rachael Clements, President of the Siena Alumnae Association, Liz Merrett our Alumnae Coordinator, Claire Timmins, Head of Careers, and to all who so generously committed their time to ensure the success of the evening.
Throughout the school year, our students engage in a variety of assessments. As the first semester draws to a close, students have participated in online NAPLAN testing, the General Achievement Test (GAT) for all students undertaking Unit 3-4 VCE studies as well as examinations and final assessments in preparation for the mid year reports. Whilst this can be a source of anxiety for some students, it is an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and apply many of the skills they have learnt over the course of the semester. Opportunities to engage in formal assessments also assist in developing useful study skills and habits as well as affirming achievements and pointing to ways to improve future learning. I hope that parents continue to find the online reporting of students' work and progress helpful and that these mid year assessments offer an opportunity to have encouraging and supportive conversations about learning.
We extend our condolences to staff member Crystal McAlister and her grandmother Marie on the recent passing of Allan McAlister. Allan was a former President of the Collingwood Football Club and served on the Siena College Finance Committee for several years. We are grateful to Allan for his service to the Siena community, he was someone who lived his life to the fullest.
It has been a busy and productive semester and soon it will be time for a break and an opportunity to step back from the intensity of the past two terms to a gentler pace of life. I would like to wish all of our Siena College community a safe and enjoyable break for the upcoming holiday period, especially our Year 12s as they prepare for their final months of secondary education.
Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth
Psalm 103 (104):1, 24, 29-31, 34
The holy day of Pentecost, celebrated on Sunday, 9 June, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus while they were in Jerusalem. The gift of Pentecost is about being freely given what we have not asked for. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to renew us all.
It was lovely to welcome back students from past decades to share their career paths and their expertise at the 2019 Careers Showcase. This was the sixth such event hosted by the Siena Alumnae Association and a much valued opportunity for students to reflect on future directions. The stories shared on the night were diverse and inspiring with a wide range of professions represented. Thanks are extended to Rachael Clements, President of the Siena Alumnae Association, Liz Merrett our Alumnae Coordinator, Claire Timmins, Head of Careers, and to all who so generously committed their time to ensure the success of the evening.
Throughout the school year, our students engage in a variety of assessments. As the first semester draws to a close, students have participated in online NAPLAN testing, the General Achievement Test (GAT) for all students undertaking Unit 3-4 VCE studies as well as examinations and final assessments in preparation for the mid year reports. Whilst this can be a source of anxiety for some students, it is an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and apply many of the skills they have learnt over the course of the semester. Opportunities to engage in formal assessments also assist in developing useful study skills and habits as well as affirming achievements and pointing to ways to improve future learning. I hope that parents continue to find the online reporting of students' work and progress helpful and that these mid year assessments offer an opportunity to have encouraging and supportive conversations about learning.
We extend our condolences to staff member Crystal McAlister and her grandmother Marie on the recent passing of Allan McAlister. Allan was a former President of the Collingwood Football Club and served on the Siena College Finance Committee for several years. We are grateful to Allan for his service to the Siena community, he was someone who lived his life to the fullest.
It has been a busy and productive semester and soon it will be time for a break and an opportunity to step back from the intensity of the past two terms to a gentler pace of life. I would like to wish all of our Siena College community a safe and enjoyable break for the upcoming holiday period, especially our Year 12s as they prepare for their final months of secondary education.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Tuesday Professional Practice Time
Since mid 2018 the Tuesday school day has ended a little earlier in order to provide Professional Practice Time (PPT) for our Siena staff. This time has been invaluable to us, providing the opportunity to develop ever improving methodologies and refine our skills in order to help enable our students to become empowered young women.
The sessions are hosted by our own staff who offer a wealth of professional skill and experience that we are able to leverage during these training sessions.
In the area of Wellbeing our expert counsellors have shared best practices with regards to anxiety in the classroom: how to recognise what is normal versus something of a more serious nature, what staff can do to assist and also how staff can assess their own personal wellbeing. In a time where expectations and pressures weigh heavily on our students, it is our goal to ensure that anyone in need of support is afforded that opportunity.
In addition, the Wellbeing Team ran a Professional Learning session for teachers about Fixed and Growth Mindsets. The learning is based on the Berry Street Educational Model that educates schools about specialised strategies to address student needs for healing, growth and achievement. It educates schools and their leaders to reinforce and sustain cognitive and behavioural change, thereby reengaging young people and progressing their academic achievement. We learned about the identifying traits of the two mindsets and how to foster a growth mindset in our students. There is more information on this approach in the article from Antonella Rosati.
This year's introduction of the Pedagogical Model embodies our rich culture of learning. A number of sessions have been dedicated to assessing in details the learning environment and process. The focus is on identifying what best helps our students in the transfer of knowledge and skill and how the lesson structure can best facilitate learning. Our staff share their most successful learning methodology and work in collaboration towards the goal of developing a highly successful and engaging Pedagogical Model that embraces the changing needs of our students and targets the most effective and proven learning processes.
During the last PPT session, we were lucky enough to have Sr Sheila Flynn OP run an activity linked to the Middle of the Lesson, called 'The Protective Nest'. Staff had to work together to build a nest designed in such a manner that the raw egg inside would not break when dropped; all done with limited resources, time constraints and no talking during the construction! It was a fine demonstration of the various challenges our students face when working in teams, and a soft skill that is vital to master in our collaboratively oriented work ethic.
Two PPT sessions were allocated to the National School Improvement Tool (NSIT) review of Siena College. Over the course of Term 2, at the invitation of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), ran a diagnostic utilising the NSIT. As it states on their website, 'Using an evidence-based framework, the NSIT supports school-wide conversations about aspects of current practice, areas for improvement and evidence that progress is being made.'
Evidence and data was collected and collated by our staff and NSIT, in order to quantify and verify that we are meeting our mission goals and adopting best practices in order to ensure the continued progress, innovation and improvement in our quality of teaching and learning and to plan a focused approach to school improvement appropriate to the context of our College.
At the completion of the assessment of the nine interrelated domains of effective school practice, which together provide a comprehensive framework designed to facilitate school improvement, NSIT assessors Tony McGruther, Jan Hayes and Christina Rogers presented their findings. Siena College's dedication to the improvement and growth of both its staff and students was in evidence. Our students have flourished, as seen by the steady improvement in our VCE results. And our staff are constantly evolving and expanding their knowledge and skills.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
Pentecost – the birth of the Church
In the story Luke tells, the coming of the Spirit introduces a season of reconciliation. The breach between people was symbolised in the story of the Tower of Babel and the division of people by language. That division is healed at Pentecost when people who had travelled from many different parts to celebrate the feast each hear the disciples' words in their own language. It follows that Jesus' followers are to overcome divisions by forming a church united by the Spirit of Christ in discovering God's love.
After the story of Pentecost, Luke describes in idealised terms what the church is like when it lives in the Spirit. It becomes a place of reconciliation where people gather to pray, and share their goods together. The divisions caused by inequality are overcome in the life of the community, and people of different cultures and rank are reconciled with one another.
'Reconciliation is another name for community – community grows when people are reconciled.'
Andrew Hamilton SJ
When history looks back will it be to see them standing alone or will it see we were standing #WithRefugees ?
Today, more than ever, we need a global movement to demand the safety and rights of refugees are protected. In Australia, it is the responsibility of our Government - and each one of us - to ensure people forced to flee from their homes can live with dignity and with hope.
Click here to watch James Martin sj exploring a Scriptural perspective on refugees, migrants and foreigners.
In the lead up to Refugee Week, Manus Island detainee Farhad Bandesh has collaborated with Australian musician David Bridie (of My Friend the Chocolate Cake) to produce a single describing life in detention. Read about it here and watch the video clip here.
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Growth Vs Fixed Mindsets, Exam Stress, Cabrini Emergency discount
Members of the Wellbeing Team ran a Professional Learning session for teachers about Fixed and Growth Mindsets. Students with a fixed mindset have already decided that they can't do something or are not good at a particular task. Students with a growth mindset recognise that learning is the result of incremental effort and willingness to risk, not succeed and try again. Parents can assist their children with developing a growth mindset by being consistently mindful of their own messages to them and the attributions that students are making about their own success. Communicating the virtues of making mistakes and enjoying the challenges of effortful accomplishment and reminders about growth and progression of their skill-building and knowledge are valuable tools.
(Based on Berry Street Educational Model)
The pressures of studying and trying to remember a semester's worth of information can be overwhelming to some students. But you can use certain techniques to improve the power of your brain and stimulate learning and memory. Exam stress is a feeling of pressure that many young people feel coming up to exam time. It usually occurs during the revision period before exams and immediately before the exams.
Stress is defined as an individual's response to pressure. A small amount of pressure can be useful to keep you focused during exam time. However, for some students, when they experience too much pressure for a long period of time, it becomes stressful and exam preparation and study seems impossible.
More information on managing exam and revision can be found on our School TV site.
Siena College has entered into an agreement with Cabrini Health to offer the students (aged 17 years and under) of Siena College 50% discounted attendance fee (Cabrini ED kids' discount) when presenting at the Alan, Ada and Eva Selwyn Emergency Department, Cabrini Hospital in Malvern.
Cabrini Emergency Department (ED) operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The discounted rate is $205 (8.00am-6.00pm weekdays) and $240 (6.00pm-8.00am weekdays and all weekend), subject to change.
To claim the discount, the student or their parent/carer should notify Cabrini ED reception staff of their school membership. All participating schools will be listed at Cabrini ED Reception.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
SRC Week, Pillars Leadership program
Last week, the Student Representative Council (SRC) held our annual SRC week to raise money for the St Vinnies Winter Appeal, which was our fundraising focus of the term. Throughout the week, various activities were held. On Monday, the Cassia house bake sale provided sweet treats made by Cassia students. On Tuesday, there was the Year 12 Students vs Teachers Dodgeball Tournament which served as great stress relief for both the students and the teachers! On Wednesday, Environment Action Day, a whole school Kahoot on the environment, general knowledge and Siena history was held in the auditorium to raise awareness about what is truly happening to the environment. On Thursday, the Glow Stick Disco was held with much singing and dancing in the packed out hall! Finally, on Friday, we had the annual Lip Sync Battle. This year, the winners were Sophie Griffin and Eliza Powell who took out first place with a fantastic rendition of 'You're the One that I Want' from Grease. Ms Levett also got an honourable mention for exceptional commitment to character with her performance of 'It's My Life' by Bon Jovi. Congratulations to all the winners for the week!
In total, $1,185 was raised for Vinnies, which is an amazing effort by all the students, teachers and leaders who organised the events. We would like to thank everyone who participated and donated generously and cannot wait to have more SRC lead events this year!
Jade Devlin
College Captain
Next term, the Pillars Leadership Course will commence, for students in Years 10 and 11 who are interesting in developing their leadership skills. There will be four after school workshops, covering a variety of topics, skills and activities. The workshops will run from weeks 2-5, and all students are welcome to attend. Students who are considering applying for a leadership position for 2020 are strongly encouraged to participate.
Students will receive information regarding the Pillars Leadership Series by email next week, and will be able to sign up for the program from next week until the start of Term 3. There will also be a Pillars Leadership Program for students in Years 7-9, which is scheduled for Term 4. More details be will available in Term 3.
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
Siena College has had a strong finish to the Term 2 Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) Program. We had two Senior Netball teams, two Junior Netball teams, the Junior Hockey A team and the Senior ...
Siena College has had a strong finish to the Term 2 Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) Program. We had two Senior Netball teams, two Junior Netball teams, the Junior Hockey A team and the Senior AFL A team all qualifiying for finals which is an excellent achievement!
We also congratulate the Siena Cross Country team for finishing fourth in Division 3 and specifically the intermediate girls for winning their overall category. In addition, we had several Netball teams awarded pennants by finishing top of their zone.
We now look forward to Term 3 GSV with Volleyball trials already completed and Athletics, Soccer and Badminton preparations well underway. Parents will be sent a Caremonkey form shortly with fixtures included. We ask that parents respond as promptly as possible to ensure their daughter is eligible to participate.
Unfortunately, we had to postpone the House Athletics Carnival due to adverse weather and a rescheduled date will be announced shortly.
Please ensure that you refer to the Siena Central Sport Page frequently as it has the most up to date information regarding Term 3 GSV sport. You may contact the sport department via email at firstname.lastname@example.com if you have any questions.
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Victorian Flute Guild Ensemble Competition, Borooondara Eisteddfod, St Mary's College visit Siena
Siena's 'Galway Flutes' participated in the Victoria Flute Guild Ensemble Competition for the first time on Sunday, 26 May at MLC. The Flute Guild is a well established flute association and supports school, community and privately run flute ensembles in Victoria. Galway Flutes, under the director of Janette Patton performed two contrasting pieces to an appreciative audience and other competing ensembles. We are delighted to say they achieved an Honourable Mention in the senior school section.
Siena College's three choirs, Junior Choir, Senior Choir and Canti Dolce participated in the Boroondara Eisteddfod on the 28th May at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on Tuesday. Junior Choir were awarded second place, Canti Dolce Third Place and Senior choir participated in a highly competitive section with schools with established choral programs. Congratulations to all students and Ms Hill, Ms Patton and Mr Sheehan and students for preparing and performing so well.
The Music Department was delighted to host music students and staff from Mary's College, Adelaide recently. St Mary's College is another Dominican school with a thriving music department and it was a wonderful opportunity for them to join our program for a short while. Their students participated in our senior ensembles at the Autumn Concert, attended band and choir rehearsals, performed in a VCE Music Performance Seminar class and attended other classes during the day. The music staff were able to share valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of our respective programs and workshop creative ideas about staging events. St Mary's students and staff concluded their visit by attending a matinee performance of Muriel's Wedding followed by a group dinner in the city. Thank you to the Siena families who hosted students for the three days with such warm hospitality. It was terrific to start a friendship through music and we hope some of our students will tour to Adelaide to take part in St Mary's 150th anniversary concert in August.
Alan AndersonPublic Speaking Coordinator
On Friday, 31 May, the Year 9 Semester 1 Geography classes travelled to Toolangi State Forest. The purpose of the field trip was to participate in data gathering to support our unit on B...
On Friday, 31 May, the Year 9 Semester 1 Geography classes travelled to Toolangi State Forest. The purpose of the field trip was to participate in data gathering to support our unit on Biomes and Food Security.
The girls worked in two groups and each group conducted field work data collection at two different sites. The first site was an area that had been recently clear-felled, the second was an area of forest which had been untouched by log harvesting and fire for at least eighty years.
The students were interested in the effects of timber harvesting on a variety of environmental factors. Using appropriate technology and equipment, they recorded data on soil temperature, soil pH, air temperature, wind velocity and light levels. All data collected was taken back to class for analysis.
However, upon first glance of the information collected, it seemed clear to the students that logging in a temperate forest environment has significant impacts on the aspects we measured in this type of biome. This, in turn, has broader consequences in terms of the intricacies of the Toolangi State Forest ecosystem, the region as a valuable water catchment and the future viability of the logging industry.
Despite the very challenging weather conditions on the day, the field trip was very successful. Students gained valuable insights into a much debated example of interaction between humans and the natural environment. They also saw and measured, first hand, the impacts that timber harvesting can have on a temperate forest ecosystem.
Students were accompanied by Year 9 Geography teachers, Mr. Matt Coghlan and Mr. Alan Anderson. Many thanks to Ms. Jen Casey, who also helped out on the day.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
On Friday, 7 June, the Year 12 Study Block became a mini tertiary expo with representatives from RMIT, ACU, VU, Torrens University, Defence Force and Latittude GAP year programs visiting ...
On Friday, 7 June, the Year 12 Study Block became a mini tertiary expo with representatives from RMIT, ACU, VU, Torrens University, Defence Force and Latittude GAP year programs visiting Siena College. Presentations included Nursing, Health Sciences, Engineering, Design, Media, Law, Business and of course the myriad of different roles offered by the Defence Force. There is more to come in the next Year 12 Study Block on 21 June when Monash, Deakin, Swinburne and Latrobe universities will present on courses such as Arts, Science, Allied Health, Business, Architecture, Exercise Science and Education. The aim of the sessions is not to replace attending an Open Day, but to help students be more informed about particular courses.
In this week's Siena Career News you can find information on many school holiday activities organised by the universities - all designed to give secondary students a taste of what going to university is like and give them a feel for a particular campus. Students can pair up with a friend and make it a social occasion!
In addition to this there is a comparison of Psychology degrees, a very popular course with our students, information on the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Tasmania and some recommended pathway courses into this highly competitive course.
As always, students and parents are most welcome to make an appointment to discuss subject selection, tertiary courses and pathways into university. Bookings can be made via the link: https://www.sienacareers.com.au/?page=appointment-booking
On Monday, 20 May, a group of enthusiastic Year 7 students travelled to Camberwell Grammar School to participate in the Da Vinci Decathlon. This is an academic interschool gala day run in...
On Monday, 20 May, a group of enthusiastic Year 7 students travelled to Camberwell Grammar School to participate in the Da Vinci Decathlon. This is an academic interschool gala day run in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon, with events of an academic rather than athletic nature designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. Teams of students compete across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and general knowledge. The members of the Siena team were Abbey Beckett, Lauren Brunacci, Shreya Kapitan, Scarlett Parnell, Lauren Quin, Eden Fraser and Calista Arief.
The program was well organised and certainly provided the students with a wide range of exciting and thought-provoking tasks. The Siena team worked well together, sharing their knowledge and skills to complete each challenge. At the end of the day, the Da Vinci Decathlon was declared to be a wonderful experience and lots of fun.
The Da Vinci Decathlon was an amazing experience to be a part of. It revolves around STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths). This experience has made me be more confident in putting together ideas and not being afraid to ask questions of other people. I've learnt more about putting together concepts of ideas into a similar bigger idea. This experience has been amazing and I'm sure the rest of the team will agree with me when I say that going was not only fun, but we have many good memories also.
Lauren Brunacci 7C
The Da Vinci decathlon was a fun experience to be a part of. Going into it I knew we would need to cooperate and work as a team, but I didn't realise how much until the day was over. It was a great opportunity to get to meet lots of girls, and am very grateful for the experience.
Abbey Beckett 7K
I had never heard of the Da Vinci Decathlon before and I don't think any of the other girls had either. That made it a little confronting when we walked in and realised that there were teams there that had been preparing for this for some time. I didn't really know many of the girls on my team prior to the decathlon but we all seemed to click and got on well. During the Da Vinci Decathlon we had to do many different tasks over a broad range of academic subjects, such as coding and cartography. We even had to do a creative producer's task, where three people did a little skit. When we first looked at the booklets at the start of the day, we thought it would be too hard and that we wouldn't get anywhere, but in the end we relaxed and realised we were able to work together using each of our individual strengths. I made some new friendships from the day and found it a great experience.
Shreya Kapitan 7K
The Year 7 Da Vinci Decathlon was something I had never heard of. I had looked at the practice test and to be honest I had no faith in myself. I remember waking up early that Monday morning feeling determined and excited. I made stronger bonds with other people and even though it was stressful at the start, we went home relaising how much we have yet to learn!
Calista Arief 7K
Recently, Siena hosted a network meeting for thirty-five Victorian archivists.
Recently, Siena hosted a network meeting for thirty-five Victorian archivists. The speaker was Sophie Shilling, the Digital Archivist for the Royal Historic Society of Victoria. Sophie is the author of Collecting and Preserving Digital Materials – A How to Guide for Historical Societies. It was very informative and important as we move further into the digital age.
The meeting took place in the Calaruega Heritage Centre. The attendees were very appreciative of our College, our heritage display and the tours by our wonderful students.
One of the organisers sent this greatly appreciated email: 'On behalf of the Victorian School Archivists' Special Interest Group of the ASA, I would like to thank you for hosting this morning's Network Meeting. We were delighted to come to Siena and everyone greatly enjoyed seeing the beautifully renovated spaces and the displays. The morning tea was lovely (and always welcome!) and the tours conducted by your students were excellent. I think we all came away with a stronger sense of Siena's history and culture.'
Tracey LawsonHead of Admissions
As we commence the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2021, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensur...
As we commence the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2021, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form. Enrolments can be submitted via our website.
Dominican Education Australia (DEA) held their annual general meeting at Siena College on Thursday, 6 June.
Dominican Education Australia (DEA) held their annual general meeting at Siena College on Thursday, 6 June. DEA Chair, Ms Eileen Young acknowledged the work of retiring Board Chair Mr Sean McGing, who has also served on various Board Committees of the College since 2008 including the Finance Committee and Risk Management Committee.
Photo captions:
Ms Eileen Young (DEA Chair) and Mr Sean McGing (retiring Board Chair)
Sr Shirley Macklin (DEA Trustee), Ms Marita Winters (Executive Officer DEA), Sr Julianna Drobik (DEA Trustee), Ms Eileen Young (DEA Chair), Mr Sean McGing (retiring Board Chair),
The Boroondara Library Service is hosting a number of events for secondary aged students in June and July:
Lit at the Library Ashburton Library, 5pm to 7pm on the following dates:Monday 2...
The Boroondara Library Service is hosting a number of events for secondary aged students in June and July:
Lit at the Library
Ashburton Library, 5pm to 7pm on the following dates:
Monday 24 June, Monday 29 July, Monday 26 August
Create and chat at Lit at the Library!
Talk about books and fandoms, make stuff, play games and meet people. Our monthly sessions are set up for young people to relax with snacks and activities in an inclusive, stress free space. All young people of high school age are welcome.
Free event, no registration required.
Check out what's happening and post your library selfies on Instagram with #litatthelibrary
Young writers, readers and publishers workshop.
(Secondary aged students)
Ashburton Library, Tuesday 16 July, 4pm to 5.30pm
Balwyn Library, Thursday 18 July, 4pm to 5.30pm
Hawthorn Library, Monday 22 July, 4pm to 5.30pm
Camberwell Library, Thursday 25 July, 4pm to 5.30pm
Kew Library, Wednesday 31 July, 4pm to 5.30pm
Drop in at one of our creative writing sessions for upper primary and secondary aged students. We'll cover zines, comics, poetry and fan fiction.
Learn simple story techniques, meet other young writers and find out what everyone is reading and writing.
Siena alumna, Emma Yee (Class of 1999) participated in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout last night to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Siena alumna, Emma Yee (Class of 1999) participated in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout last night to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society. The Sleepout raises awareness and brings home the realities of homelessness.
Emma's fundraising efforts will feed families, help families keep power on this winter, help relocate a person sleeping rough to accommodation services, and provide emergency accommodation for a family in crisis.
It is always a great pleasure to welcome back our alumnae to discuss career pathways with our current students in Years 9 to 12. Thank you to all those who so generously gave their time ...
It is always a great pleasure to welcome back our alumnae to discuss career pathways with our current students in Years 9 to 12. Thank you to all those who so generously gave their time to participate in the panel discussions on areas as diverse as Architecture, Criminology, Forensics, Medicine, and Creative Design.
Congratulations to all involved in last week's Autumn Concert, what a wonderful showcase of talent. We were delighted to have students from St Mary's College in Adelaide join our senior ensembles.
"The best tools we can give our students for their wellbeing are the skills they need to pull themselves out of troughs.
Minna Denholm, Leader of Wellbeing Programs
"The best tools we can give our students for their wellbeing are the skills they need to pull themselves out of troughs." Minna Denholm, Leader of Wellbeing Programs
Siena College's Minna Denholm featured in The Weekly Review's Education and Innovation section today (Wednesday, 12 June). Please click on the image below to read the article.
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
I was privileged to attend the 2019 Catholic Secondary Principals' Conference in Marysville last week and to be inspired and challenged by ...
I was privileged to attend the 2019 Catholic Secondary Principals' Conference in Marysville last week and to be inspired and challenged by visiting theologian, Dr Anna Rowlands from Durham University in the UK. Dr Rowlands is the St Hilda Associate Professor of Catholic Social Thought and Practice and a lecturer in Contemporary Catholic Theology. Over the three days, she addressed the theme of 'Catholic Social Teaching for our Age'. Dr Rowlands presented a view of Catholic Social Teaching as a narrative that gives us a story line of the purpose of life together. We cocreate with God and others and are invited to take a leap of faith into the task of social leadership so that as we accompany others, so we too are accompanied. She suggested that the role of Catholic schools is to teach students to be alert to context, experience and culture, and then to reflect on what they see and learn and match their own talents and response to the needs of the time. Formation of conscience always happens this way in a context. Dr Rowlands shared a quote that continues to resonate for me: 'I see you, I hear you and I am here'. We are all called to walk with others in mutual accompaniment and to open our hearts to 'the other' and to all that we learn from this accompaniment.
The College Board and Board Committee members gathered on Saturday, 18 May for the annual Board In Service and Formation Day. A presentation from Dominican Sister, Sheila Flynn, and our College Chaplain Fr Kevin Toomey OP, took us back to the inspiration and stories of early Dominicans in Salamanca in Spain, who in many ways were the forefathers of the Declaration of Human Rights. Our Dominican tradition is embedded in a powerful synthesis between the intellectual life (underpinning the search for Truth) and commitment and service to those most vulnerable in the world. As Dominicans, we are called to engage with Catholic Social Teaching by daring to see what is before our eyes as Dr Anna Rowlands suggested and to discern how we preach in our time. Catholic Social Teaching underpins our Dominican tradition and ethos.
Subsequent sessions at the In Service Day engaged the College Board and Committee members in discussions about a future College Business Plan in preparation for the next Masterplan, and a review of the College's commitment to Child Safe Standards.
This week, we welcomed three school reviewers auspiced by the Australian Council for Educational Research, Tony McGruther, Christina Rogers and Jan Hayes. They spent three days observing students' learning and wellbeing, and engaging in conversations with students, parents, College Board members, teachers and support staff. Their work at the College was framed around the National School Improvement Tool that is based on the empirical research of Professor Geoff Masters and nine domains that focus on teaching and learning. The tool brings together findings from international research into the practices of highly effective schools and school leaders and describes a baseline from which to build capacity. It is forward focussed in a progression of improvement rather than standards or benchmarks. I am grateful to all who generously gave of their time to be interviewed and to the staff who invested many hours in preparing documentation and evidence for the reviewers. We look forward to receiving the reviewers' report in the near future and to the opportunity to reflect on the findings and develop a new four year school improvement plan and continue our journey of improving students' learning outcomes and wellbeing.
We welcomed a small group of staff and students from St Mary's College in Adelaide, one of the schools that is part of Dominican Education Australia (DEA). They are here to strengthen our Dominican ties and to play in our annual Autumn Concert. It is lovely to have them in our community and I thank all the Siena families who so generously offered hospitality by hosting our visitors. They will conclude their time in Melbourne by attending a performance of 'Muriel's Wedding' on Saturday. We look forward to a reciprocal visit to St Mary's in the near future.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
This year NAPLAN testing was done online for the first time with all of our Year 7 and Year 9 students completing their tests over three days. We are very pleased to report ...
This year NAPLAN testing was done online for the first time with all of our Year 7 and Year 9 students completing their tests over three days. We are very pleased to report that this was completed successfully. Our IT department, administration staff and teaching staff did an excellent job assisting our students.
Parents will receive the results later on in the year.
We wish our Unit 3 students well as they sit their compulsory VCAA GAT (General Achievement Test) on 12 June. A reminder that there will be no Year 11 or 12 classes on this day.
We also wish our Years 9 to 11 students well as they prepare for their Semester Examinations. The revision materials are now available to students on Siena Central.
Examinations commence on Monday, 17 June and conclude on Friday, 21 June. If a student is unable to attend an examination for some reason, parents and guardians must please contact their Head of Student Wellbeing and Student Reception to report the absence. A student will receive a NS (not submitted, no penalty) for a school sanctioned reason, such as illness, or a NA (not assessed, zero) for a school non-sanctioned reason.
Friday, 21 June is also the last day of Term 2 for students. As has been previously communicated, the week starting Monday, 24 June is Staff Week, when exams will be marked, reports prepared and Professional Learning will take place. Years 9 to 11 examinations will be returned via House Group at the start of Term 3 and results will be entered onto Siena Central on Wednesday, 26 June.
Semester 1 reports will be available through the Parent Portal on Friday, 28 June.
The College will be closed on Monday, 10 June in celebration of the Queen's Birthday.
Semester 2 classes will commence on Monday, 15 July.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
The Ascension – Sunday, 2 June
In the Acts of the Apostles, the disciples are questioned for 'standing there looking up to the sky.'
Looking up to the sky is often easier than looking at...
In the Acts of the Apostles, the disciples are questioned for 'standing there looking up to the sky.'
Looking up to the sky is often easier than looking at what is before us.
Looking up to the sky can be another way of looking away,
of averting our eyes from the daily reality of our sisters and brothers.
It is much easier to look away rather than remaining in the struggle whatever that may;
of being engaged in and participating in building God's reign to overcome oppression,
overcome poverty, and be part of the healing and reconciliation that is our due as God's people.
As the Ascension is about Jesus disappearing and leaving us, it is also about our staying behind.
Joan Chittister OSB
This week all Year 7 students have had the opportunity to participate in their annual Reflection Day, held at Don Bosco Retreat Centre Lysterfield.
The focus was National Reconciliation Week and our role as Dominicans, activities included Christian meditation, a reflection on the 2019 College Theme 'Called By Name' and a Scripture Workshop looking at the story of Pentecost in the light of the following questions:
How can we be courageous in our world and speak truth?
Dominicans are seekers of truth – where will we find it?
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
The weather has turned very cold and we need to start looking after ourselves to avoid catching coughs and colds at this very busy time of the year.
The weather has turned very cold and we need to start looking after ourselves to avoid catching coughs and colds at this very busy time of the year. Parents have an added responsibility in making sure that your daughters are eating well and taking extra vitamins if they need them. Sleep is such a vital ingredient to good physical and mental health and trying to ensure that students get eight hours a night can be a challenge. Physical activity and drinking at least a litre of water a day are also recommended. If your daughter does become unwell, please keep her home from school until she has fully recovered.
Winter coincides with the end of Semester 1 where some students will be going into exams and all students will be completing tasks for assessment. It is unusual for young people to talk about how stressed they can become at this time so as part of the Wellbeing Team's commitment to providing strategies for coping, Ms Gemma Morley and the counselling team have engaged Teri from Life Ready Physio and Pilates to run some Stretch and Relaxation classes. These are free of charge to students, in the hope that this time will provide an opportunity for them to escape from the busy school day and do something for their own wellbeing. We hope students will take some time to focus on their own self-care and hopefully develop some skills to help manage any stress they may be feeling. All sessions will run at lunchtime.
Here is some student feedback from the trial session earlier this week.
Thank you for giving us this opportunity to participate in this class. I had a great time and felt very relaxed and calm after. If we could have more of these classes, I would definitely come and invite my friends to as well.
I really loved the class today as did my two friends. It was a great time to just unwind and take our minds off everything else. We would love to do the class every week if not more!
We are also hoping that our Junior and Senior Leaders will run a House netball competition to have our students getting physical at lunchtime. Points will also go towards the coveted HOTY Award.
Parents have been very supportive this semester in supporting us with the way students wear their uniform. We are very appreciative of this and ask that you ensure that your daughter is wearing her blazer to and from school each day. Her hair should be tied back and there should only be one small earring in each ear. Sport uniform should be worn appropriately, and parents are reminded that long sleeved tops, except for the Siena rugby top, are not to be worn at any time.
Parents of junior students are asked to check that your daughter does not have any inappropriate apps on her device as this would be in breech of the ICT Policy. No student under thirteeen years of age should have Instagram, etc. on her school device. Your support in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
The end of this term will see students going into a three week holiday break which will bring more time for family, relaxation and self care.
Tony GrantBusiness Manager
The College has had a number of complaints recently from our neighbours in Hocknell Street regarding parents parking across driveways and in some cases refusing to move when asked.
The College has had a number of complaints recently from our neighbours in Hocknell Street regarding parents parking across driveways and in some cases refusing to move when asked. Obviously this is a major inconvenience for these residents who have the right to be able to move in and out of their homes as required.
We ask that all parents please be respectful of our neighbours when collecting or dropping off students and refrain from blocking access to any residence. Boroondara Council have advised they will be issuing traffic infringement notices if these incidents continue.
As building works on the Convent have now been completed, please note that the boom gate is closed from 8.50am and reopens at 4.00pm. Parents are reminded to refrain from parking in the bus zone and to drive slowly (under 20 kilometres per hour) once they have entered the College driveway. The safety of our students is of paramount importance.
Thank you for your cooperation with these matters.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
This is time of year when the Siena Career News is jam packed with valuable information for students in Years 10-12.
This is the time of year when the Siena Career News is jam packed with valuable information for students in Years 10 -12. With subject selection rapidly approaching for Year 10s and 11s and VTAC preferences for Year 12s, the Siena Careers Newsletter is the 'go to' for up to date careers information and a list of activities and events planned by all of the universities to assist students make some of those tough decisions!
In addition to this we have the annual Siena Careers Showcase on 13 June, which provides an ideal opportunity for students and parents to listen to Alumni discuss their career journey. Students will be able to ask questions about tertiary courses and the pathways our alumni chose, employment opportunities upon graduation and what a typical day is like in their chosen profession. Register soon as this event is very popular!
Also, in this week's Career News: Early Entry programs at two Victorian Universities, the UNSW Co-op program, Ernst and Young 'Future of Work' event for Year 11 and 12 students interested in STEM, QILT - a university comparison tool and Law degrees at Victorian Universities.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
National Reconciliation Week provides all Australians with the opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to ex...
National Reconciliation Week provides all Australians with the opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia.
National Reconciliation Week is observed annually from 27 May to 3 June each year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
The theme for 2019 is 'Grounded in Truth: Walk Together in Courage'. As seekers of truth, our Dominican charism positions us well to examine the truths of our history and, as such, to consider ways in which we can work towards restoring relationships with our First Peoples.
Our observance of Reconciliation Week commenced on 23 May during our pastoral period with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson. In a special whole school event Uncle Bill explained the traditional custom of welcoming visitors to Country and taught us some of the practices, beliefs and stories unique to people of Wurundjeri Country. Through the Smoking Ceremony, Uncle Bill cleansed the land of bad spirits. Student representatives from each House Group walked alongside staff through the smoke to symbolically represent our journey towards Reconciliation. Another significant highlight of the morning was the induction of two students to the role of FIRE carrier. Lilly Oliphant and Elaine Koimala- Brown from Year 8 joined Year 10 student Hayley Di Stefano as FIRE Carriers (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education).
This induction ceremony provided the school community the opportunity to recommit to:
• keep learning about Indigenous perspectives in all parts of our education.
• challenge racist behaviour and language.
• promote Aboriginal spirituality as part of our Catholic faith expression.
• listen to the hopes and dreams of our peers in the local and national Indigenous community.
• celebrate Indigenous achievement across all aspects of Australian life.
Throughout Reconciliation Week, students will deepen their understanding of the issues facing Indigenous Australians through an examination of the progress we have made towards achieving the Closing the Gap goals. They will listen to contemporary stories of Indigenous Australians and consider the future for our First Nations People.
Donna LaughlinDirector of Learning and Innovation
Staff Professional Development, Siena Central Password reset instructions
As shared earlier in the year, our staff are also active participants in Siena's culture of learning as we continue to share our expertise and collaboratively develop our Pedagogical Model. As a part of our Tuesday Professional Practice Time, staff continue to build skills, share conversation and experience and engage with educational research around best pedagogical practice. This process has enabled many to share their expertise and skill and assists in ensuring that all our students benefit from the wealth of professional experience we have at Siena.
Student voice will be sought around approaches and activities that best support learning within the classroom environment. This may be in the form of a survey or other methods within the classroom. Students are encouraged to communicate to their teacher what assists them to learn throughout the flow of a lesson. This is a year long process and parents are invited to engage with their daughter regarding how lesson structure can best facilitate her learning. Assisting students to understand and articulate their learning gives them greater agency over their learning and furthers their ability to understand where growth is possible.
Thank you to all parents who participated in our Online Survey, the response was very strong. The feedback has enabled us to address some of the concerns raised. We will continue to access opportunities to improve our communication with parents through Siena Central and welcome any suggestions.
Regarding issues with password, we have implemented a new system if a password reset is required. Please see instructions below:
Password reset instructions (164 KB)
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Georgie PlastoHead of Student Wellbeing Cassia
VCE Drama Performance Evening – Tales from the Tower of London
An unkindness of Ravens flew into Siena College early this term to share tales from the Tower of London to an audience of family and friends. Using heightened language and poetry, our Unit 3 Drama students skilfully transformed into Ravens and used physical theatre to provide striking imagery and synchronisation as they performed a montage of historic events.
Throughout Term One Drama students learnt about a range of performance styles and associated conventions from a diverse range of contemporary and cultural performance traditions including Epic Theatre, Commedia dell'arte, Theatre of Cruelty and Physical Theatre. Students worked collaboratively to devise, develop and present a student devised and original ensemble performance.
Essential interpersonal and intrapersonal skills were developed throughout the process as students became active listeners and motivated contributors, negotiated, problem solved, delegated and took on leadership positions, whilst working collaboratively to achieve a set goal. A rigorous process of researching, brainstorming, scripting, directing and refining work resulted in two very strong performance pieces. Students extended themselves to transform between a range of contrasting characters and enhanced their performance skills and confidence throughout the process.
Congratulations to our VCE Drama students on their engaging and thought provoking performance work.
Student Reflection
On Wednesday, 15 May, the Unit 3/4 drama class viewed the 'Make A Scene' theatre company's production of Pinocchio. The one-man-show is based on the darker, original tale of Pinocchio and condenses thirty seven chapters into one ninety minute play. The production was performed in a Commedia dell'Arte style, incorporating the use of traditional masks, exaggerated movement, mime, satire, improvisation and audience interaction. The performance was a very useful opportunity for the Unit 3/4 students to view the application of various dramatic conventions, performance skills, expressive skills and dramatic elements that have been learn about in class. The group will then analyse and evaluate Pinocchio as a part of their upcoming assessments.
Overall, the class really enjoyed the performance and the topical references to the recent election, political mishaps of the past, celebrity gossip and relatable school problems!
Elena Cruz
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Siena's Galway Flutes, participated in the Victoria Flute Guild Ensemble Competition for the first time on Sunday 26 May at MLC.
Siena's Galway Flutes, participated in the Victoria Flute Guild Ensemble Competition for the first time on Sunday, 26 May at MLC. The Flute Guild is a well established flute association and supports school, community and privately run flute ensembles in Victoria. Galway Flutes, under the director of Janette Patton performed two contrasting pieces to an appreciative audience and other competing ensembles. We are delighted to say they achieved an Honourable Mention in the senior school section.
This week has been a busy week for our three choirs preparing and participating in the Boroondara Eisteddfod at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on Tuesday. Junior Choir, Senior Choir and Canti Dolce all participated in the competition and represented Siena well on and off the stage. Junior Choir were awarded second place, Canti Dolce Third Place and Senior choir participated in a highly competitive section with schools with established choral programs. Congratulations to all students and Ms Hill, Ms Patton and Mr Sheehan and students for preparing and performing so well. We look forward to hearing them perform again at the Autumn Concert.
The Music department is very excited to be hosting Music students and staff from St Mary's College, Adelaide this weekend. They will be attending a VCE Masterclass on Friday morning and participating in our Autumn Concert. St Mary's College is another Dominican school and it is terrific to meet another school with a thriving music department. Students have been billeted by Siena music families and will have much in common. The students and billets will be attending a matinee performance of Muriel's Wedding and dinner in the city as a whole group excursion. Please make them welcome.
Alan AndersonPublic Speaking Coordinator
On Friday, 17 May, ten Year 11 Philosophy students represented Siena College at the inaugural Australian Senior School Ethics Olympiad, held at Scotch College.
On Friday, 17 May, ten Year 11 Philosophy students represented Siena College at the inaugural Australian Senior School Ethics Olympiad, held at Scotch College. The participants were Adrienne Duray, Kayla Gadaleta, Sophie Gurney, Teagan Matthews, Sofia Mueller, Jessica Ovens, Serena Potter, Olivia Redford, Annie Walsh and Natasha Walsh. Our girls made up two teams of five students and both teams competed in three rounds of adjudicated discussion. The discussions were based on a selection of case studies where ethical and moral considerations were to be explored. Each round was judged by the adjudicators against a set of criteria and points allocated from a possible total of sixty points.
A part of each round consisted of both competing teams answering unforeseen questions, posed by the adjudicator, connected to the case study under consideration. The students really had to 'think on their feet'.
Points were also awarded for concise, clear and respectful discourse.
The event was extremely interesting for all concerned. Congratulations must be offered to St. Leonards College, who were awarded the Gold Medal on the day, the Silver Medal went to Presbyterian Ladies College and the Bronze Medal was awarded to Mac.Robertson Girls High School. However, based on raw scores for each round of competition, Siena College ranked in sixth place on the list of eleven participating schools which was a very pleasing result considering the very high standard of the competition.
Congratulations go to our two participating teams. We look forward to the next opportunity to participate in the Victorian Senior School Ethics Olympiad!
Student reflections
Activities Week was a great learning and bonding experience for the Year 8 girls. It consisted of tree surfing, indigenous culture, indoor rock climbing and the Werribee zoo safari. I think as a house cohort we got to overcome fears and challenges by encouraging each other and having fun. We learnt so much over the three days of activities and had the opportunity to enjoy ourselves. Thank you to everyone who organised it as it was a week to remember.
Kaitlin Patterson
At the end of last term, all of the Year 8s participated in Activities Week. This was a really exciting week filled with things that were both fun and challenging. This included rock climbing and tree surfing, which tested our physical strengths and fear of heights, and also were able to listen to an ex-Olympian who was of an indigenous background. He shared an inspiring story about his struggles and how he overcame them, and for the rest of the day, we completed traditional indigenous activities such as sporting games and art which was really fun and eye opening. We also went to Werribee Zoo and went on a safari where we got to see lots of animals up close. Overall, it was a great week filled with lots of fun and it was a fantastic way to get to know our year level better.
Jessica Higgins
Assimina SemertjisHead of Science
Last Wednesday, 22 May, our Year 8 Science Team scheduled the first ever Siena Grand Prix.
Last Wednesday, 22 May, our Year 8 Science Team scheduled the first ever Siena Grand Prix. As part of their Energy Unit, our Year 8 students worked collaboratively in teams and designed and built an elastic-band-powered model race car made from recycled materials. The race car teams used the Engineering Design Process to brainstorm, design and build their prototype, which they then evaluated and refined. This process was documented by each of the teams as a digital story. Within each class a winning race car was then established, and these six champion teams competed in the final Grand Prix Race. During this STEAM Energy Design Project, students explored the different disciplines of engineering, identified the different types of energy in their design and described the energy transformations taking place in the powering of these race cars. Congratulations to the winners of the Siena Grand Prix from Mr Alan Anderson's Year 8C Science Class - Alyssa Leong, Shannon Hamilton and Jasmine Tubb. Below are some reflections on the STEAM Energy Design Project written by participants of the Siena Grand Prix.
Speed, distance, aesthetically pleasing designs and successful marketing - all of these qualities were strived for in the making of our car. But we knew it would be challenging to achieve when we were informed that it was to be powered by a rubber band. With extensive research, we were able to brainstorm and sketch our car design, before beginning construction with recycled materials gathered at our homes. We experimented with Adobe Illustrator to create effective advertisement to plaster on our car, the 'Kinetic Crusher'. When our car was crafted, we put it to the ultimate test run, improving our design and fixing flaws. Our completed design was able to secure us a position in the finals after we won first place in our class race. Unfortunately, our car did not place first in the Grand Prix, but Micayla and I enjoyed every moment of this experience. We were very proud of our extensive efforts which we both applied to this energy project, which awarded us with extra knowledge about the certain energies involved in making all controllable matter move and perform, especially vehicles. This knowledge may help us in the future, which will be dominated by technology, giving Siena's Year 8 students a head-start into the bettering of mankind's current and future contraptions which rely on energy to move and work.
Carly Walsh 8E
Our company ACKtion Jump designed a vehicle out of recycled products and materials which travelled a final distance of 9.35m, the furthest in the 8B race. Our car took multiple trials to reach the final product. We used different types of plastic, different shapes of bottles and different uses of elastic potential energy to create our power source. We used a variety of bottles, with our final product made from a small kombucha bottle. We learnt to persist and never give up, as we had multiple models and setbacks throughout this project. We enjoyed working together as a team and having the opportunity to experiment with a more interactive project. After all our hard work and persistence, it paid off and we were pleased to represent 8B in the Siena Grand Prix. Unfortunately, we didn't win but we enjoyed the experience.
Anais Johnstone, Charlotte Madigan and Kaitlin Patterson 8B
We found constructing the vehicle challenging at the start as our car did not move. We had to plan carefully and brainstorm as a team to create a design that would be aerodynamic and heavy enough to travel. We had to make a lot of modifications for our car to achieve prime distance. We learnt about engineering and energy conversions and applied that to our car. We also learnt how to identify problems within our design and apply STEAM techniques to our design. We really enjoyed building our car as it was something we had never done before.
Alyssa Leong, Shannon Hamilton and Jasmine Tubb 8C
Alan AndersonPublic Speaking Coordinator
On Friday, 24 May, Year 11 Geography students participated in a day-long set of fieldwork activities as part of their studies of Unit 1, Hazards and Disasters.
On Friday, 24 May, Year 11 Geography students participated in a day-long set of fieldwork activities as part of their studies of Unit 1, Hazards and Disasters.
The purpose of this fieldwork trip was to gather primary data regarding the impacts of flooding and flood mitigation infrastructure along Gardiners Creek. This waterway is Melbourne's second most important after the Yarra River, flowing along a much-altered, thirty-plus km course through what is now a mostly highly urbanised region. Potential impacts of flood events along the creek are taken very seriously by residents, local councils, the State Emergency Service and local police.
In a broader sense, the interactions between the natural and built environments are of great interest to town planners, civil engineers, insurance companies and geographers!
The group visited various sites along Gardiners Creek between Blackburn and Glen Iris, studying and assessing stream profiles, effects of vegetation (or lack of), encroachment by urbanisation, impacts of tributaries, and the strategic placement of a major suburban flood retarding basin. The students produced annotated field sketches, took photographs, made notes based on their observations and surveyed some local residents.
The data which was collected on the day will form the basis of a 2000-word fieldwork report, which will be completed by each student as a part of their Unit 1 assessment.
Unfortunately, the weather was not perfect for our trip, but the morning showers did not dampen the girls' attempts to gather good quality primary data. A good geographer will always maintain that there is no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothing! Overall, the day was very successful.
We would like to thank very much Ms. Jen Casey, who accompanied and assisted our fieldtrip group.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
On Mondays in the Learning Centre, students are invited to participate in gaming activities. The lunch time sessions are facilitated by Learning Centre staff member and Library Technicia...
On Mondays in the Learning Centre, students are invited to participate in gaming activities. The lunch time sessions are facilitated by Learning Centre staff member and Library Technician Sam Redman. These sessions have proved to be very popular with students across all year levels as they come together to play with and against their friends or students previously unknown to them. This new activity has added a playful and collaborative atmosphere to the Learning Centre and has brought students in to the space who may have previously not visited before. Though we recognise that lunch times are a good opportunity to disconnect from technology, we also appreciate the benefits that gaming can bring.
You may be interested in reading more about the educational and social benefits of gaming:
At the beginning of Term 2, a student facilitated current affairs conversation group commenced. Students across all year levels are invited to attend and participate in conversations about issues concerning young people. Thus far, popular topics have included the lead up to the election and the discussion of differing party policies on key issues followed by a debrief of the election result. This week, in recognition of Reconciliation Week, the conversation explored the relationship between our First Nation peoples and other Australians. We discussed past policies and considered how a treaty may put Australia on the path to a more positive future. The group runs at lunch on Tuesday in the Learning Centre Classroom.
On Tuesdays after school, Learning Centre staff member and Library Technician Barb Edwards runs Craft Club. Any interested students may attend. Craft Club encourages students to be creative and to work on a variety of projects for enjoyment. Students across all year levels are invited to attend and all materials are supplied. As Tuesday is an early departure afternoon for students, this provides some students with an enjoyable after school activity, allowing them to mindfully disconnect from the academic focus of their day.
On Wednesdays, the Learning Enhancement Centre in conjunction with Dark Horse Chess run Chess Club in one of the Learning Centre spaces. All students are welcome regardless of their experience or expertise in Chess. Students play against each other or members of staff and sometimes receive some strategic tips from the Dark Horse team. Additionally, at lunch a student facilitated Anime Club runs. Students can sit on the couches and enjoy watching Anime with other like minded peers.
After school on Wednesday, the Learning Enhancement staff run Homework Club. All students are invited to attend and benefit from the expertise of the staff member running the session. This is an opportunity for any student to get additional assistance with their work, or just to be given the opportunity to work in a structured and supervised environment.
On Fridays at lunch the English Faculty run Siena Writers' Group. The group is open to all students who enjoy writing as a form of expression. Students use this time to craft original pieces of work and to share these pieces with others. This term the group plans to launch their first online publication. Additionally, at lunch on Fridays the Eco Warriors meet. This group of students discuss issues of concern regarding the environment. The students are considering ways in which the Siena community can act more responsibility regarding environmental issues.
Evidently, there is a lot going on each week in the Learning Centre! The Learning Centre is open each morning from 8.00am and closes in the afternoon at 4:30pm. All students are warmly welcomed to enjoy some quiet time, the chance to catch up on homework, browse the shelves and borrow a book, or participate in any one of the activities listed above.
Minna DenholmLeader of Wellbeing Programs
On Monday, 20 May Humankind Enterprises worked with the first two of our five Year 9 English classes to begin a program that has a multi-faceted focus...
On Monday, 20 May, Humankind Enterprises worked with the first two of our five Year 9 English classes to begin a program that has a multi-faceted focus, enhancing student wellbeing, increasing our student's intercultural awareness and growing their sense of community social connectedness.
Each Year 9 student will be invited to become a part of the Community Connectors program, which will run out of the Learning Centre in Term 3. Students will be connected with a member of our shared community to record their story, building new social connections and skills. Students will learn how to record stories using different pieces of equipment, practice active listening skills and at conclusion of the program, will share these stories with the broader Siena Community.
The remaining Year 9 classes will complete the beginner workshop at the start of Term 3, prior to the commencement of the Community Connectors program. The Wellbeing Team, in conjunction with the English faculty and the Learning Centre are looking forward to learning the stories of the people around us.
Please follow the link below to see the work Humankind Enterprises have done over the last three years:
Belinda DuncanHead of Religious Education
It's been a busy time for the students this term in Religious Education. From the whole school celebration of St Catherine's Day to excursions and showcases, the girls have been working...
It's been a busy time for the students this term in Religious Education. From the whole school celebration of St Catherine's Day to excursions and showcases, the girls have been working to bring our faith to life.
The Religious Education department and the Justice Crew were excited to give some of our Year 8 students an opportunity to prepare for the area of study 'Goodness in our World' with some hands-on experience at serving the needs of others. Local parish St Dominic's hosts an annual cake stall to raise much needed funds for a community in Quezon City in the Philippines and we set our students some intensive baking to provide a variety of goodies. In small groups, our girls prepped, poured, mixed, stirred, rolled, spooned and packed almost fifty plates to go on sale. The rumballs, honey joys, chocolate crackles and lemon slice proved to be massive hits with the buyers. Our girls baking contributed to raising over $1000 for the work of the FCJ sisters in Quezon City. The girls enjoyed the chance to show off their baking talents, have fun in a small team and, most importantly serve those who are fighting to survive. Amazing work from the Year 8s, showing how easy it is to act for justice.
For the Year 9s, our Showcase was the culmination of their Siena and the City experience – Where's Dominic? After four days of adventuring around Melbourne in search of the Dominican values of Service, Community, Joyfulness and Aesthetics the Year 9s presented their learning to their parents. With twenty nine stalls around the Learning Centre and St Catherine's Centre foyer displaying their research, the Year 9s dazzled their parents and teachers with their knowledge of the visibility of our Dominican values in secular life. Their experiences over the four days showed how relevant the values of Dominic and the message of Catherine are for our contemporary world.
As the Year 7s commenced the unit 'Ways People Pray', they were given their first Siena opportunity to participate in inter-faith dialogue. The Year 7s ventured to St Kilda East to visit the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation and Temple Beth Israel synagogues to discover how Jewish people engage in prayer and live out their faith. The students discovered there were differences between the way the two synagogues worship, even though they share the same beliefs about God. They will use their knowledge our own Catholic tradition and practices to discover the similarities and differences between our two faith. Whilst connecting directly to their class work, we value our relationship with the Jewish community and see it as a way to break down prejudices and form relationships that will create a more cohesive society.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
On Friday, 24 May, Sr Sheila Flynn OP and our Year 11 South African Immersion participants visited St Dominic's Primary School to thank students and staff for their generous donation to t...
On Friday, 24 May, Sr Sheila Flynn OP and our Year 11 South African Immersion participants visited St Dominic's Primary School to thank students and staff for their generous donation to the Kopanang Project. Funds raised were used to provide uniforms for school children in the Tsakane township where Kopanang is located. A video created by Ella Gurry captivated the St Dominic's students and showed them how proud the South African children felt and looked in their uniforms. Principal Patrick Green then surprised our group by announcing that since the Immersion took place, St Dominic's had raised a further $500 to donate to the Kopanang Community. We look forward to continuing to strengthen this important relationship between our schools.
Ansalie HanrahanLearning Enhancement
Home Learning Club
Students in Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend an after school Home Learning Club. This is a valuable opportunity for students to receive some assistance with their ho...
Students in Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend an after school Home Learning Club. This is a valuable opportunity for students to receive some assistance with their home learning.
The program will operate each Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in the Learning Centre classroom. A staff member from the Learning Enhancement Department will supervise the program and will provide support as needed to students as they work on home learning tasks. An attendance roll will be taken at each session and students will be required to sign in and out of each session.
If you would like your daughter to attend these weekly sessions, please complete the Expression of Interest form and email to email@example.com A Care Monkey permission form will then be sent to you to complete.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this program.
Home Learning EOI (123 KB)
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Tracey LawsonHead of Admissions
As we commence the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2021, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensur...
As we commence the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2021, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form. Enrolments can be submitted via our website.
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
As we enjoy this glorious Melbourne autumn weather, Term 2 continues with much to celebrate and some wonderful community events. It was with great pleasure that I joined a group of Siena ...
As we enjoy this glorious Melbourne autumn weather, Term 2 continues with much to celebrate and some wonderful community events. It was with great pleasure that I joined a group of Siena College staff, Board member and Chair-Elect, Kath McCarthy, alumna Anne Hocking, and thirteen students at the seventh annual Susan Alberti Foundation Mother's Day luncheon. Held at Leonda by the Yarra, the luncheon is a key fundraising event for the foundation which provides ongoing support for medical research at St Vincent's Institute (SVI). Importantly, this includes vital financial assistance to female researchers whilst they are on maternity leave so that their work can continue. This year's guest speaker was Professor Helen Thomas, Head of the Immunology and Diabetes Unit at SVI who spoke of the exciting developments into treatment for those living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Once again we are so proud of our music students who travelled to Generations in Jazz at Mt Gambier last weekend. The Stage Band, conducted by Ben Nieuwkerk, were the winners for Division 3.2 and Canti Dolce were awarded fifth place in the same division. Celina Maderski was awarded a place in the Division 3 super band for the second year in a row for her performance on baritone saxophone. Our warm congratulations go to all who participated and our thanks to the Siena College staff who accompanied the students: Kerryn McGillen, Ben Nieuwkerk, Stephanie Hill, Ivan Rosa, Daniel Sheehan and Joshua Bennier.
Our thanks are extended to the Siena Parents' Association for a wonderful Mothers' Day Breakfast last week. The gymnasium was full to capacity as over four hundred guests gathered to enjoy a delicious buffet. Board member and Siena alumna, Kath McCarthy (Class of 1989), was the guest speaker and her thoughts on the realities of balancing career with family life were engaging and humorous. An excerpt from Kath's speech follows:
'Of course, being a mother is about bringing a physical life into the world: having a baby. What we appreciate on Mother's Day is what happens after that. Not the noun, the FACT of being a mother, instead the VERB of mothering, the nurturing, the shaping and the singing into life of the people entrusted to our care. Of taking a little person who is for a couple of decades at least, vulnerable and dependant and showing them that amongst the billions of people in the world, you are seen. You belong. You are not alone.'
Over the weekend, the College Board and Committees will gather for the annual Board In Service, to focus on a range of matters including a new Business Plan as a precursor to the next Master Plan, reflection on our Mission as a Catholic school in the Dominican tradition and how we discern Truth as well as a range of other governance matters including Child Safety. Our College continues to grow and flourish because of the generous commitment and support of many people, and for this we are so very grateful.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Siena in The City Showcase, Semester Reports
Thank you to all Year 9 parents and students who attended the Siena in the City Parent Showcase. It was a great evening of excitement and excellent information. The students spoke confidently and happily shared their wonderful experiences of 'finding Dominic' in the city. Thank you to Belinda Duncan, Head of Religious Education and the Year 9 Religious Education teachers for engaging the students and providing opportunities of faith in action.
As we approach the busy end of term in regards to assessment, I refer to some of the learning and teaching matters that I wrote about to parents at the beginning of the year.
The Semester 1 Report will again report on the five specific Classroom Learning Indicators and parents and students will be able to see if there has been any progress or consolidation in this area. It will also include a statement of results of all assessment tasks and at Years 7 to 11, an overall percentage score taking into consideration the individual weightings for each task. If a percentage score is not given, a letter grade is used, such as NS – a school sanctioned absence and no penalty or NA – not assessed and a score of zero. At Year 12, it will consist of S (Satisfactory or N (Not Satisfactory) for each assessment task. Semester reports will not have teacher comments, as the feedback has been throughout the semester and targeted to the assessment task.
All assignments, whether hard copy or electronic, must be received by the College on the due date and time set by the subject teacher.
In the case of a known absence, a student must submit a 'Change of Assessment date' form with the assessment task prior to the due date. The student can submit both documents either directly to the subject teacher, or email them or upload to Siena Central by the due date.
In the case of an unforeseen absence, the student must submit the 'Change of Assessment date' form with the assessment task assignment to the class teacher in their next class with either a medical certificate (for illness or injury) or a written statement from parents or guardians supporting the situation.
When required, it is also the responsibility of the student to ensure that the teacher has approved a 'Change of Assessment date' application. Failure to do so, and the subsequent submission of late work, will result in a score of zero for the assessment task and NA on the report. The 'Change of Assessment date' form can be accessed on Siena Central in the Student Zone or obtained from Student Reception.
Absence on the day of a test, presentation or performance is sometimes unavoidable.
Whatever the unforeseen circumstance, the assessment must be fair both to the individual student and to all other students enrolled in the subject.
All students must meet the same performance standards and requirements of knowledge and skills required by other students. Consequently, tests, presentations and performances for which a student has been absent must be completed at another time. At Years 7 to 11, this will normally occur in the next lesson. At Year 12, a rescheduled date will be negotiated with the Head of Senior Pathways. Assessment tasks will only be rescheduled by the Subject Teacher where appropriate evidence substantiating the absence has been provided and an extension requested and granted.
If the task is not completed zero marks will be allocated and an 'NA' (Not Assessed) recorded on the end of semester report.
Please note that Siena College does not support students going on holidays outside of the scheduled term holidays, as it can be very disruptive to a student's learning. If a student is unable to complete the set assessment task or an examination due to their holiday absence, the student will receive a zero and NA for the task on their report. Unfortunately, examinations cannot be rescheduled outside the designated time. However, in some instances, students may be able to complete the assessment task prior. We ask for your support in this matter. If you require further clarification, please speak to the relevant Head of Student Wellbeing.
Just a reminder that Friday 21 June will be the last day of Term 2 for students. Teaching staff will participate in a Staff Week until 28 June, dedicated to the marking of examinations, preparation of reports and Professional Learning. Semester Two, Term 3 will commence on Monday 15 July.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
Family Week, Australian Catholic Youth Festival
The theme for Family Week 2019 is Building Connections in the Spirit of Hope.
This year's focus on the dynamic concept of Hope, how it can be celebrated and strengthened within families, schools or parish communities, highlights that we are at our best when we are connected to others and to the world around us.
Genuine hope is built on vulnerability and love, rather than self defence and indifference, on a joy that seeks new opportunities rather than a fear that constantly sees new threats, on a strong community base rather than individualism, on building bridges not walls. This sits beautifully alongside one of our 2019 College priorities, which is to strengthen connectedness.
A blog from Fr Gerard Dowling OAM on the Spirit of Hope, looking at this year's theme for Family Week:
ACYF is an initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and is Australia's largest national gathering of Catholic young people.
It exists to:
The festival will use the scriptural focus of the 2020 Plenary Council, 'Listen to what the Spirit is saying' (Rev 2:7).
2019 ACYF will be held in Perth from 8-10 December and further information is available to students on Siena Central.
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Child Safety remains a central focus for schools and at Siena we are engaging student voice to measure just how safe our students feel. All students in Years 9 to 11 will be ...
Child Safety remains a central focus for schools and at Siena we are engaging student voice to measure just how safe our students feel. All students in Years 9 to 11 will be invited to participate in the Australian Safe Kids and Young People (ASK-YP) Pilot Project run in conjunction with Catholic Education Melbourne and Australian Catholic University. The survey results will provide us with important feedback about what we are doing well and what areas may require further attention. Our student Child Safety Committee has been meeting to create a College poster that reflects an understanding of Child Safety. These students collaborated and negotiated to arrive at the preferred wording, and they will be the ones to launch the poster at House Assemblies this term. Siena is also a partner school for Respectful Relationships and parents are invited to attend a forum run by students for parents at Mazenod College on 23 May. Please refer to the advertisement below for this event and book online at www.trybooking.com/BCLTQ.
There are so many different opinions offered on how best to parent. New parents will often have firm beliefs about how they wish to balance love and discipline, but this ideal often goes out the window when a toddler throws their first tantrum in the supermarket!
Raising children can bring parents and caregivers great joy despite many learning 'on the job' and growing into the role through experience and understanding. Children will always flourish in a warm and loving environment, supported by clear guidance.
In this SchoolTV Special Report, parents and caregivers can gain a greater understanding of the four defined parenting styles by taking part in the quiz. It can guide parents towards deciding which style they wish to adopt and the effects it may have on their children.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Parents are reminded to please SMS the College if your daughter is going to be absent from school or arriving late. The SMS number is 0408 639 190.
Parents are reminded to please SMS the College if your daughter is going to be absent from school or arriving late. The SMS number is 0408 639 190.
Extended periods of absence can also be notified via SMS or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com. Office staff will pass on information regarding extended absences to your daughter's Head of Student Wellbeing who will, in turn, inform the subject teachers. If your daughter is marked absent from House Group and any subsequent classes and we have not received notification from the family of an absence or late arrival, we will send an Absent/Late SMS Notification to families.
We appreciate your assistance in notifying the College office in advance of any late arrivals or absences.
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Highlights from our twenty-first House Fiesta
This year marked our twenty-first St Catherine's Day Fiesta and once again much enjoyment was had by all due to the high standard of the student directed and produced performances. Cassia were the deserving recipients of the Year 7 'First Timers' award, with the Year 12 Cassia cohort doubling up on House joy by taking out the 'Last Timers' prize. Sophie Griffin repeated her success from last year, winning the 'WOW Award'. Kurrajong's dance moves saw them awarded the 'Hot Shoe Shuffle' trophy and Dianella were the overall winner of the St Catherine's Cup. Over $7,000 was raised from the stalls with all profits going to the Kopanang community.
Thank you to our Fiesta adjudicators who gave their time and expertise so willingly.
Acting: Trish O'Gorman has been a teacher of Performing Arts for the past thirty years (fifteen years at secondary level and a further fifteen in primary schools). She is a drama and music specialist who has written a number of school productions, performed in amateur theatre and appeared on Rockwiz. Her love of performing arts was fostered by her dad Kevin, a ventriloquist and radio announcer, and she continues to experience household drama on a daily basis as the mum of three teenagers.
Music: Sarah Clark has played and performed music for over twenty years in various ensembles. She loves playing the French Horn and frequently performs as part of the Knox Wind Symphony and the Australian Army Band Melbourne. Ms Clark also plays the trumpet, snare drum and tenor horn, but enjoys the French Horn the most.
Dance: Amber Hobson is the director of Glen Iris School of Dance and a graduate of The Australian Ballet School. She is an accomplished choreographer and has extensive experience in performance and teaching.
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
Siena College Sport has had a busy start to Term 2 with many Senior, Intermediate and Junior teams playing AFL, Netball, Water Polo, Aerobics, Cross Country and Hockey.
Siena College Sport has had a busy start to Term 2 with many senior, intermediate and junior teams playing AFL, Netball, Water Polo, Aerobics, Cross Country and Hockey. Parents and students are encouraged to check the Siena Central Sport Page for the latest information regarding training and fixtures. The link for the page can be found at the bottom of this article.
Term 3 Sport 'sign ups' have now closed. Sports on offer are Soccer, Five-a-Side Soccer, Volleyball, Athletics and Badminton. Trials will commence later this term and we are hoping to advise students of their teams in Week 1 of Term 3.
The Siena College House Athletics Carnival is on Thursday, 30 May at Tom Kelly Athletics Track. We have close to 500 girls signed up for events and we are looking forward to an exciting day at the track (and hopefully some sunshine!). All students will be transported to the track via bus from Siena College and will return by 3.16pm.
Please note that there will be Junior GSV Sport after the House Athletics Carnival has concluded on 30 May. We have made arrangements for girls participating in Junior Netball and Junior AFL to be transported from the Tom Kelly Athletics Track to their various sporting venues once the carnival has concluded. We will then bus students back to Siena College for a 5.30pm pick up.
Julia McLean (Year 7) participated in a Tennis tournament over three days during the Easter break. She won all of her singles matches and was the overall Under 13 Girls champion. Julia also filled in for the Women's Doubles Section B, finishing as runners up. Congratulations to Julia on this excellent achievement.
Links for important information:
For all GSV Results and Ladders: http://girlssportvictoria.sportzvault.com/common/pages/public/rv/draw.aspx?entityid=51772
For all sport information please visit the Siena Central Sport Page: https://sienacentral.siena.vic.edu.au/homepage/6514
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Generations in Jazz
On the first weekend of May each year Siena takes its jazz ensembles to the Generations In Jazz Festival in Mount Gambier, South Australia.
On the first weekend of May each year Siena takes its jazz ensembles to the Generations In Jazz Festival in Mount Gambier, South Australia. In the past it has been the two big bands, Sisters of Swing and the Siena College Stage Band. 2019 saw the introduction of our first a capella vocal ensemble, Canti Dolce.
In the lead up to the event the girls participated in workshops with guest artists and a performance at Genazzano FCJ College. These performances were complemented at the event by performances by international acts such as the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz ensemble, Kurt Elling, Joey DeFrancesco, Ricky Woodard and Liz Wright.
All the girls performed exceptionally well with Stage Band winning Division 3.2 and Canti Dolce in fifth place. Celina Maderski was again awarded a place in the Division 3 super band for her performance on baritone saxophone.
In light of their success, we welcomed Australian jazz legend, Steve Sedergreen in to work with the girls this week. Steve's philosophy of deep listening, and connecting with each other and the meaning of the music resonated with the girls and is sure to spur them on to greater things in the future.
The Senior String Ensemble and Folkus were delighted to perform at two events in the past week, an Open House fundraiser for CBM Australia on Thursday, 9 May and the Fordham Park reopening on Saturday, 11 May. Luckily the weather remained clear for both of these events, and audiences were treated to a variety of traditional folk and classical music from the ensembles. Our thanks to the students involved at these performances, and also to Ms Olivia Dandens and Ms Grace Gilkerson for accompanying the students during these performances.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
Encouraging your teenagers to read more widely, new novels available to borrow
Our parents may be interested in the following article which includes some helpful tips for encouraging your teenagers to read more often:
Devil's Ballast – Meg Caddy
I counted fifteen dead me working the deck of the Kingston. Well, they weren't dead yet, but the day was young, and I had a full belt of shot. Anne Bonny was eighteen when she ran away from her brutal husband, James – and into the arms of pirate captain Calico Jack Rackham. Now she's ensconced aboard Jack's ship Ranger, passing as a cabin boy. Playing her ruthless part in a crew that is raining down mayhem and murder on the ships of the Caribbean.
But James Bonny is willing to pay to get his 'property' back. And pirate hunter Captain Barnet is happy to take his money. The Ranger's a fast ship: Anne might just be able to outrun Barnet. But can she outrun the consequences of her relationship with Calico Jack?
Promise Me Happy – Robert Newton
A new offering from local Melbourne author Robert Newton (including "Runner" and "When We Were Two").
I don't know if it's possible for people to change, not really. The way you're made up, the important stuff, I reckon you're born with that. But when it matters, when it really matters, WE ARE WHO WE ARE.
Nate's had it tough. An abusive father. His mother dead. He's done things he regrets. But he's never met anyone like Gem. She's a tiny piece of wonderful and she's changed everything he knows about himself. Is this the beginning of happiness? Or is there more hardship around the corner?
The Lost Man – Jane Harper (Senior Fiction – for staff and parents)
Three brothers, one death, a fence line stretching to the horizon. Two brothers meet at the border of their vast cattle properties under the unrelenting sun of outback Queensland.
They are at the stockman's grave, a landmark so old, no one can remember who is buried there. But today, the scant shadow it casts was the last hope for their middle brother, Cameron. The Bright family's quiet existence is thrown into grief and anguish.
Something had been troubling Cam. Did he lose hope and walk to his death? Because if he didn't, the isolation of the outback leaves few suspects…
For readers who loved The Dry and Force of Nature, Jane Harper has once again created a powerful story of suspense, set against a dazzling landscape.
Any Ordinary Day – Leigh Sales (Senior Collection for staff and parents)
As a journalist, Leigh Sales often encounters people experiencing the worst moments of their lives in the full glare of the media. But one particular string of bad news stories- and a terrifying brush with her own mortality – sent her looking for answers about how vulnerable each of us is to a life-changing event. What are our chances of actually being struck by one? What do we fear most and why? And when the worst does happen, what comes next?
In this profound and layered book, Sales talks intimately with people who've faced the unimaginable, from terrorism to natural disasters to simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Expecting broken lives, she instead finds strength, hope even humour. Sales brilliantly condenses the latest research on the way the human brain processes fear and grief, and poses the questions we too often ignore out of awkwardness. Along the way, she offers an unguarded account of her own challenges and what she's learned about coping with life's unexpected blows.
Heartfelt, candid and empathetic, Any Ordinary Day is about what happens when ordinary people, on ordinary days, are forced to suddenly find the resilience most of us don't know we have.
Liz MerrettAlumnae Coordinator
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
Many Siena students attended the recent VCE Career Expo at the Caulfield racecourse to visit, meet with tertiary representatives and gather information on courses, careers and employment....
Many Siena students attended the recent VCE Career Expo at the Caulfield racecourse to visit, meet with tertiary representatives and gather information on courses, careers and employment.
Bookings are now open for our annual Careers Showcase, a partnership between Siena Alumnae and our current students.
In this issue of Siena Careers News there is a reminder to students interested in studying Medicine to register for the UCAT, a flyer with dates of Course Information sessions at Deakin University (Criminology, Teaching, Art and Design), news on a new Bachelor of Innovation and Design at Swinburne and how can you study Neuroscience in a Health Science degree.
Students who are interested in studying in the UK can check out how secondary school students can study a subject at Cambridge University.
What's the difference between Business and Commerce degrees? Have a look at the course matrices included!
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
Amelie Nikolovski, Amanda Marasco, Ruby Flynn, Isabella Biviano, Harriette La Motte and Isabella Boussioutas attended the St Vincent de Paul College Conference Day at Abbotsford Convent o...
Amelie Nikolovski, Amanda Marasco, Ruby Flynn, Isabella Biviano, Harriette La Motte and Isabella Boussioutas attended the St Vincent de Paul College Conference Day at Abbotsford Convent on 2 May. The conference is designed to bring together students from around Victoria. The girls were inspired to learn about the range of work that Vinnies does in the community. Beyond the op shops known to many of us are home visits, homework help, soup vans and kids camps. All of these services aim to work alongside those in need in our community and to work to ensure the dignity of each individual is preserved through acts of Service. The girls learnt about the philosophy which drives Vinnies, a 'hand up, not a hand out' and considered how they can work within the College to live out this philosophy and continue doing the 'good works' of Vinnies.
This term, another group of senior students will head out on 5 June to take part in the Vinnies Street Retreat. This is an opportunity for our students to see the work the Soup Van does each night in North Melbourne and to meet with some of the people Vinnies serves on a daily basis. As the weather is getting colder, we would like to provide additional warm clothing and blankets to those sleeping rough. Donations of scarves, beanies, socks, gloves, and blankets in addition to toiletry items such as soap, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner will be most gratefully received. Students can leave donations in Mrs. Ilott's office.
Students wishing to be more actually involved in Vinnies can join the student volunteers who work in collaboration with St Dominic's Parishioners to make sandwiches for the Vinnies Soup Van. Volunteers meet on a fortnightly basis at 7:45am on a Tuesday morning and fulfil one hour of Service before heading to school in time for Period 1. The girls enjoy the camaraderie of working together as a Siena team of mixed aged volunteers and develop an appreciation that the gift of their time will make to another person that night. Students should see Mrs Ilott if they would like more information about this opportunity for Service.
Marissa JoyceHead of English
In preparation for their study of the novel Runner, Year 8 students made use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in the Learning Centre to explore the streets of Richmond.
In preparation for their study of the novel Runner, Year 8 students made use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in the Learning Centre to explore the streets of Richmond.
Runner, written by Robert Newton, is set in Richmond in the early 20th century and details the exploits of notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor. Although the technology can't show what it looked like in Squizzy Taylor's time, students were able to 'walk' down Darlington Parade where he lived, follow the protagonist Charlie's run along Bridge Road and into the city, and visit some of the city laneways featured in the novel.
Students discussed how these settings impacted on the experiences of the characters and ultimately how the author used setting to depict the poverty and hardship experienced. By understanding the conditions of Richmond, students can also understand how a man like Squizzy Taylor became so influential and how he could be both celebrated and feared by the people in the local area.
This wasn't just a chance to discuss the setting of the novel, but it was also a great opportunity for the students to experience how VR technology can help us to explore the world around us.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
An ever growing group of students meet each week to discuss global environmental issues and to consider ways in which the College community can take small steps to demonstrate our commitm...
An ever growing group of students meet each week to discuss global environmental issues and to consider ways in which the College community can take small steps to demonstrate our commitment to caring for our local environment.
The Eco Warriors took some of their concerns to staff at a meeting on Wednesday morning. The students expressed their concerns regarding the volume of paper used by staff on a weekly basis and presented some alternative measures which could be implemented to reduce use of paper in the classroom. These included recommendations such as printing double sided sheets, printing only the copies needed – no extras, and not printing material where possible but using electronic copies instead. Staff were also encouraged to reuse paper where possible.
Also of concern to the group is the amount of rubbish left around the yard after recess and lunch times. All students are encouraged to consider the ways in which they can express their concern for the environment through their own small actions, such as respectfully putting rubbish in the bin and limiting the amount of waste generated through the use of Nude Food, rather than single use plastic packaging.
With Environment Week coming up in June, the Eco Warriors will be looking to raise awareness amongst the College Community about how one person can make a difference every day through the choices they make.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
On Wednesday students in House Groups acknowledged Fairtrade Day.
On Wednesday students in House Groups acknowledged Fairtrade Day. Girls were involved in discussions about what Fairtrade is, why it is important and how they, through their choices as consumers, can make a difference.
For more information click here
Minna DenholmLeader of Wellbeing Programs
'Speak, even if your voice shakes' was the message 14 year old Amy 'Dolly' Everett left behind in January 2018, when she took her own life after becoming a victim of ongoing cyberbullying...
'Speak, even if your voice shakes' was the message fourteen year old Amy "Dolly" Everett left behind in January 2018, when she took her own life after becoming a victim of ongoing cyberbullying. Online bullying can have a devastating impact on young people, whose online life is a key part of their identity and how they interact socially.
On Friday 10 May, our students stood together against bullying, making kindness the norm at our school, on the inaugural 'Do It For Dolly Day'. Our Year 12 House Captains handed out twenty five small gifts as an act of kindness, encouraging all girls who received a gift at random to pay that kindness message forward to the next person.
Kindness can make people shine, whether you're the person giving or receiving a kind gesture. A kind gesture has an immense transformative power, it can turn a negative experience into a positive one, build trust and promote forgiveness.
Dean FleischerHead of Languages
Student reflections
Emily, Madeleine and Emilia of Year 11 will share their experience of the cultural exchange to France. They had the opportunity to spend five weeks with host families, attend school in Lille and immerse themselves in the French language.
On 8 December 2018, the three of us left for the unique and rewarding experience of French exchange for five weeks in the city of Lille. We welcomed the French students last year in June/July which was a very memorable experience being able to share our culture and routines with our French parallels. In France, we attended school each week day from 8:10am-5:30pm and had the option to eat lunch outside of school or have the canteen food. Classrooms weren't very dissimilar to Australia, however, the school was coeducational, and free dress was allowed. Partaking in regular excursions, we discovered the city of Lille with the other French exchange members – including visiting the Australian War Memorial, Swimming Pool Museum, a nougat factory and the belfry of the town hall.
Going on this trip was life changing, we:
• Improved our vocabulary, confidence in speaking and listening comprehension skills
• Were immersed in French life and culture
• Created international contacts – a French family for life
• Travelled around France (Paris, Mont St Michel, Sud de France, La Sein and famous monuments) and other parts of
Europe, including, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium
• Ate French cuisine
• Learnt about the French schooling system
• Shopped
• Spent a wonderful Christmas and New Years with our exchange family
French exchange was a truly enriching experience and is recommended for any student studying French who enjoys the subject and is interested in broadening their understanding of France, the culture and the language. If you are considering going on French exchange, we highly suggest that you take this rare opportunity and go!
Tracey LawsonHead of Admissions
As we commence the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2021, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensur...
As we commence the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2021, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form. Enrolments can be submitted via our website.
Ansalie HanrahanLearning Enhancement
Students in Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend our after school Home Learning Club. This is a valuable opportunity for students to receive some assistance with their home learning.
Students in Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend our after school Home Learning Club. This is a valuable opportunity for students to receive some assistance with their home learning.
The program will operate each Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30 pm in the Albertus Magnus Learning Centre classroom. A staff member from the Learning Enhancement Department will supervise the program and will provide support as needed to students as they work on home learning tasks. An attendance roll will be taken at each session and students will be required to sign in and out of each session.
If you would like your daughter to attend these weekly sessions, please complete the Expression of Interest form and email to email@example.com A Care Monkey permission form will then be sent to you to complete.
Home Learning EOI (123 KB)
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For anyone wishing to order photographs from the Mother's Day Brekafast the details are below:
Access Code: scmd100519
For anyone wishing to order photographs from the Mother's Day Brekafast the details are below:
Access Code: scmd100519
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Tracey KermondHuman Resources Manager
Welcome to new staff
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Chiara Severini who joins us from Camerino in Italy as our Italian language assistant until the end of the year.
We also welcome Haneen Bou-Karroum, a Siena alumna, who has joined our staff as an Emergency Teacher
If any families would like an additional copy of the 2018 yearbook there are a small amount of spare books available at Student Reception or Main Reception.
If any families would like an additional copy of the 2018 yearbook there are a small amount of spare books available at Student Reception or Main Reception.
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
"Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear." St Catherine of Siena
"Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear." - St Catherine of Siena
It is the Easter season, the most significant time on the Christian calendar and for all of us at Siena College, it is the week of St Catherine's Day, officially celebrated on 29 April. The Feast of our College Patron, St Catherine of Siena, is always a very special day of prayer, community, outreach to others in the Solomon Islands, and some fun with our traditional Fiesta.
This week has also been a time of remembering the Jewish holocaust where six million Jews were put to death in Europe in the second world war. On Monday evening Siena College was privileged to host a Christian memorial service in memory of this appalling time in the world's history.
I was moved by an article written by Gemma Di Bari who teaches at Siena College, that was published recently in The Age newspaper. Gemma was inspired to write after an excursion last term with some of our students.
"Like the writer's pen and the sculptor's chisel, experiences and stories fashion who we become. At the entrance of Siena College stands a statue of St Catherine. The plaque reads that she 'walked amid chaos and was a force to be reckoned with'.
At the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Elsternwick, to an audience of young female students, Sarah Saaroni, aged 93, spoke in a gentle voice but with the conviction of her beliefs, that one must not hate but rather seek to understand what can happen when we do not fight for what is right. She spoke also of the importance of sharing our stories through the spoken and written word and through one's art.
Catherine of Siena was a woman who walked boldly into situations knowing that she would be opposed, but she had a firm belief that she had to use her voice to bring justice to unjust situations. At fifteen she joined the Dominican sisters as a lay woman, she wrote letters, convinced the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon, and lived her life dedicated to the pursuit of truth.
Also as a fifteen year old, Sarah walked amid chaos, witnessed atrocities and used every inch of strength to survive on her own without any family members. She considers it her duty to speak of her life in Poland as a young Jewish woman at the start of World War II, so a younger generation can learn. Sarah spoke about her fear, which walked with her at every turn as she dodged soldiers and anyone who threatened her survival.
Catherine's letters written more than six hundred years ago influenced the political and religious men who governed with absolute power. She did not shy away from issues but rather was motivated with zeal and tenacity to call for change. Catherine's predisposition for endurance meant she allowed no one to intimidate her to leave the path she was on.
In 1981 at the age of 55, Sarah began working with clay, first as a potter then as a sculptor. Many of her works now grace the rooms at the Jewish Holocaust Centre where they tell the story of the Jewish experience during the horrors inflicted on her people. All her statues are poignant but one stands out. It's of Dr Janusz Korczak, who attempted to save orphans from the Warsaw ghetto. When German soldiers came to collect children from the orphanage, Korczak refused the sanctuary he was offered, saying that he could not abandon "his children".
What was their message? Become the sculptor of your life. Speak wisely, act courageously and contribute to your world."
Sadly, these past weeks have shown that we have not learned well from the pages of history. We have seen people killed in places of worship, Moslems praying in the mosque in Christchurch, Christians in Sri Lanka in revenge attacks and tragically at this time of remembering the holocaust, Jews in their synagogue in California; people killed because of their religion or race, atrocities committed out of prejudice and hatred and fear of difference.
We all have great capacity for goodness and kindness and when we get to know others who are different from us, we no longer fear them.
Over the break, I had the privilege of travelling to Italy with twenty-three lovely Siena girls and my colleagues, Tina Di Camillo and Anthony Vadala. It was approaching Easter and we visited many churches, amongst them a most extraordinary twelfth century church beneath which excavations have revealed a fourth century church, and below that a first century church, a Roman house and a pagan temple. Visiting San Clemente is like walking through the centuries of Rome's history.
In this Church is the most beautiful mosaic crucifix I have ever seen and one which for me was about the message of Easter, about the new life we are invited to and the peace and harmony we can bring to the world, each in our own small way. It is a call to us to listen to the views of others and to embrace diversity and be enriched rather than diminished by fear of difference. It is ablaze with a golden background and beautiful colours. Peace emanates from the face of Jesus and the cross is growing as a tree with water below. It is a tree of life with a rich network of branches that spread across the dome like a large vineyard. Between the shoots in amongst the coils there are shepherds and peasants and animals and people of all kinds. The hand of God reaches down from above to bring the world life and reconciliation.
Pope Francis reminds us that our joy in the risen Jesus, the Easter Jesus, is to a quiet call to love and service. May our Siena community always be a place of kindness and compassion, inclusion and respect. May we flourish amidst diversity and be enriched by our differences
It is lovely to share the following news with our community:
Grace Power has been recognised for her outstanding achievements in VCE Health and Human Development in 2018 via a Premier's Award. This is also a tribute to the excellent teaching and mentoring of Anne Rice. Congratulations to Grace and Anne. We are very proud of them both.
College Business Manager, Tony Grant and Assistant Business Manager, Mark Baldasso graduated this week with an MBAE, a Masters of Business Administration (Executive), conferred by the Australian Catholic University. They have invested many hours in study and lectures over the past three years and this is a significant achievement.
Deputy Principal Bernadette Donnelly is the recipient of the 2020 Principals Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS) Memorial Leadership Scholarship. It is awarded annually to a leading educator in a Victorian Catholic Secondary School who shows outstanding leadership capacity in a particular field in his/her school, has strengthened his/her own leadership capacity through study or project involvement and contributed to the broader dimension of Catholic Education through membership of committees and organizations. The Scholarship provides $5,000 towards participation in a recognized Leadership Program and towards accommodation and air fares. This is well deserved recognition of Bernadette's outstanding leadership of learning and teaching.
Sarah Clark from our Music Department was chosen to play the Last Post at the Anzac Day Rugby League Game. Once again, this is a great honour and a great credit to Sarah's musicianship and service in the Army Reserve.
I extend our warmest wishes to Kerryn McGillen and all our musicians who are travelling to Generations in Jazz this weekend in Warrnambool. I know they will do the College proud.
It was lovely to welcome mothers and daughters of generational families to a gathering in the Heritage Centre. The memorabilia there attracted much attention including the old uniforms on display.
Thank you to all who attended the Board and Community Night in the Susan Alberti Auditorium. We are so appreciative of the wonderful support and encouragement we receive from the Siena community. At this event, Mr Sean McGing announced that he will conclude his time as Board Chair at the forthcoming AGM. Sean's outstanding commitment to this College over many years will be acknowledged as he passes the baton to incoming Chair Kath McCarthy. We are grateful to Kath for taking on this role in the future.
May the term unfold well for you all.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Siena in the City Parent Showcase Evening, Examinations, Staff Profile
Year 9 students will present their Siena in the City group findings at the Parent Showcase on Wednesday, 8 May. The evening will take place in the St Catherine Centre and will commence at 7.00pm and conclude at 8.00pm. We look forward to hearing about the excellent learning that took place during Activities Week.
Parents, guardians and students will receive a letter in early May with more information regarding the examination period and timetable. Students should also be speaking to their subject teachers so that they are confident about the content to be covered and the best revision strategies to utilise. Year 9 to 11 revision materials will be released on 29 May. Year 9 and 10 students will also engage in examination revision strategies during Pastoral on 6 June.
The Year 9 to 11 Semester 1 examinations will commence on 17 June and conclude on 21 June. The GAT will take place on 12 June. Please note that there will be no Year 11 nor 12 classes on 12 June.
Ms Jennifer Casey is standing in for Mr Neil Thomas this semester, while he enjoys travelling during his long service leave. Jennifer is teaching English, History and Geography to Years 7 to 9 students. Previously from St Patrick's College in Ballarat, an all boys college, she is enjoying the different challenges and joys presented at a girls school. Jennifer has a keen interest in politics and social justice.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
Marking St Catherine's Day, Christian Holocaust Service
On Friday April 26 our College Feast Day commenced with a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist at St Dominic's Church attended by all members of the school community. We gathered in the spirit of Easter to hear readings describing the attributes of the early Christian community and Jesus' post-resurrection message of hope. We are grateful to Fr Kevin Toomey OP for celebrating the Eucharist with us, as well as staff and students who carried out liturgical roles or who contributed to the planning phase of the Eucharist.
Sr Sheila Flynn OP writes:
When everything in the world around her was in chaos, in the church, in the market place, in government, Catherine of Siena always stood up for the truth. She had the conviction that, despite all the evidence to the contrary, God's spirit of mercy is at work in our world and in our lives empowering us to be ministers of compassion and healing.
Each year a school in the Christian tradition is invited to host this service - Siena is privileged to have been chosen for 2019. On the evening of Monday, April 29 Christians and Jews gathered as one in the Susan Alberti Auditorium to remember the tragedy of the Shoah and to say 'Never again'. Senior student Hayley Di Stefano lead the service, while Teagan Matthews provided a voice for the future; members of the College Choir provided a hauntingly beautiful vocal backdrop to the solemn occasion.
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Susan McLean at Siena College, a reminder on College Uniform Guidelines
Responding to parent and student concerns about cyber safety can be very challenging in this day and age. Our students have been born into an online world and we, together with parents, have a responsibility to guide young people through this space as safely as possible. Earlier in the year, Year 7 parents heard from Dr Katie Wood about applying realistic expectations around the use of devices and balancing this with some green time. In Year 7 Skills classes, these ideas were developed further with students.
Year 8 and 9 students had the pleasure of welcoming Susan McLean to Siena College for the first time. Her presentation on Respect and Responsibility was straight to the point. The session was delivered with clarity and humour and challenged all students to stop and think about what they do online and what the consequences might be for them not only today but for the rest of their lives. She recounted episodes from her extensive experience in this space, from her first report of cyberbullying in 1994 to her training with the FBI, her visit to Facebook's HQ and her work with elite sports clubs and other organisations. She is the most highly qualified Federal Government eSafety certified educator.
As part of our ongoing education of students in this sphere, Year 9 students have also participated in a Brainstorm production of Verbal Combat that explores online bullying and these issues have also been raised in classes. A key message for students is to report any issues that impact their safety and to speak openly with parents about what is happening to them.
Parent responses to offering Ms McLean's presentation at the College have been very supportive. Here are just a few:
"I think this presentation is an absolutely fabulous idea and wish to extend my thanks for arranging this. Raising teenage kids is hard enough as it is, but when you throw technology in the mix, it becomes incredibly complicated and challenging…I consider pastoral care equally as important as their academics, and so support Siena in continuing to guide and inform the girls of many other social issues too…"
"Thank you - so very valuable in this era. Really do appreciate the effort put in by the school to address this with such amazing experts."
If you would like some extra information on cyber-safety, please go onto our School TV page and explore some of the resources.
Siena College adheres to Restorative Practices in managing issues regarding students in the hope that students will understand the vital role they play in the community. It is an expectation that all students are well groomed and in correct uniform at all times. When this does not occur, the following process will be followed. It allows students ample opportunity to address any uniform issues and take responsibility for their actions. Please refer to the attached Uniform Standards flowchart for further clarification:
Uniform Standards (53 KB)
> View Document
Michael PetrieHead of Senior Pathways
On Wednesday, 12 June at 10am, the General Achievement Test (GAT) 2019 will be conducted for all Victorian Year 12 students and Year 11s who undertake a VCE Unit 3/4 (Year 12) subject.
On Wednesday, 12 June at 10am, the General Achievement Test (GAT) 2019 will be conducted for all Victorian Year 12 students and Year 11s who undertake a VCE Unit 3/4 (Year 12) subject. This absolutely crucial test is used as an assessment and moderation tool by VCAA in tandem with the final examinations and the various school based results and rankings. It is effectively a vital insurance policy taken by students to ensure that their better results are preserved, especially should some unusual or unfortunate circumstances occur. All students need to provide their very best efforts so that the GAT can work as much as possible in their favour when required.
Accordingly, we will conduct an Information Session and Practice GAT during classes on Friday, 10 May. As an aptitude test, the GAT requires no formal study but practising the writing task skills is a very beneficial preparation for the day. It is externally marked and feedback reported to the girls to maximise the opportunity.
We look forward to marking these important steps in your daughters' VCE journeys.
Donna LaughlinDirector of Learning and Innovation
NAPLAN testing at Year 7 and 9 will take place on 15, 16 and 17 May.
NAPLAN testing at Year 7 and 9 will take place on 15, 16 and 17 May. Parents, guardians and students will have received letters outlining the schedule and the materials required for the tests. Further details are available from the NAPLAN website https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site. All students have been given the opportunity to complete the NAPLAN Online Practice Test and further familiarisation with the online requirements will take place in English and Mathematics classes prior to the test week.
To facilitate online testing, all students in Years 7 and 9 are required to supply the following to complete each test:
• their own iPad with the minimum requirements of iPad Air and above with minimum operating system iOS 10.3.3
• students in Year 9 may use a BYOD Laptop/MacBook if they no longer have access to an iPad.
(PC with operating system of either Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or Mac with operating system minimum OS X 10.9)
• their own headphones, earphones or earbuds
• all BYODs must be fully charged at home prior to undertaking any NAPLAN tests
The Naplan schedule is as follows:
|Wednesday, 15 May
|Thursday, 16 May
|Friday, 17 May
|Periods 1 and 2
|Year 9 Writing Test
|Year 7 Reading Test
|Year 7 Numeracy Test
|Periods 3 and 4
|Year 7 Writing Test
|Year 9 Conventions of Language Test
|Year 9 Numeracy Test
|Periods 5 and 6
|Year 9 Reading Test
|Year 7 Conventions of Language Test
Parents and guardians will receive their individual child results as soon as they become available, usually in September.
This year, we continue embedding our Learning Framework and building upon our 2018 Action Research, incorporating staff recommendations in developing the Siena Pedagogical Model. Referencing evidence based practice, all teaching staff have formed Professional Learning Teams to investigate the strategies that build upon successful lesson delivery to enhance student learning. The purpose of this approach is to provide opportunity for staff to work together collaboratively, across faculties to investigate, trial, analyse, evaluate and finally to determine a lesson structure particular to Siena and our learners.
Student voice will be sought around approaches and activities that best support learning within the classroom environment. This may be in the form of a survey or other methods within the classroom. Students are encouraged to communicate to their teacher what assists them to learn throughout the flow of a lesson. This is a year long process and parents are invited to engage with their daughter regarding how lesson structure can best facilitate her learning. Assisting students to understand and articulate their learning gives them greater agency over their learning and furthers their ability to understand where growth is possible.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
Our South African Immersion group departed in the final week of Term 1.
Our South African Immersion group departed in the final week of Term 1. As a group, we had spent many hours preparing for the experience throughout the term. We learnt about the history and politics of South Africa, the origins of the Kopanang Project, the impact of HIV and AIDS on the people of Africa and the community with whom we would be staying. We planned lessons for the creche and for tutoring and sorted through donations of clothing, sanitary products, stationary supplies, bubbles and sporting equipment. We tried to imagine what our ten days living in Tsakane would be like.
While the preparation for the immersion is vital, in reality there is no way to adequately prepare for what this experience will be and there are no adequate words to convey how such an experience will impact upon the participants. When you arrive at the Kopanang Project you are embraced by a community which exudes love. A joyful, faithful, resilient group of women who have lived lives of sorrow, sickness, loss, grief and who continue to live lives of poverty and deprivation. These women embrace the Siena community. They call us their daughters, their sisters and brothers. They love us, care for us, pray for us. They laugh with us and teach us and consequently, our lives are forever changed.
Our daily life 'at the project' consisted of working in the creche which operates alongside Kopanang, assisting in the kitchen to prepare meals for the creche and additionally for a local feeding program which services up to one hundred orphans in the community, providing them with a daily nutritious meal . We also worked alongside the Kopanang women providing them with computer training. We spent an afternoon at a local high school in dialogue with the students about our lives, our hopes and our dreams for the future.
Our time in the township was balanced with opportunities to deepen our understanding about the history and culture of South Africa. We visited Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum, toured Constitution Hill and the High Court. We visited prisons where political prisoners were held throughout the Apartheid period. We travelled to Soweto to see where the Student Uprising of 1976 had taken place and visited the Regina Mundi Church, a place of refuge for Anti Apartheid activists. Additionally, we spent a day at the Pilanesberg Game Park and marvelled at the magnificence of Africa's animal kingdom. We were privileged to spend an afternoon in the studio of South African artist, Mandy Conidaris, who helped us to express our South African experiences in an artistic form.
As with our arrival, our Kopanang family farewelled us with song. Memories of our time in Tsakane frequently drift into our daily lives at Siena. It will not be forgotten. It is important that we continue to pray for and support this community with whom we share such a special relationship.
'For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others'.
Nelson Mandela
News from the Learning Centre, new novels
Term 1 was an exciting time in the Albertus Magnus Learning Centre with new initiatives launched, new resources purchased and new partnerships formed. Lunchtimes throughout the week were used to offer an array of activities to cater for a wide variety of student needs and interests. We introduced Gaming, the Art Club and became the permanent venue for weekly SRC meetings. The student run Anime Club continued to operate and regular craft activities were held. In Term 2, in addition to these activities, we are launching a student facilitated Current Affairs Group and moving the Craft Club to Tuesday afternoons after school to provide more time for craft activities.
Learning Centre staff enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with the Year 7 Religion teachers and their classes to build a Wall of Compassion – a visual representation of each classes' engagement with one of the stories from Caritas' "Project Compassion" which runs throughout the season of Lent. This activity provided us all with the opportunity to meaningfully engage in the Project Compassion profiles and to deepen our understanding of the work that Caritas does throughout the world. We are looking forward to ongoing collaboration with other faculty areas to enhance the learning experiences of our students in the Learning Centre.
Many new resources, including a wide range of Young Adult Fiction, were purchased ensuring that there is a constant supply of new and contemporary literature for our students. As always, students are encouraged to recommend texts they would like purchased in order for our library to meet the interests of our student population. Students are also reminded of the magazine subscriptions we have in the Learning Centre and are encouraged to borrow these. We also have a digital library which enables students to borrow a vast range of eBooks.
As the term progresses, we look forward to providing more information about the range of activities taking place in the Learning Centre.
Aurora Rising (Aurora Cycle 0.1) – Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
From the authors of the popular Illuminae Files trilogy, comes a new Sci-Fi series. The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch:
A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm.
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates.
A smart-alec tech-whiz with the galaxy's biggest chip on his shoulder.
An alien warrior with anger management issues.
A tomboy pilot who's totally not into her squad leader, in case you were wondering.
And Ty's squad isn't even his biggest problem – that'd be Aurora Jie-Lin O'Malley, the girl he's just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler's squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.
Half Moon Lake – Kirsten Alexander
In 1913, on a summer's day at Half Moon Lake, Louisiana, four-year-old Sonny Davenport walks into the woods and never returns.
The boy's mysterious disappearance from the family's lake house makes front-page news in their home town of Opelousas. John Henry and Mary Davenport are wealthy and influential, and will do anything to find their son. For two years, the Davenports search across the South, offer increasingly large rewards and struggle not to get in to despair. Then, at the moment when all hope seems lost, the boy is found in the company of a tramp.
But is he truly Sonny Davenport? The circumstances of his discovery raise more questions than answers. And when Grace Mill, an unwed farm worker, travels from Alabama to lay claim to the child, newspapers, townsfolk, even the Davenport's own friends, take sides.
As the tramp's kidnapping trial begins, and two desperate mothers fight for ownership of the boy, the people of Opelousas discover that the truth is more complicated than they'd ever dreamed. Inspired by a true story, Half Moon Lake is a captivating novel about the parent-child bond, identity, and what it means to be part of a family.
Into the Fire – Sonia Orchard
A year after her best friend died in a house fire, Lara can't come to terms with the loss. Logic says there was no more she could have done to save the mercurial and unhappy Alice, but Lawa can't escape the feeling that she is somehow to blame for the tragedy.
She spends a weekend at the rebuilt house with Alice's charismatic widower, Crow, and his three young children. Rummaging through the remains of their shared past, Lara reveals a friendship with Alice that was as troubled as it was intense. But beneath the surface is a darker, more unsettling secret waiting to be exposed.
Through exquisite prose and searing insight, Into the Fire explores the many ways, small and large, we betray one another and our ideals. It's a compelling story about power, guilt and womanhood from an outstanding voice in Australian fiction.
Shauna's Great Expectations – Kathleen Loughnan
Just in time for National Reconciliation Day, comes a new #LoveOZYA book. Shauna is in her final year at an elite private school and has great expectations. She holds an Indigenous scholarship and is determined to be the first member of her family to go to University, no matter what. The year is off to an excellent start, and she and her friends are dreaming big about life after school and a trip to Paris.
But suddenly she's faced with a choice that threatens to throw all her plans into disarray. As pressure builds from every corner of her world, Shauna wonders what she'll have to sacrifice to keep hold of her dreams… Can she fulfil her own promise and still keep her promises to others? Will her expectations be ripped away?
Paul FaillaTeacher - Mathematics
The term has begun well for students in the Mathematics Faculty. Classes are taking part in a variety of activities and some of our Year 12 students are currently involved in their first ...
The term has begun well for students in the Mathematics Faculty. Classes are taking part in a variety of activities and some of our Year 12 students are currently involved in their first SACs. Year 7 students are consolidating and extended their fraction skills, Year 8 students are looking at Measurement as can be seen in the images below where circle ideas are being investigated and explored. Year 9 students are looking at Linear Graphs and Equations, Year 10 and 11 students are studying a variety of topic areas.
Mathematics help continues this term and many girls are availing themselves of the opportunity of receiving some extra support with areas of need in a variety of topics. There will be several opportunities to become involved in competitions and incursions this and next term. We continue to encourage our students to seek help from their teachers when they experience any difficulty as this is a very important part of the study process.
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
We have a large number of girls (approximately 350 students) signed up to Term 2 GSV sports with netball, AFL, cross country, water polo and hockey on offer this term. Training and matche...
We have a large number of girls (approximately 350 students) signed up to Term 2 GSV sports with netball, AFL, cross country, water polo and hockey on offer this term. Training and matches will commence this week for Intermediate and Senior levels and next week for Junior levels. I would like to thank all the sports staff including parent volunteers for their assistance this term, it really is much appreciated.
Congratulations to the following Term 1 GSV Finalists:
Other sporting news:
Aerobics is off to a great start with several upcoming events this term, culminating in the National AeroSchools on the Gold Coast again in 2019.
The Siena College House Athletics Carnival is on Thursday, 30 May 2019 at the Tom Kelly Athletics Track. Students are currently signing up for events and House Captains will be allocating them shortly.
We are keen to recognise students' sporting achievements outside of school. If your daughter has participated in a sport outside of GSV and has achieved significant success please email email@example.com (photos are also greatly appreciated).
Congratulations to Jaimie Guan who went to Sydney to compete in two tournaments over the holidays; the School Age Championship and the Australian Open Karate Competition. These were her first international fights and she participated against New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. She came third in both competitions. We wish Jaimie the best of luck for Nationals which will be held in Tasmania this August.
Minna DenholmLeader of Wellbeing Programs
On Wednesday, 3 April the Year 7 cohort and several staff members travelled to Camp Rumbug in South Gippsland.
On Wednesday, 3 April the Year 7 cohort and several staff members travelled to Camp Rumbug in South Gippsland. The camp provided the students with opportunities to meet girls from different houses and point groups, to continue to build their connection to the Siena Community. They participated in a range of activities that challenged them both physically and mentally, building their ability to problem solve and improving their resilience and stamina. It was a most pleasant experience and we are very grateful to the staff who accompanied the students to camp. We are especially thankful for the work that Ms. Georgie Plasto and Mrs. Natalie Kinsella contributed to the overall organisation of the camp.
"At Camp Rumbug we had lots of fun participating in different activities and making new friends, it was nice to see everyone encouraging each other do their best. My favourite activity was tree climbing, even though it pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was lots of fun and I enjoyed challenging myself. This camp was a very different experience to Primary School because I didn't know everyone, but by the end of it I had made new friends. It was a great way to end Term 1".
Roxanne Champion
"On 3 April, the Year 7 students set off for Camp Rumbug. Everyone was buzzing with excitement and nervousness, but we all knew that we were going to have an amazing and adventurous three days ahead. I was excited for all the memories I was going to make and nervous about some of the challenges, one being the giant swing. When it was time for my group to participate in the Giant Swing I wasn't sure if I would do it or not. Through my groups encouragement I worked up the courage to face my fear of heights and completed the activity. It was amazing, everyone was very supportive and I was so proud of myself. I had a great time at camp and enjoyed the opportunity to meet new girls and make new friends".
Grace McPhee
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
The latest issue of Siena Career News is jam packed with information and activities that are sure to stimulate discussion and assist students with gathering information on potential terti...
The latest issue of Siena Career News is jam packed with information and activities that are sure to stimulate discussion and assist students with gathering information on potential tertiary courses and future careers. There is absolutely no excuse not to attend at least one of the amazing activities scheduled for May and June!
Some of these include:
· VCE Careers Expo – on again at the Caulfield Racecourse this weekend. A fantastic expo with many tertiary organisations present, Defence Force, Police, private institutions. Take a friend and gather as much information as you can from all of the stands. Representatives are on hand to answer questions.
· Law Week Activities in May – if you have a budding lawyer in the family there are many events that are relevant and can help paint a picture of what careers in Law are really like.
· For parents of students in Years 10 -12 the Northern Metro TIS (Tertiary Information Service) event at Latrobe University is well worth attending. You will have the opportunity to research study options, tertiary courses and chat to Uni, TAFE and private college representatives.
· Bond University scholarships- this beautiful university on the Gold Coast is a private institution, there are no Commonwealth Supported Places available in courses. Scholarships can make attending a lot more affordable.
· University of Melbourne "My Future" series of course information sessions are planned for June/July.
· Studying in the UK and USA info sessions – many students are expressing interest in studying overseas. These Info sessions are a great way of gathering information.
· For Year 12's the Community Achievers Program opens at ACU – an application detailing your leadership and community service experience could potentially get you into Law and Physiotherapy with ATAR around 70!
· Focus on Biomed – what can you do, other than medicine, after studying this?
Also, just a reminder to Save the Date for our annual Siena Careers Showcase on Thursday 13 June – more information will follow!
Liz MerrettAlumnae Coordinator
Peta MackintoshTeacher - Visual Arts
Heide Museum of Modern Art and William Mora Galleries.
Late in Term 1, the Year 11 and 12 Studio Arts students, Sr Shelia Flynn and myself spent time at Heide Museum viewing the Mirka Mora – PAS DE DEUX - Drawings and Dolls exhibition. Following this, we were then fortunate to enjoy the gallery space and presence of William and Anna Mora who shared their stories of Mirka. William spoke of his childhood with his vibrant mother as a prolific artist and how she 'loved to inspire people'. He spoke of Mirka cutting up bed sheets to make her textile doll works and how she disliked deciding on titles for her work, so this responsibility fell to William. He put Mirka's subject matter into a context with explaining why she often morphed animals and humans as she saw the 'same values in animals as in humans'. Students learnt about Mirka's experience as a child in World War 2 and how the loss of childhood shaped her studio practice and influenced the aesthetic and style that became unique to her. It was explained that 'she had survived the Holocaust but lost her childhood, so Australia represented a new beginning which translated into this incredible zest for life. She wasn't going to miss a moment.' The visit to 'William Mora's Galleries' provided our students with a first-hand insight into the life of Mirka Mora as relayed by her family and the chance to know her on a more personal and intimate level that what would not be possible through simply researching on the internet. Through this excursion Mirka Mora became a 'real person' and a familiar figure in the eyes of the girls which can only assist in expanding their understanding of her art practices as they collate information on her as the contemporary artist studied this semester.
The PAS DE DEUX – Drawings and Dolls exhibition at Heide (which translates to 'a dance for two people') provided the girls with the opportunity to study the varied artforms that Mirka explored, such as drawing, painting, embroidery and soft sculpture. The extensive exhibition of 409 artworks was a stunning and overwhelming testament to her work ethic, her creativity and passion for producing art and drawing inspiration from the world around her. Kendra Morgan, one of the exhibition curators spoke of the decision making in the exhibition design, promotion and marketing considerations and the joy in gathering artworks from an artist who has enjoyed a long and successfully relationship with the gallery.
In Studio Arts, students are to complete research on historical and contemporary artists and there is great value in seeing the artworks in gallery spaces and being able to spend time studying the imagery and considering the materials used in the construction with the work presented before their eyes. An appreciation of and exposure to wonderful art was enjoyed on that Thursday in March by students and staff alike.
Anita GalliTeacher Languages/Science
Student reflections
In Florence, we were able to experience going to a language school for five days. It was for three and a half hours each day and we were only allowed to speak Italian ...
In Florence, we were able to experience going to a language school for five days. It was for three and a half hours each day and we were only allowed to speak Italian and write in Italian. The year 11s were split into a different class with Michele as their teacher, and the year 10s had Daniele. Of course it was tough at first, but we were able to adjust pretty quickly and learn so many new things. During classes at Siena, we learn a lot of grammatical language so when overseas and continuously speaking Italian we were able to learn the correct way to speak formally and informally, as well as in different tenses. It was an amazing experience and I will never forget it.
Anna Griss
Over our time in Italy, we went to school in Florence. It was a very fun and enjoyable time with our teacher Daniele. Throughout our days in school, we learnt a lot more Italian grammar and we improved on our speaking, as our teacher didn't speak to us in English.
Alessia Di Donato
Due to the fact that we were only spoken to in Italian by our teachers, we really improved our listening and understanding skills. We were able to broaden our knowledge of different vocabulary on a variety of different subjects. We all loved the time that we spent at school in Florence, and we thought that it was a wonderful once in a lifetime learning opportunity.
Molly O'Farrell
At language school, we learnt a lot more conversation as our teacher, Daniele, was only speaking Italian. I really enjoyed playing lots of Italian games while also incorporating the language into it, meaning we were learning but in a fun way.
Olivia Efthimiou
In Italy, when we first arrived, it was very overwhelming at first to hear only Italian. It took us a few days to fully get the flow of how to respond and ask questions when ordering food or buying clothes at the local shops. Our Italian had improved by the end because we were learning new ways to have a basic conversation with someone, and felt more confident with our Italian.
Julia Bendinelli
While in Italy we were expected to speak as much Italian as we could: ordering food, purchasing things and just talking to anyone in general. I personally found ordering food in Italian pretty easy, although the server always replied in English! In the smaller cities where there weren't many tourists it was harder to communicate because we couldn't simply ask 'parla inglese?' if they didn't understand our Italian. Overall, I now know many more phrases and can fluently order a pizza in Italian.
Stella Zavattieri
WOW the food in Italy is amazing! Every night we went out for dinner and had a delicious meal. Most of us either had gnocchi, spaghetti or pizza. The pizza in Australia is nothing compared to the pizza in Italy. It had a thin base with lots of toppings and a puffed crust that tasted amazing. Seeing as though food in Italy seems pretty cheap, we all got a three course meal which usually started off with getting bruschetta as entree (toasted bread topped with chopped tomatoes, oregano and salt and pepper). It was then followed by main course and then a traditional dessert. During the day, at lunch time, we were free to roam and explore with friends. We usually had a panino, after lunch most of us went and got an ice-cream which I think was everyone's favourite time of day. I can't even begin to tell how amazing the sorbet and ice-cream was, and how many different flavors there were to choose from.
Siena Butyn
Sean McGingChair
On Tuesday, 30 April the College held its first Board and Community Night in the St Catherine Centre.
On Tuesday, 30 April the College held its first Board and Community Night in the St Catherine Centre. Siena College Board, Risk, Finance and Policy Committee Members were represented, along with the Siena Parents' Association and Alumnae Association.
Mrs Robson-Garth and Mr Sean McGing (Board Chair) provided an outline of the governance structure of the College and each Committee Chair or President gave a briefing on the activities of their Committee.
The Strategic Plan for 2019 to 2023 was introduced and parents wishing to view the Strategic Plan may do so via the College Website. An update was also provided on the new Principal appointment process, which is now well underway with the Board hoping to make an announcement by August.
The evening provided an opportunity for parents to mingle informally with Board and Committee members to learn more about the College and its operations and given the success of the evening, we hope to have this as an annual event on our calendar.
Claire Al-NoahHead of Arts and Technology
Student Reflection
On the last week of Term 1, I had the opportunity to participate in a week long architecture experience with eleven other Siena students. On the first day of the course we travelled to the Williams Ross Architect offices in Fitzroy and met Amanda and Robbie who explained to us what an architect's role is and arranged for other members of their team to talk to us about their roles. We learnt about careers that can develope with architecture, how to become an architect and what an architect does in their everyday work life. We were then divided into groups and were given the role of 'client ' where we created a brief for another group for the redevelopment of the Agora Gardens area (rear basketball courts) at Siena. We then worked in our teams to design an area for another team (client). Throughout the week we developed a building to fit the criteria of our clients brief. On the second day we went to the Agora area and took photos so that we could understand the space where out design would go. Then we began drawing bubble diagrams, to map out what the building would look like and develop our concepts and ideas. This really helped us to understand where everything would be placed and it made it very easy to begin the process of designing our building. The next day we created a floor plan which we based off our bubble diagrams. From there we created elevation drawings and a 3D model on the computer to bring life to our ideas. Lastly we presented out designs to our parents, staff and members of William Ross Architect firm. Overall, this was such an amazing experience and I have learnt so much from it.
Victoria Zikas (Year 10)
Marianne De LuiseLearning Enhancement
Gifted Education Week, Home Learning Club
Human intelligence is the world's most important resource. We should do everything we can to nurture and protect it.
Phyllis Miller, Mensa Foundation
Gifted Education Week took place during the week commencing 18 March and Siena students and staff embraced it with activities to celebrate and promote the diversity and equity in the education of this cohort. It is important to remember that a truly inclusive education embraces gifted students' right to learn, to be accepted, respected and supported as stated in The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (2008).
The definition of giftedness, which is generally endorsed in Australia, is by the Professor Gagné (2013), who maintains that gifted students are those who possess outstanding natural abilities in the intellectual, creative, physical or social abilities but may not necessarily be reaching their full potential. Therefore, modifications in teaching, parenting and the way they are supported are necessary to achieve this. This is paramount for the development of giftedness into talents and so with the right support and guidance, they will go on to make important contributions to society. Thus, understanding the true nature of giftedness is essential for devising appropriate programs. For further reading on giftedness in the Australian context, more information is available through this link:
At Siena College, some of the activities which took place throughout Gifted Education Week included the provision of resources to staff on giftedness and differentiation; an informative display on the topic; lunchtime Chess Club and thought provoking board games; a lunchtime screening of a movie about a musically gifted young person and an incursion on robotics organised by Mrs Moore. Overall, it was an enjoyable week of acknowledging and celebrating the learning diversity of our students.
Students in Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend an after school Home Learning Club. This is a valuable opportunity for students to receive some assistance with their home learning.
Beginning in Week 1 of Term 2, the program will operate each Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30 pm in the Albertus Magnus Learning Centre classroom. A staff member from the Learning Enhancement Department will supervise the program and will provide support as needed to students as they work on home learning tasks. An attendance roll will be taken at each session and students will be required to sign in and out of each session.
If you would like your daughter to attend these weekly sessions, please complete the Expression of Interest form and email to email@example.com A Care Monkey permission form will then be sent to you to complete.
Ansalie Hanrahan
Head of Learning Enhancement
Home Learning EOI (123 KB)
> View Document
'A Brave New World' arrived at Siena in 1993 with the purchase of a number of 386 Mitac computers. For a while, typewriters and computers lived side by side and we love the photo that hig...
A 'Brave New World' arrived at Siena in 1993 with the purchase of a number of 386 Mitac computers. For a while, typewriters and computers lived side by side and we love the photo that highlights this changing of the guard. The 1996 Year Book states: "Our recently formed Information Technology Services Unit is currently investigating the College's long term Information Technology needs." Head of IT, Suko Sukohondono has overseen this development since 1997 and together with Dan Henderson and Paul Young assists with all our information technology requests and problems. The past twenty five years have seen so many changes with our computers, each change more amazing than the one before. Our latest computers are HP Pro One 400 and Apple iMacs that are especially helpful with the needs of our Arts and Technology students.
Maria Ang and Maureen McAuley
College Archivists
Matthew CoghlanHumanities Teacher
Student Reflection
The Unit 3/4 Legal Studies excursion to the Ringwood Magistrates' Court was extremely interesting and helpful to see what we have been learning placed into a real life scenario. Whilst many people wouldn't necessarily find a court to be the most exciting place, we as legal students found it fascinating to see all different legal processes come together to serve justice in our community. Seeing the advantages and disadvantages of whether or not an accused has legal representation or not was insightful and showed the daily struggle of those who are unable to afford legal representation.
Evelyn O'Meara
Tracey LawsonHead of Admissions
As we commence the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2021, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensur...
As we commence the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2021, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form. Enrolments can be submitted via our website.
Michael HanrahanDirector of Strategy and Risk
There has been an increasing number of breakages of glass drink bottles around the College.
Glass Drink Bottles
There has been an increasing number of breakages of glass drink bottles around the College. Often, when this occurs, students are put at risk of slipping on the wet floor and possibly falling on the broken glass. Whilst our Maintenance team is very quick to clean up after a breakage, there remains a real risk of harm from slips and cuts.
Whilst the College supports the need to remain hydrated and acknowledges scientific evidence around possible contaminants leaching out of PET and BPA bottles, we ask that the supply of fragile glass drink bottles be reconsidered given the increased risk to safety.
Students are also encouraged to drink from the filtered 'bubble' taps conveniently located around the College.
On 19 May 19th St Michael's will hold their inaugural Parish Day. Archbishop Peter Comensoli will celebrate mass at 10:30pm. This will be followed by a barbecue and sporting activities fo...
On 19 May 19th St Michael's will hold their inaugural Parish Day. Archbishop Peter Comensoli will celebrate mass at 10:30pm. This will be followed by a barbecue and sporting activities for children. All welcome to help celebrate a wonderful parish community.
As part of the festivities, all past St Michael's students, as well as past and current parishioners are invited to participate in the mass choir and orchestra or perform music of their choice as general entertainment. Assistance is also required for serving and clearing up morning tea. This is an excellent opportunity for community service and/or performance for secondary students.
Any students who would like to participate are asked to email Therese Molnar on firstname.lastname@example.com. She will provide music to those wishing to participate in the church choir/orchestra and confirm rehearsal times. She will also develop and advise the schedule for performances based on chosen music selections. Any general questions can be directed to John Whitehouse, Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council (email@example.com).
Online edition now available
Ther Term 1 online edition of Catholic Education Today is now available. Featuring an article on the recent World Youth Day events in Panama, stories promoting the new campus of St Paul's College and a student voice initiative involving four primary schools, as well as a photographic tribute to our successful Catholic Education Week, this issue also contains the regular sections highlighting Educators in Profile and Around the Archdiocese.
Anthony VadalaDirector of Operations
The Athletics Carnival tomorrow has been postponed due to the forecast for very poor weather. The carnival will be rescheduled for another date later in the year.
The Athletics Carnival tomorrow has been postponed due to the forecast for very poor weather. The carnival will be rescheduled for another date later in the year.
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching, Bernadette Donnelly is the recipient of the 2020 PAVCSS Memorial Leadership Scholarship.
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching, Bernadette Donnelly is the recipient of the 2020 Principals' Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS) Memorial Leadership Scholarship.
The Scholarship is awarded annually to a leading educator in a Victorian Catholic Secondary School who shows outstanding leadership in a particular field in their school. The recipient will also have strengthened their own leadership capacity through study or project involvement and contributed to the broader dimension of Catholic Education through membership of committees and organisations. The Scholarship provides funding towards participation in a recognised Leadership Program.
This is well deserved recognition of Bernadette's outstanding leadership of learning and teaching.
The Siena College Alumnae Association will once again host the annual Careers Showcase at the College on Thursday, 13 June 2019.
The Siena College Alumnae Association will once again host the annual Careers Showcase at the College on Thursday, 13 June 2019. This is an important event to assist your daughter/s in the initial stage of their career journey.
The Showcase will provide students and their parents with the opportunity to hear from a range of Siena Alumnae about their professional pathways. It is designed to help students broaden their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of careers that may be of potential interest. We are fortunate to be so well supported by our past students who are now involved in such a range of interesting and diverse careers.
To register for this event and to select your three preferred career sessions please click here
Registrations will close on Tuesday, 11 June at 9.00am. As the Careers Showcase is extremely popular, please ensure you register by the due date so we can cater for your daughter's interests.
Sean McGingChair
Dear Members of the Siena College Community,
I am delighted to announce that the Board of Directors of Dominican Education Australia Ltd (DEA) has appointed Kath McCarthy as Chair of the ...
Dear Members of the Siena College Community,
I am delighted to announce that the Board of Directors of Dominican Education Australia Ltd (DEA) has appointed Kath McCarthy as Chair of the Board of Siena College Ltd, effective from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 6 June 2019 up to the date of the College's 2022 AGM.
In confirming the appointment, Eileen Young, DEA Board Chair said: 'In the governance role as Chair of the Board, there is a special opportunity to contribute to the work and life of Siena College, in the support of its Principal, and in fostering the understanding and implementation of principles of good governance in the Dominican tradition by the College Board. Together with the Board, the Chair plays an important role in helping Siena College achieve its purpose of providing a safe, caring environment for students, a welcoming and inclusive community and excellence in Catholic education in the Dominican tradition.'
Kath's appointment has been the culmination of diligent succession planning and commitment to Board renewal. This reflects my long planned retirement from the Board after thirteen years, having seen my three daughters complete their school journey. It has been an absolute privilege for me to serve the College on Committees, the Board and as Chair, with people throughout the college who have been amazing in enabling our young women to be the best they can be. For sharing your joy and support - thank you.
DEA has carefully considered selection of the best person to Chair the College Board at a particularly exciting time, as the recently completed Convent refurbishment reinforces our Dominican story, and the planned selection process for a new Principal in 2020 continues apace. Kath will bridge the old and new beautifully, having been a student and College Captain (1989), being a current parent and having served on the Board for over five years. Kath is currently chair of the Risk Management Committee and a member of the Board Succession Planning Working Group and the Principal Selection Board Subcommittee. Her understanding of Catholic identity and Dominican charism is strong. She holds degrees in Law, Science and Educational Psychology and works as a Consulting Psychologist providing Executive Coaching across multiple industries.
I join DEA and the Siena College community in congratulating Kath on her appointment as Board Chair of Siena College Ltd and in thanking her for her continuing involvement as a Director of the College Board. Kath's generosity in offering to give her time and expertise is greatly appreciated.
Yours sincerely
Sean McGing
Siena College Board Chair
Congratulations are extended to Siena College Business Manager,Tony Grant and Mark Baldasso (Assistant Business Manager) on graduating this week with an MBAE, a Masters of Business Admini...
Congratulations are extended to Siena College Business Manager,Tony Grant and Mark Baldasso (Assistant Business Manager) on graduating this week with an MBAE, a Masters of Business Administration (Executive), conferred by the Australian Catholic University. Tony and Mark have invested many hours in study and lectures over the past three years and this is a significant achievement.
Congratulations to Grace Power (Class of 2018) who has been recognised for her outstanding achievements in Health and Human Development via a Premier's Award.
Congratulations to Grace Power (Class of 2018) who has been recognised for her outstanding achievements in Health and Human Development via a Premier's Award. This is also a tribute to the excellent teaching and mentoring of Anne Rice and the wider VCE Health and Human Development Team last year.
Television and radio presenter, comedian and author, Jo Stanley visited Siena College today to discuss her career pathways and writing process with students and staff.
Television and radio presenter, comedian and author, Jo Stanley visited Siena College today to discuss her career pathways and writing process with students and staff.
Tickets are now on sale for the Alumnae Association Networking Breakfast at the Rendezvous Hotel. Our panel will comprise of three alumnae:
Clare Fedele (Class of 1999) Senior Research Fellow and Research Communications Coordinator at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Sarah Hearn (Class of 1999) General Manager for NAB Home Lending Operations
Michelle Welsh, née Moylan (Class of 1983) Professor and Head of the Department of Business Law and Taxation, Monash University.
Hurry - seats strictly limited to 60 guests!
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
The first term of the school year is drawing to a close. It has been a busy term with many community gatherings, much learning and activity that culminates next week with each year level...
The first term of the school year is drawing to a close. It has been a busy term with many community gatherings, much learning and activity that culminates next week with each year level involved in a special program. Some students and staff are heading off to distant places, to Kopanang in South Africa and to Italy, to the lands of Dominic and Catherine. I look forward to travelling with the group going to Italy and to visiting places of special significance to Dominicans, as well as the opportunity to be immersed in the Italian language and culture. Bernadette Donnelly will be Acting Principal while I am away from March 30 to April 22.
This week, we celebrated the College's nomination as a 'School of Excellence'. This is a new award set up by The Age and based on data analysed by the Grattan Institute. I was so proud to collect the award at Media House in Docklands last Wednesday that recognised academic improvement over a decade. Our College is non-selective and we are proud of our students' achievements over so many fields of endeavour. We have had an unrelenting focus on enhancing learning outcomes and wellbeing in our faith based context where we aim for our students to find meaning and purpose and to flourish in our complex world. It was lovely to be recognised in the group of top ten schools across Victoria.
Our 'Back to Siena' evening on 15 March was a wonderful celebration of our Dominican heritage, the Sisters who established Siena College and the tradition which we continue today. We welcomed special guests, Dominican Sisters: Margaret Mary Brown, Rosemary Lewins, Frances Caine, Joan Winter, Margaret Fields and Sheila Flynn, along with alumnae and our Ward Councillor Lisa Hollingsworth. I extend our heartfelt thanks to Sister Sheila Flynn for her beautifully written blessing for the refurbished spaces. We were treated to a performance from the Siena Strings Ensemble as the setting sun bathed the Convent in golden light.
Over these last two weeks there have been many and varied excursions, and visits from external presenters and speakers. We have seen the Year 11 students transformed into beautiful young women for their formal, been entertained at Siena's Night of Jazz, celebrated wins in sports finals and joined in special activities for 'Gifted and Talented Week'. It was lovely to welcome Year 8 to 11 parents to the Convent courtyard and to open up the refurbished areas of the Convent for people to wander through. I thank Siena Parents' Association Presidents Sebastian Gadaleta and Carmel Musco, the SPA Committee and all the willing parent helpers for their welcome hospitality. I encourage all parents who are interested in viewing our convent refurbishments to join us tomorrow for our 'Open Convent' event, from 10.00am to 12.00pm.
The Easter season and Holy Week are the most significant time in the Church's calendar for Christians. This season takes on special significance this year after the tragic events in Christchurch, New Zealand. May love, hope, faith and endurance outlast the evil perpetrated by a few. As we revisit the Easter story towards the end of the school holiday period, may we be conscious of the incarnate Jesus who lives and is present amongst us. May we recognise and celebrate signs of new life and be renewed again.
I thank all members of our community, staff, students and parents, for a very busy and productive term and wish everyone a happy and holy Easter season.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Activities Week, Siena in the City Showcase Evening, Semester 1 Examinations, New Staff Profiles
We wish all our students a successful Activities week. This program is well planned and supports the learning and wellbeing of our students. We look forward to hearing the stories of their experiences on their return in Term 2.
Year 9 students will present their Siena in the City group findings at the Parent Showcase on Wednesday, 8 May. The evening will take place in the St Catherine's Centre from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.
Year 9, 10 and 11 students will undertake Semester 1 examinations in June, commencing on 17 June and concluding on 21 June. Students studying a VCE Unit 3 and 4 subject will sit the compulsory VCAA GAT (General Achievement Test) on 12 June. Please note, there will be no Year 11 or 12 classes on this day.
In Term 3, students will be asked to select their subjects for 2020. A student applying for an accelerated studies subject in 2020 must have proven ability to cope with the workload, have sound organisational skills and have demonstrated excellence in her chosen Year 9/10 subject area. The accelerated study subject must not negatively impact on the remaining Year 10 to 11 subjects and a high level of literacy will also be beneficial.
It would be expected that a Year 9 student considering applying to study a Unit 1 and 2 subject as a Year 10 student, would be performing at a high academic standard, achieving results of 80% or higher in the relevant subject area and averaging 75% or higher in at least four other subjects studied in Semester 1. A Year 10 student applying to study a Unit 3 and 4 subject will need to have achieved 80% or higher in the subject and an average of 75% in three other Year 10 subjects. Heads of Learning will oversee the application process.
A student who does not meet the criteria based on Semester 1 results is able to reapply at the end of Semester 2, but cannot be guaranteed a place. If you have any questions regarding the accelerated studies application process, please contact the relevant Head of Learning or the Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching.
In early Term 3, current Year 9 and 10 students will receive a hard copy of the 2020 Subject Handbook and the current Year 11 students will receive an interactive digital copy of their Subject Handbook. More details regarding the subject selection process will be published at a later date.
The Term 1 break is a great opportunity for our students to relax and be reinvigorated. We would expect that Year 10 to 12 students would be using some of the holiday period to complete set work, prepare for Term 2 topics and start revising for their Semester Examinations. Year 7 to 9 students will not have any set home learning over the holidays, but we do encourage them to continue with their wider reading.
It has been a very smooth term and the girls seem well adjusted to their new classes. I thank the girls and their teachers for their efforts this term. I wish our students, parents and guardians a well deserved break and a joyful Easter.
We extend a very warm welcome to Therese Black who teaches Year 12 Maths Methods, Year 11 Maths Methods, Year 10 Pre Mathematical Methods, Year 9 Mainstream Maths and Year 8 Key Maths. Therese graduated from the University of Melbourne and Australian Catholic University (formerly Christ College).
Therese was Head of Maths for seven years at Killester College in Springvale and was more recently Leader of Teaching and Learning for Years 7 to 9.
Therese is also a past Siena student (Class of 1982) and her four daughters attended the College from 2006 through until 2016.
Many of you will have had the chance to speak with our friendly new Student Receptionist, Jodie Chiodo. Jodie comes to us from Xavier College and Sacred Heart Girls College where she also worked in Student Reception for a number of years. We are thrilled to have the benefit of Jodie's extensive experience in administration roles and are very pleased to have her in a full time capacity.
Jodie's home life is brimming with two dogs, a cat, three children and a husband, and she is a passionate Tigers supporter!
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
It's difficult to believe that we are drawing to the end of Term 1. We are blessed to be moving into holidays (holy days) that will enable us to reflect upon our life of faith, hope and ...
It's difficult to believe that we are drawing to the end of Term 1. We are blessed to be moving into holidays (holy days) that will enable us to reflect upon our life of faith, hope and love across these past three months. This term our prayer life has included our Commencement Eucharist, weekly celebrations of the Eucharist, Prayer Services to mark the National Apology to the Stolen Generations and International Women's Day and Morning Prayer in House Groups.
Students from Years 7 to 10 have commenced their Community Service Projects and the College Community has supported Catholic welfare, aid and development agencies including Caritas Australia and Vinnies.
In the coming days Year 12 students will participate in their annual three day retreat at Pallotti College in the beautiful Yarra Ranges, Year 9 students will undertake Siena in the City with a Religious Education focus, Year 7s and 8s will imbibe the beauty of God's creation at their respective Camps and Year 11 students will enjoy a Retreat Day facilitated by the Reach Foundation Team.
We have offered hospitality, sought and received forgiveness and recognised God's hand at work in our lives through the daily practice of Pause and Pray. Our personal life of faith and the mission of the College integrates our head, heat and hands and is given expression in a myriad of personal and collective ways. I hope and trust that all members of the Siena Community can reflect back over the term through God's eyes and heart.
Palm Sunday
People around the world march on Palm Sunday to advocate for peace and justice for all. For Christians it is a reminder that Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem only to be shunned and crucified a few days later. Members of the Siena college community are invited to gather under the College banner on Sunday, 14 April, just outside the State Library in Melbourne. This is not an official school event and teachers present will be at the Palm Sunday Rally as private citizens, not as supervising teachers.
The holiest days of the Church's calendar occur at the end of the Term 1 holidays. Please check your parish bulletin or website for details. Many parishes also hold the Rite of Reconciliation in the lead up to the Triduum.
Ethical Easter Eggs
I encourage you to consider purchasing Ethical Easter Eggs this Easter
Which chocolate Easter eggs are ethical?
Much of the chocolate that finds its way into our shops and homes is made with cocoa from plantations that use trafficked children. They are kidnapped or their families are tricked, forced to work in the cocoa plantations from an early age, for long hours, in dangerous working conditions, without any possibility of attending school.
A global movement has begun to change this. The movement tackles poverty and empowers producers who are doing the right thing. Farmers operating with Fairtrade Certification, Rainforest Alliance or UTZ Certified are engaging in good labour practices.
Stop the Traffik is a worldwide organisation dedicated to abolishing human trafficking – its report, The Good Egg Guide, has a list of ethical chocolate brands and Easter eggs and products that are free from trafficked labour. These include:
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
The Christchurch massacre is one of the most extreme acts of terrorism the world has seen in recent times. For New Zealand, it was a loss of innocence.
The Christchurch massacre is one of the most extreme acts of terrorism the world has seen in recent times. For New Zealand, it was a loss of innocence. SchoolTV was actually filming in Auckland when news broke of the harrowing events unfolding in Christchurch. Unfortunately, this will impact on many young people throughout Australia and New Zealand. Some parents and caregivers may struggle to explain this tragedy to their young people, many of whom are already struggling with high levels of anxiety about the state of their world. It is important to put this event into context for children of all ages. Although we cannot control what happens in our world, we can choose the way we respond. The distressing nature of this event will never be forgotten, but at the same time we should not allow it to permanently disturb or destroy our future generations.
In this Special Report, parents and care givers are provided with practical strategies on how to talk their children in a reassuring manner. It will also highlight the necessity to be aware of the signs of trauma, should your daughter be adversely affected.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact us at Siena College for further information.
Donna LaughlinDirector of Learning and Innovation
Online feedback and Parent Teacher conversations
Parents are reminded that their daughter's Assessment Task Feedback and Results are accessible via Siena Central. Email notifications will be sent when your daughter's work has been marked. Log into the Parent Portal, select your daughter's name in the side menu and select 'Grades' from the options. The percentage result and teacher comments are published through Siena Central for all assessed tasks.
The Parent Teacher interviews provide an excellent opportunity to continue the conversation with your daughter's subject teachers around her learning. Thank you to those parents who attended our Term 1 interviews. These conversations enable a further discussion of your daughter's attainment regarding the Classroom Learning Indicators and her interim academic progress.
At the end of Semester 1 parents will receive a Statement of Results via Siena Central indicating your daughter's overall result for the subject and her performance against the Classroom Learning Indicators. Year 12 Statement of Results will indicate the satisfactory or non satisfactory completion of the Unit of Study.
If you have any questions or difficulties accessing the Siena Central Parent Portal or the online feedback, please contact IT Help at the College on 9835 0200 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Students in Years 7 and 9 will participate in NAPLAN Online Testing from Wednesday, 15 May to Friday, 17 May. Students are assessed using common national tests in Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. These tests provide a snapshot of the progress that individuals and the cohort are making in comparison to state and national standards.
Parents, guardians and students have received an initial letter regarding device requirements. We ask for your support in ensuring that your daughter has all required materials for the tests. Students and parents are required to ensure all required hardware (iPad/Laptop and headphones) is fully functioning and brought to school every day during the test period. If a student does not have the required hardware, unfortunately she will not be able to undertake the test. Please see the test schedule below:
NAPLAN Schedule
|Wednesday, 15 May
|Thursday, 16 May
|Friday, 17 May
|Periods 1 and 2
|Year 9 Writing test
|Year 7 Reading test
|Year 9 Numeracy test
|Periods 3 and 4
|Year 7 Writing test
|Year 9 Conventions of Language test
|Year 7 Numeracy test
|Periods 5 and 6
|Year 9 Reading test
|Year 7 Conventions of Language test
Support can be arranged for students with disabilities, if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks. Parental consent is required before any support due to disability or exemption is granted. If your daughter requires disability assistance, please contact Mrs. Ansalie Hanrahan, Head of Learning Enhancement.
Parents and guardians will receive their daughter's results when available, usually in September.
For more information about NAPLAN Online, including the public demonstration site, please visit the VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or the NAP website at https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site
Thank you to all parents who participated in the Siena Central Parent Survey. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will inform how we continue to improve our communication platform. Concerns regarding login issues and ease of information location have been noted. It is pleasing to see overwhelming support for the platform as a successful means of parents understanding and receiving feedback on their daughter's learning and a portal for all College information. Parents are encouraged to access their daughter's class pages to further understand daily learning and engage with home learning requirements.
In Semester 2, we hope to enable parent access to the Subject Course Page. This will enable parents to access all subject resources, giving parents the same access as students. Parents will be notified when this feature is available.
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Siena's Night of Jazz was held on Wednesday, 27 March at the Manningham Hotel
The Music Department once again came alive at this year's Siena's Night of Jazz. Stage Band, Sisters of Swing, Groove Train and Canti Dolce have been working hard in the lead up to this event, which was held at the Manningham Hotel in Bulleen. The ensembles performed their three set pieces of varying styles for the upcoming 'Generations in Jazz' festival. There were also an impressive number of instrumental and vocal soloists, who performed with musicians in the house band, which included our special guest, Ms Tamara Murphy. Tamara is a fabulous bassist and composer who helped the soloists feel comfortable and relaxed in their rehearsals in the lead up to Night of Jazz, and accompanied them beautifully during their performances. We would like to extend our thanks to Tamara for her participation.
A standout for this year was the performance of the Junior Jammers ensemble, which featured students in Year 8 attempting solo improvisation for the first time. The girls performed incredibly well and we look forward to seeing them back on stage at future events.
This event is a major fundraiser for Generations in Jazz festival, and we would like to thank Tanya Ovens (FOMPA/SPA) for all of her assistance. The night was well supported with over 170 people in the audience and a very successful raffle with numerous prizes.
Congratulations to all students who participated in the evening and thank you to all staff who contributed to this event.
It has been wonderful to see the smiles and hear the enthusiastic music playing from our two new Year 7 music groups, Junior String Ensemble and Junior Band. These ensembles have now been rehearsing for three weeks, and are already making terrific progress as well as having heaps of fun. Thank you to Mr Nieuwkerk, Ms Dandens and Mr Bennier for your work with these girls, and we look forward to hearing their debut performances at the Autumn Concert in May.
Welcome also to all Year 7 students who have joined the Junior Choir in the last couple of weeks. It has been amazing to see the enthusiasm and hear the girls as they begin preparing for the St Catherine's Day Mass. Thank you to Ms Hill and Ms Patton for your work with the new singers.
As part of their final preparations towards Generations in Jazz, Stage Band and Sisters of Swing students will be participating in a jazz band workshop on Wednesday, 24 April from 4.--pm until 7.30pm. The Generations in Jazz tour will be departing on Friday, 3 May and returning on Sunday, 5 May. The students are getting excited about hearing the guest artists and schools from all around Australia perform at this event.
Claire MoodyHead of Student Formation
Years 7 and 8 Leadership, Project Compassion, Current Affairs Conversation Club
The Year 7 and 8 Leadership Workshop Series commenced on Monday, 18 March, with forty enthusiastic students participating. The first two sessions have focused on the principles of servant leadership, and leadership in a Dominican context. The next workshop will be on Thursday, 28 March, with a focus on Student Leadership at Siena College, and students will be briefed on the process to apply for a Year 7 or Year 8 Student Leader position. Applications will be due on Monday, 1 April, with elections scheduled to take place early in Term 2.
A group of Year 11 and 12 students have commenced training in group discussion facilitation, and will be leading a current affairs discussion group commencing in Term 2. This group will be open to all students to attend, to discuss issues and events of interest to them. More details will be made available at the start of Term 2.
The SRC ran a fundraising event on Wednesday, 20 March to raise money for Caritas' annual Project Compassion campaign. There were two awards available in the House based competition. One for the longest line of coins, and the other for the highest value line. It was a great success, with $1100 raised for Project Compassion, and was an enjoyable event led by our student leaders. There are more events planned this week to raise awareness and funds for Project Compassion, including a Sports Uniform Day, a "Bucket Challenge Relay", and a Bake Sale organised by the Waratah House Leaders.
The following reports are from Student Leaders about recent Siena College events:
Siena College Fun Run
On the 24 March Siena College held its third Fun Run at Wattle Park. I had the opportunity to volunteer at the cake stall in the morning and it was so good to see the amount of time and effort students had put into their baked goods! The SPA volunteers running the cake stall and the hot breakfast food and sausages did an amazing job on the day and I know everyone was grateful for the food after the race. The day consisted of a 4km fun run and the popular 4km colour run, running and walking the race was lots of fun with friends, nearly as fun as washing all the dye out of at the end of the day. Overall, it was a very enjoyable day.
Emily Hodder, Cassia House Captain
Project Compassion Coin Line Fundraiser
On Wednesday we had our Coin Line fundraiser for Caritas' Project Compassion. The atmosphere at the event was one filled with zealous spirit and a desire to raise money. In the end, Kurrajong won the 'Longest Line Award' with a staggering 58 metres and Dianella won the 'Line Value Award' raising $322.95. It was great that we were able to raise a total of $1101 for this great cause. It was amazing to see the girls come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity through such a successful event!
Eliza Kral, Waratah House Captain
Starting early next term, Siena will be introducing our very own current affairs discussion group. This is open to all students and we would love to see as many girls from all different year levels, who are interested in learning more about issues in the news.
The discussion group will provide students with a platform to discuss and debate all sorts of current affairs. Don't hesitate to come along, the discussion group will be an excellent way to learn about issues and is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the variety of opinions in our school!
If you have any suggestions of an interesting topic, feel free to contact us!
Valentina Boulter, Year 12
With the impending Siena Immersion experience at Kopanang, near Johannesburg, South Africa, the Year 11 Politics class along with Immersion participants conducted a mock election to raise...
With the impending Siena Immersion experience at Kopanang, near Johannesburg, South Africa, the Year 11 Politics class along with Immersion participants conducted a mock election to raise funds for our South African friends.
Six 'candidates' from the main Australian political parties delivered probing speeches covering current pertinent policies. The receptive crowd was encouraged to buy as many votes as possible and then record their preferences in order to raise funds for the trip.
Consequently Kampaign Kopanang 2019 raised over $700 which will buy sanitary products, basic stationery items and sewing and craft items for the women and children at Kopanang in the next few weeks.
Congratulations to all girls for such sterling performances and marvellous contributions for a good cause. We look forward to news of the exploits in Kopanang 2019.
Georgie PlastoHead of Student Wellbeing Cassia
'Playing' with the conventions of Commedia dell Arte
Our VCE Drama students are currently preparing for their first Outcome, a self devised ensemble performance. To support their process and extend their knowledge of performance styles, students have participated in workshops exploring a range of styles including Epic Theatre, Physical Theatre, Theatre of Cruelty and Commedia dell Arte. We were very fortunate to have Rosa Campagnaro, the Director of Make a Scene Theatre Company, visit Siena College last week to facilitate a three hour practical workshop with our students. The workshop covered the historical context and origins of the style, the stock characters and importance of mask and the absurdity and comical conventions of the style. It was wonderful to see the students extend themselves physically and 'play' with the conventions. They will now consolidate and embed this knowledge into their own performance work.
VCE Drama students visited the Playhouse Theatre on Wednesday, 13 March as part of VCAA's Season of Excellence concerts and exhibitions. Our students viewed and analysed a range of highly skilled Drama students perform their solo work to an enthusiastic audience. The Chief Assessor for Drama was also present and shared a number of important tips and gave advice to students about how to approach the task. This extended learning opportunity works to inspire our students as they will begin preparing for their own solo examination next term.
Minna DenholmLeader of Wellbeing Programs
Last week Siena College celebrated Harmony Week.
Last week Siena College celebrated Harmony Week. We reflected on the message of inclusion at various times, in the Pastoral period, at lunchtime and in academic classes. Given the recent events in Christchurch, all students were asked to reflect on how we can embed harmony in our community. In classrooms, students were asked to reflect on how our actions towards others cultivate a sense of belonging and a spirit of compassion within our Siena community.
In the pastoral period we celebrated Australian multiculturalism by sharing our families' backgrounds and journeys to Australia and the successful integration of migrants into our Victorian community.
At lunchtime on Friday afternoon, our Year 12 and Year 7 students participated in a Big Sister Little Sister Shared Lunch activity, which aimed to deepen the connection between our junior and senior students and build empathy towards one another in our Siena community.
The Big Sister Little Sister lunch gave us an opportunity to catch up with our little sisters and get to know them better. It was a great experience and allowed many points of similarity to be found not only with our little sisters but also other Year 7s. This created a sense of cohesion and harmony between the two year levels, which usually interact separately.
Eliza Belleville, Year 12
The Big Sister Little Sister Shared Lunch gave us an opportunity to bond with our little sisters in a relaxed and positive environment. It allowed us to see points of similarity between the Year 7s and Year 12s, creating a sense of belonging and community.
Hannah Walsh, Year 12
The Big Sister Little Sister lunch was amazing! It was a great activity that promoted Harmony Week because we were all able to share experiences and food with one another. It was a lunchtime filled with laughter and fun which I think was the most important part.
Lila Walsh, Year 7
Student Reflection
The Year 10 Drama students recently travelled into the city to see Allen Bennett's play, The Lady in the Van. Before the performance we took part in a tour of the Arts Centre. We learnt about different theatre spaces, stages, architecture and design and the history of the buildings. Following this informative tour we enjoyed lunch at Southbank before the performance, starring Miriam Margolyes in the Playhouse Theatre. We found the performance very enjoyable and loved the city experience.
In Drama class we are currently analysing and evaluating the performance with a focus on how an actor creates a character, the use of production areas including lighting, sound, set design and direction, and how these work to help tell a story creatively and symbolically. We also analyse mood and how an actor-audience relationship is created.
Ally Yarak and Anastazia Maddaluno
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
With the end of Term 1 fast approaching, Siena College has successfully qualified for several finals.
With the end of Term 1 fast approaching, Siena College has successfully qualified for several finals. Please see below for teams involved:
Indoor Cricket
Grand Final: Monday, 1 April 2019
Indoor Cricket
Senior B
Grand Final: Monday, 1 April 2019
Indoor Cricket
Inter B
Grand Final: Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Junior Tennis
C Grade
Semi Final: Thursday, 28 March 2019
We have had over four hundred girls sign up for a GSV sport in Term 2, a fantastic result. We have entered six AFL Teams, nineteen Netball teams, three Hockey Teams, one Water polo Team and an Aerobics and Cross Country squad. We will also continue to run a casual walking/run club in to Term 2 however this will be modified to include Pilates and bootcamp as the weather becomes less predictable.
Well done to all girls who participated in the four Touch Rugby clinics run by the Melbourne Rebels this term. We are hopeful that Touch Rugby will become a GSV sport offered to girls in 2020 and this has been an excellent opportunity for girls in Years 7 and 8 to try it out. Thank you to Mr Morris for all his work in offering this opportunity for the girls.
Well done to Jaimie Guan for placing third in the State Karate Tournament and to Teah Wilson who won gold, breaking her personal best and the Little Athletics record in Shot Put at the Little Athletics Victoria championships. Two fantastic results and we congratulate these girls on their individual achievements.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
Next week students in Years 10 and 11 will participate in a variety of careers experiences as part of Activities Week.
Next week students in Years 10 and 11 will participate in a variety of careers experiences as part of Activities Week. Year 10s will be completing their academic and careers testing (results available next term) as well as participating in the 'Shape you Destiny' workshop. Year 11s will be visited by all major tertiary institutions for presentations on courses, careers, pathways and information on post school options.
Items in this week's Siena Career News include -
Top Class 2019 Concert,
On Tuesday, 19 March, the combined Year 11 and Year 12 VCE Music Performance class attended the Top Class Concert of 2019, at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The concert is composed of students who have completed either Music Performance, Music Investigation or VCE VET Music Industry in the previous year, and who achieved a perfect score in their performance exam. They are then asked to play a particular piece in which their performance of the piece stood out against everyone else in the state.
Our class attended two concerts, both featuring many very different and inspiring musicians. The instruments which featured across the two concerts included Clarinet, Harp, Cello, Marimba, Viola, Violin, Tuba, Guitar, Trumpet, Piano, Voice, Flute, Bassoon, Drum Kit, Electric Bass, and Tabla. Most of the instruments played by students in out VCE class were covered, so the majority of students had at least one performance that was specifically related to their instrument, that they could take specific pieces of detail and information from to apply to their own instrumental skills.
We were particularly impressed by the performances on the Harp, Tuba, Drums, Electric Bass and Tabla, as these instruments are different from the instruments we hear in class, at school. The girl who played Electric Bass, Ashleigh Howell (Catholic Ladies College), for example, played David Bowie's 'Isn't She Lovely' with a backing track, and was commended by VCAA for her original interpretation of the piece, while maintaining part of David Bowie's original performance. Many of us would agree that this performance was one of the best versions of that song that we have ever heard.
The traditional Tabla performance by Rithvik Chand (Lakeview Senior College), accompanied by another musician playing the Indian instrument, the sitar, was intriguing and exciting and a valuable insight into Indian culture. Whilst we are able to listen to Indian music online or on Spotify, we do not gain the same experience as seeing a live performance or even the experience of playing the instrument. The tabla is a small set of two drums, played sitting down, and with different parts of your hand. Chand used the palm, fingertips, and heel of his hand fluently and accurately at extremely fast tempos in order to create different tone colour on the instrument, and creating and exciting musical character by increasing the tempo each time the song was repeated.
These were just two of the amazing performances, which we learnt so much from. The excursion gave us the chance to think about stage presence, articulation, dynamics, fluency, musicality and phrasing and various other musical performance elements so that we may take what we learnt and put it into practice for out own future performances, enhancing our abilities and musical potential even further.
Madeline Brown, Year 12 Music Performance
Laine RiceHead of Health and Physical Education
The Health and Physical Education faculty has enjoyed a very busy and exciting Term 1 for 2019. Our Year 7 students have been participating in an Invasion Games unit. The focus of this u...
The Health and Physical Education faculty has enjoyed a very busy and exciting Term 1 for 2019. Our Year 7 students have been participating in an Invasion Games unit. The focus of this unit of work is to use small sided team games to develop levels of tactical understanding and game strategy, which can then be transferred to sports throughout the year. The Invasion Games unit is a fun and exciting way to start Year 7 Physical Education, and there have been some very creative games going on in classes!
Year 9 students have been participating in a Sport Education in a Physical Education Program (SEPEP) Volleyball unit. In this unit, the students play in a team based Volleyball competition where they are also asked to complete various roles including scoring, umpiring, compiling results, creating ladders and in some cases even media reports.
"The SEPEP Volleyball unit really helped us gradually improve our skills, we had to use a lot of teamwork and communication. All the games were fun and competitive, and everyone got involved. Within our team we all had roles to play such as captain, scorers and umpires, this helped us feel like we were contributing and applying our knowledge of the game. Overall, our team really enjoyed this experience".
Sophie Gazzola
"This unit focused on teamwork and communication. We had high energy between the team and excitement for the game. We learnt how to apply the skills of Volleyball gradually in the unit and to communicate effectively with each other to play fairly".
Trinity Ng
In Food Technology, students studying Healthy Food by Design have been involved in a project with The Food Security Network. This program is designed to offer the students a realistic insight into the diverse members of their community suffering food insecurity. The students are taught how to plant, maintain and harvest a productive crop of fresh produce which is then donated to members of the community in need. In Term 2, our students will visit the Asylum Seeker Refuge Centre to donate the produce once freshly harvested from their gardens.
"I learnt how to prepare a garden before we plant vegetables in it. I'm looking forward to delivering the food to the asylum seekers and seeing their reactions to the fresh food".
Jolene Gammilonghi
"So far I have learnt how to keep the soil fresh and nutritious, so our plants can grow effectively. I am looking forward to watching our garden grow and eventually pick the vegetables and hand them over to the asylum seekers".
Jordyn Kourmadias
Unit One Religion and Society Excursion
As part of their study of Religion and Society, the Year 10 cohort embarked on a visit to the Jewish Holocaust Centre and St Kilda Hebrew Congregation to enhance their understanding of the Jewish religious tradition and learn about Judaism in Australia. It was an opportunity to see how religions and the societies in which they exist have a dynamic interrelationship – each can impact each other significantly and the consequences can be enriching or devastating.
The highlight of the day was learning about the tribulations that Jewish adherents had experienced during the Holocaust and throughout other points in history at the Jewish Holocaust Museum. I learnt more about the camaraderie between Jewish people in the concentration camps, and how the values of Judiaism had connected victims of the Holocaust together spiritually. Although the Holocaust was a disastrous event, it laid the foundation for strong bonds within the Jewish community and demonstrated the strength and endurance of Jewish adherents as well as the loyalty they had to each other and God. I often wonder about how the Holocaust affected non Jewish people that were affiliated with victims of the Holocaust. I think of the non Jewish people that had family and friends that were victims of the concentration camps and how it may have changed their outlook on the events that occurred during that period of time. I would also like to know more about what non Jewish people did to help Jewish adherents that were prosecuted during the Nazi regime.
Eleanor Fels, Year 10
How important do you believe interfaith dialogue is to creating peace?
The role of interfaith dialogue is to connect adherents from various religions to discover similarities and differences between them, and cultivate respect and high esteem for the values and beliefs that others hold. Interfaith dialogue creates a connected community where we can understand the culture of others, and how it may affect their personal outlook on life. Due to interfaith dialogue, people around the world have been able to gain an understanding of the Jewish faith, and what it means to its adherents. When we don't understand something or are not exposed to it, we can find it threatening. Sharing our values and beliefs to others through interfaith dialogue can foster an appreciation of religions other than our own. It is important to explore the diversity of other religions to further develop an understanding of a different culture and way of life.
Simone RobertsonLearning Enhancement
The Year 7 students had a wonderful opportunity to experience and participate in the annual chess incursion.
The Year 7 students had a wonderful opportunity to experience and participate in the annual chess incursion on Wednesday, 27 February, organised by the Learning Enhancement Department. Chess coaches Vanya, Denise, Nikayla and Chelsea from Dark Horse Chess taught the girls how to play and some clever strategies of the game.
After the initial welcome and introduction to the coaches, each student was placed into a group based on her level of experience and expertise in playing chess. All levels of ability were represented, from absolute first time beginners to advanced chess strategists. In their groups, the students worked with one of the four Dark Horse staff to learn more about the game, to become familiar with and practise the different moves of each chess piece and to apply strategy.
The Year 7 students enjoyed the day immensely. Some of the skills that learning chess helps to develop are:
• Pattern visualization
• Patience
• Memory
• Abstract reasoning
• Originality and creativity
• Awareness of the consequences of actions
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Concentration and focus
• Self-discipline
• Planning
• Problem solving
Siena also offers all students the opportunity to join the Chess Club, which meets every Wednesday at lunchtime in the Learning Centre. Club members benefit from the support of Denise, a staff member of Dark Horse Chess. Denise attends each week during the term, coaching and encouraging the students to build upon and practise their skills, regardless of level. Those students who attend may have the opportunity to participate in chess tournaments at other schools to further enhance their chess skills. It is also a wonderful opportunity to see the girls from all year levels enjoy each other's company and to play against each other.
Student Reflection
On Monday, 18 March we participated in a session with 'Robogals', an inspiring group of women in engineering. With a combined class of Year 9 and 10 students, the 'Robogals' placed us into groups of two or three and gave each group a robot. They also gave us a computer, with the program Mindstorms on it, designed to communicate with the hardware of the robot, and make it do particular functions. First, we had to make our robot turn and reverse. Using the symbols and loop functions on the program, we eventually managed to make our robots have a wrestling tournament! A square was marked with tape on the floor and all the robots stayed in this square. Using light intensity features, in the settings section of the robot, and program, the robots reversed every time they reached the tape. We each lined up our robot and off they went, ramming into each other. It was a delight to see which robot would win. This session with 'Robogals', inspired and made me want to pursue a job in engineering. The 'Robogals', enlightened me on the different sorts of engineering, and the role of engineering in our society, along with exciting career opportunities in the future!
Amanda Marasco SKA
Ansalie HanrahanLearning Enhancement
Home Learning Club
Students in Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend an after school Home Learning Club.
Students in Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend an after school Home Learning Club. This is a valuable opportunity for students to receive some assistance with their home learning.
Beginning in Week 1 of Term 2, the program will operate each Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30 pm in the Albertus Magnus Learning Centre classroom. A staff member from the Learning Enhancement Department will supervise the program and will provide support as needed to students as they work on home learning tasks. An attendance roll will be taken at each session and students will be required to sign in and out of each session.
If you would like your daughter to attend these weekly sessions, please complete the Expression of Interest form and email to email@example.com A Care Monkey permission form will then be sent to you to complete.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this program.
Home Learning EOI (123 KB)
> View Document
Student Reflection
In Week 6, the Year 12 Literature class had the opportunity to participate in an incursion where actors performed scenes from Tennessee Williams' play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. We were fortunate to share this experience with students from Koonung Secondary College and Camberwell Girls' Grammar School, who are also studying the play. The skilful performances of the actors provoked much discussion amongst the students as we shared our individual interpretations of the play, the playwright's message and how it impacts the audience. Seeing the three actors perform was an immersive experience which let us momentarily travel to the world of the play and more closely experience the powerful emotions of characters and tense atmospheres of scenes. This developed our understanding of the story while revealing the skill and detailed interpretation which actors need to portray characters according to the playwright's wishes. The incursion helped us to build our own unique interpretations of techniques and characters and enriched our study of literature showing how written texts can be transformed into dynamic representations of meaning.
Emilee Molcik Year 12
Camberwell Lacrosse Club,
Camberwell Lacrosse Club is a local community club based in Ashburton/Glen Iris that competes in junior and senior male and female lacrosse competition in Melbourne. Our club is preparing for the winter season and is looking for children who would like to give lacrosse a go. It is a great sport for kids of all ages because it is active and builds team work and self esteem. More details about the club are on the web at www.clclax.org.au
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
Term 1 is flying by with many important community events still on the calendar. We are looking forward to the 'Back to Siena' evening and the blessing of our refurbished Convent.
Term 1 is flying by with many important community events still on the calendar. We are looking forward to the 'Back to Siena' evening and the blessing of our refurbished Convent. We will gather to honour and give thanks for the Dominican Sisters who established this school and for all who have gone before to create the Siena story of the past seventy-nine years. The project was originally conceived some years ago as part of a long term Master Plan and a vision to reopen the old wooden doors to the Convent as the gateway to the College. It has been a great pleasure to continue our partnership with Williams Ross Architects to refurbish the Convent. Their sensitive designs and finishes have allowed the beauty and craftsmanship of this building to shine through again and for it to be reinstated at the heart of the College as a place for our community to meet, to remember, and to reminisce about the College's early beginnings.
As part of the refurbishment, ceramic artist, Mary-Lou Pittard was commissioned to design tiles for the fountain that is in the centre of the cloister. The deep blue border of the tiles matches the beautiful blue dome of the Chapel and they commemorate the Pioneer Sisters of 1867 and the opening of the College in 1940. The Pioneer Sisters, eight, courageous young Irish women, left the port of Dublin on a wooden sailing ship almost one hundred and fifty two years ago. Their legacy was Dominican schools along the east coast of Australia and seventy-three years later, Siena College. The tiles feature the native flowers after which the College's four Houses are named, the Waratah, the blue Dianella, yellow Cassia blossoms and green of the Kurrajong. The tiles also feature the lily of St Catherine, the orange trees of St Dominic, and the flowers of a native Australian Correa that symbolise our place in Australia. They pick up the design of the tiles around the Chapel door that were installed to celebrate the Year of Mercy and the 800 year anniversary of the Dominican Order in 2016.
The project has involved many people in the community and the generous support of donors to our philanthropic campaign of past years. On 30 April we will be holding an Open Morning for the wider community and neighbours to visit the Convent and Chapel and I encourage you to join us for a tour of the iconic building and cloister.
It was wonderful to see so many of our new families in attendance for the traditional Year 7 Welcome Evening on Friday, 1 March. Refreshments were much appreciated on such a hot evening and I thank Siena Parents' Association Presidents Sebastian Gadaleta and Carmel Musco, the SPA Committee and all the willing parent helpers for their welcome and hospitality.
Ursula Harris (Class of 1984), was the guest speaker for this year's International Women's Day breakfast. She spoke of her role as a cartographer and scientist, and of her many months spent in the Antarctic in a largely male dominated field. We continue to be inspired by the courageous and empowered Siena women who return to share their stories. I thank Claire Moody and the SRC for their efforts in organising this sell out event, the proceeds of which support the Kopanang community in South Africa.
A number of staff and students depart for distant places prior to the end of the term and will be commissioned and blessed at our weekly College Eucharist in the Chapel over two Thursdays, 21 and 28 March. Michael Petrie, Jennifer Levett and Bronwyn Ilott, along with Dominican Sister, Sheila Flynn, will accompany a group of nine students to South Africa to work with the women and families of the Kopanang community near Johannesburg. Our students are so privileged to have this experience that takes them out of their own context and immerses them in the culture and spirituality of a vastly different country and people. Sister Sheila Flynn described an immersion as 'an invitation to enter the context of the poor, the disadvantaged and the marginalized, and to view the world in a radically different way, from the heart and the hearth of the other.'
I am joining Tina Di Camillo, Anthony Vadala and twenty-three excited students on a language and cultural trip to Italy. We will visit Venice, Siena, Florence, and Rome. For me it will be a wonderful opportunity to visit places of significance to Dominicans, especially the small walled town of Siena where St Catherine lived and worked.
The recent College Swimming Carnival was a great community day with close to perfect weather, enthusiastic cheering from all four Houses and strong competition with many students electing to take part. It was a wonderful display of Siena spirit to have seven hundred girls entered in events. Congratulations are extended to all competitive swimmers and divers who secured a place or achieved a personal best and to the students and staff who took to the water to participate on the day. Thanks to the excellent leadership of Head of Sport, James Houghton, and all staff who oversaw events on the day, it ran like clockwork and was much enjoyed by all who participated.
On Tuesday, 12 March, Siena College staff participated in an enriching Staff Faith Development Day as we welcomed Dr James Nickoloff to our College. Dr Nickoloff is an Associate Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies and a highly regarded theologian at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, a Dominican university.
I take this opportunity to correct the misrepresentation of Siena College's position on the Climate Change strike. Our College motto is Veritas, Truth. We are absolutely committed to educating young women to think critically, be discerning, have a voice and speak their Truth. The College absolutely endorses and acknowledges students' rights to give voice to their very genuine concerns regarding the Federal Government's record on Climate Change Policy. I am supportive of the Siena students who decided to join the collective action and add their voice to the calls for action to combat climate change. I am equally supportive of students who chose to remain at school. No student will be penalised in any way for attending the strike. The College's VCE Handbook includes provision to complete School Assessed Coursework (SAC) early where there is an anticipated absence. Students were reminded of this provision and some took up this option. The College's position is that participation in the strike was a decision for individual students and their parents.
It is hard to ignore the events of these past weeks and the scandal, grief and sense of betrayal over the findings of the Royal Commission into sexual abuse and the recent conviction and charging of Cardinal George Pell. Our College is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all members of the Siena community and to respecting the humanity and dignity of all. We remain committed to honest dialogue, open and transparent processes and to compassion and support for all victims of abuse as the legal process takes its course. The hope in all of this is that the time for remaining silent as a Church and a community, is past. We hold in our prayers all people who have been abused, and their families and loved ones, wherever and whenever that abuse occurred. May they be listened to, receive justice, healing and peace.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
Marking Ash Wednesday
Do I live for fire or for ash?
It is a centuries old tradition for the Pope to celebrate the Eucharist on Ash Wednesday at Santa Sabina in Rome – the headquarters of the Dominican Family. In his homily this year, Pope Francis reflected:
"Today we have been offered a sign that will help us find our direction: the head marked by ash. It is a sign that causes us to consider what occupies our mind. Our thoughts often focus on transient things, which come and go. The small mark of ash, which we will receive, is a subtle yet real reminder that of the many things occupying our thoughts, that we chase after and worry about every day, nothing will remain."
"The culture of appearance prevalent today, which persuades us to live for passing things, is a great deception. It is like a blaze: once ended, only ash remains. Lent is the time to free ourselves from the illusion of chasing after dust. Lent is for rediscovering that we are created for the inextinguishable flame, not for ashes that immediately disappear…we should ask ourselves today: Where do I stand? Do I live for fire or for ash?"
Each Thursday at 8.00am our Chaplain Fr Kevin Toomey OP celebrates Eucharist with us in our College Chapel - students, staff, parents and members of the Siena community are always welcome. In coming weeks at this Eucharist we will also be blessing students and staff participating in the South African Immersion (21 March) and the Italy Language and Culture trip (28 March).
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Activities Week, Parent Teacher Interviews, Staff Profile
A reminder that Years 7 to 12 Activities Week will run in the final week of Term 1. This program is well planned and supports the learning and wellbeing of our students. We ask for your support in student attendance. Parents will receive individual year level notices next week.
Please note, the Year 9 Siena in the City program is a four day program, commencing on Tuesday, 2 April and concluding on Friday, 5 April.
The Parent Teacher Interviews are now open for bookings. There are two sessions available, on Thursday, 21 March and Thursday, 28 March from 4.00pm to 7.30pm in the gymnasium. We encourage you to review your daughter's interim report beforehand, in order to address any questions you may have.
We look forward to meeting with you at these sessions.
Belinda Duncan, Head of Religious Education
Belinda commenced her role at Siena College towards the end of 2018 and we are thrilled to have her as part of the Siena family. Belinda teaches Years 7 and 11 English, Year 9 Religious Education and Year 12 Religion and Society. She graduated from Monash and ACU and is highly experienced, having taught for 18 years whilst having some breaks to travel and work in the agricultural sector.
One of her great loves is being in the outdoors; gardening, camping, or hiking.
Natalie Kinsella, Head of Student Wellbeing Dianella
Natalie comes to us from Presentation College Windsor where she fulfilled varied roles over an eight year period: Sport Coordinator, Health and PE Faculty Leader, Year 7 coordinator, Year 8 Coordinator and Head of House (Years 10-12 and Years 7-12). Natalie began her teaching career at St Aloysius College where she taught for three years.
In addition to her role of Head of Student Wellbeing Dianella, Natalie teaches Year 9 Physical Education, Year 11 Physical Education and Year 12 Health and Human Development.
She is a passionate Tigers supporter and netballer.
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Big Sister, Little Sister PJ Party, SchoolTV
Coloured pyjamas, comfy slippers and broad smiles epitomised this year's gathering. Year 12 Big Sisters welcomed their Year 7 Little Sisters into the College Gymnasium for a fun night of dancing, singing and general frivolity. This long-standing tradition is another highlight of the Transition Program for students at Siena College and one that both year levels will remember fondly.
Grief is a natural response to loss. It might be the loss of a loved one, relationship or even a pet. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be. Children and adults grieve differently due to their developmental stage, and this can prove difficult for parents to understand.
Young children fluctuate in and out of the stages of grief rapidly, as they may not comprehend the permanency of death. They express their grief more physically. Teens on the other hand may not know how to express their grief and will need some space to process their loss. Some may choose to grieve alone, not wanting to stand out or be seen as not coping.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents can learn how to acknowledge their child's feelings and the best way to support them through the grief.
If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
Reminder to please register for Space School Information Evening
I am pleased to announce Siena College will again be involved in the 2019 CASE (California Association for STEAM Education) Space School International Study Program. Through our partnerships in the USA, students have the unique opportunity to join this once in a lifetime experience, going inside NASA facilities and having hands on learning experiences in many other exclusive places.
This program is designed to develop leaders for the next generation and empower and prepare our girls for the fastest growing and most sought after occupations of the 21st century. Through the unique access to NASA facilities, inspiring guest speakers and training programs, students have reported becoming more focused and inquisitive to pursue the subjects they are interested in.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn beyond the classroom in the most inspiring environment. There is a one hour information session about this exciting opportunity to be held at the Susan Alberti Auditorium on Tuesday, 26 March (see image below for session times). We request that you complete the RSVP form, to ensure we have enough materials for all attendees. This is a once in a lifetime experience for your daughter and I encourage you to attend this evening information session.
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
This year for Siena's Night of Jazz we are delighted to have Tamara Murphy as the special guest artist working with our students. Tamara is a versatile bassist and composer, known for her solid groove playing and lyrical solo ability. She performs regularly with many leading contemporary jazz and pop musicians in Australia. Tamara has also received numerous grants to record her music and studied in the US and Canada.
For further information about Tamara Murphy visit http://tamaramurphy.com/bio/
Siena's Night of Jazz will feature our Stage Band, Sisters of Swing, Groove Train, Junior Jammers and soloists held on the 27 March at the Manningham Hotel. Our ensembles have been rehearsing very hard for this event and the upcoming Generations in Jazz Tour. Please click on the image below to book tickets.
This year we will be distributing our new Music Department Dates fridge magnets to students (one per family) at ensemble rehearsals. Students who may have missed out can collect one from the Music office. Please note some music dates including the Victorian School Music Festival dates, workshops and masterclasses have not been included because the dates were not available at the time of printing.
The Music department has been abuzz with excitement the past few weeks with new students attending their first Instrumental Music lessons. We have had students take up string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments along with voice, piano and guitar. The Junior Ensembles have all started rehearsing and we encourage families to be supportive as our young musicians set up their home learning routine. The joys of the first noises of music making should be enjoyed and remembered as they won't last long. Parents are asked to support their daughters by reviewing the music diaries and taking an interest in their music
Any students who still wish to learn an instrument are asked to return their enrolment forms to the music office as soon as possible.
|Students involved
|15 March
6.00pm - 8.30pm
|Back to Siena
|Senior String ensemble, Folkus, selected soloists, cantor
|Siena College Cloisters
|18 March
3.30pm - 6.30pm
|Generations in Jazz
Vocal Workshop
|Canti Dolce
|Music department
|19 March
9.00am - 4.00pm
|VCAA Top Class VCE
Music Classroom
|VCE Music Performance class
|Melbourne Recital Centre
|27 March
|Siena's Night of Jazz
|Stage Band, Sisters of Swing, Groove Train, Junior Jammers, Canti Dolce, Soloists
|Manningham Hotel, Bulleen
|Term 2
|29 April
|Holocaust Prayer
|Senior Choir, Junior Choir
|St Dominic's Church
|3-5 May
|Generations in Jazz tour
|Stage Band, Sisters of Swing, Canti Dolce
|Mount Gambier
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
GSV Weekly Sport, Swimming Carnival, Congratulations Anais, Netball coaches needed
Siena College has been competing strongly in GSV Indoor Cricket, Tennis and Softball, with standout recent results including:
Siena Inter Bs (Indoor Cricket) defeated Camberwell Girls Grammar by 121 runs
Siena Senior Softball defeated PLC, 16 runs to 3
Siena Junior Tennis defeated Genazzano, 7 sets to 1
We are already looking towards Term 2 with students signing up to Senior Water Polo (one team), Hockey (three teams), Cross Country, AFL (six teams) and Netball (twenty-one teams). We will be organising fixtures, training venues and trials over the next three weeks and girls will be notified shortly.
Siena College was well represented at the GSV Preliminary Swimming at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Friday, 1 March with a number of strong individual diving and swimming performances. The teams have now been selected for the GSV Division 2 Swimming and Diving Championships on Tuesday, 19 March at MSAC. Parents are more than welcome to come along and support their daughter. Swimming will take place between 8.00am to 12.00pm and Diving between 12.00pm to 3.45pm.
On Wednesday, 6 March, sixteen students from Siena College attended the Susan Alberti AFLW Breakfast, along with Principal Gaynor-Robson Garth and three other staff members. It was an inspiring and educational event, with the students meeting a number of high profile female athletes and personalities.
We had our Inter House Swimming and Diving Carnival at Boroondara Sports Complex on Friday, 8 March. With 680 girls signed up to participate in at least one event it was a fantastic day with Swimming, Ironwoman, Novelty, Diving for Fun and Competitive Diving events all on display. Congratulations to Dianella, our 2019 champions. Award winners are listed below. Many thanks to all involved with organising the carnival, a particular thanks to the House Captains for all their work behind the scenes.
Siena College 2019 House Swimming Carnival Winners
|Michelle Timms Race
|Sienna Reidy
|Junior Ironwoman
|Natalie Moraitis
|Senior Ironwoman
|Stella Lawrence
|Year 7 Individual
|Emma Ireland
|Year 8 Individual
|Madeleine Castoldi
|Year 9 Individual
|Natalie Moraitis
|Year 10 Individual
|Stella Lawrence
|Year 11 Individual
|Angelina Haj
|Year 12 Individual
|Riley Khan
|Junior Competitive Diving
|Zara Purcell
|Intermediate Competitive Diving
|Meg Curtin
|Senior Competitive Diving
|Matilda Baker
|Junior Aggregate House
|Intermediate Aggregate House
|Senior Aggregate House
We wish to congratulate Anais Johnstone, who represented her local club, Nunawading, in the Victorian State Open Swimming Championships (15 to 17 February 2019, competing in three events) and the Tasmanian State Swimming Championships (7 to 11 March 2019, winning one gold and two silver medals). Anais has been working very hard to maintain a balance between her swimming training and her school commitments and it is testament to her that she continues to go from strength to strength in the water. We wish her all the best for the upcoming Australian Age Swimming Championships in Adelaide (15 to 22 April 2019).
Siena College has begun touch rugby for Year 7s and 8s, run in partnership with Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels Women's team, providing the students with a non traditional, modified sport opportunity. Depending on student numbers, we are looking to expand the program into Term 2, 2019 onwards, with several tournaments and programs available.
Siena College's Aerobics trials have been completed and we look forward to another successful year in Aerobics. Building on the success of last year, we hope to put together another strong squad to challenge at the States (Victoria) and the Nationals (Gold Coast) later in the year. More information will be communicated to parents and students involved shortly.
Siena College is asking for volunteers who would be willing to coach one of our many netball teams for Term 2, with matches on Mondays (Seniors), Wednesdays (Intermediates) and Thursdays (Juniors), training to be confirmed. In addition, we encourage parents to let us know if your daughter has achieved a remarkable sporting achievement of local, state or national significance. We find that many of the girls are modest in their achievements and are reluctant to let us know!
Finally, on Tuesday, March 19, there will be an information session for Siena College's Sport Leadership Experience to the USA in 2020, hosted in the Susan Alberti Auditorium from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. The experience is open to all girls who will be in Years 10, 11 or 12 in 2020. Parents and Students have been emailed with additional information but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding the tour.
Thank you for your continued support of sports programs at Siena College and please feel free to contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com if you have any questions at all.
Claire MoodyHead of Student Formation
Our Student Leaders have been busy participating in a number of events in recent weeks, including engaging in leadership development opportunities, networking with leaders from other scho...
Our Student Leaders have been busy participating in a number of events in recent weeks, including engaging in leadership development opportunities, networking with leaders from other schools, and representing Siena College at various community events and activities.
Sarah Murphy (Environment Leader) and Yasmyne Chung (Social Welfare Leader) attended the annual Student Leaders Forum, hosted by Josh Frydenberg, Federal Member for Kooyong. The focus of this year's forum was on the environment, and provided our students the opportunity to compare sustainability strategies at different schools, and the efforts and outcomes of various student led initiatives. It was also a chance for our students to engage in discussion regarding the government's views related to climate change and environmental degradation, and discuss current policy as well as future opportunities for Australia to address in relation to the conservation of our environment and natural resources.
A number of Year 12 Student Leaders represented Siena College at the annual International Women's Day Breakfast, hosted by the Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia.
The Siena College International Women's Day Breakfast was held on Thursday, 7 March and the Siena College Student Leaders played in instrumental role in the planning and running of the event. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Kopanang Community Trust to support their work in empowering the women in Tsakane, South Africa.
There will be a Year 7 and 8 Student Leadership Course commencing in Week 7. These workshops will focus on Leadership Skills in a Dominican Context, and Leadership at Siena College. Following the leadership course, participants will have the opportunity to apply for the positions of Student Leader at Years 7 and 8, joining the Siena College Leadership Team for 2019. Students may sign up for the course by contacting Ms Moody.
On Friday 1 March, Yasmyne Chung (Veritas Leader – Social Justice) and I attended the Kooyong Environment Forum hosted by Josh Frydenberg (Federal MP for Kooyong and Treasurer of Australia) with other student leaders from selected schools in the district. The forum consisted of school groups delivering a short speech regarding their school's initiatives towards the environment. Through listening to the other school's views and ideas for preserving and sustaining the environment, we discovered new ways in which we can implement similar sustainable actions into our school. We thoroughly enjoyed the discussion and viewed it to be quite valuable in generating ideas for future sustainable practises at Siena College.
Sarah Murphy, Veritas Leader - Environment
On Monday 4 March, select Year 12 leaders from Siena had the privilege of attending the International Women's Day Breakfast hosted by the Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia. We attended the breakfast alongside other students from girls' schools across Victoria. Guest speaker Catherine O'Sullivan gave an empowering address about the amazing work she does, dedicating her career to women's leadership and education. Personally, I felt both captivated and inspired by the women celebrated at the event, and their achievements in empowering young women in Australia!
Niamh Hickey, Kurrajong House Leader
Siena College hosted its annual International Women's Day Breakfast on Thursday, 7 March. This event provided an opportunity for members of the Siena College Community to gather together to celebrate the achievements of women, whilst acknowledging the work that has been done, and is yet to be done, in the journey towards a more gender balanced world. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Kopanang Community Trust, to continue their work in empowering women from the Tsakane township in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Siena College has supported Refiloe Sibisi, daughter of Kopanang community member Joyce, through her tertiary studies for the past three years. Refiloe recently completed her studies and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Business in the coming months. During the breakfast, an interview between two of our Student Leaders and Refiloe Sibisi was shown, which allowed a greater insight into her life and experiences as she comes to the end of her tertiary education supported by Siena College. The interview demonstrated the power that education can have, and the privilege it is to be educated. Putting a face to the name and really understanding why we raise money through events like the IWD breakfast puts it into perspective that we are helping real people, and real change can be made through our collective efforts.
It was inspiring to hear from Siena College Alumna Ursula Harris, who works within the STEM field as a cartographer in Antarctica. She spoke about the tribulations she faced while working in a male dominated environment and how she saw the progression in attitudes towards women. It was fascinating to hear about Dr Harris' work and the way she handled testing situations with humour and determination was inspiring.
Olivia Graham, Visual Arts and Design Leader
Marissa JoyceHead of English
Student reflections on the Joel McKerrow incursion
On Wednesday, 6 March all the Year 7s listened to a presentation by performance poet Joel McKerrow. He performed three of his poems highlighting different topics such as politics, self identity, self confidence and how he is proud to have red hair and how he loves himself because of his perfect imperfections. In one of his poems about politics he used a story about his son as a metaphor to represent how he wishes that world leaders wouldn't hurt others.
Durinig his workshop, we learnt how he finds inspiration for his poems by using simple strategies such as flow of conscious writing, where you write about whatever you're feeling or thinking. Another technique was creating a mind bank, where you write about the person that everyone else sees, and about a part of your personality that no one gets to see. You then find one of the phrases that you wrote down and write down whatever comes to mind when you think or imagine that particular word.
We feel that the workshop helped improve our poetic writing, and expanded our minds to use more diverse strategies when writing poems. We all enjoyed taking part in the workshop and listening to Joel's ideas.
Gabby Cossa and Zoe Smith (7D)
Assimina SemertjisHead of Science
Twelve of our Year 8 Siena students participated in the Robogals Middle School Robotics Workshop and Competition...
Twelve of our Year 8 Siena students participated in the Robogals Middle School Robotics Workshop and Competition accompanied by Ms Libby Moore and Ms Marianne De Luise. This event took place on Wednesday, 27 February at the University of Melbourne. The day began with the students learning about robotic engineering and then working in teams to engage in a friendly competition. This event was designed to increase students' awareness and knowledge of engineering, science and technology, as well as developing skills in communication, collaboration and critical thinking. The accounts below have been written by two of the attending students and capture the excitement and learning that took place on the day.
I absolutely loved my day at Robogals. I really enjoyed learning about all of the aspects of engineering and how to code robots. Before Robogals, I didn't know how many things in our world today are included in an area of engineering, and that really opened my mind up to all of the career paths you can have as an engineer. I really liked using the ultrasonic sensors, which sense objects in front of the robot, as it was really cool to see robots navigate their way through obstacle courses. Overall, it was an amazing day and we all learnt lots about coding and engineering.
Jessica Higgins
Robogals was a fantastic opportunity and I really appreciated learning about all the different types of engineering, and the skills you would need to code robots. I learnt how engineering is applied in our everyday lives and how important it is. Engineering makes our world function better, safer and makes our lives easier such as a bridge or a tunnel. Thanks to Robogals I now have a different insight into how things work and how things are designed and made. After this experience I think engineering might be something I would like to consider as a career option.
Emma Brunton
Simone RobertsonLearning Enhancement
The Year 7 students had a wonderful opportunity to experience and participate in the annual chess incursion on Wednesday 27 February, organised by the Learning Enhancement Department.
The Year 7 students had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the annual chess incursion on Wednesday, 27 February organised by the Learning Enhancement Department. Chess coaches Vanya, Denise, Nikayla and Chelsea from Dark Horse Chess, taught the girls how to play and some clever strategies of the game.
After the initial welcome and introduction to the coaches, each student was placed into a group based on her level of experience and expertise in playing chess. All levels of ability were represented, from absolute first-time beginners to advanced chess strategists. In their groups, the students worked with one of the four Dark Horse staff to learn more about the game, to become familiar with and practise the different moves of each chess piece and to apply some clever strategies when playing.
The Year 7 students enjoyed the day immensely and after the sessions, many girls were able to say that they had learnt something new about how to play the game. Some of the skills that learning chess helps to develop are:
Siena also offers all students the opportunity to join the Chess Club, which meets every Wednesday at lunchtime in the Learning Centre. Club members benefit from the support of Denise, a staff member of Dark Horse Chess. Denise attends each week during the term, coaching and encouraging the students to build upon and practise their skills, regardless of level. Those students who attend may have the opportunity to participate in chess tournaments at other schools to further enhance their chess skills. It is also a wonderful opportunity to see the girls from all year levels enjoy each other's company and to play against each other.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
This week's Siena Career News features some school holiday activities at a few of the universities that students in Years 10-12 may want to get involved in. Spending a day on the univers...
This week's Siena Career News features some school holiday activities at a few of the universities that senior students may be interested in. Spending a day on the university campus, attending lectures, chatting to staff and students can be really helpful when deciding which university or tertiary course is for you.
If you love fashion, Box Hill Institute has a workshop on fashion illustration in the school holidays. Latrobe University is giving secondary school students the opportunity to participate in three sessions of the students choosing. Session included are Biomedicine, Criminology, Health Science, Nursing/Midwifery, Sport Science, Occupational Therapy, Paramedicine, Archaeology or Law to name a few. There are also sessions for parents to attend.
Monash University are promoting new videos in which students of Medicine, Biomedical Science and Nursing discuss their chosen tertiary course and explain what a typical day involves.
There is also an article on careers in Forensic Science and where a Bachelor of Criminology can take you. If students or parents would like to discuss any of the news items in more detail, please feel free to contact the Careers Office.
Siena College was named winner of the Eastern Region at The Age 'Schools that Excel' awards ceremony on Wednesday, 27 March.
Siena College was named winner of the Eastern Region at The Age 'Schools that Excel' awards ceremony on Wednesday, 27 March. Principal Gaynor Robson-Garth and Deputy Principal Bernadette Donnelly were thrilled to accept the award, which celebrates the achievements of ten Victorian secondary schools that have shown consistent academic growth over the past decade.
Our School Captains are featured in the Leader News, sharing what their generation will contribute to the future.
Our School Captains are featured in the Leader News, sharing what their generation will contribute to the future. You can collect a copy of the Leader News here
Jade Devlin, 18
Our world is a turbulent place in a constant state of change, from our future jobs to the climate. Our generation will have to face challenges never seen before with the proliferation of technology. So, how do we make a lasting impact? We can start by restoring humanity to our world. This can be done by becoming engaged in our world and focusing on the greater good. We can start by consoling someone on a bad day, supporting equal rights or picking up a piece of litter.
Charlotte Lack, 17
Our generation is an era ruled by technology, constant curiosity and bold ideas and aspirations. I believe that our generation is a conscientious, hardwokring and pragmatic age group who are truly passionate about social activism and standing up for what they believe in. I feel that Generation Z can truly help advance our world as a whole, developing new cures for diseases thought previously untreatable, continuing to minimise the gender pay gap and creating and sustaining a renewable, ecological society. All due to the desire and passion to create, help and mend out fragmented world.
Siena College has been nominated in the inaugural 'Schools that Excel' Age awards, which celebrate the achievements of ten Victorian secondary schools that have shown consistent academic ...
Siena College has been nominated in the inaugural 'Schools that Excel' Age awards, which celebrate the achievements of ten Victorian secondary schools that have shown consistent academic growth over the past decade.
We are however very concerned at the impression given in The Age this morning that Siena College has abolished books and library services. We have transformed our library into a learning centre that continues to offer all library services to our students and staff, including a significant collection of fiction and non fiction books. Our valued staff, especially our library technicians support the ongoing resourcing of our community. Learning possibilities, including the classic library offerings, have expanded learning options, not diminished them.
In relation to comments about detention, we see no educative value in punitive measures at Siena College. We have been an accredited Restorative Practices school for many years.
Gaynor Robson-Garth
All the results from a wonderful community day yesterday
Siena Spirit was on spectacular display yesterday morning at the Fun Run! The weather and the atmosphere was superb, with participants competing in the 4km Fun Run or the 4km Colour Run. Congratulations to all race participants and thank you to the many volunteers on the day, including the Siena Parents' Association (SPA) who hosted the fabulous food/drink stalls.
4km RUN CATEGORY WINNERS
Male Open
1st - Mark Newman (00:20:21)
2nd - David Kinsella (00:20:56)
3rd - Brendan Bolton (00:20:57)
Female Open
1st - Nadine Bolton (00:19:43)
2nd - Natalie Kinsella (00:20:56)
3rd - Joy Ouek (00:21:350
Male Student
1st - Josh Grobbelaar (00:16:33)
2nd - Clay Devlin (00:23:41)
3rd - Lucas Pratt (00:26:46)
Female Student
1st - Emily Mackintosh (00:18:17)
2nd - Mia Kelly (00:20:04)
3rd - Emma Ireland (00:21:55)
4km COLOUR RUN CATEGORY WINNERS
Female Open
1st - Kath Mccarthy (00:21:12)
2nd - Lisa Higgins (00:21:16)
3rd - Heather Miller (00:23:27)
Male Open
1st - Joe Punturere (00:20:57)
2nd - Fabian Capomolla (00:21:15)
3rd - Rohan Briglia (00:23:34)
Female Student
1st - Natalia Moraitis (00:18:14)
2nd - Sophie Barnetson (00:22:30)
3rd - Isabella Bremner (00:22:33)
Male Student
1st - James Newman (00:17:05)
2nd - Oliver Grogan (00:18:41)
3rd - Angus Gough (00:18:45)
For a full list of results and to check your time please click here
Our newly appointed events coordinator, Gabrielle Snell was recently interviewed about her experiences with the AFL's ArtsReady traineeship program
Our newly appointed Events Coordinator, Gabrielle Snell was recently profiled by the AFL's Sportsready website. Read here for Gabrielle's story.
Remember to bring your donations to the SPA Cake Stall
Fun Run Cake Stall (320 KB)
> View Document
Cake Stall Ingredients Label (58 KB)
> View Document
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
Questions about uniforms and dress codes continue to be controversial and there are diverse views as to the need for a uniform as well as differing interpretations of guidelines about how...
Questions about uniforms and dress codes continue to be controversial and there are diverse views as to the need for a uniform as well as differing interpretations of guidelines about how a uniform should be worn.
Since its inception in 1940, Siena students have worn a school uniform and sports uniforms in various styles and colours from lemon bloomers for sport to blue and green plaid netball skirts. The one constant has been the rust coloured blazer which persists until today. The rust colour was chosen by the Dominican Sisters to reflect the rust coloured soils in Siena in Tuscany, Italy where St Catherine was born.
Our current College uniform was introduced in 2013 and welcomed by staff and students. It has generally been worn proudly and well, and has been the subject of complimentary feedback from members of the wider community.
In all schools, students seek to express their individuality creatively and sometimes, in ways which are not in keeping with the way the uniform is intended to be worn. I recall a story I heard on talkback radio of a boy who unpicked the crest on his blazer pocket, a Bishop's mitre (hat), and replaced it with a skull and cross bones which was never noticed throughout his years at secondary school.
For teachers, having to monitor uniform is a tedious and thankless task, as it is for parents who endeavour to support the school when they say goodbye to their daughters in the morning. You may be amused by the excerpt from a 1969 Siena College newsletter below that indicates that nothing much has changed in relation to managing uniform transgressions, although our current approach has moved on from these times. We no longer aim to be quite so prescriptive about what an appropriate dress or skirt length might be!
We have worked hard to raise the profile of Siena College in the wider community and students' grooming and presentation plays a big part. Recent communication about dress length and other aspects of the College uniform is not new and the uniform guidelines/rules have been unchanged for some years. We are aware however that greater consistency is needed in applying the uniform expectations so that all students are treated fairly and respectfully and the same expectations applied to all. I am asking for the support of all students, staff and parents, to ensure that the uniform is worn appropriately and that students are well groomed. We would prefer to focus our time and resources on our core business of education and the more important matters that are part of life at Siena College. I am most grateful to all students and parents who have responded to our requests.
The term is now well underway as is GSV Sport. Over the past weekend, fifty-five girls participated in the GSV Triathlon in Altona. Catherine Ryan completed her first triathlon last year and by talking about her own experiences and encouraging the girls to take on this challenge, we have seen an enormous increase in participation. Catherine inspired the girls and exceeded even her own expectations of how many students would compete on the day. Head of Sport, James Houghton reported how wonderful it was to see so many Siena College parents supporting the girls. Our students represented the College well, showing great enthusiasm and encouragement of each other. Thank you to James and Catherine for working with the Siena team. The girls are already talking about the triathlon in 2020!
I enjoyed watching our swimmers at the Genazzano Swim Meet on a warm Friday afternoon. Siena placed third and once again, the traditional team spirit was very evident. We are looking forward to the Siena Swimming Carnival on 8 March.
It is lovely to hear music around the College in the mornings as the various ensembles and bands rehearse and the renamed Albertus Magnus Library that is now a Learning Centre, is a hive of activity. Monday is fast becoming a day for games in that space and I look forward to hearing of our students' travels to NASA and the US Space Centre when they share their experiences in the Learning Centre later this week. It is lovely to see so many students participating in co-curricular activities.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Tuesday Professional Practice Time, Parent Teacher Conferences, Staff Profiles
Due to the success of this 2018 initiative, the Professional Practice Sessions will continue this year. During these sessions, we will cover the range of 2019 whole school priorities, including implementing a Siena Pedagogical model through our Professional Learning, Student Wellbeing Professional Learning, Strategic Planning and Dominican Education Professional Learning. As a result, each Tuesday all students will commence the day with House Group at 8.35am and will be dismissed at 2:30pm. The College buses will depart from Siena around 2:35pm. If a student has a College commitment after school (such as the College Musical), they will be able to study in the library. Year 12 students who complete private study in the Year 12 St Catherine's Centre may continue to use that space as usual, however, all other students are expected to return home.
Staff have been very involved in the four professional practice sessions that we have run this term. In the first session, House Group teachers worked on a more consistent approach to the expectations and running of House Group. The second session was an introduction to the review process that the College will undertake this year (using the ACER National School Improvement Tool). The third session focused on using relevant and current student data to inform teaching practices and the fourth session was a presentation from Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) who led us through an understanding of working with our indigenous students.
Our staff are working with great enthusiasm and commitment to ensure our learning and teaching is fresh, dynamic and relevant and effectively engaging our students. Our focus continues to be on ways to share our learning and to benefit student learning.
Years 7 to 12 Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, 21 March and Thursday, 28 March between 4.00pm and 7.30pm in the Latingata Morrom Gymnasium. Parents will receive an email when Online Bookings are available, as well as instructions on how to download and print the Interim report. The Interim report will provide information regarding the subject, classroom learning indicators and number of days absent.
Please be aware that there are no comments on formal reports as parents receive comments linked to assessment tasks throughout the semester.
As Parent/Teacher Conferences are an important opportunity to develop a working and supportive relationship between subject teachers, parents and students, we believe that it is essential that the student attend. This allows the student to share their learning experience and participate in the conversation about their subject expectations.
Year 7 to 12 Activities week will take place from 3 April to 5 April. This program is well planned and supports the learning and wellbeing of our students. We ask for your support in student attendance. Year 7 students will attend their Year 7 Camp, Year 8, 10 and 11 students will be involved in a variety of activities run from Siena, and Year 12 students will be on retreat. The Year 9 Siena in the City program is a four day program, commencing on Tuesday April 2 and concluding on April 5. Parents will receive individual year level notices in the weeks to follow.
Every year we have a number of new staff beginning at Siena College and I would like to introduce some of them over the next few newsletter editions.
Welcome to Dean Fleisher, Head of Languages
I was born in Montpellier, in the south of France and moved to Japan in 2001, then came to Australia seven years ago, in 2012. I teach the French language to junior and senior classes at Siena College. I have taught in many institutions, beginning my career teaching French in language schools in Japan in 2001. I was an Assistant Language Teacher in Fudooka High School (Saitama, Japan) from 2005 to 2010, then worked as a French teacher for two international schools in Tokyo (St Mary's International School and The British School in Tokyo) from 2010 to 2012. From 2013 to 2018, I taught French and Japanese at St Monica's College, in Epping, where I was also a Year Level Leader. I have about seventeen years of teaching experience.
Basketball has been my passion since a very young age, and I have been coaching basketball for twenty-one years. I look forward to contributing to the sport here at Siena. I am also the father of two sporty children who keep me busy with their training and competitions.
Welcome to Andrea Carter, Leader of Pedagogy and Mathematics Teacher
Andrea studied teaching at the University of Melbourne and began her career in 1991 at Eltham College in Research as a full time teacher of Mathematics to students in Year 7 to Year 12. After five years Andrea took up a Mathematics position at Camberwell Girls Anglican School and then joined the staff as Head of Mathematics at Damascus College in Ballarat. After a five year term as Head of Mathematics at Korowa Girls Anglican School in Glen Iris, Andrea has joined us at Siena College as a Leader of Pedagogy and a Mathematics teacher. With approximately twenty years of experience in all the Mathematics streams, across all senior school year levels, Andrea brings with her a passion and love for teaching driven by a desire to make a difference in students' lives.
Andrea is also an avid opera fan who enjoys orchestral and chamber music. Gardening, swimming and walking are some of her many interests. She values time with her family and the opportunity to travel.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
The beginning of Lent will be marked at Siena by prayer services in each House led by senior House Captains.
The beginning of Lent will be marked at Siena by prayer services in each House led by senior House Captains. The Prayer Service comprises a Gospel Reading, Prayers of the People, distribution of ashes blessed at St Dominic's and the launch of our 2019 Caritas Project Compassion campaign – Give Lent 100%. All House Groups will be given a Project Compassion box which students can use to collect funds across Lent to support aid and development projects in Zimbabwe, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, Australia, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Find out more about Project Compassion here.
During the season of Lent our tradition asks us to fast from something… Technology perhaps? Try this doable Lenten Carbon Fast.
There is a current encouraging trend to take up something as well as give up something during Lent: taking action on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers, becoming better informed about a social issue, undertaking a random act of kindness, volunteering your time...
Ask yourself: What does Lent and the approach of Autumn mean to me?
How can I tap into these annual rhythms in my personal, family and professional life?
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Engaging student voice at Siena College
At Siena College we hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our College. Our commitment is drawn from and inherent in the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the gospel. (Siena Child Safe Policy, 2017)
Child safety remains a fundamental priority at Siena College and is central to all activities and programs. Creating child safe school environments is a shared responsibility requiring the engagement of students, teachers, families and the broader school community. In Catholic schools, a 'child safe culture' is nurtured through an environment where children are respected, their voices are heard, and they are supported to feel safe and be safe (Moore et al. 2015).
There are two significant projects that I will be working on with groups of students this year. The first one will seek student input on their understanding of Child Safe Standards with a view to exploring students' perceptions of safety, including their understanding of existing processes and what they feel should be done to respond to safety issues. Students from Years 7 – 12 will be invited to participate in this forum in Term 1. This will then form the basis of a Siena College Student Safety document that will reflect the voices of our students and inform our practice.
Siena College has also been invited to participate in research which is being conducted by Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM) in partnership with the Institute of Child Protection Studies at Australian Catholic University (ACU). It is designed to enable schools to gather the perceptions of students regarding their safety. You may be aware that a vital component of safe environments is the active participation of young people in building school cultures that are respectful and inclusive. In such an environment young people feel comfortable to communicate their views and concerns and actively contribute to school strategies and decisions about their safety. Two year levels will be surveyed before the end of Term 2 and I look forward to sharing the learnings from these two projects with the Siena College community.
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
I am pleased to announce Siena College will again be involved in the 2019 CASE (California Association for STEAM Education) Space School International Study Program.
I am pleased to announce Siena College will be involved in the 2019 CASE (California Association for STEAM Education) Space School International Study Program. Through our partnerships in the USA, students have the unique opportunity to join this once in a lifetime experience, going inside NASA facilities and having hands on learning experiences in many other exclusive places.
This program is designed to develop leaders for the next generation and empower and prepare our girls for the fastest growing and most sought after occupations of the 21st century. Through the unique access to NASA facilities, inspiring guest speakers and training programs, students have reported becoming more focused and inquisitive to pursue the subjects they are interested in.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn beyond the classroom in the most inspiring environment. There is a one hour information session about this exciting opportunity to be held at the Susan Alberti Auditorium on Tuesday, 26 March (see image below for session times). We request that you complete the RSVP form, to ensure we have enough materials for all attendees. This is a once in a lifetime experience for your daughter and I encourage you to attend this evening information session.
Donna LaughlinDirector of Learning and Innovation
Student Learning at Siena
In conjunction with our Siena College Learning Framework, Siena Central provides the opportunity for both students and parents to engage with the classroom learn...
In conjunction with our Siena College Learning Framework, Siena Central provides the opportunity for both students and parents to engage with the classroom learning. Parent access to their daughter's subject class pages enables direct access to daily classroom learning and home learning tasks. On the class pages, parents and students can also access the Student Overview. The Student Overview outlines all unit topics and key assessment dates and is a useful tool in assisting students to develop strong organisation skills.
All Year 7 Parents and Guardians received an email this week regarding the commencement of Home Learning. The email included the Year 7 Academic Calendar, which can also be accessed via the Siena Central Parent Portal and on Siena Central Student Zone. This calendar is a useful tool in assisting your daughter with her transition into Siena and developing time management skills. The following is a guide per year level regarding the amount of time that students should spend on home learning:
Year 7: 60-90 minutes per day
Year 8: 60-90 minutes per day
Year 9: 90 minutes per day
Year 10: 90-120 minutes per day
Year 11: 2-3 hours per day
Year 12: 3-4 hours per day
If you have any questions or difficulties accessing the Siena Central Parent Portal or the online feedback, please contact IT help at the College on 9835 0200 or email@example.com
Dan HendersonIT Help
Troubleshooting for parents having log in issues
We are receiving several emails and calls a day with parents unable to login to the Siena Central Portal to update "My Details" and so forth. Often, parents report that they are able to login to Siena Central but then get a white screen when proceeding into My Details, Finance tabs etc.
Most issues are caused by old, outdated devices, unsupported browsers and parents using auto login which has saved their child's details.
Update My Details, Finance and Payment Plans use an advanced authentication method to check the user's details for permission. Your device will need the following minimum requirements to access these services.
If your device meets these minimum requirements and the web browser does not load, try these solutions.
1. Use Google Chrome or Safari web browsers to login to Siena Central.
2. Clear the browsing history, close all tabs, close the browser and restart your device.
3. Login manually with your supplied parent user details, this insures that the browser does not try and automatically sign in with a previously used student Siena Central Account.
4. Use incognito or private browsing modes if the computer is shared with family members.
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
Junior (Years 7 and 8) and Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) sport commenced last week for Softball, Indoor Cricket and Tennis.
Junior (Years 7 and 8) and Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) sport commenced last week for Softball, Indoor Cricket and Tennis. Senior (Year 11 and 12) girls have continued their unbeaten run with two wins from 2two outings in all sports!
The Swimming and Diving teams have been training twice a week since the beginning of term including participating in a number of practice meets at Genazzano, Ruyton and Korowa. The girls are well prepared for the Preliminary GSV Carnival at MSAC this Friday. We wish all girls the best of luck and hope for a strong result to place us in a good position for the GSV Championships in two weeks time.
Siena College participated in the GSV Triathlon in Altona last Sunday morning. Usually we have around six or seven girls sign up however this year we had a record number of fifty girls! Many of the girls were participating in their first ever triathlon. The nervous faces on the bus at 5.30am soon turned into smiles as they felt a sense of accomplishment after their race. Many thanks to Ms Catherine Ryan for all her work behind the scenes organising the girls and encouraging them to take on this fantastic opportunity. We have attached some photos of the triathlon to this article.
Last weekend Teah Wilson (Year 7) competed in the Eastern Metropolitan Region championships for shot put and won gold! This is a fantastic achievement and Teah has now been selected to compete at the State Championships later this year. She has also been selected to be mentored by Australian Olympic Swimmer, Mack Horton which she is very excited about.
Parents and students are encouraged to regularly check the Siena Central Sport page for the latest updates on fixtures, training and team selection. I email the girls prior to each week outlining venues, bus times and staffing for training and matches.
Thank you very much for your support of the sport program at Siena College.
Paul FaillaTeacher - Mathematics
The year has started well with all year levels involved in learning new material and consolidation from last year.
The year has started well with all year levels involved in learning new material and consolidation from last year. Our newest students, the Year 7 cohort, have had a very positive start. They have started the year involved in a variety of concepts in geometry, with a number of activities have helped to solidify some of the concepts being covered in class. The girls have discovered angles around the school and have explored the relationships in perpendicular and parallel lines. The girls have enjoyed doing Kahoots as a way of revising ideas covered in class. Home learning will be starting this week and I am sure that the girls are looking forward to this.
At the other end of the school spectrum the Year 12 students have started well and are working hard in collaboration with their teachers. All classes are focused on ensuring the girls develop good study techniques with opportunities for consistent revision.
Maths Help is being well supported and we would love to see more girls come along on Tuesdays at lunch time in B115 to receive help with questions, complete their homework in a supported environment or just have a slightly different explanation of concepts that are being covered.
We look forward to continuing working with our students and all parents this year.
Free Cobs Natural Popcorn with every online order over $5.00
During Term 1 all online orders over $5 will receive a free 20g packet of Cobs Natural Popcorn.
1. Create an account
Go to http://www.school24.net.au
Click on Create Account, fill in your details and submit
Please note Your School Registration ID: 25307963
If you need help call 02 8901 0398
2. Before you can start ordering
Login to your secure portal, add Students, top up your account
3. Placing an order
To place an order, follow these steps:
Select a student, enter or select the date, click on Start Order button, select from menu options
Collect your order at lunchtime from the priority lunch order pick up.
Minna DenholmLeader of Wellbeing Programs
Skills for Learning is a subject offered only at Year 7, aimed at helping our students settle into secondary school.
Skills for Learning is a subject offered only at Year 7, aimed at helping our students settle into secondary school. It is a unique subject that has a weekly or fortnightly focus on different areas of student development including the introduction and evolution of growth mindsets, virtual tours through our learning platform Siena Central and recently an emphasis on the appropriate online behaviour expected by Siena students.
At Siena College we understand that making social connections is a part of growing up. Research by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner shows that young people see connecting to others as the most important benefit of using social media. It takes time to practice and develop the skill of connecting with others, both online and offline.
In Skills for Learning we have discussed building our social and emotional skills to help us stay safe online. These include responding respectfully, taking responsibility for our individual presence online and taking action by reporting negativity to the relevant Head of Student Wellbeing.
Parents are reminded that helpful information regarding adolescents and eSafety can be found at the Office of the eSafety Commissioners website:
Further information is also available on School TV
Siena College does not allow students to be on their phones whilst they are on campus. Phones must be kept in student lockers at all times throughout the school day and will be confiscated if they are viewed by staff at an inappropriate time, including at recess or lunchtime.
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
We thank all parents for their patience as we completed the convent building works. From Monday, 4 March the driveway will be reopened for parent access. As always, please ensure your a...
We thank all parents for their patience as we completed the convent building works. From Monday, 4 March the driveway will be reopened for parent access. As always, please ensure your are not parked in the designated bus bays.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
It has been a busy start to the year for the Siena careers office. With several rounds of VTAC offers now rolling out over February, last year's Year 12s have decisions to make about tertiary cours...
It has been a busy start to the year for Siena Careers. With several rounds of VTAC offers now rolling out over February, last year's Year 12s have decisions to make about tertiary courses that require careful consideration and discussion. We wish the Class of 2018 every success in the next step of their career journey and look forward to hearing their stories at a future Siena Careers Showcase.
I have been meeting with the current Year 12s to chat about what their career goals are and how we can best support them and provide them with the tools and resources required to make a good choice later in the year.
Parents are welcome to make an appointment with their daughter to discuss tertiary options and career pathways. The best way to organise this is via the Siena Careers website www.sienacareers.com.au -appointment bookings are listed under the 'For Students' tab.
The latest edition of Siena Career News features information on the National Youth Science Forum. This is a fabulous experience for current Year 11s to apply for. The NYSF is a twelve day residential program in Canberra where students have the opportunity to experience a tertiary institution, speak to academics and university students and participate in a variety of STEAM workshops with students from schools around Australia.
Also in this week's Siena Career News, GAP year applications with the Australian Defence Force are now open for current Year 12 students. Experience military training and lifestyle, gain new skills and get paid! There are a variety of jobs available.
Monash University was the most popular tertiary destination for our Class of 2018. The 'Inside Monash' course information sessions commence shortly, dates are listed in Siena Career News.
Tracey KermondHuman Resources Manager
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Julian Dods who recently joined The Arts and Technology faculty as the AFL Trainee Technician
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Julian Dods who recently joined The Arts and Technology faculty as the AFL Trainee Technician
Please click here for CSEF application form
Financial Assistance Application (391 KB)
> View Document
Please click here for CSEF application form
Financial Assistance Application (391 KB)
> View Document
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
But now, this is what the Lord says, he who created you, Jacob; he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'
Isaiah 43: 1
We began the year at Siena, 'Called by Name', each one of us known and loved by God, and in the words of Cardinal Henry John Newman, each of us called to some service not committed to anyone else.
Welcome to the 2019 school year. I extend a special welcome to all who join Siena College for the first time, new students and families and all our new staff. Antonella Rosati joined the Siena community as Deputy Principal Wellbeing. Antonella brings extensive leadership experience and new insights to the role, having worked at Presentation College Windsor for the past eighteen years, the last ten years in the role of Deputy Principal.
We are blessed to have a Dominican Sister on staff again in Semester 1. Sr Sheila Flynn OP has taken on the role of Director of Formation and will work with staff and students to share her deep appreciation and understanding of Dominican spirituality and prepare and accompany students and staff on the South African Immersion in April. Sr Sheila is well known to many in our community and brings her gifts of poetry and the creative arts, her deep commitment to justice and her experiences and stories of her years spent with the Kopanang community in South Africa, working with women and children trapped in endemic poverty.
At the start of the year, Sr Sheila described St Dominic's vision as 'a vision of the radically new, democratic and communitarian, thriving on sharing and shearing, letting go of what no longer works, holding on to what is of value, being prepared to take risks.' From its very beginnings, the Dominican tradition meant that no one was appointed to leadership forever. 2019 will be my final year as Principal of Siena College. It is now time for me to let go, to look to new ways to contribute and serve, and time for new vision at Siena College. The past twelve years have been a graced and privileged time. I have learned much, formed lifelong friendships and I have been much enriched through the relationships, the professional opportunities, the faith community I am a part of and the charism and framework of Dominican values that I have come to love. I have worked with wonderful colleagues and students and been privileged to share in the lives of many families. From the beginning, I have been humbled by the trust placed in me as a very new and inexperienced Principal.
I continue to be excited by all the opportunities that this year offers. I will do all I can to ensure that Siena College is well placed for the next Principal and to support the Board and the school community in the transition to new leadership. I thank all who have sent messages and good wishes and have claimed honorary membership of the 'Class of 2019'.
We begin the year with much to celebrate, outstanding VCE results, new ideas to implement, new roles and new vision. In 2019, we launch a new five year Strategic Plan, we begin the next phase of Master Planning and undergo an external School Review in May that offers great opportunities. The review will be based on a National School Improvement Tool (NSIT), developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research. We continue to aim for best practice to enhance our students' learning and wellbeing and the NSIT will provide leverage for growth, building on our already excellent achievements. It will provide great impetus for the next steps and real pointers to a way forward based on international research.
In 2019, our improvement agenda is underpinned by four strategic priorities. We will give particular focus to the following:
We look forward to acknowledging the high achievers in the 2018 VCE at our first College assembly on Wednesday, 20 February. The 2018 VCE results reflect team work and an ongoing strategic intent to enhance our students' learning and wellbeing outcomes. The College maintained a top five ranking across all Catholic schools based on the median Study Score of 34 and 17.5% of Study Scores of 40 or above. While we celebrate the outstanding VCE results of 2018 we are here to educate in a much broader sense, for the young women of Siena College to find meaning and purpose and to contribute to a better world. I hope you enjoy reading the publication that will be distributed in the next few weeks, celebrating the achievements of Siena students in 2018.
The Convent refurbishment is almost complete. The spaces look even more beautiful than before and a new Board Room and Heritage Centre will be much used in years to come for community gatherings and celebrations. The building and the refurbishment honours the Dominican Sisters on whose shoulders we stand, their vision and commitment and the generations of Siena women who have graduated since the College was established in 1940.
It was lovely to celebrate the start of Year 12 with the Class of 2019 and their families, and to wish them a wonderful year. The committed and generous parents of the Siena Parents' Association (SPA) invest much in supporting the College and in developing a strong sense of community through the many events that they host over the year, including this breakfast and the forthcoming evenings for parents.
Our Commencement Mass in St Dominic's church was a prayerful occasion to welcome our new Year 7s and their parents, and the 2019 student leaders and their families. I thank all the students who have taken on leadership roles for their commitment to service.
The calendar is full of community events in March, the welcome evening for Year 7 parents on 1 March, the International Women's Day breakfast in the Susan Alberti Auditorium on 7 March, the Siena Fun Run at Wattle Park on 24 March, and Siena's Night of Jazz on 27 March. We look forward to a great year of learning and celebration and hope you will join us on many occasions as the year unfolds.
But now, this is what the Lord says, he who created you, Jacob; he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'
Isaiah 43: 1
We began the year at Siena, 'Called by Name', each one of us known and loved by God, and in the words of Cardinal Henry John Newman, each of us called to some service not committed to anyone else.
Welcome to the 2019 school year. I extend a special welcome to all who join Siena College for the first time, new students and families and all our new staff. Antonella Rosati joined the Siena community as Deputy Principal Wellbeing. Antonella brings extensive leadership experience and new insights to the role, having worked at Presentation College Windsor for the past eighteen years, the last ten years in the role of Deputy Principal.
We are blessed to have a Dominican Sister on staff again in Semester 1. Sr Sheila Flynn OP has taken on the role of Director of Formation and will work with staff and students to share her deep appreciation and understanding of Dominican spirituality and prepare and accompany students and staff on the South African Immersion in April. Sr Sheila is well known to many in our community and brings her gifts of poetry and the creative arts, her deep commitment to justice and her experiences and stories of her years spent with the Kopanang community in South Africa, working with women and children trapped in endemic poverty.
At the start of the year, Sr Sheila described St Dominic's vision as 'a vision of the radically new, democratic and communitarian, thriving on sharing and shearing, letting go of what no longer works, holding on to what is of value, being prepared to take risks.' From its very beginnings, the Dominican tradition meant that no one was appointed to leadership forever. 2019 will be my final year as Principal of Siena College. It is now time for me to let go, to look to new ways to contribute and serve, and time for new vision at Siena College. The past twelve years have been a graced and privileged time. I have learned much, formed lifelong friendships and I have been much enriched through the relationships, the professional opportunities, the faith community I am a part of and the charism and framework of Dominican values that I have come to love. I have worked with wonderful colleagues and students and been privileged to share in the lives of many families. From the beginning, I have been humbled by the trust placed in me as a very new and inexperienced Principal.
I continue to be excited by all the opportunities that this year offers. I will do all I can to ensure that Siena College is well placed for the next Principal and to support the Board and the school community in the transition to new leadership. I thank all who have sent messages and good wishes and have claimed honorary membership of the 'Class of 2019'.
We begin the year with much to celebrate, outstanding VCE results, new ideas to implement, new roles and new vision. In 2019, we launch a new five year Strategic Plan, we begin the next phase of Master Planning and undergo an external School Review in May that offers great opportunities. The review will be based on a National School Improvement Tool (NSIT), developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research. We continue to aim for best practice to enhance our students' learning and wellbeing and the NSIT will provide leverage for growth, building on our already excellent achievements. It will provide great impetus for the next steps and real pointers to a way forward based on international research.
In 2019, our improvement agenda is underpinned by four strategic priorities. We will give particular focus to the following:
We look forward to acknowledging the high achievers in the 2018 VCE at our first College assembly on Wednesday, 20 February. The 2018 VCE results reflect team work and an ongoing strategic intent to enhance our students' learning and wellbeing outcomes. The College maintained a top five ranking across all Catholic schools based on the median Study Score of 34 and 17.5% of Study Scores of 40 or above. While we celebrate the outstanding VCE results of 2018 we are here to educate in a much broader sense, for the young women of Siena College to find meaning and purpose and to contribute to a better world. I hope you enjoy reading the publication that will be distributed in the next few weeks, celebrating the achievements of Siena students in 2018.
The Convent refurbishment is almost complete. The spaces look even more beautiful than before and a new Board Room and Heritage Centre will be much used in years to come for community gatherings and celebrations. The building and the refurbishment honours the Dominican Sisters on whose shoulders we stand, their vision and commitment and the generations of Siena women who have graduated since the College was established in 1940.
It was lovely to celebrate the start of Year 12 with the Class of 2019 and their families, and to wish them a wonderful year. The committed and generous parents of the Siena Parents' Association (SPA) invest much in supporting the College and in developing a strong sense of community through the many events that they host over the year, including this breakfast and the forthcoming evenings for parents.
Our Commencement Mass in St Dominic's church was a prayerful occasion to welcome our new Year 7s and their parents, and the 2019 student leaders and their families. I thank all the students who have taken on leadership roles for their commitment to service.
The calendar is full of community events in March, the welcome evening for Year 7 parents on 1 March, the International Women's Day breakfast in the Susan Alberti Auditorium on 7 March, the Siena Fun Run at Wattle Park on 24 March, and Siena's Night of Jazz on 27 March. We look forward to a great year of learning and celebration and hope you will join us on many occasions as the year unfolds.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
2019 College Theme, Commencement Mass, Marking the National Apology
Our College theme has at its heart this reading from the Book of Isaiah:
But now, says the Lord – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine". (Isaiah 43:1)
Every member of our Siena College Community is known and loved by God, when we are called, God is saying 'I am listening to you and you alone – turn towards me and tell me your story'.
On the evening of Tuesday 12 February, Year 7 students, 2019 student leaders, staff and parents gathered at St Dominic's Church to ask God's blessing on the year ahead. In a real spirit of joy and community we welcomed our enthusiastic Year 7s and commissioned our Year 9-12 Siena College leaders. Heartfelt thanks to the choir members, musicians, readers, procession people, Eucharistic Ministers and all those who shaped or led an element of the Eucharist. We are also grateful to our College Chaplain Fr Kevin Toomey OP for generously joining us to preside at our celebration.
To mark the eleventh anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations our College took part in a communal House Group Prayer. Led by FIRE Carriers Hayley Di Stefano and Niamh Hickey alongside Veritas Leader - Social Justice, Sabrina Pittorino we recalled the significance of the day and prayed for harmony and reconciliation in our land. With alarming statistics released recently indicating a rise in racism among Australians, it was a salutary reminder of the part each one of us can play in working toward a more just and hope filled future for all.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Welcome back to the 2019 academic year and a warm welcome to all of our new students and families.
Welcome back to the 2019 academic year and a warm welcome to all of our new students and families. I am pleased to introduce the Senior Learning Leaders who are responsible for leading learning in our College in 2019:
Marissa Joyce Head of English
Laine Rice Head of Health and Physical Education
Assimina Semertjis Head of Science
Claire Al-Noah Head of the Arts and Technology
Paul Failla Head of Mathematics
Jemimah Walsh Head of Humanities
Michael Petrie Head of Senior Pathways
Belinda Duncan Head of Religious Education
Dean Fleischer Head of Languages
Ansalie Hanrahan Head of Learning Enhancement
As part of the Heads of Learning team, we also have:
Donna Laughlin Director of Learning and Innovation
Andrea Carter Leader of Pedagogy
Tina Di Camillo Leader of Pedagogy
You are welcome to contact any of the Heads of Learning (mentioned above) but as always, your first point of contact for curriculum related matters should be the subject teacher. It is essential that we continue to develop open and transparent communication and if possible, contact your daughter's subject teacher earlier rather than later, if you perceive there to be a concern.
All new parents and guardians will have received their login name and password for Siena Central. If a parent or guardian needs further assistance to log on to Siena Central via the website, please contact email@example.com. Please engage with your daughter about her learning and in particular, regularly access your daughter's class pages to gain an indication of the learning that is taking place.
Year 12 students require an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for entry into many undergraduate entry university programs in Australia. This year we will again run the Year 12 Learning Conversations. This program provides an opportunity for the student to share a learning conversation with a senior member of staff about their academic goals, strategies that may assist in their learning and finally to develop a 2019 Action Plan with a focus on improvement. Year 12 students will also estimate an ATAR based on their Year 11 Semester 2 Examination results. The Year 12 students will receive the relevant documents and an ATAR calculator program so that they can spend some time reflecting on their Year 11 achievements and prepare for their learning conversation. The focus is not so much on the estimated ATAR that they calculate but the way in which they can maximise their learning opportunities in 2019.
The Year 7 to 12 Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, 21 March and Thursday, 28 March between 4.00pm and 7.30pm in the Latingata Morrom Gymnasium. The Parent Teacher Conferences are an important opportunity to develop a working and supportive relationship between subject teachers, parents and students. It is essential that the student attends the Parent Teacher Conferences so that they are able to share their learning experience and participate in the conversation about their subject expectations. Parents and guardians will be able to download a copy of their daughter's Interim report prior to the session and further information will be provided in a later newsletter.
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
Meet the 2019 Wellbeing Team
Antonella Rosati
I am delighted to have joined the Siena community this year as Deputy Principal Wellbeing and to be leading such a wonderful team. I am committed to wellbeing as it is integral to learning and to all activities that students participate in. Student voice is key to wellbeing as it gives young people a sense of agency and ownership and I am looking forward to spending time with groups of students and hearing their views about what is going on in the College and in the wider community.
My educational philosophy is to create a Christ centred community of learners, modelled on excellence, who are inquisitive, brave and provided with opportunities to achieve success in an environment that is inclusive and supportive, regardless of background, gender or race.
My experience in education spans over thirty years and I have built on my practical experience with further study, currently completing a second Master's Degree, this time in Theology. I am eager to be immersed in the Dominican charism as the Four Pillars of prayer, study, community and service drive all of our endeavours at Siena College.
Minna Denholm
My name is Minna Denholm and I have worked at Siena College for seven years. This will be my sixth year working directly in Wellbeing. I started as a Cassia House Assistant, moved to Transition Coordinator and this year I am thrilled to be Leader of Wellbeing Programs. I work directly with the Deputy Principal Wellbeing, Heads of Student Wellbeing, House Group teachers and students to implement the weekly pastoral program, orientation and transition days for new students. This year I will liaise with Catholic Education Melbourne and Siena College staff in an exciting opportunity for Siena College to showcase its Wellbeing programs to other Catholic schools in the Eastern region. I am also undertaking further study having commenced a Master of Student Wellbeing at the Australian Catholic University, Melbourne.
Georgina Plasto
My name is Georgina Plasto and I am the Head of Student Wellbeing for Cassia House. I have been teaching at Siena College for eleven years in the Drama and English departments and was the Head of Learning in the Performing Arts for five years. It has always been my ambition to work as part of the Wellbeing Team and so when an opportunity arose for a Head of Student Wellbeing, I was extremely motivated to join a dynamic team to develop wellbeing programs and practices that best support our students. I am passionate about the wellbeing of our students and believe that a student's education should be seen holistically. I feel strongly that the wellbeing practices and the relationships that we create with our students are paramount in their development in all aspects of life as it wfoundation for improved overall wellbeing, connectedness to school community and will enhance a student's learning behaviours and motivation to achieve their best. We want our school to be a place where our students thrive, explore and make meaningful connections, a place where they are heard and understood, connected and encouraged. I look forward to working with the students and families of Cassia House.
Natalie Kinsella
I am incredibly fortunate to be working as the Head of Student Wellbeing for Dianella House at Siena College this year. As a new staff member to the College, I look forward to forming positive relationships with the students and their families as they continue on the exciting journey of secondary school. I am extremely passionate about student wellbeing and ensuring that the years students spend at school are full of goal setting and achievement, personal change, laughter and opportunity. I aim to provide support and guidance to all students so that they may become creative, confident and compassionate individuals and lifelong learners.
As a Health and PE teacher, I am also very passionate about all things sport, working in teams, communication and building confidence. I love netball and barrack for the mighty Tigers in the AFL. I look forward to working with you.
Maree Cody
I came to Siena College ten years ago in Term 4 as a Chemistry Teacher and a House Coordinator. During my time at the College I have taught Year 9 Religious Education, Years 11 and 12 Chemistry, Years 9 and 10 Science, Year 7 and 9 Mathematics and Years 7, 9, 10 and 11 Drama. Having taught VCE Theatre Studies at my previous school for many years, I was very keen to initiate a College Play for senior students as a cocurricular activity. This has proven to be very successful with many students strengthening friendships through their participation, whilst I have been able to nurture my passion for directing. It was my interest in theatre that led me to teaching – that was what I wanted to teach initially. A Chemistry method, due to many years as a pharmacist, ensured that I have always taught that subject. Working with our students on their wellbeing has been the unforeseen bonus. Now it would be virtually impossible to say what I love best: the sciences, mathematics, theatre and drama or very close and important work with the students. Thank goodness I don't have to choose!
Jill Foley
I have built my career through a variety of roles and industries, most notably through Education and the European Entertainment Industry of the Arts, Television, Radio and Music Festivals. This is my third year at Siena College. In Waratah House we encourage and value creativity, flexibility and innovation and are always open to new and exciting opportunities. I have worn many hats. My career history is diverse and creative both inside and outside of the traditional classroom structure. I am a passionate and resourceful educator understanding what it means to be a transformational leader and as a creative thinker I enjoy working with others to create opportunities for contemporary learning. I am so invested in the wellbeing of the young people I teach, shaping the whole person and encouraging them to develop positive, healthy relationships and strive for academic excellence.
I believe the role of the educator is to inspire young people so that they are able to construct a well formed world view, influenced by society's values and an understanding of how they can make a difference beyond the walls of Siena. I identify with the values of integrity, empathy, fairness, equality and support. I translate this strength of vision consistently with students in my care. We also make sure that in Waratah we always have fun! Looking forward to another fabulous year in 2019.
Jennifer Lear
I have been a College Counsellor at Siena College since the start of 2015. I love being part of the Siena College community and part of the Wellbeing Team. I work from Monday – Thursday and I will be taking maternity leave shortly to have twin boys. I also have a young daughter, so I like to keep busy. I moved to Australia at the end of 2014 from England, where I worked as a social worker prior to undertaking my doctorate in Clinical Psychology and working for the NHS. I will be returning from maternity leave at the start of Term 4 and look forward to continuing to work with the students and families here at Siena.
Millie Holmes
My name is Millie and I am one of the counsellors. This is my third year at Siena College and prior to this, I held a variety of roles in child and adolescent outpatient and inpatient settings in the public and private mental health sectors. I have facilitated consults and educational workshops for young people, staff and parents on a range of psychological topics. Collectively these experiences have driven my interest and passion for working with young people and their families and I love the challenges and complexities of working here at Siena. I hope to continue supporting our students so that they can achieve their personal best and be self aware, enquiring, resourceful, individuals as student wellbeing is the platform for success in any school. I look forward to another year of working alongside staff, parents, and external agencies to help each of our students feel individually cared for, encouraged and valued.
Lisa Ellis
My name is Lisa Ellis. I am one of the new counselling staff members at Siena College. I am working Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I have previously worked with adolescents in Private Practice and within the Vocational Education system (TAFE). I am looking forward to working at Siena, meeting the students and supporting them on their journey. I have three young children who keep me busy when I'm not at work and who constantly remind me of the importance of laughter and being in the present moment. When I have spare time, I love yoga, swimming, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Gemma Morley
My name is Gemma Morley and I am one of the new College Counsellors at Siena College for 2019. I have previously been working in private practice and at another local secondary school for the last five years. I am passionate about supporting the mental health of adolescents and I enjoy being able to work within a school setting. When I am not at work, I am busy being a mum to my two young children. I will be at Siena College on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays this year and I look forward to meeting many of the students and families throughout the year.
Antonella RosatiDeputy Principal Wellbeing
School Transitions, Siena College mobile phone policy
Today's parents face a multitude of modern day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance. SchoolTVis an online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical and ongoing support strategies. An excellent feature of SchoolTV is that it is available when you need to access it, in your own time. Evidence based recommendations and strategies are provided by specialists who practice in the field.
As explained in my email to parents, this month features excellent advice on School Transitions for Year 7 students and Surviving Year 12 for our senior students.
The final year of secondary school is a year of hard work and a huge commitment for students. With so much going on it can be hard to find the balance between study and life. It is a time when personalities start to emerge, there are more complex interpersonal relationships and there is the pressure to perform academically. With all of this going on, it's not surprising that some students have an emotional response and it is therefore extremely important for parents to know how to support their children during this time.
Some young people will need more support than others. Keeping the communication lines open with your child, their teachers, mentors and other parents will be crucial. Being aware of your child's mental and physical wellbeing can play a vital role in their success.
In June 2018, the NSW Minister for Education, commissioned an independent review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools. The review was led by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, and supported by other independent experts as well as many students, parents and guardians, teachers and principals who were consulted in the process. As a result, the use of mobile devices during school hours will now be restricted in NSW public primary schools.
The Siena College Guidelines regarding the use of mobile phones were shared with parents and students in earlier this month. We all know that technology does have a role to play in the classroom, but this needs to be facilitated. Personal smartphones, on the other hand, are proving to be a distraction for students in terms of their access to social media sites, as well as potentially being a source of bullying activities.
In this Special Report, parents and guardians will learn about the importance of helping their daughter find a balance to get the good parts out of technology.
Donna LaughlinDirector of Learning and Innovation
Our Siena College Learning Framework provides an excellent foundation for strong learning opportunities for our students. In establishing classes, teachers have examined the quadrants of ...
Our Siena College Learning Framework provides an excellent foundation for strong learning opportunities for our students. In establishing classes, teachers have examined the quadrants of the Learning Framework with their students and in conjunction with the Classroom Learning Indicators, determined the classroom expectations. These expectations are on the Siena Central class page and provide an excellent opportunity for students and parents to revisit as required.
As part of providing a safe and collaborative learning environment, students are paired with a 'Positive Learning Partner' (PLP). This ensures all students engage in an environment that offers support and trust and develop skills of collaboration and respect for others.
Study is an integral aspect of the Dominican faith tradition. Home learning enables students to cement their classroom learning and identify areas for further growth. Home learning also provides an opportunity for students to play an active role in improving their understanding and for parents to work in partnership with their daughters and teachers to positively influence their daughter's education.
Given the varying nature of subjects, home learning requirements will vary. Part of the learning process for students involves discernment and time management as they plan home learning. Subject teachers consider the suggested total guidelines and their professional judgement in determining the home learning for their individual subject. The following is a guide per year level regarding the amount of time that students should spend on home learning:
Year 7: 60-90 minutes per day
Year 8: 60-90 minutes per day
Year 9: 90 minutes per day
Year 10: 90-120 minutes per day
Year 11: 2-3 hours per day
Year 12: 3-4 hours per day
In becoming independent learners, students are encouraged to:
• Use Siena Central to access class learning and to view home learning tasks daily
• Submit work that reflects their best effort and in which they have pride
• Complete and submit all work and assessment or apply for a 'Application for Change of Submission Date' form (assignments and tests only) by the due date
• Establish a regular home learning routine which includes:
- Accessing Siena Central to confirm Home Learning requirements
- Home Learning/study planner
- Due date calendar
- Regular study/revision of their class work to consolidate learning
- Dedicated learning space free of distraction
- Catching up on missed class work if absent
• Seek assistance from their subject teacher to clarify understanding of learning and task
• Communicate with the subject teacher prior to task due date where a lack of understanding prevents completion of task
Parents, as the primary educators of their children, are encouraged to:
• Provide an environment conducive to effective home study
• Help their daughter balance the amount of time spent completing home learning with engagement in leisure or recreational activities
• Assist their daughter in developing a home learning/study timetable
• Encourage their daughter to set aside a regular daily session to study/revise and complete home learning and assessment tasks by the due date
• Observe and acknowledge their daughter's success by asking how their home and class work is progressing
• Check Siena Central subject class pages regularly to monitor that home learning is being completed
• Encourage their daughter to exercise thoroughness and care in the completion of work
• Encourage their daughter to seek assistance from the teacher where lack of understanding exists
• Communicate with class teacher or Head of Student Wellbeing where appropriate
• Assist their daughter in determining responsible use of technology during Home Learning
A successful learning space should:
• Have a suitable desk and chair
• Be free of noise and distractions (such as the TV, iPhones, social media, other people, etc.)
• Be well organised, allowing easy access to resources and stationery
• Display a 2019 calendar with important dates such as due dates, assignments, key school events, etc.
• Be well lit and ventilated
The 'Application for Change of Assessment Date' form for tests or assignments is available on Siena Central in both the Student Zone and Parent Portal. If required, this must be submitted to the teacher prior to the due date of the task.
The Year 7 Home Learning Guidelines assist our Year 7 Students in transitioning and settling into secondary school. Home Learning will commence for Year 7 students on Monday, 25 February 2019.
To assist Year 7 Students with assessment requirements, a Year 7 Academic Calendar will be compiled and published. This will be made accessible to all students and parents via email and Siena Central. The Academic Calendar will provide an outline of the due week for Unit Assessment and whether the task is to be completed in class or at home. This will be made available to students and parents in the upcoming weeks.
Parents are reminded that they have access to their daughter's subject class pages. This enables direct access to daily classroom learning and home learning tasks. Accessing the class pages provides a useful foundation for the relationship between student, parent and teacher, ensuring all play an important role in advancing their daughter's learning.
Siena Central also provides the opportunity for students and their parents to receive ongoing feedback regarding the students' areas of achievement and improvement for each assessment task. Online feedback will be made available to students and parents in a timely manner and can be accessed in the following ways:
• For students, access the Grades tab on the student dashboard, then select the subject.
• Parents will receive an email notification when their daughter's work is marked. To access the result and comments, log on to Siena Central through the College website portal. Select daughter's name in the side menu and select 'Grades' from the options. The percentage result and a teacher comment are available for assessed tasks.
The Siena Central Parent User Guide outlines how to access the above options and other aspects of Siena Central. It is available on the Parent Portal under 'Useful information'.
Throughout Term 1, parents will be asked to provide feedback on their use of Siena Central. We appreciate your support in collecting this information, to ensure we are meeting your needs and continuing to develop our partnership with you to assist your daughter in her learning.
If you have any questions or difficulties accessing the Siena Central Parent Portal or the online feedback, please contact IT help at the College on 9835 0200 or email@example.com
We wish all students well in their learning endeavours in 2019.
Donna Laughlin
Director of Learning and Innovation
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Music Information and Enrolment Evening
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
It has been a busy start to Term 1 Sport with Indoor Cricket, Softball, Tennis, Swimming and Diving all commencing training in Week 1.
It has been a busy start to Term 1 Sport with Indoor Cricket, Softball, Tennis, Swimming and Diving all commencing training in Week 1. Our Senior Girls had their first round of competition on Monday with the Softball team winning 14-9 against Firbank and our Indoor Cricket teams both winning against MLC by over 80 runs.
I would like to congratulate Ashling O'Farrell who has been selected in the Victorian Under 15 Girls' cricket team which will play in the National Championships in Canberra from Tuesday 19 to Wednesday 27 February. We wish her luck and look forward to hearing of her experience.
Term 2 sign ups for GSV sport are now open. Students have received an email outlining which sports are available and explaining the application process. Girls have a week to sign up via an online form and entries close on Wednesday, 20 February.
We now have a Social Run Club on Wednesday mornings. We encourage all girls to join us for a short run/walk around the local area. We meet at 7.30am outside the gym with Nick Baggott, Siena College's Cross Country coach and aim to be back at school by 8.10am.
Please continue to check in with your daughter regarding GSV sport. We rely on the girls passing information to their parents and emphasise this in any emails sent to them. You can also access our sport page on Siena Central for the latest information. I thank you for your patience and understanding over the last couple of weeks whilst we organised our Term 1 sport program.
Please note there are several girls who still require permission to participate in Term 1 GSV sports. You will receive an email from Care Monkey reminding you to give permission. We are unable to take your daughter off the school campus without parental consent, so please ensure you access your account as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email our sport team at email@example.com and they will be pleased to assist.
James Houghton
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
The Albertus Magnus Learning Centre 2019
The commencement of the 2019 school year has seen the renaming of our Resource Centre to the Albertus Magnus Learning Centre. The significance of the name change reflects a shift in thinking about the role this physical space plays for the Siena learning community. Our vision for the Learning Centre is exciting and dynamic. The Learning Centre will become a hub to foster the development and support of student voice, the promotion of our Dominican Mission and Identity, a place where educators collaborate to develop programs with the Victorian Curriculum General Capabilities (Ethical, Intercultural, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social) embedded into the learning experience. The Learning Centre will support STEAM classes and also be a venue to host guest speakers from both within and outside the College. The Library will continue to function out of the Learning Centre, offering all the resources, lunch time activities and services it always has. We look forward to reporting on the events and activities taking place in the Learning Centre throughout the year.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
Service to the Community Program
The future is, most of all, in the hands of those people who recognise the other as a 'you' and themselves as part of an 'us.' We all need each other. Pope Francis 2017 TED Talk "Why the only future worth building includes everyone".
Service to the Community Log Books will be distributed to all students in House Groups during Week 3. The Service to the Community Program at Siena aims to assist our students to develop empathy and understanding of the lives of others, and to foster a willingness within each student to make a difference in our world. Students are encouraged to pursue opportunities for service which would develop their understanding of poverty and disadvantage.
Service opportunities will be advertised from time to time on the 'Service to the Community' tile on Siena Central. Students are encouraged to seek opportunities for Service within their own community networks and local organisations and are reminded that their Service should be unpaid, practical and of assistance to others. House Group teachers will periodically check on the progress of Service to the Community Log Books of their students and will report on these in House Group reports each Semester. Parents are asked to support the College with this important facet of their daughter's education.
Assimina SemertjisHead of Science
In December last year, during our summer break, twelve Siena College students attended the ACTURA CASE Space School in the USA, for a unique STEM based experience at NASA.
In December last year, during our summer break, twelve Siena College students attended the ACTURA CASE Space School in the USA, for a unique STEM based experience at NASA. Madeleine Quin (Year 9), Rebecca Gilmartin (Year 10), Grace Kim (Year 10), Amy Linden (Year 10), and Jasmine Skutela (Year 10) attended the Junior Program which took place in Houston, Texas and Huntsville, Alabama. Lily Dickenson (Year 11), Alexandra Musco (Year 11), Ashley Pietrobon (Year 11), Kaytlin Spencer Smith (Year 11), Zara Turner (Year 11), Taylor Wilkinson (Year 11) and Jade Devlin (Year 12) attended the Senior Program in Houston, Texas.
The following reflections written by our students are a brief insight into this valuable STEM learning experience.
From 9-20 December 2018, twelve Siena College students were privileged to participate in ACTURA's space school in Houston, Texas. After a journey of almost twenty four hours, we arrived in Houston. On our first day, we went to Ad Astra, a company creating a new form of engine, a plasma propulsion engine. This engine super heats gas into plasma, the fourth state of matter. This plasma provides constant thrust and significantly decreases travel time. In fact, with this engine, a trip to the moon would only take two hours as opposed to fifty seven hours! Following this experience and various shopping expeditions, we finally attended Space University - a five day program at NASA Johnson Space Centre. During this program we made a Mars base, a Mars rover and created a heat shield to protect our 'eggs'-tronaut! We saw one of the three remaining Saturn V rockets at Rocket Park which was truly amazing. That rocket was huge! Whilst at NASA, we got to see some astronauts in training prepare for an eight hour work day at the neutral bouyancy lab known as the Sonny Carter Training Facility. Here, two astronauts are submerged in a huge pool twelve metres deep to work with a mock up of the International Space Station under water as this simulates weightlessness. We were so fortunate to meet many astronauts who have worked with the space shuttle program including Nicole Stott. All in all, this experience is a once in a lifetime adventure and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity. I have definitely been inspired by everyone I met during this trip, especially Nicole Stott, to chase my dreams of becoming an astronaut.
Jade Devlin Year 12 (SCB)
Over the summer holidays I participated in the trip to NASA. Deciding to join this adventure was one of the greatest decisions of my life. We worked off a jam-packed schedule, waking up at 5.00am most mornings so we could all be out and on the road as early as possible. Some of the most amazing activities we completed were working in a simulated mission control working as a team to solve problems. For example, at one point I was working for life support and suddenly we had a breach in the oxygen tanks and only four minutes of air left. We had to work as a team and solve the problem so that our crew could land safely. My favourite part of the trip would have to be all the amazing girls I met, and the lifelong friends I have made. We were all very sad to say goodbye, but we are all still keeping close contact. This was the trip of a lifetime and if anyone gets the opportunity to go on this trip I highly recommend it as you will never regret signing up.
Lily Dickenson Year 11 (SKD)
I had so much fun whilst on Space Camp and learnt a lot about science and the world of space. I really enjoyed trying different machines and learning about the way astronauts prepare for travelling into space. The best part was attending lectures from inspiring people who wanted to help us grow. The presenters were so admirable and I really enjoyed the exposure to a new environment. It was fun trying something new and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I would highly recommend participating in this experience if you are questioning whether you should work in this field, or even if you're curious about space. It teaches you a lot about the world of technology. I met a lot of people and made many new friends. I learnt a lot about myself and I'm so thankful that I was able to take part in this program.
Amy Linden Year 10 (SDB)
The Actura Case Space School trip was the most incredible experience I have ever completed in my life. The exclusive access we received included speeches and meeting several inspiring astronauts encouraging us to one day have a career in the space or science field. Throughout the five days at NASA we worked in teams and made rockets which we launched, created a Mars habitation, programmed and built a rover and tested thermal and cryogenics on our marshmallow astronaut. The recreational activities were also incredible, such as the museum, shopping, NBA and scuba diving. This trip also created a bond between the members of the B21 group, exploring an unfamiliar place for the first all together, bonding over the same passions we have. To this day I still miss those 6.00am wake up calls and being on the bus to NASA. The trip reinforced my real passions for Space Science and I encourage everyone who loves Space or Science to go on this trip where you learn nothing is impossible.
Alexandra Musco Year 11 (SDB)
The remarkable trip to Houston, Texas allowed me to learn more about the variety of careers available in the space programs. We were given this amazing opportunity to be exposed to another culture leaving me with many unforgettable memories. Attending an American basketball game, the George Observatory and N.A.S.A are only a few of the sensational places we visited while in Houston. This trip was incredible and I would recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing a career in the space industry or just wanting to explore their future career options.
Zara Turner Year 11 (SKA)
During the Space School camp I learnt so many valuable skills such as how to remain focused under pressure in the mission control simulator and how to work with a team. We learnt how to work with budgets at Space University and were encouraged to never doubt yourself, something my team experienced after we constructed a glove and everyone laughed at its appearance. In fact we did win, despite its odd visual credentials! My favourite activity at Space University was definitely cryo and thermo activity. It was fun to experiment with which materials work best to keep the marshmallow and egg safe. I really liked the mission simulator because it pushed us out of our comfort zones trying to deal with almost losing air and then almost crashing the rocket. The activities are not just normal school science tasks, you see and experience situations real astronauts encounter for training and on a mission. And if that wasn't enough, you also get to experience swesome events like the NBA. Overall it was a great trip with many great experiences that I will never forget.
Ashley Pietrobon Year 11 (SDC)
Marissa JoyceHead of English
Year 7 Poetry Competition open to all students
The 'Year 7 Poetry Competition' is now open to all Year 7 students. Submissions may be either classwork or a piece that students have worked on at at home.
Winning entries will be invited to take part in a workshop with Melbourne based performance poet, Joel McKerrow when he visits Siena in Week 5. Joel visited the College last year and the students who took part in his workshop really enjoyed working with him as he encouraged them to write from the heart.
Students can submit their poems on the Year 7 English Course Page on Siena Central. Entries close on Wednesday 27 February, 2019. Year 7 students should speak to their English teacher if they have any questions.
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
Building Works nearing completion
The Convent refurbishment is almost complete and we are thrilled to see the results as we look forward to reopening the Convent and resuming carpark access by 1 March. Please take the time to click through the gallery to see some images from the beautifully restored interior of the boardroom, Principal's office and meeting rooms.
Tracey KermondHuman Resources Manager
A warm welcome to new College staff
We extend a warm welcome to the following staff who joined Siena College at the commencement of the school year:
We would also like to welcome back to the College the following staff who have returned from leave
And finally congratulate these staff who have commenced the year in new roles:
On 31 January 2019, members of the SRC across Years 9 to 12 attended a Leadership Forum
On 31 January 2019, members of the SRC across Years 9 to 12 attended a Leadership Forum. This day emphasised our duties as role models at school, and the values of Siena that we must uphold and use to lead by example. The morning started off with an introduction and warm welcome from our Principal, Mrs Robson-Garth, who spoke about our theme for 2019, Called By Name, and spoke of some exciting upcoming events for the year. We were thrilled to hear that Sister Sheila will be on staff for the next 6 months, as she spoke of the current societal adversities in our world and explained the stories of ordinary people who were making a difference. These empowering people started alone and without money and resources, and slowly built an empire that started to change our world for the better. After this, various leadership workshops commenced - these were run by Ms Moody, Ms Levett, Jade and myself. These workshops allowed the different year levels to work cohesively together and share various ideas about what it means to be a leader, as well as brainstorm and delve into more depth about the different qualities a leader possesses. We talked collectively about new initiatives we wanted to see explored at Siena, as well as new ways we can project the student voice. This year the SRC wants to encourage participation across all year levels, and emphasise that leadership is more than those who wear a badge. Following this, the different groups broke off and started planning for the year. The house leaders planned for Fiesta specifically with their House coordinators, and the College Captains and Public Relations Captain planned with Ms Moody some different fundraisers and ways to raise awareness of Project Compassion, which starts on Ash Wednesday. To conclude the day, we held a group reflection. The day was pivotal to students' development as leaders, and reminded all of our duty to uphold not just throughout the year, but for the entirety of our schooling at Siena.
Charlotte Lack
College Captain
(L-R) Charlotte Lack and Jade Devlin
College Captains
Registrations open for the Siena College Fun Run
Registrations are now open for the Siena College Fun Run! Book online today!
Applications are now open for 2019
Are you a Year 9, 10 or 11 Student? You may qualify as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and have the opportunity to live and study in Germany, France Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Taiwan, Brazil, Hungary, Norway, Spain, Poland, or Switzerland.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is a unique opportunity for students to experience the culture of a new country, to learn a new language and develop new friendships.
Applications are now being accepted and close on Sunday, 7 April 2019. Students must be under the age of 17 years and 6 months, as at 1 January in the year of departure.
Further information is available from -
Rotary Youth Exchange invites kind and caring Host Families within the community to assist local Rotary Clubs offer an outstanding exchange program to young people from all over the World. A Host Family is a vital part of this cultural and educational exchange and typically hosts a student on a voluntary basis for a period of between 10 to 16 weeks. In doing so, a Host family officially becomes a Friend of Rotary International. The Host Family plays an integral role in offering the student the experience of a new culture and language, whilst at the same time learning itself about a different culture from a young leader. It is a direct window to the world for all members of a Host family.
You not only share a young person's hopes and dreams, but more importantly, you make those dreams possible. Hosting is the beginning of a lifelong friendship and connection with a student and family overseas. Whilst it can be challenging to help a young person transition to a new culture and ease into the surroundings, it is always fun and the rewards are immeasurable.
Host Families in the Rotary Youth Exchange program come in many shapes and sizes! Young children, older children, and no children at all, extended families and older generations – all have been successful in hosting exchange students.
Please consider this amazing and rewarding opportunity now. Enquiries are most welcome.
Further information is available at www.rotaryyouthexchangedistrict9800.com.au
Gabrielle Morgan
Chair: District 9800 Youth Exchange
0419 398 507
Please click here for CSEF application form
Financial Assistance Application (391 KB)
> View Document
Please click here for CSEF application form
Financial Assistance Application (391 KB)
> View Document
Siena Parents Association warmly invites all Year 7 families and new families to a welcome evening on Friday, 1 March at 7.00pm.
Siena Parents Association warmly invites all Year 7 families and new families to a welcome evening on Friday, 1 March at 7.00pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle amongst other Year 7 families in the Convent gardens while your daughters are having a fabulous time in the Gym at the Pyjama Disco Party.
Please rsvp using the following link http://www.trybooking.com/466990 for catering purposes (no charge for tickets however alcohol will be available for purchase on the evening).
We look forward to welcoming all our new families to the Siena community..
Our International Women's Day Breakfast has now officially sold out! Thank you to everyone who has booked, we look forward to seeing you on Thursday, 7 March!
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
Parent information and answers to FAQ's can be found here
This data is being collected to assist the Australian Government to move towards a fairer, needs-based funding model for non-government schools. More information can be found in the following documents:
FAQ 2019 Collection of Data (702 KB)
> View Document
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
Please click on the image below to book for this community event.
Liz MerrettAlumnae Coordinator
Phyl Naughton, née Commons (Class of 1954) is organising the Lunch of the Long Photo for alumnae from the 1950s.
Phyl Naughton, née Commons (Class of 1954) is organising the Lunch of the Long Photo for alumnae from the 1950s.
Date: Friday, 31 May 2019
Time: 12 noon
Venue: Box Hill Golf Club, Station Street, Box Hill
Please direct any queries to the Alumnae Office at the College on 9835 0217
Sean McGingChair
On behalf of the Board of Directors it is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that I announce that our Principal, Mrs Gaynor Robson-Garth will...
Dear Members of the Siena College Community
On behalf of the Board of Directors it is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that I announce that our Principal, Mrs Gaynor Robson-Garth will conclude her tenure as Principal at the end of this year, having completed thirteen years of outstanding leadership at the College.
Mrs Robson-Garth has brought personal and professional excellence to the education of our girls and to the leadership of our staff. Under her stewardship, the College has come to be ranked in the top five Catholic Colleges in the state for its VCE performance.
Mrs Robson-Garth has built an expert and highly capable staff and shaped the culture of the College community in the Dominican spirit, as collaborative, positive, inclusive, and collegiate .
During her principalship, the College facilities have been greatly improved through a series of successful capital works projects while maintaining a strong financial position.
Her passion for best practice learning and teaching has seen practical innovative approaches implemented at the College including initiatives to support the wellbeing of our girls. She has worked with her teams and the Board to develop a strong Strategic Plan for 2019 to 2023. Her dedication and abilities have underpinned the College's success during her tenure.
Mrs Robson-Garth will continue in her role as Principal of Siena College until the end of the 2019 academic year. As a community, we will all have the chance to thank her and recognise her great achievements with suitable celebrations towards the end of the year.
The Board has established a rigorous recruitment process, including selecting a well qualified selection panel. We will shortly appoint a specialist recruitment firm to help us find an outstanding Principal to build upon the College's excellent performance and achievements, and to lead the next exciting chapter of our College's history.
The Board will seek to appoint a Principal with strong relational leadership qualities, an outstanding track record in educational leadership, student wellbeing, management, and a deep and abiding commitment to the values and charism of the Dominican educational mission.
I trust that the whole Siena College community will work together to support the College through the transition period and I look forward to the completion of the recruitment process.
I know that you will also join with the College Board and Dominican Education Australia in thanking Mrs Robson-Garth for her outstanding contribution and wishing her well for another successful year in 2019 at Siena College.
Yours sincerely
Sean McGing
Siena College Board
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
Congratulations are extended to Dr Beverley Begg (Siena College Board Chair 2010 to 2017) and Magda Szubanski (Class of 1978) who were recognised in the 2019 Australia Day Honours List.
Congratulations are extended to Dr Beverley Begg (Siena College Board Chair 2010 to 2017) and Magda Szubanski (Class of 1978) who were recognised in the 2019 Australia Day Honours List.
Beverley's contributions span classroom teaching, research, work at systems level with Catholic Education Melbourne in the areas of pastoral care, student wellbeing and teacher education, as well as significant contributions to school governance and to the Siena College Board and community over seven years.
Beverley has worked as a teacher and Guide Leader with indigenous students and students with disabilities, as well as in mainstream classrooms. Her teaching included time as a Science and Biology teacher at Siena College from 1984 to 1996, where she also lead the Duke of Edinburgh Program and was a Year Level Coordinator.
Beverley's love of learning, her commitment to the education of young women and her generous investment of time to the role of Board Chair have underpinned the growth and development of the College from many perspectives, resulting in enhanced educational outcomes for students and a flourishing school.
Magda Szubanski was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her work as an actor, comedian and writer and her work campaigning for same-sex marriage.
After leaving Siena College, Magda Szubanski studied arts at The University of Melbourne and was a key figure in the ground-breaking TV comedy shows The D-Generation and Fast Forward. Today, Magda is one of Australia's most popular and accomplished comedians and performers. She is best known for playing Sharon Strzelecki in the classic Australian sitcom, Kath & Kim. Her other roles have included playing Esme Hoggett in the films Babe and Babe: Pig in the City, and being the voice of Miss Viola in the Oscar-winning animated film Happy Feet.
"Whatever I achieved was achieved standing on the shoulders of Sharon Strzelecki," Magda said.
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
As December arrives, we come to the season of Advent and the Church's new liturgical year.
As December arrives, we come to the season of Advent and the Church's new liturgical year. At this time we remember Jesus who was born a carpenter's son in a cow stall, Jesus who shares our humanity. We are invited to let go of those aspects of ourselves that are not life giving or loving and to imagine a time when God's Kingdom will come. When we choose the God of life and love, Christ is born again in us and we are born again in Christ.
The Student Representative Council has once again coordinated the St Mary's House of Welcome Christmas Hamper Appeal. Staff and students collected toys, gifts, clothing and food to donate to Melbourne families in great need of assistance at Christmas. This yearly event is a timely reminder of the privileges that many of us take for granted, a symbol of Advent and the hope that accompanies this season.
We have been much saddened by the passing of our dear friend and former colleague Sue Law, last Saturday, 24 November. Sue was our Director of Marketing and Communications from 2012 until mid 2018 and left an enormous legacy in the branding and marketing of Siena College. We extend our deepest condolences to Sue's husband Stuart, daughter Brenna and father Mal.
As the school year concludes, we look back with pride and satisfaction on the year that has passed. We are grateful for our learnings, for the friendships shared and strengthened, for our achievements and service. I thank you all for your support of the College this year and for your contribution as a student, parent, friend or staff member. Each of us has a part to play in building and strengthening the Siena community and I thank you for playing your part.
I wish all members of our Siena community a safe and rejuvenating break and may Christmas be a time of joy and peace and the New Year full of blessings and promise.
Gaynor Robson-Garth
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Examinations, Headstart Program, Awards Evening
Over the past few weeks, our Year 9 to Year 11 students have been sitting their exams, with the last exam being written by our Year 9s on 5 December. Across all year levels, our teaching staff are very busy marking examination papers and finalising assessment tasks for the Semester 2 reports. Year 9 and 10 examination results will be published on 11 December on Siena Central. Year 11 examination results were published on 29 November. Semester 2 reports will be available on the parent portal on Friday, 14 December.
After a week of Headstart, Year 11 students will enjoy their last school day for the year on 30 November. Year 10 students will participate in a three day Headstart Program and will finish school on Wednesday, 5 December. Our Year 9s complete their last exam on 5 December and with Years 7 to 8 will attend their end of year House Group, final assembly and Liturgy on 6 December.
The annual Academic Awards Evening will be held at the Hawthorn Town Hall on Wednesday, 12 December commencing at 7.00pm. Parents and guardians of students who will receive an award will receive a personal invitation and details of the evening. Invitations to Year 7 and 8 parents and guardians will be sent on Thursday, 6 December after results have been finalised.
Year 7 to 11 Academic Excellence Awards are presented to the top five percent of students in the cohort based on a mathematical calculation of their grades. Year 12 Academic Excellence awards are determined by scores in School Assessed Course Work per subject.
Academic Endeavour Awards recognise a student who has worked solidly with a spirit of enthusiasm and collaboration. She is both supportive and considerate of other students and shows persistence in her academic endeavours. Year 7 to 11 recipients are required to receive a suitable number of nominations across the year level per subject. Academic Endeavour Awards are presented to one student in each Year 12 class.
It has been a busy and productive term and as the school year concludes, we wish all our families a wonderful break over the school holidays. Our prayers and best wishes go to our Year 12 students whose VCE results will be released on 14 December.
The whole liturgical year forms us to be a people with the courage to wait until the Lord comes.
The whole liturgical year forms us to be a people with the courage to wait until the Lord comes. Advent trains us in the patience not to begin celebrating too early, resisting the temptation to celebrate Christ's birth before he comes… Christ is a gift and one respects the gift by waiting for the moment when it is given.
The Latin word for 'to wait' – attendere – means to stretch oneself forward, we are attentive, opening ourselves to what will come.
During Advent, we are like people gathered around the bed, we await the birth. But God's coming was not just the birth of a child, it was the coming of a word… though it needed thousands of years before there was a language in which God's word could be spoken in the form of Jesus.
Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Summer Concert, Melbourne International Women's Jazz Festival, examination results
I would like to thank and congratulate all our music students who have developed their musicianship and ensemble skills through participation in a huge variety of College events throughout an exciting and rewarding year. They have represented the Siena music department with great pride in concerts, festivals, recital evenings, tours, workshops,the school musical, Masses and music camp. Thank you to all our music staff for all that they do to make music a major part of so many students' lives. We wish you a joyful Christmas and a safe and relaxing holiday.
We extend a warm welcome to families to join us for the Summer Concert on 5 December from 4.30pm to 6.30pm adjacent to the St Catherine Centre on the basketball courts. This concert will feature many of our ensembles performing concert pieces and Christmas carols. Bring along your picnic rugs and Christmas hats and join in the fun. Student performers are reminded to remain at school after classes conclude.
As the year comes to a close we ask all students who will be purchasing their own instruments over the holidays to please return their hire instruments after the Summer Concert, so they can be cleaned and prepared for the new Year 7 cohort.
The Siena College Stage Band has been invited to perform at the Melbourne International Women's Jazz festival as part of the students night on Tuesday, 4 December at the Jazz Lab in Brunswick. It is a great honour to be one of the three schools invited to perform and recognises the standard of our band. For more information and ticket bookings click here
Seventeen students from Years 7 to 10 participated in our Siena College music examinations. We would like to congratulations all students for their diligence in preparing for their exams. The results were outstanding and reflective of the practice and effort they put into their instruments.
|Student name
|Exam Grade
|Kayla Huynh
|Jana Lianos
|Amelie Nikolovski
|Isabella Petrone
|Madison Bonacci
|Isla Buchan
|Ella Jennings
|Abbie Sullivan
|Mia Giannangelo
|Tess Hayes
|Majella Hine
|Mia Kelly
|Lily Macpherson
|Madeleine Barr
|Emily Ovens
|French Horn
|Tiffany Ng
|Victoria Zikas
|Hannah Hine
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
Term 4 GSV summary, congratulations to Georgia B
We have had a busy Term 4 of GSV Sport with many Water Polo, Cricket and Basketball teams participating over the last six weeks. Our Junior B and C teams have been particularly successful, making it to the finals after strong performances in their semi finals at MSAC.
Term 4 finals signify the conclusion GSV Sport at Siena College for 2018. Thank you to all the girls for their participation, it has been a great year for Siena once again and all are to be congratulated.
Please note that our Celebration of Sport Awards Evening will be held at Camberwell Grammar School on Thursday, 6 December 2018 from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Award recipients have been notified and their families have been invited. If you would like to attend, please contact me at email@example.com as we would be more than happy to accommodate you.
We wish to recognise Georgia Byrne, Year 11, on her fantastic achievement of being selected to represent Victoria in Rugby Sevens. The tournament will be played in Brisbane next week and we wish Georgia the best of luck.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
In the latest edition of Siena Career News you can read about a new tertiary course search website, which allows students to search and filter courses based on ATAR, study score and locat...
In the latest edition of Siena Career News you can read about a new tertiary course search website, which allows students to search and filter courses based on ATAR, study score and location. Also, for students interested in Screen, Sound and Creative Media, there are a few events coming up, such as the SAE Information Night in December and the University of Melbourne Filmmaking school in the holidays. JMC Academy are also holding an Open Day in January.
Students interested in a career in Sport may want to read about a program developed between the Carlton Football Club and LaTrobe University. Please refer to Siena Career News for further details on this diploma pathway into the Bachelor of Sport Coaching and Development.
Ansalie HanrahanLearning Enhancement
According to Socrates, 'Philosophy begins in wonder'.
Do you ever find yourself wondering about those big ethical or philosophical questions?
According to Socrates, 'Philosophy begins in wonder'. Do you ever find yourself wondering about those big ethical or philosophical questions? For example, do all creatures have a mind or is everything we see real? Or maybe, how do we know the right action to take or is lying always wrong? Questions such as these have been the focus of debate amongst philosophers for thousands of years.
Small groups of thoughtful Year 7 and Year 8 students accepted the challenge to consider some of life's unanswered questions by attending a philosophy program delivered by the Learning Enhancement Department. Each fortnightly session gave students an opportunity to examine some of life's biggest topics such as perception, beauty, discrimination, art and aesthetics, racism, ethics, truth, forgiveness and identity. They were asked to come with an open mind, to think and share their ideas and to listen without prejudice to the opinions of others.
In each session, students were asked to respond to some form of stimulus based on the topic being considered. Each student demonstrated an ability to think creatively, to work as part of a team, to examine and consider multiple perspectives of a given topic. It was exciting to watch these young philosophers at work, engaging with ideas that challenged them to think and wonder about their world from new perspectives.
'Philosophy this year has taught me to be open and to speak my mind.'
Maliana Tapusoa
'I loved Philosophy because it gave me the opportunity to challenge my ideas and to think deeply about certain topics.'
Pia Perini
'I have been exposed to new ideas and thought about things such as beauty and art in ways I never would have before'
Guilia D'Angelo
'I have loved spending a period each fortnight talking about interesting topics and interpreting them with friends'
Charlotte Ryan
Participating Year 7 Students: Sophie Barnetson, Lauren Edwards, Charlotte Jennings, Evie Goodale, Sophie Birrell, Justina Flunt, Alyssa Leong, Angelina Rodos, Alessia Tevere, Aurora Neumann, Madeline Castoldi, Angelica Rizk, Yasmin Korfiatis, Ella Castoldi, Alessia Erzetic-Nadalin, Jessica Higgins, Mia Kelly, Kayla Huynh, Sienna Saunders, Amber Wadia, Mia Fenton, Sarah Baxter, Amali Hawkins, Ella Jennings, Bridget Quinn, Jasmine Tubb, Carly Walsh
Particpating Year 8 Students: Bridie Warren, Charlotte Dickson, Mikayla Rollnik, Abbey Harford, Mailiana Tapusoa, Daria Del Tito, Giulia D'Angelo, Amy Barnett, Bita Afshar, Trinity Ng, Gabriella Sakkos, Sarah White, Ella Graham, Pia Perini, Madeleine Quin, Aurelia Tjitji, Charlotte Ryan, Sienna Justus
As a part of the Year 9 curriculum, we completed a 'Healthy Food by Design' class...
'As a part of the Year 9 curriculum, we completed a 'Healthy Food by Design' class which included growing vegetables such as silverbeet, coriander, parsley and spring onions. We worked to prepare the soil, plant the seeds and then cared for the plants as they grew. Unfortunately, our garden bed was located in a rain shadow, meaning the garden bed lacked sunlight and needed a little bit more than was available. However, it was still an absolute joy to watch our seedlings grow into plants over the course of the subject.
Although our journey was broken up by the Term 3 holidays, we were delighted to see that the garden bed was still in pristine condition when we returned to school in Term 4. Overall, this project was inspiring and heartwarming as we were able to give back to both the community and the environment. Throughout the subject we gladly devoted a portion of our recesses and lunchtimes to water the garden bed. It was a rewarding experience and I am extremely thankful to have been a part of it.'
Audrey Hawkins
Year 7
Minna DenholmLeader of Wellbeing Programs
Welcome to the Class of 2024
On Friday 16 November, we welcomed one hundred and forty eight Grade 6 students to our College to begin their transition into secondary school.
The girls began the day with assembly and shortly after were allocated to their Houses. Everyone participated in a variety of 'getting to know you' activities with their Head of Student Wellbeing before breaking for recess.
They were then placed in smaller groups, which rotated throughout the mid-morning session. This provided an opportunity for the girls to make connections with a variety of students from other primary schools. At Siena we understand the importance of relating and belonging. A great sense of belonging promotes positive student wellbeing and generates success in the academic classroom. As such, our Transition Day is structured around creating a strong sense of community.
During lunch the girls were able to sign up for Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) in Term 1 and were introduced to some of the Siena sports faculty staff. The day ended back in House areas where the girls reflected on their first experience of Siena College.
Many thanks to all involved with the preparation and implementation of the Transition program.
Minna Denholm
Transition Coordinator.
Maureen McAuleyCollege Archivist
Christmas has come early for Siena Archives. Wendy Edwards, Class of 1967, recently sent us a number of uniform items including the long sought infamous yellow sports tunic.
Christmas has come early for Siena Archives. Wendy Edwards (Class of 1967) recently sent us a number of uniform items including the long sought infamous yellow sports tunic. We are so delighted and grateful.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have donated items this year. We have received photos, badges, pennants, a video, uniform items, reminiscences, a college spoon, magazines and books written by past students. We are very appreciative of the support we continue to receive from our Siena community.
Maria Ang and Maureen McAuley
College Archivists
Reminder that Secondhand Uniform Shop is open Saturday, 1 December
Reminder that Secondhand Uniform Shop is open Saturday, 1 December.
Give a gift with impact this year.
Give a gift with impact this year. Pledge your support for First Nations families changing the future for the next generation of children in Central Australia and the Top End of the Northern Territory.
We are breaking the cycle.
We are changing the system.
We are Children's Ground.
Donate now and walk with us!
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
On 15 November, we commemorated the feast of St Albert the Great (Albertus Magnus), after whom our College Library is named.
On 15 November, we commemorated the feast of St Albert the Great (Albertus Magnus), after whom our College Library is named. A renowned theologian, bishop and Doctor of the Church, Albert (ca. 1200 - 1280) was born to a noble German family. Against their wishes he joined the Order of Preachers. The Dominicans at the time were caught up in the wave of learning sweeping Europe. Albert lectured in several German priories and was director of studies in Cologne. His pupils included Thomas Aquinas. Called "Great" because of his vast knowledge of chemistry, architecture, philosophy, music and mathematics, he helped organize the studies of the Dominican Order. He was also interested in the anatomy of living organisms and is patron saint of students of the natural sciences. In 2019, the Siena Albertus Magnus Library will be renamed the Albertus Magnus Learning Centre. We have re-envisioned the role of our Library and look to new and exciting ways to learn and interact in that space, including a new Science, Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) area housing the 3D printers and other new technologies.
This week, we welcomed the next generation of 'Siena women', the 2019 Year 7 students. The Year 7 Transition Day is a highlight of Term 4 for the staff and the student leaders who were gathered at the front of the College to welcome them. The girls were whisked away to the St Catherine Centre to be welcomed by the College Captains elect, Jade Devlin and Charlotte Lack, and the Heads of Student Wellbeing. They follow in the footsteps of the many women who have graduated from our College over the past seventy-eight years and inherit a proud tradition. Over the next six years at Siena, they will learn the stories of Dominicans past and present and they too will write their story in the history of this College. May they flourish and grow to be the women they are meant to be and may the friendships and learning stand them in good stead throughout their lives. I look forward to meeting our new parents at the year 7 Information Evening this coming Monday, 19 November.
Year 12 exams continue for some students while others have celebrated as they finished their last VCE examination. We look forward to celebrating with all our Year 12 students and their families at the Graduation Ball next Thursday evening at Leonda by the Yarra. This will be the last time they will gather as a year level and an opportunity for staff and parents to wish them well as they contemplate new beginnings beyond Siena College. For students in other year levels, the exams and final assessments have just begun.
The Convent refurbishment is progressing well and we look forward to reopening the old wooden doors early next year. The Convent will be open to the community in March to allow everyone an opportunity to visit the new Heritage Centre and Boardroom and see the refurbished reception area. I thank all who transport students to and from school for your patience during these building works and the restricted access to the grounds and driveway.
The end of the school year brings with it many opportunities to gather as a community and we look forward to the Academic Awards Night, our 2018 Celebration of Sport and the other rituals and events that mark this season of the year.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
Mass of Remembrance, St Mary's House of Welcome Outreach, Australian Teens and Religion
November is a significant month of remembering in both secular and church calendars. Around 8 November, the Dominican family remember those who have died. On this day members of the Siena community gathered for a Mass of Remembrance to honour those who had died, especially in the past year. Candles were lit and loved ones named during the Gathering Rites and roses were presented to all assembled at the end of our liturgy prior to refreshments being enjoyed in the Conference Room. We are grateful to Sr Julianna Drobik OP, Cathy Carr and our celebrant, Fr Kevin Toomey OP for their organisation and support of this important Eucharist.
St Mary's House of Welcome opens the doors daily to over two hundred people living in ongoing poverty. Each year our College undertakes a Christmas Hamper Appeal to benefit this community– these are compiled in House Groups and staff groups across Siena. Please take the time to discuss your daughter's contribution with her and visit https://www.smhow.org.au/ to find out more about this important justice initiative.
In the 2016 Census people declaring that they have 'no religion' formed the largest response category in each age group until 65+, whilst migration continues to reshape Australia's religious profile in unexpected ways. In this context a major study of Australian teenagers discovers the textures of their spiritualities. While most declare that they have 'no religion' that is in fact far from the whole story. Just released data provides the facts to help understand Generation Z who are the largest generation and the leading edge of the future. Read more here.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Years 9-11 examinations, Headstart program, End of Year key dates
Our Year 11 students have commenced their examination period and we wish them all the very best. The Year 10s and Year 9s will commence exams on Friday, 23 November and Wednesday, 28 November respectively.
The examination timetable and the College expectations in relation to examinations have been emailed to all Year 9 to 11 students, parents and guardians. The exam timetables are also available on the Siena Central Portal for both parents and students. Subject teachers have published a revision package for each year level on Siena Central. Year 11 examination papers will be returned through House Group on Friday, 30 November and results will be available on Siena Central on Thursday, 29 November at 3:30pm. Year 9 and 10 examination papers will only be available in 2019, due to time constraints. However, Year 9 and 10 examination results will be published on Siena Central on Tuesday, 11 December at 3:00pm.
We will once again run a Headstart program for our Year 11 and Year 10 students.
On Monday, 26 November, the current Year 11 students will undertake a five day Year 12 Headstart program concluding on Friday, 30 November. The current Year 10s will undertake a three day program commencing on Monday, 3 December and concluding on Wednesday, 5 December.
Each Year 12 subject will be allocated five periods and each Year 11 subject will have three periods allotted. Students will be given a brief overview of the course, as well as holiday home learning. Students will need to bring writing materials, but all other resources will be provided either via Siena Central or by the subject teacher.
Please note that 2019 staffing has not been finalised and therefore, the subject teacher who takes the Head Start class may not be the 2019 subject teacher.
Years 7 to 9 students will finish on Thursday, 6 December at 12:30pm.
We are looking forward to the celebration of our students' academic accomplishments at our Academic Awards Evening on Wednesday, 12 December. Invitations to this event will be emailed to the award winners, their parents and guardians in the coming weeks.
The last VCAA Examination takes place on Wednesday, 21 November and the Year 12 results will be published on Friday, 14 December. There has been a wonderful, positive energy surrounding these examinations with students commenting on the fairness of the examination papers. Our students have been behaving in an exemplary manner and doing themselves and the College proud. With just a few exams remaining until Wednesday, many of our students will have finished their examinations or will do so shortly. May you and your families enjoy some much deserved relaxation. I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our Year 12 teachers who have worked tirelessly to prepare our students.
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Congratulations to everybody on their outstanding music results
The following 37 students participated in an Australian Music Examinations Board practical exam this year. Congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work in preparing for the exam; we hope you found the experience educational and rewarding. The results were outstanding and reflective of the practice and effort you put into your instruments.
|Student Name
|Exam Grade
|Isabella Crane
|Musical Theatre
|Lana Magyar
|Chantelle Mastrangelo
|Madeline Castoldi
|Ella Castoldi
|Lily Koba
|Alannah McCarthy
|Megan Walshe
|Ella Graham
|Lana Magyar
|Amanda Marasco
|Tiana Pamio
|Aurelia Tjitji
|Jasmine Tubb
|Sophia Saunders
|Kristen Todorov
|Claudia Wilhelm
|Adele Browne
|Imogen Burgin Uhlherr
|Abbey Harford
|Alissa Marchese
|Hannah Hine
|Adrienne Duray
|Stella Lawrence
|French Horn
|Carla Morel
|Sophia Bolton
|Aisha Bowker
|Mia Horozidis
|Maja Jakicic
|French Horn
|Angelene Kalafatis
|Ashling O'Farrell
|Bianca Sticca
|Emilia Sutherland
|Anya Wong
|Savannah Young
|Cara Graham
|Hannah Hine
|Grace Kim
|Annie Walshe
Peta MackintoshTeacher - Visual Arts
In 2019, a selection of sculptures from our Year 7 Art students will be on display at the Zart Art Exhibition..
In 2019, we will begin the year with a selection of sculptures from our current Year 7 Art students on display at the Term 1, Zart Art Exhibition. The artworks were generated during the 3D folio Unit where the girls were challenged to design and construct a Mythical Creature that also incorporated visual elements from Mexican folk art –Alebrijes. The sculptures utilised wire armatures as the framework on which a paper clay skin was applied and then painted in elaborate designs.
The exhibition opening is on Thursday, 20 December 2018. Congratulations to the following students who will have their artwork on display during Term 1, 2019 in the Zart Art Student Gallery at Box Hill:
Lucy Parnell
Isabella Spillane
Athena Tsonis
Isabelle Monaco
Sarah Murphy
Priya Doyle
Eleni Pope
Ciara Newman
Indira D'Sylva
Yasmin Korfiatis
Grace Condon
Maddie Simmons
Abbie Sullivan
Kaitlin Patterson
Anita Boussioutas
Paul FaillaTeacher - Mathematics
It has been an exciting month for Mathematics at Siena College
It has been an exciting month for Mathematics at Siena College. Our Year 12 students have been working extremely hard in preparing for their VCAA examinations, completing a multitude of practice papers at school and at home. We hope they have been able to successfully navigate their way through the examination period, and we wish them well for the future.
Our Year 7 cohort had a visit from the World of Maths where they were able to do some fun hands on STEM activities in small groups.
In August a number of our students sat the Australian Mathematics Competition run by the Australian Mathematics Trust. The girls recently received a certificate with their results, with Maria Ng receiving a high distinction, placing her in the top twp percent across Australasia. We also had twelve students receive Distinctions across Years 7 to 10, with another thirty five also receiving Credits. We congratulate all the girls that participated and we look forward to providing them with further opportunities to challenge and extend themselves next year.
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
Please read this important information for all parents
Dear Parents and Guardians
Thank you all for your cooperation and understanding with the parking restrictions and site traffic management thus far. As per our previous correspondence, there will be further changes from Tuesday, 20 November 2018 as we commence with the driveway works.
Buses will now collect and drop off students on Riversdale Road, between the entry and exit gates. This will become a bus only zone and will be sign posted by the Boroondara City Council. This means no parking or standing for cars in this zone. Staff will be present as students arrive and depart from buses.
To assist parents, the attached College map provides three options for morning and afternoon drop off/pick up, to alleviate pressure on limited parking and congestion in the narrow roads surrounding the school boundary:
Siena-College-Map (366 KB)
> View Document
1. Pedestrian Gate 7 (at the rear of the school, off Hocknell Street) will be open between 7.30am to 9.00am and from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
2. Pedestrian Gate 8 (off Wattle Valley Road) will be open from 7.30am
3. Pedestrian Gate 4 (adjacent to the gym on Riversdale Road) will also be open for student access, as normal
Please note there will be no pedestrian access to the College via Compton Street. By parking in a legal manner with consideration for our neighbours, congestion around the school grounds will be reduced and safety maintained. The safety of our students and easing congestion for busy parents are of paramount importance. We hope that these combined measures assist all parents as we undertake these vital building works.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
In the latest edition of the Siena Career News there are important dates for Year 12's, an Information Evening next week at Swinburne University and details of the Academy of Interactive...
In the latest edition of the Siena Career News there are important dates for Year 12's, an Information Evening next week at Swinburne University and details of the Academy of Interactive Entertainment Open Day this weekend.
For current Year 10 and 11 students, there is information on a three day school holiday Science Program at Monash University from 9 - 11 January.
Open exhibitions include the Monash University MADA exhibition, the Whitehouse College of Fashion graduate's exhibition and fashion runway and Deakin University's Paperspace Exhibition which showcases the work of their Architecture students.
Simone RyanHead of Learning Enhancement
On 2 November, students from Years 7-10 completed a six week short film appreciation course.
On 2 November, students from Years 7-10 completed a six week short film appreciation course. The primary focus was to learn about suspense, theme, plot, and character by viewing a combination of award winning live action and animated short films. Prior to each viewing session, students learnt about the theory, students then watched the film(s), and finally students discussed the theory, drawing evidence from the films. Students reported that they found the films 'surprising' and 'clever', particularly when the films had twist endings.
Students who took part were Aurelia Tjitji, Cara Chen, Emily Ovens, Indira D'Sylva, Lucinda Burgin Uhlherr, and Olivia Redford.
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
Siena College is pleased to advise that the next stage of our parent portal, Siena Central, to go 'live' will be the 2019 fees schedule. Parents will be emailed a link and letter from th...
Siena College is pleased to advise that the next stage of our parent portal, Siena Central, to go 'live' will be the 2019 fees schedule. Parents will be emailed a link and letter from the Chair of the Siena College Board on Thursday, 22 November. All parents are encouraged to update their details via Siena Central and video tutorials are available to assist with the process. If you require any assistance, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com
Maureen McAuleyCollege Archivist
Delgany Castle, Portsea.
Portsea is often called the playground for the rich and famous. Prominent in this seaside area is Delgany Castle, now part of a holiday resort and frequently advertised in the media. For the Dominican community, the excerpt above highlights our thoughts when we think of 'Delgany'
We are fortunate to have in our Archives the above quoted issue of 'The Dominican'. It gives an extensive physical description of Delgany and an account of the earliest days of the school.
Caring for deaf children has been a treasured ministry of our Dominican sisters. Siena students, especially of the 1950s and 1960s, had a particular connection to Delgany. Archival donations from our past students include photos of Delgany, its pupils and buildings. We have a letter from one Siena student, during a weeklong stay at Delgany, describing to another student the activities she is missing by not being there. A number of Dominican sisters, who are past students of Siena, taught at Delgany including Srs Frances Caine and Joan Winter.
Tracey KermondHuman Resources Manager
We extend a warm welcome to the following new staff
We extend a warm welcome to the following new staff:
Tracey LawsonHead of Admissions
As we continue the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2020...
As we continue the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2020, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form. Enrolment information and our College Prospectus can be viewed online at www.siena.vic.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-procedures
Parents can now complete an Application for Enrolment online at https://apply.siena.vic.edu.au
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
We farewelled our Year 12 students last week with a traditional sequence of events marking the end of their schooling at Siena College.
We farewelled our Year 12 students last week with a traditional sequence of celebrations and events that mark the end of their secondary education at Siena College. During Graduation Eucharist, the final assembly and morning tea, staff and students were able to reflect on this significant rite of passage and recall shared experiences and achievements. I commend the Class of 2018 on their dignified departure across these final days. We have been so pleased to see the manner in which they approached their VCE examinations which began this past Wednesday. We thank these students for their contributions to the life and ongoing story of the College. We sincerely wish them well for the remaining examinations and hope that they always remain connected to both each other and to the College.
I congratulate the The Arts and Technology Faculty for another impressive Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition which showcased some outstanding student work. The College Open Day on 20 October was also a great success and a wonderful opportunity for the College to showcase its comprehensive academic and cocurricular programs. I thank all students, staff and parents who have facilitated and supported these celebrations of all that our College has to offer.
November is the month of remembering. It is the time of the year when we celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls. Our Chapel will be the focus for our prayers across this time and I encourage all community members to visit this beautiful and peaceful space to remember those undertaking exams and those who have gone before us. In the words of Sr Elizabeth Helwig OP, 'We take time to remember all whose lives were stirred and transformed by a faith in what they could not see, those who became bearers of hope, healing, justice and peace for us and for our world.' All are welcome at our Memorial Mass at 7.00pm on Thursday, 8 November when we gather in our College Chapel to pray for those members of our community who have passed away in the last year. Just before recess on Friday, 9 November, we will gather beneath the flagpoles to commemorate Remembrance Day and all who have given their lives in service of their country. We give thanks for the peace we enjoy in Australia and pray for wisdom on the part of all world leaders so that the conflicts that divide peoples can be resolved and that all may live in peace.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn;
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
Halloween, Mass of Remembrance, Year 12 Graduation Eucharist
All Hallows = All Saints, Feast of All Saints/Hallows,1 November
E'en = Even(ing)
Evening before the Feast of All Hallows = Halloween, 31 October
Before commercialism hijacked this beautiful commemoration many cultures remembered their dead around this time. It is felt to be when the veil between heaven and earth is at its most fine.
One of the obligations of Christians is to pray for the dead. It is also an important part of the Dominican spiritual tradition. Siena hosts a Mass of Remembrance close to the Church's celebration of All Souls Day each year. This year's Mass will be held in the College Chapel on Thursday, 8 November at 7.30pm.
A Dominican saint, Martin is the patron of mixed race people, barbers, innkeepers, public health workers and all those seeking racial harmony. Read more about him here.
'As much as you are a challenge, you are a gift to us too, as you are seeing your life, your family, our society through fresh eyes; you want to claim your independence and that may mean clashing with us, your family and friends – we accept that and promise to be with you in that; you have shown in your way of being here within the College that you are living and claiming some very important values – among them a passion for questions of justice… My personal wish for you is that you continue to allow your inner spiritual selves to grow strong. Look to the Creator, the God who is present to us in Jesus, who, whether we recognize it fully or not, is daily and always at your side, accompanying you at every moment, in the tough and dark times, as well in the good and joyous. Be messengers throughout your life of Siena College's great motto: VERITAS, TRUTH. You know that this evocative word has stood you in good stead for the past six years. May it continue to be a reason for hope in yourselves and your best reason for living. And may God may go with you in truth, peace and love, throughout the joyous days of your future lives.'
Fr Kevin Toomey OP
Image Captions
Main Image: Mia Catalano, 2018 Ministry Captain
Gallery Image 1: All Saints All Souls
Gallery Image 2: Martin de Porres
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Term 4 is a hive of activity and preparation as the VCAA exams commence and our students in Years 9 to 11 prepare for their exams.
Term 4 is a hive of activity and preparation as the VCAA exams commence and our students in Years 9 to 11 prepare for their exams. Please remember that our staff and teachers are always available to offer help and support.
As we approach the weekend, we would like to remind you that the College is closed on Monday, 5 November, the day preceding Melbourne Cup Day. There will be staff supervising the VCAA examinations and monitoring phone messages but the College and Student Receptions will be closed.
1 November: 2019 Year 11 student subject choices sent via email
1 November: 2019 Year 11 Booklists emailed to parents and students
1 November: Year 9/10 Revision materials published via SC
2 November: Year 11 Activity Free week commences
5 November: Student free day
5 November: VCAA Exams, Further Mathematics and Business Management
8 November: 2019 Years 8 to 10 student subject choices sent via email
8 November: 2019 Years 8 to 10 booklists emailed to parents and students
9 November: Year 11 Revision commences
9 November: Year 10 Activity Free week commences
On Wednesday, 24 October, Siena College teaching staff participated in a highly productive day updating the curriculum and assessments dates in preparation for next year. The 2018 courses were reviewed with a focus on what the essential learnings are, for our students in 2019. Staff will continue to work on finalising the documentation that will then be uploaded onto Siena Central.
As our community becomes more familiar with the Parent Portal of Siena Central, it will become our primary method of communication and the information available to you will be gradually expanded. The College key dates, exam timetables and booklists are now available on the Parent Portal. We ask that you utilise this wonderful resource to assist you with sourcing information in regards to the College and our scheduled activities. When you log in to Siena Central the first page provides access to the 'Tiles' below, to facilitate your search. On the far right we have an 'Important Information' section that offers links to the most current and relevant documentation.
You are always welcome to contact the College if you experience any difficulty logging in or locating information.
Claire Al-NoahHead of Arts and Technology
During the second week of term, we celebrated The Arts and Technology Week culminating in the annual Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition
During the second week of term, we celebrated Arts and Technology Week culminating in our annual Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition. Artist in Residence, Lucile Sciallano introduced the girls to her 3D ceramic printing practice where the girls learnt how this method allows the production of artwork that is very different to that of traditional clay building techniques. Students also had the opportunity to view the Year 12 Drama Solo Performances prepared in readiness for their end of year examination. Other activities included an opportunity for students to create a painting using virtual reality equipment, experiment with robotics and join in a lunchtime disco. All these activities allowed students to participate and deepen their exposure to The Arts and Technology.
The Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition showcased diverse work from Year 7 to 12 students and it was wonderful to see the culmination of all the hard work and effort from the Year 12 students. I would like to thank our special guest speaker, Amanda Meiklejohn from Williams Ross Architects, who shared with us her career journey and kindly opened the exhibition. Across all areas of Art and Design, students produce many beautiful, creative and skilful works. Mietta Borg, Year 12, was the recipient of both the Principal's Award and People's Choice Award with her mixed media conceptual artwork titled '38 months', which explored her own personal journey with a medical condition. She is a very deserving winner who bravely dealt with an issue that was personal to her and others suffering from the same condition.
I would like to congratulate all the staff and students involved on a very successful Arts and Technology Week.
Marissa JoyceHead of English
Young Adult author Ellie Marney visited Siena last week to work with the Year 9 English students...
Young Adult author, Ellie Marney visited Siena College last week to work with our Year 9 English students who are preparing for their next unit on 'Crime Writing'. Ellie worked with each Year 9 class, talking to students about how she develops ideas for a crime story. Each class then worked together on their own story concept.
This was an invaluable experience for our students to learn how published authors develop story ideas. Students will continue working in their English classes on their own story concepts. We thank Ellie for spending time with our Year 9s and we look forward to seeing the thrilling crime stories they will produce!
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
A busy start to Term 4 GSV sport
Siena College has had a busy start to Term 4 GSV Sport, fielding several teams in Cricket, Water Polo and Basketball. Our Cricket teams have had mixed results so far, with the Junior team (pictured) overcoming Ruyton Girls' School, while falling just short against Lauriston Girls' School, losing by two runs in the last over. Our Junior Water Polo teams have had several weeks of training with an enthusiastic squad and have their first round of game this week. Our Basketballers continue to produce promising results, the standout teams so far have been the Junior B and C teams, which have won of all their games and currently sit first in their zones.
On Saturday, 20 October, Siena College Sport was on full display at our annual Open Day, with the final of the Tennis tournament and a number of Aerobics routines. Many prospective parents and students toured the College and were able to familiarise themselves with Siena's sports facilities and GSV program. The final sporting event for the year, the Celebration of Sport Evening, will be held in December, where we will recognise the amazing sporting achievements of our students.
There are a number of individual sporting achievements to note:
Many thanks to Johanna Zikas and Chloe Dang for their efforts as Siena College Sports Captains for 2018, we wish them all the best for the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the 2019 Siena College Sports Captains: Monica Ciampa and Melitta Allen.
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Rising Stars Concert, Summer Concert, Key Dates
On Wednesday, 31 October all Year 7 Instrumental Music students performed in the inaugural Rising Stars Concert in the College Hall. The energy was electrifying from the student performers who thoroughly deserved the rousing audience applause. The concert included performances from Junior Band, Junior Choir, Junior Guitar Ensemble, Junior String Ensemble as well as solos, duets and chamber ensemble performances. It was a fantastic opportunity to feature our talented students in Year 7 and to celebrate how far they have come since the start of the year. Congratulations to all students and staff on a wonderful evening.
The Summer Concert will be held on Wednesday, 5 December from 4.30pm at the rear of the school. This is a relaxed concert with many of the large and small ensembles performing pieces they have been working on this term, including Christmas carols. This is a whole school event and we warmly invite the wider Siena College community to come and enjoy the festivities.
Tuesday, 4 December: Melbourne Womens' International Jazz Festival, Jazz Lab Brunswick. Stage Band required
Wednesday, 5 December: Summer Concert, Siena College from 4.30pm. All ensembles
Monday, 12 December :Siena College Awards Evening, Hawthorn Arts Centre. Canti Dolce, Stage Band.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
Tuesday, 13 November, 6.30pm in the Albertus Magnus Library
Current year 10 students and families are invited to attend the Kopanang Immersion 2019 Information Evening, on Tuesday, 13 November at 6.30pm (Albertus Magnus Library).
Year 11 (2019) students have the opportunity to participate in what has been described as a life changing and enriching immersion program in South Africa. Kopanang is a womens' community project that addresses the impact of HIV/AIDS and endemic poverty in the township of Tsakane situated 55 km south east of Johannesburg. It is a township created as the labour force for the gold mines in the area through forced removal of people in the apartheid era. After the last mine closure in 2006 there has been an unprecedented level of unemployment impacting more than 80% of the population. Most of the women of Kopanang have been deprived of an adequate education, further exacerbating their ability to survive and provide for their families.
The Kopanang community project was cofounded by Sr Sheila Flynn OP to provide the women with a healing space to share their life experiences, their faith and cultural heritage and to learn embroidery and craft skills to enable them to generate a small income.
Students also assist at Sithand'izingane Care Project, located on the same site as Kopanang, which provides a child care program for pre-school children, many of whom are orphaned, a home based support program for the sick, a feeding program, tutoring and afterschool educational programs for the children and adolescents in the township. Students spend two weeks living with a host family in Tsakane and assist with the everyday programs offered at Kopanang.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
This week's edition of Siena Career News contains some very important information for Year 12s in particular, but will also be of interest to students and parents in other year levels.
This week's edition of Siena Career News contains some very important information for Year 12s in particular, but will also be of interest to students and parents in other year levels. Students should always be aware of pathway courses into their 'dream course' at tertiary institutions and this week's Siena Career News lists the best ways of entering particular universities in the event that you do not receive the ATAR required for your preferred course.
There are also timely suggestions regarding some useful websites and apps to assist with study skills and exam preparation, a new Diploma in Screen and Media at Holmesglen Institute and some new initiatives from Monash University. These include 'Parent Chat', information and advice for parents on science degree options at Monash and an event, 'Experience the Peninsula Campus' – with a focus on Para Medicine, Nursing and Education.
Maria AngCollege Archivist
Our College register is precious. The beginnings of Siena come to life when we read the names, beautifully handwritten, of our first students.
Our College register is precious. The beginnings of Siena come to life when we read the names, beautifully handwritten, of our first students. The first page reveals the names of two very special women in our community. Loyis Gibson (née Olive) is student number seventeen and Sr Frances Caine is student number twenty-one. As Archivists, we note with interest that Loyis is spelt 'Lois' in the register. Both Loyis and Frances began their life at Siena on 4 February 1941. We value their wisdom, their memories, their donations, their support and especially their continuing presence and connection with our staff and students. We are blessed to have Loyis, Frances and other early alumnae as regular visitors to Siena.
At the end of last term, Jacqui donated a Siena College badge which had been worn by her family in the 1960s.
Maria Ang and Maureen McAuley
College Archivists
Image captions
Tracey LawsonHead of Admissions
As we continue the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2020...
As we continue the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2020, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form. Enrolment information and our College Prospectus can be viewed online at www.siena.vic.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-procedures
Parents can now complete an Application for Enrolment online at https://apply.siena.vic.edu.au
Congratulations to Fiona R, Year 10, the lucky winner of an Amazon Alexa Echo Dot!
Fiona R of Year 10 was the lucky winner of the Amazon Alexa Echo Dot in the Canteen's Term 3 Online Order competition!
Congratulations to Fiona from all of the Canteen staff!
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Siena Parents' Association Annual Raffle, drawn today by Carmel Musco, SPA President.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Siena Parents' Association Annual Raffle, drawn today by Carmel Musco, SPA President.
First prize:
Fazna Farook
One year's College fees or a Travel Voucher to the value of $13,300
Second prize:
Lisa Mavraganis
One term's College fees or a Travel Voucher to the value of $3,300
Third prize:
Carly Gruzewski
$1,000 David Jones Voucher
Thank you to our community for your generous support of the SPA Annual Raffle and congratulations to all winners.
We congratulate all of our students whose work was selected for this year's Shared Stories anthology, a joint project between twenty four Victorian regional and metropolitan Catholic seco...
We congratulate all of our students whose work was selected for this year's Shared Stories anthology, a joint project between twenty four Victorian regional and metropolitan Catholic secondary schools. This year's theme was 'Live Simply, Simply Live' and featured a diverse range of writing and artwork across all year levels. We are proud to share some excerpts of our student's work:
They are mammoth now
Knocking the breath from my chest
Bottomless mounds of blue, rising and falling mercilessly
Ribbons of silty water twist along the deck
Fear is in my mouth and eyes and ears and heart
I am sitting
In the corner
There is a gust of warm wind
And I hug my knees, shivering
Waves spit against the boat
And sea spray covers my face like freckles
My hunger is a monster
Snarling for attention, clawing at my insides
Surely it isn't much further?
Juliet Guthrie, Year 9
Death and the girl looked at each other for quite some time.
'Well, you're here early,' said Death eventually.
'I guess so,' said the girl, 'shouldn't you be used to this by now?'
'I suppose I should be,' sighed Death, 'you don't seem very frightened.'
'Yeah,' said the girl, 'I guess it can't be helped.'
They were standing on a cliff at the edge of a forest. The sun was setting behind a vast skyline of trees,
which stirred slightly every once in a while due to a rogue puff of wind. Two birds were singing gaily to
each other in the distance.
'So,' said Death, 'where are we?'
Kayla Gadaleta, Year 10
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
We are once again so pleased to congratulate our Year 12 students on their outstanding results in the 2018 Victorian Certificate of Education. Our students are our greatest assets and the Class of 2018, like those before, have developed into articulate, accomplished and empowered young women during their time at Siena College.
3% of students achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) of 99 or above, placing them in the top 1% of students in the State
12% of students achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) of 95 or above, placing them in the top 5% of students in the State
28% of our students achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10% of students in the State
57% of students, over half, achieved an ATAR of 80 or above, placing them in the top 20% of students in the State
The College maintained a Median Study Score of 34 for the seventh consecutive year
17.5% of Study Scores were 40 or above, placing them in the top 9% of students in the State
Median ATAR of 83.73
Congratulations to 2018 College Dux, Katherine Kim, who achieved an ATAR of 99.85 and the following students who all scored over 99:
Elizabeth Dee 99.75, Bianca Cleland 99.6, Lily Jackson-Martin 99.0
Seven perfect Study Scores of 50 were achieved
Business Management: Sarah Murphy, Bianca Cleland
English: Lily Jackson-Martin, Bianca Cleland
Health and Human Development: Grace Power
Legal Studies: Bianca Cleland
Physical Education: Grace Power
I thank and commend the Class of 2018 on the contribution they have made to Siena College over the past six years in all endeavours that they have pursued. Their leadership, service to others and their contribution to the cocurricular life of the College have added to the richness of our community. We are immensely proud of the young women they have become and I am confident that they will go on beyond the gates of Siena and make intelligent and responsible use of their personal gifts.
I would also like to acknowledge the expertise and guidance of our staff who have supported then throughout their time at Siena College.
Gaynor Robson-Garth
Dear Parents and Guardians
We wish to advise all parents that building works on the Convent are ongoing as the final stages of this project are completed. From the beginning of Term 1, th...
Dear Parents and Guardians
We wish to advise all parents that building works on the Convent are ongoing as the final stages of this project are completed. From the beginning of Term 1, the front carpark area and driveway will be unavailable for student drop off and pick up. The main entrance and exit gates on Riversdale Road will be accessible only to staff and buses. School buses will operate as normal, with additional barricading for student safety around the Convent.
To assist parents, the attached College map provides three options for morning and afternoon drop off/pick up, to alleviate pressure on limited parking and congestion in the narrow roads surrounding the school boundary:
• Pedestrian Gate 7 (at the rear of the school, off Hocknell Street) will be open between 7.30am to 9.00am and from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
• Pedestrian Gate 8 (off Wattle Valley Road) will be open from 7.30am
• Pedestrian Gate 4 (adjacent to the gym on Riversdale Road) will also be open for student access, as normal Please note there will be no pedestrian access to the College via Compton Street.
The safety of our students and easing traffic congestion for busy parents are of paramount importance. We hope that these combined measures assist all parents as we complete these vital building works. These restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Thank you
Tony Grant
Business Manager
Building Works Map (371 KB)
> View Document
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
Thank you all for your cooperation and understanding with the parking restrictions and site traffic management thus far.
Dear Parents and Guardians
Thank you all for your cooperation and understanding with the parking restrictions and site traffic management thus far. As per our previous correspondence, there will be further changes from Tuesday, 20 November 2018 as we commence with the driveway works.
Buses will now collect and drop off students on Riversdale Road, between the entry and exit gates. This will become a bus only zone and will be sign posted by the Boroondara City Council. This means no parking or standing for cars in this zone. Staff will be present as students arrive and depart from buses.
To assist parents, the attached College map provides three options for morning and afternoon drop off/pick up, to alleviate pressure on limited parking and congestion in the narrow roads surrounding the school boundary:
1. Pedestrian Gate 7 (at the rear of the school, off Hocknell Street) will be open between 7.30am to 9.00am and from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
2. Pedestrian Gate 8 (off Wattle Valley Road) will be open from 7.30am
3. Pedestrian Gate 4 (adjacent to the gym on Riversdale Road) will also be open for student access, as normal
Please note there will be no pedestrian access to the College via Compton Street. By parking in a legal manner with consideration for our neighbours, congestion around the school grounds will be reduced and safety maintained. The safety of our students and easing congestion for busy parents are of paramount importance. We hope that these combined measures assist all parents as we undertake these vital building works.
Siena-College-Map (366 KB)
> View Document
Congratulations to Jade Devlin and Stephanie Rozario for being awarded the Kooyong Student Prize
Federal Member for Kooyong, Josh Frydenberg MP, invites all Kooyong schools to nominate two students each year in recognition of their academic and co curricular achievements. We are very pleased to announce that Jade Devlin and Stephanie Rozario were the worthy recipients from Siena College in 2018. Jade and Stephanie are pictured with Josh Frydenberg MP and Bernadette Donnolly, Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching at the awards ceremony on Thursday, 22 November.
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
A warm welcome to the final term for 2018.
A warm welcome to the final term for 2018. It is good to be back after my time in South America over the holiday break.
At the core of a Principal's role in a Catholic school, is that of faith leader. During my time at Siena College, the Board has supported periods of enrichment leave, most recently, my participation in an immersion program in South America organised by the Principals' Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools. The program was called 'Çross and Resurrection', and throughout my travels in El Salvador, Bolivia, Peru and Chile, there were confronting, moving and inspirational encounters with both the cross and the resurrection. It was a most privileged experience.
I spent a night in the home of a family of 'Campesinos' in the province of Suchitoto outside San Salvador. The Campesinos are Salvadoran refugees who fled the impacts of war and guerrilla incursions. They settled in abandoned haciendas to build up communities and to secure a future for themselves and their children.
In San Salvador, I listened to the stories of people searching for traces of family members who have tried to cross borders to reach the United States and I heard how the trade in human lives is now more profitable in Central America than drug running. I celebrated Mass with religious and lay people working in areas that are scarcely habitable. I met people like eighty year old Sister of Charity, Peggy O'Neill who intentionally seeks to link her life and her mission to the poor. I learned the stories of martyrs like Australian Josephite Sister, Irene McCormack who was murdered in Peru in 1991 by members of the 'Shining Path', a Maoist rebel guerrilla organisation.
I felt I walked on 'Holy Ground' in many places, including the church where Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated in 1980 and his simple home in San Salvador. When Archbishop Romero celebrated Mass and before his homily, he would read the names handed to him on all kinds of paper of those who had been killed or disappeared. Archbishop Romero was canonised on October 14 but it was obvious that the people of El Salvador had proclaimed him a saint a long time ago.
I came across Dominicans in the places I visited and heard again the stories of Antonio de Montesinos who preached against slavery and servitude in the 16th Century and Bartolome De Las Casas who started out as a slave owner but later felt compelled to oppose the abuses committed by colonists against the Native Americans. He gave up his Indian slaves, entered the Dominican Order and advocated on behalf of rights for the indigenous people. I lit candles and prayed for the Siena community at the shrine of Rose of Lima, a third order Dominican who is the Patron Saint of South America.
I visited remote missions in Bolivia with beautiful indigenous artwork gracing the walls of adobe churches, combining elements of 18th Century European and indigenous Indian architecture and decorative styles. The earthy ochre, orange and yellow colours of the painting on the walls and facades glowed in the gentle light of these churches. I encountered the Holy Spirit in the faith of the people and in a small string ensemble of local children aged twelve to fifteen in a Mission called Santa Ana. These children came from simple adobe homes in a village of no more than a few hundred people. They played Vivaldi and Mozart and Bolivian sonatas on cellos and violins in a church built by the indigenous people after the Jesuits were expelled in 1767. The Jesuits' legacy of the previous eighty years persists in these beautiful churches, in the music of the children and in the faith of the local people. I was immersed in a theology of 'God as friend' who accompanies us, and an incarnational theology of encounter with the Divine when we 'walk with' the poor and the marginalised'.
In Cochabamba in Bolivia, I visited the Mayknoll Institute where many Australian missionaries have been trained or learned Spanish or indigenous languages prior to their ministry in South America. I met Gustavo Gutierrez, ninety year old Dominican Priest and theologian who is considered by many to have written some of the most significant theological texts of recent times. I also experienced the extraordinary beauty and splendour of the Andes mountains and the Inca legacy in places like Mach Picchu. I have returned with much to ponder, deeply moved by all who I met on my travels and the conversations with my fellow pilgrims.
It was lovely to hear students perform at the Cabaret Night held in the Susan Alberti Auditorium in the first week of the term. First time performers appeared along with some of our most accomplished music students, much to the delight of all who attended.
An enduring feature of Siena College is the strong sense of community. I am so very grateful for the contribution of parents and the generous and committed members of the Siena Parents' Association, in particular, President Carmel Morabito for her leadership, her tireless efforts and regular presence at the College. I thank retiring members, Vice President Judy Bainbridge, Treasurer Linda Burton, and Mary Bohan the Uniform Shop Coordinator. In 2018, the Association raised more funds than ever before, an extraordinary effort for a group of volunteers. The Association hosted many events to welcome new parents or visitors, wish the Year 12s well as they commenced the year, support students and staff, and fundraise. I look forward to working with the new Committee to continue the invaluable work they do.
Next week we will farewell our Year 12 students and wish them well as they prepare for their final exams. This is a time of mixed emotions as we say goodbye, the enormous pride in seeing the extraordinary young women they have become, the memories of the girls they once were and the excitement of moving on to forge new pathways and new independence. I thank them for their contribution to the College over the past six years.
Gaynor Robson Garth
Image captions
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
We pray…
Over the school holiday break and over the past fortnight we have witnessed the forces of nature devastating lives in other parts of our world
God of mercy and compassion, we ask...
We pray…
Over the school holiday break and over the past fortnight we have witnessed the forces of nature devastating lives in other parts of our world
God of mercy and compassion, we ask for your blessing on those whose lives have been affected by recent natural disasters.
Comfort them in their loss of family, friends and community.
Give them the gift of hope to see beyond their pain and loss.
Give strength to those who work with them to rebuild their families and communities.
Bless them for their willingness to be with the grieving, the injured and the homeless.
"The artist is a witness of the invisible and works of art are the clearest proof that the incarnation is possible." Pope Francis
Much has been written about the connection between the arts and spirituality; Dominicans through the ages have recognised the integral part that the arts play in preaching God's Word to a hungry world.
During the course of this week students and staff have been provided with rich opportunities to engage with the arts on many levels – this experience of the transcendent though words, actions and images is very much a part of our charism and its appreciation of beauty in the everyday.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Curriculum Day reminder, BYOD program, VCAA examinations, 2019 Subject Selections
Wednesday, 24 October is Curriculum Writing Day for teachers and therefore a student free day. Teachers work in teams to update the curriculum and assessment dates in preparation for 2019. It is a very productive day as our staff begin the process of reviewing 2018 courses and what the essential learnings are for our students.
Current Year 9 students who have been using an iPad over the last two years, may continue to bring that device to support their learning in 2019. Alternatively, students in Years 10, 11 and 12 may choose to bring another tablet or laptop to Siena College to use. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program enables senior students to choose the technology that best suits their needs and learning style.
In 2019, we recommend one of three options; a Tablet, Windows Notebook Device or an Apple Notebook Device. We have a partnership with 'CompNow' who provide new devices at competitive prices. A letter will be sent shortly with further information regarding preferred devices.
We wish all our students undertaking Unit 3 and 4 examinations the very best in their study and in their examinations. We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and work of our committed Year 12 teachers who have worked with our girls this year. We wish all students well as they prepare for these final semester examinations.
Over the next weeks, students will receive via email their 2019 proposed subjects and the Booklist package. If there are any issues with subject selections, students should contact Liz Carr.
The dates for release are as follows:
2019 Year 7 families will be emailed next Thursday, 25 October regarding access to the parent portal, Siena Central. Here they can view book lists and iPad requirements.
Musical performances, sports demonstrations, faculty displays, food stalls and much much more! Joins us for Open Day 2018
Dominic LoschiavoEnglish Teacher
Over the first week of the holidays, nine very fortunate Year 10 and 11 students had the privilege of participating in the Indigenous Immersion Program.
Over the first week of the holidays, nine very fortunate Year 10 and 11 students had the privilege of participating in Siena's Indigenous Immersion Program in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. The trip offered an authentic opportunity to learn more about ancient Aboriginal culture amidst the amazing landscape of the Australian outback.
To commence the trip, the Siena girls teamed up with Catholic Mission to host a soup van in Alice Springs. We offered both food and drink to indigenous and non indigenous locals, it was very humbling to offer small gestures of support to people facing a range of challenges. Our girls showed considerable maturity and empathy in helping people living with considerable disadvantage. The soup van gave us plenty to think about – particularly a reinforced sense of gratitude at how fortunate we are.
We were very grateful for the opportunity to immerse ourselves with indigenous students from Alice Springs' Flexible Learning Centre throughout the trip. Together we explored beautiful parts of Alice Springs such as Simpsons Gap and Emily Gap, and learnt how to cook traditional kangaroo tail out in the hot Australian outback. Their continued presence and hospitality was invaluable and offered an authentic experience for our girls.
Towards the end of the trip, it was great to take a break and put our 'tourist' hats on and enjoy the magnificent sight of Uluru, both at dawn and dusk. The transforming colours of the rock face under varying degrees of light was amazing and provided plenty of great photo opportunities for our girls. Seeing such a cultural icon up close was unforgettable, and we were stunned by both its beauty and size. Our 10km walk around Uluru provided a chance to see the rock up close, including various waterholes and Aboriginal paintings at its base.
Dom Loschiavo
Michelle RobertsonDirector of Learning and Innovation
Each term, teachers and students focus on a different Learning Quadrant from our 'Shared Understanding of Learning' framework that reflects our pedagogical practice and promotes teaching ...
Each term, teachers and students focus on a different Learning Quadrant from our 'Shared Understanding of Learning' framework that reflects our pedagogical practice and promotes teaching and learning endeavours in the classroom. In Term 3, the focus was on the 'Learning Skills' quadrant:
Throughout Term 3, I was able to conduct Learning Walks with students from Years 7-12, asking them to reflect on how 'skills' have enhanced their learning in the classroom. These are some of the student responses:
What kinds of learning skills have you developed in this class?
'Creative thinking'
' to effectively plan my writing piece'
'to communicate my ideas in group discussions'
'to be more focused on independent learning'
' I am able to locate information and analyse it'
How does your teacher enable you to use critical and creative thinking skills in the classroom?
'through interactive learning: guided and independent practice'
'through group discussions and activities: learning from others'
'by allowing us to collaborate with others through seating plans and putting us into different learning groups'
'by encouraging us to ask questions and to find out the answers ourselves'
How do you show your learning in this class?
'through self-reflection journal writing'
'by answering questions in discussions'
'by participating – being engaged, active listening, present- centred'
'by helping to teach others – peer tutoring'
'through assessments both formative and summative'
'getting feedback on your learning from the teacher'
How does your teacher inspire independence in you as a learner?
'sometimes it is better to work on your own to really test your learning and understanding'
'teachers sometimes encourage us to take risks when learning something new'
'the teacher challenges me to learn new things – step out of our comfort zone'
'by asking us to answer questions in front of the class'
'allowing me to make mistakes and learn from them'
This term we will focus on the fourth and final quadrant – Learning Relationships:
Our learning focus in Term 4 will be on continuing to forge strong working relationships in the classroom between students and teachers and students and students to build on the skills of collaboration and continuing to foster learning partnerships in the classroom to maximise successful learning outcomes.
Michelle Robertson
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
Cabaret Night, Clarinet Workshop Day
The inaugural Cabaret Night was held 11 October in the Susan Alberti Auditorium. It was a terrific evening featuring Siena's pianists and vocal students and students from Years 7-12 were very excited to perform for an appreciative audience. The vocalists performed contemporary repertoire and the pianists performed a wide range of solos. I would also like to acknowledge the 'house band' and the instrumental teachers for preparing students for the evening. It was fantastic to see so many students who have limited experience performing solos performing so well.
On Monday 15 October all the Siena College clarinettists attended a clarinet workshop day with Georgina Oakes. Georgina is an internationally recognised clarinettist with experience as a soloists and orchestra player. Our students participated in masterclasses, performed in a combined clarinet ensemble and they were amazed at Georgina's recital. Thank you to Mr Ed Ferris for organising such a wonderful learning opportunity for our students.
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
Siena College has begun Term 4 sport with a busy first few weeks, with senior cricket and basketball games being held twice a week. Junior and intermediate basketball for Girls' Sport Vic...
Siena College has begun Term 4 sport with a busy first few weeks, with senior cricket and basketball games being held twice a week. Junior and intermediate basketball for Girls' Sport Victoria (GSV) has also started, with fixtures through until late November. Siena College has had mixed results in basketball, with our senior (2 teams) and junior (6) teams winning and losing similar amounts of games, as well as our senior cricket team off to a strong start, beating Our Lady of Sion College and Ivanhoe Girl's Grammar School comfortably. Siena College's junior water polo and junior cricket teams commence shortly. All the best to all of our teams for the season ahead.
Siena College Sport is looking forward to the annual College Open Day, with the Latingata Morrom gymnasium open to prospective students and parents, showcasing the fantastic facilities and programs on offer. We will also have the final of our Tennis tournament and our school aerobics team will have an opportunity to display their fantastic national routines. Our annual Celebration of Sport evening is also fast approaching (more details to follow), where we will be celebrating the fantastic year of sport and the team and individual achievements.
Late in Term 3, six politically astute students attended the Victorian Secondary Students Parliamentary Constitutional Convention
Late in Term 3, six politically astute students attended the Victorian Secondary Students Parliamentary Constitutional Convention to debate the interesting topic, "Does the Constitution meet the needs of Modern Australia?". Students from thirty schools across Victoria debated and discussed in Victorian Parliament's Legislative Assembly chamber and ultimately strongly disagreed with the proposition. Congratulations to Mia Horozides, Teagan Matthews, Jema Mueller, Katya Scacco, Annie Walsh and Natasha Walsh for representing Siena with pride and talent. They now have the chance to be selected for the National Convention in Canberra in March 2019. .
Michael Petrie
Year 10 Politics Teacher
Simone RyanHead of Learning Enhancement
The buzz was electric at Kingswood College on Wednesday 10 October for the Year 8 Academic Challenge.
The buzz was electric at Kingswood College on Wednesday 10 October for the Year 8 Academic Challenge. Siena's Year 8 students Sienna Justus, Trinity Ng, Lucy O'Connell, Pia Perini, Mikayla Rollnik, Charlotte Ryan, Maliana Tapusoa and Aurelia Tjitji joined with 107 enquiring minds across eight schools testing their skills in Mathematics, Science, General Knowledge, Public Speaking, English, Code Braking, Poetry and Art. The event embodied the collegiate spirit with each team composed of mix of student from different schools. These events provide our students with precious opportunities to expand their minds and develop healthy networks with like minded students.
Tracy GrobbelaarDirector of Development and Community Relations
Building works have commenced on our iconic Convent and Cloisters, as we transform this area into the Gateway of the College.
Building works have commenced on our iconic Convent and Cloisters, as we transform this area into the Gateway of the College. We thank all parents for their patience and understanding during these works.
What a fabulous fundraiser to start our scholarship fund! Our thanks once again to guest speaker Jade Rawlings and our sponsor, Mitchelton Wines.
What a fabulous fundraiser to start our scholarship fund! Our thanks once again to guest speaker, Jade Rawlings and our sponsor, Mitchelton Wines.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
The latest edition of the Siena Career News features some reminders about important dates for Year 12s as well as information on the new UCAT test for entry into Medicine courses
The latest edition of the Siena Career News features some reminders about important dates for Year 12s as well as information on the new UCAT test for entry into Medicine courses in Australian Universities. There is also information on a Maths bridging program run by Swinburne University for students who do not have the VCE Maths recommended for the undergraduate degree of their choice at Swinburne. Health Sciences are always popular course choices for our students but many are unaware of the benefits of studying Orthoptics, this week's newsletter explains what Orthoptics is and where a degree in Orthoptics can take you.
Tracey KermondHuman Resources Manager
Welcome to new staff
A warm welcome is extended to all of our new staff:
At the end of Term 3 we fondly farewelled:
Tracey LawsonHead of Admissions
As we continue the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2020, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensur...
As we continue the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2020, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form. Enrolment information and our College Prospectus can be viewed online at www.siena.vic.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-procedures
Parents can now complete an Application for Enrolment online at https://apply.siena.vic.edu.au
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Another busy and productive term has drawn to a close and I am sure all in our community are looking forward to a few weeks of a slower pace and some time to reflect.
Another busy and productive term has drawn to a close and I am sure everyone in our community is looking forward to a few weeks at a slower pace and some time to reflect.
Last week we conducted interviews for 2019 College Captains. Eight students undertook a rigorous process of application, an interview with the Leadership Team and the presentation of their speeches at the College Assembly, to students and staff. Each student spoke passionately and eloquently and it was wonderful to see such strong role models among our senior students. We thank all students for their outstanding contributions and warmly congratulate Jade Devlin and Charlotte Lack, our College Captains for 2019.
Fourteen students and three staff departed earlier this week for the Chinese Culture and Language Trip. Another nine students and two staff left yesterday for Central Australia as part of the Indigenous Immersion experience with the Catholic Mission group. We look forward to hearing of their travels on their return in Term 4.
We have had cause to celebrate this week with some wonderful individual and team results:
As we commence Pillar IV of the Butterfly Campaign, Transforming the Convent into the Gateway of the College, we remind families that building works will commence over the holidays. There will be disruption to access from the beginning of Term 4 with the front carpark and driveway unavailable for student drop off and pick up. Communication has been sent to families regarding alternate drop off points. Please click here for further information.
Mrs Robson-Garth is presently on enrichment leave as part of the retired and current Principals tour of South America. The tour has included visits to missions in Bolivia, work with Christians for Peace in El Salvador (CRISPAZ) and visits to places of Dominican significance including the Las Casas Institute. She writes of her experience:
I have no words to describe this amazing place. There is a deep sense of spirituality and the most amazing mountains I have ever seen. We have had some very moving and confronting experiences, meetings with people in El Salvador searching for loved ones who disappeared through Mexico trying to get to the US, visiting a memorial to over 70,000 who were killed in Peru by the Shining Path, including Josephite Nun Irene McCormack and children as young as three. Yesterday, in contrast to the impressive Spanish architecture of Lima, we visited an area in the outskirts called Canto Grande that people are flooding into. We also met the father of liberation theology, ninety year old Gustavo Gutierrez and visited the place where Archbishop Romero was killed.
We wish all students, staff and families a safe and relaxing holiday break. We hold the Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers as they undertake trial exams during the second week of the holidays and as they prepare for their final VCE examinations. Term 4 commences for students on Monday, 8 October.
Jennifer LevettDeputy Principal Mission and Identity
Year 12 students marked their final Religious Education class for the year
Year 12 students marked their final Religious Education class for the year on Thursday in a moving Liturgy .The gathering was launched with a special message from Mrs Robson-Garth in Peru, accompanied by some of the beautiful images from her pilgrimage to South America. Ministry Captain, Mia Catalano led the Liturgy where girls added to a cumulative reflection on their Siena experience and College Captains, Antoinette Collins and Hannah Petrowski shared their insights on the 2018 College Theme, 'One Body, Many Parts'. Teachers offered readings based on this theme and returned letters that the girls had written in one of their first Religious Education classes in February, outlining their hopes and dreams for their final year of school. Heartfelt thanks to Year 12 Catholic Studies teachers and student leaders for assisting in the preparation of this celebration.
In the Christian tradition it is commonplace to send travellers on their way with the blessing of the community, and so we gathered with the 2018 Indigenous Immersion cohort on 13 September to celebrate the Eucharist together. At the end of the Eucharist, College Chaplain, Fr Kevin Toomey OP blessed our Immersion participants with the following words:
God of all pilgrims
you walk with us on every step of our journey.
Bless these travellers
Siena's participants in the 2018 Indigenous Immersion experience.
May they travel lightly with:
eyes that are open to the beauty around them,
ears that are open to stories of dignity and pain
hearts that are open to signs of hope
minds that are open to new perspectives and insights
and hands that are stretched out in friendship.
May they travel with our prayers, good wishes and trust.
May those that remain behind journey with our travellers
as we gaze nightly on the moon and stars.
May Dominic guide them to share the Good News in their deeds and words.
May Catherine inspire them to be truly at one within themselves.
We ask our good and gracious God to guide and protect each one of you and return you safely
to our community with stories of an ancient people striving for justice and equity, faith, hope and love.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Unit 3 and 4 trial examinations
Thank you to all parents and guardians who attended the recent Parent Teacher Interviews. Just a reminder that the 2018 Term 3 Interim Reports can be downloaded from Siena Central.
The Unit 3 and 4 trial examinations will run from Monday, 1 October to Thursday, 4 October. Students will receive their corrected trial examination papers in Term 4. A statement of trial examination results will also be available for parents to access on Tuesday, 16 October.
There will be no set holiday learning for Year 7 to 9 students, however, Year 10 and 11 students will have holiday home learning. Students undertaking a Unit 4 subject will need to use their holiday break well in order to prepare for the trial examinations and the upcoming VCAA examinations.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
Oh what a night!
Members of the Siena Community gathered together on Friday, 7 September to participate in the annual Night of Change. Students, parents and staff entered into the evening with high spirits and generous hearts. Siena musicians, including the Stage Band and Year 12 students, entertained the crowd with their usual high quality performances. Families, friends and colleagues sat in teams, shared food and participated in Disco Bingo, Trivia and Silent Auctions.
The night is a major fundraising event for the Kopanang Community in South Africa. Participants from the 2018 South African Immersion shared their personal experiences and stories of the privileged time spent living with these wonderfully stoic, inclusive, funny and empowering women.
The evening was a wonderful success and a reflection of the hard effort and dedication of our Student Representative Council (SRC) and the generosity of Siena families and local businesses who donated services or products for the Silent Auction and other prizes. Our Night of Change raised just over $5500, all of which will be donated to the Kopanang Community Trust. The funds will go towards improving the lives of the women and families of Kopanang.
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
National AeroSchools Championships, School Sports Australia Diving Championships, GSV wrap up
Our Aerobics team achieved outstanding results at the National AeroSchools Championships on the Gold Coast this week. Team placings were as follows:
Ella Gurry and Tess Hayes also performed brilliantly but were unlucky not to place in the Level 5 Intermediate Pairs. Congratulations to all students, including Chelsea Buswell (Year 11) for coaching the winning team, and to staff and parents who accompanied the girls. A wonderful team effort!
Congratulations are extended to Edie Mitra, Year 8, who recently represented Victoria at the School Sports Australia Diving Championships held in Perth. Edie placed fourth in her one metre and three metre Springboard events and achieved a silver medal in the Team Synchro competition. Edie was very pleased with her dives and her achievements are a wonderful acknowledgement of the commitment and dedication she displays to her sport.
Wrapping up a full season of Athletics, nine Siena College students participated in the GSV Athletics Finals at Lakeside Stadium on 11 September. All students did their best and represented Siena College with distinction, particularly Jemma Rigoni who won bronze in the Year 8 400m event. All of the students who came to the weekly training sessions and various GSV Athletics events throughout the term are to be congratulated on an exciting and successful season for Siena College.
Siena College was well represented at the GSV finals, with the Second Intermediate Volleyball team finishing winners for their division and finishing third overall. All three Junior Year 8 teams finished winners of their divisions, with the B team finishing premiers and the A and C teams runners up. Our Junior and Intermediate Soccer teams also performed extremely well, both winning their divisions and finishing runners up overall, with both teams showing a positive attitude and strong commitment. Well done to all of the participants for Volleyball, Soccer and Badminton, who gave their best each week at training and during matches, all contributing to a successful term of sport for Siena College.
We are eagerly anticipating Term 4, with many students involved in GSV Water Polo, Outdoor Cricket and Basketball. The final sporting event for the year will be the 2018 Celebration of Sport evening, details for which will be provided in Term 4. We look forward to an exciting term ahead and wish everyone a good holiday.
Tickets selling fast for the Dads' Night In!
Siena dads, have you booked you ticket to our upcoming Dads' Night In? Exciting news: we have secured Jade Rawlings, former AFL star, 2018 VFL Coach of the Year and Siena parent as our guest speaker. We are looking forward to a great night of fun, complete with barbecue, wine tasting (with thanks to Mitchelton Wines), virtual reality games, raffles and more. Click the image below to book:
In partnership with The Ark Clothing Co., we would like to extend an invitation
In partnership with The Ark Clothing Co., we would like to extend an invitation to our community to attend our Fashion Show on Friday, 26 October at 7.00pm in the Susan Alberti Auditorium.
Siena alumna, Megan Sloley (Class of 1983) has joined The Ark Clothing Co. and her team have put together a Fashion Show that provides our guests with an opportunity to view The Ark's new summer collection. The clothing will be modelled by The Ark employees and the styles cater for all ages and body shapes. Ticket price also includes canapés, drinks and a Personal Styling voucher valued at $25.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
On Wednesday 12 September, six Year 12 Siena Students participated in the St Vincent de Paul Street Retreat program.
On Wednesday, 12 September, six Year 12 Siena Students participated in the St Vincent de Paul Street Retreat program. The opportunity, open to school students aged sixteen years and over, allows students to shadow the Fitzroy Soup Vans for the evening. The vans run each night and stop at numerous locations throughout the city, providing warm meals, sandwiches, hot drinks and items such as socks, underwear, personal hygiene products, beanies and blankets to those experiencing homelessness.
It is both a humbling and eye opening experience to come face to face with people who are in such desperate circumstances. Through smiles, conversations, laughter and the simple act of sharing food with each other, barriers between our students and these individuals diminished. Vinnies aims to ensure that, through their services, the dignity of each individual is maintained.
Siena students benefited greatly from this opportunity, reflected in their testimonies below. The school program is exceptionally well organised, with students thoroughly briefed before they depart for the evening. We look forward to being more actively involved in this program in 2019.
'On entering the Street Retreat program held by Vinnies, I was unsure of what to expect. I found that we were fully immersed in the evening and felt a greater sense of community hidden amongst the Melbourne CBD, between the students, other volunteers and those currently experiencing homelessness. I found the whole experience inspiring and felt a real generosity between all the people I met during the evening. I learnt from this experience that something as small as a smile has the ability to bring happiness into an individual's day and to broaden the sense of community in Melbourne. I am definitely keen to take part in more volunteer work like this in the future!' Melanie Myrtle
'On reflecting on the opportunity to volunteer with the Vinnie's soup van, the aspect that struck me the most was the invisibility of homelessness in our society. I have enjoyed walking these same streets with my family and friends and have never realised the sheer numbers in our city who experience homelessness, nor the difference both a nutritious meal and a human connection could make to someone experiencing homelessness. That a simple smile or look in the eye can make a difference in a person's day and to their feeling of self-worth and dignity. We learnt about a regular client of the service who took two buses and a tram and then rode his bike to one of the city stops, only to decline any offers of food. He just wanted the conversation. He followed the van to each of the other stops to continue the conversation throughout the night. It made me aware how overlooked and ignored people experiencing homelessness often are, and how invisible they must feel. I met a man who, during his career, had made valuable engineering contributions to Melbourne. He now experiences homelessness. I also met a woman who had fled domestic violence that night and was experiencing her first night on the street. She had nothing but the clothes she was wearing. Volunteering with the Van made me feel so grateful for everything I have and to reaffirm to myself to never take anything for granted as our lives can change in a minute. I would encourage everyone to participate in this volunteering experience.' Grace Oliver
'It was surreal to drive around a less crowded Melbourne city with the Soup Van. The stark contrast of visiting the city's icons, such as Federation Square and the Queen Victoria Market, during a week night provides a completely different perspective of our society. I continue to reflect on the variety of situations that led to these people needing the support of Vinnies. Some were fleeing domestic violence or had experienced a relationship breakdown, while one man had been coming to the Soup Van for over forty years after being the innocent victim of a coward punch. The experience working on the Soup Van was a rewarding reminder of life beyond school. The smiles, optimism and gratitude encountered highlights that even when lifes greatest challenges present themselves, we must continue to provide solidarity as the greatest support.' Madeleine Harriss
Heather O'KeefeLearning Enhancement
On Tuesday 18 September, five chess club students headed off early for Castlemaine to attend the Mount Alexander Schools Chess Challenge
On Tuesday 18 September, five chess club students headed off early for Castlemaine to attend the Mount Alexander Schools Chess Challenge, which was held in the historic Old Castlemaine Gaol.
Schools competing on the day included Castlemaine Secondary College, Girton Grammar, Bendigo South East, Melbourne High, Olivet CC, and Siena College. The games were timed with students playing seven games each over the course of the day. The chess tables were set up in the corridors of the gaol, with prison cells either side. The cold eeriness of the cells brought to the students the harsh reality of the living conditions of the inmates during the operating time from 1861 until 1990. And the solitary confinement of each stone walled cell reflected the solitary concentration the students have during a game of chess. The only noise you could hear was the clicking of the timers after every turn. I'm not sure if the chill in the air was the actual temperature or the ghosts of prisoners that were hanged for their crimes in days gone by, their bodies buried somewhere on the gaol grounds, standing upright so their souls would never be free.
The results of the day were outstanding, a gold medal to Jasmine Skutela (Year 9) and a Silver medal to Angelina Rodos (Year 7) for coming first and second respectively in the girls division. Both girls along with Zoe Kelly have qualified for Chess Victoria State Girls Final.
The Chess Club will continue next term, Wednesday lunchtimes and the Secondary Girl's State Final will be held on Tuesday 16 October at St Catherine's School, Toorak. Parents are welcome to attend the event.
Heather O'Keefe
Learning Enhancement Department
Simone RyanHead of Learning Enhancement
1600 students from 27 countries from as far away as Canada, Jakarta and Dubi participated in the World Scholars Cup Global Round in Melbourne.
The World Scholars Cup Global Round in Melbourne saw 1600 students from 27 countries descend on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with some travelling from as far away as Canada, Jakarta and Dubai. The extravaganza ran over six days (17-21 August) in the beautiful South Wharf area with various competitions at host schools around Melbourne. The goal of this competition is to inspire in young people a love of learning, confidence in new skills and a sense of global citizenship.
Our intrepid scholars Mia Kelly, Lauren Edwards, and Jessica Higgins experienced the hectic pace of scavenger hunts, keynote speeches, panel discussions, the signature Scholar's Ball, community-building events and rigorous competitive events. A true experience in debate, and build new friendships among fellow scholars from all over the world. Our Siena students found the experience immensly rewarding as they've expressed in their following reflections.
"World Scholars Cup was an amazing experience, that provided a platform for students to connect and learn together, and meet people their age from all over the world. I learnt a lot from this experience, not only about the topics we were studying, but also social skills and creating new relationships with those around me. It taught me how to effectively study, and how to memorise large amounts of work. World Scholars Cup has given me a platform to make long lasting friendships with people all over the world, and has helped me gain lots of academic, and social knowledge."
Jessica Higgins, Year 7
"At World Scholars Cup I learnt many things and was immersed in different cultures and their traditions. During the global round 1,600 students from all around the world came together not only to enhance our learning and overall knowledge but to learn things we could not learn at school or anywhere else. There were six different subject areas we had to study - science, literature, music, social studies, history and the special area. These topics can be applied to all my schoolwork especially English and science as we really focused on those subjects especially the science of memory, the nervous system, films and literature of all forms. I really enjoyed that we had multiple events and activities that allowed us to merge with the other teams and countries and make new friendships that will last even after our time at world scholars is finished."
Lauren Edwards, Year 7
Wen-Liang TaoTeacher: Languages
Celebrating 60 Years of Chinese Teaching in Victoria
The 2018 Victorian Chinese Language Teachers' Conference was held at Camberwell Grammar School on 7 - 8 September. It was at Camberwell Grammar sixty years ago that Chinese language was taught for the first time in Victoria, and actually anywhere outside of China except for some Asian countries. Chinese has now become the most spoken community language in Victoria and one of the most taught languages in Victorian schools.
To celebrate this milestone, special guests were invited to the Conference to congratulate the achievements made by Chinese teachers. Among them were Josh Frydenberg, Deputy Liberal Leader and Treasurer, Mr Zeng Jianhua, Acting Consulate General of the PRC in Melbourne, Dr Fuxin Li, the President of CLTFA, and Mr Jixing Xu, President of CLTAV.
"Learning a language is a window to another culture, a window to tolerance, and a window to friendship," said Mr Frydenberg.
Dr Jane Orton, the Graduate School of Education, the University of Melbourne talked about "developing quality and sustainable Chinese programs...(these) are not outcomes, but comprehensive strategies", she explained. Dr John Tuckfield of Camberwell Grammar has been teaching Chinese for thirty years and said that Australian Government language policy change has shown a shift from the Eurocentric policy to a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
The keynote speeches were followed by group discussions on the updated VCE Chinese Study Designs to be implemented next year and beyond. A high school music band from China and some students from local schools performed traditional and modern Chinese music and dance, which was greatly appreciated by the audience.
Clare TimminsHead of Careers
This week's Siena Career News contains a reminder for Year 12s to complete their VTAC application and pay the application fee by 27 September.
This week's Siena Career News contains a reminder for Year 12's to complete their VTAC application and pay the application fee by 27 September. The closing date for SEAS and Scholarships is 12 October. Information sessions for extension programs at the universities are all listed – this will be of interest to students in Year 11 who are considering studying a University subject as part of their VCE.
The reunion season at Siena is busy and exciting for both the Alumnae Office and for the archivists.
The reunion season at Siena is busy and exciting for both the Alumnae Office and for us in Archives. It gives us the opportunity to research and find memorabilia, photos, magazines, events, trophies, awards and yearbooks relevant to the past students who are attending the reunion.
On the day itself, it is such a joy to see the women (and their inner student) greet former classmates with shrieks of recognition, laughter and hugs. The volume and level of chatter increases as each new group of friends arrive.
It is very rewarding for us, as archivists, to see the women huddled in groups, looking at the PowerPoint, searching the photos on display boards and perusing items on the tables of memorabilia. It is a privilege to witness the bond between these women of all ages and their Siena.
We would especially like to thank Janine Bucci (Class of 1989) who recently donated her blazer and sports uniform to the Archives. We are always grateful for donations, especially those which fill the gaps in our collection.
Maria Ang and Maureen McAuley
College archivists
Each year the Siena Parents' Association (SPA) hold a second hand Book sale with the support of the College, the Siena community and volunteers to assist in the sale, purchase and donatio...
Each year the Siena Parents' Association (SPA) hold a second hand Book sale with the support of the College, the Siena community and volunteers to assist in the sale, purchase and donation of student books.
This valuable service provides families the option to buy/sell preloved student books whilst assisting the SPA to fundraise and ultimately reinvest in College facilities to enrich our daughters' College experience.
This year SPA has engaged Recycled Text books for the Second Hand Book Sale. Further correspondence relating to the intake of books and sale will be emailed to parents early next term, along with the second hand book list. In the interim please diarise the following days:
Intake Days for second hand books
Wednesday, 5 December 8.30 – 10.00am Intake day for books from Year 7 and Year 8 Students
Thursday, 6 December 8.30 – 10.00am Intake day for books from Year 9 – 12 students
Friday, 7 December 8.30 – 10.00 am Intake for all year levels
Second Hand Book Sale – Exclusive Sale Event for Siena College
8 December 2018 @ Recycled Textbook Store
12 Arcade Road, Mont Albert North
9.00am – 2.00pm for Year 10, Year 11, and Year 12 parents
2.00pm – 7.00pm for Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 parents
To learn more about Recycled Text Books registration please visit here
Tracey LawsonHead of Admissions
As we continue the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2020
As we continue the enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2020, we would like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5 to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form. Enrolment forms and Prospectus packs are available from Reception or on the College website
Blackburn Cycling Club, School holiday bike program,
St Michael's netball rep trials
Congratulations to our 2019 School Captains, Jade Devlin and Charlotte Lack.
We are pleased to introduce our 2019 School Captains, Jade Devlin and Charlotte Lack. All of our applicants attended the Pillars Leadership course over two afternoons, which explored what it means to be a Dominican Leader, identified the College's expectations of our leaders and explored the challenges of juggling leadership with senior studies. Girls benefited from hearing the lived experiences of our 2018 College Captains and other Senior Leaders as they discussed their 2018 leadership journey.
Students completed a written Expression of Interest for the position of College Captain and were interviewed by Ms Donnelly, Ms Thompson, Ms Levett and Ms Ilott. They addressed the entire College at a formal assembly held on Friday, 14 September in which they shared their ideas about and vision for leadership at Siena.
Congratulations to Charlotte and Jade.
A reminder that our annual Visual Art and Technology Exhibition opens this Friday, 19 October 2018 at 6.30pm. .
A reminder that our annual Art and Technology Exhibition opens this Friday, 19 October 2018 at 6.30pm. Featuring select Year 7 to 12 student work, the exhibition will continue on Open Day, Saturday, 20 October 2018 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Year 12 student Emer McGing has been awarded the 2018 National Irish Dancing Champion
Year 12 student Emer McGing is the 2018 National Irish Dancing Champion following the National Championships recently held in Cairns. Emer competed over six days from 2-7 October in the Junior Ladies 17 years Championship category. Along with perpetual trophies, Emer has been awarded a bursary to assist with her travels next year to the World Championships in the United States. Congratulations Emer!
Gaynor Robson-GarthPrincipal
As I look back over this past term, there have been many moments where I have been inspired...
As I look back over this past term, there have been many moments where I have been inspired by members of the Siena community, both past and present. On Saturday, 1 September, the College Hall was filled with the buzz of conversation as alumnae from the Class of 1978 and Class of 1988 gathered to celebrate decade reunions. We welcomed back past Principal, Sr Rosemary Lewins who concluded her time at Siena in 1978. There was much reminiscing, a tour of the College and an enthusiastic rendition of an old school song about Siena Convent girls.
Congratulations and thanks are extended to Director of Music, Kerryn McGillen and all involved in the Siena Music Concert, Sisterhood. It was lovely to see the pride and range of emotions on the faces of the students who performed and I thank everyone involved for the expertise and hours of effort invested in the evening and in all the preparation that preceded it. Once again, it was a real reflection of our 2018 College theme, 'One Body, Many Parts', with each contribution so important to the final outcome. Events such as this bring our community together and the evening was much appreciated by proud parents and grandparents too.
On Wednesday, 5 September, I was inspired by the finalists in the 2018 Antonio de Montesinos Award for Public Speaking. Four students entered the competition: Micayla Victor of Year 7, Jade Devlin in Year 11, Year 12 student, Ella Frausing and Amanda Marasco of Year 9. All spoke with passion and eloquence on the College theme 'One Body, Many Parts', making associations with topics of concern to them. They addressed issues including recycling of plastics, the need to focus on our shared humanity rather than difference, the perceptions of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and on belonging and acceptance. Annelise Skliros, the Debating and Public Speaking Vice Captain, did an outstanding job in hosting the evening. Congratulations are extended to Amanda Marasco who was given the Encouragement Award and Jade Devlin who was the 2018 recipient of this prestigious award. My thanks are extended to Alan Anderson for encouraging and supporting our students in their public speaking endeavours this year, and to the adjudicators who were faced with a very difficult because of the excellent standard of the speeches.
The Siena public speaking award is named after Dominican Friar, Antonio de Montesinos who, over five hundred years ago, preached a powerful sermon on behalf of his community that challenged the Spanish rulers in the Dominican Republic at the time about their treatment of the local indigenous people. His powerful words continue to challenge us as we engage with the issues of our time: '… by what right and by what justice do you keep these Indians in such cruel and horrible servitude?… Are they not human?... Are you not bound to love them as you love yourselves?' As members of a Dominican College, we too are called preach the Gospel by the way we live our lives, by what we say, what we write and what we do.
There are many stories of Dominicans in South America and their role in preaching justice. On Friday, 7 September, I am heading off on an immersion program offered by the Principals' Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools. The focus is on spiritual enrichment, Catholic Social Teaching and the role of the Principal as Faith Leader. In 2018, the program has added appeal for me because of the Dominican history in South America and the stories of the early Dominicans like Antonio De Montesinos and his community. The immersion will be lead by Dr James Nickoloff who is the Associate Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and by Jesuit, Fr Tom Martin who will be the Spiritual Director.
The program will include time with a group called CRISPAZ, Christians for Peace in El Salvador. The information provided by CRISPAZ states the following: 'The CRISPAZ El Salvador Encounter is for people who are willing to have their lives touched and forever changed. …To participate in an El Salvador Encounter is to enter into an ongoing dialogue which we hope will challenge and change your heart, mind, and spirit.' I will have the opportunity to meet with Salvadorans, hear their stories, and accompany them for a short time in their daily lives. Other countries visited include Bolivia and Peru that are at the heart of the Liberation Theology movement in the Catholic Church and the forming of people such as Archbishop Oscar Romero, Gustavo Gutierrez who is a Dominican Priest and Pope Francis. I will visit Dominican Centres as well as Jesuit Missions in Bolivia.
I will be away from the College from September 8 until October 3 during which time, Bernadette Donnelly will be Acting Principal. I thank Bernadette for taking on these additional responsibilities.
Just prior to my departure, I attended a breakfast together with eight of our Year 12 Politics students, Catherine Judd and Patricia Cowling who is the Deputy Chair of the Siena College Board. The breakfast was hosted by the Honourable Member for Kooyong and new Treasurer, Josh Frydenburg, and the new Education Minister, Dan Tehan, We were pleased to be invited and to be able to advocate for a better funding deal for Catholic schools like Siena College.
While I am away in South America and as the term draws to a close, I will be thinking of the Siena community and the Year 12s in particular. I will light a few candles and say a few prayers for everyone at places of special significance. I look forward to sharing my experiences on my return.
Bronwyn IlottHead of Justice Education
Siena students were privileged to attend the White Rose Mass at Xavier College Memorial Chapel
'The real damage is done by those million who want to "survive". The honest people who just want to be left in peace. Those who don't want their little lives to be disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no cause. Those who don't like to make waves – or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honour, truth, and principles are only literature.'
Sophie Scholl, White Rose member (1921-1943)
Matilda Baker, Georgia Smith and Jana Lianos were privileged to attend the White Rose Mass at Xavier College Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, 22 August. The Mass was to mark the 75th anniversary of the executions of six members of the White Rose, a group of German citizens who stood in opposition to the Nazi regime and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Following the Mass, our students participated in a Human Rights Forum with peers from schools throughout Victoria. Participants reflected on current Human Rights issues and explored the courage involved in standing up and speaking out. Students discussed the many and varied ways it was possible to make a difference in our contemporary world.
Overwhelmingly, our students walked away feeling both challenged and empowered to consider how they could work individually, and collectively, to stand up for human rights, for freedom and for justice.
Bernadette DonnellyDeputy Principal Learning and Teaching
A friendly reminder to all that the Parent Teacher Interviews are taking place...
A friendly reminder to all that Parent Teacher Interviews are taking place on Wednesday, 12 September from 4.00pm to 7.30pm and also on Thursday, 20 September from 4.00pm to 7.30pm in the College gymnasium. Bookings for all year levels are now open on Siena Central and will close at 4.00pm on the day preceding the interviews. We look forward to seeing you there.
The 2018 Semester 2 Interim Reports are now available on Siena Central and you are welcome to bring them with you to your Parent Teacher Interview for discussion.
Additional Key Dates for the Term can be found on the College website under News and Events.
Kerryn McGillenDirector of Music
This year's Annual Music Concert, Sisterhood showcased our young women coming together to share their music...
This year's Annual Music Concert, Sisterhood, showcased our young women coming together to share their music with the school community. It was the first year where the concert was held at Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre, Xavier College. The music ensembles performed works that celebrate the work of female composers and performers who have lead the way for up and coming female musicians, as well as works inspired by the lives and stories of young women. The concert featured Junior Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Orchestra, Groove Train, Planet Groove, Sisters of Swing, Stage Band, Senior Strings, Junior Strings, Folkus, Guitar Ensemble, Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Canti Dolce and Year 12 Band. I would like to congratulate all students and staff in the Music department for a wonderful concert.
Throughout the month of August, Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Groove Train participated in the Victorian Schools Music Festival. The three ensembles represented the school very well and were all awarded Silver Shields for their performances. I would like to congratulate all students and their directors for working hard and performing so well.
The Year 9 Music Performance class have been learning about musicals and performance skills. On the Wednesday, 22 August, the class went to see The Boy from Oz at the State Theatre in the city. For many of them, this was the first time they have attended a musical at the State Theatre. It was a fantastic experience for the students to learn about Peter Allen, an Australian iconic performer and the elements of a musical.
James HoughtonHead of Cocurricular Sport
Siena College has been performing extremely well this term...
Siena College has been performing extremely well this term in Soccer, with the Junior and Intermediate teams both close to securing finals. The Junior team has the only perfect record across all teams in each zone (all wins), which is a fantastic effort. There are a number of Volleyball teams doing very well, with all of the Junior 1 (A, B and C) teams likely to be in the finals. Siena's Badminton players have also represented Siena College well across all levels. This week was the last week of ordinary GSV Term 3 competition, with finals next week. Siena College is poised to do very well across many levels and sports and we wish all the best to our participants!
Our Aerobics team continues to develop and represent Siena College very well. Recently they had a competition meet at Melbourne Girls' College, with a number of Siena teams and participants gaining first, second and other high results. The group is now focusing on the major tournament, the National Aeroschools Competition on the Gold Coast, with nineteen Siena students poised to represent the College. Good luck, girls!
While the Athletics season is almost over, it has been amazing period. We have participated in a number of GSV events, as well as the Siena College Athletics Carnival on Tuesday, 21 August . The team has been working hard over the past term, with weekly training sessions and GSV preliminary meets culminating in the GSV Athletics Division 3 Championships on Wednesday, 29 August. With a strong representative team, Siena College finished third overall. Our Juniors placed first, Intermediates fifth and our Seniors placed second. A fantastic effort! After this strong performance, we have a number of students who will represent Siena at the GSV Finals Evening on Tuesday, 11 September at Lakeside Stadium.
Siena College also recently participated in the 2018 Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships at Mount Buller. Our students had a wonderful time competing in near perfect conditions.
On an individual note, Jordyn Kourmadias was a part of the 2017 Australian National Under 14s team, representing Asia Pacific in the Junior NBA World Championships in Orlando, Florida. Jordyn helped her team reach the grand final of the International Division, finishing runners up. A huge congratulations goes out to Jordyn on this amazing effort.
Term 4 is coming up soon, with Siena College entering a number of Basketball, Cricket and Junior Water Polo teams. We look forward to another exciting GSV season.
Alan AndersonPublic Speaking Coordinator
On Wednesday, 5 September, Siena again staged our annual competition for public speaking.
On Wednesday, 5 September, Siena again staged our annual competition for public speaking. The event is named in honour of a Dominican friar, Antonio de Montesinos, who lived five centuries ago. Appalled at the cruel enslavement of indigenous people in the place we now know as Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Antonio delivered a famous sermon in which he sharply criticised Spanish colonists and slave traders. Eventually, he managed to persuade King Ferdinand of Spain that slavery is wrong and consequently, the first ever documents designed to protect indigenous people came into being. Antonio de Montesinos changed the course of history by bravely speaking his truth.
This year, four students also showed bravery by participating in this challenging competition. They were Ella Frausing (Year 12), Jade Devlin (Year 11), Amanda Marasco (Year 9) and Micayla Victor (Year 7). The girls spoke with conviction on their selected topics, which were required to show a connection to our College theme for 2018: 'One Body, Many Parts'. The students were also required to make an impromptu speech on a topic given to them just five minutes beforehand.
At the conclusion of the competition, audience members commented very positively on the impressively high standard set by the speakers and the way in which each student approached their speeches. Certainly, the adjudicators had difficulty in reaching their decisions regarding to whom presentation of the trophy and encouragement award medal would be made. At the final tally, only a handful of points separated the four girls.
After very careful deliberation by the adjudicators, Jade Devlin was announced as the winner of the 2018 Antonio de Montesinos Award. Amanda Marasco received the Encouragement Award.
Jade will recite her winning speech at the next school assembly. It will also be reproduced in the 2018 Siena College Yearbook.
Public speaking is alive and well at Siena College!
Heather O'KeefeLearning Enhancement
On Tuesday, 28 August, Kingswood College hosted a Northern Star Chess Tournament
On Tuesday, 28 August, Kingswood College hosted a Northern Star Chess Tournament for primary and secondary schools. Siena College attended the event with ten participants: Nicole Ahn, Renata Fanthome, Mia Fenton, Estelle Jones, Siena Justus, Zoe Kelly, Emily Ovens, Angelina Rodos, Jasmine Skutela and Micayla Victor. The girls were selected to attend based on their commitment to Siena's own Chess Club, which meets every Wednesday at lunchtime in the Albertus Magnus Library.
For five of the students, it was their very first Chess Tournament so they were very excited, if not a bit nervous, especially when a Year 7 student competed with a Year 12 student in the first round.
There were over one hundred students competing from a number of schools around Melbourne. Each student played seven games of fifteen minutes against students from the other competing schools in a round robin tournament. The games all began with a friendly handshake and a cheery 'good luck!', but after that it was down to the serious business of attempting to trounce your opponent on the chessboard!
Congratulations to Zoe Kelly, Angelina Rodos and Jasmine Skutela who qualified for the Victorian State Secondary Girls final which will be held at St Catherine's College, Toorak on the Tuesday, 16 October.
The next tournament will be on the Tuesday, 18 September in Castlemaine.
Christine MillerReligious Education Coordinator
Siena College hosted students from Christian, Jewish and Muslim schools
On Thursday, 9 August, Siena College hosted students from Christian, Jewish and Muslim schools, keen to engage in interfaith dialogue, promoting mutual understanding, respect and ethical behaviour across religious diversities to encourage the development of competent global leaders of the 21st century. Our Year 10 Building Bridges students presented this program with confidence and pride in their Dominican and faith traditions, showcasing the College and our Catholic identity.
If the visiting schools arrived early enough, we treated them to a tour of the College ahead of the main program of the night. Engaged and animated chatter filled the air as questions and answers brimming with pride reflected respectful yet probing dialogue.
The first session began in our beautiful Convent courtyard with a warm welcome and explanation as to the purpose of, and history behind, our Tuscan styled cloisters. We visited the Prioress' cell and the Archives room before all eighty of us squeezed in to our stunning but tiny chapel. Again, our Year 10 students spoke with confidence about the significance of the altar, the Tabernacle and the Stations of the Cross. St Catherine's relic featured which created a range of interested responses from those from other traditions.
Once settled in the Hall, our Year 10 students spoke with conviction to the Building Bridges cohort about that which is unique to Catholicism, our understanding of the Sacraments as key highlights/markers of our faith journey, the significance of Catholic Social Teaching and the beauty of the Dominican charism. We shared photos, and artefacts by way of the Baptismal candle, Christening robe, rosary beads and our new Catholic Social Teaching poster.
Our delicious halal/kosher dinner was enjoyed by all. Encounter and dialogue featured as we celebrated the company of our guests with this shared quintessential human experience. The evening concluded in small group discussions of mixed genders. This last session was pronounced, 'way too short' and 'hugely successful' by all participating. Our final Building Bridges evening will be held at Bialik College in a couple of weeks to which we look forward with great anticipation.
'I enjoyed hosting the Building Bridges night as it was fascinating to hear about the similarities and differences between schools from different beliefs and faith traditions. It's interesting to ask people questions about their religions as this isn't something that you often discuss. We have all met so many lovely people and it was nice to show them what our school is like and to talk to them about both religious and everyday things.' Hannah Hine, Year 10