2024 Learning and Teaching Team

Welcome back to the 2024 academic year and a warm welcome to all our new students and families. May I introduce the Siena College Senior Learning Leaders for 2024:

• Director of Learning and Innovation, Anne Rogan
• Head of Religious Education, Christine Milller
• Head of English, Kacey Pelle
• Head of Health and Physical Education, Anita Coffa
• Head of Humanities, Jessica Sullivan
• Head of Languages, Tina Di Camillo
• Head of Mathematics, Nicholas Roussidis
• Head of Science, Nicholas Harvey
• Head of The Arts and Technology, Claire Al-Noah
• Head of Learning Centre, Roxanne Summer
• Head of Learning Diversity, Lidia Mostert
• Head of Senior Pathways, Jemimah Walsh
• Leaders of Pedagogy, Punita Mistry and Lara Porczak
• Leader of Data Informed Practice, Sonia Singh

If a parent has any concerns about curriculum related matters, please contact the subject teacher as required by leaving a voicemail message or an email, details are available on the Siena Central Parent Zone. If the matter needs to be escalated, please contact the relevant Head of Learning or Head of House.

2023 VCE Acknowledgement Assembly

Our 2023 VCE Acknowledgement Assembly will be held on Friday, 16 February.

Year 12 Learning Conversations

The Year 12 Learning Conversations provide an opportunity for students to share with a senior member of staff regarding their strategies, academic and personal goals that may assist in their learning, and finally to develop a 2023 Action Plan with a focus on improvement. Year 12 students have received the relevant documents to enable reflection on their Year 11 achievements, in preparation of their learning conversation. The focus is on the way in which students can maximise their learning opportunities in 2024. Individual Learning Conversations will be held during Enrichment lessons.

Year 12 students require an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for entry into many undergraduate programs in Australia. All Year 12 students will also participate in a Careers conversation with Head of Careers, Clare Timmins or Careers Practitioner, Maree Hodgson, which will include an ATAR estimation based on their Year 11 Semester 2 examination results.

Student Learning Reflections and Learning Conferences (PTIs)

Year 7 to 12 students will complete a self reflection in each subject prior to the Learning Conferences. The reflection will be completed via Siena Central, and parents will have access to subject reflections. Further details will be provided when available.

Year 7 to 12 Student Learning Conferences will be held online on Thursday, 14 March, 1.30pm to 7.30pm and Wednesday, 20 March, 1.30pm to 7.30pm. Further details will be published on Siena Central soon.

The Student Learning 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 Conferences so that students can share their learning experience and participate in the conversation about subject expectations. Parents and guardians will be able to download a copy of their daughter’s Interim Report prior to the Conferences.

Learning and Teaching Parent Communication

This week, all families received a Learning and Teaching communication via Siena Central, outlining the submission of work procedures, accessing assessment task feedback and absence during the term. We ask for your support in acquainting yourself with the information.

In the Classroom

The Siena College Learning Framework and Lesson Framework provide an excellent foundation for strong learning opportunities for our students.

Our Learning Framework incorporates four necessary elements with the learner at the centre, to ensure that every student can experience growth in their learning. Our Lesson Framework provides a shared understanding of the lesson structure, enabling students to effectively engage in their learning.

All classes have commenced by determining classroom expectations. These expectations are on the subject class page and provide an excellent opportunity for students and parents to revisit.

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 while develop skills of collaboration and respect for others.

Home Learning at Siena College

Study is an integral aspect of the Dominican faith tradition. Home learning enables students to embed their classroom learning and identify areas for further growth. It also provides an opportunity for students to play an active role in reinforcing their understanding, and for parents to work in partnership with students and teachers to positively influence their education.

Amount of Home Learning / Study per Subject

Given the diverse nature of subjects, home learning requirements 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 on 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

Student Responsibilities

In becoming independent learners, students are encouraged to:

• Use Siena Central to access class learning and to view home learning tasks on a daily basis
• Submit work that reflects their best efforts
• Complete and submit all work and assessment by the due date or apply for an ‘Application for Change of Submission Date’ form, available on Siena Central (assignments and tests only)
• 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 distractions
  • Catching up on missed class work if absent
  • Seek assistance from their subject teacher to clarify understanding of learning and tasks
  • Communicate with the subject teacher prior to the task due date, where a lack of understanding prevents completion of the task

Parent Responsibilities

Parents, as the primary educators of their children are encouraged to:

• Provide a conducive environment for effective home study
• Help students balance the amount of time spent completing home learning versus leisure or recreational activities
• Assist the students in developing a home learning/study timetable
• Encourage student to set aside a regular daily session to study/revise, as well as complete home learning and assessment tasks by the due date
• Observe and acknowledge students’ success by asking how their class assignments are progressing
• Check Siena Central subject class pages regularly to monitor that home learning is being completed
• Encourage students to exercise thoroughness and care in the completion of work
• Encourage students to seek assistance from the teacher if required
• Communicate with class teacher or Head of House where appropriate
• Assist students 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, phones and social media etc.)
• Be well organised, allowing easy access to resources and stationery
• Display a 2024 calendar with important dates such as assignment due dates and key school event dates etc.
• Be well lit and ventilated

Year 7 Home Learning

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, 19 February 2024.

To assist Year 7 Students with assessment requirements, a Year 7 Academic Calendar will be published and made accessible to all students and parents in the coming weeks via Siena Central. The Academic Calendar will provide an outline of the week, indicate when Unit Assessments are due and whether tasks are to be completed in class or at home.

Siena Central Class Pages and Online Feedback

Siena Central provides the opportunity for both students and parents to access subject class pages with direct access to daily classroom learning and home learning tasks. The ‘Subject Overview’ is accessed via the Course Page and outlines all unit topics and key assessment dates. This is a useful tool in assisting students to develop strong organisation skills.

Assessment Task Feedback is also communicated via Siena Central. Parents will receive an email alert when feedback has been uploaded. Please see the Parent User Guide available on Siena Central.

If you have any difficulties accessing the Parent Zone, please contact IT Help at ithelp@siena.vic.edu.au or 9835 0200.

We were delighted to welcome students back to Siena College, witnessing their excitement as they shared holiday experiences and reconnected with peers and teachers. I would like to extend a warm welcome to new families joining our College community. At Siena, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for all students to forge connections with one another and starting the year with Fiesta sets a vibrant tone for this endeavour. We understand the significance of feeling connected to community for overall wellbeing, which is why we take pride in offering a plethora of cocurricular opportunities for students to strengthen their bonds outside the classroom.

Inside the classroom, our teachers prioritise fostering connections through group work, encouraging positive interactions and building respectful relationships with all students. Recognising that some students may require additional support in forming new connections, I encourage them to seize opportunities to try something new, engage with student groups or muster the courage to strike up conversations with unfamiliar peers. Together, let us cultivate a community where each individual feels valued and connected.

Starting School

Starting a new school or starting secondary school can be both exciting and unsettling for some students. Establishing a morning routine, encouraging time management and adopting a positive mindset are some of the ways parents can help set their children up for success. Please stay connected to the College community; the Heads of House are a great point of contact and can assist with a range of issues or concerns that may arise.

Heads of House (L-R): Laine Rice (Kurrajong), Becky Scott (Dianella), Sophie Pryn (Cassia) and Lauren Seymour (Waratah)

Counselling Hub

The counselling service at Siena aims to support students, families and College staff to create a successful and enjoyable learning environment, where young people learn to manage their own wellbeing. The counsellors work to support students’ mental health concerns in a confidential and respectful way while striving to develop personal insight, problem solving skills, greater self esteem and stronger relationships. Additionally, the counsellors take on a broader pastoral care role within the College to support the wellbeing of the entire student population. A systemic approach underpins the counselling interventions with a focus on strengths and change, rather than on diagnosis and pathology.

SchoolTV

Parents and Guardians 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.

SchoolTV addresses this as 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 whenever you need to access it, in your own time. Evidence-based recommendations and strategies are provided by specialists who practice in the field.

I invite all parents to explore this resource which can be accessed here.

A Safe and Respectful Environment

We are committed to providing all students with an environment that is safe and respectful. We welcome student voice and provide avenues for students to share concerns, offer feedback, ask questions, and express opinions and views. Our Learning Framework outlines the guidelines for classroom relationships and behaviour and this is also reflected in the Student Code of Conduct. As part of the Victorian Child Safe Standards, all students are required to sign this code. Year 7s will complete this in an upcoming Wellness lesson and new Year 8s to 11s will have an opportunity to meet with me to discuss the document in the coming weeks.

The Student Behaviour Policy and associated documents are listed here on the Parent Portal and Student Zone in Siena Central. Feedback is always welcome so please feel free to reach out to us.

• Student Behaviour Policy
• Student Misbehaviour and Consequences
• Student Code of Conduct
  

With Courage, Wisdom and Joy

Our Siena community has commenced the year reflecting on our 2024 College Theme: With Courage, Wisdom and Joy. These words have been used historically to describe our Patron Saint, St Catherine of Siena, but too can serve as aspirations for how we engage with others and the world around us.

For students and staff new to Siena, and even for those returning, there have no doubt been many moments where big, deep, courageous breaths have been taken as they encounter a new school year. It requires courage to ask questions, to engage in conversation with unfamiliar faces, to embrace new opportunities and to foster independence. However, courage is often rewarded with confidence and connection, enriching one's sense of engagement and enjoyment in the world.

Sources of wisdom abound at Siena. Words of wisdom gently spoken by parents to their children as they depart for school each morning, words of encouragement and wisdom from friends, teachers, IT staff and Heads of House. Wisdom is found within classroom discussions and on the shelves of the Learning Centre. We are privileged to learn and grow on land with a rich history spanning millions of years. Wisdom is imparted through the stories, traditions and customs of our First People. Collective wisdom guides us to navigate the world with perspective, empathy and quiet confidence.

Lastly, to joy. The sounds of Siena at the start of the day, during recess, lunchtime, Fiesta rehearsals, GSV training, and at day's end are filled with exuberance and cheer. Our community gathers with excitement, celebrating, sharing, learning and growing together. We are a joyful community, inspired by the joyful charism of our Dominican heritage.

As we journey through the year ahead, may the spirit of St Catherine – embodied in courage, wisdom and joy – enrich the hearts and homes of each member of our community.

Contemplation

Each day our community pauses for a period of Contemplation. This takes place at the end of House Group and provides all students and staff alike with the opportunity to pause, to pray, to contemplate. As Dominicans, Prayer and Contemplation is central to our being – it grounds us, and connects us with our God, our community and the wider world. Time for contemplation provides a pause for us in a day that is often busy, noisy and demanding. During these privileged three minutes each day, our community learns to stop and appreciate stillness, silence and spiritual connection.

Service

Service to others is an opportunity for our students to engage with the broader community and share their personalities, gifts and talents. At Siena, we aim to foster a spirit of Service through the framework of Catholic Social Teaching and the See, Judge (reflect) and Act model. Our students are encouraged to participate in various school based initiatives that allow them to serve others, such as the Friday Night School tutoring which is available to all students in Years 10 to 12.

For more information about Service and the available opportunities, students can visit Siena Central > Student Zone > Siena Service. Students are reminded that dedicating time to voluntary service, both within and outside of the College can accumulate and contribute to the awarding of Colours for their volunteer hours.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new families to Siena College and to invite new students, especially Year 7 students, to learn a musical instrument at Siena. It is an amazing way to make new friends and develop your love for music. Music lessons have begun this week as well as ensembles - it has been amazing to hear so much music around school. If your child would like to start lessons or join a choir, string ensemble or band, please contact the Music Department.

This year, we are delighted to welcome three new teaching staff to our Music Department, each bringing a wealth of teaching experience and a passion for performance. We are truly thrilled to have them join us:

• Cello Teacher and Junior Strings Director, Oliver Russell
• Guitar Teacher and Guitar Ensemble Director, Aaron Syrjanen
• Trumpet Teacher and Sisters of Swing Director, Alexander Howroyd

Here are the key dates for our 2024 music events. We kindly ask families to mark them on their calendars to ensure they don’t miss out on the concerts. Please take note that we have updated the venues for some of our performances.

The 2024 Instrumental Music Handbook has been updated and we encourage parents to read it to learn more about the Music Department policies.

I am pleased to say that Maths Help will be once again running in 2024! This invaluable resource provides students with an excellent opportunity to receive extra support with challenging math problems. Students are encouraged to attend with their friends, as our friendly math staff are eager to provide assistance.

We look forward to seeing you at Maths Help in 2024!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at nroussidis@siena.vic.edu.au.

Greetings from the Careers Department to all staff, students and parents at Siena College! The year has commenced with the Year 12 information webinar and presentations. A visit to the Careers Department becomes essential during this crucial year. Many Year 12s have already booked their initial appointment to discuss their plans for tertiary studies and to chat about study scores (how the ATAR is calculated), Early Offer programs, scholarships, study abroad opportunities and various pathways to their dream career.

In this edition of Siena Career News, there is lots of useful information to assist senior students in planning their future careers:

• What the Careers Department can assist you with
• Applying for a Tax File Number
• World University Rankings 2024 | Times Higher Education (THE)
• Studying Geospatial Science at RMIT University
• Victoria Police Careers Information Session
• Careers in Aviation in the Navy
• The University of Melbourne: 2024 Hansen Scholarship
• 2024 HMAS Cerberus Open Day
• Nuclear Powered Submarine Student Pathways
• Studying Pathology: Pathway into the Healthcare Industry
  

• News from Deakin University
  • Working in the field of Economics
  • New Major: Sport Coaching and Coaching Ecosystems
  • Focus on Sport Journalism Major
• New Bachelor of International Relations at Monash University
• Victorian Careers and Employment Expo
• 2024 Travel and Tourism Courses in Victoria

Please join us at our 2024 Annual Dinner to celebrate the work of Jesuit Social Services, an organisation who supports thousands of Australians every year. Our Annual Dinner is a chance for our community to come together around our shared vision of building a just society.