2023 College Theme

Our 2023 College Theme echoes the words of poet, Mary Oliver in her piece, Instructions for Living a Life:

Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

As Dominicans, we need to pay attention to the big picture – in this case the global picture of our Catholic Christian tradition – be astonished by it and tell about it. Timothy Radcliffe OP says it is imperative we do this “in order to keep our charism recognisable, credible and meaningful for our people.”

Who are ‘our people’? Our Siena students, families, staff and community. Across this year, we need to ask:

• What are we paying attention to? ​
• What could or should we pay attention to? ​​

• What astonishes us? ​
• Why are we astonished?​​

• What will we tell about it? ​
• Who will we tell?​

A Dominican education offers students a learning environment that equips them to 'be awake!' in the fullest sense of the word, providing them with lifelong learning skills grounded in a tradition that has withstood the test of time – eight hundred years of it! This year’s College Theme encourages each one of us to look into our hearts, lean into our potential and live into our promise.

Opening College Eucharist

On Thursday, 16 February, we will be celebrating our first College Eucharist for this year; we will gather as a Siena community in St Dominic’s Church to honour our tradition, pray for those in need and commission our 2023 Student Leaders. I look forward to the shared experience of this sacred liturgical marker in our year – as this takes place during the school day, it is an expectation of the College that all students attend and participate in this Eucharist.

2023 Learning and Teaching Team

Welcome back to the 2023 academic year and a warm welcome to all our new students and families. May I introduce Siena College's Senior Learning Leaders for 2023:

• Director of Learning and Innovation, Anne Rogan
• Head of Religious Education, Laura Ridley
• Head of English, Punita Mistry
• Head of Health and Physical Education, Jessica Brady
• 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
• Acting Head of Learning Diversity (Term 1), Jessica Hall
• Head of Senior Pathways, Michael Petrie
• Siena Central Coordinator, Chimene Bousejean
• Leaders of Pedagogy, Tina Di Camillo and Punita Mistry
• 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.

2022 VCE Acknowledgement Assembly

Our 2022 VCE Acknowledgement Assembly will be held on Friday, 17 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. The 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 2023. 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.

The Year 7 to 12 Student Learning Conferences will be held online on Wednesday, 29 March from 4.00pm to 7.30pm and Thursday, 30 March from 4.00pm to 7.30pm. More details will be published in upcoming newsletters.

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 students attend the Conferences so that students can share their learning experience and participate in the conversation about subject expectations. Parents 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, 50 minutes maximum per subject per week
• Year 8
  60-90 minutes per day, 50 minutes maximum per subject per week
• Year 9
  90 minutes per day, 50 minutes per subject per week
• Year 10
  90-120 minutes per day, 75 minutes maximum per subject per week
• 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 distraction
  -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, iPhones and social media etc.)
• Be well organised, allowing easy access to resources and stationery
• Display a 2023 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, 20 February 2023.

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.

NAPLAN

Online NAPLAN test dates for Year 7 and Year 9 students are Wednesday, 15 March; Thursday, 16 March and Monday, 20 March. Parents of Year 7 and Year 9 Students will receive more details next week via Siena Central.

We were delighted to welcome students back to Siena College last week, and to see and hear the excitement as they reconnected with one another. We also welcomed a number of new families to our community. We are committed to providing opportunities for all students to make connections and feel connected, and starting the year with Fiesta rehearsals is a great way to do this. Connections make us feel a part of something, part of a community, so it is with our students. Not all students have the same levels of confidence and some may require extra support and opportunities for connection. Our teachers are providing opportunities for students to work in different groups, pair up with new students and build positive relationships in all their classes. We also have a number of clubs for students to join, as well GSV Sport and music ensembles.

Starting a new year, starting at a new school or starting secondary school are all transitions that require new skills and a positive mindset. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg puts it like this: “All transitions are an invitation to grow.” We had the pleasure of welcoming Michael to Siena when he addressed our Year 7 parents on Thursday, 2 February. He spoke of ways in which parents can support their children with these rites of passage and we are very grateful to him for allowing us to record his presentation which can be found here.

Year 7 Transition

Starting Year 7 poses many new challenges but also offers exciting opportunities. It can come with a myriad of mixed feelings. During this time of transition, parents and guardians are required to be supportive, but also realistic in their expectations. This is an important milestone in your child’s life. There will be feelings of exhilaration but also the fear of the unknown. Therefore, it will be important for parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring your child’s mood and mental health during this time. They may become overly anxious and upset.

There are a number of strategies offered that can make the Year 7 transition a lot smoother and start things off on the right foot! We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report. You may also wish to share your concerns with child’s House Group Teacher, Head of House or the College Counsellors.

Counselling at Siena

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. Our counsellors (pictured below) can be contacted at counselling@siena.vic.edu.au.

From L-R: Lisa Ellis, Gemma Morley and Jessica Wong

SchoolTV

Today 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.

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.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

Siena College promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children in all aspects of College life. We are committed to students being safe and feeling safe at school and knowing how to access support if and when they need it. Students know that if they speak up, they will be listened to, action will be taken, and they will be supported.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and obligations. These basic standards — also called human rights — set minimum entitlements and freedoms that should be respected by governments. They are founded on respect for the dignity and worth of each individual, regardless of race, colour, gender, language, religion, opinions, origins, wealth, birth status or ability, and therefore apply to every human being everywhere – including our students.

The four core principles of the Convention are:

• Non-discrimination
• Devotion to the best interests of the child
• The right to life, survival and development
• Respect for the views of the child

The Convention protects children's rights by setting standards in health care, education, and legal, civil and social services.

Working with students to provide a safe and respectful classroom environment will provide organic opportunities for feedback, asking questions, raising concerns and expressing opinions and views. This is our commitment to The Convention on the Rights of the Child. 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. They will do this in a Wellness lesson following a presentation from our Child Safe Ambassadors and College captains.

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

On Wednesday, 1 February we welcomed one hundred and twenty-one Year 7 students to Siena College. The students participated in a carefully constructed Transition Program to assist them in preparing for their secondary school journey before our older students returned to the College the following day.

This program included various activities led by several staff to ensure that our new Year 7 students felt comfortable, confident and safe in their learning environment. The program also helped students to maximise their learning opportunities at Siena throughout the 2023 school year.

The Year 7s spent their first morning getting to know their House Group Teachers who introduced them to how things work at Siena. Using a variety of activities, the students got to know one another by building connections in their House Groups. Our IT staff helped students with the setting up of devices, so that they were ready to access important class information prior to their first lessons. Every student received a House coloured lock for their locker and with a little practice, students mastered the art of opening their locks!

In the afternoon, students participated in a Music Showcase, where they were able to meet our music staff and experiment with different music instruments available at Siena.

During recess, students were able to meet their peers from other Houses and explored the school grounds. During lunch, our Year 12s enjoyed lunch with the Year 7s, which was their first Big Sister Little Sister activity for the year. This was also an opportunity for the Year 7s to be introduced to the first House event for the year, Fiesta, which occurs at the end of Week 3.

Throughout the year, the Year 7s will continue to participate in the Big Sister Little Sister Program, a variety of Wellness lessons and student wellbeing initiatives, all designed to foster connection within the Siena community.

Kind Mind Club

This term, we will be kickstarting the Year 7 Kind Mind Club; a safe space for Year 7 students to gather with me and members of the Siena College Counselling Team who will provide some extra tips for settling into secondary school.

The Kind Mind Club will be held in the Learning Centre (J103) from 1.00pm to 1.30pm on the following dates:

• Friday, 24 February: Making positive connections
• Friday, 10 March: Managing your workload
• Friday, 24 March: Mindfulness practices

Each session will have a different focus and students will be completing a craft activity that supports the session's learning objectives. You can bring your lunch with you!

The Wellbeing Team welcome feedback on the Year 7 Transition Program. Please send any thoughts you may have to: mjewell@siena.vic.edu.au.

Student Leadership Day

The collaboration of our 2023 student leaders commenced on Friday, 9 December 2022 with our Student Leadership Day taking place at St Kilda Football Club in Moorabbin. Sessions run by St Kilda AFLW players Hannah Priest and Grace Kelly provided the students the opportunity to hear about their distinct leadership journey. The students were required to consider how Siena’s values align with the leadership program and their leadership style. Working in teams through a team building challenge around the grounds of the football club saw the students collaborating and drawing on individual strengths as they shared ideas and deduced answers, all in a time pressure activity.

Some of our student leaders have provided their reflections on the day.

"Held at the St Kilda Football Club, the 2022 Student Leadership Day was such a rewarding and enriching experience in developing personal leadership qualities, and being fulfilled by the inspiring stories of two AFLW players; Grace Kelly and Hannah Priest. The idea of leadership being a unique journey for all particularly resonated with me, as it opened my eyes to the ways in which leadership can be seen within daily life. Remaining both interactive and informative, the session was extremely successful in strengthening the bonds of us leaders and allowing us an opportunity to look at the many ways leadership can take us in the future." Year 12 House Captain, Anita B

"At the end of last year, the 2023 SRC team were given a fantastic opportunity to head to St Kilda Footy Club for our annual Leadership Day. We were extremely privileged to have a morning session with two women from the St Kilda AFLW team who shared their inspiring stories with us and allowed us to determine our individual abilities as leaders. A key take-away for me was reflecting on the people and events in our lives that have allowed us to develop our personal skills and strengths, and recognising their contributions to our achievements." Year 11 House Captain, Shreya K

"We learnt about different leadership styles, and which ones resonated with us, giving us a deeper insight into ourselves as leaders. We also had the privilege of hearing from Hannah Priest and Grace Kelly, who are AFLW players for St Kilda, about their personal leadership journeys. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable and educational day, that has prepared us for a great year serving as leaders for the Siena community in 2023!" Year 10 House Captain, Megan FH

"I found the Leadership Day a real eye opener in terms of the journey a leader can take and the many effects that help shape the person they will turn into. Throughout a person’s life there are many variables that can change their path and it’s a leader that knows how to make the best out of it." Year 9 House Captain, Molly F

Fiesta

2023 will see Fiesta taking place at the end of Week 3 on Friday, 17 February . Whilst this is a new timeline for this much celebrated school activity, the student leaders commenced planning in the four Houses at the end of last year. As the year is underway, students have already commenced rehearsals and are working on their performances. Fiesta showcases areas of drama, music, dance and underpinning all this is team work, planning, energy, creative thinking and enjoyment.

I have no doubt that the 2023 College Theme, 'Pay attention. Be astonished, Tell about it.' will be demonstrated through the Fiesta performances. With the stories that are woven together, the visibility of student voice, the vision of each House and the coordination of student involvement very much embraces our theme.

Thank you to our Year 12 student leaders who welcomed the Year 7s on Wednesday, 1 February as they embarked on their secondary school journey. It was wonderful to hear, feel and see the excitement and energy, as both year levels rejoiced in entering into either their first year or final year at Siena.

In Religious Education, Year 7 students have commenced their learning by getting to know their classmates and discussing what it means to belong to our Siena community.

As the term progresses, our Year 7s will explore the rich history of Siena College, gaining an insight into the Dominican Tradition and how this Tradition underpins the ethos of the College. Students will also explore the important figures of Siena’s history, including St Catherine and St Dominic, and how our Catholic faith and identity are enriched by the stories of our saints.

In the Religious Education classrooms this week, teachers have posed a series of questions to the Year 7 students, including: "What is Belonging? What does it mean to belong in a group? What does Belonging look like at Siena?"

Below are some of their reflections.

What is Belonging?

• Feeling safe, comfortable, included, special
• A place where you can express and have fun without having to hide your true self
• Belonging is being cared about

What does it mean to belong in a group?

• Being able to express yourself without feeling judgement
• We are different but we are treated all the same
• Feeling accepted for who I am

How have you encountered belonging so far at Siena?

• Making new friends
• Engaging with my peers
• Trying new things
• Making sure everyone is included and has a place to sit
• Belonging to classes, house groups
• Being involved in our Fiesta rehearsals

A special welcome to all new students and families! We look forward to seeing you at future music concerts and events. Music lessons and ensemble rehearsals have commenced for the term and there is an exciting buzz around the Music Department. It is fantastic to be hearing music again in the mornings and afternoons. We have many new students making an excellent start to the year, attending their first lessons and ensemble rehearsals. We are excited to hear them perform at our Autumn Concert later in the term. We encourage all parents to read the 2023 Instrumental Music Handbook for all information and policies used this year.

New Music Staff

We would like to warmly welcome three new teachers to the Music Department:

• Voice Teacher and Director of Senior and Junior Choirs, Drew Downing
• Oboe and Bassoon Teacher and Assistant Director of Junior Band, Jessica Foot
• Trombone Teacher, Ian Haines

All three teachers are highly experienced teachers and musicians, and have plenty to offer to our music students and ensembles.

Chicago Musical

Musical rehearsals for Chicago, High School Edition has started. This combined schools performing arts production with St Kevin’s College will be a highlight for all student cast and orchestra. We wish them well during the production period. Production week is in Term 2 from Thursday, 25 May to Saturday, 27 May at Siena College.

Term 1 Music Dates

I am happy to share that Siena alumna, Dr Lorien Parker (Class of 1999) will once again be joining the College as a Scientist in Residence in 2023. Dr Loz will be working with groups of our Year 7, 8 and 9 students to deepen their understanding of science. She presents some very engaging and memorable classroom activities that build on what students are learning in various science units across year levels. She will be helping to inspire and engage students in STEAM and we are looking forward to her excellent lessons!

Biography

Dr Lorien Parker (aka D Loz), is an award-winning early career scientist turned science communicator for children. Her extensive background in biochemistry and molecular biology (from completing a PhD and then subsequent post doctorates in cancer chemotherapy drug design), combined with her passion for engaging children as young as three in science, has led to the development of her unique science program and small business, Science Play Kids. In 2018, Dr Loz was named as one of the The Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence.

In just over four years, Dr Loz has designed, developed and delivered thousands of science workshops that engage children in science. She approaches science education through play based learning by helping children see the science in their everyday lives. Her creative approach to science teaching marries art and science, engaging children in science concepts through colour, texture and a huge range of sensory elements. Dr Loz is encouraging children to be problem solvers, explorers and investigators by showing them that asking questions (and then finding answers) is what science is all about. Her vision is for every child, across the full scale of neurodiversity, regardless of their academic ability, to have the opportunity to experience how cool science is. Dr Loz produces curriculum linked lesson plans, unique science kits and many engaging science videos, both online and through Science Play Kids social channels.

Jessica D completed her study of Year 12 Drama at Siena College in 2022. She has been selected to perform her solo performance examination in Top Class Drama 2023, as part of the VCE Season of Excellence presented by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). Students who received a perfect score from all three performance examiners were invited to audition for Top Class Drama. We are proud to report that Jessica will perform at the Malthouse Theatre on Wednesday, 15 March at 2.00pm.

Jessica created an original work based on the real life character of Hetty Green. Hetty Green was a woman who lived during the Gilded Age in New York, during the late 1800s. She was an entrepreneur and businesswoman, a woman ahead of her time. Her performance dramatically chronicled Hetty Green’s personal and business life, as well as incorporating links and parallels to the life of Siena alumna, Susan Alberti AC (Class of 1964), who is also a contemporary businesswoman and philanthropist.

Our current VCE Drama classes will be attending Top Class Drama 2023, in their support of Jessica in this outstanding achievement. We wish Jessica every success in her pursuit of Creative Arts at tertiary level and look forward to hearing of her future artistic endeavours.

Tickets are available via the Malthouse website.

Maths Help will once again be running in 2023!

It is a fantastic opportunity for students to get some extra assistance with those tricky maths problems. Students are more than welcome to attend with their friends as our friendly maths staff will be more than happy to assist.

We look forward to seeing you at Maths Help in 2023! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at nroussidis@siena.vic.edu.au.

The Year 9 Chinese class performed an eye catching Chinese dragon parade on Thursday, 2 February to celebrate the start of the new school year as well as the Lunar New Year. The Chinese dragon is a mythical creature made up of body parts from nine different animals: horns of a deer, head of a camel, eyes of a rabbit, scales of a fish, body of a snake, feet of a tiger, ears of a cow and claws of an eagle.

As you may already know, China is an agricultural country and farmers rely very much on good weather to ensure a bountiful harvest every year. Legend has it that the Chinese dragon possesses supernatural powers to control the weather. In ancient times, it was also symbol of supreme power used by Chinese emperors. Still today, the Chinese dragon is worshipped by many in China as it symbolises good fortune.

“The oldest known library, dating back to the second millennium BC, in Thebes, Egypt, reportedly bore a sign above its portals in Greek: Psyches Iatreion, translated as healing place of the soul.”[1]

Reading is one way we can better understand our world and our place in it. At Siena College, students have access to and are encouraged to read from a vast variety of genres. This allows students to experience a multitude of emotions and experiences, from a position of safety and support.

[2]

Through reading, we can understand our own lives better, as well as build empathy towards others. Each book that a student reads, builds upon their understanding of the world, alongside personal experiences. Students can read stories they can relate to or that are fanciful or speculative. They can be scared, intrigued, humoured and inspired.

As part of our English curriculum, students share their reading experiences with each other during Wide Reading sessions. They are encouraged to question and contemplate characters, the choices they make and the emotions they express. These skills of interpretation, curiosity and self reflection are not only invaluable when examining a text in English, but for our students in their own lives as well.

Sharing reading with your child can be an amazing conduit to meaningful conversations where emotions are openly discussed and validated. There are many ways to start reading conversations, including reading the same book, sharing something you have read or are reading or even strolling around a bookshop or library together.

So grab a book and start a conversation!

References

[1] “Can reading help heal us and process our emotions – or is that just a story we tell ourselves?” by Jane Turner Goldsmith, University of Adelaide. Published January 23, 2023 – full text: https://theconversation-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/theconversation.com/amp/can-reading-help-heal-us-and-process-our-emotions-or-is-that-just-a-story-we-tell-ourselves-197789

[2] George R. R. Martin’s character Jojen in “A Dance with Dragon” (2011)

The Siena Alumnae Wall is a special tribute to our alumnae and is located in the Convent Cloisters. You can register here to have your name inscribed on the Alumnae Wall.

Inscription registrations for 2022/2023 will close at the end of June 2023 and then be unveiled later in the year. Inscriptions are $50 per name.

For further information, you can email Alumnae Coordinator, Imma Boubouras at alumnae@siena.vic.edu.au.

Enter the draw to win a Flight Centre voucher (RRP: $14,990.00) or a year's worth of tuition fees for Siena College! Only seven days left until the SPA Annual Raffle is drawn on Friday, 17 February 2023.

A reminder that everyone is welcome to purchase a Raffle ticket and don't forget that this year's SPA Raffle is digital: click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

All proceeds raised will go towards supporting the academic, spiritual, cultural, sporting and social interests of Siena College students.

Since 1971, the Siena Parents’ Association (SPA) has been supporting students at Siena by bringing the parent and school community together with events and fundraising activities. Through the support of Siena parents, SPA has raised in total of $229,335.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new students and parents of Siena College. If you are not familiar with our Siena Career News, please take some time to check it out on the Siena Careers website or via the Careers Tile on Siena Central.

This year I am joined by Career Practitioner and Teacher, Maree Hodgson. Maree will be available for Careers Meetings on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this year. Appointments can be made via the Appointment Booking tab on the Siena Careers website.

We look forward to meeting both students and parents in 2023!

In this edition of Siena Career News you can read about:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 1
• What the Career Centre can assist you with?
• Applying for a Tax File Number (TFN)
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
• Career as a Biomedical Engineer
• Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
• The Hansen Scholarship 2024 at the University of Melbourne
• Environmental Science Degrees in Victoria in 2023
• Why Study Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University?
• ADF GAP Year 2024
• Agriculture Degrees on offer in Victoria in 2023

We have limited places available in Year 7 2024. If your daughter is currently in Grade 6, we strongly recommend you submit an Enrolment Application as soon as possible.

To submit an Application for Enrolment, visit the Siena website (click here) and click the Apply Now button. After you have submitted your online enrolment application form and all supporting documents, our Head of Admissions, Tracey Lawson, will confirm receipt of your application.

To help you with your application, follow the our handy Enrolment Procedure and Checklist. You can also view our Enrolment Policy for further information.

All enrolments are subject to a successful enrolment interview, during which we hope to learn more about your daughter, including her interests, hobbies and learning strengths. This interview also provides an opportunity for you and your family to learn more about Siena College, including our school values, subject and cocurricular offerings, and expectations of our students.

If you would like to discover the Siena Spirit, register for an Open Morning or College Tour here.

For any enrolment enquires, please feel free to contact Tracey Lawson at admissions@siena.vic.edu.au