Year 12 Retreat (Horizons Week)

The final week of term was an ideal time for our Year 12 students to travel to Pallotti College, Millgrove to participate in their annual retreat. The weather was perfect, enabling many sessions to take place outdoors, including our reflective night walk.

Students were introduced to the act of writing palancas: short affirmations historically gifted to those going on retreat or pilgrimage. Across the days they wrote these to each other, emphasising encouragement and hope. Students gathered as a cohort to engage with guest speakers, Christine Cummins (Jesuit Social Services) and Linh Do (Climate Action Network) to reflect on this year’s College Theme, In Truth and Action, and to view this through their unique Year 12 lens.

In small groups with members of the staff retreat team, they valued the time to initiate further discussion, journal about their wonderings and work on an individual ‘Frame of Faith’ as a visual reminder of their retreat experience. On our final evening, we participated in a liturgy based around our collaborative art activity, 'Web of Connection'.

St Catherine’s Day

The Feast of St Catherine of Siena is a unique day of prayer, community building, outreach to our Dominican sisters and brothers in the Solomon Islands, as well as the fun filled Fiesta performances. As we had been unable to celebrate Eucharist as a whole school community for the preceding twelve months, it was wonderful to begin our special day with Mass in the Latingata Morrom Gymnasium.

The word Eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving, and on this day we certainly had much to be grateful for, including:

• Our Dominican heritage and international family
• The legacy of St Catherine
• The many people who make up the unique community of our College: students, staff, parents, alumnae and community partners

In this Easter season, our guest, Christine Cummins responded to the Gospel by reminding us anew of our 2022 College Theme, In Truth and Action. In our current context, she encouraged us to explore the ways in which we are called to live out this theme, to be who God means us to be… and set the world on fire.

Our Dominican Family in the Solomon Islands

Each year on St Catherine's Day, we focus on responding to the needs of our Dominican family in the Solomon Islands; this community is challenged by access to full education, adequate food and water supply and, like so many islands, is very concerned about rising sea levels and further impacts of climate change.

All funds raised on St Catherine’s Day will make visible our ongoing commitment to supporting our Dominican Sisters in their important work.

Being an Effective Learner

This week, students from Years 7 to 10 have participated in learning reflection sessions, focusing on the attributes of an effective learner, their own strengths as a learner and strategies they can further develop. The session materials can be accessed here. We ask for your support in continuing this discussion with your child as we assist students to exercise their onsite learning muscles. We will also have follow up sessions, supporting students to build their independence as learners.

NAPLAN Testing

Year 7 and 9 students will take take part in NAPLAN testing on:

• Wednesday, 11 May
• Thursday, 12 May
• Monday, 16 May

Parents have been notified of the schedule.

Term 2 Examinations

As we move towards the examination period for Year 9 to 11 students, we will be holding specialised classes that focus on learning and revision strategies, as well as exam and test writing skills, to help students optimise their assessment outcome.

It is so important that our students approach study in a consistent and continuous way, to help prevent anxiety and a sense of being overwhelmed. We ask for your support to encourage your daughter/s to complete homework tasks on time and prepare well in advance for formal testing.

Examinations commence on Friday, 10 June and finish on Friday, 17 June. Examination timetables will be made available on Friday, 21 May and revision outlines will be published via Siena Central on Monday, 23 May.

Horizons Week

Horizons Week was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by our students during the final week of Term 1. A lot of thought and preparation went into ensuring the activities and events scheduled were relevant and worthwhile, and that our students acquired skills and valuable learning. Horizon Week activities included camps, university visits, career suitability exercises, city trips to explore culture, history and art, as well as community service trips.

Horizons Week was a small but valuable step in helping our students to develop skills that will allow them to actively participate in the world around them, to contribute in a meaningful and positive way, to be curious and confident, to know their limitations but also be prepared to take healthy risks and embrace who they are as an individual.

Learning Conversations

The Learning Conversations that took place in Term 1 were impacted by an unfortunate technical glitch, whereby external links outside the Siena College intranet were not operational. Our IT Department was able to quickly diagnose the problem but it was time consuming to resolve the issue. We have touched base with all parents impacted by this and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience. Learning Conversations will take place again in Term 3 and we look forward to a seamless experience.

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the ability of oneself to be ‘in tune’ with our attitudes, emotions and actions. We know that people who have a high level of self-awareness and are cognisant of their internal experiences can recognise that their external responses have an impact on others.

This term, the theme for the Wellness program is self-awareness. Skills in self-awareness are refined over time; we are always working on ourselves in order to be the best person we can be for us as individuals, and for the communities around us. Students will spend time this term looking at self-awareness as learners; how students can identify when they need help. We will explore positive relationships and how self-awareness is an important factor in maintaining positive relationships with our friends.

Big Sister Little Sister Program

This week we were able to finally launch the Siena College Big Sister Little Sister program. Year 7 and Year 12 students were able to meet one another this week as they shared lunch. In Week 5, the Year 7s and Year 12s will be invited to attend a breakfast event and later in the term they will have the opportunity to spend time together in a dedicated Wellness lesson.

Vox

It has been a busy week of launching new programs at Siena as we also had the first meeting of our new student group, Vox. The aim of this group is to give voice to our student body on a range of local, national and global issues affecting adolescents.

We are so excited about the Wellbeing opportunities that are available for our students this term!

"In our Fiesta performance, we drew upon the theme of Fire, being representative of passion. Our initial thoughts led us to the Olympic torch, the eternal flame, in which we incorporated into our performance to indicate the everlasting spirit of Kurrajong, which has helped us secure a Fiesta win this year!

In terms of the narrative, our performance followed a young girl named Bridget (Kurrajong) who longed to be an Olympic athlete. However, from the day her passion was ignited, those around her had knowingly and unknowingly fanned her blazing torch. Bridget eventually overcame the doubt, burning brighter than ever.

Thank you to the students for supporting the House Captains in ensuring the Fiesta performance went smoothly. The attendance at rehearsals, as well as efforts in preparing props, sourcing costumes and maintaining enthusiasm were remarkable."

Year 12 Kurrajong House Captains, Sophie and Alex

"St Catherine’s Day Fiesta was an incredible day where we saw performances from every House. Although the day itself was filled with excitement, the true buzz was built up through months of rehearsals, beginning as soon as the school year started. Along with the other Waratah House Captains, began the planning process on the first day of Term 1 to draft up an idea of what we could do with the topic of Air, considering different concepts such as oxygen, stress and weather. After coming up with our storyline, we began the choreography of dances. It was so rewarding to see different year levels coming together to learn and refine dances for our Fiesta across many lunchtime practices, where their commitment and positive energy were paid off with the excellent results achieved!"

Year 12 Waratah House Captains, Sophie and Eliza

Fiesta Results

• Entrance and Participation Award: Waratah
• First Timers Award (Year 7): Kurrajong
• Last Timers Award (Year 12): Cassia
• Hot Shoe Shuffle Award (Year 8 to 11): Waratah
• Wow Award (Standout performance by an individual or group): Waratah
• Behind the Scenes Award: Kurrajong
• Music Award: Kurrajong
• Overall Winners: Kurrajong and Waratah

This term, the Eco Warriors are turning the spotlight on our individual and collective consumption, aiming to raise awareness of the impact we are having on the world. We are examining our habits and our use of resources, as well as asking ourselves some questions about how sustainable these choices actually are.

New Additions to Siena: Soft Plastic Eco Bins

For some time now, both Coles and Woolworths have functioned as collection centres for REDCycle. Customers are able to recycle their household soft plastics by dropping them off in the REDCycle bins where they are collected and then recycled.

Your old soft plastic may end up at one of the following facilities to transform into an entirely new product:

• Replas converts REDcycle material into a range of recycled products, including indoor and outdoor furniture, bollards, and signage
• Close the Loop utilises REDcycle material as a component of high performance recycled asphalt additive for road infrastructure known as Tonerplas
• Plastic Forests uses REDcycle material as a component of products, such as mini wheel stops and air conditioner mounting blocks for the consumer market

Siena has recently purchased some soft plastic bins to add to our growing collection of Envirowaste Bins. The Eco Warriors will be working hard to educate our student population on how to dispose their waste thoughtfully, by making use of the different types of bins we now have. Our soft plastics will then be collected by Siena volunteer staff and disposed of at a local supermarket. We anticipate that this will result in a significant reduction in Siena’s waste.

Students are strongly encouraged to avoid single use plastics where possible and are reminded that nude food is by far the most sustainable option.

Siena Joins the Bic and Colgate Recycling Programs!

Working with TerraCycle, Bic and Colgate have developed free recycling programs which Siena has signed up for!

Students, parents and staff are able to recycle used writing instruments (pens) of any brand. These materials will then be taken to Officeworks for recycling.

The Colgate Oral Care recycling program accepts all brands of toothpaste tubes, dental floss containers, toothbrushes and electronic toothbrush heads. Once collected, the waste is sent to TerraCycle for recycling.

Students and staff can leave their used writing materials and dental care products in the boxes outside the Justice Education office for collection and recycling.

And lastly, did you know?

• Old batteries and mobile phones can be recycled at Woolworths
• Old shoes can be recycled through the TreadLightly initiative at Nike stores

For further information on these programs:

• TreadLightly
• REDcycle
• TerraCycle: free collection programs

It is indeed empowering and exciting to know that the small choices we make every day can and will make a difference in the world, for the better.

“With every day with every choice, you impact the world in countless ways…how wonderful!” Emily Ehlers

Junior Indoor Cricket

Well done to all our students who participated in the Junior Indoor Cricket grand finals late last term. Our A Team won the championships and our B Team finished second place. This was a fantastic effort! This is especially so for our Year 7 students who had to travel to and from camp to compete. Their pennants will be proudly displayed on our sport notice board near the Latingata Morrom gym throughout this term.

GSV Sport Leaders' Breakfast

The annual GSV Sport Leaders' breakfast was held on Thursday, 5 May at the home of the St Kilda Football Club, RESA Park.

Our College Sport Captains, Holly Nieuwenhuizen and Heidi May attended the event, together with Director of Sport, Julia Hay.

Each year, GSV invites the sport captains and other school sport leaders to attend a networking breakfast. Over a hundred and twenty girls from GSV member schools attended this year and it was the first time the event took place outside a GSV school. Members of the St Kilda AFLW team, Hannah Priest and Olivia Vesely, gave an inspirational talk about their sport journey and the great impact it has had on their lives.

House Athletics Carnival

Preparations are in full swing for our House Athletics Carnival next Friday, 13 May. Get ready for an exciting and fun day at the athletics track!

Term 2 Sport Begins With a BANG!

We have the following programs running in Term 2:

• Netball: We have over a hundred and sixty student participants
• Aussie Rules Football: We have nearly eighty students involved in this program
• Footy Club: A casual club for students to come and have a kick of the football in the Latingata Morrom gym during lunch on Fridays
• Waterpolo: Our Year 9 to 12 students have been playing against other GSV schools and have been training at the Strathcona Pool
• Aerobics and Aerodance: It has been a massive term for the students who are preparing for the state championships and national competitions in the Gold Coast
• Cross Country and Running Club: This is our big carnival sport for the term. Places are still available for runners
  
• Strength and Conditioning (Fitness) Club: Our lunchtime fitness sessions take place with a physical trainer on Mondays and Fridays in the circuit room
• Senior Basketball: A day tournament run for the Year 11 and 12 students will be held on Thursday, 16 June

Other Important Dates

• Tuesday, 10 May: Cross Country training meet (after school)
• Friday, 13 May: House Athletics (during school hours)
• Tuesday, 17 May: Preliminary Cross Country Carnival (during school hours)
• Friday, 27 May: Championship Cross Country Carnival (during school hours)
• Thursday, 16 June: Senior Basketball Day Tournament (during school hours)

Expression of Interest: Snow Sport Championships

Students who are keen to compete in Term 3 are asked to complete a survey that has been sent to them. A decision will be made based on the number of students interested.

Wind Orchestra and De La Salle Senior Band Combined Schools Concert

Over the next few weeks, Wind Orchestra students will be going to De La Salle College to work with their Senior Symphonic Band, in preparation for a combined schools symphonic band concert on Monday, 23 May at 7.00pm. This will be a fantastic opportunity for all students to work with a different conductor and to play as a combined school band. The concert will feature both bands performing set pieces to each other, the combined school band and VCE music performance soloists.

All State Jazz Championship

The excitement is building in the Music Department with the anticipation of the All State Jazz Championship on Saturday, 14 May. Stage Band, Sisters of Swing and Canti Dolci will be competing in this championship in various divisions. Preparations are well underway, and we hope all students enjoy performing in the championship and listening to other schools' jazz bands and choirs.

Autumn Concerts

Wednesday, 1 June 2022: 5.00pm and 7.00pm | Susan Alberti Auditorium, Siena College

The Autumn Concert is always exciting for performers and audience members alike. This concert features our ensembles: wind bands, jazz bands, string ensembles, choirs, and chamber groups. Our junior ensembles will also be performing for the first time at Siena. The EdStart form will be sent out to parents soon, including the program order for each concert.

"As part of the Horizons Week program, Year 8 History students participated in a Medieval Day program. This was an opportunity for students to extend their understanding of the medieval era and participate in a range of activities.

Students were divided into groups and worked together to create medieval towns, villages, cathedrals and castles. This was a great way for students to appreciate the complexity of significant buildings and work together to recreate them. The opportunity to create a brass rubbing of a medieval plaque also gave students a reminder of this era.

The highlight of the day was the demonstration of knights, wearing full armour and fighting! Our students even got the opportunity to fight the knights though they did not win! Still, they had great fun trying their luck!"

History teachers: Catherine Judd, Tina Di Camillo and Stephanie Leslie

"Dashing, slashing, the opportunity arrives to fight. Swords, shields, battle axes, armour and helmets, we saw them all. Lord Lorenzo looked intimidating but he had not met me! Our battle was furious and I landed a few good blows before Lord Lorenzo admitted defeat - he did not really!

"I learnt a lot about medieval fighting! The whole day was great."

Maleesha Wijesiri

"Medieval day was great! The best part was learning about medieval weapons and using them against the knights!"

Sienna Cataldo

"I enjoyed holding the big sword and shield trying to fight Lord Lorenzo."

Olivia Wong

On Monday, 28 March, the Year 9 Semester 1 Geography classes travelled to Toolangi State Forest. In collaboration with educators from the Gould League, the purpose of the field trip was to gather primary data to support and extend the Year 9 Geography course at Siena and in particular, the topic of Biomes and Food Security.

At Toolangi, students worked in groups, collecting a variety of data at different sites for subsequent comparison. The sites studied were a section of Mountain Ash Forest and an area which had formerly been forested but was recently logged.

Using appropriate technology and equipment, students recorded data on soil temperature, soil pH, air temperature, wind velocity and light levels. All data collected was taken back to class for analysis. In their fieldwork report submissions, students described the apparent effects of logging on a temperate forest environment, and they also made predictions and suggestions for the future of such regions.

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 Sam Ribeiro and Alan Anderson. Many thanks to Head of Humanities, Jessica Sullivan, and English and Humanities teacher, Henrich Galam, who also accompanied students on the day.

Here are some student reflections on their field trip experience:

“I really enjoyed the Geography field trip to Toolangi. It was a chance for me to explore a forest/temperate biome, something which I am not very familiar with. Getting to see a forest biome in person is very beneficial towards my learning on different biomes in Geography. I learned a lot from the experience, in particular the impact that logging has on animals' habitats and the environment. It was so interesting to compare a forest that was logged to a forest that had not been logged, as I got to understand how logging negatively impacted the forest. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and would do it again if the opportunity arises.”
Amber Kantzipas

”Something important I learned from the field trip was about the logging coupe. Clear fell logging is when all vegetation is removed from an area of a forest for wood. This is bad for the environment as sometimes trees fail to grow after logging. Another thing I learned was that when there are less trees, the soil becomes less moist, which affects the growth of new trees. It was a fun filled experience navigating the forest, as well as learning about the Mountain Ash trees and the endangered animals living in Toolangi.”
Poppy Tagaris

"I really enjoyed the whole field trip, but one of the things that stood out for me as a highlight was walking through the stunning Mountain Ash forest with my class and our guide, Jan, while learning all about the flora and fauna in the area. When recording data, my group was assigned to record the sunlight and shade via an app on the guide's phone. It was very interesting and fun to find the different shaded spots under the trees' canopy. I learnt so much about the Mountain Ash forest and the logging coupe! One of the most interesting facts that I learnt was that the Mountain Ash tree actually requires bush fires to thrive and survive, as its seeds can only sprout when they have been scorched in a fire at a certain temperature, which can only be naturally produced by a bush fire. If there are no bush fires, then there will be no Mountain Ash trees in our environment!

Also, did you know that when you are warding off snakes in the environment by creating vibrations with your footsteps, you are actually attracting leeches from the hanging branches? Much to the dismay of my classmates! Overall, I really enjoyed the Year 9 Geography Biomes field trip. I gained many new experiences and learnt many valuable and fascinating pieces of information."
Lily Graham

"On 28 March 2022, the Year 9 Geography classes went to the Toolangi State Forest. We split up into groups between our classes with a tour guide to investigate the forest. Throughout the day, I learnt how parts of the forest had been affected badly by logging, which in turn affected the wildlife that lives there, including the endangered Leadbeater’s possums in the old/dead trees.

I also learnt that the trees that were being logged are used for many other things, other than paper and furniture. One thing that I found very interesting was how trees and shrubs can impact the growth of other plants and the richness of soil. Overall, I enjoyed going to the Toolangi State Forest and conducting different types of research that I have never done before. It was a very calming area, and it was very beautiful. I enjoyed being outside and walking through the forest with my class. I enjoyed the view when we were driving up to the forest because I have never been there before, so it was a whole new experience."
Sienna Pittorino

Applications for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) are now open. If you hold a valid Health Care Card (HCC), Pensioner Concession Card (PCC), or you are a temporary foster parent or a first time applicant, you may be eligible for a $1,000 fee discount.

If you believe you are eligible, please fill out and return the CSEF Application Form before 24 June 2022.

If you applied for the CSEF in 2021 at Siena College, you do not need to complete an application form in 2022 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

For further information regarding the CSEF, please visit the Victorian Government website or refer to this information flyer.

Click below to read the information sheet in various languages:

• English
• Chinese
• Vietnamese
• Arabic

The Careers Showcase taking place on Thursday, 9 June from 7.00pm to 9.00pm will feature panels of Siena alumnae speaking about their study and career pathways since leaving school. The event is open to Year 9 to 12 students and their parents.

Career categories include:

• Allied Health
• Architecture and Design
• Business
• Creative
• Criminology and Forensics
• Law
• Marketing and Communications
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Sports Management
• STEAM

Click here to register.

In the final week of Term 1, Year 11 students participated in the Horizons Week program, three jam packed days designed to help students to be job and career ready.

The program commenced with an alumnae panel session whereby each alumna spoke about their personal career journey, followed by a Q&A session. Questions included: tips on choosing subjects and tertiary courses, switching career paths, as well as accepting the risk and challenges involved with following your dreams and passions.

In the first two days, students participated in a series of workshops on money management, resume writing, LinkedIn profile setup and tips to ace group job interviews.

The final day was spent visiting RMIT University and the University of Melbourne where students learnt more about life as a university student, different courses on offer, pathway programs and graduate success stories.

Our Year 11 students were so engaged and asked many questions. They have certainly commenced their preparation for some of the big decisions that they will be making next year.

Items in the latest edition of Siena Career News include:

• Victorian Careers Show 2022
• Where can an Arts Degree take you?
• Discover Monash Seminar Series
• RMIT: Discover What’s Next Seminar Series
• Studying the Bachelor of Applied Innovation alongside another Degree at Swinburne
• Focus on Melbourne Seminar Series 2022
• Victorian Law Week 2022
• Solar Apprenticeships for Women
• Aspire: Early Admissions Program to La Trobe University
• Business and Commerce Degrees in Victoria, 2022
• Biomedicine/Biomedical Science Degrees in Victoria, 2022
• Fashion, Textiles and Visual Merchandising Courses in Victoria, 2022
• Snapshot of Deakin University in 2022

For further details, please visit: Siena Career News