We welcome back all students for Term 4. Along with the usual array of activities across the term, please note within some important community events and end of year dates.
Another eventful term is upon us as we prepare our Year 12 students for their final examinations, run our Semester 2 examinations for Year 9 to 11 students, as well as tally and collate the results in readiness for the Night of Excellence at the end of the term.
October is Mental Health Month. As a College community, we recognise the significance of good mental health and the importance of seeking support when required.
With the Year 12 students all having successfully completed their VTAC applications, it is time to look ahead and spend some time planning the 2023 Careers calendar.
We welcome back all students for Term 4. Along with the usual array of activities across the term, please note below some important community events and end of year dates.
Friday, 14 October: Arts and Technology Exhibition (display of Year 12 artwork)
Saturday, 15 October: Alumnae Decade Reunion
Tuesday, 18 October: Graduation Mass and Supper (Year 12 families)
Wednesday, 19 October: Non Teaching Day (curriculum planning day for staff)
Thursday, 20 October: Open Evening (2.30pm finish for students)
Thursday, 27 October: Rising Stars Concert
Monday, 31 October: Non Teaching Day
Wednesday, 2 November: Year 10 Siena College/Whitefriars College Social
Thursday, 3 November: Memorial Mass
Friday, 4 November: Siena Golf Day
Monday, 7 November: Open Morning and Year 10 and 11 Music Performance Recital Evening
Thursday, 17 November: Graduation Ball
Friday, 18 November: Year 7 2023 Orientation Day and Year 11 Examination Period commences
Monday, 21 November: Year 7 2023 Parent Information Evening
Monday, 28 November: Year 12 2013 Headstart Program begins and Year 10 Examination period starts
Thursday, 1 December: Year 9 Examination period starts
Friday, 2 December: Last day of school for Year 11 students
Saturday, 3 December: Secondhand Book Sale (9.00am to 12.00pm)
Wednesday, 7 December: Summer Concert and Kopanang Christmas Market
Thursday, 8 December: Last day for Year 7 to 10 students (12.45pm finish)
Friday, 9 December: Non Teaching Day (Staff Professional Learning)
Tuesday, 13 December: Night of Excellence (Awards Evening)
The last day for Year 12 students is Tuesday, 18 October. On this evening, we look forward to gathering with students and families at St Dominic’s Church for a Graduation Eucharist. We are grateful this cohort has had a relatively normal school year, with many opportunities throughout 2022 to gather and celebrate. In the final days, the Year 12 students will share many special moments in final assemblies and farewells. We keep these students in our prayers as they prepare for their final examinations.
A Blessing for our Graduates
May God who has begun such good work in our students,
carry it through to completion,
enabling them to use their talents to the fullest.
May God give them the grace to make wise choices
and be faithful to their commitments,
always confident in the support of those who love them.
May God bless our Year 12 students with discomfort at easy answers,
half-truths, and superficial relationships,
so that they will live deep within our heart.
May God bless them with anger at injustice,
oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that all Siena graduates will work for justice, equality and peace.
May God bless them with tears to shed for those who
suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war,
so that each may play their part in reaching out
in comfort and solidarity.
May God bless our graduates with wise foolishness
to think that they can make a difference in the world,
so that they will do the things
which others say cannot be done.
May the integrity of our service and the talents or our graduates
be a gift to the world
and may the Spirit of God be with each of them, always.
Amen.
Artwork credit: Year 12 student, Gabriella Sakkos
Elizabeth Hanney
Principal
Mission Matters
October, the Month of the Rosary
The earliest records of the practice of counting prayers among religions of Western culture can be traced to the eleventh and twelfth centuries. It is believed that people carried small stones or pebbles in their pockets with which to count prayers.
However, there is evidence that Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam all had traditions of prayer counting that predate this, and these faiths had incorporated a string of beads for this counting.
The history of the rosary in our tradition can be traced back to the time of St Dominic in the south of France in the early 1200s. It is said that Dominic was shown a string of beads by the Virgin Mary and was instructed to preach the rosary among his people to battle against sin and heresy.
Celebrating the Class of 2022
It has been a pleasure to work with Fr Kevin, students and staff to plan our Class of 2022 Graduation Eucharist and Ceremony. This significant celebration will focus both on gratitude and the way these students have lived our College theme, In Truth and Action. We are fortunate to be able to mark this rite of passage as a College community in St Dominic’s Church for the first time since 2019 and we wish these students well as they head into their examination period.
Jennifer Levett
Deputy Principal Mission and Identity
Learning and Teaching
Another eventful term is upon us as we prepare our Year 12 students for their final examinations, run our Semester 2 examinations for Year 9 to 11 students, as well as tally and collate the results in readiness for the Night of Excellence at the end of the term. We have also started to look at and update the 2023 curriculum content so as to provide a head start for our students the following year.
Year 12 Trial Exams
Thank you to all our students and staff who ensured that the Year 12 Trial Exams ran smoothly. Results are now available via Siena Central. These results are indicative of how the students are currently placed in terms of their learning. It is important that students regard these exams as a learning opportunity and take the time to go through them, ask questions and focus on any areas which require improvement. Parents of Unit 3/4 students are asked to take note of the information on the final arrangements for the VCAA Exams posted via Siena Central earlier this week.
Last Day of Year 12 Students
The last day of classes for Year 12 students is Friday, 14 October followed by two days of special activities on Monday and Tuesday, and culminating in their Graduation Mass on Tuesday evening.
During regular school hours, teaching staff are available to correct practice papers and assist in any way. Once the students commence on the SWOT Vac period , their teachers will continue to be available in their normal class time. The most effective way to revise and study is to complete as many practice papers and questions as possible. School uniform is to be worn when coming into the College for revision or consultation.
During this time, support and encouragement from family and friends are very valuable to help uplift the spirit and keep the momentum going. We will be thinking of you and wishing you all the very best!
Examination Timetables
Year 9 to 11 students will receive their Revision Package and Examination Timetable next week. Parents and students will be informed via a Siena Central news item when the materials are ready. A Revision Booklet outlining study skills and exam preparation will also be made available to students via Siena Central.
Learning and Teaching Curriculum Writing Day
Curriculum Writing Day is on Wednesday, 19 October and it is a non-teaching day. The purpose of this day is to work in subject level teams to update the 2023 curriculum documentation. It is an opportunity to ensure that the subject and year level curriculum is fresh, interesting, engaging and relevant, therefore allowing students to develop their skills in a meaningful way.
2023 Subjects and Booklists
Students will be emailed their 2023 subjects in the coming weeks. All information pertaining to the booklists will be available via Siena Central. Please look out for a Siena Central news item when the booklists are ready.
Donna Laughlin
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Mental Health Month
October is Mental Health Month.
As a College community, we recognise the significance of good mental health and the importance of seeking support when required. At Siena, we spend time with our students discussing these issues and recommending avenues for support. This can be an uncomfortable space for adults too as we recognise that raising happy, confident, resilient and mentally healthy young people can be challenging. In recognition of the partnership between home and school, parents and carers will find below some links to resources on our SchoolTV website that focus on the topic of Mental Health and Building Resilience:
“In Indigenous systems, knowing comes from understanding how we connect to all the life around us and how all the life around us connects to each other.” Ambelin Kwaymullina
Immersion to Lake Mungo
During the final week of Term 3, a group of nineteen students from Years 9, 10 and 11 participated in our Immersion to Lake Mungo. They spent time walking and sleeping on Paakantji and Mutthi Mutthi Country. Our students were privileged to sit with, to learn from, and to listen to Traditional Owners teach us their ways, stories, perspectives and aspects of their Culture. After a busy term, this experience enabled our students to pause, to live more mindfully On Country, and to watch and listen to the living culture surrounding us. The opportunity to visit Lake Mungo, and to walk and spend time sitting on this Sacred Land with Aunty Vicki Clark OAM was a highlight for us all. Aunty Vicki’s grandmother, Alice Kelly was an Aboriginal activist who asserted Aboriginal ownership of the remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady. She also advocated for their return to their final resting places after archaeologists removed their remains upon discovery. Learning from Aunty Vicki about the fight for recognition, both historically and still today was inspiring and empowering for our students. This experience served as an affirmation for our students on their commitment to Reconciliation.
After a long hiatus since our last Immersion program in 2019, it was once again a joy and privilege to accompany students on this experience and to watch their hearts and minds expand.
Reflecting on their experience:
"The Immersion challenged my thinking in a way that made me understand and appreciate that sometimes I do not and will not have the answers. I have had my eyes opened to the importance of listening to others with an open heart. I now understand more than ever how important it is to acknowledge all voices as unique and different from one another." Amy
"When Aunty Vicki was speaking to us, she told us how she does not like being labelled or called 'Indigenous' because it has connotations of flora and fauna, and she does not want to be thought of as a plant. So, now when I see or hear people calling Aboriginal people 'Indigenous', I try to correct them or let them know that term may be offensive to some Aboriginal people." Alannah
"When I first got back to Melbourne from the Lake Mungo Immersion, I was lost for words when trying to explain what I experienced to my family. The experience was so personal and spiritual that it was hard to find those words. I have become more grateful for the people around me and more observant of the little things in life. I also found that my phone and immaterial things are no longer as important to me, and I have become more appreciative of what I have presently." Ella
"A memorable moment for me was the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony we received upon our arrival at Culpra Milli Homeland. Our hosts Uncle Dick, Uncle Barry and Sofia led us in this moving experience, and I felt so welcomed into their community as a visitor standing on their Country." Amy
Support for St Mary’s House of Welcome
In Term 4 at Siena, the Justice focus for our College community turns towards supporting the community at St Mary’s House of Welcome. St Mary’s is a not for profit centre in Fitzroy providing basic essential services to people who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, severe mental health issues, as well as those members of society who are isolated and socially marginalised.
The service was opened in 1960 by the Daughters of Charity and serves approximately two hundred people on a daily basis. In addition to food, St Mary’s House of Welcome provides showers to Melbournians sleeping rough, laundry facilities, and referral services to health and other welfare services. St Mary’s House of Welcome aspires to treat each individual with respect, to foster relationships, and be a beacon of hopefulness in a challenging and lonely world.
This year, St Mary’s have indicated that the greatest need they have this Christmas is food donation. St Mary’s will use the food items collected to create food hampers for families in need. Based on the requests for food, each year level has been allocated pantry staples to donate. All students are asked to contribute to the collection of groceries which will be coordinated by House group teachers. Donations will be collected by St Mary’s in Week 9. Donations need to be finalised by Week 8. Thank you in anticipation for your generosity.
Long life milk (including long life flavoured milk)
Sweet biscuits
Crackers
Year 9
Cup of soups, cup of noodles
Muesli bars / breakfast bakes
Baked beans / spaghetti
Year 10
Small tubs of fruit
Rice
Lollies
Year 11
Coffee
Pasta sauce
Shortbread
Friday Night School: Children's Book Donations
Friday Night School, an independent, non-denominational educational charity running out of St Ignatius Parish Hall in Richmond, was founded twenty-six years ago to help students from non-English speaking backgrounds, particularly new migrant and refugee students. Siena College has been fortunate to be involved in this program over the past two years, with students in Years 10 to 12 tutoring students in the program. Our students and volunteering Siena staff all describe this opportunity as rewarding, enriching and enjoyable.
Friday Night School will be hosting an end of year celebration for the children and all participating schools have been invited to contribute to the celebrations. This year, we will provide the children with a book to read over the summer holiday period.
We are asking for donations of new (or very lightly loved) children's books and young adult fiction (suitable for five to fifteen years old). All donations will be gladly received and can be handed to Head of Justice Education, Mrs Ilott.
Bronwyn Ilott
Director of Faith and Mission
Sport News
Gold Coast National Secondary AeroSchools Championships
Congratulations to our Siena Aerobics Nationals squad who competed in the National Secondary AeroSchools Championships held on the Gold Coast recently. A big thank you to the Siena coaching team and well done to all students for achieving such amazing results, what a great way to finish off the season!
First place
Inter L4 Group: Harper, Zoe, Gracie, Sienna
Third place
Inter L4 Group: Indianna, Tahlia, Hannah, Lara, Eloise
Inter L4 Trio: Indianna, Tahlia, Hannah
Senior L5 Group: Alannah, Olivia, Tess, Maya
Seventh place
Inter L3 Group, Mia, Lexi, Nicki, Sagan
Year 7 GSV Sport Expo
Twenty-three Year 7 students had the privilege of attending the GSV Year 7 Sport Expo held at Monash University.
The expo aims to promote health and physical activities to students by involving them in a variety of sports and physical activities.
The focus of the expo is to provide a fun, social environment for students to learn new sports and develop fundamental skills. The day is structured to encourage interaction among students from GSV schools with sport development officers and state sporting organisations.
Five Siena students from each class were nominated by their Health and Physical Education (HPE) teachers to attend, which served as a reward for their engagement in HPE and sport throughout the year.
Julia Hay
Director of Sport
Arts and Technology
Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition 2022
After two years of exhibiting student work in the online exhibition space, we are excited to be back showcasing our VCE students' work in the Visual Arts Gallery in the St Catherine’s Centre.
Students completing a Unit 3/4 subject in Media, Product Design and Technology, Studio Arts and Visual Communication Design have the opportunity to share their ‘art making and creative practice’ with the Siena College community onsite this year.
The exhibitions opens on Friday, 14 October from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. We invite our Year 12 students and families, along with other members of the Siena and wider community to share in the work generated by our Arts and Technology students. To celebrate Arts at Siena and the enduring nature of creativity, we welcome Siena alumna, Emme Orbach (Class of 2008) as our guest speaker.
Visitors to the exhibition on Friday evening are able to vote for the ‘People's Choice Award’ in the following subject areas:
Media
Product Design and Technology
Studio Arts
Visual Communication Design
There will also be one 'Principal’s Award' selected by Mrs Hanney at exhibition.
Our students are excited for the opportunity to exhibit their work to an audience. The following comments convey their thoughts on the experience in creating work and the return to onsite exhibition format this year.
“Although the virtual galleries were innovative and served a purpose, nothing beats viewing the artworks in person and interacting with others in the space.”
“Having spent so much time and effort creating these artworks, we are very proud to showcase our work with the Siena community.”
“It has been inspiring seeing the talent from our peers.”
“It will be good to see the various artforms together in one exhibition as it allows viewers to witness the range of artistic talents at Siena.”
“Having a physical gallery rather than online as it has been for the past two years will allow people to interact with the artworks on a deeper level, as they stand before the work and have their eyes travel across the surface and engage with the materials. Or be drawn into the film based works that transport the audience through narrative.”
“It has been really rewarding to see ten months of hard work come together.”
“Our knowledge of exhibition and design of the spaces has really come to the fore in putting together this space.”
“The immersive studio process has been both consuming and incredibly rewarding”
“It is great to be able to physically see everyone’s art again and to immerse myself in the art class creative space. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to surround myself with creativity.”
Applied Computing: Lego MINDSTORMS
"In Year 11 Applied Computing, we paired up and begun working on building functional robots made from Lego. Our group chose to build an anglerfish design, which uses sensors (such as colour and ultrasonic) and motors to allow the robot to open and close its mouth on command. The robot uses simple scratch coding that is easy to learn and is suitable for any ages and any level of understanding of coding. As a side project, we also used the sound function to recreate our favourite songs by adjusting the notes, timing and volume of each sound. Furthermore, we experimented by combining the robot’s jaw motor ability to sync with the music notes, creating the illusion that the fish is singing. We have greatly enjoyed this activity, from building the Lego to programming it to move; it has been a fun challenge to tackle. It has been a great way to end Year 11 Applied Computing and we are looking forward to continuing in Year 12." Yasmin and Angelina
"In Applied computing we have been using software called Lego Mindstorms to code a robot of our choice. I have been able to customise the sounds and movements my robot makes. In recent classes my partner and I have adjusted some attachments to allow it to pick up objects. Overall, this class activity has been a very enjoyable experience that has help me understand coding a bit more." Georgia
"We have been using the LEGO MINDSTORM robot inventor to build a Lego device that we can code to do certain activities. We made a driving base and a colour sensor so that our device can move and conduct actions based on what colour it senses." Alana
Peta Mackintosh
Head of Student Formation
Siena Alumnae Wall
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 off 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: alumnae@siena.vic.edu.au.
Imma Boubouras
Alumnae Coordinator
Career News
With all Year 12 students having successfully completed their VTAC applications, it is time to look ahead and spend some time planning the 2023 Careers calendar. Next year we will be hosting our first Careers Expo in many years and will tie this in with our hugely successful annual Siena Careers Showcase. Stay tuned for more details!
Reminder: Talk with Industry Series at Australian Catholic University
News from Melbourne University - Undergraduate Engineering Majors in 2023 - UniMelb on-Demand
What do I need to remember to be successful in my first year of University or TAFE?
Low income health care card for Australian and Permanent Resident students
Useful websites and links
Studying the Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology) at Flinders University
Snapshot of Holmesglen Institute in 2022
Clare Timmins
Head of Careers
Community Noticeboard
St Dominic's Parish (Camberwell East) is Hiring!
St Dominic’s is a welcoming community of Catholic Christians who have an outward focus on evangelisation and social justice. The Parish will celebrate its centenary in 2024 and has been in the care of the Dominican friars from the beginning.
The primary purpose of Parish Secretary role is to provide secretarial services to the Parish Priest and staff and manage the Parish Office. There is a probationary period of six months after which the part time position will be offered on a permanent basis or employment terminated.
Join us for the sixtieth anniversary celebrations held at St Luke the Evangelist Parish Primary School (Blackburn South) on Sunday, 16 October. All are welcome. Click here to learn more.
