Sionians: Spring 2023, Edition 37

SIONIANS

Beyond the Cherry Red Gates

Spring

From the College Captains Contents

Sion Day is a special tradition for our community. It is anticipated for the whole year and everyone comes together and celebrates all the hard work and dedication that we have put into our school work and our community environment.

From the competitive nature in ‘winning’ the House kahoots, or singing and dancing together during the open mics, this day is one where we can put our stress aside and spend quality time with our friends and reconnect with our school community. It is always so nice to be able to see everyone enjoying themselves and having fun with their peers.

Sionians: Beyond the Cherry Red Gates is produced by Our Lady of Sion College, 1065 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, Victoria 3128.

© Copyright reserved

Licensed under NEALS. The NEALS licence permits Australian schools and educational bodies to reproduce print and digital materials for educational use in schools free of charge.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to those who contributed to the articles and photographs in this issue. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Our Lady of Sion College. The editor reserves the right to amend or reject any item submitted for publication.

Correspondence is welcomed to: Tina Apostolopoulos, Principal, Our Lady of Sion College

PO Box 254

Kerrimuir, VIC 3129

E: principal@sion.catholic.edu.au

paststudents@sion.catholic.edu.au

T: +61 3 9890 9097

W: sion.catholic.edu.au

Front cover image

Past Principal, Greg O’Callaghan, at his desk in 1978.

As well as enjoying the various activities on offer throughout the day, Sion Day is an amazing opportunity to fundraise for our chosen charity. For the last four years, we have been fundraising for the San Luis Lumad Community High School, which has allowed us to support the development of their classroom and science facilities, as well as their dormitories. The sisters at the school recently wrote a letter to share the progress of the updated areas that were a direct result of our contributions, and how grateful the community was for the partnership with our College.

It is always such a good feeling to know that there are many positive things that come out of the day, from the enjoyment we can find with our friends, to knowing we were able to help and support the San Luis Lumad community in the Philippines.

Sionians: Beyond the Cherry Red Gates

Bettina and Ava, 2023 College

From the Desk of the Principal

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:1–3

As we approach the end of 2023 and the milestone it represents, we give thanks for all that Our Lady of Sion College has achieved in its 95-year history.

It is difficult to accurately calculate the number of students and staff who have been educated at the College since 1928 but it is clear that it would be in the many, many thousands. When we welcome past students to our reunions or when we encounter them at various events, they often recall the classrooms they occupied and the facilities that were provided to support their education, but ultimately, the moments that everyone treasures are the times spent together with friends and teachers. It is the relationships and the joyful moments that remain with us.

As you will read in this edition, while not all eras celebrated Sion Day in the manner we do today, in many ways, I would like to think that each day has been a Sion Day. Since 1928, each day has provided time for prayer and reflection; to learn about our Catholic and Sionian traditions and to consider those who are less fortunate than we are. Each day students have continued to spend time with their teachers and experience the benefits of a strong community that has welcomed them and been concerned for their learning and wellbeing. Each day we have appreciated the care of the Sisters, who since 1928 have never wavered from their vision for the College, one that is inclusive and that has had each student’s education as the primary goal. Each day has also provided students with the opportunity to form authentic relationships with each other, not only in the classroom, but also on the sports field, in our House traditions, in our social justice programs, in our Drama and Musical productions, and in the broader life of the College.

For present day students, Sion Day is a muchanticipated event in the College calendar. Students can put aside their studies and enter into the spirit of the day by expressing gratitude for all they have been given and sharing this gift with each other and with those beyond our school through their fundraising activities. The day concludes with laughter, singing and dancing, in a true celebration of community spirit and a strong sense of identity.

What a wonderful legacy past Principal, Lucy Molony has left us. Lucy inaugurated Sion Day and we are very proud to continue this tradition today. In this edition, we mourn the loss of past Principal, Greg O’Callaghan, who also left an indelible mark on the College through his contribution to the learning programs and to the facilities that were built because of his vision for the College at that time. We express our gratitude to both Lucy and Greg for their contributions to Sion.

Finally, earlier this year, the Sisters informed the community that the governance of the College would transfer to Mercy Partners. At this announcement, I emphasised that the Sisters would remain an important part of our school and that their legacy and the Sion charism entrusted to us would continue to form the foundation of our College in the years to come.

At our 2023 Sion Day Eucharist Fr Mark Reynolds, our College Chaplain, reminded us that not only should we be grateful for what we have been gifted by God, but also that God rejoices in each and every one of us for the capacity we have to transform our world. As we mark the 95th anniversary since the establishment of Our Lady of Sion College in 1928, let us continue this commitment in the many years ahead.

Tina Apostolopoulos, Principal

Tina with past Principal Greg O’Callaghan at the 90th anniversary celebration in 2018.

Sion Day through the Ages

This year marks the 35th Sion Day, and despite it being a huge event on the 2023 calendar, there is very little that has been formally documented about how the day originated and evolved into its current form. As such, we dived into the archives, spoke to a few key members of staff, as well as Sisters Patricia Watson and Mary Barbuto, to put together a look at what Sion Day has meant over its 35-year history.

The first Sion Day ran in 1989, born out of the success and festivities of the College’s Diamond Jubilee in 1988. Inaugurated by then-Principal Lucy Molony, the event brought parents in to prepare lunch for the students and was followed by ‘Afternoon Activities’, including a Sion Talent Quest.

In 1990, for the second Sion Day, students were encouraged to come in costumes, and they dressed up as angels, nuns and jars of Vegemite. In 1991 a theme was introduced: Working as a Team, and students wore football jumpers, netball outfits and similar.

The 1992 Yearbook had a wealth of information about Sion Day that year, revealing a structure not so very different from the 2023 event. Students from Notre Dame de Sion in Sale were in attendance, and everyone went to Mass at St Francis Xavier to begin the day. The theme that year was A Cast of Stars, and Lucy Molony spoke about role models, saying that among the film stars and sporting heroes, that Mary should also have a place in the lives of students as their role model. Students then set up their classrooms with different themes: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Grease, Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. Each room sold different treats, raising money for the Sisters in the Philippines. The day then finished with a concert, with each year level presenting different acts.

Sionians: Beyond the Cherry Red Gates

Above: photos from the first Sion Day in 1989.

‘We experienced the essence of hope as we enjoyed the simplicities of life by sharing time together while raising money for the work of the Sisters of Sion.’ 2009 College Yearbook.

Fundraising initiatives changed over the years, with money raised going to Canteen, to the people of Kanaga in the Congo and to the Notre Dame de Sion Education Fund, which supported the education of children in the Holy Land.

Activities have varied across the years, including gelati vans, crazy hair stalls, discos, staff vs student debates, and karaoke, to name just a few. In 2001 and 2002, the Police Band came and performed, with some musical staff and students joining them for a song.

It wasn’t until 2003, in line with the College’s 75th anniversary, that the day had its final evolution into the current format, introducing the Performing Arts House Festival tradition that we continue today.

Sr Trudy Nabuurs summed up the essence of Sion Day beautifully in a letter to the College in 1992: ‘I offer you prayerful wishes for a very happy Sion Day. May it be a truly happy day, one that will bond each (of you) further and deeper into the family of Sion – a family that continues to reach out to others and together contributes to the Reign of God, which is one of justice, peace and love.’

Mentors Breakfast

The Mentors Breakfast is a highlight on the past student calendar, with over 20 past students volunteering their time to return to the College and give our current Year 12 students an insight into various careers and industries.

This year’s keynote speaker was Cr Tina Liu (Class of 1999), who spoke about women supporting women and being authentic and true to oneself. Tina currently runs her own event management and public relations business in Box Hill and is an active and engaging leader committed to advocating for the needs of the community (see page 7 for Tina’s full profile).

The event is always a wonderful chance for our students to ask questions about the industries they are looking to head into and gain some valuable insights into the world of work, from those students who have walked the path before them.

Where are They Now?

Cr Tina Liu (Class of 1999) has spent most of her life in Box Hill – having grown up in the area – and remains a local resident.

Tina went to St Francis Xavier Primary School and then, Our Lady of Sion College. After high school, she went on to obtain her Bachelor and Master Degree – in Information Systems and Commerce respectively – from Melbourne University.

After starting her career in media, public relations and marketing, Tina decided to start her own event management and PR business, working with clients from private and not-for-profit sectors.

As an active local community member, in 2016, she decided to run for Council and was honoured to be elected as a Councillor to Whitehorse City Council, representing the former Elgar Ward. In 2020, she was re-elected as the Councillor for the new Sparks Ward and was then elected Mayor for 2021/22.

On top of this, Tina was the Chair of Whitehorse Manningham Library Corporation in 2019, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Reference Group in 2021–2022 and Deputy Chair of the Eastern Region Group of Councils in 2022. She was also a board member of the Whitehorse Business Group for four years.

An active and engaging community leader, Tina has assisted with various community initiatives such as safety and crime prevention, food safety, recycling/ waste management, local business, arts and cultural activities and sport engagement. Her interests include community service and engagement, community health and wellbeing, sustainability, urban design, transport, economic development, creative arts and animal welfare. She has successfully advocated for and secured federal funding to establish a headspace in Box Hill, which will provide vital youth mental health and wellbeing assistance and support.

Tina enjoys working for herself and running her own business, as well as advocating for and working with the local community for positive outcomes.

What were your fondest memories of Our Lady of Sion College?

My wonderful classmates and teachers. I still keep in touch with a number of former Sionians, and when we catch up, it really does seem like just yesterday when we were roaming the halls of the school. I was very active and took part in a number of co-curricular activities, including debating, netball, participating in the choir and school plays, as well as a performer in the RockEisteddfod challenge – the very first time Sion had participated in the event.

What did your Sionian education teach you?

Sion has really shaped who I am as a person. Being at the school allowed me to make meaningful connections, to be myself, foster confidence, leadership skills and to follow my dreams. Having faith and being part of such a supportive Sion community has helped me to build resilience and find inner peace, regardless of what life throws at you. The importance of being kind, compassionate and a responsible global citizen are values that I still live by and continue to hold close to my heart.

What is the best advice you can give to our current students, who have aspirations and dreams about their future careers?

You may or may not know what you want to do now or into the near future – and that’s ok! Life has many twists and turns, your path is not always the most direct route; it is about the experience of the journey.

What are your plans for the future?

I see life as a journey of continuous learning and new experiences. I am currently looking into starting up a new business in the digital space. My role as an elected representative on Council will continue leading up to the 2024 election in the latter half of next year. In my personal life, I hope to spend more time with loved ones and find time to travel. Beyond that, just being happy, healthy and appreciative.

Vale Greg O’Callaghan: Principal 1977–1981

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our esteemed former Principal, Mr Greg O’Callaghan, who served the College from 1977 to 1981.

Greg’s dedication to education and his commitment to creating a nurturing learning environment left an indelible mark upon the College.

When he began his appointment in 1977, there was no formal Library, simply a classroom set aside as a temporary measure for this purpose. While initially told that there was no money for a new building, after working tirelessly to present the Board with financial statements and applying for government grants for a Master Plan, Greg succeeded in receiving a grant to build a Library and four new classrooms. The new building was formally opened on 23 March 1980. He also introduced the first photocopier to the admin area, despite protests that it wasn’t needed, and installed telephones in ‘obvious places around the school’.

In 1978, Greg introduced a number of new co-curricular activities, including Ballroom Dancing, which was very successful and is still offered by the College today.

Greg was not only an excellent Principal but also a trailblazer in the fields of academia and technology. After his time with us, he continued to teach mathematics at Scotch College and Our Lady of Mercy College until 1995, when he went on to have a distinguished career as a computer programmer.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family, including two of his nieces who are current students of our College, Ava and Cilla, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this time. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory inspire future generations to pursue knowledge, strive for excellence, and make a positive impact on the world.

Construction of the new library building in 1978

Vale Greg O’Callaghan: Principal 1977–1981

Past staff and student reflections:

Had the honour of meeting Mr O’Callaghan in Year 7 – my first principal at Sion – he was very personable, knew all our names and was an advocate of the Arts. May he Rest in Peace.

Jane Dalli

Condolences to Greg’s family. He was an excellent principal during my time at Sion.

Hartley Sylvie

It was with great sorrow that I heard of Greg’s death. I was privileged to work with him at Sion and consider that time as the most enjoyable and fulfilling in a teaching career of over 50 years. Greg encouraged us to give our best as he always did. He had a sincere approach to the College and its community and a genuine love for education. His love for his wife Robyn and his four daughters was unconditional and he was very proud of their achievements.

Robyn Hobbs

Condolences to his family. RIP Mr O’Callaghan.

Ingrid White

I thought he was a great principal. May he Rest in Peace.

Debra Bartlett

He was a great guy and an awesome principal. Sending condolences to his family.

Maria Nicey

He was such a nice man and a lovely principal, sending his family love and prayers during this time.

Joanne Mcauliffe-Feutrill

Such a gentleman! May he Rest in Peace and deepest sympathies to his family.

Catherine McGrory

Such a warm and friendly man. Sadly missed.

Jeff Hobbs

Mr O’Callaghan was principal when I was there. Sorry to hear of his passing. May he Rest in Peace.

Sandra Salamone

Greg with past students who attended the 90th Anniversary Reunion in 2018.

Greg addressing staff and students at the 50th Anniversary Celebration in 1978.

Our Lady of Sion College Staff 1980

Vale Greg O’Callaghan: Principal 1977–1981

From Patsy Crotty, who worked with Greg as his Deputy Principal for the first three years of his time at Sion:

I am delighted to add a few thoughts to this tribute to Greg. Even though those of you past students who remember him personally are now older than he was when he was at Sion, I’ll bet you can’t bring yourself to think of him as other than Mr O’Callaghan (just as it should be!).

In the past days since his sudden death, just the day after he turned 84, I have heard him described by a greater range of adjectives than any known principal, teacher or local hero. Most of them strong words, coming from all angles, and somehow, quite miraculously, blending together into the person that all knew, admired and loved in their various capacities. Friendly, helpful, meticulous, perfectionist, passionate, athletic, precise, capable, fiery, principled – these are a few. Greg was all of them. Summed up by one of his oldest friends: ‘He was an unusual character’.

So, as his funeral began, and I as an online viewer settled, the quietness suddenly erupted with the sound of a trumpet, and the strains of ‘Summertime’ – the classic theme from ‘Porgy and Bess’ – filled the air, followed by the unmistakeable voices of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, and I felt a grin spread over my face. However this choice had been made, it struck me as the perfect cue to understanding the way he might wish to leave us: with an image of sunshine, contentment and simple but authentic achievement.

‘Summertime – and the livin’ is easy Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high Oh, your Daddy’s rich and your Ma is good lookin’ So hush, little baby, don’t you cry.’

I don’t know if it was the words specifically that he would wish his family to hear: knowing Greg, it was more likely to be the music, his beloved jazz. But that’s how I heard them. Words of comfort for their grief, powerful when read in full.

Our Lady of Sion was very fortunate to have met Greg when he was at a thriving time of his life. He was indeed ‘rich’ – in energy, enthusiasm, new ideas and the ability to see them put into practice. He was fit and athletic, and sometimes would say regretfully that he hadn’t been able to have his usual run that morning, so the day didn’t have the same shine. He was not fazed at being the rare male in hundreds of young women, because he had four daughters of his own, of whom he was unfailingly proud. And of course Robyn, their mother, “good lookin’” in every sense, and his close life partner since their University days.

He instilled a love of athletics, basketball and the outdoors in his family, and tried some innovative ways to incorporate that fitness ideal into the Sion timetable. The students would have known about

this, but they may not have realised he was also a dedicated athlete himself and an accomplished pianist with a lifelong love of music, jazz in particular. As well, he was a brilliant Maths teacher. One well-known and loved staff member, Mrs Helen Ludwig, had this to offer as her very telling memory of Greg and Sports Day:

‘A Sports Day was always very important to Greg. I remember one in particular when I was asked to use the stopwatch in the running events. I had never used one before and I knew it required accuracy. I was trying to get it exactly right when I saw Greg coming to check out how I was managing. The next race was about to begin and I prayed that I wouldn’t mess it up but fortunately Greg decided to take the stopwatch from me and start it himself. I was very relieved. Then just before the next race he gave me a practice with the watch and fortunately I passed the test.’

Since Greg was basically the first lay principal with full tenure, he was presented with many directions in which to apply his abilities – staffing, curriculum, buildings and finance – and he made significant and positive progress in them in his five years at Box Hill. It is a shame that his years of tenure did not continue, due to a mixture of the emerging bureaucracy in Catholic education of the day and his unflinching determination to stand by his own principles, despite Sion and himself being in complete agreement as to what was mutually wanted for the future. But he provided a new force which was continued and built on by subsequent leaders of the College. His legacy is evident in the comments of past students, staff and parents and reflected in the realities of today’s school, even though he left it over forty years ago.

Vale, dear Greg, and thank you for your indelible colour woven through the fabric of Sion, your first and only school principalship among the rich and varied medley of your other life achievements.

Patsy Crotty

Patsy at her desk at Sion in 1977 (photo provided to the College by Greg in 2018)

Vale Greg O’Callaghan: Principal 1977–1981

Greg with Sr Patricia Watson at the 90th Anniversary Reunion in 2018.

Greg with staff at the 50th Anniversary Mass in 1978.

Vale Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

The eight past and present principals of Our Lady of Sion College who attended the 90th Anniversary Reunion in 2018.

Greg with successor Michael Quin in 1982.

Greg with guests at the 50th Anniversary Mass in 1978.

Greg at his desk in 1978.

Greg at the 90th Anniversary Reunion in 2018.

3s College Reunion

It was a beautiful if chilly afternoon on Saturday 27 May as we welcomed back almost 100 past students from the classes of 2013, 2003, 1993, 1983, 1973 and 1963.

There was a thrill in the air as we took the returnees for a tour of the College, with some remembering staff members who continue to serve here, while others regaled each other with stories from their times at school, from the crazy to the nostalgic.

Principal Tina Apostolopoulos addressed the past students about the College as it currently is, detailing the new STEAMD and Administration Centre that is in progress and some of the wonderful programs on offer to the students today.

The event was topped off with a delicious spread of afternoon tea and photos, both printed and digital, spanning the years of each cohort’s time at Our Lady of Sion. Everyone was delighted to point out photos of themselves and others whom they remembered, reminiscing on all the things that happened within the cherry red gates.

Notice of a change to future College reunions

To further support the Daughter of Sion Award, tickets to reunions from 2024 onwards will charge a small ticket price.

The cover charge will ensure that the $500 award can continue to be presented to a Year 7 or 8 student who has demonstrated qualities that reflect Sionian values and attributes. The recipient demonstrates a capacity to care for others and models social justice attributes, often putting the needs of others before her own, actively supporting her peers, and demonstrates leadership qualities in how she approaches all that she does.

The $500 prize is then donated to a charity of the recipient’s choice.

Named and Known

Cohort of 1954–1959 turns 80

In what was a wonderfully happy occasion filled with laughter and reminiscing, sixteen past students (pictured, below right) from the Class of 1959 met up on Saturday 19 June 2022 to celebrate their mutual 80th birthdays at Box Hill RSL. The cohort had 28 students in Form 1 in 1954, 31 in Form 3, 27 in Form 4, 16 in Form 5 and 7 in Form 6 in 1959.

Jill Wadley and Angela O’Connor contacted 21 women who had been in that class between Forms 1 and 6. Maureen (McDonald) Balhorn flew down from Queensland and Sr Margaret Farrell RSM came from Sydney.

They received apologies from Joy (Hetherington) Lewis, Deanna (Taranto) Zalewski, Marie (Sheridan) Dickson, Ann (Maree) (Rowan) Schlesinger and Elizabeth (Davidson) McLoughlin.

1958 Leaving Class, Form 5, with Mother Gerardine. From left, standing: Angela O’Connor, Marie Sheridan, Jill Duff, Joy Hetherington, Heather Emery-Smith, Sandra Wagstaff, Margaret Smith, Elizabeth Pearce, Maureen Spencer, Josephine Nicholson, Lynette Seton.

Seated: Anne Maree Rowan, Elizabeth Davidson

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Jill Wadley for sending this information through, and sincere apologies to all the past students involved that this article missed the last edition of Sionians!

Rotary Reunion!

At a Rotary Club of Malvern meeting one of the members mentioned she had attended Our Lady of Sion. Two other Rotarians advised they had also attended a Sion school, but it turned out one had been at Box Hill, one at Warragul and one at Sale!

The philosophy of the Sion schools to encourage students to become compassionate members of society committed to making a difference in their world must have helped contribute to each of them becoming Rotarians – people who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, and in our communities.

Mentors required

Cohort of 1954–1959 in 2022.

Back Row: Elizabeth Pearce, Mary (Roy) Elliot, Heather (EmerySmith) Dynes, Jill (Duff) Wadley, Anne (Davies) Bourke, Pat (Kelly) Peart.

Front Row: Maureen (McDonald) Balhorn, Sandra (Wagstaff) Harbison, Sr Margaret Farrell RSM, Mary Bustelli, Irene Openshaw, Josephine (Nicholson) Crawford, Angela O’Connor, Maria (Babarczy) Deayton, Margaret (Smith) Gibson, Margaret (McHugh) Delaney.

Past students of Our Lady of Sion College, Box Hill, are invited to share their experiences of further study and career pathways with our Senior students.

If you are interested in taking up these opportunities as they arise, to provide support for our students as they navigate their own pathways, including participating in the Mentors Breakfast in 2024, please contact Mrs Brooke O’Hara, Careers and Pathways Counsellor at bohara@sion.catholic.edu.au or 03 9890 9097.

Spring 2023 Sionians: Beyond the Cherry Red Gates

Pictured (L–R): Lucia Cardamone, Sue Power and Jenny LaMarca

Class of 2022 Reunion

On Friday 28 July, we were delighted to welcome back our Class of 2022, to see what they have been up to in the months since they concluded their time at the College. Reminiscing over photos from across their years inside the Cherry Red Gates, it was a wonderful chance for staff and past students alike to catch up.

Class of 1988 35th reunion

The Class of 1988 had so much fun at the 30th reunion that they didn’t want to let another decade pass between drinks. On Saturday 19 August, they gathered to celebrate their 35th reunion.

Plus, the Prince Alfred Hotel in Richmond chosen by Megan Harrison enabled them to watch the Matildas in the World Cup!

There was so much laughter, happy smiles and stories to tell each other, it truly felt like no time had passed at all.

Vale

We remember the following Sister and Daughters of Sion and their families in our prayers:

• Sr Joan Mack, Sister of Our Lady of Sion

• Sheila Chamberlain, Class of 1958

• Maree Metcalfe (nee Bick), Class of 1962

• Josephine Lancaster, Class of 2012.

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.