Established in 1928, Our Lady of Sion College operates within the Catholic tradition. The college fosters the pursuit of excellence in all fields of human endeavour, striving to prepare young women for the future. When a young woman joins the Our Lady of Sion community, she becomes a treasured member of an international community. In the tradition of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, young women are challenged to shape their own futures and actively seek out a better world.
Facilities: Located at its present site in Box Hill since 1928, the college has a Chapel, Arts Centre/Visual Arts Centre, Design & Technology Centre, state-of-the-art Food Technology Centre, Learning Resource Centre, science laboratories, sports oval, fully equipped gymnasium with weights/circuit room, IT Labs, Media Suite, Careers Centre, Music Centre, Performing Arts Centre with a 340-seat theatre and cafeteria and a Year 7 learning centre. An extensive computer network operates throughout Our Lady of Sion College. In 2013, the college introduced a program where students in Years 7 to 9 are provided with a iPad to aid their study. Year 10-12 students bring their own device (BYOD Program).
Curriculum: The Years 7 and 8 programs offer students a comprehensive curriculum which includes specialist classes in Information Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, Music, Health and Physical Education and Languages (Italian, French and Chinese). A gifted-and-talented program for students requiring extension is in place as well as a student support department for those with special learning needs. Years 9 and 10 students are stimulated by the cross-curricular program which integrates a number of learning domains and encourages students to interact with and learn from the community beyond the school. These programs allow students to develop skills in problem solving, co-operative learning and independent research whilst working toward the attainment of learning outcomes. Students can apply to accelerate into VCE units whilst in Year 10. Our Lady of Sion College offers an extensive range of VCE subjects, VET (Vocational Education & Training) certificate courses as well as the VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) program.
Sport: Our Lady of Sion College is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV). Girls Sport Victoria is one of the largest independent school sporting associations in Victoria. As part of GSV, thousands of girls from Years 7-12 have the opportunity to be involved in more than 20 sports – in weekly competitions, carnivals, tournaments and skills development programs. GSV also conducts a Year 7 Sports Expo, showcasing up to 30 different sports. In addition, our students also have the opportunity to participate in a number of sports in the Secondary Catholic Sports Association (SCSA).
Extra-curricular activities: The wide range of extra-curricular activities at Our Lady of Sion College includes sporting and outdoor education programs, the instrumental music program, drama productions, debating, cross-age tutoring, national academic competitions and optional overseas educational tours.
Student welfare programs: Students are supported in their emotional, social and academic development. Named and known, each young woman is welcomed as a valued individual. Dedicated staff includes a pastoral care co-ordinator, psychologist, women’s health specialist and careers counsellor.