Friday 19th September Student Free Day St Thomas

Monday 6 th October First Day of Term 4

Monday 3 rd November Student Free Day NO BUSES RUNNING

Tuesday 4 th November Melbourne Cup Day NO BUSES RUNNING

Thursday 18 th December Last day for St Thomas

In this edition of SchoolTV - Sibling Relationships

Sibling relationships are often a child's first and longest-lasting social connection. These bonds can offer companionship, support and opportunities to develop important life skills such as empathy, negotiation and conflict resolution. However, like all close relationships, sibling dynamics can be complex. Differences in temperament, age, needs and parental attention can all contribute to tension or rivalry. It's not uncommon for children to compete for attention, especially during times of change or stress.

As a parent or caregiver, your role in shaping the tone of sibling relationships is vital. Creating a home environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and avoids direct comparisons helps reduce rivalry and fosters mutual respect.

By listening without judgement, teaching emotional regulation, and supporting each child's individuality, you can create a family culture where siblings feel secure and valued. This edition of SchoolTV offers insights to support young people in developing positive, lasting sibling bonds that can remain strong well into adulthood.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Sibling Relationships edition of SchoolTV
https://sttsale.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sibling-relationships-au

JOINT STATEMENT FROM

Bishop Greg Bennet & Mr Paul Velten

Catholic Bishop of Sale Director of Catholic Education

Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd

Community Update 3: The Future of

Our Lady of Sion Convent and

former Sion Campus, Sale.

The Our Lady of Sion Convent building in Sale is a much-loved local landmark with historical and

educational significance for Catholics, the Catholic education community, and the broader community

in Sale.

In this third update, we want to bring members of St Mary’s Parish, St Thomas’ Primary School, and

other members of the Sale community, up to date about the significant progress that has occurred

since August 2023 in the redevelopment of the former Our Lady of Sion Convent site into an exciting,

state-of-the-art education facility, serving the mission of the Diocese of Sale.

A significant challenge in the redevelopment planning process is to ensure that the comprehensive

renovation of this iconic 125-year-old building will be done in ways that will (a) meet the needs of

students and staff in a contemporary educational context, and (b) comply with the more rigorous

21st-century building codes, while still retaining the building’s original beauty, grandeur and

character. This process requires meticulous planning and sensitive consultation with numerous

stakeholders.

The architects and consultants are progressing in the design and preparation works. The

Architectural team continues to meet with heritage advisors, specialist engineers and the St Thomas’

Primary School community.

There has also been ongoing consultation with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion to identify how their

extensive contribution to Catholic education on this site can be acknowledged and celebrated, to

ensure their legacy endures among future generations.

We are happy to announce that, earlier this year, the Victorian Minister for Planning, through the

Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), granted a planning permit for the proposed works.

We can also confirm that we were successful in obtaining a Commonwealth Capital Grant from the

Federal Government for the construction of additional new student learning spaces on the site. These

proposed education facilities are an essential element of the overall St Thomas’ Primary School

masterplan and are separate to the redevelopment work on the former Sion Convent building.

While the planning process continues, it is anticipated that work will soon commence to bring the

property back to a clean site, as well as beginning some preservation of the former Sion Convent.

Community members may see the demolition of some non-heritage and ad-hoc structures that have

been identified as being unsuitable as contemporary learning spaces. These buildings are not

included in the proposed development masterplan. There will also be some associated groundwork

and temporary building maintenance essential to preserving the former Sion Convent building whilst

it is in caretaker mode.

While we are excited about the considerable progress that has been made in the past ten months, a

great deal of work is still to be done before a definitive announcement can be made to key

stakeholders about the approval of the project. Please keep this project, the re-development team,

and the St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School community, in your prayers.

Background and Timeline:

November 2020: The site became vacant following the formal relocation of the Catholic College

Sale Junior campus. Many expressed their dreams and hopes for the future use

of this treasured local landmark.

August 2021: The Bishop of Sale, through his Diocesan Committee chaired by the former

Member for Gippsland South and parishioner of St Mary’s Cathedral, the

Honourable Mr Peter Ryan, began exploring possible uses of the convent

building. The Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) engaged

specialist consultants to explore the possible relocation of St Thomas’ Catholic

Primary School, Sale to the Sion Campus site.

November 2021: A community survey was undertaken to gather feedback on relocating

St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School to the Sion Campus site.

October 2022: It was announced that through the work of DOSCEL and the Diocesan

Committee, consideration would focus on the development of the whole site as a

state-of-the-art education facility with the Convent building which includes the

Chapel being the centrepiece of the school.

December 2022: Early conceptual designs for a Preliminary Proposed Masterplan were

developed by a project architect for consideration and assessment.

January - June 2023: Extensive investigations continued and a range of consultant specialists

including engineers, surveyors and a Heritage Advisor were appointed.

June 2022: Preliminary Proposed Masterplan moved to Detailed Design Phase. Architects

commenced engagement with Town Planning.

February 2024: Planning permit granted by the Minister for Planning through the Department of

Transport and Planning

February 2024: Commonwealth Government Capital Grant confirmed.

For Project Updates on Our Lady of Sion Convent and Sion Campus go to:

https://www.doscel.catholic.edu.au/media/sion-campus-update