History – Marist-Sion College

Marist-Sion College began in 1975 when Our Lady of Sion College and Marist College united to create Warragul’s Catholic co-educational secondary school. Starting with two campuses and small enrolments, the College quickly grew thanks to a strong sense of community.

In 2025, Marist‑Sion College proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of learning, faith, and community. The milestone was honoured with a special performance evening featuring past and present students and staff, celebrating our shared history. Festivities continued with a Community Open Day, welcoming families, alumni, and friends to explore the College and join in the celebrations.

1975–1985: A Fresh Start

Marist‑Sion College began in 1975 with the merging of Our Lady of Sion College and Marist College, initially operating across two campuses. Enrolments were small but steadily grew, supported by an energetic and adaptable community. In 1976, Ken Taylor became the College’s first lay principal — a significant cultural change for Catholic education. The late 1970s brought new senior classes and major building developments on Burke Street, and by decade’s end nearly 500 students were enrolled. It was a lively period of identity-building and growth.

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1986–1995: Finding Our Feet

The College maintained a warm, family-like environment, with enrolments ranging between 350 and 500 students. School life was vibrant, filled with walkathons, musicals, public speaking success and quirky traditions like Bad Taste Days. In 1986, principal Ken Taylor concluded his service, followed by Tom Sullivan, who led through a period of falling enrolments in the late 1980s. Despite challenges, the community remained resilient, strengthening traditions and maintaining a spirited learning environment.

1996–2005: A Time to Dream

A major turning point came with the appointment of principal Chris Holt in 1993, whose vision revitalised the College through the 1990s and early 2000s. Significant facilities such as the Performing Arts Centre, Marian Theatre and Village classrooms were built, and new cultural traditions emerged including the College Colour Awards and the Duke of Edinburgh’s program. Co‑curricular life — music, sport, cultural activities — flourished. Holt’s enthusiasm shaped a decade marked by expansion, creativity and unforgettable experiences, including the Olympic Torch Relay excursion in 2000.

2006–2015: Raising Standards, Honouring Traditions

The College entered the 2000s focused on strengthening academic pathways while staying true to its Marist and Sion roots. In 2007, Peter Houlahan became principal and emphasised supporting every learner across VCE, VET and VCAL. Modern facilities and refurbished classrooms reflected a period of growth, while connections with the founding orders deepened.

The early 2010s expanded student opportunities even further — REMAR camps, solidarity trips, Work Experience, and social justice initiatives like Rice Day and Tinnies for Vinnies became defining features of school life. Annual productions flourished, highlighted by a memorable performance of Oliver! By 2015, the College stood confident and future‑focused, grounded in the values of Truth, Constancy and Charity.

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2016–2025: Embracing Change

The past decade brought transformation shaped by global events and new leadership. The Covid years altered routines and staffing, with many long‑serving teachers stepping aside and a younger generation bringing renewed energy to the College community. In 2023, Lisa Harkin became the seventh principal, following Peter Houlahan’s 16‑year tenure. Her leadership re‑emphasised inclusivity and justice, strengthening the Sion influence within the school’s identity.

Heritage Day continued to evolve into a vibrant celebration centred on community and Mass. Major building developments reshaped the campus, including the Chapel and Ratisbonne Building (2018), Jericho Centre (2019), MacKillop Centre (2024), and the new College Heart opened this year as a central gathering space. Entering the future, the College carries with it resilience, service and hope.