Staff Experience
An Employer of Choice
Marist-Sion College is proud to be an employer of choice in the Warragul region. With approximately 160 teachers and Education Support Employees, staff experience a community like no other.
As a member of our staff, you will play a vital role in shaping young minds and fostering a culture of excellence, care and community. We value professional growth, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Catholic education. Our supportive professional environment ensures that every staff member is encouraged to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to our mission.
What our Staff have to say:
Why I Chose Marist-Sion College
Having completed my own secondary education at Marist-Sion College, the Marist and Sion charisms resonate deeply with my beliefs about education, faith, and community.
The Marist emphasis on presence, humility, and family spirit mirrors how I work with young people: building trust, offering guidance, and meeting students where they are. The Sion tradition’s commitment to justice, reconciliation, and respectful dialogue aligns with my view that education should be transformative, inclusive, and grounded in compassion.
The College’s Catholic traditions provide a strong moral framework where dignity, service, and care for others shape both learning and relationships. Experiencing these traditions firsthand inspired me to return as an educator.
What Inspires Me About Our Students
What inspires me most is the students’ willingness to engage authentically — with their learning and with each other. They ask thoughtful questions, challenge ideas respectfully, and show genuine care for their peers.
A defining moment was seeing students support each other during a challenging task. Some took the initiative to explain concepts, encourage classmates, and ensure no one was left behind. It was a powerful reminder of the community and spirit that makes Marist-Sion unique.
Why Marist-Sion Feels Like Home
Returning as a teacher felt like coming home. From day one, I experienced a welcoming, supportive environment where relationships are valued and collaboration is encouraged.
The school culture balances high expectations with care and understanding, which aligns with my approach to teaching. Being part of a community I once experienced as a student, and now contribute to as an educator, gives my work a strong sense of meaning, continuity, and purpose.
Growth and Fulfilment as an Educator
Professionally, starting as a graduate teacher and progressing into leadership has developed my confidence, responsibility, and understanding of my impact on the school community. I’ve benefited from meaningful professional learning, reflective practice, and collaboration with colleagues committed to continual improvement.
Personally, life milestones, including becoming a mother, have deepened my empathy, patience, and self-awareness. Being part of a faith-based community that values reflection, service, and wellbeing has supported my growth and given me a profound sense of fulfilment. Contributing to the formation and care of young people continues to reaffirm my commitment to Marist-Sion College.
Why I Chose Marist-Sion College
I am a teacher because I strongly believe in the transformative power of education. The Marist charism of love of work speaks to the urgency I feel in helping young people realise their potential and grow within our community. I also feel deeply connected to the Sion charism of justice, incorporating social-justice inquiry into mathematics education wherever possible so students can recognise their power as agents of change.
What Inspires Me About Our Students
There isn’t a single defining moment, but rather a collection of many small ones that fill me with gratitude for my place at the College. Every time a young person has an “aha” moment in class, or stands a little taller after working hard and growing as a result, I am reminded why I teach.
Ultimately, it is the goodness of our young people — evident in their willingness to support peers and contribute to the community — that fills me with pride in my workplace.
Why Marist-Sion Feels Like Home
Marist-Sion College feels like the right place for me because I am surrounded by passionate educators who care deeply for the students in our care. I feel trusted in the autonomy I have both in the classroom and in my leadership role. Not only can I be myself, but I am celebrated for it.
Growth and Fulfilment as an Educator
Working at Marist-Sion College has supported my placement in the Teaching Excellence Program, led by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. Through this program, I’ve engaged in collaborative and independent inquiries into maximising student growth in mathematics, connected with like-minded educators, and participated in professional learning with leading experts in education.
As Director of Senior Learning, I support students through the final stages of their school years. Watching them grow in ability and confidence during these formative years brings me great pride and fulfilment.
Why I Chose Marist-Sion College
The Marist and Sion charisms resonate deeply with me through their shared emphasis on presence, humility and service. The Marist value of being quietly present, and doing good without seeking recognition, strongly aligns with the nature of administration, where much of the work happens behind the scenes yet is essential to the wellbeing and stability of the College community.
The Sion tradition’s focus on relationship, dignity and belonging reflects my belief that every individual should feel seen, heard and valued.
Working in a Catholic school is meaningful to me because it allows me to contribute to a community grounded in shared values, faith and service. This foundation shapes my approach each day, guiding me to prioritise care, fairness and respect in all interactions.
What Inspires Me About Our Students
Our students inspire me through their resilience, authenticity and capacity for growth. Even in challenging moments, there is a strong sense of care and connection among them.
A moment that reinforced my commitment to the College was during a particularly busy day in the Administration area, when several students independently stepped forward to support a peer who was unwell. Their quiet kindness and willingness to look after one another reflected the culture of care that defines Marist-Sion.
Working in administration offers a unique perspective. We see students in a wide range of moments beyond the classroom, supporting them when they are nervous on their first day, helping them navigate small setbacks, and celebrating their milestones. These everyday interactions are a meaningful part of their broader educational journey.
Why Marist-Sion Feels Like Home
Marist-Sion College feels like the right place for me because of its strong sense of community and shared purpose. There is a genuine commitment to student wellbeing, professional growth and continuous improvement.
I value being part of an environment where operational excellence and pastoral care are equally prioritised. The culture encourages collaboration and innovation, allowing me to contribute strategically through strengthening systems, improving processes and supporting long-term planning.
There is also a strong sense of trust and teamwork across the College. This culture reinforces that administration is not simply a support function, but an integral part of the College’s mission, which gives me a clear sense of belonging and purpose.
Growth and Fulfilment in My Role
Working at Marist-Sion College has strengthened my leadership, strategic thinking and ability to influence positive change. I have had opportunities to lead teams, improve systems and contribute to long-term planning for enrolment growth and operational development.
Professionally, I have grown in confidence, particularly in leading meetings, contributing to strategic discussions and aligning operational work with the College’s broader vision and Annual Implementation Plan.
Personally, I have developed greater empathy and resilience. Being part of a faith-based community is a daily reminder of the importance of service, patience and perspective. Supporting staff, students and families in meaningful ways provides a strong sense of fulfilment and reinforces my purpose within the College community.
Why I Chose Marist-Sion College
The Marist focus on humility, presence, love of work and care for all reflects how I seek to teach and engage with students each day. The Sion commitment to justice, reconciliation and dialogue also resonates strongly with my belief in forming compassionate, thoughtful and informed young people.
The shared Catholic tradition of educating the whole person affirms my desire to work at Marist-Sion College, where faith, learning and service are meaningfully integrated. This alignment of values is what drew me to the College and continues to guide my work as an educator.
What Inspires Me About Our Students
The students at Marist-Sion College inspire me through their generosity of spirit, strong sense of belonging and willingness to give their best in all aspects of school life.
Whether on retreats and camps, excursions and incursions, at Inter House Athletics and Swimming Carnivals, Marist Carnivals, or through community outreach such as the West Heidelberg Bread Run, I am continually struck by the way students support one another and embrace opportunities beyond the classroom.
These experiences highlight the strength of the College community and reinforce my commitment to being part of their educational journey.
Why Marist-Sion Feels Like Home
Marist-Sion College feels like the right place for me because of its strong sense of community and belonging. There is a clear commitment to pastoral care, faith and wellbeing, which underpins all aspects of College life.
In my role as an educator, I am motivated to contribute both pastorally and academically, and to support the continued success of the College. Being part of a community that values relationships, growth and shared purpose gives my work meaning and direction.
Growth and Fulfilment as an Educator
As both a former student and now a teacher, I owe a great deal to Marist-Sion College. My time here has supported my growth professionally and personally, encouraging me to reflect on my practice, respond thoughtfully to students’ needs and continue developing as an educator.
I feel a strong sense of belonging within a community that has deepened my sense of vocation. Being part of Marist-Sion reminds me that education is ultimately about forming young people with hope, compassion and purpose, which brings a deep sense of fulfilment to my work.
Why I Chose Marist-Sion College
Having been part of the Marist-Sion College community since 2000, the Marist charism and Catholic traditions have become deeply embedded in both my professional practice and personal values.
The Marist emphasis on presence, simplicity, humility and family spirit closely aligns with how I approach education. I believe young people learn best when they feel known, valued and supported, and that begins with authentic relationships.
Working in a Catholic school where education is not only about academic success, but about forming young people of character, resilience and empathy, strongly resonates with me. This holistic approach continues to affirm my commitment to serving within this community.
What Inspires Me About Our Students
Across my roles as an English teacher, Learning Leader for English, Pedagogical Coach and now Director of Junior Learning, I have been continually inspired by the growth I see in our students.
While society has changed significantly, particularly with the influence of technology and social pressures, what remains constant is students’ capacity for growth when supported by strong relationships and clear structures.
A particularly meaningful experience has been my involvement in launching the Individual Support Program (ISP). Seeing students improve their attendance, strengthen their learning behaviours and develop the skills needed to engage in the classroom has been incredibly rewarding. Watching a student who once struggled begin to experience success is a powerful reminder of why I chose this profession and this school community.
Why Marist-Sion Feels Like Home
Marist-Sion College feels like the right place for me because of its inclusive culture and strong sense of collaboration. There is a genuine commitment among staff to work together in the best interests of every student.
Our middle leaders are highly skilled and generous in their leadership, and there is a shared understanding that improvement is a collective responsibility. The College continues to adapt thoughtfully to changing educational needs while remaining grounded in its values.
Being part of a community where relationships matter and where every student’s success is prioritised gives me a deep sense of belonging and purpose.