From under the southern sky, reach for the stars - Year Level Update - Year 8

The year has started really well for the Year 8s of 2023. They are no longer the “new kids on the block” and it shows in the relaxed transition they have had. Many have signed up to audition for “Anastasia”, music tuition and our extensive Sports Program. As a cohort, they are looking forward to Cura Personalis activities later in the Term. I have confidence that they are prepared to embrace this year’s College theme of “Lean into the Wind”

In addition to current staff, we welcomed some new students and three new teachers to our Year 8 team. Below, you will read a little about our new teachers and some reflections from students.

Mrs Nicole Sadler is a new teacher to Saint Ignatius in 2023 and the new mentor teacher for Year 8 Sadler.

Nicole has a past association with the College, having twin daughters in year 10 and holding the role of P&F Secretary for the past two and a half years.

Nicole lives in Ocean Grove and loves the natural environment of the Bellarine that allows her family to swim, surf and take bush walks for recreation and exercise. She has a long association with the Ocean Grove Netball/Football Club where she coaches junior netball and supports the local footy team. Nicole is a Melbourne Vixens supporter, Collingwood Football Club tragic and Melbourne Storm member so her autumn/winter time is completely filled with sport, sport and more sport! In her past life Nicole performed in musical theatre and played guitar in a folk duo. She is also a serious trivia nut.

My name is Connor Butler (Mr Butler), this is my first year at Saint Ignatius College and the start of the year has been a joy so far. I love sports, mainly cricket, footy and basketball and I love helping young people learn in new and interesting ways. It has been a pleasure to start the year in the way I have and I am looking forward to the time ahead I have at this school.

My name is James Little and I'm new to SICG this year. I'm a Year 8 Mentor teacher who teaches Mathematics at year 8, 11 and 12 alongside DigiTech at year 8. I love all things sports related and the challenge of a good jigsaw puzzle, sudoku or any other puzzle. Cricket is my biggest passion and you'll often find me at my local club (Murgheboluc) coaching under 15's, overseeing other junior sides or practicing my own skills. My wife and I are super excited to be welcoming our first born son in May of this year. We look forward to all the joy and challenges that lie ahead for us in parenthood!

The first days were pretty straightforward, getting to know different people and saying hi to friends that got your Mentor Group. The teachers are great and I think I like Humanities the best. Year 8 has been confusing with the classroom change that’s on the other side of the school but, I’ve liked it a lot!

Xavier Cunningham

Year 8 has been a wonderful time with our mentor teacher Ms Frigo. I have settled into the new class this year and have made some new Friends. I am looking forward to doing Cura Personals and all of the new subjects that I am doing this semester and the next Semester.

I have had fun getting to know all of my class mates. I have enjoyed getting to know my new teachers and I am glad to have some teachers from last year. I am excited to see what this year holds for me

Chloe Welland

We have all had a great start to year 8. I am in 8 Spencer and have loved getting to know all of my new classmates. All of my teachers have welcomed me with a positive attitude and a smile on their face. 8 Spencer has been a welcoming environment and I look forward to the year ahead with them. Our electives this semester we have Music, Drama and Wood Tech. I am looking forward to the production of Anastasia and am excited for auditions to commence next week. Overall I am really excited for the year ahead.

Imogen Payne

I cannot believe that school has started again but I could not be happier, my class is full of intelligent brains and kind souls. I cannot wait to fully get to know everyone. Even though I have met some of my teachers after having them from last year, I am still ecstatic to have new ones, my teachers are some of the nicest people I could have had for Year 8 and I am glad that I am in the class that I am in. It is week 3 already and I am already loving all the subjects I have fit nicely into my class, and my teachers have welcomed me with bright smiles even if it is 8am in the morning. I cannot wait to see what this year has to offer and all the opportunities I will get. I hope everyone has an easy start and welcomes the new students with open arms. I also hope that the Year 7s settle in and have a great year ahead.

Zoe Furber

This year has felt like a very easy start. My teachers have been supportive and easy going, and they have taken the time to get to know us instead of assigning lots of homework. I have really enjoyed catching up with my friends after Summer and horsing around with them. Having their support makes other worries fade away. If reconnecting with mates was the thing I was most looking forward to at the beginning of the year, then experiencing new subjects like woodwork and textiles, is a close second. Similarly, I cannot wait to take control of my education and choose next year's electives next Semester. All of that aside, I am very excited for upcoming events such as the swimming carnival, athletics day and watching school musical. In brief, I have had a great time settling back into life at St Iggy’s and am looking forward to what this year has to offer me.

Tasman Chisholm

My start to Year 8 has been really good, Mr Butler my homeroom teacher is fantastic. I'm enjoying going to the library and making friends in my new class. It's really good to see all my friends and take some new classes. This year I'm most looking forward to doing Textiles and picking my electives for next year. I'm also looking forward to Cura Personalis, the engagement activities and GISSA and which new activities or sports I will pick.

Elektra Kyrou

The start of Year 8 has been fantastic with our lovely mentor teacher Ms Frigo. I have settled in well with my new homeroom. We have had fun doing many different activities such as textiles, Cura Personalis and digital technologies. I can’t wait to go to Melbourne zoo, GISSA, cross country and school swimming.

Spencer Rashleigh