From the Principal

Dear Saint Ignatius College community members,

Final weeks of the 2025 academic year

As we move into the final weeks of the school year, this is an especially busy time for both students and staff. Our young people are working hard to complete their final learning tasks, assessments, and exams, and I thank them—as well as their teachers—for the focus and determination they continue to show right to the end of the semester.

On Sunday, 30th November, we begin the Church’s season of Advent. Advent invites us into a time of waiting and preparation as we look forward to the joy and hope of Christmas. It is a gentle reminder, even amid the busyness, to pause, reflect, and make space for the light of Christ in our lives and community.

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “a coming, approach, arrival.” Each week of Advent focuses on a guiding theme—hope, peace, joy, and love—helping us ready our hearts and minds for Christ’s coming.

St John Paul II beautifully captured the depth of this season when he said, “In Advent, we await an event which occurs in history and at the same time transcends it.” The liturgical colours of purple and pink (rose) also speak to this spirit of preparation: purple symbolising penance and reflection, and pink expressing the growing joy as Christmas draws near.

Advent is ultimately a season of quiet expectation and renewed hope. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us of its purpose: “It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.”

Yr 12 exams and pathways

Our Year 12 VCE students have finished their exam period, with the final exams held yesterday. Meanwhile, our Year 12 VCE Vocational Major (previously VCAL) students have concluded their classes for the year. I know some have already secured an apprenticeship, while others are enrolling in vocational courses for next year. As a College community, we extend our best wishes and pray for our Year 12 students as they make this significant transition from secondary school.

I look forward to celebrating with the Yr 12 students, their families and staff at the Valedictory Dinner at GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park, on the evening of Friday, 28th November 2025.

Our Work and Further Education Team has supported many VM and VCE students and their parents as they considered possible pathways. Team members will remain available for the rest of the school year (and into the next school year) to provide support or information to any student or parent regarding pathways, courses, or employment opportunities. A team member can be contacted by phoning our Office (03 5251 1136).

Loyola Market Day

On Tuesday, 11th November, Years 7 and 8 students organised the annual Loyola Market Day after weeks of planning. The students worked with their Mentor Group to decide what type of stall to set up. There was a variety of stalls, ranging from cakes, sweets, games, raffles, to a dunking machine. The event's main aim was to have fun while raising money for Jesuit Mission. Overall, it was a successful day of collaboration and enjoyment. Well done to the Year 7 & 8 students.

Years 7–11 students finish up for the school year.

The next two weeks mark the final stretch of classes for the year, and they are always a particularly busy period for students. With assessments, exams, and end-of-year tasks underway, it’s important that students stay organised and maintain their focus. We expect all students to remain committed to their learning programs right through to their final day of classes, ensuring they finish the year positively and make the most of every remaining opportunity. Some key dates are as follows:

Exams

Yr 11 - Tuesday 18 November to Wednesday 26 November

Yr 10 - Thursday 27 November to Thursday 4 December

Yr 9 - Tuesday 2 December to Thursday 4 December

Yr 11 into 12 ‘Kick Start’ Program

Thursday 27 November to Wednesday 3rd December

Final day of classes:

Yr 11 - Wednesday 3rd December 2025

Yrs 7, 8, 9 & 10 - Thursday 4th December 2025

Farewell to our retiring long-serving staff members

At Thursday night’s Mosaic event, we acknowledged with gratitude six staff members who are retiring and have given more than 10 years of service to Saint Ignatius College. Each has significantly contributed to the life of our community, shaping the experiences of students, families, and colleagues.

	Ms Patricia McKay retires after 10 years of dedicated service in HR and Payroll. Calm, capable, and unfailingly supportive, Patricia has been a steady presence behind the scenes, known for her professionalism, kindness, and genuine care for others.
	Ms Trish Langmaid, our welcoming front-of-house presence for 18 years, has been the friendly voice and warm smile greeting students, staff, and visitors. In addition to her administrative work, her hospitality, reliability, and good humour have been a hallmark of our front office.
	For 21 years, Mr Bruce Connor has guided students toward meaningful pathways as Work and Further Education Coordinator. Through careers counselling, VET support, and work experience programs, Bruce has opened countless doors and helped students see their potential.
	Mr Andrew Smith concludes 25 years at the College and 27 years in Catholic Education. A long-serving Mathematics teacher and former Year Level and VCE Coordinator, Andrew has contributed significantly to senior schooling and supported many students in their final years.
	We also honoured Ms Jane Alexander, whose 40 years in Catholic Education—including 24 with us—span leadership roles in English, Religious Education, Literacy, and Healing the Earth. Her thoughtful teaching and commitment to faith and learning have deeply enriched our community.
	Finally, we acknowledged Mrs Linda Pape, whose remarkable 47 years in Catholic Education and 37 years at the College have shaped the musical heart of our school. Her leadership across ensembles, productions, and performances has inspired generations of students and strengthened our cultural identity. Our strong Performing Arts programs are a credit to the dedication, enthusiasm, effort and vision of Mrs Pape.
	Another retiring teacher who has been with us for 9 years just missed out on being recognised at Mosaic. Mr Joe Pannuzzo has been a valued member of staff. He is a highly respected and professional Humanities and Religious Education teacher. He has generously supported our co-curricular program, being involved in many camps, trips, and sports programs. He served as Year 9 Coordinator for many years, and I particularly appreciated his work in transitioning the Year 9s to the new Year 9 Centre.

We thank each of these staff members for their service, dedication, and the lasting impact they leave on our community. We wish them every blessing in their retirement.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal