From the Principal

Well done to our Year 12 VCE and VCAL students

Saint Ignatius College congratulates all of our Year 12 students on their achievements. Due to the pandemic, the last three years of their secondary school journey have been like no other. Well done to them all for navigating such uncertain and challenging times. They have demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and perseverance. Furthermore, the holistic education our College provides, together with the dedication and expertise of our staff and the love and support of their families, have shaped our students into fine young women and men, better preparing them for their futures.

On Monday, our Unit 3/4 VCE students received their results from VCAA.

Congratulations to the 2022 College Dux, Sam Hines, with an ATAR of 99.4.

And congratulations to the following VCE high achievers:

Well done to our 35 Year 12 students who successfully completed their Senior VCAL Certificate in 2022 and who are now embracing their chosen pathways.

The Saint Ignatius College Careers Office email is connorb@ignatius.vic.edu.au for any students seeking support with their future pathways.

Congratulations again to all Yr 12 students as we recognise and celebrate their academic journey at Saint Ignatius College, Geelong.

College parent volunteers – thank you!

The Parents and Friends Association comprises a very generous and hardworking team of parents. Their work improves our College for all students. I was happy to attend the PFA’s end of year dinner on Tuesday evening with our Development Manager, Ms Elana Cole. On behalf of the College community, I express our gratitude to this committed group of parents for contributing to our College community during 2022. In particular, I thank this year’s office bearers:

We also rely on many, many parent volunteers to provide valuable services to enhance our College – canteen helpers, uniform shop, Time and Space programs and school event helpers, to mention a few. Thank you to them all.

Farewell & thank you

After many years of service to Catholic Education, two staff members will be retiring at the end of this year – Mrs Jennifer Guinane and Mr Malcolm Campbell.

Mrs Guinane has had a long history with Catholic Education. She commenced teaching in 1962 and, since 1986, has taught at Geelong’s St Mary’s Technical School, Catholic Regional College, Geelong and then Saint Ignatius College. Her main subject area has been Religious Education (RE). She has held various positions, including RE Coordinator, Learning Support Coordinator and ASTI Student Support Coordinator. Mrs Guinane helped make a difference for many students to achieve the most from their schooling.

Mr Campbell commenced teaching at Catholic Regional College, Geelong, in 2001 and then at Saint Ignatius College. From 2012 to 2021, he held the position of Learning Area Leader of Visual Arts and has led the development of our Creative Arts programs so that the Creative Arts area is vibrant and robust. Over the years, he has taught: Graphic Communication, Studio Art and Photography.

I thank both retirees for their dedicated contribution to our school, congratulate them on their service to education and wish them a rewarding time in their retirement.

On behalf of our school community, I wish teachers - Mr Michael Lawrence, Ms Carley Thorpe and Mr Andrew Walsgott, and Education Support Staff members - Ms Claire Lawrence (Risk & Compliance Manager), Ms Leonie Stephenson (ILC Coordinator), Mr Dean Bishop (Grounds & Maintenance) and Ms Regina Paganini (Laboratory Technician) who are finishing up, all the best for their futures.

And best wishes to two teachers who will be taking parental leave: Ms Alex Simpson and Ms Ruth Nolan.

College calendar

An overview of some key dates:

• The College office will close on Tuesday, 20^th December and re-open on Wednesday, 18^th January 2023, for the summer break. (Textbooks ordered through ‘Campion’ will be home delivered before Christmas. Years 7 & 10 students will be provided with their new laptops in a Mentor period early in the first week back next year.)
• Next year's first day of classes for Yrs 7 & 12 students will be Wednesday, 1^st February, and Yrs 8 – 11 students will commence on Thursday, 2^nd February 2023.

North Bellarine Aquatic Centre

Peninsula Drive Road Works Over Christmas School Holidays

The City of Greater Geelong informs that the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre development is progressing well, with the pool structure recently finished.

To facilitate roadworks on Peninsula Drive, the builder, Kane Construction, will be implementing a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) between the 9th and 25th of January 2023. Traffic access to all addresses and carparks in Peninsula Drive will be maintained throughout the duration of the works. However, access to St Ignatius College at Peninsula Drive will be coordinated with Kane Construction as required or via Gillies Road. Peninsula Drive will be reduced to one lane adjacent to the pool site. Signage, barriers and traffic lights will be installed at either end of the work zone to ensure safe traffic access. Key construction actives within the road reserve include building the roundabout, centre median strip, FRV hardstand and kerb and channel along the edge of the road.

Applications called for a position on a new community advisory panel

The City of Greater Geelong has provided the following information for people interested in the development of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre in Drysdale.

We are inviting Greater Geelong residents to apply for a position on a new community advisory panel that will help identify several design options for the second stage of the aquatic centre.

The volunteer panel will help provide a community perspective on the design options for the second stage of the aquatic centre. The panel will be comprised of up to 12 members that represent the following areas of interest within the community:

• Local Schools
• Aquatic Clubs / users
• North Bellarine Advocacy Group (NBAG)
• Specific Users (ie: culturally and linguistically diverse and disability groups)
• Additional expertise in aquatic design.

Stage one of the project is well underway and includes an eight lane 50-metre outdoor heated pool, all abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, tiered covered seating, a landscaped community lawn area with umbrellas, more than 100 trees, and parking for 60 cars.

The City of Greater Geelong has an election commitment of $20 million from the Victorian Government in addition to the Federal Government’s commitment of $20 million towards stage two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.

This is an opportunity for people from across our community to have their say and help guide the delivery of this long-awaited community facility. We hope you will please consider applying for a role on the volunteer panel and sharing this news through your networks with the community. Residents are encouraged to apply online now before applications close at 9am on Monday 19 December 2022.

All applicants will be contacted to acknowledge the receipt of their Expression of Interest and may be invited to attend an interview.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

As another year draws to a close, I want to express my gratitude to all parents for your support of the College community. I would also like to express my appreciation for the outstanding hard work, professionalism and dedication of our staff as we worked together to provide a full year of onsite teaching and learning programs, activities and events. And well done to all students on completing another year of school.

As this is the year's last newsletter, I wish all families a very happy and holy Christmas and a safe and restful holiday break. We look forward to our students returning in 2023.

Thank you & best wishes,

Mr Michael Exton (Principal)