From the Principal

Welcome back

Welcome to the new school term. I hope that the holiday period provided students with ample time for rest, recreation, revision of term one work and planning for term two, and all families enjoyed the Easter break with family and friends. It was uplifting to greet our students at the gate this morning when they arrived off their bus. We welcome six new students who joined our community across Years 8 to 11.

This will, without a doubt, be another busy term for us all. Apart from all the usual teaching and learning activities, there will be many other opportunities for student learning. For example, rehearsals have commenced for this year’s production, “Disney’s Anastasia,” the winter sports program began this week, the Year 7 students have their Anglesea Camp next week, some Yr 9 students studying Australian History will attend a Camp at Sovereign Hill, the College House Cross Country run will be held on Thursday 18th May, there will be many performing arts events happening throughout the term, our Careers Evening will be held on Monday 22nd May, the Year 8 students will have a Retreat Day later in the term and Year 10 students will have their Work Experience Program during the last week of term – and these are only some of the many Term Two events!

Term 2 is very much the business term of the academic year. It is a time when students can make substantial gains in their learning. As each student and family looks ahead, using the Student Planner will be an essential tool to help each student structure their term program and keep on track. Organisation is the key and an important skill to develop in our students. I encourage parents to monitor their student’s use of the planner.

Yr 7 Enrolments for 2024

Can I please remind parents of current students that if you have a child in Year Six this year that applications for a place in Year 7 next year at Saint Ignatius College Geelong close on Friday, 5th May 2023. Application forms are available on the College website.

ANZAC Commemoration Service

Yesterday, the whole school gathered for a service in keeping with the tradition and significance of the ANZAC Day services conducted on Tuesday across our community. I am pleased that some of our students and Bellarine Secondary College students involved in the Army Cadets formed a Catafalque party for this service – well done and thank you to them. I am also grateful to the guest speakers, Pte Rowan Taylor and his wife, Ms Laura Taylor-Payne. Ms Taylor-Payne is a teacher at our College. She spoke about the significance of ANZAC Day and, from her experience, the challenges for partners and families of military personnel on deployment. And that their challenges can extend well beyond this time. Ms Taylor-Payne encouraged us to commit to work for peace and justice.

Pte Taylor provided an overview of Australia’s observance of ANZAC Day since 1916. He mentioned his 14 years of service, particularly his deployments in Afghanistan, East Timor and Southeast Asia. He spoke about the importance of honouring the Australians who lost their lives in service and encouraged us to uphold values associated with the ANZACS – Loyalty, Selflessness and Courage.

Thank you to Deputy Principal Mr Paul Lewis for coordinating this service, well done to our choir and musicians, and I congratulate our students for participating respectfully.

Uniform Term Two

Please note that all students must wear full winter uniforms for terms two and three. However, as there may be some very warm days early in this term, students may wear summer uniforms with the blazer on any particularly warm days over the next two weeks.

Please check the Student Planner for details about what can and cannot be worn. Please note that the summer shirt with the logo is not to be worn as part of the winter uniform as it is not made to be worn with a tie. The college uniform long-sleeve shirt is to be worn with a tie and is compulsory with the winter uniform for boys and girls. Also, the kilt must be worn no longer than mid-calf with navy blue tights or stockings.

Before and after school supervision

A reminder that the College provides supervision from 8:30 am each morning until the commencement of the Homeroom class at 8:50 am. Students arriving at school before 8:30 am should gather in the Information Learning Centre (which opens at 8:00 am). In the afternoon, supervision is provided for students catching a bus from the College from 3:05 pm until the departure of the last school bus at approximately 3:50 pm. Students waiting for a bus should remain in the Basketball court area or at the bus stop. The College Library is open from 8:00 am each morning and closes at 4:30 pm.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton

Principal