From the Principal

Dear Parents & Carers,

Opportunity for parents to view the new senior centre

Would you like to view our new MacKillop Centre? In my previous newsletter article, I mentioned that there would be some opportunities available for parents and alumni. You are most welcome to attend as follows*:

(* meet in the MacKillop Centre Gallery)

ANZAC Commemoration Services

Last week on Wednesday, we held an ANZAC commemoration service for the whole school in the Multipurpose Centre. I am pleased that, and very grateful to, a number of our students, together with some from Bellarine Secondary College, involved in the Air, Army or Navy Cadets for their involvement in this service.

I would like to express our gratitude to our guest speaker, Sgt Matthew Jack, for his thoughtful and inspiring words. Sgt Jack’s reflections brought to life the sacrifices and bravery of those who served our nation, reminding us of the immense debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans and their families.

On ANZAC Day, services were conducted across our nation to honour the sacrifices of our brave soldiers. I commend our students who attended one of the many services across our region, particularly those who laid a wreath on behalf of our College community.

Ten of our students and their parents/carers/grandparents attended a function at the College on ANZAC Day eve to hear the President and Vice President of the Drysdale RSL speak about their experiences of war in regards to Navy involvement (Vice President) and Vietnam War (President). The students were then guided through a wreath-making process by a florist. These wreaths were the ones laid at the various ANZAC Day services on behalf of the College.

Yr 7 Enrolments for 2025

Please note, parents of current students, that the deadline for Year 7 applications at Saint Ignatius College Geelong is fast approaching. If your child is in Year Six this year, remember to submit their application by Friday, 3rd May 2024. Even if you already have a child enrolled at the College, a separate application is required for each student. Application forms can be found on the College website.

We have provided four Open Afternoon Information Sessions and many Guided Tours during Term One and early Term Two to assist families who are considering applying for enrolment at Saint Ignatius. Our Community Engagement Team, with the support of staff and students, has done an excellent job in organising and running these opportunities. I want to commend the many students who volunteered to help showcase their College. All reports indicate that they were tremendous ambassadors for their school. The number of registrations for attending these sessions was the highest we have ever received.

House Athletics Carnival

On Friday, 19th April, our College held the House Athletics Carnival at Landy Field Athletics Track, South Geelong. Similar to the Swimming Carnival, we did not involve the whole school. All Years 7 & 8 students attended together with those Yrs 9 – 12 students who registered for events. We were very pleased with the high level of registrations and, in particular, from the Year 12 students.

The House Athletics Carnival encouraged active participation in a fun, friendly, and fair manner. Students unable to participate assisted with the carnival.

The carnival was conducted on a very pleasant autumn day, and I commend our students for their participation and cooperation at Landy Field. Thank you to Mr Philp and all the staff members involved in organising and running this busy day.

The winning House and Age champions will be announced at next week’s Full College Assembly. There were many outstanding performances, and Mr Philp will provide more details soon. Well done!

College Assembly

The next full school College Assembly will be held next Tuesday, 7th May 2024 (11:00 am – 12:30 pm) in the College’s Multi-Purpose Centre. Parents are welcome to attend. Please report to the Loyola Centre Reception at 10:45 am so a seat can be organised for you.

Best wishes,

Michael Exton | Principal