From the Principal

MacKillop Senior Centre construction update

On Wednesday morning, we celebrated a milestone for the construction of our new MacKillop Senior Centre with gratitude. We held a “Top Out” ceremony that marked the completion of laying the top floor concrete of this three-storey building.

We have waited some time for this project, and I thank everyone for their patience and support. Thank you to the College Advisory Council, College Executive and our staff members who worked with our Architects, Clarke Hopkins Clarke, to design and plan for our most extensive building project. I also thank the MACS Infrastructure and Capital Development Unit for their support.

Each day I, with over 1400 students and 170 staff, look across at the construction site, curious and excited about the changes happening before our eyes as the Plan Group Team and their workers add new pieces to the puzzle that will become a striking landmark and impressive front presentation of our school. The additional facilities and amenities this project will provide will enhance student learning outcomes.

This large project would not be possible without the support of the Catholic Development Fund. Most of the funding for the project will come from a CDF loan, and we express our gratitude to the CDF for making this possible for us. The CDF provides valuable support so that Catholic schools can undertake such projects.

I also express our gratitude to our local State member of parliament, Alison Marchant and her predecessor, Lisa Neville. I am grateful for Alison and Lisa’s enthusiastic support of this project and the State Government’s contribution of $1M towards its funding. This support from the State Government will enable us to better serve the needs of the Geelong Community by having a stronger education provider that plays its part in the growth and development of the Geelong region and our part in making Victoria the Education State.

I am grateful that representatives from the builders - Plan Group, architects - Clarke Hopkins Clarke, MACS and CDF, together with our local State member of parliament, were present at the ceremony.

College Assembly

The next whole school College assembly will be held in the gym on Monday, 15th May 2023, at 11.00 am. It will conclude at about 12.40 pm. If you would like to attend, please report to the office at about 10.50 am on the day so that a seat can be arranged for you. The assembly is a formal occasion and a great way to celebrate many student achievements, reinforce values and positive messages and build our sense of community.

I look forward to seeing as many parents and friends of the College as possible at this event.

Year 7 Camps

I was delighted to be able to visit the Year 7 camps last week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Anglesea. I was very impressed by the positive and enthusiastic responses I received from the students about their camp experience and how they were settling into secondary school life.

I took some of the College Captains with me as in previous years. These Senior Student Leaders were uplifted by the warm welcome they received. They did a tremendous job meeting as many Year 7s as possible, talking about their experiences of camps and school and encouraging the young students to make the most of their opportunities.

Thank you to the team of dedicated staff for making this a valuable and enjoyable experience for the students. In particular, thank you to Mrs Deb Hodge (YLC) for her overall coordination of the camp and thank you to all staff involved.

2023 Annual Report to the School Community

As part of the funding agreement between the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and the Australian Government, schools must report on specific categories of School Performance Information. This information is supplied to the school community in many ways that include (but are not limited to): a fortnightly newsletter; an annual report; the yearly school magazine “Magis”, and our website.

I am pleased to inform you that the Saint Ignatius College Geelong 2023 Annual Report to the School Community is now available on the College Website, www.ignatius.vic.edu.au/about-us/annual-report

A copy is also available upon request at the College Office. The report covers three key areas:

• Professional Engagement; and

• Key Student Outcomes

Mother’s Day

Finally, best wishes to all Mothers for a special day on Sunday, 14th May.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton

Principal