From the Principal

Dear Saint Ignatius College Community Members,

Farewell to our Year 12 students

Since my previous newsletter article, we have recognised, celebrated, and bid farewell to our Year 12 students. Most of them have now started their VCE exams, while others have begun or are looking forward to jobs or apprenticeships. Some will be taking a break after finishing their studies.

On Monday, October 16th, the entire school gathered for an assembly that was truly inspiring. The event featured speeches and musical performances, which greatly uplifted the audience. The assembly was concluded with a walk around the college by the Year 12 students, while the rest of the school (Years 7 to 11) and staff cheered and clapped. A tradition that has been established for some time now is the presentation of a gift to the college by the graduating class. The Captains presented a painting by Indigenous artist, N. Jingarra, titled “Special Women Meeting Places.” This beautiful artwork is currently on display in the Loyola Centre foyer before it is moved to the MacKillop Centre.

Then, on Monday evening, the Yr 12 students, their families and staff gathered at our Multipurpose Centre for the formal Valete Mass and Graduation Ceremony. This was a very special and memorable large gathering of members of the College community to worship, pray for our graduating students, express gratitude and acknowledge this milestone for the Year 12s. In addition, each student was presented on stage and received a certificate. Our final gathering, the Valedictory Dinner, will be after the VCE exams for Yr 12 students, their families and staff at GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park, on the evening of Friday, 24 November 2023.

On Tuesday, which was the final school day for the Year 12 students, they celebrated their success in a respectful, fun, and happy way. I am proud of the students for participating in the day with such enthusiasm and positivity. Over the years, we have worked with our students to move from a 'muck up' culture to a 'celebration' culture, and I am glad that we were able to achieve this transformation together. I would like to acknowledge our senior area staff team and our students for their collaboration in ensuring that the event was enjoyable and memorable.

On behalf of the College community, I wish our Yr 12 students every blessing for their futures and thank them and their families for their contribution. I also express our gratitude to Ms Kirsty Allan (Director of Senior School) and her staff team for all they’ve done to support our senior students over the year, particularly during these final weeks for the Year 12’s.

Mosaic Evening – Thurs. 16th November 2023

Our College community end-of-year celebration occurs in mid-November. We call this evening ‘Mosaic’ because we endeavour to showcase many and varied pieces of student achievement from the year. We expect as many students and their families as possible attend this special College function at Costa Hall at Deakin University’s waterfront campus. This gathering will provide the opportunity for parents and students to celebrate the part school has played in family life for another year and build a stronger sense of school community.

As happened last year, we expect all Years 7 & 8 students to attend. All other students and their families would be most welcome to attend. Students are expected to attend in full school uniform. A roll will be taken on the night. In exceptional circumstances where a Year 7 or 8 student is unable to attend, parents are asked to please contact the Year Level Coordinator beforehand.

The date is Thursday, 176th November 2023. The Art & Technology display commences at 6.00 pm in the Costa Hall foyer followed by the celebration evening that begins at 7.00 pm in the main auditorium.

The evening will acknowledge and showcase student talents and achievements from a range of areas. As in previous years, tickets will not be required to attend. All you will need to do is turn up at Costa Hall, and you will be ushered to a seat. There is no cost to attend, and you are most welcome to invite Grandparents, other family members and family friends. In the meantime, please put this date in your diary to ensure you can attend. Students are expected to wear their school uniform with the blazer.

We have consistently received very positive feedback about Mosaic evenings over many years. This unique celebration evening, our eighteenth, builds a stronger school community and a sense of belonging and hopefully inspires all students to strive to make the most of the opportunities they have at the College. I ask our community to give this evening a priority when students, families, friends and staff of the College can come together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of some and the contribution we all make to Saint Ignatius College.

Year 7 2024

On the evening of Tuesday 17th October, we held a very well attended welcome and information evening for the parents and students of next year’s Year 7 intake.

It is very pleasing that due to demand, we have increased the number of places available at Year 7 for next year. I have enrolled 260 students (10 classes) for next year. The number of enrolment applications was high again, with many unfortunately missing out on a place. The significant demand for places at Saint Ignatius continues to reflect very well on the work our community has done to develop our College into a great place for secondary school education.

Thank you to Ms Deb Hodge (YLC,7) and the team of staff for organising this evening.

Reminder about forthcoming student-free days

Students will not be attending school as follows:

Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th November – Melbourne Cup/Mid-term break.

(Please note that the College will be open on Monday 6th November for the Unit 3& 4 VCE Exams scheduled on that day. Unit 3 & 4 students are advised to check the exam timetable and note that buses may not run on this day.)

Opening of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre

The new 50 m outdoor heated pool opened to the public for the first time on Wednesday.

The City of Greater Geelong is hosting a free community open day at the pool on Sunday 5 November:

• FREE entry all day (10:00am - 5:00pm)

• Entertainment, sausage sizzle, coffee and speakers from 12:00pm

• The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is part of the Swim Sport & Leisure network located at 30 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale.

The advertised hours for the pool are:

• 1 to 30 November 2023 (restricted operations)
  Monday to Friday: 6:00am to 10:00am and, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
  Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

• 1 December 2023 to 31 March 2024 (Summer opening hours)
  Monday to Friday: 6:00am to 6:00pm
  Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am to 5:00pm

On behalf of our College community, I express our gratitude for this new pool so close to our College. We look forward to using this wonderful facility for our Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Education programs.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal