From the Principal

Dear Parents & Carers,

With the commencement of the winter season on Sunday, we are now in the seventh week of the eleven weeks of Term Two. This term and Semester One conclude on Thursday, July 3. (Friday, July 4, is a teacher Professional Practice Day, and there will be no classes at the College.) So, between now and then, students will be involved in a variety of assessments, including exams for Years 9 to 11 students. Students studying VCE Unit 3 subjects will undertake VCAA’s General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025.

I suggest that parents and carers check in with their daughter or son about how they are progressing with their studies currently. As the term approaches its end, they may benefit from encouragement, understanding, and guidance to help them manage their workload and prepare effectively and efficiently for the upcoming assessments. Discussing how to manage their schoolwork alongside other activities, and whether they have a balanced and healthy schedule, may lead to improvements that will result in better outcomes for your daughter or son. Furthermore, parents and carers are most welcome to contact subject teachers or Mentor Teachers if they would like to discuss their student’s progress.

Spotlight on Wellbeing: Men's Health Week at Our School

Each year in June, communities across Australia unite to recognise Men's Health Week—an important event aimed at raising awareness about the unique health challenges faced by men. This year, Men's Health Week will take place from June 9–15, and our school is proud to participate in this nationwide initiative. The week acts as a reminder for all men and boys to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing and to seek support when necessary.

To support this, our school will host a special evening event aimed at promoting healthy habits, encouraging open conversations, and providing practical advice. This will be a chance to create space for meaningful discussions between young men and their parents or mentors about wellbeing.

This year, the College will hold a special presentation next Wednesday evening (June 11) featuring guest speaker Tom Hawkins, a former Geelong AFL player. Tom will share personal insights about his journey in professional sport, the significance of mental and physical health, and how young men can build resilience and self-care habits that endure for a lifetime. His story is bound to inspire and motivate students to take charge of their health and make positive choices.

The College is delighted that tickets to this Companion Evening are exhausted, however members of our community can enter the draw to win a signed guernsey and book.

The College Community can enter the draw here for a chance to win a signed guernsey and book by Tom Hawkins via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DAWXF. All proceeds from the raffle will go towards the College PFA.

The focus of Men’s Health Week is broad and holistic, covering not just physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing. By fostering open dialogue and providing practical support, we seek to encourage every student to prioritise their health.

We look forward to learning, growth, and community engagement as we stand together to support men’s wellbeing.

Parent & visitor access to school grounds & buildings

A reminder that upon arrival on school grounds, all parents and visitors must report to the front office. It is not our practice to allow parents and visitors unaccompanied access to buildings and grounds. Your cooperation with this would be gratefully appreciated.

2024 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 are required to 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 2024 Annual Report to the School Community is now available on the College Website, www.ignatius.vic.edu.au. A copy is also available upon request at the College Office. The report covers three key areas:

• Professional Engagement; and

• Key Student Outcomes

The College welcomes feedback from our parents, students and staff at any time. Comments in response to this report are similarly invited.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal