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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Article by Mr Brendan Nicholls
Over the last six years, our Year 12 students have developed in every way. As a College, we have guided and mentored them over the years as they became more aware of the person they wanted to be and as a self-directed competent learner. Most importantly, our senior students graduate as young adults who are aware of the importance of balancing academic and sporting success with a keen eye for injustice in the world and developing spiritual awareness of God's presence in their lives, and the connection this provides spiritually to all of creation.
As the final days of secondary education occur the focus of our students and their families is placed upon what can yet be achieved rather than focussing upon what has changed and dwelling on the disappointment. A re-framed vision of what can still be is will be a fitting capstone for their time as students at our College. The pandemic and the impact it has had upon our whole society has been dramatic and in many ways overwhelming. Moving beyond the initial response to the situation is the definition of a teachable moment. A surreptitious gift if you like.
Our students have encountered an event that families, the College and society could not diminish. The reality of the pandemic and the sacrifices necessary to protect the vulnerable could not be hidden or softened. In their final year our students have encountered the demands of society and without objection have moved forward. During the year we have all encountered moments of negativity or resentment toward the way life 'is' at present but through contemplation, they have decided to focus on what can be controlled and what can be achieved despite the limitations.
The significance of the impact of the pandemic and difficulty presented to students in their final year is absolute. Choosing to share with others and seek support from those in their various networks is a decision that for most young people is not required until well into their twenties. The pandemic has forced the issue and presented each of our students the choice of proceeding on their own or reaching out for help from those close to them. This choice humbles us. The one thing our students have truly missed out on due to the pandemic is the ignorance of youth; those few more years of thinking that they can do everything on their own.
As young adults, most of us are blessed with the illusion that we can do anything all by ourselves. For our senior students this fantasy has been destroyed, however, this is not entirely regretful. Becoming aware of our limitations and the need to trust in others is an important and final aspect of maturity. It also awakens us to the need to truly trust in God. As soon to be alumni our students hold within them a link that will be key in connecting the two – God in All Things.
Over the coming weeks, each student will come to realise what they are capable of on their own as learners and what they require support in. In these moments considering where God is in that moment or where they can or have encountered him will not only bring contentment but be evidence of their formation as a member of this community. The growth our students can expect to observe in their maturity and spirituality will be deep and intense.
A key aspect of Ignatian education is the formation of the whole person. This is often referred to in the Latin phrase cura personalis. The concept comes directly from the mystical experiences St Ignatius had at Manresa and in the structure of the Spiritual Exercises. Spiritual formation is a lifelong process which we as a College community seek to nurture and guide each student in over their years. The results of our efforts are not observed fully during their time as daily members of our College. The pandemic and the associated fast-tracking of the maturation of our senior students offer a significant change in this formation process and offers them wisdom and maturity beyond their years.
As we say farewell to our Year 12 students we celebrate their resilience and with pride watch their positive approach to their disrupted 'end of school'. As a community, we look forward to celebrating their final Valate mass next week and know that we will see the proof of their wholeness as we come together virtually and spiritually.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
Feature
Events
Our News // 22 October 2020
Article by Mr Brendan Nicholls
Over the last six years, our Year 12 students have developed in every way. As a College, we have guided and mentored them over the years as they became more aware of the person they wanted to be and as a self-directed competent learner. Most importantly, our senior students graduate as young adults who are aware of the importance of balancing academic and sporting success with a keen eye for injustice in the world and developing spiritual awareness of God's presence in their lives, and the connection this provides spiritually to all of creation.
As the final days of secondary education occur the focus of our students and their families is placed upon what can yet be achieved rather than focussing upon what has changed and dwelling on the disappointment. A re-framed vision of what can still be is will be a fitting capstone for their time as students at our College. The pandemic and the impact it has had upon our whole society has been dramatic and in many ways overwhelming. Moving beyond the initial response to the situation is the definition of a teachable moment. A surreptitious gift if you like.
Our students have encountered an event that families, the College and society could not diminish. The reality of the pandemic and the sacrifices necessary to protect the vulnerable could not be hidden or softened. In their final year our students have encountered the demands of society and without objection have moved forward. During the year we have all encountered moments of negativity or resentment toward the way life 'is' at present but through contemplation, they have decided to focus on what can be controlled and what can be achieved despite the limitations.
The significance of the impact of the pandemic and difficulty presented to students in their final year is absolute. Choosing to share with others and seek support from those in their various networks is a decision that for most young people is not required until well into their twenties. The pandemic has forced the issue and presented each of our students the choice of proceeding on their own or reaching out for help from those close to them. This choice humbles us. The one thing our students have truly missed out on due to the pandemic is the ignorance of youth; those few more years of thinking that they can do everything on their own.
As young adults, most of us are blessed with the illusion that we can do anything all by ourselves. For our senior students this fantasy has been destroyed, however, this is not entirely regretful. Becoming aware of our limitations and the need to trust in others is an important and final aspect of maturity. It also awakens us to the need to truly trust in God. As soon to be alumni our students hold within them a link that will be key in connecting the two – God in All Things.
Over the coming weeks, each student will come to realise what they are capable of on their own as learners and what they require support in. In these moments considering where God is in that moment or where they can or have encountered him will not only bring contentment but be evidence of their formation as a member of this community. The growth our students can expect to observe in their maturity and spirituality will be deep and intense.
A key aspect of Ignatian education is the formation of the whole person. This is often referred to in the Latin phrase cura personalis. The concept comes directly from the mystical experiences St Ignatius had at Manresa and in the structure of the Spiritual Exercises. Spiritual formation is a lifelong process which we as a College community seek to nurture and guide each student in over their years. The results of our efforts are not observed fully during their time as daily members of our College. The pandemic and the associated fast-tracking of the maturation of our senior students offer a significant change in this formation process and offers them wisdom and maturity beyond their years.
As we say farewell to our Year 12 students we celebrate their resilience and with pride watch their positive approach to their disrupted 'end of school'. As a community, we look forward to celebrating their final Valate mass next week and know that we will see the proof of their wholeness as we come together virtually and spiritually.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
