From the Acting Principal

Feast Day

On Wednesday 31 July we celebrated the Feast Day of our Patron, St Ignatius of Loyola.

We came together to celebrate as a school community, promoting who we are, what we stand for as well as expressing gratitude for belonging to our school. The theme for the day was based around social justice and awareness of those less fortunate. This was outlined very clearly at the whole school assembly, which included; a short liturgy, an address from Fr James Puppady, student presentations, performances and several other items.

I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to speak to the students, on my thoughts, and what it means to me to be part of an Ignatian school. In my speech I discussed a concept that was presented to me at the recent JACSA conference, “which side of the river are you standing on when you consider those that have been ignored or disregarded in our community?”

Are you the type of person that is judging and demonstrates little empathy to those in need?

or

Are you on the other side of the river and can look from their perspective, walk in their shoes and align with the values that our Catholic faith is built upon?

I challenged them to walk alongside these people, develop that empathy, and be the advocate for change Ignatius would want each and every one of us to be.

An important part of our Feast day is celebrating long serving staff of the College. I would like to commend and congratulate the following staff on their service and commitment they have provided the community of Saint Ignatius and CRC over the past years:

Ian Anderson (10 years)

Allison Hill (10 years)

Ashley Latchford (10 years)

Kate Lehmann (10 years)

Brad Manzak (10 years)

Elise Meehan (10 years)

Tristan Phieler (10 years)

Rebekah Spencer (10 years)

Paul James (15 years)

Bill Miles (15 years)

Tory Wood (15 years)

Ben Zanghi (15 years)

Anthony Fitzgerald (20 years)

Joe McLean (20 years)

Paul O’Brien (20 years)

Bernie Lowes (40 years)

Sporting Success Continues

Congratulations to Ellie Harrison who has recently won the coveted 16 and under division at the 2019 Billabong Occy’s Grom surfing competition. Ellie also secured the 14 and under girls division, demonstrating her exceptional ability in surfing against some of the best surfers around Australia.

Max Annandale has recently been invited to join the U/17 Victorian AFL squad. We wish Max all the best in being selected for the Victorian team.

Congratulations to our 1stXVIII football team who were convincing winners in Tuesday’s quarterfinal of the Herald Sun Shield. The boys played against a representative team from the Christian School Education Network (CSEN) and were far superior on the day. The team now needs to wait until 4th September to play their Semi-Final at Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham. Good luck to all the students and staff involved in the match.

Drysdale Sporting Precinct Update

The draft master plan for the Drysdale Sporting Precinct was released on the 15th July and is now open for public consultation for a period of eight weeks closing on 9th September 2019. The revised master plan has been adjusted significantly since the initial master plan was released. There have been a number of exclusions, such as the athletics track, multi-purpose courts and rectangular sporting fields.

The updated master plan provides a community area and a passive recreation site, playground facilities and a ‘learn to ride’ bitumen track, plus a premier rectangular field and netball courts. The facility will be a great addition to our area and will continue to support the growing demands of the Bellarine Peninsula. I have included the following link if you would like to provide feedback to the Geelong City Council on the updated master plan. https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay/item/8d70518f286b15f.aspx

Parents College Relationships Code of Conduct

At Saint Ignatius College Geelong we are committed to nurturing respectful relationships and active partnerships with our parents. We believe that our students’ learning journeys are enriched through positive and reciprocal home and College relationships. As part of the requirements of the Victorian Registrations and Qualifications Authority each school is directed to provide a Parents College Relationships Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct is intended to guide parents/guardians in your dealings with staff, other parents, students and the wider College community. It articulates the College’s key expectations of both staff and parents with regard to respectful relationships and behaviours. It also specifies the College’s position with regard to unacceptable behaviours that breach our culture of respect. This document is available on the Parent Portal via the College.

Student Absence

As a College we are always investigating ways to improve our systems and productivity, and the recent change to our phone system is aimed at achieving this. At the beginning of next week, when parents/guardians call to inform the College of their children’s absences we will now have an automated system to leave a message. This, we hope, will stream line our attendance system.

Furthermore, it is important to note that regular attendance at school is one way of ensuring your daughter/son will remain positive about their schoolwork and continue to build a strong connection with the College. Attending important College events can also allow for the opportunity for students to foster and build the necessary relationships with their peers, that will not only enhance their motivation to attend school but builds a positive school culture that every great school strives to attain. If you need support in regards to any attendance issues, please contact your son/daughters Homeroom teacher or Year Level Coordinator.