From the Principal

Congratulations to Year 12 students

The 2019 VCE Units 3/4 results were released last Thursday. I congratulate the VCE Class of 2019. I am happy to report that overall our VCE results are very pleasing and again above the state averages. Reflecting on our students’ achievements, they reinforce that the key to success is consistent effort and persistence. I acknowledge the importance of the positive partnerships between parents, teachers and students that have supported our students over the years to develop the skills and attitudes that underpin successful VCE achievement. And I recognize the dedication and efforts of the Year 12 teachers.

As well as coping with the demands of Year 12, many students were actively involved in the College’s co-curricular program. Examples include Leadership, Sport, Music, the Production, Community Service and Social Justice. This has contributed to developing well-rounded young women and men.

Many of our students achieved outstanding results, and I congratulate them. Some noteworthy achievements are as follows.

Dux of the 2019 Class was Ruby Mangelsdorf with a very impressive Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.2. Well done, Ruby! Ruby was a tremendous role model as Academic Captain this year.

The following students (in alphabetical order by surname) received an ATAR in the top 10% of the State:

Jack Brassington
Miranda Friee
Emily Gordon
Montana Holdsworth
Ruby Mangelsdorf
Chandler McEwen
Erin Skene
Sophie Skuza
Rachelle Spadoni
Natalia Wilcox

Two key statistics were:

6% of study scores were over 40.

The median study score was 30.

Many students received an ATAR in the high eighties. There were three perfect scores of 50 and many other very impressive results. I congratulate the students who achieved at such a high level and their teachers.

I would also like to congratulate our VCAL students on completion of their VCAL certificates. At the last staff meeting of the year, Ms Kirsty Allan (VCAL Coordinator) shared with staff the variety of pathways of these students. Many have secured fulltime apprenticeships, others will be undertaking further education and, some have obtained employment. I wish them all the best for their futures.

With the VCE results in and VCE or VCAL certificates obtained, some students may be looking for some support, and I remind students and parents that our Work and Further Education Coordinator, Mr Bruce Connor (connorb@ignatius.vic.edu.au) is available to discuss plans with any student who would like some advice.

The ‘results’ of all of our students reflect their commitment to learning, the hard work and encouragement of their teachers and the love and support of their parents and families. I wish our Class of 2019 all the best for their futures.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following teachers on maternity leave on the recent arrival of their baby:

Ms Emma Cuthill, who welcomed with love Lacey Loretta; and

Ms Sarah Adams, who welcomed with love Arlo Joseph.

Best wishes to both families.

Farewell to some staff

Thank you to the following staff members who finished their contract at the end of this term:

Ms Linda Barrett (Education Librarian)
Mr Andrew Blackstone (Teacher)
Mr Andrew Booth (Teacher)
Ms Leanne Crole (Learning Support Officer)
Mr Cameron Fennel (Teacher)
Ms Jo Geary (Teacher)
Ms Jessica Johns (Learning Support Officer)
Thank you to Ms Deanna Hedley (Teacher) who has decided not to return after taking leave this year.

And thank you to the following staff members who will be retiring at the end of this year:

Ms Gail Lambert (Principal’s & Deputy Principals’ Secretary)
Mr Peter Martin (Teacher)
Mr Richard Moody (Teacher)
And best wishes to Ms Maree Maurer (Librarian) who will be taking Long Service Leave for 2020.

On behalf of our College community, I thank each person who is leaving for their contribution to the education of our students and wish them all the best. In particular, I want to recognize with gratitude the contributions made by our retiring staff members. I congratulate them on their careers and wish them every blessing for their futures.

Semester Two Reports

Just a reminder that the Semester Two reports are available via the Parent Portal. I trust that the Homeroom and individual subject reports record achievements, identify strengths and areas for improvement and acknowledge student effort. I encourage you to take some time with your daughter/son to reflect on progress this year in the light of the report and lead the conversation towards setting some goals for 2020.

Some 2020 dates

I provide the following overview of early next year’s College events for your perusal to help with your planning. You will find more details, where appropriate, about these events in the newsletters early next year. You can also access the College Calendar through our website www.ignatius.vic.edu.au

Monday 20th January - College office re-opens
Thursday 23rd January - Laptop & Book Collection
Tuesday 28th January - Teaching staff return
Friday 31st January - All students return
Wednesday 5th February - Student photos
Thursday 6th February - Year 7 Welcome Mass (7 pm, families attend)
Friday 7th February - Full School Assembly (10:45 am, Parents invited)
Monday 17th February - Years 10, 11 & 12 Parent Information evening (7 pm)
Tuesday 18th February - Beginning of Year Mass (11:20 am)
Thursday 27th February - House Swimming Carnival (Kardinia Pool, parents invited)
Wednesday 18th March - House Athletics Carnival (Landy Field, parents invited)
Sunday 22nd March - Open Day (11 am – 2:00 pm)

Merry Christmas & happy new year

With the school year coming to a close, it is a hectic time, and we are eagerly looking forward to the summer break. During this end of the year busyness, it is easy to forget that we are in the Advent season that prepares us for the Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus and calls us to reflect on God’s entering into the human story by becoming one of us.

As partners in the Christian education of our Saint Ignatius College students, it is a challenge for us all to ensure that we keep “Christ in Christmas.” At the final day year level assemblies I was able to attend, I encouraged the students to ensure that Christmas was more than just receiving gifts, although this will be an enjoyable part of the celebration, by attending their church service or attending a carols event or including an act of giving or service for someone in need – some way of helping them to reflect on and more deeply enter into our faith story.

As this is the last newsletter of the year, on behalf of the College may I wish all families a very happy and holy Christmas and safe and restful holiday break. Thank you to our Saint Ignatius College community for your contributions and support during the year.

Michael Exton Principal