20 December 2018

From the Principal

Article by Mr Michael Exton

From the Principal


Congratulations to our Year 12 students

I congratulate the Class of 2018 on their achievements. I thank them for their contribution to our school community. Their education has provided them with a solid foundation for their future success and contribution to building a better world.

I look forward to hearing about their successes, adventures and contributions to our society in the years to come. Each of them has many gifts and talents, and I encourage them to go forward “to love and to serve” and make the most of the wonderful opportunities awaiting them.

I congratulate all of our Year 12 VCE students who received their results on Friday last week. I am very pleased to report that overall our VCE results are again very impressive. Many students achieved results of which they can be very proud. Their perseverance, knowledge, skills and effort resulted in an achievement that met or exceeded their expectations. In particular, I congratulate the 2018 College Dux, Callum McWaters with an impressive ATAR of 97.5.

Some key statistics about the 2018 VCE results are:

11.2% of our students who applied for an ATAR received a rank above 90

31 was the median study score

6.3% of our students received study scores of 40 or more

Congratulations to the following students who received an ATAR of above 90:

Lara Barnes, Leah Bensted, Isabella Borley, Matthew Clark, Mackinley Collins, Rachel Deane-Teggelove, Keira Ford, Chloe Hayes, Ronan Healy, Olivia Hewitt, Annabel Hooper, Dominic Randall, Madison Smith, Bridget Waring and Matson Waring

VCE coordinator, Ms Anna Oliver, provides some more detail about the VCE results in her article in this newsletter.

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 undertaken by these students. Many have secured fulltime apprenticeships, others will be undertaking further education and, some have obtained employment.

With the VCE results published 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 2018 all the best for their futures.

Semester Two Reports

I hope parents have taken the opportunity to access your daughters / son’s Semester Two report via the Parent Portal by now. I trust that this document records achievements, identifies strengths and areas for improvement and acknowledges effort. I encourage parents to make some time with their daughter/son to reflect on progress this year in the light of the report and lead the conversation towards setting some goals for 2019.

Transition to Year 7

The 2019 Year 7 Orientation Day held on Tuesday last week was very successful. We welcomed 250 students. There was a very large attendance of parents on the morning for the parent orientation meeting as well.

As has been our practice we offered a “Singles” orientation morning on the previous Thursday. This was to better prepare Grade Six students who were the only student from their primary school or who had been identified as benefitting from spending some time at school prior to Orientation Day. This was well received judging by the uptake and appears to have contributed very positively to the success of the main orientation day. I thank our Transition Coordinator, Ms Tory Wood for her leadership and management of the Singles and Orientation Days. Also, thank you to incoming Year 7 Coordinator, Ms Leonie O’Brien for her work to ensure both days went very well.

Potato Shed 2019 Season Launch

On the evening of Wednesday 5th December, I attended the Potato Shed function to launch the 2019 season. Ms Kaz Paton (Manager Arts & Culture, City of Greater Geelong) introduced the new season’s program and Rob McLeod and Lisa Warrick, who both manage the Potato Shed, ran through what to expect each month. The program covers a range of performances and is well worth a look; we are very fortunate to have the availability of a variety of performances at a quality local venue.

Please check the Potato Shed website for information about this program at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed

Staff news

A number of teachers will conclude their term in a Position of Leadership (2016-2018.) On behalf of everyone I thank them for their leadership and management in the role they held as follows:

Mrs Jane Alexander (Healing the Earth)

Ms Sarah Callahan (Humanities LAL)

Mr Ben Collyer (YLC, Year 9)

Ms Lesley Falconer (Literacy Coordinator)

Mr Anthony Gravener (Community Services)

Ms Kerry Horbowsky (Technology - Materials and Systems LAL)

Mr Byron Mitchell (Off-Campus Activities Cpprdinator)

Ms Anna Oliver (VCE Coordinator, HPE LAL)

Ms Karen Perkins (Director of Teacher Development, Strategic Data Leader)

Mr Caleb Ryan (RE LAL)

Ms Annaliese Wandersmith (Assist. Daily Organiser)

Ms Kristin Williamson (Acting Food Tech LAL)

Ms Tory Wood (YLC, Year 7, Time & Space and Transition)

We will publish the names of the Position of Leadership (2019 - 2021) holders in next year’s first newsletter.

Staff movements

On behalf of the College community, I thank the following contract teachers for their contribution to the teaching and learning of our students and farewell them with our best wishes: Ms Meagan Canaway, Mr James Fox, Ms Simone Martin, Mr David Rock, Ms Andrea Smith and Ms Catherine Thistleton.

I also thank Ms Anna Oliver for her work over many years. Ms Oliver has held the positions of VCE Coordinator, Health & Physical Education Learning Area Leader and Acting Deputy Principal over the years. I wish her and her family all the best for their futures.

Three staff members will be taking leave for next year. I wish them all the best:

Ms Deanne Hedley (away for 2019)

Ms Tenille Thomson (parental leave)

Ms Tory Wood (away for term one)

Commencement date for 2019 school year

Please note that classes for all Year levels will commence on the same day next year – Monday 4th February 2019.

The first school assembly (“Academic Assembly”) of the year will be held on Friday 8th February (9:00 am to 11 am) at our College gym. All parents are welcome to attend. Please report to the office at 8:50 am so a seat can be organised for you.

Merry Christmas & happy new year

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

Michael Exton Principal

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