Principal's Message

Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong Community,

As we head into the final two weeks of Term 3, I want to acknowledge the many ways members of our College community have contributed throughout the term. It has been a busy term, with achievements across learning, sport, the arts and community life. While involvement and contribution vary across our community, I am pleased to see many students and staff continuing to work hard, get involved and strive to do their best.

Our work this year has continued to be guided by our core theme, Engagement for Excellence.

It has been particularly rewarding to see this theme come to life in our classrooms, on the sporting fields, on the stage and throughout our wider community. True excellence is not simply about final marks or results; it is about how deeply our students engage with their learning, challenge themselves to grow, and support and encourage one another along the way.

Finishing Term 3 Strongly

The final fortnight of a term is always busy, but it is also a rewarding time. Teachers are finalising assessments, and students are completing their current units of study.

I encourage all students to maintain their focus and finish the term strongly. Please ensure that all outstanding work is submitted and take some time to reflect on your learning, achievements and growth over the past ten weeks.

Final Day of Term

The final day for students will be Friday, 18 September, with a 2:20 pm finish following a shortened six-period timetable. Buses will depart in their usual order from 2:30 pm.

Term 4 classes commence on Monday, 5 October 2026.

A Busy Finish to the Term

There is plenty happening across the College over the coming fortnight.

This Week

• Monday – Student TEDx Event: An exciting evening featuring engaging talks from our Years 7–10 students. 7:00 pm

• Tuesday – Year 8 Father’s Day Event: Paper Planes, Pizza and Time and Space. 5:30 pm

• Wednesday – Instrumental Solo Recital Series: Featuring guitar, bass, drums and piano. 7:00 pm

• Thursday – R U OK? Day: An opportunity to strengthen our focus on connection, care and wellbeing.

• Thursday afternoon/evening – Parent–Student–Teacher Interviews: Thank you to the many parents and carers who joined us last week to discuss their child’s learning and progress. We look forward to welcoming families again this Thursday.

Next Week

• Monday, 14 September – Companions on the Journey Evening: For all Year 12 students and parents. 7:00–8:30 pm

• Tuesday, 15 September – Loyola Market Day: Raising funds to support Jesuit Social Services.

Immersions

This Thursday and Friday, we will say farewell to students and staff travelling to Timor-Leste and Cape York, respectively.

We wish all participants safe travels and a rewarding experience filled with discovery, learning, friendship and opportunities to connect with communities beyond our own. We look forward to hearing their stories and reflections when they return.

Staffing Updates

We wish the following staff members all the very best as they take leave next term and thank them for their contribution to the College. We also warmly welcome the staff who will be supporting their classes and responsibilities during their absence.

Community Feedback

Thank you to all parents and carers who completed the MACSSIS School Improvement Surveys.

The feedback we receive from parents, students and staff is an important part of our ongoing improvement journey. It enables us to celebrate our strengths, identify areas for growth and continue working together to provide the best possible experience for every student.

Looking Ahead

There are a number of important dates to keep in mind over the coming weeks.

During the Term 3 holidays, the College will run:

• VCE Revision Lectures: Monday, 21 September – Thursday, 24 September. These sessions are designed to support our Units 3 & 4 VCE students as they prepare for their examinations. Students will receive an email with a registration link for the VCE Lecture Series.

• Units 3 & 4 Practice Examinations: Monday, 28 September – Thursday, 1 October for Year 12 students and Year 11 students undertaking accelerated Units 3 & 4 subjects. Details, including the timetable, have been emailed to parents and students.

Then in Term 4:

• Friday, 23 October – Staff Professional Learning Day: No classes will be conducted at school on this day.

• Monday, 2 November: No classes will be conducted.

• Tuesday, 3 November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

• Thursday, 19 November – Mosaic Awards Ceremony: Costa Hall, Geelong

• Wednesday, 2 December – Final day of classes for Year 11

• Thursday, 3 December – Final day of classes for Years 7–10

Year 12 Celebrations and Examinations

• Wednesday, 14 October – Valete Mass: College Chapel, 5:00–6:30 pm

• Thursday, 15 October – Final day of scheduled Year 12 classes

• Thursday, 15 October – Year 12 Farewell Assembly: Periods 5 & 6

• Friday, 16 October – Year 12 Celebration Day

• Wednesday, 28 October – Unit 4 Examinations commence

• Wednesday, 18 November – Unit 4 Examinations conclude

• Friday, 27 November – Year 12 Graduation Ceremony & Valedictory Dinner: Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, 4:30–11:00 pm

Thank You

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to commend our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to our students and their learning. I also extend my sincere thanks to our parents and carers for your ongoing support and partnership.

This is our final newsletter for Term 3. Our next edition will be published on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

I hope the upcoming break provides our students with an opportunity to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends. For our senior students, particularly those preparing for VCE examinations, I also encourage you to set aside some quiet time for study and preparation ahead of Term 4.

I wish all our families a safe, restful and happy spring holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, 5 October, refreshed and ready for an exciting and successful Term 4.

Best wishes,

Michael Exton | Principal