Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Term 4

Welcome back to the final term of the 2026 school year.

I hope all students enjoyed a well-earned break and returned refreshed, re-energised, and ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead. While some revision and preparation may also have been part of the holiday routine, I hope there was plenty of time for family, friends, recreation and rest.

As we begin Term 4, it is a good time for students and parents to reflect on the year's progress and consider how to make the final weeks count.

Teacher feedback, assessment information, and the learning materials available through Canvas all provide valuable insight into student progress. The Year 7–11 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences held at the end of Term 3 also provided an important opportunity to celebrate progress, identify areas for further development and establish priorities for the weeks ahead.

I encourage parents to take some time with their son or daughter to review their progress and discuss their goals for the remainder of the year. In particular, consider how students can establish a productive, balanced routine of study, recreation, family life, and other commitments.

Term 4 has a habit of passing very quickly. Our hope is that every student can finish the year feeling proud of what they have achieved, not only academically, but also in their personal growth, relationships and contribution to our College community.

Supporting our Year 12 students

For our senior students, the final stage of their secondary education is now well underway. I am pleased that many of our VCE students took advantage of the Unit 3 and 4 VCE revision lectures and practice examinations during the holidays.

These final weeks are an important opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, seek support from their teachers and prepare thoroughly for their examinations. I encourage our Year 12 students to stay focused, support one another, and make the most of their teachers' expertise and encouragement.

Final Week for Year 12

Next week will be the final week of regular classes for our Year 12 students, marking an important milestone in their secondary school journey.

Regular timetabled classes will cease on Thursday 15 October. On Friday 16 October, our Year 12 students will celebrate their final day at the College.

We have made our expectations very clear regarding a positive, respectful and memorable finish to their time at Saint Ignatius. I look forward to seeing our Year 12 students conclude their schooling in a manner that reflects the values of our College and the young men and women they have become.

Following Friday 16 October, Year 12 teachers will continue to be available during normal class times and, by appointment, outside class time until the relevant examination. Teachers will discuss these arrangements with their students.

The VCE written examination period begins on Tuesday 27 October with the English examination. Students undertaking LOTE oral examinations, Theatre Studies, Music Performance and other examinations should check the arrangements with their subject teachers, as some examinations commence earlier than this.

The VCAA VCE examination timetable provides the full examination schedule.

We have several special activities planned to make this final week memorable for our Year 12 students and their families. I particularly remind parents and friends of the College about:

• Year 12 Valete Mass – Wednesday 14 October, 5:00 pm
  Companions Centre. We expect all Year 12 students and encourage their families to attend this special celebration.

• Full School Assembly – Thursday 15 October, 1:30 pm
  This will include our farewell to the Year 12 students. Parents and friends are very welcome to attend. Please report to the College Office at 12:45 pm so that a seat can be arranged for you. The assembly is expected to conclude at approximately 2:45 pm.

I wish our Year 12 students and their families a very special and memorable final stage of their secondary school journey. I hope they will take time to appreciate not only what they have achieved, but also the friendships, experiences, challenges and opportunities that have helped shape who they have become.

Welcome to our New Students

We warmly welcome seven new students and their families to Saint Ignatius College this term.

We hope they quickly feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to our community. I am confident our students will extend them the warmth, friendship, and welcome that are such important parts of our College culture.

Next Full School Assembly

All parents are warmly invited to attend our next Full School Assembly on Thursday 15 October at 1:30 pm.

The main focus of the assembly will be our farewell to the Year 12 students. Parents and friends attending are asked to report to the College Office at 12:45 pm so that seating can be arranged.

The assembly will conclude at approximately 2:45 pm.

Wednesday 21 October – Normal Classes

Please note that Wednesday 21 October is a normal school day and classes will operate as usual.

As you are aware, this is the day of the annual Geelong Cup. While some schools will be taking the day as a holiday, Saint Ignatius College will remain open, as we observe the Melbourne Cup public holiday on Tuesday 3 November instead. And there will also be no classes running on Monday 2 November.

Some questions have been raised about school bus services on this day because a number of other schools will not be operating. The Region’s School Bus Coordinator has advised our Bus Coordinator that school buses will operate as normal for our students.

Students are nevertheless encouraged to check with their bus driver shortly before the day, particularly where buses carry students from several schools, in case any special arrangements are required.

Friday 23 October – Professional Learning Day

There will be no classes at school on Friday 23 October.

Bishop Martin Ashe – Parish Pastoral Visitation

As part of a broader parish pastoral visit, Bishop Martin Ashe will visit the College this Friday from 12:30–1:45 pm.

During his visit, Bishop Ashe will meet with members of the Executive, Faith and Mission Team, College Captains and other student leaders.

We look forward to welcoming Bishop Ashe to Saint Ignatius College.

Staffing Update

I would like to thank the staff members who are taking on additional responsibilities during Term 4 to cover staff leave:

• Richard Geary replacing Laura Taylor-Payne, with Patrick Beer Acting MacKillop Head of House

• Louise Paynter replacing Paul Howard

• Catherine Alizzi replacing Terry Tolan

• Ligia Learmonth replacing Tyran Dillon

We also warmly welcome four new members of our Learning Diversity Team:

Alessandro (Alex) Pino, Sally Bruce, Jemimah Juers and Taj McDonald, who are joining us as Learning Support Officers.

We are very pleased to have them join our College community and wish them every success in their new roles.

Timor-Leste and Cape York Immersion Experiences

It was wonderful to hear about the recent Timor-Leste and Cape York Immersion Experiences.

The reflections shared by students and staff on their return highlighted the richness of these experiences and the opportunities they provided for students to develop greater understanding, empathy and appreciation of cultures and communities different from their own.

These experiences are an important expression of our Ignatian tradition and our commitment to educating young people who are prepared to engage with the world and contribute positively to it.

2027–2029 Global Immersions and Cultural Experiences Program

Families have now received information about the proposed 2027–2029 Global Immersions and Cultural Experiences Program.

This includes an overview of the proposed experiences and a link to the Expression of Interest Form.

These experiences provide valuable opportunities for our students to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of the world and develop as young people of competence, conscience, compassion and commitment.

Year 7, 2028 Enrolments

The Year 7, 2028 enrolment season has begun, with applications now open.

If you have family or friends with children currently in primary school who may be interested in joining Saint Ignatius College, please encourage them to explore the opportunities available.

In particular:

• Year 7, 2028 enrolment applications are now open.

• Scholarship testing for Year 7, 2028 is now open.

• College tours specifically for primary school families are available to book.

• Families can visit the College website for enrolment information and tour bookings.

• Following our social media pages is a great way to stay up to date with enrolment events, information and important dates.

If you know a family who may be interested in Saint Ignatius College, please encourage them to get in touch with us.

Catastrophic Fire Danger Days

Please take note of the letter that was emailed to parents on October 7 regarding Catastrophic Fire Danger Day declarations.

Saint Ignatius College has been identified as a Category 4 school. Due to the College’s high bushfire risk, the school may need to close on any day declared a Catastrophic Fire Danger Day for our region.

We will provide families with as much notice as possible. As Catastrophic Fire Danger Days are generally declared on the day before, we will endeavour to communicate any decision before the end of the preceding school day.

Please ensure that you are familiar with the information provided so that your family is prepared should a closure be required.

Ordination of former student Rhys Lowther

I am delighted to share some very special news for our College community.

Former Saint Ignatius student, Rhys Lowther (2017), will be ordained a Catholic priest. This is a wonderful moment for Rhys, his family and all those who have supported and encouraged him on his journey of faith and vocation.

For our College community, it is especially meaningful to see a former student respond so generously to God’s call. We are very proud of Rhys and give thanks to God for his vocation and his commitment to serving the Church.

Rhys will be ordained on Saturday 14 November 2026 at 10.00 am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne.

His First Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 15 November 2026 at 1.00 pm at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Lara.

We will hold Rhys, his family and his future ministry in our thoughts and prayers at this very special time.

May God bless Rhys abundantly as he begins his priestly ministry and continues to guide him in his vocation of service to God and his people.

Looking Ahead

Term 4 is always a busy and significant time in the life of the College. There is much to look forward to, but also much to complete.

For our Year 12 students, it is a time of endings and new beginnings. For our other students, it is an opportunity to consolidate their learning, finish strongly and reflect on the growth they have made throughout the year.

I encourage all our students to approach the term with purpose, optimism and a willingness to give their best. In the spirit of Engagement for Excellence, let us make these final weeks count.

I wish all members of our College community a happy, productive and successful Term 4.

Best wishes for the term ahead,

Michael Exton
Principal