22 October 2026

Principal's Message

Article by Michael Exton | College Principal

Principal's Message

Year 12 students celebrate the end of classes

Last week was a significant and memorable time for our Year 12 students, their families and the wider College community as we celebrated the conclusion of their formal classes and reflected on their journey through Saint Ignatius College.

On Wednesday evening, we gathered in the Companions Centre for our Valete Mass, a special celebration attended by Year 12 students, their families and many staff members. I extend my sincere thanks to our celebrant, Fr Gerry Healy SJ, for leading this important occasion.

As part of this tradition, each student received a copy of Michael McGirr’s Finding God’s Traces, as is customary in many Australian Jesuit and Companion Schools. This collection of quotations, Scripture passages and reflections will hopefully provide our graduates with inspiration and guidance as they navigate the next chapter of their lives. It is also a lasting memento of their time at an Ignatian school.

On Thursday, our Year 12 students completed their regular classes. In the afternoon, we came together as a College community to acknowledge their growth, celebrate their contributions and pray for their future endeavours. This annual Farewell to Year 12 Assembly was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the many achievements of our students and to celebrate the Class of 2026.

The assembly featured speeches, musical performances and presentations. Our College Captains, Owen McCoughtry and Hannah Dreise, delivered impressive speeches reflecting on their cohort’s journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunities they had experienced and encouraging their fellow students to make the most of what lies ahead. Continuing a College tradition, Vice-Captains Sarah Tolan and Hamish Dallman presented a plant from the Year 12 students to the College community. Another highlight was the heartfelt expression of gratitude on behalf of our Year 7 students, delivered by Jess Counihan and Hayden Gentle. I was particularly impressed by their thoughtful messages and confident presentations.

On Friday, our Year 12 students enjoyed their Celebration Day, bringing their final week of classes to a close in a positive and enjoyable way.

I congratulate the Class of 2026 on the respectful and appropriate manner in which they approached this important week. As they prepare for examinations, commence employment or further study, or take some time to reflect and recharge, I wish them every success and happiness in the years ahead.

I also thank our Senior School staff for their careful planning and preparation, which ensured that this final phase of the students’ school journey was well organised and that students and families were kept informed throughout.

Mosaic Evening – Thursday 19 November

As the school year draws to a close, our College community will come together for Mosaic, our annual celebration of the diverse talents, achievements and contributions of our students.

Mosaic is a special opportunity for students, families and staff to reflect on the year, celebrate the many ways our students have grown and developed, and strengthen the sense of belonging that is central to our College community.

The event will be held at Costa Hall, Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus, on Thursday 19 November 2026.

The evening’s program is as follows:

  • 6.00 pm: Art and Technology exhibition in the Costa Hall foyer.
  • 7.00 pm: Celebration evening in the main auditorium.

    Attendance is required for all Year 7 students, and I strongly encourage students in Years 8–12 to attend with their families.

    Unlike previous years, tickets will be required for organisational purposes. Tickets are free, and students do not need a ticket. https://events.humanitix.com/mosaic-2026 Grandparents, extended family members and family friends are warmly invited to join us.

    Students are expected to wear their school uniform, including their blazer.

    Mosaic has consistently received positive feedback from our community. Beyond showcasing individual talents and achievements, it reminds us that a strong school is built through the contributions of many people. I encourage families to make this evening a priority in their calendars and join us in celebrating all that makes Saint Ignatius College such a special community.

    Welcoming our Year 7 students for 2027

    On Monday evening, we welcomed a large gathering of parents and students who will join our College as Year 7 students in 2027.

    In response to the strong demand for places at Catholic secondary schools across Geelong, we have increased our Year 7 intake for next year to 280 students, comprising ten classes of 28 students. These class sizes are comparable with those at other Catholic secondary schools in the region.

    The continued demand for places at Saint Ignatius College is a strong affirmation of the work undertaken by our staff, students and families to build a College that offers a rich and engaging secondary education within the Catholic and Ignatian tradition.

    We look forward to welcoming our new students and their families and beginning this important partnership as they embark on the next stage of their educational journey.

    2027 Student Leaders Investiture Assembly

    On Tuesday 20 October, our College community gathered in the Companions Centre to celebrate the investiture of our 2027 student leaders. It was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance, alongside Fr Gerry Healy SJ, as we recognised the students who will take on leadership responsibilities next year. A feature of the assembly was the return of former College Captain, Emily Green as our guest speaker. Emily presented an inspiring address to the students.

    Our incoming College Captains and Vice-Captains delivered their inaugural speeches with confidence and thoughtfulness. Their presentations gave me great confidence in the strength of student leadership at Saint Ignatius College and in the positive contribution these students will make to our community.

    The College Stage Band and Year 11 Band added to the occasion with excellent musical performances, while Ms Dom Kiely, our Student Leader Development Coordinator, offered an insightful reflection on the meaning and practice of leadership within the Ignatian tradition.

    In an Ignatian school, leadership is not simply about holding a position. It is about serving others, recognising the dignity of each person, taking responsibility and using our gifts to make a positive difference. I encourage all our student leaders to embrace these principles as they serve our community in 2027.

    Congratulations to all students appointed to leadership positions. I look forward to seeing them lead with generosity, humility and a commitment to the common good.

    College Captains

    • Heidi Bush
    • Lucian Joyce

      College Vice-Captains

      • Jaya Newton
      • Reuben Cook

        Portfolio Captains

        • Academic and Pathways Captain: Finn Heywood
        • Arts Captain: Charlotte Carlson
        • Community Engagement Captain: Samantha Farnsworth
        • Eco Justice Captain: Ebony De Haan
        • Ministry Captain: Matilda Wood
        • Social Justice Captain: Saisha Tagore
        • Sport Captain: Paddy Moulton
        • Wellbeing Captain: Ziggy Castle

          Student Representative Council (SRC)

          • Year 7: To be confirmed in Term 1, 2027
          • Year 8: Eliza McCoughtry and Nuwain Da Silva
          • Year 9: Chloe Anderton and Xavier Underwood
          • Year 10: Amelia Andrews and George Pacitto
          • Year 11: Georgina Tod and Finn McNeill
          • Year 12: Jasmine Halliwell and Micah Broad

            The College Captains and Vice-Captains will also serve on the SRC.

            House Captains and Leaders

            Glowrey House

            • House Captains: Addison Lewis and Charley Cowley
            • Year 11 Vice-Captain: Will Bosman
            • Year 10 Vice-Captain: Lewis Kelly
            • Year 9 House Leader: Levi Vosloo

              MacKillop House

              • House Captains: Chloe Van Den Bosch and Xavier Gasper
              • Year 11 Vice-Captain: Jeff Sefo Ah How
              • Year 10 Vice-Captain: Griff Whykes
              • Year 9 House Leader: Ivy-Rose Do

                Ricci House

                • House Captains: Emily Neicho and Hamish Connell
                • Year 11 Vice-Captain: Lucas Dixon-Barra
                • Year 10 Vice-Captain: Kate Parnell
                • Year 9 House Leader: Riley Hawkins

                  Xavier House

                  • House Captains: Heidi Connor and Xavier Cunningham
                  • Year 11 Vice-Captain: Scarlett Luki
                  • Year 10 Vice-Captain: Abigail Sheather
                  • Year 9 House Leader: Bas (Sebastian) Gee

                    Arrupe Leaders

                    Annie Long, Ashlyn Pitts, Chloe Kearney, Imogen Payne, Isabelle Hachem, Luke McTaggart, Sarah Smith, Tess Cirillo and Zane Lowe.

                    FIRE Carriers

                    Lucas Bixon Bara, Nuwain de Silva, Saisha Tagore, Hannah Wilson and Frankie Wilkens.

                    Congratulations once again to all our incoming student leaders. May they embrace the opportunity to inspire others, strengthen our community and live out our College’s commitment to leadership through service.

                    Thank you to our Parents and Friends Association

                    We are fortunate to have a positive, enthusiastic and committed group of parents who contribute to the life of our College through the Parents and Friends Association (PFA).

                    At the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 7 October, nominations for the 2027 office-bearer positions were considered, and all current office-bearers were reappointed. On behalf of the College, I sincerely thank each of them for their time, energy and generosity this year, and for their willingness to continue serving our community in 2027.

                    Our office-bearers for 2027 are:

                    • President: Julie Castle
                    • Treasurer: Julie Castle
                    • Secretary: Nicole Mayne
                    • Fundraising Lead: Julie Penfold

                      The PFA plays an important role in strengthening connections among families and supporting College initiatives through fundraising and community engagement. Its meetings also provide a valuable opportunity for parents to hear from senior College leaders and discuss developments and initiatives at the College.

                      I encourage parents and carers to consider becoming involved. You do not need to make a substantial commitment to make a worthwhile contribution. Every additional connection helps strengthen the partnership between home and school.

                      College calendar: important dates

                      Please note the following dates and arrangements for the coming weeks:

                      • Friday 23 October: Curriculum Writing Day. There will be no classes at school.
                      • Tuesday 27 October: Units 3 and 4 VCE English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) examinations.
                      • Monday 2 November: Units 3 and 4 VCE Biology and General Mathematics examinations will be held at school. There will be no regular classes.
                      • Tuesday 3 November: Melbourne Cup public holiday.

                        Families are encouraged to check Canvas and College communications for any further information relevant to their children.

                        Finishing the year well

                        The final months of the school year can be demanding for students as they manage examinations, assignments, projects and competing deadlines. This is a time when encouragement, structure and support at home can make a real difference.

                        I encourage students to remain focused, maintain healthy routines and make the most of the learning opportunities available in the weeks ahead. Finishing the year well is not simply about examination results; it is also about demonstrating perseverance, taking responsibility and continuing to grow as learners and as people.

                        Parents and carers are welcome to contact subject teachers or their child’s Mentor Teacher if they have questions or concerns about progress. Our Student Wellbeing Office is also available to provide support at wellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au.

                        A strong partnership between home and school helps our students navigate challenges, recognise their progress and finish the year with confidence.

                        Thank you for your continued support of Saint Ignatius College and for the many ways you contribute to the life of our community.

                        Best wishes,

                        Michael Exton
                        Principal

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