From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we move further into the term, it has been pleasing to see the breadth of activity across our College. From engaging classroom learning and co-curricular opportunities to information evenings and community events, there is a great deal happening that reflects the energy and vitality of our school.

I have been particularly pleased with the level of student engagement. Overall, classrooms are purposeful and focused, and students are increasingly settling into the routines and habits that underpin a positive culture of learning. These daily practices, preparedness, respectful interactions and consistent effort play a vital role in fostering both academic growth and a friendly, safe atmosphere for all.

It was also very encouraging to see so many parents attend our recent information evenings. Your presence and partnership make a genuine difference. When school and home work together, our students benefit greatly.

Together, we inspire and support our students to embrace our School Improvement focus, “Engagement for Excellence,” encouraging them to participate fully, strive for their personal best, and take pride in their learning journey.

Thank you for your continued support of our College community.

NAPLAN 2026 – Years 7 & 9

Years 7 and 9 students will shortly undertake the NAPLAN assessments, which provide valuable information about student progress in literacy and numeracy. The tests will be conducted at school during the scheduled testing window, and students will receive clear instructions regarding times, locations, and any required materials. We encourage students to approach the assessments with confidence and to simply do their best, remembering that NAPLAN is just one of many measures that help us support their learning growth.

The tests will be conducted in the Companions Centre.

Year 9 – Periods 1&2

Wednesday 11 March (Writing)

Thursday 12 March (Reading)

Friday 13 March (Conventions of Language, Spelling/Grammar)

Monday 16 March (Numeracy)

Year 7 – Periods 3&4

Wednesday 11 March (Writing)

Thursday 12 March (Reading)

Friday 13 March (Conventions of Language, Spelling/Grammar)

Monday 16 March (Numeracy)

Parents will have received an email from the College with further details. We encourage all students to come well prepared and ready to give their very best effort. Your encouragement at home makes a meaningful difference, and we greatly appreciate your support in reinforcing this message as we work together to help each student approach the experience with confidence.

JACSA meeting at our College

The Jesuit and Companion Schools Australasia (JACSA) network is a vibrant community of schools committed to the mission of the Society of Jesus across Australia and New Zealand. JACSA provides a collaborative forum where schools share expertise, resources, and professional learning grounded in Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy.

The JACSA community includes 11 schools in two categories:

• Jesuit Schools – owned and governed by the Society of Jesus:

  • Xavier College, Kew, Vic

  • St Aloysius' College, Milsons Point, NSW

  • Saint Ignatius' College, Adelaide, SA

  • Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview, NSW

  • Redfern Jarjum College, Redfern, NSW

• Companion Schools – partner schools that embrace the Ignatian charism under governance by the relevant Archdiocese or Council:

  • Loyola College, Watsonia, Vic

  • John XXIII College, Perth, WA

  • Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay, QLD

  • Xavier Catholic College, Ballina, NSW

  • Saint Ignatius College, Geelong, Vic

  • St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College (the newest member), Auckland, NZ

The Principals and Rectors of JACSA schools met at our College on Sunday and Monday last week. They meet three times each year to reflect on their shared purpose, strengthen connections, undertake professional learning and formation, and learn from one another’s programs and initiatives.

On Sunday afternoon, we attended Mass together at St Thomas Church, with our senior choir leading the singing. They did an outstanding job, and I was incredibly proud of our students.

Open Afternoon

Also on Monday last week, we held the first of our two Open Afternoons, and we were delighted that the event was fully booked. It was a wonderful opportunity to welcome prospective families and share a glimpse of life at our College.

Many of our students volunteered to lead guided tours, and they were outstanding ambassadors. Their enthusiasm, courtesy and confidence made a strong impression, and I have no doubt our visitors left with a very positive sense of our community.

Our next Open Afternoon will be held on Thursday, 23 April. Please visit the College website for session times and booking details.

A reminder that applications for Year 7 2027 close on Friday, 8 May 2026. This closing date applies to all applicants, including siblings of current students.

If you know families who are considering secondary schooling, we warmly encourage them to book a visit or submit an application.

College House Athletics Sports - rescheduled

Unfortunately, we had to cancel this event, originally scheduled earlier in the term, due to the weather forecast.

I can confirm that our Athletics Sports Competition will take place on Tuesday, 24 March, at Landy Field, Geelong.

Deputy Principal Marina Brown will email students and parents with details of the arrangements for this day, including how students can register to participate. All Year 7 and Year 12 students will attend. Only Year 8–11 students who register to participate will attend Landy Field. Students who do not participate will stay at school for their classes.

Currently, two camps and one excursion are scheduled for this day. These activities will proceed as planned, with students expected to attend. Alternative arrangements will be made for students involved in these activities if they wish to be considered for the GISSA Track and Field Team.

Hopefully, the weather will be suitable for the sports on March 24.

School Advisory Council

The School Advisory Council (the Council) recently met for its first meeting of the year. The Council comprises highly committed and enthusiastic men and women who support the governance and management of the College, for which we are very grateful. The Council provides valuable advice to the College Executive.

2026 School Advisory Council members:

Ms Jo-Anne Britt (Chairperson)

Ms Fran Kealey (Joint Deputy Chairperson)

Ms Kerry Sidaway (Joint Deputy Chairperson)

Fr Jim Clarke (President of Canonical Administrators)

Fr Gerard Healy SJ (Jesuit representative)

Fr Linh Pham (Parish Priest)

Prof. Marie Emmitt (Emeritus Professor, ACU)

Ms Deb Schroer (Parent representative)

Ms Carmen Ahearn (Deputy Principal - Faith & Mission)

Ms Marina Brown (Deputy Principal - Operations & Co-curriculum)

Ms Robyn Jackson (Acting Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching)

Ms Leanne Quinten (Business Manager)

Mr Michael Timms (Deputy Principal - Students)

Mr Michael Exton (Principal)

Ms Kim Abbott (Council Secretary)

Upcoming Term One Parent, Student & Teacher conferences

These meetings are to:

• meet and get to know each other

• build a positive relationship

• share information about the student’s interests and learning

• talk more in-depth about the student’s progress.

The conferences are beneficial. They assist teachers in gaining a better understanding of students. Parents can also learn how to support their child's learning.

The conferences are conducted online via ‘Zoom’ and will be held on Thursday 19 March and Thursday 26 March for students in Years 7 to 11, VCE VM, and SNAP.

Schedule times and details are as follows:

Date: Thursday 19 March (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm) & Thursday 26 March (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm)

Format: Conducted via Zoom.

Session 1: 4.00 pm - 4.50 pm
Session 2: 5.00 pm - 5.40 pm
Session 3: 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Parents will receive an email from our Director of Learning, Ms Sarah Smith, with details about how to book a conference.

International Women’s Day (IWD) community event

For many years, our Community Engagement & Development Team has organised an annual social and inspiring evening to celebrate IWD. This wonderful event is open to the College and the wider communities and typically sells out. It will be held on Tuesday, 10th March at the MacKillop Senior Centre Theatre. Tickets are selling fast, so please consider joining us. Click on this link for further information, including booking details.

Our Keynote speaker is Abbey Holmes, former AFLW player, Australian Survivor contestant and Channel 7 expert commentator and boundary rider Abbey Holmes.

The program for the evening is:

5:30 pm - Canapes & Refreshments

6:30 pm - Keynote Speaker

7:45 pm – Conclusion

Public Holiday

Finally, a reminder that Monday, 9th March 2026, is a public holiday in Victoria, and the College will be closed.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal