Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Parents & Carers,
As we come to the end of the first term here at Saint Ignatius, we look back with gratitude on the many accomplishments, growth, and experiences that have shaped these past months. Guided by our College improvement theme, “Engagement for Excellence”, we have begun the year with a clear focus on striving for high standards in all aspects of school life, encouraging every student to be actively engaged and to pursue their personal best. With each new term comes the promise of new experiences, friendships, and discoveries, and it is pleasing to note that the academic year has commenced in a positive and purposeful manner. It has indeed been a busy and vibrant term for our faith and learning community.
Competence is a key value of an Ignatian education. I commend all students who have embraced the opportunities of a new year, demonstrating commitment, a positive attitude, and diligence in their studies as they work towards excellence in their learning.
We also recognise the importance of fostering a strong sense of belonging, connection, and empathy within our community. This term, our students have come together to support one another through acts of kindness, friendship, and inclusivity. Whether participating in charitable initiatives such as Caritas’ Project Compassion, contributing to Clean Up Australia Day, engaging in Open Afternoon activities, supporting International Women’s Day events, or simply offering a helping hand to a peer in need, our students have exemplified the spirit of compassion and community.
Many of our students have been actively involved in co-curricular opportunities. Our sporting programs have seen strong participation and success in cricket, swimming, athletics, surfing, basketball, and more, while the Performing Arts have showcased a number of impressive musical and choral performances. There was a high level of participation and competition at the recent Athletics Sports at Landy Field, Geelong. I also received very positive feedback regarding our Year 12 students’ enthusiastic and reflective participation in their retreat at Dromana, and our senior Religious Education “Journey” classes’ retreats at Anglesea. And, our Year 9 students have been away this week on their Grampians (Gariwerd) camp. I trust this experience has provided valuable opportunities for learning, challenge, and the strengthening of friendships.
The final day of classes for Term One will be Thursday, 2nd April 2026. Students will be dismissed at 2:20 pm. The bus departure times have been adjusted accordingly.
Parent engagement in student learning
As you are aware, we held Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences via Zoom last Thursday and the previous Thursday. The high level of participation was very pleasing. This reflects a strong learning culture at our College, which enhances our students’ learning outcomes. I trust this feedback and the opportunity for discussion about improving student learning has set a positive tone for term two. As usual, summative reports for Semester One will be available at the end of next term.
All students are required to wear the full winter uniform for terms two and three. As there may be some hot days early next term, students may wear the summer uniform on any warm days for the first two weeks of Term Two.
Please check the College website for details about what can and cannot be worn. Note that the summer shirt with the logo is not to be worn as part of the winter uniform since it is not designed to be worn with a tie. The College uniform long-sleeve shirt must be worn with a tie and is compulsory for both boys and girls in the winter uniform. Additionally, the kilt should be worn no longer than mid-calf with navy blue tights or stockings.
We extend our best wishes to Ms Lesley Falconer as she commences a period of long service leave in Term 2. During her absence, Ms Catherine Alizzi will be stepping into the role.
We are pleased to welcome Mr Jack Sutherland and Ms Narelle Fitzpatrick to our teaching staff and look forward to their contributions to the College.
We thank Ms Ranu Sharma, Business Analyst, for her dedicated service and wish her every success in her future endeavours.
We also wish our Human Resources Manager, Ms Sheila Tivan, all the best as she takes leave for Term 2. Ms Katherine Sanders will be assuming this role during her absence, and we warmly welcome her.
Mr James Little will also be on leave for Term 2, with Mr Ken Stewart joining us to take on his responsibilities.
On Sunday, we observed Palm Sunday, marking the start of Holy Week. This special week is the final stage of our Lenten journey. It holds great significance and sacredness as it reminds Christians of Jesus’ final week before his death and, most importantly, his resurrection.
On Tuesday, we gathered the whole school together to reflect on this special week and help prepare our students for the celebration of Easter.
Holy Week, and indeed all other events and seasons in the Church’s year, are a lead-up to the most important celebration of the year and at the very heart of our Christian beliefs, Easter.
Easter is the high point of the Christian year, the most important of our celebrations. Please consider taking your family to one of the many Church services over the Easter break to support your daughter/son’s faith development.
I wish everyone a very enjoyable Easter, and I hope all students have a restful break, including time spent revising work and preparing for next term.
Please note that the first day of classes for term two will be Monday, 20th April 2026.
Happy Easter, everyone and best wishes for the Term One holidays.
Michael Exton | Principal
Feature
Events
Dear Parents & Carers,
As we come to the end of the first term here at Saint Ignatius, we look back with gratitude on the many accomplishments, growth, and experiences that have shaped these past months. Guided by our College improvement theme, “Engagement for Excellence”, we have begun the year with a clear focus on striving for high standards in all aspects of school life, encouraging every student to be actively engaged and to pursue their personal best. With each new term comes the promise of new experiences, friendships, and discoveries, and it is pleasing to note that the academic year has commenced in a positive and purposeful manner. It has indeed been a busy and vibrant term for our faith and learning community.
Competence is a key value of an Ignatian education. I commend all students who have embraced the opportunities of a new year, demonstrating commitment, a positive attitude, and diligence in their studies as they work towards excellence in their learning.
We also recognise the importance of fostering a strong sense of belonging, connection, and empathy within our community. This term, our students have come together to support one another through acts of kindness, friendship, and inclusivity. Whether participating in charitable initiatives such as Caritas’ Project Compassion, contributing to Clean Up Australia Day, engaging in Open Afternoon activities, supporting International Women’s Day events, or simply offering a helping hand to a peer in need, our students have exemplified the spirit of compassion and community.
Many of our students have been actively involved in co-curricular opportunities. Our sporting programs have seen strong participation and success in cricket, swimming, athletics, surfing, basketball, and more, while the Performing Arts have showcased a number of impressive musical and choral performances. There was a high level of participation and competition at the recent Athletics Sports at Landy Field, Geelong. I also received very positive feedback regarding our Year 12 students’ enthusiastic and reflective participation in their retreat at Dromana, and our senior Religious Education “Journey” classes’ retreats at Anglesea. And, our Year 9 students have been away this week on their Grampians (Gariwerd) camp. I trust this experience has provided valuable opportunities for learning, challenge, and the strengthening of friendships.
The final day of classes for Term One will be Thursday, 2nd April 2026. Students will be dismissed at 2:20 pm. The bus departure times have been adjusted accordingly.
Parent engagement in student learning
As you are aware, we held Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences via Zoom last Thursday and the previous Thursday. The high level of participation was very pleasing. This reflects a strong learning culture at our College, which enhances our students’ learning outcomes. I trust this feedback and the opportunity for discussion about improving student learning has set a positive tone for term two. As usual, summative reports for Semester One will be available at the end of next term.
All students are required to wear the full winter uniform for terms two and three. As there may be some hot days early next term, students may wear the summer uniform on any warm days for the first two weeks of Term Two.
Please check the College website for details about what can and cannot be worn. Note that the summer shirt with the logo is not to be worn as part of the winter uniform since it is not designed to be worn with a tie. The College uniform long-sleeve shirt must be worn with a tie and is compulsory for both boys and girls in the winter uniform. Additionally, the kilt should be worn no longer than mid-calf with navy blue tights or stockings.
We extend our best wishes to Ms Lesley Falconer as she commences a period of long service leave in Term 2. During her absence, Ms Catherine Alizzi will be stepping into the role.
We are pleased to welcome Mr Jack Sutherland and Ms Narelle Fitzpatrick to our teaching staff and look forward to their contributions to the College.
We thank Ms Ranu Sharma, Business Analyst, for her dedicated service and wish her every success in her future endeavours.
We also wish our Human Resources Manager, Ms Sheila Tivan, all the best as she takes leave for Term 2. Ms Katherine Sanders will be assuming this role during her absence, and we warmly welcome her.
Mr James Little will also be on leave for Term 2, with Mr Ken Stewart joining us to take on his responsibilities.
On Sunday, we observed Palm Sunday, marking the start of Holy Week. This special week is the final stage of our Lenten journey. It holds great significance and sacredness as it reminds Christians of Jesus’ final week before his death and, most importantly, his resurrection.
On Tuesday, we gathered the whole school together to reflect on this special week and help prepare our students for the celebration of Easter.
Holy Week, and indeed all other events and seasons in the Church’s year, are a lead-up to the most important celebration of the year and at the very heart of our Christian beliefs, Easter.
Easter is the high point of the Christian year, the most important of our celebrations. Please consider taking your family to one of the many Church services over the Easter break to support your daughter/son’s faith development.
I wish everyone a very enjoyable Easter, and I hope all students have a restful break, including time spent revising work and preparing for next term.
Please note that the first day of classes for term two will be Monday, 20th April 2026.
Happy Easter, everyone and best wishes for the Term One holidays.
Michael Exton | Principal