Principal's message

Dear Parents & Carers,

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope all families enjoyed a restful break and that our students return refreshed and ready for another rewarding term of learning, growth and connection. Term 2 is always a vibrant and productive time in the life of our College, with many opportunities for students to engage in learning, community life and co-curricular experiences.

This term, our College school improvement theme, Engagement for Excellence, continues to guide our work. We know that when students are actively engaged in their learning, connected to their community and inspired to contribute, they are best placed to achieve excellence in all aspects of College life. Throughout Term 2, we look forward to seeing this theme reflected in classrooms, activities and relationships across our community.

We extend a warm welcome to all new staff joining us this term. We are pleased to have them as part of our community and know they will make a valuable contribution to the life of the College:
Ms Kathryn Sanders (Acting Human Resources Manager)
Ms Narelle Fitzpatrick (Teacher: Yrs 8 – 10 Science)
Ms Catherine Alizzi (Teacher: Yrs 7 & 8 Our World, Yr 9 English)
Mr Jack Sutherland (Teacher: Yrs 7, 8 & 10 HPE, Yrs 7 & 8 Cura Personalis, VCE Units 1 & 2 PE)

This term begins with several important events for current and prospective families. Our next Open Afternoon will be held on Thursday, 23 April, followed by Guided Tours on Monday, 4 May. These events offer families considering Saint Ignatius College the chance to experience our learning environment, meet staff and students, and learn more about the many opportunities available here. We also remind families that Year 7 2027 Enrolment Applications close at 5.00 pm on 8 May.

As a community, we will pause to honour those who have served our nation through our ANZAC Day commemorations. Students will participate in our College ANZAC Service during Period 2 on Friday, 24 April, and our ANZAC Eve Companion Evening will also be held that evening. These occasions are important moments of reflection, gratitude and remembrance.

Our Year 7 students will attend their Year 7 Camp at Anglesea next week, an important milestone in building friendships, resilience and a strong sense of belonging within the College community. These experiences are central to Engagement for Excellence, helping students build confidence, relationships and connections. We look forward to hearing about their experiences on their return.

Student leadership will be on display at our Whole School Assembly on Tuesday, 5 May, from 11.00 am to 12.40 pm, which will be led by our senior student leaders. This promises to be a wonderful celebration of student voice and College spirit. Parents and families are welcome to attend. Please report to the College Reception at 10:50 am.

Also on the evening of Tuesday, 5 May, our Year 7 families are invited to the Mother’s Day Event “Growing Together and Time and Space Evening”, a special opportunity to celebrate relationships and connection within our community.

Throughout this term, the College will undertake a Review of our Student Effective Learning Formation (SELF) Framework as part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in teaching, learning and wellbeing. This review aligns closely with our focus on Engagement for Excellence, ensuring our frameworks continue to support every student in thriving.

One important use of the framework, which parents of students in Years 8–12 may be familiar with, is teacher feedback on student progress in the Semester One and Two Reports. To inform the review, feedback from staff, students and parents will be sought. Parents will be consulted through the Parents & Friends Association meetings in Terms Two and Three.

For nearly five years, the Student Effective Learning Formation (SELF) Framework has guided how we support each young person in growing academically, socially, and personally. Grounded in the Jesuit principle of Cura Personalis, care for the whole person, the Framework recognises that learning success is shaped not only by academic ability but also by wellbeing, relationships, habits and personal growth.

The SELF Framework focuses on six key areas that help students thrive: Wellbeing, Relationships, Behaviours, Skills, Engagement and Technology. These areas provide a common language for students, staff and families to discuss progress, set goals, and identify ways to improve learning. In particular, the Engagement area closely supports our College theme of Engagement for Excellence, recognising that purposeful participation is key to success.

The framework is used across all year levels, with age-appropriate expectations that develop as students move through the College. Students in Years 7–8 focus on building foundations, Years 9–10 work on embedding strong habits and independence, and Years 11–12 are challenged to excel as confident, responsible learners. The framework and its capabilities can be accessed via this link.

Teachers use SELF to guide classroom practice, provide feedback and support student reflection. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning by setting goals, responding to feedback, asking questions and developing positive study habits. Families also play an important role by supporting routines, promoting wellbeing and discussing learning progress at home.

Through the SELF Framework, we aim to form capable, compassionate and reflective young people who are prepared to flourish at school and beyond.

I thank all members of our community for the positive way you continue to support our College. I look forward to another successful and fulfilling term together.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal