Last night I attended a joyous celebration at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne. The Cathedral was overflowing with people who had gathered to welcome our new Archbishop, Most Reverend Peter A Comensoli (Ninth Archbishop of Melbourne) at the Liturgical Reception and Solemn Mass. The Mass was a wonderfully uplifting Eucharistic celebration and a very warm welcome for Archbishop Comensoli as he began his ministry in the Melbourne Archdiocese. He succeeds Archbishop Denis Hart who was Archbishop from 2001 to 2018.

On behalf of our College community, I express our gratitude and best wishes to Archbishop Emeritus Denis Hart for his dedicated leadership and service to the Archdiocese of Melbourne and wish him every blessing for his retirement.

I welcome Archbishop Comensoli and look forward to when he can visit our College. I wish him all the best for his new role as a shepherd of God’s people for our diocese. Archbishop Comensoli has asked us to pray for him, and the prayer card provided at the end of the Mass at the Cathedral had the following beautiful prayer of St Ignatius of Loyola.

Suscipe

Receive

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,

my memory, my understanding,

and my entire will,

All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.

To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.

Give me only your love and your grace,

that is enough for me.

St Ignatius of Loyola

You can find more information about Archbishop Comensoli at the following webpage: www.cam.org.au

Construction of the new Geelong Tech School well underway

Travelling along La Trobe Terrace in Geelong you may have noticed building works at the Gordon site. The Gordon’s city campus has some landmark buildings that signal you have arrived at central Geelong and here is the city location of Geelong’s well-known longstanding TAFE provider. Some of these buildings are being refurbished and will result in an enhanced landmark statement about the Gordon’s presence as a significant Geelong education provider. The State Government has provided funding towards this “City Campus Rejuvenation Project.”

Another significant and welcome addition to the Gordon’s site will be Geelong’s new state-of-the-art Tech School (building image in the Gallery in this article) that Geelong’s secondary schools will be able to access to support their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning programs. Like nearly every other Geelong secondary school, Saint Ignatius College Geelong is a ‘partner school’, and we look forward to our involvement with this exciting facility. The Geelong Tech School is one of ten being built across the state as part of the State Government’s $128 million Tech School initiative. The Tech School is being hosted by the Gordon and is also currently under construction and will be ready for opening later this year. The Tech School’s striking facade will also have a noticeable presence at the corner of Little Malop Street and La Trobe Terrace and add to Geelong’s reputation as having a strong education sector.

The Geelong Tech School will focus on supporting Geelong secondary schools with developing their students’ STEM skills. Ensuring students have the opportunity to develop their STEM skills is very important because many of the “jobs of the future” will rely on workers possessing these skills. In this context, the focus of STEM includes learning skills such as being able to think critically, communicate clearly, work collaboratively and embrace technology.

The programs will be aligned with industries that are predicted to experience strong economic and employment growth in our region and include:

• Scientific and technical services;
• Health and social assistance; and
• Design aspects in construction and transport.

The Geelong Tech School has a web page on The Gordon website and can be viewed at www.geelongtechschool.vic.edu.au

At Saint Ignatius College, we are considering how we can use the facilities of the Tech School to enhance our student’s STEM skills. I represent the Geelong Catholic Secondary College Principals on the Committee of Management of the Tech School. One of our Science Teachers, Mr Michael Brown, is a member of the Curriculum Committee. Planning is underway for how our students’ learning in the STEM area could be enhanced by accessing the Tech School.

One example that is currently being developed as a trial program involves two of our Yr 8 DigiTech classes. Mr Brown is working with Barwon Water and the Geelong Tech School to design a project that requires robot design and construction to solve a real-life problem such as the unblocking of a drainage pipe. The two classes will be involved in this pilot program in term four. Also in term 4, all Yr 7 will undertake a day excursion to visit the new Tech School as part of their DigiTech subject. We look forward to further developing our involvement with the Geelong tech school for next year.

Mr Michael Exton Principal

Yesterday we celebrated the feast day of our patron St Ignatius of Loyola. It was a wonderful day for us as a community to come together and celebrate our College and remember St Ignatius. The day was not just a break from the routine, but a chance for us to come together and reflect as a community. By being together in an informal way we are able see things in a different way. At the College we put much effort into prompt thinking around giving back, by acknowledging our privileged position and our ability to make change in the world during the day. We also seek to open up a conversation about who St Ignatius was and why we celebrate his life and legacy on the day.

It is interesting to note that we celebrate feast day on the day St Ignatius died (31 July 1556), which may seem strange to some. However, in doing so we do not celebrate the fact that he died as such. What we celebrate is that on this date he returned home and entered into a different phase of his eternal life. Ignatius is a beacon that we look to as a guide both through his life story and today in heaven, connected to us through the communion of saints.

On feast day we celebrate both the life and legacy of St Ignatius. From the outside looking in it may seem that he is in some way being worshiped by the community. After all, on feast day we talk about him, pray to him and for him. He is not an idol however. This may be a temptation for some because St Ignatius lived a life that we can truly relate to and understand. In his early years he was egotistical and vain. These traits lead to his injuries at Pamplona and a period of reflection and conversion. Many of us can see links as to how the life of Ignatius is similar to our own. In knowing Ignatius we also make use of the spiritual legacy that he offers which provides a way we might develop our faith. For us as a community we do not idolize St Ignatius, but we do celebrate and commemorate his life and his legacy. Ignatius might correct those who do not understand by saying, “Not me but Him!”.

When we consider feast day we find that what we celebrate is that Ignatius leads us to Jesus. He offers us a bridge that connects what we know and experience in the modern world to the Risen Lord. Ignatius was proclaimed a saint because of his life, the revelation he experienced and offers in his spiritual exercises. His connection with the Trinity is what we strive for and in knowing Ignatius we find a way to develop the same connection he had through his legacy.

A profitable way to understand Ignatius’ vision and teaching is to consider the ‘principle and foundation’ of his spiritual exercises. This teaching articulates a number of profound insights. It begins by stating, “The human person is created to praise, reverence and serve God Our Lord, and by so doing to save his or her soul”. Ignatius’ primary view point is that we are created and have therefore an innate desire to seek and follow God. The text furthers this in stating that other created things have been created to help the individual to achieve the end for which they have been created and that we can achieve this only through the freedom offered by God. He concludes this overview by saying, “…but we should desire and choose only what helps us more towards the end for which we are created”.

On feast day these points are what we celebrate. Through the teachings of Ignatius, we are more able to find God in our daily lives. We celebrate his life as an example of how we too might be able to come to know God as he did. We also celebrate his sainthood and the fact that he intercedes on our behalf with the Father.

Throughout the spiritual exercises Ignatius identifies Jesus as the way to reach the goal we have been created to achieve and in so doing the gift of consolation. When we celebrate St Ignatius life and his legacy, we look to him as a beacon whom may guide us to know Jesus intimately and live as he taught. In following the teachings of Ignatius we are able to enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus, live in a manner that changes the lives and prepares us for the next phase of our eternal life where we will be reunited with the Trinity and all who have lived and will live in the future; including Ignatius.

As we reflect upon feast day and move forward towards the end of the school year we are further inspired by St Ignatius because of our celebrations yesterday. We are encouraged to understand his teachings more fully and implement them into our lives for our benefit and for the benefit of others. In doing this we are guided towards Jesus and a profound awareness of his presence in our lives. As a community we strive to understand St Ignatius as a person and a saint whom we are connected to and guided by. I hope these thoughts inspire you to see through the eyes of Ignatius as we remember him this week.

Yours in Chirst,

Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator

Molly Cross, Year 12 student, with the support and encouragement of Ms. Alicia Deak, Ignatian Coordinator & Social Justice Coordinator and Mrs. Anna Oliver, VCE Coordinator & PE Coordinator, will be our first ever student to go on a ‘Cardoner Project’ Immersion Trip.

The Cardoner Project is a not-for-profit, student-focused hub for volunteering, founded in 2010 by Jesuit priest, Fr David Braithwaite SJ.

Its mission: To deepen the human, spiritual and intellectual formation of young adults, grounding them in a love of the poor in the service of the Church.

Next year Molly will be participating in two immersions to Guatemala and Belize for a total of five weeks with other young graduates from Jesuit and Ignatian schools around Australia.

These immersions are organised and run by "The Two Wolves Abroad", an initiative of the Cardoner Project. The Cardoner Project is a Jesuit young-adult ministry and not-for-profit student-focused hub for volunteering. It was established in 2010 with the mission to deepen the human, spiritual and intellectual formation of young adults, grounding them in love of the poor in the service of the Church.

Fr David Braithwaite SJ, CEO of The Cardoner Project notes that "By providing transformative experiences of service, we are creating Australia's next generation of leaders as companions, faithful and dedicated members of society".

This will be an extraordinary experience for Molly to engage with other young men and women formed in the Jesuit model of loving service for poor and most vulnerable and continue her formation in this tradition. Molly will be the first graduate of Saint Ignatius College to participate in the Cardoner Project and we hope that she will inspire other Saint Ignatius students to consider dedicating their time and efforts to a similar formative overseas experience with "The Two Wolves Abroad".

More info. on The Cardoner Project (a Jesuit organisation) can be found at: http://thecardonerproject.org/abroad/

Molly has set up a go fund me page to help raise some money for the trip. Some may like the opportunity to support her. The link is: gf.me/u/j3mc82

Pictured with Molly is Ms. Alica Deak and Isaac Demas SJ who visted our College recently.

Isaac Demase SJ was born in Maryborough, Queensland, and grew up in Lemnos in Victoria. He lived both at St Mary’s and Newman College in Melbourne as a university student. He trained as a school teacher and worked at the FCJ College in Benalla, Victoria before joining the Jesuits. Isaac took First Vows at the beginning of the year and is currently studying Philosophy at the University of Divinity. He visited Saint Ignatius College Geelong on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th July and spoke to the Year 8 students about the Jesuits, the role of Jesuit Mission and his time in East Timor.

Ms. Alica Deak Ignatian Coordinator & Social Justice Coordinator.

Round 4 of the Debaters’ Association of Victoria’s (DAV’s) competition for schools in the Geelong Region was held on Monday 23^rd July. Once again, Geelong Grammar hosted the evening’s program of fixtures.

SICG was strongly represented in the D Grade competition by Year 8 students Adisa Fabiano, Luca Martino, and Emily O’Kane. They took the affirmative position against the team from Clonard College, with the topic being: “That employers should adopt a four-day working week.” Students worked steadily on their preparation in the weeks leading up to the debate and explored many facets of the topic whilst conducting their research. Although Clonard scored the points on this occasion, our students spoke very well and special congratulations are extended to Luca Martino for a great performance in his first formal debate. I am very grateful to Ms Brooke O’Brien for her continued support of these students. Debaters from Years 7 to 9 are currently preparing for their final fixture on the topic “That we should impose mandatory minimum sentences for all violent crimes.”

In the A Grade program, our team was given just one hour to prepare their case in a secret topic debate against Geelong Grammar. The secret topic format is always a challenging experience, as students cannot access any digital devices for the hour and they cannot be assisted or coached by teachers. Students developed some good arguments against the proposal “That we should privatize the ABC.” Anthony Zanghi (Year 11) opened our case with some sound points in a clearly structured speech. Leah Maffescioni (Year 11) continued our case and presented some solid rebuttal. Kyle Wig (Year 12) spoke exceptionally well, delivering a comprehensive rebuttal to conclude, and was deservedly named best speaker for the debate. Our students can be proud of their efforts despite a very narrow loss. The team’s final fixture will also be a secret topic debate.

The DAV’s Junior Secondary Program commences in September. Students who have registered for this program will have their first lunchtime meeting here at school on Monday 3^rd September, with their formal training night on Thursday 20^th September, at 7:00 pm, at Clonard College. Participants will receive further information over the next few weeks.

Ms Andrea Dart Debating Co-ordinator

On Monday 16^th July, over 400 teachers from Geelong Catholic Schools participated in Professional Learning with a theme of ‘Growing Teacher expertise to improve student learning’.

Dr Simon Breakspear and Ricky Campbell-Allen from ‘Agile Schools’ worked with teams to look at what outcomes they wanted to improve and for which students. Simon has advised educational leaders globally helping them to navigate change, develop innovation capabilities and drive continuous improvement for better learning. Ricky has significant leadership experience in education reform: working across schools, education systems and in the not-for-profit sector.

They shared the Learning Sprints method, which is a process used to provide a simple and effective approach to support teachers to continually enhance their practice. Learning Sprints consists of three phases: Prepare, Sprint and Review. During ‘Prepare’ relevant research is considered to identify a precise focus for improvement work. The ‘Sprint’ phase tests out the new learning through short, manageable cycles of teaching in the classroom. A Learning Sprint ends with explicit ‘Review’: analysis of the evidence of student progress, and consideration of how to transfer new pedagogical knowledge and skills into future practice.

The Learning Sprints process is designed to be adaptable to focus on the challenges specific to individual schools, classrooms and learners. Simon discussed how teachers should be continually making small change to get deliberately better at teaching in order to cause student learning. He asked teachers ‘What do our students need us to learn next?’

SICG participants described the Learning Sprints process as 'A valuable tool for teachers to use to improve practice that is manageable and effective’ and ‘A good reminder about how we need to focus not only on what we teach, but to make sure the students learn it’.

Ms Karen Perkins Director of Teacher Development

It was a pleasure to have Thomas Harmathy (Year 12 2017) return to school to talk to the Year 12 Legal Studies Class 2018.

Thomas completed Legal Studies as part of his V.C.E. in 2017 and is now living in Melbourne whilst studying Law at Victoria University.

Thomas spoke to the class about the many facets of being a law student including being prepared for a lot of reading and the importance of being organized before giving more general advice in preparation for the end of year exams such as directing as many questions as you can to your teachers; they are your best resource.

Thomas then moved on to general advice such as completing Centrelink forms upon commencing University as soon as possible and the significance of looking for scholarships as the Drysdale region is often regarded as a rural area.

Thomas was able to give the students not only a current perspective on studying law but also the practicalities of being a student and living away from home.

We look forward to keeping up to date with Thomas’ progress in his law degree and wish him all the very best with his upcoming examination at the end of Semester 2, 2018.

Ms Caitlin Doble

On Friday July 27 our Year 12 VCE students were bussed into Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus to listen to speakers who gave hints and tips on the process of application to University and TAFE courses. The Tertiary Information Service (TIS) event is an opportunity for students to also meet up with Staff Representatives from the various Universities and TAFEs to discuss courses of interest and obtain Undergraduate course guides.

Some of the key points on the day were:

• VTAC opens on Aug 6 where students can begin to apply for up to 8 courses in order of priority (go to www.vtac.edu.au).
• Time... Applications close on September 27 for a one off fee of $36.00.
• Late applications will cost $105.00.
• Very Late Applications will cost $137.00.
• For those looking at SEAS Applications you will need to begin that process now since categories 2, 3 and 4 require supporting documentation.
• Students are to consider Scholarships as there are many to apply for with most closing on October 12.
• OPEN DAYS begin on Sunday July 29 and continue on over the Sundays in August. It is important that you attend to assist you in your decision of what you want to do and where you will study.
• Exam results are available on December 14
• 1st round offers come out on January 16, 2019.
• Pathways to your dream course are still available even if your ATAR will not get you in immediately. Students need to discuss options with the relevant University staff.
• All students were encouraged to discuss their future plans with their school’s Careers Teacher.

Mr. Bruce Connor Work & Further Education Coordinator

A dedicated Parent Information session designed to assist parents and students to finish off their Year 12 VCE studies stress-free!

The evening will be held on Thursday August 9th at the St Thomas' Church from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Topics to be discussed:

• General advice for students and parents in the final weeks of VCE
• Expected and unexpected challenges and solutions
• Structure and format of VCAA examinations

Hosted by: Ms Anna Oliver VCE Coordinator and Mr Joe McLean Year 12 Coordinator

Download the flyer for details:

When: Wednesday 29^th of August 2018, 6.15-8.00pm

Where: Christian College Centre of Music, Sport and Performing Arts (40 Collins Street Drysdale)

Who: Drysdale Clifton Springs Curlewis Association (DCSCA)

Leading Senior Constable Robert Noggler, Youth Resource Officer (Victoria Police Force)

Topics: Cyberbullying, Social Media pitfalls, On-line Gaming, Sexting, Strategies, FAQs

Starting August 6th

Monday 6th

B. Brinfield, K. Walpole, J. McMahon

Tuesday 7th

K. Robinson, L. Vella, L. Tigani, Needed

Wednesday 8th

L. Sitlington, K. James, S. Peters, N. Condon

Thursday 9th

M. White, L. Eastwood, Needed, Needed

Friday 10th

T. Dowd Hamilton, J. Tarleton, J. Payne, K. Every

Starting August 13th

Monday 13th

M. Printelli, E. Musella, Needed

Tuesday 14th

L. Vella, M. Dunstan, E. O'Haire

Wednesday 15th

D. Worrell, B. Downey, Needed

Thursday 16th

M. White, L. Eastwood, Needed

Friday 17th

J. Rogers, J. marles, S. Hammond

If unable to attend, please make sure you get a replacement.

Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050 258

2018 Major College Parents and Friends' Association Fundraiser

Sports Trivia Night

The date is set for Saturday October 27^th – 6.30pm arrival for a 7.00pm start.

Please put this date in your diary and on the fridge.

This Fundraiser is still in the planning and preparation stage. We need your help!

• If you have any experience in organizing or hosting a Trivia Night…
• If you would like to help in preparation for the event or on the night…
• If you are able to donate anything towards the prizes and raffles…

…or anything else?

Please email us your contact details. We would love to have you on board.

sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Entertainment Book

Order your NEW 2018/2019 Entertainment Membership (Book or Digital) from: Saint Ignatius College Geelong.

To order your Book or your Digital Membership securely online visit:

https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/11317f0

Just $60 – giving you over $20,000 worth of offers the whole family will love.

Flying Brick Cider House, Hoggs, Timezone, Sealife Melbourne, Sovereign Hill and much much more…

Help us raise funds for our fundraising by buying an Entertainment Membership, and you can enjoy value the whole family will love this school holidays. You'll receive hundreds of valuable offers to keep the kids 'entertained' and help our fundraising at the same time.

2018 Major School PFA Fundraiser: Sports Trivia Night

The date is set for Saturday October 27^th Please put this date in your diary and on the fridge.

This Fundraiser is still in the planning and preparation stage.

• If you have any experience in organizing or hosting a Trivia Night…
• If you would like to help in preparation for the event or on the night…
• If you are able to donate anything towards the prizes and raffles…

…or anything else?

Please email us your contact details. We would love to have you on board. sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The Uniform Shop

Here you can buy decent quality Second hand uniforms and sell your uniforms to other school families.

Regular opening times for the Uniform Shop are: Wednesdays 2.00pm –4.00pm

We are located towards the back end of the school in the Music Department area.

We always welcome new volunteers to our roster. If you are available for 2 hours on any Wednesday afternoon, please indicate this by using the link http://signup.com/go/KLbdEwE to sign up. Don’t worry – it’s not rocket science, and we provide ‘on the job’ training.

Join the Parents and friends' Association Committee

New Members are always welcome. Please email your details to us at: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

We look forward to hearing from you.

Our next Parents and Friends' Meeting will be held on: Tuesday August 7th at 7pm in the Food Tech. rooms.

And we encourage, support, challenge, pray for one another – we can’t be Christians on our own we need a community to help us!

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for the Holy Trinity Parish

A journey of Faith – we are all on this journey and we are on it together!

And we encourage, support, challenge, pray for one another – we can’t be Christians on our own we need a community to help us!

Are you someone who may like to be part of this journey with us?

Maybe you…

Have been encouraged by Fr. Michael, or our new priest, Fr Darien, to learn about the Catholic Faith because your child is preparing for Holy Communion or Confirmation;

• Want to know more about what your child is learning at the catholic school;
• Are seeking to understand more about God’s place in your life;
• Are looking for something to give more meaning to your life;
• Want to belong to a community whose beliefs & values you want to know more about.

A leaflet entitled “RCIA, A Journey in Faith” can be downloaded here and is also available from the school office.

Leonie Hamer (a St Ignatius mum) came with us on a previous ‘journey’ and should you wish to talk to her about her experience, or to a member of the RCIA team, contact details can be obtained from the school office.

Please be in touch with Fr Darien on 5258 1673, or Sandra Gould on email: sandra@salmandra.com if you wish to know more – a friendly reception awaits you – no question is a ‘silly one’!

An Enquiry Night will be held on Tues 21st August; if you wish to attend that night please contact Fr Darien or Sandra by the 15^th August.

Bell Park Parish

Holy Family 147 Separation St, Bell Park, VIC 3215

Sunday: 8.00am, 9.30am, 11.00am Croatian, 12.15pm Slovenian 2nd Sunday Only

Ss Peter & Paul’s Cnr Mercer & Malone St, Geelong West, VIC 3218

Sunday: 11.00am 2nd and 4th Sunday only

Saturday: 5.00pm Vigil

Holy Spirit Cnr Bostock Ave & Nambool St, Manifold Heights, VIC 3218

Sunday: 11.00am 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays only

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

Belmont Parish

St Bernard’s 74 Fryers Rd, Belmont, VIC 3216

Sunday: 9.00am, 10.30am

Saturday: 6.30pm Vigil

Corio and Lara Parish

St Francis Xavier 143 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Corio, VIC 3214

Sunday: 10.30am

Saturday: 7.00pm Vigil

St Anthony’s Kees Road, Lara, VIC 3212

Sunday: 9.00am

Drysdale Parish

St Thomas Peninsula Drive, Drysdale, VIC 3222

Sunday: 9.00am

St Patrick’s 10 - 14 Harding St, Portarlington, VIC 3223

Sunday: 9.00am

St Phillip & St James 1345 Murraduc Rd, St Leonards, VIC 3223

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

Lumen Christi 66 Kensington Road, Leopold, VIC 3224

Sunday: 10.30am

Geelong Parish

St Mary of the Angels Basilica 150 Yarra St, Geelong, VIC 3220

Sunday: 7.30am, 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.15pm Polish, 5.30pm

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

Grovedale, Anglesea and Torquay Parish

Nazareth 10 Griffith St, Grovedale, VIC 3216

Sunday: 10.30am

St Therese’s 43a Surfcoast Highway, Torquay, VIC 3228

Sunday: 8.45am

St Christopher’s 72 Bingley Parade, Anglesea, VIC 3230

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

Meredith Parish

St Joseph’s 28 Lawler St, Meredith, VIC 3333

Sunday: 11.00am Alternate Sunday

Sacred Heart 70 Hamilton Highway, Inverleigh, VIC3321

Sunday: 9.00am except last Sunday of the month when it will be at Bannockburn gymnasium

St Brigid’s 2439 Ballan Road, Anakie, VIC 3221

Sunday: 11.00am Alternate Sunday

St John the Baptist 4 Harding St, Winchelsea, VIC 3230

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

St John the Evangelist 24 High Street, Bannockburn, VIC 3331

Sunday: 9.00am Mass in the Stadium last Sunday of the month

Queenscliff Parish

Holy Family 101 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads 3227

Saturday: 6.00 pm

Our Lady Star of the Sea 68 John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove 3226

Sunday: 9.00 am

Holy Trinity 34 Stevens Street, Queenscliff 3225

Sunday: 11:00 am