Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Lenten season begins
We began the season of Lent last week with the celebration of Ash Wednesday this week. Students and staff received ashes on their foreheads on Wednesday morning during a short liturgy as a sign of repentance as well as a reminder of our humanity. Lent is a period of preparation for the celebration of the foundational event of our faith, Easter.
Lent is a time when we are reminded of the need for reflection, both personally and as a community. We are encouraged to think about what we are doing or not doing to nurture our relationship with God, others, ourselves and creation. The Church invites us to strengthen our relationship with God through acts of prayer, fasting and generosity during the Lenten season. Ways we can do this include praying together as a family before a meal, being careful about our food intake and giving to a charity such as ‘Project Compassion.’
At school, our Social Justice team has organised ‘Project Compassion’ as a way for students to respond to others in need during Lent. The monetary donations students give in their Homerooms will be given to ‘Caritas’ for their work in third world countries. Thank you to our Social Justice Coordinator, Ms Alicia Deak for coordinating this awareness and fundraiser.
Time for a check-up
At about this time for many years, I have encouraged students and parents to review the term’s progress. We are now past the halfway mark of term one. It is now a good time for our students to ask themselves how well they have established their daily and weekly routines and in particular, the priorities reflected in their routines. Is schoolwork being given the priority it deserves and how balanced is the weekly program of activities? Are good meal routines and routines for those many housekeeping jobs are in place? What about her/his sleep routine?
It is obviously essential that students have settled into a good routine by now so that as the demands of the school program increase they are in good stead to cope with the assignments and assessment tasks that will be set and be able to maintain the other activities necessary for a balanced life. Being able to set reasonable routines early in secondary school will help students establish patterns that will help them with the demands of the VCE program in their final years.
How can parents help their daughter/son establish a good routine? I am sure you are aware of many ways. I would like to suggest that now might be a good time to discuss with your daughter/son how they think they have commenced the year and ask them about their daily and weekly routines and what they may need help with or what she/he can do to improve her / his routines. It would also be helpful to ask them about the goals they set earlier in the year and whether they think they are off to a good start towards achieving them.
It is very pleasing to see many students participating in a range of activities. At St Ignatius, we encourage the development of well-rounded young women and men, so we offer a variety of co-curricular activities. Through participating in areas such as sport, the performing arts, public speaking, debating, community service, environment group or social justice group we can see a strong sense of community, fair play, leadership and service fostered as well as the development of many different skills. I suggest that co-curricular involvement is considered in reviewing the term to date. What about joining a debating team or the choir or a sports team or auditioning for a part in the production?
Annual House Swimming Carnival
As you are aware, on Monday last week, we held the Annual House Swimming Carnival at Kardinia Pool Geelong on a very warm summer’s day. I congratulate the many students who participated on the day and all those who came along in good spirits to make the most of the day by cheering and encouraging their housemates and enjoying the opportunity to socialise with other students and staff. The students seemed to enjoy the availability of the waterslide and novelty events. As in previous years, many students swam very well and will go onto represent the College at the GISSA inter-school level. The GISSA Carnival will be held on Wednesday 13th March at Geelong Grammar School.
Congratulations to Elliot House members for winning the House Shield. Well done!
The overall results were:
Congratulations to the Age Champions:
13 Years: Philippa McIntyre (Cuthbert) and Luke Devlin (Bradman)
14 Years: Lauren Campbell (Bradman) and Byron Ward (Elliot)
15 Years: April Smith (Fraser) and Sam Hines (Elliot)
16 Years: Elizabeth Andrews (Elliot) and Drew Honey (Cuthbert)
Open: Lexie McNaughton (Fraser) and Bailey Payne (Bradman)
Thank you to Mr Andrew Philp (Sports Coordinator) for organising the carnival and all of the staff for their work on the day to ensure its success. It was great to see that a number of parents were able to attend on the day help make it a special event
The swimming carnival is one of the many co-curricular programs that we expect all students to attend and participate in. We are now looking forward to all students attending the Annual House Athletics carnival on Thursday 21st March at Landy Field, Geelong. We are holding this carnival earlier than in previous years, so we have things in place to enable our students to have access to subsequent athletics competitions and to take advantage of autumn weather.
Open Day – Sunday 24th March 2019
On Sunday 24th March we will be holding our annual Open Day (11.00am – 2.00pm; Information Sessions at 11.00am & 12.15pm). Parents and families are most welcome to attend. We will be inviting students to be present on Open Day to help out. In the past we have been delighted with the number of students who come along on the day to promote their school – they were outstanding ambassadors for the College. If you know of any parent who is considering secondary schooling for their child, please encourage them to come along on Open Day and apply for enrolment. Applications for enrolment for Year 7 2020 close on Friday 17th May 2019. This closing date also applies in the case of where a sibling is already enrolled at the College.
College Board
The first Board meeting of the year was held last Thursday evening. I am very grateful that we have a very dedicated, talented and committed group of women and men who have taken on this important leadership role. Members are appointed by the President of the Canonical Administrators to ensure strong governance of the College. They contribute a variety of skills and knowledge to the decision-making processes, seek to enhance their stewardship of the school, work in partnership with the College Executive and ensure the College is focused on and fostering its Vision, Mission and Values.
Tony Frizza – Chairperson and past Principal of Emmaus College
Fr. James Puppady – President of the Canonical Administrators & St Thomas Parish Priest
Peter Cooper – Xavier College Representative, Director of Burke Hall
Fr Jim Clarke – Parish Priest St Mary of the Angels Basilica Parish
Fr Darien Sticklen – Parish Priest of Queenscliff
Rev Fr. Gerard Healy SJ – Representative of Australian Province of the Society of Jesus
Lisa Bell – Past Parent and Educationalist
Darren Henry – Past Parent and Accountant
Steve Gibbs – Past Parent and Operational Risk Manager
Toby O’Connor – Company Director - Social Services Sector
Fran Kealey – Former Director of Teacher Development SICG
Marie Emmitt – Emeritus Professor of Australian Catholic University
Jo-Anne Britt – Previous PFA President & Teacher/Researcher Deakin University
Michael Exton - Principal
David Fitzgerald – Business Manager
Paul Lewis – Deputy Principal (Staff, Identity and Operations)
Annette Chidzey – Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning)
Michael Timms – Deputy Principal (Students)
The Board provides valuable advice to the College Executive and the Association of Canonical Administrators. Among the many matters the Board deals with, recent areas that have been on the agenda include the College Masterplan, building program, review of various policies, and Overseas Learning Experience (Trips) Program. An essential area of the Board’s governance is ensuring the College is enhancing its Catholic Ignatian ethos and identity.
Some thoughts on parenting
By way of support and encouragement to parents, I provide the following advice from Erica Reischer’s book, “What Great Parents Do: 75 Simple Strategies for Raising Kids Who Thrive,” cited in “Principals Digests,” Vol. 23, No. 9. I am sure most parents employ many very effective strategies and do a great job as they undertake the challenge of parenting their children. So you may be well aware of what Erica provides about parenting practice that she has synthesised from research and clinical experience to help parents reshape child challenging behaviour, create strong family bonds, and guide their children toward becoming happy, kind, and responsible adults. I hope you find contemplating the following helpful.
Effective strategies include “Great parents do what they say they are going to do”, “Great parents see that actions speak louder than words”, and “Great parents are transparent about their decision-making process”.
One easy-to-implement tip is replacing the word ‘but’ - which can have negative connotations - with ‘and’, which sounds more agreeable. For instance, instead of saying “That was a good job, but you missed out an important part”, you could say “You did a great job, and you could consider this part too”.
Another technique is to pivot. This means to use words that get your point across in a more positive way. Pivoting is the art of saying yes instead of no, and meaning the same thing. For instance, “No, we can’t go to the park until after you have completed your chores” may get a better response if pivoted to “Yes, we can go to the park as soon as you’ve finished your jobs”.
It’s best to avoid labels. If your daughter/son is reluctant to join an activity, resist commenting to other adults that “She/He’s just shy”. Acting shyly is a behaviour and not always a permanent characteristic. Your child is listening and could come to think of herself/himself in the manner you’re describing.
Even a positive label should be avoided. By labelling your child clever, they may internalise this as “I am smart/creative/good at sports, and I want to stay that way”, which might lead to a reluctance to try new things for fear of failure and no longer being defined by that label.
Great parents focus near and far. Focusing only on the moment and not the long term can create problems. If your daughter/son typically whines for something at the shops and you usually buy it for her/him, she/he will learn that whining helps her/him get her/his way. A short-term solution has created a long-term issue. This is also true of yelling to get your point across. If we habitually yell to get our children’s attention, we are teaching them to ignore us until we yell and we are also teaching them that yelling is the way to get someone’s attention.
Three questions to ask: “Is what I’m doing something I would be happy to see my daughter/son emulate? Is what I’m doing creating a positive family dynamic? Is what I’m doing solving one problem but creating another?”
For parents with older children, there is one last tip, titled “Great parents start where they are”. Rather than fretting over past actions, keep in mind that you can only act on what you know, and most parents have been doing the best they can with what they know so far. Thankfully, most young people are both resilient and forgiving; they are more like hardy weeds than delicate flowers.
Labour Day Holiday
A reminder that next Monday 11th March is a Public Holiday and the College will be closed for the day. Best wishes for an enjoyable long weekend.
Michael Exton Principal
Throughout this week we celebrate International Women’s Day. As a Catholic community this celebration of justice is central to who we are, who our young men and women will be come and what our shared future will look like. What we celebrate is in fact deeper than gender and social progress. During this week we celebrate the irreducible nature of God and humanity.
During this week there can be tension as our Tradition is often portrayed as male dominated and conservative in nature. There is certainly some truth in this at a cultural level. However, when Scripture it viewed to support a perception of males being superior than females a mistake is made. The narrative of Adam and Eve is at times viewed to support this negative and incorrect theme. Genesis recoded truth as revealed by God to humans thousands of years ago. Although we do not know when this story was formalised what we do know is that it’s true. What is true is not found on the surface in the narration, the truth contained is deeper and needs to be examined to be understood correctly.
In our Tradition the story of Adam and Eve is not to be understood literally. What is contained in this myth is undeniable truth. Although a myth it needs to be viewed as an account not a fairy tale. There was an Adam and there was an Eve. God spoke with them and revealed truth. When this happened, where this happened and what names they actually used is a mystery.
To unpack this story, we need to begin by reflecting upon the Trinity and their decision to make humankind in ‘their’ image and unfathomable gift of the free will allowed human beings to knowingly choose bad over good (Gen 2:9).
What needs to be more carefully considered in Genesis is the account of the First Sin and Punishment (Genesis 3:1-24). The account speaks of the ‘woman’ who is deceived by the serpent, who in turn gave the fruit to Adam. In considering this narrative it’s easy to interpret the events in a literal manner. In doing so we fall short and fail to grasp what is being revealed. We need to look at this point in context. Immediately prior to this account we read that Adam and Eve are one! (Genesis 2:23). The First Sin and Punishment is not an illustration of women being easily deceived or the one who tempts the man. Two are in-fact one. Both are equal and both chose freely knowing the will of God before doing so. We may misread the narrative of Adam and Eve if we read it literally or are simplistic in interpreting the truth contained.
In knowing this, we understand that what is revealed is that we have the choice to do what is forbidden by God. We can choose what is good or what is morally evil; big or small. This truth is both individual and communal. Regardless of gender we can freely choose what is wrong or what is better. When we knowingly choose wrong we enter into sin. This word that is repellent. Culturally the word sin has a lot of negative historically baggage. Theologically the word is vital to our understanding of self, human nature and the reason Jesus was incarnate and came to be with us. The word is repellent on multiple levels and rightly so.
When tempted it’s easier to enter into sin. In friendships, relationships or as a society we are more likely to be influenced to make a choice that we know is not reflective of our true self. When we make these bad choices we are emotionally affected. Our conscience will not let the matter rest. Our actions and choices are sinful and we recoil from them and the word that describes them. We then experience an inner torment from which we are prompted to seek forgiveness and redeem ourselves.
As we enter into Lent through our celebration of Ash Wednesday we are called to review our lives and enter into a period of repentance, service and prayer. To be true to our Baptismal promises we need to be aware of our imperfections and seek to become who we truly are. We are called to make change in our lives so that we are and are seen to be more and more like Jesus. The greatest challenge to this is our ego and inability to acknowledge our sinfulness.
Ironically this problem is also illustrated in the Genesis narrative. In seeking to shift the blame to the temptation in the serpent or woman the opportunity for atonement was lost. When we read the account and view the woman as the one who chose first or tempted the man we blind ourselves to the deep revelation that has been offered. Both fell equality to temptation and sinfulness. Two who were in-fact one each freely chose to do what God had forbidden. The blame is personal and to be accepted. Adam and Eve failed to respond to their conscience and sort to shift the blame (Genesis 3:12-13). We often do the same and in doing so find that we distance ourselves from God.
In being made in the image and likeness of God we are truly human. Our Tradition leads us to refer to God the ‘Father’ or as ‘Him’. Our words and historical practice do not reflect the truth of God. Our words cannot adequately express who God is. What we can say about God though is that perfect, eternal and pure. To be true to the fullness of this Divine nature we are created male and female. Man or woman alone cannot reflect the wholeness of God. In community or in marriage men and women work together in harmony and are an illustration of God’s image. Man and woman come together with God to create new life through love and become more whole as a result.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day I encourage you to re-read and consider in a new way the narrative of Adam and Eve found in Genesis and the way in which we reflect God’s image as a male or female. Seek to resolve on a personal level the gift or free will and our ability to sin. I encourage you to enter into Lent seeking repentance for the things both small and large that hold you back from the fullness of who you can be and the presence of God. Embrace your wholeness that is not bound by gender this week and live faithfully your call to holiness – that includes supporting those in need and removing injustice in your community and in the world – through your personal relationship with Jesus.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
Students from Years 8,10,11 and 12 have recently voted for their Ignatian Homeroom Leaders for 2019. Congratulations to all students who have been elected and presented with their badges. We know we will witness strong leadership skills and initiatives throughout the year. The Ignatian leaders primarily work closely with the Year Level Co-ordinators.
The Year 7 students will elect their Ignatian leaders after the Camp in early term two. The Year 9 students will elect their leaders at the Leadership day held at Anglesea next week.
Mr Anthony Gravener (Student Leadership Development Co-ordinator) and I have met with many students in positions of leadership so far this year and have been very impressed by the positive attitudes and the sense of collaboration that we have witnessed. The G 11 have been very constructive role models for the younger leaders.
We are sure the Ignatian leaders along with other students in leadership positions will support the College motto for the year: 'Be the Difference'
Year 8 Ignatian Leaders
8 Campion: Kathleen Donald and Murphy Moulton.
8 Castillo: Ari Gillies and Byron Ward
8 Chardin: Jorja Sitlington and Joshua Dougherty
8 Campion: Kathleen Donald and Murphy Moulton.
8 Daniel: Thomas Ray and Sasha Williams
8 Montserrat: Matthew Brennan and Tiahni Paseuthsak
8 Owen: Juddy Verlin and Matilda Stepto
8 Realino: Flynn Smith and Ruby McCooke
8 Rubio: Mitchell Blair and Lily Hallam.
8 Xavier: Ella Beasley and Luke Voudiotis
Year 10 Ignatian Leaders
10 Garner: Harper Renkauskas and Sebastian Cassels-Rantall
10 Loyola: Tahlia Walker and Finn Moate
10 Andres: Bailey Mitrovski and Mollie Hill
10 Brennan: Karly Lourie and Neo Williams
10 Briant: Kiara Troop and Luis Salla
10 Morse: Coco Bullock and Dylan Bland
10 Evans: Florence Noble and Charlie Harper Adams
10 Kostka: Hunter Benness and Laney McFadyen
10 Ogilvie: Daniel McInerny-Sotomayor and Jasmine Duff
Year 11 Igantian Leaders
11 Bellarmine: Sebastian Monahan and Brianna Connor
11 Canisius: Ryan Baird and Olivia Perilli
11 Denn: William Bothe and Lauren McCleland
11 Hopkins: Charles Darcy and Isabella Kelly
11 Hurtado: Caine Gale and Abbey Walker
11 Juana: Jonathan Peck and Eva Cooper
11 More Jared Leo and Jessica Breckon
11 Sanchez: Joseph Harrison and Abbey Donnelly
11 Southwell: Jaxon Cameron and Hannah Pannuzzo
Year 12 Ignatian Leaders
12 Bobola: Ruby Moreland and Cahill Hardman
12 Garnett: Georgie Endrei and Maggie Van Bakkum
12 Jerome: Angus Thompson and Nikita Page
12 Rodriguez: Bridget Hooper and William Edwards
12 Inigo: Chloe Broadhurst and Noah Langerak
12 Howett: Sophie Skuza and Ross Symonds
12 Francis: Morgan Devlin and Patrick Skuza
12 Healy: Lucy Moate and Bailey Kelly
12 Barry: Alysha Warren and Darcy Nichols
Ms Penny King Assistant Student Leadership Development Co-ordinator
On Friday 22nd February the Year 11 students attended their Wellbeing Day in Portarlington.
The day had a number of themes and students participated in a range of workshops.
The Themes for the day were: Stress, Growth Mindset, friendships/relationships
African Drumming highlighted ways that students can use music to relieve stress and shift their focus from the stresses of their everyday lives. A workshop on relationships helped students explore ways that all different relationships on their lives can impact on their health and wellbeing. Growth mindset was explored by looking at different ways students can manage their emotions.
The Year 11 Ignatian Leaders were also commissioned with a badge presentation by Mr Michael Timms and the reading of a pledge and a commitment to their roles.
Thank you to the Wellbeing Team for the great amount of work they put into organising this day and to the Homeroom teachers for their enthusiasm and support.
Ms Kristin Williamson Year 11 Coordinator
Between the 9th and 20th of January this year, I attended the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program, Session B in Brisbane.
NYSF is a non-profit organisation that runs a number of science programs, including the NYSF Year 12 Program which runs in January each year. This is a 12-day residential program for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), which aims to give students insights into the variety of study and career opportunities available across STEM fields.
During the program, participants stay on campus at a host university, that being either the Australian National University or the University of Queensland.
As I attended the Brisbane session, I stayed at Emmanuel College at the University of Queensland.
The program was jam-packed with different activities, including lab and site visits, lectures and workshops. These visits and lectures are done mostly with your interest group, although some are elective visits. There are 7 interest groups, those being biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, computer science, earth science and engineering. Being in the biology interest group, I visited the Institute for Molecular Biosciences, the Biology facilities at Griffith university and the Moreton Bay Research Station on North Stradbroke Island.
Networking is another major aspect of the program and in addition to the networking with professionals during lab visits and lectures, there were semi-formal occasions specifically for networking, including a Science Dinner held at the Brisbane City Hall, at which around 300 people including STEM professionals attended.
There were 200 other students with me on session, so socialising is another large part of program. Everyone was so friendly and kind, and I have made so many new friendships and I still talk to lots of people every day.
The program was such an amazing experience, and I have gotten so much from it including more prospects for further study and my career, many new friends, contacts with professionals and especially an increased sense of confidence.
Any students who are currently in Year 11 and will move on to Year 12 next year and are interested in science, technology, engineering and math can and should apply to attend NYSF in 2020 and beyond. There are places for nearly 600 students across three sessions in 2020. Applications for the program are taken online through the NYSF database - www.nysf.edu.au
All information you need is here, including fee information. Applications open on 1 March and close 31 May!
Sophie Skuza
On Thursday 21st February, the Student Representative Council (SRC) held their opening meeting in what promises to be a very active 2019.
The leadership of the SRC this year will comprise of:
Tex Hallam - President
Heidi Bakker - Secretary
Caitlin Harris and Emily Jones - Casual Day coordinators
William Bothe and Will Palmer - Promotions
The foundations for the 2019 Project Compassion campaign have been established for the duration of Lent. From donations in homeroom to Shrove Tuesday pancakes, there will be multiple ways for each family to help donate to those in need at home and abroad during this important time.
As outlined in her inaugural College Captain address, Madeleine Crothers, alongside Environment Captain Elyssa Winter, have initiated with the College canteen the removal of environmentally harmful single-use plastic straws, which are to be transitioned towards biodegradable straws instead.
William Bothe Year 11 SRC Representative
Our new Year 9 Centre and Multi-purpose Hall are on track to open at the start of Term 3 2019 with the estimated completion date July 31st. The builders, CICG, have been providing us with regular updates and works are progressing well and to schedule.
Currently CICG are doing the following:
Year 9 Centre
Multi-purpose Hall
Work to be undertaken in the next week or so:
Year 9 Centre
Multi-purpose Hall
Further updates will be published as they are supplied.
The Saint Ignatius College Open Day 2019 will be held on Sunday March 24th.
The College is open from 11.00am to 2.00pm with Information Sessions in the College Gym at 11.00am and 12.15pm.
There will be tours of the College's facilities, course information, presentations and exhibitions provided by staff and students and our Open Day is a great opportunity for prospective students and families to experience what the College has to offer.
Please Note: Year 7 2020 applications for enrolment close on Friday May 17th 2019
To make it easier for families with enquiries about Fees and Buses, the College has created two new direct email addresses.
For all Fee related enqiries please use: accounts@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For all Bus related enquiries use: buses@ignatius.vic.edu.au
A PDF of our Canteen Price List can be downloaded here
Starting March 11th
Monday 11th
No Canteen. Labour Day Holiday
Tuesday 12th
P. Joly, M. Dunstan, R. Harris, Needed
Wednesday 13th
L. Vella, C. Jonston, L. Sitlington, Needed
Thursday 14th
M. White, L. Eastwood, C. Swinton, N. Lowther
Friday 15th
C. Ford, J. Rogers, M. Grabowsky, S. MacKay, T. Dowie, K. Sobra
Starting March 18th
Monday 18th
T. Smale, L. Grist, C. Kopec, Needed
Tuesday 19th
S. Swaits, L. Tigani, R. Morris, L. Hamilton, M. Jackson
Wednesday 20th
K. James, S. Peters, M. Favelle, L. Vella
Thursday 21st
M. White, L. Eastwood, J. Martino, K. Valentine
Friday 22nd
T. Burke, L. McElroy, S. Cullen-Berriman, S. Hammond
If unable to attend, please make sure you get a replacement.
Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050 258
We Want You!
Become a part of the Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends' Association
We invite you to join the Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends' Association. We would love to have you come and join us at our next meeting on Tuesday March 12 at 7pm in the Food Tech Rooms. New members are always warmly welcomed.
Please email your details to us at: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au
We look forward to seeing you there.
The Uniform Shop
Starting from Wednesday February 13th the Uniform Shop will be open every 2nd Wednesday 2pm – 4pm
Other Dates for Term 1: February 27, March 13, March 27
Term 1 School break is April 3 – April 24
We can always use your help.
The Uniform Shop is our major source of fund raising. What we raise we are able to put back into the College with donations to certain areas, aspects and developments.
If you are available to join our regular Uniform Shop Roster, in the shop on a Wednesday, or can volunteer to help on a specially scheduled day, please email: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au
The commitment to help can be as frequent as you are able. Training and support is provided.
Open Day BBQ – Sunday March 24th
Parents and Friends get together and run an Open Day BBQ and Information Booth for this occasion. In this way we are able to interact with Staff and Students, and prospective families looking to join our community. It is a fun social day. We promote our work within the College, chat with and provide information to new families, and cook up a great sausage sizzle. Through this BBQ we raise funds which are donated to Timor Leste. This year we plan to have a Raffle.
We encourage you to become a part of the volunteers that help put it together and make it happen.
It is a fun, easy way to get to know other parents and start to feel that sense of belonging to your new school community. Any volunteer help will be greatly appreciated.
Please email: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au to indicate interest and availability, or for more information.
Join Saver Plus and we'll match your savings, dollar for dollar, up to $500 for school costs.
To join Saver Plus, you must have a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Consession Card, be at least 18 years old, have some regular income from work (you or your partner), and have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself.
Contact: Your local Saver Plus Coordinator
Phone: 03 5278 8122 Email: GeelongSP@bethany.org.au Web: www.saverplus.org.au
See PDF flyer for details:
Article by: Martine Oglethorpe
Martine Oglethorpe is an accredited speaker with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and has presented to numerous parent groups, schools and teachers. She is a speaker, counsellor and educator with a passion for building resilient kids in a digital world
‘How much time should my child be allowed in front of a screen?’ ‘What about my five-year-old?’ ‘How long should I let my 13-year-old play Fortnite?’ As a digital wellness and online safety expert, these are some of the questions I am most frequently asked.
They are certainly all relevant questions as parents fumble about trying to make rules and boundaries around their child’s screen time habits. Obviously we all want to prevent the screen time obsessions we hear about in the media. We want to maintain a sense of control over our child’s screen time habits.
As the digital world is far more complex and nuanced, our approach and questions need to mirror those complexities. We can certainly apply some time limits, and prescribe times when devices are not to be used. But it’s wise to ask more pertinent questions to help us make more informed choices about the rules and boundaries we set up for our kids.
In particular, there are three important questions we should ask. These are:
1.’What is my child doing with his or her screen?’
There’s no point worrying about how long your child is on a screen if you have no idea what they are doing when they’re on it. Handing a child a device without guidance can lead to a vast range of different experiences. One child might spend the time researching the dietary habits of a green tree frog, or learning how to make the best paper plane to fly with a younger sibling. Another might watch a funny cat video, or even watch hard-core pornography. These are vastly different ways to spend their time online.
2.’What is the effect of the screens on my child?’
Is your child enjoying socialising online because it allows them deeper connections with their friends, provides them with support and gives them a sense of belonging? Alternatively, is he or she feeling excluded or being cyberbullied? A child’s online experiences can help or hinder wellbeing. If online activities lead to tantrums when transitioning to offline tasks, or even aggression then it may be a sign that online use is having a negative impact.
3.’What is my child missing out on?’
Children and teens benefit from involvement in a wide range activities so they can maintain optimum physical, social and emotional development. Spending time outdoors, enjoying active sports, connecting face-to-face with friends, sharing family meals, keeping up with homework and assisting with household chores are the types of activities that most experts agree are beneficial for children and young people. If the amount of time a child spends on digital devices excludes him or her from these types of activities then it can be considered excessive. If this is the case, then it’s reasonable to expect that, with your assistance, your child begins to place some limits on their screen use.
Digital devices present new challenges for parents to manage. As a result parents need to shift the focus away from simply managing a child’s time to helping him or her successfully integrate screen use into their daily life in ways that support learning, development and wellbeing.
Michael Gross
Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.
Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.
Lenten Program 2019
'A day of Reflection by the Sea', Santa Casa, Queenscliff: We walk in the footsteps of Jesus
The day will include: Meditation, Time of quite and reflection, Walking the Labyrinth, A foot wash and massage. Jesus said 'Do as I have done unto you.'
Venue: Santa Casa Retreat Centre, Flinders Street, Queenscliff. Facilitator: Sr Jean McGonigal RSM.
Dates: Tuesday April 9th or Wednesday April 10th. Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Cost: $15 with Morning Tea and Lunch included.
Bookings: Parish Office or Sr Jean on 0408 559 981 or email: jean.mcgonigal@mercy.org.au
Come and try days: Tee-ball and Junior Baseball with the Bellarine Bears Baseball Club
The Bellarine Bears baseball Club is running ' Come and try Days' on March 16th and 17th, 9.00am to 10.30pm. Saturday March 16th session will be held at the Leopold Primary School oval and the Sunday March 17th session will be held at Bellarine Secondary Oval, Shell Rd, Ocean Grove.
Free and fun for all, ages 5 to 15 years, all abilities. Equipment provided. An opportunity to sign up for the Junior and Tee-ball seasons starting in late April. No experience needed.
Contact: Kim Connell on 0448 980 869 or go to www.bellarinebears.org.au for details
Geelong Field Naturalist Club: Geelong Nature Forum
The Geelong Field Naturalists Club would like to invite Saint Ignatius College students to attend the upcoming Geelong Nature Forum; an opportunity for interested students to engage with local biodiversity experts in the Geelong Region.
This free event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, and will be held at the Geelong Library and Heritage centre. It is a one-day drop-in event that will appeal to students and their families who may wish to speak informally with experts at the various displays. The focus is raising awareness within the Geelong community about the natural features and diverse range of creatures that inhabit our coast, wetlands, woodlands and grasslands areas. We understand the importance of providing students with real-world opportunities to make sense of the knowledge they learn within the classroom.
The theme of this year's forum is 'Where the Wild Things Are' and is a wonderful opportunity for your students who are interested in sustainability, environmental science, local biodiversity to encounter perspectives from local experts in the Geelong region. Our highly knowledgeable speakers will help build your students' knowledge of animals that live in our area and the important of maintaining habitat for these creatures to survive. This is a free event and tickest are not required. For more details see the PDF flyer for the event below.
MacKillop Family Services: 'Paws 4 Kids
For some children, school isn’t always an easy place to be, this is especially true for many children living in residential or foster care. They often find it hard because beyond the school gate they’re dealing with some tough issues: family violence, neglect, living out of home or social and/or emotional behaviours, which mainstream schools can find difficult to manage.
MacKillop Family Services’ specialist school in Maidstone and educational outreach programs, support hundreds of children living in Melbourne’s west to get the best education they can. One of the innovative programs they have introduced is PawPals, a canine-assisted learning program to make school and learning a fun, positive experience for kids who have struggled to engage with mainstream education.
For more details read the attached PDF
'Walk For Johno'
Join us on Saturday March 16th for the last 'Walk for Johno'
Walk along the Bellarine rail-trail to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the Heart Foundation. Then join us from 2pm - 5pm for the post celebration picnic at Eastern Hub, East Geelong.
Learn more and register for free at www.walkforjohno.org
... merchandise is also available will all proceeds going to the Heart Foundation.
Repair Café Bellarine
Ocean Grove's Repair Café is a community initiative that promotes repairing items as an alternative to throwing them out, to reduce our landfill problem and carbon emissions. At the Repair Café, volunteer repair experts are available to help fix household items such as furniture, electrical items, bikes and clothing. Next Ocean Grove Repair Café is Sunday April 14th, 10am - 1pm.
See the attache PDF for details:
Drysdale Tigers Football Netball Club
Now Recruiting Junior Footballers for Season 2019
Girls U12, U15 and U18 and Boys U9, U10, U11, U13, U15 and U17
Contact Mick Barrat 0419 342 708
Website: www.grovedalefnc.sportingpulse.net Email: grovedalejuniorfootball@gmail.com
Leopold Football Netball Club
Girls Footy in 2019 - Register Your Interest Now!
We are very excited to announce that we aim to introduce an U15 girls team in 2019 as well as continuing to welcome girls in the U12 girls competition. More information to follow at #GirlsPlayFooty
Contact Aaron on 0437 099401 or Alison on 0400 425 801.
Website: www.leopoldlions.com.au Email: admin@leopoldfnc.com.au
City of Greater Geelong Parenting Program
"Tuning into Teens"
Tuning into Teens is a six week program providing parents with a greater understanding of their teen's emotional experience while teaching specific skills that can assist in being supportive, empathic and staying connected with their young person.
For more details and how to book see the attched PDF.
Group Parent Education Events: Barwon South Western Region Term 1 2019
Please attached PDF for the evnts being run for Term 1.
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
Saturday: 5.00pm Vigil
Holy Spirit Cnr Bostock Ave & Nambool St, Manifold Heights, VIC 3218
Sunday: 11.00am
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