This newsletter is the second last of the year. The contents reflect the hectic, energetic and active period when we finish-up another school year.

Our Years 7-10 students finished their classes this week and the Yrs 11 and 12 students finished up earlier on. Over the last week or so, the students have been very busy undertaking final assessments. Years 9 and 10 students sat their exams and Years 7 and 8 students have been completing a variety of assessment tasks. The Year 11 students completed the year undertaking the “Kick Start” program to prepare them for either the Yr 12 VCE or VCAL program.

As a College community, we have held very significant events such as Mosaic and Yr 12 Valedictory Dinner. Our Year Level Coordinators (7-11) have each organised a “final assembly” to celebrate and reflect on the students’ year, give thanks to God for the many blessings during the year and provide the opportunity for expressions of gratitude to staff members who have supported the students’ learning and wellbeing. I thank our Year Level Coordinators, Ms Tory Wood (7), Ms Deb Hodge (8), Mr Ben Collyer (9), Mr Brendan O’Brien (10), Ms Kristin Williamson (11) and Mr Joe McLean (12) for their leadership and management of their respective year levels and for their work to ensure a smooth and purposeful finish to the year for our students.

Parents of Years 7-11 students will be able to access the Semester Two reports via the ‘Xuno’ portal from 4 pm on Tuesday 11th December. These will provide an excellent basis for parents to discuss with their daughters and sons the progress made during the year and to begin to set some student goals for 2019. I imagine at this hectic time it might be difficult to find the time (and energy) to conduct this vital conversation; it may well be best to be left to after Christmas.

Whenever it happens, I believe it is critical to ensure another year doesn’t pass and as parents we demonstrate the value of education by taking the time to affirm positive and constructive student learning habits, challenging where there is room for improvement and guiding the setting of improvement goals for next year. Parents could book time with their daughter or son to reflect on the year. Some examples of prompts that I provided at this stage last year for reflection by students were:

Think about what you were like this time last year.

How much have you changed?

How has your life changed in that time?

What good things have happened?

Are there any areas you think you could improve in?

Anything you would like to be better?

Think about your hopes:

• for the summer?

• for next year?

This will also provide the opportunity for students to give thanks for their growth and increase in knowledge, understanding and skills during the year and for parents to encourage students to say ‘yes’ to all the suitable opportunities for growth and development in the year ahead.

Mosaic Evening

Our annual Mosaic Evening at Costa Hall was again an exceptional and important whole school event. Thank you to all families who were able to attend. A healthy school community enhances positive outcomes for our young people.

As in previous years, Mosaic was a wonderful celebration of very impressive student achievement across a variety of areas. I congratulate all students who received awards or presented the results of their learning (Art and Technology Displays) or performed on the evening (Music, Dance and Drama) – well done!

It was impossible to acknowledge all student achievements, and I congratulate all students who have tried their best throughout the year. It is also hard to show off some of the aspects of school life that we value. Examples include students supporting each other and going quietly about their learning and making the most of the opportunities they have to discover and develop their gifts and talents and being of service to others.

Thank you to our hard-working staff for organising and running this evening – all staff played some part in supporting this community celebration. In particular, I thank Mrs Claire Hewitt for coordinating Mosaic.

Leopold Senior Citizens’ Luncheon & Concert

Our College has enthusiastically supported the annual Leopold Senior Citizens’ Luncheon for the last twenty-one years. On Tuesday 27th November about sixty students performed or waited on the tables serving the lunch prepared by the Church group for the one hundred and eighty senior citizens present at Club Italia, Moolap. As in previous years, I received many glowing comments about our students. I was very proud of our performers, many talented singers and musicians. Also, as well as serving food, many of our students need to be congratulated for the way they conversed with the guests on the day helping to make the day a special one for them. Thank you to Mrs Linda Pape (Performance Coordinator), Ms Marina Brown (Choir), Mr Andrew Humphrey, Mr Angelo Scotto, Ms Caitlin Doble and several other staff members who helped out for enabling our school to support this initiative of the local Parish.

Year 12 Valedictory Evening

On Friday 30th November the annual Year 12 Valedictory Dinner/Dance was held at GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park, Geelong. The evening commenced with the formal presentation of the graduands and some speeches. A delightful dinner/dance followed this.

A special feature of the formal part of the evening was the return of one of last year’s College Captains to promote the “Old Ignatians Association”. Greg Lewis encouraged the Class of 2018 to keep connected to the College through membership of the alumni association. Each Year 12 student was presented with an Old Ignatian lapel badge that they will hopefully keep as a sign of their continuing connection to their secondary school.

Fr James Puppady (President of the Association of Canonical Administrators) provided the blessing and expressed his congratulations and best wishes to the students. The College Captains, Kerry Kingsbury and Dean O’Brien spoke fondly about many aspects of their secondary school journey, expressed gratitude to the staff and parents and wished their classmates best wishes for the next stage of their life journey. We then enjoyed a delicious dinner and dancing. Thank you to the organising committee and in particular, Mr Joe McLean (YLC) and Ms Dani Stanesby. As in previous years, the evening was conducted in a positive, happy and respectful way.

Yr 12 studies 2019 - Unit 3 Orientation Program

Thank you to the Senior School team of teachers for providing a valuable Orientation Program over the last week and a half to prepare the Year 11 students for next year. It is essential that these students use some of the holiday time to prepare for the undertaking of their Unit 3 subjects. Teachers will have given guidelines and provided preparatory work, and the students have a responsibility to take advantage of this and not turn up next year finding themselves behind the rest of the class. Can I please encourage parents to support this expectation? I expect that our senior students give their academic program the priority it deserves and other undertakings will need to fit in around their studies. I want all students, as I am sure parents do, to have the best chance of achieving to the best of their ability and this will be enhanced if the prevailing atmosphere is one where students are encouraging each other to do their best with their studies.

Final days of the school year

Next Tuesday we will conduct the Orientation Day for the grade six students attending Saint Ignatius next year. We look forward to welcoming our new college members.

The next and final newsletter for the year will be available on the afternoon of Thursday 20th December 2018.

Commencement date for 2019 school year

Please note that classes for all Year levels will commence on the same day next year – Monday 4th February 2019.

Advent Season

The Church season of Advent began last weekend. Advent is a wake-up call to us. We can ignore it and divert our attention to the commercial distractions, or we can regard it as an invitation to reflect on what we truly need and long for in life. Advent invites us into a reorientation of life that means knowing God in a new way. The Season of Advent is a time of waiting and preparation. However, if we reflect on it, life itself is a “waiting room”. So, what “preparations” are we up to as we wait? A final thought from the theologian, poet and Benedictine Monk, Sebastian Moore, “Christ is present to us in so far as we are present to one another”.

“Lord, lead me to see, through Your love, the changes I need to make in my life. Break into my life and help me to move forward, perhaps along untravelled paths to new aspects of my life that help me to mirror You to others. Amen.” (Acknowledgement: “Prinscripts 37, 2010)

The commencement of Advent also marked the beginning of the Church’s new year and the closing of the Year of Youth. Last Sunday, a number of our students attended a Mass to celebrate this special year. This very special Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark Edwards and Fr James Puppady with members of the Drysdale Parish at St Thomas Church. It was great to see students from Saint Ignatius present and that our choir and musicians, under the leadership of Ms Marina Brown, could also be present to help make this a special liturgical celebration.

Best wishes,

Michael Exton Principal

As we enter into the season of Advent we are drawn to consider what we can do to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Last Wednesday, the 28^th of November, the College participated in Red Wednesday; a day of solidarity for those persecuted for their faith. This day becomes more important each year as the number of people living in countries where religious freedom is not respected continues to rise. Currently it’s estimated that 61% of the world’s population live in situations where religious persecution is common. What might be made of these facts as we prepare for the coming of Jesus?

When we consider the story of Jesus’ birth we experience great joy. In our secular and pluralist society Christmas is the most prominent celebration. Our entire society looks forward to Christmas each year with great anticipation for many reasons. At His birth however the only people who celebrated his coming were outcasts and three mystics known as the Magi. The contrast to our celebration and the reality of Jesus’ birth is in fact astounding. Our celebration of Christmas is excessive and overwhelming. His birth was in truth worse than any we could imagine by our standards. There was no hospital, no bed, no clean water, no doctor. Only Joseph, a stable and the animals.

Considering these contradictory experiences, we might in light of Red Wednesday consider how fortunate we are in Australia. In our country we are guaranteed religious freedom and have no fear of being persecuted. Sadly, our society does however discriminate against people from other religions. Globally religious freedom is for many not a right and being persecuted is part of their daily life. In preparing for the coming of Jesus we consider how the Holy Family were also persecuted and were forced to become migrants. Today there are over 65 million displaced people in the world. Many of these people make the decision to leave what is known and safe, and journey in an attempt to find peace and safety in another place.

As we prepare during Advent we view news reports daily that offer images of Central American migrants becoming more and more desperate as they seek asylum in America. When we consider the flight of the Holy Family we contemplate the fate that may have befallen them if Egypt stopped them at the border. During Advent consider how the Christmas narrative might inform the actions of countries who have the ability to offer protection and welcome to those in need?

Currently in the Netherlands a refugee Armenian family are set to be deported after nine years living in the country after all legal avenues for asylum have been denied. Inspired by the Christmas story a local church (Bethel church) has offered protection to the family by holding an ongoing service (at the time of writing the service has been going for over 800 hours!). Dutch law prohibits police from entering a place of worship whilst a religious service is in progress. Reverend Axel Wicke plans to continue the service indefinitely so that the family might be welcomed, protected and have the ruling overturned. Contemplating this situation in light of Advent we would do well to consider how we use our faith to love and protect others. What can we do this Advent to share our love with others in a way that challenges injustice and upsets the status quo?

In this way we might prepare for the coming of Jesus. We may find profit in contemplating how individually we may be able to welcome others and fight against discrimination and persecution. St Ignatius inspires us to “find God in all things”. Considering Red Wednesday and Advent we may contemplate what Jesus and his family might have looked like if he was born today.

The Holy Family in the modern world can be seen in those born without the possessions or opportunities we are fortunate to have. We can see them in families living in cars, ‘couch surfing’ with friends or in shelters. We can see them in migrants, both in the news and those who we do not see in detention on our behalf in isolated islands near and far. We can see the Holy Family in the people we discriminate against in thought or through exclusion in our own context. We can see them most vividly in people at the margins.

During Advent we are called to see the world through new eyes. By calling upon the Holy Spirit we may become better able to discern who is in need of love and how we may help bring an end to persecution, isolation and rejection. During Advent we might view the Christmas story in new and profound ways by setting aside traditional images. In finding new images that challenge us we may be able to enter more deeply in our preparation for the coming of our Saviour.

St Ignatius asks us to consider “the birth of Jesus Christ comes to be born in extreme poverty and after so many labours, after hunger, thirst, heat and cold, outrages and affronts, he dies on the cross, and all of this for me”. The coming of Jesus requires us to reconcile the joy of his birth and horror of this torture and death. During Advent we can do this by entering into the suffering of the other and offering love as He did; especially to the marginalised. Viewing Advent and Christmas from a different perspective may help us achieve what Ignatius asks of us.

The following icon is a modern depiction of the Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:12-15) by Kelly Latimore called Refugees: La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family). This image offers us great insight to how we might be inspired during Advent to prepare more deeply for the coming of Christ. Rather than the ‘Disney version’ we traditionally associate with Advent and Christmas images like La Sagrada Familia confront us.

Some are offended that the Holy Family are depicted in such a manner. Influential Christians like Paula White, ‘spiritual advisor’ to President Trump, deny any correlation between the Holy Family and modern day refugees. The leaders of our Church, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, disagree and ask us to embrace the reality of Jesus’ life and how people today experience the same forms of injustice and rejection. Our faith is challenging to society and the status quo.

The Magi are often depicted in Christmas images as being exotic and wealthy Eastern wise men. An image that may be more correct and insightful for us to contemplate during Advent would be an image of three tired and dirty learned mystics, who had travelled for many miles across dangerous terrain to see the one who had been promised. The Magi in our modern world may resemble Pride of Australia award winner Deng Adut. Deng is a Sudanese refugee and former child soldier who came to Australia seeking asylum, studied law and now takes on pro bono cases where justice or fairness might otherwise be denied. Alternatively a modern image of the Magi might be Mr Hicherson, who welcomed Deng into his life, took him in and offered him the opportunity to achieve in our society. Or maybe an image of the Magi this Advent might be Zola a 25 year old volunteer at Barwon Prison who is able to see past stigma and stereotype, to see the true person she encounters during her work with the inmates.

As we journey through Advent we prepare for the coming of Jesus. We are challenged by the situation experienced by so many people around the world who live in isolation, lack freedom or are persecuted. Contemplating the Christmas story, we may observe the contrast of between our joyous experience of Christmas and the sorrow of people who experience the same persecution Jesus did. During Advent we might enter more deeply into the season by challenging what we know and is comfortable. In replacing traditional images of Advent and Christmas with modern depictions we may encounter in a profound way all that the festive season offers. In doing so we might be inspired to act and work to change things that cause injustice in our lives, in our communities or the world more broadly. Through this we may become more whole and might claim to be the ‘contemplatives in action’.

I wish you well as you journey through Advent and prepare for the coming of Jesus. I pray that you are able enter deeply into the narrative and identify allegorical connections between injustice and persecution in our world. I hope that in doing so you are inspired to love more and share your peace with those in need in your life and those whom you are yet to know.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator

Costa Hall, Geelong came alive again this year to the sights and sounds of “all things Saint Ignatius” at the annual “Mosaic”, our showcase and celebration of the myriad of opportunities provided and achievements made during the year here at the College.

There were 14 magnificent displays and performances in the outer foyer of Costa hall in the Deakin University campus–student work, media, photographs and performances from learning areas and co-curricular activities. It highlighted the wealth of learning opportunities offered and the skills and talents of students.

The Mosaic Prelude comprised performances from the junior Combined Band and the Stage Band prior to Mosaic presentations in the auditorium.

We congratulate all students on their achievements and for some attaining an award ranging from academic Years 7-9, Christian Leadership, Endeavour, Community, All rounder, and various other awards. The latter included the Australian Defence Force Long Tan and Education awards, The Dux of the College 2017 Rotary Community awards, the Parents and Friends' Association All Rounder awards, Deakin Young Influencer and Science awards, The Sarah Henderson Corangamite medal for leadership and citizenship, The Caltex All Rounder award The Richard Marles prize for leadership, The Lions Community Service awards, College Captains, Public Speaking, Debating, Visual Art, Performing Arts and Sports awards, the Des Panton House Cup, the Jesuit Alumni award presented by the St. Patrick’s Old Collegians Association and the prestigious Saint Ignatius of Loyola award.

We were treated to “2018 - The Year That Was” video, a visual compilation of activities throughout the year, capably and creatively prepared by Hamish King, Year 11 VCAL and VET media student which was accompanied by the Year 9 Band. The Liturgy choir sang the Opening Prayer and we were entertained by the College Orchestra, the Mosaic Choir and the stylish Magis Men singing “New York, New York”.

We heard from Michael Exton Principal, Fr. Puppady, President of the College’s Canonical Administrators, Kerry Kingsbury and Dean O’Brien spoke about their year as College Captains and introduced College Captains 2019 Maddie Crothers and Sam Salisbury.

Darbi Moody, Dux of 2017 spoke about his studies this year while residing at Newman College, Melbourne University.

Mr. Andew Philip, Director of Sport prepared 2 videos, one of photographs and video clips showing the enormous variety of sporting programs at the College and the latter was of IGGY, our sporting mascot, who participates in everything that is offered, Deputy Principal, Mr. Paul Lewis was Master of Ceremonies and coordinated proceedings which included the presentation of the awards by the Year Level Coordinators.

It was a truly inspiring and happy evening enjoyed by Students, Parents, Staff, Board members, VIPs and representatives from the wider community.

Mrs. Claire Hewitt Development Manager

It was a beautiful balmy November evening that 70 Saint Ignatius College alumni, 'Old Ignatians', met up again at the Inn hotel in Geelong amidst the swaying blue, red and white helium balloons.

12 staff were thrilled to catch-up with their “old” students and we all enjoyed hearing the stories and about where everyone is these days and what they are doing whether it be studying, travelling or working.

The Year 12 Retreat banner, taken out of storage, was hung proudly at the venue. It had been stamped with the painted hands of students on their Retreat held early in 2013. We all enjoyed watching their Year 12 video which certainly brought back very fond memories.

The organizing committee of Paddy Malone, Bridget England and Philip Jacovides were justifiably proud of their efforts to engage and enthuse the cohort on social media and arrange the event. The initial meeting to organise the reunion began way back in early April this year and their enthusiasm escalated during the year.

Some snippets from a few of them:

Two have recently become engaged and apparently to each other! Will confirm later!

Jack - Energy Australia Consultant, Carly - Exercise Science, Tim - Medicine at Box Hill Hospital, Nathan - Social Worker, Chloe - Paediatric Nurse, Bridget - Nurse also at Royal Melbourne, Paddy - studying Master of Commerce, Chelsey - Arts/Communications, Philip - Electrician, Jackson - Double Major in Finance and Economics, lived at Newman College and about to have some time off travelling the world! Smithy - Mechanical Engineering, Josh - Data Analyst, Tom - Carpenter, Kaitlyn - Beauty Therapist and Hairdresser, Sean - Health Science.

Paddy, Bridget and Philip welcomed the group with a few words as did, by public demand, 2013 Year 12 Coordinator, Joe Mclean who was effusive in remembering them well and recalled their valued contributions to the College and the camaraderie they all shared!

Photos were studied carefully and the chatter flowed and many reconnections made.

All received a ‘goodie’ bag containing a Mars bar or two and the obligatory biro! Also included was a reminder to “Like us ‘ on Facebook, encouragement to send in 25 words or more to sicgalumni@ignatius.vic.edu.au about “ Where are You now” and nominations for the SPOCA alumni award and Old Ignatian Loyola awards and expressions of interest in becoming a member on the Old Ignatian Young Leaders group.

Mrs. Claire Hewitt Development Manager

The DAV offers the opportunity to students in all year levels at schools in the Geelong Region to take part in Debating on the following evenings in 2019:

Thursday 2^nd May

Thursday 16^th May

Thursday 30^th May

Thursday 13^th June

Thursday 1^st August

What is required of student participants at Saint Ignatius College:

- a firm commitment to the full program of five debates (no withdrawals are permitted as this is unfair on teammates and on students in other schools who prepare as expected for each fixture)

- attendance at set weekly lunchtime meetings to prepare and rehearse speeches

- a firm commitment to completing speeches in time for rehearsals

- organization of own transport arrangements to and from the venue (Geelong Grammar School, Corio Campus); parents are welcome to attend the debates as members of the audience.

All participants are assisted and supported with the preparation of their arguments and the rehearsal of their speeches. This ensures that students are equipped with the necessary skills and able to debate with confidence.

Any student who is willing to take up the challenge of Debating in 2019 and who is prepared to make the commitment required is asked to have a parent or guardian express their interest by emailing Ms Andrea Dart: darta@ignatius.vic.edu.au. Expressions of interest close on Friday 8^th February after which time the SICG Debating teams will be registered and organized. As the DAV organises both regional and metropolitan competitions which generally run from March through to August, it is necessary to register teams in February for the program to commence in May. We look forward to fielding junior and senior teams next year.

Ms Andrea Dart Debating Co-ordinator

By Jess Breckon

I was lucky enough to spend a week at Barwon Health on Work Experience with a difference.

Places were tight with only 32 Year 10 students from across Geelong being selected for the special program.

We got to find out about a whole lot of things and have a really different learning experience.

We were introduced to a range of employees who have different jobs at Barwon Health including: nursing, surgeons, nutritionists, social workers, midwifery, pharmacists, exercise physiologists and podiatrists.

I really enjoyed meeting the nurses because their careers sounded really interesting and nursing is a field I would really love to go into.

It was surprising to learn about the schedules of the aged care patients and how they have a set routine every week.

I really enjoyed learning about midwifery because how they spoke about their career was interesting and how developed a close relationship with the mother.

I got to try out being a midwife while holding the baby when the head and the body is pushed through the vagina.

We spent time working with the aged care patients, playing darts with them and learning about their being in the past and present.

The most challenging thing about the week was doing the surgeon activities because I have no patience to operate on a person and I really could not complete those activities.

What I really enjoyed about the week was meeting all different people from different professions and hearing about their life and their stories and how they got to where they are today.

I think the qualities you need to work in the Health sector are great communication skills, patience, knowledge in the health care field and the ability to respond to the patients correctly.

One thing I won’t forget about this week is all the awesome people that I met and how many connections I made throughout this week.

Now I think that in the future I will pursue a career in nursing and I am considering midwifery as my pathway.

I recommend this program to next year’s Year 10 students. Put up your hand, give it a go. It’s good to put yourself forward and good for your future!

Acknowledgement: The program was brought to schools in the Geelong Region by Barwon Health and the Geelong Region Local Learning & Employment Network (LLEN). The ‘Careers in Community Services & Health Program’ is funded by Skilling the Bay.

Drawn Tuesday December 11^th, 2018 – Orientation Day

Prizes include: School Fees for 2019; Campion Book Voucher; Noone Uniform Voucher; Secondhand Uniform Shop Vouchers

Get Your Ticket Now! Tickets are: $25.00 each

See the flyer here (below) for more details on prizes and how to buy tickets:

Meet the Team event on December 11th

The Drysdale Bypass project team along with our construction contractor Decmil, is hosting a “Meet the Team” event on December 11, 2018, between 2pm and 7pm.

This event is designed to allow people to pop in between these hours and ask any questions of the project team, whether that’s MRPA or our contractor Decmil.

See flyer attached here for more details.

D5: Bellarine SC, Saint Ignatius College and St Thomas PS to Clifton Springs

Commencing on the first day of school for 2019, the D5 bus will depart St Thomas Catholic Primary School gate at 3.35pm and Bellarine SC Drysdale (Bay 11) at 3.37pm.

This is approximately 10 minutes earlier than the 2018 departure times.

For further information, please contact McHarry's Buslines on 5223 2111 or www.mcharrys.com.au

Drawn Tuesday December 11^th, 2018 – Orientation Day

Prizes include: School Fees for 2019; Campion Book Voucher; Noone Uniform Voucher; Secondhand Uniform Shop Vouchers

Get Your Tickets Now! Tickets are: $25.00 each

See the flyer here (below) for more details on prizes and how to buy tickets:

The Uniform Shop

Looking For Volunteers. If you can help in the shop or on a specially scheduled day, or if you just require more information, please email: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The Uniform Shop will be open on:

Orientation Day for Uniform Sales – Tuesday December 11^th, 2018 (from drop-off time – pick-up)

Book Pick-up Day – Thursday January 24^th, 2019

Join the Parents and Friends' Association!

We Invite you to join the Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends' Association.

New members are always warmly welcomed. Please email your details to us at: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Our first Meeting for 2019 will be held on:

Tuesday February 5^th, 2019 – 7pm in the Food Tech Rooms.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you to all Parents & Friends, College Executives and Staff members, who have supported the work of the Association in 2018. It has been a good year, and we wish you a blessed Christmas and New Year, filled with fun and laughter, love and peace.

The Students and Staff would like to thanks all those who have given their time to the Canteen this year, your ongoing support is very much appreciated and integral to the success of the Canteen.

We hope you have a great christmas and new year and will, next year, consider assisting us again.

Mrs Sandra Woodall Canteen Coordinator

As holidays approach, the role that screens and devices will play becomes an increasing concern for parents. Days when kids are usually tied up with school and activities make way for many an idle hour and, as such, parents fear those hours will be spent largely engaged with a screen or gaming console. While there is certainly no harm in some well-balanced screen time and developmentally appropriate online activities, we must remember that, as parents, we have an important role in helping our kids manage and balance that screen time. Here are a few things we can do:

Understand the battle

It is important parents know the beast they are dealing with. It is easy to shout from another room to get off a screen or whinge to our friends that ‘kids of today’ are all addicted to their phones, but we need to recognise the pull that many of these devices have. The social networks are designed to keep us liking, commenting and sharing. The games cajole us into having ‘just one more’ turn at being the last man standing. These technologies tempt us to reach just one more level, or to scroll for just a few minutes more. Our brains experience a dopamine release and a sense of insufficiency when we use a device. There is always something else to do or something else to scroll through, or one more YouTube video to watch. So our kids are up against it when trying to control their time on a device. We need to help them with that.

Get outside

We can complain that kids never go outside and play anymore, but sometimes we have to physically get out there with them or offer opportunities in which being outside and active play are appealing. We have to work a little harder at this today because we are competing with a device that answers many of our kids’ perceived needs. We need them to know that their needs are greater and more varied than what their screens can offer.

Have some rules

Despite their apparent dislike of rules around technology, kids will (one day) appreciate having boundaries to help them manage their screen time. Rules can be established regarding time limits, devices in bedrooms, devicefree meal times, etc. Whatever you decide is important, be sure that you have those discussions with your kids.

And any discussion around rules or consequences should happen away from the screens so they are clear on the expectations. (Talking about their screen-time habits while they are just about to be the last man standing on Fortnite is probably not going to make for engaging conversation.)

One console on one television…outside the bedroom

Having only one television that is connected to a gaming console or to Netflix is a good way of ensuring that the device gets shared and one child doesn’t monopolise the screen. And leave consoles out of bedrooms where the appeal of just one more quick game can very quickly rob them of important sleep time.

Role model

Make sure you are showing your kids how you want them to be. Have times when the devices are put away and you give full attention to the people around you. Don’t answer calls or emails at the dinner table. Don’t fall asleep with a device landing on your forehead. Take time to get outside and do things active and in nature. Don’t ever use a phone while driving. Use the Screen Time feature on iOS products to monitor just how you are using your technology and whether you could be making some changes. Kids learn more from what we do than what we say.

We know the technology isn’t going anywhere, and we know there are many wonderful benefits that screens provide. But ensure that holidays and downtime hours can be filled with many different experiences and in ways that leave your kids in control, even if you have to work a little harder to give them that.

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.

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 attned vocational education yourself.

Contact: Amanda Vernon your local Saver Plus Coordinator

Phone: 03 5278 8122 Email: AVernon@bethany.org.au Web: www.saverplus.org.au

See PDF flyer for details:

Powercor has launched a new program called Energy Partner in areas on the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula over summer, and to support the introduction of this program we are offering a competition benefiting local schools.

The school with the most nominations from families, who register and participate in Energy Partner Events, will receive a grant of $10,000*.

And as your school falls within the Energy Partner area, you are in the running to receive this grant.

Every time a household registers as an Energy Partner, they are asked to nominate a local school and once a household participates in an event, their vote is allocated to the school they nominated. The school with the most nominations at the end of the program will receive the prize.

Powercor Energy Partner is open for registration now for those living within the Bellarine Peninsula and parts of the Surf Coast. Program details and the registration page can be found here powercor.com.au/energy-partner.

About Energy Partner

• Powercor will notify registered participants of these busy, peak days by calling an Event and sending an email or text 24 hours, the morning of and 1 to 2 hours prior to when we propose to start.
• You’ll have time to pre-cool your home before we set the temperature on air conditioners up to a maximum of 26 degrees for around 3 hours.
• It all happens via Sensibo – a smart device that automates the control of air conditioners and helps save energy. Powercor will provide and install the Sensibo unit, with a RRP of $159, into homes for free.
• There’s an ability to opt-out if it doesn’t suit on the day.
• We will pay each household $20 every time they participate in an Event for the full 3 hours and you’ll go in to the draw to win a $1,000 RACV resorts voucher*.

That’s extra pocket money for families or it can go towards energy bills.

From 1 December 2018 to 31 March 2019, residents within areas of the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula can partner with Powercor to help reduce demand through air conditioning units in their home, for a few hours, on a few really hot days over summer.

It’s a simple thing the community can do to help.

Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.

Plenary Council Sessions at St Mary's Parish Geelong

The Catholic Bishops of Australia are seeking the views of all Catholics regarding the future of the local Church in preparation for their Plenary Council 2020: St Mary of the Angels Parish, Geelong, is providing four ‘Listening and Dialogue’ sessions in which you can contribute to the Plenary in a small-group setting.

The sessions will be held at both 11 am and 7 pm on Wednesday, 12th December, and Thursday, 20th December, in the Pioneer Room, St Mary’s Office Centre, 150 Yarra Street, Geelong. To assist with preparation, please register for a session (or sessions) by notifying the parish office on (03) 5222 1977, or email AnnaMarieD@stmarysgeelong.com.au

Further information is available online at: www.stmarysgeelong.com.au/plenary_council.html

Bellarine Community Health 'Parents in Partnership' (PIP)

Bellarine Community Health Youth Services are running a free program for Parents/guardians who have concerns over a young persons mental health.

The attached flyer has all the details.

Coastal Conscience Presents: How deep are your pockets

Barwon Coast has partnered with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria Police, CFA, City of Greater Geelong and Ocean Grove Coastcare under the Share Our Shores campaign to advocate behavioural change amongst youth engaging in destructive and dangerous dune behaviour.

Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. is appointed by state government to manage 13km of coastal Crown land from 7W Collendina to 42W Connewarre on behalf of all Victorians. Our main charter is for the protection and enhancement of natural values within our estate, whilst providing a place for people to recreate. In addition to natural resource protection, a key responsibility for us is to manage risk to ensure the safety of all users of our reserves.

Our coastal reserves are under constant pressures as populations both locally and visiting the area increase. As a consequence Barwon Coast launched our Share Our Shores campaign late 2017 to create awareness on a number of coastal issues the community has identified. Issues identified are beach-overcrowding, littering, dogs’ off-leash, threats to wildlife and sand dune damage. Over the last few years there has been a significant increase in youth parties within the dunes, which has led to vegetation vandalism, dune destruction, significant littering and the lighting of fires. We anticipate the stronger message will change this dangerous behaviour and engage the youth to take ownership of the natural environment in a positive way.

For more details see the flyer below:

Barwon Health Immunisation Services

Year 10 students who missed the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine can catch up through Barwon Health Immunisation or GP prior to 31/12/18 when funding ends.

See timetable attached:

Dawn Masses:

Daily from 16th to 24th December, 5.30am - Corio

Christmas Eve:

Lara (Family Mass) 6.30pm

Corio (Family Mass) 8.30pm

Christmas Day:

Lara 9.00am

Corio 10.30am

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