Congratulations to Year 12 students

The 2019 VCE Units 3/4 results were released last Thursday. I congratulate the VCE Class of 2019. I am happy to report that overall our VCE results are very pleasing and again above the state averages. Reflecting on our students’ achievements, they reinforce that the key to success is consistent effort and persistence. I acknowledge the importance of the positive partnerships between parents, teachers and students that have supported our students over the years to develop the skills and attitudes that underpin successful VCE achievement. And I recognize the dedication and efforts of the Year 12 teachers.

As well as coping with the demands of Year 12, many students were actively involved in the College’s co-curricular program. Examples include Leadership, Sport, Music, the Production, Community Service and Social Justice. This has contributed to developing well-rounded young women and men.

Many of our students achieved outstanding results, and I congratulate them. Some noteworthy achievements are as follows.

Dux of the 2019 Class was Ruby Mangelsdorf with a very impressive Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.2. Well done, Ruby! Ruby was a tremendous role model as Academic Captain this year.

The following students (in alphabetical order by surname) received an ATAR in the top 10% of the State:

Jack Brassington
Miranda Friee
Emily Gordon
Montana Holdsworth
Ruby Mangelsdorf
Chandler McEwen
Erin Skene
Sophie Skuza
Rachelle Spadoni
Natalia Wilcox

Two key statistics were:

6% of study scores were over 40.

The median study score was 30.

Many students received an ATAR in the high eighties. There were three perfect scores of 50 and many other very impressive results. I congratulate the students who achieved at such a high level and their teachers.

I would also like to congratulate our VCAL students on completion of their VCAL certificates. At the last staff meeting of the year, Ms Kirsty Allan (VCAL Coordinator) shared with staff the variety of pathways of these students. Many have secured fulltime apprenticeships, others will be undertaking further education and, some have obtained employment. I wish them all the best for their futures.

With the VCE results in and VCE or VCAL certificates obtained, some students may be looking for some support, and I remind students and parents that our Work and Further Education Coordinator, Mr Bruce Connor (connorb@ignatius.vic.edu.au) is available to discuss plans with any student who would like some advice.

The ‘results’ of all of our students reflect their commitment to learning, the hard work and encouragement of their teachers and the love and support of their parents and families. I wish our Class of 2019 all the best for their futures.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following teachers on maternity leave on the recent arrival of their baby:

Ms Emma Cuthill, who welcomed with love Lacey Loretta; and

Ms Sarah Adams, who welcomed with love Arlo Joseph.

Best wishes to both families.

Farewell to some staff

Thank you to the following staff members who finished their contract at the end of this term:

Ms Linda Barrett (Education Librarian)
Mr Andrew Blackstone (Teacher)
Mr Andrew Booth (Teacher)
Ms Leanne Crole (Learning Support Officer)
Mr Cameron Fennel (Teacher)
Ms Jo Geary (Teacher)
Ms Jessica Johns (Learning Support Officer)
Thank you to Ms Deanna Hedley (Teacher) who has decided not to return after taking leave this year.

And thank you to the following staff members who will be retiring at the end of this year:

Ms Gail Lambert (Principal’s & Deputy Principals’ Secretary)
Mr Peter Martin (Teacher)
Mr Richard Moody (Teacher)
And best wishes to Ms Maree Maurer (Librarian) who will be taking Long Service Leave for 2020.

On behalf of our College community, I thank each person who is leaving for their contribution to the education of our students and wish them all the best. In particular, I want to recognize with gratitude the contributions made by our retiring staff members. I congratulate them on their careers and wish them every blessing for their futures.

Semester Two Reports

Just a reminder that the Semester Two reports are available via the Parent Portal. I trust that the Homeroom and individual subject reports record achievements, identify strengths and areas for improvement and acknowledge student effort. I encourage you to take some time with your daughter/son to reflect on progress this year in the light of the report and lead the conversation towards setting some goals for 2020.

Some 2020 dates

I provide the following overview of early next year’s College events for your perusal to help with your planning. You will find more details, where appropriate, about these events in the newsletters early next year. You can also access the College Calendar through our website www.ignatius.vic.edu.au

Monday 20th January - College office re-opens
Thursday 23rd January - Laptop & Book Collection
Tuesday 28th January - Teaching staff return
Friday 31st January - All students return
Wednesday 5th February - Student photos
Thursday 6th February - Year 7 Welcome Mass (7 pm, families attend)
Friday 7th February - Full School Assembly (10:45 am, Parents invited)
Monday 17th February - Years 10, 11 & 12 Parent Information evening (7 pm)
Tuesday 18th February - Beginning of Year Mass (11:20 am)
Thursday 27th February - House Swimming Carnival (Kardinia Pool, parents invited)
Wednesday 18th March - House Athletics Carnival (Landy Field, parents invited)
Sunday 22nd March - Open Day (11 am – 2:00 pm)

Merry Christmas & happy new year

With the school year coming to a close, it is a hectic time, and we are eagerly looking forward to the summer break. During this end of the year busyness, it is easy to forget that we are in the Advent season that prepares us for the Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus and calls us to reflect on God’s entering into the human story by becoming one of us.

As partners in the Christian education of our Saint Ignatius College students, it is a challenge for us all to ensure that we keep “Christ in Christmas.” At the final day year level assemblies I was able to attend, I encouraged the students to ensure that Christmas was more than just receiving gifts, although this will be an enjoyable part of the celebration, by attending their church service or attending a carols event or including an act of giving or service for someone in need – some way of helping them to reflect on and more deeply enter into our faith story.

As this is the last newsletter of the year, on behalf of the College may I wish all families a very happy and holy Christmas and safe and restful holiday break. Thank you to our Saint Ignatius College community for your contributions and support during the year.

Michael Exton Principal

The school year has ended, holidays have begun and we now patiently await the birth of our Saviour. For fifteen of us the last week of the school year found us in Perth as we attended the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF). The aim of the festival was to “provide young people with the opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia”. Our experience of ACYF was certainty an achievement of this aim.

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival was founded by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in 2013. It is held every two years and to date has been held in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth. The festival in Perth was attended by over 6000 young people from across Australia. ACYF consists of numerous musicians and musical acts, faith and prayer experiences, an enormous exhibition area, food and workshops. The festival is diverse in every way. From faith experiences to the attendees there is more than you can hope to encounter.

The theme of ACYF19 was “listen to what the Spirit is saying”. This theme is indicative of the openness of our local Church and the processes of the Plenary Council. The festival encouraged the young people to explore how the Spirit moves within and guides them. Exploring how they experience God in their day and how to they discern their vocation and mission.

Saint Ignatius College sent fifteen pilgrims to Perth: Eleven students, three staff and our Chaplin. The students were an even mix of males and females from Years 10 and 11. The teachers were Ms Alicia Deak, Ms Kate Kearney and Mr Brendan Nicholls. Our Chaplin Fr James Puppady supported both the staff and the students throughout. Our group was indicative of others consisting of a variety of students with different interests, skills and varying or no connection with their local parishes.

The initial and ongoing observation of ACYF is that it was different to what was expected. It was better than had been hoped for and any stereotype that might be considered did not hold up. It was truly Catholic but so diverse that there was unity in three key points. The first being youth. The title the festival was for and of young people. With 6000 coming from every diocese in Australia. We met people young people from Thursday Island to Hobart and everywhere in-between!

The second being Catholic. Although the music, workshops and experiences varied considerably ACYF was truly Catholic, and in this diversity there was a completeness that is missing in many parishes. We were blessed to have the bishops of Australia attend and I was amazed by their humble nature and commitment to listening to and engaging with the youth.

The third unifying point was Jesus. Whether in the music, experiences, friendships of in 6000 people kneeling in silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament the presence of Jesus was everywhere.

The transformation I saw in all who attended was amazing and illustrated in a name. Throughout the event Jesus was announced, spoken of and acknowledged. This was not a ‘Ned Flanders’ convention, nor was it revivalist, but it allowed and enabled the participants in naming Jesus. In our culture we often we speak of the Spirit, God or love. What we lose in not speaking of Jesus is a specificity in which we belong. In our community we speak of Jesus during Easter and Advent, throughout the rest of the year we substitute and at times substitute his name for something more abstract or soft.

If the name Jesus is a little jarring there are many other names or appellations we can use to name Jesus in an alternate way. As we await his birth and consider this insight from ACYF the following Advent lyrics might offer a suitable contemplation.

His Name is Wonderful

Come see the baby

Crib for a bed

His mother Mary

Lay down His sweet head

The starlight was shining

The wise men were led

Come see the baby

And worship Him



His name is wonderful, counsellor

Mighty God, Prince of Peace

Everlasting Father

Emmanuel
Holy One, Son of God

Saviour of the world



Come and adore Him

On bended knee

He came to ransom

Someone like me

What could I offer

What could I bring

Come and adore Him

King of Kings

[Chorus]



And the greatness of His reign

Will never end

Let there be peace on Earth

And all goodwill to men

Come let us worship Him



His name is wonderful, counsellor

Mighty God, Prince of Peace

Everlasting Father

Emmanuel

(You’re the) Holy One, Son of God

Saviour of the world


Chris Tomlin 2019

As we reflect upon ACYF and the season of Advent we can be inspired of the bold nature of our young people and use Jesus’ name more often. Once Advent and Christmas is over consider how you might proclaim your faith more publically and how often will you use the name Jesus? If he is alive in the world we must use his name and have courage. Being countercultural is at the heart of youth. Be inspired by our young people who will use the name Jesus, break down barriers, find new paths and lead us as a community to a better future. If we cannot do as they do we can follow them when they show us the way.

I wish you a blessed Advent and Christmas and pray that the time spent with family and loved ones nourishes your soul.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls Religious Education and Liturgy Coordinator

We are delighted to announce the Dux of the College 2019, Academic Captain, Ruby Mangelsdorf. Ruby obtained a most impressive ATAR Score of 99.2.

Ruby had two outstanding perfect study scores of 50 in Food Studies and Psychology.

Congratulations to Ruby on her fine achievements and, as presently overseas, we will learn of her study plans in the new year.

Saint Ignatius College Year 12 VCE Results.

We congratulate our VCE Unit 3 and 4 students on their hard work and achievements during this year.

Our top VCE ATAR scores where:

Ruby Mangelsdorf (College Dux 2019) 99.2
Sophie Skuza 98.7
Miranda Friee 94.65
Rachelle Spadoni 94.25
Chandler McEwen 93.8
Jack Brassington 92.3
Emily Gordon 92.1
Erin Skene 90.95
Natalia Wilcox 90.85
Montana Holdsworth 90.15

Our top VCE subject scores over 40 where:

Ruby Mangelsdorf: Psychology 50, Food Studies 50 and HHD 49
Sophie Skuza: Chemistry 50, Biology 44 and Maths methods 40
Matthew McInerney: Further Maths 49
Chandler McEwen: Psychology 49 and Physical Education 42
Emily Gordon: Laboratory Skills (VET) 48 and Further Maths 41
Matilda Crosgrove: Psychology 47 and Further Maths 41
Thomas Smith: Further Maths 46
Miranda Friee: Media 46, Religion & Society 43 and Psychology 42
Sophie Milsome: Further Maths 45
Amelia Maheras: Biology 44
Zoe Kontogeorgis: PDT Wood 43 and HHD 41
Lily Foster: HHD 43 and Psychology 42
Bailey Payne: Legal Studies 43
Darby O'Meara: Further Maths 43
Livia Van Galen: Studio Arts 43
Rachelle Spadoni: PDT Wood 42 and Food Studies 42
Georgina Coutts: HDD 42 and Psychology 40
Luke Lawson: Further Maths 42
Montana Holdsworth: Psychology 42 and Religion & Society 40
Katherine Cooke: Biology 42
Kysan Notting: PDT Wood 41
Madeleine Crothers: Legal Studies 41
Nicolas Ash: Outdoor & Environment 41
Sean Neylan: Psychology 41
Jack Brassington: Psychology 41
Georgina Corder: Business Management 40
James Reilly: PDT Wood 40
Kayla Anderson-Baker: HHD 40
Chelsea Jones: Legal Studies 40
Jonathan Peck: Further Maths 40
Samuel Rees: Further Maths 40
Gemma Bell: Media 40
Ella Bambrook: Studio Arts

A number of our high achievers were able to be contacted yesterday morning and visited the College and are pictured here being congratulated by the Principal, Mr. Michael Exton. A number of others couldn’t make it - many are enjoying holidays around the country or overseas!

A number of our high achievers were able to be contacted yesterday morning and visited the College on the day their VCE results were announced and we were able to gain some insights into their past year and their future aspirations.

Indonesian was a favourite subject this year of Erin Skene, Year 12 Arrupe leader, finding the classes always enjoyable with Bu Hall and interesting learning another language. She describes the Year 12 Retreat and receiving the ATAR score she needs for her chosen university course as her highlights. Challenges have been with finding the balance between school and personal life. She hopes to undertake a Bachelor of Science at University next year and her tips are to constantly revise the content you are unsure of not just the content you already know.

Kysan Notting enjoyed studying Woodwork and Systems Engineering the most this year as he likes construction and making products. Highlights included the construction of a dart board cabinet and his relief in the first flight of his remote-controlled plane. He found working at home a challenge with so many distractions. He enjoys Football, fishing and kayaking and he plans to work during a Gap year next year. His tips include to have a work-life balance and balance school work with the activities you love to do which he believes improves his study.

The favourite subject of Zoe Kontogeorgis this year was Health and Human Development as she enjoyed learning about those aspects in our country and the rest of the world. She enjoyed socialising with friends and her challenges have been exams, SACs and personal life versus school balance. She is interested in Sports and hopes to go to University with some travel to England in the future, and her tips are to get your homework done straight away and not to procrastinate.

Rachelle Spadoni enjoyed her Maths Methods subject the best this year finding the learning atmosphere very enjoyable and fun with Ms. Perkins. During the year she enjoyed socialising and making strong connections. Her challenges were to be able to balance school friendships and work effectively. She would like to study a double bachelor degree of Mathematics and Secondary Education at ACU. Her tips include to get your homework done straight away and don’t dwell too much on things you can’t change.

The favourite subjects of Miranda Friee were Religion and Society and Psychology as she found the topics interesting and she performed well in them. Her highlight of the year was completing her media SAT where she produced and filmed a music video and was extremely happy with the outcome. Miranda participated in many Social Justice activities including the Winter Sleep out and volunteering at the Vinnies Op Shops. She found balancing her social life with school work sometimes a challenge and her interests include Music, Media and Business. She wishes to study Business at Monash University next year and her study advice is to use and reflect on feedback from previous SACs before doing the next ones and to use cue cards which are life savers and especially useful for definitions.

Natalia Wilcox particularly enjoyed her Indonesian classes this year–she loved learning another language and enjoyed the class atmosphere and great teacher. She would like to study Medical Imaging at Deakin next year.

Nicolas Ash (Year 11) particularly enjoyed Physical Education and Outdoor and Environmental Studies this year and found them interesting and engaging. Highlights of his year include the big Football final win, Outdoor Education camps and World Challenge. Challenges during the year was in staying on task with constant revision. His best study tip is to constantly revise. He looks forward to Year 12 next year and then onto university.

Amelia Maheras (Year 11) found studying Biology and Health and Human Development particularly rewarding this year as she enjoyed the content and her really good teachers. The highlights of her year were enjoying working with helpful teachers interested in each student and their progress. She enjoyed coaching netball and found staying motivated to study a challenge at times. She enjoys playing netball and forensics. She looks forward to studying hard in Year 12 next year and going on to study Science at University. Her tips are to pace yourself throughout the year.

As our Year 12 cohorts, both VCE and VCAL, journey out into the wider world as our Old Ignatians, we hope that they are always open to growth, have been inspired to be leaders whether it be on a large or small scale, to be as those who will make a difference, and to be “women and men for others”.

Mr. Michael Brown VCE Coordinator and Mrs. Claire Hewitt Development Manager

Recently the Student Wellbeing Team attended a Wellbeing conference at McKillop College, Werribee. The conference was organised by the Catholic Education Office, Melbourne and was held for all Catholic Secondary schools in the Western Region. The aim of the event was to further develop our knowledge in key areas of Wellbeing that effect both staff and students. Two significant messages that was touched on by both keynote speakers was the significance of establishing positive relationships in schools and the importance of parent engagement to ensure our young people get the most out of their schooling. Reflecting upon the year, I consider that as a College we are working hard at establishing both of these central characteristics of a successful school.

It has been widely documented that positive student – teacher relationships can assist in student academic performance, increase the student’s sense of self-worth and decrease mental health issues. The introduction of positive affirmations at Saint Ignatius College, has definitely assisted in fostering those important positive relationships between students and staff. This year staff have given over 3000 affirmations to the students of our College. The feedback from the students and parents/guardians in relation to the affirmations has been overwhelmingly positive. It is hoped in 2020 we will continue to grow this affirmation system and continue to develop those important relationships.

Parent engagement at a school level has been connected with student learning and their academic outcomes. It has been asserted that young people whose parents/guardians show an interest in their son or daughter’s education, achieve higher and have less absenteeism issues at school. This year we have provided many opportunities for our parents/guardians to be involved in their daughters/son’s education. I would like to thank all the parents who have involved themselves in events such as Time & Space, Thyme and Plates, Senior Expo and the Kokoda Expedition to name a few. Working together as a combined approach can only strengthen the support that a young person requires through their schooling.

Finally, I would like to wish all families an enjoyable and restful holiday. I feel privileged to be able to work with our young people and the families of our College, and I look forward to continue to form our students to become the women and men for and with others that we as an Ignatian College desire them to be.

Merry Christmas

Best Wishes

Michael Timms (Deputy Principal – Students)

Our current VCE and VCAL students have recently received their results after completing their respective Unit 3/4 or Senior Certificate studies for 2019. These have been the outcome of sustained effort and application, not only during the last twelve months but in the years leading up to 2019.

A number of our Senior VCAL students in completing this pathway have experienced success in a variety of forms including the attaining of apprenticeships, the opportunity to undertake further study and/or the securing of employment in a field that interests them and taps into their specific talents.

Likewise, congratulations are extended to our ten students who achieved an ATAR score in excess of 90 and who, in so doing, performed very creditably across a range of subjects to secure such results. Two of those students achieved study scores of 50 in different subjects, indicative in each case of outstanding individual academic achievement. Ruby Mangelsdorf, our current Academic Captain and the 2019 College dux, achieved a study score of 50 in both Psychology and Food Studies while Sophie Skuza achieved a study score of 50 in Chemistry, both truly remarkable performances.

It was also very pleasing to note that a number of our Year 11 students accelerating in a range of subjects achieved individual study scores over 40 which is both an indication of their conscientious application as well as testament to the opportunity to accelerate and optimise their academic potential.

We especially look forward to acknowledging these students along with all other students who secured study scores over 40 in individual Unit 3/ 4 studies at our first whole school gathering in 2020. This assembly will provide an opportunity to not only present Academic Awards to our high achieving students but also recognise the leadership capacity of our student body by conducting our 2020 student leader investiture ceremony at the same time. This very important event will be staged in our newly completed multipurpose building and will be held on Friday February 7th commencing at 10-45am.

Looking ahead to 2020, the College will continue to offer a broad range of VCE studies for students to undertake in Years 10, 11 and 12 including the introduction of Environmental Science at Units 3/ 4 level for the first time.

During 2019, teachers have been working methodically to deliver our curriculum via a new Learning Management System known as CANVAS. This platform will be operational across Years 7 to 12 from the commencement of the school year and will enable students to receive specific feedback designed to elicit targeted improvement upon completion and submission of assignments and related learning activities.

We are very grateful to the Year 7 parents who completed a technical trial viewing student results and feedback via CANVAS in Term Four and will now use their feedback to consolidate parent and guardian access to student results and feedback in 2020.

To assist families to become even more involved in the shared learning partnership this learning management system provides, we will conduct a series of information evenings early in Term 1 to help outline how to make the most effective use of CANVAS to access and support student learning.

In closing, I wish to thank all students, teachers, parents and guardians for their collective effort this year to make the most of the learning opportunities provided.

May Christmas be a blessed and peaceful time for us all and the upcoming holidays a welcome time of rest and recreation.

Mrs Annette Chidzey Deputy Principal [Learning and Teaching]

Please click on the link below to view the special Christmas Messagae from Archbishop Peter Comensoli bought to you by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Catholic Education Office.

https://coms.cem.edu.au/VideoMessages/ChristmasMessage2019.aspx

To Students and Families from Barwon Coast

Summer is with us bringing holidays and warmer weather, Barwon Coast seeks your assistance in spreading an important safety message with regards to the dangerous practice of jumping or diving into the Barwon River at Barwon Heads from the Public Jetty and William Buckley Pedestrian Bridge.

We are concerned that this dangerous activity occurs as the warmer weather arrives. There is constantly changing sand level buildup of the river bed around the jetty and the bridge that can result in critically shallow water depths. It could be devastating to many if a youthful member of any family were injured through this action of theirs.

Signage is present on the jetty and bridge advising that jumping or diving is prohibited however your assistance in advising students and their families of the peril would be greatly appreciated.

Seasons greetings from all at Barwon Coast and we wish everyone a safe and happy summer season.

Annual Parents and Friends' Association College Fee Raffle

Drawn on: Tuesday December 10th, 2019, at SICG Year 7 Orientation Day

And the Winners are… Congratulations!!

1st Prize Tiffany Muir - College Fees
2nd Prize Rebecca Milburn - $200 Campion voucher
3rd Prize Christobel Maxfield - $100 Noone voucher
4th Prize Linda Strachan - $100 Noone voucher
5th Prize Melissa Merrigan – Oxford Dictionary
6th Prize Leeanne Kelly – $25 P&F Shop voucher
7th Prize Marty Chichester - $25 P&F Shop voucher
8th Prize Hollie Cutajar - $25 P&F Shop voucher
9th Prize Adam Lawson - $25 P&F Shop voucher
10th – 18th Prizes - $5 school Canteen vouchers
Danielle Stolk
Bettina Brown
Andrew Grimaud
Shelley Clark
Natasha Mitchell
Jennifer Closter
Christine Rawson
Angela Lace
Georgia Verlin

Parents and Friends' Association Next Meeting 2020

Please come and join us on Tuesday February 11th at 7.00pm in the Food Tech Rooms.

We look forward to seeing you there. New members very welcome.

Email your details to us at: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Even if you cannot make it regularly to the monthly meetings, but you might be able to be on call to help at the different things we are involved in throughout the year, please get in touch with us.

Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association

We invite you to join the Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends' Association - whether it be attending our monthly meetings, helping out at fundraising events, you can receive some up to date information on events coming up at and around the College by emailing your details to sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The Uniform Shop

Extra! Extra! Special Uniform Shop Opening:

Thursday January 23rd 2020 – Book Pick-up Day from 9.00am – 2.00pm

Uniform Drop Off

If you have any second hand uniform items you wish to drop in to the Uniform Shop you can do it on the day listed above. Please be sure to have the items cleaned and pressed, or dry-cleaned.

Please be aware that uniform items need to be current. For example, the old tracksuit styles & sport shirts will not be accepted for sale, as they are not a part of the current school uniform.

Open Dates for Term 1, 2020 will be provided in the New Year.

We are always seeking Volunteers to help in the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out please email Sandi Clark: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au. Training is provided.

Yes! We are still selling the Entertainment Book – (2019/2020)

You can still purchase your copy! Please help support Saint Ignatius College by purchasing an Entertainment.

Books are for sale at the College Office or you can email Sandi Clark: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Message from the President of the Parent and Friends' Association

Over the years we have been able to support the College through our fundraising and have purchased a variety of items to help in the development of different Departments. 2019 was a very generous year of giving back to our College community. The PFA team have been brilliant in consolidating time and effort to allow this to happen.

Thank you to each and every member of the PFA, and to parents who have raised their hand to our cry for help. We appreciate any and all help you were able to offer, and hope to continue this great relationship.

Thank you to the College staff – especially our Principal Mr Michael Exton and Deputy’s Mrs Annette Chidzey, Mr Michael Timms and Mr Paul Lewis. We appreciate your input and presence at our meetings, and are always pleased to have your input, support and encouragement.

There will be a shuffling and change to roles and position within the Association for 2020. Cathy Dykes (Secretary), Sandi Clark (Treasurer) and Sam Wells (Uniform Shop co-ordinator) and I have had to step down from our roles due to work and family commitments. We will still be involved with the PFA, but not in the leadership roles.

We welcome Peter McInerney to the position of Treasurer. Peter is new to the College, and we thank him for putting forth his nomination, and accepting the position. We feel he will be a great addition to the team. Thank you to Bernard Lewis (long time member) for joining the College Board as our PFA representative. Already Bernard has proven to be right for the job. We are so pleased he could add this to his schedule, and we look forward to his informative reports at our meetings. Sandi Clark has generously offered to be Uniform Shop coordinator for 2020.

Sadly, no one has come forth with nominations for the position of President and Secretary. Cathy and I have opted to remain in our roles until February 2020 so that the Association can function as per our PFA constitution. We would like to invite you to consider nominating for either of these roles. If you require more information, would like to register your interest, or need a nomination form. Email: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Being President has been a great experience for me. I joined the PFA after a couple of years doing Canteen duty. I wanted to be more involved, informed and aware of things happening in the College. I wanted to connect with a few more parents within the school. I was looking for a feeling of belonging. I accepted the position 2 years ago as a shy parent with what I felt was a little voice.

The friendships I have developed with fellow members and the College staff have been wonderful. I feel I have grown in confidence and feelings of self-worth.

My opinion and the opinion of all PFA is regarded highly, and we are treated with respect. I am a better person for giving it a go. I thank the PFA and the College for this opportunity.

On behalf of all my friends on the PFA we wish you a Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy every second of your precious family time, and feel the joy and love this season brings. Stay safe in your travels and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Thank you for all your support. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Rebecca Hay (Current) PFA President

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The end of primary school is a significant milestone in children’s lives. They’ve spent half their lives in primary school, in many cases in the same school, which is signifi cant.

Developmentally they’ve come a long way from those skinny little kids who lined up for class on the fi rst day holding a parent’s or carer’s hand. Now entering puberty, most are taller than their mothers and the only people they’ll hold hands with are ‘special friends’, but not in public. Those displays of affection will come later in the secondary school years.

Changing from primary to secondary brings a mixture of emotions in kids such as excitement, apprehension, pride and, in many cases, sadness about leaving friends and familiar surrounds behind.

Parents often go through the same range of emotions as children at this time so we need to acknowledge those feelings in ourselves, just as we should in our children.

Looking Back

This is a time for kids to celebrate their achievements; show appreciation to their teachers and enjoy the friendships that they’ve formed.

Here are three ideas:

Let’s celebrate

Primary school graduation ceremonies play an important part in the primary school life, as they mark the end of an era and the start of a new part of their lives. We need to be careful that the meaning doesn’t become lost as graduations become increasingly lavish, even to the point where some students are transported to their graduation in a stretch limo. Keep them simple and keep them close to the school’s values.

Show gratitude

As a former teacher I know how much a simple thank you can mean from students at the end of the year. So make sure your kids take the time to thank their final year teacher and as well as seek out to thank other teachers who contributed to their education over their primary school journey. Gratitude costs nothing but has a great impact.

Enjoy friendships

Encourage your kids to be open and friendly at this time of the year, and steer clear of cliques and fellow students who want to exclude others from their groups. The end of primary school can be tricky to navigate, particularly when early maturers stick together and ostracise certain classmates. This is the time for friendly behaviour and inclusiveness.

Looking Ahead

When primary school is finished and the holidays are coming to an end it’s time to focus on the new experiences of secondary school. Some kids take secondary school in their stride but it is natural to experience some difficulty. If your eldest is starting, then secondary school will be a relatively new experience for you too. It will take some time for you to adjust to the school’s culture and communication methods.

Your attitude as a parent can help your child quickly adjust. Here are three ideas for you to help kids make a smooth adjustment:

Promote friendships

The quicker kids form new friendships the sooner they’ll feel comfortable in their secondary school surroundings. Encourage your young person to be open to forming friendships with all sorts of kids; to be accepting of others who may be different to them; to take social risks by joining in activities even though they may feel uncomfortable; and to be friendly, approachable and positive!

Be ready to listen

Patience and understanding in the early weeks is essential. Brush up on your listening skills as you help your young person adjust. Talk to your young person about change and reassure them that it’s normal to feel unsure or nervous in new circumstances. Let them know that many difficulties they face will be temporary.

Keep your attitude positive

Confidence is catching so make sure you see this transition time as an exciting challenge that your child can handle rather than an event to be feared. Ask them about the new subjects or interesting activities they are doing, and try to shift their focus to the positive aspects of school. Discuss settling in issues with the appropriate person such as a year level coordinator, but give your young person time to handle them on their own before seeking help.

Michael Grose

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.

How Deep Are Yor Pockets

Barwon Coast 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 young people engaging in destructive and dangerous dune behaviour.

Project partners are seeking your schools support with this project by allowing provision for the attached flyer to be displayed around the school and be included into the school newsletter and website leading up to the upcoming summer school holidays.

Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. is appointed by state government to manage 15km of coastal Crown land from beach access ways 7W Collendina to 42W Connewarre on behalf of all Victorians.

Our main charter is for the protection and enhancement of the 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.

The PDF below provides information about the fines that apply based on inappropriate behaviour.

Leopold Lakers Basketball Club: 'Aussie Hoops Leopold'

Leopold Lakers Basketball Club in association with Bellarine Basketball warmly welcome you to register for this exciting introduction to Basketball program. Starts Term 1, Tuesday February 4th 2020.

See attached flyer for more details.

Leopold Scout Group: 'Join the Adventure!'

Are your kids looking for a fun, engaging and safe activity? Scouts means adventure, challenge and new skills - programs which develop life skills, leadership and resilience.

Leopold Scout Group meet at 103 - 105 Melaluka Road, Leopold. See the attached flyer for further information.

Group Parent Education Events: Barwon South Western Region Term 1 2020

To attaend a regional Parenting Service program please register your expression of interest online: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parenting or contact Regional Parenting Service on 5272 4741.

The attached PDF details all upcoming programs and loactions.

What's On in January 2020 at the Potato Shed!

The Potato Shed have a variety of performances to suit people of all ages. Please find attached the What’s On poster for events coming up in January 2020. You are advised to book early as many events sell out.