Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong community members,
MacKillop Senior School Centre update
I am very pleased to inform you that construction of our new MacKillop Senior School Centre will commence on Monday 1 August 2022 with site shed preparation. The anticipated completion date for the building is 20 January 2024.
The builder contracted is Plan Group (Geelong) Pty Ltd after being selected via a thorough tendering process. I thank all building companies involved in the tendering process.
The Architects, Clarke Hopkins, Clarke provided the following artist’s impression of this exciting project. The MacKillop Senior Centre will provide tremendous learning and teaching areas for our senior students and will be a very impressive front presentation to our College buildings.
The overall project includes:
I have included a site plan below for your information. The construction site is where the old administration buildings were on the western side of the school campus and adjacent to the soccer field. The builder’s site shed will be placed on the south east corner of the soccer field, the old administration car park will be used by Plan Group for parking, deliveries and as a builders’ drop off zone.
There will be continued use of the northern section of the soccer field by St Thomas Primary School. However, the soccer field will be out of bounds for our students.
It is anticipated that as more trades come onsite during busy phases of the construction that this will impact on our car parking in Manresa Drive and St Thomas Church car parks. The impact on general car parking will be monitored and availability of onsite parking in our front carpark may be restricted at certain times. I ask community members using the front carpark for drop-offs and pick-ups to be vigilant and aware there may be changes to access. Safety measures will be discussed with Plan Group to manage traffic movement. I remind parents of the availability of the old Andersons Road (off Reserve Road) for drop off and pick up for students. It is a little further for students to walk but you may find this an easier driving option. And this would help us reduce the busyness of the Peninsula Drive and Manresa Drive traffic.
Discussions are ongoing with St Thomas Primary School regarding safe access and egress for their students around the site. And some of the pathways our students use in the site’s vicinity will be restricted and alternative routes will be needed to be taken.
This will be our largest building project. The overall cost is in the order of $24,000,000. We are grateful for the State Government Grant of $1,000,000 to help fund the project. The major source of funds is from a large Catholic Development Fund Loan.
Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
As you are probably aware from my email message to parents and students, we will not be celebrating this Feast Day on Friday 29th July as we had planned due to the impact of the pandemic restrictions. However we will run a special day timetable to take the time to conduct a liturgy in each Homeroom to pray with gratitude and reflect of the significance of the life and legacy of Saint Ignatius for our College and celebrate the day in a small way. We hope to run our normal Feast Day activities including the Opening and Blessing of our new Loyola Centre later in the year.
The Ignatian Year closes on the anniversary of St. Ignatius' death (July 31, 1556) which is also the Feast Day of St. Ignatius.
Best wishes for the next fortnight,
Michael Exton | Principal
The weather has been a significant conversation topic at the College over the last two weeks. It has been so cold and wet that many outdoor activities have been impacted. Last week it was so cold that the demand for electricity caused a black out across the entire western half of the state for a few hours! Even though we spend most of our time rugged up indoors avoiding the rain and the cold at the moment, the extreme nature of the weather draws our attention to what is happening outside.
The key to living at this time of the year is to embrace the climatic excitement that is occurring. Grab a coat, beanie, scarf and some gloves and enjoy! If you go out you will notice so much more than you expect. The birds are everywhere. They are industrious and focussed. For most birds this is nesting season. Just as we notice the ‘nice spring’ days the young chicks will be hatching. Native plants are flowering. The Cootamundra wattle is unmissable a cascade of vibrant yellow covers each tree. The Coastal Tea-tree are budding and will soon flower. Everywhere you look nature is celebrating the end of winter and the promise of spring.
Our Indigenous brothers and sisters live by six seasons. We are now in pre-Spring or Guling. Guling is orchid season and it’s a time of change. The days are getting longer and as the name suggests native orchids are beginning to flower. It’s the wettest and coldest season but it is also very short (late July to September). If you head down the coast you will hear the call of koalas as they assert their territory and seek mate. In the farmlands near the Otways the wombats are active again and are often seen in the early morning enjoying the early morning sun.
Creation is truly awe inspiring. There is an eternal pattern of life in nature. We are connected to it even though we have modified the environment and can control the temperature inside of our houses, offices and classrooms nature has a way of gaining our attention. Experiencing nature nourishes us at a deep level. There is nothing more fulfilling than being in nature as it goes on around us. The environment is so vast that we may feel insignificant. Everything goes on according to plan regardless of our presence. Yet we have the ability to change each habitat or region we inhabit significantly – in a negative or positive way.
As you contemplate this call to get out and experience ‘Guling,’ pause for a moment and consider how our Tradition might enhance this encounter. Jesus’ life shows us how important being connected to nature is. He spent much of his life outdoors. This was not unusual for his time but it was in the wilderness where Jesus felt closest to the Father. St Ignatius also found God to be closest on his pilgrimage and in his time of solitude at Manresa. Encountering the world personally and experiencing the natural rhythm that guides nature can also ground and guide us.
Whether it’s wet, windy, cold or sunny, open the door and encounter the world today. Look for the change that is occurring and the way in which nature embraces the coming of Spring. Enjoy the joy the Cootamundra wattle brings. Find God there.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls
Liturgy Coordinator
2023 Subject Selection
Thank you to the parents/carers who tuned into the recent three Subject Pathways Information evenings; Year 9 into 10, Year 10 into 11 and the VCE Vocational Major information evening for current Year 10 students considering this pathway. The recordings of these evenings are also available on Canvas.
Just a reminder about important dates:
August 1: 2023 Year 12 Subject Forms due
August 3: 2023 Year 9 Journey Applications due
August 9: 2023 Year 9, 10, and 11 Subject Forms due
Year 9 and 10 Pathway Interviews
We will once again schedule Year 9 and 10 Pathway individual interviews with a staff member via Zoom. In order to run these interviews, Year 9 and 10 students will work from home accessing their class work vai Announcements on Monday 8 August. All Year 9 and 10 students will also receive an email indicating their interview time and the name of the staff member who will conduct the interview. Parents are welcome to join the interview. The interview schedule will be emailed next Monday.
Unit 4 Student Parent Teacher Conferences
Term 3 is an important term for our Unit 4 students. To support our students, we have scheduled Unit 4 student/parent/teacher conferences for Wednesday 3 August.
The conferences themselves will be conducted via Zoom. Bookings are now open via Xuno.
There will be three sessions:
Session 1: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Session 2: 5:20pm - 6:20pm
Session 3: 6:40pm - 7:00pm
The Year 12 VCAL interviews are being organised by Ms. Kirsty Allan, VCAL Coordinator and parents of VCAL students will receive separate communication from Ms. Allan with all logistical details.
Ms. Bernadette Donnelly
Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching.
Tournament of Minds
Over 20 of our students are currently involved with the Tournament of Minds (TOM). We have three teams entering this year. They will be undertaking challenges in STEM, the Arts and Social Sciences. The tournament day is scheduled for Sunday 28th August at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds.
The University of Melbourne Mathematics and Statistics research project
The University of Melbourne Mathematics and Statistics research project has been running for nearly a term. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have been consistently working on the challenges. The closing date for entries is the 5th August so our students are busy finalising their presentations.
Mathematics Escape room
The University of Melbourne Open Day will take place on Sunday 21 August. There are a few activities at the Parkville campus relating to maths and stats. You may like to check out on the day the Mathematical Escape Room - see if you can work with a team to solve puzzles and problems to unlock the boxes. Book in advance to secure your place! (Suitable for students in Year 10 and above).
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/unimelb-2022-open-day-mathematical-escape-room-tickets-385362639027
STEM and Mathematics -a career that makes a difference
STEM and mathematics careers are some of the most valuable, rewarding, and future focused careers on offer. Have you thought about where continuing to study mathematics could lead you? The Mathematics Association of Victoria (MAV) are conducting a free virtual event for students of year 8 to 12 on Tuesday 16th August, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Bookings can be made at https://www.mav.vic.edu.au/Events
Have you got a passion for coding or are you curious to give it a go? Do you have a creative yet logical mind and love to problem solve engaging, real-world problems?
The MAV are producing a 2-stage coding challenge, free of charge to participants and aimed to extend curious minds, nurture passions and support students in refining their coding skills. For further information contact perkinsk@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Karen Perkins | Learning Enhancement Coordinator
ST IGNATIUS. INSPIRING ME TO BE A LEADER | At Saint Ignatius College Geelong we believe that the Servant Leadership Model of Leadership is fundamental to an Ignatian school.
Our vision is that students will value leadership through service and advocate for others, particularly those most in need.
In embracing the leadership opportunities at the College, parents and carers are encouraged to take a moment with their child/children this evening to consider one of the many positions that are currently being offered for the 2023 academic year.
All information regarding this process can be found on Xuno. Applications due Friday 29th July at 1pm.
Saint Ignatius College Geelong wishes all students the very best as they embark on their leadership journey at the College.
St Ignatius. Inspiring Me To Be a Leader.
Robyn Frigo
Assistant Student Leader Development Coordinator
Performing Arts and Instrumental News
This month the students have been very busy rehearsing for the College Talent Quest and Triumph.
Sadly, due to Covid, ”Triumph” has been cancelled but the good news is that our Feast Day celebrations will be held later this year.
The rehearsals have not been in vain and we all look forward to hearing some wonderful music from the many bands and other performers in the college.
“The Conversion of Inigo”
For the past weeks, many students have dedicated their lunchtimes to performing in our film “The Conversion of Inigo.”
This film was to originally be performed as a play to the college in the MPC but thanks to Mrs Green’s wisdom, we decided to film it in case COVID-19 affected our Feast Day.
This coming Friday, all students will be viewing the film in their classrooms as part of our Feast Day Liturgy.
Many thanks to all the students involved and to Mrs Green, Mr Todd, Mr Meli who worked so hard to get this part of Inigo’s story on the screen. I was also very proud to be involved in such a rewarding experience.
Talented Students
Les Miserables”.
We have been extremely proud of many of our Performing Arts students.
I was lucky recently to see Centre Stage’s production of “Les Miserables.” Year 12 music student, Storm Randall, performed in the role of Marius Pontmercy. I congratulate Storm on his outstanding performance.
I was also delighted to see past students, Bailey Mitrovski, Paris Walsh and Ben McNaughton in the ensemble.
Lachlan Whatman
From April 29th -7th May, year 12 music student, Lachlan Whatman, was cast as Billy in “Bright Star” presented by Theatre of the Damned. Congratulations to Lachlan for his amazing performance.
"We Will Rock You"
Senior students Ebony Plowman, Lily Petterwood and Meg Grist are thrilled to be cast as lead roles in CentreStage's Young @ Part production of "We Will Rock You" in Purple Troupe. Ebony was cast in the role of Scaramouche, Lily as Killer Queen and Meg as Buddy, alongside other senior and junior students from our college. The show takes place later this year in October and tickets are now available via the Centre Stage website or directly through TryBooking.
https://www.centrestage.org.au/
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/891831
YEAR 7 MUSIC
“This semester's new Year 7 students have had their second week of instrumental lessons in the Year 7 Instrumental Program and they have made excellent progress after just one week of home practice. They have been working on a good posture, breathing and creating a good embouchure (how they grip and shape their lips around the instrument). They have produced their first notes and are delighted to be playing their instruments. We look forward to sharing a song or two very soon!”
Mrs Janice Wilding
Clarinet Tutor
Coming Events
Instrumental Night
Thursday, August 25th
7pm - 9pm
Multi Purpose Centre.
College Instrumental & vocal ensembles, solos, duets and trios.
Vocal Night
Thursday, October 8th
7pm- 8.30pm
Potato Shed
College vocal ensembles, solos & duets.
Instrumental & Public Speaking Lessons
If you are interested in taking private lessons, please fill out the form on Operoo. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by email or ring the college.
We look forward to seeing you all at our coming events.
Regards,
Linda Pape.
Performance and Instrumental Coordinator.
To mark the end of Humanities Week, Saint Ignatius College Geelong hosted their first ever Annual Amazing Race during lunchtime on Friday.
The excitement at the starting line was infectious, as 10 groups competed for the ultimate prize, some Village Movie Tickets!
After the competitors received their first clue and worked out where they had to go, they made their way up to the Year 9 Center where they were asked to make a copy of a world famous landmark out of aluminium foil and kebab sticks, what incredible designs we had!
The second stop was at the temporary ILC where the competitors matched pictures of Australian events with the year that they occurred and finally, the competitors raced to the Science Lab, where they completed a mapping activity labelling continents and seas on a blank map.
After the competitors completed all the activities, they received their final clue to their final destination, this clue was: "I stand at the front, ready to greet you each morning. You might not even know I am here, but you should know about my life, because your school is named after me"
Can you guess where their final destination was?
Alithea Anderton
Humanities Teacher
VCE Business Management Excursion – Friday 22 July 2022
VCE Business Management students had the opportunity to embark upon a complimentary learning journey when they visited some businesses doing great things in the Bellarine region and competing globally.
The excursion involved the group visiting and gaining a first-hand insight in to the management and operations of two businesses on the Bellarine, namely Kieser integrated physiotherapy, rehabilitation and strength training services and Think Fencing in Portarlington. The program was intended to complement the learning outcomes being investigated in the VCE Business Management courses and provide an opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge of relevant contemporary business examples.
Kieser - Ocean Grove
A physiotherapist and strengthening business that aims to reduce pain, prevent recurrence and improve core strength.
https://www.kieser.com.au/locations/ocean-grove/ https://www.kieser.com.au/careers/
Think Fencing – Portarlington
Founded in 1999 by Managing Director Jack Fitzgerald, Think Fencing has been committed to the future of sustainable high end, long lasting fencing products. Jack is an Alumni of our College and his story in developing this business and its continual growth is amazing. At its core is fencing, but now with further research and development the business has moved into markets such as building materials, cladding and even decking, all with a strong focus on corporate social responsibility.
Flynn Engler – Year 12
We visited two businesses, Kieser and Think Fencing. This was done so that the students would gain a better understanding of how operations management is implemented in real life businesses. This benefited our learning as we gained a greater understanding of what operations management means exactly for business and how it is implemented. This linked to the course particularly for the Year 12s as it related to the operations management and how businesses implemented CSR to benefit the community and the world as a whole.
Kramer Cuolahan – Year 11
We had the opportunity to visit two local businesses situated on the Bellarine Peninsula. The first business we went to was Kieser in Ocean Grove. Rob discussed with us many things about Kieser such as their morals and key values and how the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic affect the company. Rob also talked about himself and how he got into the position that he is currently in and his journey. Many things we discussed in VCE Business management were highlighted by Rob who was able to answer our questions and queries to help enhance our understanding of some of the topics we are currently learning. Shortly after, we visited Jack at Think Fencing in Portarlington. We were greeted by a magnificent view of Port Phillip Bay as we drove in. Jack guided us through his manufacturing facility and warehouse and we got to see all the machines in action. It was really good to see the operations of a business first-hand and how it all works and operates. We all stood around as we listened to Jack as he enlightened us about how the business came about and his personal stories which led him to become very successful in business. He also answered a lot of our questions and was really engaging to listen to. Overall, I really enjoyed the day as a whole and want to extend my gratitude to Rob and Jack for allowing us to come and visit their businesses and help us with our VCE Business Management studies. I also want to thank Mr Miles and those involved for making this day happen as we all had a fantastic day.
On behalf of Saint Ignatius College Geelong, I would like to extend a big thank you to Rob @ Kieser and Jack @ Think Fencing for their time and effort in assisting us with this worthwhile learning experience.
Mr Bill Miles / Ms Deanne Allen-Emery
VCE Business Management Teaching Team
SICG The Bookclub’s next meeting is Monday 1st August at 7pm. We will be discussing Abomination by Ashley Golberg.
Refreshments available.
Register at; https://forms.gle/asx8hiYn8oH9tzJD9
The ILC Team
THE MEGA RAFFLE | The 2022 Mega Raffle is under way! Have you had a chance to purchase your tickets to the Mega Raffle?
--> https://rafflelink.com.au/2022-mega-raffle <--
With a total prize pool of just under $5000, it is the raffle to have a ticket in!
All proceeds from the Mega Raffle go to student resources at the College. The Parents and Friends Mega Raffle is drawn on August the 1st, 2022.
The Parents and Friends Association sincerely thanks the local businesses who have donated to this year's Mega Raffle.
Year 8 students and their father/male mentor are invited to our upcoming Time and Space Evening to be held at the College on Tuesday August 23rd, 2022.
For further information, including the booking link, please refer to attached flyer.
We look forward to warmly welcoming you to this very special evening.
Time Space Father Child 2 Page Flyer SICG 2022 Web
Elana Cole | Development Manager
Regular dates (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month) from 3-5pm
3rd August
17th August
7th September
Opening prior to the P & F meetings from 5-7pm
8th August
13th September
Institution | Date | Event type |
Sunday 14 August | On campus | |
Sunday 7 August | On campus | |
check provider website | ||
check provider website | ||
Sunday 28 August | On campus | |
Sunday 7 August | On campus | |
Sunday 14 August | On campus | |
Sunday 14 August | On campus | |
Thursday 14 April | Virtual | |
Sunday 7 August | Virtual | |
Sunday 21 August | On campus | |
Sunday 28 August | On campus | |
Sunday 7 August | On campus | |
Wednesday 10 August | On campus | |
Saturday 13 August | On campus | |
Sunday 31 July | On campus/Virtual | |
Sunday 7 August | On campus | |
Sunday 21 August | On campus | |
Saturday 6 August | On campus | |
RMIT - Bundoora & City | Sunday 7 & 14 August | On campus |
Sunday 31 July | On campus | |
Sunday August 21 | On campus | |
Sunday 21 August | On campus |
W/C 01/08/2022 | ||
1st | NEEDED, NEEDED. | |
2nd | NEEDED, NEEDED | |
3rd | C.Holland, NEEDED | |
4th | F.Ferguson, M.Hiemstra | |
5th | E.Savage, B.Allen, C.Bunting. | |
W/C 08/08/2022 | ||
8th | NEEDED, NEEDED | |
9th | M.Dunstan, NEEDED. | |
10th | M.Jackson, NEEDED. | |
11th | B.Collins, NEEDED. | |
12th | J.Rogers, D.O Brien. |
If you are able to assist on the above mentioned dates, please contact Canteen Manager Mrs. Sandra Woodall on woodalls@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Volunteers must hold a current WWCC.
Mrs. Sandra Woodall.
Canteen Manager.
A friendly reminder: itʼs perfectly OK if youʼre finding things tough right now.
Being a parent is awesome. Itʼs also exhilarating, frustrating, hilarious, exhausting, sun-drenched, rain-soaked, love-soaked, and overwhelming.
All the emotions. The full spectrum of them! If youʼre having a hard time at the moment, Iʼm sending you a very large coffee and an uninterrupted night of sleep (preferably not at the same time).
I also have some tips for getting through a tough time in general. I hope they help!
Firstly, try to accept it
Your experience in life right now might be better than someone elseʼs ... or it might be worse. But, however you want to spin it, a tough time is a tough time. Accept it.
Thereʼs no need to temper it with an “at least ....” Say to yourself “Yep, this sucks”.
Itʼs amazing what happens when we drop the facade that “Everythingʼs OK”.
Secondly, try to practice some mindfulness
About a year ago, my son Hakavai was gifted a secondhand box of Lego from a friend of a friend. And, he frothed on it. Every morning, for like a solid month (a decade in toddler time), he was playing with his Lego. Initially, I found it annoying.
Have you ever stepped, barefoot, on tiny little Lego pieces at 6 am, before coffee? Have you ever tried to vacuum around little Lego pieces?
(Donʼt kid me, you minx. You sucked ʻem straight up into the vacuum, just like I did, didnʼt you?!).
But the Lego fascination seemed to be a lasting one, so one morning I sat down with him and tried to build something. But I couldnʼt, cos none of the sets were complete. And also, he didnʼt really want me to play with “his” Lego pieces either.
Which suited me fine, cos the next day I drove down to the shops and purchased a shiny new box of Lego. The police station set, not anything cool like the Star Wars ones (that stuff is expensive!!).
And that night, the very minute Hakavai fell asleep, I busted out my new Lego. A glass of wine at the ready, I relaxed into a world of tiny, intricate construction.
There was something soothing about following someone elseʼs instructions and building the pieces block by block. I got to zone out, unwind, and temporarily forget my responsibilities.
That night, I slept not like a baby (they wake up a lot), but like a tiny, plastic policeman – flat on my back, in the same position I dropped down in.
Being mindful doesnʼt have to involve crystals and chanting and yoga pants. Itʼs really about relaxing into the present moment. And when life is feeling all a bit too much, a little present moment time can feel really good.
Thirdly, ask yourself “What would make today feel just a little bit better?”
And whatever the answer is: making apple crumble, talking to a friend, putting on a comforting TV show, reading your favourite book, playing Monopoly with the kids ... go and do it. Make it happen.
Note: youʼre not asking “What do I have to get done today?”. Youʼre asking yourself “What would make my day feel just a little bit brighter?” (Youʼll be surprised how doing something hard makes you happy... like youʼve achieved something.)
This is something I started doing in my first year of being a Mum.
Those first few months were a blur and, with this tiny baby in my arms, my capacity for “doing things” was reduced. I had to drop my expectations for what I could realistically achieve in one day, especially in the first few months.
But on the days I prioritised doing something that made me feel good – even if it was just for 5 minutes – I felt clearer. More like myself again. Life felt like less of a blur.
So, this is your permission to drop the laundry, eat toast for dinner, and go and take a few minutes for yourself.
Heck, maybe youʼll spend that time playing Lego!
Iʼll be with you, in spirit. At my own kitchen table, building a police station extension.
In closing
Lastly, my friend, please know that being human means experiencing a full spectrum of emotion.
Itʼs OK if you feel tired, overwhelmed, sad or angry.
Be kind to yourself and take a moment to appreciate all that you are and all that you do.
With love,
Turia x
c
Turia Pitt is living proof that anything is possible. One of Australiaʼs most admired and recognised
people, Turia is a four-time bestselling author, two-time Ironman and a Mum of two boys. She
spends her days teaching Mums to make time for themselves and learn how to run in her program
Run with Turia, exploring what we learn from hard times in her podcast Turia Pitt is Hard Work, and
running around after her two boys.