Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Welcome to the final school term for 2020. Hopefully, we will have a relatively settled and productive term after last term’s prolonged period of remote and flexible learning.
I hope all families are well and students have had an enjoyable and restful break, (with some revision and preparation for the new term), and are looking forward to finishing the year off on an excellent note.
The online Parent/Student/Teacher conferences held at the end of the last term will have helped identify and affirm good progress to date, provided a valuable opportunity to discuss areas of concern and helped set some directions for a productive time ahead.
The Year 12 VCE students sat their General Achievement Test (GAT) yesterday at school. VCE Coordinator, Mr Michael Brown reported that he was very pleased with the way the students approached this very important assessment task.
I am looking forward to all students (Years 7-12) returning to onsite classes from next Monday (Oct. 12). Tomorrow, Friday 9th October, is a “catch-up day” for Years 7-11 students and will provide a timely opportunity for students to prepare for this return. Students may wear summer uniform. To ensure the health and safety of our school community members, I reiterate the following requirements for students:
• Stay at home if unwell
• Wear a mask
• Physical distance where possible
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Wash or sanitise hands regularly
• Bring your own water bottle
I ask parents to please reinforce these requirements with their daughter or son and inform the College office of student absence and in particular, a positive COVID-19 test result asap.
Mr Michael Timms (Deputy Principal, Students) has recently sent, via email, to parents and students some important information to support the return to onsite learning and school activities.
Copies of the 2019 College annual magazine, “Magis,” have recently arrived at the College from the printer. The magazine looks great, and I commend it to you as an excellent record of last year. It will be distributed to families via their daughter/son next week. Last year’s Yr 12 students, who do not have a sibling currently at the College, will receive their copy via mail to the family home address. If you do not receive your copy, please contact the College Office.
‘Magis’ is a fantastic record of College life for the previous year. I hope you enjoy looking over the year’s records in this annual magazine. I also hope that over time, it will become a treasured memory of the 2019 school year for our College community members.
On behalf of the College community, I express my gratitude to our Communications Officer, Mr Tony Berryman-Long, for his coordination, design work and development of the ‘Magis’ for another year.
As I mentioned in the newsletter earlier this year, 2020 is our school review year. Term four is a busy time for the review process with the two independent reviewers spending four days in meetings with school personnel. The first day was held yesterday via online meetings and involved checking that the College is compliant with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and state and federal governments requirements. I am pleased that we have met the compliance requirements and as a result, will have our school registration renewed.
The next phase of the review involves analysing the College’s performance over the last four years and then using this to inform the development of our school improvement plan for the next four years. I will keep you updated about our progress through the newsletter.
I am pleased to inform you that teacher, Ms Alithea Anderton, will be taking Ms Alicia Deak’s classes for term four. As mentioned in the newsletter late last term, Ms Deak has moved to work at Newman College in Melbourne. Ms Anderton is familiar with our College; she covered the classes for another teacher who was on leave during term three.
I wish you and your family a smooth transition during the back to school move and look forward to seeing all of our students and staff back ‘on deck’ next week. And in particular, I wish all of our Year 12 students a positive, healthy, enjoyable and successful finish up under the current uncertain and challenging circumstances. Thank you for your ongoing support of the College.
Michael Exton Principal
As we excitedly await the return to face to face classes there is much we can reflect upon as the truncated year rapidly nears its end. Anecdotally the second round of remote learning was much more draining for students than the first and the sense of adventure experienced earlier in the year was replaced by a sense of drudgery. Returning to the College excites us as we will be back amongst friends and challenged by the interactions that cannot be replicated online.
Our patron St Ignatius of Loyola wisdom and life story can offer us some sound advice as we overcome the emotional toll the recent period of restrictions and the realisation of what we have yet to complete before the end of the year.
Dream big but be patient – Ignatius was a dreamer. His vision was grand and was not achieved in weeks or months. The mystical experiences he had at Manresa began a lifework of passion that required both dedication and patience to achieve. Small dreams are not of God. Big dreams are guided by the Spirit. They take us beyond ourselves and change the world. Big dreams, however, take time so be patient and content as you journey onward.
Control what you can – During his recuperation Ignatius became aware of the futility of worrying. You can only control what you can. Everything else occurs through the choices of others, natural processes or God’s will. Discerning what you are in control of is humbling and powerful. Becoming aware of our limited ability to control anything offers freedom and trust in God. When you focus on what you can control you become aware of where your energy is best placed and offers the chance to set goals that will bring your dreams to fruition.
Be present – In the Spiritual Exercises, the retreatant is called to be present and focus upon God. In our busy lives, we are very often not truly present. When we are with our families we are often thinking about the next task that needs to be done and in doing so we miss the opportunity to be with those we love. Being together is quite different from being present.
We also get caught up in life and although God is near we are not focussed upon this grace. We all have the opportunity to take some time each day to be truly present and open to God. God will provide all the wisdom, patience and contentment if only we might pause to receive these gifts.
One step at a time – As a pilgrim, Ignatius understood that great journeys are achieved on step at a time. Although he rode a donkey for almost his entire journey his pilgrimage was taxing as he was still recovering from the horrific injuries and resultant surgeries on his legs. Achieving big things occurs similarly. Metaphorically tasks are completed one step at a time with milestones along the way and each step has is challenges. Even when we feel unable to continue by focussing on the next step and not the eventual destination we can achieve what may seem impossible.
Seek solitude – At Manresa Ignatius became aware of the need for solitude and experienced how this can lead to contentment and fuel a person’s spiritual journey. Although we celebrate coming together as a community and have been starved of social interaction make time to be alone periodically throughout the remainder of the year. There is so much to do and so many things yet to occur the need for solitude needs to be part of your plan. Time alone offers the solitude to disconnect and balance all of the external stimuli with your personal needs. Alone is not the same as lonely. Time alone gives the chance to reflect and consider the next steps toward our goal and should be valued highly.
Serve others – Throughout his pilgrimage and the rest of his life, Ignatius served others in hospitals, in giving spiritual direction and caring for those in need. As we become aware of God's love and how this love is offered to all people we are drawn to service. We become the hands, feet, voice and heart of God in the world. Rather than an object, a Catholic, which is a noun we serve as Catholics which transforms the noun to verb. When we serve we are “doing” the Gospel. Ignatius found that when he served others he became more aware of God’s presence in his life and was driven to do more and achieve his dreams for the good of all people. Serving others makes us humble. In becoming humbler we soften our hearts and become more like Jesus. As we return to ‘normal’ life make one of your goals service.
Don’t stop when you fail – Although Ignatius achieved much in his life his biggest dream was not fulfilled. His desire to live in the Holy Land and help people spiritually was never fulfilled. Although he was able to travel to Jerusalem he was ordered to leave due to the unrest in the region at the time. Ignatius showed great courage and humility in accepting the decision of the Provincial of Jerusalem and returned to Spain.
Life is full of setbacks and moments of failure. Some of these events are of our doing whilst others are beyond our control. What we can learn from Ignatius is that when we face failure the better option is to accept the situation, analyse the options and amend your goals. Failure often leads us to better outcomes in the long term even if painful at the time. To achieve the goal even when you fail what is required is the time considering how you can adjust the waypoints and continue forward to the goal. At time passes be comfortable with the fact that sometimes life gets in the way and a desire may not be achieved but goals more suited to your gifts will appear and the journey is not in vain even if the original goal is not achieved.
As we return to the College every member of the College can look to Ignatius for guidance and use his experiences as a 500-year-old ‘self-help’ manual. I wish you all the best throughout the remaining weeks of the 2020 academic year. You can achieve all you desire with a little planning and inspiration from St Ignatius.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
After months of remote learning and a range of COVID-19 restrictions, our young people will be returning to school routines, classrooms, classmates, teachers, expectations and, in some cases, even new school settings.
Amid the anticipation and excitement of returning to school, for some, leaving the home learning routine and environment may create anxiety for a range of reasons including: the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19, the social distancing and hygiene measures in place, family circumstances related to health, grief associated with a recent loss; or economic circumstances.
To prepare and support students’ return to onsite learning and the classroom/school environment, you may like to consider the following tips:
Talk to your child about how they feel
Support young people to understand the school procedures
Familiarise yourself with school procedures
End of day emotions
Stay informed
Sleep and rest
Another great resource to assist families in the transition back, is a special report provided by SchoolTV. This report presented by Dr Michael Carr-Greg (Child and Adolescent Psychologist), outlines specific information for parents/guardians on how to best support their child during this transition period.
Please click on the following link to view the report:
https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_...
Michael Timms Deputy Principal [Students]
In any year, the transition from Primary to Secondary school is a very challenging time. For many students, the stress of finding and trusting new friends has an enormous impact. 2020 has been a year like no other. Our current Year 7 cohort have spent approximately 10 weeks of their first year in a regular classroom setting. In an online world, Primary school friends have been as accessible as their new classmates and new friendships haven’t had a chance to really establish.
With this in mind, SICG have enlisted the help of prominent child/teen Psychologist Mr Michael Carr-Gregg to deliver a webinar on the topic of Year 7 Transition.
Parents of Year 7 students in 2020 and future Year 7 students in 2021 are invited to use the link provided to watch the hour long Zoom presentation and participate in the 30 min Q and A session following.
The presentation is on Wednesday October 21st from 7-8.30pm.
Could parents please join approximately 10 minutes before 7pm and ensure that their microphone remains muted during the presentation?
On Monday 19th October, in lieu of our Year 7 2021 Information Night, parents will be emailed an information pack and a link to a series of short informational videos. This will begin the transition process for our Year 7s of 2021.
Kind Regards
Ms Leonie O’Brien Year 7 Coordinator
Spring is here!!!!!
This newsletter will keep you up to date on what’s new and what’s happening around our college, with our gardens. Our college is changing at a rapid pace and it’s hard to keep up with all the new plants, shrubs and trees. The newsletter will also feature plant of the week / month and some gardening tips, also if you are not sure what to plant or where to plant or just have a gardening question feel free to email me and I’ll be more than happy to help: maintenance@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Our Anzac garden has had a makeover. The old garden was only 10 meters away, but with the new administration building taking shape we decided to make a remembrance garden we can be proud of. We have planted an abundance of Flanders Poppies with a row of Rosemary bush along the back wall, the pine is in the middle with a path ( Batesford Topping) around to a seating area so you can reflect on our Anzacs or just enjoy the sunshine on these beautiful Spring days.
Lomandra confertifolia “ Misty Green”
This is a very attractive tuft with fine scrappy bright green foliage, lush all year round. In summer fragrant bright yellow flower spikes emerge from the base of the plant. Grows in full/ part shade and in well drained soils. It will grow between 300mm-500mm high and 300mm- 500mm wide, a very drought tolerant plant that is really good for borders.
Being Springtime it’s the time to fertilise your plants and shrubs. There are a few different types of fertilisers. Dynamic Lifter is really good around the base of your more established plants/shrubs, just make sure you water it in. It’s a slow release fertiliser and should be done about once every 2 months. If you like the liquid fertiliser you can't go past Seasoil. Seasoil should be applied every 6 weeks and also make sure you keep the water up to your plants, especially if it’s been warm and windy otherwise the soil will dry out.
Til next time……..get out and enjoy the garden
David Peters
From what I have heard, parent teacher interviews last term were a hit with many parents, students and teachers.
With zoom becoming the “norm” these days, I found the parent teacher interviews very successful and relaxing. Meeting other members of the family and even meeting a very talented Nanna were highlights and a lovely way to end the semester.
I do hope we hear more from this talented Nanny Sue in the future and maybe you all may hear the wonderful duet with her musical grandson - Oliver Reynolds!
Parents: Tony and Emma Musella commented:
“We found participating in parent-teacher interviews via Zoom a great experience! Although we prefer face-to-face conversations, it was great to meet teachers whom we have had limited contact with this year and to do it in the same way our children have been interacting with their classrooms. It was also much easier to do it from the comfort of our own couch, than from a plastic chair in a gym!"
On Wednesday September 16th, I was delighted to be invited to attend the public speaking showcase with students presenting their own topic. I was particularly impressed with Sebastian Dowler who spoke about Anthropology. A few students presented their talk on our covid experience which was an opportunity to worshop their entry for our competition “The Gifts of 2020”
Well done to our Public Speaking teacher, Nikki Zhao, for her dedication and to our talented students who spoke so eloquently.
In the final weeks of Term 2, the Unit 2 music students were lucky to have a special guest in their class. Woodwind and keyboard specialist, Mr Tim Neal, spoke and demonstrated to the class, the art of improvisation.
Congratulations to vocalists Errol Friee and Jack James who went out of their comfort zone and improvised on line to their peers.
A big welcome to Megan Baker who will be joining our team of instrumental music teachers. Megan will be one of three piano tutors as we also have Tony Musella and Adrian Montagnese on our team. Piano/Keyboard is certainly becoming popular.
Megan studied Piano at Melba Conservatorium of Music and is also Performance Coordinator at The Geelong College Junior School and is very excited to be teaching at our college each Tuesday and we wish her all the best at our college.
Instrumental forms are available at the office or in the performing arts area for any student wishing to commence private lessons this term. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or you would like to chat about lessons at our college.
I look forward to returning to school and hope to have a lot of performing arts news in the coming weeks.
Regards,
Mrs Linda Pape Performance & Instrumental Coordinator.
During this time, we aim to educate, spread awareness and encourage our Saint Ignatius community members to engage in activities to promote good mental health and wellbeing. We encourage thoughts and conversations to take place about how our own attitudes and understandings of mental health and wellbeing may impact our ability to seek help, and further exploration into how we can try to eliminate the stigma around mental health.
This year, we have seen many significant challenges in our lives due to the implications of COVID-19. It is more important than ever now that we look after ourselves, and those around us.
Our Student Wellbeing Team have designed a number of projects and activities that students, parents and staff can participate in over the course of the week.
All of the activities are designed to be able to be done at home. Keep an eye on your emails, Xuno and our College Facebook Page for further information.
We encourage you to be a part of something bigger, and dedicate some of your time this week to improve your health.
From the Student Wellbeing Team
A strange and at times challenging year to say the least!
Can you think of some of the good things about this year such as: I now know how to use zoom; I have got used to my dad's jokes, my dog loves all the walks he/she is going on, I have learnt how to play cards, I have spent more time with my 'home tutors', we as a family are doing Vinnies sleepout, I have done other things I don't usually get to do and so on.
Why not share your uplifting experiences of this year or what the good things are that you have learnt in remote learning by entering our competition.
You can express them in a variety of ways for example: photography, performance, oral reflection, short story or song. Competition closes October 19th. Generous prizes.
Enter via ILC Canvas Page - Assignments.
Looking forward to learning about what you found to be positive during this year.
From your Gifts of 2020 team.
Our College Care Packages (Meals Program) during this second round of restrictions has gone very well and now has come to an end.
This has developed into a wonderful community support program during these challenging and very unusual times.
Thank you to all the members of our College community who have supported this program through donations of food items or financial donations. Some students have made a financial donation from their own earnings or pocket money which is a really wonderful gesture and we are very grateful.
We would like to especially acknowledge the support from:
Julian Melican and his business Farms Foods Queenscliff. Mr Melican has graciously, every Monday for the last 5 weeks donated, Beef Mince, Sausages, Meat Loafs, Sausage Rolls and Sausage mince for us to cook with. This has saved us a considerable amount of money by his donations.
Please join us for our next “virtual” P and F meeting scheduled for Tuesday 13th October at 7.00 pm.
Zoom meeting details are below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://ignatius-vic.zoom.us/j/81125952810?pwd=bzc4TFRNekwvanpXclMvdFBZNzR5UT09
Meeting ID: 811 2595 2810
Passcode: 345676
Please don’t forget we are still fundraising! E-Entertainment Books are now available for 2020/2021 so please help support the school by e-purchasing!
Visit the school Facebook page for details or you can contact me directly on 0438 353 855 if you need any further details.
It’s hard to believe that it’s that time of year again, but we will be seeking nominations for 2021 Executive committee positions (President, Vice President , Secretary and Treasurer) in the coming months – if you would like to know more about these roles, please feel free to email me on ps.clark@bigpond.net.au
Stays safe and look out for one another.
Regards
Sandi Clark President
Parents and Friends' Association
As a parent, the ultimate goal for adolescents is to achieve autonomy. This quest for independence shows in many ways, including frequent challenges to the family status quo, small acts of defiance and straight-out refusal to cooperate with parental ideas and suggestions. All exhausting for parents on the receiving end.
This boundary testing signals a readiness to begin developing your young person’s independence and self-sufficiency skills. Not only is this good preparation for their life without you, but it gives them a chance to show that they are growing up.
Complicating the development of independent living skills is the fact that many young people believe that they are far older and more capable than they are, yet many parents believe their children are younger and less capable than they really are. Getting the balance right is the key. Let’s get started.
As your young person gets busier with school and activities outside home it’s tempting to put less expectations on them to help at home. This may make life easier for them in the short term, but in the long term, your young person will benefit more from learning how to take care of themselves and by contributing regularly to their family’s wellbeing. These activities include:
School, peers, family, personal interests and part-time work can compete for your young person’s attention, which can become overwhelming. Help your young person balance these competing priorities by encouraging them to:
Look ahead
Plan the week out at the start of the week so your young person knows what’s coming up.
Keep a schedule
Teach them to use a schedule/planner to stay organised. This is a great way to help them to think ahead, keep track of time and commitments, and also reflect on what they have achieved. Whether it is a physical planner or an electronic one, encouraging young people to use them helps them to build confidence and independence in managing their time.
Allocate carefully
Help your young person allocate their time across all areas such as school, family, peers, interests and work rather than fill up one or two areas.
Plan for downtime
Ensure your young person has some downtime each day to help them relax and unwind.
Problem-solving is a big part of adult life, so it’s best start when young people are under your roof rather than wait until they’ve flown the nest. Help your young person solve some of their current issues and dilemmas, which range from getting home by themselves after sports practice to being harassed by a peer at school. Here’s how:
Getting around on their own without being reliant on parents is a significant hallmark for independence for young people. Using public transport, negotiating timetables, budgeting and working out what happens when schedules change are important skills to learn. If your young person is reluctant then you can take some trips together by bus or train to help familiarise them.
Encourage your young person to take more initiative with their learning and study habits as they move toward the end of their secondary school years. Take on the role of a coach where you assist them to make sensible decisions about their education including choice of subjects, their homework and schoolwork habits.
As your young person moves through secondary school gradually step back and provide them with more opportunities to become self-sufficient at home, to take on more responsibility outside home, and to have greater influence over their own studies and work habits.
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.
Join Saver Plus and we'll match your savings, dollar for dollar, up to $500 for school costs.
To join Saver Plus, you must be at least 18 years or over, have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself, have regular income from paid employment (you or your partner), have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card and be in receipt of an eligible Commonwealth social security benefit, allowance or payment.
The eligibility criteria has also been broadened to assist more families, with JobKeeper and/or a formal Child Support arrangement classed as ‘income’.
Contact: Your local Saver Plus Coordinator
Phone: 03 5278 8122 Email: GeelongSP@bethany.org.au Web: www.saverplus.org.au
See PDF flyer for details:
Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.
Parent Education Events - Geelong Region: Term 4 2020
All Regional Parenting Services programs are free and will be run via Zoom, however, bookings are essential.
To book visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parenting or call us on 5272 4781.
There are a number of events planned for Term 4, please see attached flyer for event details:
Drummond Street Services
Drummond St services is still here for you, running many webinars, groups and events all accessible on line. There is something for everyone, from music and movement for kids in lockdown, to support with new babies, to managing uncertainty during Covid and staying connected with worried kids and teens during this challenging time.
The Geelong team will be facilitating a free webinar and then a 4 week group – this is a version of our Parenting teens who worry seminar and the focus is on Staying connected with your Anxious Teen through Covid.
Registration is online. The specific link https://ds.org.au/events/parenting-teenagers-who-worry/
Baycats Baseball
Geelong Baycats Baseball Club welcomes all players old and new for the 2020/21 Summer Season.
Mens Seniors (14 years and over), Womens Seniors (13 years and over and Junior Competion for boys and girls aged between 5 and 17 years of age.
For more information go to www.geelongbaycatsbaseball.com or email us on baycatsbaseball1983@gmail.com