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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Our News // 04 November 2021
Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong community members,
Positive relationships are essential to successful outcomes for young people. When students feel supported, they’re more likely to engage in learning and have better academic outcomes and participate in and make the most of their opportunities that will lead to personal growth and development. In addition, through their interactions with adults and other students at home, school and the wider community, students further discover who they are, cultivate abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them. Unfortunately, these uncertain times during the coronavirus pandemic may have made it even more challenging for young people to establish and maintain connections with adults and other students.
How can adults create the empowered relationships that will achieve these aims? I provide the following thoughts from an article* I recently read that provided positive reinforcement strategies for parents to consider when interacting with their daughters or sons.
Express care: Show me that I matter to you.
Challenge growth: Push me to keep getting better.
Provide support: Help me complete tasks and achieve goals.
Share power: Treat me with respect and give me a say.
Expand possibilities: Connect me with people and places that broaden my world.
[*Acknowledgement: “The Developmental Relationships Framework” from The Search Institute, 2018 cited in “Principals’ Digests,” Volume 27 Number 55.]
Today, Thursday, November 4th, we celebrated Indigenous Recognition Day at our College. And tomorrow, we will be celebrating the heritage of First Nations Peoples and raising awareness about the challenges faced by First Nations Peoples. Well done to the Social Justice Committee, led by Captain, Toby Mew, to promote and organise the various activities available over the two days.
Students were invited to wear casual clothes and bring a gold coin donation for the Opening the Doors Foundation (ODF.) ODF supports the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by funding their costs and running school programs.
Some of the activities available were as follows. A video was produced for students to watch during homeroom time that mentioned some issues Aboriginal people face today. Students could participate in a variety of fun Indigenous sporting activities on the oval at lunchtime. And at lunchtime, finger buns were sold, with the profits going towards ODF.
Our Year 12 VCE students are well and truly into their exam period. Many have sat two or more exams since they commenced with English on Wednesday last week. Please keep these students in your thoughts and prayers that they can revise well and demonstrate their learning to the best of their abilities at this time.
Our Year 12 VCAL students have finished their classes for the year, and I wish them all the best for their next step toward employment or further study. I know some of them have already obtained an apprenticeship, and others are enrolling in a vocational course for next year. So it is also important to keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they make this very significant transition from secondary school.
I am delighted to inform you that we plan to hold the Mass and Graduation Ceremony on Thursday 25th November 2021 instead of November 18 so that hopefully, parents/carers can also attend.
We want to celebrate this special occasion with students and their parents/carers as best we can. With the easing of the pandemic restrictions outlined in the Victorian Roadmap, the timeline provides an indicative date of 24 November 2021 for the commencement of Phase D (90% fully vaccinated, 12+ years.) Subsequently, if all goes according to plan, by moving (subject to meeting the government’s and Chief Health Officer’s requirements), we will be able to have parents/carers attend on November 25 with their daughter or son.
More details will be provided via email to Year 12 parents soon.
Michael Exton Principal
Late last week we experienced some wild weather which caused much disruption and damage across the state. At the College we were impacted by a number of fallen trees and a power outage that lasted until recess. We had no power for three hours. Without electricity in a school is not an experience we are subject to often and the challenge certainly had a major effect on the school day. It’s amazing the things we take for granted and how difficult it is to respond effectively to such events. Life presents many parallel experiences including the loss of loved ones. As we enter November we remember those who have passed away and how their absence affects us.
Our modern lives rely on electricity. When the power goes out it is not simply the lights and the power points that don’t operate, there are so many things we depend upon. Friday’s black out revealed that heating, hot water services, computer networks and systems also do not operate when the lights go out. Without preparation the loss of these services shows that teaching becomes almost impossible. Thankfully the power outage was resolved by the end of recess and we were able to make a cup of coffee before period three!
Furthermore, everything in our lives requires energy in all forms. Light and sound are forms of energy and every function in our body requires energy or the transformation of energy to occur. Without energy there is nothing. Most forms of energy can be measured with relatively simple tools but quantifying the spiritual energy that exists is more elusive. Love that is given to another person is tangible but also difficult to calculate. We can describe how love makes us feel, but measuring the transfer of love from one to another is difficult to calculate.
In November we remember those who have passed from this earthly life into eternal life. We remember the love that we received from them and the love we gave in return. These relationships continue after our loved ones have entered heaven. After their death we continue to experience the effects of love that was and continues to be shared. Love is endless and transcends what can be measured.
Light is a lovely metaphor for this human experience. The electromagnetic spectrum contains so much that we can see and feel, and also much that we cannot as humans. Infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths are experienced in various ways but it is visible light that we experience most obviously. Light allows us to see. The first thing we do when the power goes off is to check the lights. Without light our experience of the world is very limited. When we remember those we have loved our memories are vivid and clear. We can see and experience our loved ones and they bring joy and light into our day again.
Visible light does so much more than simply illuminate our world. Light is made up of various frequencies which we detect as colours. When we remember those who have passed away we experience their presence in a similar way. We remember them completely. We can hear their voices. Certain smells can bring them back to us. Songs and sounds bring back other memories that otherwise would be lost. Most importantly we can feel their love in a real and actual way. This love is similar to infrared light, it’s invisible to the human eye but we feel its warmth. Although no longer with us on earth we know without doubt our loved ones are near.
We believe that spiritually we are connected with those who have died. This spiritual connection is limitless and perfect as love is the universal truth of existence and this love emanates from the source of all love. We believe that in heaven all of the saints are with God. The Saints that the Church has approved and the “small” saints, who lived and loved in their earthly lives. Our loved ones are saints. They live eternally in heaven with God.
Through death and the mercy of God they have been made whole and perfect again and live forever in a perfect relationship with him. Knowing this we can make sense of death and the lives we live without the physical presence of those we love. We know that their physical absence is painful and that grief is a non-linear process. But we also truly know that they eternally live in our hearts and have returned to God where they can watch over and intercede for us.
During November take time to remember your loved ones who have died. Be observant and become more aware of the ways in which you can feel their presence. What sounds, smells and thoughts help you connect with them? How are you surrounded by their love and how does this knowledge bring consolation? Pray to them. Your saints live with God eternally and they will ‘watch over you’ by interceding and ensuring that God responds to their prayers for you.
As we clean up at the College after last week’s storm, there is much that we can gain from considering how nature can help us understand life more clearly. Just as we have a job ahead of us to clean up our grounds we all have grief that needs attention and love that we can still experience in our lives. Remember your loved ones this month and be sure to make time to pray for all those people who died alone or abandoned by society, or those who once loved them. These souls are especially loved by God and whom we can also offer love for. We will be saints and we can pray to all of the saints. They pray for us. We are in communion with the saints, we always will be and have forever have been.
May God bless you with peace and love this month.
May you feel the love of those who have passed away,
And may you always hold joy in your heart.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
In Unit 2 VCE Theatre Studies students study three theatre styles each Semester.
Each theatre style has an accompanying design area such as lighting, sound or costume. Currently the Unit 2 class is studying Modern Theatre (Brecht’s Epic Theatre along with Set Design).
The aim for Bertolt Brecht’s Epic Theatre style is to educate/build awareness for the audience on a social issue. Our class has conducted significant dramaturgical research to devise a wealth of meaningful performances based on topics such as poverty, Covid-19 and the ethical considerations behind cosmetic surgery.
Today the students presented their set design considerations to the class which were very impressive indeed (please see attached images). Each ensemble will be performing their devised scenes on Monday next week at The Potato Shed which will incorporate their very own set designs.
This process is incredibly rewarding as the students get to follow the Theatre Production Process from Planning (annotated sketches), through Development (the creation of a diorama/rehearsals) and into Presentation (the actual performance).
Congratulations to everyone involved today, your designs were thoughtful, well considered and very clever! Keep up the great work!
Rhea Green VCE Theatre Studies teacher
Teachers (with support from parents, carers and administration staff) have ensured education continues across the country this year, despite major challenges again. It’s reinforced the significant role teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families and communities. On Friday 29h October, we thanked our teachers and recognised the bright future of teaching.
As part of our culture at Saint Ignatius College “Gratitude” is one of our key attributes being developed within our students. All students had the opportunity to express their gratitude by sharing a “Gratitude Message” to a teacher or teachers who have made a difference in their lives this year.
With an overwhelming response from the students a selected few messages are below.
“A big thank you to all the AMAZING teachers. You have worked so hard and been especially challenged throughout COVID. A Huge thanks and a lot of appreciation”.
“Thank you to all of the teachers at Saint Ignatius College Geelong for all of the support you have given your students. You always go to extraordinary lengths to make sure that every student feels supported and welcome at this school and you make the transition from primary school to high school, from year to year, so much easier. Every teacher has done so much for us, especially over the last two years, and we are extremely grateful for that and for everything else you have done for us. So, to all of the teachers, I say thank you”.
“I would like to express many thanks for the hard work and determination of all the teachers at our College in adapting to our current challenging circumstances.Your continuous support and effort does not go unnoticed, as you have allowed us as students and as a school community to continue our education and grow resilient in these hard and unprecedented times”.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all of the teachers who have adapted to this year's challenges and have continued to educate and support students during these unprecedented times. On behalf of the students at Saint Ignatius College, I thank you all for staying strong; through education, you have helped maintain a sense of normality in our lives. We couldn't have done it without you all”.
Joe McLean Director of Teacher Development
Do you shop at Rebel Sport? You can support our school every time you shop by linking your Rebel Active Membership to our school. 5% of what you spend is given to PFA to purchase sporting equipment for our school. If you’re not a member it’s free to join either online or ask a team member in store.
The next meeting is our AGM and will be held on Tuesday November 9th at 7.00pm via Zoom. We look forward to seeing you there. Even if you cannot make it to the monthly meetings, but think you might be able to be on call to help at the different things we are involved in, please get in touch with us by emailing sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Uniform Shop Opening Days and Times are as follows:
Wednesday 17th November 2-4pm
Wednesday 1st December 2-4pm
Wednesday 15th December 2-4pm
The above dates are dependant on current visitor restrictions within catholic schools. Please check the Saint Ignatius College's Facebook/Instagram pages for updates regarding open days and times. Email the uniform shop at uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.
Do you know the Uniform Shop also sells brand new socks, ties and hats?
Items to be sold or donated can be dropped off on any of the above days or anytime at the front office.
Please ensure any item that is sent in for sale has been freshly laundered, if not it will be returned to you.
We are always seeking Volunteers to help in the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out contact Kate by emailing uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au . Training is provided.
The College canteen menu uses the 'traffic light system' to inform students, staff and parents of the College the healthier choices available at the College canteen (See 'Healthy Food @ School Guidelines' in our 'College Policies and Procedures' section for full details).
Canteen duty provides a much appreciated service to the school. It gives you the opportunity to meet and talk with other parents and also enables you to see your child’s school in action.
Five helpers are needed each day. Helpers will need to be at the canteen by 9:00am and will generally be finished by 1:30pm. If you can only be there part of the day, your help is greatly appreciated.
If you are able to assist, please contact Sandra Woodall at the College on 5251 1136.
Week starting November 8th 2021
8th Nov: B. BrinfieldE. Musella,
9th Nov: M. Dunstan, K. James, S. Peters
10th Nov: A. Richardson, K. Button
11th Nov: S. Clarke, Needed
12th Nov: K. Royle, S. Nyga, Needed
Week starting November 15th 2021
15th Nov: L. Kelly, Needed
16th Nov: M. Jackson, R. Morris
17th Nov: C. Ford, Needed
18th Nov: M. White, Needed
19th Nov: S. Nyga, Needed, Needed
Many parents struggle to make sense of the differences between their children. Same parents, same parenting, same school but completely different interests, strengths and personalities. So what’s the difference? The solution can be found in the birth position of each child and understanding how it impacts on how they are raised and their relationship with other family members.
Parents tend to define their children according to their family positions. ‘He’s my eldest’ or ‘She is the baby of the family’ are descriptors that many parents are familiar with. Expectations generally match those defining descriptions.
Just as relevant is how children see themselves in relation to their siblings. Eldest children are only children for a time, which is a treasured position that comes with perks, privileges and parental anxiety. A second child means dethronement, so the child born first will generally spend a great deal of energy keeping their sibling in their place. And so, the sibling dance begins. You now need family leadership skills to compliment the child-rearing skills you’ve developed that previously focused on raising one child.
Many parents discover that the techniques that were so successful with the first child can have the opposite effect another child. Parents who successfully develop independence and self-sufficiency in their eldest child scratch their heads as their youngest child turns dependency into an artform. Children often use their position to get their needs met. Many youngest children become expert at using charm and childishness to manipulate their siblings, while older children may push themselves to get approval from their parents.
Seconds and middle children often experience less time alone with their parents, which may be why this group are more likely to look outside their family for a sense of belonging. They generally have wider friendship circles than first borns and are usually the first child to leave the family nest. And first borns, just love to have their parents to themselves as that was how it used to be. Understanding these birth order differences helps parents to better manage, motivate and communicate with each child.
Want to motivate a child to do their best at school, tidy their bedroom or get behind a good cause? Birth order knowledge provides vital clues to help hit the best motivational button for each child. For instance, it may come as no surprise that youngest children are less concerned with gaining parental approval than their siblings. They just want to be noticed. Making a fuss over their accomplishments can do wonders for the achievement and contribution levels of this group. First borns on the other hand, usually yearn for parental approval, which if not carefully managed can cause them to take fewer learning risks.
First borns generally don’t need a lot of discipline or behaviour management from parents. Limits, boundaries, reasoning and consequences usually do the trick for these rule followers and conformers. But these methods probably won’t work with children in other birth order positions. They’ve had the advantage of having an eldest sibling break their parents in and they’ve seen most of your management playbook already, so you need to come up with something new.
Sibling rivalry comes with the family territory. It’s most intense when there are only two children in a family as it’s hard to escape a single sibling. Knowing how to reduce sibling rivalry so it’s healthy rather than toxic requires an understanding of birth order personalities, acceptance of individual differences and the ability to build closeness through common purpose, fun and rituals.
Birth order knowledge is fascinating, providing a rich vein of information to help you raise children to be successful, happy and most importantly, content in their own skins. It’s too important to be ignored.
Michael Grose
Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s an award-winning speaker and the author of 12 books for parents including Spoonfed Generation, and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It . Michael is a former teacher with 15 years experience, and has 30 years experience in parenting education. He also holds a Master of Educational Studies from Monash University specialising in parenting education.
Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.
Local Sports Contacts
Attached is a comprehensive PDF document that lists a wide range of current contacts for different sport clubs in our region in 2021-2022. The ones that I have spoken to are very keen to hear from any Saint Ignatius student wishing to be involved in local sport teams this summer.
Surfcoast Basketball Association
Surfcoast Basketball Association are seeking support from schools to re-engage U16 and U18 girls back into basketball. This age group is statistically when we see girls drop out of sport. The focus would be on health, well-being and creating a fun and social environment with friendly competition. With this in mind the teams would be limited to having 3 Representative players, as all domestic competition adhere to.
Individual players interested in playing can register and be joined with a team. The games for this age group will be played at the new WurdiBaierr Stadium in Torquay on Monday evenings.
Ocean Grove Cricket Club: Cricketers Wanted!
Ocean Grove Cricket Club is looking for boys and girls (and men and women) interested in playing local cricket.
Any Age, Any Gender, Any Ability
We have 4 teams in Senior Mens, 2 Senior Womens teams, Under 17, 15 and 13 Junior Boys teams, 2 Girls Junior Cricket teams, Mixed under 11 teams and Woolworths Blast Program for mixed youngsters 5-8 years old
We love a social atmosphere but we are also a competitive and family orientated local Cricket Club
If interested contact Paul Madden – 0400 912 167 or email maddenpaul59@gmail.com
Parent Education Events - Geelong Region: Term 4 2021
All Regional Parenting Services programs are free and will be offered face to face or online 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 details:
