Dear Saint Ignatius College community members,

Friday was World Teachers Day. I would like to extend my thanks to all teachers at our College, and indeed all staff members, for their commitment to the wellbeing, growth and development of each student in their care, and for their hard work to ensure that every student has every opportunity to flourish in our College.

Our Catholic vision for our students is that they are given the opportunity to develop to their full potential and be provided with learning experiences and activities to succeed and contribute in ways that deepen their faith and develop them into women and men for others. The expertise and skills that teachers and our support staff members contribute every day, day after day are crucial to this.

Year 12 student final days of classes

The Year 12 students finished their usual classes on Wednesday last week. So, on this day we took the opportunity as a school community to celebrate the Class of 2020. We expressed gratitude for their growth and development at and contribution to our College and prayed for their future success. Due to the pandemic restrictions we had to modify our usual ways of marking this milestone for them.

On Wednesday afternoon the each Homeroom Group gathered in their classroom for an online “Farewell to Year 12” assembly. The assembly was livestreamed from the Multipurpose Centre where the Year 12 students were able to, under ‘last-minute’ government guideline changes, gather for their graduation ceremony. There were many speeches, some musical items and presentations. College Captains Heidi Bakker and William Palmer provided impressive (and emotional) speeches that captured something of the Year 12 students’ journey through their College years, expressed gratitude and delivered encouraging messages about making the most of school opportunities. A very special presentation of a ‘Platinum Loyola Award,’ the highest Loyola Award, was made to Year 12 student and Liturgy Captain, William Bothe. As has become the custom over many years, Heidi and William presented a gift of an artwork from the Year 12’s to the school community. This gift was a lovely painting of St Ignatius by former student Sophie Crothers. This beautiful artwork is currently on display in our Office foyer.

Each of our Year 12 students, as is the custom in most Australian Jesuit and Companion Schools, was presented with a copy of Michael McGirr’s, “Finding God’s Traces.” This book is a compilation of quotes, scriptural verses and commentaries that will hopefully be a source of reflection and inspiration as well as a beautiful memento of the student’s time at an Ignatian school.

In the evening we livestreamed the ‘Valete Mass’ from the College’s Multipurpose Centre. Thank you to Celebrants Fr James Puppady and Fr Darien Sticklen. We encouraged each family to share a meal together after the Mass to celebrate their daughter or son’s secondary school journey.

I commend our Year 12 students on the way they conducted themselves during these ‘last days’ at the College.

Senior assessments fast approaching

On behalf of our College community, I extend my best wishes to our Year 12 students during this current period of preparing for, or undertaking, their final assessments, including the VCE students who commence their final external examinations next week. We all know that end-of-year exams can be stressful, and I wish everyone a calm, focused and a fitting end to the year and to their time at our College.

Mr Bruce Connor, our Work and Further Education Coordinator, has provided support to many VCAL and VCE students and parents when they were considering possible pathways. Mr Connor remains available for the rest of the school year (and into next the next school year) if any student or parent would like some support or information re pathways, courses or employment. He can be contacted by phoning our Office.

Years 7 to 11 students have about one month of classes remaining. Even though the Yr 12s have finished their classes, I encourage the Years 7 to 11 students to stay focussed on their schoolwork right through to their last day. It has been an unsettled year, and therefore, it is essential they use the remainder of the year to get back on track.

Our return to onsite learning continues to focus on the importance of the social-emotional well-being of students and staff in the transition back to the classroom. We are concentrating on settling our students back into some normality supported by our school structures, supports and routines. I have spoken to each Year 7 Homeroom Group about my expectation for them to ‘get back on track’ after what has been a very inconsistent start to secondary school for them. In particular, I mentioned three expectations: using good manners, being organised and rising to challenges. Hopefully, they can rise to this challenge and better set themselves up for a successful time at secondary school.

Annual ‘Mosaic’ event changes

Overall, students across Years 7-12 have worked to the best of their ability during the onsite and the remote learning times. I congratulate them for their achievements in such challenging circumstances. As we move towards the end of this school year, despite all of the disruptions, it is still very important that we continue to meet, as best we can, our aims for one of the key events on the College calendar, our annual Mosaic Evening. Every year we come together as a College community to celebrate student successes in a variety of areas such as Academic Excellence and Endeavour, Christian Leadership, the Arts, Sport and Community Service. This year we will not be able to hold this evening event at Costa Hall.

Given the pandemic restrictions, we will be pre-recording a streamlined version (much shorter) of our Mosaic event. Our students will view this event in place of the usual term four assembly at school on November 26 during periods 5 & 6. Students will receive their awards in their Homeroom Groups during the viewing of the Mosaic video. The link for all families to be able to watch this event at home will be sent out soon after this.

In previous years, students have not been required at school for classes during the day of Mosaic. This year there will be no such student-free day because they will watch Mosaic at school. This year’s pre-recorded Mosaic will provide a significant opportunity to celebrate as a College community the many positives from what has been a very different and challenging year.

Parents and Friends' Association

The Parents and Friends' Association (PFA) provides an opportunity to become actively involved in the College community. This highly valued volunteer group actively supports College functions, organises social occasions and promotes other parent activities.

There is a sense of fulfilment in helping our students and their school. The PFA is a committee that works to bring the school community together and enhance student outcomes. All students benefit from the contribution the committee members make. This is one of many ways parents contribute to our school community. Is PFA membership a way you could contribute?

The next PFA meeting will be the Annual General Meeting and it will be held on Tuesday 10 November 2020 at 7 pm via Zoom. I have been informed that the current PFA committee has received intentions from parents to nominate for the President, Secretary and Treasurer positions at the AGM. (There is currently no Vice President nomination and nominations are still open.)

With nominations for the key positions in place, I now encourage some more parents to 'step up' and ‘back up’ the 2021 committee by attending online the AGM. The Zoom link for this meeting will be emailed to all parents by our Development Manager, Mrs Claire Hewitt very soon.

Remembrance Day

As you are aware, next Wednesday 11 November is Remembrance Day. Each class will be involved in a short memorial service at 11 am.

Thank you to Ms Deb Hodge (YLC 8) for organising and leading this service.

Best wishes,

Michael Exton  Principal

We return to the College after the Melbourne Cup long weekend. So many things have changed this year. The Cup was a virtual celebration with no spectators in attendance. We had four days of beautiful weather. The College is a little more quite now that our Year 12’s are ‘off-site’ preparing for their final exams. Walking around the College on yard duty I have suddenly noticed that deciduous trees are now all green. Christmas decorations and festive foods are now on the shelves at the shops. November is a month where we are prompted to pause and reflect upon all that has passed as the end of the year draws near.

In our Church we pause in November to reflect also. During this month we remember all who have passed from their earthly life into their eternal life where they have been reunited with the Father. This year we remember especially all those who have died due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Those whose lives were cut short by the virus due to health complications, age related illness and those who could not access or afford health care. In particular we pray for the souls of those people who have died overseas in poverty, displaced from their homelands and those who society had abandoned.

Over the long weekend we celebrated All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It should be noted that contemporary theology brings into question the need for All Souls Day. As Catholic eschatological thinking is quite different post-Vatican II. However, this thought aside what is important is that we as a community pray in intercession for those who have died, and who enter into their immortal and eternal life.

We are people of the Resurrection. We believe that Jesus’ sacrifice and his return prove that what he promised in his revelations about the Kingdom are true. Although we love our earthly life we do not fear death. Death is not a loss. Death is not an end. Death is simply a change.

What death does though is significant and painful for those who are left to mourn. We who are left suffer because of death. We are no longer able to talk to them, touch them, we can’t call them on the phone, pop in for a cuppa or simply have them physically present. This can be an excruciating realisation. Learning to live without the person physically takes courage and time. As we learn to encounter and love them spiritually we are able to find peace and joy. Joy as we know we will be with them again and when we are reunited in heaven it will be completely perfect.

Death makes us value more what is physically present. When we go to mass or in the liturgy we may become more aware of what we are actually doings. When we come together in faith we are doing many things. One of the important aspects that we sometimes over look is the spiritual. When we offer the words “And with your spirit’, we actually mean it. When we offer the ‘sign of peace’, we are doing so in two different dimensions – physical and spiritual. Death can offer us insights that help us to be more aware of how limited our earthly life is and how superficially we actually engage with the world and the gift of time.

St Paul explains our faith beautifully in his first letter to the Corinthians in saying:

What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.

We cannot return to the Father during our earthly life. We cannot be perfect in this state. We can only be made whole in death. Death that is not to be feared or troubled over. Death is to be respected and avoided as best we can.

Our life is a gift and all that we do should show love for God and others. The Lord created the universe so that we might live and experience Creation. Creation offers us so many opportunities and choices. We have also been offered the gift of free will and although we are not perfect we each individually do good in the world and bring God’s love into the world.

When we remember those who have died we most often mourn the good they have done for us or the love that they offered. We might therefore be inspired by them in death as we reflect upon their lives. We are left here without their physical presence. We can continue their work of love. Their legacy does not end with their death but inspires us to new and exciting opportunities to love as they did. We continue their story here in this world.

In mourning loved ones remember that they have entered into the fullness of love and continue this with Jesus eternally in watching over and interceding for us in heaven. This is our faith. We believe that they have now been made whole and perfect in every way. They are saints. Their love continues and our memory of them endures.

At the College we especially remember past students and staff who have died during this month. We pray also for those people who are forgotten or died without love. We pray also that we might continue Jesus’ work in this world and that we use the time we have on the earth well.

I pray that you find peace in this month of remembrance and share that peace with all people. I pray also that reflecting upon these things that you become more aware of the gift that is time – may we all treasure it and use it well.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls  Liturgy Coordinator

Year 12s formally finished their 13 years of schooling on Wednesday 28th October.

The celebrations were different to what has been done for previous year 12 cohorts, but students enjoyed their special day and celebrations.

Year 12 students enjoyed a lunch in homerooms before the formal part of the day got underway.

Students received an academic gown and a graduation sash to formalise the graduation ceremony during the assembly.

The assembly was live streamed across the College and families were able to watch from home.

The Year 12s in their homeroom groups prior to the assembly can be viewed in the following photo gallery 

During the assembly they were moved by speeches from the College Captains, Heidi Bakker and Will Palmer, and musical performances by Hannah Vella and a group of music students.

The formal part of the assembly saw students recognised for their achievements and were presented to the College community as the 2020 graduates. They received a certificate of Year 12 completion and a gift from the College from Mr Michael Exton and Mr Paul Lewis.

The following gallery shows images taken during the Graduation Assembly

Students then completed a Gratitude Walk around the College. The student body across all year levels and staff formed a guard around the school and congratulated the students on their achievements.

So many people worked together in a short amount of time to organise this special day for our Year 12 students.

We wish them all the best for their upcoming exams and the future years ahead.

Ms Kristin Williamson  Year 12 Coordinator

Images taken during the Gratitude Walk around the College

We would like to congratulate Florence Noble on being chosen as the recipient of the 2020 Deakin Young Influencer Award. This award is open to all Year 11 students and Florence was chosen as Saint Ignatius College Geelong’s winner, which is an incredible achievement.

The Deakin Young Influencer Award recognises excellence and celebrates students who are truly motivated to making a positive difference in the world - now and into the future. Deakin believes strongly in acknowledging outstanding students, who stand for the same values that we do. We would like to reward Florence’s efforts and achievements with a $5000 scholarship to support her first year of study at Deakin.

Florence’s willingness to assist and do good shines through in her academic and personal endeavours. Her desire to donate her time to numerous charitable organisations is commendable. Her shared values of community leadership, change advocacy and progressive thinking has enabled her to influence and cause timely change at Saint Ignatius for the betterment of others. Florence challenges preconceived ideas and the status quo and stands up for all that she believes in. She is proactive and innovative and her contributions to society and her school will have a lasting positive impact.

Congratulations Florence, we wish you all the best and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

Alex Simpson  Year 11 Coordinator

In Australia, Reconciliation refers to uniting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. In most cases, it means working together to overcome the division between these two groups. Reconciliation is not a universal change that happens overnight. Rather, it is an ongoing process to achieve practical changes, understanding and justice, one person at a time.

Saint Ignatius College held their inaugural Indigenous Recognition Day on Monday, 19th of October. On this day, we sought to raise awareness for some of the many injustices that Indigenous Australians face in this nation, as well as celebrate the unique cultural heritage of Wada Wurrung country.

Students participated in a number of Indigenous sporting activities, such as marn grook, gorri and arkenne irreme. Many female staff and students also enjoyed weaving dilly bags. Throughout the week, Food Technology classes cooked recipes that incorporated a number of native ingredients, such as lemon myrtle and macadamia nuts.

We are extremely grateful for the support we received from the teachers and student leaders involved in organising this event. We are also grateful for the participation of Sacred Heart College, with whom we worked to coordinate the same event on the same day across both schools. We hope Indigenous Recognition Day will continue in the years to come!

Toby Mew  FIRE Carrier

It has been a very busy two weeks since the last newsletter was published within the VCAL program. Our Year 12 VCAL cohort have officially completed the studies and in order to do so needed to run their projects. As I have mentioned previously the 12VBarry had Mental Health as their chosen area of study and 12VHealy had chosen Domestic Animal Welfare.

The project for Domestic Animal Welfare was a donation appeal, as well as designing and making products for domestic animals. The students were delighted with the support of the College with their initiative. They were able to donate to the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP), which were gratefully received:-

- Handmade chewing toys x 20

- Homemade dog biscuits x 20 packets

- Dog beds x 5

The remaining items have been donated to Geelong Animal Rescue (GAR).

The project for 12Barry surrounding Mental Health was to create resources for the College’s wellbeing team to utilise with students. They were able to create a number of interesting resources including stress balls, stress putty, mindful puzzles and some fabulous written resource folders. The students hosted a morning tea and handed over their products to Tenille and the Wellbeing Team, where they were very gratefully received.

The projects pull together a large range of employability skills such as teamwork, communication, time management and initiative. The students became ‘experts’ in their areas, researched ways to positively contribute and organised the events themselves. This was such a great effort given the remote learning stints that we have had this year. Covid-19 has definitely had an impact but fortunately we were able to get back onsite to complete the major assessments for the Year 12 VCAL students.

A big thank you to all the staff and students at the College for supporting these initiatives, as well as to the VCAL team – in particular Mr Attel Martschinke (PDS teacher) and Mr John Clatworthy (WRS teacher). On behalf of the VCAL team I would like to wish all of our graduating Year 12 VCAL students all of the very best for their futures – whether that is further study, apprenticeships or entering the workforce. We are so proud of all of you and what you have achieved this year.

Kirsty Allan  VCAL Coordinator

Congratulations on completing year 12 at Saint Ignatius College and making it through a year like no other. The challenges you’ve faced are extraordinary and like we keep hearing in the news- unprecedented.

As you’ve been able to rise above the hardships of the year I hope you know that you’ve had the support and backing of a great College community, that offers you a strong foundation for what comes next in your life.

I wish you all the best for what you choose following high school and welcome you into the continuing support of the College through the Alumni association. There may still be uncertainty in your life and the transition from Saint Ignatius can be both daunting and exciting, but know there is a community to help offer advice and connection whenever you need it.

Regards,

Georgia Cowdery  Class of 2009

Old Ignatians Founding Member and College Captain 2009

Hey Class of 2020, congrats on getting through a tough year...And I thought the worst way to spend Year 12 was being a Hawthorn supporter having to put up with Mrs Chidzey gloating about the Cats - but you guys have taken the cake!

Seriously though, my final year at school was quite tough as well with the deaths of a couple of classmates, but it made me the person I am today and also resulted in me forging a lot of strong friendships.

I cannot imagine what this year would have been like, but see it as a learning experience and turn it into a positive - it could be the making of you.

All the best and hopefully see you at a function post Covid!

Nathan Currie  Class of 2009

Television Reporter, Old Ignatians Founding Member and College Captain 2009

Congratulations Year 12s! What an enormous year it has been for you. Not only have you have survived it, but you have shown positivity, resilience and adaptability throughout such a challenging year. All the best for the future and good luck with the next exciting chapter in your lives. Congratulations Class of 2020- You made it!

Bridgette Malone  Class of 2010

College Captain 2010

Farewell to Year 12 and welcome as Saint Ignatius College Alumni: 'Old Ignatians'

VCE coordinator words of support to Year 12 students. 

This year has been full of challenges for the Year 12 students of Saint Ignatius Geelong. For those who have been studying in their final year and those undertaking accelerated unit 3/4 studies the Covid-19 crisis has provided a number of hurdles along the way. Our staff have work tirelessly to provide the best remote learning program for our students to continue to achieve their best. While at times this was hard, our students have demonstrated great resilience in continuing and adjusting to the new environment that they faced. 

There have been a number of set backs and disappointments along the way with the social and fun aspects of their final years study significant altered to that previous years have experienced, but we have all worked together to try and make a lot of them their final year a memorable one. 

With the final weeks counting down to the end of year exams we are continuing to provide valuable feed back and help in our students push to get over the line in what has been, for all of us, a hard year. 

Michael Brown VCE Coordinator

From the Parents and Friends' Association

On behalf of the Parents and Friends Association for Saint Ignatius College, I wish all the Year 12s for 2020, the very best for the upcoming exams – Having a daughter of my own in Year 12, I have been able to witness first hand just how hard this year has been for you all so know that all your efforts throughout the year will pay off. Good luck, and congratulations for surviving a very bizarre year!

Join the Saint Ignatius College 'Old Igantians' Alumni group

What are the Old Ignatians? Former students - make sure you remain in the loop! 

Click on the link below and add your details.

https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.a...

The Semester Two Music Program for Year 7

Our music program has continued in earnest this semester, despite the challenges! During remote learning, the students were able to ‘Zoom’ with their instrumental tutor and engage in the practical content of the course. Students learned to play ‘Hot Cross Buns’, ‘I.D.K’ and ‘Hard Rock Blues’.

Returning to school in term four did not quite go as planned as the COVID safety policy mean that Brass and Woodwind lessons were not able to recommence. This minor set-back did not stop the instrumental staff providing a practical opportunity by way of the Master Class Series.

Students were able to engage in meaningful, musical experiences such as developing further skills with the software ‘Garage Band’, banging out the Queen riff, ‘Smoke on the Water’ on guitar and continuing with tuned and un-tuned percussion activities. Joyfully, the instrumental program has now been given permission to resume with strict safety measures in place.

This means that from Friday, 6th of November, students are expected to bring their instruments to school for their practical lessons. In previous years, the end of the semester marked a celebratory concert to share in the success of the program with family and friends. A video of the classes is instead being created during the last few weeks of school, for all students and their families to enjoy.

Mrs Veronica Marrie

Surprise VET Music performance

Last week the year 8 students were treated to an actual concert!

Students from the VET Music class were rehearsing for their music exam and so to the delight of the students, an impromptu concert was held as the students peered through the window.

It was fabulous to actually see a live performance and It was also very rewarding for the VET music students to hear such enthusiastic applause.

Student Teacher: Ms Teresa Duddy

We are delighted to welcome a new student teacher to the Performing Arts classes. Ms Teresa Duddy is certainly fitting in well with both students and teachers and her expertise in the music world is a real asset with the students.

Teresa is a performer and educator in Opera and Theatre in Australia and abroad. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Arts from the University of Melbourne, a Masters of Opera Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts USA and is currently completing her Masters of Teaching at Deakin University. She is a grant recipient from the Tait Memorial Trust, Opus 50 and the Opera and Arts Support Group.

In addition to performing as a singer and actor, Teresa currently develops and delivers music programs in disadvantaged schools throughout Victoria, leads a number of community choirs, and teaches private voice lessons.

We welcome Teresa to our College and wish her all the best during her stay with us.

Year 10 Music - Outdoors 

Year 10 music students were excited today to be able to rehearse outside with their instruments. I think this will become a regular activity as the students loved entertaining the maintenance staff.

Free Trial Piano Lessons with Mr Montagnese 

Our piano teacher, Adrian Montagnese, will be offering a Free Trial lessons every week until the end of term 4 for anyone who is interested in taking up the piano. In Adrian's lessons, you will have the opportunity to explore many different styles and ultimately, become the musician you aspire to be. Creative piano teaching for today’s teenagers! 

Adrian’s lessons are tailored to suit each individual student & can include:
- Creative Piano teaching in Pop/Contemporary Styles
- AMEB Classical & Leisure exams
- Learn all your favourite Pop songs without books!
- Learn from an active & current Pro Musician in the Australian Music Scene
- Use Drum Machines,Garage Band, Ipad apps,Laptops to create your own original songs
- Learn how to play in a band, ensemble or as a soloist
- Bring your musical ideas to life through the joy of song writing, composing, improvising, jamming.
- You tubers, Singers, Classical heads –This is for you!
If you want to take your music further, then you need to come for a FREE TRIAL lesson.

Please contact Mrs Pape: papel@ignatius.vic.edu.au if you are interested in this great offer.

Instrumental Music and Public Speaking Lessons

Please fill out an instrumental form if you are interested in private lessons for next year. Due to year 12 students ceasing lessons, there are a few vacancies at present for those new students who would like to have a couple of lessons before we break for the holidays. This could be very beneficial to get some practice in before the commencement of 2021.
Forms are available from the front office or from the Performing Arts office.

It has been a very difficult term in terms of performance for our students and I commend them on their understanding of the strict covid rules that have restricted their music making. Hopefully, the next few weeks may see a few
students actually blowing their own trumpets which I believe they truly deserve!

Regards,

Mrs Linda Pape  Performance and Instrumental Co Ordinator

“Music and Arts make a bridge across this world
in ways that nothing else can. “
Julie Andrews.

Teachers (with support from parents, carers and administration staff) have ensured education continues across the country this year, despite major challenges. It’s reinforced the significant role teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families and communities.

On Friday 30th 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 young women and men. 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.

“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”

“Thank you to all the teachers that teach us every day, and an even bigger thank you to all the teachers and principals for all you have done throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, all the tireless hours that you have put in to give us an education even when in lockdown is amazing and I can't thank you enough for this”

“We want to give a massive thanks to all of the teachers we’ve had throughout our time at Saint Ignatius, especially our Year 12 teachers who have provided us with as much support as possible during our crazy final year. All the hard work they have all put in means so much to us!!! We’ll miss you guys”

“I just want to thank all of the Year 7 team for making our transition from primary to secondary school a smooth and easy one. Even with all of the things going on around the world you have been able to push through and still make 2020 a great school year. You guys deserve an award! but it hasn't just been the Year 7 team, it has been a whole school community effort and we thank everyone in this community”

“I would like to say thank you to all teachers. Even though you may have not been able to teach/help everyone, you still made a huge difference in the lives of your students. 2020 has been particularly challenging, and an enormous thanks go to teachers who have kept up the standard of academic learning, while also checking on students wellbeing”

“Thanks so much for everything you do for us, and especially for the extra time and effort you put in to support us during remote learning. It’s much appreciated. Thank you”

Joe McLean  Director of Teacher Development

As part of Mental Health Week, we’re asked students and staff to make a mental health pledge.

It worked like this – Pick a pledge of what you’re going to do for your mental health over the next week.

Below is a chart showing the pledges chosen.

Well done to the College community for committing to ONE THING that week to improve your own or someone else’s mental health. (A special shout out to Sam Windmill and 7 Ricci who had her whole class take this challenge on!)

By committing to one of these pledges, you’ve either fuelled your body with nutrition and oxygen and endorphins, given back to your friends, family or the wider community, or treated your body with the respect and love it deserves.

Well done!

Regards,

The Wellbeing Team

Saint Ignatius College is delighted to present Dr. Justin Coulson of 'Happy Families' in a free webinar on November the 11th at 7.30pm.

Dr. Justin Coulson has a PhD in Psychology, an author of 6 best selling books, a columnist in leading publications and aims to deliver relevant content to parents/students and schools during his 1 hour presentation.

Saint Ignatius College Families are invited to join us via Zoom for this presentation. Please find the zoom link below:

https://professionalspeakersaustralia.zoom.us/j/95480635902.

Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association

Please join us for our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday November 10th at 7.00pm

Zoom meeting details

https://ignatius-vic.zoom.us/j...

Meeting ID: 882 3420 1650

Password: 484274

Annual Fee Raffle

Please help support the PFA by buying a ticket in our Annual Fees Raffle – our biggest fundraiser! Log onto Trybooking to purchase a ticket.

First Prize is College Tuition Fees for 2021

(Fees applicable for youngest child at the College, does not include Digital Technology, VCAL or VET Levies or other extra-curricular activities- Donated by Saint Ignatius College)

2021 Executive Committee

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

A flexible approach to raising kids

This year’s unique challenges have brought a sharper focus on child-rearing styles. Parents who rely one style have often struggled to meet the emotional needs of their children.

Kids who are worried, fearful or fretting about the future initially benefit from a nurturant, empathetic approach. “I get it” is what they want to hear so they feel safe and secure. They also benefit from a firmer approach where an adult communicates“You can cope with this” is something kids need to hear when they experience change, difficulty and disappointment.

This combination of nurturance and firmness is known as an authoritative approach according to Diane Baumrind, a leading researcher on parenting styles. A purely nurturant style is known as a permissive style, while a singularly firm style is known as authoritarian.

Warm cat, firm dog

It’s helpful to use a cat and dog metaphor when discussing the authoritative approach. As dog-owners know these pets are highly relational and respond favorably to attention. The dog style of parenting is empathetic and has an encouraging, relationship building focus. Cats, on the other hand, are usually self-sufficient and can live happily without you. Continuing the metaphor, the cat style of parenting is more likely to challenge kids, better able to manage poor behaviour and provide solid family leadership.

Body language counts

The dog-cat styles are expressed through our non-verbal language – our tone of voice, posture and heads. A cat speaks in a flat, clipped voice using a minimum of words. Their head is still, its body upright and confident. A cat is calm, quiet and in control. A dog, on the other hand, speaks with lots of inflection in their voice. They’ll smile a great deal and lean in when they speak. It’s a warmer more approachable style suited to conversations and building relationships.

Which style do you identify with?

Most people naturally have a preference for one style over the other. If you defer to one then you may have to work a little harder or more consciously to bring the other side to the fore. Many parents working in partnership with each other will share the dogcat loads. One parent is firm in approach, while the other uses a warmer, more personal approach. Sometimes parents switch styles according to the gender or personality of their children. This is quite common as boys have a tendency to bring out the firm cat in their fathers and the warmer, protective dog-side in their mothers.

Conversely, fathers often respond to their daughters in dog-like ways and anecdotally, it seems, many mothers are more naturally cat-like with their daughters. Single parents without the luxury of sharing the parenting will generally need to be flexible and move between the two styles.

Avoid mixed messages

Get your cat and dog wrong and you risk being ineffective and failing to meet either a child’s needs or the needs of a particular situation. If your first response to a child’s difficulty is to be distant and unapproachable, then you are probably not meeting their immediate emotional needs. Your child or young person needs you to be approachable or dog-like when they come to you with genuine concerns. Conversely, approach a child or teen whose behaviour isn’t up to standard with a dog-like approach and you’ll be ignored or not taken seriously, leaving you either angry or deflated.

Flexibility is the key

It’s my experience that it’s possible to move seamlessly between the two modes but it takes awareness and practice. If you naturally default to cat mode, then you may have to put some conscious effort into responding with empathy and nurturance when your child or young person struggles. Alternatively, you may practise dog-like behaviours easily but have to work on your cat side to promote independence and manage your child’s behaviour. In time these switches become automatic as your awareness grows enabling you to adopt new ways of parenting. Your effectiveness and satisfaction levels will increase as you move seamlessly between the cat and dog parenting styles.

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.

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:

Bringing up Great Kids in First 1000 Days: A 5 week program that emphasises the importance of living in a safe nurturing environment.

For program details please see the attached flyer:

There are also a number of free mental health and wellbeing events being offered by the Surf Coast Shire during November see attached flyer for 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/

Athletics Chilwell

Want to run, jump, throw, hurdle, vault or walk? Join Athletics Chilwell. Open Day November 21st from 1pm at Landy Field.

See attached flyer for full details:

South Geelong Netball Association 2021 Rep Trials

South Geelong Netball Association 2021 Rep Trials will be held November 8th and 15th at Grinter Reserve.

For more details see the attached flyer.

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