Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Saint Ignatius College community members,
This is the second last newsletter for 2020. The last day of classes for Years 7-11 students will be Friday 4th December. It will be a very busy time over the next couple of weeks as students complete their final assessment tasks. Also, Years 9 -11 students sit their exams. To ensure they finish the school year on a positive note, our students need to focus on their schoolwork and adopt an organised approach right through to their last day.
Following the exams, the Year 11 students will undertake a “Kick Start” program commencing on Friday 27th November. This program provides an introduction to Year 12 subjects, and it is expected that all returning students participate. The teachers will set some follow-up work to be done over the holiday period so the Year 12 students can launch straight into their courses at the beginning of the new school year.
Due to the pandemic restrictions, we are unable to hold our annual College community celebration evening, Mosaic, as we usually would. Instead, we have pre-recorded this event. Students will watch this during the afternoon of November 26 in their Homeroom Groups. Awards for Yrs 7 – 11 students will be presented by the teacher supervising the class at the appropriate time during the Mosaic video. A link will be sent via email to parents so families can view this year’s Mosaic at home when it suits.
The PFA provides a vital and much-appreciated service to the school community. This group of generous volunteer parents provide social and fundraising events and support College events and the second-hand uniform shop. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the PFA’s activity has been restricted this year. Thank you to the PFA members whose work supports all students at the College.
The PFA held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 10th November 2020 via Zoom. On behalf of the College Community, I extend my gratitude to the 2020 officeholders and congratulations to those appointed for 2021.
President: 2020 Sandi Clark and 2021 Leanne Riley
Secretary: 2020 Cathy Dykes and 2021 Nicole Sadler
Treasurer: 2020 Peter McInerney and 2021 Peter McInerney
Board Rep.: 2020 Bernard Lewis and 2021 Bernard Lewis
Uniform Shop Coord.: 2020 Sandi Clark and 2021 Kate Callaghan
Several long-serving PFA members will be finishing up at the end of this year. I thank them for their generous contribution.
Now that the new office bearers are in place, I encourage all parents to consider “stepping up and backing up” the new team for 2021 – please consider joining the PFA and attend the first meeting next year. The date and time of this meeting will be publicised in next year’s newsletter.
The City of Greater Geelong has written to the Principals of schools located at Peninsula Drive, Drysdale to ask the following reminder about traffic movement be provided to their school communities.
To remind drivers to keep moving and improve parking options we arranged for the following works:
Either:
Children may walk/ride to and from these locations:
To encourage more people to walk and cycle to and from school we will also be moving the flagged Children Crossing from McKiernan St to Reserve Rd, now that there is a zebra crossing on McKiernan St.
Thank you and best wishes
Michael Exton Principal
As I write this article there is much happening at the College. The year is wrapping up and our students are preparing for the remaining weeks and looking forward to the final day of school.
Currently our Year 12 students are well into completing their final exams, our Year 11 students have completed a number of their exams and our Year 10 students are about to begin their exams. Before long the school will again be empty. This time the reason is a positive one and not related to the pandemic. On the 4th of December our students finish their year and head off on their summer holidays. The freedom and carefree nature of the long summer break is something longed for and greatly enjoyed by the students after another year of study and deadlines.
Our Year 12 students leave for the next stage of their pilgrimage. The new experiences and communities they will be part of for the next stage of learning will continue their education and give them insights about who they hope to be. Their formation does not end when they leave our College and we believe all of the formation they experienced as a student guides their future choices and vision of their future.
Regardless of whether a student is looking forward to their orientation day at Saint Ignatius College and the end of their primary schooling or a senior student who is looking forward to the opportunities their VCAL or VCE program will offer, our students illustrate a desire for new life. Their journey mirrors our faith story.
Life is a pilgrimage. There are moments of beauty and joy, and moments of challenge and fear. Although our life’s journey is unique we all move forward due to the choices we make. As we journey we often walk with others. There are times when these companionships are long lasting and vitally important to our journey. There are other relationships that are seasonal and reoccurring. As our students move into the future the companions they walk with are important supporters and guides as they journey onward. Surrounding oneself with positive likeminded allies is key to a future in which we flourish.
Our faith also reminds us that there is always hope and new life. Hope is a choice. When we encounter a challenge or reach an ending a decision must be made about how the future is viewed. Although the future offers many unknowns our faith prompts us to view the future as a wonderful new beginning. From what has passed we move into future full of hope and endless possibilities.
As we consider what the future will bring and what may be achieved we should pause to consider what has passed and all of the challenges that we have overcome. This COVID interrupted year has certainly offered many obstacles. By reflecting on the year we can consider how we grew in character and how we were able to overcome adversity through our belief in hope and our life’s pilgrim journey. Embrace and savour the good that has come from 2020 and look forward to an year of endless possibilities.
As our students prepare to finish the 2020 academic year we are confident that the future offers many amazing opportunities and that what is to come is to be desired and explored with great vigor. The new year will bring new life in a myriad of ways – enjoy!
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
We, the Saint Ignatius College community, acknowledge that we stand on what was, is and always will be, Aboriginal land. We pay our respects to the Waddawurrung people of the Kulin nation, past and present.
NAIDOC Week acknowledges and celebrates that our nation’s story didn’t begin with documented European contact whether in 1770 or 1606 - with the arrival of the Dutch on the western coast of the Cape York Peninsula.
The very first footprints on this continent were those belonging to First Nations peoples.
NAIDOC 2020 invites all Australians to embrace the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations.
Our College celebrated this important Indigenous Week in Personal Learning classes by understanding the history, struggles and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and creating an ILC display of artwork which symbolizes the Rainbow Serpent of the Dreamtime whilst the figure inside the shape of Australia is a representation of Indigenous Australians showing that this country - since the dawn of time - Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land. There was also an ILC quiz, prayers that focused on reconciliation and healing, and student leaders wearing t-shirts to facilitate conversations about this year’s theme.
The highlight was a memorial service on Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11 led by FIRE carrier and 2021 Justice Captain, Toby Mew. Ms Wood and 7 Ward created Indigenous crosses symbolizing our Aboriginal war veterans and Year 8 students researched the names of these men who fought for their country in WW1 and WW2 and were forgotten.
We remembered them by placing their named cross in our memorial garden and paying homage to the sacrifice they made despite the fact that their efforts and service were not recognized by our Government. At lunchtime, students were invited to read their story and tie ribbons on the railing around the garden as a gesture of solidarity and respect.
Below is one Indigenous story that Toby shared in his speech:
William Allan Irwin of the Gamilaraay Nation was one of these heroic Indigenous servicemen.
He enlisted to serve in WW1 in 1916 and travelled to Europe with the 33rd battalion. He was described by his family as being a “crack rifleman” determined to fight for his country.
Irwin played a major role in the Battle of Messines and was part of the successful defence of a French province. In each of these battles, Irwin was evacuated to England with serious shrapnel and bullet wounds. On each of these occasions, Irwin returned to the battlefield as quickly as he could.
Advancing though the Western Front, during the Battle of Mont St Quentin, the 33rd battalion became pinned down by machine guns at an area known as Road Wood.
William Irwin’s commanding officer had this to say about him: “Single handed and in the face of extremely heavy fore, Private Irwin rushed three separate gun posts and captured three guns and crews. It was whilst rushing a fourth machine gun that he was severely wounded.”
Irwin did not survive to tell the tale. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry, the first Indigenous person to receive such an award.
Lest We Forget.
Congratulations and sincerest thanks to the many people involved in our celebration. As a staff FIRE carrier, I felt very proud of our students’ desire to ensure the truth about our history is told and to share stories that reflect the significant contribution Indigenous people have made in war service, literature, science, music, sport and the arts. People like Anita Heiss, Bruce Pascoe, Stan Grant, Marcia Langton, A.P. Elkin, Christine Anu, Jessica Mauboy, Emily Wurramara, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Adam Goodes, Lionel Rose, Nova Peris, Albert Namitjira, Browyn Bancroft, Richard Bell and Clifford Possum Tjapeltjarri to name a few.
May our future be one of shared understanding and healing.
Deb Hodge FIRE carrier and ATSI committee member
On Tuesday the 10th of November the Year 11 VCAL students of Saint Ignatius College held an awareness day for people with disabilities but it wasn't just to raise money.
This day was held to help inform the younger generation about seeing the person and not their disabilities, whether it be a physical or intellectual disability.
Each student in Year 11 VCAL had to come up with an idea that helped to highlight what it would be like to have a disability. All activities were very diverse and they all had their own way to help educate the younger students about a range of disabilities.
For example, some VCAL students held a soccer shoot out where the kicker had to use their opposite leg to shoot a goal, each participant had 3 chances to kick the ball into the goals.
Another group held a one handed basketball competition where the participant had to try and get the basketball into the hoop in 4 trials.
There was also an information booth where students could go and receive more in depth information about what this day really is about and why we held it. Finally we had some VCAL female students bake some cupcakes as well as selling individual lolly bags (covid safe).
As a general statement the whole day turned out to be eventful and informative. The money that has been raised will be going towards the Melaluka Appeal which is raising funds to complete much needed landscaping in their purpose built respite house, including a sensory garden.
Melaluka opened in 2012, this centre caters to five individuals at any one time whose families seek respite from their caregiving role – a role that can be highly demanding and stressful. Respite care for loved ones provides short-term breaks for caregivers that can relieve their stress, renew their energy and restore a sense of balance to their lives. It also provides a period of freedom from caregiving duties, while loved ones continue to receive the care they require in a safe, caring and professional environment.
Congratulations to Lochie Philp (12 Healy) winning the 2020 GISSA Golf Championship - Stableford Division on Friday 13th November at Curlewis Golf Club.
In windy conditions Lochie posted 43 points, two points ahead of Kardinia College’s Josh Rhodes with 41 points.
Andrew Adam (10 Morse) was runner-up in the Stroke event shooting an impressive 78, only two shots from the eventual winner Ben Waterson from St Joseph’s College Geelong. Other Saint Ignatius results included Luke Adam, Gross 83 – Net 74 and Alexander Quirk, 23 points.
Andrew Philp Sports Coordinator
Picture below: Lochie Philp, Andrew Adam, Luke Adam, Thomas Ray and Alexander Quirk
Late in June several senior students approached the Student Representative Council (SRC) to express their concern around the mental health of young people. They were particularly concerned about the mental health of young males. The conversation was difficult but critical and extended for a few meetings into Term 3.
The SRC has several functions and I believe in this instance it acted as a springboard into action for these students. The students were compelled to take action and decided to participate in the Black Dog Institute fundraiser, ‘Mullets for Mental Health’.
The Black Dog Institute is the “only research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, (our) aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone”
More information on the Black Dog Institute can be found at:
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/about/
Several students created the team, SICG Mullets for Mental Health, and at the time of writing had raised $11 848.
Participants were Caine Gale, Marcus Vaughan, Elliot Crowther, Luke Lawson, Danielle Eastwood, Nic Nadile, Louis Walter, Nic Ash, Fletch Byron, Mitch Arumets, Connor Woods, Jesse Hart, Bailey Mitrovski, Will Palmer, Daniel Fragapane, Riley Molloy, Tyson Henry, Emily Seear, Oscar Cutajar, Charles Ritchie, Kaidyn Henry, Abbey Maffescioni, Harry James, Ben Miles and Jacob Irwin.
Thank you to all who have supported the team and the cause to date.
The link below is still open if you are interested in supporting the students and the cause.
www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundra...
Anthony Gravener Student Leadership Development Coordinator
Our Year 10 Physical Education students have been enjoying the sunshine these last two weeks by heading to Ocean Grove for surfing lessons.
Given the circumstances that we have encountered this year, it is great to still be able to allow our Saint Ignatius students some of the regular physical activities that we conduct each year.
For quite a few of our Year 10 cohort, surfing is something that many of them are very familiar with, and it is great to see them impart their knowledge and skills onto their peers who perhaps have not had an opportunity to surf up until now.
The smiles on the faces of those both the new and old to surfing was a highlight. Surfing was one of many lifestyle sports we try to introduce our Year 10 students to each year.
Thanks to our Year 10 Physical Education teachers for their organisation and support and most importantly to Bec Lamperd and her team at Surf Sessions who conducted our sessions for us in a covid safe manner.
Jason Broadbear Health and PE Leader
The third and final round of the JSP debating competition took place on the 22nd October via Zoom.
Year 7 student Georgia Neicho, and Year 8 students Curtis McCoughtry and Max Craven once again lined up to match their wits and oratory skills against Haileybury College. Taking the affirmative position on the topic, ‘That we should incentivise people to relocate to the country’, the team was feeling confident after their victory in Round Two.
Our Junior Debating team (from left to right) Curtis McCoughtry, Max Craven and Georgia Neicho
Georgia opened the debate with a stirring appeal to national pride and how it is inextricably linked to the physical landscape. With careful articulation of the team split, Georgia established a solid foundation for the rest of the debate.
Curtis began his speech with strong rebuttal of the opposition’s arguments before insisting that a country lifestyle has universal appeal, citing the proliferation of farmers’ markets, food and flower festivals as evidence. His delivery was both polished and personable.
Max closed the debate with his own powerful rebuttal, cleverly dismantling the opposition’s case with humour and charm. Despite this convincing performance, Saint Ignatius College was defeated by the narrowest of margins.
The team should be very proud of its amazing effort this year in challenging circumstances. All members grew in confidence as the season progressed and will surely build on this valuable experience to realise their full potential as debaters in future years.
Mr Michael Tod Junior Debating Coordinator
Some more Wellbeing Tips for Term 4!
These Wellbeing tips are all about Embracing Change and Exam Preparation!
It is now getting to the pointy end of term, and you may be feeling a little bit uncertain about what is to come as we end the year and head into 2021. This year we have had to deal with a great deal of change. Change can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it also builds resilience. After all… “Change is the only constant in life” - Heraclitus.
One thing that can help us to feel secure during times of change, is to ground ourselves with things we already know and are familiar with.
In the next few weeks, we challenge you to get back to grass roots. Maybe you have friends you haven’t spoken to for a while, or a relative you haven’t called for some time. Perhaps you have put off a hobby that you usually like doing like skating, surfing, horse riding or swimming. Try to pick one thing you would like to do that may have fallen off your radar whilst we have been preoccupied trying to just get through the year.
Stop, slow down, and focus on the now.
Let’s enjoy this time, rather than rushing to the finish line
That’s right, it is getting to the pointy end of term!
Over the next few weeks, you might be experiencing a range of emotions including excitement, uncertainty, stress, and relief. All of these are normal and okay, even though some of them might feel unpleasant!
We wanted to send you some helpful tips and tricks to best tackle your exams:
⁃ Start preparing early. It is simple - The more prepared you are, the less stressed you will be.
⁃ Try to think positively. We know it can be hard, but when you tell yourself ‘I am capable’ or ‘I can do this’, it gives you confidence
⁃ Sleep! Cramming may seem appealing, but it won’t do you any good. Try to best manage your time to study during the day, and get at least 8 hours of sleep during the night.
⁃ Breathe, it’s free! As you head into your exam, take a deep breath. This will help to calm your mind and your body, allowing you to focus more clearly on your exam and feel more in control.
⁃ Make sure you are eating well. This will ensure you have enough energy to concentrate. Try to avoid sugary foods or energy drinks before your exam.
⁃ Get everything ready and packed the night before. This will allow you to have a more relaxed morning knowing that everything is ready for you.
Please know our team are here for you to support, so if you feel like a chat, please get in touch with us via the wellbeing email.
Thanks!
From the Student Wellbeing Team
Tenille, Mel, Sally and Liv
St. Ignatius Loyola's Examen is an opportunity for peaceful daily reflective prayer. It invites us to find the movement of God in all the people and events of our day. The Examen is simply a set of introspective prompts for you to follow or adapt to your own character and spirit.
The following video, created by the 2020 Senior Environments Portfolio Captains, takes us through the Saint Ignatius College Ecological Examen.
The Ecological Examen asks us to reflect on our personal relationship with creation, to acknowledge and amend our ways and to promote ecological justice by standing in solidarity with those most impacted by environmental harm.
Our AGM was held on Tuesday 10th November and was well attended, albeit via Zoom!
A huge congratulations to the Executive Team for 2021:
Leanne Riley, President
Peter McInerney, remaining as Treasurer
Nicole Sadler, Secretary
We are still looking for a Vice President, so if you are interested in joining the team, please email: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au
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)
Stays safe and look out for one another.
Regards
Sandi Clark (outgoing President)
Parents and Friends' Association
This has been a tough parenting year. On a personal level it’s been challenging, but when you add the extra difficulty of helping children and young people navigate this year, you’d be forgiven for feeling like you’ve had enough.
It’s timely to look at US-based academic Dr. Brene’ Brown’s research that informed her book The Gift of Imperfect Parenting. Brown’s core finding was that the best parenting strategies rely on modelling for them to be adopted by children. That’s a little scary as it means we need to be the adults that we want to our kids to become.
There is great power in kids watching us practise how we manage hardships, frustrations and difficulties. Whether we use selfkindness or self-put downs, either will leave an impression on our kids. Not only do they see how we react when we stumble or make mistakes, but we give them permission to act in the same ways.
If you’re a goal-oriented type of person, highly-judgemental or someone who likes to get things done, then self-kindness can be difficult to befriend. It goes against the grain to laugh at your mistakes or miss a deadline, even though it won’t be the end of the world as you know it. If you recognise this type of rigid approach then it may be time let go of some old ways. Inflexibility is the enemy of healthy wellbeing, which thrives on adaptability and self-forgiveness.
Giving a child or young person insight into your thinking is a powerful parenting strategy. Sharing your struggles and mess ups with kids in age-appropriate ways takes vulnerability and promotes empathy. It takes courage to share a comment such as, “I keep putting myself down, which is not helpful. I’ve got to talk to myself as if I’m talking to someone I love.” Disclosing this type of self-talk is only useful if it’s done in a safe, matter of fact way and a child is comfortable with the message.
Self-kindness means acting compassionately toward yourself when you are struggling to meet your own expectations, meeting with unexpected difficulties and/or met with failure. It’s time to drop the stiff upper lip, put aside the strict schedule and stop berating yourself. Instead say to yourself, “This is really tough right now. How can I take some comfort and look after myself?” This is a message worth modelling particularly, if you are living with a perfectionist or a child with tendencies toward anxiety.
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:
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:
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