Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Mosaic Evening
Our annual ‘Mosaic’ evening was a very successful event. It was great to see so many of our school community gathered last night at Costa Hall, Deakin Waterfront Campus, Geelong, to celebrate this year's student learning achievements and our membership of the College community. The impressive student Art & Technology displays commenced at 6.30 pm in the Costa Hall foyer, followed by the celebration evening at 7.00 pm in the main auditorium. I commend the students who received awards, performed, or displayed their art or technology work. The standard was very high, and I am sure the large audience was very impressed. We have received so much positive feedback on this major College function. I was most impressed with how the students rose to the occasion – they shone. Well done! More information will be provided in the following newsletter about the evening.
Parents & Friends Association
The PFA held its Annual General Meeting last Wednesday. It was great to hear that some new parents attended this meeting. And that we have some new office bearers – thank you for taking on these positions!
Thank you to Leanne Dunn, who will continue as President.
Thank you to Nicole Sadler for her service as Secretary. Nicole has handed over to Melissa Cartledge.
Thank you to Julie Castle for taking on the role of Treasurer.
And thank you to the Fundraising coordinator, Julie Penfold.
The Second-hand uniform shop run by the PFA has continued to function over the last while due to the dedicated efforts and time put in by Kate Callaghan. On behalf of the College community, I thank Kate for her excellent service to the College community.
The New House System has been announced.
As you may be aware, we reviewed our pastoral structure last year to see where improvements could be made. As a result, we’ve decided to make some changes from the beginning of next year. We will be introducing a new pastoral care system that is house-based. This will be very exciting and will probably take us three years to fully implement. We won’t get it perfect straight off. Still, if we work together, we will build a stronger school community. Students should feel a greater sense of belonging and be better connected to their College, ultimately leading to a better school experience and learning outcomes.
What will this mean for our students beginning next year? Well, firstly, there will be a new House System. Currently, our houses are named after eminent Sports men and women: Dawn Fraser, Herb Elliot, Don Bradman and Betty Cuthbert. These names were chosen initially because our House system was mainly for sports competitions. However, we now want to broaden the range of activities in which the Houses will participate and compete, including performing arts, social justice, and other such activities. So we have chosen new House names that connect to our ethos and identity and will inspire our school community members Parents and Students will have received an email from Deputy Principal - Students Michael Timms with more details about the four new Houses – Glowery, MacKillop, Ricci and Xavier:
Mary Glowrey was born in Australia and was a gifted medical doctor and religious sister who was passionate about the role of women in medicine.
Mary MacKillop was born in Australia and was an educator, pioneer, and leader who had compassion for others regardless of their situation or race. Galvanised by her belief in the value of education as the foundation for a fulfilling life, Mary's motto was 'never see a need without doing something about it'.
Matteo Ricci was an Italian Jesuit missionary to China who brought his mathematical and astronomical knowledge to China and adapted to Chinese culture.
St Francis Xavier was born in Spain and was one of the first Jesuits and one of the most prolific missionaries in Roman Catholic history. He was instrumental in establishing Christianity in India, the Malay Archipelago, and Japan. Modern scholars estimate that he baptised some 30,000 converts during his lifetime.
You would already be aware of our Mentor Time that we have been trialling this year. This will continue from the beginning of next year, and Homeroom Teachers will be known as Mentor Teachers. At Years 7 to 9, the structure will be the same as it is currently. However, it will be different for Years 10, 11 and 12. Mentor groups will be vertical; by that, I mean each will contain some Year 10, 11 and 12 students from the same House. Instead of Year-level coordinators, there will be House Leaders. What we are endeavouring to do at the senior end of the school is to create a better environment where each student is better known and cared for. In the senior school, students will stay in the same Mentor Group for Years 10, 11 and 12 and hopefully will have the same Mentor Teacher who will get to know them far better because they have them over the three years.
A range of new House-based activities will be implemented over the next three years to hopefully build House spirit and each student’s sense of belonging and connectedness to their school. They will better get to know the other students and teachers in their House group.
So, stay tuned. We will continue to work on these changes being put in place, and more information will be provided to you during the remainder of the year and early next year.
Michael Exton
Principal
Student leadership appointments for 2023 have now all been finalised. Congratulations to all students appointed to these positions. I would like to thank all (staff and current student leaders) who helped with the process of appointment, students who made an application and to those in the College community who encouraged students to apply.
2023 student leaders will gather at the end of this term on a date to be confirmed for the annual student leadership conference.
The outgoing Year 12 student leaders ought to be commended on their contribution to the College. They have been instrumental in building a culture of leadership focused on the needs of others.
A special thank you to Ms. Robyn Frigo who acted as Student Leadership Development Coordinator in term 3 whilst I was on long service leave.
Anthony Gravener | Student Leadership Development Coordinator
The season of Christmas is fast approaching, and although this time of year is filled with celebration, joy and advent, some members of our community are still in need of basic necessities this Christmas.
Together as a College Community we come again this year to donate items for our annual Christmas Hamper Appeal, to raise goods which will be compiled into hampers to be distributed to vulnerable members of our local as well as the Christ Church Meals Program.
We ask that your child refer to the attached poster in their Homeroom to see what they have been asked to donate. All donated items can be bought into your homeroom and placed into tubs found in all homerooms, which will be collected and created into hampers on Friday 25 November.
On behalf of the College Community and those struggling this Christmas season, I would like to say thank you in advance for supporting this heartwarming cause.
Christmas Hamper Appeal poster
Thank you.
Erika Slevin | Justice Captain 2022.
We would like to congratulate Erika Slevin on being chosen as the recipient of the 2022 Deakin Young Influencer Award. This award is open to all Year 11 students and Erika was selected 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 make 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. The University has rewarded Erika’s efforts and achievements with a $5000 scholarship to support their first year of study at Deakin in 2024.
Erika has been awarded the Deakin Young Influencer Award in recognition of her commitment to volunteer work at the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary and Vinnies Op Shop, where she has shared knowledge with peers and engaged with her local community. As the Social Justice Captain, Erika has organised events and activities while demonstrating leadership, teamwork and collaboration. Through these efforts, she has raised money and awareness for a variety of international, national and global challenges. Sustainability, inclusion and excellence are all values Deakin seeks to uphold and we commend Erika for her commitment to them.
Congratulations Erika, we wish you all the best and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Alex Simpson | Year 11 Coordinator
Please click here for the latest update on the Mackillop Senior Centre.
On Tuesday evening November 8, Lucas Robertson was awarded the Silver medal for his achievement in the recent Regional World Skills Competition. In addition to his VCE subjects of; English, Further Mathematics, Physical Education, Food Technology and Religious Education (School-based), Lucas undertook the Certificate II in Kitchen Operations at The Gordon TAFE. This was the subject that provided Lucas with the opportunity to compete against his peers in an Adult Learning environment.
Competitors who do well at a Regional Competition are invited to compete at the National Championships, where tens of thousands of spectators watch Australia’s best trades and skills talent compete. From there, you may even be asked to join the Skills Squad, where you’ll have the opportunity to travel internationally and test yourself against the best trades and skills talent in the world. A fantastic experience and certainly great for the Resume !!
WorldSkills Australia has been in operation for over 40 years and facilitates the opportunity for young Australians to have access to Vocational Education and Training (VET) that measures up on an international stage. World Skills is acutely aware that skills and trades are critical for building thriving economies, productive communities and confident young people.
Mr Bruce Connor | Work & Further Education Coordinator
Members of the Saint Ignatius College Community are invited to purchase discounted tickets ($30) to the Parents and Friends Christmas Lights Evening at Adventure Park, Geelong on Wednesday the 30th of November, 2022.
Enjoy a night under the sparkle of Christmas lights with the Saint Ignatius College Community.Purchase your tickets via the below link;https://www.trybooking.com/CEHXI
Saint Ignatius College is delighted to present this limited sponsorship opportunity to the College Community.
College families, alumni, and members of the College Community are invited to 'purchase a piano key,' with all money raised going towards the purchasing of a new piano.
Sponsors names to be displayed on an honour board, on our College website, and on our social media channels.There are only 88 keys on a piano, so don't leave it too late!
This is a great opportunity for a lasting contribution to our College.
https://www.trybooking.com/CCXIU
Ms Elana Cole | Development Manager
W/C 21/11/22
21st: E.Musella, NEEDED
22nd: L.Hart, M.Hiemstra.
23rd: E.Savage, NEEDED.
24th: M.White, NEEDED.
25th: E.Stokie, NEEDED.
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W/C 28/11/22
28th: B.Rees, K.Allchin.
29th: J.Johnson, L.Mew
30th: M.Jackson, C.Ford
1st: K.James, M.White.
2nd: J.Rogers, NEEDED
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If you are able to assist on the above mentioned dates, please contact Canteen Manager Mrs. Sandra Woodall on woodalls@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Volunteers must hold a current WWCC. New volunteers must fill out the form provided via the link below.
Mrs. Sandra Woodall.
Canteen Manager.