Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong community members,

Annual House Swimming Carnival

This event will be held next week on Thursday 24^th February at Kardinia Pool, Geelong.

As a result of last year’s review of our House Sports Carnivals, some significant changes have been made to the ways we approach and run this year’s swimming carnival.

Why?

We want to reset the culture with a long-term view to:

• increase the number of students competing;
• enhance House Spirit;
• enhance student connection to the College;
• build a stronger College swim team; and
• celebrate student achievement in the swimming area.

How?

We will change from a full-school fun social day at the pool with some students competing to:

• compulsory for Years 7 & 8 only;
• years 9 to 12 students can register to compete voluntarily;
• competitors will wear College approved swimming attire;
• years 7 & 8 students expected to compete if they can and undertake a separate swim test;
• years 9 to 12 students not swimming to remain at school for their usual classes; and
• enhanced involvement of senior student leaders to organise the carnival and encourage House spirit.

What?

Our Sports Coordinator, Mr Andrew Philp, will provide details about the carnival via Operoo.

A parent permission letter will be sent via Operoo to all Year 7 & 8 families and those that have registered for events from other year levels.

Swimming is an important part of our Australian and our local lifestyles. Most students will have undertaken swimming lessons during their primary school years. We want to build on this to support a healthy lifestyle and provide the opportunity for talented swimmers to progress to higher levels of competition. I encourage parents to discuss with their daughters or sons the value of participating in the carnival if they can.

I am looking forward to next Thursday’s carnival setting the scene for building our swimming program into the future. Parents are welcome to attend the carnival and will need to follow Kardinia Pool’s COVID regulations upon entry.

Open Afternoons & Yr 7 2023 enrolment applications

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be offering our usual Sunday Open Day for 2022. However, the good news is we will be running a series of tours and information sessions for visitors in late-term one and early term two before the Yr. 7 2023 enrolment applications close on May 6, 2022.

The pandemic has impacted how we can provide access to the College for prospective parents and students, and members of the public to meet our wonderful students, professional staff, learn about the programs and opportunities we offer and view our developing facilities.

Guided Tours will be conducted on three afternoons. (See below)

Two timeslots will be available each afternoon for visitors to select from using our online booking system. The link is available on our College website.

Each timeslot will be about 1.5 hours in duration and comprise a brief information session followed by a tour. The information sessions will take about 30 minutes and include presentations by the Principal, Year 7 Coordinator and some students and will be held in our impressive new Multi-purpose Centre. The tours will run for approximately 50 minutes and be led by teachers and some students. (Viewing the campus will be as a member of a tour group only).

The schedule for the Guided Tours each day offered is:

Session One - 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Session Two - 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

The dates are:

Please note that the closing date for Year 7 2023 applications is Friday 6^th May 2022. Online application forms are available on our website under ‘Enrolment.’ We have changed from paper to digital forms.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Registrar, Ms Gail Myers (P: 03 5251 1136 or E: registrar@ignatius.vic.edu.au)

Our visitors have commented so positively about our young women and men who act as tour guides and helpers in previous years. We will need some students to help with the tours again this year. Having students present in uniform and interacting with our visitors is indeed a significant way visitors get a feel for the College. I am very confident that they will be excellent ambassadors for their school. Please encourage your daughter or son to put their name forward when they receive an email calling for volunteers from our Development Manager, Ms Elana Cole.

Thank you & best wishes for the next two weeks,

Michael Exton
Principal

Jesuit or Ignatian?

Saint Ignatius College Geelong – a Jesuit Companion school

Are we Jesuit or are we Ignatian?

The Jesuits

https://jesuit.org.au/about/our-story/

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the Jesuit religious order in 1534.

Ignatian spirituality

https://jesuit.org.au/spirituality/what-is-ignatian-spirituality/

“Ignatian” = ideas, principles etc BEFORE St Ignatius formed the Religious Order of the Jesuit priests.

“Jesuit” = ideas, principles etc AFTER St Ignatius formed the Religious Order of the Jesuit priests. 

In reality: interchangeable.

Jesuit Schools and other Jesuit Ministries (Australian)

https://jesuit.org.au/ministries/

Naturally as a Jesuit Companion School the significant ministry in secondary education by the Jesuits is well Known to us.

However the Jesuits, all around the world, are involved in many other works, such as, Jesuit Refugee Service, Jesuit Social Services, Jesuit Mission, Universities, Colleges of Spirituality, as well as Jesuit Formation and in parishes.

The Ignatian Year May 20, 2021 to July 31, 2022

With blessing and best wishes,
Paul Lewis
Deputy Principal – Staff, Identity and Operations

As we settle into the new school year we notice that so many things have changed. Students and teachers observe changes easily as in many cases it has been months since we encountered one another. The College grounds have evolved as have may aspects of the courses taught in classrooms. The world around us is everchanging. Gradually the seasons, our lives, our relationships and our community perpetually change. Because of these things, the formation our students receive at the College is the most valuable learning that occurs during their time at Saint Ignatius College. The foundational and most important learning that our students receive is that our God is constant and does not change.

No matter who we are, what we have done or how we might reject His offer of friendship and endless love God is ever faithful. In a world where truth may seem flexible or relative, God’s truth is enduring and dependable. I offer you four truths about our God for you to contemplate over the coming fortnight as we move toward the season of Lent.

Eternal – Our God existed before time began and he will exist when time no longer does. Therefore, God is everything. We share in his eternal nature and have existed in his love from the beginning and will return to continue our eternal lives in his presence when our earthly lives end.

But as humans we experience life as it is now. Our temporal lives, as Jesus’ was, are full of big moments and the ordinary, times of joy and also moments of challenge and sadness. We experience the pressures of daily life and as we gain wisdom, become content with valuing each moment. For many it takes a lifetime to become aware of the present and understand that the moment you experience now is all that is truly real.

Yet God exists beyond the present and he chooses to encounter you in this, and every moment. There is nowhere you can go in time or space where God is distanced from you. Even when we choose to ignore his love or chose our will over his we can separate ourselves but paradoxically are not distanced from God in anyway. God is eternal and perfect.

I am who I am – When God revealed his name to us via Moses he also revealed who we are. God is the creator who is revealed in the complexity and perfection nature. God created all things. God’s desire to create a universe out of love for us and who gives us free will offers us a glimpse into the almost unimaginable perfect love he has for us. In knowing these things we also gain insight into who we are created to be and how much we can grow each day. When we are asked who we are we can truly answer “I am who I am”; that is enough.

Loved – You are loved. In this life you will never truly understand how love you are. His love is more amazing than anything you can experience from others. It is limitless and without any reservation. The intimacy of God’s love is unfathomable. He knitted you together in your mother’s womb. You were created perfectly, God does not make mistakes, you are perfect and if you live in his love will fulfil your unique and vital role in the world.

Your vocation is not however related to your skills, intelligence or education; as important as these things are. Your vocation is to love. Learning how to love as God does relies on faith. Becoming able to forgive and be merciful means that you need to become like God in your nature. Your greatest gift is the ability to love and your life’s work is to savour the love God offers you and to imitate him each day.

True North – God’s spirit lives within you. The Holy Spirit is the giver of life in every way. The Spirit was gifted to you when you were created and guides your heart throughout your life. It is your greatest teacher and if you live in harmony with its movements your heart will be softened and your ability to choose the better option will transform the world.

The Spirit is like the needle of a compass. It doesn’t matter where you are, what you have done or disconnected you may feel from God in a given moment, the Spirit will always guide you home. The secret to noticing the subtle movement of this compass is to rest a while and quietly observe what is being revealed.

Forgiven – In our modern world the concept of sin is unpalatable. It takes courage to admit to ourselves that we sometimes choose our will over God’s. It’s hard enough for most people to admit that they have made a mistake in their daily lives, let alone admit that through their own choice and personal desires they chose what they wanted because of their ego, hurt or weakness.

Yet God forgives you of all things. As humans we feel shame or guilt when our conscience prompts us. Rather than bask in in the loving mercy of God we often hide and ignore the grace of God. Being humble and grateful for a gift that by rights we may not deserve perplexes us so all too often we try to rationalise our choice and mask the movement of our conscience. Understanding this endless empathy and compassion can only be achieved by accepting that God’s only desire is to love you so that you can understand his reason for creating you.

When you learn to love as God does you cannot make a mistake. When you forgive as he does you are acting out the most noble and holy virtue you have been graced with. Be valiant; to forgive though we first must be forgiven. Be brave and accept this grace. Our world depends on your courage!

Our God does not change. This is true. He offers us the opportunity to change each day. More so, each moment presents us with the opportunity to be transformed. Our God is personal, he is eternal, his Spirit guides you in all things, you are forgiven and you are loved.

As the year moves on consider who God is, evaluate your relationship with him and reflect upon how you encounter the world each day in his image.

I wish you God’s true and endless gifts: joy and love.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls
Liturgy Coordinator

An exciting new initiative that has been progressively developed over the past twelve months is the Student Effective Learning Formation (SELF) framework. This was formally launched at the start of this year with the students and staff. The SELF framework demonstrates the College’s mission, vision, Ignatian Education and Victorian Curriculum Capabilities that are all an integral part of teaching and learning at our College. Capitalising on latest research, feedback from students, teachers and parent voices in 2021, a new framework has been established. It is an ideal time to focus on the ‘Learner’ for 2022 and to reintroduce the learning expectations given the interruptions to effective learning over the past two years.

SELF comprises of six key pillars, each of which connects our students to their own learning. It is within these pillars that guides and supports our students to be effective learners. The SELF framework serves as a reminder that each of us has a significant part to play in the formation of each young learner. The reflection and action for students, teachers and parent/carers are important connections as part of incorporating SELF into ongoing learning.

Positive role modelling is a powerful teaching tool and when students see new skills in action, it can help them learn that skill more effectively. As students, teachers and parent/carers we need to look for opportunities to implement SELF into learning, lessons, study, conversations and support at home.

Scheduled time has been set aside to implement SELF into the College for 2022. All students in the first week of school were introduced to the SELF framework, SELF capabilities and the online student support SELF LibGuide. Year 7 and 8 students will further use SELF in their Cura Personalis class on a Wednesday. All teaching staff will participate in SELF professional learning time twice a term and in our teaching SELF will be part of Canvass.

SELF capabilities outlines the growth and formation of our students as effective learners through their journey at Saint Ignatius College.

Year 7 & 8 – Evolving

Year 9 & 10 – Embedding

Year 11 & 12 – Excelling

The SELF capabilities assist students in identifying their existing strengths as well as areas that need to be strengthened. This will enable students to identify their own learning priorities and goals through a conversation with their teacher and through self-reflection. Each of the pillars and their capabilities will be reported on via the semester reports.

It is clear that while we need to be acutely mindful of the present, we also need to be responsive of the dynamism of the times and to focus on best practices in supporting student learning. SELF is a framework aimed at supporting students in this ever changing climate.

Further information outlining the SELF Framework can be located on the College website: https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.au/learning/self

We look forward to the gains this new framework will bring to the College in the years ahead.

Joe McLean
Director of Teacher Development

Saint Ignatius College is proudly a Happy Families School and as such College families are invited to join the webinar titled ‘The Teenage Brain’ with renowned psychologist Dr. Justin Coulson at 7.30pm on Monday the 28^th of February, 2022.

This webinar will cover the following information.

For some of us, raising teens tests us in new ways we could never have imagined. They’re not bad kids (usually...). But they’re experiencing life in new ways, and they really want their space. They want their friends. They want their independence. And... they mostly want it NOW. But there are things we can do to make this transition to adulthood delightful. There are important developmental realities that teens grow through. Being aware of them, and how the teenage brain works, can make raising them on their transition to adulthood delightful. We can harness our teen’s enormous positive energy, form bonds and connections that will sustain a lifetime of joy, and guide their decision-making process in life-changing, meaningful ways.

Building on cutting-edge psychological science, this presentation guides parents to the solutions they want, so that they can build beautiful connections with their teens. Parents will uncover why the most common "truths" about the teenage brain aren't actually correct, and what science really tells us about their challenging decision-making. Parents will learn how to really connect, even when their teen is trying to disconnect. They’ll unpack ways to set effective limits together with their teens so they can make safe, healthy decisions. And they’ll tap into the bright side of having teens, so the whole family can feel more joy.

We look forward to you logging on and enjoying being part of the Happy Families Team.

Click here to join the Zoom webinar

Elana Cole
Companions Coordinator.

Saint Ignatius College students were successful in applying for the ‘The What’ll Happen to The Wattle??! (WHTW)’ program.

Supported by the Australian Space Agency, One Giant Leap Australia Foundation sent golden wattle seeds to the International Space Station. The seeds were in space for 7 months and then distributed to more than 300 locations around our nation.

We have received wattle seeds that have been flown to space as well as seeds that have not. The seeds are from the same seed lot. These seeds will them be germinated and grown, with data being uploaded to the ‘What’ll happen to the wattle??!’ app.

Congratulations to Will Hanley, Fin Hanley, Thomas Galan, Paddy Noble, Logan Pitts and Breanna Brew

Karen Perkins
Learning Enhancement Coordinator.

The Old Ignatians warmly welcome you to be part of the inaugural 'The Saint Ignatius College Golf Day,' to be held at Curlewis Golf Club on Sunday the 27th of March, 2022.

Golfers will enjoy breakfast, lunch, 18 holes of golf, and a brief address in the Clubrooms as part of their ticket.

Format of the day includes teams of 4, with the competition type being '4 Ball Ambrose.' Individuals can still register, with team allocation occurring on the day.

Please see the Trybooking link for registration and further information regarding this exciting event. (There are limited tickets, so please don't leave it too late)!

We are also offering 'Sponsorship Packages' to this event, if you would like to embrace a package, the deadline is March 1st, 2022. All proceeds from the Saint Ignatius College Golf Day will be used for student resources at the College.

For further information regarding Sponsorship Packages, please contact Elana Cole, colee@ignatius.vic.edu.au

We look forward to sharing a great day of golf, delicious food, connection and community with you all.

Ms. Elana Cole
Development Manager.

Saint Ignatius College invites our College community to our International Women’s Day Evening with Moira Kelly AO on Wednesday March the 9^th, 2022.

Guests will enjoy drinks and nibbles on arrival from 5.30pm with the main address commencing at 6.30pm.

Further information for this event can be found via the following Trybooking Link.

This community event is always a highlight on the College calendar and we look forward to welcoming you all onsite again for this celebration.

Guests will need to adhere to mask wearing, QR check in, and vaccination requirements as per the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s Guidelines.

Elana Cole
Development Manager.

The 2022 SRC is back up and running! For those who have not heard of the SRC before, it stands for Student Representative Council, and each year level has two representatives who bring ideas of their own, and on behalf of the student body. We had lots to discuss during our first meeting and are planning for lots of action to take place this year. We discussed things such as EFTPOS machines at the school canteen, our first casual clothes day being in support of Project Compassion, and getting input from students from outside the leadership positions. As a whole, we would love to hear more from our peers, as a group we can only come up with so many good ideas! We also touched on changes that the 2021 SRC made. Last year we were successful in changing some of the uniform requirements, meaning that students are permitted to wear their winter uniform all year round, however, uniforms cannot be mixed and the summer uniform can still only be worn in Terms 1 and 4. The SRC for 2022 is looking forward to this year and what we can do to have the students voices heard!

Isabel Gee
Year 9 SRC Representative

‘On demand’ is an online resource developed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). The pool of questions reflects the standards in the Victorian Curriculum. The data, along with teacher judgements assists in forward planning of teaching programs and monitors growth across the year.

‘On Demand’ Testing is to be undertaken by Years 7-9 students in Mathematics and Reading from Friday 11^th February until Thursday 17^th February, 2022. The tests will be undertaken during regular class time

Karen Perkins
Learning Enhancement Coordinator.

Are you able to assist in the College canteen on the following dates?

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 and meet vaccination requirements as per the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s Guidelines.

Ms. Sandra Woodall.
Canteen Manager.

School Photos 2022 – Saint Ignatius College

Annual school photos have been taken by Arthur Reed Photos.

To view the images of your child and order photos, you will need to first register online.

1. Go to https://order.arphotos.com.au and enter the 2022 image code for your child (from their personalized flyer)
2. Tap on ‘Add another child’ to enter the image codes of any siblings
3. Fill in your email and mobile details and then review all details before confirming your registration

That’s it! When 2022 photos are ready, you will be notified by email and SMS.

Even if you registered last year, it’s important that you do it again each year using your child’s new image code to link their photos for the current year with your contact details.

To ensure you are ordering school photos for the current year, please wait for notifications that 2022 images are online before placing orders.

In the webshop you can view photos and customize your photo package; Choose ANY layout, ANY image and purchase multiple digital image downloads.

All photo orders will be sent directly to the address you provide when ordering.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW to be notified when 2022 school photos can be viewed and ordered.