Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong community members,
This is the penultimate newsletter for 2021. The last edition for the year will be available on Thursday 16th December.
After what has been another challenging and uncertain year, our Years 7-11 students have their last day of classes tomorrow before commencing the summer holidays.
Parents will be able to access the Semester Two Statement of Results for these students via the parent portal from Monday 13th December 2021.
The exam period for Year 12 VCE students finished two weeks ago. Students undertaking Unit 3/4 VCE exams will receive their results on Thursday, 16th December 2021.
I hope our students’ results reflect solid gains in their learning for another year, taking into account the impact of the pandemic, and affirm their determined efforts and positive attitude to their subject courses.
An overview of some key dates on the College calendar over the holiday period:
With the academic year nearly finished, the move to Phase D of the “Roadmap”, and the subsequent further easing of restrictions, we can look forward to celebrating Christmas and enjoying the summer break after another very challenging year for everyone in our community. Despite the uncertainties and difficulties, there have again been many examples of care, compassion and resilience. I commend our school community for how we have together managed during another year characterized by uncertainties and challenges due to the pandemic. I particularly congratulate our students and staff for their adaptability and flexibility as we moved to and from remote learning and working during the year. As we look back on 2021, may we take strength from the knowledge of what we have accomplished from working together, persisting and supporting each other and that this will put us in good stead for managing future challenges.
On Thursday 25th November, the annual Year 12 Valedictory was held at our College with over 650 people present. It was a very uplifting event, and we were so relieved that with the easing of the pandemic restrictions, we could hold this event and with members of the students’ families present. This made it an excellent joint school and family celebration of and for the Class of 2021.
The evening commenced in the Multipurpose Centre for the Valete Mass. Thank you to the celebrants, Fr Gerry Healy SJ (Australian Jesuit representative on the College Board) and Fr Ray Bugeja (Canonical Administrator). After Mass, we gathered again for the Graduation Ceremony that included the formal presentation of the graduands and some speeches.
A special feature of the formal part of the evening was the return of one of our past College Captains to provide the keynote address and promote the “Old Ignatians Association”. Maddy Crothers spoke encouragingly about how she managed post-school during these pandemic times and how she proactively and constructively took action to provide opportunities to make the most of the uncertain and challenging situation. In addition, each year 12 student was presented with an Old Ignatian lapel badge that they will hopefully keep as a sign of their continuing connection to their secondary school.
The College Captains, Coco Bullock and Daniel McInerney-Sotomayor, spoke fondly about many aspects of their six years at the College, expressed gratitude to the staff and parents and wished their classmates best wishes for the next stage of their life journey.
A very enjoyable supper followed this in the Year 9 Centre.
As you may know, our College, like all the Catholic parish and diocesan schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne – is now under the guidance of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). As a result, every school has been asked to establish a School Advisory Council. This Council will replace our College Board.
Our current board will continue as a School Advisory Council under a new “Terms of Reference.”
The School Advisory Council will continue to advise me on important matters and support the College Executive team in our decision-making process.
Our current Board has provided excellent support to the College community. The Board has assisted in the efficient governance of the school. It has ensured that the College is faithful to its mission, and its decisions have been made having regard, as a primary consideration, to the best interest of our students. The Board has overseen, encouraged and supported the introduction of a variety of programs to enhance the educational opportunities of students at our College. We have been blessed with such talented, generous and dedicated Board members.
I am happy and relieved that we will maintain most of our current Board members as members of the new School Advisory Council. This will ensure continuity and strength for the College with the retainment of such a high calibre group of Council members.
Two members will not transition to the Council. On behalf of the College community, I express my gratitude to two relatively long-serving Board members who are both past parents of students at the College.
Ms Lisa Bell and Mr Darren Henry. Lisa background in education and Darren’s in the financial area added greatly to the skillset capacity of the Board. I thank them both for their valuable contributions and commitment.
It will be a very uplifting way to finish the school year with the College’s production of “Wicked” being performed next week. It is particularly pleasing that our student cast and crew can now put the show on with the cancellation of the production in August due to the pandemic restrictions. After many months of planning, preparation and rehearsals, the cast of well over 100 students and the student, staff and parent support crew are ready to entertain us and reap the many benefits of being involved in such an undertaking. The students will develop valuable knowledge, skills, talents and confidence in many different areas.
The performances will be held at Coats Hall, Deakin Waterfront Campus, at 7:30 pm on December 9 & 10.
Click on the link below to purchase your ticket to watch Ignatian students shine!
https://geelongartscentre.org.au/…/saint-ignatius-college…/…
I encourage all school community members to support what promises to be a very entertaining show by coming along to one of the performances.
Three long-serving staff members are retiring at the end of this year. On behalf of our school community, I thank them for their contribution and wish them all the best for their futures.
Mr Greg Fisher has been teaching for just under 35 years, commencing at St Mary’s Technical School Geelong. Mr Fisher has been a dedicated and well-respected teacher at our College for nearly 30 years and has mainly taught Physical Education and Mathematics. In addition, he has taken on a number of leadership roles, including Health & Physical Education Coordinator, Year 10 Coordinator and Sports Coordinator.
Mr Ben Zanghi will be finishing his teaching career after 34 years, the last 17 being here at Saint Ignatius teaching Systems Engineering and Technology subjects. We are very grateful for Mr Zanghi’s involvement in designing and setting up the College’s Technology Centre from scratch. He has held a number of positions over the years, including Technology Coordinator and Health & Safety Representative.
Our final retiree is our Development Manager Mrs Claire Hewitt. Mrs Hewitt has been teaching for over 44 years, with the last nearly 20 here at Saint Ignatius. Mrs Hewitt has mainly taught Mathematics and Science over the years. As Development Manager, Mrs Hewitt has significantly and passionately contributed to building the school’s reputation through her marketing and promotions work. She has also strengthened our school community by organising annual Open Days and our College annual celebration event “Mosaic.” Her dedicated and enthusiastic commitment has been so beneficial to the development of our College. In her earlier years at the College, Mrs Hewitt held the Yr 9 Coordinator position.
Although not retiring, I express our gratitude and best wishes to English and Humanities teacher Ms Sarah Callahan our Digital Technology Learning Area Leader, Mr Martin Kolka. Ms Callahan has taught at our College for ten years and held the Humanities Learning Area Leader position for part of this time. Both will not be returning for 2022.
On behalf of our school community, I also wish teachers Ms Olivia Peace and Ms Lynae Baker, who are finishing up, all the best for their futures.
Thank you to the Senior School team of teachers for providing a valuable Orientation Program over the last week and a half to prepare the Year 11 students for next year. It is important that these students use some of the holiday period to prepare for their Unit 3 subjects. Teachers will have given guidelines and provided preparatory work. The students are responsible for taking advantage of this and not turning up next year, finding themselves behind the rest of the class. Can I please encourage parents to support this expectation? I expect that our senior students give their academic program the priority it deserves, and other undertakings will need to fit in around their studies. I want all students, as I am sure parents do, to have the best chance of achieving to the best of their ability, and this will be enhanced if the prevailing atmosphere is one where students are encouraging each other to do their best with their studies.
I am grateful to the Year Level Coordinators and their team of teachers for organising and providing, and managing a productive and well-organised finish to the school year. They have prepared liturgies and final gatherings for our Years 7 – 11 students to ensure we finish well tomorrow.
Next Tuesday, we will conduct Orientation Day for the grade six students attending Saint Ignatius next year. We look forward to welcoming our new college members.
Last Sunday, we commenced the Advent period of the Church’s calendar, in fact, the beginning of a new Church year. The Advent period is a time of waiting and preparing for Christmas.
“Lord, you sent us Jesus your Son to bring light to our darkness and lead us to eternal life. As we begin this Advent season, enkindle within us the deep desire to seek him in all things.
Lord, you fashioned our hearts to be satisfied with nothing less than Your love which overflows for us in Christ. As we journey through Advent, rekindle within us your gift of hope, and turn our expectant waiting into readiness to welcome Him in all persons we meet.
We ask you this in his name. Amen”
Michael Exton Principal
As the school year comes to an end the excitement builds. On the weekend many of us put up our Christmas trees and decorated the houses with thousands of lights. These symbols announce our anticipation of the big day. In a similar way, Christmas TV also act as symbols that draw our attention and ‘bring us in’ to the season.
Advent is a joyous time which is punctuated by a reliable television schedule that guides us toward Christmas Day. Over the next few weeks, the Christmas specials will pop up on the TV with Jamie Oliver and Co. showing us all how joyous and easy catering a bespoke Christmas gathering can be! In the fortnight leading up to Christmas Day we will be offered the main fare – Michael Buble and all of the Christmas movies we know and love.
What does your Christmas viewing say about you? Here is a quick reference guide which I hope links your favourite Christmas shows to our faith.
Home Alone (1990) – You have empathy and enjoy a good chuckle!
This family favourite is a heart-warming and humorous illustration of the importance of family and how we might become more aware of those we love due to their absence. The story explores the concept of not valuing what you have and how you are always loved by your family; even if you maim a few villains and destroy the house in the process. Macaulay Culkin plays a lovable and highly resourceful cherub that draws us into the cat and mouse game in which he creates many ingenious Rube Goldberg machines that outwit the less than capable criminals.
If you love this show you might spend a few minutes re-reading The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother (Luke 15:11-32) and consider the deeper meaning hidden in this wonderful movie.
Polar Express (2004) – You view the world through eyes of awe and wonder!
The Polar Express is the highest grossing Christmas film to date and has taken in over $314 million! The charm of this animated Christmas show is found in the simplicity of the story rather than the (at the time) state of the art animation. The movie presents Chris as a disenchanted boy who no longer believes in Christmas and goes on an adventure the Polar Express to the North Pole to see for himself. As with all good Christmas movies even when resolved the question still exists but there is evidence to assure young Chris that it is real and was not just a wild dream.
If this show speaks to you consider reflecting upon the many accounts of God revealing himself to people throughout the Bible and how these revelations were proven to be more than simply a dream. In particular you may contemplate the Annunciation and how God’s will was revealed to Joseph in a dream and how his response ensured evidence of its authenticity, (Matthew 1:18-25).
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989) – You have great insight and enjoy the truth hidden amongst the ridiculous!
This movie follows a familiar Christmas plot of a dysfunctional family who through the trials of Christmas, many of them ridiculous but hilarious, become aware of the importance of family and forgiveness. There are so many classic scenes it’s hard to encapsulate why this movie is so loved by many, but the switching on of the Christmas lights and the supercharged toboggan sum up the frustrations that once overcome bring such immense love. Coming to love one another with all of our failings is a message we can all apply within our families.
If you love this movie it might be profitable to spend some time reflecting upon The Way of Love as offered in 1 Corinthians 13:4-13.
Elf (2003) – You are kind hearted and enjoy the beauty of simplicity!
This modern classic focussed on the theme of identity and acceptance. Buddy “the Elf” goes on a journey of self-discovery and in doing so finds that he is loved as he is. His naivety and the way he encounters the world with eyes of wonder are humorous and heart-warming. His love of all things syrupy might also ease our festive season gastronomic guilt! As we watch the story unfold we see that all of the things that make up Buddy are the things that people love and bring about transformation in others. The skills he learnt from Pappa Elf, his commitment to Christmas and love for all things saves the day. What a wonderful Christmas movie to end on.
As you enjoy this movie in the lead up to Christmas you might consider reading any of the Gospels again. Buddy the elf is an interesting contrast to Jesus. Both welcomed and loved by all people, they are not concerned with what others think about them and the compassion freely given is infectious and transformative.
As you journey through Advent this year be sure to schedule your television so you don’t miss your favourite Christmas shows. Even if you are busy, with all of the streaming services on offer you are sure to be able to sit down and enjoy and old favourite that speaks to you about the joy of Christmas. As you watch your favourite shows, consider how the story and emotions feed into your spiritual life and how these insights may help you offer the joy of Christmas to others a little more this year.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
It was with much excitement that we were able to hold the Valete Mass and Graduation Ceremony onsite in the Multipurpose Centre with Year 12 students and their families on Thursday 25th November, 2021.
The evening started with a moving mass that celebrated the journey of the Year 12s over their time at Saint Ignatius College.
The Graduation Ceremony followed this and recognised the achievements of all Year 12 students who received their certificate of completion of studies, and a gift from the College to commemorate their spiritual and educational journey. Year 12 students also received Mosaic Awards.
Supper followed the formal proceedings and it was lovely to be able to spend time with students, families and teachers in a relaxed and celebratory environment.
So many people worked towards bringing this evening together in a short time frame and gratitude is extended to everyone involved.
We send all our Year 12 students our very best wishes as they complete their 6 years of education at Saint Ignatius College and move into the next exciting chapters of their lives.
It has been our privilege to work with them all over the years.
Kristin Williamson Year 12 Coordinator
Term 4 has seen the culmination of a variety of VCAL projects, which we are so grateful to have been able to deliver given the last two years. The Year 11 VCAL students were very excited to be able to run the Colour Run event raising awareness for people living with a disability.
Prior to the run, each Year 7 and 8 homeroom had a workshop with VCAL students. These workshops were planned, organised and delivered by the VCAL students, and while there is always room for improvement, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
The Colour Run was fun for all, and it was great to see students enjoying the experience. The Year 11 VCAL students were able to pull it all together, and although there was definitely some hard core washing to be done over the weekend, the students were able to meet their outcomes. The prework, postwork and event itself allowed the observation of transferable employability skills like initiative, problem solving, teamwork, organisation and communication.
We are grateful to staff and students opening their classrooms and for supporting the Disability Awareness Workshops and the Colour Run event. A shout out to the Year 11 VCAL teaching team, and in particular Mr John Clatworthy and Mr Attel Martschinke for their support and expertise.
Learning For Life (Year 10 VCAL elective) also completed their major project this term by planning, organising and holding a sausage sizzle. The event was very successful with the students raising over $1000 which was donated to Feed Me Bellarine. Again through the planning, organising, doing and reviewing we are able to see those employability skills hard at work. Well done to Mr Andrew Rose and the Year 10 group.
The following is a student perspective:
On Friday the 25th of November the Year 11 VCAL students held a Colour Run for the Year 7 and 8 students to raise awareness for individuals with disabilities.The aim was to change people’s perceptions associated with the disability sector within the community and to ’see the person rather than the disability’. Together we raised $940, and the funds will be donated to a not for profit local organisation in the disability field. It was a fun filled afternoon which everyone enjoyed. The Colour Run also helped meet our outcomes in Personal Development Skills (PDS) and Work Related Skills (WRS)
Grace Butler, Chrissy Miller and Lulu Connoley Year 11 VCAL
Kirsty Allan VCAL Coordinator
For any school to be truly successful, the students need to have a strong sense of belonging to the College. Sense of belonging reflects the extent to which students perceive themselves as an important part of the school context and feel accepted and supported by school members. Numerous studies have found that sense of belonging is an important factor that makes a significant contribution to students’ learning and academic success.
Furthermore, increased sense of belonging has been associated with students’ academic engagement, persistence, positive school affect and performance. There are a number of different terms that have been used to examine students’ sense of belonging, including: sense of relatedness, sense of connectedness and sense of community. Sense of relatedness can be directly linked with student engagement and the students internal motivation to achieve. To ensure we are giving our students every opportunity to develop that crucial sense of belonging, a desire to continue to improve, and a safe and supportive environment to learn and flourish, at the beginning of 2021 a Pastoral Structure Review Working Party was established.
The Pastoral Structure Review commenced with approximately 12 staff members. The working party was responsible for analysing school data to investigate any areas that they considered were of concern or required further development. From this investigation student engagement was identified as an area that could be further developed at Saint Ignatius College.
When considering all the research in the area of students’ sense of belonging, it was hypothesised that if a school was to improve the relationships that increase a student’s sense of belonging, it should directly relate to the improvement of student outcomes in the class. Furthermore, by assisting the students and staff to develop and create those important professional teacher/student relationships, we will further develop the necessary internal motivation that is required for students to become fully engaged in their learning.
This hypothesis allowed the group to develop specific Guiding Objectives that needed to be achieved to enhance our students’ sense of belonging and connectedness to our College. From the Guiding Objectives the Pastoral Structure Review Working Party provided three recommendations to the Executive leadership team of the College.
These recommendations will be further developed throughout next year, with some areas trialled throughout 2022. The aim is to have these recommendations fully implemented into the College in 2023. The College will be seeking feedback from parents through the PFA early in 2022.
This will be an exciting change to Saint Ignatius College and one that I am sure will enhance not only our students’ sense of belonging, but further develop the capacity in all areas of our young people.
Michael Timms Deputy Principal [Students]
Tickets are now available for the rescheduled dates of December 9th and 10th. Both performances will be at 7:30pm.
All booking can be made through Geelong Art Centre at https://geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/saint-ignatius-college-geelong-presents-wicked/
For booking details and COVID information please see the Geelong Arts Centre website.
Please note Geelong Arts Centre’s ‘refunds due to event cancellation policy’:
"If refunds are issued due to COVID restrictions or cancellations etc a full refund is given to the patron inclusive of booking fees and transaction fees charged at the time of booking. We would email all ticket holders with information about refunds etc should this occur."
Also note that Geelong Arts Centre manages the ticketing site. If you have any technical difficulties, you will need to contact them directly.
Marine Brown Learning Area Leader: Performing Arts
The achievements of the Junior Debating squad this year have been remarkable.
In a field of over 500 individual teams at D Grade, our Saint Ignatius College 1 debaters managed to win through to the 3rd round of finals in 2021, putting them in the top 16 teams in the Victorian Schools’ Competition. This is an outstanding achievement and at our break-up party last week, team members were awarded certificates recognising their amazing performance. The D Grade finalists were: Alana Clarke (Yr 9), Curtis McCoughtry (Year 9), Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8), Drew Magtaka (Year 8), and Owen McCougtry (Year 7).
Equally impressive was the revelation that one of our D Grade debaters, Jade Cowdery, had been officially recognised as top-scoring debater, achieving the highest average score in the region. Jade will be presented with the ‘Swannie’ award in a special online ceremony on the 3rd December.
A talented speaker with a commanding voice and animated delivery style, Jade is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Congratulations also goes to the members of the Junior Secondary Program debating team, who won their last debate, successfully arguing the negative position on the topic: That online games should require all players to be over 18 years of age.
Additional certificates were presented to the following debaters:
Top scoring speakers in the Junior Secondary Program
Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8)
Gabriela Fernandes (Year 7)
Ella Dowling (Year 7)
Members of an undefeated team in the Junior Secondary Program
Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8)
Jade Cowdery (Year 7)
Gabriela Fernandes (Year 7)
Ella Dowling (Year 7)
At our break up party last week, each debater was presented with a Debating badge that can be worn on the school blazer. This special award recognises all students who represented the College in Debating this year. This brings the debating season to a close and I’d like to thank all parents and family members who provided support for our debaters in the online competitions this year.
The provision of a stable internet connection and a quiet space for speakers was an important element in the overall success of the online debating season. We hope to build on the amazing accomplishments of our Junior Debaters next year and trust that 2022 will be a rewarding experience for all those who dare to engage in this wonderfully invigorating ‘sport for the mind’.
Michael Tod Junior Debating Coordinator
Junior Secondary Program
Junior Secondary Program team: Mr Michael Tod, Oscar Creak (Year 7), Ella Dowling (Year 7), Jade Cowdery (Year 7), Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8) and Gabriela Fernandes (Year 7)
Junior Debating Squad
Junior Debating Squad, from left to right, back row: Mr Michael Tod, Oscar Creak (Year 7), Ella Dowling (Year 7), Jade Cowdery (Year 7), Alana Clarke (Year 9), Curtis McCoughtry (Year 9), Drew Magtaka (Year 8).
Front row: Gabriela Fernandes (Year 7), Jackie Hiemstra (Year 8), Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8). Absent: Owen McCougtry (Year 7), Belle Hewitt (Year 7), Damon Maffescioni (Year 8).
D Grade Finalists
D Grade Finalists, from left to right: Alana Clarke (Year 9), Curtis McCoughtry (Year 9), Mr Michael Tod, Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8), Drew Magtaka (Year 8). Absent: Owen McCougtry (Yr 7)
Recently, the 2022 SRC gathered and voted for 'Office Bearers' with the following results.
President: Toby Mew
Secretary: Audrey Hughan
Assistant to the President & Secretary: Oceania Cook
Promotions Officer: Isabel Gee
Casual Day Coordinator: Sarah Tolan
We would like to thank all who nominated and wish those elected well for a busy and productive 2022.
Isabel Gee (2022 SRC Promotions Officer & 2022 Year 9 SRC Representative) and
Anthony Gravener (Student Leadership Development Coordinator)
On behalf of the college, a massive thank you goes out to all families who have kindly donated items to the Saint Ignatius 2021 Christmas Appeal.
We appreciate all of your contributions, and kindness even after another tough year, and hope to bring joy to families this Christmas season who may have faced uncertain times through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to the Year 9 Journey classes for being a massive help in promoting this drive and putting together hampers including all of the donated candy canes, biscuits, and other items.
Thank you again and wishing all a wonderful Christmas season.
Erika Slevin 2022 Justice Captain
As part of the Year 12 graduation night the PFA was invited to organise a raffle and raise some money. Thank you to Elena Cole for organising the Scotchmans Hill wine pack which was won by Megan Payne.
A big thank you to the two girls selling tickets on the night and all the students who volunteered to make the evening a wonderful success for our graduating class. The raffle raised $540.00 which is an amazing effort. Thank you to all those who purchased a ticket. Scotchmans Hill is a local business and I would encourage everyone to support them where you can.
Hurry up it's the last few days! Our annual college fees raffle only has a few days left. Get your ticket before it is too late!
All money raised goes to helping support our children. Thank you to everyone who has already purchased a ticket and all those intending to and good luck. Thank you to all the local businesses that have donated prizes, please support these businesses where you can.
Do you shop at Rebel? You can support our school every time you shop by linking your Rebel Active Membership to our school. 5% of what you spend is given to the PFA to purchase sporting equipment for our school. If you’re not a member it’s free to join either online or ask a team member in store. Please sign up for this when purchasing sporting goods for Christmas and next year's school supplies.
Yes we are still selling the Entertainment Book however it now is digital and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. If you would like to purchase an Entertainment Book please email us at sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au.
We are still searching for a new Treasurer, unfortunately there was no nomination at our AGM. We would like to invite you to consider nominating for this role and be part of our wonderful team.
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday February 8th at 7.00pm. Hopefully we will be able to meet on site but will let you know closer to the date. We look forward to seeing you there. Even if you cannot make it to the monthly meetings, but think you might be able to be on call to help at the different things we are involved in, please get in touch with us by emailing sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Our uniform shop is now closed however if you have any requests please email Kate and she will try to assist.
Uniform Shop will reopen on:
Wednesday 2nd February 2-4pm
The above dates are dependant on current visitor restrictions within catholic schools. Please check the Saint Ignatius Facebook page for updates regarding open days and times. Email the uniform shop at uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.
Do you know the Uniform Shop also sells brand new socks, ties and hats?
Items to be sold or donated can be dropped off on any of the above days or anytime at the front office.
Please ensure any item that is sent in for sale has been freshly laundered, if not it will be returned to you.
We are always seeking Volunteers to help in the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out contact Kate by emailing uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au . Training is provided.
From everyone at the PFA thank you for all your support this year.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas.
See you in 2022!
The College canteen menu uses the 'traffic light system' to inform students, staff and parents of the College the healthier choices available at the College canteen (See 'Healthy Food @ School Guidelines' in our 'College Policies and Procedures' section for full details).
Canteen duty provides a much appreciated service to the school. It gives you the opportunity to meet and talk with other parents and also enables you to see your child’s school in action.
Five helpers are needed each day. Helpers will need to be at the canteen by 9:00am and will generally be finished by 1:30pm. If you can only be there part of the day, your help is greatly appreciated.
If you are able to assist, please contact Sandra Woodall at the College on 5251 1136.
Uncertainty is part of life and yet our brain, which creates our thoughts and feelings, loves certainty and predictability.
The pandemic has created more uncertainty in families, schools and communities than most people can recall in their lifetimes. With no clear end point, more stress and anxiety may well be triggered. In small doses anxiety heightens your sense of focus, giving you an increased level of energy, and increases your chances of managing a potential challenge that has appeared. In large doses, this anxiety is problematic, as it can cause feelings of being overwhelmed and even panicked.
Many fears and unexpressed emotions lie beneath the stress of navigating uncertainty. Be prepared to share your emotions with your children, especially feelings of sadness. They experience grief every time they lose the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, go on holiday or return to school to see friends.
Grief is not a sign of weakness. It shows you are human. Let your children see you cry and give them the agency to know what to do. They can grab a tissue, they can give you a hug and, if they’re old enough, they can make you a cuppa.
Your children need to see that when bad things happen to adults, they can feel upset for a time. There are many ways you can help children cope with uncertainty.
Teach your children that nothing is permanent. Good things come and go. So will tough times. Change is a part of life and can be positive or challenging. Share stories about how your family recovered from hard times. Adaptability and flexibility are key components of resilience, which can be nurtured in childhood.
Remind your children and young people that they are not powerless. Resting, reading and relaxing are great tools to ease fear and anxiety. This might include taking deep breaths, listening to music, or making others laugh. Getting outside to play or walk the dog is another simple way to ease the nervous system.
Simple habits and routines really make a difference. When everything is changing routines and rituals such as regular family mealtimes, bedtimes and wake up times help maintain a sense of normality. These rituals provide an important anchor helping them feel in control.
Though times are no doubt really tough for many, you can choose to feel grateful for the things you have, and the people love, and you can model this mindset with your children.
Hope is an important antidote to feeling stuck in fear. Encourage feelings of hope by sharing wonderful memories via photos or videos which can lift everyone’s spirit. Plan a new experience to happen when that becomes a possibility.
Children and young people need to understand that life can be an unpredictable ride and together you can adapt and find a way through to each new day.
The greatest tool you have as a parent in these times is to remember that you are the ‘safe base’ for your children and young people. If you can embody that, and help them feel that no matter what, your love and support is a certainty, then the uncertainty around us all becomes a lot more manageable.
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.
Saver Plus is a financial education program for families and individuals on a tight budget to develop life-long savings habits.
To join Saver Plus, you must:
*Many types of income and Centrelink payments are eligible
For more information, please contact your local Saver Plus coordinator:
Amanda Vernon
Email: avernon@bethany.org.au
Phone: 5278 8122
See the attached PDFs for details:
Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.
Local Sports Contacts
Attached is a comprehensive PDF document that lists a wide range of current contacts for different sport clubs in our region in 2021-2022. The ones that I have spoken to are very keen to hear from any Saint Ignatius student wishing to be involved in local sport teams this summer.
Year 7 & Year 10 Immunisation Reminder
Any Year 7 & 10 students who missed their school-based vaccinations this year while learning from home can still catch up before the end of the year.
Catch up appointments available at Barwon health immunisation service via this link or contact your GP
For more information see
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools#immunisation-for-secondary-school-students-is-important
Ocean Grove Cricket Club: Cricketers Wanted!
Ocean Grove Cricket Club is looking for boys and girls (and men and women) interested in playing local cricket.
Any Age, Any Gender, Any Ability
We have 4 teams in Senior Mens, 2 Senior Womens teams, Under 17, 15 and 13 Junior Boys teams, 2 Girls Junior Cricket teams, Mixed under 11 teams and Woolworths Blast Program for mixed youngsters 5-8 years old
We love a social atmosphere but we are also a competitive and family orientated local Cricket Club
If interested contact Paul Madden – 0400 912 167 or email maddenpaul59@gmail.com
Parent Education Events - Geelong Region: Term 4 2021
All Regional Parenting Services programs are free and will be offered face to face or online via Zoom, however, bookings are essential.
To book visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parenting or call us on 5272 4781.
There are a number of events planned for Term 4. Please see attached flyer for details: