Dear Saint Ignatius College community members,

Last week, the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) provided advice to Catholic schools following the prominence in the media and community conversations of discussions about issues of consent, sexual assault and gender inequality. The highlighting of these issues reinforces the need to support students to build and manage safe and respectful relationships. I have used the CECV’s guidance notes to prepare the following information and offer support for our school community.

Respectful relationships are at the core of Catholic values and teachings and a necessary element of a properly functioning society. Developing young men and women who respect each other’s fundamental rights is central to our school community's aims.

Issues of consent, sexual assault and gender inequality are critically important. In partnership with parents, our school has an important role to play in addressing this significant social issue.

We stand against gendered violence. The testimonies provided by current and former school students across the country reinforce the need to support students to build and manage safe and respectful relationships.

Our school utilises a range of programs to help form appropriate interpersonal behaviours and respectful attitudes among the student cohort, as enshrined in gospel values.

We teach respectful relationships education as part of the Victorian Curriculum, which focuses on building students’ social and emotional skills by supporting them to recognise and regulate emotions, develop empathy for others, and build and manage safe and respectful relationships (including understanding consent). Our school provides sexuality education as part of the Health and Physical Education curriculum.

It is important to recognise that Consent Education is part of a bigger picture of respectful relationships education and cannot be just “ticked off” as part of a curriculum program. We aim to form the ‘whole person’, uphold Gospel values and strengthen our students’ moral compasses. In doing this, it is crucial we work in partnership with families.

This week, I, with College Executive members and a representative from the Student Wellbeing Office, met with senior (Yrs 10-12) female student leaders and then with senior male student leaders. We sought our senior student leaders’ thoughts about their experience of how the College has addressed the topic of Consent Education over the years. Our Student Leaders provided valuable feedback that will help the Executive and Student Wellbeing Team consider how well we address this area and where and what improvements can be made. This meeting with our student leaders was an important step of many steps that we may need to take.

Our school takes sexual assault allegations very seriously. We respond to any disclosures in an appropriate and supportive manner. Any allegations are acted upon quickly by following our procedures for responding to allegations of abuse and assault. We report allegations of sexual assault to Victoria Police and Child Protection in accordance with cross-sector education protocols documented within PROTECT: Four Critical Actions for Schools: Responding to Incidents, Disclosures and Suspicions of Child Abuse and PROTECT: Identifying and Responding to Student Sexual Offending.

We will provide support to any students who are victim-survivors of sexual assault. As you would be aware, students can receive support from our Student Wellbeing Office (E: studentwellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au)

If you have any questions or concerns, or wish to discuss something that has happened, please contact Deputy Principal (Students) Michael Timms at school (Ph. 03 5251 1136).

As a parent or carer, if you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault and needs support, please contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit https://1800respect.org.au.

You can also access help through:

Parentline on 13 22 89

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Students can access help through:

Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800

headspace.

All of us, from parents as first educators, to school teachers and leaders, to system and sector leaders, must work together to do all we can to address this issue and prevent future harm to any young person.

Critically, we must empower the young people in our care to participate in what must become an ongoing conversation on the efficacy of existing school respectful relationships programs, and the priority they are given in schools and among school communities.

As a Catholic school, we take these matters extremely seriously and will work with students, parents and our local community to support education programs in this critical area of student safety.

Best wishes for a happy and holy Easter

Last Sunday, we celebrated Palm Sunday, the commencement of Holy Week. This special week is the final one in our journey through Lent. It is especially significant and sacred as it calls to mind for Christians the last week of Jesus’ life in preparation for his death and, most significantly, his resurrection.

On Tuesday, students gathered in their homeroom groups for an Easter Liturgy to reflect on this special week and help prepare our students for the celebration of Easter.

Holy Week, and indeed all other events and seasons in the Church’s year, leads up to the most important celebration of the year and at the very heart of our Christmas beliefs, Easter.

Easter is the high point of the Christian year – the most important of our celebrations. Please consider taking your family to one of the many Church services over the Easter break to support further your daughter or son’s faith development.

Farewell

After three years and one term at our College, Music teacher Ms Veronica Marrie will be leaving at the end of this term. Ms Marrie has made a significant contribution to the development of the performing arts for our students. She is a talented musician, in particular as a flautist, and has led by example and with a vision for the development and flourishing of our College bands. Ms Marrie taught Years 7 and 9 Music, coordinated the Year 7 Music program and managed and conducted many performing groups. On behalf of our school community, I wish her all the best for her future.

Ms Tess Duddy has been employed to replace Ms Marrie for the remainder of the year and will commence duties at the beginning of next term.

I also thank Ms Hayley Livingston, who replaced Mr Peter Grull while he has been on leave this term. Ms Livingston enthusiastically embraced this task and, in particular, has helped settle her Year 7 Homeroom into their new school. Best wishes to Ms Livingston.

Commencement of Term 2

Please note that next term’s classes commence on Monday 19th April 2021. The teacher professional practice day scheduled for April 19 has been moved to Friday 23rd April 2021. This change was made because of the number of Mondays when regular classes had not occurred due to holidays or school events. Therefore students will not be required at school on April 23.

I wish our students and staff a very enjoyable and restful holiday break.

May Easter bring you and your family hope, peace and joy,

Michael Exton  Principal

During Holy Week we journey with Jesus through the tumultuous events that lead us to his Resurrection. Each year we encounter the Easter narrative as part of the liturgical cycle and in doing so the story is remembered and Jesus’ victory over death and evil reminds us that through him we can be transformed and share in new life.

This year’s whole school Easter liturgy was presented in a pre-recorded manner due to the difficulties of gathering in large numbers at present and the small window of time our daily timetable affords. Although there is a challenge in presenting a liturgy in such a way the student leaders, Jarryd Atkinson and the students who are studying Year 9 Journey did an exceptional job in creating a liturgy that was as engaging and personal as any we have held in the past.

The key to this achievement was considering Easter from a question rather than as a reflection. The question our liturgy presented was, “What does it look like today?”. Our faith and relationship with Jesus must be real if it is to endure. Likewise, the story Easter needs to be considered from a lived or present viewpoint. When Jesus was nailed to the cross we see God the Son being tortured and killed because of the jealousy of others. This event happened but if our contemplation ends there we miss the point. Innocent people are ‘crucified’ every day. When we approach Holy Week as a lived experience that relates to the world we live in, we are inspired to bring the Gospel to life.

Further, the scriptural account of Holy Week does not offer us all of the details required to truly understand what occurred. These points should raise our curiosity. One thing worth contemplating during the next few days is why so little is noted about Easter Saturday. Luke’s gospel notes that it was the Sabbath and the disciples and Apostles rested. Matthew’s gospel notes the request the Jewish leaders had for a guard to be posted at the tomb, which Pilate granted. As Jesus lay dead in the tomb what happened?

The Apostle’s Creed hints at our tradition and affirms the promises Jesus made while on earth – he descended into hell. On Easter Saturday Jesus entered the ‘space’ between God and those who through their choice were eternally separated from God the Father. Jesus restored the relationship and on Sunday offered the same salvation to all humankind.

Although this account is a Tradition more than scriptural, the theology is sound. As we do not know exactly what happened on the Saturday and as scripture offers so little I offer the following extract from an “ancient homily” from the Early Church, of an unknown author, to reflect upon during the day of rest.

An ancient homily:

"What is happening? Today there is a great silence over the earth, a great silence, and stillness, a great silence because the King sleeps; the earth was in terror and was still, because God slept in the flesh and raised up those who were sleeping from the ages. God has died in the flesh, and the underworld has trembled.

Truly he goes to seek out our first parent like a lost sheep; he wishes to visit those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. He goes to free the prisoner Adam and his fellow-prisoner Eve from their pains, he who is God, and Adam's son.

The Lord goes in to them holding his victorious weapon, his cross. When Adam, the first created man, sees him, he strikes his breast in terror and calls out to all: 'My Lord be with you all.' And Christ in reply says to Adam: ‘And with your spirit.’ And grasping his hand he raises him up, saying: ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.

‘I am your God, who for your sake became your son, who for you and your descendants now speak and command with authority those in prison: Come forth, and those in darkness: Have light, and those who sleep: Rise.

‘I command you: Awake, sleeper, I have not made you to be held a prisoner in the underworld. Arise from the dead; I am the life of the dead. Arise, O man, work of my hands, arise, you who were fashioned in my image. Rise, let us go hence; for you in me and I in you, together we are one undivided person.

‘For you, I your God became your son; for you, I the Master took on your form; that of slave; for you, I who am above the heavens came on earth and under the earth; for you, man, I became as a man without help, free among the dead; for you, who left a garden, I was handed over to Jews from a garden and crucified in a garden.

‘Look at the spittle on my face, which I received in order to restore you to that first divine inbreathing at creation. See the blows on my cheeks, which I accepted in order to refashion you to my own image.

'See the scourging of my back, which I accepted in order to disperse the load of the sins which was laid upon your back. See my hands nailed to the tree for a good purpose, for you, who stretched out your hand to the tree for an evil one.

`I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side, for you. My side healed the pain of your side; my sleep will release you from your sleep in Hades; my sword has checked the sword which was turned against you.

‘But arise, let us go forth. The enemy brought you out of the land of paradise; I will reinstate you, no longer in paradise, but on the throne of heaven. I denied you the tree of life, which was a figure, but now I myself am united to you, I who am life.

"The cherubim throne has been prepared, the bearers are ready and waiting, the bridal chamber is in order, the food is provided, the everlasting houses and rooms are in readiness; the treasures of good things have been opened; the kingdom of heaven has been prepared before the ages."

I hope that you find this reflection beautiful, inspiring and comforting during the difficult days ahead.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls  Liturgy Coordinator

Last October, I flagged to all GISSA Sport Coordinators the starting of the Geelong Independent Secondary School Association Surfing Titles. Wednesday was the Association's inaugural GISSA Surfing Titles at Jan Juc with clean 3ft waves for most of the day.

The competition was a '7 person team' tag team event where surfers tactically surf for points over a 60 minute time slot. Each surfer has a maximum of two waves to catch with a 'power surfer' nominated to receive double points.

This team listed below are the 2021 GISSA Champions!

Remy Roberts

Max Bassett

Charlie Mahoney

Lucy Naylor

Jack bassett

Jet Lampered

Finbar Crapp

Special thanks to Tristan Phieler who was a much needed staff member on the rescue board and Kymberely Naylor for sending us countless emails of what to do and what not to do!

Saint Ignatius Sports Wrap

Owing to the regular emails I get from parents and students about their sporting achievements I have started a "Saint Ignatius Sport Wrap" publication once a week.

Attached below are the first 5 Issues so you can catch-up on what's been happening this term:

Year 12 Environmental Science Field Trip

Measuring 473 ha, Mt. Rothwell Biodiversity Centre is Victoria’s largest feral predator free ecosystem. Foxes and cats were eradicated from the property more than a decade ago so that native mammal species could be reintroduced. The site currently holds approximately 80% of the mainland Eastern Barred bandicoot population which is currently recognised as the only mainland self-sustaining population.

When the Year 12 Environmental Science class arrived at Mt. Rothwell on a calm and clear evening in March, the students were all ecstatic to say the least, and curious to see what kind of work they would be undertaking for the rest of the night. After settling down amongst the beautiful native bushland, students were all given small mammal traps, which were set up further into the bush, under the instruction of our guide Naomie.

After a marvellous barbeque hosted by Mr. Brown, the students settled in to watch and take notes on an informative PowerPoint on the history of the reserve, the animals within and what the staff and volunteers at Mount Rothwell are doing to protect the native species and grasslands.

The class then all participated in a night walk around the grounds of the reserve, in which multiple mammals and marsupials were spotted, including the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Brush-Tailed Rock Wallabies along with Eastern and Spotted Quolls. Students then checked on the traps set at the beginning of the evening, to find many of them inhabited by Spotted Quolls – one even tame enough to be petted by each of the students.

It was such a treat and a wonderful experience to be able to go on such an educational and really inspiring excursion to Mount Rothwell this year. It’s safe to say that the whole class had a fantastic experience which we learned a lot from. The people working at Mount Rothwell are exceptional and passionate about what they do to keep the wildlife thriving and increasing in their numbers, spreading awareness through events such as school excursions like ours. We are truly grateful for the time we spent as a class at Mount Rothwell, and we’ll never forget it!

Tahlia Walker   Unit 3/4 Environmental Science

In the last week of term 1, we had a guy named Pete the Possum come in and talk to the Year 12 VCAL students about his job, what he likes doing and his passion for animals and he taught us some very interesting things about animals. He got his name Possum Pete because he heavily studied possums and would stay up all night filming them and seeing their behaviours. He went on to say that they chew  four times per second and only eat clean leaves and hate dirty leaves, which is pretty straight forward.

He started off by talking to us about his job, which is titled as an Education Officer at The Great Ocean Road Recreation Trust Authority. The job essentially consists of protecting and managing visitation of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks. He also takes groups of school students out to the beach to teach them different things, and he also gives talks in schools, which he did with us.

He then went on to talk about different kinds of animal species that we have around our Victorian coast line, he asked us to call out different animals that we all see. For example some people called out dolphins, snakes, magpies and more. He then told us the correct names of those animals and what species they are. He talked about his obsession with moths, which took off during quarantine, where he heavily studied and took photos of moths and uploaded them to an app called Inaturalist.

Inaturalist is an app you upload nature photos to as well as what location you found them in, and people can see them and study that animal or see that that animal actually exists in that part of the world. To get the photos of the moths he would go in his backyard and set up a big white sheet, with these 2 massive lights shining on it. He said that he would get over 100 different species of moths to come for that light. He studied them for a while learning all their scientific names and all the different types of moths, he brought one big one in that he found and the patterns on it were amazing.

He then spoke about these plants that have a small red berry that grows on them. The berries don't taste that good, but when split open they leave a massive red stain on your hands, which he made me show the class by rubbing my hands on them. He said that the birds that live around here eat those berries and that's why you sometimes see bird poop on the footpath that is red.

He had a few stories he told about the dangerous blue ringed octopus. He was snorkelling with a crew of school kids at Point Road Knight when one of the kids pointed out a ball down in the reef. Pete then dived down and picked it up and it was a treat all for a dog, one of the balls that you can stick a treat into, he thought nothing of it at the time and continued on with his snorkelling.

When he got back into shore, he chucked the ball to one of the other teachers. The other teacher noticed a tentacle come out of the hole in the ball, then another tentacle, then a blue ringed octopus came out. He said that when it fell on the sand it started going completely flat because it’s got no bones or major muscles so it couldn’t fight gravity. He then asked a parent for a bucket and he put it back in the water to live another day.

Pete brought out a jar that had a big parasite in it. He went on to tell us that he found a dead leather jacket (which is a type of fish) and he saw something sticking out of its stomach. He went over and pulled it out and it was a big old parasite that had been living in the fish’s stomach. Some of the parasites connect themselves to the fish’s tongue and become the tongue, so when food that the fish eats comes through they eat it.

He spoke about different sea animals. The main ones he spoke about were these different types of sea snails. I can’t remember the names of each one but I can remember what some do. One of the snails lives in a cone shaped shell, and to kill fish they shoot a mini harpoon out of the bottom of their shell that kills fish instantly, then they can eat it at their own pace. Another snail gets on top of other snails and they have a tongue that is like a drill, so they drill the tongue through the snail’s shell they are on top of and they basically suck the guts out of the snail, and the snail can do nothing about it.

Did you know that Cuttlefish only live for 1 year and once they die they are just a big slab of meat floating around in the ocean. So pretty much everything tries to eat it, like sharks, dolphins and seals. Underneath the meat of the cuttlefish is a soft white growth plate, so when the animals eat the cuttlefish they can leave their teeth marks in it. So next time you’re walking on the beach, make sure to see if there are any marks in them.

This was a really informative speech for the Year 12 VCAL group. It fits in with our theme of the Environment. I thought that it was a really good talk from Pete from which we all learnt a heap.

Cooper Barsby

Traditionally, the National Constitutional Convention is held in Canberra where student delegates debate, discuss and recreate a part of the National Schools Constitution Convention (NSCC). Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the NSCC experience was different, whereby students were in “hubs” across Australia and the Convention operated via Zoom.

Last week, Dylan Vigilante (12 Francis) represented the College proudly at this 2-day Convention, held at the Hotel Windsor and Parliament House Victoria and was a significant contributor to the convention, regularly representing his own personal and group views to students in other hubs.

Over 110 student delegates from all states and territories of Australia, came together to research and understand the following question:

Should the Constitution have a new preamble that would recognise our history, our aspirations and the many peoples and groups that make up our nation?

Day 1

Day 1 of the Convention was the opportunity to learn about the context, background and importance of the preamble at the beginning of the Constitution. In understanding this topic, students were also exposed to ideas and beliefs from both an indigenous and multicultural perspective. Listening to keynote speakers from university professors from a range of political, historical and cultural backgrounds, students were able to debate whether our existing preamble meets the needs of a modern Australia. Students were also given the opportunity to write a preamble based on their new found perspective.

Finally, a highlight of the day was the brief Zoom meeting with his Excellency General, the Hon David Hurley, Australia’s Governor General. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather he had to cut the conversation / question time short, but afforded the student delegates an opportunity to email him questions.

Day 2

Day 2 of the Convention started with a tour of Victoria’s Parliament House, in particular the upper and lower house and learnt about each of the house roles, composition and origin. Following our tour, students voted and chose the ACT preamble, with each hub ensuring the wording of the preamble represented modern Australia. Day 2 was finalised with a referendum vote. 

Traditionally conservative, 2021 NSCC Convention passed overwhelmingly “YES” to recognise our indigenous heritage and our multiculturalism, while recognising our Federation. The preamble was then presented to The Hon Scott Ryan, the President of the Senate.

Dylan’s experience is outlined below.

The experience of getting to attend the 2021 National Schools Constitution convention was an incredibly insightful endeavour and allowed me to participate in a politically geared environment with like-minded young people. I was able to discuss constitutional changes and be involved in youth political activity which gave me a very comprehensive insight into Australian political processes.

I was involved in a working group made up of other Victorian students where I was able to work and discuss with them their opinions regarding mock changes to the constitutional preamble. I made many close friends with a similar interest in politics during the experience and was able to present myself in a formal setting in front of many professors and major political figures. I was so honoured to be able to take part in the experience and it taught me many valuable lessons regarding Australian Politics and strongly encourage any future students to apply as it is a very enriching experience.

Dylan has a significant interest in both domestic and global politics and is a member of the Unit 3 & 4 Global Politics class. We hope this experience is a stepping stone to a wonderful political career that he aspires to.

Deanne Allen-Emery   Humanities Learning Area Leader

On the 26th of March our Year 11 cohort had a whole day focused on their wellbeing with three rotating sessions throughout the day. Homeroom groups moved through a session on emotional regulation and stress management through yoga delivered by DuneFolk. This session took a focus on not only some individual strategies to manage stress but also some partner work.

They also had the opportunity to discuss challenging unhelpful stereotypes they experience in society with the guidance from Paul Zappa from Jesuit Men’s Social Services. 

This session focused on healthier identities and allowed students to be reflective and offered suggestions on how they may be able to shape their worlds for the better.

The third session was one focusing on respectful relationships delivered by our student wellbeing team. This session was interactive and encouraged students to consider a number of different relationships they may be experiencing - familial, friendship, acquaintances and romantic - and to reflect on ways they can continue to be true to their authentic selves while also championing respect and kindness.

The day was a really positive time for students and homeroom teachers to get to take some time off from the classroom and focus on connecting and reflecting.

Tenille Thomson Student Wellbeing Coordinator

The Year 9 Forensic Science class are very fortunate to have a fingerprinting expert from the Biometric Services Division of Victoria Police visit their classes.

Students were informed of the various aspects of forensic work that is undertaken in our local community to solve crime, the scientific process and educational pathways that can lead to such fascinating, professional employment.

Leesa Snookes

Year 11 Environmental Science students started off the year with an unusual practical activity designed to highlight the importance of soil health in decomposition rates and nutrient cycling. The students were testing different soil types around the school by burying pairs of new white pure cotton underpants - and then digging them up in two months time.

The activity, inspired by a University of New England challenge called "Soil your Undies" aims to see whether the soil biota (fungi and bacteria) is healthy at a number of locations around the school grounds. Upon excavation, if the undies have holes in them then it will indicate that soil microorganisms have broken down the cotton into special sugars they can use for food.

As you can see the site that had regular watering, nutrients and healthy soil biota in our garden beds produced the most microbial action with the underpants being almost totally decomposed (except for the elastic waist and leg loops). 

The second site was a dry, sandy area at the back of the year 9 building that received no additional watering (other than rainfall) and contained soil typical of the sand dunes of the peninsula. The underpants at this site were almost totally intact with just a few minor holes. A clear and important demonstration of the power of having healthy soil full of microbes that decompose organic matter and recycle waste products in our ecosystems and gardens.

Students were challenged to think about variables that could affect the decomposition rates, methods of testing and comparing sites and possible environmental impacts related to the history and use of the site. The activity prepares students for the field based studies that they will undertake in the local area focussing on pollution and environmental issues and how to monitor and manage them.

Jessica Miller  Environmental Science teacher

Over the past term on every Thursday the Year 11 VCAL students have been furthering their skills through Short Courses Australia (SCA). The students now have 6 certificates they can now add to their resumes giving them more opportunities for jobs.

RSA:

Responsible Service of Alcohol; we have learnt strategies and skills to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking as well as how to serve alcohol.

Food handling:

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to handle food safely during the storage, preparation, display, service and disposal of food. It requires the ability to follow predetermined procedures as outlined in a food safety program.

Barista:

This course focused on understanding espresso theory, executing the correct technique and learning how to steam and pour a beautiful milk beverage. We left this session knowing the correct way to make great coffee at home or even to enable us to begin a career as a barista.

First aid:

We were taught a mixture of both practical and theory and learnt how to examine a casualty and familiarise ourselves with basic life support and learn how to control bleeding and trauma.

CPR:

We learnt about the different signs of choking as well as the different ways of responding to such situations. The basic CPR training also teaches students what the proper position is for a victim who is in recovery as well as what the symptoms are for cardiac arrest. As a part of this course we learnt how to use a defibrillator.

Mocktails:

This hands on course was lots of fun. We learnt about mocktails within the hospitality industry. We also learnt about suitable garnishes, flavour profiles and we got to taste them.

Kirsty Allan  VCAL Coordinator

Saint Ignatius College with the leadership from Student Wellbeing Leader Sam Hines as well as Arrupe leader Emilie Punton have celebrated saying ‘No!’ to bullying the week of the 19th March through encouraging students to write on our pledge wall.

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) is an important day to mark Australian school communities standing together against bullying and violence.

Saint Ignatius College prides itself on standing up to bullying and promoting a community where everyone feels safe and supported to be their authentic self.

We have counted over 340 student pledges on our wall this year - we are so proud of our students taking a stand against bullying!

With the College’s 2021 Learning Goal focussed on Learners and their Learning – “Helping students learn to a higher level”, it is important teachers are given the time to form, establish and share their professional learning goals. With the development of Professional Learning Time, the Companion groups share their knowledge, expertise and wisdom and provide greater opportunities for collaboration amongst each other.

On Tuesday 23rd March, teachers were introduced to a Four Stage Professional Learning Cycle (PLC). The PLC is designed to facilitate reflection and to form important conversations in developing key outcomes and strategies which will help to establish their goal in conjunction with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Over the course of this year all teachers will work through key reflective questions outlined in the Professional Learning Cycle during Professional Learning Time.

Professional Learning Cycle

Stage 1

Context: Identify your professional learning need(s)

Establish your professional goal by considering the following:

• What sort of education do I want my students to have to allow them to learn to a higher level?
• How can I improve my teaching practice and learner outcomes according to the Teacher Standards for my career stage? What data sources inform this?
• How does my learning need align with our 2021 improvement goals and learners needs?
• What change do I want to achieve? How will I know this has been achieved?
• What support do I need from my colleagues and leaders (including Companion Mentors and Companion Leaders)?

Stage 2

Experience: Select and undertake learning

Based on your learning need(s), consider the following:

• What is the best way for me to engage each of my students as a whole person in the experience of the learning process?
• Have I explored/considered different types of professional learning to select the most suitable one for my learning need(s)?
• Does the selected professional learning challenge my thinking and enhance my practice?
• What can I do that will have the greatest impact on student learning?

Stage 3

Action: Apply and refine learning

Throughout the learning process, consider the following:

• What are the signs that a student is acting in a manner that indicates the integration of the stages of experience and reflection?
• What actions do I need to take to apply the learning?
• What outcomes do I hope to achieve as a result of applying my learning?
• How am I assessing, reflecting and refining my learning throughout the process?
• How will I know along the way that my efforts are making a difference on student progress?

Stage 4

Reflection and Evaluation: Evaluate overall impact

At appropriate points in the learning process, reflect on the following:

• How can I create a culture of appraisal for my students and myself so that we may better decide the way to proceed in the future?
• Did the selected professional learning adequately meet my learning need/s? Should I undertake further professional learning?
• How has my teaching practice changed as a result of this learning and how has this impacted learner outcomes? What evidence informs this?
• How am I sharing my learning experience and evaluation with colleagues?

Professional Learning Time plays a pivotal role in our College. This helps our teachers, our Companion groups and our school to achieve our set goal. Providing our staff with the opportunities for Professional Learning Time will allow the teachers to engage more readily, thus further enhancing our professional growth.

Joe McLean  Director of Teacher Development

We are excited to announce our inaugural ‘Mother’s and Mentor’s Breakfast’ here at The College on Friday May 14th at 7.30am.

Further information, including booking details can be found on the attached flyer.

Bookings close on May 11th at 5pm, unless booked out prior.

Looking forward to our students and their mother’s or mentor’s joining us on this very special day.

 Elana Cole  Companions Coordinator.

Year 7 students and their mother’s/female mentors are invited to join us on Wednesday May 12th at 6.45pm in The Xavier Centre for ‘Time and Space.’

Please see further details, including booking registration on the attached flyer.

Looking forward to you joining us on this very special evening.

Elana Cole  Companions Coordinator.

Uniform Sales

Have you sent an item/s to be sold at the uniform shop prior to 1 July 2020 and it hasn’t been sold? Can you please email Kate at sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au by 30 June 2021 to notify if you are willing to donate these items. If you do not contact us prior to 30 June 2021 your item/s will be donated back to the school.

Please ensure any item that is sent in for sale has been freshly laundered, if not it will be returned to you.

Volunteers Needed!

Can you spare an hour or more to support our school?

Do you have a passion for fundraising, selling or promoting?

Then we need you!!!!! We are always looking for volunteers to help with our fundraising events, the uniform shop and our PFA meetings. You can volunteer as little as a hour or as frequently as you like. If you would like to help please click on “Volunteer Your Services” on the PFA page of the Saint Ignatius College website. Come along and join in the fun!

Police Assistance Line

Recent communication between PFA and Bellarine Police regarding local events over the summer period provided the following recommendation:

All families are encouraged to use the Police Assistance Line (131 444 or police.vic.gov.au) in case of any event or observation that might be unsettling or even slightly suspicious.

We have fridge magnets listing the Police Assistance Line’s contact details, these can be found at the school office. Please feel free to come and grab one.

Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association

Next meeting will be held on Tuesday May 11th at 7.00pm in the Food Tech Room. 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

The Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop Opening Days and Times are as follows:

Wednesday 21st April 2-4pm

Wednesday 5th May 2-4pm

It’s nearly winter uniform time so it is a great time to purchase ready for the beginning of Term 2.

Items to be sold or donated can be dropped off on any of the above days or anytime at the front office.

We are always seeking volunteers to help in the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out contact Kate Callaghan by emailing sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au Training is provided.

Young people, we need to talk

“Something is happening, and I don’t know what it is, Mr. Jones.” It’s nearly sixty years since Bob Dylan sang those words as a demand for action to a generation of youth itching for change.

Dylan could well sing those words today as there’s change in the air once more. Women of all ages are spotlighting the massive problem we have with inappropriate sexual behaviour and abuse from males. Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’ disclosure of alleged rape by a work colleague in a minister’s office in Parliament House has been the catalyst for others to speak up about similar incidents. While initially the focus was on Federal Parliament and men of a certain age, the petition (www.teachusconsent.com) by Australian student Chanel Contos moved the spotlight to young people. The petition calling for consent education in Australian schools was signed by 300,000 young women, with many recording harrowing accounts of sexual assault they’ve experienced.

The publication of the superb speech by the head prefect of Sydney’s Cranbrook School urging boys to change the way they viewed women from sexual objects to “people just like you” was ground-breaking. It was a brave speech that led the way for many men as well as the students he addressed.

While schools are being urged to tackle the problems outlined, families are the most appropriate starting points for meaningful change. Current events and the ensuing media storm provide wonderful conversation starters about these issues. Young people need to have their voices heard but they also need to hear the voices of parents and other adults who are generally interested in their future wellbeing. Conversations can be wide and varied but should at least include the following areas.

Porn

Popular author and Parenting Ideas contributor Maggie Dent believes that boys’ attitudes have become worse since the advent of the digital world. She says, “Porn is freely available and sadly, many children stumble upon it accidentally.” Dent writes that “this problem of male entitlement where boys demand that girls meet their sexual needs, or where boys think there is no problem with raping a sleeping or unconscious girl, has to come from somewhere.” Porn is so prolific and accessible that anyone with a mobile phone in their hand can access it.

Consent

Respect is at the heart of consent. Boys need to respect the wishes, the dignity and humanity of a girl when she refuses to engage in sexualised behaviour of any sort. It is important to teach and reinforce to boys that no means no, not maybe.

To help girls feel more confident about saying no, they can practise withdrawing consent (non-sexual, of course) in a number of ways with the males closest to her at home. “No bro, you can’t come into my room now.” “No Dad, I don’t want to talk right now. I can talk later though.” Consent education should be common fare in every family.

Character

Porn, Tinder, Sexting and other digital behaviours may normalise highly sexualised behaviours, but no one makes a young person continually harass a girl for sex or send out a nude image without consent. Character and values play their part. Young people may make poor choices, but parents need to hold them accountable, model values of respect and fairness and be bold and upfront with their views.

In closing

Dylan also sang that ‘the times they are changing.’ Attitudes to women, particularly in relation to sexual assault need to change. As beneficiaries of this change, young people need to be involved and parents can help get the ball rolling by talking about these issues in meaningful ways with their young people.

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.

The College canteen menu uses the 'traffic light system' to inform students, staff and parents of the College the healthier choice’s available at the College canteen (See 'Healthy Food @ School Guidelines' in our 'College Policies and Procedures' section for full details).

Canteen Duty for Parents

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.

Canteen Roster:

Week starting April 19th 2021

19th Apr: E. Dear, C. Kirk
20th Apr: R. Morris, M. Jackson, K. Allchin, V. Durbridge
21st Apr: L. Vella, Needed, Needed
22nd Apr: E. Carpenter, K. Langworthy, M. White
23rd Apr: E. No Canteen. Student Free Day

Week starting April 26th 2021

26th Apr: K. Rolfs, Needed
27th Apr: S. Twaits, L. Strachan, S. Donaldson, C. Browne
28th Apr: L. Vella, Needed, Needed
29th Apr: Needed, Needed
30th Apr: E. Stokie, S. Nyga

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you believe that you may be entitled to this fund, please complete the Application form sent via Operoo or collect a form from the College office.

Please return the completed form as soon as possible.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families.

The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. This payment will be credited to your College fee account. The annual CSEF amount per student is $225 for secondary school students.

The Concession cards that may entitle you to this fund are listed below:

Health Care Card (HCC)

Job Seeker (JSP)

Parenting Payment Partnered (PPP)

Parenting Payment Single (PPS)

Disability Support Pension (DSP)

Carer Payment (CAR)

Newstart Allowance (NSA)

ABSTUDY - Schooling Applicant (ABA)

ABSTUDY - Secondary / Tertiary (ABY)

Age Pension (AGE)

Austudy Payment (AUS)

Bereavement Allowance (BVA)

Non-Agency Payment (NAP)

Partner Allowance (PTA)

Sickness Allowance (SKA)

Special Benefit (SPL)

Widow Allowance (WDA)

Widow B Pension (WID)

Wife Pension Age (WFA)

Wife Pension Disability (WFD)

Youth Allowance (YAL)

Widow B Pension (WID)

Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.

Regional Parenting Service: Upcoming Free Webinars

The Regional Parenting Service is running a series of free webinars in late March and April.

‘Nature Week Webinar’ presented by Tania Moloney, Founder of Nurture in Nature
‘Primary School Webinar’ – Starting or Returning to Primary School
‘Secondary School Webinar’ - Starting or Returning to Secondary School

Please see attached PDFs for booking details.

Lifeboat Geelong: Combined Catholic Parishes Raffle

This year Lifeboat Geelong, a non-profit organisation that supports survivors of Church and Institutional abuse, is again participating in the Combined Catholic Parishes Raffle. The current diminished church attendance due to COVID-19 lockdowns has meant fewer parishes are involved this year, but the prize pool still has a value of $40,000.

1st Prize: Suzuki Balena Hatchback
2nd Prize: $5000 gift voucher
3rd Prize: $2000 gift voucher
4th - 6th Prizes: $1000 each gift voucher
7th - 20th Prizes: $500 each gift voucher

Tickets are just $2, and every ticket sold generates $1.50 for the work of Lifeboat.

Any family that is willing to sell a book of 10 tickets please contact Cath on 0439 199 400 or cath@lifeboatgeelong.com.au

Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools 2021 Dinner

Our near neighbours in Timor-Leste have just recently gone into another full lockdown due to the Corona Virus amid fears they could be facing another local outbreak. Thus far, they have managed to contain previous outbreaks. It looks like 2021 will be another uncertain and difficult year.

Maintaining ongoing support for your partner school Loi Huno in the region of Viqueque is perhaps even more crucial now as the 'personal' contact of the past visits is not possible.

We would love to encourage you to continue your support by encouraging staff and students to attend the 2021 'Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools' dinner being held on Thursday April 29th at Truffleduck. General tickets are $50 allowing for a $10 donation and student tickets are $40.

Guest speaker Br Frank Hennessey OAM will share stories of his time living and working in Timor-Leste.

All profits will go to supporting staff and students on the ground in Viqueque through resources and student scholarships.

Your past support has always been wonderful and we look forward to continuing in partnership with you in 2021. Hope to see you and some of your community at the dinner. Flyer attached or go directly to the booking site https://www.trybooking.com/BOR...

Please do not hesitate should you have any questions or concerns or if you would like to 'catch up' to discuss what's happening through the work of the Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools and how we can further support/connect with your partner school

Grovedale Tigers Junior Football Club: Junior Girls Football

Players wanted to come join in the fun at the Grovedale Tigers for 2021.

Age Groups: U18, U15, U12 and U10s

Training times:
Wednesday at 4.30pm - 5.45pm (U10, U12 and U15s)
Thursday at 5.00pm - 6.30pm (U18s)

Grovedale College Oval, Burdoo Drive, Grovedale

We are very passionate about girls football. We want to create a fun environment for all girls to come and have some fun no matter whether they have experience or absolutely no experience at all.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact Kelly McCarthy on 0401 679 763 or Michael Barratt pm 0419 342 708

Parent Education Events - Geelong Region: Term 2 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 2. Please see attached flyer for details: