Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong community members,
Welcome to the new school term. I hope that the holiday period provided students with ample time for rest, recreation, revision of term one and planning for term two. I also hope that all families enjoyed the Easter break with family and friends. Many of us may have enjoyed hot cross buns and seafood on Good Friday and chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday in keeping with traditional Easter practices. In our increasingly secular society, Easter's significance and critical message can be diluted or lost if we are not mindful of why we are celebrating.
Easter Sunday was the high point of the year for members of the Christian community to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection. Our Easter celebration from Good Friday to Sunday is the core of our faith: “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.”
Unlike last year, we are looking forward to undertaking Work Experience in the last week of this term. Our Work & Further Education Coordinator, Mr Bruce Connor, informed me earlier this week, that he was starting to see an increase in the number of Work Experience placements secured by our Year 10 students. The placement should not be a student’s regular part-time job instead of a field that may be of potential career interest. Students are expected to research and apply for a position.
There is valuable student learning in the experience of securing a position. We would prefer that each student takes ownership of this rather than a parent or Mr Connor having to do the search. (When a student cannot genuinely obtain a suitable placement, Mr Connor will provide help.) For some students, this task can seem daunting. How can a parent support their daughter or son to take steps to obtain a placement and not take over ownership of the task? The following story (*) provides advice for parents when their teenager is reluctant and wanting to shift the onus onto their parent for a job that they should be undertaking.
A daughter asks her father to call the library for her. Dad tells her to make the call herself. She is not happy, having never phoned a stranger before and fretting about what she would say if the librarian asked her a question. The father wondered if he was asking too much of his daughter, and devised some steps to make a challenge both manageable and instructive.
Remind your child of their skills. You know how to make a phone call.
Express confidence. I’ve seen you talk on the phone with friends many times.
Play what-if. What will you say if the librarian asks you what your card number is?
Role-play. Let’s practise the call.
Be present. I’ll be right here if you need some help.
Lower expectations. It’s okay to make a mistake.
Encourage authenticity. Tell the librarian this is the first time you called the library yourself.
(* - Acknowledgement: “7 Ways to Give Support without Prolonging Incompetence” by Dan Rockwell in Leadership Freak, February 24, 2021)
Two more afternoons of tours and information sessions remain before the Year 7 2022 enrolment applications close on May 7 2021. This closing date also applies in the case of where a sibling is already enrolled at the College. Please click here for dates and times and how to book a tour.
If you know of any parent who is considering secondary schooling for their child, please encourage them to book a tour or apply for enrolment.
A reminder that the College provides supervision from 8:30 am each morning until the commencement of the Homeroom class at 8:50 am. Students arriving at school before 8:30 am should gather in the Information Learning Centre (opens at 8:00 am). Each school day afternoon, supervision is provided for students catching a bus from the College from 3:05 pm until the departure of the last school bus at approximately 3:50 pm. Students waiting for a bus should remain in the Basketball court area or at the bus stop. The College Library is open from 8:00 am each morning and closes at 4:30 pm.
Please note that all students are required to wear full winter uniform for terms two and three. As there may be some very warm days early this term, students may wear summer uniform on any warm days for the first two weeks.
Please check the Student Planner for details about what can and cannot be worn. Please note that the summer shirt with the College logo is not to be worn as part of the winter uniform as it is not made to be worn with a tie. The College uniform long sleeve shirt is to be worn with a tie and is compulsory with the winter uniform for boys and girls. Also, the kilt must be worn no longer than mid-calf with navy blue tights or stockings.
We held a whole school assembly today to conduct the College's Anzac Day Service. This annual formal assembly paid tribute to the men and women who have served our country and the 3,300 Defence Force Personnel currently serving in twelve overseas operations.
Our guest speaker was Rieny Nieuwenhof. Mr Nieuwenhof served in the Vietnam War. He spoke to the assembly about his experience. Mr Nieuwenhof’s speech included his wife, Gaye’s, story about her experience of what it was like back here in Australia on her own as a wife and mother while her husband was in Vietnam. Mr Nieuwenhof is a past staff member of our school, so it was lovely to welcome him back to Saint Ignatius today. We are very grateful to Rieny and Gaye for sharing their personal experiences with us.
Many students were involved in the ceremony in many different ways, including laying of a wreath, reading or singing in the choir, all contributing to making this a special and memorable occasion. In particular, I thank and congratulate the cadets who participated in uniform:
Neo Williams, Charlie Hardcastle, Seann Fitzgerald, Charlie Post, Tom Buttler, Mitchell Smith, and Jack Newland. Well done!
As a school community, we prayed the following prayer together.
God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of the women and men who gave their lives in time of war.
We pray that their sacrifice is not in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Best wishes,
Michael Exton Principal
This week we commemorate the service and sacrifice of many Australians over our nation’s history in the pursuit of peace and justice. On Thursday we will pause as a College to remember the love and service of others, how fortunate we are to live in a peaceful and secure country and pray for an end to war.
ANZAC Day is a solemn day in which we remember the sacrifices made on our behalf. It is not a day where we glorify war. In commemorating ANZAC Day we offer gratitude to those who gave up their youth, their health and even their lives so that today we can live in freedom and peace. Many Australian’s have relatives that have or currently do serve in our Defence Force. My family is relatively small yet we have had over a dozen of our relatives past and present who have served from Gallipoli to Afghanistan and Iraq, in war and in peace keeping roles in all arms of the ADF. This story is common, most families have experienced what service costs the individual and their loved ones.
ANZAC Day is extremely significant to our nation because against the odds, over and over again, our men and women have overcome every aggressor or nation that has sought to destroy and deny human dignity to the vulnerable. Our service men and women have in almost all cases, no matter how difficult the situation, carried out their mission with compassion and integrity. Even in war those who serve on our behalf have shown restraint and acted with honour which we can rightly admire.
The role of our Defence Force is not to pursue war. There is no glory found in killing our brothers and sisters no matter who they are or how evil their actions. There is no desire in our society to fight others or promote an image of strength to other nations. As a nation we seek to assist countries that are less able in defending their sovereignty and in times of need due to natural disasters.
Regardless of the service offered by our personnel there is price paid by each member. It may be life changing injuries, both physical or mental health, or strain on relationships within the family. Serving in the military means that for many every three years there is a new posting which impacts schooling for the children and employment for the spouse. There are months spent on training courses or operations which mean families are separated; in some cases contact is forbidden and families do not know until they return that they have been fighting overseas. During the recent COVID pandemic some soldiers separated from their families for months at a time even though they were less than ten kilometres from home. For our sailors deployments regularly last six to twelve months. On ANZAC Day we offer gratitude to those who serve in ways that cost more than we are personally able to sacrifice.
This year ANZAC Day falls during the first school week after Easter and I think there is a fitting link between the two. During Holy Week we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for all humanity and the hope, and new life we experience because of the resurrection. These themes are remembered again on ANZAC Day. We live as we do in this country because of the sacrifice of others. We know that no matter what adversity is faced our nation and its Defence Force will prevail and that justice and peace will reign. In assisting other nations in their time of need or in fighting an aggressor the service of our men and women protects others and brings new life and hope to their communities, and into the world.
As an Ignatian school we also reflect upon the life of St Ignatius of Loyola during this week. As a young man he glorified war and sought to be a great soldier. His vision as a young noble man was that of adventure and fighting. His sacrifice was in service of himself and his own ego and image. At Pamplona his desire to be a hero led to his life altering injuries. During his prolonged convalescence his desires were transformed and his purpose in life was made clear. Ignatius’ life story mirrors the experience of many service men and women. The injuries received or the experience of war make them more aware of the need to avoid warfare and the desire that others never need to enter into armed conflict. Often the greatest advocates for peace and dialogue are those who have experienced war first hand.
On Thursday as a community we will commemorate the service and sacrifice of the service men and women of the Australian Defence Force throughout our nation’s history. We especially remember the ultimate sacrifice made by our forebears and we honour the service and daily sacrifices made by those who serve today. We pray for those who have died because of war, especially the forgotten who lie in unmarked resting places that our merciful God has lovingly welcomed them home. We pray for a world where nations work together to build trust so that there is no need to prepare for war. We pray for a world where all people are treated with dignity, offered freedom and are assured justice. We pray for ourselves that we may be more merciful and compassionate each day and that our actions help bring about the Kingdom.
We are hope filled people of the resurrection who seek to build a world where “swords will be made into ploughshares, spears into pruning hooks; where nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more”. Amen and amen!
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
During Term 1, on Tuesday, March 9th, as senior student leaders, we were fortunate to be selected to attend the Northern Bellarine International Women's Day Luncheon 2021.
This event, in celebration of women on the Northern Bellarine, we attended with Ms Frigo.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed with many smiles and a lovely, upbeat atmosphere. Being the only younger-aged girls in attendance, several women approached us to engage us in conversation. They asked our opinions and thoughts on a variety of gender issues. In return they offered us advice and shared experiences that they wanted to pass on from their own lives. It was amazing to consider the ‘collective intellect’ in the room - so many women with an abundance of wisdom and knowledge.
We were seated with the MC, Patricia Crotty, and the guest speaker, Robyn Smith.
Robyn Smith is the CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia and the first female elected Vice-President of VIRTUS (an international body representing athletes with an intellectual impairment). She delivered a captivating speech, which was both inspiring and filled with valuable information that everyone can take into their lives.
As part of the day, the 2021 Monica Hayes Award was presented. Monica Hayes was a role model for Community and Political Activism and was obviously highly valued by the women in the room. Instead of it being a competition, the award was instead given and shared by the three women who were nominated. This served as a reminder that these women are not working in competition, but are working together to create a better environment for all.
Veronica Fragapane (Arrupe Leader) and Janelle Nichols (SRC Representative)
Pictured in the photo below: Janelle Nichols, Robyn Smith and Veronica Fragapane
Thank you for your support at the recent Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences. It was great to hear that many students ran the discussion about their learning. In fact, over 90% of interviews were run by students.
It was also pleasing to see that the Student Self Reflection sheet was so well utilised. I now encourage students to work towards achieving their Term 2 goals with a focus on effectively using class and home time. I also welcome any parent feedback regarding the Student Parent Teacher Conferences via email at dpoffice@ignatius.vic.edu.au
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests for Year 7 and 9 students will be held on Tuesday 11 May, Wednesday 12 May and Thursday 13 May 2021. The NAPLAN tests are conducted by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) on behalf of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and reporting Authority (ACARA). These tests will be held in the Old Gym during the normal school day.
Each test will take approximately 40 to 65 minutes for students to complete. Year 7 and 9 parents and students will receive more details via XUNO.
Bernadette Donnelly Deputy Principal [Learning & Teaching]
Year 11 VCE Environmental Science students were involved in an incursion at the end of Term 2 looking at waste water and how it is treated on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Ferdinand Garcia from Barwon Water visited our classroom (as excursions are on hold for now due to COVID restrictions) to detail the ways that waste water from our kitchens, bathrooms and laundries is treated at the Black Rock Sewerage Treatment plant.
The interactive talk included fascinating information on microorganisms that are used to "eat up" the sewerage in a process that reduces suspended solids and organic material by 98%. Additional microbes focus on reducing the nutrient content of the water by breaking down nitrogen into nitrogen gas and absorbing phosphorus into their tissues.
The treated water is then clean enough to be pumped into the ocean at Black Rock near the end of 13th Beach.
Students also learned about tertiary treatment of water involving reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light treatment and the possible uses of this water on sports grounds, tree lots and farms.
An additional resource created from water treatment is biosolids - used for fertiliser on farms and as a fuel source.
This information helped students begin to think about the impacts of humans on the local environment and water resources and seed ideas for their major project this Semester, sampling and assessing human impacts on local ecosystems.
Jessica Miller Science teacher
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
Context: Identify your professional learning need(s)
Establish your professional goal by considering the following:
Experience: Select and undertake learning
Based on your learning need(s), consider the following:
Action: Apply and refine learning
Throughout the learning process, consider the following:
Reflection and Evaluation: Evaluate overall impact
At appropriate points in the learning process, reflect on the following:
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 were fortunate to have talented Baristas spend the day here at school teaching us how to make great coffee as a part of our upskilling program.
We learnt how to operate the coffee machine, all about the different coffee beans eg. Robusta, Arabica and the different types of hot drinks. We were shown how to make espresso, mochas, lattes etc, and my favourite being the espresso.
After being shown the ins and outs of the machine, we were able to make our own cup of coffee. It is not as easy as it seems, as it's a little more involved than just adding a teaspoon or 2 of coffee hot water and milk! It takes skill and a perfected technique to make the perfect coffee.
Spending the day watching and learning from these top baristas sparked an interest in me and I can definitely see myself continuing on to perfect the technique - it will be a hugely valuable skill to have. That could be being able to work as a Barista either after school/weekend job, part time work in between study or once perfecting the art of coffee making working as a full time Barista.
You can work anywhere, any country, hanging out in all these cool coffee houses and it would be a pretty cool job to have. I am looking forward to showcasing my skills through the VCAL Café Deja Brew.
A huge thanks to the VCAL team for organising it.
Joey Middleton
The Year 11 VCAL students undertook a workshop/presentation with James from the Young Workers Centre in Melbourne via Zoom.
James' presentation covered their rights and entitlements as young workers and outlined bullying and sexual harassments issues in the workplace.
Here are some reflections from students:
Dear James,
Thanks very much for taking the time out of your day to teach us all about the issues and pitfalls for young people starting out in the workforce, especially making sure you get a pay slip, correct hourly rate and bullying and harassment.
Thanks Joseph.
Dear James,
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to talk to us VCAL students about the workplace. I greatly appreciated the knowledge and advice we received from you yesterday. I learnt a lot about workplace bullying and harassment as well as learning about how your payslip should look like and what's wrong and right when it comes down to how you should be paid. Once again I would like to thank you for the time and knowledge you left with me yesterday.
Alenna
Term one has ended in a busy fashion for the Student Representative Council.
The casual day held on the 25th of March was a great success. It was amazing to see everyone wearing their casual clothes and bringing in donations to support such a worthy cause.
The effort put into fundraising for Project Compassion by each year level has been tremendous. Well done and thank you to all of the homerooms who came up with creative ways to fundraise and raise awareness. As an Ignatian school, it is important that we give back especially over this period of Lent.
Overall the casual day raised $1417.30, and there’s no doubt that each person who contributed will positively impact someone’s life.
The main success of the day was of course the famous Year 10 cake stall, which couldn’t have happened without the incredible efforts of Mr O’Brien, the year ten student leaders, homeroom teachers, and the wonderful parents who donated delicious baked goods. The food was wildly popular and the cake stall raised an incredible $1153.10, which will all be donated to Project Compassion.
With term one done and dusted the SRC will turn their attention towards the rest of the year and the exciting new initiatives we hope to implement across the school.
Chelsea Ferguson Year 9 SRC Representative
The ILC staff have reviewed our Overdue Procedures. We have now made some adjustments and modifications.
The new procedures will take affect Monday 26th April. The new overdue procedures are as follows:
Once an item is overdue, the following procedures are in place.
Daily
Once a student has overdue items, they will receive an email reminder the item is overdue requesting it be returned to the ILC ASAP. These are automatically sent via Oliver (Library system).
Homeroom teachers will receive a daily summary of their class overdues. This is to be read out in Morning Homeroom.
Weekly (7 days overdue)
If an item is still overdue an email (worded differently) will be sent to the student.
ILC staff to try and speak personally to students (especially Year 7-9 when they visit the ILC for WIRED).
Fortnightly (14 days overdue)
If an item/s are still overdue after 2 weeks an email will be sent to both the student and parent/guardian informing them of the overdue item/s. Parent/Guardian requested to follow this up with their son/daughter.
Monthly (28 days overdue)
If an item/s are still overdue after 4 weeks an email will be sent to both student and parents. If the item is not returned within in 7 days (of the date of the email), families will be invoiced for the replacement cost of the item/s. Once invoiced no refunds or credits will be given.
If you have any questions, queries, etc please let me know.
Leonie Stephenson Information Learning Centre Co-ordinator
The Saint Ignatius College House Cross Country Carnival will be held on Tuesday April 27th.
This year’s course starts on our main oval. Runners will then exit the College via Gillies Road towards the Drysdale underpass. From there runners will complete a full lap of the picturesque Lake Lorne and then go back through the underpass back to the main oval to finish.
The aims of the day are as follows:
1. To promote running as a fun, healthy exercise in a competitive environment.
2. To contribute to the promotion of adopting long term active healthy lifestyles.
3. To establish our Age Champions for 2021 and Champion House for 2021
4. To select a College Cross Country Team that will compete at the Geelong Independent Secondary Schools Championship on Wednesday 2nd June
Race Times:
9.00 – 10.30: Year 7 & 8
11.00 – 12.30: Year 9 & 10
1.20 – 2.30: Year 11 & 12
Course Distance: 3.5km
It is compulsory for every student to compete, whether it is to race, jog or walk. Cross Country Day is about participation and having fun. Not everyone will be able to complete the whole course running but everyone can have a go!
The day is also about everyone coming together to demonstrate pride and effort while representing their House.
See the attached PDF for full details:
Andrew Philp Sports 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Uniform Shop Opening Days and Times are as follows:
Wednesday 5th May 2-4pm
Wednesday 19th May 2-4pm
It’s winter uniform time and the Uniform Shop has amazing pre-loved winter items at reasonable prices.
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.
At school pick up time it’s common to see people in their ’60s, ’70s and older greeting young children after school. In secondary school many students are welcomed home by someone in that age group. You may well think that these are grandparents doing a spot of childcare while parents are at work, but increasingly grandparents and relatives of a grandparenting age are caring full-time for children.
A time of mixed feelings
Grandparents who care full-time for children usually do so following a family crisis or loss. Becoming the full time carer can come as a shock. Many grandparents report that their world is turned upside down when they take on full time parenting roles. Not only are they prevented or restricted from participating in their ongoing interests, many experience their life in limbo as they may not know whether the parenting role is permanent or temporary.
While grandchildren may feel safe being with grandparents after a crisis or experience of loss, it’s difficult to move from a highly relational grandparent mode to be the person who sets boundaries, makes sure homework is done and gets kids to school on time each day. On top of this many
grandparents experience a mixture of emotions including grief for the death or disappearance of a child, anger for being placed in a situation they didn’t want or shame for a difficult family situation.
The benefits of being grandparent carer
Conversations with grandparent carers reveal that many grandparents cherish the opportunity to be close to their grandchildren. For men, in particular, the chance to make up for time and milestones that they missed with their own children helps make their time looking after grandchildren worthwhile. Some grandparents also report finding a new lease of life when they become carers.
Mark, a grandparent raising four primary-aged children appreciates the benefits that experience provides. He claims, ”I don’t stress nearly as much as I did when I was bringing up my two children. Some of the things I used to fight over with them seem ludicrous now. I’m more patient, more understanding and more fun to be around now with this lot. I laugh more now too.”
Looking after yourself
According to the Raising Children Network, grandparents who care for children “have higher levels of depression and anxiety and (experience) more physical and emotional health problems than grandparents who aren’t carers.” The extra responsibilities that come with being a grandparent carer such as dealing with money worries, facing legal issues and lack of peer support means that grandparent self-care is paramount. Age-related exercise, social interaction, a good diet, enough sleep and regular medical check-ups need to be part of the wellbeing regimens for grandparent carers.
In closing
Like parents, grandparents benefit from being part of a school community. A welcoming school community can be a wonderful asset for those who are raising children the second time around.
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 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.
Week starting April 26th 2021
26th Apr: K. Rolfs, L. Hart
27th Apr: S. Twaits, L. Strachan, S. Donaldson, C. Browne
28th Apr: L. Vella, Needed, Needed
29th Apr: K. Langworthy, M. White
30th Apr: E. Stokie, S. Nyga
Week starting May 3rd 2021
3rd May: B. Rees, B. Brinfield, L. Kelly
4th May: S. Twaits, L. Strachan, S. Donaldson, C. Browne
5th May: C. Holland, L. Dowling, N. Grillinzoni, L. Vella
6th May: Needed, Needed
7th May: G. Sablonty, 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 Parenting Forum
The Regional Parenting Service is running a Free Parenting Forum on Wednesday June 23rd called 'The Teen Brain'.
Presented by David Gillespie, one of Australia's most trusted non-fiction authors, who will detail how complicated a teenage brain is and discuss how to set out clear, reasonable and effective rules to help confidently manage your child's use of screens at a critical point in their lives.
Please see attached PDF for booking details.
Connect Webinar Series 2021
Proudly presents a free online webinar entitled 'Supporting parents of children with anxiety'.
This is a free 90 minute webinar and will be held on Saturday April 24th, 10.30am to 12noon.
Please see attached PDF for registration details.
St Bernard's Annual Book Fair
Sunday May 2nd, 8am to 2pm at the Clairvaux School Hall, Reynolds Road, Belmont.
Over 10,00 books and trash and treasure stalls with loads of secondhand goods.
Please see attached PDF for 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
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: