Welcome to Term Two

I hope you and your family enjoyed the Easter holidays, and students have returned refreshed and ready for a productive term. The Parent, Student and Teacher conferences at the end of Term one provided an opportunity to meet teachers, affirm student progress, raise areas for improvement and develop plans for learning to a higher level this term. To date, the feedback from parents has been positive about the conferences being online via Zoom.

With the further easing of restrictions, this will be a busy term. Apart from all of the usual teaching and learning activities, there will be many other opportunities for student learning. For example, on the first day of Term, we held our whole school ANZAC Commemoration Service, the winter sports program began this week, the Annual House College Cross-Country Carnival was held today, the Yr 11 Cape York Indigenous Immersion trip participants return today, the Year 7 students have their Anglesea Camp next week, NAPLAN testing for Years 7 and 9 will be conducted the following week, the Year 9 students will have their camp mid-term, there will be many performing arts events happening throughout the term and Year 10 students will have their Work Experience Program during the last week of term – and these are only some of the many term two events!

Term 2 is very much the business term of the academic year. It is a time when students can make some substantial gains in their learning. As each student and family looks ahead, the use of the Student Planner will be an essential tool to help each student structure his term program and keep on track. Organisation is the key and an important skill to develop in our students. I encourage parents to keep an eye on their student’s planner use.

COVIDSafe

Whilst there has been further easing of COVID-19 related restrictions for schools (as indicated in the letter sent via email to parents on 25th April 2022), we still need to be vigilant in this area. I thank parents for your ongoing support in reminding your daughter/son about COVIDSafe practices: hand washing, physical distancing, coughing/sneezing into their elbow, staying home if unwell and twice-weekly Rapid Antigen Testing.

Mentor time trial Term Two

Student belonging, connection and feeling known at school are important influences on positive learning outcomes. Our School Improvement Plan identifies this as an area for growth. A key action arising from this strategy to help students learn at a higher level was to review the College’s pastoral structure. As a result of the review, we are trialling during this Term a change from a short end of each day Homeroom period to one weekly more extended period on a Tuesday. Many of the usual ‘Personal Learning’, Year Level or whole school activities will occur during this period. We are also transitioning from a “Homeroom Teacher” role to a “Mentor Teacher” role. We are using this trial to explore this further, and having one more extended period once a week will be a more effective use of time than the short afternoon Homeroom period. This trial has meant that the period times are different this term. Deputy Principal, Mr Michael Timms, is coordinating this trial and will communicate the trial results to parents later this term. If you have any questions concerning this change, please contact your daughter/son’s Homeroom Teacher.

We also welcome two new Education Support Officers:

Ms Michelle Ryan (Design & Digital Communications Officer, full-time)

Ms Amelia Watters (Youth Minister, four days/week)

Yr 7 2023

A reminder that applications for enrolment of any siblings for Year 7 next year will close on Friday 6th May 2022. Applications can be made online via our College website. Please contact our College Registrar, Ms Gail Myers, if you have any questions.

Michael Exton
Principal

As we return to a new Term we celebrate the Risen Lord and commemorate ANZAC Day. In doing so, our thoughts centre upon the ongoing war in Ukraine and pray for peace. With so many dead, displaced and wounded the central teaching of peace is the ‘new life’ we pray may be brought into the world as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.

I offer you the following insightful article written by our friend Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ who explores these themes via the often missed International Day for Diplomacy and Negotiation for Peace (24 April).

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

Normally most of us might yawn when told about the International Day for Diplomacy and Negotiation for Peace. We would see it as a day of interest only to specialists in the public service. It evokes the vision of professional diplomats in dark suits representing their various nations, speaking eloquently to justify the position taken by their nation, far removed from the everyday life on the streets of their cities, and producing statements that cloud over the real differences between nations. We might even suspect them of selling out their people in order to appease the powerful. After Chamberlain’s short term agreement with Hitler, of course, appeasement became synonymous with cowardice.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, however, has emphasised how important diplomacy and negotiation are in opening or keeping open paths towards peace. War is horrifically destructive of people and of the earth. It also fosters hatred between peoples and makes even more difficult the task of minimising the effects of climate change. In times of conflict, war and the destruction of the enemy can come to be seen as the only justifiable course of action. Leaders then cannot allow themselves to be seen speaking to one another.

In such situations it is vital that knowledgeable and trusted representatives of their nations are able to agree on such immediate needs as safe passage for refugees and the treatment of prisoners, and so to keep open conversations about an end to the war and the resolution of disputes that led to it. Diplomats do not make decisions for their nations, but they can help their leaders to make less unwise decisions.

The skills of diplomacy and negotiation are valuable in all human relationships, not just in relationships between nations. When conflict arises in families, groups and nations it usually divides people into two camps – enemies and allies. We feel called to choose, to take a stand, to hate one and love the other. His or her friends become my enemies. The conflict becomes entrenched, sometimes for generations. It would be better for people at war with one another to have spoken to one another directly or through a mediator trusted by both parties, to have looked calmly at their relationship and at the effects of breaking it, and to have found some common ground.

In our society and in the world it is better to promote contact between people and friendship across differences than to feed hostility. It is better to address conflict early and to avoid demonising people of other races, religious beliefs and colour. Negotiation and diplomacy are needed when trust breaks down. But it would be better if the differences that lead to the loss of trust had been balanced by earlier efforts to build good relationships between peoples.

At Jesuit Social Services we have come to appreciate the value of negotiation and diplomacy in our programs of restorative justice, particularly in the Group Conferencing where young people who have been found guilty of offences meet people whom their behaviour has hurt. This can help the young person take responsibility for their actions and the damage they have caused. It can also help the people hurt to work through their anger and pain.

Mr Brendan Nicholls.

Liturgy Coordinator

Student Parent Teacher Conferences

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. I now encourage students to work towards achieving their Term 2 goals with a focus on effectively using class and home time. Just a reminder that parents and guardians are welcome to contact teachers at any time during the term to discuss their child’s learning.

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) Online tests for Year 7 and 9 students will be held on Wednesday 11 May, Thursday 12 May and Friday 13 May. These tests will be held in the Multipurpose Centre 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 email later next week.

Term 3 Subject Pathways Information: Accelerated Studies

In Term 3, students will commence the 2023 Subject Pathways process. At ​​Saint Ignatius College, we offer students the opportunity to undertake selected accelerated studies. Accelerated studies are academically challenging and participation in an accelerated study is not automatic. Therefore, a student considering applying to study an accelerated subject must be able to demonstrate that they can cope with the workload, have sound organisational skills, have demonstrated excellence in their chosen Year 10 or 11 subject area, and that the accelerated study will not negatively impact on their Year 10 or 11 studies.

It is expected that any student considering applying to study an accelerated subject meets the following criteria:

• An overall result of 80% or higher in the accelerated subject area studied in Semester One

• An overall result of 75% or higher in all other subjects studied in Semester One

A high level of literacy is beneficial to a student studying an accelerated subject.

A student who does not meet the criteria in Semester 1 may reapply at the end of Semester 2 but cannot be guaranteed a place.

Year 9 - 11 Semester One Examinations

Parents and students will receive a copy of their examination timetable in the coming weeks. If a student has a clash, they will need to meet with their Level Coordinator to reschedule the examination.

Year 10 and 11 examinations commence on Wednesday 8 June and conclude on Thursday 16 June. Year 9 examinations commence on Tuesday 14 June and conclude on Thursday 16 June. Friday 18 June is a student free day for staff correction.

Important S dates

To assist students with their organisation and planning we publish S dates which refers to the final date for any Year 7 – 12 summative or reportable task to be completed. The Year 7 -12 Semester One S days are as follows:

Year 12: Thursday 16 June

Year 10/11: Tuesday 31 May

Year 9: Monday 6 June (Core subjects only)

Year 9: Friday 16 June (Elective subjects only)

Year 7/8: Thursday 16 June

Ms. Bernadette Donnelly

Deputy Principal

Learning and Teaching

The Saint Ignatius College Community is invited to our upcoming evening with leading Australian race car driver Emily Duggan on Wednesday May the 25th at 7pm.

Guests will be inspired by Emily’s story to continue to rise above challenges and adversities as they embrace the College’s 2022 theme of ‘achieving to a higher level.’

We look forward to welcoming the College Community to this free event.

Please register your ticket via the link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/BYYYJ

Ms. Elana Cole | Development Manager

Mothers and female mentors are invited to our ‘Year 7 Mother and Child Evening’ at the College on Wednesday May 11th at 6.15pm.

Please find further information, regarding this evening, including registration links attached.

We look forward to Year 7 students and their mothers and female mentors joining us for this special evening.

Ms. Elana Cole | Companions Coordinator.

Time Space Mother Child flyer 2022

Saint Ignatius College Geelong is launching “The Book Club”.

We look forward to welcoming parents and carers of our community to this event.

Our first Book Club will be held Monday 2nd May, in the Information Learning Centre (ILC) from 7pm-8pm.

We will be discussing ‘The Herd’ by Emily Edwards.

Please RSVP to the link: shorturl.at/pELO2

Refreshments will be provided.

Mrs. Leonie Stephenson 

ILC Cordinator

Saint Ignatius College, Geelong is delighted to present 'The Saint Ignatius College Careers Panel Evening' on Monday the 16th of May, 2022, at 7pm.

Saint Ignatius College Alumni from various fields are returning to the College to host 3 panel sessions, to which students and their parents/carers can sign up to. Each panel session is 18 minutes in duration, with a 2 minute changeover period. The evening will conclude at 8.30pm.

Families will listen to the career pathways chosen by the panellists and will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding their chosen careers.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain an insight into possible career choices beyond Year 12, and the pathway that can be taken to achieve these careers.

All students in Years 10-12 are encouraged to select their 3 panels via the following link;

https://forms.gle/8Rvq7YfsFtvJaYcv7

For more information about our panellists please visit;

https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.au/uploads/SI-Careers-Panel-Presenter-Information.pdf

We look forward to welcoming students in Years 10-12 and their families to this exciting evening.

Ms. Elana Cole | Development Manager.

Mr. Bruce Connor | Careers Advisor.

Dr. Brenden Maxwell Borosh | Old Ignatians President.

Parents and Friends Annual Mega Raffle

We are organising our annual Mega Raffle and are looking for donations. If your family or local business are able to make a donation of either goods or a gift voucher please drop these off at Reception over the next two weeks. All businesses making a donation will be thanked through the school’s social media, our newsletter and throughout the school.

Support Our School Through rebel Community Givebacks

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 P&F 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.

Rebel Community Givebacks St Ignatius College

Entertainment Book

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.

Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association

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 May 10th at 7.00pm. 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

The Saint Ignatius College Uniform Shop is open on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Please note this is dependent on current visitor restrictions within catholic schools. Please check the Saint Ignatius College Facebook page for updates regarding open days and times. Email the uniform shop at uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.

Did you know the uniform shop also sells brand new socks, ties and hats?

Items to be sold or donated can be dropped off at the Uniform Shop during opening times 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.

‘Fashion Revolution’ was founded after the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013. A garment factory collapsed, and the world saw the poor conditions of workers in the factories that made their clothes. Since then, Fashion Revolution has grown to become the world’s largest fashion activism movement. One aspect of this movement is the annual Fashion Revolution Week, to commemorate the Rana Plaza disaster.

To support this, the Student Representative Committee, more commonly referred to the SRC and the Textiles team is organising a clothes swap on Friday the 6th of May.

We ask for students and staff to bring in clothes that they no longer use themselves, but may be useful for someone else. This means, no clothing with irreparable damage and no clothing in young children’s sizes, please keep in mind that someone else will be wearing/repurposing your clothing.

More information will be provided throughout the week, so please check your Xuno Dashboard and emails prior to Friday’s event.

We look forward to seeing you next Friday!

Sarah Tolan

Year 8 student.

The Geelong Youth Council is an advisory group made up of 12 young people from across the Geelong region. At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we applaud our two Year 8 students who nominated and were accepted onto the Geelong Youth Council for 2022.

Both Sarah Tolan (8 Campion) and Timothe Garnier (8 Owen) are having their say and learning about civic and democratic processes.

Sarah and Timothe attend monthly meetings. The priorities of the council for 2022 for the youth of the region are

• Mental health and well being

• Diversity and inclusion

• Environment and sustainability

• Health and respectful relationships

We wish them well and look forward to them sharing their experiences.

Ms Robyn Frigo

Assistant Student Leader Development Coordinator

To end Term 1, the Year 12 VCAL students went to the Grand Prix Practice Session at Albert Park! As a part of Senior PDS we planned and organised this excursion ourselves and collectively we felt it was very successful. We caught the 8:08am train from South Geelong Station to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. After the train, we gathered at the tram stop and hopped on, with the tram taking us straight to Albert Park. We reached the track into the event, getting our tickets scanned. Once we arrived at the Grand Prix Track we came across some friends from other schools, as the Grand Prix weekend had almost begun, and there were opportunities for school kids across the state to visit on Thursday before the big race.

As a group, we had a little walk around the extremely noisy track and found our way to the tech hub. In the tech hub, we visited all the different booths, had an overall look around at all the different entertaining elements and were able to get some food. We took in the many OHS considerations, conducted interviews and completed our booklets throughout the day.

The best part of the day was walking up the big flight of stairs so we could sit and watch the races. You definitely needed ear plugs as it was very loud and it felt like your ears were going to burst! At the start of the day we had been told to meet back at the entrance at 1:15 pm, as that time was quickly approaching we all slowly made our way back to the entrance taking in the last few moments of the Grand Prix Track. The tram ride back was a fast but squishy experience, as we approached the train station we noticed we were early so we hopped on an earlier train, making it just in time. We arrived back at 3:05 and our holidays began!

Chad Lyons and Lulu Connoley Yr 12 VCAL

Term 2 in the VCAL program is historically very busy indeed, and we are excited at the prospect of remaining onsite for the entire Term rather than learning from home.

The Year 11 VCAL students have been busily preparing goods for the Mother’s Day stall next week for Year 7 students. There will be a variety of gift options available for between $5-$10 each. The products will be on sale Tuesday and Friday lunchtime.

In the coming weeks we have a Moira Kelly visit, Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) continues for Year 12’s and begins for Year 11’s, who will assist Dunecare, and head out to the Port of Geelong as well as involving ourselves in a Murder Mystery event. I look forward to sharing the students' perspectives on these events in coming newsletters.

The VCAL program is underpinned by experiential learning and we try to offer our students a variety of ways to develop their skills, build their knowledge and complete outcome based tasks. SWL is an important part of the VCAL program and if you might be willing to host a student we would love to hear from you. We have students looking for placement across all of the traditional trades, as well as Childcare, Business and Allied Health. Please email me if you are interested in learning more at allank@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Ms. Kirsty Allan

VCAL Coordinator

REMINDER TO ANY YEAR 7 STUDENT WHO MISSED THEIR IMMUNISATIONS AT SCHOOL.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine dose 1 = 1 injection (2 doses 6 months apart )

• Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough booster vaccine= 1 injection

Catch up available through your GP or Barwon health immunisation service over the school holidays via the following link https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/services-departments/community-health-services/item/barwon-health-immunisation-service

or QR code

Thanks again to the school immunisation coordinators for your support !

THIS Sunday 1st MAY 8am - 2pm

Clairvaux School Hall, Reynolds Rd Belmont.

An amazing variety of books, DVDs, CDs & puzzles. Over 15,000 items to sell. Bargain prices.

If you are able to assist on the above mentioned dates, please contact Canteen Manager Mrs. Sandra Woodall on woodalls@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Volunteers must hold a current WWCC and meet vaccination requirements as per the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s Guidelines.

Mrs. Sandra Woodall.
Canteen Manager.