Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong community members,

Open afternoons

As you may be aware, we could not run our usual Open Day last year due to the pandemic. This year we decided to provide a series of Open Afternoons to provide the opportunity for members of the wider community and, in particular, parents considering secondary school options for their children, to find out about and meet the people involved with the quality education we offer at Saint Ignatius.

Yesterday we held the final of ten Open Afternoons before Year 7 2022 enrolment applications close tomorrow. Over 1,400 people took advantage of attending an information session and tour.

As in previous years, an impressive feature of the afternoons was the presence of many of our students. The way they interacted with our guests made a very significant positive impression of our College. Well done to these students who helped out at one or more sessions; you were great ambassadors. Thank you to parents for supporting this.

And thank you to our dedicated staff for their work to present so many different aspects of our vibrant faith and learning community to the visitors.

Ignatian Ethos & Identity Review

Jesuit Education Australia is currently conducting a review of the College’s Ignatian Ethos & Identity. This review is conducted periodically as a vital requirement of maintaining the College’s status as a “Jesuit Companion School.” This review provides the opportunity to affirm areas of growth and formation of the Jesuit/Ignatian character of our College and provide recommendations for further development.

Our “Ethos & Identity” committee, convened by Deputy Principal Mr Paul Lewis, surveyed our school community and then prepared a self-reflection report under the headings specified by the review process. Today and tomorrow, the reviewers, Ms Jennie Hickey (Jesuit Education Australia) and Mr Joe Favrin (Principal of Loyola College Watsonia), are interviewing a cross-section of our school community. They will then prepare a report that covers:

• the College’s response to the recommendations outlined in the previous review;
• how the College engages with the Jesuit and Companion Schools Australia network;
• how there is growing understanding and implementation of the Ignatian Teaching Model across the school;
• three ways in which the College has offered staff an opportunity to engage in spiritual formation in the Ignatian tradition;
• three ways that students have been accompanied in their faith formation and search for meaning;
• one way that the care of the students and one way that the care of the staff (‘cura personalis’) have occurred throughout the time of the pandemic; and
• recommendations for the further development of the Jesuit/Ignatian character of the College.

Thank you to all parents, students and staff members who completed a survey or provided feedback by meeting with a reviewer. As a Jesuit Companion School, our ethos and identity is such an important distinguishing positive feature of our College that underpins and enlivens our faith and learning community. It is essential that we continue grow and develop our Jesuit/Ignatian character.

Best wishes,

Michael Exton  Principal

Our world is filled with situations that are beyond our control. There are moments in our lives where events seem so much bigger than we are. This illusion is powerful and disheartening. Our worldview as Christians is not one of individuality or isolation. We are connected spiritually to all those of faith on the earth today and those who have died and live eternally with God. The Spirit lives within us and Jesus walks beside us as we move through our day. Knowing we do not face life alone is the key to unlocking the enormous power we possess.

Last week I witnessed a profound event. As I arrived at my office I noticed over on the grass a young Magpie being attacked by an adult magpie. Every time the adult moved away the young bird attempted to fly off to the trees, and whenever it did so the older bird would rush over and attack it again. After this occurred a few times the commotion drew the attention of a pair of noisy miner birds. The next time the adult magpie attacked the younger one the miners harassed the larger bird. After each attack more miners came to harass the adult magpie. In the end there were twelve miners involved and the adult magpie moved on which gave the young bird the chance to seek refuge in the trees.

I do not know what the miners were thinking or why the adult bird was attacking the young one. But what I saw was a moment of truth. Together the small can disempower and overcome the powerful. This revelation is especially relevant in our world today. The pandemic continues beyond the control of governments around the world. At this point there are over 800,000 new cases and more than 14,000 deaths per day globally. In Australia our hotel quarantine process has every state government hyper vigilant for any transmission that will lead to the immediate lockdown of millions of people.

Our society is grappling with endemic and generational domestic violence and abusive behaviour towards women. Many young people are overwhelmed by the housing market and find it difficult to believe that they will one day own a house. Rural communities are increasingly being left behind economically and socially as young people leave for university and life in the city. Our Church is grappling with the changing nature of our community and what “Church” means to busy families and young people. For many work life is very different to the nine to five experience of their parents. There is so much in this world that seems too big to tackle or too powerful to confront.

Whilst these problems are real what is also true is that one person can bring change. The courage shown by Brittany Higgins has broken through impossible barriers and women across the country have been empowered to do likewise. Rosie Batty AO challenge the silence that historically surrounded domestic violence and although still scourge on our society each new case is challenged and condemned more honestly and publicly. The economic despair of young people is being challenged by our Church. Pope Francis speaks of the “culture of indifference” where people are viewed as objects and advocates for the “humane economy” where the poor and marginalised are valued and enabled.

As we continue to journey through the Easter season our focus is on the Risen Lord. In the fullness of his humanity and divinity we as Christians know well how one person can change the world. In Jesus we see what courage is. In choosing God’s will, as Jesus did, we are powerful beyond measure. The fullness of creation is at our disposal. The angels and saints intercede for us. The Holy Spirit lives within us and empowers us. Most importantly Jesus walks beside us and guides our hearts and actions so that we offer his love to all we encounter. This love is transformative and irresistible.

St Paul reminds us of the centrality of love, what being a Christian means and how we can change the world is we live as Jesus did in choosing God’s will in all situations.

St Paul teaches, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will make them burn with shame.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:9-21

Although we may feel powerless at times and even when we truly are small in the context of a challenge, the truth is we have all that is needed to stand up to any problem. St Paul teaches that as Christians we are powerful beyond our own understanding and are to respond to any situation with love alone. This is multiplied exponentially when we as a community choose God’s will and love as Jesus did. More often than not, the challenge of confronting the behaviour of another person, or broken societal models that disempowers and marginalises people, is little more than an illusion. Having courage in our smallness and offering love no matter what the challenge is where the spark of new life can be witnessed, this is where Jesus lives and continues to change the world.

As we follow St Paul’s vision for us as Christians we become more like Jesus. During the season of Easter we focus upon new life. In seeking God’s will, offering love to others and in the sacrifice we make we are transformed. On Easter Sunday Jesus was resurrected and the world was forever changed. Early on that morning a magpie may have been carolled but I think the less powerful miners were watching and understood that being small is often just an illusion.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls  Liturgy Coordinator

On the 29th and 30th of April, Mr Andrew Walsgott and I were extremely fortunate to take the Year 9 Australian History class on an overnight experience to Sovereign Hill to complement their study of the Gold Rush.

During this experience, students attended several educational sessions and two mine tours, as well as gold panning, a gold pour demonstration and the new sound and light show ‘Aura’.

“My favourite part of Sovereign Hill was the Australasian No.2 mine tour because it was very immersive and let you get an idea of what it could have been like for the people who got trapped in the mine. The projections at the end of it were also very cool because it showed us the aftermath of the tragedy.” 

Lucy Brown, 9 Faber

“My favourite part of Sovereign Hill was the Red Hill Mine, because it was the most informative in terms of mining space. There they found the second biggest nugget in Victoria, ‘The Welcome Stranger’. There were 53 stairs in a square spiral pattern down to the mine and the mine itself was small in some parts and in others you could see the dark tunnels come off. You could hear the sound effects of water and the tour guide (a voice recording) helped to paint the picture that you were in the 1800s mining for gold.” 

Charlie Hardcastle, 9 Faber

“During our stay at Sovereign Hill, we learnt about the environmental impacts of the goldrush, indigenous adaptations, and what mining underground was really like. My favourite part of our overnight stay was definitely the mine tours. The mine tours gave an insight as to what miners went through on a day-to-day basis whilst keeping it fun and scary.” 

Lilly Glance, 9 Arrupe

“My favourite part of our Sovereign Hill trip was definitely ‘Aura’. We started off with an amazing 3D movie production that was amazing, then went on a bus through the main street of Sovereign Hill to the other sections of show, which were also an amazing experiences.” 

Evie Hines, 9 Bandler

“My favourite part of the experience was the Aura presentation. It was really immersive and super interesting to learn about the effects of gold on aboriginal people and what life was like on the gold fields. It was fun to ride on the buses to go to all the separate parts of the presentation. The mine tours, especially the trapped mine tour were also super interesting. They provided an insight into what it would have been like to work in gold mines and what the conditions were like, and how easily your life could be changed.” 

James Grabowsky, 9 Arrupe

“The best part of Sovereign Hill was the Enter Camp but there was the musket firing which was loud but really cool. I’ve always been fascinated about the first weapons like the musket. I hope that the Year 9s next year also have a great experience like I did.”

Seann Fitzgerald, 9 Regis

Samantha Windmill  Year 9 Australian History

On the 21st of April the Year 11 VCAL classes went on an exciting excursion to the Trees Adventure Park in Yeodene,near Birrregurra.

We caught a bus and reached our destination situated in dense, native bush in the Otways.

Firstly, we were all given our equipment including a harness, helmet and gloves and went through a brief run through of how to hook ourselves up to the wires using the carabiners. The courses offered unbelievable views of the forest as we balanced, crawled and navigated our way around, sometimes as high as 25 metres above the ground.

The overall experience was very challenging and exciting and even the bus driver had a go on the ropes.

Our favourite part were the zip lines (flying fox) that were throughout the course and they were the most fun because it felt like you were flying and some of them went really fast. It was a great day pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones, working together as a team and supporting each other.

Amy Skurrie, Indi Webb and Stephanie Young

Year 11 VCAL

NAPLAN

Just a reminder that NAPLAN tests for Year 7 and 9 students will be held on Tuesday 11 May, Wednesday 12 May and Thursday 13 May. Parents and students have received the Year 7 and 9 schedule via Xuno. On Monday, students will also be emailed a copy of the seating plan so that they can check where they are sitting. All NAPLAN tests will be held in the Multipurpose Centre.

Practice GAT

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a test of general knowledge and skills in these broad areas; written communication, mathematics, science and technology, humanities, the arts and social sciences. GAT results do not count directly towards a student’s VCE results but are used to help check that school-based and external assessments have been accurately assessed, contribute to statistical moderation of school-based assessment results, help calculate Derived Examination Scores and can determine scores in school-based assessment, external assessment and if a derived examination score is required due to illness, accident and trauma.
Therefore, it is important that all students studying a Unit 3 and 4 subject are provided with an opportunity to complete a Practice GAT so that they are familiar with the type of assessment. The student’s writing section is also externally assessed to provide feedback in preparation for the ‘real’ GAT.

We will run an abridged GAT on Wednesday 12 May during period 5 and 6 and students will receive external feedback on their Writing section. The multiple choice section will also be provided via CANVAS.

Government Tutor Funding Program

You may be aware that all schools have been provided Government funding in response to COVID’s impact on student learning. This funding will enable schools to recruit tutors to deliver additional targeted teaching support to students in a way that best suits their local circumstances.

At Saint Ignatius College, we have allocated our funding to target Year 7 and 9 Numeracy, as well as Year 7 Literacy. We have employed two additional teachers; an experienced teacher of Literacy, Ms Penny King and Ms Delia Jenkins, an experienced teacher of Numeracy. Ms Penny King has commenced working with the Year 7 English team and classes to support the direct instruction of literacy strategies. This takes place in two of the four English periods for every Year 7 English Homeroom. Ms Delia Jenkins has commenced working with the Year 7 and Maths teams and classes to also support direct instruction of numeracy strategies. This will occur once or twice a week in every Year 7 and 9 Maths class depending on the timetable blocking.

Year 9 - 11 Semester One Examinations

Parents and students will receive a copy of their examination timetable next week. 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 Thursday 10 June and conclude on Thursday 17 June. Year 9 examinations commence on Tuesday 15 June and conclude on Thursday 17 June. Friday 18 June is a student free day for staff correction.

Bernadette Donnelly Deputy Principal [Learning & Teaching]

Reflections on Term 1

Saint Ignatius College has a vibrant and committed Social Justice Committee led by Toby Mew, Social Justice Captain and Fire Carrier. As we reflect on what was achieved in Term 1, we would like to share and thank the whole of the school community for their support.

Project Compassion

Congratulations to the whole of the Saint Ignatius Community who raised $5501.65. in funds for Project Compassion. As a result of our fundraising, Saint Ignatius College has enabled the rehabilitation of a main water supply tank in a village in Tanzania.

Thank you, in particular, to the following groups who organised fundraising activities: Year 8 Easter Raffle, Year 8 Rubio raffle, Year 10 Cake Stall, VCAL Shrove Tuesday Pancake morning and the Casual Clothes Day organised by the S.R.C.

International Women’s Day Celebration and Fundraising

Congratulations and thank you to over one hundred students who were involved in running the student arm of International Women’s Day celebrations. This included baking, decorating and selling over 400 cupcakes as well as being involved in the annual Year 8 Students vs Female Staff basketball game.

As a result of the fundraising, the Social Justice Committee was able to donate over $639.00 to the Jesuit Social Refugee Service (JRS) where the focus is #makeroomforher. This area of JRS aims to raise awareness and funds for more opportunities for women and girls.

Saint Ignatius is proud to be supporting JRS in calling for displaced women and girls to pursue their education and become integrated members in their communities.

Women represent half of the world’s displaced population. When forced to leave their homes, they are particularly vulnerable to unique risks, including trafficking, gender-based sexual and physical violence, and heightened discrimination. With a safe space to heal, learn, and unlock their potential, they can rediscover hope and rebuild a sustainable life for themselves and their families.

Social Justice Term 2

Term 2 is a busy term for Social Justice. Activities include The Ration Challenge, The Cage and Refugee Week which is in Week 9 of Term 2. Activities will be posted on Xuno beginning Week 4.

Year 11 VCE Environmental Science students visited Ecolinc Environment Centre in Bacchus Marsh in Week 1 to learn about monitoring ecosystems and impacts upon them caused by human activity.

Students used high tech stereo dissecting microscopes to view and identify macroinvertebrates from the Ecolinc wetland. They were then able to analyse the species diversity and abundance of the wetland and use modelling programs to determine the interactions between species in the wetland.

This activity is directly related to the current topic in Environmental Science introducing systems thinking as a framework for exploring relationships in environmental systems by examining inputs and outputs, components and structures that may be visible to the human eye.

Students were introduced to sensitivity scores that relate the species of macroinvertebrate present in the wetland to their tolerance to, or sensitivity to, pollution and disturbance.

All of this was a fantastic practical background to their major assessment this term that will look at establishing a monitoring program in the local area near the school and collecting and analysing that data from that monitoring.

Jessica Miller  Science Teacher

As part of our Annual Action Plan for 2021, we as a College, will be reviewing and updating our current document on Student Effective Learning Practices (SELP). 

As a College, we have grown significantly over the past few years, therefore it is timely that we reflect on the essential growth of our students and the practices that are required for them to become effective learners.

A working party, consisting of Anthony Gravener, Andrea Dart, Emma Cuthill, Bernadette Donnelly and Joe McLean, was formed at the commencement of the school year to complete this review. Their aim is to constructively review our current Student Practices for Effective Learning.

During this process they will;

• Be transparent in their decisions with staff, students and parents of the College.
• Formulate the agreed values and expectations.
• Formulate a comprehensive process.
• Ensure it is owned by the students, staff and parents at Saint Ignatius College.
• Ensure Student Effective Learning Practices is an ongoing and learning document.

A set timeline has been established for the year, with the aim to introduce the updated document at the start of 2022. Five themes have been formed:

Term 1

Theme: Establish a Direction

Staff Meeting - Presentation of current Student Effective Learning Practices. Identifying possible changes and to provide feedback on our current document.

Introduction meeting: To form a working party.

Working party meeting 1 - Review staff feedback.

Staff meeting - Share update of process and key findings from the staff feedback.

Working party meeting 2 - Establish the foundation of the document.

Term 2

Theme: Forming New Ideas

Tuesday 4th May - Student Leaders - “Student Voice in Learning”

Monday 10th May - Working party meeting 3 – Collating Student Leaders feedback.

Tuesday 18th May - Staff meeting (presentation and feedback to staff)

Friday 4th June - Whole school assembly - Special Day 1 - “Student Voice in Learning”. All students to complete a set of survey questions online in homeroom groups.

Parent Voice in Learning- Friday 4th June – Feedback from parents from questions on Survey Monkey. The link to these set of questions will be set out to all parents in our College for feedback

Term 3

Theme: Consolidating on the Process

Working party meeting 4 - Finalise Student Expectations and Learning Practices feedback

Staff meeting – Continue to provide feedback and direction.

College Newsletter - Present to staff, students and parents the updated feedback.

Working party meeting 5 – Consolidating the revised document on feedback and latest research.

Term 4

Theme: Established

Working party meeting 6 – Finalise updated Student Effective Learning Practices document

Staff meeting – Present the updated Student Effective Learning Practices document

Students Voice - Present the updated Student Effective Learning Practices document

Parent Communication – Newsletter on the updated Student Effective Learning Practices document

Working party meeting 7 – Process for embedding Student Expectations and Learning Practices for Term 1 2022

2022

Theme: Working Together

Teaching students the components of Effective Learning Practices

From Establishing a Direction in Term 1 we have formed an overall focus and three key areas for our students’ development. We are striving for Human Excellence, with a key focus on knowledge, skills and capabilities.

Knowledge

Students who can work with knowledge in creative, critical thinking and innovative ways.

Confident Individuals

Students who can positively interact and engage with others, act autonomously, manage themselves and demonstrate leadership qualities.

Active and Responsible Learners

Students who can take responsibility for their own learning. Reflective in their approach and form a growth mindset in valuing their education.

Student Effective Learning Practices will be demonstrated through the College’s mission, vision, Ignatian Education and Victorian Curriculum Capabilities that are all an integral part of teaching and learning at our College.

This week, thanks to Anthony Gravener (Student Leadership Development Coordinator) all student leaders were invited to review our current document and to provide a voice in learning. Students actively participated in identifying effective learning practices through contributing to the design and providing feedback on the current practices. Having a shared vision that reflects the Saint Ignatius learning aspirations and values in learning practices is a vital component to the success of this process.

Developing positive study habits is an important part of creating a work-life balance. Family time, time for sport and relaxation are crucial for healthy minds. Healthy minds are resilient, positive and focused – all the attributes we need for effective learning. With the development and support from the staff, students and parents of the College we aim to produce a document that supports Human Excellence.

Joe McLean  Director of Teacher Development

On Wednesday the 21st of April, Bailey Mitrovski and I were involved in a JACSA (Jesuit and Companion Schools in Australia) catch-up ‘Zoom’ meeting.

Other schools involved in the meeting included;

John XXIII College, Mt Claremont, WA

Loyola College, Watsonia, Vic

St Aloysius’ College, Milsons Point, NSW

St Ignatius’ College, Adelaide, SA

St Ignatius’ College, Riverview, NSW

Xavier College, Melbourne, Vic

Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay, NSW

Xavier Catholic College, Ballina, NSW

We discussed the start of 2021 and our post-COVID challenges, as well as some of our ideas for the year. It was a great opportunity to talk to other leaders from Jesuit schools about our plans, and we’re hoping to continue to collaborate with them throughout this year. One great idea that surfaced was for each school to make an Examen video to share with the group, focusing on our college theme and culture. These videos could be shared and used as our Friday morning Examen, aiming to build our connections to the JACSA community.

I look forward to working with the other Jesuit leaders into the future!

Florence Noble  College Vice Captain

The University of Melbourne is conducting a Mathematics and Statistics Research competition. 

Students in Years 7-9 who are looking for some extension are welcome to participate. They will be asked to investigate one of eight questions posed by the university. They may work individually or in teams of up to three people. 

Their findings will be presented as a formal report or visual display. Students who are interested in Mathematics and enjoy challenge should contact Ms Karen Perkins vis email perkinsk@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Karen Perkins  Learning Enhancement 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.

Bunnings BBQ - Volunteers Needed!

Can you spare an hour or more on Sunday 6th June to help with our Bunnings BBQ?

Are you a master on the hot plate or a condiment connoiseur?

Please help us to make our first fundraiser of the year a great success. You can volunteer as little as a hour or stay for the entire day. 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!

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 PFA to purchase sporting equipment for our school. If you’re not a member it’s free to join either online or ask a team member in store.

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.

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 5th May 2-4pm

Wednesday 19th 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.

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 May 10th 2021

10th May: P. Perkins, Needed
11th May: M. Dunstan, L. Tigani
12th May: K. Butters, C. Ford, L. Dowling
13th May: M. White, S. Sarauer
14th May: S. Hanks, K. Johnston, S. Nyga

Week starting May 17th 2021

17th May: Needed, Needed
18th May: M. Jackson, R. Morris, S. Twaits, K. Allchin
19th May: L. Vella, Needed
20th May: E. Carpenter, K. Langworthy
21st May: V. Durbridge, S. Nyga

Teaching consent to children and teenagers

Following the March 4 Justice rallies families have been urged to talk to their children about consent. Many parents are unsure where to start and how to go about it. Here are some ideas to assist parents in this most important topic.

Start the consent ball rolling from an early age

Consent education begins with adults teaching and modelling respectful treatment related to children’s development stages. Holding discussions about body boundaries, checking in with feelings, respecting the feelings and voices of others, and listening to children’s concerns are the types of behaviours that will help you develop a culture of respect in your family.

Is your home a place where children can talk about any topic? Sexuality and relationship education are subjects that many parents place in the ‘let’s talk about this when you are older’ basket.

Professor Kerry Robinson, who is in the School of Social Sciences and Psychology and the Sexualities and Genders Research Network at Western Sydney University advises parents to be factual when answering children’s questions, emphasising the importance of staying informed about the subject kids are interested in.

In a recent article in The Guardian, she said “…. have set it up early with your child that when they talk about certain things you give open, simple, honest answers, then you set a precedent that you can build on.”

Professor Robinson also advises parents not to fob off children’s questions: “Straight away you’re setting a pattern of not answering and putting it off. Kids learn really quickly that this is a taboo subject. They will talk to their friends about it: they won’t talk to their parents and other adults about it because it’s taboo.”

Teach no means no

Children learn about mutual consent through their play and sharing. A child who doesn’t want to share their toys has a right to be left alone, rather than being scolded to change their mind. A parent who withdraws a privilege in response to a teenager’s poor behaviour shouldn’t be subjected to repeated attempts to negotiate a different outcome. Reinforce with children and young people that a no is not an invitation to ask again.

Emphasise choices

The biggest lesson to reinforce for children and young people is that they have a choice in how they behave, and how they react. The young person who blames alcohol for sexual assault has neglected the role that choice plays in their decisions. Blaming alcohol, the dress or the demeanour of another person are older versions of ‘it’s not my fault because he/she made me do it’ that children so often use when asked to account for poor behaviour.

Framing behaviour as a choice is a central consent strategy for children or all ages. A young child who shares a toy with a friend can be told, “Good choice Harry. Now you can have fun together.” A primary school child who completes their homework assignment early can be reminded “Now you’ve got plenty of time to relax. Smart choice.” The teenager who quietly helps you prepare a meal can be told, “You could have done anything after school, but you chose to help me. I appreciate that.”

Teach kids to seek consent

While teaching kids the right to say no is a central consent message, children and young people should also develop the habit of seeking consent from others. “Ask your sister if it’s okay for you to play that game next to her.” “Ask grandma if she feels like a cuddle right now.” Permission-seeking is another piece in respectful relationships puzzle that you can reinforce with kids.

Model consent

The use of consensual language is a community concern. A grandparent may need to be respectfully reminded to ask young children if they’d like a kiss or hug. Similarly, a relative should abide by a young child’s wishes if they ask them to stop tickling or playing with them. A doctor should ask a child, “I’m going to take your temperature. Is that okay?” It’s up to adults to frame requests in ways that children feel safe and comfortable.

Fathers step up

Dads can’t leave consent and sexuality education to mothers, which still appears to be the case in many families. Fathers can help their daughters develop the confidence to say no by regular interactions with their daughters and encouraging them to be assertive. If they feel comfortable telling you to stop a game, they are more likely to feel comfortable saying no to other males in their lives later in life. Open the door to conversations about sexuality, relationships and consent with your teenage daughter, and she’ll know she has a willing ally in you.

Fathers can model respectful behaviours for their sons through their treatment of women at home, and in the community at large. Start the by calling out displays of derogatory behaviour towards women by men or young people. Reinforce in your sons that they the standard of behaviour they ignore is the standard of behaviour that they accept. There are many powerful lessons that boys can absorb from their fathers.

In closing

The best age to start teaching your children about consent is when they are young. The second-best age is whatever age they are right now. Consent education is too big an issue to ignore or leave to schools to manage. It’s something we all have to commit to if we want real change to occur.

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.

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.

Reconciliation in the Park 2021

More than a word Reconciliation takes action. This event will be held on Sunday May 30th, 10am to 3pm in Johnstone Park Geelong.

See the attached flyer for details of the event.

Headspace Geelong Free Webinar: Supporting Young People During COVID-19

Wednesday May 26th from 7pm-8.15pm

Click here to register or visit headspace.org.au/geelong

Key points covered:

• Signs and symptoms of poor mental health to look out for in your young person
• Skills and strategies to support the mental health and wellbeing of your young person
• Build awareness of supports available to young people
• Brought to you by headspace National together with headspace Geelong

See the PDF below for more details

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.

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

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: