Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Parents and Friends,
Final weeks of Semester One
We have two weeks remaining in Term Two. It is indeed a busy time for students and teachers with assignments due and tests or examinations being conducted to conclude Semester One. These assessments will provide valuable feedback about students' progress with their learning. While Semester One Statements of Results will be made available on June 24, parents and students can monitor student results and feedback using our Learning Management System, ‘Canvas.’ If parents are not familiar with Canvas, I suggest you ask your daughter or son to show you how to access their information. Parents will receive an email about accessing the Semester One Statement of Results.
Please note the following student free days during the remaining time of this term:
Monday 13 June – Queen’s Birthday Holiday
Friday 17 June – Teacher Professional Practice Day
Thursday 23 & Friday 24 June – Staff Inservice Days
This term's final day of classes will be Wednesday, 22 June. Students will finish at the usual time of day.
Classes for Term Three will commence on Monday, 11 July 2022.
Year 10 Work Experience Week
Best wishes to Year 10 students as they undertake their Work Experience placement in the last week of term.
The aims of the program include the following:
to build self-confidence and independence by learning to cope with new situations and new people;
to learn about the changes taking place in society and the workplace;
to learn practically;
to explore a variety of career opportunities and decide how these relate to the student’s interests, skills, values and goals; and
to prepare students for life after school and provide an insight into the world of work.
Many Work Experience positions were available through school; however, students and their families were encouraged to use their initiative to secure a suitable and interesting place. Well done to students who endeavoured to secure a placement themselves. When I signed the Work Experience forms, it was interesting to see the diverse range of placements that our students could obtain. On behalf of the College, I express our gratitude to the employers able to take on one of our students.
Thank you to Mr Bruce Connor (Work and Further Education Coordinator) for his efforts to coordinate this program and Mr Brendan O’Brien (YLC) for his support in this area, and the Yr 10 Teachers involved.
Tri-UMPH Music Festival 2022
The Student Leaders from the five Geelong Catholic Colleges have been planning for a significant joint school event. Clonard College, Sacred Heart College, Saint Ignatius College, St. Joseph's College and IONA College are uniting again in 2022 to make poverty history with the fifth Tri-UMPH Music Festival. The Student Leaders launched this undertaking by producing a promotional video that was recently shown to students at all five Colleges. “Tri-UMPH” is an acronym for “Triennially United to Make Poverty History.” As the name suggests, the event's purpose is to support the universal efforts to make poverty history. The Student Leaders are using this event to raise funds for East Timor towns facing poverty.
Our students will be bussed to and from St Joseph’s College Geelong so they can be part of this exciting day on Friday, 9 September 2022.
More details such as the cost, the program for the day and other arrangements will be provided next term.
Canteen review
Last week, I sent an email message to inform our school community that we will be conducting a review of our Canteen.
We are very grateful for the dedicated and long service of our Canteen Manager, Mrs Sandra Woodall. Sandra will finish up at the end of 2023. And we will celebrate her 27 years as a staff member late next year.
The College has relied on many, many generous parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends, some staff volunteers and Canteen Assistants, Mrs Fran Lakey and Mrs Lil Vella, to provide a service to our growing student and staff population. However, the pandemic has impacted the number of volunteer members, and there is a sense that there is an opportunity to review our Canteen.
The Review will be conducted by Administration/Finance Officer, Deb Pisarskis. The brief for the review to consider is:
• Staffing/volunteering
• Facilities
• Menu
• Ordering/payment
College community members can provide input by clicking this link to complete a confidential Google form until Monday, 27th June 2022.
Updates will be provided during the review, and feedback will be able to be supplied to Deb Pisarskis.
I look forward to the review recommendations informing the development of a strategic plan that will lead to an even better Canteen service that builds on the work done by Mrs Woodall, her assistants and many volunteers over the last 25 years.
Best wishes for the next fortnight,
Michael Exton
Principal
Saint Ignatius College Geelong is in the process of updating our policies, procedures and practices in line with the new Victorian Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order No. 1359, Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the risk of child abuse in schools and school boarding premises. The Standards provide a framework for how schools can implement the eleven new Victorian Child Safe Standards which will come into effect from 1 July 2022. We see this as an opportunity to enhance and build on our existing child safety program.
The central principles of the new Standards uphold the importance of the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, with a key focus on the following; children and young people’s participation and empowerment, family and community involvement and equity and diversity; and implementing rigorous risk management and employment practices.
The key changes include:
involving families and communities in organisations’ efforts to keep children and young people safe
a greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
managing the risk of child abuse in online environments
greater clarity on the governance, systems and processes to keep children and young people safe.
View pdf on Childsafe standards
Updated and revised policies and procedures will be shared with our community and updated on the College website.
Michael Timms | Deputy Principal - Students.
1. Spiritual conversation is a great opportunity. Be prepared.
2. Be slow to speak. Be considerate and kind on matters discussed.
Be slow to speak. Be considerate and kind.
3. Listen quietly, to understand. Learn when to speak or be silent.
Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you. may understand the meaning, leanings; and wishes of those who do not speak. Thus, you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.
4. Be free of attachment to your own opinion.
I should consider the reasons on both sides without showing any attachment to my own opinion, and try to avoid bringing dissatisfaction.
5. Do not cite authorities. Deal with everyone equally.
I should not cite anyone as supporting my opinion ... and I would deal with everyone on an equal basis, never taking sides with anyone.
6. In giving your opinion, speak with humility and sincerity.
If you ought not to be silent, then give your opinion with the greatest possible humility and end “with due respect for a better opinion.”
7. Accommodate to the conventicle of the other.
If I have something to say, it will be of great help to forget about my own leisure or lack of time-that is, my own convenience.
8. Ask the Spirit to descend with abundant gifts.
9. Awaken knowledge and love in souls.
Awaken in souls a thorough knowledge of themselves and a love of their Creator and Lord.
10. Adapt yourself to others.
First consider their temperaments and adapt yourselves to them. in the footsteps of Ignatius Ethos and Identity at Saint Ignatius College Geelong
With best wishes,
Paul Lewis
Deputy Principal – Staff, Identity and Operations
“How’s the weather?”
What a change we have experienced in the weather over the last week. Gone are the days over fifteen degrees with some warm sunny periods. The rain has come, the wind cuts through you and being outside is invigorating at best. However, as Victorians we love the seasons. We long for the change and the challenge each season brings. Winter is exciting because it’s a time for reflection, long evenings and open fires.
On Sunday we celebrated the great feast of Pentecost. In the Acts of the Apostles we read of the tongues of fire that sat above the head of each of the Apostles. What a spectacular event! Our critical minds want more though. It is not known whether the tongues of fire are literal but what we do know is that the image is the best description Luke can offer about the event. Mystical experiences are like that. They are so overwhelming and complete they are almost impossible to describe in detail. Simple images offer depth though.
When we contemplate the image of fire there is much to explore. As a metaphor, fire is a wonderful way to describe the Holy Spirit. Fire brings light; just as the Spirit illuminates and animates our heart, our mind and our desires. Fire warms us; just as the Spirit does and energy we are given radiates outwards as a fire does. Fire spreads easily; just like the love of the Spirit.
But more than this, fire tests and purifies. Gold is tested by fire. What is not pure is stripped away. In the bush, in a similar way, fire clears away what obscures and allows seeds to grow in the ash and sunlight. Fire is used by the potter to reveal beauty. In the kiln the dull glaze becomes bright and vibrant exposing the brilliant colour underneath. It also strengthens the clay so that it becomes hard and durable. All of these examples are true of God’s Spirit also.
As you contemplate what occurred at Pentecost know that all of these examples are parallels of how the fire of the Holy Spirit brings purity, light, strength and beauty in your life. During confirmation we receive the Holy Spirit in a physical way. From St Peter to the bishop or priest and then to you, there is an unbroken line of passing on the Spirit by laying of hands. At confirmation we feel the warmth and receive the fruits and gifts that will guide and support us through our adult Christian life.
As we contemplate Pentecost we also know that fire can be destructive. When it’s uncontrolled fire kills and destroys what is good. In Ukraine fire is often the intentional after effect of bombs and other weapons. We pray for the people of Ukraine but also understand that the image of Pentecost is the converse of destructive. The tongues of flame do not harm or consume anything they simply exist and paradoxically the fire brings life. God illustrates his love through the perfect use of creation to offer a symbol that in itself becomes a mystery. Contemplating this mystery brings us closer to him and we become more aware of our desire to respond to his revelation.
The Spirit moves! The image of Pentecost is infinitely more beautiful than can be offered in a short article. But I think you can test these thoughts at home. Light a candle and be mesmerised by that single flickering tongue of flame. What happens in your heart and mind? When you are filled with what is revealed through this challenge, light a fire and look into the fire. How do the coals create the flame? How grateful are you for the warmth on these cold winter nights? We are enraptured by fire. There is nothing more perfect on a dark cold winter's night than God’s Spirit given freely – but a warm fire can almost feel the same.
#godinallthings
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls
Liturgy Coordinator and FIRE Carrier
RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
The birthday of the Church is Pentecost Sunday, so first, Happy Birthday to you all. We became Christians on our baptism. What a joy to be a Christian. From baptism, our journey to eternal life started. Through baptism we received the Holy Spirit, then confirmed through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
One particular sign, once we received the Holy Spirit in Baptism, is the anointing with the oil of Chrism where the Church in the person of the priest, says, “as Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.” This means that all the baptised form the common priesthood, and we participate in the mission of Christ as Priest, Prophet and King.
How? With the coming of Jesus, and his total sacrifice on the Cross, there was no more need to offer animals to atone for our sins; he made the total sacrifice. That’s the reason we pray, ‘Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.’ He became the Sacrificial Lamb. I participate in his mission as priest, every time I give up something for a just cause, love of family, love of wife, husband, peace, justice. In so doing, I participate in the mission of Christ as Priest.
Jesus’ mission as prophet: he went through the streets preaching, love, peace joy, forgiveness, compassion, prayer; every time I do practice such values at home, at work, at the club; wherever I am, I am participating in the mission of Christ as Prophet.
Jesus as king, he ruled by serving, ‘I came not to be served, but to serve’ he said. And in fact, he bent down to wash the disciples’ feet; and did so in so many varied ways. Each time, I serve I am ruling, I am participating in the mission of Christ as King.
What a challenge! This might be very difficult to put into practice, but as Jesus promised, we have the Holy Spirit, who is our advocate, our counsellor, our joy who came on that Pentecost Sunday, in the upper room, and he has never left us, and from there he came to each one of us. And he shares his gifts to us: wisdom, to be responsible for my actions; understanding, God chose me to make the world a better place; counsel, to make the right choices; knowledge, to know that God loves me and I reciprocate his love; fortitude, the courage to do what is right even when others laugh at me; piety, to say my prayers with reverence; fear of God, to live with wonder, awe, gratitude in His presence.
In my chaotic and unresolved issues around me, how can I know which one is which, what is worldly and what is godly, divine. The fruits of the Spirit are recognisable: wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is love; wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is joy; wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is peace; wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is patience; wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is kindness; wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is goodness; wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is faithfulness; wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is gentleness; wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is self- control.
The Holy Spirit within me enables me to be fully myself. I will no longer be possessed by things that hold me prisoner, by people who have kept me in a state of dependency, by powerful people who order me about. I will no longer be driven by my desires, no longer be the slave of my passions. I will be free to do what my heart truly desires to do, namely, the good for which God has created me.
Fr Ray PP
Saint Ignatius College is delighted to present Wayne Schwass from the 'Puka Up Movement' for this year's guest speaker for Men's Mental Health Week to be held at the College, on Monday the 20th of June, 2022. The Saint Ignatius College Community is invited to join us for a light dinner at 6.30pm, (provided at own cost, hosted by The Parents and Friends Association), prior to the main address at 7pm. Whilst tickets are complimentary, the community are encouraged to register via the following link;
https://www.trybooking.com/BYZVV
We look forward to warmly welcoming the Saint Ignatius College Community to this evening.
Ms. Elana Cole Development Manager
Ms. Olivia Whitehead Student Wellbeing Coordinator
Ross Delange Wellbeing Captain
Saint Ignatius College is delighted to present a 'Painting for Ukraine,' created by staff member Ms. Gemma Tolan.
The Saint Ignatius College Community is invited to purchase a raffle ticket for this painting, with all proceeds going towards those suffering with the Ukrainian Crisis. Tickets are $5 each and are available via the below Trybooking link, with all purchases being allocated a ticket in the draw. The draw will be conducted on the final day of Term 2, 2022, with the winner notified by phone.
Trybooking link --> https://www.trybooking.com/CAH... <--
Thank you for your support of this raffle, and the cause that it is supporting.
Ms. Elana Cole | Development Manager.
On the 1st and 2nd of June all Year 7 students participated in an incursion with their science classes. Students are currently learning about the topic Classification and the Wildlife Xposure incursion engaged these students with a hands-on experience.
Students consolidated their understanding of the levels of organisation by classifying a range of different Australian animals. They were able to identify the similarities and differences between animals classified as reptiles, mammals, birds and amphibians. Overall the students had a wonderful experience which enhanced their learning of science.
This Semester, the staff on duty at recess and lunchtimes have been entertained by the many students rehearsing for their up and coming performances.
Our department has been a hive of activity and now with the winter months upon us, rehearsing in the warm rooms is a much better option than fighting the elements.
ASSEMBLY
Under the direction of Mrs Brown, the choir sang the opening hymn beautifully at our first official assembly of the year.
Accompanied by Mr Wilding, VCE Music student, Emily O’Kane, performed one of her VCE works " Sonata for Clarinet and Piano . 3rd Movement “ by Francis Poulenc.
Emily’s performance was appreciated by all ages and hopefully, she has inspired some of our younger budding clarinetists.
Many thanks to her instrumental teacher, Mrs Wilding, for her expert tuition.
Under the banner of Mr Wilding, the Senior band performed “The Incredibles” by M. Giacchino.
Mr Wilding is doing a great job with this ensemble and you will be hearing more from these talented students in the coming months.
VCE MUSIC SOIREE
The Units 1 & 3 Music students entertained the many parents, friends and staff of the college as they performed their works from Semester One at the Geelong Piano Bar last month.
Mrs Brown was so very proud of her students as they had obviously worked very hard to achieve such a high standard.
The Piano Bar was the perfect venue to sit back, relax and just take in the evening.
At the end of the night, the students were thanked and I added that the students weren’t just talented, they were also humble. They always encourage and support each other and this is what I love about our students the most.
YEARS 9 & 10 MUSIC-“EVENING OF TALENT”
Mr Michael Wilding and I were relieved when the night arrived and actually went very smoothly. During the weeks leading up to the concert, there were many students absent due to illness and also the Year 9 camp. With many solos and groups performing, we were delighted to see a number of students arrive and give their best, despite being ill and missing many lessons.
The Potato Shed was rocking, and nerves went out the window for some. For others, this was their very first performance so we do hope this experience will encourage them to do more.
The show does go on!
AUSTRALIAN YOUTH CLASSICAL MUSIC COMPETITION
Last weekend Zachary Jackson in Year 9 performed on Trombone in the final of the Regional Section of the Australian Youth Classical Music Competition held at The Geelong College. He had successfully auditioned earlier in the term and was one of 9 finalists. Whilst he did not gain a place on this occasion it was a great experience for him to play in a competition of this standard, against many older students.
Michael Wilding
Band Coordinator
Year 7, 8, 9 Music Teacher
PUBLIC SPEAKING RECITAL
Congratulations to Nikki Zhao who presented her students last Tuesday evening to very proud parents and carers. I was amazed at the talent and commented to the parents that there were certainly some potential college captains in the room.
The Public Speaking students of 2022 have recently achieved their first public recital in the brand new building, Loyola Centre. Joined by their parents, carers and siblings, the one hour flew by. I am in awe of what these young speakers are capable of and their attitude towards pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones. Part of the Semester, they have been exploring texts written by other writers and poets, as well as drafting their original speeches inspired by the people around them.
What you saw on stage from these young speakers, in that short 3 minutes of stage time, reflected their efforts and dedication to hours of preparation, discussions and practice. This skillset is multifaceted and it does not go without hard work and talent.
I am so happy to have these young minds as my students, they continue to inspire me to guide them to be the best communicator that they can be.
Warm regards,
Nikki Zhao
Public Speaking Tutor.
COMBINED BANDS EVENT.
On Thursday June 2 the Junior Band attended a combined bands event at St Joseph’s College. The students worked with experienced conductor Amy Wert from Melbourne in rehearsals to perform as a massed band. There was close to 150 students involved from Kardinia International College, Covenant College, Belmont High School, Clonard College, Sacred Heart College and St Joseph’s College plus our Junior Band students.
There was a public concert to end the day where each school performed on their own, finishing with the 2 massed pieces. This was a great opportunity for our students to hear and meet other students playing similar level pieces. The Junior Band played extremely well, led by Janice Wilding, and is building on the experience of performances earlier in the year.
YEAR 7 SHOWCASE
The school community is invited to the Year 7 Showcase concert for Semester 1. We are fortunate to be able to hold this event again after the disruptions of COVID-19 during the past 2 years. It will be held in the Multipurpose Center on Monday June 20 at 6pm.
The concert will feature performances from the Junior Band, Honours Band, Junior Vocal Ensemble as well as a combined band with all students from 7 Miki, 7 Claver, 7 Ward, 7 Lewis and 7 Borgia.
There has been an Operoo notification sent to the students involved. Students performing need to be back at school to warm up by 5:45pm in Winter Uniform. The concert will be finished by approximately 6:45pm.
Michael Wilding
Band Coordinator
Year 7, 8, 9 Music Teacher
As the end of Semester One approaches, instrumental timetables are being organized for Term 3. Please let me know if you are interested in your child taking Instrumental music lessons or Public Speaking.
Lessons are for the Term, so students may not cease lessons mid Term, unless of course there is an extraordinary reason, for example, a long stay in hospital.
We have a couple of vacancies in most instruments so please don’t forget to go onto Operoo and fill out a form if you are interested. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need to have a chat re lessons.
Please stay tuned for the Term 3 Performance dates which will be published at the commencement of Term 3.
Regards,
Mrs Linda Pape
Performance & Instrumental Coordinator.
The Student Representative Council is very pleased to welcome two new members. Imogen Payne (7 Coudere) and Reuben Cook (7 Carroll) have been elected to work with the group. They were presented with their badges and candles on Friday. Well done to all applicants for putting yourselves forward and completing quality applications. We look forward to your contributions to the group on behalf of the Year 7 cohort, Imogen and Reuben.
Robyn Frigo
Student Leader Development Coordinator (Acting)
The team had their first hit out against Geelong Lutheran College on a day of all weather conditions but played magnificently to win 38-0. Best players Emie Dowling Button, Billie Cook-Slevin and Tannah Andrews.
We look forward to another great game next week,
Coaches Bek Spencer and Darcy Bassett
It was a great day last Tuesday 7th June as the Year 10 Business Management students put the finishing touches on their ‘Enterprising $20 Boss Projects.’
The crowd was building with anticipation as the time grew closer to the lunchtime bell. Within an instant, 100's of students descended upon the 12 start up businesses. There was plenty to choose from including homemade unique jewellery boxes, fairy floss, chocolate cookies, milkshakes, HSP's, ( Hallal Snack Packs ), ice cream lemonade spiders, healthy fruit smoothies, hot chocolates, steaming hot nachos and homemade cookie dough.
During the planning and development of this project, students showcased their entrepreneurial skills such as negotiation, innovation, initiative, marketing, advertising, teamwork and communication. It was a rollercoaster of an adventure as the business students were able to quickly and effectively recognise the connection between the business management theory and putting it into practice - to become their own bosses!
Hopefully in time we will get to see the next generation of Elon Musks' (Tesla), Jeff Bezos' (Amazon) or Janine Allis' ( Boost Juice ).
Importantly, all the proceeds of the day will be donated to Orange Sky, a Not for Profit organisation supporting the homeless in our community by providing a free laundry service, a shower and a conversation. Well done team.
Mr Miles & Mr Martschinke
National Consistent Collection of Data
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (the national data collection) is an annual collection that counts the number of school students with disability and the level of reasonable educational adjustment they are provided with.
There is a broad definition of 'disability' that includes students who require minor adjustments to those needing significant additional support to achieve success at school.
The purpose of this notification is to make parents aware that we are currently collecting this data.
Should you have any additional questions after reading this MACs information, please direct these to Mrs. Caroline Edmonds, Learning Support Coordinator, during school hours or via her school email:
2022 Newsletter NCCD Information Sheet parents
Ms. Caroline Edmonds
Learning Diversity Coordinator
On Friday the 20th of May our VCAL class went to Torquay beach. At Torquay beach we learnt about the nature of the area, as well as how the land was treated by people before us. We were shown some native lands and it was explained to us how the Wadurrung People once used it for thousands of years before we arrived. After this hands-on information session, we were given some tools and we cut down the bushes that were not being used for anything so that we could block entrances to the dunes. We did this so no one would climb the dunes and destroy the precious land. We ended the day with a quick survey that asked us questions about the day and what we got out of it. Everyone enjoyed the day and learned some new skills and took away some new knowledge.
By Remi Reilly
W/C 13/6/2022 | |
---|---|
13th | Queens Birthday Holiday - No Canteen |
14th | M.Dunstan, C.Rivo. |
15th | C.Ford, NEEDED. |
16th | B.Collins, S.Clarke. |
17th | No Canteen - Student Free Day |
W/C 20/6/22 | ||
---|---|---|
20th | P.Perkins, L.Mew. | |
21st | S.Twaits, C.Wake. | |
22nd | L.Dowling, NEEDED | |
23rd | No Canteen - Staff PD Day - No Students | |
24th | No Canteen - Staff PD Day - No Students |
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.