Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome to Term three. I hope our students have had a restful, enjoyable and productive break from classes and are ready and eager to make the most of the opportunities that will be available this term.

Australian Jesuit and Companion Schools (JACSA) runs a yearly Student Leaders Immersion Trip to East Timor, in which two student leaders from most JACSA schools participate. This year, Alana Clarke (2023 Justice Captain) and Curtis McCoughtry (2023 Academic Captain) are representing our school. They left on July 1 and will return on July 14. You can stay updated on their trip through our College's social media pages. Curtis and Alana are enjoying their experience of embracing the Ignatian theme of being 'young people for and with others' as they explore school and community life in Dili and its surrounding region. We look forward to hearing their stories and experiences upon their return to share with our school community.

The Work Experience Program for Year 10 students in the last week of term two seems to have been very successful. After speaking with several students who participated, I gathered that the experience was a valuable one for them. Congratulations to the Year 10 students, and a special thanks to Ms. Dot Vajda (Acting Work & Further Education Coordinator) for coordinating this valuable program for our students.

We have an exciting event this term - our College production of "Anastasia"! It would be wonderful if all College families and friends could attend one of the Playhouse Theatre (GPAC) performances. Please check your calendar and see if you are available to come. The performances will be held from Thursday, September 14th to Saturday, September 16th.

The hardworking production team reports that the cast and crew are very busy rehearsing for what promises to be a very entertaining performance.

Semester One Reports

As you are aware, Semester One Reports were available from the Parent Portal from the end of Term Two.

Except for VCE Unit 3 & Vocational Major subjects, there are no formal Parent-Teacher interviews scheduled to follow up on these reports; however, you are most welcome, and I encourage you, to please make contact with any subject teachers regarding academic concerns or the Homeroom teacher if there are any pastoral concerns. Please phone the teacher to discuss this over the phone or organise a time for a meeting.

Subject selection for 2024

In term three, students from Years 8 to 11 must choose their elective subjects for the upcoming year. It's crucial to discuss with your child their strengths, interests, and future plans, and revisit the topic periodically. You can use their Semester One reports as a starting point for this conversation. If you need assistance, our dedicated staff, including Mr. Bruce Connor, our Work and Further Education Coordinator, are available for guidance and support. Additionally, students can check out our Career Centre resources, located in the Loyola Centre, by seeing Mr. Connor first.

Important opportunities for parents and students to obtain more information:

• Monday 24th July 2023 - Senior Pathways Information Evening (for this year’s Yrs 9 – 11 families) via Zoom 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Monday 7th August 2023 - Year 9 into 10 Pathway Interviews (no Year 9 classes)

• Monday 7th August 2023 - Year 10 into 11 Pathway Interviews (no Year 10 classes)

• Wednesday 26th July 2023 - VCE Vocational Major Information evening will also be held for Year 10 students and families. This would be of interest to families who may have been considering VCAL as an option in the past. (VCAL has been incorporated into the Senior Certificate.)

College Feast Day

Each year, our College community celebrates the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, our patron saint, on July 31st. However, this year, since the 31st falls on a Monday and we're aware of the teaching and learning disruptions on Mondays, we will instead celebrate Feast Day on Thursday, July 27th.

All students are expected to attend school on this day and join in the spirit of the day by fully participating in the special activities that have been organised.

Parents are most welcome to attend the Full School Assembly on this day. Please report to the office at 8.50 am so that seating can be organised for you. This assembly in the Multi-Purpose Centre will finish at about 10.45 am, and morning tea will be provided for parents and friends of the College.

We have a formal College assembly once each term. This term’s assembly date has been specially chosen to coincide with our Feast Day. At the assembly, we will acknowledge staff service (10, 15, or 30 continuous years) to the College community, hear from the students who attended the recent Jesuit and Companion Schools Immersion trip to East Timor and present Loyola awards to some students.

Following the assembly, there will be a variety of activities organised for students to participate in for the rest of the day. As some of these activities may be of a sporting nature, all students are required to wear their correct sports uniform on this day.

The canteen will be open at both recess and lunch times. Students can order lunch (“red” foods allowed on our celebration day) from the canteen, and there will be a variety of food vans present on the day as well.

Previous years’ feast day celebrations received overall very positive feedback. We are hoping that this day will continue to be a special one in the culture of the college over the years and, indeed, a day the students and staff look forward to and celebrate – a very positive community-building event.

Yr 7 enrolments 2024

I am pleased to report that very strong interest in the College continued again this year, with many more applications than places available for next year.

The support the students, staff and parents provided for the Open Afternoon sessions and enrolment promotion program was a valuable and vital contribution to this success – thank you. The very positive reputation of the College is a commendable result of the commitment of our students, staff and parents to our College community and its continual improvement.

Due to the large number of applications received, with the College Advisory Council’s support, I applied to Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) to increase our intake for 2024 only. I have enrolled 260 students (ten classes of 26 students) for Year 7 next year.

Any enquiries about enrolment can be made to the College Registrar, Ms Deb Miles.

Best wishes for the new school term,

Michael Exton

Principal

It is an exciting time for our students as they embark on the journey of subject selection and pathway exploration for the upcoming academic year of 2024. This crucial stage plays a vital role in shaping their educational journey and future career prospects. At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we are committed to providing our students with a diverse range of subjects and pathways that cater to their unique interests, passions, and aspirations.

Access to Information

We understand the significance of informed decision-making and have taken great care to ensure that parents and students have access to comprehensive subject information. Our 2024 Subject Pathways course on Canvas, our user-friendly learning management system, serves as a central hub for all subject-related resources, including important dates and Year Level Subject Information Booklets. Whether it's browsing through elective choices, understanding prerequisites, or seeking guidance, Canvas is your go-to platform.

Senior Pathways Information Evening

To further support our students and their families, we invite Year 9 and 10 students, along with their parents, to participate in our virtual Senior Pathways Information Evening. This event, scheduled for Monday, July 24, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, is an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the available subject options and pathways for the senior years. An additional Information Session for Year 10 students and families on the VCE Vocational Major will also be held on Wednesday, 26 July at 7:00pm.The Zoom links to join both of these events can be found on the Canvas 2024 Subject Pathways page.

Year 9 and 10 Subject Selection and Pathway Interviews

Year 9 is the first opportunity that students at Saint Ignatius College have to select three breadth subjects each semester to include in their learning program for that year. Having been exposed to the mandated learning areas that form part of the Victorian Curriculum in Years 7 and 8, it now becomes possible in Year 9 to chart a learning pathway that builds on that breadth. In Year 9, students have the exciting opportunity to select six subjects from our extensive offering of 25 elective subjects. This empowers them to explore their interests, nurture their talents, and broaden their horizons. As they progress to Year 10, students will be provided with choices within their mandated subjects including Religious Education, English, Mathematics and Science, while also having the flexibility to choose from over 30 elective semester subjects. This comprehensive curriculum ensures a well-rounded education that aligns with their individual strengths and aspirations. Current Year 9 and 10 students will also be involved in Subject Pathway Interviews throughout the day on Monday 7 August, by Zoom. Therefore, there will be no Year 9 or 10 classes onsite, but via Announcements. Further information will be sent to Year 9 and 10 families regarding this process over the approaching weeks.

Year 11 and 12 Subject Selection

As our students advance to the senior years, they encounter a multitude of possibilities. In Year 11, students can select from a diverse range of 35 VCE Unit 1 and 2 subjects, allowing them to tailor their studies and delve deeper into areas of personal interest. Alternatively, they can explore the new VCE Vocational Major pathway, providing a valuable blend of academic and vocational learning experiences.

Year 12 marks the pinnacle of our students' secondary education journey. With over 30 VCE Unit 3 and 4 subjects on offer, along with the VCE Vocational Major pathway, students have the opportunity to challenge themselves academically and pursue their passions further. These subject choices lay the foundation for future tertiary studies and career pathways, offering a springboard to higher education and professional success.

Accelerated Studies 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.

Please note that all Accelerated Study Applications for Year 9 and 10 students are due strictly by Friday 28 July, 2023 at 12:45pm, prior to the Subject Selection finishing dates. This date also includes Years 8-11 Religion Journey Applications, VET Applications Accelerated Early Entry Access Program (VM) applications.

Encouragement and Support

We strongly encourage our students to actively engage in the subject selection process by leveraging the vast array of resources available. In addition to Canvas, our dedicated teachers and staff, including Mr. Connor, our Work and Further Education (WAFE) Coordinator, are here to provide guidance and support. Reflecting on personal preferences, strengths, and areas of interest is equally important in making informed decisions. Our aim is to empower our students to take ownership of their educational journey and ensure their choices align with their aspirations and goals.

The subject selection pathways process is an exciting milestone in our students' educational journey. We are committed to providing an enriching and supportive environment that enables them to make well-informed decisions. Through the availability of comprehensive subject information, Year level assemblies and Information Sessions during Mentor time, the Senior Pathways Information Evening, and the guidance of our dedicated staff, we are confident that our students will navigate this process with confidence and emerge ready to embrace the academic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Wishing our students in Years 8-11 a fulfilling and successful subject selection journey.

Best regards

Ms Marina Brown

Acting Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

Our Feast Day is coming up on Thursday 27 July.

The day celebrates the life of Saint Ignatius and an expression of our gratitude for being at Ignatian School.

There will be various activities on the day including:

Jumping Castles

Food vans

Petting zoo

DJ

Talent Quest (prizes)

Photo/Art competitions (prizes)

Face painting

More information to come.

‘A good leader fosters leadership in others’

Pope Francis

We encourage our students to put their ‘hand up’ for all opportunities where they can be of service to the school and the wider (local, national, international) community.

Seize the opportunity!

Now is the time to step forward and put in your application for a Student Leader position for 2024.

Applications are now being accepted for SRC Representatives, College Captains and Vice-Captains, Portfolio Captains ( Academic, Arts, Environment, Justice, Ministry, Sports, Well-Being) House Captains and House Vice-Captains, Arrupe Leaders and FIRE Carriers.

Role descriptions and application forms for the positions that students at various year levels can apply for are available in the Student Leadership Development ‘CANVAS’ folder.

Applications to be emailed frigor@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Applications close at 1pm on Tuesday 25 July 2023.

Becoming the 2023 Ministry Captain has given me the opportunity to really become a part of the school community, as well as serve our community through liturgical experiences and youth ministry work.

In previous years the school has had a Liturgy Captain, and whilst the role of Ministry Captain is very similar to the Liturgy Captain, it has expanded and grown into a role that still maintains the involvement in creating liturgical experiences for staff and students but has shifted slightly to place a greater emphasis on all aspects of ministry and evangelisation, such as greater collaboration with Social Justice. What this means is that we shifted the portfolio to focus more on sharing the Good News rather than just celebrating the Good News.

This change reflects a new emphasis on Youth Ministry at our College as students are better engaged by other young people who can confidently articulate their faith through enthusiastic participation in school life. Whether it be joining the cast of the school musical, coaching a netball team or facilitating a Retreat Day, our senior student leaders demonstrate commitment to the faith and mission of our Catholic and Ignatian community by getting involved and encouraging others to do the same. So the Ministry Captain is first and foremost a role that leads by example. Certainly, leading prayer at liturgical celebrations is an important function of the Ministry Captain, but people are more likely to remember the warm, friendly smile of someone who is 'having a go' rather than simply performing an official duty at a school mass.

So far 2023 has been a busy year for many people within our community and already the College Ministry Team has run numerous Retreat Days, House Masses and Liturgies. There are many more events coming up to look out for including the fast approaching Feast Day on the 27th of July and the Patron Saint days for MacKillop house on the 8th of August and for Xavier house on the 15th of August. Finally, all remaining year-level Retreat Days are still being worked on and a friendly reminder for students in those respective year levels to keep an eye out for when their one is coming up.

Throughout my journey as Ministry Captain, I’ve been consistently supported and assisted by many wonderful mentors who are a part of the College Ministry Team, a big thanks to Mr Tod, Jarryd, Amelia and Mr Lewis who spend a generous amount of their time helping to plan and run many events around the school.

Madison Duncan - 2023 Ministry Captain

Maddy has been such a tremendous addition to our Ministry team, and has entered into her role with such grace and enthusiasm. Her invaluable contributions have enabled us to connect with students more regularly, and created a space for our young people to explore and encounter both faith and service in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their lived experience.

Amelia Watters - Youth Minister

For the past Term, four year 8 girls signed up for a program called GALS. Our team name was ‘The Marie Curie Pioneers.’ Our Team consisted of Ash Pitts, Sam Nyatsanga, Jazz Halliwell, Immy Payne and Emily Neicho. 

GALS is a program to get young girls (year 5-8) interested in STEM. GALS stands for Girls as Leaders in Stem. Our team had a great time this year and learned a lot about stem. We met lots of scientists, professors and students. 

We also went to Deakin University a few times to do some interesting workshops. As a team, we came up with an idea to help disabled people in our school community. Our final idea was a disability friendly locker. 

We presented our findings and finished prototype at Costa Hall on the 23rd of June at the GALS Launch. The poster we made explaining our design was up at Westfield in the first week of the holidays.

The Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends Association are excitedly collecting vouchers and donations for their Term 3 'Mega Raffle.'

Local businesses in a position to donate gift vouchers/items for the Mega Raffle will be acknowledged via our social media channels, newsletter, and website during Term 3. 

Vouchers/items can be dropped off to College Reception.The College will be collecting gift vouchers/items up until Friday the 28th of July.

The College Parents and Friends Association thanks families for their support of the Term 3 Mega Raffle.

The Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends Association are delighted to present their '2023 Daniel's Donut Drive!'

Enjoy a selection of the greatest and most delicious donuts, Daniel's Donuts, delivered to the College on August the 3rd, to be picked up outside the canteen at recess. 

Any students who are absent can pick these up the following day. (No refunds given for absent students).

The pack includes; original glazed, strawberry iced, chocolate iced, salted caramel crunch, white choc raspberry, lemon coconut. This is a nut free pack. (Stock may change due to availability).

Order via this link by 9am Tuesday the 25th of July--> https://www.trybooking.com/CJJAX

Thank you for your support of the Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends Association.

W/C 17/07/23

17th: K.McCauley, P.Perkins.

18th: S.Twaits, NEEDED.

19th: C.Ford, NEEDED.

20th: M.Hiemstra, NEEDED

21st: L.Taylor, NEEDED.

....................................................................................

W/C 24/7/23

24th: K.Nailon, NEEDED.

25th: F.Horne, NEEDED

26th: M.White, NEEDED.

27th: F.Ferguson, S.Sheerin.

28th: L.Taylor, NEEDED.

Click here to view the 2023 Canteen Price List

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. New volunteers must fill out the form provided via the link below.

Click here for Volunteer Form

Mrs. Sandra Woodall | Canteen Manager