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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Our News // 05 February 2026
Dear Parents & Carers,
Welcome to the 2026 School Year
Welcome to the beginning of the 2026 school year. I hope all families enjoyed a joyful Christmas celebration and a restorative holiday break, and that the weeks ahead bring renewed energy, optimism, and a strong sense of purpose.
I extend a particularly warm welcome to the families joining our Ignatian community for the first time this year. We are delighted to have you with us and wish your daughter or son every success as they transition into life at Saint Ignatius’ College. I sincerely hope that your family quickly develops a strong sense of belonging and connection within our community.
This year, we are pleased to welcome 260 students into Year 7, along with a further 26 new students across other year levels. Our total enrolment now stands at 1,486 students, an increase from 1,442 at the same time last year. We also warmly welcome many new staff members who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm. Their contribution will play an important role in supporting our shared focus on Engagement for Excellence across all areas of College life.
Our school improvement focus for 2026, Engagement for Excellence, recognises a simple but powerful truth: students achieve their best when they are genuinely engaged intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Engagement also includes the everyday disciplines that underpin success: turning up consistently, being punctual, prepared, and present, and seeing tasks through even when learning becomes challenging. When students commit to these habits, they place themselves in the strongest possible position to grow, to learn deeply, and to achieve excellence.
The beginning of a new school year offers students a valuable opportunity to start afresh—to set clear goals, establish positive routines, and recommit to personal growth. Reflection on previous learning, including the 2025 Semester Two reports and conversations with parents or carers, can help students identify areas for consolidation and improvement, enabling them to engage more deeply with their learning and fully embrace the opportunities ahead.
We hold high expectations for our students, and we work in close partnership with parents and carers to support them in meeting these expectations. Through sustained engagement, arriving each day ready to learn, persisting when work becomes challenging, and taking pride in completing tasks to the best of their ability, I am confident students will continue to make strong progress throughout 2026. It would strengthen our shared commitment to your daughter or son’s education if these expectations are discussed at home, helping to set the scene for a positive, purposeful, and effective start to the academic year.
For more than 500 years, Ignatian education has been recognised globally for its commitment to academic excellence and the formation of the whole person. At Saint Ignatius’ College, we encourage students to be curious, to think critically, to act with kindness, and to contribute positively to the life of the community. Each day, students are invited to engage deeply with their learning and, in doing so, to grow beyond their perceived limits.
An Ignatian education extends well beyond the classroom. Through a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, including sport, performing arts, community service, enrichment programs, camps, immersions, and educational trips, students are encouraged to discover their strengths, build relationships, and develop confidence. Meaningful engagement in these experiences requires commitment: turning up, contributing positively, and seeing responsibilities through to completion. In doing so, students deepen their sense of belonging and further their personal growth and wellbeing.
I would like to thank parents and carers for the essential role you play in supporting your daughter or son’s engagement with school life. Your partnership with the College, particularly in promoting regular attendance, consistent routines, and the importance of seeing commitments through, is fundamental to our shared pursuit of Engagement for Excellence. Thank you also for all you have done to prepare your daughter or son for the commencement of the new school year.
I would like to acknowledge my dedicated colleagues who have worked with great care and enthusiasm to prepare for our students’ return. A list of staff names and roles is available via this link. As always, if there is any support we can offer as the year begins, I encourage you to reach out to the relevant staff member.
Together, as a community, we look forward to a year that is challenging, rewarding, and rich in opportunity, a year in which every student is encouraged to engage fully and strive for excellence.
Key Dates and Events
Term 1 is always a busy and exciting time at the College, with a wide range of events, activities, and celebrations. We encourage families to regularly consult the College Calendar, available through the Xuno Parent Portal. For your convenience, some key upcoming events are listed below:
Communication
The College communicates with families through a fortnightly digital newsletter available on our website, with an email alert sent when each edition is published. We also share updates and celebrations via the College Facebook page. Important letters and messages are sent to parent email addresses, and parents are welcome to contact staff directly by email.
Our usual practice is for staff to respond to emails within two working days. Please note that some staff work part-time and, in accordance with the “Right to Disconnect” legislation, standard teacher work hours are 8.30 am–3.30 pm on Mondays and Fridays, and 8.30 am–4.30 pm from Tuesday to Thursday. Staff may not read or respond to emails outside of these hours.
Synergetic Community Portal
As previously advised, Operoo has ceased operations in Australia. The College has transitioned to Synergetic as its replacement. Parents have received emails from our ICT Manager, Mr Paul James, outlining this transition and providing details for accessing the Synergetic Community Portal via PIPs (Parent ID Passport System).
The Community Portal allows parents and carers to:
The email also includes instructions for accessing:
If you require assistance, please contact our ICT Team at itsupport@ignatius.vic.edu.au.
We look forward to a rewarding year as we work together to nurture our students' growth and development.
Best wishes for 2026.
Michael Exton | Principal
COLLEGE TOURS | Saint Ignatius College Geelong proudly offers two types of College tours for Year 7 prospective families, Guided Tours, and Guided Day Tours.
The College Guided Tours are specifically designed for Year 5 & 6 students and their families with attendees enjoying comprehensive presentations from the College Principal, Deputy Principals, Year 7 Coordinator and current Year 7 students.
Following this presentation, families will enjoy a tour with current students and teachers showcasing the outstanding facilities enjoyed by our teachers, students and support staff.
Our College Guided Tours, held over 2 nights are an ideal way for prospective families to ask questions regarding all aspects of the College to students and staff.
To register for a College Guided Tour click here--> https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.a...
We look forward to welcoming you and your family for our 2026 Guided Tours.
YEAR 7 2027 ENROLMENTS | Saint Ignatius College Geelong embraces the Jesuit theme of 'Cura Personalis' Latin for 'care for the whole person' and provides opportunities for inspiration, and growth through our Mentor Time sessions.
Families who are seeking an Ignatian education that embraces 'cura personalis' are welcome to apply for a Year 7 2027 position via this link 🔗
https://enrol.ignatius.vic.edu...
📆 Applications close on Friday May 8th, 2026.
Academic Captain’s Report
Written by Ava B
On Wednesday the 4th of February, our College hosted an Academic Assembly to celebrate the academic achievements of outstanding students for their work in 2025. We welcomed back many graduates of the class of 2025 who returned to the College to commemorate their exceptional Year 12 study results.
This assembly provides inspiration for students to commit themselves to academic excellence and demonstrates that hard work and perseverance leads to rewarding achievements. We would like to offer our sincere congratulations to all the students who received awards at our Academic Assembly.
In particular, we congratulate the College Dux, Amelie Anderson, and acknowledge the dedication and perseverance that led her to achieve the top ATAR for 2025. Amelie approached her studies with consistency and care, and this honour reflects her sustained effort and commitment. She certainly embodies Mr Exton’s call for excellence!
We would also like to commend all the students who did not walk the stage or receive an award, who put their 100% effort into their school year and are leaders in themselves, striving for success every day.
Effective study habits are essential to improving academic success. Here are a few top tips to help achieve your best results:
Study a little every day
Don’t wait until the night before a test. Even 20–30 minutes a day helps your brain remember things much better than cramming the night before an assessment.
Use active study methods
Instead of just rereading notes, try quizzing yourself, making flashcards, or explaining the topic out loud like you’re teaching someone else. These methods further reinforce your knowledge and foster a sense of confidence in your abilities.
Have a distraction-free study spot
Pick one place to study where your phone is away, notifications are off, and your brain knows that it is time to focus on one topic at a time with no distractions.
Break work into small chunks
Big assignments can feel overwhelming at times. Break them into steps and finish one at a time. This way, it’s less stressful and keeps you motivated.
Get enough sleep
Studying late doesn’t help if you’re exhausted. Sleep helps your brain store what you have learned, so rest is a crucial part of studying.
The Academic Assembly serves as a reminder that success is built through consistent effort, resilience, and healthy study habits. By applying these simple yet effective strategies, students can continue striving toward their academic goals with confidence. Every effort counts, and with dedication and balance, all students have the potential to achieve excellence.
The first week of secondary school is a huge leap. It comes with new classrooms, new faces, new routines—and often a mix of excitement and nerves. As you read these student reflections, you’ll notice a common theme: courage, curiosity, and a growing sense of belonging.
https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.a...Our Year 7 students have made an excellent start. In just one week, they have begun forming friendships, navigating their new environment, and discovering that this place is becoming their place. What shines through most clearly is how quickly many are feeling more at home, more confident, and genuinely excited about what lies ahead.
These reflections capture their first impressions and hopeful expectations for the year to come. They remind us that the journey into secondary school is not just about learning new subjects, but about growing into ourselves, supporting one another, and embracing new opportunities. We are proud of the way our Year 7s have begun this journey and look forward to all that this year will bring.
My first week at Saint Ignatius has consisted of great things only!
On the first day we met so many fantastic teachers, and got to work with the "not so scary Year 12s" in a scavenger hunt around the school. It was fun. The next day we had our Intro to Catholic schools in the church with Jarryd, our Chaplain, and his assistants, Declan and Lexie. They were very friendly. They shared their high school experiences and stories, telling us about our founder, Saint Ignatius, and the symbols around the school that show us who he was. Overall, my first week of secondary school has been incredible and thankfully, it’s been a smooth transition so I’m keen to discover more about what’s on offer this year.
Nathanael N
My first week at Saint Ignatius College was amazing. I enjoyed Cura Personalis because I really love sports and the activities on the oval yesterday were fun. I have liked setting up my Mac book in class and learning how to use it. My favourite lesson so far has been Breadth with Mr. Hodge because he has good jokes and laughs a lot. Woodwork with him should be awesome.
Mackenzie P
My start at St Ignatius College has been amazing so far. I have really enjoyed playing with my friends at lunch and recess and also going over to the Drysdale pool to do the swim competency testing. I am looking forward to community service and the swimming carnival on Friday, as well as connecting with the Yr 12s again as they were kind to us on the first day.
Henry B
My experience at St Ignatius so far has been very good. I swam the whole 50 metres for the swim test and got to hang out with mates on the lawn. At first I thought I would be nervous at high school but as I've got to be more comfortable, it has been great. My favourite thing is meeting heaps of new people. My favourite lesson has been Cura Personalis when we played heaps of my favourite sports, like footy, soccer and basketball. I love St Ignatius.
Billy C
My first week at SICG so far has been wonderful. I have enjoyed engaging with my peers and teachers . They all seem nice. I have loved recess and lunch because my friends and I go to the library and talk. I liked going to the pool on Tuesday and I’m excited for the swimming carnival on Friday. We’ve met the Well-Being team who can help us if we’re not coping, feel overwhelmed or just want a chat. The school is so big yet everyone has welcomed us and made us feel important, like when Fr Gerry Healy had us stand at Mass to receive a blessing as new students. We felt special and important! I can’t wait for more fun times ahead.
Matilda P
It has been a fantastic start to the year for the Music Department, with our College Choir supporting the Beginning of Year Mass and our Year 11 Band as well as vocal soloist Sienna Davidson performing at the Academic Assembly. These performances have set a wonderful tone for 2026 and showcased the enthusiasm and high standards of our students from the very start. Thanks to Mrs Tania Grant and Mr Matt Jennings for their work preparing these musical items.
A reminder Music and Public Speaking lessons will commence from Monday February 9. Please check for lesson times in the music newsletter sent each Friday afternoon and in the daily bulletin on Xuno each morning. All students attending instrumental or vocal lessons: please ensure you sign in and out using the iPad located in the Music Department each time you attend a lesson. This is essential for attendance records.
Students who have not signed up for lessons are still encouraged to enrol and vacancies exist on all instruments. However, please sign up asap as some tutors are nearing capacity. If you need a form to sign up for lessons please email music@ignatius.vic.edu.au
We look forward to another exciting year of music-making and thank students and families for their continued support of the Music Program.
Head of Music
Michael Wilding
The start of a new school year can be an exciting time, but it can also bring challenges for some students and families as they adjust to new routines, expectations, and changes. It’s normal for young people to experience a mix of emotions during this transition.
At Saint Ignatius College, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of every student. Our Wellbeing Team works alongside students, families, and staff to help young people navigate challenges, build resilience, and feel supported at school.
The team provides support around areas such as emotional wellbeing, friendships, school engagement, learning support, and personal or family concerns that may be impacting a student’s wellbeing. Support is varied depending on individual needs.
Parents and carers are welcome to reach out to their child's mentor teacher, Year Level Coordinator/ Head of House, or the Wellbeing Team, if they have concerns about their child or would like to discuss support options. Early conversations can often make a big difference.
How to get in touch:
If you would like to contact the Wellbeing Team, please email wellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au or phone the school on 5251 1136, or contact your child's mentor teacher. A member of the team will get back to you to discuss next steps.
We look forward to working together to support the wellbeing and success of our students.
Contemporary Bands: Full Steam Ahead 🎸🥁
It’s been a huge start to the year for our Contemporary Bands program, with rehearsals officially underway and bands jumping straight into the action. From the very first sessions, students have hit the ground running - establishing new repertoire, refining set lists, and beginning preparations for a range of performance opportunities throughout the year.
Rehearsal rooms have been buzzing with energy as bands lock in new songs and shape performances that will continue to grow and evolve across 2026. It’s been fantastic to see such strong collaboration and creativity emerging so early in the process.
Our five co-curricular contemporary bands are set to continue developing throughout the year, and we’re always keen to welcome new musicians into the program. If you play an instrument and are interested in being part of a contemporary band, please get in touch with Mr Jennings - we’d love to hear from you.
It’s shaping up to be a big year of music-making, and this is only the beginning!
Matthew Jennings
Contemporary Bands Coordinator
Saint Ignatius College Geelong welcomes Year 7 2027 prospective parents to our well known annual community evening celebrating International Women's Day on Tuesday March 10th. Come & experience a sense of what it is like to be a part of our Ignatian community!
Tickets always sell out for this evening, so all attendees are encouraged to secure their seats early via this link
https://www.trybooking.com/DIBYH
We look forward to welcoming Year 7 2027 prospective parents to this evening.
Dreaming of a European holiday? Purchase a ticket or 2 in the 'PFA $10k Travel Voucher Raffle' and you could be packing your bags and on your way! Secure your tickets here --> https://rafflelink.com.au/sicgtravel2026
The 'PFA $10k Travel Voucher Raffle' is drawn on March the 26th, with all proceeds going towards student resources at the College.
