Dear Parents & Carers,

Welcome back for the commencement of Semester 2.

We’ve started another term, and I hope your daughters and sons have returned refreshed from the break and are ready to face the challenges of the second semester.

The new Semester offers a fresh start, with most subjects organised into semester units.

The Semester One Reports will be available next week on Friday, 1st August. These are summative reports that show overall results for the semester. More detailed information about student progress can be accessed by reviewing assessment feedback through our online Learning Management System, ‘Canvas’. If you haven’t already accessed Canvas, your child should be able to show you how to do so. Acting Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning), Ms Robyn Jackson, will email parents this week with the relevant dates and instructions on how to access the Semester One Reports.

I encourage you to spend some time with your child discussing the report to set some directions for making the most of the new semester’s academic program. This would also be a good opportunity to consider all other commitments in your child's life to check for balance in their time and ensure they are attending to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Examples to consider include participation in sport (particularly team sport), physical fitness, what and how much they are reading, how much time they are online, and, of course, how they are contributing to the running of the household. Apart from VCE Unit 3 and Vocational Major subjects, there are no scheduled Parent-Student-Teacher (PST) conferences to follow up on these reports. However, you are very welcome, and I encourage you to reach out to any subject teachers regarding academic concerns or the Mentor teacher for pastoral care. matters. Please email the teacher to arrange a suitable time for a meeting.

All VCE Units 3/4 subject PST conferences will be held on Thursday, 14th August, next term. Later in Term Three, all Years 7 to 11 and VCE VM PST conferences will take place on Wednesday, 3rd September, and Thursday, 11th September. All interviews will be conducted via Zoom, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

To follow-up the reports, Unit 4 VCE & Yr 12 VCAL Parent, Teacher & Student (PTS) Conferences will be held on Wednesday 23rd July 2014 (4pm – 8pm.)

There are no scheduled Years 7 – 11 PTS Conferences for Semester One; however, parents may request one by contacting teachers directly.

Teacher Inservice on Monday 21st July 2025

As part of our ongoing commitment to school improvement and student wellbeing, we are excited to update you on the implementation of our Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) approach at our College. Monday’s Staff Professional Learning Day was an important opportunity for staff to learn more about this approach and collaborate on its implementation. It is essential that we have a whole-school approach with clear expectations supported by consistent reinforcement. This proactive approach will enhance our teaching and learning culture, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for our students.

PBL is a whole-school framework designed to create safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments. By explicitly teaching and reinforcing positive behaviours, we aim to strengthen our culture of belonging, connection, and learning—ensuring that every student feels supported and motivated to succeed.

Rather than focusing solely on managing negative behaviour, PBL is a proactive strategy. It sets clear expectations, recognises positive actions, and provides consistent responses to behaviour across all classrooms and school settings. This approach empowers students with the skills they need to thrive academically and socially.

Key Elements of PBL at SICG

1. Clear Expectations
   We have developed a set of Behaviour Practices for Learning that guide how students are expected to engage in the classroom and school community. These include:

   • Be Prepared and Punctual: Arriving to class on time and with necessary materials.

   • Work and Listen Respectfully: Collaborating with peers and valuing others’ contributions.

   • Share Thoughtful and Relevant Ideas: Engaging in meaningful class discussions.

   • Demonstrate Effort and Accountability: Completing classwork and homework responsibly.

   • Respect the Learning Space and Expectations: Maintaining a focused and respectful learning environment.

   • Represent the College with Pride: Wearing the uniform properly and caring for school property.

2. Consistent Reinforcement
   All staff members are committed to consistently applying the PBL approach. This means students will receive clear, fair, and supportive feedback on their behaviour, with a focus on growth and improvement.

New Behaviour Notices

To support this framework, we will be introducing a third type of behaviour notice – the Positive Behaviour Learning Improvement Notice. This notice will provide constructive feedback and support when students need reminders or guidance to meet expectations. Parents will also receive a copy of this notice via email. These new notices will be provided alongside our other usual behaviour notices, which include:

• Affirmation Notices: Celebrating students who consistently demonstrate our College expectations.

• Infringement Notices: Used when behaviours significantly disrupt learning or go against our values.

These notices are part of a transparent and supportive system to help students understand the impact of their actions and to celebrate their successes.

Mr Michael Timms (Deputy Principal, Students) is leading the implementation of this initiative. Mr Timms sent an email to all parents on Monday with further details.

We believe that by fostering a positive and respectful learning environment, we can help every student grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate learner. We look forward to partnering with you as we continue to build a school culture where all students feel safe, respected, and motivated to do their best.

Staff news

We are pleased to welcome the following staff in Term 3:

Ms Ruwani Keyburn – replacing Mr Kallum Wallace. 8 Wallace will now be called 8 Keyburn.

Ms Vanessa Rees – covering for Ms Isje Turang-Timmins, who is on leave for Term 3.

Mr Jaymen Barker – covering Ms Michaela Hamence’s classes while she is on leave for Term 3.

Ms Elise Meehan – assuming the role of mentor teacher for 8 Sadler for Semester 2. This mentor group will now be titled 8 Meehan.

Ms Chelsea Hall – replacing Ms Nicole Sadler’s classes while she is on leave.

Mr Joe McLean – assuming the role of mentor teacher for Xavier Nicholls (now named Xavier McLean).

Mr Gary Kane – replacing Mr Andrew Smith’s classes while he is on leave.

We also warmly welcome back:

Ms Kate Otto from leave in Semester 1

Mrs Linda Pape from leave in Semester 1

Ms Kim Abbott from leave in Term 2

Subject selection for 2026

During term three students in Years 8 – 11 will be asked to indicate their preferences for elective subjects for the following year. Whilst considering options at this time, it is important to discuss with your daughter/son her / his strengths, interests and post-school options and review this every so often. The Semester One reports would be helpful springboards into this type of discussion.

Students and parents can access information regarding the 2026 subjects, information sessions and the specific year level subject selection process by visiting the “2026 Subject Pathways” page on our Learning Management System, “Canvas.”

Our Work and Further Education Team is available by appointment to assist Students and Parents in this area. To make an appointment, please send an email to pathways@ignatius.vic.edu.au, and a team member will get back to you. Students are welcome to access our Career Centre resources (located in the VCE Centre) by first seeing a WAFE Team member (Mr. Connor, Ms Snookes, Ms Sama, Ms Bromilow or Mr McLean.)

Yr 7 enrolments 2026

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 from students, staff and parents for the Open Day and enrolment promotion program was a vital contribution to this success – thank you. The very positive reputation of the College is a commendable result of the dedication of our students, staff and parents to our College community and its ongoing improvement.

I have again made enrolment offers to 260 students for year 7 next year.

Feast Day

As you are aware, Thursday 31st July 2025 is a special day for our college community - the day we celebrate the Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola, the College’s patron saint. All students are expected to attend school on this day. We have planned for this to be a school community celebration, in support of our school improvement pillars: building belonging, connection, and learning.

Parents and Friends of the College are invited to attend the whole school Mass (9.15 am to 10.30 am) in the Companions Centre. Please report to the Loyola Centre Reception at 9.00 am so a seat can be organised for you.

Special activities are being organised for the rest of the day. More details will be provided to parents and students via email from Deputy Principal Ms Carmen Ahearn. The canteen will be open at both recess and lunch times on this day, and “red” foods are allowed on our celebration day.

We have celebrated Feast Day for many years, and each celebration has been a great success. I am looking forward to another very successful day this year and encourage all students to embrace the spirit of the occasion.

Student Leadership positions for 2026

Applications open this week, and the due date is Tuesday, August 5th.

I ask parents and carers to please discuss with your son or daughter the possibility of applying for one or more leadership positions, if you think they would be capable and a good fit for the role. This ‘encouraging’ conversation can make a big difference as to whether they apply or not. One of our mantras is “St Ignatius – inspiring me to be a leader,” and to support this, we have a Student Leadership Development Program coordinated by Ms Robyn Frigo (Coordinator) and Ms Dom Kiely (Assistant).

Student Leadership positions include:

College Captains, Vice Captains and House Captains from the current year 11 students.

House Vice Captains from current years 9 and 10 students.

SRC reps from all current years 7 – 11.

Portfolio captains (Academic, Arts, Environment, Justice, Ministry, Sports, Wellbeing) from the current year 10 students.

Arrupe leaders from current years 10 and 11 students.

(In addition, students can apply to take on a FIRE carrier position.)

Details and application forms are available via our Student Management System, ‘Xuno,’ with instructions and the same forms and all role descriptions are on the 'Student Leadership' ‘CANVAS’ course.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal

Excitement is building for our Feast Day celebrations on Thursday, 31 July!

St Ignatius Feast Day is a time to come together as a school community, show House spirit and connect with the global Jesuit family. Our patron saint, St Ignatius, described the ideal leader as living with “one foot raised” ready to respond to those in need and, on Feast Day, we act on this call by participating in the One Foot Raised Walk/Run. Proceeds from the event will support the work of Jesuit Mission in Myanmar, a country devastated by war and natural disasters.

We ask for your support with our fundraising efforts by:

1. Clicking on your child’s House Fundraising page

2. Making a donation: Every dollar counts and we encourage every family to donate at least $5.

3. Sharing the link with your network of family, friends and colleagues

4. Celebrating your child’s efforts to walk/run - this is a meaningful way for young people to make a difference in the world.

In anticipation of the generosity of our community, we thank you on behalf of Jesuit Mission and invite you to view this video of gratitude.

Carmen Ahearn

In Week 11 of Term 2, our Year 7 and 8 students participated in a range of activities as part of Belonging Week. The purpose of this program is to build a strong sense of student connectedness to both the College and the wider community.

A particular highlight of the week was the Year 7 Open Learning Showcase Afternoon, where families were warmly welcomed into the College. This event provided an opportunity for students to share their learning journey, celebrate their achievements, and offer insight into the Saint Ignatius way of learning.

Below are some reflections from our students on this wonderful event. We sincerely thank all families who were able to attend and contribute to the spirit of connection and celebration.

Yr 7 Student Responses to Showcase Afternoon

I was asked by Ms Hodge to be one of the MCs at the 2025 Showcase Afternoon and I felt very honoured to be able to lead the session in the Mackillop Theatre where we talked about belonging to St Ignatius and how we learn in Year 7. Following this, we went over to the Xavier Centre, our hub for learning. This was a great opportunity to show my parents my work and speak to other parents about the work we had done in Semester One and accomplished as a year level. It was an amazing experience and I loved the afternoon. It was really cool to see so many people engaged with their parents and celebrating all the achievements in our first year at this school.

Mason M

My name is Wynne and I am a 2025 Ignation leader. I got the opportunity to speak at the Q and A student session during the Showcase Afternoon. At the Q and A I got asked 3 questions on my learning so far and the challenges I’ve had to overcome. Although I was nervous about speaking in front of people, I was proud of myself afterwards. Belonging Week was about showing our learning journey and the accomplishments we have achieved to our parents and loved ones. I was really proud of my work and excited to show my parents the steps taken to complete assignments and tasks. This was one of the most fun weeks I have experienced so far!

-Wynne J, Ignation Leader 2025.

Hello my name is Lucy G and as a 2025 Ignatian Leader, I got the fabulous opportunity to do a Q and A during the Parent Showcase where I answered 3 questions about my learning so far in 2025. I was placed on the spot and even though I’d prepared, it was still a bit scary looking up and seeing so many people in the theatre. I thought I coped really well and explained how teachers help us practise skills. This afternoon was about showing our parents and loved ones our accomplishments and I created a slideshow demonstrating the assignments and activities, especially of subjects I loved.

- Lucy G Ignatian leader 2025

My name is Nick and I got to participate in the student lead Showcase Afternoon in the Q & A panel discussion. Ms Anderton asked us what motivates us, what we wished parents understood about how different learning in primary school is to secondary and mistakes we’ve learnt from. I had plenty to say and really enjoyed saying my experiences with the families who came long to listen. When I got to show my parents my work, my Mum laughed because I have a wobble chair. My parents were really proud and impressed. They loved the tasks I did in all of my subjects. Dad liked the things we created in Breadth, especially the light we made. I showed my parents the memorable moments and skills I want to learn. I showed them the work I have completed in my subjects and the things I am really proud of. I had a great time.

- Ignatius leader, Nicholas W

I got to participate in the Student lead Showcase Afternoon and had the role of doing the Acknowledgement of Country. This was a special moment for me to recognise the First Nations people who have walked this land before us. The Showcase was showing our parents what we did for the Semester. My Mum came to this and we had an amazing afternoon. My favourite thing was showing all the creations in Breadth and my Mum was super impressed because we made a night light and a robot. My Mum’s favourite part was watching me speak in front of a large audience.

Overall, this Showcase was awesome as we got to connect and tell our parents how we learn at St Ignatius.

Bas G, SRC leader, FIRE carrier

In the last week of Term 2 during Belonging Week, I had the opportunity to lead the prayer at the Year 7 Showcase afternoon. I had a great opportunity to show my public speaking skills as well as to show my family all of the accomplishments I have achieved during my first semester at the college. Leading up to the Showcase, I got really excited and I couldn’t wait to show my family members what I have learnt and participated in over the semester in a way that was interactive and fun to spruce up and make it unique to me. All of the Year 7 students had the opportunity to make a powerpoint presentation to share with their families and we all really enjoyed that time talking with our family. I had a fun time reading my prayer and I really enjoyed getting to meet my friends’ parents and families too. The whole afternoon was a great success and I enjoyed every moment of the experience.

Chloe A

Study Rooms

The SRC recently discussed the Study Rooms on Level 1 of the MacKillop Building (near the staff kitchenette). These room allocations have since been reviewed and this has resulted in improved access for senior students.

Please check the notices on each room carefully, as some rooms are designated for silent study, whilst others support more collaborative study work. Please use these spaces appropriately, and remember, no eating in carpeted areas.

Feast Day Celebrations – Thursday 31st July

We are all looking forward to celebrating Feast Day! Held annually in July, the day marks the anniversary of the passing of Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1556. Jesuit communities around the world take this opportunity to honour his life, legacy and enduring influence.

There will be a wide range of activities and a plethora of delicious food available from the canteen (pre-orders close at 9am on Monday 28th July via the Flexi-Schools App). You’ll also be able to access a sausage sizzle, gelato stand and coffee van on the day (please note that these options are card only). You can purchase some items from the canteen at recess using cash or card.

We are personally most excited about the One Foot Raised Walk, the Arts Competition and the brilliant House Talent Quest!

We encourage everyone to join in the festivities. Don’t forget to donate your $2 which will give you a wrist band you can wear from time of purchase until Feast Day. It also ensures you get a post-walk/run donut! Mentor teachers will be collecting the money. All funds raised go to Jesuit Mission. Families are also being encouraged to contribute a $5 family donation via the relevant House pages.

Find out more by watching the video below, or clicking the relevant Feast Day links on Xuno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dCJ_7Dpwdg

Student Leadership Applications

Last, but not least, we really encourage all current Year 10 students to consider applying for a Year 11 student leadership position in 2026. Please click on this form to complete your application (due by 9am Tuesday 5th August 2025): Year 11 2026 Student Leadership Application Form.

Remember, Year 11 students are always welcome to email us with any relevant ideas you would like us to take to the SRC!

Hannah and Gabriela - Year 11 SRC Representatives

Exciting news! Tickets for our school production of Les Misérables are on sale. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see the amazing talent of our students in one of the world’s most beloved musicals. Make sure to grab your tickets early – they’re sure to sell fast!

Purchase tickets here.

SICG Students do not pay to attend the series. Subject teachers will mark a roll in the lead up to the event.