Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Term 4

Welcome back to the final term of the 2026 school year.

I hope all students enjoyed a well-earned break and returned refreshed, re-energised, and ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead. While some revision and preparation may also have been part of the holiday routine, I hope there was plenty of time for family, friends, recreation and rest.

As we begin Term 4, it is a good time for students and parents to reflect on the year's progress and consider how to make the final weeks count.

Teacher feedback, assessment information, and the learning materials available through Canvas all provide valuable insight into student progress. The Year 7–11 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences held at the end of Term 3 also provided an important opportunity to celebrate progress, identify areas for further development and establish priorities for the weeks ahead.

I encourage parents to take some time with their son or daughter to review their progress and discuss their goals for the remainder of the year. In particular, consider how students can establish a productive, balanced routine of study, recreation, family life, and other commitments.

Term 4 has a habit of passing very quickly. Our hope is that every student can finish the year feeling proud of what they have achieved, not only academically, but also in their personal growth, relationships and contribution to our College community.

Supporting our Year 12 students

For our senior students, the final stage of their secondary education is now well underway. I am pleased that many of our VCE students took advantage of the Unit 3 and 4 VCE revision lectures and practice examinations during the holidays.

These final weeks are an important opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, seek support from their teachers and prepare thoroughly for their examinations. I encourage our Year 12 students to stay focused, support one another, and make the most of their teachers' expertise and encouragement.

Final Week for Year 12

Next week will be the final week of regular classes for our Year 12 students, marking an important milestone in their secondary school journey.

Regular timetabled classes will cease on Thursday 15 October. On Friday 16 October, our Year 12 students will celebrate their final day at the College.

We have made our expectations very clear regarding a positive, respectful and memorable finish to their time at Saint Ignatius. I look forward to seeing our Year 12 students conclude their schooling in a manner that reflects the values of our College and the young men and women they have become.

Following Friday 16 October, Year 12 teachers will continue to be available during normal class times and, by appointment, outside class time until the relevant examination. Teachers will discuss these arrangements with their students.

The VCE written examination period begins on Tuesday 27 October with the English examination. Students undertaking LOTE oral examinations, Theatre Studies, Music Performance and other examinations should check the arrangements with their subject teachers, as some examinations commence earlier than this.

The VCAA VCE examination timetable provides the full examination schedule.

We have several special activities planned to make this final week memorable for our Year 12 students and their families. I particularly remind parents and friends of the College about:

• Year 12 Valete Mass – Wednesday 14 October, 5:00 pm
  Companions Centre. We expect all Year 12 students and encourage their families to attend this special celebration.

• Full School Assembly – Thursday 15 October, 1:30 pm
  This will include our farewell to the Year 12 students. Parents and friends are very welcome to attend. Please report to the College Office at 12:45 pm so that a seat can be arranged for you. The assembly is expected to conclude at approximately 2:45 pm.

I wish our Year 12 students and their families a very special and memorable final stage of their secondary school journey. I hope they will take time to appreciate not only what they have achieved, but also the friendships, experiences, challenges and opportunities that have helped shape who they have become.

Welcome to our New Students

We warmly welcome seven new students and their families to Saint Ignatius College this term.

We hope they quickly feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to our community. I am confident our students will extend them the warmth, friendship, and welcome that are such important parts of our College culture.

Next Full School Assembly

All parents are warmly invited to attend our next Full School Assembly on Thursday 15 October at 1:30 pm.

The main focus of the assembly will be our farewell to the Year 12 students. Parents and friends attending are asked to report to the College Office at 12:45 pm so that seating can be arranged.

The assembly will conclude at approximately 2:45 pm.

Wednesday 21 October – Normal Classes

Please note that Wednesday 21 October is a normal school day and classes will operate as usual.

As you are aware, this is the day of the annual Geelong Cup. While some schools will be taking the day as a holiday, Saint Ignatius College will remain open, as we observe the Melbourne Cup public holiday on Tuesday 3 November instead. And there will also be no classes running on Monday 2 November.

Some questions have been raised about school bus services on this day because a number of other schools will not be operating. The Region’s School Bus Coordinator has advised our Bus Coordinator that school buses will operate as normal for our students.

Students are nevertheless encouraged to check with their bus driver shortly before the day, particularly where buses carry students from several schools, in case any special arrangements are required.

Friday 23 October – Professional Learning Day

There will be no classes at school on Friday 23 October.

Bishop Martin Ashe – Parish Pastoral Visitation

As part of a broader parish pastoral visit, Bishop Martin Ashe will visit the College this Friday from 12:30–1:45 pm.

During his visit, Bishop Ashe will meet with members of the Executive, Faith and Mission Team, College Captains and other student leaders.

We look forward to welcoming Bishop Ashe to Saint Ignatius College.

Staffing Update

I would like to thank the staff members who are taking on additional responsibilities during Term 4 to cover staff leave:

• Richard Geary replacing Laura Taylor-Payne, with Patrick Beer Acting MacKillop Head of House

• Louise Paynter replacing Paul Howard

• Catherine Alizzi replacing Terry Tolan

• Ligia Learmonth replacing Tyran Dillon

We also warmly welcome four new members of our Learning Diversity Team:

Alessandro (Alex) Pino, Sally Bruce, Jemimah Juers and Taj McDonald, who are joining us as Learning Support Officers.

We are very pleased to have them join our College community and wish them every success in their new roles.

Timor-Leste and Cape York Immersion Experiences

It was wonderful to hear about the recent Timor-Leste and Cape York Immersion Experiences.

The reflections shared by students and staff on their return highlighted the richness of these experiences and the opportunities they provided for students to develop greater understanding, empathy and appreciation of cultures and communities different from their own.

These experiences are an important expression of our Ignatian tradition and our commitment to educating young people who are prepared to engage with the world and contribute positively to it.

2027–2029 Global Immersions and Cultural Experiences Program

Families have now received information about the proposed 2027–2029 Global Immersions and Cultural Experiences Program.

This includes an overview of the proposed experiences and a link to the Expression of Interest Form.

These experiences provide valuable opportunities for our students to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of the world and develop as young people of competence, conscience, compassion and commitment.

Year 7, 2028 Enrolments

The Year 7, 2028 enrolment season has begun, with applications now open.

If you have family or friends with children currently in primary school who may be interested in joining Saint Ignatius College, please encourage them to explore the opportunities available.

In particular:

• Year 7, 2028 enrolment applications are now open.

• Scholarship testing for Year 7, 2028 is now open.

• College tours specifically for primary school families are available to book.

• Families can visit the College website for enrolment information and tour bookings.

• Following our social media pages is a great way to stay up to date with enrolment events, information and important dates.

If you know a family who may be interested in Saint Ignatius College, please encourage them to get in touch with us.

Catastrophic Fire Danger Days

Please take note of the letter that was emailed to parents on October 7 regarding Catastrophic Fire Danger Day declarations.

Saint Ignatius College has been identified as a Category 4 school. Due to the College’s high bushfire risk, the school may need to close on any day declared a Catastrophic Fire Danger Day for our region.

We will provide families with as much notice as possible. As Catastrophic Fire Danger Days are generally declared on the day before, we will endeavour to communicate any decision before the end of the preceding school day.

Please ensure that you are familiar with the information provided so that your family is prepared should a closure be required.

Ordination of former student Rhys Lowther

I am delighted to share some very special news for our College community.

Former Saint Ignatius student, Rhys Lowther (2017), will be ordained a Catholic priest. This is a wonderful moment for Rhys, his family and all those who have supported and encouraged him on his journey of faith and vocation.

For our College community, it is especially meaningful to see a former student respond so generously to God’s call. We are very proud of Rhys and give thanks to God for his vocation and his commitment to serving the Church.

Rhys will be ordained on Saturday 14 November 2026 at 10.00 am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne.

His First Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 15 November 2026 at 1.00 pm at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Lara.

We will hold Rhys, his family and his future ministry in our thoughts and prayers at this very special time.

May God bless Rhys abundantly as he begins his priestly ministry and continues to guide him in his vocation of service to God and his people.

Looking Ahead

Term 4 is always a busy and significant time in the life of the College. There is much to look forward to, but also much to complete.

For our Year 12 students, it is a time of endings and new beginnings. For our other students, it is an opportunity to consolidate their learning, finish strongly and reflect on the growth they have made throughout the year.

I encourage all our students to approach the term with purpose, optimism and a willingness to give their best. In the spirit of Engagement for Excellence, let us make these final weeks count.

I wish all members of our College community a happy, productive and successful Term 4.

Best wishes for the term ahead,

Michael Exton
Principal

As we begin Term 4, it is a great time to reflect on what has been another positive and eventful term for Ricci House. Term 3 brought plenty of opportunities for our students to get involved, represent Ricci and, most importantly, continue to build the strong sense of community and House spirit that we are so proud of.

There were plenty of highlights across the term, including our St Ignatius Day celebrations, where Ricci students were fantastic in both the House Spirit item and House performance, coming in at first place for both. The energy, enthusiasm and creativity on display were a wonderful reflection of the pride our students have in their House. Our ILC Quiz and Tug of War were also great opportunities for students to come together, with plenty of teamwork, encouragement and support on display. It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved, whether competing, cheering from the sidelines or simply getting behind their friends.

While the results of our House competitions are always exciting, it is the participation and sense of belonging that I value most. Every student who gets involved contributes to our House community, and I am incredibly proud of the positive House spirit Ricci students continue to demonstrate.

As we move further into Term 4, we also begin the process of saying goodbye to our Year 12 Ricci students as they finish their time with us. To our Year 12s, thank you for the positive energy, enthusiasm and contribution you have brought to Ricci. You have been wonderful role models for our younger students, and we are grateful for the way you have helped shape our House community.

A special thank you must also go to our House Captains, Arabella and Sam, for their tireless work throughout the year. They have consistently prioritised their leadership roles, stepped up when needed and done a wonderful job of leading by example. Their commitment to Ricci and the positive energy they have brought to our House have been greatly appreciated.

To our Year 12 students completing exams, we wish you all the very best as you enter this next stage, and to those heading into employment, further study or other exciting opportunities, we wish you every success for what lies ahead.

Thank you to all our students and families for your continued support of Ricci House. Let’s make the most of Term 4, enjoy this final term together and finish the year strongly.

At the end of term 3, 26 x year 9 and 10 students headed off to sunny Far North Queensland, Cape York, to participate in an annual 8 x day Indigenous Immersion visiting First Nations homelands, Melsonby and Guurriill.

Our traditional owners and hosts Uncle Larry and Aunty Ginger ( Melsonby ), Uncle Richard and Aunty Lilian ( Guurriill ) shared with students their histories, culture, customs, languages and traditional creation stories over the next 6 days. It was amazing spending quality time with them around the campfire a learning about Australian First Nations perspectives.

Our last day before travelling back to Victoria included a cultural tour of the Australian Great Barrier Reef with First Nations Rangers and Marine Biologists as part of the REEF: Kids for the Reef School Excursion Rebate Program. This program is provided to students across Australia to travel to and participate in approved curriculum related learning experiences provided by Austrade-approved High Standard Tourism Operators (HSTOs) within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Areas (the Reef).

The intended outcomes of the Program are:

• increased student visitation to the Reef, smoothing seasonality and supporting local tourism operators and businesses

• increased awareness of and education about the Reef and the importance of sustainable tourism increased participation in activities which contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Reef.

An amazing experience, 2026 SICG Cape York Indigenous Immersion

Over the September holidays, eighteen of our Year 10 and 11 students were accompanied by staff members: Deb Hodge, Patrick Beer and Jenna Funston on an unforgettable 13-day journey to Timor-Leste and what a fantastic experience it was!

It’s hard to describe the significant impact this immersion had on our group. What began as a visit to a new country soon became a powerful lesson in humanity, compassion, and connection. Each student returned home changed; more understanding of this struggling nation and its traumatic past, more compassionate towards these proud, gentle people, and more deeply aware of one’s ability to make a difference through small, simple actions.

On Atauro Island, our students worked side by side with local Timorese students, helping them to improve their English, a skill that can transform lives by opening doors to education, employment, and opportunity. Our school visits began early with a beautiful island sunrise, before we headed off to Tahi Opu School, the new English language school in Bikeli. The scenic journey along the coastline gave us a glimpse of the island’s beauty, but nothing prepared us for the incredible welcome that awaited us. As we stepped from the buses, the students lined the pathway and greeted us with the song, Oh, Oh Timor, before presenting each of us with a beautiful Tais scarf. It was a very touching welcome that made us feel incredibly special and reminded us of the warmth and generosity of the Timorese people. We then joined the students in English lessons, sharing games and activities focused on family, numbers, hobbies and directions. Their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and sheer joy made teaching an absolute highlight of the day. During morning tea, fresh coconuts, singing, dancing and plenty of laughter created a wonderful sense of connection, with the students also eagerly taking photos with us. It was days filled with learning, laughter, cultural exchange and genuine friendship; it was an experience our students will remember for a very long time.

One afternoon, these same children from the Bikeli village arrived at Barry’s Place on the back of a truck, ready for an epic game of soccer. The skill, enthusiasm and energy of the local kids were incredible as they proved it was impossible to beat them. Despite some great goals from PJ and Reuben and an impressive assist from Casey, we went down 7–2. The score, however, mattered little as the afternoon was all about fun, friendship and connection. The match finished with plenty of selfies, laughter, dancing and a huge conga line. It was a wonderful celebration of the friendships and memories being created on Atauro. When it came time to say goodbye, there were tears, hugs, and heartfelt promises to stay connected, a true sign of the meaningful relationships built in such a short time.

Snorkelling in this idyllic marine setting was a real highlight for us, with Atauro renowned as a hidden gem and a place that offers access to some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems and spectacular coral reefs in the world. After a short kayak out to the reef, students swam in crystal-clear water and were amazed by the beauty beneath the surface. Colourful coral, schools of tropical fish and bright blue starfish made for a memorable experience. We enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of waves breaking on the outer reef and waking each morning to brilliant sunrises over the sea. We saw the local fishermen set out in their boats before dawn, and we got to eat their delicious daily catch every lunch and evening meaI. It was a reminder of the simplicity of island life and the beauty of nature.

After five days on the island, our group returned to Dili, and continued to explore the history and complex relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste, as well as the importance of the Catholic Church in standing in solidarity with the people during the years of Indonesian occupation. Despite the nation’s difficult history of colonisation and conflict, the Timorese people welcomed us with warmth and kindness. Their resilience and faith left a lasting impression on every one of us.

On our last day, we were fortunate enough to head to the mountains to visit Railaco NOSSEF Jesuit Senior School, a school we support through our Jesuit Mission fundraising. With around 300 students in Years 10–12, including boarding facilities for students who live too far away to walk to school, it was very interesting to tour the campus and sit in on an English lesson. We were reminded of the privilege of education here in Timor, with fees of around $124 a year being significant when the average daily wage is approximately $5.25. Our next stop was Timor Global Coffee, where we saw the fascinating process of harvesting, washing, drying and sorting coffee beans. Naturally, plenty of coffee was purchased to bring home to family. We then travelled to Cristo Rei, the magnificent statue of Jesus Christ overlooking Dili, where we tackled the 591 steep steps to the summit. Although our legs were certainly burning after the climb, the breathtaking views across the coastline made every step worthwhile.

This immersion was so much more than travel; it was truly an education of the heart and mind. Our students came back to Australia more inspired to live as young people for others. It perfectly embodies our Jesuit values of love, service and companionship, and it’s an experience our young people will carry with them for life. One of the most rewarding aspects of our Timor-Leste immersion was our time in Bikeli village, where our students embraced the opportunity to learn from and alongside the local community. What was particularly impressive was the students’ willingness to step outside their comfort zones, communicate across language and cultural differences, and build genuine connections with the children and families they met. We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented our College, demonstrating our Ignatian call to be people for others by walking alongside the Bikeli community with humility, joy and respect.

In 2027, we will once again offer this extraordinary opportunity to our Year 10 and 11 students. While we recognise that the program represents a financial commitment, we can say with absolute confidence that it is worth every cent. The growth, maturity, and spiritual insight students gain cannot be replicated in a classroom.

The Timor-Leste Immersion is more than a trip, it’s a transformative experience that shapes hearts, minds, and futures. We warmly encourage families to consider this incredible journey for their child in 2027.

If you are interested and would like further information, please email Deb Hodge-hodged@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Deb Hodge, Patrick Beer & Jenna Funston
Timor-Leste Immersion Conveners

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) has been completed successfully. Many students showed enthusiasm, perseverance and a willingness to challenge themselves mathematically. The AMC gives students an opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills to challenging and unfamiliar problems.
The Mathematics Department thanks all students who took part in the competition. Sitting a challenging competition takes courage, and students approached it with focus, resilience and a positive attitude. Regardless of the result, students can be proud of having given their best and stepped outside their comfort zone. Their participation is a credit to them and to our mathematics community. We are proud of all students who took part and commend them for their efforts.
We appreciate the support and encouragement families provided, which helped ensure students were prepared and ready to participate. Results and award recipients will be announced at an upcoming Year Level Assembly. Students will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and recognise the success of their peers. In addition, students will receive Loyola Awards in recognition of their efforts.
The Mathematics Department thanks our students for their effort and our families for their continued support of mathematics learning and of participation in opportunities such as the AMC.

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