Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to thank you for the support and partnership you show our College community each day.

Final Day of Term

The last day for staff and students will be Friday, 19 September, with a 2:20 pm finish following a shortened six-period timetable. Buses will depart in their usual order from 2:30 pm.

A Busy Final Week

Our final week has been as vibrant as the rest of Term 3:

• Parent–Student–Teacher Interviews – Thank you to all who joined us last week to discuss learning progress.

• Years 9 & 10 Vaping Seminars – Held Tuesday morning, providing timely health education.

• Sporting Highlights – Year 7 and 8 teams competed in both the GISSA Basketball Championship and the Junior Gaelic Football Championship on Wednesday.

• Student TEDx Event – On Tuesday evening, former student and Channel 9 presenter Nathan Currie hosted a TEDx evening featuring engaging talks from Years 7–10 students. Nathan also shared insights into his media career with our public speaking group.

• Championing Young People in a Digital World – On Wednesday, youth advocate Daniel Principe spoke with our Year 8 and 9 students and later with parents about navigating social media, stereotypes, and respectful relationships. We are grateful to the College Parents and Friends Association for supporting this valuable event.

• College Vocal Concert – Thursday evening’s concert in the MacKillop Theatre showcased outstanding solo and ensemble performances from students in Years 7–12. Congratulations to all performers and staff.

Immersions

This Friday, we farewell students and staff travelling to Timor-Leste and Cape York. We wish them safe travels and a time of discovery and friendship. We look forward to hearing their stories on their return.

Staffing Updates

We thank the following staff for their dedication this term:

• Ms Vanessa Rees, who has been covering for Ms Isje Turang-Timmins.

• Mr Jaymen Barker, who has been covering for Ms Michaela Hamence.

• Ms Michaeli Kovacic, who has been covering for Mr Joe Panuzzo.

We welcome Mr Connor Butler, who will return from leave to take over Mr Panuzzo’s teaching load from the beginning of next term, along with two new Learning Support Officers, Mr Ellery Bakker and Mr Bill Kerr.

Community Feedback

Thank you to all parents who completed the MACSSIS School Improvement Surveys. Feedback from parents, students, and staff helps us celebrate strengths and plan for continued growth.

Looking Ahead

Some important dates on the College Calendar

• Staff Professional Learning Day, Friday 24th October. No classes will be conducted at school on this day.

• Melbourne Cup Public Holiday Tuesday 4th November, and no classes are to be conducted on Monday 3rd November.

• Mosaic Awards Ceremony, Costa Hall, Geelong, Thursday 20th November

• The final day for classes for Yr. 7-11 is on December 4th.

• Year 12 Celebrations:

• Thursday 16th October - Final day of scheduled classes

• Thursday 16th October – Farewell Assembly, periods 5 & 6

• Thursday 16th October – Valete Mass & Graduation Ceremony at the College (5 pm to 7:30 pm)

• Friday 17th October – Year 12 Celebration Day

• Tuesday 28th October – Unit 4 Exams begin

• Wednesday 19th November – Unit 4 Exams finish

• Friday 28th November – Valedictory Dinner at GMHBA Stadium (6 pm)

This is our final newsletter for the term. The next edition will be published Thursday, 9 October 2025.
I hope every student enjoys a refreshing break and includes some quiet time for study and preparation for Term 4.

To our committed staff—thank you for your tireless efforts to enrich our students’ learning.

I wish everyone a safe, restful holiday and look forward to welcoming you back next term.

Best wishes,
Michael Exton
Principal

Glowrey House continues to shine on the big stage! For the second year in a row we have taken out the talent quest at Feast Day with a fun, innovative and energetic performance that summed up our values of inclusion and including all. Our House captains Lucy, Jacob, Stella and Addison lead the way and role modelled what real leadership is about. Well done team. A special shout out to Mikayla G who took on the role of Mary Glowrey for the day.

In Mentor Time students have been completing Wellio modules and recently took a break from that and shared in a variety of house activities like chess, mindfulness drawings and cupcake making. Students commented on how they loved sharing the time with their other Glowrey friends. Thanks to our mentor teachers who went beyond in their efforts to provide these activities.

To our Year 12’s who are in their last few weeks of classes before they tackle their exams we wish them all well and hope they enjoy their celebration mass, assembly and final lessons. We hope you finish the year positively and remember your journey in Glowrey House fondly. I personally cannot wait to hear about your amazing adventures beyond SICG and all the great things I know you are going to achieve. Good luck.

As usual we have a number of Glowrey students doing well in the sports, arts, the production or heading to the top end or Cape York immersions and embracing all that the College has to offer. We look forward to hearing your stories when you return from these immersions.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing school holiday break

Brendan O’Brien

Head of Glowrey House

It has been a busy term in the Youth Ministry space! The following events have taken place with many staff and students involved across various year levels here at the College. The following events have enabled our students to have experiences where students have had opportunities to showcase servant leadership while providing invitational, faith-filled, formative experiences.

Our own Youth Ministry Coordinator, Jarryd Atkinson and Youth Ministry Trainee, Tara Lace, undertook a cross cultural mission to Suva, Fiji, through the ACU La Salle Academy. The Australian team facilitated teacher and Youth Ministry training events, an Oceania Evangelisation Training School as well as leading activities and retreat sessions in Primary and Secondary schools. Upon their return, Tara and Jarryd both addressed our College Staff, with Tara giving witness to the deep impact this event had on her. She discussed key moments in the program where God was made visible, in nurturing her faith and giving her endless gratitude for this experience. The Australian team are now back in their respective schools, feeling inspired and hopefully inspiring others to live each day with faith in action.

Kairos Retreat

Anglesea Kairos Retreat included Year 11 and 12 Students who took part in a Staff led experience that enabled them to grow and develop their faith. The following reflection was written by Year 12 student, Declan P,

“Karios was a retreat where we learnt how to grow closer with each other and God. Through conversations with big and small groups, the familiar and the unknown, and peers and teachers, we developed how we could express our true selves and bring the good out of ourselves and others. On Kairos I got to connect and share about myself and my beliefs knowing it was a safe space where I couldn’t be judged or criticised. Through the moments shared with others and the group activities, I grew closer with my peers and learnt things about myself that strengthened my spiritual connection with God.”

Year 10 Pilgrimage

On Friday 12th of September, the Year 10 Journey students went on a pilgrimage through Geelong to connect deeper with their faith and to strengthen their collective understanding of being Pilgrims of Hope within our respective communities. The pilgrimage was student-led whereby students had many opportunities to reflect as a class and present back their ideas. This allowed us to see God in our everyday lives in the city. We ended the day by reflecting in Saint Mary of the Angels Basilica. Year 10 student, Emily N, wrote the following in reflection of her experience on the pilgrimage.

“I myself connected personally, as a student in our Journey class shared about their personal faith. It was inspiring to see my classmate talk to 50 peers with confidence about such a personal topic. It allowed me to reflect on the journey I have taken so far and wonder what I can do in the future for others.”

Year 11 Youth Ministry Equipping School

The Year 11 Academy class attended a Youth Ministry Equipping School, along with Year 11’s from Loyola College Watsonia. Harriet S wrote the following reflection on her personal experience after attending the Youth Ministry Equipping School.

“On Tuesday the 9th of September, our Year 11 Religion Academy class welcomed the Youth Ministry students from Loyola College Watsonia to the (inaugural) annual ‘Equipping School’. This day was a collaboration of our Ignatian community, assisting our youth in their faith journeys. The day began with an experience organised by the Year 11 students, involving a performance of "Cinderella". This was performed for the Grade 2 students from St Thomas Primary School. We heard testimonies from students from both schools and worked together to enhance our servant leadership skills. A huge thank you to Jarryd, Tara and Mr Tod for making the day the success it was and for providing opportunities for all students to express themselves through faith.”

Community Service Update

At Saint Ignatius College, our students live out the Ignatian call to be “men and women for others” by generously giving their time and talents through volunteer work, both within our College and throughout the wider community. We are especially proud of Xavier C (Year 10), who has been honoured with the Volunteer Award at the Geelong Youth Awards. This recognition is a testament not only to the hours Xavier has devoted to helping others, but also to the spirit with which he serves, always with humility, kindness, and a genuine care for those most in need.

In his acceptance speech, Xavier thanked the Salvation Army and Major Di Hobbs for their guidance and for the remarkable work they do to support people experiencing homelessness in Geelong. Through this partnership, Xavier has embraced opportunities to serve, to listen, and to grow, developing both life skills and a deeper sense of empathy. Xavier’s dedication reminds us of the Ignatian call to seek the Magis, to strive for the greater good and to make a difference in the lives of others. His example inspires our whole College community. Congratulations, Xavier, on this well-deserved recognition. We are so proud of the way you are shaping your gifts into service for others.

The Ministry Team, through the support of the broader College Faith and Mission Team, look forward to another amazing term filled with many more moments of deep encounter, profound witness, and genuine companionship.

Tara Lace

College Youth Ministry Trainee

Student Voice in Action: Reflections from the 2025 SRC Year 12 Representative and President

At the heart of every thriving school is a group of students dedicated to making a difference, not just for themselves, but for the entire school community. That’s exactly what the Student Representative Council (SRC) represents. Made up of passionate, responsible, and forward-thinking students from across all year levels, the SRC works hard to amplify student voices, build school spirit, and contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture.

This term, we’ve started the exciting process of interviewing candidates for the 2026 SRC team. It’s been an absolute pleasure meeting so many enthusiastic applicants and witnessing the incredible potential our college community holds.

We’d like to extend a huge congratulations to everyone who applied for all the student leadership opportunities across the school.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved, we’d like to remind all students that applications for the Social Justice Committee are still open. It’s a fantastic chance to help drive meaningful change in our school and beyond. Please contact Ms Smith via email if you are interested in joining the team: smiths@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The College also has a FIRE Carrier Program students can apply to be a part of. FIRE Carriers are students and staff who share a passion for learning about First Nations culture and history and are committed to sharing this knowledge, promoting Reconciliation within and beyond the school community. A FIRE Carrier promotes respect, fairness and inclusion for First Nations Peoples. Please contact Mr Martschinke for further information about how to become one of the College FIRE Carriers: martscha@ignatius.vic.edu.au

All incoming 2026 student leaders will be invited to attend our annual Student Leadership Day held early in December. We look forward to seeing you all come together to learn about leading the Ignatian way. On this day, we will also vote students into a range of SRC positions.

Our current SRC roles include:

• President – Represents the SRC, facilitates meetings, and oversees the planning and delivery of council initiatives.
  
  

• Secretary – Manages meeting minutes, communications, and keeps SRC records and schedules organised.
  
  

• Casual Clothes Day Organiser – Coordinates all aspects of Casual Clothes Days, including promotion, logistics, and fundraising.
  
  

• Media/Communications Team – A new team created in 2025, this group designs and shares SRC updates across digital platforms, posters and announcements to keep the school informed and engaged.
  
  

As the 2025 SRC President, it’s been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and inspiring group of students and staff. Collaborating with a team made up of individuals from different year levels and diverse backgrounds has been incredibly rewarding. Our team has consistently shown initiative, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to making sure every student voice is heard and valued.

Personally, this role has helped me grow in so many ways. I’ve developed greater confidence, leadership, communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills - all while balancing the responsibilities of Year 12. The experience has truly been one of the most fulfilling parts of my final year at school.

A special thank you goes to Mrs Kiely, Ms Frigo, and Mr Timms for their ongoing support and guidance throughout the year - it has made a lasting impact.

Being part of the SRC has not only allowed me to contribute to our school community, but it’s also prepared me for the future - whether that’s further study, travel, or entering the workforce. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited to see where the next group of leaders will take us.

Ella H
Your 2025 SRC President

Student Voice in Action: Reflections from the 2025 SRC Year 12 Representative and Secretary

At the beginning of Year 12, bright eyed, bushy tailed and blessedfully unburdened, I had little expectations of what my first, and final year of being on the SRC would entail. I had always known, or at least hoped, that my future would involve some manner of leadership, and after serving as the Academic Portfolio Captain, I was grateful and happy to be voted in as the SRC year 12 representative. Furthermore, I was lucky enough to be elected by my fellow representatives as the 2025 SRC Secretary.

As a representative for year 12, it was important to focus on what was relevant to seniors. With the opening of the new Mackillop building, the SRC and I recognised that there was now latitude to expand study opportunities during recess and lunch time by opening a second study room. During the push for this, I had to develop an understanding on appropriate ways for effecting change; drafting emails to teachers in a favourable manner, sending follow-ups and check-ins when progress stalls, and, perhaps the most important lesson, learning to utilise fellow school leaders in order to augment my own strengths and counteract my weaknesses.

Further, there were lessons to be found as SRC Secretary. As the representative responsible for note taking our recording minutes, I was soon able to develop the skills necessary to accurately and efficiently document the various activities of the SRC. Here, I must note my gratitude to Ms. Frigo, who provided me with key advice on properly (read legibly) organising our minutes.

In a sense, the greatest responsibility for a Year 12 representative is to ensure students, especially students in the younger years, are inspired to aspire to a leadership position. One of my favourite memories of my time with the SRC is interviewing applicants for the SRC Year 7 representatives; alongside Ms. Frigo and Sam, a fellow representative, it was enjoyable seeing our junior students, having not even completed a year at St Ignatius, already willing to give up their time towards becoming a representative for their year level. Moreover, having been familiar with being an interviewee, it was an interesting experience sitting in the interviewer’s chair and seeing the difference between an adroit and adequate interview.

Of special note here, it is worth congratulating and validating all student leader applicants for their offer to contribute to student leadership at the college. I urge all unsuccessful applicants to consider alternate leadership opportunities, such as joining the Social Justice Committee, or speaking with Ms Frigo and Mrs Kiely about other leadership opportunities available.

A special thank you goes to the teachers who give up their time for the SRC, Mrs Kiely, Ms Frigo, and Mr Timms; their support, guidance and example has been essential for developing our leadership potential. Moreover, I would like to thank Ms. Allan for her assistance with introducing a second study room.

Ultimately, when I reflect on my time with the SRC, my only feeling remains that of gratitude and affection for being able to achieve the triple bonus of developing so many important skills, working with so many amazing fellow representatives and furthering so many needed projects.

Archibald S

Your 2025 SRC Yr. 12 Representative and Secretary.

On Wednesday night, a group of our talented students - Heidi B, Blake M, Chloe V, Troy S, Luke M, and Grace T - took to the stage at the Barwon Club to compete in a Battle of the Bands event organised by the Belmont High School VET Music class.

The band showcased a dynamic setlist and impressed the crowd with their energy, skill, and teamwork. Over the past weeks, the students have been working hard at school to refine their sound and develop as a cohesive group, and their dedication shone through on stage.

We are thrilled to share that our students were awarded first place in the competition, winning valuable recording time in a professional studio. This is an outstanding achievement, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts and success.

Well done to Heidi, Blake, Chloe, Troy, Luke, and Grace!

WHEN: Sunday 9th November, 12pm

WHERE: Meet at Holy Trinity Church Queenscliff.

Bus to Mannerim Memorial Indigenous Gardens to begin Pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Church.

DISTANCE: 10 kilometres.

WHO: For all people of faith and hope.

WHY: To give witness to the Year of Jubilee and prayerfully walk for peace and hope.

Check out the website with information of the Pilgrimage, registration and payment.

Website: https://peacecamino.holytrinityqueenscliff.org.au