Dear Parents & Carers,

As we begin the final term of 2025, I hope the recent school holidays offered everyone a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some quality time with loved ones. It’s always refreshing to feel the energy return to the College as students and staff come back ready to embrace what is often one of the most meaningful and rewarding stretches of the year.

For our Year 12 students, these final weeks are particularly significant—a whirlwind of emotions as they prepare to close one chapter and begin another. There’s excitement, a few nerves, and a deep sense of pride in all they have achieved. As the countdown begins, our Year 12s are navigating exams, final assessments, and all the “lasts” that come with finishing school. It’s a time filled with reflection, anticipation, and, for many, some uncertainty about what comes next.

Our dedicated teachers and staff continue to walk alongside them every step of the way—offering guidance, encouragement, and that all-important listening ear. This Friday’s recognition of World Mental Health Day (October 10) is a timely reminder for all of us—students, staff, and families alike—to pause, check in, and make space for wellbeing amidst the busyness.

Student Immersion Trips

During the recent holidays, two student immersion experiences took place:

Cape York Indigenous Trip – Twenty-six Year 9 and 10 students, accompanied by three staff members and Red Earth Guides, visited an Indigenous community in Cape York.

Timor-Leste Trip – Sixteen Year 10 and 11 students travelled with three staff members and Destination Dreaming to Timor-Leste. This was our first trip to Timor-Leste in several years, following the pandemic pause on international immersions.

Both groups have returned safely, and all reports indicate the trips were extremely successful. I thank the staff who accompanied the students and commend the students themselves for the enthusiastic, respectful, and cooperative way they represented our College community.

Final Week for Year 12 Students

Next week marks the final week of classes for our Year 12s. We are looking forward to a positive and memorable finish for our senior students and share some key details below:

• Final Day of Classes: Thursday, 16 October 2025

• Year 12 Celebration Day: Friday, 17 October 2025

• VCE Written Exams Begin: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 (starting with English)

For information about LOTE Oral, Theatre Studies, and Music Performance exams, students should check with their subject teachers, as some of these assessments are conducted before October 28. The full exam timetable is available at:
👉 VCE Exam Timetable

We have reminded students of our clear expectations for a positive and respectful finish to their time at the College. Following Celebration Day, I encourage all Year 12 students to remain focused on their studies right through to their final exam. Success in these last few weeks depends greatly on their determination, effort, and support for one another.

After 17 October, Year 12 teachers will continue to be available during normal class times and by appointment to assist students with final preparations.

Special events planned for their final week include:

• Full School Assembly: Thursday, 16 October, at 1:30 pm

• Year 12 Graduation Mass: Thursday, 16 October, at 5:00 pm (College Multi-Purpose Centre)

Parents and friends of the College are warmly invited to both events. Please report to the College Office by 12:45 pm for the assembly so that seating can be arranged. We look forward to celebrating our Year 12 students and marking this milestone together.

I wish all our Year 12 students and their families a meaningful, joyful, and memorable conclusion to their secondary school journey.

Next Full School Assembly

All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend our Full School Assembly on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at 1:30 pm. As in past years, this assembly will focus on our farewell to the Year 12 students. Please report to the office by 12:45 pm for seating. The assembly will conclude at approximately 2:45 pm.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 – Normal School Day

Please note that classes will run as usual on Wednesday, 22 October, even though it is the day of the Geelong Cup. While some local schools are observing this day as a holiday, our College will instead take a break for Melbourne Cup Day and the day before it.

Our School Bus Coordinator has confirmed that buses will operate as normal on 22 October, though students who share routes with other schools may wish to check with their driver closer to the day.

Friday, 24 October 2025 – Student-Free Day

On Friday, 24 October, students will work from home while staff participate in a professional learning day. Students will be able to access their set work through Canvas (via Announcements).

In Closing

As we move into this final term, I want to thank all parents and carers for the continued support you give your children and our school community. Together, we can ensure the remainder of the year is both productive and enjoyable. Whether it’s encouraging your child through study, celebrating their achievements, or simply being present in the everyday moments—your partnership makes all the difference.

We look forward to a positive, purposeful, and fulfilling end to 2025 for all our students.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal

Part of our focus in the Senior School at present is on preparing our graduating Year 12 students for their final VCAA examinations. Along with some of our Year 11s who are completing accelerated studies, the cohort will commence their examinations on Tuesday 28 October.

We take this opportunity to congratulate our Year 12s on their completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education. They have worked very hard over the past two years to fulfil the requirements and to attain this award, and it is a credit to their perseverance. Many students are currently feeling a mixture of relief that their School Assessed Coursework (SACs) and School Assessed Tasks (SATs) are completed, along with some apprehension about the final exams. Along with this there is the excitement and pride associated with the recognition and celebratory activities: the final school assembly, the Graduation Ceremony and Mass, and celebration day coming up at the end of next week.

The reality is that only half of value of their subjects’ assessments for the year has been completed, so it is vital that the forthcoming swot vac and the time in between exams is used effectively. Teachers are available to assist and support students with their final preparations and to provide feedback on revision tasks. We hope to see a lot of students back at school during swot vac and settling in to a productive study routine as well as taking advantage of the help and expertise that is available from their teachers.

Students each have a copy of the VCAA VCE Examinations Navigator booklet which contains all of the vital information they need to support their organisation. They will also soon receive an individual printout of their examination timetable to further support this, and attend a briefing on Tuesday during mentor time regarding final preparations.

On the home front, we encourage a continuation of the good routines and habits that have seen students successfully navigate the challenges of the past two years. Striking a balance between study and other activities is vital, along with maintaining contact with peers and participating in family life. Sometimes a simple activity such as walking the family dog can provide valuable breathing space and refreshment. Having adequate amounts of “vitamin sleep” is also a very important part of being able to show up each day and do their best.

We wish all of our examination candidates the very best for the weeks ahead and look forward to sharing in the final celebrations at the Valedictory Dinner on 28 November.

As the year draws rapidly to a close, we reflect on the activities we have engaged in as a Humanities Learning area, including:

• VSPP Local Parliamentary Conference - hosted by SICG

• Year 10 Business Management $20 Boss Program

• Year 10 Politics and Legal Studies Action Research Projects

• Business Management Excursions to local businesses:

• Tuckerberry Hill

• Adelia Fine Foods

• Humanities Week (20-24 October)

• Australian History Competition

• Royal Geography Competition

National Schools Constitutional Convention - Applications open

Expressions of Interest to participate in the 2026 National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) have opened. This opportunity is coordinated by the Australian Government Department of Education and supported by the Department of Education, Victoria.

The NSCC is a prestigious national event that brings together Year 11 and 12 students from across Australia to explore and debate issues relating to the Australian Constitution. It is one of the key programs within the Australian Government’s Civics and Citizenship Education initiative, aiming to deepen students’ understanding of how Australia’s democracy functions.

A total of 25 students will be selected to represent Victoria at the 2026 Convention, which will be held from 24–26 March 2026 in Canberra (with possible travel dates of 23 and 27 March for regional students). The event will take place at the Museum of Australian Democracy, with accommodation provided at the Pavilion on Northbourne Hotel.

All travel, accommodation, and meal costs are fully covered by the Department of Education. Students will be accompanied by registered teachers who hold appropriate Working with Children Checks and will be responsible for student supervision and wellbeing throughout the trip.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in Year 11 or 12 in 2026.

This is a wonderful opportunity for senior students interested in law, politics, or civic leadership to represent Victoria on the national stage and engage with other young Australians passionate about shaping our democratic future.

For further details or to express interest, please contact the Humanities Learning Area or visit the Department of Education’s Civics and Citizenship webpage.

For more information: https://ncsonline.com.au/projects/national-schools-constitutional-convention

Expression of Interest Form via: https://nationalcurriculumservices.snapforms.com.au/form/nscc-2026-vic-student-eoi-form

Humanities Week

During Humanities Week (20-24th of October) we aim to provide a week of enrichment activities including:

• Humanities-themed bell music

• Specialty canteen snack/lunch offerings

• Daily quizzes

• Examen

• Soapbox session

• School bag scavenger hunt

• Humanities-themed book display - ILC

• Chainmail/ jewellery making workshop

• Cultural dance workshop

• Film screening - “The Lorax” sing-along, bingo

Important Notice – 2026 Humanities Textbooks

Please note that all Year 7–9 Humanities textbooks will be updated to new editions in 2026.

As a result, the current editions will not be used next year and should not be sold or purchased second-hand for 2026 classes.

We appreciate your support in ensuring students have access to the correct learning resources for the new school year.

Samantha Windmill

Over the September break, sixteen of our Year 10 and 11 students joined staff members Deb Hodge, Laura Taylor-Payne, and Patrick Beer on an unforgettable 11-day journey to Timor-Leste and what an experience it was!

It’s hard to capture in words the profound impact this immersion had on our group. What began as a trip soon became a powerful lesson in humanity, compassion, and connection. Each student returned home changed, more reflective, more compassionate, and deeply aware of their ability to make a difference in the world.

Building Connections, Changing Lives

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. Watching our students teach, learn, and laugh together was truly inspiring.

Each afternoon, children from Beloi village would come running to join in games of soccer and share stories. The joy, laughter, and genuine curiosity exchanged in those moments created memories that will last a lifetime. 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.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

After a week on the island, our group spent time in Dili, exploring the complex relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste. Despite the nation’s difficult history of colonisation and conflict, the Timorese people welcomed us with warmth, humility, and grace. Their resilience and faith left a lasting impression on every one of us.

We were also blessed to experience Timor-Leste’s breathtaking natural beauty, falling asleep to the sound of waves breaking on the outer reef and waking each morning to brilliant sunrises over the sea. It was a reminder of creation’s wonder and the power of gratitude and simplicity.

A Journey That Transforms

This immersion was so much more than travel; it was an education of the heart and mind. Our students returned home more grounded, faith-filled, and inspired to live as young people for others. It perfectly embodies our Jesuit values of faith, justice, service, reflection, and companionship and it’s an experience they will carry with them for life.

Join Us in 2026

In 2026, 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 2026.

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

Deb Hodge, Laura Taylor-Payne & Patrick Beer
Timor-Leste Immersion Conveners

Below are some extracts from our student's journals

Day 3 – Sunday the 21st

Today was amazing. We woke up around 8am ready to go to church. We piled into Barry’s van and drove down to the church. When we got there, I wasn’t sure if Barry was joking, I guess I’m used to churches being grand buildings with stained glass and ample room, but I was about to see that looks may be deceiving. The Timorese people were so compelling in their faith; no one was ashamed, no one was judged and everyone joined in on the songs.

But the moment that changed my view on the day was when the priest was delivering the homily. The whole congregation was so engaged and was laughing a lot. I desperately wanted to know what they were saying. Then the priest turned to us, all 20 of us staring blankly, and said “I will try my best to repeat my homily in English for you.” This true act of respect took me aback, out of thinking about how hot the Church was or what was for lunch and made me realise how welcomed we truly were.

By Ashlyn Pitts

My Final Reflection – Timor-Leste 2025

I’m writing this final entry after returning to Australia as my final summary and reflection on the Timor-Leste immersion – my ‘Timor-Leste wrapped,’ if you will.

I think my biggest highlight from the trip would have to be the connections I made with the kids on the island, not only from the AHHA school but also local kids on the beach, who, even though they don’t speak much English, would run down the sand, yelling our names, to play soccer with us, braid our hair and hang out with us on the beach with stickers that we had given out at the school on their hands, cheeks and arms. I will forever cherish the memories of learning Tetum words, taking silly photos, making loom-band bracelets, celebrating goals scored in soccer games and tearful goodbyes with my new friends.

The biggest challenge I faced on the trip was getting over my anxiety of being in a new country and stepping out of my comfort zone to try new foods, activities and friendships. I am really grateful for my friends, our teachers and Timorese guides, Dulce and Isy, for helping me to feel comfortable on the trip and making the experience really fun and memorable.

Teaching English was another big challenge because of language barriers and lack of teaching experience, but it was really rewarding to finish a lesson and see our students smiling and laughing with us. It is definitely something I would do again.

This immersion has left me with amazing memories that I will carry with me forever and helped me to grow so much in my understanding of myself and the world around me. If I could go again next year, I definitely would, and I hope to return to Timor-Leste in my gap year.

By Ella Dowling

"In the AHHA school, I noticed joy whenever we were able to communicate with each other. When I said something in Tetum and they corrected me, or when we made a mistake we were able to laugh about it. This general feeling was shared with an earlier moment in our trip, during the church service; there were people laughing and there was no fear of anyone messing up, but there was an unspoken requirement of respect."

Owen McCoughtry

Saint Ignatius College welcomes the College Community to our annual celebration 'Mosaic,' an evening that highlights the many programs, events and learning that has occurred during the academic year.

This year's Mosaic will commence at 6pm on Thursday the 20th of November, featuring student works with foyer displays, and the main doors to the auditorium opening at 6.40pm.

The evening is expected to conclude at 9.15pm, with students attending to wear their Summer uniform, inclusive of the College blazer.

Students in Years 7 and 8 are expected to attend this celebration and will be seated with their Mentor Teachers and class groups, where a class role will be taken.

Parents and Carers are invited to register their attendance for Mosaic here --> https://www.trybooking.com/DFPOV noting that students DO NOT need to register.

Further information, including the Operoo for awardees will be issued in the coming weeks.

I am looking forward to welcoming our College Community to Mosaic 2025!