Dear Parents & Carers,

Year 12 Final Days of Classes

Last week, our College celebrated an important milestone for our Year 12 students, their families, and the wider school community. The Year 12 students completed their regular classes on Thursday, marking the start of their final celebrations. This was a time to express our gratitude for their growth and contributions, pray for their future success, and honour the Class of 2025.

On Thursday, the whole school gathered for the annual Farewell to Year 12 assembly. We celebrated the achievements of our students and teams since our last assembly and recognised the fine young women and men of the Class of 2025. Highlights included speeches, musical items, and presentations. College Captains Bel Gee and Tucker Kooloos delivered memorable speeches reflecting on the Year 12 journey, expressing gratitude, and encouraging all students to embrace opportunities during their school years. The College Captains and Vice-Captains, Stephanie Reynolds and Riley Molloy, presented a gift of Indigenous artwork from the Year 12 students to the school community (see accompanying image). Year 7 students Nemiah Gillies & Sophie Hopper delivered heartfelt messages to our Year 12s, demonstrating confidence and thoughtfulness in their speeches.

At 5 pm, we gathered for the Valete Mass in the Multi-purpose Centre, a very special service attended by all Year 12 students, their families, and staff. We thank Fr Gerry Healy SJ for celebrating this meaningful occasion.

Following the Mass, we held the formal Graduation Ceremony. Each student received a copy of Michael McGirr’s Finding God’s Traces, a collection of quotes, scriptural verses, and reflections to serve as both inspiration and a memento of their time at an Ignatian school.

On Friday, the Year 12 students enjoyed their Celebration Day, marked by fun and positivity. I congratulate the Class of 2025 for approaching their final week with respect, enthusiasm, and maturity. We wish them every success as they prepare for exams, further study, work, or a well-earned break.

Thank you to our senior school staff for their careful planning, which ensured that the final phase of the year was organised, meaningful, and well-communicated to students and families.

Mosaic Evening – Thursday, 20th November

Our College will celebrate the year’s end with Mosaic, an evening showcasing the diverse achievements of our students. This event will be held at Costa Hall, Deakin University’s waterfront campus (Brougham Street, Geelong).

Mosaic offers an opportunity for students and families to celebrate the College’s role in their lives and strengthen our community spirit. Attendance is required for all Year 7 and 8 students, and we encourage as many Year 9 to 12 students as possible to join us.

The Art & Technology display begins at 6:00 pm in the foyer, followed by the celebration in the main auditorium at 7:00 pm. Tickets are free and required for adults (students do not need a ticket). 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. Guests are welcome, including grandparents, family, and friends. Students should wear their school uniform with blazer.

Mosaic evenings have consistently received positive feedback for fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating student achievements. We encourage all families to attend this special community celebration.

Year 7 2026

On Monday evening, we welcomed the parents and students of next year’s Year 7 intake to an information evening.

Due to continued high demand, we will again offer an extra Year 7 class in 2026. Next year, we have enrolled 260 students across 10 classes. While many applications could not be accommodated, the strong interest in Saint Ignatius College reflects the ongoing confidence in the quality of education and community we offer.

Next Full School Assembly

All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend our Full School Assembly on Thursday, 6 November 2025, at 11:00 am. As in past years, this assembly will focus on the investiture of our 2026 senior student leaders. Please report to the office by 10:45 am for seating. The assembly will conclude at approximately 12:40 pm.

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).

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal

Keeping our Beaches Beautiful and Healthy: ​​5 Tips to Protect Our Local Beaches and Environment This Summer

If you’re a beachgoer, you may have noticed that during the busy summer months, our beautiful beaches sometimes don’t look their best. Increased visitors can mean more litter, disturbed wildlife, and fragile ecosystems under pressure. The good news? There are plenty of simple things you can do to help keep our beaches clean, and protect the environment while enjoying the sun and surf at our beautiful local beaches.

1. Make it your goal to pick up litter whenever you see it, and encourage others to do the same. The motto “Pick up three for the sea” is a great reminder, but if you can do more, even better! Help keep our coastlines clean by taking your rubbish with you or disposing of it properly in bins. Always bring a bag to the beach so you can easily collect your own waste, and consider picking up any litter you come across. Even small items like bottle caps, food wrappers, or cigarette butts can be carried by wind or tides into the ocean, where they pose a serious threat to marine life.It only takes a minute, but your actions make a real difference in protecting our beaches and the animals that call them home.

2. Let’s stop plastic pollution at the source by avoiding single-use items wherever possible. Simple swaps, like using a reusable drink bottle, packing lunch in a container, or wrapping snacks in beeswax wraps, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans. These simple changes to your daily routine make a big impact over time. Make the swaps, and help keep plastic out of our beautiful coastal environment.

3. Respect wildlife and vegetation. Our coastal areas are home to a rich variety of wildlife and delicate plant life that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Whether you're out for a walk, taking photos, or simply enjoying the view, it's important to tread lightly and be mindful of your surroundings. Stay on marked paths to help prevent erosion, and keep a safe distance from wildlife to avoid disturbing their natural behaviour.

4. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that harm coral and marine life and many people aren't aware that their sun screens can make a difference to our ecosystems. To help protect ocean ecosystems, choose reef-safe options made with mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

5. Join or support local clean-up efforts. Take part in community beach clean-ups organised by local groups or councils, or start a family tradition of doing a mini clean-up every time you visit. Every small effort counts and helps keep the Bellarine’s coastlines pristine and enjoyable for everyone to enjoy.

Looking for a Way to Help?

Join BeachPatrol | Bellarine Peninsula!

BeachPatrol organises monthly volunteer clean-ups of local beaches and foreshore areas, encouraging everyone to pledge just one hour of cleaning each month.

When & Where: The Bellarine group meets on the 2nd Sunday of every month, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Come along, meet like-minded people, and make a real difference in keeping our coastline healthy and beautiful.

Our Year 11 and 12 VCE Music students recently performed at the annual Soirée, held at the stunning Terindah Estate. The evening brought together parents, families, friends, and teaching staff to celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of our senior musicians.

It was a truly special night, with Unit 2 students showcasing their assessed performance pieces and Unit 4 students presenting the works they will perform in their final recitals. Each performance reflected the students’ hard work, creativity and growing musical maturity.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our instrumental music team for their ongoing support and guidance of our performers. What a night to remember!

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!