Dear Parents & Carers,

I am happy to report that the new school year has started off well. We have organised several significant events that have helped to establish our values, our Ignatian Story, and our sense of community. We have also encouraged our students to take advantage of the great opportunities available at Saint Ignatius to develop themselves.

Our opening of the school year Mass (Friday, 2nd February) was a wonderful opportunity to thank God, pray for God’s blessing on the new school year and encourage students to respond positively to God’s gifts and the opportunities the school year will bring. The theme was our strategic intent: “Building community for better learning – belonging, connection & learning.” Thank you to Fr Gerry Healy SJ and Rev. Fr Darien Sticklen for celebrating the Mass for us.

The ‘Beginning of the Year’ Full College assembly was held in the Multipurpose Centre on Monday 5th February 2024 at 9.00 am. We welcomed back our outstanding academic students from the Class of 2023 and, together with some high-performing Year 11 students from last year, acknowledged their high achievements. The Senior Student Leaders announced this year’s theme:

“Embrace the flame. Follow the footsteps.”

They chose this theme after reflecting on the input provided at the JACSA Schools Student Leadership Conference held at St Ignatius College Riverview in December last year.

Unfortunately, we had to modify our swimming sports program on Thurs. 22nd & Wed. 28th February due to ‘extreme’ weather forecasts. We provided races only for students who registered to swim and did not have spectators attend. Those students not involved remained at school for classes or alternative activities. Having the pool across the road from the College was an advantage and helped us better manage under the conditions. I commend the students who participated for their enthusiasm and level of competition. As a result, we will be able to select our inter-school swimming team.

Parent Information Evenings for Years 7, 8 & 9 have been conducted and were well attended. I have received very positive feedback from many parents about the evenings, and I thank all the parents who were able to attend for their support of our College. We welcome feedback about college events with a view to continually improving what we offer. You can write, ring (Ph. 52511136) or e-mail the college (info@ignatius.vic.edu.au) any constructive comments. Please address the comments to the main organiser; in the case of the information evenings, this would be the relevant Year Level Coordinator (YLC.)

Moving into the new MacKillop Senior Centre

The planning team coordinating the move has revised the plan to ensure a smooth transition to our occupation and use of this amazing new facility. As a result, the last day of Term One classes at school will be Wednesday, 27th March 2024, instead of Thursday, 28th March 2024.

The amended timeline is:

• Wednesday 27th March - Normal school day followed by Parent/Teacher/Student Zoom Conferences

• During periods 5 & 6 the senior students will move into the new building.

• Thursday 28th March - MacKillop Senior Centre Orientation Day for Staff. Students will not attend school. (Announcement day for Senior Certificate classes)

• Friday 29th March - Good Friday (start of term one holidays.)

• Monday 15th April - Staff Professional Learning Day (Announcement day for all classes, no students at school.)

• Tuesday 16th April – First Day of Term Two classes and the commencement of classes in the new MacKillop Centre.

We were going to commence classes in the new centre after the March long weekend. The change to the timing of the move has been made to provide more time for staff office movements, a pre-move Orientation and Induction session for all staff and staff familiarisation with the features and utilities of this new centre before classes commence next term. This will make for more settled final weeks of this term and a smooth start for the use of this building and its surroundings. Staff will then be in a better position to orient and induct students into making the most of their fantastic new learning centre.

On behalf of everyone, I express my gratitude to our many colleagues who have been (and continue to be) involved in all that needs to be done to take possession of and set up this tremendous new building.

We are very excited about moving into our new facility. And I look forward to providing parents with the opportunity to view the new centre early next term. You will be informed about the arrangements soon.

Year 9 Camp cancelled

Our Year 9 Coordinator, Mr Caleb Ryan, has informed the families of Year 9 students that the camp that was scheduled for the final week of this term has been cancelled. Unfortunately, the Pyrenees region in Western Victoria, where the camp was supposed to take place, has been severely affected by bushfires, as you may have heard from the media reports. Our intended destination for the Year 9 Camp was Cave Hill Creek in Raglan, which is located at the base of Mt.Cole. While the majority of the camp's infrastructure was spared, the surrounding forest and landscape, where our planned activities were to take place, have been significantly impacted. Therefore, it will take some time before school groups can return.

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and staff who attended the camp last year at Cave Hill Creek. We are hoping to schedule another one later in the year, either at the same location or somewhere else. Once we have determined our options for running the camp, Mr. Ryan will inform Year 9 families about our rescheduling plans. We are optimistic that we will be able to find a suitable alternative for everyone.

Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with the people who live and work in this affected region and the emergency services workers who are fighting fires and supporting the affected communities.

I acknowledge the disappointment experienced by our Year 9 students and staff who were looking forward to the camp. I appreciate the hard work put in by the staff to prepare for the camp and I want to thank Year 9 students and their families for their understanding.

Road Safety

All drivers travelling to and from our College are reminded of the need to adhere to traffic sign requirements at all times.

To promote safety, I remind our community that the speed limit on Peninsula Drive is 40 km/h (all times.)

When attending after-hours events at the College, please do not park in the St Thomas Primary School carpark.

Thank you for your support in prioritizing the road safety of all those in and around the College.

Season of Lent

We began the season of Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday on Wednesday 14th February. Students and staff received ashes on their foreheads on this day during a short liturgy as a sign of repentance as well as a reminder of our humanity. Lent is a period of preparation for the celebration of the foundational event of our faith, Easter.

During the Lenten season, the Church urges us to enhance our relationship with God by engaging in prayer, fasting, and acts of generosity. Some ways we can do this include praying together before meals, being mindful of our food consumption, and donating to a charitable organisation such as 'Project Compassion'.

At school, we have organised ‘Project Compassion’ as a way for students to respond to others in need during Lent. The monetary donations students give in their Mentor Groups will be given to ‘Caritas’ for their work in third world countries. Thank you to our Justice Coordinator, Ms Nicole Sadler, for coordinating this fundraiser.

“Building community for better learning – belonging, connection & learning.”

Best wishes for 2024,

Michael Exton

Principal

Social media, beyond its digital facade, is the dynamic space where our teens conversations allow for constant connection with peers. It's a digital extension of the old tradition where youths would gather at local areas to share stories and forge bonds. Today, platforms like Snap Chat, TikTok, and Discord serve as these modern-day congregations. It’s important to understand the costs and benefits of this modern-day way of living. This article with shed light on the evolution of social media, the costs and benefits to our students.

On Wednesday, 21st, Saint Ignatius College Geelong hosted the program from BATforce ‘Digital tattoo’ to help to raise awareness and help students become conscious of the social media world. The immersive session illuminated the presence of social media in our teen’s lives, serving not just as a platform for connection but as a realm where their social, emotional, and cognitive development unfolds. The Digital tattoo presentation explored the pivotal reasons social media is a staple in teenage life:

• A channel for uninterrupted dialogue with friends.

• A hub for group engagements and shared experiences.

• A gateway to the pulse of global happenings and trends.

• A space to meet like minded individuals whilst broadening social circles.

• An antidote to boredom, offering a constant stream of interactive content.

• A platform that taps into the fear of missing out (FOMO), driving the need to stay continually updated.

What is Fear of Missing out (FOMO) and how is it anxiety provoking?

Social Comparison: You might look at others, especially on social media, and feel like they're having a better time than you. It's like when you see friends posting about an event you didn't go to and feel left out.

Scarcity: Sometimes, things seem more appealing just because they seem rare or exclusive, like a limited-time event or concert. FOMO kicks in because you don't want to miss out on something special.

Belonging: Everyone wants to feel part of a group, so when you're not involved in something your friends are doing, it can make you feel like you're on the outside looking in.

What impact is Social media and FOMO having on young peoples brains

Dopamine Release: Social media interactions, getting likes or comments, can trigger dopamine releases in the brain, creating a sense of pleasure and reward, encouraging repeated use.

Habit Formation: The constant checking of social media can become a habit, as the brain gets used to the instant gratification it provides, making it hard to stop.

Attention and Focus: Overuse of social media can affect the brain's ability to concentrate and focus on tasks, as it gets used to rapid information and constant stimulation.

Emotional Impact: Excessive social media use can heighten feelings of anxiety and depression, affecting emotional regulation in the brain.

During this digital tattoo session, roughly 90% of students raised their hands when they were asked if they would like to spend more time away from digital technology. Reasons for this may be:

Digital Fatigue: Constant notifications, messages, and the pressure to stay updated can be exhausting. Teens might want a break from the constant screen time to rest their eyes and minds.

Social Pressure: Social media can create pressure to maintain a certain image, keep up with trends, and engage in social comparison. This can be mentally draining and might push teens to seek a break.

Need for Real Connections: While digital communication is convenient, it can sometimes lack the depth of face-to-face interactions. Teens might crave more genuine, in-person connections.

Awareness of Mental Health: As mental health awareness increases, more teens are recognising the negative impacts excessive screen time can have on their mood and overall wellbeing, leading them to consciously decide to take breaks.

Seeking Balance: Teens might want to engage more with hobbies, outdoor activities, or simply enjoy some quiet time away from the digital world to find a healthier balance in their lives.

In conclusion by working together to understand and mitigate the challenges of social media, we can empower our teens to navigate their digital worlds with confidence and care. We can guide them towards a future where technology is a tool for growth, not a source of constant comparison or anxiety. Let's help create a digital experience that enriches their lives and fosters positive development.

Scrunchies for Ukraine

24th Feb marked the 2 year anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

From the 20th-22nd, students came to the 3 day scrunchie making workshop to raise money in aid of Ukraine.

We made many scrunchies in different patterns and the SICG house colours.

On the 27th Feb at lunchtime, students helped sell over half of all the scrunchies made for $2 each or 3 for $5. In one lunchtime we made $108 and sold 65 scrunchies.

More to come this Thursday 29th Feb. Don’t miss out.

Many thanks to all the students and staff that made and bought scrunchies.

Mrs Horbowsky

The excitement is building for our Easter celebrations at the College on Sunday March 24th.

To book in for the Easter Egg Hunt @ 10.30am (there are 2 sections) click here (link in bio) https://www.trybooking.com/COOMZTo secure your stall for our fabulous Easter Mini Market @ 9.30am - 11.30am (creative students are encouraged to host a stall) click here (link in bio) https://www.trybooking.com/CPBVTWe look forward to welcoming our College Community to this event as we celebrate our faith, community, and of course chocolate!

Saint Ignatius College Geelong would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of our upcoming SICG Easter Egg Hunt by 'hopping' on board as Golden Egg Sponsors.

Saint Ignatius College is delighted to host Nicole Livingstone OAM as the keynote speaker for this year's International Women's Day celebrations at the College. 

Members of the College Community are encouraged to secure their tickets early for this evening. 

We look forward to welcoming you to another fabulous International Women's Day Evening this year. 

Click here to secure your tickets --> https://www.trybooking.com/CNQTP