Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Parents & Carers,
Finish up to Term One
It is hard to believe we have arrived at the end of term one!
As we come to the end of the first term here at Saint Ignatius, we reflect on the many accomplishments, growth, and memories that have shaped these past couple of months. With each new term comes the promise of new experiences, new friendships, and new discoveries. Overall, we have commenced the academic year well. It has been a very busy and vibrant term for our faith and learning community.
Competence is a key value of an Ignatian education. I commend all students who have embraced the opportunity a new year brings to improve their academic achievement by their commitment to a positive attitude and diligent approach to their studies.
We understand the importance of fostering a sense of belonging, connection and empathy within our community. This term, our students have come together to support one another through acts of kindness, friendship, and inclusivity. Whether it was participating in charitable initiatives, such as Caritas’ “Project Compassion,” volunteering their time for worthy causes, participating in the “Harmony Day” activities or “Clean Up Australian Day,” helping out with our “International Women’s Day” or “Easter Egg Hunt” events or simply lending a helping hand to a peer in need, our students have exemplified the spirit of compassion and community.
Many of our students have been involved in Sports and the Performing Arts. In the sporting arenas, cricket, swimming, surfing and basketball, among other sports, have featured. We have witnessed a number of impressive musical and choral performances. And, I received very positive feedback about our Year 12 students’ enthusiastic participation in the Year 12 Retreat at Dromana.
Parent engagement in student learning
As you are aware, we conducted Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences via Zoom last Thursday and again on Wednesday this week. There was a very good level of participation, which was very pleasing. This supports a strong learning culture at our College, which enhances our students’ learning outcomes. I trust this feedback and opportunity for conversation about improving student learning have set the scene for a productive term two. As is our practice, summative reports will be available for Semester One at the end of next term.
Best wishes for a happy & holy Easter
On Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday, the commencement of Holy Week. This special week is the final one in our journey through Lent. It is especially significant and sacred as it calls to mind for Christians the last week of Jesus’ life in preparation for his death and most significantly his resurrection.
On Wednesday, we gathered the whole school together to reflect on this special week and help prepare our students for the celebration of Easter.
Holy Week, and indeed all other events and seasons in the Church’s year, are a lead-up to the most important celebration of the year and at the very heart of our Christian beliefs, Easter.
Easter is the high point of the Christian year – the most important of our celebrations. Please consider taking your family to one of the many Church services over the Easter break to support your daughter/son’s faith development.
I wish everyone a very enjoyable Easter and I hope all students have a restful break with some time spent revising work and preparing for next term included.
Uniform Term Two
Please note that all students are required to wear full winter uniform for terms two and three. As there may be some hot days early next term, students may wear summer uniforms on any warm days up to Anzac Day with the blazer.
Please check the Student Planner for details about what can and cannot be worn. Please note that the summer shirt with logo is not to be worn as part of the winter uniform as it is not made to be worn with a tie. The College uniform long-sleeve shirt is to be worn with a tie and is compulsory with the winter uniform for boys and girls. Also, the new kilt must be worn no longer than mid-calf with navy blue tights or stockings.
Staff changes
Best wishes to three of our Performing Arts Teachers who will be taking leave during Term Two as follows:
Mrs Linda Pape – all term (replaced by Ms Anne Bourke)
Mr Michael Wilding – first two weeks (replaced by Ms Anne Bourke)
Mr Tyran Dillion – first six weeks (replaced by Ms Dianne Rufus)
Term Two
Please note that the first day of classes for term two will be Tuesday 16th April 2024. Monday 15th April 2024 will be a teacher inservice day.
Happy Easter everyone and best wishes for the Term One holidays,
Michael Exton | Principal
Empowering Students: Saint Ignatius College Geelong's Commitment to Child Safety
At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is at the core of everything we do. As part of our ongoing commitment to meeting Child Safe Standards, we place particular emphasis on Standard 3: Empowering children and young people.
Standard 3 emphasises the importance of children and young people being informed about their rights, actively participating in decisions that affect them, and feeling valued and respected in their school community. At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we have implemented various strategies and initiatives to uphold this standard and create a safe and supportive environment for all our students.
Education on Rights:
One of the key aspects of empowering children and young people is ensuring they are aware of their rights. At our school, we integrate education on rights into our curriculum and extracurricular activities. Through age-appropriate discussions, workshops, and resources, we educate our students about their rights as individuals, both within the school community and society at large. This includes their rights to safety, respect, and participation in decision-making processes.
Participation and Decision-Making:
We believe that students should have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. To facilitate this, we actively seek input from students on various aspects of school life, including curriculum development, extracurricular activities, and policies. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) provides a platform for students to voice their opinions, raise concerns, and propose ideas for improvement. Through regular meetings and consultations, we ensure that students are actively involved in shaping their educational experience and that their perspectives are taken seriously.
Creating a Culture of Respect:
Central to empowering children and young people is creating a culture where they feel valued, respected, and heard. At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels safe to express themselves and share their opinions. Our staff are trained to actively listen to students, validate their experiences, and respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns they may raise. By promoting open communication and mutual respect, we empower our students to advocate for themselves and others.
Continuous Improvement:
Empowering children and young people is an ongoing process that requires constant reflection and improvement. At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we are committed to regularly reviewing and enhancing our practices to ensure that we are effectively meeting the requirements of Child Safe Standard 3. Through staff training, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, we strive to create an environment where the rights and voices of children and young people are consistently prioritised and respected.
Saint Ignatius College Geelong is dedicated to empowering children and young people, ensuring they are informed, involved, and valued members of our school community. By upholding Child Safe Standard 3 and implementing proactive measures to support student participation and well-being, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Together, let us continue to work towards a future where all children and young people are empowered to reach their full potential.
Michael Timms
Deputy Principal - Students
As I’m sure you are now aware, our College theme for 2024 is “Embrace the flame, follow the footsteps.” Everyone has their own interpretation of the theme, and how they can apply and make it relevant for their life, in this article I am going to go a bit deeper into what the theme means for me personally, and how I strive to ‘Embrace the Flame and Follow the Footsteps’ in my life.
To embrace the flame is to wholeheartedly accept the challenges and opportunities that come our way. It’s about diving into the depths of our ability, and striving for the Magis, leading by example, to take a deeper and more enriched approach to everything we do, especially our learning. I personally connect to this, as through my time at the College. It has always been a goal of mine to ‘strive for the Magis.’ I love to take an enriched approach to my learning by asking lots of questions, and by complementing my learning with extracurricular activities wherever I can. Recently I have attended house chess competition, house trivia and enjoyed being part of the Division 1 inter-school tennis at Geelong Lawn. We are so fortunate to be part of a College Community where the students and teachers spend time creating fun activities outside of the academic learning for everyone to enjoy - and represent their House – Go MacKillop!
For me, a time when I felt I was embracing my flame or my passion was when I attended the 2023 Timor Leste JACSA immersion, with my now co-captain Alana. This immersion was life changing for me. Experiencing different living situations, a different culture, talking to different people and spending time with Jesuit priests, completely changing my worldview and opening my eyes to the poverty and living situations in one of Australia’s closest neighbouring countries. This has inspired me to pursue social justice further in my life, which I will continue to be passionate about after I leave school, and hopefully for the rest of my life.
I also find I am embracing my flame when volunteering within and representing the school. This is particularly relevant for me at the moment, as in the last week I have been fortunate to attend the Clonard International Women’s Day (IWD) breakfast, helping at the College IWD Community Engagement Event with guest speaker Nicole Livingstone OAM OLY, and next week my fellow captains and I will be meeting with the leaders of other Catholic schools around Geelong at our “CLOGS” (Catholic Leaders of Geelong schools) meeting.
The second part of the theme “follow the footsteps”, I particularly see as a Jesuit Companion School in following the footsteps of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. In the early years of my schooling, I didn’t put much thought into the idea of following in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius. However, as part of my journey at the College and spending time in a Jesuit Companion School, I have come to recognise the significance of “following in the footsteps of Ignatius.” From participating in the Examen every Friday, to saying the prayer of Saint Ignatius, to discussing the different sayings, “amare et servire,” “cura personalis,” “the Magis,” we are connected to a worldwide organisation of people who live by similar values, beliefs and faith, and following the footsteps is joining a community of people who are also on a journey of love and service.
My vision for 2024 is to lead, guided by this theme, embrace the flame, follow the footsteps. As much as I can, I would like students to be able to embrace and ignite their own passions, and to appreciate the opportunity we have to be educated. I realise everyone’s journey is different but look to the core values and guidance through the footsteps of the Jesuits, and Saint Ignatius of Loyola. I believe students should feel as if they are being supported, heard and nurtured within our school. As captains we want to, as much as we can, set the foundation to continue to enhance our ever-present school spirit, create and enhance a positive environment, be appreciative and help our peers enjoy their time at our College. Wishing everyone all the best for the year ahead.
This past term has been a very busy one. It has been a joy to see new faces in our Performing Arts area and also to see some new members in our ensembles.
CHOIR
Lead by Mrs Grant, the College Choir sang beautifully at the beginning of the year Mass and also the College Assembly. Mrs Grant has many ideas for future performances so stay tuned for some future dates.
NEW STAFF
We have been very lucky to have Ms Tara Vagg join our team as our Public Speaking teacher.
Tara is thrilled to be teaching public speaking at Saint Ignatius College. Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts (Acting) and has worked as an actor in both theatre and screen, with credits including Rostered On (Netflix) and a 6-week international theatre tour of Missing (BYTE). In 2022 and 2023, Tara travelled to Portugal to complete an intensive voice teacher training programme under the world-renowned voice coach Patsy Rodenburg OBE, whose impressive client list includes A-list actors and corporate leaders alike. Tarais now one of a select few Patsy Rodenburg Associates working within Australia.
Growing up in Geelong, it was Tara’s love of singing that first sparked her interest in the voice. After beginning singing lessons at the age of 11, she went on to complete her Grade 8 Certificate in Modern Singing (ANZCA) and joined Motown/Soul band Sweethearts as a vocalist during her high school years. Her time with Sweethearts saw her tour Europe, with performances at Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland) and Porretta Soul Festival (Italy). Tara is proud to have recently opened her voice coaching
Business-Voice & Speech Co. She is also excited to be at Saint Ignatius College and looks forward to seeing many students in term 2.
Dates for the Public Speaking recital will be published in the next Performing Arts news.
We welcome a new guitar teacher, Mr Jaron Mulholand. Jaron will be taking over Mr Jimmy O’Hare’s students as Jimmy is moving interstate. We thank Jimmy for working so well with our students and I know the staff and students will certainly miss him very much.
Jaron is a past student of Saint Ignatius and I am sure he will feel quite at home.
We also welcome Mr Jordan Powe who commenced teaching guitar this term. Jordan has settled in very well and has only a couple of vacancies for term 2.
TANIA GRANT
We are delighted to inform you that Mrs Tania Grant has joined our team as Head of Voice. Tania directs the Senior and Junior choirs and she also teaches many vocal students and Public Speaking. We look forward to seeing many performances by these choirs and also to seeing these choirs grow in numbers.
ENSEMBLE SHOWCASE
Last Tuesday evening the College ensembles performed in the MPC to parents and friends. Students were very proud to showcase the works that they have been rehearsing during the term. We have been so proud of our ensemble students in the way they have been so punctual to rehearsals and we can see that practice at home is improving.
I sincerely thank our Bands Coordinator, Mr Michael Wilding , for his outstanding work with the College bands. I also wish to thank our Ensemble Directors- Mrs Tania Grant, Mrs Janice Wilding, Mr Tim Neal and Mrs Rebecca Cowled for their dedication to our students.
THEATRE STUDIES-“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
The world's most ravenous plant is returning to the stage in a creation of epic proportions as the VCE Theatre Studies students dives into a production of Little Shop of Horrors. Tickets will go on sale from Term 2, but be sure to lock the dates in your diary - May 16 & 17.
Feel free to change any of the above.
Thanks,
Andrea Broadbear
Theatre Studies Teacher
EASTER LITURGY
Many thanks to the College choir for singing so beautifully at our Easter Liturgy last Wednesday. Thanks also to Oliver Watson and Ethan Cromwell who played guitar.
Next term I shall be on Long Service Leave and in my absence, Mr Michael Wilding shall be acting Head of Performance. Ms Anne Bourke will be taking my classes.
I do wish everyone a very happy and holy Easter and I look forward to seeing everyone again in term three.
Regards,
Mrs Linda Pape.
Music is food for the soul.
EASTER MASS TIMES
Holy Thursday 28th March 7:00pm St Thomas Drysdale
Good Friday 29th March 3:00pm St Patrick's Portarlington, 3pm St Thomas, Drysdale
Holy Saturday 30th March 6:00pm Sts Philip & James St Leonards, 6.30pm St Patricks Portarlington, 8pm Lumen Christi, Leopold
Easter Sunday 31st March 9:00am St Thomas, Drysdale, 9:00am St Patrick's, Portarlington, 10.30am Lumen Christi, Leopold
Year 12 VCE VM Personal Development Skills
Schools in Philanthropy program
Geelong Community Foundation
On Thursday 21st March, the Year 12 VCE VM students visited various Not for Profit organisations due to their involvement in the Geelong Community Foundations, Schools in Philanthropy program.
This is the first time students from Saint Ignatius College have participated in the program and this year we join Clonard College, Bannockburn Secondary College and Oberon High as they investigate organisations in our communities and the various programs that they offer.
The organisations that the Saint Ignatius College Year 12 students have been assigned are the Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club, Cottage by the Sea and the Ocean Grove Men’s Shed. All fantastic local community organisations.
As part of their studies, students are researching the amazing work all three of these organisations do from keeping our beaches safe during summer, to supporting men with mental health issues and assisting underprivileged children enjoy overnight stays away from home. They will then be making recommendations via a presentation at the Geelong Library during Term 2 the Geelong Community Foundation CEO and Board about each organisations eligibility for funding.
This has been a great initiative so far and the students look forward to developing their communication, organising and planning stills after the Easter break.
The Saint Ignatius College Year 12 VCE VM Team
National Consistent Collection of Data on School Students With Disability (NCCD)
All Victorian schools are asked to provide information to the government about the number of students with additional needs currently attending their school.
There is a broad definition of 'disability' that includes students who require minor adjustments to those needing significant additional support to achieve success at school.
The data is provided to the Australian Government to assist in the development of a consistent, national picture of the educational needs of students with disability.
For further information related to this mandated collection process, please read the attached document in this newsletter titled, ‘NCCD Fact Sheet for Parents, Carers and Guardians’.
Should you have any additional questions after reading this information, please direct these to Mrs. Caroline Edmonds, Learning Diversity Coordinator, during school hours or via her school email:
Saint Ignatius College Geelong invites a limited number of students and their parent/carers for a special evening at the school on ANZAC Day Eve.
Selected students who observe ANZAC Day by attending a local service are invited to our ANZAC Day Eve (24/4) reflective wreath making evening.
The evening will commence at 6.30pm, and is estimated to be an 1.5- 2 hours in duration, you are more than welcome to bring snacks/platter for the 2 of you for this evening.
Once the wreath is completed the parent and student are to present this wreath, (with student in full College Winter uniform) at a local ANZAC Day service the following day (25/4).
Successful applicants will be notified in writing within the week.
We look forward to this reflective, connective and meaningful evening for both parents and students.
Elana Cole | Director of Community Engagement
HEY, HEY, ALUMNI | We need you!
The College is looking forward to welcoming our Old Ignatians (Alumni) to our upcoming 'SICG Careers Panel & Expo' which is being held at the College on Monday May the 27th. Connect with former students, teachers, and staff and enjoy a student led tour to witness the growth of your College since your graduation. Alumni are invited to join us for a student led tour from 5.30pm, a light dinner from 6pm, before inspiring students in Years 10-12 with their respective pathways beyond the College at 7pm.
Alumni are invited to register their attendance via this link --> https://forms.gle/Qrnnrkm3hVEyiDKF7
We look forward to another exciting evening with our Alumni, current students, staff, and families.
Saint Ignatius College Alumni.Connect. Assist. Belong.
Members of the College Community are invited to Parents and Friends Meeting, to be held at 7pm, 21st May on Level 2 of The Loyola Building. Enjoy nibbles, connecting with other parent/carers of the College.
RSVP your attendance to SICGPandF@ignatius.vic.edu.au We look forward to welcoming members of our community to our next meeting.
Good afternoon and thank you taking the time to read this article.
This correspondence is to you to let you know that the Victoria Group of the Australian Air League Inc. is currently recruiting cadets in the Geelong and surrounding areas and to seek your assistance by allowing your School Community to have the option of benefiting from the activities we provide.
“Since 1934 the Australian Air League has been teaching young people all about aviation, while helping them to develop important life skills such as leadership, discipline, self-confidence, and teamwork. They make new friends and take part in fun and exciting activities, on the ground and in the air!
The Australian Air League meets weekly, and members will learn skills and take part in fun and interesting activities. There are also weekend camps, ceremonial drill, training courses as well as the opportunity to go flying. Through classes and practical demonstration members learn the theory of aviation and a wide range of associated topics such as Meteorology, Navigation, and Aero Engines, as well as general interest subjects such as photography, field craft and community service.
We welcome young people from the age of 8 years old. The Australian Air League is family friendly too. Parents/carers and families are welcome to help support their local Squadron, or even join as a volunteer themselves!
The League has practices and measures in place to keep our members, their families, and the community, healthy and safe. All adult members and volunteers providing services, are Working with Children checked and are involved in Child Safety training packages as part of their membership obligations.
Running a strong program that is both fun and educational, the Australian Air League is making fine citizens out of young Australians.
More information is available at our website at www.airleague.com.au and we can be contacted at
e: development.vic@airleague.com.au
p: 1800 502 175”
The Drysdale Football Club is looking for U16 players for the 2024 season.
Training is on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5.00pm-6.00pm at Mortimer Oval and Saint Ignatius.
If you have any questions or would like to play, please message us, or call our Junior Coordinator Amy Milne, or Coach Bailey Sykes.
Amy: 0409 859 837
Bailey: 0419 874 848