Dear Saint Ignatius College Community Members,

Farewell to our Year 12 students

Since my previous newsletter article, we have recognised, celebrated, and bid farewell to our Year 12 students. Most of them have now started their VCE exams, while others have begun or are looking forward to jobs or apprenticeships. Some will be taking a break after finishing their studies.

On Monday, October 16th, the entire school gathered for an assembly that was truly inspiring. The event featured speeches and musical performances, which greatly uplifted the audience. The assembly was concluded with a walk around the college by the Year 12 students, while the rest of the school (Years 7 to 11) and staff cheered and clapped. A tradition that has been established for some time now is the presentation of a gift to the college by the graduating class. The Captains presented a painting by Indigenous artist, N. Jingarra, titled “Special Women Meeting Places.” This beautiful artwork is currently on display in the Loyola Centre foyer before it is moved to the MacKillop Centre.

Then, on Monday evening, the Yr 12 students, their families and staff gathered at our Multipurpose Centre for the formal Valete Mass and Graduation Ceremony. This was a very special and memorable large gathering of members of the College community to worship, pray for our graduating students, express gratitude and acknowledge this milestone for the Year 12s. In addition, each student was presented on stage and received a certificate. Our final gathering, the Valedictory Dinner, will be after the VCE exams for Yr 12 students, their families and staff at GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park, on the evening of Friday, 24 November 2023.

On Tuesday, which was the final school day for the Year 12 students, they celebrated their success in a respectful, fun, and happy way. I am proud of the students for participating in the day with such enthusiasm and positivity. Over the years, we have worked with our students to move from a 'muck up' culture to a 'celebration' culture, and I am glad that we were able to achieve this transformation together. I would like to acknowledge our senior area staff team and our students for their collaboration in ensuring that the event was enjoyable and memorable.

On behalf of the College community, I wish our Yr 12 students every blessing for their futures and thank them and their families for their contribution. I also express our gratitude to Ms Kirsty Allan (Director of Senior School) and her staff team for all they’ve done to support our senior students over the year, particularly during these final weeks for the Year 12’s.

Mosaic Evening – Thurs. 16th November 2023

Our College community end-of-year celebration occurs in mid-November. We call this evening ‘Mosaic’ because we endeavour to showcase many and varied pieces of student achievement from the year. We expect as many students and their families as possible attend this special College function at Costa Hall at Deakin University’s waterfront campus. This gathering will provide the opportunity for parents and students to celebrate the part school has played in family life for another year and build a stronger sense of school community.

As happened last year, we expect all Years 7 & 8 students to attend. All other students and their families would be most welcome to attend. Students are expected to attend in full school uniform. A roll will be taken on the night. In exceptional circumstances where a Year 7 or 8 student is unable to attend, parents are asked to please contact the Year Level Coordinator beforehand.

The date is Thursday, 176th November 2023. The Art & Technology display commences at 6.00 pm in the Costa Hall foyer followed by the celebration evening that begins at 7.00 pm in the main auditorium.

The evening will acknowledge and showcase student talents and achievements from a range of areas. As in previous years, tickets will not be required to attend. All you will need to do is turn up at Costa Hall, and you will be ushered to a seat. There is no cost to attend, and you are most welcome to invite Grandparents, other family members and family friends. In the meantime, please put this date in your diary to ensure you can attend. Students are expected to wear their school uniform with the blazer.

We have consistently received very positive feedback about Mosaic evenings over many years. This unique celebration evening, our eighteenth, builds a stronger school community and a sense of belonging and hopefully inspires all students to strive to make the most of the opportunities they have at the College. I ask our community to give this evening a priority when students, families, friends and staff of the College can come together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of some and the contribution we all make to Saint Ignatius College.

Year 7 2024

On the evening of Tuesday 17th October, we held a very well attended welcome and information evening for the parents and students of next year’s Year 7 intake.

It is very pleasing that due to demand, we have increased the number of places available at Year 7 for next year. I have enrolled 260 students (10 classes) for next year. The number of enrolment applications was high again, with many unfortunately missing out on a place. The significant demand for places at Saint Ignatius continues to reflect very well on the work our community has done to develop our College into a great place for secondary school education.

Thank you to Ms Deb Hodge (YLC,7) and the team of staff for organising this evening.

Reminder about forthcoming student-free days

Students will not be attending school as follows:

Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th November – Melbourne Cup/Mid-term break.

(Please note that the College will be open on Monday 6th November for the Unit 3& 4 VCE Exams scheduled on that day. Unit 3 & 4 students are advised to check the exam timetable and note that buses may not run on this day.)

Opening of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre

The new 50 m outdoor heated pool opened to the public for the first time on Wednesday.

The City of Greater Geelong is hosting a free community open day at the pool on Sunday 5 November:

• FREE entry all day (10:00am - 5:00pm)

• Entertainment, sausage sizzle, coffee and speakers from 12:00pm

• The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is part of the Swim Sport & Leisure network located at 30 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale.

The advertised hours for the pool are:

• 1 to 30 November 2023 (restricted operations)
  Monday to Friday: 6:00am to 10:00am and, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
  Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

• 1 December 2023 to 31 March 2024 (Summer opening hours)
  Monday to Friday: 6:00am to 6:00pm
  Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am to 5:00pm

On behalf of our College community, I express our gratitude for this new pool so close to our College. We look forward to using this wonderful facility for our Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Education programs.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal

In today's digital age, mobile phones have become indispensable tools in our daily lives. However, it's essential to acknowledge that while these devices offer a multitude of benefits, they also come with their fair share of drawbacks. As a College we are currently revising our Mobile Phone policy and looking at a process that will allow our students to be free from their mobile phones during the hours of 8.50am – 3.05pm.

While mobile phones offer numerous benefits, they can also have negative effects on students when brought into the school environment. Here are some of the common negative effects:

Distraction from Learning Perhaps the most immediate concern is that phones can be a significant distraction. Students may be tempted to check messages, social media, or play games during class, diverting their attention away from lessons.

Reduced Academic Performance: Continuous phone use during class can lead to lower academic performance. Students may miss important information, fail to participate actively, or produce lower quality work due to divided attention.

Cyberbullying and Harassment Bringing phones to school can open up opportunities for cyberbullying. Students may receive hurtful messages or have their pictures or videos shared without consent.

Inappropriate Content Access: Despite filters and restrictions, students can still access inappropriate or explicit content on their phones. This can be distressing for both the student involved and the school community.

Social Isolation: Paradoxically, excessive phone use can lead to social isolation. Students may choose to engage with their phones rather than interact with their peers during breaks or free time.

Privacy Concerns: Students may inadvertently or intentionally capture images or videos of others without their consent, raising privacy concerns.

Physical Health Impact: Extended screen time can contribute to physical health issues like eye strain, headaches, and posture problems. Additionally, carrying heavy backpacks with phones can lead to physical strain.

Reduced Physical Activity: Students may be less inclined to engage in physical activities during breaks if they are engrossed in their phones.

Sleep Disruption: Late-night phone use can interfere with students' sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and reduced concentration during the school day.

It's important to note that these negative effects can be mitigated through clear school policies, digital literacy education, and open communication between parents, educators, and students about responsible mobile phone use. Striking a balance between the benefits and potential drawbacks of mobile phones is crucial for a productive and healthy learning environment.

I look forward to working with our families in supporting our students moving forward with a new mobile phone policy and process at our College in 2024.

2024 Student Leader Appointments, Assembly & Student Leader Conferences

Congratulations to all students appointed to leadership positions for 2024. I would like to thank all (staff and current student leaders) who helped with the process of appointment, students who made an application and to those in the College community who encouraged students to apply.

Student Leaders 2024 pdf

The 2024 student leaders will be formally presented at our ‘Student Leader Investiture Assembly’ on Thursday, 9th November.

2024 student leaders will also gather on Tuesday, 12th December for the annual student leadership conference. Our focus, on this day, is more on what we will be rather than what we will do.

College Captains and College Vice Captains will also attend the annual Jesuit and Companion Schools Australia (JACSA) student leadership conference held at St. Ignatius’ College, Riverview (Sydney) from Sunday, 3rd December – Tuesday, 5th December.

The outgoing Year 12 student leaders ought to be commended on their contribution to the College. They have been instrumental in building the concept of ‘An Ignatian approach to Servant Leadership’ in our College.

Anthony Gravener

Student Leadership Development Coordinator

We are excited to share with you an incredible journey embarked upon by our dedicated 2024 MacKillop House and Vice captains (Captains). As part of our ongoing commitment to empower our student leaders and deepen their understanding of the inspirational figure of Mary MacKillop, our captains recently had the unique opportunity to visit iconic spots (significant to Mary MacKillop’s journey) in Melbourne, the city where Mary MacKillop's inspiring legacy began.

Mary MacKillop, a remarkable woman and a revered figure in Australian history, dedicated her life to providing education and care to those in need, especially in rural and underserved areas. Her incredible story of resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith has continued to inspire generations, making her a fitting role model for our school community.

To provide our house captains with a more profound insight into Mary MacKillop's life and work, they embarked on a journey to Melbourne, a city that holds a significant place in her history. During their visit, they had the opportunity to explore various sites associated with Mary MacKillop, including Providence House the very first property the Josephite Sisters owned, today it is the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre.

The journey began with a visit to St. Francis’ Church where Mary MacKillop was baptised and made her first Communion. We then moved onto what is Called First Providence-this is where Mary MacKillop established a night school for children and providence for unemployed women. The sisters would distribute soup and clothing (it was Melbourne’s first soup kitchen). It was here where Mary MacKillop's journey as an educator and advocate for the underprivileged began. Our house captains had the privilege of walking in her footsteps, visiting her former schoolhouse, (Cumberland Place School also known as the Catholic Poor School), and learning about the challenges she faced in her mission to provide education to all.

We also visited “Little Lon” a very quaint place now but not in Mary MacKillop’s time. This area was riddled with filth, disease, degenerate and corrupt people.

Mary MacKillop's work in Little Lon, a poverty-stricken area of Melbourne, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping the most vulnerable in society. In the late 19th century, she and her Sisters of Saint Joseph set up a school and provided much-needed education to the underprivileged children of the area.

Our guide shared stories and insights about Mary MacKillop's life, struggles, and her unwavering commitment to the welfare of others. This first-hand experience has provided our Captains with a deeper and more personal connection to the remarkable story of Mary MacKillop.

Our Captains returned from our journey to Melbourne with hearts full of inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose. Their experience has not only enriched their understanding of Mary MacKillop but has also provided them with the tools to inspire and empower their fellow students. They are now better equipped to share her story and her values, promoting the importance of compassion, education, and faith within our school community.

As we continue to draw from the teachings and example set by Mary MacKillop, we are excited to see our Captains take on an even more prominent role in our school, guiding their peers with the wisdom and insight they have gained from their recent journey.

We look forward to the positive impact this experience will have on our school community and are proud to see our Captains growing as leaders who exemplify the values and principles set by Mary MacKillop. Her legacy lives on through their dedication and their ability to inspire those around them.

In the words of Mary MacKillop, "Never see a need without doing something about it." Our captains have taken this message to heart, and we are eager to witness the positive changes they will bring to our school community as they share Mary MacKillop's story and legacy with their peers.

Some thoughts from our 2024 MacKillop House and Vice Captains.

I really enjoyed our excursion to Melbourne. I thought that the tour to learn about Mary MacKillop's life was really unique and interesting. I found her story really inspiring, and when I discovered she lived so close to my home her story resonated with me even more. I found the ancient artifacts really interesting, and I loved seeing the beautiful architecture and stained glass of the church. 2024 Vice-Captain-Grace Dowie

On Monday we went up to Melbourne where we met with a lady named Anna who’s passionate about Mary MacKillop. She took us for a walk around East Melbourne and we stopped at significant spots to learn a little bit of history about her and the massive impact she had on Victoria and Australia. My personal highlight was learning about the first school that Mary opened and how that really Snowballed into opening many schools. Overall it was an interesting day in which I learnt heaps and had a lot of fun along the way. 2024 Vice-Captain-Tucker Kooloos

On Monday the 30th 4 Mackillop House Captains and vice Captains accompanied by Mrs TP and Ms Losi made their way up to Melbourne. The mission was simple, learn and immerse ourselves into the life of our House Saint Mary MacKillop. Before making the journey up there I had just assumed that Mary was just like every other Saint, she prayed every day, occasionally helped poor people and just went about her life. What I didn't know was just how much she did for her community and the wider Australian population, how much adversary she overcame, how much she had going against her. learning about how Mary MacKillop lived her life so humbly and with the interests of everyone else but herself at heart was truly inspiring. As the day continued to move along my admiration for what she accomplished in her life continued to grow. Overall, it was a successful day and I return to my everyday school life knowing much more about our amazing Saint and a newfound determination to continue her legacy.

2024 House Captain Meg Swinton

On Monday the 30th of October, my fellow house captains and I made the trip up to Melbourne to take part in an informational trip to the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre. Throughout the day we visited the many places Mary spent her time and learned some valuable information that is going to help us share Mary's story with our peers back at school. The day was full of so much information which helped us understand the way that Mary lived and the things that she did for her community as well as the people she visited on her travels. It was a great learning experience that influenced me to support others like she did and I will encourage my peers to serve others like she did too. 2024 House Captain Taj Don

Saint Ignatius College Christmas Hamper Appeal 2023.

Once again SICG is launching the annual Christmas hamper appeal in a few weeks time!

This year, we need your help more than ever to continue to create abundant and wholesome hampers that are given out to those who need it most in our region.

Christmas is a season of giving and love so whilst it might seem annoying or insignificant to bring in a small donation, your contribution could mean that someone is able to receive a special treat or present.

The Christmas Hamper Appeal will occur Week 8 between Monday 20th- Friday 24th of November. There will be two soft drink sales on Friday 3rd November and Friday 17th November. The money raised will go directly to gift cards for the hampers.

Collection points will be placed in each homeroom/mentor group and it would be terrific if everyone could bring in what their homeroom/house has been allocated! Specific requests for items will go out to Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 and each Senior House.

In past years, our college community has really united together and achieved fantastic results - which we are incredibly grateful for, so let’s continue to band together and live out the Ignatian ethos, to love and to serve.

Social Justice Captain

Stephanie Reynolds

Batyr was an elephant Born in 1970 in Kazakhstan who was able to ‘speak’ about 20 human-sounding phrases. Batyr connects with the phrase; giving voice to the ‘elephant’ in the room (mental health).

Inspired by the elephant, Batyr has been running school-based programs directly targeting stigma and help-seeking for almost six years now. There has been a plethora of anecdotal and qualitative evidence collected internally, and an Impact Report completed by Dr Alyssa Milton in 2016 concluded that the programs are having a positive impact on improved attitudes relating to recovery and empowerment and on the likelihood of students seeking help.

On Wednesday 11/10/23 Saint Ignatius hosted the presenters of Batyr; Hannah, Ash, Lucia, and Keisha. Keisha so bravely shared her story of mental health across the year levels of 9 and 10 during periods 1 to 4. This story delved into this person’s way of overcoming the barriers of depression and impactful life events that shaped this person into who they are today. This story reached students on a conscious level of understanding that others may be experiencing similar issues of depression and anxiety. We hope this expands students level of openness and acceptance to have these uncomfortable conversations more often.

A massive thanks to Batyr for providing our students with such an informative session. May they continue to have a beneficial impact on the world

From The Wellbeing Team

The Saint Ignatius College Community is invited to 'Mosaic,' a celebration of the year showcasing the College's many programs and achievements on Thursday November 16th at Costa Hall Geelong.

Enjoy student work at our foyer displays from 6pm, with the main doors to the auditorium opening at 6.45pm.

We look forward to a wonderful night of celebration on November 16th with you all.

The Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends Association welcomes members of the College Community to their annual 'Christmas Lights at Adventure Park Evening' on Wednesday the 6th of December.

Enjoy discounted General Admission (120cm) tickets provided in appreciation of the College Community's support of the Parents and Friends Association in 2023. 

We look forward to a wonderful night of Christmas Lights, Rides and fun! 

To secure your tickets, click on this link --> https://www.trybooking.com/CMWRC

W/C 6/11/23
6th: No Canteen
7th: No Canteen
8th: M.Jackson, M.White.
9th: M.Hiemstra, F.Ferguson.
10th: L.Taylor, F.Horne.
.........................................................................................
W/C 13/11/23
13th: E.Musella, NEEDED.
14th: M.Dunstan, NEEDED.
15th: C.Ford, NEEDED.
16th: S.Sheerin, NEEDED.
17th: M.White, NEEDED.
..........................................................................................

Click here to view the 2023 Canteen Price List

If you are able to assist on the above mentioned dates, please contact Canteen Manager Mrs. Sandra Woodall on woodalls@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Volunteers must hold a current WWCC. New volunteers must fill out the form provided via the link below.

Click here for Volunteer Form

Mrs. Sandra Woodall | Canteen Manager

Click here to view poster

Click here to view poster