Dear Parents and Carers,

As we move further into the term, it has been pleasing to see the breadth of activity across our College. From engaging classroom learning and co-curricular opportunities to information evenings and community events, there is a great deal happening that reflects the energy and vitality of our school.

I have been particularly pleased with the level of student engagement. Overall, classrooms are purposeful and focused, and students are increasingly settling into the routines and habits that underpin a positive culture of learning. These daily practices, preparedness, respectful interactions and consistent effort play a vital role in fostering both academic growth and a friendly, safe atmosphere for all.

It was also very encouraging to see so many parents attend our recent information evenings. Your presence and partnership make a genuine difference. When school and home work together, our students benefit greatly.

Together, we inspire and support our students to embrace our School Improvement focus, “Engagement for Excellence,” encouraging them to participate fully, strive for their personal best, and take pride in their learning journey.

Thank you for your continued support of our College community.

NAPLAN 2026 – Years 7 & 9

Years 7 and 9 students will shortly undertake the NAPLAN assessments, which provide valuable information about student progress in literacy and numeracy. The tests will be conducted at school during the scheduled testing window, and students will receive clear instructions regarding times, locations, and any required materials. We encourage students to approach the assessments with confidence and to simply do their best, remembering that NAPLAN is just one of many measures that help us support their learning growth.

The tests will be conducted in the Companions Centre.

Year 9 – Periods 1&2

Wednesday 11 March (Writing)

Thursday 12 March (Reading)

Friday 13 March (Conventions of Language, Spelling/Grammar)

Monday 16 March (Numeracy)

Year 7 – Periods 3&4

Wednesday 11 March (Writing)

Thursday 12 March (Reading)

Friday 13 March (Conventions of Language, Spelling/Grammar)

Monday 16 March (Numeracy)

Parents will have received an email from the College with further details. We encourage all students to come well prepared and ready to give their very best effort. Your encouragement at home makes a meaningful difference, and we greatly appreciate your support in reinforcing this message as we work together to help each student approach the experience with confidence.

JACSA meeting at our College

The Jesuit and Companion Schools Australasia (JACSA) network is a vibrant community of schools committed to the mission of the Society of Jesus across Australia and New Zealand. JACSA provides a collaborative forum where schools share expertise, resources, and professional learning grounded in Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy.

The JACSA community includes 11 schools in two categories:

• Jesuit Schools – owned and governed by the Society of Jesus:

  • Xavier College, Kew, Vic

  • St Aloysius' College, Milsons Point, NSW

  • Saint Ignatius' College, Adelaide, SA

  • Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview, NSW

  • Redfern Jarjum College, Redfern, NSW

• Companion Schools – partner schools that embrace the Ignatian charism under governance by the relevant Archdiocese or Council:

  • Loyola College, Watsonia, Vic

  • John XXIII College, Perth, WA

  • Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay, QLD

  • Xavier Catholic College, Ballina, NSW

  • Saint Ignatius College, Geelong, Vic

  • St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College (the newest member), Auckland, NZ

The Principals and Rectors of JACSA schools met at our College on Sunday and Monday last week. They meet three times each year to reflect on their shared purpose, strengthen connections, undertake professional learning and formation, and learn from one another’s programs and initiatives.

On Sunday afternoon, we attended Mass together at St Thomas Church, with our senior choir leading the singing. They did an outstanding job, and I was incredibly proud of our students.

Open Afternoon

Also on Monday last week, we held the first of our two Open Afternoons, and we were delighted that the event was fully booked. It was a wonderful opportunity to welcome prospective families and share a glimpse of life at our College.

Many of our students volunteered to lead guided tours, and they were outstanding ambassadors. Their enthusiasm, courtesy and confidence made a strong impression, and I have no doubt our visitors left with a very positive sense of our community.

Our next Open Afternoon will be held on Thursday, 23 April. Please visit the College website for session times and booking details.

A reminder that applications for Year 7 2027 close on Friday, 8 May 2026. This closing date applies to all applicants, including siblings of current students.

If you know families who are considering secondary schooling, we warmly encourage them to book a visit or submit an application.

College House Athletics Sports - rescheduled

Unfortunately, we had to cancel this event, originally scheduled earlier in the term, due to the weather forecast.

I can confirm that our Athletics Sports Competition will take place on Tuesday, 24 March, at Landy Field, Geelong.

Deputy Principal Marina Brown will email students and parents with details of the arrangements for this day, including how students can register to participate. All Year 7 and Year 12 students will attend. Only Year 8–11 students who register to participate will attend Landy Field. Students who do not participate will stay at school for their classes.

Currently, two camps and one excursion are scheduled for this day. These activities will proceed as planned, with students expected to attend. Alternative arrangements will be made for students involved in these activities if they wish to be considered for the GISSA Track and Field Team.

Hopefully, the weather will be suitable for the sports on March 24.

School Advisory Council

The School Advisory Council (the Council) recently met for its first meeting of the year. The Council comprises highly committed and enthusiastic men and women who support the governance and management of the College, for which we are very grateful. The Council provides valuable advice to the College Executive.

2026 School Advisory Council members:

Ms Jo-Anne Britt (Chairperson)

Ms Fran Kealey (Joint Deputy Chairperson)

Ms Kerry Sidaway (Joint Deputy Chairperson)

Fr Jim Clarke (President of Canonical Administrators)

Fr Gerard Healy SJ (Jesuit representative)

Fr Linh Pham (Parish Priest)

Prof. Marie Emmitt (Emeritus Professor, ACU)

Ms Deb Schroer (Parent representative)

Ms Carmen Ahearn (Deputy Principal - Faith & Mission)

Ms Marina Brown (Deputy Principal - Operations & Co-curriculum)

Ms Robyn Jackson (Acting Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching)

Ms Leanne Quinten (Business Manager)

Mr Michael Timms (Deputy Principal - Students)

Mr Michael Exton (Principal)

Ms Kim Abbott (Council Secretary)

Upcoming Term One Parent, Student & Teacher conferences

These meetings are to:

• meet and get to know each other

• build a positive relationship

• share information about the student’s interests and learning

• talk more in-depth about the student’s progress.

The conferences are beneficial. They assist teachers in gaining a better understanding of students. Parents can also learn how to support their child's learning.

The conferences are conducted online via ‘Zoom’ and will be held on Thursday 19 March and Thursday 26 March for students in Years 7 to 11, VCE VM, and SNAP.

Schedule times and details are as follows:

Date: Thursday 19 March (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm) & Thursday 26 March (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm)

Format: Conducted via Zoom.

Session 1: 4.00 pm - 4.50 pm
Session 2: 5.00 pm - 5.40 pm
Session 3: 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Parents will receive an email from our Director of Learning, Ms Sarah Smith, with details about how to book a conference.

International Women’s Day (IWD) community event

For many years, our Community Engagement & Development Team has organised an annual social and inspiring evening to celebrate IWD. This wonderful event is open to the College and the wider communities and typically sells out. It will be held on Tuesday, 10th March at the MacKillop Senior Centre Theatre. Tickets are selling fast, so please consider joining us. Click on this link for further information, including booking details.

Our Keynote speaker is Abbey Holmes, former AFLW player, Australian Survivor contestant and Channel 7 expert commentator and boundary rider Abbey Holmes.

The program for the evening is:

5:30 pm - Canapes & Refreshments

6:30 pm - Keynote Speaker

7:45 pm – Conclusion

Public Holiday

Finally, a reminder that Monday, 9th March 2026, is a public holiday in Victoria, and the College will be closed.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal

Teaching and Learning Update

As we move into the middle of Term 1, there are several important learning events and opportunities coming up for students, families and staff.

NAPLAN – Years 7 and 9

NAPLAN testing for all Year 7 and Year 9 students will take place in Week 7 & 8.
Students will complete the assessments across four days:

• Year 9: Periods 1–2 on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday
  
  

• Year 7: Periods 3–4 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Monday
  
  

These assessments provide valuable information about student progress in literacy and numeracy and help us to tailor teaching to support growth. Families have received detailed communication outlining the schedule, requirements, and the processes for exemption or withdrawal.

If students have any questions or require support, they are encouraged to speak with their classroom teacher or contact me directly.

Parent–Student–Teacher Conferences – Weeks 8 & 9

Our Parent–Student–Teacher Conferences will be held across Weeks 8 and 9. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to:

• discuss student learning progress
  
  

• celebrate strengths and growth
  
  

• identify next steps for improvement
  
  

• strengthen the partnership between home and school
  
  

Booking information:
Bookings will open shortly via our usual online booking platform. Families will receive a notification when the booking window opens, along with clear instructions on how to select interview times with teachers. We encourage students to attend with their parents/carers, as their voice and reflection are an important part of the learning conversation.

Student-Free Day – Friday 27 March

Please note that Friday 27 March will be a student-free day.

On this day, our teaching staff will be engaged in professional learning focused on deepening our understanding of the MACS Vision for Instruction and strengthening our practice in explicit teaching. This work is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring every classroom is informed by the most up-to-date, evidence-based research on how students learn best.

We are pleased to welcome back Dr Nathaniel Swain, who will work with staff to further develop our shared instructional approach. His expertise will support teachers to refine classroom practice so that all students benefit from clear explanations, guided practice, and purposeful feedback.

These initiatives reflect our continued focus on Engagement for Excellence,ensuring that every student is supported to achieve growth and success through high-quality teaching and strong partnerships with families.

If you have any questions regarding NAPLAN, the conferences, or our teaching and learning programs, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

This year, the format of our Justice Team has been adjusted to better reflect our school priorities and strengthen our impact. We are now bringing together the environment and social justice into one shared space. By uniting these two important areas, we recognise that caring for our planet and caring for people go hand in hand.

Environmental challenges often affect the most vulnerable in our communities. By combining eco justice and social justice, we are committing to building a world that is both sustainable and fair. Our Justice Team is becoming a collaborative space where students can work together with a shared goal, creating a better world for all and striving for the magis.

Throughout the year, we are leading a range of initiatives that help us care for our world and the people in it. From environmental action to awareness and community support, every effort contributes to positive change. Just as importantly, we continue to educate and inspire our friends and families, inviting them to join us in taking action.

On the 27th of February, we held our annual Clean Up Australia Day, where we were met with dozens of eager students wanting to help our school community for the betterment of all! This was a meaningful way for us to help create a cleaner, safer environment while showing pride in our school community. Caring for the environment begins with simple, everyday choices, and this was a chance for us all to come together and make a noticeable difference. By taking part, we demonstrated leadership, cooperation, and a shared dedication to sustainability. We encourage every student to get involved with helping to build a school environment that we can all value and enjoy. Students participated in safely picking up rubbish around the courtyards, working collaboratively with a sense of pride. It was inspiring to see the amount of help offered to our school by our own students.

Moving forward, to minimise waste, we encourage all students to bring food in reusable containers and, where possible, choose recyclable packaging options.

We know that the young people in our school have a powerful influence on the future. By working together and taking responsibility, we are shaping a more hopeful, just, and sustainable world for everyone.

Saint Ignatius College Geelong welcomes Year 7 2027 prospective parents to our well known annual community evening celebrating International Women's Day on Tuesday March 10th. Come & experience a sense of what it is like to be a part of our Ignatian community!

Tickets always sell out for this evening, so all attendees are encouraged to secure their seats early via this link

https://www.trybooking.com/DIBYH

We look forward to welcoming Year 7 2027 prospective parents to this evening.

For your chance to take home a signed Abbey Holmes guernsey and football click here --> https://www.trybooking.com/DIBYH

Tuesday 10th March: 10:00am St Philip and St James St Leonards

Wednesday 11th March: 10:00am Lumen Christi Leopold

Thursday 12th March: 10:00am St Thomas Drysdale

Friday 13th March: 10:00am St Patrick’s Portarlington

2nd Rite Reconciliation:

Friday 20th March 7:00pm St Thomas Drysdale. Confession available during this service.

Holy Week:

Palm Sunday (29th March)

Saturday Vigil: 6:00pm St Philip and St James St Leonards

9:00am St Thomas Drysdale

9:00am St Patrick’s Portarlington

10:30am Lumen Christi Leopold

Monday 30th March

(No mass)

Tuesday 31st March

10:00am St Philip and St James St Leonards

Wednesday 1st April:

10:00am Lumen Christi Leopold

Thursday 2nd April:

Day 1 Holy Triduum Evening Mass of the Lords Last Supper

7:00pm St Thomas Drysdale. Adoration of Blessed Sacrament to 9:00pm

Friday 3rd April

Day 2 Holy Triduum

9:00am Stations of the Cross Lumen Christi Leopold

3:00pm St Thomas Drysdale

3:00pm St Patrick’s Portarlington

Saturday 4th April

Day 3 Holy Triduum/Easter Vigil

6:00pm St Philip and St James St Leonards

6:30pm St Patrick’s Portarlington

8:00pm Lumen Christi Leopold

Sunday 5th April

Easter Sunday Resurrection of the Lord

9:00am St Thomas Drysdale

9:00am St Patrick’s Portarlington

10:30am Lumen Christi Leopold

COLLEGE TOURS | Saint Ignatius College Geelong proudly offers two types of College tours for Year 7 prospective families, Guided Tours, and Guided Day Tours.

The College Guided Tours are specifically designed for Year 5 & 6 students and their families with attendees enjoying comprehensive presentations from the College Principal, Deputy Principals, Year 7 Coordinator and current Year 7 students.

Following this presentation, families will enjoy a tour with current students and teachers showcasing the outstanding facilities enjoyed by our teachers, students and support staff.

Our College Guided Tours, held over 2 nights are an ideal way for prospective families to ask questions regarding all aspects of the College to students and staff.

To register for a College Guided Tour click here--> https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.a...

We look forward to welcoming you and your family for our 2026 Guided Tours.

YEAR 7 2027 ENROLMENTS | Saint Ignatius College Geelong embraces the Jesuit theme of 'Cura Personalis' Latin for 'care for the whole person' and provides opportunities for inspiration, and growth through our Mentor Time sessions.

Families who are seeking an Ignatian education that embraces 'cura personalis' are welcome to apply for a Year 7 2027 position via this link 🔗

https://enrol.ignatius.vic.edu...

📆 Applications close on Friday May 8th, 2026.

Dreaming of a European holiday? Purchase a ticket or 2 in the 'PFA $10k Travel Voucher Raffle' and you could be packing your bags and on your way! Secure your tickets here --> https://rafflelink.com.au/sicgtravel2026

The 'PFA $10k Travel Voucher Raffle' is drawn on March the 26th, with all proceeds going towards student resources at the College.