Dear Parents & Carers,

Welcome to Term 2

I hope you had a wonderful Easter break and that those who had time off during the school holidays found moments for rest, relaxation, and enjoyable time with family and friends.

Finish up to Term One

Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a joyful time and an uplifting way to begin the new term. The Easter season lasts for 50 days, concluding with Pentecost. We conducted a whole school liturgy on the Tuesday of the last week of Term One. Many students were involved in preparing and delivering the liturgy, and it ensured that we, as a faith community, acknowledged the significance of Easter.

The final week of Term One was busy yet enriching for our students. In particular, I want to commend the Year 9 Staff Team for providing the Year 9 “Camp Inigo” at the Grampians /Gariwerd National Park and the Sports Team for running the House Athletics carnival.

Overall, all reports indicate that the Yr 9 students experienced a challenging but enjoyable time away together at their camp.

On the final day of Term One, our College held the House Athletics Carnival at Landy Field Athletics Track, South Geelong. We were very pleased with the high level of registrations and, in particular, from the Year 12 students. I commend our students for their participation and cooperation at Landy Field.

The winning House and Age champions will be announced at next week’s Full College Assembly. There were many outstanding performances, and Mr Philp will provide more details soon. Well done!

Commencing Term Two

There is much to look forward to this term; our dedicated staff will provide and support numerous valuable learning and social activities and events. The next couple of weeks serve as a good example.

This week promises to be very busy with the Year 7 camps at Anglesea and the Open Afternoon/Evening on Thursday. On Saturday, May 3rd, we will support the annual Jesuit Missions Maytime Fair at Xavier College, Kew.

The following week, we have the whole school assembly on Tuesday, 6th May, and a professional learning day (student-free, classes by ‘announcements’) on Friday, 9th May. And a variety of sporting activities, performing arts practices, and production rehearsals continue.

Term 2 is a crucial academic term for students, as it is the time to make significant progress in their studies. To help structure their term program and stay on track, every student should utilise their Student Planner tool. Organisational skills are essential for students to develop, and the planner can assist in this development. I encourage parents to monitor their students' use of the planner.

It was pleasing to see so many parents taking advantage of the opportunity to meet online with teachers at the Parent / Student / Teacher conferences held at the end of last term to discuss their son's or daughter's academic progress.

If parents have any concerns about their child's progress, they should contact the specific teacher first. In the case of general concerns, they can reach out to the Mentor Teacher. It is essential to maintain continuous communication between home and the College. To facilitate this, we use 'Xuno', which is our online Student Management System. This flow of information is vital to the success of each individual. You can access 'Xuno' through the parent portal.

Pope Francis R.I.P.

During Mentor Time on Tuesday morning last week, we expressed gratitude for Pope Francis's leadership and prayed for the repose of his soul after his death on last Monday.

Archbishop Peter Comensoli informed the people of the Melbourne Archdiocese in the following way:

“As the Church enters this time over Easter filled with the light and hope of the world, it is with deep sadness that we have received the news of the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

We unite with all the People of God in praying for the eternal rest of his soul and entrust him to the tender loving mercy of the Father.

Pope Francis who came from the peripheries of the world has been the father of the poor, and witness to joy and hope. May the Lord, he so faithfully trusted, now welcome him to eternal life.”

ANZAC Commemoration

As you know, last week, we celebrated ANZAC Day on Friday. ANZAC Day is an important Australian commemoration that honours those who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It is a time to pray for peace.

As a school community, we gathered for a special ANZAC Commemoration Service on Thursday during period 3 in the Companions Centre. I commend our students for their respectful participation. I am both pleased and very grateful to several of our students, along with some from Bellarine Secondary College, who are members of the Air, Army, or Navy Cadets, for their involvement in this service.

I would like to express our gratitude to our guest speaker, Mr. David Clark, a representative of Drysdale RSL, for his inspiring and thoughtful words.

On ANZAC Day, services were held across our nation to honour the sacrifices of our brave soldiers. I commend our students who attended one of the many services in our region, particularly those who laid a wreath on behalf of our College community.

Many of our students, along with their parents, caregivers, or grandparents, attended a function at the College on the eve of ANZAC Day to hear the President and Vice President of the Drysdale RSL speak about their experiences of war regarding Navy involvement (Vice President) and the Vietnam War (President). The students were then guided through the wreath-making process by a florist. These wreaths were laid at various ANZAC Day services on behalf of the College.

College Assembly

The next full school College Assembly will be held next Tuesday, 6th May 2024 (11:00 am – 12:30 pm) in the College’s Companions Centre. Parents are welcome to attend. Please report to the Loyola Centre Reception at 10:45 am so a seat can be organised for you.

Yr 7 Enrolments for 2026

Parents of current students, please note that the deadline for Year 7 applications at Saint Ignatius College Geelong is rapidly approaching. If your child is in Year Six this year, be sure to submit their application by Friday, 9th May 2025. Even if you already have a child enrolled at the College, a separate application is required for each student. Application forms can be accessed through the College website.

Before and after school supervision

A reminder that the College provides supervision each morning from 8:30 am until the start of the Homeroom class at 8:50 am. Students arriving at school before 8:30 am should gather in the Information Learning Centre, which opens at 8:00 am. In the afternoon, supervision is available for students catching a bus from the College from 3:05 pm until the last school bus departs. Students waiting for a bus should remain in the Basketball court area or at the bus stop. The College Library opens at 8:00 am each morning and closes at 4:30 pm.

Staff Professional Learning Day

Students will not be required to attend school on Friday, May 9th, 2025, as we will be conducting a Staff Professional Learning Day. Students will be expected to undertake work covered in their usual Friday classes at home by following the ‘Announcements’ on the College’s Learning Management System, ‘Canvas.’

Best wishes for Term Two,

Michael Exton | Principal

Pope Francis has been central to our prayers in recent weeks and his passing has filled our community with deep sadness. We have been blessed by his compassionate and courageous leadership over the past twelve years. Pope Francis was humble and authentic in his will to serve others, inspiring millions across the world to act justly, reach out to those on the margins, and love unconditionally. He leaves us with a legacy to love each other and our world.

Andrew Hamilton SJ highlights the importance of Pope Francis to those within Jesuit communities, noting that, “he was a Jesuit who became head of the Catholic Church from which we descend. His death, however, is more significant, more personal to us, because in his life he displayed spectacularly the qualities that are in our DNA. He took ‘welcoming, discerning, and courageous’ to a new level, and embodied these words in striking actions.”

In his last days, Francis left us with an Easter message of joy that Christ has risen. We have been left with a mission; a mission to not “confine him (Christ) to a fairy tale, we cannot make him a hero of the ancient world, or think of him as a statue in a museum! On the contrary, we must look for him and this is why we cannot remain stationary. We must take action, set out to look for him: look for him in life, look for him in the faces of our brothers and sisters, look for him in everyday business, look for him everywhere except in the tomb.”

We pray for eternal rest for Pope Francis:

Eternal rest grant unto Francis, O Lord.
And let the perpetual light shine upon him.

And may his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Updating Operoo Information

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we continue to prioritise the health and safety of all students, we kindly ask that you take a moment to review and update your child’s Operoo profile.

Ensuring that all medical information, emergency contacts, and relevant care plans are accurate allows us to provide the best support for your child in case of illness or an emergency. Please check that the following details are up to date:

Medical conditions & action plans (e.g., asthma, allergies, anaphylaxis, etc.) 

Emergency contact numbers

Medication details (Medical Authority Form to be filled in and provided to the College)

If there are any updates, please log into Operoo and make the necessary changes as soon as possible. This information is vital in ensuring that we can respond appropriately to any medical or emergency situation.

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the College 5251 1136.

Catholic Schools are part of the mission of the Catholic Church and we are enlivened and motivated by having Christ at our centre. Members of our faith-community are inspired to see Christ in others and be Christ-like in their actions, showing love, compassion, justice and forgiveness as they pass through the day-to-day of life. Our mission is driven by Catholic Social Teachings, which implore us to treat others with human dignity because of our knowing that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Our mission asks us to give preference to those who are poor and vulnerable, as they are the ones most in need of an extra hand. We are asked to truly notice others, to refrain from judgement and to stand united to help the poor and needy. We are encouraged to think of others first before we think of ourselves.

Our community of Saint Ignatius College responds to this call to mission through our commitment to justice initiatives of fundraising, advocacy and service. We offer opportunities for our young people to learn about humanity and the challenges posed by inequality and vulnerability, and we encourage them to show genuine love for others by engaging in action, growing understanding and making small financial contributions.

During the Lenten season of Term One, our College community supported Caritas Australia through Project Compassion. This annual involvement is really important for our community, as it shows that we stand in solidarity with Catholic parishes, schools and other organisations to support Caritas Australia, the Catholic Church's international aid and development agency. Through partnerships with local organisations and Church networks, and as a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, Caritas Australia is able to reach areas of greatest need in Australia and overseas and support communities to thrive and individuals to reach their full potential. Our efforts to support Caritas Australia enables their work to continue.

We raised awareness and an astounding $2,542.01 for Caritas during Term One via the initiatives of:

Hot Cross Bun Drive $865.71

Casual Clothes Day $1438.80

Easter Raffle $237.50

Thanks to all those who participated in these initiatives, whether through organising, promoting or purchasing. Special thanks to MacKillop House and Laura Taylor-Payne for initiating the delicious Hot Cross Bun Drive, the SRC, Robyn Frigo and Dom Kiely, for the Casual Dress Day, and our Year 7 and 8 students, encouraged by Nicole Sadler, Deb Hodge, Dan Palmer and Mentor teachers, for their generous donations of Easter chocolate which enabled an exciting Easter raffle to take place at the end of the term. It was wonderful to see happy faces collecting Easter prizes from student leaders, Sarah Tolan and Nikita Smith. All funds have been transferred to Caritas Australia who are enormously grateful for the contribution that we have made.

Our next College fundraising effort is coming up, with this one looking a little different to the Caritas fundraising.

In May of each year, Xavier College Kew, hosts the Maytime Fair which is an opportunity to raise funds in support of Jesuit Mission. Jesuit Mission works in more than 10 countries to empower communities living on the margins to free themselves from poverty and injustice. Through community-led education, health, livelihood and emergency response programs, Jesuit Mission cultivates resilience and self-reliance so vulnerable communities are empowered to transform their own lives, grow and flourish.

As a Jesuit Companion school, our College participates in the fundraising effort of the Maytime Fair by setting up a market stall. We proudly fly our College flags and our Student Leaders represent Saint Ignatius by serving customers who visit our stall. This year our stall will feature 'Tastes of the Bellarine' (and Geelong too!) as word has reached us that the clientele who visit the Fair are very keen on tasty produce from our region. We will showcase local food and experiences, and also have a raffle, with all profits going to Jesuit Mission. We are grateful for the many local businesses who have supported our venture through donations and discounted prices. We anticipate a wonderful day of fun and profit that can be directed to those who are in need.

We are fortunate that our relationship with faith-based organisations such as Caritas and Jesuit Mission, enables the safe and secure donation of funds into justice works aligned with our Catholic mission.

Jesuit Mission Maytime Fair Saturday 3 May 2025

We can’t wait to share an unforgettable day with you at the Jesuit Mission Maytime Fair! Bring your friends and family along for a day packed with excitement, fun, and community spirit—all for a great cause.

Join us on Saturday, 3 May, from 9am to 4pm at Xavier College Kew. All proceeds support Jesuit Mission’s work, empowering vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia and Africa. With live music, rides, games, arts and crafts, a wine auction, and more—there’s something for everyone!

For more information visit our website https://jesuitmission.org.au/maytimefair

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement for Glowrey House students, from the annual school swimming and athletics carnivals to the Year 12 Renewal, 2025 has kicked off with thrill, spirit, and plenty of memorable moments.

Year 12 Renewal 

From March 3rd to 5th, our year 12s ventured to Dromana for the much-anticipated Year 12 Renewal - a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our peers and teachers before the intensity of our final year of school kicks in. Over the 3 days, we were split into small ‘companion’ groups, where the opportunity to form new relationships with other students and staff was granted to us, engaging in activities from bracelet making to water balloon competitions. Highlights of the Renewal include nature walks, riding the gondola to Arthur's Seat, and the most memorable being the walk to Dromana Beach to watch the sunset on our final night. The renewal allowed us to unite as a house and appreciate the little time we have left in our schooling journey, and for that, we’re incredibly grateful.

Swimming & Athletics Carnival 

The school swimming carnival and athletics day provided Glowrey House with an opportunity for some friendly competition, and for the year 12s, a chance to dress up and have some fun celebrating our final carnivals together. The days were filled with support and excitement, and we would like to thank everyone who participated, no matter how small; all contributions to Glowrey House help shape and create a house we are proud to be a part of. For both of these days, students from years 7-12 in Glowrey house participated in a wide range of events to win house points and ribbons, in a battle to secure the 2025 House Cup!

Ignatian Leaders 

We would also like to acknowledge and offer our congratulations to the following students for undertaking the roles of Ignatian leaders for not only our house, but also our school community. These students will represent their individual Mentor Groups for Glowrey House, and we congratulate them on their appointment.

Glowrey Ignation Leaders 2025

Hatswell – Lily Leorke and Hannah Grieg

Slocombe – Hannah Dreise and Otis Tilley

Tolan – Charlie Confoy and Scarlett Murphy

Clark – Darcy Kelly and Riley Aquilina

Montgomery - Mikayla Glibo and Allegra Cook

Anderson – Eliz Ahmet and Solomon Harvey

Amor – Emily Johnston and Isabel Henriksen

On behalf of both of us as house captains, along with Addison and Stella, we are looking forward to the next Glowrey House Assembly, as well as the upcoming Glowrey Patron Day and House Mass. We are excited for what is sure to be an amazing year.

And like always, Glowrey (Blue) House is dominating!!!

The Spirit Retreat late last Term was truly a special experience for all involved. Held at the peaceful Angel Crest Jesuit villa house in Anglesea, the Year 11 Journey class spent a few unforgettable days surrounded by nature, good company, and plenty of time to pause and reflect.

From small-group activities to quiet moments for personal reflection, the retreat gave us space to connect with each other, ourselves, and our spirituality. Whether it was through deep conversations, shared stories, or just soaking in the stillness and the beautiful ocean view, we all took something meaningful away from the experience.

Many of us returned feeling recharged, inspired, and with a clearer sense of where we’re heading on our spiritual journeys. It was more than just a retreat, it was a reminder of what really matters.

We thank our organisers and hosts, Ms Carmen Ahearn, Mr Michael Todd, Jarryd Atkinson and Tara Lace, for giving up their valuable time so that we can have these amazing experiences together as a community of like-minded students.

On the first Tuesday of the school holidays, students from all the Catholic schools in Geelong including the two of us, Owen McCoughtry, Sarah Smith and Samantha Farnsworth, met at Clonard College to facilitate a Community Connections Day for children of Cultura. Cultura provides essential support for newly-arrived people within our community, and programs like the one hosted at Clonard directly helps their young people.

As students, we acted as ‘space-makers’ throughout the day, aiming to encourage the young people to participate in the activities, from cooking to dance to sport. Whilst some were more keen than others, all of the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout the day. This was particularly prominent in the game of soccer played at lunchtime which got extremely competitive, but lots of fun!

It was such a great experience to be a part of and it is so great to see the direct impact of our volunteering. It was also a fantastic opportunity to connect with students from other schools, including new and familiar faces. We are so grateful to Clonard, but especially Ms Bridget Taylor who did a fantastic job running the day.

Embracing Community Service - To Love and Serve - Hopeful for a Better World

Today we celebrate all the work being done in our Community. All the inspiring students who enter our gates each day who give up their time for others. Students who listen and provide assistance, where their help is in fact, immeasurable.

Community Service House points Term 1 Update!

MacKillop: 185.5 hours

Ricci: 206 hours

Glowrey: 210 hours

Xavier: 394.5 hours

Congratulations to Xavier House, leading with an inspiring 394.5 hours of service! This achievement demonstrates the impact of our students' time, energy, and care in their communities.

At Saint Ignatius College, our mission to form young people of character and compassion is at the heart of everything we do. Central to this mission is our commitment to Community Service. More than a school requirement, Community Service is a lived expression of our Jesuit identity—an invitation for our students to be people for others, to lead with love, act with justice, and engage with their communities in meaningful ways.

Every student is encouraged to make a difference through practical action. Year 7 students are encouraged to complete 5 hours, while students in Years 8–12 are encouraged to contribute 10 hours of service throughout the year. These experiences are not only formative—they are transformative. They help students develop empathy, leadership, and a deep sense of social responsibility.

Service opportunities are regularly shared through Xuno and our Love and Service Canvas page. These include:

• Saint Ignatius Community Engagement – assisting with College events/partnerships.

• Mission Service – participating in liturgies and outreach through our Ministry programs.

• Environmental Service – caring for and improving our world.

• Social Justice Initiatives – working with and for those in need.

• Outside Organisations - Sporting Clubs, Food Vans, Social Support

Whether volunteering at a local charity, supporting an environmental clean-up, or simply lending a hand to someone in need, our students are learning that their actions have the power to uplift and inspire. These moments of service often lead to a stronger sense of belonging, greater wellbeing, and skills that will guide them beyond their time at school.

As we aim for 100% participation in 2025, we thank you for the encouragement and example you provide at home. Your support helps our students see the value of serving others—and the difference they can make. To celebrate and track their contributions, please encourage students to log their hours using our 2025 Community Service Form. These hours count towards House Points, with recognition awarded each term to the House with the highest total.

Thank you for walking alongside us in fostering a culture of generosity, humility, and service. We look forward to continuing this journey with you throughout the year.

Warm regards,

Rebecca Clark | Community Service Coordinator

Year 10 Business Management Excursion to Bellarine Farm Gate and Tuckerberry Hill Farm

During the week, Year 10 Business Management students travelled to two local businesses. The Bellarine Farm Gate and Tuckerberry Hill Farm.

Tuckerberry Hill Farm is a local owned and operated hospitality/tourism business that has multiple sales channels.

- primary producer

- retailer

- wholesaler

- cafe/restaurant

- gift shop and

- speciality store ( selling local product: honey, chutney, cured meats, frozen pasta, ice cream, pottery, jewellery, jams and spreads )

Tuckerberry's Hills unique selling point is their sustainable organic farming practices which is recognised as best practice, showcases opportunities the Bellarine Peninsula conditions and environment offer.

Students heard from Chris Lean, owner operator of Tuckerberry Hill Farm on Business Management concepts such as:

- Quality Control

- Occupational and Workplace Health and Safety

- Safe Food Handling

- Marketing and Promotion

- E Commerce

- Sales and Distribution

- Supply Chain Management

- Human Resource Management

- Research and Development

This valuable information will help students prepare for their major project, The $20.00 Boss Project on Thursday 8th May, where students will be able to buy items such as homemade bracelets / necklaces, scented candles, bath bombs, homemade macrame key rings, body scrubs and lip balm for Mother’s Day on Sunday 11th May.

Many thanks, the Business Management Team

National Consistent Collection of Data on School Students With Disability (NCCD)

All schools are required 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, Guardians and Carers.

Should you have any additional questions after reading this information, please direct these to Mrs. Caroline Edmonds, Learning Diversity Coordinator.

edmondsc@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The Saint Ignatius Chess club is back up and running for 2025.

The club meets each Monday lunch in the library for a formal catch up and practice session. Participants range from year 7 to year 12 and some students have been dedicated members for the last three years. The library staff lead by Ms Rachel Snowden and her very capable staff have been amazing in supporting the chess club by acquiring competition chess sets and timing clocks and providing a designated area for practice. This chess equipment provides an opportunity for players to know what competition chess feels and looks like.

Chess is an excellent game for adolescence because it offers numerous cognitive, emotional and social benefits. It enhances problem-solving, strategic thinking, and memory, while also fostering patience, resilience, and emotional regulation. Chess provides a sense of intellectual stimulation and can even contribute to improved academic performance.

The Chess Club is presently preparing for a regional chess tournament in May. This involves chess members who have accepted an invitation to participate in trials in the library with the aim of improving their chess strategies and techniques.

We are expecting to take a group of well prepared and confident students to experience the amazing phenomena that is a ‘Regional Chess Tournament’.

Paul Howard (Saint Ignatius Chess Coordinator)

Saint Ignatius College is delighted to announce that the 2025 keynote address, and Q and A for Men's Health Week will be delivered by Geelong great Tom Hawkins.

This evening, to be held on Wednesday June 11th is a 'Companion Evening,' and is complimentary to attend, however registration is required via this link --> https://www.trybooking.com/DAWXF

The College Community can also go into the draw for a chance to win a signed guernsey and book by Tom via this link --> https://www.trybooking.com/DAWXF with all proceeds from the raffle going towards the College PFA. 

The College looks forward to welcoming our students and their parent/carers to this Companions Evening, an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about men's health.

Thank you to everyone who has enjoyed the fun and excitement of our '2025 PFA Car Raffle!'

Congratulations to Di who had this year's winning ticket!

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the inaugural 2025 PFA Car Raffle: