Dear Parents & Carers,

Canvas Cyber Incident

As you may be aware, our College uses “Canvas” as our Learning Management System, an online platform provided by the third-party vendor Instructure. Instructure has recently advised of a worldwide data breach involving Canvas, as reported in the media.

As soon as we received notification of this incident, our IT team implemented all recommended security measures advised by Instructure.

At this stage, we understand that the impact is limited to student and staff names, email addresses, student ID numbers and Canvas internal messages.

Instructure has advised that sensitive information, such as passwords, dates of birth, government IDs, or financial information, is not involved.

At this stage, there’s no indication of ongoing risk to our school systems, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely in partnership with MACS and Instructure.

Instructure suspended access to Canvas. As a result, we put plans in place to support the continuity of teaching and learning. The College uses Canvas as the student-facing learning platform and, as such, does not store curriculum documentation solely on Canvas. Consequently, staff and students have been able to access teaching and learning materials via an alternative online platform.

No action is required from you at this time. As a general precaution, we recommend that all members of the community continue to:

• be cautious of unexpected emails or messages

• avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments

• watch for phishing attempts requesting personal information or passwords

• avoid reusing the same password across multiple services

• reset passwords if there is any concern they may have been compromised.

College staff will never ask you to provide your password or sensitive personal information via email or Canvas.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our IT Support team at: E: itsupport@ignatius.vic.edu.au

We will continue to keep our community informed as further information becomes available.

Year 7 Camps

I was delighted to visit the Year 7 camp at Anglesea on Tuesday and Thursday evenings the week before last. I was very impressed by the positive and enthusiastic responses I received from the students about their camp experience and how they were settling into secondary school life.

As in previous years, I was accompanied by several of the College Captains. These Senior Student Leaders were uplifted by the warm welcome they received. They did a tremendous job of meeting as many Year 7s as possible, sharing their experiences of camps and school, and encouraging the young students to make the most of their opportunities.

Thank you to the team of dedicated staff for making this a valuable and enjoyable experience for the students. In particular, thank you to Mrs Deb Hodge (Head of Yr 7) for coordinating the camp and to all staff involved.

College Assembly

We held the Term Two whole-school assembly on Tuesday last week. As is our practice, the student leaders ran the assembly. Most of the captains from each area reported to the assembly on their activities to date and what students could look forward to. The College Vice-Captains did a great job as emcees for the assembly, and the College Captains delivered an inspiring address to their fellow students. Each leader recognised the students who had been involved in one or more of the many activities to date and highlighted many of the opportunities available to students for the remainder of the term.

Other features of the assembly were:

• A very impressive performance by the cast of “Come From Away”, the VCE Unit 3 Theatre Studies class performances, which will be held later this week;

• Presentations of awards to the Athletics Carnival placegetters (see below); and

• An entertaining performance by the Yr 10 student band;

2026 House Athletics Age Group Champions:

Female Age Group Champions
Year 7 - Isla Briggs
Year 8 - Scarlett Kelly
Year 9 - Quinn Davidson
Year 10 - Milla Allchin
Year 11 - Heidi Connor
Year 12 - Lua Payne

Male Age Group Champions
Year 7 - Dylan Marshall
Year 8 - Thomas Bosworth
Year 9 - Liam Miskell and Heath Tatlock
Year 10 - Leo Hill
Year 11 - Mikhail Ahmet
Year 12 - Aiden Fitzgerald

Well done to all students involved in running the assembly!

Jesuit Mission Maytime Fair

Saint Ignatius College Geelong was again very pleased to support the Jesuit Missions Maytime Fair at Xavier College on Saturday, 2nd May. The proceeds will assist the Jesuits in their work with people in India, Myanmar, Africa, China, East Timor, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Well done to the Senior Student Leaders, who, with some staff support, ran a “Tastes of the Bellarine” stall. In addition to raising valuable funds, the students were great ambassadors for our college and strengthened our connections with the network of Jesuit groups. In particular, thank you to staff members Carmen Ahearn and Michael Tod.

Faith and Youth Ministry events last week

Last Thursday, our Year 11 Religion Academy students hosted students from Clonard College, Loyola College Watsonia, Sacred Heart College and Saint Joseph's College for a vibrant Youth Ministry Equipping School event. Over weeks of preparation, our students enthusiastically planned a ‘Rise Up’-themed day centred on celebration, reflection and prayer. Through liturgy, workshops and a closing plenary, they showcased practical ministry skills developed through the RE Academy and Journey programs. The talents shared throughout the day included public speaking, prayer writing, music, drama, dance, technology and stagecraft. We are proud to have hosted this event, which connected our young people through a youthful expression of faith.

Following this wonderful day, our Year 9s participated in ‘Encounter’ on Friday. This new addition to our calendar was designed to deepen connection with self, others and faith. Students were enthralled by our guest speaker, Sam Clear, who shared stories from his walk for unity around the world. Reflecting on Sam’s words led students to consider resilience, perspective and how faith shapes humanity. Students enjoyed time in Mentor Groups, deepening connections through Youth Ministry games and Ignatian Conversation. A shared BBQ lunch and a year-level mass, celebrated by Fr Ray Bujega, concluded the day. While Encounter included moments of reflection and stillness, its true success was creating space for students to connect with one another, explore new ideas and continue growing in confidence and self-awareness.

College Cross-Country Carnival

On Monday morning, we held the annual House Cross-Country Carnival at school. Congratulations to Ricci House on winning the House Shield as the highest-scoring house in the carnival. I commend all students who participated and gave their best effort.

Well done to the following students who placed first, second or third in their year level.

Year Level Champions

As you know, there is considerable media coverage of adolescent health. As a school, we aim to support the development of the whole person. The Sport and Physical Education programs are also an important part of our students’ education. We must continue to foster a culture at our school that encourages participation in events such as Cross Country.

As a result of the carnival, our Sports Faculty will organise a team to compete in the annual GISSA Inter-School Cross Country Carnival.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal

As you may be aware, our College uses as our Learning Management System

What an amazing camp experience we had in Anglesea last week for our Year 7 cohort! It felt like Summer, there were plenty of shorts worn and who would have thought we’d need sunscreen in late April/early May. Canoes capsizing didn’t matter as much when you could dry out in the 26 degree weather. We were so blessed!

From the beginning when students eagerly boarded the buses on Monday, April 27, there was a an exciting vibe that something special was ahead of us ~ not just a camp, but a journey building community, connection, and a sense of belonging. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Anglesea, the camp offered more than outdoor adventures; it became a space where new friendships were formed, confidence grew, and every student found their place within the St Ignatius family.

Upon arrival, students explored the campsite, settled into their bunk rooms, and shared in the excitement of discovering their new environment—especially locating the dining room. Surrounded by bushland and the distant sound of waves, this setting created the perfect atmosphere for building trust, taking on challenges together, and supporting one another.

Each activity offered on camp, from the Vertical Climb to the Giant Swing and Mountain Biking, was more than an endurance and skill test; it was an opportunity to support each other, offer a hand when someone was unsure, and celebrate together no matter the outcome. Students stepped outside their comfort zones not alone, but uplifted by a group that wanted them to succeed. It wasn’t about being the fastest or climbing the highest; it was about showing up for each other, being brave together, and knowing you belonged. It was our College theme of Show Up, Lift Up, Take Action, in practice and felt so good.

A highlight of the camp was the visit from Mr. Exton and our senior student leaders on the second night. Their stories of their own Year 7 beginnings reminded us all of how far one can come with support, gratitude, and participation. Their message that every student has a place, a role as a leader, and a contribution to make was powerful and uplifting. They warmly welcomed our newest students into the wider College community and reminded them that help and friendship are always close at hand.

Evening games, a movie, and shared meals (including a few birthday cakes) brought even more opportunities to connect and create lasting memories. With mild nights and warm days, students enjoyed having conversations as they pulled the ropes for the Giant Swing, rode along the ridge parallel to the beach and shot hoops on the basketball court, discovering more about their peers. It was a relaxing and fun way to connect.

As camp drew to a close on Day 3, it was clear that our students had not only taken part in activities but had also embraced the deeper meaning of the experience. They showed kindness, respect, and a readiness to include others ~ living out our year level theme of Aspiring to Grow in every way.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff who made this experience possible, especially Mr Beer and Ms. Rees ( Assistant Camp Leaders ) for their diligent organisation and support, and Ms. Anderton and Ms. Edmonds for their attentive care as First-Aid officers. Your dedication and compassion created the conditions for our students to thrive and the camp couldn’t happen without your generous spirit. Special thanks also to Mr. Exton, Ms. Brown, and Ms. Jackson for spending time with us and welcoming Year 7s into our school.

As we return to back to the routines of daily school life, we carry with us the Ignatian spirit of courage, hope, and compassion that was so alive at camp. Thank you to our families for your support, and to our wonderful Year 7s for stepping up and giving everything a go. It was an absolute pleasure to accompany you on this camp experience!

Deb Hodge

Head of Year 7

Semester One so far has been a rich and meaningful time in Religious Education at Saint Ignatius College Geelong, with students continuing to deepen their understanding of faith, identity, community and service through learning, reflection and encounter.

A highlight of the term was the Year 9 Encounter Day, which provided students with an important opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday school life and engage more deeply with themselves, others and God in a personal and authentic way. Grounded in the Ignatian tradition that shapes our Catholic Identity, the day encouraged students to reflect on who they are becoming and how they are called to live as people of compassion, courage and service.

We were privileged to welcome Sam Clear as our guest speaker for the day. Sam shared his powerful personal story of faith, resilience and transformation, inspiring students to consider the importance of gratitude, hope and meaningful relationships in their own lives. His message challenged students to recognise the dignity of each person and to reflect on how authentic encounters can shape both individuals and communities.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of activities designed to foster connection, reflection and belonging. These experiences encouraged students to engage thoughtfully with their peers, build positive relationships and consider the ways in which they can contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive community.

The Encounter Day concluded with a mass that invited students into prayerful reflection and contemplation. In keeping with the Ignatian tradition, the liturgy created space for stillness, gratitude and openness to God’s presence in everyday life. Students were encouraged to recognise that faith is not simply something learned in the classroom, but something lived through sacrament, relationships, service and encounter.

Alongside these formative experiences, the Religious Education Learning Area has also been engaged in significant curriculum development throughout the term. Our Year 9 curriculum is currently under review as we continue to strengthen opportunities for students to engage critically, personally and spiritually with contemporary issues and the Catholic tradition. This work reflects our commitment to delivering a Religious Education program that is both academically rigorous and authentically connected to the lived experiences of our students.

Term 2 has also seen St Ignatius College Geelong participate as a pilot school for the trialling of new Year 10 Religious Education units developed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). As part of this important process, our staff and students are providing feedback to the MACS Curriculum Writing Team regarding the strengths of the program as well as opportunities for further refinement and improvement. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of Religious Education curriculum development within Catholic education.

Looking ahead, MACS will also host a Religious Education Symposium later this term. This two-day conference will bring together a range of highly acclaimed and qualified speakers in the fields of theology, Catholic Identity and Religious Education. The symposium will focus on contemporary approaches to strengthening Catholic Identity and achieving excellence in Religious Education across Catholic schools.

A team from Saint Ignatius College Geelong, led by Mr Michael Exton, will attend the symposium to engage with current research, emerging practices and innovative approaches within Catholic education. We look forward to bringing these insights back to the College community as we continue to enhance our identity and faith formation programs in ways that are contemporary, authentic and grounded in the Ignatian tradition.

At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, Religious Education continues to play a vital role in forming young people who are intellectually curious, spiritually aware and committed to living for others. We thank the staff, students and guest presenters who have contributed to what will be another positive and enriching term within the Religious Education Learning Area.

The school has been a hive of wellbeing activity in the early part of 2026, not only with major events but also in the everyday life of students. Wellbeing is such an important part of all our lives, even if we don’t always recognise it. In the whirlwind lives we live, through technology, relationships and studies, we rarely slow down and take time to check in with ourselves. Wellbeing is not restricted to the resources present around us, it is about finding a balance in our lives that works for us. Although our amazing wellbeing team and many other resources are great tools available to all.

It has been and will continue to be a big year for the wellbeing department, and I am pleased to share some progress with you all today. Looking forward to next term and beyond, we are currently working on an anti-bullying event. This day would fall in Bullying No Way Week and support a movement of kindness and awareness across Australia in response to bullying and cyberbullying. We are looking forward to being able to continue to foster positive conversations about needing to move forward with kindness. Keep watch for updates over the coming weeks and be prepared to support.

On Tuesday, the 10th of March, the College’s Community Engagement Team held the International Women's Day community evening with Abbey Holmes. It was a great success, and all involved were captivated by the journey she shared with us across her career and with her own well-being. Often, understanding that struggle is present even in public life can allow us to reflect on our own lives and recognise we are not alone on this journey. It was great to see the purple ribbons on display throughout that week, also.

We are also eagerly anticipating our Men's Health week community evening, with our guest speaker being former professional basketballer, Chris Anesty, who not only played for the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks in the NBL, but also coached. It goes without saying that the week holds high importance, shaped as an international campaign to improve the physical, emotional and mental health of Australian males. We only have to look at recent events in the football world to see how important it is for males to open up about their struggles with those around us.

Year 7’s and 8’s have settled in with Connection Week, while a number of special presentations surrounding body image, empower, a program on internal anxiety, and vaping have shaped our recent calendar for other year levels. The Year 7’s experienced an evening full of gratitude at the Time and Space Mothers' night, which gave them opportunities to spend meaningful time with their special person.

Other upcoming initiatives include the continued meetings of the Diversity and Inclusion group every second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the Ministry room, planning for R U OK day, Reconciliation Week, and an event to show support for the LGTBQI+ community in the works.

The Vivi screens have also been super helpful, delivering some key wellbeing tips and tricks to all of our students. Some of the greatest ways to cool down after stress, and tips about how to plan a great routine of food, sleep and study.

As we look towards the rest of 2026, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all that has shaped this year in Wellbeing already. However, our eyes are open to the new opportunities wellbeing presents to us on the near horizon.

Students and their parents/carers are invited to the 2026 SICG Careers Panel & Expo Evening. The evening will commence in the MacKillop Senior Centre Theatre at 5.45pm where a welcome and outline to the evening will be held, followed by our Alumni Panel. Please arrive at 5.30pm, for a 5.45pm commencement.

Students will then have the opportunity to attend pre-booked workshops, or discuss pathways with a wide range of tertiary and university providers.

The Careers Panel & Expo Evening provides a wonderful opportunity for students to gain an insight into possible career choices beyond Year 12, and the pathway that can be embraced to achieve these careers.

Attendees are encouraged to attend all pre-booked sessions, ask questions, explore options, and to utilise the resources available to them for this evening.

This year the 2026 Careers Panel & Expo is bigger and better than ever, and we look forward to welcoming students and their families to this informative and exciting night.

Please see booklet containing further information about sessions, panellists and providers here.

Please book one ticket in each rotation time per student.

Book workshops here.

Saint Ignatius College Geelong is delighted to welcome Chris Anstey OLY as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Men's Health Week Companion Evening on Wednesday the 10th of June. Chris Anstey's 17-year sporting career included playing stints in the NBA, Russia and Spain. A 2-time Olympian and World Champion, Chris also played for the Melbourne Tigers, South East Melbourne Magic and Victoria Titans in the Australian NBL. He retired as a 2x Championship winning captain and MVP, with 3 NBL titles to his name. He became the team's head coach in 2012. Students and their parent/carers are encouraged to secure their tickets here --> https://events.humanitix.com/2026-men-s-health-week...

This evening is a Companion Evening, an evening for students to share with their parent/carer/grandparent. Engagement for Excellence.

Shouting out to the team at McHarry's Buslines for jumping on board to support our '2026 Men's Health Week Evening!'If you are a local business of family who would like to join in on sponsoring this evening, please email communityengagement@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Shouting out to the team at Christians Buslines for jumping on board to support our '2026 Men's Health Week Evening!'If you are a local business or family who would like to join in on sponsoring this evening, please email communityengagement@ignatius.vic.edu.au