Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the annual JACSA Wellbeing Conference with my colleagues from the network of Jesuit and Companions Schools Australia. The conference was an opportunity for all the Jesuit and Jesuit Companion Schools to come together to discuss initiatives and programs that each school is implementing or adopting in their College specific to wellbeing. We were also fortunate to have two keynote speakers address the cohort over the two day conference; Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO, and Luke McKenna, founder of Unleashing Personal Potential. Although the presentations were very different, the theme of ‘relationships’ was significantly evident within both of their presentations.

Fr Frank shared many stories relating to numerous issues specifically to do with student wellbeing in a Catholic context. One of the areas that resonated with me in his presentation was the importance he placed on teachers connecting with students and building our students, parents and staff capacity to establish ‘relationships in community’. He considered that the only way we can truly flourish as humans is if we establish relationships with others and place others before ourselves.

“You are not an atomized individual. Your human flourishing can only be reached in relationship with others”. Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO, 2022.

The concept of flourishing to live a complete and holistic life has also been established by Dr Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology. Dr Seligman considered that for an individual to flourish they have to maintain and build upon five areas.

• Positive emotions

• Engagement

• Relationships

• Meaning

• Accomplishment

At the conference Luke McKenna, founder of ‘Unleashing Personal Potential’, outlined in detail Dr Seligman’s PERMA model but again highlighted the importance on relationships. Luke discussed the joy, support, connections and importantly the protective factor to mental health issues that social relationships can bring our young people and similarly ourselves.

The discussion around relationships prompted me to reflect on what we are doing as a College, to create the space that is necessary to enhance the relationships of our students. Alternatively as Fr Frank stated, what are we doing to provide the opportunity for human flourishing, within our school.

One area that I have witnessed first-hand that changes relationships with students and staff for the better and allows the opportunity for all students to flourish, is through school camps.

Recently we had our Year 7 cohort attend the Anglesea YMCA Camp. This camp creates a safe and nurturing environment for our young people to build and foster those important connections with the staff and peers at the College. It also provides encounters that can only build upon a young person’s ability to deal with stressful and challenging situations. Creating that necessary resilience and grit that will inevitably assist them in completing their secondary schooling. A highlight for many students is always the new friendships that have been established by sharing the experiences together. The Year 7 Coordinator, Mrs Leonie O’Brien, did a fantastic job coordinating the camp and I would like to thank her and all the Year 7 team for their organisation and attendance.

Our Year 9 camp is scheduled to take place over the next two weeks. This camp is designed to challenge our students physically, mentally and emotionally, within a secure and safe environment. This expedition allows our students to understand that they need to work as a group with different individuals they may not necessarily know or relate to on a regular basis. The establishment of friendships and relationships is overwhelmingly evident and could not occur in any other environment. Furthermore, this type of trip allows our young people the opportunity to flourish in every aspect of the term, and for them to come to the realisation that it is important to place others before themselves.

I wish Caleb Ryan (the Year 9 Coordinator) and all the staff and students attending all the best for the upcoming expedition.

After sharing many ideas and thoughts at the conference, I look forward to continuing to work with our young people, families and wider community to build and foster those important relationships that allow our students to flourish.

Michael Timms 

Acting Principal 

As we move towards the great celebration of Pentecost we take a moment to reflect upon the Easter ‘narrative’. These key moments we know so well; so much so that we often rely on the celebration rather than a personal encounter with the text. Reflecting upon your engagement or consumption of scripture may well highlight how little time you intentionally spend with the Word. So, as we begin to contemplate the great gift of the Spirit and how the account of Pentecost might illuminate our understanding of what the Apostles actually experienced I suggest a biblical game of chance might be an exciting way to re engage with the Bible.

The Bible is such a wonderful collection of books. Created over many thousands of years it records the Judeo-Christian tradition through the inspired revelation of God’s relationship with humanity. There is so much to explore with a literal infinite number of truths within the covers of this sacred text. Much of what we encounter is easy to understand on the surface, but it’s beneath this level that the fullness of God’s message is found. It is also true to note that some sections of the Bible may seem impenetrable and unclear without further information to offer context. I invite you to explore these points with me through the following exercise.

The first step is to turn to a random page in the Bible or if you are even more adventurous search for a random Bible reading generator on the internet. Read the text and consider what God is offering you.
For example the verse John 7:37 was offered when I used Dailyverses.net’s random verse generator. The verse is:

“On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me”.

On the surface the verse is obviously part of a larger reading. But from an initial reading the key phrase of Jesus, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me”, stands out. To more fully understand this the reading as a whole needs to be considered which is in this case John 7:37-39:

“On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Now there is clarity. The reading is of the recurring theme of living water in John’s Gospel. The verse in context clarifies that rather than simply being thirsty those who come to Jesus can drink and from this life giving water and this water will flow from them to others. Jesus and the hearts of those who believe are a well that nourishes and sustains those who encounter both Jesus and disciples such as us.

The next question to contemplate is, What exactly is God revealing to me? In this case I am drawn to the concept of a well. A well is seemingly infinite. Even if the well is run dry by the next day it is full again. A well can provide for the needs of many and is a place of community and encounter. What is revealed is that I, (the reader) am a source of life for those around me. I provide a connection for those whose thirst I quench. Further to this and most importantly the well I draw from is the love of Jesus himself. He has called me, I am thirsty and I have been satisfied. All that I offer others comes from him.

I am now curious. What is this water? What is God asking me to contemplate?
My simple understanding is love. But the love I offer others is not as simple or pure as Jesus. My love is varied. Sometimes listening is the love I offer. Sometimes doing something for someone is the water that flows from my heart. Occasionally the living water I offer is a constructive observation grounded in empathy and good will. This is my answer. Yours may be a little different, but that is the way God works – through us and our experiences, and abilities.

Finally, contemplate the random nature of the verse selected and consider how random it may actually be. Coincidences are events that have no apparent connection. God does not leave anything to chance. This is not a fundamentalist understanding, it's a simple fact that is marvellous and quantifiable.
The example above is evidence of this fact. Review with me the final verse of the reading:

“…he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

If you go back to the beginning of this article you will notice I spoke of Pentecost and the Easter ‘narrative’ and how sometimes we know the story so well we don’t go to the source and encounter these events as recorded in the Bible. The connection is clear and profound. Jesus offers those who are thirsty living water, this water poured from his side when he was pierced with a spear on the cross (John 19:34) but in the reading ‘we’ have not received the Spirit as Jesus has not yet been glorified. On 26 May 2022 he will be. That is the day we celebrate his ascension and on 5 June 2022 we will celebrate the great gift of the Spirit at Pentecost. I am writing this piece on 10 May 2022. The reading is perfect and perfectly timed to support the theme noted in the introduction.

A perfectly placed reading, an introduction that was written before a verse was randomly selected, a profound insight, no coincidence involved; God has a plan for each of us. Try it for yourself. What page do you land on? What reading is presented and what is the perfectly timed message God wants you to ‘hear’? Be adventurous and test God. Even if you aren’t able to fully realise the depth of what is offered, encountering the Word will rest in your heart and the truth being offered will become clear as the Spirit moves!

What an exciting way to meet God each day. Give it a go!

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls

Liturgy Coordinator

Jesuit Culture

…… in the footsteps of Ignatius

"our way of proceeding" "the way we do things"

The Jesuits trained every recruit to lead, convinced that all leadership begins with self­ leadership.

Four pillars of Jesuit culture:

1. Self-awareness: "to order one's life"

The importance of

• understanding our strengths, weaknesses, values; and worldview

• self reflection and learning

2. Ingenuity: "the whole world will be our house" 

The importance of

• confidently innovating and adapting to embrace a changing world

• "living with one foot raised" - always ready to respond to emerging opportunities

3. Love: "with greater love than fear"

The importance of

• recognising that individuals perform best when they are respected, valued, and trusted by someone who genuinely cares for their well-being

• organisations/ teams perform best when team members respect, value and trust one another

• engaging others in a positive, loving attitude

4. Heroism: "eliciting great desires" 

The importance of

• Energizing ourselves and others through the "Magis" - always searching for something more, something greater

• Understanding that the "switch" for motivation (for each one of us) is on the inside

"Heroic leadership" Chris Lowney

With best wishes,

Paul Lewis 

Deputy Principal – Staff, Identity and Operations

Further Mathematics Seminar - How to tackle Further Maths Exams

Last week the Further Mathematics students were invited to attend a lunchtime seminar run by Mr Anthony Gravener to help them prepare for their first practice exam.

Mr Gravener has a wealth of experience as both a teacher and assessor of Further Mathematics. He is an advocate of “working smarter” and was able to share many tips and tricks to help students prepare for and complete their exams successfully.

The feedback we received from the students who attended has been very positive.

‘I found it extremely beneficial to learn further study skills and consolidate skills that I already have. It was so great to have the opportunity to go!’ Mackenzie

‘The Further Maths Exam preparation seminar got us thinking about how we should plan to approach the end of year exam with healthy, consistent study and gave us perspective on the conditions and limitations we will be faced with during the exam that can be countered with tips and tricks to maximise our performance’. Laura

‘I found it refreshing to hear the views of another maths teacher.’ Ross

‘Prioritise your time in the exam – keep an eye on the clock.’ Toby

‘2 marks means show your working.’ Harry

‘Read, read, read the question. All of the question.’ Lily

For those who were unable to attend our session last week a recording has been placed onto the Further Mathematics page on Canvas for all students to access.

I would like to thank Mr Gravener for so generously giving up his time to prepare and run such a successful seminar for our students. I would also like to thank the Further Maths staff for giving up their time to help plan and run the session.

We are planning to hold another seminar during Term 3 and I encourage all our Further Mathematics students to come along.

Mrs Colleen Boland

Mathematics Learning Area Leader

On Monday 2nd May, the excited students from Year 7 Miki, Ward, Lewis, Coudere and Ricci set off for the YMCA Anglesea. The sun was out and as bright as the enthusiasm of the students as the buses pulled up and the students began exploring their new surroundings.

Over the next three days, students made new friends and experienced many new activities that required a lovely balance of bravery and teamwork.

On Wednesday, the students from Strada, Claver, Licona, Carroll and Borgia swapped places with the first camp after an excited exchange of stories and the fun began again.

Many thanks to the staff that accompanied our students and made the camp possible. It was a truly wonderful experience for all.

Ms Leonie O’Brien Year 7 Coordinator

I loved camp a whole lot, especially doing all the different activities and being able to face my fear of heights and challenge myself in different obstacles. I loved doing the big swing because of the thrill. I also loved canoeing and raft building because it was a group activity and extremely fun.

Being in groups with people you didn't completely know was fun but was also hard because you had to create new friendships and work with people you didn't know. It was also a challenge getting in a line for dinner if you didn't know many people at camp but you got to meet a lot more people.

I made lots more friends, some I can't completely remember their names but I am still friends with. I met people when at the cabin area, also in my activity group and at dinners, trivia night and movie night. All the friends I made were lovely.

Jasmine Sinclair 7 Ward

Hi! I'm Otis, I'm an Ignatian leader in 7 Borgia. And I absolutely LOVED camp! It was so much fun! I met new people, my friendships with others grew, and all the activities were very fun! I think the thing I liked most about camp was probably spending time with my friends, and getting to know everyone (even the teachers) much better.

A challenge I overcame, was when we were lining up for the giant swing, and I was just fine until they started pulling me up and I was about three quarters to the top, and then I made the big mistake of looking down! But then I realised that the giant swing was one of the best activities, and that I HAD to go to the top, and I ended up doing it and I felt great afterwards because I challenged myself.

I made quite a few friends while on camp, and all of them are in different classes. One of them was in my cabin, and most of the others were in my group that we did activities in. I thought that I wouldn't like camp that much, because most of my friends were in camp 1, while I was in camp 2. But I ended up liking it a lot! I think this camp may have been the best one I have been on yet though, and although most of my friends were in the other camp, I had a lot of fun meeting new people!

Otis Tilley 7 Borgia

I loved meeting new people or getting closer to some of the girls in my class. I normally would not hang out with them but now I know how nice they are and a bit more about each. Or I say hanging with my friends and trying new things.

In previous years I couldn’t get as high on the giant swing but I just acted calm, went first and did it (it was so fun)!

It was so fun in free time and when we had people come in to talk about how they watched the Year 11s when they were in Year 7 and their memories of camp

Jemma Kelly 7 Licona

I enjoyed the giant swing and the activity called radio rogaine. I overcame the challenge of going all the way to the top of the giant swing.

I didn't really make any new friends, but I did connect a lot with some people that I haven't met before. An interesting fact is I really enjoyed the movie night.

Hugo Bonner 7 Coudere

What I really enjoyed about camp would have been making new friends and really motivating the other members in my group to keep going when they know they can go further, and support them when they accomplish their challenge.

Some challenges I faced were trying to keep strong when I was climbing up the crate tower, like it was hurting my shins leaning on it and being that high and it wobbled , but in the end I made it to the top.

I made friends with Stell and Amelie, although I already knew them I have made a deeper connection with them and know more about them. I also really liked learning about their personalities.

Just staying at camp I had never been in before and staying with people I hadn't been in a cabin with, but overall it was amazing.

Also having fun with the teachers and, meeting the YMCA staff were really was really good.

Big thanks to Mrs O'Brien for allowing us to have this time and this opportunity to go on school camp.

Maddi Hobbs 7 Strada

The Year 7 camp at YMCA Anglesea was a week of fun and exciting challenges. It was a great opportunity to get to know fellow Year 7 students that we didn’t know. I enjoyed lots of things on camp, including the giant swing but my favourite thing was spending time with my friends and getting to know them better. As an Ignatian leader I feel extremely lucky to be given the opportunity to do activities such as camp when there are kids less fortunate like the people in Ukraine who are going through a tough time. Thanks to all the teachers who make these things possible.

Billie Cook Slevin 7 Strada

As one of the Year 7 students I was privileged to go to the Anglesea Recreation Camp on 4th May.

At the camp there were so many new opportunities and everyone was willing to have a go at them. The camp also opened my friendship circle and I met so many new students and staff. Two of my highlights from camp were the giant swing and coming back on the bus singing and laughing in a positive attitude. I also learnt a few new things along the way like how to use a walky talky and some survival skills. Altogether camp was an awesome experience and there is a lot to look back on. Thank you to all the teachers and staff who made this opportunity possible.

Jeeann Tinij Year 7 Borgia

Camp was a fantastic experience and one of the best camps I've been to!

I loved the activities but my favourites were crate climb, giant swing, vertical climb and bush tag. The trivia night was also a very fun way to get people to dress up and get creative while having two great competitions (trivia and best costume) and having the chance to win movie tickets!

The movie night was also a great way to relax.

Some of the activities were tiring but it is really if you give it your all. A challenge was that there were two groups that could not do canoeing or raft building and I was in the group. The alternative activities (bush tag and amazing race) were fantastic making both rainy and dry days really fun! It was also a great way to connect and reach out with people. I found some people to hang out with and I loved it! This camp was very memorable and I highly recommend future years 7's to participate at YMCA camp!

Emily Neicho 7 Ricci

Jesuit Mission

We invite you to join our upcoming Gratitude Webinar – Ukraine Emergency Response, on Thursday 19 May at 6:00pm AEST.

Our Ukraine Emergency Appeal is providing emergency shelter, food and essential items, medical escorts, translation and accompaniment to Ukrainian people in desperate need, made possible thanks to a partnership between Jesuit Mission and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe.

Meet our Jesuit partners Fr Alberto Ares SJ, Regional Director of Jesuit Refugee Service Europe and Fr Marius Talos SJ, Director of Jesuit Refugee Service Romania, who are managing the Jesuits' emergency response on the ground.

This webinar will be held via Zoom, please register at www.jesuitmission.org.au/webinar-ukraine

Saint Ignatius College, Geelong is delighted to present 'The Saint Ignatius College Careers Panel Evening' on Monday the 16th of May, 2022, at 7pm.

Saint Ignatius College Alumni from various fields are returning to the College to host 3 panel sessions, to which students and their parents/carers can sign up to. Each panel session is 18 minutes in duration, with a 2 minute changeover period. The evening will conclude at 8.30pm.

Families will listen to the career pathways chosen by the panellists and will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding their chosen careers.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain an insight into possible career choices beyond Year 12, and the pathway that can be taken to achieve these careers.

All students in Years 10-12 are encouraged to select their 3 panels via the following link;

https://forms.gle/8Rvq7YfsFtvJaYcv7

For more information about our panellists please visit;

https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.au/uploads/SI-Careers-Panel-Presenter-Information.pdf

We look forward to welcoming students in Years 10-12 and their families to this exciting evening.

Bookings close tomorrow, Friday 13th May.

Ms. Elana Cole | Development Manager.

Mr. Bruce Connor | Careers Advisor.

Dr. Brenden Maxwell Borosh | Old Ignatians President.

The Saint Ignatius College Community is invited to our upcoming evening with leading Australian race car driver Emily Duggan on Wednesday May the 25th at 7pm.

Guests will be inspired by Emily’s story to continue to rise above challenges and adversities as they embrace the College’s 2022 theme of ‘achieving to a higher level.’

We look forward to welcoming the College Community to this free event.

Please register your ticket via the link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/BYYYJ

Ms. Elana Cole | Development Manager

WINTER BOOK FAIR

Let's read Saint Ignatius! In conjunction with Torquay Books, the ILC, English and Literacy Teams have collaborated on a selection of books, with similar themes to those being studied in class. This selection of books is aimed at concreting current themes in English classes, and to continue to foster a deep love of reading.--> https://www.torquaybooks.com.au/.../st-ignatius-winter...

All College families are encouraged to purchase a book, or 5, and to ensure that they write the College address and to include your homeroom name in the 'Notes.'All texts will be delivered to the school, and sent to your respective homerooms.

THE BOOK CLUB

Do you enjoy informal discussions about books? Do you like meeting other like minded readers?

Join us as we, Saint Ignatius College, have our second ’The Book Club’. We would love to have you join us for an informal discussion/gathering about a pre-chosen book.

Our next gathering will be on Monday 6th June from 7pm-8pm in the Information Learning Centre.
We will be discussing the book ’Everyone in my family has killed someone' by Benjamin Stevenson.

Register your attendance via the following link;
--> https://forms.gle/9aLxZMrodVmb3nby9

Looking forward to welcoming parents/carers and members of the Saint Ignatius College Community to 'The Book Club.'

Support the Winter Book Fair in the purchasing of this book, add your child's homeroom in the notes.
Purchase here

The talented VCE Theatre Studies class are performing two shows of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Youth edition musical), at the Potato Shed Theatre on Thursday 12th May.

It is important to note that this production has been solely directed, choreographed, designed and performed by the members of the class.

Matinee - 12:45pm

Evening performance - 6:30pm

Run time - 60 minutes.

Rhea Green

Saint Ignatius College is delighted to present Wayne Schwass from the 'Puka Up Movement' for this year's guest speaker for Men's Mental Health Week to be held at the College, on Monday the 20th of June, 2022. The Saint Ignatius College Community is invited to join us for a light dinner at 6.30pm, (provided at own cost, hosted by The Parents and Friends Association), prior to the main address at 7pm. Whilst tickets are complimentary, the community are encouraged to register via the following link;

https://www.trybooking.com/BYZVV

We look forward to warmly welcoming the Saint Ignatius College Community to this evening.

Ms. Elana Cole Head of Development

Ms. Olivia Whitehead Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Ross Delange Wellbeing Captain

The separation of parents can be extremely traumatic, especially for the children involved. Whilst many separations are amicable, others can result in serious disputes between parents/guardians including the creation of court sanctioned custody arrangements. Unless the College is aware that parents/guardians have separated and the status of the separation (including whether there are court orders in place) the safety, wellbeing and development of the child and other students and/or staff may be at risk. In addition, the separation, if not properly managed by the College, may affect the best educational interests of the child.

The College has developed an Access Arrangements for Separated Parents and Guardians Policy to assist the College in managing this area. We ask that separated parents and guardians read and understand the information provided and act in accordance with the policy.

PULL YOUR SOCKS UP! Scrambling in the morning trying to find the right socks amid the seasonal uniform change? 

The Uniform Shop will be open next Wednesday lunchtime, May 18th, for students to pick up new socks. With Eftpos now available, make the mornings less stressful trying to find matching socks!

Support Our School Through rebel Community Givebacks

Do you shop at Rebel Sport? You can support our school every time you shop by linking your Rebel Active Membership to our school. 5% of what you spend is given to P&F to purchase sporting equipment for our school. If you’re not a member it’s free to join either online or ask a team member in store.

Click here for poster - Rebel Community Givebacks St Ignatius College

Entertainment Book

Yes we are still selling the Entertainment Book however it now is digital and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. If you would like to purchase an Entertainment Book please email us at sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au.

Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association

We are still searching for a new Treasurer, as unfortunately there was no nomination at our AGM. We would like to invite you to consider nominating for this role and be part of our wonderful team.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday June 14th 7.00pm. We look forward to seeing you there. Even if you cannot make it to the monthly meetings, but think you might be able to be on call to help at the different things we are involved in, please get in touch with us by emailing sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is now opening prior to our monthly Parents and Friends meeting in addition to the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Please note this is dependent on current visitor restrictions within catholic schools. Please check the Saint Ignatius College Facebook page for updates regarding open days and times. Email the uniform shop at uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.

Did you know the uniform shop also sells brand new socks, ties and hats?

Items to be sold or donated can be dropped off at the Uniform Shop during opening times or anytime at the front office. Please ensure any item that is sent in for sale has been freshly laundered, if not it will be returned to you.

We are always seeking Volunteers to help in the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out contact Kate by emailing uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au . Training is provided.

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.

Please see link below for Canteen Price list for 2022.

Canteen Price list 2022

Mrs. Sandra Woodall.
Canteen Manager.