Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Parents & Carers,
Welcome to the new school year! I hope all families enjoyed a wonderful Christmas celebration and had a relaxing holiday break.
A warm welcome to families joining our Ignatian community for the first time. I wish your daughter or son all the best for their transition and sincerely hope your family will cultivate a deep affection and connection to our school community.
We welcome 260 Year 7 students and 14 new students to other year levels. We have 1,461 students enrolled, up from 1,451 at the same time last year. We also welcome many new staff members to Saint Ignatius, who bring a wealth of experience and passion to our community.
I trust all students will return ready and willing to embrace their educational opportunities this year. Students in Years 7 and 12 commenced on Friday, January 31st, and those in Years 8, 9, 10, and 11 commence on Monday, February 3rd. Please note that students are to wear their summer uniform both next Monday and Wednesday and on photo day, Friday 7th February. They will not be required to wear sports uniforms on these days, even if they have Physical Education or other subjects, where they may usually wear their sports uniform.
The start of a new school year provides students with an opportunity to begin anew and foster their academic and personal growth. The 2024 Semester Two Reports, discussions with parents or guardians—who offer invaluable insights and support—and personal reflection can assist students in identifying areas for improvement and consolidation so they can enhance their learning experience and fully embrace the opportunities presented by our College.
I have high expectations for our students. Through their diligent application to their studies, I believe they will achieve solid gains in their level of learning and development again this year. I aim to foster a culture in which students feel motivated and supported to achieve at a high level.
Over the past 500 years, Ignatian schools have gained worldwide recognition for their excellence in education. At Saint Ignatius' College, we foster a culture of intellectual rigour and high academic standards. Our students are encouraged to be inquisitive, think critically, and practice kindness and inclusivity. Every day, we challenge them to surpass their perceived potential.
An Ignatian education aims to develop the whole person. To support this holistic approach, we offer a variety of co-curricular programs, such as sports, performing arts, community service, enrichment activities, camps, immersions, and trips. Our students are encouraged to make the most of these valuable opportunities. Their involvement helps build their sense of belonging and connection to our school community and enhances their learning and personal development.
I want to express my gratitude to parents and carers for everything you have done to help your daughter or son get off to a good start this year. I appreciate your proactive efforts in helping your child establish good routines and setting boundaries that prioritise their education.
Term 1 is a vibrant time at the College with many events, activities and celebrations. We look forward to engaging with our community and encourage you to refer to our College Calendar, which is available via our ‘Xuno’ Student Management System Parent Portal. I provide some key events and activities that are happening over the next couple of weeks for your convenience:
College Mass (Pds 3 & 4, MPC) | Mon. 3rd Feb. |
College Assembly (Pds 1 & 2, MPC) | Wed. 5th Feb. |
Student individual photos | Fri. 7th Feb. |
Yr 7 Parent Information Session (7 – 8:30 pm) at the College. | Mon. 10th Feb. |
Yr 8 Parent Information Session via Zoom (6 – 7 pm) | Tues. 11th Feb. |
Yr 9 Parent Information Session (6 – 7 pm) at the College. | Wed. 12th Feb. |
Yr 10 Parent Introduction to Senior School via Zoom (7 – 8pm) | Thurs. 13th Feb. |
Student family photos | Thurs. 13th Feb. |
College Swimming Carnival (North Bellarine Aquatic Centre) | Fri. 14th Feb. |
PFA Meeting (7 pm, Loyola Centre) | Wed. 19th Feb. |
To help our students prepare better for the upcoming academic year, we commence the academic year with a program called "Connection Week." The program will include the regular Mentor periods, the start-of-the-year Mass and Academic Assembly, with additional year-level sessions that will focus on our Student Effective Learning Framework (SELF). These sessions will provide students with Ignatian formation, well-being information and strategies, academic strategies, and House activities. Additionally, the program includes ACER testing for students from Year 7 to Year 10. This will give us an instant snapshot of each student's numeracy and literacy levels. Furthermore, we have designed a special program for Year 7 students to help them settle in their new school. This program will be conducted on the first day, and our Year 12 students will be involved on the day to support them.
The ‘Beginning of the Year’ Full College assembly will be held in the Multipurpose Centre on Wednesday 5th February 2025 at 9.00 am. It will conclude at about 10.30 am. If you would like to attend, please report to the office at about 8.45 am on the day so that a seat can be arranged for you. The assembly is a formal occasion and a great way to celebrate many student achievements, reinforce values and positive messages and build our sense of community. I look forward to seeing as many parents and friends of the College as possible at this event. Coffee/tea will be available afterwards for parents.
Communication methods for parents include the following. The College provides a fortnightly digital ‘newsletter’ on its website. You will receive an email alert each fortnight when it becomes available. The College also has a Facebook page where there are posts about College events, student achievements, etc. Letters, other information and permission forms for excursions are sent via the ‘Operoo’ app. Another key method of communication is via email. Letters, information and messages may be sent to parent email addresses. Parents can also email staff, and our usual practice is that staff respond to emails within two work days. However, please keep in mind that some staff work part-time, so they may take a little longer to respond. And with the new “Right to disconnect” law, please note that standard teacher work hours at the College are 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday and Friday and 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday. Staff may not read or respond to emails outside of these hours.
I want to thank my dedicated colleagues who have been working hard and enthusiastically to prepare for our students’ return this week. The staff list (names and roles) can be viewed by clicking on this link. As always, if there’s any support we can offer you as we start the academic year, I encourage you to reach out to the relevant staff members.
We look forward to a rewarding year as we work together to nurture the growth and development of our students.
Our summary School Improvement Plan statement is:
“Building community for better learning – belonging, connection & learning.”
Best wishes for 2025,
Michael Exton | Principal
Saint Ignatius College staff have embraced the new school year by gathering with staff from the Geelong Catholic Secondary Schools of Clonard College, Sacred Heart College, Iona College, St Joseph’s College, MacKillop Education and Saints College (previously St Joseph’s School). As Catholic education in our region has increased in popularity, the combined staff numbers have swelled beyond the capacity of the largest of our Geelong churches, so this year we enjoyed the hospitality of St Joseph’s College. We extend our thanks to the St Joseph’s staff who organised mass and morning tea and to our celebrant, Fr Jim Clarke, Parish Priest of St Mary’s of the Angels Basilica and St Ignatius Canonical Administrator. Our school community is strengthened by our relationships here at the College and beyond and as we marked the opening of this new year, it was wonderful to hear the chatter and see the smiles of our staff as they caught up with friends and colleagues who share the mission of Catholic education.
This year, the Church celebrates a Jubilee Year. It is a significant period of time which happens every 25 years and which is characterised by the seeking of forgiveness and reconciliation, and a call to people to make things right with others and with creation. In early times, it saw the cancellation of debt, the freeing of slaves, and the giving of opportunity for people and the earth to rest and reset. Historically and through to the present day, a Jubilee Year often saw people set out on a pilgrimage, or journey, to look for purpose, connection and God. The theme for this Jubilee Year of 2025, is “Pilgrims of Hope”, which encourages us to be people who give hope to others, who look for God in those we meet, who show compassion and who forgive. St Ignatius, our very own pilgrim, did exactly that making him a perfect role model for us to follow throughout this Jubilee Year.
On Monday when our students resume, our community will share reflective time at our Opening of the School Year Mass. On this special occasion, we look forward to welcoming Fr Linh Pham, the new Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Parish which includes Queenscliff, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. We are really pleased that as this Jubilee Year begins, we have the opportunity to reflect on the year to come with mass concelebrated by Fr Linh and Fr Jerry Healy SJ.
"The true alchemists do not change lead into gold; they change the world into words."
- William H. Gass
As we embark on another exciting academic year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the profound significance of English in our students' lives. Humans are the only species to develop the ability to communicate through speaking and writing, making our subject a unique avenue to explore the nuances of humanity and our interactions with one another.
English not only enriches our students' understanding of literature and language but also challenges them to think beyond their immediate world. By engaging with diverse texts, we aim to bring the world closer to our students, broadening their horizons and fostering a sense of curiosity about the experiences of life around them. This year, we are thrilled to challenge our students to think big. We will develop students’ critical thinking skills, to empower students to analyse information, evaluate arguments, and form their own viewpoints. Our approach will be grounded in explicit instructional practices, ensuring that every student is equipped with the tools necessary for success.
Our team is excited to welcome students to another year of their English studies. In preparation we encourage them to read their texts thoughtfully and attend class with enthusiasm and a willingness to grow. Together, let us inspire our students to embrace the power of language and thought.
Warm regards,
Sandra Ritonja
English Learning Area Leader
Dear Saint Ignatius College Community,
As we step into a new year, we are thrilled to welcome each and every member of our Saint Ignatius community—students, staff, and families, whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time.
2025 is a fresh chapter for us all, filled with opportunities to grow, connect, and live out the values at the heart of our college: compassion, courage, and service. Together, we hope to continue building a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
As your College Captains, we are honoured to serve and represent this incredible community. Our goal is to lead with humility and positivity, encouraging each of you to embrace the Ignatian call to be people for others.
This year, let’s challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones, show kindness, and support one another in all aspects of college life.
Whether it’s in the classroom, on the sporting field, or through the many co-curricular opportunities at Saint Ignatius College, we encourage you to make the most of what 2025 has to offer. Quoting Ben Crowe (Director of marketing at Nike and professional mentor for elite athletes and business people) “It’s our decisions, not the conditions that determines our mindset our attitude and our self-worth” let your decisions this year guide you in the direction of being the best version of yourself and allow you rise to the occasion when required.
We’re excited for all that lies ahead and can’t wait to share this journey with you. Wishing you all the very best for the year ahead!
Warm regards,
Bel & Tucker
College Captains 2025
Applications are now being received for Academic Scholarships for Year 7 2026 at Saint Ignatius College Geelong. Applications can be completed via the below link, ensuring that the school selected is 'Saint Ignatius College Geelong' --> https://scholarships.acer.org/intro/3073
Saint Ignatius College is delighted to announce that the 2025 keynote speaker for our International Women's Day Community Evening is author of the best-selling memoir 'The Uncaged Sky' which details the 804 days she spent as a political prisoner in Iran, and Middle Eastern politics and history expert, Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert.
This evening is always a highlight on our College Calendar, and attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early via this link --> https://www.trybooking.com/CXYFI
Enjoy canapes and refreshments from 5.30pm, with the main address commencing at 6.30pm.
The Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends Association is excited to present the '2025 Car Raffle!' With all proceeds going towards student resources, this is the raffle that you want to win!
Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased here -->https://rafflelink.com.au/2025-sicg-car-raffle
Raffle will be drawn on Sunday the 30th of March at 11am, 2025, winner will be notified via phone/email.
Thanks for your support of the College PFA, and best of luck with your tickets.Imagine yourself in the front seat of a red 2024 MG ZST VIBE.
We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the inaugural 2025 PFA Car Raffle: