Dear Parents & Carers,

We are now in the tenth week of the ten-week Term Two. This term and Semester One conclude on Thursday, June 25. (Friday, June 26, is a teacher Professional Practice Day, and there will be no classes at the College.) So, between now and then, students will be involved in a variety of assessments, including exams for Years 9 to 11 students. Students studying VCE Unit 3 subjects will undertake VCAA’s General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026.

Our Years 9 – 11 students will have many assessments due, and in particular, they will have examinations as follows:

• Thursday June 18th Years 10 & 11 exams commence

• Tuesday June 23rd Year 9 Exams commence

• Thursday June 25th Years 9 – 11 Exams conclude

I suggest that parents and carers check in with their daughter or son about how they are progressing in their studies. As the term approaches its end, they may benefit from encouragement, understanding, and guidance to help them manage their workload and prepare effectively and efficiently for the upcoming assessments. Discussing how to manage their schoolwork alongside other activities and whether they have a balanced, healthy schedule may lead to improvements that result in better outcomes for your daughter or son. Furthermore, parents and carers are most welcome to contact subject teachers or Mentor Teachers if they would like to discuss their student’s progress.

To better prepare our Year 9 students for their first experience with formal exams, we are providing a planned revision period leading up to their exams. This will commence on Thursday, 18th June, and run for three days. During this time, students will undertake set revision and review lessons along with activities according to a structured timetable under the guidance of their subject teachers. This structure will ensure that students receive comprehensive preparation, including targeted revision, reinforcement, and exam practice, all aligning with senior-level expectations in core subjects. The revision program will focus on building confidence, promoting consistency, targeting support, encouraging accountability, and preparing for future success.

Year 7 & 8 Belonging Week (Week 10, next week)

We will again run the “Belonging Week” program during the last week of this term. This program builds on the “Connected Week” program we held during the first week of the semester at the start of the year.

Belonging Week aims to:

• Build connections by encouraging students and staff to form positive relationships and support networks.

• Strengthen school community through activities that promote inclusion, respect, and a shared sense of purpose.

• Explore the Ignatian ethos by deepening understanding of faith, reflection, service, and social justice.

• Encourage active contribution by helping individuals recognise their role in creating a welcoming and inclusive community.

• Connect with the broader community through service opportunities and engagement with local organisations.

• Promote learning success by developing skills in goal setting, self-reflection, personal growth, and academic achievement.

Belonging Week helps build a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute positively to both the College and the wider community.

Semester One Reports

Semester One Reports will be available early next term, on Friday 24th July (Week Two of Term 3). These are summative reports that indicate overall results for the semester. More detailed information about student progress can be found by accessing assessment feedback through our online Learning Management System, ‘Canvas.’ If you haven’t already accessed Canvas, your daughter or son should be able to show you how to do this. Acting Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning), Ms Robyn Jackson, will email parents with the relevant dates and instructions on how to access the Semester One Reports.

Aside from VCE Unit 3 and Vocational Major subjects, there are no formal Parent-Student-Teacher (PST) conferences scheduled to follow up on these reports. However, you are very welcome, and I encourage you to contact any subject teachers regarding academic concerns or the Mentor teacher for any pastoral matters. Please email the teacher to organise a time for a meeting.

All VCE Units 3/4 subject PST conferences will be held on Thursday, 6th August, next term. Later in Term Three, all Years 7 to 11 and VCE VM PST conferences will take place on Thursday 3rd September and Thursday 10th September. All interviews will be conducted via Zoom, running from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Subject selections for 2027

In early term three, students from Years 8 to 11 will select their elective subjects for the upcoming year. It's crucial to discuss with your child their strengths, interests, and future plans, revisiting the topic periodically. You can use their Semester One reports as a starting point for this conversation. For Year Nine and Ten students, the Morrisby Testing Program results will also serve as an excellent basis for discussions about your daughter or son’s senior school pathway. I know many parents have already talked about the information arising from this program with their daughter or son.

Parent Information evenings will be held in Week 2 of next Term.

Spotlight on Wellbeing: Men's Health Week at Our School

Men's Health Week in Australia runs from Monday, June 15 to Sunday, June 21, 2026. The week aims to raise awareness of preventable health issues, highlight the importance of regular medical checks, and encourage men and boys to proactively manage their physical and mental wellbeing and to seek support when necessary.

To support this, in the lead-up to this week, our school hosted a special evening event to promote healthy habits, encourage open conversations, and provide practical advice. It was an opportunity to create space for meaningful discussions between young men and their parents or mentors about wellbeing.

We held a well-attended special presentation on Wednesday evening last week, featuring guest speaker Chris Anstey, an Australian former professional basketball player. Chris shared personal insights into his journey in professional sport, the importance of mental and physical health, and how young people can build resilience and self-care habits that last a lifetime. His story hopefully inspired and motivated students to take charge of their health and make positive choices.

Men’s Health Week takes a broad, holistic approach, covering not only physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing. By fostering open dialogue and providing practical support, we aim to encourage every student to prioritise their health.

We look forward to learning, growth, and community engagement as we stand together to support men’s wellbeing.

Parent & visitor access to school grounds & buildings

A reminder that upon arrival on school grounds, all parents and visitors must report to the front office. It is not our practice to allow parents and visitors unaccompanied access to the buildings and grounds. Your cooperation with this would be greatly appreciated.

2025 Annual Report to the School Community

As part of the funding agreement between the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) and the Australian Government, schools are required to report on specific categories of School Performance Information. This information is supplied to the school community in many ways, including (but not limited to): a fortnightly newsletter; an annual report; the yearly school magazine “Magis”; and our website.

I am pleased to inform you that the Saint Ignatius College Geelong 2025 Annual Report to the School Community is now available on the College website at www.ignatius.vic.edu.au. A copy is also available upon request from the College Office.

The College welcomes feedback from our parents, students and staff at any time. Comments in response to this report are also invited.

MACS Privacy policy, student and parent permissions updated

Our Privacy Policy, Privacy Collection Notice, and the associated Photography and Recording Permission Form have been updated. The changes took effect on Friday 15 May 2026.

The Privacy Policy sets out how our College manages, stores and protects personal information for staff, students and parents, including individual rights and the complaint-handling process.

The Privacy Collection Notice – Students and Parents explains what personal information we collect and how students’ and parents’ personal information is used and disclosed.

The Photography and Recording Permission Form supports the Privacy Collection Notice and seeks consent for specific uses of photographs.

I remind parents that they can vary their consent by completing a new form to reflect any change or withdrawal of permission. They can obtain a new form by emailing the following address: communityengagement@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Staff changes

Thank you and best wishes to the following staff members who will be finishing at the College during the next few weeks: Acting Human Resources Manager, Ms Kathryn Sanders and Teacher, Ms Narelle Fitzpatrick

We wish the following teachers all the best during their leave in Term Three: Colleen Bolland (for the whole term) and Ethan Collins (for the first three weeks).

Finish up to Term Two

This is the final newsletter for Term Two.

The last day of classes for this term is next Thursday 25th June. (Friday, June 26th will be a Teacher Professional Practice Day.)

The first day of classes for Term Three is Tuesday 14th July. (Monday 13th July will be a Staff Professional Learning Day.)

I wish all families an enjoyable and safe break during the Term Two holidays.

Michael Exton | Principal

We had an exciting start to the term as we travelled to Anglesea to spend an evening with the Year 7s on their very first College camp. Alongside our College Captains and Portfolio Captains, we were fortunate to share a meal with our newest students, hearing all about their experiences of starting secondary school, their favourite camp activities, and the new friendships they had formed.

Mr Exton also hosted a leadership Q&A session, where we did our best to cast our minds back to our own Year 7 experiences and share some helpful advice. We look forward to continuing to connect with and support our junior students throughout the year.

We have also been involved in the planning and organisation of the Winter Ball. Beyond the excitement of making important decisions on behalf of our cohort, this has provided a valuable opportunity to connect with other young leaders from across the Geelong region. We have enjoyed collaborating with so many talented students and are looking forward to celebrating together as a Year 12 Cohort on the 25th of June at Iona College.

Last week was also Men's Health Week, an important initiative that highlights the challenges many men face in relation to their health and wellbeing. We are excited to attend the event on Wednesday evening, featuring guest speaker Chris Anstey OLY. Throughout the week, students will have many opportunities to show up, lift up, and take action in support of this important cause.

Big things have been happening across the Technology faculty at Saint Ignatius this term! We are currently in the thick of our busy period as semester based classes are finalising their final projects, with many students choosing to continue working through recess and lunch times. VCE classes are finishing off outcomes for Unit 1 and Unit 3 and our junior classes are wrapping up their first or final breadth technology subjects. All of which we could not do without our tremendously energetic and generous teaching and technician staff.

A couple of highlights over the last week have included:

Year 7 students testing their completed pollinating robots through a series of challenges which have included races and last robot left standing activities.

Year 11 Product Design & Technology students have been finalising their first complete, independent design process which was based around the concept of time.

Year 12 Product Design & Technology students across both mixed materials and textiles working through their final process trials and prototyping ahead of making their final designed solution at the college.

Y9 Game Design students are looking forward to heading out on their excursion to Zero Latency in Geelong to learn more about VR Gaming, VR game design and overall user experience.

Senior Food Technology classes planning, designing, ordering and making their ‘own recipe’ dishes

1st Year VET Building and Construction students have been developing fundamental trade skills including setting out using dumpy laser levels and construction methods using a variety of power and hand tools.

On behalf of us all, we wish the Year 10 & 11 students good luck as they begin exam revision and for their end of semester exams. We look forward to having our Breadth and Semester based students back in the Technology space soon.

Leigh Hodge

Head of Technology

In 2025, the College started a process to create a SICG First Nations design to represent our students, college and community. We engaged 2 local artists. Kasey and Jess. Kasey and Jessica Tattersall / Wollithiga ( wol-il-thee-gah) women from Yorta Yorta Country

Kasey and Jess Tattersall are proud First Nations women who live in Ocean Grove. They started their business, Sista Studio, to share their art and culture. Their work is about making First Nations culture more visible and helping people understand stories through art and design. They use their art to show identity, connection, and important cultural knowledge.

The images and shapes show the cultural landscapes of Wadawurrung Country. This includes important places like (Wordy) (You ang) Big Hill / the You Yangs, Corio Bay (Sandy Place), Lake Conner worry, the mountains and sea, (Kun awarra) Black Swan, and the Moorabool River.

These places are very important to Wadawurrung people and their culture.

Their artwork shows that everyone has different journeys in life. No two stories are the same, which is shown through different lines, patterns, and colours. These designs are used to tell stories about people, families, and experiences in a visual way that connects to culture.

These symbols and shapes tell the story of the land, waterways, animals, and people of Wadawurrung Country. They show the strong connection First Nations people have to the country and how everything in nature is connected, including land, water, and community.

Key Reasons for First Nations Jumpers:

• Cultural Celebration
• Celebrating Players
• Honouring Community

SICG FIRE Carriers

Why take on a student leadership role?

Student leadership is often seen as something that is only for the most confident students or those who love speaking in front of large groups. However, being a student leader is much more than standing on a stage or wearing a badge. It is about making a positive difference in the lives of others and helping to shape the culture of our school.

Leadership is also a chance to develop important life skills. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and organisation are all skills that student leaders use regularly. These are abilities that will be valuable long after school has finished, whether in further study, employment, sport, or community involvement.

Sometimes there can be a misconception that student leadership is only for certain students. In reality, schools need a wide range of leaders. We need students who are willing to mentor younger students, promote respect and inclusion, support wellbeing initiatives, and help create a positive culture. We are looking for student leaders who can play an important role in demonstrating that strength comes from character and kindness.

Whether you see yourself as a leader already or not, I encourage you to consider how stepping into a leadership role could help you become the best version of yourself while being of service to others.

Applications for 2027 Student Leadership positions will open next term, so I encourage you to start thinking now about what leadership means to you. Challenge yourself to consider how being a student leader would allow you to make a positive contribution to our school community, and also how the experience could help you grow as an individual. You can see all the different student leadership roles via the images below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop into the Student Leadership Office, where Ms Frigo or I can help. Our office is located on Lower Level 1 Mackillop, just near the ramp that takes you from the Mackillop building into the EDCC building. Alternatively, you can email us at kielyd@ignatius.vic.edu.au or frigor@ignatius.vic.edu.au.

You can also contact any of our current student leaders for information about what is involved.

Giving Back

Being of service to others is one of the foundational pillars of the Saint Ignatius College community. Across many facets of our educational experience, students are encouraged to develop compassion, empathy and a genuine commitment to supporting those less fortunate.

Through opportunities to volunteer, advocate and give back, we come to understand the importance of community and the impact even small acts of kindness can have on the lives of others. And while our time is precious, the perspective, gratitude and personal growth we gain in return are truly life-changing. These experiences not only strengthen our connection to others, but also help shape us into people of integrity, generosity and social responsibility.

On Thursday 28 May, our Year 12 students participated in the annual Year 12 Service Day, attending one of ten local organisations to live out the Jesuit call to be “people for, and with others.”

The images below, captured at a number of organisations that kindly allowed us to visit as part of the program, reflect the warmth, connection and joy shared between our students and our community throughout the day. The event was a profoundly moving experience that highlighted the power of compassion, presence and community. We thank all those involved in making this day a success!

Year 7 Our World

In Year 7 Our World this term, students have been studying Kate Constable’s novel Crow Country as part of the ‘Stewardship - Looking After Our World’ unit. This novel explores the cultural values of our First Nations peoples and the tensions that arise from these misunderstandings. Year 7s are coupling essay writing skills with knowledge about water cycles and management in Australia with respect to our First Nations custodians. Students have written and completed a class liturgy with our Catholic Social Teaching Principle of ‘Stewardship’ as their overarching theme the liturgy reflects upon.

Report from Neave H, 7 Baker Ignatian Leader

On Friday the 12th of June, Miss Baker’s class hosted a liturgy on the topic of Stewardship and Care for Our Common Home. Stewardship and Care for Our Common Home is all about joining together to care for our Earth, our “Common Home”, and to be one under Jesus, caring for God’s creation. We were split up into four groups: We Gather, We Listen, We Respond and We Go Forth, and using these topics we created slides including an acknowledgement of country, a prayer and multiple hymns (my personal favourite being “Let It Grow” from The Lorax). We had a small altar at the front of the classroom with purple themed decorations. We used purple because purple was traditionally an expensive dye used only for royalty and those of high status, like the Lord himself, Jesus. All of the students loved this activity because of how hands on and interactive it was and how we had full reign. This task also taught us teamwork and how to work cooperatively with a team in a healthy, productive manner.

Here are some pictures from 7 Rees’ liturgy on the same theme:

Year 8 Our World

This term the Year 8s have embarked upon a voyage back in time to explore Polynesian culture, customs and history in their text study of Witi Ihimaera’s groundbreaking The Whale Rider. Students have closely analysed passages of this text with key themes related to Māori culture underpinning the growth of their essay writing skills. Students have been exploring voyage vessels, early Polynesian history and analysing cultural artefacts and sources in Humanities, culminating in the design and floating of their very own waka houruas. Enriching this knowledge, students were learning about Jesus’ early life and teachings in relation to the pivotal Catholic Social Teaching Principle of ‘Preferential Option for the Poor’ and how this principle is being applied in real time through different Catholic Missions undertaken in Polynesian islands to support the area.

Here are some pictures from various Mentor Groups of the waka hourua making and floating completed in the last few weeks of this term.

Men's Health Week

Men’s Health Week was awesome and a huge success! The week started with blue ribbons being handed out to students at the gate and free fruit at recess, which was a big hit. We also had our annual Men’s Health Week Companion Evening, where keynote speaker Chris Anstey shared his experiences and inspired everyone who attended.

To finish off the week, we held a push-up challenge at recess, with lots of students getting involved and having a go. Later that day, the teachers took on the Year 7 boys in a basketball game. After a fun and competitive match, the Year 7 boys came out on top!

The blue ribbon that was handed out at the start of the week and was worn amongst students was to raise awareness of the physical and mental health issues that men can be going through.

Our school wanted a week full of events that link back to the overall theme of the week to raise as much awareness as possible.

It's important for men to feel able to visit a GP and to speak freely on their mental health.

Men's Health Week reminds us that we should take care of ourselves, so open up about your mental health and don't be afraid to seek help or start a conversation.

SRC Article

Prepared by Bas G

This term was a great success for the SRC. We held our term 2 Casual Clothes Day and raised money for the Opening the Doors Foundation, which is an organisation that supports First Nation’s students to attend Catholic schools. It was great to see so many students getting involved, and we are thankful to everyone who donated and supported the day. We raised $1437.00 for this valuable charity!

Another highlight was our annual Student-Led Assembly. The SRC had lots to report on throughout the term, including events, achievements, and things we have been working on behind the scenes. It was a great opportunity to share what we have been doing with the rest of the school.

Throughout the term, the SRC met regularly to discuss ideas and ways to make our school an even better place. We worked together to represent student voices and help organise activities for the school community.

Overall, it has been a busy and successful term, and we are excited for what is coming up next term.

Gratitude

Every year, the Year 12 VCE VM students plan, organise and deliver an End of Semester Staff Luncheon to say thank you to teachers and support staff who have helped them over the last 6 years.

On Tuesday 2nd June, students prepared a hot, hearty, steaming lunch to warm the stomachs of hard working SICG staff. Over 90 staff members RSVP’d and enjoyed a chat with colleagues whilst consuming a meal consisting of home cooked Pasta Bake, Greek Salad, Fresh Bread and to top it all off, an Italian Affogato.

To all staff……thank you for the last 6 years of our schooling life. We hope you enjoyed and appreciated the meal.

Year 12 VCE VM students / 2026

National NAIDOC Week 2026 will run from Sunday, 5 July to Sunday, 12 July 2026. NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

Celebration & Recognition: It is an annual event where Australians from all backgrounds come together to celebrate the cultures, resilience, and achievements of Indigenous Australians

Origins: Its roots trace back to the 1920s and 1930s Indigenous protest movements, most notably the "Day of Mourning" held on January 26, 1938—one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world

The theme for this year is 50 Years of Deadly, celebrating the people, communities, and grassroots movements that have built and shaped NAIDOC over the past half-century

Events to look out for during the week

06/07/2026 - Join us at our annual Flag Raising event on Monday 6th July between 11am – 2pm, as we officially launch NAIDOC Week 2026 at Booln Booln Cultural centre (410 Surf Coast HWY, Grovedale 3216).

The day is free for everyone to get together and celebrate culture. All are welcome to attend – mob and allies.

10/07/2026 - The Melbourne NAIDOC Week March is back for 2026! This year the march will be held on Friday 10th July in Melbourne, starting at 12pm from the VAHS building in Nicholson Street, Fitzroy.

11/07/2026 - Geelong United will host a NAIDOC Round basketball game on Saturday 11th July, celebrating NAIDOC Week with additional cultural activities, and donating $1 from every ticket purchased to Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

GAME DETAILS
Saturday 11th July
Geelong Arena (Victoria Street, North Geelong)
From 5pm

Should be a great week,

SICG FIRE Carriers

Wear It Again, Share It for Good: Supporting Our Ignatius Day Second-Hand Shop

As part of our Ignatius Day celebrations, we are inviting our school community to support our Second-Hand Shop initiative by donating quality pre-loved clothing.

The theme of this year's campaign, "Wear It Again, Share It for Good," highlights the positive impact that reusing clothing can have on both people and the planet. By giving clothes a second life, we can reduce waste, promote sustainability, and raise valuable funds to support our community.

We are seeking donations of clean, washed, and wearable clothing in good condition. Every item donated helps create affordable shopping opportunities while encouraging responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.

Our Second-Hand Shop will be a wonderful feature of Ignatius Day, providing students, staff, and families with the opportunity to purchase quality pre-loved items while contributing to a meaningful cause. The initiative reflects the Ignatian values of service, care for creation, and generosity, reminding us that even small actions can make a big difference.

Donation Guidelines

• Clothing must be clean and freshly washed.

• Items should be in good, wearable condition.

• Please ensure donations are suitable for resale.

Donations can be delivered to the Ministry Room by July 24th 2026. We encourage everyone to look through their wardrobes and consider donating items they no longer need.

Thank you to all members of our community for your generosity and support. Together, we can reduce waste, support sustainability, and make a positive impact through our Ignatius Day Second-Hand Shop.

Term 1–2, 2026

My name is Gemma Bell, and I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Head of Netball for 2026. It is an honour to lead such a passionate and talented group of students, and I could not be more excited for the year ahead. The netball program has already hit the ground running, and there is so much to look forward to across all year groups.

A Busy Start to the Year

It has already been a busy year for the SICG netball program! During the school holidays, our Year 7/8 netball teams competed in a pre-season Interschool Competition held at The Geelong College. It was a wonderful day and a fantastic opportunity for our younger players to get some competitive court time before the season officially began. The girls represented the school with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship- a brilliant sign of things to come.

Year 11/12 GISSA Competition

Our Year 11/12 teams took to the court for their GISSA competition earlier this term, and the results were outstanding. A special mention must go to our Division B side, who were crowned GISSA champions. Meanwhile, our Division A side played with tremendous heart and skill, going undefeated all day, and only narrowly missing out on the grand final win to Iona College.

Trials Underway — More to Come

We are currently in the process of trialling our Year 9/10 girls team. This group will be coached externally by Paige McGrath, a Drysdale A Grade player and SICG alumna, who brings fantastic experience and knowledge to the program. She will be joined by Ms Molly Bourke. The girls are working hard during trials, and we look forward to their first carnival next term.

Our boys teams are also currently trialling, with our Year 11/12 boys side set to have their squad finalised by the end of this week, and the 7/8 and 9/10 trials to commence later this term. It is great to see so many students putting their hands up to represent the school, and the energy around the program has been electric.

It is shaping up to be a wonderful year for netball at SICG. I look forward to sharing more updates as the season progresses.

Gemma Bell

Head of Netball, 2026

The Senior School has been a hive of activity over the past few weeks as students complete assessment tasks, prepare for examinations, and engage in important planning for their future pathways.

Students in Year 10, Unit 1 and Unit 3 studies have recently finalised a range of assessment tasks, marking the culmination of a busy and productive Semester One. These assessments have provided students with valuable opportunities to demonstrate their learning and growth across a variety of subject areas.

A significant milestone this month was the completion of the General Achievement Test (GAT). On Tuesday 16 June, 256 Saint Ignatius College students enrolled in one or more Unit 3/4 studies undertook this compulsory statewide assessment. The GAT plays an important role in Victoria's senior secondary assessment system, helping to ensure the accuracy and fairness of VCE results. The assessment measures students' general knowledge and skills in areas including written communication, mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities.

Our students approached the day with maturity, resilience and focus as they completed two examinations under strict Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) conditions. The smooth administration of the GAT was made possible through the support of a dedicated team of external supervisors and College staff. We thank all supervisors for their professionalism and commitment to ensuring students were able to perform at their best in a supportive and well-organised environment.

This week has also seen Year 10 and Year 11 students commence their Semester One examinations. These examinations provide students with an opportunity to consolidate and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the semester, while also helping them build confidence and valuable examination techniques as they progress through their senior years.

Looking ahead, many students have been engaging with our Pathways Team to explore future study and career options. As subject selection for 2027 approaches, students are encouraged to seek advice and guidance to ensure they make informed decisions that align with their interests, strengths and future aspirations. The Pathways Team continues to provide invaluable support to students and families as they navigate these important decisions.

I would like to congratulate all students on their efforts throughout a demanding semester and wish them every success as they complete their examinations and begin planning for Semester 2.

Imagine being told you have only ten minutes to pack your entire life into a backpack, not knowing if you will ever see your home again. This is the reality for many refugees around the world and is one of the reasons why Saint Ignatius College celebrates Refugee Week from 14–20 June.

Did you know that more than one million refugees have settled in Australia since World War II? This year marks the 40th anniversary of Refugee Week, with the theme “A Million Stories”, celebrating the many journeys, cultures and experiences that have helped shape Australia into the diverse nation it is today.

During Refugee Week, the canteen served a range of international dishes to honour the cultures of refugees. These included Indian Butter Chicken, rice cups from Myanmar, Sudanese soup, Afghan baked potatoes, and Ukrainian beef casserole with rice.

Another special event was the Water Relay. This activity gave students a small insight into the challenges many people face every day when collecting water for their families. Students carried a jug of water around the green basketball court, and every lap completed earned a house point for their house colour!

The support and enthusiasm shown by students throughout the week was amazing. The Justice Team would like to thank everyone who participated and helped make Refugee Week such a success. Below are some images from the water relay!

Nuwain D, Year 7

The Music Department has enjoyed an incredibly busy and rewarding term, with students participating in a variety of performances and musical experiences both within the school and the wider community.

The term began with Host a Combined Bands Day on 2 June, which brought together students from five visiting schools plus our own students. More than 200 young musicians rehearsed throughout the day in two large concert bands of approximately 100 students each. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for students to collaborate with their peers, develop their ensemble skills, and experience performing as part of a large-scale musical group.

On 3 June, our Year 9 and 10 Music students presented their Class Concert in the MacKillop Theatre. Students showcased the skills they have been developing throughout the Semester through a diverse program of solo and ensemble performances. Their confidence, preparation, and musicianship were evident throughout the evening.

The following week saw our VCE Music students perform at the VCE Soirée held at the Piano Bar, Geelong, on 9 June. The event featured both solo and ensemble performances from students undertaking VCE Music studies. The relaxed venue provided an excellent performance environment, and students demonstrated a high level of professionalism and musical maturity. Special thanks to Stefanie Gumienik who accompanied many of the soloist and Mr Matthew Jennings for his work preparing students during class time.

On 15 June, our Year 7 Music Showcase highlighted the work completed by students in their classroom music program. Supported by the Stage Band, Year 7 students performed with enthusiasm and confidence, giving families a glimpse of they have achieved during the semester.

The term concluded with a Public Speaking Recital on 18 June featuring students of Mrs. Tara Nieuwenhuys. The recital celebrated the achievements of students in developing their communication and presentation skills, with participants delivering polished and engaging performances.

Congratulations to all students who performed throughout the term. Their dedication, hard work, and willingness to share their talents have contributed to a vibrant and successful semester of music-making. We also extend our sincere thanks to the staff, accompanists, tutors, and families whose support makes these opportunities possible.

Events in Term 3

We start Term with a rehearsal day for all our Choir Students. This is in preparation for performances at Vocal Night on 3 August and Royal South Street Eisteddfod on 13 August.

Our annual Instrumental Night featuring all extra curricula ensembles and invited soloists will be on 26 August.

Music Lesson Enrolment

Any students wishing to sign up for Instrumental, Vocal or Public Speaking lessons can do so by emailing music@ignatius.vic.edu.au to receive an enrolment form. Our tutors have vacancies in most areas so we can commence lessons once forms have been submitted.

Michael Wilding

Head of Music

From our Arts Captain

We are excited to celebrate our upcoming Ignatius Day with a range of special activities that will bring our school community together in faith, friendship, and fun. Within the day, there will be our annual talent quest, giving students an opportunity to perform in a low-pressure environment in front of a panel of judges. If this is something that interests you, fill out the form that will be shared on Xuno notices! At the end of the day, we will have our house spirit items and our house music items! A chance for students to represent their house in a fun, creative way! 

Heidi B

Arts Captain 2026