From the Principal

Year 12 student final days of classes

Last week, several significant events took place at the College, notably celebrating an important milestone for our Year 12 students, their families, and the entire school community. The Year 12 students completed their regular classes on Thursday. On this day, we came together as a school community to express our gratitude for their growth and contributions to our College, to pray for their future success, and to celebrate the Class of 2024.

On Thursday, the whole school gathered for the annual “Farewell to Year 12” assembly. We recognised and celebrated many excellent student and team achievements since our last assembly and the fine young women and men of the Class of 2024. There were many speeches, some musical items and presentations. College Captains Alana Clark and Curtis McCoughtry provided impressive speeches that captured something of the Year 12 students’ journey through their College years, expressed gratitude and delivered encouraging messages about making the most of school opportunities to the assembly. As has become the custom over many years, Alana, Curtis and Vice-Captains Zoe Walter and Thomas Galan presented a gift of artwork from the Year 12s to the school community, a stained-glass cross. (Please see accompanying image.)

Another highlight of the assembly was the expression of gratitude on behalf of the Year 7 students by two students: Angelina Kulic and Lily McDonald. I was very impressed with their speeches and the way they delivered them!

Then at 5 pm we gathered for the ‘Valete Mass’ in the Multi-purpose Centre. The Mass was a very special service involving all Year 12 students, members of their families and many staff members. Thank you to our Celebrant Fr Gerry Healy SJ.

After Mass, we conducted a formal Graduation Ceremony. As part of this, each student, as is the custom in most Australian Jesuit and Companion Schools, received a copy of Michael McGirr’s “Finding God’s Traces.” This book is a compilation of quotes, scriptural verses and commentaries that will hopefully be a source of reflection and inspiration as well as a beautiful memento of the student’s time at an Ignatian school.

The next day, Friday, the Year 12 students participated in their “Celebration Day.” The day was celebrated in a positive and fun way. I congratulate the “Class of 2024” on how they have approached this final week of classes respectfully and appropriately – well done!

I hope all goes well for them as they either study for their exams or plan for or commence work or further study or have a break. On behalf of the school community, I wish them all the best.

Thank you to the senior school staff who prepared thoroughly to ensure that the year's final phase was well organised and that parents and students were well informed about the program and the school’s expectations.

Mosaic Evening – Thurs. 21st November

Our college community will celebrate the end of the year with an event called "Mosaic" in late November. This evening aims to showcase the diverse achievements of our students throughout the year. We hope as many students and their families as possible will attend this special gathering at Costa Hall, located at Deakin University’s waterfront campus (Brougham Street, Geelong).

This event will offer an opportunity for parents and students to celebrate the role our school has played in their lives over the past year and to strengthen our sense of community. Attendance is required for all Year 7 and 8 students, and we encourage as many Year 9 to 12 students as possible to join us.

The date is Thursday, 21st November 2024. The Art & Technology display commences at 6.00 pm in the Costa Hall foyer followed by the celebration evening that begins at 7.00 pm in the main auditorium.

The evening will acknowledge and showcase student talents and achievements from a range of areas. Unlike in previous years, tickets will be required to attend for organisational reasons. (Please note that students do not need a ticket.) Tickets are free. All you will need to do is book via the link: www.trybooking.com/CWCHH. You are most welcome to invite Grandparents, other family members and family friends. In the meantime, please put this date in your diary to ensure you can attend. Students are expected to wear their school uniform with the blazer.

We have consistently received positive feedback about the Mosaic evenings over the years. This unique celebration fosters a stronger school community and a sense of belonging, and it hopefully inspires all students to make the most of the opportunities available to them at the College. I encourage our community to prioritize this evening, where students, families, friends, and staff can come together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of some, as well as the contributions we all make to Saint Ignatius College.

Year 7 2025

On Monday evening, we held a very well-attended welcome and information evening for the parents and students of next year’s Year 7 intake.

It is very pleasing that due to demand, we will again be taking an extra class for Year 7 again next year. I have enrolled 260 students (10 classes) for next year. The number of enrolment applications was high again with many unfortunately missing out on a place. The significant demand for places at Saint Ignatius continues to reflect very well on the work our community has done to develop our College into a great place for secondary school education.

College calendar

Please note the following dates over the next couple of weeks:

• Friday 25th October – Curriculum writing day – no classes at school. Students will work from home guided by the ‘Announcements’ available on our online Learning Management System, ‘Canvas.’

• Tuesday 29th October - Units 3 & 4 VCE English & English as an Additional Language (EAL) Exams.

• Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th November - Melbourne Cup/mid-term break long weekend (no classes on the Monday and Tuesday is a holiday.) Students undertaking Units 3 & 4 VCE Psychology and General Mathematics will have exams at school on the Monday.

• Friday 8th November – College Assembly (includes the 2025 Student Leaders investiture), Parents are welcome to attend. Please report to the office at 10:45 am for an 11 am start. The finish will be at about 12:30 pm.)

Finishing the year off well

The final months of the school year can be particularly challenging, with students facing exams, projects, and tight deadlines. I came across an article (https://learnwellservices.com/...) that may be helpful for parents. I provide the following excerpt from the article for your consideration as you support your daughter or son finish the academic year up well:

1. Create a routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine can help your child stay organized and focused during the final stretch of the school year. Set specific times for homework, studying, meals, recreation and relaxation to ensure that your child stays on track with their assignments and responsibilities. Ensure they are getting enough sleep by prioritising their sleep routine.

2. Set goals: Encourage your child to set realistic goals for themselves for the remainder of the school year. Help them break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps so they can make progress towards their goals each day. Celebrate their achievements along the way to keep them motivated.

3. Provide resources: Make sure your child has access to all the necessary resources they need to succeed academically, whether it’s textbooks, online study materials. Offer to help them find additional resources if needed or connect them with teachers or classmates who can provide support.

4. Prioritize self-care: It’s important for students to take care of their mental health during stressful times like exams and final projects. Encourage your child to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals, and taking breaks when needed. Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help if they are feeling overwhelmed.

5. Communicate openly: Keep an open line of communication with your child about how they are feeling as they approach the end of the school year. Encourage them to talk about any worries or concerns they may have about their academic performance or mental well-being. Offer guidance and support without judgment so they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with you.

As you know, each child is unique and may require different forms of support, and your approach will need to demonstrate patience and flexibility.

Please feel free to contact subject teachers or the Mentor Teacher to discuss your daughter or son’s progress. Our Student Wellbeing Office is also available for support (E: wellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au).

I encourage our students to remain focused on their school programs and make the most of the remaining weeks to finish the year well. With a strong home-school partnership, our students will be better placed to manage and complete another academic year successfully.

Best wishes,

Michael Exton

Principal