From the Principal

Dear Parents & Carers,

Time for a check-up

For many years, I have encouraged students and parents to review the term’s progress around this time. We are now past the halfway mark of term one, making it a good opportunity for students to reflect on how well they have established their daily and weekly routines, particularly the priorities reflected in their habits. For instance, is schoolwork receiving the importance it deserves, and how balanced is their weekly program of activities? Are good meal routines and plans for the many housekeeping tasks in place? What about their sleep routine?

It is essential for students to have settled into a good routine by now so that, as the demands of the school program increase, they are well-prepared to manage the assignments and assessment tasks that will be set, while also maintaining other activities necessary for a balanced life. Additionally, developing good routines early in secondary school will help students establish patterns that support them through the demands of the senior school program in their final years.

How can parents help their son or daughter establish a good routine? I’m sure you know many ways to do this. However, I’d like to suggest that now might be a good time to discuss with your child how they think the year has begun. Ask them about their daily and weekly routines, what they might need help with, and what they can do to improve their routines. It would also be beneficial to ask about the goals they set earlier in the year and whether they feel they're off to a good start in achieving them.

It is truly pleasing to see so many students taking part in various activities. At St Ignatius, we promote the development of well-rounded young women and men by offering a diverse range of co-curricular activities. Engaging in sports, the performing arts, public speaking, debating, community service, environmental groups, or social justice initiatives fosters a strong sense of community, fair play, leadership, and service, while also developing a variety of skills. I recommend considering co-curricular involvement when reviewing the term so far. How about joining a debating team, choir, or sports team?

Term One Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences

Our learning management system, “Canvas”, is a valuable online platform that fundamentally supports our teaching and learning programs. If you haven’t already, I recommend you ask your child to show you the features of Canvas, including the courses and assessments to date. Monitoring your child’s progress by accessing Canvas will help you reinforce good practices and achievements while highlighting areas of concern. Additionally, these discussion points will aid in preparing for the end-of-term Parent, Student & Teacher conferences.

A reminder that these meetings will be conducted online via Zoom. The time periods available will be in next week and the second last week of term one on the afternoons and evenings of Wednesday, 19th March (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm) and Thursday, 27th March (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm). Please note that we expect students to attend the meetings with their parent/carer and teacher. You are most welcome to use these online meetings to meet teachers, discuss progress and address concerns. Instructions on booking appointments have been emailed to parents/guardians by Deputy Principal Ms Bernadette Donnelly.

Supporting our students to ‘ace’ their VCE

We have launched an innovative program to better support our senior students’ academic success. This aligns with our School Improvement Plan.

Saint Ignatius College Geelong’s ACE Program supports senior VCE students by enhancing academic performance through structured study, personal growth, and effective techniques. With specialised support, small group tutoring, and dedicated study time, the program helps students refine study habits, prepare for assessments, and achieve their academic goals. ACE replaces some “free periods” with purposeful, guided study to improve learning and productivity.

Program Objectives:

• Achieve academic excellence through focused learning.

• Challenge students to improve study techniques.

• Extend knowledge through expert guidance and collaborative learning.

Activities in ACE:

• Effective Study Techniques: Learn to manage study time, set goals, and track progress.

• Small Group Tutoring: Work closely with teachers and peers to strengthen understanding.

• Allocated Study Time: Review lessons, prepare for assessments, and complete independent study with teacher support.

• SAC Preparation: Focus on preparing for SACs, especially in subjects like English and General Maths.

Supporting Study Skills:

• Time Management: Prioritise tasks, avoid procrastination, and allocate time effectively.

• Academic Goal Setting: Regularly track progress and adjust goals as needed.

• Personalised Feedback: Receive targeted advice to improve study habits.

Collaborative and Independent Learning:

• Small Group Sessions: Collaborate with peers to share ideas and clarify concepts.

• Independent Study: Reinforce learning and deepen understanding of course material.

SAC Preparation:

• ACE supports SAC preparation, particularly in General Maths and English, aligning with the program schedule to ensure students are well-prepared.

Integration with Religious Education (RE):

• Some ACE lessons may be swapped with RE lessons for SAC preparation or special events like guest speakers.

Program Organisation

ACE sessions are integrated into senior students’ timetables, taking place in dedicated classrooms on Level 1 of the MacKillop Senior Centre, promoting focused study and collaboration. Each class is led by a trained teacher who supports student involvement in ACE.

The ACE Program provides comprehensive support, preparing students for their final year and helping them reach their full potential.

Drysdale Emergency Access Track completion

The City of Greater Geelong (Council) has notified our College that construction of the Drysdale Emergency Access Track from Belchers Road to Peninsula Drive has been completed and is now available for use by emergency services.

As you may know, Peninsula Drive does not connect with Belchers Road. The Council has responded to the schools’ and community concerns about improving emergency services access to the busy Schools, Potato Shed, and North Bellarine Aquatic Centre precinct by providing this emergency access track. Our College is grateful for this.

Final day of Term One – Friday 4th April 2025

Year 9 students will not be required at school on this day as they will have been on camp from Monday to Thursday.

An amended timetable with six shortened periods will be in effect on this day due to the need to finish classes at 2:20 pm. This adjustment is because state schools finish early on this day, and the buses will operate on an amended timetable to accommodate this early finish. Our Bus Coordinator has worked with the Bellarine Bus Coordinator and the bus companies to ensure that our students can catch their usual bus but at an earlier time.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal