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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
As you are aware, we have all been through a lot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this has impacted our young people’s lives. And now they would be aware of and could be worried about the Ukraine-Russia war from media reports. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine brings new images of war to the nightly news, many parents may be wondering: How do I explain the evolving situation to my children? I came across the following advice in “Principals’ digests” (Vol. 28, No. 15) that you may find helpful.
We should remember that children pick up on the moods and feelings of the adults around them. Therefore, integrating the topic into the family conversation at some point could be helpful as well as finding other ways to alleviate stress if children are feeling anxious.
Limit your news consumption in front of the children
While it is tempting to stay glued to the news cycle, watching developments and political reactions, our children don’t need to view every breaking news alert. Use your phone or other devices to view them more discretely if you need updates.
Get outside and move
Take the time to get outside with your children to take a break and play a game. Getting outside can also help us all deal with the pandemic and the mounting anxiety we all feel from time to time.
Emphasise what we can control
It can be hard to answer questions from kids when there is so much uncertainty. “Will Russia bomb us next?” “Is this the start of World War III?” “What will happen to the kids hiding in the shelters?” are a few hard questions cast at parents from young and perceptive minds. While it can be alluring as a parent to say, “It’s all going to be OK,” focusing on the present moment may be the most honest approach with kids. “We can say, ‘Today we are safe. We are grateful for what we have. We’re going to do something fun this weekend. We get to take a walk.”
Engage older children who may be ready for more mature conversations about world events
Finding reliable news sources that will present unbiased information without a political bent is valuable in keeping the conversation informative.
Recognise when it’s all become too much
Validating concerns to children who may be worried about Russia-Ukraine is a helpful way to show you are listening and compassionate. While it can be easy to dismiss a concern as silly, addressing a child’s worry is a cue for parents to sit down and pause and talk to a child about their feelings.
Do not minimise what your child is feeling, even if you think they are being overdramatic … which could do harm. Instead, give them a moment, ask them to put those feelings into words if they can, and then move into ‘these are the things we can control,’ let’s focus here today.”
From an interview with Nicole Cobb published by Vanderbilt University, 11 March 2022.
Full Article: https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2022/03/11/how-to-ease-your-childs-anxiety-about-the-war-in-russia-ukraine/
At our College, there have been a number of activities available for our students in support of a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. Opportunities have included: Project Compassion fund and awareness raisers, Daily Prayer – “Peace for Ukraine” and a special prayer service.
On Tuesday 29th March, our College held the House Athletics Carnival at Landy Field Athletics Track, South Geelong. Similar to the Swimming Carnival, we did not involve the whole school. All Years 7 & 8 students attended together with those Yrs 9 – 12 students who registered for events.
The House Athletics Carnival program promoted active participation by the attending students. We strongly encouraged fair, fun and friendly competition. Our Sports Coordinator, Mr Andrew Philp, explains, “We do not expect students to be ‘super athletes,’ but we do have a clear expectation that they will involve themselves in the carnival by ‘having a go’.” Students who were unable to participate were involved where possible by undertaking the roles of ‘carnival Assistants’ and helpers.
The carnival was conducted on a very pleasant autumn day, and I commend our students for their participation and cooperation at Landy Field. Thank you to Mr Philp and all staff members involved in organizing and running this busy day.
Congratulations to the winning house – Bradman! Age champions will be announced at a later date. There were many outstanding performances, and Mr Philp will provide more details soon. Well done!
This term, we have provided four tour and information sessions for visitors. Each session was very well attended. There will be another two sessions available early next term on Thursday 28th April before Yr 7 2023 enrolment applications close on 6th May 2022. This closing date also applies when a sibling is already enrolled at the College. Please see our website for dates & times and how to book a visit.
If you know of any parent considering secondary schooling for their child, please encourage them to book a visit or apply for enrolment.
It is hard to believe that next week is the last week of term one!
Please note that the last day for classes this term is will be Thursday 7th April. There will be no classes on Friday 8th April due to the online Parent, Student & Teacher Conferences.
Term One Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences
Our learning management system, “Canvas”, is a valuable online platform that is a fundamental support to our teaching and learning programs. If you haven’t already, I suggest you ask your daughter/son to show you the features of Canvas, including courses and assessments to date. Monitoring your daughters/son’s progress by accessing Canvas will help you affirm good practices and achievements and raise areas of concern. In addition, these discussion points would help prepare for the end-of-term Parent, Student & Teacher conferences.
A reminder that these meetings will be conducted online via Zoom. The time period available will be in the last week of term one on the afternoon and evening of Thursday 7th April (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm) and the morning of Friday 8th April (9.00 am – 12.00 noon.) Please note that we expect students to attend the meetings with their parent/guardian and teacher. You are most welcome to use these online meetings to meet teachers, discuss progress and address concerns. Instructions on booking appointments will be emailed to parents/guardians by Deputy Principal, Ms Bernadette Donnelly.
Staff changes
We farewell Mr Andrew Rose (Design & Technology Teacher), who finishes at the end of this term. Mr Leigh Hodge will be the replacement teacher.
We wish Ms Laura Taylor-Payne (Yr 11 Homeroom and Yrs 9 - 11 Health & Physical Education Teacher) and Ms Caitlin Doble (Yr 8 Homeroom and Yrs 7 – 9 Humanities Teacher) all the best for their Long Service Leave during terms two & three. Ms Georgia Robinson & Ms Tatiana Koshewnikow will be the replacement teachers, respectively.
We thank Ms Martina Gulino, who covered Mr Christian Berti’s (Yrs 7 & 8 Italian and Yr 8 Humanities, Yr 8 Cura Personalis and Yr 12 RE) classes during term one. Mr Berti will return at the beginning of next term
Easter falls in the middle of the term one holidays this year. On the first Sunday of these holidays, we will celebrate Palm Sunday, the commencement of Holy Week. This special week is the final one in our journey through Lent. It is especially significant and sacred as it calls to mind for Christians the last week of Jesus’ life in preparation for his death and, most significantly, his resurrection.
On Tuesday 5th April, the College will gather on the basketball courts at 12:12 pm for an Easter Liturgy to reflect on this special time and help prepare our students for the celebration of Easter.
Easter is the high point of the Christian year – the most important of our celebrations. Please consider taking your family to one of the many Church services over the Easter break to support further your daughter or son’s faith development.
Please note that all students must wear full winter uniform for terms two and three. However, as there may be some hot days early next term, students may wear summer uniform on any hot days for the first two weeks of term two.
Please check the Student Planner for details about what can and cannot be worn. Please note that the summer shirt with the logo is not to be worn as part of the winter uniform as it is not made to be worn with a tie. The college uniform long-sleeve shirt is to be worn with a tie and is compulsory with the winter uniform for boys and girls. Also, the kilt must be worn no longer than mid-calf with navy blue tights or stockings.
Please note that next term’s classes commence on Tuesday 26th April 2022.
I wish our students and staff a very enjoyable and restful holiday break.
May Easter bring you and your family hope, peace and joy,
Michael Exton
Principal
Feature
Events
Our News // 01 April 2022
As you are aware, we have all been through a lot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this has impacted our young people’s lives. And now they would be aware of and could be worried about the Ukraine-Russia war from media reports. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine brings new images of war to the nightly news, many parents may be wondering: How do I explain the evolving situation to my children? I came across the following advice in “Principals’ digests” (Vol. 28, No. 15) that you may find helpful.
We should remember that children pick up on the moods and feelings of the adults around them. Therefore, integrating the topic into the family conversation at some point could be helpful as well as finding other ways to alleviate stress if children are feeling anxious.
Limit your news consumption in front of the children
While it is tempting to stay glued to the news cycle, watching developments and political reactions, our children don’t need to view every breaking news alert. Use your phone or other devices to view them more discretely if you need updates.
Get outside and move
Take the time to get outside with your children to take a break and play a game. Getting outside can also help us all deal with the pandemic and the mounting anxiety we all feel from time to time.
Emphasise what we can control
It can be hard to answer questions from kids when there is so much uncertainty. “Will Russia bomb us next?” “Is this the start of World War III?” “What will happen to the kids hiding in the shelters?” are a few hard questions cast at parents from young and perceptive minds. While it can be alluring as a parent to say, “It’s all going to be OK,” focusing on the present moment may be the most honest approach with kids. “We can say, ‘Today we are safe. We are grateful for what we have. We’re going to do something fun this weekend. We get to take a walk.”
Engage older children who may be ready for more mature conversations about world events
Finding reliable news sources that will present unbiased information without a political bent is valuable in keeping the conversation informative.
Recognise when it’s all become too much
Validating concerns to children who may be worried about Russia-Ukraine is a helpful way to show you are listening and compassionate. While it can be easy to dismiss a concern as silly, addressing a child’s worry is a cue for parents to sit down and pause and talk to a child about their feelings.
Do not minimise what your child is feeling, even if you think they are being overdramatic … which could do harm. Instead, give them a moment, ask them to put those feelings into words if they can, and then move into ‘these are the things we can control,’ let’s focus here today.”
From an interview with Nicole Cobb published by Vanderbilt University, 11 March 2022.
Full Article: https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2022/03/11/how-to-ease-your-childs-anxiety-about-the-war-in-russia-ukraine/
At our College, there have been a number of activities available for our students in support of a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. Opportunities have included: Project Compassion fund and awareness raisers, Daily Prayer – “Peace for Ukraine” and a special prayer service.
On Tuesday 29th March, our College held the House Athletics Carnival at Landy Field Athletics Track, South Geelong. Similar to the Swimming Carnival, we did not involve the whole school. All Years 7 & 8 students attended together with those Yrs 9 – 12 students who registered for events.
The House Athletics Carnival program promoted active participation by the attending students. We strongly encouraged fair, fun and friendly competition. Our Sports Coordinator, Mr Andrew Philp, explains, “We do not expect students to be ‘super athletes,’ but we do have a clear expectation that they will involve themselves in the carnival by ‘having a go’.” Students who were unable to participate were involved where possible by undertaking the roles of ‘carnival Assistants’ and helpers.
The carnival was conducted on a very pleasant autumn day, and I commend our students for their participation and cooperation at Landy Field. Thank you to Mr Philp and all staff members involved in organizing and running this busy day.
Congratulations to the winning house – Bradman! Age champions will be announced at a later date. There were many outstanding performances, and Mr Philp will provide more details soon. Well done!
This term, we have provided four tour and information sessions for visitors. Each session was very well attended. There will be another two sessions available early next term on Thursday 28th April before Yr 7 2023 enrolment applications close on 6th May 2022. This closing date also applies when a sibling is already enrolled at the College. Please see our website for dates & times and how to book a visit.
If you know of any parent considering secondary schooling for their child, please encourage them to book a visit or apply for enrolment.
It is hard to believe that next week is the last week of term one!
Please note that the last day for classes this term is will be Thursday 7th April. There will be no classes on Friday 8th April due to the online Parent, Student & Teacher Conferences.
Term One Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences
Our learning management system, “Canvas”, is a valuable online platform that is a fundamental support to our teaching and learning programs. If you haven’t already, I suggest you ask your daughter/son to show you the features of Canvas, including courses and assessments to date. Monitoring your daughters/son’s progress by accessing Canvas will help you affirm good practices and achievements and raise areas of concern. In addition, these discussion points would help prepare for the end-of-term Parent, Student & Teacher conferences.
A reminder that these meetings will be conducted online via Zoom. The time period available will be in the last week of term one on the afternoon and evening of Thursday 7th April (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm) and the morning of Friday 8th April (9.00 am – 12.00 noon.) Please note that we expect students to attend the meetings with their parent/guardian and teacher. You are most welcome to use these online meetings to meet teachers, discuss progress and address concerns. Instructions on booking appointments will be emailed to parents/guardians by Deputy Principal, Ms Bernadette Donnelly.
Staff changes
We farewell Mr Andrew Rose (Design & Technology Teacher), who finishes at the end of this term. Mr Leigh Hodge will be the replacement teacher.
We wish Ms Laura Taylor-Payne (Yr 11 Homeroom and Yrs 9 - 11 Health & Physical Education Teacher) and Ms Caitlin Doble (Yr 8 Homeroom and Yrs 7 – 9 Humanities Teacher) all the best for their Long Service Leave during terms two & three. Ms Georgia Robinson & Ms Tatiana Koshewnikow will be the replacement teachers, respectively.
We thank Ms Martina Gulino, who covered Mr Christian Berti’s (Yrs 7 & 8 Italian and Yr 8 Humanities, Yr 8 Cura Personalis and Yr 12 RE) classes during term one. Mr Berti will return at the beginning of next term
Easter falls in the middle of the term one holidays this year. On the first Sunday of these holidays, we will celebrate Palm Sunday, the commencement of Holy Week. This special week is the final one in our journey through Lent. It is especially significant and sacred as it calls to mind for Christians the last week of Jesus’ life in preparation for his death and, most significantly, his resurrection.
On Tuesday 5th April, the College will gather on the basketball courts at 12:12 pm for an Easter Liturgy to reflect on this special time and help prepare our students for the celebration of Easter.
Easter is the high point of the Christian year – the most important of our celebrations. Please consider taking your family to one of the many Church services over the Easter break to support further your daughter or son’s faith development.
Please note that all students must wear full winter uniform for terms two and three. However, as there may be some hot days early next term, students may wear summer uniform on any hot days for the first two weeks of term two.
Please check the Student Planner for details about what can and cannot be worn. Please note that the summer shirt with the logo is not to be worn as part of the winter uniform as it is not made to be worn with a tie. The college uniform long-sleeve shirt is to be worn with a tie and is compulsory with the winter uniform for boys and girls. Also, the kilt must be worn no longer than mid-calf with navy blue tights or stockings.
Please note that next term’s classes commence on Tuesday 26th April 2022.
I wish our students and staff a very enjoyable and restful holiday break.
May Easter bring you and your family hope, peace and joy,
Michael Exton
Principal
