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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Article by Mr Brendan Nicholls
Our Year 12 students have left us! Tuesday was their final ‘school day’ and in a little over a month they will not return to the College again. For some students this is what they have been waiting for. They are ready for new beginnings. For some this is a cause of anxiety and distress. The end of school also affects the whole family. The routine of school has come to an end and a very different future begins. The removal of ‘rules’ that ensured daily attendance of school dramatically change the relationship between parent and child. The end of Year 12 is a time of upheaval and growth.
When change occurs we adapt and grow. Change is vital to our future and a necessary component of life. Viewing change positively and entering into the unknown with confidence ensures success. The process of change is however difficult. We feel comfortable and safe when things remain the same. We are habitual in nature and are content when routines are maintained and the future is known.
As the students leave our College their vision for the future is open ended. Anything is possible. In finishing their schooling they also come to the realisation that a number of things ‘die’. Sadly, some friendships will end. Networks that affirmed one’s place and value will break down. The end of these examples and many other things will lead to discomfort or agitation. Because of these endings new things will develop, change will happen and growth will occur.
In the Gospel Jesus teaches that, “…unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:25) This is true for our senior students. There are things that must ‘die’ if they are to grow and produce more than is possible currently. When the seed dies it germinates and produces much more than it originally was. As our students head out into the world they illustrate this. At school they were capable of certain things. When their schooling ends they enter into apprenticeships, traineeships or University degrees, which enable them to do so much more in the world. Through this process they grow and become more whole.
Whilst there is some sadness in the seeing the students leave us, we as a community are hope filled. We know that their formation was sound and we have seen glimpses of their capabilities. In the future we know that with commitment and discernment they will achieve their potential, and give back to society and guide their families.
Life is a pilgrimage. There are many sections that we journey through in our own way. Our students continue their journey on a new road. Each of them will take a slightly different route to get to their next waypoint. We believe that this journey will lead them in many years to their destination, which is eternal life with the Father. As they travel outward our community commissions them to follow and spread the Gospel in their unique way, that they develop their relationship with Jesus and that they will live the College motto, amare et servire, always.
The memories the students have of their time at the College will become very precious and valued for what it was. In time they will realise that the last six years are the ‘best time of their lives’. Nostalgia is important and gratitude for what we have received is a virtue. The future will give so much but the time spent at Saint Ignatius College will forever be a remembered and treasured.
We pray for the students as they move through their final exams and their daily connection with our community. We know that the end of school is exciting and challenging, but also know that to germinate and bring much more into the world they must leave us. As alumni we pray that they go out connected to Jesus and their connection to our community does not completely end. We pray for the families who have supported them and provided all that they need to achieve are also excited and hopeful for the significant changes that will occur over coming months. Our deepest desire and what we call upon the Lord to respond to most is that they remember the importance of community and the exigency of love and service: amare et servire.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
Feature
Events
Our News // 24 October 2019
Article by Mr Brendan Nicholls
Our Year 12 students have left us! Tuesday was their final ‘school day’ and in a little over a month they will not return to the College again. For some students this is what they have been waiting for. They are ready for new beginnings. For some this is a cause of anxiety and distress. The end of school also affects the whole family. The routine of school has come to an end and a very different future begins. The removal of ‘rules’ that ensured daily attendance of school dramatically change the relationship between parent and child. The end of Year 12 is a time of upheaval and growth.
When change occurs we adapt and grow. Change is vital to our future and a necessary component of life. Viewing change positively and entering into the unknown with confidence ensures success. The process of change is however difficult. We feel comfortable and safe when things remain the same. We are habitual in nature and are content when routines are maintained and the future is known.
As the students leave our College their vision for the future is open ended. Anything is possible. In finishing their schooling they also come to the realisation that a number of things ‘die’. Sadly, some friendships will end. Networks that affirmed one’s place and value will break down. The end of these examples and many other things will lead to discomfort or agitation. Because of these endings new things will develop, change will happen and growth will occur.
In the Gospel Jesus teaches that, “…unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:25) This is true for our senior students. There are things that must ‘die’ if they are to grow and produce more than is possible currently. When the seed dies it germinates and produces much more than it originally was. As our students head out into the world they illustrate this. At school they were capable of certain things. When their schooling ends they enter into apprenticeships, traineeships or University degrees, which enable them to do so much more in the world. Through this process they grow and become more whole.
Whilst there is some sadness in the seeing the students leave us, we as a community are hope filled. We know that their formation was sound and we have seen glimpses of their capabilities. In the future we know that with commitment and discernment they will achieve their potential, and give back to society and guide their families.
Life is a pilgrimage. There are many sections that we journey through in our own way. Our students continue their journey on a new road. Each of them will take a slightly different route to get to their next waypoint. We believe that this journey will lead them in many years to their destination, which is eternal life with the Father. As they travel outward our community commissions them to follow and spread the Gospel in their unique way, that they develop their relationship with Jesus and that they will live the College motto, amare et servire, always.
The memories the students have of their time at the College will become very precious and valued for what it was. In time they will realise that the last six years are the ‘best time of their lives’. Nostalgia is important and gratitude for what we have received is a virtue. The future will give so much but the time spent at Saint Ignatius College will forever be a remembered and treasured.
We pray for the students as they move through their final exams and their daily connection with our community. We know that the end of school is exciting and challenging, but also know that to germinate and bring much more into the world they must leave us. As alumni we pray that they go out connected to Jesus and their connection to our community does not completely end. We pray for the families who have supported them and provided all that they need to achieve are also excited and hopeful for the significant changes that will occur over coming months. Our deepest desire and what we call upon the Lord to respond to most is that they remember the importance of community and the exigency of love and service: amare et servire.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
