Coronavirus update

I write again to share thoughts for your consideration in regards to the Novel Coronavirus and school implications.

As you are probably aware, there remains significant concern about the spread and potential escalation of this virus and the implications this might hold.

As you understand, it is important, as the saying goes, “to be alert and not alarmed.” I provide the following for our shared consideration.

Firstly, the College Executive has been monitoring the situation, and it is an ongoing agenda item for our weekly meetings at the moment. This matter was also discussed at the February Board meeting. In particular, the implications for overseas trips in 2020 was discussed. I will share the College Executive thoughts about the trips below. The safety and health of our students are at the forefront of our minds and actions.

Secondly, the Victorian Department of Education and Training’s latest advice can be accessed at the following website: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Thirdly, in regards to overseas trips, we are continuing to monitor the evolving situation in regards to the implications for the running of these. We will continue to evaluate the situation and respond to advice from government, travel companies involved, insurance providers, Catholic Education Melbourne, State Department of Education and Training and the ‘Smart Traveller’ website, to mention key sources of advice. The College will communicate with the parents of participants on individual programs as necessary. I encourage parents to attend any information sessions provided by the College. I invite parents with any concerns or questions to contact the trip organiser in the first instance.

Lastly, personal hygiene practices are obviously crucial for maintaining health, not only regarding to the Coronavirus but the flu, colds etc. To minimise the spread of disease-causing viruses and bacteria, I ask that you, please reinforce with your daughter/son hygiene practices, particularly, washing and drying of hands regularly. At school, there are soap dispensers and dryers in each of the toilet areas. We have also located antiseptic hand ‘wash’ dispensers at strategic locations around the College.

Thank you for your consideration of these matters. Our continual vigilance is obviously essential to minimise the spread of illness. Please be assured that the College continues to monitor this situation closely, and we will advise the school community immediately should any changes occur.

Time for a check-up

At about this time for many years, I have encouraged students and parents to review the term’s progress. We are now past the halfway mark of term one. It is now a good time for our students to ask themselves how well they have established their daily and weekly routines and in particular, the priorities reflected in their routines. Is schoolwork being given the priority it deserves and how balanced is the weekly program of activities? Are good meal routines and routines for those many housekeeping jobs are in place? What about her/his sleep routine?

It is obviously essential that students have settled into a good routine by now so that as the demands of the school program increase they are in a good position to cope with the assignments and assessment tasks that will be set and be able to maintain the other activities necessary for a balanced life. Being able to set consistent routines early in secondary school will help students establish patterns that will help them with the demands of the VCE program in their final years.

How can parents help their daughter/son establish a good routine? I am sure you are aware of many ways. I would like to suggest that now might be a good time to discuss with your daughter/son how they think they have commenced the year and ask them about their daily and weekly routines and what they may need help with or what she/he can do to improve her / his habits. It would also be helpful to ask them about the goals they set earlier in the year and whether they think they are off to a good start towards achieving them. And, new this year with the introduction of ‘Canvas’ as our learning management system, you could ask your daughter/son to show you the features of Canvas including, courses and assessments to date. These discussion points would be helpful in preparing for the end-of-term Parent/Student/Teacher conferences. In her article in this newsletter, Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning), Mrs Annette Chidzey provides more details about Canvas and these forthcoming conferences.

It is very pleasing to see many students participating in a range of activities. At Saint Ignatius, we encourage the development of well-rounded young women and men, so we offer a variety of co-curricular activities. Through participating in areas such as sport, the performing arts, public speaking, debating, community service, environment group or social justice group we can see a strong sense of community, fair play, leadership and service fostered as well as the development of many different skills. I suggest that co-curricular involvement is considered in reviewing the term to date. What about joining a debating team or the choir or a sports team?

Annual House Swimming Carnival

As you are aware, on Thursday last week, we held the Annual House Swimming Carnival at Kardinia Pool Geelong. I congratulate the many students who participated on the day and all those who came along in good spirits to make the most of the day by cheering and encouraging their housemates and enjoying the opportunity to socialise with other students and staff. The students seemed to enjoy the availability of the waterslide and novelty events. As in previous years, many students swam very well and will go onto represent the College at the GISSA inter-school level. The GISSA Carnival will be held on Thursday 12th March at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre. Mr Andrew Philp (Sports Coordinator) will inform the students involved and their parents about this carnival.

Congratulations to Bradman House members for winning the House Shield. Well done!

The overall results were:

1st Bradman 2060 points

2nd Fraser 1869 points

3rd Elliot 1816 points

4th Cuthbert 1613 points

Congratulations to the Age Champions:

13 Years: Mia Henriksen and Charlie Confoy

14 Years: Philippa McIntyre and Finlay Rolfs

15 Years: Lauren Campbell and Byron Ward

16 Years: Mietta Morgan and Sam Hines

Open Years: Nicole Forastieri and Jesse Hart

Thank you to Mr Philp for organising the carnival and all of the staff for their work on the day to ensure its success. It was great to see that a number of parents were able to attend on the day help make it a special event.

The swimming carnival is one of the many co-curricular programs that we expect all students to attend and participate. We are now looking forward to all students attending the Annual House Athletics carnival on Wednesday 18th March at Landy Field, Geelong. We are holding this carnival at this time of the year, so we have things in place to enable our students to have access to subsequent athletics competitions and to take advantage of autumn weather.

There are two new Photo Galleries of the event on our College website: www.ignatius.vic.edu.au/new/our-school/photo-gallery

College Board

The first Board meeting of the year was held on the evening of Thursday 20th February. I am very grateful that we have a very dedicated, talented and committed group of women and men who have taken on this important leadership role. Members are appointed by the President of the Canonical Administrators to ensure strong governance of the College. They contribute a variety of skills and knowledge to the decision-making processes, seek to enhance their stewardship of the school, work in partnership with the College Executive and ensure the College is focused on and fostering its Vision, Mission and Values.

Mr Tony Frizza – Chairperson and past Principal of Emmaus College

Fr. James Puppady – President of the Canonical Administrators & St Thomas Drysdale Parish Priest

Fr Jim Clarke – Parish Priest St Mary of the Angels Geelong Parish

Fr Darien Sticklen – Parish Priest of Queenscliff

Rev Fr. Gerard Healy SJ – Representative of Australian Province of the Society of Jesus

Ms Kim Abbott – Board Coordinator

Ms Lisa Bell – Past Parent and Educationalist

Ms Jo-Anne Britt – Previous PFA President & Primary Arts Teacher/Lecturer Deakin University

Ms Annette Chidzey – Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning)

Ms Marie Emmitt – Emeritus Professor of Australian Catholic University

Mr Michael Exton - Principal

Mr David Fitzgerald – Business Manager

Mr Steve Gibbs – Past Parent and Self-insurance Business Partner

Mr Darren Henry – Past Parent and Accountant

Ms Fran Kealey – Former Director of Teacher Development SICG

Mr Bernard Lewis – PFA Representative

Mr Paul Lewis – Deputy Principal (Staff, Identity and Operations)

Mr Michael Timms – Deputy Principal (Students)

The Board provides valuable advice to the College Executive and the Association of Canonical Administrators. Among the many matters the Board deals with, recent areas that have been on the agenda include the College Masterplan, building program, review of various policies, and Overseas Learning Experience (Trips) Program. An essential area of the Board’s governance is ensuring the College is enhancing its Catholic Ignatian ethos and identity.

Drysdale Bypass update

Please see important information from Major Road Projects regarding the construction of the Drysdale Bypass later in this newsletter. In particular, I draw your attention to the following traffic and pedestrian movement disruptions:

"Over 10 and 11 March, expect delays of up to 20 minutes when moving through the western intersection and Jetty Road area. Please allow extra time for your journey. During the traffic switch, some bus stops are closing and moving. Check the map to see which stops are affected and when they will be reopened.

The main intersection (Portarlington Road, Grubb Road and High Street) will be in a temporary arrangement and additional lanes will open as we build them, so expect the intersection to operate in a lower capacity until more lanes open near the end of March."

Labour Day Holiday

A reminder that next Monday 9th March is a Public Holiday and the College will be closed for the day. Best wishes for an enjoyable long weekend.

Michael Exton Principal

Saint Ignatius College has taken the decision to cancel Open Day 2020, to have been held this Sunday, in light of community concerns about the Coronavirus.

We are indeed sorry for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause, and our hundreds of student volunteers eagerly wanting to “showcase” their College to visitors are also sorry they are unable to do so at this time.

We are looking at providing series of pre-booked small group tours and will indicate if and how interested people can access such tours in the very near future. Please continue to check our website for specific information related to these tours.

It is important to note that applications for Year 7 2021 close on Friday 8th May, 2020.

People seeking further enrolment information are advised to contact the College Registrar, Mrs Gail Myers (Ph. 03 5251 1136, E: registrar@ignatius.vic.edu.au) or visit our website, www.ignatius.vic.edu.au

Please see the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update article for full details.

Saint Ignatius College has been monitoring advice from the Victorian Health Department, DFAT Smart Traveller and the World Health Organisation with regards to the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). While we understand that there is a lot of information available, we will endeavour to keep you informed regarding the College’s approach.

This article will be updated regularly to ensure parents/guardians are kept informed of any new advice or changes as matters arise.

Mr Michael Exton Principal

2020 OPEN DAY CANCELLATION.

We regret that we have taken the decision to cancel our Open Day in light of community concerns about the Coronavirus. While there are currently no infections at the College, we believe it is both responsible and prudent to cancel the event, given our expectation that approximately 1500 visitors are likely to attend the school on this day and potentially come into close contact with staff and students conducting a myriad of varied activities.

We have taken this decision after very careful consideration, and we are indeed sorry for any inconvenience such a cancellation may cause. Open Day is normally a wonderful community day when we warmly welcome prospective families to view our fantastic facilities, as well as meet our very impressive students and dedicated staff members.

While the advice at the moment is to continue with such events, we believe the more responsible and appropriate action is to reconsider how we might better provide the opportunity for people to view our College given the current uncertainty. We expect to provide a series of pre-booked small group tours and will indicate how interested people can access such tours in the very near future. Please continue to check our website for specific information related to these tours.

It is important to note that applications for Year 7 2021 close on May 8, 2020.
People seeking further enrolment information are advised to contact the College Registrar, Mrs Gail Myers (Ph. 03 5251 1136) or visit our website, www.ignatius.vic.edu.au

Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday as a College and I was so pleased with the way in which the whole community entered into the liturgy and celebration of our faith as Lent began. The following article by Jesuit, Fr Andrew Hamilton is an excellent reflection that I would like to share with you and hope inspires you. I note that the theme Andy writes about is quite similar to the liturgy we celebrated and powerful in light of the devastation of the bushfires around our country over the summer period.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator

Ash Wednesday

By Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ

In 2020 it is hard to think of Ash Wednesday without also seeing the burned houses and forests and the charred bodies of animals left after the bushfires. The 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, which took many lives and for many people are still a pain filled memory, also remind us that the bushfire season is not yet over. For Australian Christians Ash Wednesday and faith are nailed together, reminding us that faith, like summer, must reckon with matters of life and death. Our hopes and the things that give us confidence and standing are always at risk of turning to ashes.

The ashes of Ash Wednesday have a long history. In the Scriptures ashes represent grief and a life stripped of complacency, comfort and resources. Ashes went with wearing clothing made of rough hessian in a dramatic sign of desperate grief and the abandonment of vanity and pretentions. To cover ourselves with ash leaves us exposed, without any of the adornments that indicate importance, physical beauty or wealth. We are our naked selves in all our poverty stripped of our appearances, as we stand before God, like a burned out forest devoid of the green grasses, trees, birds, animals and other forms of life that make it countryside.

As with bushfires, the ash of Ash Wednesday is not the full or the final story. Rains will come, seeds will germinate, ferns, bushes and trees will grow, birds and animals will return. Much will be lost, some species irrevocably, but life itself will continue. We grieve what has been lost but are encouraged by signs of new life. And we may hope against hope that out of the fire will come the human conversion needed to address climate change.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent that culminates in Easter, the celebration of Christ’s rising from the dead. In the Christian story it marks the triumphant end of God’s journey with us in Jesus. From being born naked into the world, sharing our lives simply and unpretentiously, and being stripped naked of dignity, of reputation, of clothing and of life itself, he rose from the dead clothed in life, and promises us life with him. For us, too, ashes and grief are not the full story. The main story is that of God’s love for us in our nakedness, a love that will take us through fire to greening.

Ash Wednesday makes a claim on us as we face bushfires. It reminds us that we need to strip ourselves of care for reputation, of pretentions and of greed and face the stark and naked reality of our world with all the dangers and consequences of global warming. It cannot be business as usual. Emperors must become accustomed to going unclothed without faking insouciance. Ash Wednesday invites ordinary people like ourselves to look seriously at our world and ourselves, to hold our leaders to account, and to trust in God and one another.

Ash Wednesday was a very important day for the community at Saint Ignatius College Geelong due to the celebration of two significant parallel beginnings. As a Catholic community, staff and students received the ashes as Lent began and the start of forty days of preparation of growing closer to God and others. The College also unveiled a significant symbol of the desire to further the College’s journey of reconciliation and justice for our nation’s First Peoples in the form of an Indigenous Acknowledgement sign. Both of these events are beginnings of significant journeys of preparation, friendship and service.

Saint Ignatius College has a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee (ATSI) that over a number of years has developed a vision of reconciliation and support for our Indigenous students. A crucial aspect that had been discussed throughout 2019 was a public statement of a commitment to reconciliation and the acknowledgement of the nation’s First Peoples. A sign to this effect was agreed to be a suitable illustration of this intent.

Fortuitously, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) simultaneously released a plaque that perfectly encapsulated this vision. The focal point of the plaque is an image designed by Murri Ministry (Brisbane, Queensland) that depicts reconciliation as “black and white people coming together and growing in faith and respect for one another”.

The College was blessed to work with Craig Arthur (NATSICC National Administrator) and John Lochowiak (NATSICC Chairperson) who supported the vision of upscaling the plaque as designed so that it was equal in size to other significant signs at the College.

The unveiling of the sign on Ash Wednesday was supported by the presence and support of John Lochowiak (NATSICC), Rebecca Famlonga (Wadawurrung Aboriginal Corporation), Fr James Puppady (College Chaplin and President of the Canonical Administrators) along with the College’s FIRE Carriers (staff and students). In particular John’s message of encounter, friendship and understanding strongly aligned with that of Saint Ignatius’ ATSI Committee and inspirational to those in attendance.

After the unveiling ceremony and liturgy, a mission of reconciliation was presented to the attendees. The knowledge passed on by John and the vision of justice prompted reflection, conversation and response.

For the College, the sign is significant, but in itself is only a symbol. Reconciliation is a journey, and this beginning presents future opportunities. With the support of NATSICC, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne (ACM) and the local Wadawurrung Aboriginal Corporation, the College will seek to further the journey of reconciliation. Through friendship, understanding and service, the community of Saint Ignatius College seeks justice for and affirms the dignity of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

Brendan Nicholls FIRE Carrier, Religious Education and Liturgy Coordinator

Learning is at the heart of what we do. We strive to ensure that every student improves in their learning and through a collaboration team approach, we encourage critical thinking, clear communication and creativity within our school community.

Effective schools are learning communities, the core element of which is a culture of collaboration and collective responsibility for the development of effective teaching practices and improved student achievement.

We learn better when we learn together. For this reason, we are developing professional learning teams as part of the 2020 Teacher Development Framework for teaching staff.

It involves teachers working in the spirit of openness and critical reflection, sharing their experiences, ideas and expertise with each other and engaging in an ongoing process of inquiry that promotes learning, while maintaining the focus on improving our student outcomes.

Since the beginning of the school year, opportunities have been structured into this year’s meeting schedules for teachers to work together on the College’s most valued teaching and learning goals for 2020:

Student Feedback - Effective feedback via CANVAS – Improved student outcomes.

Ignatian Learning - Learning through reflection and action (IPP Lens)

High Performance - Developing students to learn at a high level.

In the first meeting conducted this term, teaching staff have been focussing on an evidence based model about feedback for students.

The teaching staff addressed three important questions;

1. Where the learner is going?
2. Where the learner is right now?
3. Where to next?

Our teaching staff have shared classroom feedback strategies to help facilitate ways for the students to increase their ownership and self-regulation for their own learning.

I look forward to continually supporting our teaching staff as we enter into another exciting year at the college.

Joe McLean Director of Teacher Development

This week the Unit 3 Outdoor & Environmental Studies students all visited the You Yangs to do a workshop with Wadawurrung Women and Parks Victoria Community Engagement Ranger Ebonee Cook, consolidating their knowledge of the relationships that local Wadawurrung people had before and after the British arrived in Australia.

This is a key concept in the studies of the changing relationships that humans have had with the outdoor environment.

It was a great experience and gave the students first hand knowledge of how the local aboriginals lived on this land for many thousands of years.

Byron Mitchell

On the 21st of February, our Year 11 cohort participated in a Wellbeing Day, dedicated to self reflection, and building the student’s sense of self as a healthy young adult.

Students rotated through three workshops, with themes including managing stress, harm minimisation, and healthy friendships/relationships.

Students were able to explore strategies for self regulation through African Drumming - it was a HIT! The other workshops allowed for interactive learning and bonding between homerooms.

Thank-you to the Year 11 Coodinator, Mrs Simpson, and the homeroom teachers for all of their assistance on the day.

Olivia Whitehead Student Wellbeing Officer

On Friday (28th Feb) the Year 11 VCAL students undertook a preliminary walk along Griggs Creek, which is located behind Clifton Springs Primary school, and is the overflow area for Lake Lorne that stretches down to the coast line.

In Literacy we have been exploring our local indigenous history and had the pleasure of an indigenous workshop here at the College. We have also looked at other ‘Know Your Place Walks’ that have been published by the City of Greater Geelong. Amanda has also provided us with an overview of the City of Greater Geelong and the dynamic workplace environment that it is. In Numeracy we have been refining our measurement and mapping skills. Friday allowed us to combine all of this, working with Amanda from the COGG and Corrina from Wadawurrung.

Corrina started proceedings on Friday with a Traditional Welcome to Country, and Smoking Ceremony, which was the first time that many of us had been actively involved, as we were invited to crush a eucalyptus leaf, walk through the smoke while adding our leaf to the pile and then using some ochre paint, marking our hands as a sign of cleansing and welcome.

Corrina spoke to us about the local indigenous history, her history and spoke of her elders past and present. She relayed stories of dreamtime and creation. Once we were on the walk she stopped us frequently to identify local indigenous plants used for food or medicine. We were able to try berries and flowers, and know how to now use a natural product for tooth aches! It was an enjoyable and educational experience.

While we walked we took photos and notes, and in the coming weeks will each produce a brochure for a Know Your Place Indigenous walk for Griggs Creek. Once completed Amanda will work with COGG to publish our brochure for public use.

Kirsty Allan VCAL Coordinator

What a great start it has been to 2020! The new Student Representative Council (SRC) has been announced and we are already beginning to talk about how we can improve our College life.

We held elections to determine various roles and the results are:

The President: Caitlin Harris

The Secretary: Florence Noble

The Promotion Officers: Caine Gale and Janelle Nichols

The Casual Day Coordinator: Sam Hines

During our meeting on the 28th of February, we discussed possible dates for the Project Compassion Casual Day. Some additional fundraisers on this day will include a cake stall, organised by the Year 10s, and a BBQ, organised by the Year 12s.

We also discussed many points that students from outside of the SRC have come forward with. These include ideas and criticisms such as:

• Making sure the clocks in all of the classrooms are fixed to show and display the correct time.
• The rules regarding access to music rooms during lunch.
• Suggestions regarding jewellery within the uniform policy.
• The possibility of ‘eftpos’ purchases at the canteen.
• Concern raised in regards to heating/cooling in the Year 9 centre.
• A possible year 11 formal.

As the SRC, we aim to listen to the voices of our year levels and ensure that these voices and ideas are heard, whilst maintaining Jesuit ideals. We look forward to a great year within and outside the SRC.

Janelle Nichols Year 10 SRC Representative

Join us as part of our International Women’s Day Celebrations Tuesday March 10th Saint Ignatius College 27 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale

Canapés and refreshments served from 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start.

Bianca Chatfield was one of the youngest players ever to have debuted for the Australian Diamonds at the age of only 18.

Bianca made a name for herself on court as one of the toughest defenders in the country and was soon recognised as one of the most respected leaders in women’s sport. Bianca, a five time premiership player, world championship gold medalist, Commonwealth Games silver and gold medalist, Melbourne Vixens Captain, and author of ‘Every Girl Needs a Plan,’ splits her time advocating for women in sport, and fulfilling her many media commitments.

A celebrated athlete, and an excellent and engaging communicator, ensuring a meaningful and memorable evening for those in attendance.

Tickets for the evening: $15 per person

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BIFDI

For all enquiries contact Elana Cole colee@ignatius.vic.edu.au

On Wednesday March 18th, Term 1 parent/student/teacher conference bookings will be accessible to parents and guardians via the Xuno parent portal.

Given that we now use the Canvas Learning Management System to provide ongoing student feedback and published results there will be no interim reports issued this term as has been the case in previous years.

As a result, these end of term conferences remain a very important opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss your daughter or son’s current progress as provided to you via Canvas.

Bookings will be accessible via the parent portal from 4pm on March 18th until 9am on March 26th when bookings will be closed to allow teachers to prepare for the scheduled conferences. If any teachers are unavailable for these conferences, you will be unable to book an interview with them in this way. Should that occur, you are invited to email that teacher directly and organise a subsequent meeting at a mutually convenient time.

The conferences themselves will commence at 4pm on Thursday March 26th and continue through till 8.20pm that evening with a dinner break for staff between 6pm and 7pm. They will resume the next day, Friday March 27th at 9am and conclude at 12noon.

For your clarification, Friday March 27th will be a student free day and the final day for Term 1 classes will be Thursday March 26th.

The venue for the upcoming conferences will be indicated in a subsequent newsletter but to ensure your availability, please record the dates and times in your diaries at this point.

Mrs Annette Chidzey Deputy Principal [Learning and Teaching]

Knowing we were only narrowly defeated last year, the Saint Ignatius team were pumped to seek victory at the GISSA Tennis Championships held at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club on Monday, 24 February. The GISSA tournament had four schools participating: St Ignatius College, Christian College, Geelong Lutheran and Geelong Baptist. Selecting from a pool of 77 capable and very keen students from Years 7-12 was difficult; we were eventually represented by a talented squad of 18 very enthusiastic and skilled players who were divided into Pool A and Pool B. The matches consisted of best of three for the singles and first to 6 for the doubles, except Pool A doubles which was also best of 3. Unfortunately, time was against us in the end and not all matches could be finished.

On arrival, our Captains for the day, Year 12 students – Louis Walter and Tom Muir – who have enthusiastically and dependably represented our College for the past six years, gave the team an inspirational pep talk before beginning : "show a positive attitude, try your best, doesn't matter if you lose, have fun, you're representing the school so show great sportsmanship and leave it all out on the court.” Our match in Pool A was against Christian College for the day and it was an excellent spectacle of superb shot-making and commendable sportsmanship.

It was such a joy to watch this high standard of tennis. Louis Walter had a marathon singles match of over two hours, going down in a super tie-break in the third set: 5-6, 6-5, 4-10. His courage and determination to keep fighting until the very last point was inspiring. Likewise, Tom Muir and Ben Reid displayed some impressive serving, cross-court drives and volleying but were unable to secure a victory yet certainly pushed their opposition. Sam Hines battled it out in a strongly-contested match narrowly going down 6-1, 6-4, as did Alyssa Dickeson who showed much resilience when facing some very precise and aggressive shot power from her opponent.

Lachie Dwyer stayed strong and calm during his competitive match and successfully got the upper-hand to take a convincing win: 5-6, 6-3, 6-1. Abbey McPhee had a wonderful tussle and claimed the second set but was unable to get the edge in the third although she played many excellent points: 3-6, 6-4, 1-6. Kynan Bond played magnificently on the lawn court and ran down every shot to finally claim the win: 6-2, 5-6, 6-3. It was a well-deserved victory!

In the Pool B games, the competition was tight against the first team, Lutheran College; endurance and consistency were the key. It was the team’s younger Year 7 & 8 players that shone, highlighting smart thinking and much grit in their singles to achieve commendable results. In particular, Bella Gleeson was 4-1 down in her first set and she doggedly fought back, exhibiting impressive consistency to manage a fantastic 6-4, 6-5 result. Keanu Van Zyl staged a wonderful comeback from 5-6 down in the first set to attain a 5-6, 6-1, 6-2 win.

The three Year 7 students, Rory Maye (6-4, 6-1) and Cristiano Amarante (6-4, 6-5), along with Hamish Fanning (8-2) in the second round, showed much poise and composure to rally their way to success and should be congratulated on their debut performance. The doubles matches were up and down and despite many skilful rallies and effective volleying by our players, we were only able to gain one doubles win with Keanu and Rory: 6-3.

Tom Bothe, Lachie Verlin, Zac Dwyer and Jack Van Zyl all showed impressive perseverance in their matches yet came across some strong opposition that were just a bit too skilful this time round. The following matches against Christian College and Baptist College were more wonderful examples of skill, courage and persistence.

Congratulations go to all players who represented our College in a fantastic spirit, with sportsmanship evident throughout and everyone gracious in both victory and defeat. Our friendly rivals, Christian College, many of whom our players come up against in Saturday competition, provided the usual outstanding, high-quality tennis that has marked our previous clashes.

Although we couldn’t quite get over the line, the close battles were a fitting end for Louis and Tom, who should be commended for their commitment to Saint Ignatius tennis over the years.

Special thanks to all the parents who came along to support their child and our students; to Zac Kos for sharing the coaching duties and to Andrew Philp for his ongoing promotion of this sport at our College. Finally, to all students for their superb attitude and passion for the game. It was a pleasure to witness your determined efforts and applaud your play.

Deb Hodge Director of Tennis

Saint Ignatius College will be hosting a group of Indonesian students from Tuesday March 17th to Sunday March 22nd and are looking for host families.

This a great experience for the whole family and Indonesian language is not necessary as the students can speak english.

For further information please call: Jan on 0400 364 148 or email: jbrentnall3226@gmail.com

The attached PDF has more information

We’re building the 6km Drysdale Bypass between Jetty Road and Whitcombes Road to improve safety and ease congestion on the Bellarine Peninsula.

The bypass is really starting to take shape and we are making changes to the local road network in readiness for when the bypass is completed and opened later this year.

The next phase of works involves turning on the new traffic lights and moving traffic at the new intersections at Portarlington Road, Grubb Road and the future Bypass, and also at the new Jetty Road where it intersects with High Street and Reserve Road.

What we’ll do and when

The work will be undertaken in two stages;

• On Tuesday, 10 March 2020, we will turn on the new traffic lights at the intersection of High Street and Reserve Road. Traffic will be directed along the realigned Jetty Road which connects into the new High Street and Reserve Road traffic lights.

• On Wednesday, 11 March 2020, we will turn on the traffic lights at the Portarlington, Grubb Road and High Street intersection. The Portarlington, Grubb and Jetty Road roundabout will be closed and removed between the Caltex service station entrance and the roundabout.

The installation of traffic signals at these intersections provides the safest and most efficient solution to traffic flow at the Portarlington, Grubb and Jetty Road intersection. When the traffic lights are turned on, it’s important to keep in mind this arrangement is temporary - the full benefits of the signalised intersections will be felt when the bypass opens later this year.

What you can expect

During the two-day traffic switch, there will be travel time delays of up to 20 minutes as we prepare to open the two new intersections. This involves moving barriers, completing line marking, standing light poles, completing kerbs and shifting traffic across lanes.

Traffic management will be directing traffic and monitoring traffic flows during this time.

Please see attached PDF for more details.

Please click here for the latest edition of Catholic Education Today https://www.cem.edu.au/News-Events/Catholic-Education-Today.aspx

This issue features a reflection on the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) held in Perth at the end of last year, as well as articles on the significance of Lent, new governance arrangements and how Catholics from across the nation have come together to assist communities affected by the devastating bushfires.

The centre pages comprise a handy calendar of events and key dates, with the regular sections highlighting ‘Educators in Profile’ and ‘Around the Archdiocese’ also included.

A PDF of our Canteen Price List can be downloaded here

Starting March 9th

Monday 9th

No Canteen (Labour Day Holiday)

Tuesday 10th

M Dunstan, S. Chapman, N. Sadler, L. Vella

Wednesday 11th

R. Murray, A Richardson, R. Wilkin, L. Kelly

Thursday 12th

L. Eastwood, C. Swinton, Needed, Needed

Friday 13th

J. Payne, M. James, C. Duncan, C. Folvig

Starting March 16th

Monday 16th

P. Perkins, L. Keen, A. Richardson

Tuesday 16th

R. Morris, S. Twaits, L. Tigani, N. Robinson

Wednesday 17th

C. Ford, L. Vella, N. Sadler

Thursday 18th

L. Eastwood, M. White, E. Carpenter

Friday 19th

N. Lowther, S. Hammond, E. Stokie

If unable to attend, please make sure you get a replacement.

Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050 258

This notice is from the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the department), to advise you that the department has requested that your child's school provide a 'statement of addresses', in accordance with the Australian Education Regulation 2013 (Cth) (Regulation).

A statement of addresses contains the following information about each student at the school:

• Student residential address (not student names)

• Student level of education (i.e. whether the student is a primary or secondary student)

• Student boarding school status (i.e. whether the student is boarding or a day student)

• Names and residential addresses of students' parent(s) and/or guardian(s)

Purpose of the collection

This collection is routinely used to inform Commonwealth school education policy, and to help ensure that Commonwealth funding arrangements for non-government schools are based on need, and are fair and transparent.

The information collected in the statement of addresses will be used to inform school funding calculations. It is combined with data held by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to calculate the estimated capacity of a school community to contribute to the schools' operating costs (capacity to contribute). Australian Government funding to non-government schools takes this estimated capacity to contribute into account.

On 20 September 2018 the Government announced that it will implement a new, improved capacity to contribute methodology used in the calculation of the Commonwealth's needs-based funding arrangements for non-government schools. Known as the direct measure of income (DMI), the proposed new methodology is based on the median income of parents or guardians of students at a non-government school. This is in contrast to the current area based measure which is a point in time analysis based on average circumstances in 2011 of the area in which students at the school lived. This change follows a review of the existing methodology by the National School Resourcing Board. Further information about the review and the Government's response can be found on the department's website: https://www.education.gov.au/review­socio-economic-status-ses-score-methodology.

Use and disclosure of personal information

Your personal information is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Any use and disclosure of your personal information relating to the statement of addresses will occur in accordance with the Regulation.

Your personal information may be used by the department, or disclosed to the ABS, for the purposes of reviewing capacity to contribute methodology, calculating capacity to contribute and Commonwealth school education policy development (including school funding), or where it is otherwise required or authorised by law.

Your personal information will be provided to the ABS for capacity to contribute calculations and analysis as part of the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project {MADIP). Departmental staff will use the ABS' secure Datalab to undertake analysis and calculate capacity to contribute scores for schools using de-identified data (i.e. data that has had identifiable information such as name and address removed). The linked information will not be used for other purposes.

What do you need to do?

You are not required to do anything. Your school is responsible for providing the requested details to the department, however, you may wish to ensure that your school has the most up-to-date and correct details for your family.

Contacts for further information

Your school can provide additional information about the process of the address collection.

Please read the attached PDF for full details.

Working Bee - Sunday March 15th 8.30am - 12.30pm

In order to ensure the school is ready for Open Day, the P and F will be arranging a working bee on Sunday 15th March from 8.30am to 12.30 pm. If you could spare a few hours, or even just one hour, come along. Good opportunity to bring the kids too! Please email us on sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au if you would like to register your interest in helping!

Open Day - March 22nd

As always, the P and F will be holding a BBQ – all proceeds from the BBQ will go towards Timor Leste.

We welcome anyone who can assist on the day to email sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association

Next meeting will be held on Tuesday March 10th at 7.30pm in the Food Tech Room ( please note later time due to the International Women’s Day event)

We look forward to seeing you there.

Even if you can’t make it to the monthly meetings, but think you might be able to be on call to help at the different things we are involved in, please get in touch with us by emailing sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop Opening Days and Times are as follows:

Wednesday 19th February 2-4pm

Wednesday 4th March 2-4pm

Thursday 26th March 4-8pm (parent teacher conferences)

Items to be sold can be dropped off on any of the above days or anytime at the front office.

We are always seeking Volunteers to help in the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out contact Sandi Clark by emailing sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au Training is provided.

Join Saver Plus and we'll match your savings, dollar for dollar, up to $500 for school costs.

To join Saver Plus, you must be at least 18 years or over, have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself, have regular income from paid employment (you or your partner), have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card and be in receipt of an eligible Commonwealth social security benefit, allowance or payment.

Contact: Your local Saver Plus Coordinator

Phone: 03 5278 8122 Email: GeelongSP@bethany.org.au Web: www.saverplus.org.au

See PDF flyer for details:

Information for Parents

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)

School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is:

• $125 for primary school students
• $225 for secondary school students

For more details and how to apply for CSEF see the attached PDFS.

Many teenagers today are sleep deprived. They should be getting between nine and 10 hours sleep each night, yet most get only seven or eight hours. Some get less.

Sleep deprivation is akin to jet lag. It causes young people not to function at their optimum. It can be the cause of poor behaviour, mental health problems and low functioning in the classroom.

Sleep maximises the brain growth that occurs during adolescence. It also consolidates learning.

Sleep research has shown that when a young person is asleep, the brain practises what it has learned during the day. So sufficient sleep consolidates past learning as well as keeping a young person fresh to maximise their future learning.

Sleep experts stress that while adults may not have control over biology we can assist young people to establish good sleep patterns. The first step is to eradicate some of their bad habits, starting with the following:

1. Being glued to a digital screen

The digital devices a young person uses to roam through cyberspace are as addictive as

cocaine, with similar arousal effects as well. The blue light emitted by mobile devices stimulates the brain into keeping kids awake well into the night. Tip: Get your kids away from digital devices at least 90 minutes before bedtime.

2. Doing homework in bed

The brain associates activity with location. When young people are at their desks in school it’s easy to get into study mode. They associate learning and productive activity with their classroom and its furnishings. The same principle applies at home. If they fire up their laptops and work while on their beds, it is hard for them to mentally switch off from their schoolwork when the light finally goes out. Tip: Keep homework out of bedrooms. If they must work in their rooms, confine study to a desk.

3. Spending all day indoors

Moping around the house is a huge part of the adolescent experience. However, spending all day away from natural light is shown to lead to anxiety and depression, which are both causes and symptoms of lack of sleep. Put a cap on moping about and encourage them to go outside – take a walk, meet a mate, do an errand.

Tip: A minimum of 1 hour outside a day helps keep insomnia at bay.

4. Sleeping in late on weekends

The sleep–wake cycle for teenagers is delayed by up to two hours. That is, they get sleepy later and wake later than when they were children. In most teens, melatonin – which makes them sleepy – is secreted around 11 pm.

Cortisol, the chemical that wakes them up, is secreted at 8.15 am for many. So the adolescent brain wants to be asleep just when most them need to be waking up to go to school. Many teenagers catch up on this lost sleep on the weekend. However, if your teen is sleeping in until midday on weekends then his whole sleep cycle is being thrown out of whack. Tip: Keep sleep-ins to no more than an hour longer than normal to keep the sleep clock operating on a regular basis.

5. Talking on their mobile phones

A mobile is an extension of the person for most teens. Unfortunately, there’s no getting away from the fact that mobile phones may be harming our health. One study (https://www.emf-portal.org/en/article/15274) found that radiation thrown off by mobile phones can seriously throw off sleep in heavy phone users. The study found that regular mobile phone users reported more headaches, took longer to fall asleep and had difficulty experiencing a deep sleep.

Tip: Encourage young people to limit the length of their calls and place a moratorium on mobile use 90 minutes before bedtime.

6. Consuming caffeine and other stimulants

It’s a familiar story. It’s seven o’clock in the evening and your teenager hasn’t started a big

assignment that’s due the next day. Needing to stay awake for the big job ahead, she drinks a coffee or a caffeinated soft drink or two to keep her adrenaline high. Consuming caffeine in any form after dinner is like throwing a wrecking ball through regular sleep patterns. The brain needs to calm down rather than be artificially stimulated if sleep is to occur.

Tip: Confine caffeinated drinks to mornings to minimise their impact on sleep.

According to beyondblue, one in seven teenagers experiences a mental health disorder. Many experts agree that if they were to choose only one strategy to improve young people’s wellbeing it would be to increase the quality and quantity of sleep that teenagers have. That’s how important sleep is to a young person’s wellbeing.

Michael Grose

Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.

Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.

Geelong Tech School Design Week

Geelong Tech School Design Week (19-29 March) events are fast approaching.

You are invited to the Opening Event to hear Steve Sammartino, Australia’s leading futurist, acclaimed writer, highly respected media commentator and a technology investor speak on Tuesday 24th March at 7 pm at the Geelong Tech School. See the attached PDF for full details.

Ashes to Easter Concert-Reflection

A prayerful sequence of songs and stories on Lenten and Easter themes with Peter Kearney and Anna Demetriou. Saturday March 28th at 11.00am (after 10.00am Mass) at St Thomas Church Drysdale.

See the attached PDF for more details.

Fun, Friendship and Flying with the Australian Air League

Geelong Squadron is now enrolling!

Since 1934 the Australian Air League has provided boys and girls aged 8 to 18 years who have a passion for aviation the opportunity to let their dreams soar!

When you join the Air League you meet each week at your local Squadron where you will learn skills and take part in fun and interesting activities. There are also weekend camps, visits and training courses as well as the opportunity to go flying.

To find out more – email or call us today!

See the attached PDF for more details.

Looking to play Junior Girl's Football in 2020?

New under 18,15,12 and 10 players wanted at Grovedale Football Club, Burdoo Recreation Reserve.

For more information contact Michael Barratt on 0419 342 708

Free Parenting Forum: 'The Teen Brain'

The City of Greater Geelong in conjunction with Regional Parenting Service and the Victorian State Government are running a free parenting forum: 'The Teen Brain' with David Gillespie.

David will discuss 'why screens are making your teenagers depressed, anxious and prone to lifelong addictive illnesses - and how to stop it now'.

The forum will be held on Wednesday March 18th from 7.00pm to 9.00pm including a light supper from 6.15pm.

Venue: OneHope Centre, 4 - 32 Province Boulevard, Highton

Bookings: tinyurl.com/DavidGillespieGeelong

This is a free event but bookings are essential. See the attached PDF for more details.

Group Parent Education Events: Barwon South Western Region Term 1 2020

To attaend a regional Parenting Service program please register your expression of interest online: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parenting or contact Regional Parenting Service on 5272 4741.

The attached PDF details all upcoming programs and loactions.

What's On in March 2020 at the Potato Shed!

The Potato Shed have a variety of performances to suit people of all ages. Please find attached the What’s On poster for events coming up in March 2020. You are advised to book early as many events sell out.

Ordinary Mass Times for Churches in the Geelong Deanery

Drysdale Parish

St Thomas, Peninsular Drive, Drysdale:

Sunday: 9.00am; Thursday 10.00am; Saturday 10.00am; Youth Mass 4th Sunday of the month 5.30pm

Lumen Christi, Kensington Rd, Leopold:

Sunday: 10.30aam; Wednesday, 10.00am

St Patrick, Harding St Portarlington:

Sunday: 9.00am; Friday 10.00am

Sts Philip & James, Murradoc Rd, St Leonards

Sat Vigil: 6.00pm; Tuesday 10.00am Reconciliation: 9.30am prior to all 10.00am Masses

Queenscliff Parish

Holy Trinity, Stevens St, Queenscliff

Sunday: 11.00am; Wednesday 9.15am; Friday 9.15am

Star of the Sea, John Dory Dr, Ocean Grove

Sunday: 9.00am; Reconciliation 20 mins prior; Tuesday 9.15am; Thursday 9.15am

Holy Family, Hitchcock St, Barwon Heads

Saturday: Vigil Mass 6.00pm Reconciliation 20 mins prior

Grovedale parish

Nazareth Church, Griffith St, Grovedale

Sunday: 10.30am; Thursday 9.30am

St Therese, Surf Coast Highway, Torquay

Sunday: 8.45am; Wednesday 9.30am; Reconciliation Wed 10.00am

St Christopher's, Bingley Pde, Anglesea

Saturday: 6.00pm VigiL

Bemont Parish

St Bernard's, Fryers Rd., Belmont

Saturday: 6.00pm; Sunday 9.00am; 10.30am; Wednesday 12.00pm; Friday 12.00pm

Meredith Parish

St Joseph's, Lawler St., Meredith

Alternate Sundays 11.00am; Wednesday 11.00am,; Friday 11.00am except for every second Friday at

Sacred Heart, Hamilton Hgh, Inverleigh

Sunday 9.00 except for last Sunday in month when it will be at Bannockburn Gymnasium

St Brigid's, 2439 Ballan Rd., Anakie

Alternate Sundays 11.00am

St John the Baptist, Harding St., Winchelsea

Saturday Vigil 6.00pm

St John the Evangelist, High St Bannockburn

Last Sunday of the month at 9.00am in the stadium

Corio / Lara Parish

St Francis Xavier Church, Corio

Saturday 7.00pm; Sunday 10.30am; Tuesday 9.00am; Thursday 9.00am; Reconciliation 1st Saturday of the month

Reconcilliation: First Saturday of each month at 10.00am and 6.15pm

St Anthony of Padua, Lara

Sunday 9.00am; Wednesday 9.00am; 2nd Friday of the month; 4th Friday of the month 10.30am and Seniors Lunch;

Reconciliation: First Sunday of each month 8.15am

St Michael's Parish (formerly the Cluster)

Sts Peter & Paul's, Ashby

Saturday 5.00pm

Holy Family, Separation St Bell Park

Sunday: 8.00am; 9.30am; 11.00am Croatian Mass; 12.15pm Second Sunday of the month Slovenian Mass

Tuesday 9.15am; Thursday 9.15am

Holy Spirit, Bostock Ave, Manifold Heights

Sunday: 11.00am; Wednesday 9.00am; Friday 11.00am; First Saturday of the Month 9.00am

St Mary's Partish, Geelong

St Mary's Basilica, Yarra St, Geelong

Sunday: 7.30am; 9.30am; 11.00am; 12.15pm Polish; 5.30pm

Monday 10.00am afterwards Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Tuesday 7.00am; 10.00am afterwards

Novena to St Anthony; Wednesday 7.00am;10.00am; Thursday 7.00am; 10.00am Friday 7.00am; 10.00am; Saturday 9.00am; Reconciliation 9.30; Vigil Mass 6.00pm

Norlane Parish

St Thomas Aquinas, Plume St., North Geelong

Sunday; 10.00am; Friday 5.30pm; Saturday 6.00pm Vigil Mass; Reconciliation 5.30pm

St John the Evangelist, David St. Rippleside

Sunday 8.30am; 11.am Latin Mass; Wednesday 10.00am; Friday 10.00am