Saint Ignatius College Geelong
On Friday last week, we welcomed 1,335 students, including 250 Year 7 students and 15 new students across other year levels back to school.
Welcome to the 2020 school year!
On Friday last week, we welcomed 1,335 students, including 250 Year 7 students and 15 new students across other year levels back to school. Each year the number of College enrolments increases. We are well planned for this growth and ready for a great new year of learning.
As we come to the end of our first week back, we have a lot to look forward to in 2020. This year promises much for our Saint Ignatius students. For those students beginning their journey at our great College, I wish them every success. To students returning for another year, I wish them a challenging but enjoyable, and enriching experience.
Thank you to Parents/Carers for all you have done to prepare your daughter/son for the new year. We need to work together to encourage each student’s belief in their ability to learn, their sense of belonging to our school community and their engagement in school life. Your support will lead to better outcomes for our students. As we begin a new year with new vigour and enthusiasm, we need to capitalise on the opportunity of a ‘fresh start’ by ensuring we place the priority on schooling in a young person’s day-to-day life.
As well as many new students, there are ten new staff members and two returning from leave. Welcome to:
New:
Ms Alithea Anderton – Teacher (Eng, Hums, RE)
Ms Nella Alessi – Learning Support officer (LSO)
Mr Jarryd Atkinson – Youth Chaplin
Ms Tahnee Bruynen – Information Librarian
Ms Aleisha Gill – Teacher (Science/RE)
Ms Kerry Griffin – LSO
Ms Isabella Losi – Teacher (Italian, RE & HRT)
Mr Douglas Montgomery – Teacher (Digi Tech, Science, Maths)
Ms Rachel Snowden – Library Technician
Mr Andrew Walsgott – Teacher (Maths, RE)
Returning:
Ms Tenille Thomson – Student Wellbeing Coordinator
Ms Annaliese Winterson – Teacher (Science)
Our first major event, a full school assembly, will be held tomorrow morning. I invite all parents and friends of the College to attend this assembly. Please report to the school office at 10:30 am so a seat can be organised for you before the commencement in the new College Multi-purpose Centre.
A significant favourable influence on student outcomes is parental involvement in and support of school programs. Over the last few years, there has been a high attendance of parents at our Information Evenings, and I want to encourage this to remain as part of our community’s support of an active learning culture for our students.
Parents are also most welcome to attend school events this term as follows:
On behalf of my colleagues, I look forward to working with you to support the education of one or more of your children and wish your family every blessing for the new year.
2019–20 Bushfire Season
In welcoming everyone to a new year, I am very conscious that the devastating bushfires have made this a challenging holiday period for many Australian communities, and there is a lengthy recovery period ahead.
I have been advised that for all school communities and services impacted by the bushfires, the Department of Education and Training (DET) has set up a dedicated Bushfires 2020 web page at https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/bushfires.aspx.
The page contains information about the bushfire response and resources to help schools support students, staff and families. The page will be updated regularly with new advice and support.
Given the current situation and extreme weather conditions, further impacts may occur across the state.
The College Business Manager, Mr David Fitzgerald, as he does each year, has reviewed the College’s Emergency Management Plan and spoken to staff about this to prepare the College for the start of the school year and in particular so we can better respond to emergencies.
The St Vincent de Paul Society has set up a bushfire appeal for anyone wishing to donate to support victims of the bushfire. Further Information can be found on the St Vincent de Paul Society’s website at https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-vic/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-vic.
Update advice on coronavirus
The safety and care of your children are paramount to our school community and me. As you will be aware, the Coronavirus has generated some concern in the community over recent weeks.
This update follows my email message to parents on January 30. It provides new advice from the Australian and Victorian governments regarding the novel coronavirus.
All children who have travelled to Hubei Province of China, are advised to stay at home and avoid public settings, including attendance at schools and early learning centres, until 14 days after last being in Hubei province, China. This applies to all students, even if they do not show any symptoms of the virus.
Children who are well and have travelled to other provinces in China, or any other areas where there have been reported cases, are NOT recommended to be excluded from schools unless the following applies:
If you think your child is showing any relevant symptoms of the novel coronavirus, please call the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to discuss further actions on 1300 651 160.
This advice is also being provided to teachers and other school staff to ensure we mitigate any risks associated with the spread of the virus.
I have included a factsheet provided by the Victorian Government providing advice and information about the novel coronavirus, including what actions to take if your child is feeling unwell following travel to the Hubei province, and practical steps to avoid the spread of the virus.
You can also access further information and updates from the following websites:
In the circumstances like these, there can understandably be a lot of concern and uncertainty about the safety of your child. Please know that I am available to discuss your concerns with you, and will provide any revised advice to you as soon as it becomes available.
Building and Maintenance update
Our maintenance team have been very busy over the holiday break with some significant projects for which we are very grateful. These include:
This is on top of the routine maintenance and cleaning jobs that need to be done to prepare the College for the return of students and staff members.
Very soon, we will commence construction of the new Loyola Administration Centre. The tender process has been completed, and the signing of contract documents is imminent. I will hopefully be able to announce the successful builder in the next newsletter.
This new centre will be another significant feature of our school grounds. It will comprise three levels and house reception, student services (including counselling, sickbay, student leadership, IT help desk), meeting spaces, offices, staff room and a large multi-purpose space. This magnificent new building will be located where the old Year 9 classrooms were and therefore in a central position. I expect construction will be completed around the middle of next year if all goes well.
Limits on student technology use
Student inappropriate use of technology is an area of concern for us all. As you are aware, young people today are immersed in digital technologies. They use the internet and mobile phones to socialise, study, exchange ideas and play. While online activity has many benefits, there are also risks. In helping manage student use of digital technologies, parents need to be familiar with the digital world their daughters/sons are involved in. The importance of guidance in the home in this area cannot be understated, and parents play an essential role in setting boundaries for their children for appropriate use of all technology. You don’t need to be a technology expert to parent your children online; however, you do need to be informed and proactive in this area. We will provide opportunities to support parents in this area through ways such as parent information evenings and newsletter articles throughout the year.
To support student wellbeing and mitigate detrimental effects on student learning, I provide the following advice to parents. We can take advantage of the beginning of the new school year to set the scene and boundaries and to encourage the habits that support student learning. How students manage technology is an essential area for guidance and monitoring. There is growing research that indicates a link between heavy technology use with the surge in depression and other mental health issues among adolescents. I provide the following suggested limits for your consideration as boundaries you could discuss with your daughter/son:
{1. “Put That Phone Away – Now” by Jean Twenge in Time, 1st April 2019}
At school, mobile phone use is subject to clear boundaries. Given there has been coverage in the media recently about student mobile phone use at schools, I provide the following snippets from the College’s policy to remind parents about our approach and seek your support:
“Students are not permitted to use phones or portable music devices during the school day (8.50 am – 3.05 pm) unless directed by a staff member. Earphones may only be used in teacher-directed activities. Students are NOT allowed to walk around campus with earphones in or use earphones in designated learning areas at school without teacher direction.”
The College’s Mobile Phone Policy is included in the front section of the Student Planner. I ask parents to please reinforce adherence to the College’s mobile phone policy with their daughter/son.
Combustible cladding audit
An audit of the College’s buildings has been undertaken. This had identified that combustible cladding was installed on the Food Technology Centre when it was constructed in 2005. No other structures have this cladding.
We have been advised that this is a low-risk situation; however, we have decided to replace the cladding. We have engaged a contractor to replace it with non-combustible material. This will happen over five weeks (including the two-week holiday period) during June and July. In the meantime, a risk management plan has been put in place to minimise the risk further. During the replacement works, Food Technology class location and consequently course content may have to be altered as the kitchens will be out of use for about three weeks. The month chosen for these works will have the least impact on the overall Food Technology teaching and learning program.
If you have any questions about this matter, please contact me or the College’s Business Manager, David Fitzgerald.
Sympathy
On behalf of our school community, I express our sympathy to the following College community members on the recent loss of a family member.
Ms Fiona Dempster, Matilda Stepto (Year 7) and Harriet on the loss of their husband and father, Nigel Stepto.
Mr Joe Pannuzzo (Year 9 Coordinator) on the loss of his father-in-law Andrew (Jim) McMillan.
“Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
May Nigel and Jim rest in peace.
Please keep the Stepto and Pannuzzo families in your thoughts and prayers.
We are looking forward to a rewarding year as we work together to nurture the growth and development of our students.
Best wishes for 2020,
Michael Exton Principal
As the first bell of the year rings out across the College our community enters into forty weeks that is set aside for growth, challenge and joy. During the holidays time was divided according to the desires of each of us individually. Once family obligations were completed true freedom of how to use one’s time began. With the end of holidays things have changed. The school day, like the working day, is separated by arbitrary segments of time that map periods of study, collaboration and social interaction. Collectively we enjoy this change and the limited ability to choose directly how our days will be spent. We do so by trusting that the decision making of the College will enable the happy pursuit of friendship, knowledge and community.
On returning to the College the first moments are spent reconnecting and extending our friendships. The excited conversations before the first bell are a testament to the human need of community and a shared vision. Even friends who have spent much time together over the holidays come together and excitedly fill in the blanks and relate to each other their experiences during the school break. As the first bell announces the formal beginning of the school year students are animated as they find out who is in their classes and who their teachers are.
Time is important in many ways. The breakdown of the school day from 8:50am to 3:05pm has been specifically determined to ensure that every student can travel to and from school, as set in particular by the bus schedule. In between these hours each shcool day is segmented into various lengths, which also change to the value of different gatherings according to the College’s vision. Often students spend thirty periods per week in their ‘normal’ timetabled classes. Occasionally, time is allocated to other events and experiences the College deems to override the normal timetable. All in the pursuit of growth, community and joy.
Throughout the school year time changes to the day are determined by various individuals and groups. Each of these decisions are guided by the merit of what will happen during that time. Year level or whole school events are given precedence over daily classes at certain times for example.
During breaks students decided for themselves how they will use the time available. For some, social interaction is important and their time is spent connecting with friends and peers. Others attend leadership meetings and associated commitments, for others they join a band and practice together.
In reflecting upon these things we might consider more deeply what in fact is occurring. Time has two distinct qualities know to the Ancient Greeks as chronos and kiaros. Chronos is the measurement of time. In considering the new school year and how the days and weeks are broken up we are evaluating time in this manner. Although important to the function of the College there is no depth or purpose as such.
When we consider how the time is spent and what develops from the use of time we contemplate kiaros. Kiaros is evaluating the manner in which the time was spent. Kiaros has value as it can help quantify if the time was spent well. This determination depends upon whether the decision maker chose the right moment for the right action.
In the classroom the teacher sets up experiences to help the students learn. If the decision is sound and the experiences and actions made bring about growth, we can judge the time spent as being of value. Alternatively, if the student does not decide to enter into a lesson or experience in a positive manner the time spent may be evaluated from their perspective as wasted.
Time is important to us as human beings. We celebrate each second as we have lived and experienced what happened in it and we mourn time as every second that passes cannot be regained and the time left in our life is ticks away.
In reflecting upon time and its qualities we may be guided by Jesus and St Ignatius who in different ways illustrate that time is best measured against kiaros. Contemplating the value of the time spent each day is where we can find contentment and peace. If the right action or decision is made at any point in time we can discern value and joy. An afternoon nap or half an hour day dreaming is equal to a day learning something of importance. The determining factor is whether it was the right action at the right time.
Each day we have the opportunity to live, grow and bring good into the world. Deciding how best to use the time gifted to us is where the skill of truly living can be found. Take a moment to reflect upon the recent holiday period and discern whether the way you chose to spend your time is best measured as chronos or kiaros. Regardless of the evaluation you make seek to decide in future to seek kiaros in the choices you make about the way you use your time each day.
Be comforted in knowing that time cannot be wasted. Time is simply lived with purpose and value or lived; either way life has been lived. Remember that even when there is a timetable or a work roster to be followed each moment can be fulfilling and life giving. The choice is yours. You can decide at any moment how you will enter a moment or experience and if you need to make change for it to be valuable.
I wish you all the best as you begin this new year and that you will seek to measure each day by kiaros rather than and the simple equation of chronos.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Religious Education and Liturgy Coordinator
Year 7 new enrolments 2021 Academic Scholarship Applications have now opened.
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of performance on the scholarship examination.
The scholarship entitles the successful applicants to a reduction of $1,200 off the total school fees for a period of two years.
The scholarship will be reviewed at the end of the second year based on academic and school performance. Parents are reminded that, if your child is sitting the Scholarship examination, you must have completed the enrolment process for students to be eligible.
Scholarship applications are not processed through the College. Applications close on Sunday February 16th.
Academic Scholarship Examinations:
The ACER Scholarship Test we will use is produced and marked by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Scholarship level - LEVEL 1 is Year 7.
Click on the link to register: ACER Scholarship Registration
The ACER Scholarship Test examination will be held on Wednesday February 26th 2020.
Parents will be informed via mail as to whether their daughter/son has either been awarded or not awarded a scholarship. It is anticipated that letters will be mailed around mid June 2020.
If after registering, your child is unable to attend the ACER Scholarship Test, please inform our office on 5251 1136 as soon as possible. The ACER Scholarship Test is quite costly to the College and we would need to inform ACER immediately so we are not charged for your child.
Please note once you have registered, this will be the only correspondence prior to the exam.
I would like to formally welcome back all families to Saint Ignatius College and offer a special welcome to the new families. I trust that you have shared some valuable time together and that your sons and daughters are well rested and have settled back into the school year successfully.
The beginning of the school year is always a busy time with numerous College events. These events provide a great opportunity to celebrate student achievement and to build upon the fantastic culture that exists at Saint Ignatius College.
Below is a list of College events for Term 1 for your reference:
Term 1 Events:
- Student Photos: 5 February
- Year 7 Welcome Mass and information evening: 6 February
- Senior School Expo Evening: 17 February
- SICG Swimming Carnival: 27 February
- SICG Athletics Carnival: 18 March
I would encourage all parents/guardians to attend the events relevant to their sons/daughters. I would also like to emphasise the expectation that all students attend College events, such as House Swimming Sports, Athletics etc. This will assist in building a strong and inclusive culture across all areas of our College.
As we all appreciate, maintaining accurate attendance records is very important for the safety of your daughter/son. If your daughter/son will not be attending school for the day, it is an expectation and a Government requirement that you contact the College and inform the office of the reason for the absence. This can be via email office@ignatius.vic.edu.au or phoning the College directly on 5251 1136 prior to 10.00am and leaving a message on the automated system.
If the parent/guardian does not contact the College, the student will be marked as an Unexplained Absence and the parent/guardian will receive an automated text alerting parents of their son or daughter’s absence for the day. A follow up phone call will also be made by the office administration staff.
The College’s Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy was altered at the beginning of 2019, and now closely aligns with the Education Departments expectations. This policy was developed to ensure we are continuing to protect the dignity and safety of all our students. I would encourage you to familiarise yourselves with this policy and assist in the implementation by supporting the College and encouraging the appropriate use of mobile phones and electronic devices.
Finally, please ensure your daughter/son is adhering to the uniform policy outlined in the planner. It is an expectation all students arrive at school adhering to the College Uniform Policy. This includes the guidelines around jewellery, hairstyles, undergarments and facial hair. Any student who is out of uniform will receive a letter outlining the uniform concern and will need to have this rectified prior to returning. I would also request parents / guardians support the College and ensure their daughter’s / son’s only wear sport uniform on the days they have the specific subject that requires it.
I look forward to working with all parents/guardians throughout the year at College events and I am enthusiastic about working with your sons/daughters in further developing them as the ‘women and men for others’ that St Ignatius desired us to become.
Kind regards
Michael Timms Deputy Principal - Students
For all year levels – please register your interest now
The DAV offers the opportunity to students in all year levels at schools in the Geelong Region to take part in Debating on the following evenings in 2020:
Thursday April 30th
Thursday May 14th
Thursday May 28th
Thursday June 11th
Thursday July 30th
What is required of student participants at SICG:
- a firm commitment to the full program of five debates (no withdrawals are permitted as this is unfair on teammates and on students in other schools who prepare as expected for each fixture)
- attendance at set weekly lunchtime meetings to prepare and rehearse speeches
- a firm commitment to completing speeches in time for rehearsals
- organization of own transport arrangements to and from the venue (Geelong Grammar School, Corio Campus); parents are welcome to attend the debates as members of the audience
All participants are assisted and supported with the preparation of their arguments and the rehearsal of their speeches. This ensures that students are equipped with the necessary skills and able to debate with confidence.
Any student who is willing to take up the challenge of Debating in 2020 and who is prepared to make the commitment required is asked to have a parent or guardian express their interest by emailing Ms Andrea Dart: darta@ignatius.vic.edu.au or Mr Michael Tod: todm@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Expressions of interest close on Friday 7th February after which time the SICG Debating teams will be registered and organized. As the DAV organises both regional and metropolitan competitions which generally run from March through to August, it is necessary to register teams in February for the Geelong program to commence at the end of April.
We look forward to fielding junior and senior teams once again in 2020.
Mr Michael Tod Junior Debating Co-ordinator
Ms Andrea Dart Senior Debating Co-ordinator
An invitation to all Year 7 students and families to the “Welcome Mass and Meet the Teacher Night” tonight, Thursday 6th February 2020 at 6.30pm
Families of Year 7 students are cordially invited to our Welcome Mass and Meet the Teacher Evening.
The night will begin with a Mass in the Multipurpose Centre beginning at 6.30pm. Following this, families are invited to move to their child’s homeroom for a brief information session and opportunity to meet the Homeroom Teacher. Students should be in full summer uniform including a blazer.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the teachers, other parents and some of the new friends the students have made.
Ms Leonie O'Brien Year Level Coordinator - Year 7
Annual school photos have been taken.
To be able to view the images of your child and order photos, you will need to register online.
1. Go to https://order.arphotos.com.au
2. Enter the 2020 image code for your child (from their personalized flyer)
3. Fill in your email and mobile details
That’s it! You’ll be notified by email/SMS when images are ready to view and purchase.
In the webshop you can view photos and customize your photo package; Choose ANY layout, ANY image plus purchase digital image downloads.
Even if you registered last year, you still need to register again this year to link your child’s images for the current year with your details.
To be notified when images are ready to view – Register Online Now.
Student Bus Travel Availability
Bus Travel To Saint Ignatius College Geelong is Easy
Currently we have students travelling to SICG from the following areas:
Geelong Country
Bannockburn, Jan Juc, Lara and Torquay.
Geelong
Bell Park, Bell Post Hill, Belmont, Breakwater, Corio, Geelong, Geelong East, Geelong West, Geelong North, Grovedale, Hamlyn Heights, Highton, Leopold, Lovely Banks, Manifold Heights, Marshall, Newcomb, Newton, Norlane, North Shore, Rippleside, St Albans Park, Thomson, Waurn Ponds and Whittington.
Bellarine & Coastal
Barwon Heads, Bellarine, Clifton Springs, Curlewis, Drysdale, Indented Head, Mannerim, Marcus Hill, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington, Queenscliff, St Leonards, Swan Bay and Wallington.
The College has set up a bus system to accommodate students from a wide area. Students travel to school by Public, Charter or Contract Bus depending on their residential address.
Students arrive at our college on time ready to tackle the day.
Students travel direct to and from the College not having to stop in Geelong to wait for their bus.
Privacy and Information Collection
Saint Ignatius College Geelong is bound by the Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1998. Concerning health records, the School is also bound by the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic.). Copies of the College’s Privacy Policy and ‘Collection Notice’ that take into account these laws, technology and changes to the School’s operations and practices are available on our website. You can find the link at the bottom of the College’s web page.
2020 Staff List
Please see the attached PDF for the full list of staff for 2020.
Coronavirus Information
Please see attached PDF Factsheet from the Victorian State Government (Health and Human Services) about the Novel Coronavirus.
A PDF of our Canteen Price List can be downloaded here
Starting February 10th
Monday 10th
A. Binns, L. Keen, P. Perkins
Tuesday 11th
M. Dunstan, S. Crawley, S. Chapman
Wednesday 12th
K. James, S. Peters, L. Vella, R. Wilkin
Thursday 13th
L. Eastwood, C. Swinton, M. White
Friday 14th
J. Payne, S. Hammond, T. Dowd-Hamilton
Starting February 17th
Monday 17th
E. Don, V. Durbridge, Needed
Tuesday 18th
R. Morris, S. Twaits, L. Tigani
Wednesday 19th
K. Bowers, K. Every, C. Ford, L. Kelly
Thursday 20th
L. Eastwood, M. White, A. Hehir
Friday 21st
M. James, Needed, Needed, Needed
If unable to attend, please make sure you get a replacement.
Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050 258
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:
Parents and Freinds' Association Meeting
The first meeting for parents and freinds' Association is Tuesday February 11th
Please come and join us at 7.00pm in the Food Tech Rooms.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Email your details to us at: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au
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.
Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association
We invite you to join the Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends' Association - whether it be attending our monthly meetings, helping out at fundraising events , you can receive some up to date information on events coming up at and around the College by emailing your details to sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au
The Uniform Shop
Please note that Uniform shop will be open every second Wednesday from 2pm to 4 pm. Remaining opening dates for this term are:
We are always seeking Volunteers to help in the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out Please email Samantha (Sam) Wells sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au Training is provided.
Like the earth’s crust the parenting landscape is constantly shifting always bringing new challenges for parents. Not only are children and young people constantly growing and developing but societal trends evolve and change at such rapid rates that it's hard to keep up. It’s also hard to differentiate between the significant and the frivolous when it comes to trends and changes.
The following four priorities are both current and significant, deserving to be top of mind for parents as the 2020 school year begins.
1. Time to tackle technology
Want to travel along Parenting Easy Street? That’s easy. Make tackling this parenting game-changer your priority. It’s no point being all doom and gloom about technology because tablets, mobile phones and smartphones are here to stay. They connect us, educate us and entertain us like nothing has before.
But the jury is still out on the impact of digital devices on children and young people. Currently there are studies being conducted on the effects of technology on children’s brains, as well as studies on gaming addiction, social media addiction, attention related issues, obesity, decision-making, hand-eye coordination and sleep to name a few.
The technology genie maybe out of the bottle, but we need to bring some sanity into the area. Children and teenagers, (and yes technology, primary school and secondary school kids can be mentioned in the same sentence as first-time smartphone users become younger by the day) who use communication technology need constant parent vigilance and diligence, a flexible approach and the ability to say a loud and clear “NO you can’t have/use that now.”
It takes a lot of parental backbone to swim against the current all encompassing technology tide. You can’t hold it back, but you can slow it down. You can suggest it sits on the metaphorical shelf for a while or at least while you eat dinner together. You can insist that social media isn’t the only way to stay in touch with friends and show them that Dr. Google may be clever but he/she only knows so much and that accurate and current information can be found offline. When it comes to kids and technology, don’t be an onlooker. Make this a year for getting in the game with kids, tech boots on and all.
2. Promote physical and mental health
Finally, good mental health habits are top of mind in Australian schools. A focus on student wellbeing is now a well-established pathway to academic success for children and young people.
But kids’ levels of physical activity need a boost. Recent research tells us that children’s physical activity peaks at around four years of age in Australia and gradually decreases every year from there. It makes a mockery of the image of Australian childhood spent in the great outdoors.
Remember the old ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ maxim that past generations so fondly spruiked? Well, it’s true. Physical and mental health are inextricably linked.
So this year while we encourage our kids to practise mindfulness; get a good night’s sleep and ensure they relax and unwind, let’s also make sure kids get plenty of physical activity, preferably outdoors.
3. Put the spoon back in the drawer
I’ve hidden the controversial part in the middle of the article. Ready for it? I think that parents currently do too much for kids. We spoon feed them. We make life to easy and don’t demand enough from them. Not all parents, but enough that we should be worried that our kids may grow up to become risk-averse, fearful adults who have difficulty making decisions lest they make a mistake. That is, if they ever do grow up? As reported in Fairfax Media recently, “In 1970’s only one in five under-30’s in Australia lived with their parents but now it’s one in two.” This high dependency of children and teenagers on adults is the exact opposite of what adults have done in the past, which is develop their children’s independence and achieve the most important parenting outcome of all – their own redundancy.
In 2020 remove the spoon, put it back in the drawer and make independence building a high priority in your family.
4. Put integrity top of the pedestal of character traits
Every parent wants their child to have the strength and fortitude to do the right thing and not follow the crowd. This is easier for young children because the pull of the group and the allure of the media doesn’t have such a strong hold as it so often does in adolescence. Strong-willed children and those who like to have their own way can also find doing the right thing less of struggle.
But the development of integrity and related traits such as respect, honesty and fairness is an important part of a child’s moral compass that will help him/her make smart decisions when you’re not around. Generally, integrity is developed in childhood and put to the test in adolescence.
In 2020 put some focus on developing a sense of integrity in your kids – the rock star of character traits.
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.
How Deep Are Yor Pockets
Barwon Coast partnered with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria Police, CFA, City of Greater Geelong and Ocean Grove Coastcare under the Share Our Shores campaign to advocate behavioural change amongst young people engaging in destructive and dangerous dune behaviour.
Project partners are seeking your schools support with this project by allowing provision for the attached flyer to be displayed around the school and be included into the school newsletter and website leading up to the upcoming summer school holidays.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. is appointed by state government to manage 15km of coastal Crown land from beach access ways 7W Collendina to 42W Connewarre on behalf of all Victorians.
Our main charter is for the protection and enhancement of the natural values within our estate, whilst providing a place for people to recreate. In addition to natural resource protection, a key responsibility for us is to manage risk to ensure the safety of all users of our reserves.
The PDF below provides information about the fines that apply based on inappropriate behaviour.
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 January 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 January 2020. You are advised to book early as many events sell out.
Ordinary Mass Times for Churches in the Geelong Deanery
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
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
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
St Bernard's, Fryers Rd., Belmont
Saturday: 6.00pm; Sunday 9.00am; 10.30am; Wednesday 12.00pm; Friday 12.00pm
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
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
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 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
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