Welcome back to the final school term for 2019. I hope all students have had an enjoyable and restful break, (with some revision and preparation for the new term), and are looking forward to finishing the year off on an excellent note.

The Interim-semester Two Reports and follow-up Parent/Student/Teacher meetings held at the end of the previous term will have helped identify and affirm good progress to date, provided a valuable opportunity to discuss areas of concern and helped set some directions for a productive time ahead.

The Year 12 VCE students sat their practice exams during the second week of the holidays. VCE Coordinator, Mr Michael Brown reported that he was very pleased overall with the way the students approached this crucial assessment preparation.

Two recent student trips

Cape York Indigenous Immersion Trip – Thirty-one Yr 9 students travelled with Ms Deb Hodge and Ms Tory Wood and ‘Red Earth’ Guides to visit an indigenous community.

East Timor Immersion Trip - Twenty Yr 10 & 11 students travelled with staff members Mr Joe Pannuzzo and Ms Rebecca Clarke and a ‘Destination Dreaming’ Leader to Dili and the Arturo Island.

Both groups returned safely during the holidays. All reports to date indicate the trips went very well. I thank the staff involved and commend the students on the very positive comments I received about their enthusiastic and cooperative approach.

Final week for Year 12s

All parents of Year 12 students will have received a letter from me late term three to communicate some of our expectations and hopes and the plans in place at this stage to help facilitate a positive and smooth finish. (Extra copies are available from our office.) The Year 12s must remain as focused as possible on their studies right through to the last exam. A lot depends on their ability to apply themselves well during this time. I have made it very clear about our expectations for a positive finish by the senior students on their ‘last day,’ Tuesday 22nd October.

Regular timetabled classes for the Year 12 students will cease on Monday 21st October 2019. The next day, Tuesday 22nd October, will be the Yr 12 ‘Celebration Day.’ The VCE written exam period starts on Wednesday 30th October 2019 with the English exam (for LOTE Oral, Theatre Studies & Music Performance exam times, please check with the subject teacher, some of these examinations have already started.) Visit the following website for the VCE exam timetable:

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/Key-dates/Pages/VCE-exam-timetable.aspx

After Tuesday 22nd October 2019, Year 12 teachers will be available during normal class time and by appointment out of class time until the exam for their particular subject. Teachers will discuss these arrangements with their students.

Some special activities are planned over the “last week” to help make this a special and memorable time for the students and parents. In particular, I remind parents of Year 12 students and friends of the College about the Year 12 Mass at the College Gym on Thursday 17th October 2019 (7:00 pm) and the Full School Assembly on Monday 21st October (report to the office at 10.30 am for a 10:45 am start.) It is expected that all Yr 12 students and their families will attend the special Mass on the 17th October and you would be most welcome to attend the assembly.

I wish our Year 12 students and their families a special and memorable time during the last phase of their secondary school journey.

Next Full School Assembly

All Parents are warmly invited to attend this term’s assembly on Monday 21st October 2019. I ask you to please report to the office at 10:30 am so you can be allocated a seat. The main focus of the assembly will be, as in past years, the school’s farewell to the Year 12 students.

Wednesday 23rd October 2019 – normal classes

Please note that this day is not a holiday for our students – classes will run as usual. As you are aware, this is the day of the annual “Geelong Cup.” Some schools are taking this day as a holiday; we are not as we take Melbourne Cup day instead (together with the day before.)

As some schools are taking Geelong Cup off, there was a question over what school buses will run on this day. The Region’s School Bus Coordinator has informed our Bus Coordinator that buses will run on this day for our students. I would suggest that students should check with their driver just before the day, particularly those on buses that carry students from other schools, in case any special arrangements are being made due to fewer students travelling on this day.

Bereavement

Very sad news - Madeleine Stub’s (Yr 7) father, Richard, passed away early last week.

On behalf of the College community, I extend our sympathy to Madeleine, her mother, Helen and their family and friends on the very sad loss of their dearly loved father and husband, relative and friend, Richard.

Deputy Principal, Michael Timms and Yr 7 Coordinator, Leonie O’Brien and several other staff members represented the College at Oakdene on last Friday where a celebration of Richard’s life occurred.

Please keep Madeleine and her family in your thoughts and prayers at this sorrowful and challenging time for them.

May Richard Rest In Peace.

Staff news

Teacher, Elana Cole has shared with us her family’s very exciting news, the arrival of a beautiful baby boy, 'Orlando Jak Lucas,' born on Thursday 26th September.

Mum and ‘Ollie’ are progressing well.

Best wishes to Teacher, Emma Cuthill, who will commence Parental Leave next week. We look forward to future good news!

One of our current Casual Relief Teachers, Jo Geary, will cover Emma’s classes.

Year 9 Camp week

All Year 9 students are away this week attending one of three different five-day camps – Lake Eildon, Murray River (Yarrawonga area) and the Grampians. This camp is run by the ‘Outdoor Education Group’ (OEG) and involves sixteen groups of fourteen Year 9 students spending five days undertaking a challenging personal and group experience. This is the third year we have run this program which has received very positive feedback. OEG’s program is designed to provide a challenging personal and Year 9 community development experience to strengthen our educational program by building student resilience, independence, resourcefulness, leadership, teamwork and self-esteem. I wish everyone involved a safe and rewarding experience.

Summer Uniform, compulsory Term Four

Just a reminder about the change to summer uniform for this term. Most students have returned wearing their uniform correctly, clean and in a very good state. I was disappointed that some students returned without doing the necessary check to see all was in order with their summer uniform. In particular, some items of uniform are in disrepair and need to be replaced, some shoes were not clean, and some of the dresses are too short. (The dress length is to the knee with an allowance of up to 5cm above the knee for growth during the term.)

Some things to be mindful of are:

• The tie does not have to be worn with the summer uniform in term four;

• The new type of summer shirt can be worn not tucked into the shorts;

• The only kind of school shoes permissible are black leather (able to be polished) ones, preferably lace-up (no skate or sports type shoes);

• The jumper is not to be the outer garment when travelling to and from school, and if it is cold the student should wear their blazer;

• Long hair (longer than to the shoulder) is tied back with College coloured ribbons and kept off the face;

• Summer uniform dress length must be to the knee; and

• The navy blue school hat is compulsory in term four.

Please find a copy of the uniform policy that relates to summer uniform in the front section of the student planner. Please note that there is a two-week changeover period from winter to summer uniform form the beginning of this term.

Magis 2018

Copies of the 2018 College annual magazine, “Magis,” have been distributed. Current families should have received their copy via their daughter/son. Last year’s Yr 12 students, who do not have a sibling currently at the College, should have received their copy via mail to the family home address. If you have not received your copy, please contact the College Office.

‘Magis’ is a fantastic record of College life for the previous year. I hope you enjoy looking over the year’s records in this annual magazine. I also hope that over time, it will become a treasured memory of the 2018 school year for our College community members.

On behalf of the College community, I express my gratitude to our Communications Officer, Mr Tony Berryman-Long, for his coordination, design work and development of the ‘Magis’ for another year.

Best wishes,

Michael Exton Principal

Privacy and information collection - Saint Ignatius College Geelong is bound by the Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1998. In relation to health records, the School is also bound by the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic.). A 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 is available on our website. You can find the link at the bottom of the College’s web page.

Welcome back! We have begun the final term of the year. We enter into an extended period of reflection and celebration of a year lived well, the successes we have enjoyed and the growth we have experienced. Our Year 12 students in fact ‘finish up’ before the next newsletter is published! The school year always seems to go by very quickly!

When I was a young man I was a student at Christian Brothers College and I clearly remember writing in my diary the number of days left in my diary. The excitement and joy that countdown gave me was immense and at times became almost an obsession. Knowing there was an end and that I would be free to do with my time what I pleased was a vision that balanced the demands and pressures of school.

I would think that not that much has changed between now and then. Today this approach isn’t as visible in the classroom as it was when I was younger, but I am sure the anticipation of finishing the year off is just as strong a theme for many of our students at the College. Although I don’t mark the days in my diary anymore, I can tell with some degree of accuracy that we have school 40 days left!

With these thoughts in mind we consider the Jewish celebration of Yom Kippur – the day of atonement. Inspired by this Jewish holiday at the beginning of this new school term we should take some time to pause and reflect upon what has passed. When we review our thoughts and actions we can objectivity discern the error and sin that we need to atone for.

As we celebrate in our own way Yom Kippur we also should consider the connections between Judaism and Christianity. Our roots are Jewish. Jesus was born, live and died a Jewish man. His revelation of the Kingdom of God and his commandments to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34) and to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37), completed the law and through his sacrifice Jesus sanctified a new covenant between God and all of humanity.

There is much we can admire within Judaism today. The deep respect the community have for God is shown in the reverence for the most holy name revealed to Moses, “I am who I am”. This unspeakable name was converted to the tetragram WHWH or Yahweh. In admiring the Jewish reverence of the holiness of God we, through Jesus, seek a more personal relationship with our loving and merciful Father. His name is one we cherish and should not use as an announcement of exasperation or frustration. We can certainly apply some of the reverence of the Jewish tradition to our won I would suggest.

The Spiritual Exercises align well with the Jewish intent of atonement and the desire to unify oneself with God and his ways. The first week of St Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the examen are based upon looking forward, reflecting on the past, awareness of the need for reconciliation and the desire for atonement. The Exercises, and our faith more generally, does not have a morbid obsession with sinfulness or an attachment to a sense of shame or guilt. Rather the Exercises seek to assist the retreatant to explore their thoughts, words and deeds and then respond to three reoccurring hope filled positive questions;

1. What have I done for Christ?

2. What amI doing for Christ?

3. What ought I do for Christ?

As we being the final term of the year we have forty days to achieve our goals for the academic year and reflect upon or growth and identify the times we have failed to live as God intended us to. Biblically the number 40 signifies a period of testing. The number occurs over one hundred times in the Bible. Today, with 40 days remaining, we can apply this meaning to the final tasks and challenges of this school year. During the next forty days we need to presence of Jesus to achieve what is possible and rely on the mercy of our forgiving God to atone for the mistakes of the past.

As we enter into the final term of the year I encourage you to take a moment reflecting upon the past. Seek to identify the areas of your life that you need to atone for and seek God’s forgiveness. Then with great positivity and hope enter into this period of testing seeking to achieve all that is possible through regularly considering: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I do for Christ?

Shalom,

Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator

It was a very enthusiastic and enlightened 31 Year 9 students who recently returned from a 10 day Indigenous Immersion to Cape York. Students were immersed in the culture and history of our First Nations People, while staying with the Yalanji people from the remote Jajikal and Bana homelands. The Elders and Traditional owners were so generous in sharing their knowledge of the land (bubu), their lifestyle, traditions, food and stories.

We learnt about bush medicine and some of the students even got to try using green ants to prevent hay fever. We met 80 year old elder Alfie; he told us stories about his childhood growing up with his pet cassowary.

The brave ones of the group went witchetty grub hunting in fallen candlenut trees and later ate them live. They tasted like a cross between a chicken and a prawn. On our last evening on the homelands, we were treated to a “Kup Murri” dinner which was cooked in the earth oven amidst the hot coals for five hours. Using the funds which they raised last term, students worked alongside the elders and traditional owners to build fences, install gates, fix existing fencing, painting signs and building a water tank stand, in order to create sustainable practices so the Traditional Owners can live on their ancestral land.

Student Ane Smith wrote the following when describing her immersion experience…

“I attended the Cape York immersion in 2019 with Saint Ignatius and all I can say is it was incredible. In 10 days I learned all about the lifestyle of the traditional owners we visited, the Yalanji people, including their stories, their culture, their traditions, their hunting methods, plus how to fish and collect mussels in the mangroves. I visited many sacred sites and learnt about the significance and culture behind these places. I learnt through observation many things as well, including the importance of family and togetherness. I was able to get involved with community projects both in Jajikal and Bana and got to know those indigenous family members whom I was helping, and talked with them as they guided us in fencing and digging holes. Importantly, I grew closer to the student group as a whole, gaining new friendships and talking to every individual, and gained more respect for the teachers. I loved the raw openness and welcome feeling that the elders brought to every discussion. They were so engaging and kind to talk to, although their stories of loss and hardship were moving to listen to. I’m going to miss the birds chirping every morning, the simplicity of life and the connections we made with these gentle, resilient community leaders. This is a trip that will stick with me forever.”

Our students came back changed from their experiences; more respectful of the world’s oldest continuous living culture and determined to drive reconciliation for Aboriginal people. Students set the foundations in building an enduring connection to remote Indigenous Australia by emulating St Ignatius in his quest ‘to love and to serve’ and to listen with an open heart. We were so proud of the close, warm bonds they formed with our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

We look forward to continuing our friendship with the Traditional Owners in Bana and Jajikal in 2020, when we return with more interested Year 9 students.

Mrs Hodge and Ms Wood

In emphatic fashion, the Saint Ignatius College 1st XVIII football team have taken out the Division 2 Herald Sun Shield, defeating Westbourne Grammar at Trevor Barker Oval, in Sandringham, on Wednesday 11th of September.

Played in beautiful conditions at the Sandringham VFL ground, Saint Ignatius College entered the game playing against last year’s premiers in Westbourne Grammar. Having won the GISSA competition and then defeated Christian School Education Network (CSEN) by 110 points in the Quarter Final at Chirnside Park in Werribee and having defeated Salesian College, Sunbury by 58 points in the semi-final, Saint Ignatius College deserved the opportunity to play off in the prestigious Herald Sun Shield Competition Grand Final.

The match was expected to be close, and early on proceedings followed the script, Will Kilpatrick’s opening goal for the Wolves quickly met with reply from Westbourne. The Wolves, through Jhye Clark, Mitch Clark and Flynn Young, kicked three goals in a row to take an 18-point lead into quarter time.

Saint Ignatius then showed why they were such a dominant team throughout the tournament. In a blistering 2nd term, they piled on 6.6 to 0.1 and took a commanding 59-point lead into the half time break. The highlight of the exquisite display was a booming torpedo from Flynn Young, which sent the large contingent of Saint Ignatius supporters who had made the journey from Drysdale into raptures.

Westbourne hit back at the start of the third quarter, kicking three quick goals, but any chance of an unlikely comeback was stalled by Ben Gillians, who kicked 2.2 for the quarter. Despite Westbourne having much of the play for the quarter, especially the first 10 minutes, the Wolves extended their lead out to 67-points heading into the final change.

The last quarter proved to be a scrappy and quiet affair. Westbourne failed to score, the ball hardly heading past halfway in a quarter where the Wolves kicked 4.7, the final goal of the match coming from Flynn Young, a tight shot from the boundary tipping the margin over 100 points.

The win was a true testament to the character of the boys. It was a fitting conclusion to a year that delivered more than anybody could have expected. While the score lines and silverware are gratifying, the real prize was the humble manner in which every player in the squad carried themselves. This group of young men, have created a legacy and laid the foundation for this team to create history in being the first Saint Ignatius College team to win Herald-Sun Shield (Division 2) Title.

In recognising their achievements, it is essential to highlight the expertise and dedication of the teams coaching group, who continued to provide inspiration, knowledge and positive role modelling to all the players.

Coach: Joe McLean

Assistant Coach: Andrew Philp

Team Manager: Michael Timms

Goal Kickers: Ben Gillians (4), Jhye Clark (3), Nickolas Ash (3), Flynn Young (3), Mitch Clark (2), Will Howard (1), William Kilpatrick (1), Max Annandale (1)

Best On Ground Award: Will Kilpatrick

Final Score

Saint Ignatius College 18.15 125

Westbourne Grammar 4.1 25

Jamie Law (Year 12)

On Thursday 29th August, 62 students and 7 staff participated in the Saint Ignatius Vinnies Junior Winter Sleepout to support and raise awareness for homelessness in Australia, as well as raise funds for the Drysdale St Vincent de Paul branch. Leading up to the Sleepout students were fundraising for St Vincent de Paul via our fundraising page. Students and their family and friends raised a total of $731 for the Drysdale St Vincent de Paul Chapter.

The evening commenced with an acknowledgement of country by Abigail Valentine-Rawlins (FIRE Carrier) and a prayer and reflection written and led by Isabel Kincaid (Liturgy Captain). Students were welcomed by Isabella Harry (Justice Captain) who then introduced our guest speaker Sammy. Sammy is from the Jesuit Social Services Just Voices Program and shared his personal story and challenges of homelessness. Sammy is also a successful rapper and performed a few of his raps with the students!

Students from Years 7-10 spent the rest of the evening in small groups run by Year 9, 11 and 12 leaders where they learnt about the key issues associated with homelessness including demographics, causes, government funding and Catholic Social Teaching. Students were challenged to reflect on how this new information could inform their thoughts, words and actions when personally responding to homelessness.

Students ate a simple dinner of soup, a ham and cheese sandwich and a muesli bar to simulate a meal provided by a soup van on any given night in Melbourne. Students were randomly allocated a sleeping space in the gym that statistically represented primary, secondary and tertiary states of homelessness in Australia.

Overall, the experience was very rewarding and offered an opportunity to express solidarity for those facing homelessness and provide an insight into the everyday challenges and struggles that is a reality for 116,000 people in Australia.

Alicia Deak Justice and Service Coordinator

The Year 8 cohort took time out of their busy daily routines to go on retreat on either Monday 2nd or Wednesday 4th September at the Monahan Centre in Queenscliff. The theme of the retreat was Loving our Indigenous Neighbour and focused on our invitation and responsibly as students at a Catholic and Jesuit Partnership School to love and treat others as we would expect to be treated, in particular our Indigenous Australian neighbours.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola firmly believed that improving your ability in something requires practice and repetition. He said that if you want to improve your ability to solve maths equations you need to do practice mathematical exercises that exercise the head. If you want to improve your relationship with yourself, others and God, you need to exercise the heart. If you want to improve your ability to play a sport skilfully, you need to engage in skills exercises. If you want to serve others in a more meaningful way you need to practise and exercise giving freely to and not asking for anything in return.

“For pilgrims, strolling, walking, running are exercises in love, in prayer.”- Andrew Bullen SJ

For Ignatius, it was important to be “fit” in these areas, in particular our head, heart, and hands as these determine how we love others and express that love through service to our neighbour. In light of this, students participated in four sessions that reflected the head, heart, hands and body. These sessions explored historical and contemporary challenges that indigenous Australians have witnessed, how our hearts respond to these injustices, how our hands can creatively serve our neighbours, and how our bodies can respond to a call to action.

The day concluded with a Mass said by Fr Gerry Healy SJ whose homily explored the story of the Good Samaritan and the need in our world today to unconditionally love our neighbour. That is, all of humanity regardless of race, gender, ethic background or religion.

Special thanks to staff for leading the sessions, especially Ms. Blair Shaw for her yoga presentation, Ms. Leeanne Irving for her fantastic catering, Fr. Gerry Healy SJ for celebrating the Eucharist and the students for their respectful and attentive listening and participation. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on living a more just and loving life.

Mrs Deborah Hodge Year 8 Coordinator and Ms Alicia Deak Ignatian Coordinator

At the end of last term, two SICG netball teams participated in the Finals Day of Competition in the Victorian School Netball Championships. This competition was held at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Parkville which is home to the Melbourne Vixens.

The Year 7 & 8 girls and the Year 9 & 10 girls qualified for this day as they won all their matches during the preliminary round in August.

The teams played six and seven games respectively and they mainly played against metropolitan teams. The matches were hotly contested and were played at a fast pace.

The Year 7 & 8 girls played six matches, winning two and losing four. The girls came up against some quality Melbourne schools so I’m sure it was a great experience for them.

The Year 9 & 10 girls performed very well and ended up coming 5th in the State. They played seven matches, winning five and losing two. The girls narrowly missed out on playing in the semi final.

Both teams should be commended on their willingness to win, their desire to never give up and their eagerness to be a part of the school teams.

This competition brings the netball season to a close. I would like to thank all the players, umpires and coaches who have participated in the netball program at Saint Ignatius this year.

Stacey Learmonth Netball Coordinator

The Valedictory 2019 celebrations are being held on Friday 29th November 6.00pm for 6.30pm start to 11.00pm The President’s Room, Geelong Football Club, GMHBA Stadium, Latrobe Terrace, Geelong

Year 12 parents and guardians please refer to the email you received today and book your tickets for the Valedictory Dinner on the Trybooking website using the link provided in the email.

Bookings still open so don't miss out!

The 'Class of 2009' 10 Year Reunion is being held on Saturday October 12th at Cafe Go.

The event starts at 7pm and the cost per head is $35 which includes finger food and entertainment. Drinks at bar prices.

Bookings can be made at www.trybooking.com/BFNCX

A PDF of our Canteen Price List can be downloaded here

Starting October 14th

Monday 14th

J. Gray, E. Musella, T. McMurray

Tuesday 15th

L. Tigani, M. Jackson, S. Twaits

Wednesday 16th

L. Vella, Needed, Needed, Needed

Thursday 17th

N. Lowther, L. Eastwood, M. White

Friday 18th

S. MacKay, S. Hammond, Needed

Starting October 21st

Monday 21st

T. Smale, L. Grist, E. Don

Tuesday 22nd

R. Murray, N. Robinson, Needed

Wednesday 23rd

L. Vella, S. Johnston, Needed

Thursday 24th

M. White, K. James, S. Peters

Friday 25th

T. Dowd-Hamilton, E. Stokie, Needed

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

Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050 258

Book Your Tickets Now!!

"Big Night Out - Guys and Gals" PFA Fashion Fundraiser is Friday October 18th 2019
Tickets can be purchased via trybooking: www.trybooking.com/beqji or from the College front Office.
Please see the article in this newsletter about the night.

Parents and Friends’ Meeting for October 2019

Please come and join us on Tuesday October 15th 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

Call for nominations for the Parents and Friends' Association Committee

Positions: President, Treasurer and Secretary

Nominations are to be directed to the Principal (Michael Exton) by October 31st. Email Cathy Dykes (PFA Secretary) sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au for nomination form.

Yes! We are selling the Entertainment Book – (2019/2020)

You can still purchase your copy! Please help support Saint Ignatius College by purchasing an Entertainment.

Books are for sale at the College Office or you can email Sandi Clark sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

The Uniform Shop

Please note that Uniform shop will be open every second Wednesday from 2pm to 4 pm.

Term 4 Dates are: October 16th and 30th, November 13th and 27th

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.

Book Your Tickets Now!!

The Parent and friends' Association 'Big Night Out - Guys and Gals' is next Friday- October 18th 2019
Tickets can be purchased via trybooking: www.trybooking.com/beqji or from the College front Office.

6.30pm arrival (glass of sparkly – or beer - on arrival); 7.00pm start.

Venue: PIONEER ROOM - St Mary’s Parish Centre - 150 Yarra St, Geelong

We are once again organizing our fun fashion night, but this time for for guys and gals, to make it double the fun. Once again we have teamed up with Montana’s Fashion and Accessories – Portarlington – who is introducing a men’s range to our fashion show.

Tickets are $12 each, and ticket price can be redeemed with any purchase (*one per transaction).

Please note: IMPORTANT!

Your trybooking receipt will need to be redeemed for a numbered ticket (as the ticket itself is a $12 voucher). This can be done by bringing your receipt to the Office to redeem prior to the event, or bringing it on the night to redeem upon entry to the venue.

Sponsorship and Donations List (for Raffles and Door Prizes) Please support these businesses in your day to day purcases

We would like to thank everyoner for their genrous support

Piano Bar - $100 voucher

Little Creatures – donated 4 x Tour tickets (value $80 - $20 each)

Flying Brick $100 voucher

Adventure Park – 2 x Summer Season 2019/2020 tickets donated (value $93)

Peninsula Hotel - $50 voucher

Baker's Delight – Drysdale Village - $50 voucher

Bellarine Memories – Gift Hamper

Body Shop at Home 2 x packs - Body Products (value over $250) & Haircare Range (value $50 - $80). (Sam Hargreaves – independent consultant – Body Shop at Home)

Yoga Classes (3 x vouchers – from Be Broomhead – ‘yogaforthepeople’ St Leonard’s)

Pistol Pete's - $25 voucher

Highton Fish & Chips - $50 voucher

Kay (Gibbons) – Geelong Artist (who donated the awesome painting in 2017) is donating a piece of her artwork for our Raffle in 2019.

Cotton On – $50 voucher

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie – 1kg Mega Chocolate Bar

Dan Murphy's - $25 voucher

Mind Body Salt – 2 x voucher – value $80

Sleek Custom Resin Design – Cheese board - value $50

Plant & Co. – personalized gift box (incl. voucher for message)

Town & Country Pizza – Leopold – voucher

Leopold Pharmacy – Direct Chemist Outlet - hamper

Donations received from College families

Browne Family: $100 cash donation

Wilgrave Family: Bottle of Sparkly

Gordon Family: Hamper Donations

Hay Family: Jellybean Count Donation & Hamper Donations

Sims Family: Bottle of red and 2 bags chocolate for Hamper

Lace Family: canvas painting (bus)

Johnson Family: Hamper/gift items

Open Days a really good opportunity to explore the campus and get a feel for the university or tertiary institution. There are lectures held for the courses of interest and explainations of what you might be studying and how to apply for the course. It is also an opportunity to meet staff and current students and get a feel for the institution you would like to attend.

A list of the VTAC Open days for 2019 can be viewed here:

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:

We do a lot for our kids, because we love them and often they need us. But we forget that one of the best things we can do for our kids is to help them learn to do for themselves and for others.

Do you ask your kids to do chores, to help out on a regular basis? You would be surprised how many parents – who were raised doing chores – don’t ask the same of their kids. If you do give them chores, do you sometimes go behind them and redo the work when they’re done? Don’t! If it’s not done right, get your child to fix it.

When I ask why parents don’t give chores or why they don’t challenge their kids with hard things – and I do, all over the world – parents tell me it’s because kids are too… busy! They’re working their tails off on classwork, teams, clubs, groups, trying to excel at 100 different things! So adults are willing to take on every other responsibility in their lives in order to facilitate these goals. And it’s hurting kids.

We drive them everywhere – fewer teens are seeking drivers’ licences each year. We type their work, do their research and try to buy them anything they or we think might possibly increase their success. We solve every problem and bulldoze over every potential obstacle. And kids accept this as the natural order of things.

We are stepping in front of our kids, when in fact we should be stepping back and allowing our kids to step up.

It’s sounds like tough love, but it’s not. This is parenting. This is making sure that our kids, in just a few short years, don’t still need us to do everything for them. Our kids know that we are expert problem-solvers. Now it’s their turn to step up and learn to help themselves and others.

So how can we let kids step up? Here are a few tips you can try right now with kids of any age.

1. When your child or teen comes to you with a problem, don’t fix it. Say “You’re a good problem-solver. What do you think?” And then listen to the answer.

2. Expect them to fail, and talk about what they’ll do when (not if) that happens.

3. Give them tasks to do that help the whole family (not only themselves) and make sure they do them, until it’s done well. Be patient, but firm.

It’s crucial that you take a step back and let your kids make mistakes and learn from their experiences. You aren’t going to be there in adulthood to clear the obstacles they face or solve the struggles. They eventually will have to make decisions and find solutions on their own and they will be ill-prepared if they weren’t allowed to make those mistakes under supervision while you’re right there to show empathy and give support!

You may be thinking “but what if there’s an emergency and I have to jump in?” Well, first define emergency.

Two percent of the time, kids need an adult to jump in front of them and solve the problem. They need an adult to protect them from a life-threatening issue that overwhelms their internal resources such as when they experience bullying, mental health issues and eating disorders.

The other ninety-eight percent of the time kids need a compassionate adult to take an interest, from a distance, without fixing anything. So step back so that a child or a young person can step up and handle problems and dilemmas themselves.

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.

Harmonico Filipino with "The Quinals" Youth Band

Special Geelong performance of music and harmony, one day only on Saturday October 19th at Holy Family, 143 Separation Street, Bell Park from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Afternoon tea to follow. Tickets: Adults $20 and Students $10 Children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.

Geelong Regional Libraries 'Mental Health and Young People' Free Mental Health Panels

During National Mental Health Month, Geelong Libraries are hosting four panel sessions that are being held in different branches across the region . The panel will have representatives from headspace, BCYF Family Services, Jigsaw, Bellarine Health Care, Pritchard Health and Barwon Health Carers Services.

The topic of the sessions are three fold – how to recognise the signs of concern when a young person may be struggling with their mental health, where and how to access support for the young person, and how to get support for yourself as the carer.

The sessions are being held at the Torquay, Newcomb, Lara and Belmont branches. Please the flyer below for details and here is the link for people to book into this free community eventhttps://www.grlc.vic.gov.au/whats-on/mental-health-and-young-people

City of Greater Geelong Regional Parenting Program

The City of Greater Geelong, in conjuction with other stake holders, presents Parenting Programs which may interest parents and guardians.

In October they are presenting 'Parenting Your Teenager', a six week program commencin October 16th, and 'Flourishing Families', a four week course starting October 22nd.

See the flyers below for more information and booking details.

Ocean Grover Cricket Club

The Ocean Grove cricket club will once again be fielding teams in the girls cricket competition.

We are seeking 5 extra players aged between 9 and 19 to complete our teams. If you would like to give cricket a try please contact Dana at macoda5@gmail.com

What's On in October and November 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 October and November. You are advised to book early as many events sell out.

Did your Year 7 students miss their vaccines at school?

See the list below of Immunisation Centres and Hours:

Belmont Community Health Centre

Barwon Health 1-17 Reynolds Road, Belmont, 3216.

(Please note that this is the Barwon Health building, not the Maternal Child Health building)

Wednesday morning (Appointment only) 9 am - 12.30pm

Open sessions (No appointment required) Wed and Friday afternoons 1.30pm - 4.45pm

Saturday morning (Appointment only) 08.30am – 12.15pm

Corio Community Health Centre

Barwon Health 2 Gellibrand St, Corio, 3214.

Every Wednesday 9.30am - 11.45am (No appointment required)

Newtown “Ariston”

245 Pakington St, Newtown, 3220.

1st Friday of each month 9.30am -11.45am (No appointment required)

Ocean Grove - Boorai Centre (behind Aquatic Centre)

4-50 Shell Rd, Ocean Grove, 3226.

2nd and 4th Friday of each month 9.30am -11.45am (No appointment required)

Newcomb Library meeting room (upstairs)

Corner Wilsons Rd & Bellarine Highway, Newcomb, 3219.

1st and 3rd Friday of each month 9.30 – 11.45am (No appointment required)

Bell Park Parish

Holy Family 147 Separation St, Bell Park, VIC 3215

Sunday: 8.00am, 9.30am, 11.00am Croatian, 12.15pm Slovenian 2nd Sunday Only

Ss Peter & Paul’s Cnr Mercer & Malone St, Geelong West, VIC 3218

Saturday: 5.00pm Vigil

Holy Spirit Cnr Bostock Ave & Nambool St, Manifold Heights, VIC 3218

Sunday: 11.00am

Belmont Parish

St Bernard’s 74 Fryers Rd, Belmont, VIC 3216

Sunday: 9.00am, 10.30am

Saturday: 6.30pm Vigil

Corio and Lara Parish

St Francis Xavier 143 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Corio, VIC 3214

Sunday: 10.30am

Saturday: 7.00pm Vigil

St Anthony’s Kees Road, Lara, VIC 3212

Sunday: 9.00am

Drysdale Parish

St Thomas Peninsula Drive, Drysdale, VIC 3222

Sunday: 9.00am

St Patrick’s 10 - 14 Harding St, Portarlington, VIC 3223

Sunday: 9.00am

St Phillip & St James 1345 Murraduc Rd, St Leonards, VIC 3223

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

Lumen Christi 66 Kensington Road, Leopold, VIC 3224

Sunday: 10.30am

Geelong Parish

St Mary of the Angels Basilica 150 Yarra St, Geelong, VIC 3220

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

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

Grovedale, Anglesea and Torquay Parish

Nazareth 10 Griffith St, Grovedale, VIC 3216

Sunday: 10.30am

St Therese’s 43a Surfcoast Highway, Torquay, VIC 3228

Sunday: 8.45am

St Christopher’s 72 Bingley Parade, Anglesea, VIC 3230

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

Meredith Parish

St Joseph’s 28 Lawler St, Meredith, VIC 3333

Sunday: 11.00am Alternate Sunday

Sacred Heart 70 Hamilton Highway, Inverleigh, VIC3321

Sunday: 9.00am except last Sunday of the month when it will be at Bannockburn gymnasium

St Brigid’s 2439 Ballan Road, Anakie, VIC 3221

Sunday: 11.00am Alternate Sunday

St John the Baptist 4 Harding St, Winchelsea, VIC 3230

Saturday: 6.00pm Vigil

St John the Evangelist 24 High Street, Bannockburn, VIC 3331

Sunday: 9.00am Mass in the Stadium last Sunday of the month

Queenscliff Parish

Holy Family 101 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads 3227

Saturday: 6.00 pm

Our Lady Star of the Sea 68 John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove 3226

Sunday: 9.00 am

Holy Trinity 34 Stevens Street, Queenscliff 3225

Sunday: 11:00 am