Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Due to the move to Remote and Flexible learning, we are maintaining communications via the following options
For general enquiries please telephone the College on 5251 1136 or email: info@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For student absence please contact the College office by 10am and leave a message or email: office@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For College Fee related enquiries email: fees@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For account related enquiries email: accounts@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For enrolment queries please phone 0429 962 259 or email: registrar@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For general IT support enquiries please email: itsupport@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For Wellbeing support please email: wellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Thank you for your understanding.
As we live through the COVID-19 pandemic we are surrounded by anxiety and fear. The panic in our communities may seem overwhelming at times. The spread of this ‘new’ illness, the 24 hour reporting and the rapidly evolving response from our nation’s leaders stirs anxiety and deep concern about how communities, families and individuals should respond. It is very easy to be drawn away from a state of contentment and trust, to one of uncertainty. It may prove profitable during these times to remember that we are “in the world, not of the world” and that the promises made to us are true and recorded for us in the Bible.
You may wish to read the following as text or under the model of lectio divina or in a more natural manner you may simply read and reflect upon the prompts. Regardless of the method you choose I hope these promises are helpful to you and your loved ones at this time.
The Word
In the John’s Gospel we are reminded that Jesus is the Word (Logos) that has existed from the beginning and will eternally.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. – John 1:1-5
Reflecting upon this reading, reflect upon the promises made. You and all things came into being because of Jesus and that in him we find salvation and wholeness.
Worry
In Matthew’s Gospel we encounter Jesus as he teaches and promises us of God’s love.
Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. – Matthew 6:25-34
Take a moment to consider the depth of Jesus’ teaching.
How do these promises reflect the needs in your life? What worry do you hold on to that is unnecessary? Do you believe that God knows all of your needs and what might this mean in regard to today’s concerns? What are you called to strive first for and what will be given to you by our loving God?
The Greatest Commandment
During these difficult times many are drawn into daily concerns, their needs and those of the ones closest to them. Human nature pulls us strongly toward putting ourselves first in times of trial. Reflect upon Jesus’ teaching of the ‘Great Commandment’.
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” - Matthew 22:34-40
Our faith is based upon love of God and of sacrifice and service for the other. Jesus taught much but offered only a named few a commandment.
What value is a commandment compared to a teaching or instruction? How have you lived these two commandments over the last week? What concerns have drawn you away from fulfilling this commandment over the last few days and what can you do in the future to draw closer to God and your neighbour?
Peace
As the world deals with very difficult times with complex challenges and deeply troubling impacts, have faith God loves you. God will care for you. St Paul comforts us and reminds us to be “in the world not of the world” in his letter to the Philippians.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7
How can you rejoice even in times of anxiety and adversity? Is there any value in worry, and in worrying are you truly trusting in God? How can you, and how often will you, pray in faith over the coming days? Will you place your attention on earthly things or God when you become anxious? If we came into being through Jesus, do you trust that he will offer you peace and that he will guard your heart?
The promise of Jesus is truth: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30)
Be at peace, offer compassion and kindness, do not be anxious.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
Welcome to our College.
It is important to note that applications for Year 7 2021 close on Friday 22nd May, 2020. Please see 'How to Enrol'.
We invite you to view and enjoy our digital e-OPEN DAY 2020 video on our homepage.
Immerse yourself in our other snapshots of the life of Saint Ignatius College with our “A Day in the Life of Year 7 Student” and our fun "Be our Guest” music video.
If you require and further information regarding Enrolments please contact the College Registrar on 0429 962 259 or email: registrar@ignatius.vic.edu.au
New update posted by Annette Chidzey, Deputy Principal (Learning & Teaching) 2nd April 2020
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
Update 7th April, 2020
Dear Parents, Students and Staff Members,
Given this morning’s announcement by the Premier about arrangements for Term Two schooling, the Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) has provided advice that our College will be following from the start of Term 2 2020.
While this preliminary contact is relatively brief, more detailed information will be provided via a second email from me on Thursday 9th April once further consultation has occurred. In this update, I will outline specific advice related to Term 2 curriculum delivery and VCE
arrangements in keeping with today’s advice to Catholic schools.
Term 2 arrangements
On the advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) has advised that all Victorian Catholic schools are required to transition to remote and flexible learning arrangements for Term 2. Given this advice, our students will commence remote learning from Wednesday 15th April. (Teachers and Education Support Officers will commence work for the new term on Tuesday 14th April.)
The Chief Health Officer has advised that these arrangements should remain in place for the duration of Term 2 and will then be reviewed.
Given the government objective act to slow the spread of coronavirus, schools have been asked to communicate to students and parents that all children who can learn at home must learn from home.
Schools are able to make exceptions for children of parents who cannot work from home, and vulnerable children.
Parents will be informed via email on Thursday 9th April about how they can access this supervision at our College and what arrangements we will put in place for this.
VCE update
The Victorian Premier and Minister for Education have also announced the following changes to VCE studies.
VCE students will still receive an ATAR, but there will be a number of adjustments to the academic timetable for VCE and VCAL students:
• The GAT will move from June to October or November
• End-of-year exams will be postponed until at least December
• School-based assessment tasks will be reduced where possible to relieve some pressure on students as they move to remote and flexible learning arrangements
• Universities will be asked to delay the start of the 2021 university year to account for the impact of coronavirus on senior secondary students.
VCE study scores will continue to be a combination of school-based assessment and external exams.
VCAL students will have more time to complete their courses and this will be consistent with the revised dates for the VCE.
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is also examining a compressed end-of-year exam schedule – including slightly shortening each exam – in recognition of the disruption caused by the pandemic.
A small number of students undertaking VET may have the award of their VCE or VCAL delayed until the beginning of 2021, so that they can complete mandatory practical or workplace learning requirements – ensuring they are not disadvantaged by the lack of hands-on practice.
Making this transition to remote learning and teaching is understandably going to be challenging for us all. Continuity of learning is vitally important. We have been planning for this transition and are well-prepared. There is, however, still a great deal that we are going to learn over the coming weeks as we, along with other schools, implement remote learning & teaching.
Thank you in anticipation of your support for and understanding of, the need to move to remote learning and teaching. It is important that we work together in partnership to maintain learning for our students under these tough and trying times for all in our community whilst also ensuring the health and safety of all members of our school and the wider community. We look forward to the time when school resumes on campus but until that is possible, please be assured that we will do all we can to support our school objective to work together to maintain our students’ ability to learn in changed circumstances.
In closing, I reiterate that we will provide families with important information this Thursday to further support the transition to learning from home.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Exton Principal
Update 6th April 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you are well aware, these are challenging times as we work together as a school and wider communities to manage health concerns due to the coronavirus outbreak.
A related and equally undeniable concern is the financial hardship that families may experience due to a variety of factors somewhat outside their control.
In this letter, I especially want to convey to our school community the College’s response to the financial hardship that some families may experience as a result of job loss or loss of income due to the current pandemic situation.
I am sure you agree that stability in education for our valued students (and their families) is crucial at this unpredictable time. For that reason, I want all of our students to be able to remain at the College and not have to leave because of a deterioration in a family’s financial situation due to the pandemic. My hope is that we will all get through this period of stress and uncertainty and in doing so I want all of our families still part of our school community when we come out the other side of this concerning situation.
Should you find yourself struggling to meet school fees because of the pandemic, please know you can contact the College to obtain fee relief. We will confidentiallydiscuss your circumstances with you and come to a mutually manageable arrangement.
To facilitate this, we have set up two ways you can contact us:
1. Phone the College Reception on 5251 1136 and
i) if a receptionist answers, mention you would like to discuss fee relief and leave a contact number for a Finance Officer to return your call;
ii) if you get the answering service, leave your name and contact number with a brief message and a Finance Officer will return your call;
2. Send an email message to fees@ignatius.vic.edu.au with a brief explanation and your contact details to which a Finance Officer will respond.
I currently have no update about whether we will be returning to school for the new term yet. However, we continue to plan for the likely non-return and the move to remote learning for our students. At this stage, I plan to write again on Thursday 9th April after our next Executive meeting where we will assess the situation in regards to how we commence term two.
In the meantime, I wish all families good health and an enjoyable time together over the remainder of the holiday break. In support of the Victorian Government’s messaging at the moment, “Stay safe, stay at home,” “When out and about, maintain social distancing” and
“Thank you to everyone working to keep us safe.”
Best wishes,
Michael Exton Principal
Update 2nd April 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This current holiday period is a very important time to build in rest and relaxation in preparation for the upcoming term and we encourage all students to make sure that they take this opportunity to become refreshed and re-energised.
While these are undoubtedly uncertain times, teachers and learning support staff at the College, as well as wellbeing officers, have all been busily preparing to be able to deliver effective learning remotely if that becomes necessary when school is due to recommence.
For our students undertaking Senior certificates such as VCE and VCAL as well as VET subjects in association with both these pathways, we wish to advise that we have been very closely monitoring the information provided by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority [VCAA] as well as authorised providers and can confirm their direction to us that no student will be disadvantaged as a result of this unexpected and unpredictable health pandemic caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Exactly what this advice entails we are yet to have explained to us, so we await further direction and will communicate that to you as soon as it becomes available to us.
While this period of uncertainty may understandably be raising individual and family anxiety, we wish to reassure you that at the school level we have plans in place should we need to conduct remote assessment for senior students from the start of next term. These will be provided to you and our students prior to the start of Term 2 on April 15th so that we can continue these certificates as effectively as possible in the current circumstances.
In the meantime, we encourage students to check any coursework and holiday tasks published on Canvas, our interactive learning platform and to contact the relevant teachers with any specific enquiries related to that particular subject.
As parents and guardians, we ask that you check to ensure that functioning internet access and connections are in place to enable remote learning to continue for all students at your home when we are directed to move to that form of curriculum delivery.
We ask that you help your daughter or son to have a desk or quiet space where they can work during the day while at home and where any interactive discussions may take place.
Our VCE, VCAL and WAFE Coordinators will be in touch with you and your daughter or son to advise you of specific updates with regard to VCE, VCAL and VET respectively at the earliest opportunity and together we will proceed to continue senior studies to the best of our collective ability.
For all other students in Years 7-10, the school will provide clear directions as to how remote learning is to proceed across the timetabled classes prior to the start of Term 2 to ensure that they, too, are ready to learn from home if that becomes necessary.
In closing I pray that as this challenging time, both the holidays and the upcoming Easter celebration provides you all with time to stay healthy and safe, to reflect and to experience peace and reassurance.
Yours faithfully,
Annette Chidzey Deputy Principal (Learning & Teaching)
Update 23rd March 2020
Dear Parents, Students and Staff,
As mentioned in my earlier letter today, I now provide further details by way of keeping our community fully informed especially with regard to preparing for likely future remote student learning as well as clarifying some of the issues resulting from yesterday’s National Cabinet meeting.
To prepare the College community for the possible transition to student remote learning, the College Executive shares with you the attached plan that includes details about how staff, students and parents can provide support to deliver online learning. It outlines roles and responsibilities for staff, students and parents if and when remote learning is introduced after the upcoming Term 1 holidays.
Please note that while the College is prepared to commence remote learning, it won’t always be perfect and we will learn as we go. Our plan includes ways parents and students can be guided as to whom questions should be directed as well as specific expectations associated with all involved in this online learning experience.
For the remainder of this week, teachers are planning and preparing for the likely transition to flexible and remote learning in the anticipation that it may have to be implemented at the start of Term Two. The College Leadership Team and our Education Support Staff are conducting their routine work throughout this period.
Please be reassured that while students, especially senior students may have been allocated some preparation work over this period, remote learning has not yet commenced and therefore students are not expected to be engaged in such learning at this point.
The College Office will remain open as usual for the remainder of this week and then, as is always the case, during the Term One holidays as well.
Meanwhile, the College Leadership team continues to meet regularly to monitor the evolving situation and manage the College’s response. At Thursday’s Board Meeting, I updated the Board about our Management Plan and was grateful for Board members’ advice and support.
Can I please remind our College community that if a staff member or student at our school is a confirmed case or close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, that I am notified immediately by contacting the College Office.
With our students finishing the term today, I wish them all the best for the break knowing it will be very different to what they are used to. With social-distancing measures, isolation and anxiety around this very challenging and concerning situation, student wellbeing will need to be monitored. I am sure that parents will be very mindful of the need to help reduce their daughter’s/son’s anxiety and promote her/his health and wellbeing.
Our Student Wellbeing Team has identified the following information which may be of help to parents:
How parents can support their young person:
- Australian Psychological Society information
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Mental health and wellbeing support and advice for students and parents:
Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
Support specifically for students:
- Headspace fact sheet
- Kids Helpline support: https://kidshelpline.com.au/coronavirus#wellbeing
Our Wellbeing Team will also provide further information about online/telephone counselling that is available from agencies including KidsHelpline, Eheadspace, and Beyond Blue as it becomes available. Our Student Wellbeing Canvas page is accessible to students who are seeking general guidance on aspects of wellbeing and mental health. In addition, our Wellbeing Team will forward information on student self-care and ways to remain occupied during the break, including what supports will be available from our wellbeing staff in the instance of remote learning being introduced in Term 2.
I expect that Term 2 will begin on Tuesday 14 April, which is a student-free day, with students scheduled to return on Wednesday 15 April.
Any changes to these dates will be guided by the ongoing advice of the Chief Health Officer, and will be communicated to parents.
The Department of Health and Human Services has a number of resources on its website, which explain the virus, detail risk-reduction practices and behaviours, and answer frequently asked questions. These are available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
You can also find information about Catholic education’s response to COVID-19 at www.cecv.catholic.edu.au/Coronavirus-information-for-parents.
In the meantime, I thank all in our community for your ongoing understanding as we seek to keep our school communities safe.
Further updates will be provided if there are additional changes.
If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the school directly.
Take care and thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Exton Principal
Update 23rd March 2020
Dear Parents, Students and Staff members,
As you are most likely aware, last night the National Cabinet announced additional steps to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These steps included today being the last day of term one classes for Victorian students.
Currently classes for Term Two at our College are scheduled to commence on Wednesday 15th April 2020. There is doubt over whether schools will run classes on campus from the beginning of Term Two. We are planning for remote learning if students will need to remain at home. Teachers will deliver lessons using several online learning platforms, including ‘Canvas’ (Learning Management System) and provide important updates via ‘Xuno’ (Student Management System) as needs be. I will let our school community know as soon as possible if students will remain at home instead of returning to school from the beginning of next term.
The CECV has provided direction that staff members will use the next four days for planning and preparation for the likely transition to flexible and remote learning.
I ask all students to take home all items they will need for remote learning in case they are required to remain home for an extended period. This should include their laptop, charger, all textbooks and folios. No important items should remain in student lockers. Parents of students who are absent today may contact the office to arrange pick-up of these items across the remainder of this week.
Senior Students are always expected to undertake some work and study during term breaks. With classes finishing today, senior students will be expected to use some time during the term break to continue with their studies. Accessing Canvas and monitoring Canvas announcements as well as their emails will be very important. Teachers will provide guidance and assistance via these online ways of communication.
I continue to be very grateful for the outstanding efforts of our dedicated staff to ensure the continuity of learning, support for student health and wellbeing, support for each other and preparation for remote learning.
Well done to our tremendous students who in the face of very uncertain and challenging times, continue to do their best with continuing their ongoing studies while supporting each other.
Thank you to parents for your support. This has indeed been and will continue to be a very challenging and stressful time for families. I wish you and your family strength, health and wellbeing as you confront the challenges that the weeks ahead hold.
There will be another communication from me later today with more details about our plans for remote learning. As you would understand, I am expecting more advice from the CECV that will provide clarification around many of the issues that have occurred since last night. I will provide further updates when new information is available, or decisions have been made.
Finally, as a school community, we need to support each other and the wider community. We must keep up to date, follow the advice of authoritative sources and comply with requests made of us by our governments and health authorities. As a school we will do all we can to continue to support our students’ learning and wellbeing.
Thank you.
Take care and blessings.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Exton Principal
Update: March 18th 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I write to update you about the College’s management of the current concerns about the Coronavirus situation.
Thank you for your ongoing support to protect the safety and wellbeing of all of our students by addressing the matters raised in my letter (dated 13/03/2020) and in particular, discussing personal hygiene practices with your daughter/son.
We have no reported cases of the virus and remain alert with a management plan in place that we will adapt to the situation as necessary. Please ensure that if your daughter/son is a confirmed case or a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, that you contact me asap.
The rapid evolution of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak continues to be a challenge for everyone in education.
I am aware that it has caused concerns for parents, staff and students.
Because the health and safety of our school community is our highest priority, the school’s decision to stay open is based on advice from the Australian and Victorian Chief Medical Officers and relevant education authorities including, Catholic Education Melbourne.
Currently, the advice of Dr Brett Sutton, Victorian Chief Health Officer, is that ‘pre-emptive school closures are not likely to be proportionate or effective as a public health intervention to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time’.
When advice from the Chief Medical Officers changes, we will communicate those changes to our school community.
We continue to monitor developments actively and are working closely with the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV).
The CECV is partnering with the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to ensure our practices reflect current advice and support the needs of our school community.
I am receiving regular updates from the CECV and ensuring school leaders and staff are aware of coronavirus reporting and management practices. They are well-placed to respond as circumstances change.
The school’s leaders and teaching staff are committed to ensuring that learning remains available to students as part of all students’ entitlement to access the Victorian curriculum.
We have plans in place to support students to learn from home if a school closure eventuates but, while we remain open, the emphasis will be on the learning and teaching currently in place in the classroom. As you are aware, we are in a very good position to provide for remote learning through technology and in particular, CANVAS.
In addition to the list of school events and activities that have been cancelled or postponed, the Year 10 Work Experience Program scheduled for the last week of term two has been cancelled. The Year 10 students will attend their usual classes during this week. Structured Workplace Learning for Yrs 11 & 12 VCAL students has been suspended, until further notice. The students participating in this program should attend school instead of the workplace. Parents of VCAL students affected by this change will receive a letter about this via ‘Caremonkey.’
I visited many classes yesterday to find classes were functioning very well, and to their credit, the students were continuing to be actively engaged in their learning. The smallest daily student attendance over the last week was 80%.
Please contact the school directly to discuss educational continuity options.
Should you have any concerns relating to school operations, or the health and safety of students, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully
Michael Exton Principal
Remote and Flexible Learning and Teaching - Term 2.
Information and Protocols for parents and students to support Remote and Flexible Learning
Information about the delivery of our VCE and VCAL program
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
Update 9th April, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Re: Transition to flexible and remote learning – provision of supervision at the College
As you are aware, following State Government advice, the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) has advised that Catholic schools should move to remote and flexible learning at the commencement of Term 2.
“This means that, from the start of Term 2, all students who can learn from home must learn at home.”
Saint Ignatius College will commence remote and flexible learning for our students on Wednesday, 15th April 2020. (Teachers will begin on Tuesday 14th April.)
While it is expected that all students should be learning from home, schools have been asked to consider making supervision arrangements available at school for students in the following categories:
Children who are not able to be supervised at home and on days when no other arrangements can be made. This includes children of parents who cannot work from home, and vulnerable children, such as:
• children in out-of-home care
• children deemed by Child Protection and/or Family Services to be at risk of harm
• children identified by the school as vulnerable (including via referral from a family violence agency, homelessness or youth justice service, mental health or other health services, and children with a disability).
To assess the need for supervision, we need to know how many students we would need to cater for.
If your daughter or son is in one of the categories mentioned above, and you would like to indicate your interest in her or him being supervised at the College while she or he undertakes the remote and flexible learning, please send an email message by 12 noon Tuesday 14th April 2020 to dpoffice@ignatius.vic.edu.au and provide for each student:
• Student name
• Year Level & Homeroom name
• Days of the week attending school
• Brief reason for the need for supervision at school.
We will then contact you via email to let you know what arrangements can be put in place.
Some preliminary considerations include:
• Commencement of supervision on Thursday 16th April;
• 8:45 am to 3:05 pm;
• Transport to & from school will need to be provided by parents (at the time of writing this message, we have no advice about bus availability);
• No canteen, students to bring their own food & drink bottle;
• Social distancing would be expected as much as possible;
• The student would need to be well;
• Neat casual clothes;
• Supervision would be from a distance while students work using their laptops as if they were at home; and
• Students sign in and out at the front College office.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Exton Principal
Update 7th April, 2020
Dear Parents, Students and Staff Members,
Given this morning’s announcement by the Premier about arrangements for Term Two schooling, the Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) has provided advice that our College will be following from the start of Term 2 2020.
While this preliminary contact is relatively brief, more detailed information will be provided via a second email from me on Thursday 9th April once further consultation has occurred. In this update, I will outline specific advice related to Term 2 curriculum delivery and VCE
arrangements in keeping with today’s advice to Catholic schools.
Term 2 arrangements
On the advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) has advised that all Victorian Catholic schools are required to transition to remote and flexible learning arrangements for Term 2. Given this advice, our students will commence remote learning from Wednesday 15th April. (Teachers and Education Support Officers will commence work for the new term on Tuesday 14th April.)
The Chief Health Officer has advised that these arrangements should remain in place for the duration of Term 2 and will then be reviewed.
Given the government objective act to slow the spread of coronavirus, schools have been asked to communicate to students and parents that all children who can learn at home must learn from home.
Schools are able to make exceptions for children of parents who cannot work from home, and vulnerable children.
Parents will be informed via email on Thursday 9th April about how they can access this supervision at our College and what arrangements we will put in place for this.
VCE update
The Victorian Premier and Minister for Education have also announced the following changes to VCE studies.
VCE students will still receive an ATAR, but there will be a number of adjustments to the academic timetable for VCE and VCAL students:
• The GAT will move from June to October or November
• End-of-year exams will be postponed until at least December
• School-based assessment tasks will be reduced where possible to relieve some pressure on students as they move to remote and flexible learning arrangements
• Universities will be asked to delay the start of the 2021 university year to account for the impact of coronavirus on senior secondary students.
VCE study scores will continue to be a combination of school-based assessment and external exams.
VCAL students will have more time to complete their courses and this will be consistent with the revised dates for the VCE.
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is also examining a compressed end-of-year exam schedule – including slightly shortening each exam – in recognition of the disruption caused by the pandemic.
A small number of students undertaking VET may have the award of their VCE or VCAL delayed until the beginning of 2021, so that they can complete mandatory practical or workplace learning requirements – ensuring they are not disadvantaged by the lack of hands-on practice.
Making this transition to remote learning and teaching is understandably going to be challenging for us all. Continuity of learning is vitally important. We have been planning for this transition and are well-prepared. There is, however, still a great deal that we are going to learn over the coming weeks as we, along with other schools, implement remote learning & teaching.
Thank you in anticipation of your support for and understanding of, the need to move to remote learning and teaching. It is important that we work together in partnership to maintain learning for our students under these tough and trying times for all in our community whilst also ensuring the health and safety of all members of our school and the wider community. We look forward to the time when school resumes on campus but until that is possible, please be assured that we will do all we can to support our school objective to work together to maintain our students’ ability to learn in changed circumstances.
In closing, I reiterate that we will provide families with important information this Thursday to further support the transition to learning from home.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Exton Principal
Update 6th April 2020
Update 2nd April 2020
Update 23rd March 2020
PDFs and website links noted in the above letter:
- Australian Psychological Society information
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Mental health and wellbeing support and advice for students and parents:
Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
Support specifically for students:
- Headspace fact sheet
- Kids Helpline support: https://kidshelpline.com.au/coronavirus#wellbeing
Update 23rd March 2020
Update: March 18th 2020
Friday 20th of March will be the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (Bullying No Way! Day), with the theme of Take Action Together. Our students are encouraged to share their commitment to prevent bullying by writing on our Pledge Wall during the week of 16th March. Our Year 7-9 students will also be completing lessons in Personal Learning, and all students will be asked to reflect on ways that they can engage in positive relationships within our school and wider community.
In addition to the activities being undertaken at school, we encourage further discussion at home with families, particularly in relation to online safety and technology use.
The Government ESafety Website is a great resource for parents/carers and young people. It contains advice and guidance for parents and carers around teenagers having safe experiences online, setting boundaries to manage screen time, having difficult conversations around online safety, reporting online bullying and abuse, and understanding upcoming/trending social media, apps and games.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
We look forward to working together to improve the social interactions of our young people, and “Take Action Everyday”.
Kind regards,
Olivia Whitehead Student Wellbeing Officer
VCE Theatre Studies – Rhea Walker
Congratulations to Sebastian Dowler on his appointment as an MTC Ambassador for 2020. Seb is a passionate director, actor and theatre goer and has undertaken a significant amount of training outside of our school setting. He works with local theatre groups and is currently directing Act 2 of Alice in Wonderland – our Unit 3 performance.
He will be joining like-minded students from across Victoria who will meet once a month to discuss and view each of the MTC’s shows. This enriching experience will not only assist Seb to develop the necessary skills to pursue a career in this industry but it will benefit our class through his exposure to a range of professional theatre productions and professionals who make it all happen. Well done Seb!
Alice in Wonderland – Les Winspear
Our Unit 3 class has recently completed the planning stage of the Theatre Production Process for our Unit 3 play. It is an exciting take on this classic, whereby the audience will be treated to a psychedelic immersive experience complete with a touch of circus and Tim Burton-esque design features and interestingly, Alice will not be wearing a dress! Stay tuned for more updates on this very exciting student led production to be performed in Term 2 in the Potato Shed.
Eclectic Theatre
The Unit 2 VCE Theatre Studies class are working together to create a powerfully thought provoking piece of theatre based on the concept “Is it worth it?”. This play is embedded with dramaturgy around the impact of social media on social class, self-esteem and friendship groups. It contains issues that all students can relate to and at times, even adults. With theatrical conventions from a range of theatrical styles such as Theatre of the Oppressed, Epic Theatre and Theatre of the Absurd it will definitely make you re-consider next time you click send…is it worth it? This show will be performed in the first week of Term 2.
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll
Hit Productions are bringing Ray Lawler’s classic Summer of the Seventeenth Doll to The Potato Shed and our students are lucky enough to attend this fabulous production as part of their Outcome 3 SAC. The play will commence promptly at 8pm and run until 10:30pm on Saturday 14th March. All students must bring a pencil/pen and writing paper to this performance please.
A triumph at its 1955 Melbourne premiere, followed by a national tour and hugely successful season in London’s West End where it won an award for best new play, this 2020 production of the Australian classic Summer of the Seventeenth Doll celebrates the 65th Anniversary of this iconic play.
Go to: https://www.hitproductions.com... to find out more.
Instrumental/Public Speaking Lessons
The year has commenced with over 200 students taking instrumental or public speaking lessons. These lessons are on a rotating basis, so hopefully the students will not miss the same classes each week.
If students are interested in taking lessons, please fill out an instrumental/public speaking form from the office or contact Mrs Pape: papel@ignatius.vic.edu.auform Forms are to be returned before the end of the term.
Ensembles
Our ensembles are growing in numbers. During lunchtimes, the performing arts area is a hive of activity with students rehearsing for the many concerts coming up in the next term.
Students who are interested in joining an ensemble are encouraged to see the teachers below.
Honours and Junior Band: Mrs Marrie
Intermediate Symphonic Winds: Ms Cordell
Senior Symphonic Winds: Ms Doble/Mrs Pape
Stage Band: Mr Neal
Senior and Junior choirs: Mrs Brown
The Magis Men: Mrs Pape
Public Speaking Teacher
This year we welcome a new public speaking teacher Ms Nikki Zhao.
Nikki Zhao is a NIDA trained voice teacher and dialect coach helping professional speakers and performers to become more confident, effective and engaging communicators.
Nikki has always been involved in the performing arts community and events. She was actively involved in music and events in university, and can speak both Chinese and English fluently. In 2012, she was casted as Mulan in Mulan: The Original Musical and begun her first voice coaching role at a charity event Stage Fright in Melbourne. Since then, Nikki has been involved in a variety of events and theatre productions.
In 2019, Nikki commenced her MFA and completed her teaching placements at NIDA. She then had the privilege to exchange her expertise for an immersed cultural learning and teaching experience in Singapore. During her two months international secondment, she worked with acting students and dance performers to explore confidence in their vocal expression, and built a great rapport with the students and teachers at Lasalle and ITI.
Nikki looks forward to working with students at Saint Ignatius College Geelong who seek to develop more confidence in their vocal expression, public speaking, presentation or auditioning skills.
We have many performances coming up in second term, so please look out for our next newsletter when we shall let you know the dates and times.
Please take care and remember - “Music is food for the soul”
Mrs Linda Pape Performance and Instrumental Coordinator.
From Monday 2nd - Friday 6th March, all Year 12 students travelled to the Don Bosco Camp in Dromana for their annual Retreat. The theme for the Retreat was “This Is Me” and students explored their place in school and the wider community with this as the basis for their reflection.
Students travelled by ferry across the Bay to the campsite where they enjoyed 3 days of spending time as a cohort and developing and strengthening relationships.
A beach walk, yoga, art classes, mindfulness activities, team building games and companion bracelet making were highlights of the trip. Students threw themselves wholeheartedly into all activities and the sounds of laughter and quiet contemplation were equally heard.
Students also had an opportunity to reflect on their journey at Saint Ignatius College and look towards their future. They contemplated this in a manner befitting some of the values values of Saint Ignatius – gratitude, respect and kindness. The values of Saint Ignatius were reflected in the many activities undertaken and students had an opportunity to reflect on these and strengthen their faith.
Delicious and plentiful meals were a highlight and it was lovely for students to share meals and conversations in this environment and slow down and take a step back from our modern society.
Jeffrey from Jesuit Social Services program - Just Voices - spoke to students about his experiences as a refugee and highlighted to students that perseverance will allow them to make the best of any opportunity.
The support of the staff that attended the Retreat was amazing and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication to our year 12 students by participating 100% in all activities and giving up their time away from their personal lives to share this experience with the students.
A very big thank you to Ms Alicia Deak and Mr Paul Lewis for their support, organisation of the program and ensuring everything we needed was available.
All staff ensured a memorable Retreat was given to our students – huge thanks to Mr Michael Timms, Ms Tenille Thomson, Mrs Bronwyn Tegousis, Mrs Colleen Boland, Mr Andrew Smith, Ms Andrea Dart, Mrs Gemma Tolan, Mr John Clatworthy, Ms Vicky Munro, Mr Brendan O’Brien, Ms Marina Brown, Ms Stacey Learmonth, Mr Jason Broadbear, Ms Julia Hall, Mr Joe McLean, Miss Ruth Nolan and Mrs Alex Simpson.
Ms Kristin Williamson Year 12 Coordinator
Our camino continues at a fantastic pace. We are somewhere deep in WA heading toward another beautiful location.
Keep up with the news via the following blog post (which is included in this artcle as well):
https://sicgwolfpack.weebly.com/camino-de-australia-blog/week-25-way-out-west
Brendan Nicholls
'Welcome to the new participants who have joined us and are keen to help us complete our camino. We look forward to your involvement and energy as we continue our camino (journey) around Australia.
Our progress has been swift since our last check in. Life at the College has also proceeded at an amazing pace with much being packed into the first month of the school year. Cross country training has begun with the largest numbers yet (an average of 12 each Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime!).
Our total is currently 12784km! An amazing total that averages out to just on 500km per week. We have some people training for ultra marathons who are clocking up 80-100km a week and others who walk daily adding a good 50km a week. Every member of our pilgrimage is valued and helps us achieve our goal and at the same time they set an example of a healthy active lifestyle. Thank you and well done!
Since our last update we passed John XXIII College (Perth). John XXIII College is quite similar to SICG as it's a co-educational College of 1500 students (although it's P-12 in structure).
The College was founded in 1977 after the amalgamation of seperate Loreto (girls) and Jesuit (boys) schools. The College was named after Pope John XXIII (now St John XXIII), who was an inspired leader whose vision led to Vatican II and whose love and humility inspires us even today.
John XXIII College is a key component of Catholic Education in Perth with the clear point of difference being it's Jesuit charism and lived experience of Ignatian Spirituality.
Our journey continues to our next Jesuit/Ignatian waypoint which is Sevenhill Winery (SA). As this post closes we about 70km the other side of Bunbury heading towards Peaceful Bay which is a truly delightful place.
Keep on moving!'
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 building the Bypass entry and exit points at Gillies Road. This means we’ll need to temporarily close Gillies Road at the intersection of Andersons Road, at the north side of the Bypass.
Key dates and information
Gillies Road will close on the northern side of the Bypass, where it intersects with Andersons Road from Monday, 30 March 2020, until the Bypass opens later this year.
When Gillies Road re-opens, traffic will be able to turn left into Gillies Road from the bypass and left out of Gillies onto the Bypass.
Gillies Road residents will continue to have access to Gillies Road via Basin Road during the closure.
Parents and carers who use Gillies Road as a pickup or drop off area for the schools, sports oval or Gate 3 are encouraged to use the new pedestrian underpass on Andersons Road or other drop off locations as shown in map attached below.
Please note the pedestrian underpass is still under construction, so we ask that you take care when moving through it and please observe all safety signage and directions provided by our construction partner’s team.
A PDF of our Canteen Price List can be downloaded here
Starting March 23rd
Monday 23rd
A. Schneider, C. Oddo, R. Milburn, B. Brinfield
Tuesday 24th
M. Jackson, A. Hehir, N. Sadler, J. Johnson, R. Morris
Wednesday 25th
R. Wilkin, L. Vella, N. Grillinzoni
Thursday 26th
M. White, S. Peters, K. James, S. Nyga
Friday 27th
L. Vella, L. Hart, Needed, Needed
Starting April 13th
Monday 13th
Easter Monday
Tuesday 14th
No Canteen. Student Free day
Wednesday 15th
C. Ford, D. Worrell, L. Vella, R. Murray
Thursday 16th
L. Eastwood, M. White, R. Harris, Needed
Friday 17th
M. James, S. Hammond, S. McKay, Needed
If unable to attend, please make sure you get a replacement.
Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050 258
Working Bee - Sunday March 15th 8.30am - 12.30pm
A HUGE thank you to the following who were able to help out at the Working Bee – it was an enjoyable morning.
Bernard and Marielle Lewis
Sam Boreham
Callum Harper
Leanne and Jada Dunn
Jeanette and Hudson Johnson
Kate, Tony , Sam and Charlie Callaghan
Paul and Sandi Clark
Kevin and Curtis McCoughtry
Peter and Rizinn McInerney
Jamie, Marni and Jipsi Jackson
David Peters
David Fitzgerald
Michael Exton
Claire Hewitt
Special mention to Callum Harper and David Peters for organising the day.
Open Day - March 22nd
No doubt you are all aware that the Open Day has been cancelled. Thank you to all the families who offered to assist on the day!
Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday April 14th at 7.00pm in the Food Tech Room .
We look forward to seeing you there.
Meeting dates for rest of year are as follows:
May 12
June 9
July 14
Aug 11
Sept 8
Oct 13.
Nov – AGM TBA
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
We had originally scheduled for the Uniform Shop to be open at the Parent teacher interviews but given that this has been cancelled we will now be open on Wednesday 25th March 2.00pm – 4.00 pm.
Winter Uniform will be worn next term so a great opportunity to purchase before Term 2 commences.
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.
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.
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:
For more details and how to apply for CSEF see the attached PDFS.
Childhood bullying is an insidious behaviour that thrives on secrecy and adult acquiescence.
The recent efforts by a father in Ohio, USA to hold his child accountable for bullying is commendable, even if the technique he used is questionable.
Matt Cox insisted that his ten year daughter walk eight kilometres each way to school for three days after she was banned from the school bus for bullying.
He posted a film of her walking to school on social media, which has drawn over 15 million viewers. Cox’s actions have drawn mixed responses from parents and professionals alike.
Let’s look at the filming and posting of a disciplinary measure to social media first. It’s a firm belief of the Parenting Ideas team that discipline works best when it’s a private matter between parents and their children, and not something shared with others.
Keep discipline private
Many kids feel uncomfortable when even their close family are aware of the discipline they are experiencing. The posting of the film on social media borders on the realms of humiliation, which probably wasn’t this father’s intention.
Imagine thirty years ago if Cox’s parents had filmed an act of discipline involving their son and screening it as a short in movie theatres across the country. There would have been a public outcry about this invasion of privacy. Now thanks to social media posting of private matters is the new normal, which often goes unquestioned.
Parents should be encouraging their children to think very carefully before they post anything on social media as once the genie is out of the bottle it can’t be put back. This video could well come back to haunt his daughter in the years to come.
Being accountable
It’s laudable that this father wants to hold his daughter accountable for her actions rather than dismiss the behaviour as minor, or ‘just one of those things that happen.’ Too often parents excuse their children’s poor behaviour, or simply don’t take it seriously enough.
This father backed the actions of the bus driver, which were presumably endorsed by the school. Parent inaction over children’s inappropriate behaviour is a common frustration for many teachers and principals so I suspect knowledge of this dad’s actions would have been greeted by high fives by most of the staff at the girl’s school. Reflection is a pre cursor to behaviour change so the fact that she walked to school gave her plenty of time to ponder on her actions. However this type of punishment doesn’t generally lead to a reduction in bullying in the long-term.
Restore relationships
Relationship restoration is a key strategy used by many Australian schools that’s proving successful in changing bullying behaviour. Increasingly, kids who bully are expected to face up to their victims in safe, teacher-lead meetings. They are required to recall their actions and account for their behaviour. They also hear first hand the impact that their behaviour has had on the person they bullied, which is usually very confronting. This restorative justice method promotes real accountability as kids are expected to make amends in some way for the hurt that they have brought to the other person.
Research shows that many children who bully generally don’t identify with the impact of bullying, so hearing first hand how their behaviour impacts on others is more likely to create some empathy, and hopefully, a decrease in bullying.
Like any behaviour change method, restorative justice doesn’t work all the time. It needs to be applied in a calm, respectful way and it requires the support of the families of all children involved. This restorative justice method is less about seeking vengeance (‘you’ll get your come uppance’) and more about seeking justice for the person who is bullied (“do you feel safe and also that you’ve been heard?”) and achieving behavioural change from the child who bullies.
Use the restorative approach at home
Parents can practise this restorative approach in their families by encouraging a child to make amends if they’ve upset or been nasty to a brother or sister. ‘You mess up relationships, you make up relationships’ is a fabulous way for kids to take ownership of their anti-social behaviours. Again to be effective this method needs to be carried out in a safe, calm manner at a time when children and teenagers are likely to listen.
Childhood bullying requires a zero tolerance approach from parents, teachers and coaches if it is to be stamped out. The approach taken needs to be respectful to everyone involved; aimed at achieving justice and maintaining personal safety rather than seeking vengeance and gaining pay back; and stay firmly in the private rather public domain.
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.
Leopold Lakers Basketball Club are looking for new players for their Winter Season
For girls and boys all ages and abilities. The Winter season is held during Term 2 and Term 3.
For more information contact Trudy, the Club President on 0418 377 002 or visit the Leopold Lakers Basketball Club Facebook page.
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: Geelong Region Term 2 2020
To attend 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
Please note that all Church Mass has been suspended due to the COVID-19 situation. Call your local parish church for details.
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
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