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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
I am writing to inform you that Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning), Mrs Annette Chidzey, will be retiring at the end of this year.
Our News // 27 August 2020
Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong community members,
I am writing to inform you that Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning), Mrs Annette Chidzey, will be retiring at the end of this year.
Mrs Chidzey will have served as our Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning) for six years at that point. As a member of the Saint Ignatius community, you will be aware of the extraordinary contribution she has made to the College over thirteen years and particularly, in the role of Deputy Principal.
I appreciate that this news comes in a period of remote and flexible learning and working with its many uncertainties and challenges, both individually and professionally. This news comes with sadness as we will miss Mrs Chidzey. She has been such a dedicated and committed member of staff. Due to the current situation, community members will not be able to have face-to-face contact with Mrs Chidzey to acknowledge her decision at this time. Hopefully, there will be many chances to recognize her contribution, express our gratitude and say our farewells later in the year.
Mrs Chidzey has been an outstanding teacher for almost 44 years. She has enriched, supported, challenged and inspired hundreds, if not thousands, of students in their learning. She is a very well-respected educator who has been a tremendous role model and mentor for her colleagues. Mrs Chidzey’s teaching methods include English and Humanities. Teaching has been her life and a significant part of who she is; it has indeed been a vocation. We give thanks to God for Mrs Chidzey’s significant positive influence on the lives of her students and colleagues over more than four decades. We pray for Mrs Chidzey that the remainder of the year will be a professionally rewarding, healthy and enjoyable time as she finishes up and looks forward to retirement.
Mrs Chidzey pictured congratulating a student at the Mosaic 2019 evening.
Succession planning for this key leadership role will now be a focus for me, and I will be starting the recruitment process immediately to enable a thorough search process and provide potential candidates with an appropriate period of notice.
This role will be advertised in “The Age” and the “Geelong Advertiser” this weekend. My objective is, of course, to find the best possible candidate to join our College’s leadership team. Someone who can build on the current strength of the College in the teaching and learning area and take it to even greater heights. You can be assured that we will not leave a stone unturned in our efforts to achieve this.
While I look forward to announcing the next Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning) in early term four, I also look forward to celebrating Mrs Chidzey’s highly professional and dedicated service to education towards the end of this year.
Yours Faithfully,
Michael Exton Principal
On the weekend a report was published about the exclusion of ex-AFL player Robert Muir from the St Kilda Football Club and the AFL broadly. The article spoke of the harrowing experiences he has experienced throughout his life, the systematic racism he faced during his life and the lack of support during his playing career and in later life. Although his playing career occurred in a different era the racism and the way he was denied dignity led to significant mental health issues, substance abuse and numerous suicide attempts.
As a lifelong Saints supporter, I was shattered. So many questions swirled around. How could my club have allowed this and more importantly why was Robert excluded? How could the club not have looked beyond his on-field transgressions and support someone who desires nothing more than the acceptance and love of the club? For a club that has done so much for inclusion and diversity with Pride Match how could they exclude one of our own?
Many people remember Robert as a brilliant player with a ‘quick temper’. He was a trailblazer for Indigenous players in many ways but his on-field violence was viewed as a stereotype of uncivilised behaviour. Supporters were happy with this simple explanation of his aggression and the lengthy suspensions he received. As he explained when interviewed, lashing out was the only way he felt he could stop the persistent and vile racial vilification he experienced. Robert’s account of the abuse has been supported entirely by fellow players and officials from the period and the empathy this affirmation causes is visceral.
Exclusion seems to be a hardwired trait in humans. We desire the affirmation of being in a group and will broadly follow what is accepted by the group for fear of being ostracised. As a community, the College actively pushes against this tendency. This week we are encouraged to participate in Wear it Purple Day this Friday. On Friday we as a community wear purple to show our value of diversity and inclusivity at our school. Although we are not together physically at this time we can still be together in spirit and advocate as a community for inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
The teachings of our Church and our friendship with Jesus further the desire to include and advocate for justice and dignity. Ignatius encourages us to ‘find God in all things’. Considering this viewpoint requires us to move beyond those ‘in our group’. It’s easy to love those who are like you. A mark of true discipleship is loving those who are different. In knowing Jesus we can live as he did and go out to those who are different and intentionally include them. As every person was created through God's love we focus on stripping away the differences and view and love the individual as God does.
To love like Jesus we need to know him. We need to study his words and actions. To have the strength required to be more like him we need to be close to him. The current period of restrictions offers us more time to focus on this essential relationship. How we develop our friendship with Jesus and the experiences that make us aware of his presence are unique and personal. During the coming weeks identify these things and enter into them often. In doing so you will find deep peace, personalise his vision of the world and contentment.
There is a wonderful Advent song called ‘Somewhere in Your Silent Night’ that mirrors Ignatius’ vision in the lyrics, “Emmanuel will meet you where you are”. Ignatius teaches us to “enter through their door but be sure to leave through your door”. In light of the persecution of Robert Muir and the human tendency to exclude rather than include this profound vision of encounter is transformative.
Including others does not mean accepting behaviours that we disagree with. To include others, we do however need to focus on the good and accept difference. We may not agree with the way the person lives their life or the decisions they make but we can meet them where they are and accept the person. Reaching out to someone and offering them kindness may be the act that transforms the other and leads to change in the things we find difficult in loving them.
As we look forward to Wear it Purple Day, consider who in society is excluded and how you might reach out or at least leave the door open for them. How can a simple act of advocacy in wear purple change your heart and those around you? What conversations might wearing purple this Friday bring about? How can you further the Gospel through your words and actions? Where is love needed? These questions are worthy of some contemplation over the coming days.
When I asked my mum as a child why we as a family follow the Saints She always said that “we follow the Saint because they are a good club and always play fairly”. This was a good answer but didn’t make sticking with a team who were serial wooden spooners as a kid easy but today I can see evidence of mum’s faith in the club. The day Robert Muir’s story was published the club responded with sincerity and humility. In the few days that have passed the club has committed to a deeper exploration of historical racism and why Robert was excluded when what he needed most was love and support. He has been heard and has been welcomed home.
With a little effort, we can become more whole each day and live and love as Jesus does. I pray that on Friday you are inspired to 'Wear it Purple', including those who are excluded and advocate for a better world.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
For general enquiries please telephone the College on 5251 1136 or email: office@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
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For Wellbeing support please email: wellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Thank you for your understanding.
As part of the current arrangements for students undertaking VCE studies during remote learning, Fridays have been designated as an opportunity to continue consolidating remote and flexible School Assessed Coursework (rfSAC) while also completing scheduled SACs especially in subjects that have multiple classes.
During this time, if a student is not involved in a rfSAC, they are able and expected to undertake self-directed learning, study and revision related to their current studies.
If students do not have a scheduled rfSAC they should use this time to catch up on any work that is outstanding in their classes. It is not time that should be seen as ‘free time’ where no study or revision is necessary.
Due to the nature of the VCE there are a number of ways students can utilise this non-contact time.
It is recommended that students develop a revision calendar to help in their preparations for any School Assessed Tasks or end of unit exams. This is especially crucial for students undertaking Unit 3/4 studies. I would recommend that students make use of such a revision timetable during any non-teaching time in conjunction with formal study revision that they have set aside for preparation for the end of year. There are various ways that a timetable may be develop. The links below may offer some valuable insights in this regard:
Should you wish to discuss these arrangements further or seek more information about the current remote VCE program, please contact Mr. Brown, VCE Coordinator via the email: brownm2@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Michael Brown VCE Coordinator
As part of Unit 3/ 4 VCE studies, all students undertaking a 3/4 VCE sequence of studies in 2020 are required to undertake the VCAA General Achievement Test (GAT). GAT results are used to check that student VCE external assessments and School based Assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed. The GAT is used in these checks because its results are a good predictor of final assessments for VCE studies. If a student has done well in the GAT, they are likely to do well in their external assessments and School-based Assessments.
As part of our preparations for this test in 2020, all students who are required to complete the GAT will undertake a practice GAT written paper on Friday 4th of September starting at 10:45. This practice GAT written paper will be conducted via the College’s learning platform Canvas in English groups for Year 12 students and two specially formed groups for Year 11 students including any VCAL students undertaking a VET course that has an externally assessed component. The written practice paper will be externally graded, with the grades provided back to students prior to the end of Term 3.
The multiple choice component of the practice GAT will be also delivered via the Canvas learning platform. Students will need to set aside a continuous two-hour block of time to complete these questions which must be submitted by September 11th. The time chosen to complete these questions is at the discretion of the individual student, however, they should not be completed during any timetabled lesson times.
Students will have an opportunity to unpack their practice papers and seek further assistance to prepare for the formal GAT on Wednesday October 7th. While this practice GAT will not count towards any final grade generation, it is vitally important in the preparation of students for the actual GAT paper this year given the COVID-19 impact on, and interruptions to, student assessment performance and results in VCAA subjects delivered at this level.
The Principal, Mr. Exton, has strongly endorsed the provision of this practice GAT written paper on September 4th and subsequent time spent undertaking the multiple choice component and has requested this activity be organised for all students doing a Unit 3/4 subject in 2020.
Should you wish to discuss these arrangements further or seek more information about the GAT itself, please contact Mr. Brown, VCE Coordinator via the email: brownm2@ignatius.vic.edu.au
We are pleased to be able to provide this invaluable preparation for our VCE students and will send home a Care Monkey notification early next week to ensure parent and guardian support for this initiative.
Michael Brown VCE Coordinator
This Friday the 28th of August is Wear It Purple Day and even though we’re not at school to celebrate it together, we’re hoping that you’ll all get involved to celebrate in the ways we can!
Wear it Purple Day is a special day where we, as a community, get to celebrate and promote the value of diversity and inclusivity in our school. Saint Ignatius is an incredible community, and it’s important that every one of us feels included no matter who we are. Wear It Purple was founded 10 years ago to respond to a world where sometimes, not everyone does feel valued. Now, Wear It Purple is a day of celebration and awareness that everyone should feel empowered to be who they are.
This year, the theme for Wear It Purple Day is “We Are The Change.” This represents us, as a community, implementing inclusivity into our lives so that everyone around us is encouraged to express themselves and be who they are.
Though it would’ve been great to share Wear it Purple Day together at school, you can still get involved from home by wearing purple and encouraging your friends to do so! You can start conversations with others about what it means to wear purple for you, and what it looks like to be an advocate for inclusivity in our community.
By wearing purple, you are showing your support for all of your peers, no matter their identity.
We are all responsible for making Saint Ignatius a place where everyone feels included.
Wear purple on August 28th to be the change!
Florence Noble (College Vice Captain) & Coco Bullock (Arts Captain)
On Thursday 20th August, 12 senior students participated in the Senior Winter Sleepout to support and raise awareness for homelessness in Australia. This event is usually held on site at Saint Ignatius College, however due to our current circumstances the afterschool and evening program was run via Zoom and students slept out in their backyards.
The evening commenced with an acknowledgement to country followed by prayer. Each students light a candle, to represent the presence of Christ, our desire to let our own light shine and our commitment to assist others in doing so too. The introductory session explored our context and why Saint Ignatius College values experiences that form our students to be men and women for others.
As hands on service was not possible, students watched an episode of the SBS documentary Filthy Rich and Homeless to gain an insight into the lives of those who experience homeless. Students were asked to reflect deeply on homelessness as not simply an injustice that we ‘see’ in our world, but as an injustice that involves the lives of vulnerable people who have dignity, should be treated with respect, and who we are called to love and serve.
In groups, students researched different aspects of homelessness, including the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness in Australia. Each group presented their research to deepen our shared understanding of homelessness, so that we are able to better ‘judge’ this injustice and reflect on how we can best act and respond to this issue.
While we were unable to share a simple meal together, students ate a bowl of soup and a bread roll for dinner.
With the virtual fire crackling away in the background, we made the most of this opportunity to learn, discuss, reflect, problem solve and think critically about homelessness in Australia. We discussed the need for more people in our community to become aware of the reality and issues surrounding homelessness. We reflected on why Australia turns a blind eye to homelessness and the idea that “that which you walk past you accept” (Greg O’Kelly SJ).
Our senior students acknowledged that as students formed in the Ignatian and Jesuit tradition, they have a responsibility to not walk past homelessness and to encourage other students to do the same. Finally, we reflected on how their commitment to act has been inspired by a personal encounter and experience with this injustice, which they hope to be able to provide to younger students in our school community.
Our senior students are looking forward to sharing and facilitating a similar experience for students from Years 7-10 who will be invited (this week) to register for the Junior Winter Sleepout, which will be held on Thursday 10th September.
I am grateful for the support of Jarryd Atkinson (Youth Ministry Facilitator) who assisted in the organisation of the event and for the support of Mr Paul Lewis and Ms Andrea Dart who joined the Zoom throughout the evening.
Alicia Deak Justice and Service Coordinator
Year 11 and Year 12 Legal Studies students at St Ignatius College were selected to be the pilot school for the Supreme Court of Victoria’s ‘Virtual Court Education Program’ held on Monday 18th August and Thursday 21st August.
The Year 12 students had the pleasure of meeting The Honourable Justice John Champion of the Supreme Court of Victoria and his Associate, Allison Georgia of the Supreme Court. His Honour spoke to the class via Zoom and discussed the many facets of his role including his past role as Director of Public Prosecutions as well as how the court is currently running with Melbourne in Stage 4 lockdown. His Honour stressed that never has social cohesion been more important than now and the court’s role in supporting this theme.
Students were then able to ask His Honour and his Associate questions about their career and life in the law.
The Year 11s had the pleasure of meeting and Zooming with The Honourable Justice Rita Incerti and her two Associates. Her Honour who prior to being a Supreme Court Justice was a teacher for ten years (five of which were spend in Special Education) challenged the students to be more activist in their thinking; read more and be informed.
Her Honour was particularly impressed by one question asked by a Year 11 student. What areas of the law need reform?
Her Honour spoke about alternatives to incarceration such as the Drug and Alcohol Court and the Koori Court, as well as the current debate on #raisetheage.
Her Honour , who oversaw the class action into the Falls Festival case, told us that in September she will be the first Justice to hear a murder trial alone. As the students know, serious Indictable offences such as murder are usually decided by a jury of twelve. This is a prime example of the impact that Covid-19 has had on our judicial system.
I was immensely proud of the way the students conducted themselves with His and Her Honour and am so pleased to know that after the two pilot programs the Virtual Program will be rolled out to other schools throughout Victoria. Many thanks also to Christina Varcoe, Education and Engagement Coordinator .Communications and Engagement of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Caitlin Doble
The relaunching our College Care Packages (Meals Program) during this second round of restrictions has gone very well. This has developed into a wonderful community support program during these challengeing and very unusual times.
Thank you to all the members of our College community who have supported this program through donations of food items or financial donations. Some students have made a financial donation from their own earnings or pocket money which is a really wonderful gesture and we are very grateful.
I would like to especially acknowledge the support from:
We are very grateful to our School Officers Carmen Polwarth, Sandra Woodall, Fran Lakey and our Youth
Ministry Facilitator, Jarryd Atkinson, who are the staff directly involved in this Saint Ignatius Care Packages Meals Program.
I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and well and we look forward to seeing all the happy, smiling faces of our wonderful Saint Ignatius students and staff back onsite soon.
With blessings and best wishes.
Paul Lewis Deputy Principal [Staff, Identity and Operations]
Need some downtime? Trying to relax? Why not enjoy a great read with the ILC New books.
Five Little Liars by Amanda K Morgan
I Know What You Did Last Summer meets One of Us is Lying in this fast-paced suspense thriller following five teens who must cover up the suspicious death of their teacher. Nothing ruins summer vacation like a secret . . . especially when that secret is a dead teacher. Ivy used to be on top of the social ladder, until her ex made that all go away. She has the chance to be Queen Bee again, but only if the rest of the group can keep quiet. Tyler has always been a bad boy, but lately he’s been running low on second chances. There’s no way he’s going to lose everything because someone couldn’t keep their mouth shut. Kinley wouldn’t describe herself as perfect, though everyone else would. But perfection comes at a price, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do to keep her perfect record – one that doesn’t include murder charges. Mattie is only in town for the summer. He wasn’t looking to make friends, and he definitely wasn’t looking to be involved in a murder. He’s also not looking to be riddled with guilt for the rest of his life . . . but to prevent that he’ll have to turn them all in. Cade couldn’t care less about the body, or about the pact to keep the secret. The only way to be innocent is for someone else to be found guilty. Now he just has to decide who that someone will be. With the police hot on the case, they don’t have much time to figure out how to trust each other. But in order to take the lead, you have to be first in line . . . and that’s the quickest way to get stabbed in the back.
Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Available in hardcopy, eAudiobook, eBook
Our heroes are back. Kind of. First, the bad news: an ancient evil - you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal - is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They've just got to take care of a few small distractions first. Like the clan of gremps who'd like to rearrange their favourite faces. And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who'll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri. Then there's Kal's long-lost sister, who's not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted. When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it's time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them - but time is short, and if Auri can't learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.
Binge by Tyler Oakley
Pop-culture phenomenon, social rights advocate, and the most prominent LGBTQ+ voice on YouTube, Tyler Oakley brings you Binge, his New York Times bestselling collection of witty, personal, and hilarious essays. For someone who made a career out of over-sharing on the Internet, Tyler has a shocking number of personal mishaps and shenanigans to reveal in his first book: experiencing a legitimate rage blackout in a Cheesecake Factory; negotiating a tense standoff with a White House official; crashing a car in front of his entire high school, in an Arby’s uniform; projectile vomiting while bartering with a grandmother; and so much more. In Binge, Tyler delivers his best untold, hilariously side-splitting moments with the trademark flair that made him a star.
Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman
Caden Bosch is on a ship that's headed for the deepest point on Earth: Challenger Deep, the southern part of the Marianas Trench. Caden Bosch is a brilliant high school student whose friends are starting to notice his odd behaviour. Caden Bosch is designated the ship's artist in residence to document the journey with images. Caden Bosch pretends to join the school track team but spends his days walking for miles, absorbed by the thoughts in his head. Caden Bosch is split between his allegiance to the captain and the allure of mutiny. Caden Bosch is torn.
Riverdale: Death of a Cheerleader by Micol Ostow
Available in hardcopy or eAudiobook
Betty, Veronica, Cheryl, and the rest of the River Vixens are heading out of town for the weekend on a cheerleading retreat. So Archie, Jughead, and the rest of the guys decide to have a poker night at La Bonne Nuit. But a storm causes the power to go out, and the speakeasy goes into lockdown. When the lights come back on, all of the cash is gone. The thief has to be someone the guys know but who? A few hours away, the River Vixens are ready to enjoy a few days of nature and team bonding. But when they arrive at the cheerleading camp, there are two other feuding squads already there. The team from Stonewall Prep claims that the Greendale girls are the reason one of their teammates went missing two years ago. Betty and Veronica volunteer to investigate, but then creepy things start happening all over camp. And when one of the cheerleaders nearly drowns in the lake, B&V know they have to find out the truth before anyone else gets hurt -- or worse.
The mamba mentality : how I play by Kobe Bryant
In the wake of his retirement from professional basketball, Kobe "The Black Mamba" Bryant has decided to share his vast knowledge and understanding of the game to take readers on an unprecedented journey to the core of the legendary "Mamba mentality." Citing an obligation and an opportunity to teach young players, hardcore fans, and devoted students of the game how to play it "the right way," The Mamba Mentality takes us inside the mind of one of the most intelligent, analytical, and creative basketball players ever.
For the first time, and in his own words, Bryant reveals his famously detailed approach and the steps he took to prepare mentally and physically to not just succeed at the game, but to excel. Readers will learn how Bryant studied an opponent, how he channeled his passion for the game, how he played through injuries. They'll also get fascinating granular detail as he breaks down specific plays and match-ups from throughout his career.
River Song: fishing in the wilds of Australia and New Zealand by Mark Cloutier
Every fisherman has a special stretch of water, where the fish are always plentiful and the memories flow. River Song revels in each of celebrated fishing writer Mark Cloutier’s special locations, discovered over four decades fishing the mountain streams and lakes of Australia and New Zealand. Each tale conjures the romance of days spent chasing the perfect catch, and the insight that only quiet hours spent in the wild can bring.
Our Senior Debating Team once again represented Saint Ignatius College with pride and distinction in Round 4 of the DAV’s A Grade competition. The secret topic was announced one hour prior to the debate and our students took the affirmative position, arguing “That we should implement a universal basic income.”
With a shared and structured Google Doc at the ready we held our own Zoom conference to plan the line of argument and develop our case. The teamwork during this time was exceptional and efficient. Research was conducted and supporting evidence quickly gathered. Jesse Hart, Luke Lawson and William Palmer worked steadily to help our 3 speakers develop their material. Reflecting on experiences from the third round, the team focused on being well prepared to close off our opponents’ arguments with a carefully developed model. We then joined the DAV’s Zoom conference to take on Strathcona Girls’ Grammar School for the fixture.
Matilda Crosgrove opened the team’s case very strongly by presenting a clearly articulated approach to the implementation of a universal basic income to be funded by a wealth tax. This was well supported by her description of the poverty cycle and its effects on the disadvantaged. As second speaker, Noah Gullan offered some solid rebuttal points and then expanded on the UBI’s potential to reduce participation in crime driven by desperation and to promote empowered participation in the broader economy. The team’s case was concluded by William Bothe who spoke convincingly about the importance of honoring human dignity to elevate the poverty stricken from their plight and used his knowledge of economic principles to rebut Strathcona’s arguments about inflation.
The adjudicator commented that both sides had presented good points about the social aspects of the UBI and concluded that the SICG Team’s case had delivered a more compelling characterization of the relevant social problems. Addressing the economic theme, she also concluded that our students’ arguments about stimulating participation in the economy were made more convincingly than those of our opponents. With Best Speaker honours jointly shared by Matilda Crosgrove and Noah Gullan, Saint Ignatius College was awarded a one point win over Strathcona.
It was very rewarding for our students to conclude the shortened competition with such a strong performance. Out of 22 schools we finished in 8th spot, equal 3rd on points with 4 other schools. This is Saint Ignatius College’s best overall result so far in A Grade Debating and a clear reflection of the team’s collective efforts and commitment to learning new skills. Congratulations to all of our Senior Debaters and well done on your efforts and achievements in 2020!
Ms Andrea Dart Senior Debating Co-ordinator
Please click here for the latest edition of Catholic Education Today https://www.cem.edu.au/News-Events/Catholic-Education-Today.aspx
The Term 3 edition focuses on ‘stepping up’ with articles that explore school transitions and how to support your child through changes at all levels of school from beginning in Foundation to leaving secondary.
This issue explores how a school changed its language offering and involved the whole community. It also contains guidance to help families build resilience, looks at how our students are building connections with the vulnerable through the Letter Project, and celebrates events around the Archdiocese.
Please join us for our next “virtual” P and F meeting scheduled for Tuesday 8th September at 7.00 pm.
Zoom meeting details are below:
When: Tue Sep 8, 2020 7pm – 8:30pm
Organiser: Mrs Claire Hewitt hewittc@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://ignatius-vic.zoom.us/j/96813499867?pwd=TkhHUHZCbUluclJhWjErYi82SnZFQT09
Meeting ID: 968 1349 9867The PFA will be donating $2600 towards the Meal Program to enable meal packs for those who require them in these difficult times. A huge thank you to the College for this initiative. Don’t forget, you can play your part by donating food items to the school or making a financial donation
I appreciate that now, more than ever, this service is really important for our school community so rest assured, we are looking into some proposals to get the store up and running for Term 4 in time for summer uniform!
Will keep you posted….
Please don’t forget we are still fundraising! E-Entertainment Books are now available for 2020/2021 so please help support the school by e-purchasing!
Visit the school Facebook page for details or you can contact me directly on 0438 353 855 if you need any further details.
It’s hard to believe that it’s that time of year again, but we will be seeking nominations for 2021 Executive committee positions (President, Vice President , Secretary and Treasurer) in the coming months – if you would like to know more about these roles, please feel free to email me on ps.clark@bigpond.net.au
Stays safe and look out for one another.
Regards
Sandi Clark President
Parents and Friends' Association
COVID-19 continues to test us in ways that were unimaginable at the start of 2020. It’s becoming the defining event of this generation and a reference point for decades to come. We’ve had depression kids, war kids and now we have COVID-19 kids.
The impact of COVID-19 is felt di erently across the country. Currently, Victoria is in Stage 4 lockdown while other states are on high alert. Not every student is working from home, but most students are COVID conscious, knowing that they’re only a corona cough or virus-filled hug away from remote learning.
Encouraging kids to stay the course when they’ve been denied access to the classroom, peers and community activities is now a common parenting challenge. Denial is generally tolerable in the short term, but the novelty of changed circumstances soon wears off. The following strategies will assist both parents and kids to stay the COVID long course:
Accept difficult emotions
‘There’s nothing so bad that we can’t talk about, but there are behaviours that we won’t accept’ is a mantra that serves families well. It’s okay for children to feel frustrated, annoyed, angry or upset about their change of circumstances due to the pandemic but that doesn’t give them permission to behave disrespectfully, miss school requirements or fail to assist at home. It helps if parents validate how their children feel, then encourage them to focus on fulfilling school and family expectations.
Encourage acceptance
Some children and young people will protest the COVID induced changes that have been imposed upon them. In some respects, it may be admirable for children to push for a better deal, but the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic means that the individual needs to bend toward the greater community good. This is simply a case of accepting and making the best of the situation at hand.
Take it one day and week at a time
On family bush walks my young children would rarely complain when the tracks were windy. The complaint levels rose when paths were long and straight as the finish line seemed such a long way o . In a similar vein during our current times it’s smart to keep kids focused on getting through each day and week rather than look too far ahead. Six weeks of Stage 4 may seem intolerable, so it’s better to focus on getting through each day and week.
Be the hope person
Help children and young people understand that they will get through di icult times. “This too shall pass” is perhaps the most apt meme for our times. If your hope bucket is emptying out, seek out positive friends and relatives who can top it up. Our own resilience needs nurturing if we are to last the distance.
The internal parenting manual that guides us probably doesn’t include chapters dealing with remote learning, lack of peer interaction and kids’ disappointment. Most of us are treading new parenting ground so it’s best to be open to change, accepting of difficulties and forgiving of inevitable parenting stumbles.
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.
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.
The eligibility criteria has also been broadened to assist more families, with JobKeeper and/or a formal Child Support arrangement classed as ‘income’.
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:
Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.
Parent Education Events - Geelong Region: Term 3 2020
All programs are free and will be run via Zoom, however, bookings are essential.
To book visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parenting or call us on 5272 4781.
There are a number of events planned for Term 3, please see attached flyer for event details:
Ocean Grove Cricket Club: 'Come & Try / Registration' Days
The Ocean Grove Cricket Club is preparing for the coming 2020-2021 cricket season. We think the smell of fresh-cut grass and seeing kids playing cricket in the sun gives us something to look forward to at this time. On that, we understand that current state government COVID restrictions are creating some level of uncertainty for the season starting, however, the club is committed to being ready to field cricket teams at all levels including junior boys and girls once we are given the go ahead.
