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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Our News // 16 December 2021
Dear Saint Ignatius College Geelong community members,
Congratulations to all of our Year 12 students on their achievements. The final two years of their secondary school journey have been like no other due to the pandemic. Well done to them all for navigating such uncertain and challenging times. Hopefully, they have developed flexibility, adaptability and perseverance due to moving to and from remote learning.
Consequently, they have built resilience, improved their ability to use technology to aid learning and are in better stead for managing the varied and changing post-secondary pathways. Furthermore, the holistic education our College provides, together with the love and support of their families, will have shaped our fine young women and men and better prepared them for life after Year 12.
Today, our Unit 3/4 VCE students received their results from VCAA. I am very pleased to inform you that the College’s overall results show an increase compared to previous years in a number of key statistics:
Median score = 31
Percentage score over 40 = 6.9%
Percentage ATAR over 90 = 10.1%
A score of 50 for Psychology = Audrey Hughan
On behalf of our college community, I extend my congratulations to the following students who achieved at a very high level:
Congratulations to the 2021 College Dux, Bailey White (ATAR = 95.65)
Name and ATAR
Emily Allan 90.6
Imana Leonard 90.8
Mollie Hill 91.1
Tatum Wootton 92.95
Cassandra Howells 93.55
Abbey Page 93.05
Charli Nisbet 93.1
Molly Maclean 93.9
Florence Noble 93.9
Tess Craven 94.0
Abbey Stanic 94.1
Dana Campbell 94.25
Angus McWaters 94.65
Coco Bullock 94.95
Bailey White 95.65
In her newsletter article, Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning), Ms Bernadette Donnelly, has provided more information about our VCE results.
We are so grateful for our new student, staff and administration facility. During the past week, the usual end of year busyness at Saint Ignatius has been increased with the added work of moving into our fantastic new building. Our staff have done a tremendous job managing the upheaval.
The new Loyola Centre is a significant hub for day to day school life. This impressive building is located centrally and is a prominent landmark from most directions. As well as being an important symbol, the gold cross on a white background on the top of the facility serves as a way-finder. So, next time you visit our College, please look for this cross to navigate your way to the office reception. You will need to walk down the roadway past the Food Technology Centre from the carpark to reach the office.
The ‘old’ administration buildings are currently being dismantled. We will relocate the old staffroom to our performing arts area to provide additional space for music classes. The other buildings will be moved to another school where they will be refurbished as classrooms.
The official opening of this magnificent new centre will be held next year. I will inform our school community via the newsletter about the arrangements.
Our College production of “Wicked” was a great success. It was an excellent way for our school community to finish the year on such a high note. I have received so many expressions of congratulations and praise for all involved in this significant undertaking. I was so proud of all students involved, as I’m sure their parents were. Well done to all students in the cast or crew!
Due to the pandemic, it was a gamble on several levels to reschedule the show for early December from August. However, it is a credit to the hardworking production team and the students who delivered the performances to an excellent standard, keeping in mind this was a school production. While we were amazed and entertained by our talented students and the 20-piece orchestra on the night, the production involved over a year of preparation. I congratulate the Production Team on what they achieved:
Ms Marina Brown – Producer
Ms Rhea Green – Director
Mrs Linda Pape – Musical Director
Mr Michael Wilding – Conductor
Ms Samantha Windmill – Assistant Producer
Mr Xavier McGettigan – Choreographer
Mr Attel Martschinke – Production Manager
Ms Kerry Horbowsky & Ms Christine Johnston – Costumes
Ms Alex Simpson & Ms Laura Taylor-Payne – Hair & make-up
Ms Brown provides further details about the production in her article in this newsletter.
The Parents and Friends Association comprises a very generous and hardworking team of parents. Their work improves our College for all students. I was happy to attend the PFA’s end of year dinner on Tuesday evening with our Development Manager, Ms Elana Cole. On behalf of the College community, I express our gratitude to this committed group of parents for contributing to our College community during 2021.
In particular, I thank this year’s office bearers:
President: Leanne Riley
Secretary: Nicole Sadler
Treasurer: Peter McInerney
Board Rep.: Bernard Lewis
Uniform Shop Coord. Kate Callaghan
We also rely on many, many parent volunteers to provide valuable services to enhance our College – canteen helpers, uniform shop, Time and Space programs and school event helpers, to mention a few. Thank you to them all.
Since the previous newsletter, I have received notice that another two staff members will be leaving.
Our Communications Officer, Mr Tony Berryman-Long, has announced that he will be retiring early in the new year.
Mr Berryman-Long has been a member of staff for nearly ten years. During that time, he has organised our publications (Fortnightly newsletters and annual Magis magazine), worked on the development of and managed our College website, managed our College image bank, designed and managed graphics for publications, advertisements and signs and our brand style guide, among many other duties.
On behalf of our College community, I thank Mr Berryman-Long for his contribution to the development of the College and wish him all the best for retirement.
Ms Jessica Miller has informed me that she will not be returning next year. I thank her for her contribution to teaching Science, RE & Environmental Science and wish her all the best for her future.
An overview of some key dates:
As the academic year draws to a close, I want to express my gratitude to all parents for your support of the College community. This has been another very challenging year for everyone, with the effects of the pandemic continuing. I thank all families for your ongoing support of the College as we worked together to ensure our students’ learning continuity and wellbeing.
I would also like to express my appreciation for the outstanding hard work, professionalism and dedication of our staff at the College during another year of disruptions, uncertainties and challenges.
As this is the year's last newsletter, I wish all families a very happy and holy Christmas and a safe and restful holiday break on behalf of the College. We look forward to our students returning in 2022.
Thank you & best wishes,
Mr Michael Exton Principal
Advent is an exciting time, as there is so much joyful anticipation. There is no secret about Christmas, we all know, Jesus is coming! The birth of Jesus was never really a secret, it was proclaimed by Isaiah more than half a century before he was born in the stable. Mary also knew he was coming; an angel told her so. Angels are God’s messengers. They are all around and always around. We need to be observant for lest we miss an important announcement. Because angels are real time messengers they leave no voicemail or text message. Be alert this Advent as at this time of the year they are everywhere!
We believe that Jesus was born because of Mary’s faithful response to God. The archangel Gabriel announced God’s plan. There was no secret. What we learn from Jesus is all we need to know but how to be truly human. Our God was born in a stable. He was not born in a house or a palace. He was not laid upon expensive bedding and watched over by nurses. Our God was born in the most humble of circumstances, watched over by farm animals and his loving parents.
So angels appeared again soon after Jesus’ birth. Appearing to shepherds and telling them of the greatest of things; the Messiah has come. Shepherds are often very practical and according to this stereotype they wandered over to the stable in Bethlehem to have a look. Sure enough there he was! Unbelievable. Our God is ingenious. In revealing Himself to the shepherd he again turns the world upside down. Shepherds were outcasts who lived in the fields and were valued less than the sheep they protected.
Christmas carols are full of angels. They are a central component of many traditional songs. Advent seems to be a ‘thin time’. A time where the distance between God and humans is less than is normal. During the festive season we encounter so many people as we ‘catch up’ before the big day. We are excited and positive about the end of the year and the coming of Christmas that we are more aware of what is occurring and what we are preparing for. We also notice the kindness of others who reach out and connect in ways that they do not during the rest of the year. In encountering so many people we are even more likely to encounter an angel who can lead us deeper into the love that moves so strongly through our world during Advent.
The Jesuits certainly observed God carefully and have mirrored his repetition and patience in their pedagogical approach. Over and over again God has sent his angels to proclaim a message that we fail to notice or respond to. It seems that the people who are rejected by society or lower down the social hierarchy take notice and respond. How many times have we encountered an angel and not noticed!
Abraham and Sarah encountered angels and did not know it. But in welcoming the stranger and thus upholding the Covenant they were blessed with a child. Maybe we can learn a little from this encounter during our interactions over Advent. I’m not suggesting a formula, our God is not like a genie, but it’s amazing how things seem to turn out right when we walk closely with God. Who can you welcome this Advent that you may neglect? Consider who you may not have noticed or welcomed in. Maybe they are the angel that God has sent with a particular message for you.
I remember fondly a TV show that was on in the 1980’s called 'Highway to Heaven'. This show was quite wonderful in its underlying message of love, dignity and humility. I remember as a young boy wanting to be just like Michael Landon who played a probationary angel who was sent to Earth to help people. I’m not sure I've got it right and I certainly was not blessed with his phenomenal hair. But one thing I think I learnt is that I’m quite good at spotting angels.
During Advent and Christmas time I see angels everywhere. So many blessed people sharing God’s message of love, acceptance, forgiveness, tolerance and happiness. Each one an angel sharing a message from God that has the power to transform; if only if they notice who the messenger is. At this time of the year we can find Jesus exactly where the angels said he would be – in a lowly place. As Christmas draws near consider how you, like the shepherds, go to those who live in difficult circumstances and celebrate them. Bring joy to the outcasts and the downtrodden. Our God is there. He knows what it is to be rejected and in need. You have the power to reach out and change the story.
Whether you become an angel for someone else or they become an angel to you during Advent, be sure to keep your eyes open and expect a message from our Lord over the next few weeks. I know you will encounter that angel in the least likely place; often right in front of you.
Eyes peeled, I wish you a joyous and Holy festive season.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
Congratulations to the Class of 2021 on their excellent results. They have shown great perseverance, resilience and adaptability over the last two years.
We celebrate and recognise their many achievements throughout their time at Saint Ignatius College.
Well done to our 18 Year 12 students who successfully completed their Senior VCAL certificate and are now pursuing a great range of pathways. Thank you to Kirsty Allan and the VCAL team for all their dedication this year.
Congratulations to our College Dux, Bailey White who achieved an ATAR score of 95.65, Coco Bullock with an ATAR of 94.95 and Angus McWaters with an ATAR of 94.65.
The College Median study score was 31 and a total of 54 study scores of 40 or above (6.9% of all scores), placing these students in the top 9% of the State in those subjects.
A special mention of Audrey Hughan (Year 11) who achieved a study score of 50 in Psychology.
Thank you to Kristin Williamson, Michael Brown and all the Year 12 teachers for their hard work and care of our Year 12 students this year.
Congratulations to the following students who achieved an ATAR over 90:
Bailey White, Coco Bullock, Angus McWaters, Dana Campbell, Abbey Stanic, Tess Craven, Molly Maclean, Florence Noble, Cassandra Howells, Charli Nisbet, Abbey Page, Tatum Wootton, Mollie Hill, Imana Leonard, and Emily Allan
There was an air of astonishment along with the usual nerves and excitement when the College staged its opening performance of the musical production Wicked at Costa Hall last Thursday December 9th, 2021.
To an audience that almost filled our regions largest venue, and after a two year halt to the Performing Arts Industry, we were able to proudly welcome our College community back to live performance and for this, we couldn’t be happier.
The announcement of each Saint Ignatius College Geelong Production is the beginning of an exciting and rewarding journey that reaches a fitting finale on the stage of Geelong Arts Centre. It provides the opportunity of being entrusted with the artistry and capacity from such a brilliant cast and with this, the responsibility of providing them with a paralleled theatrical experience.
On behalf of the Production Team, I need to warmly congratulate our wonderful cast and crew for their performance last week which was fondly described as "the emergence of a super new force in Geelong’s musical theatre."
The size of a production such as Wicked can never be underestimated and I would like to once again acknowledge the expertise and guidance of our Production Team in making this such a positively emerald and thrillifying experience for all of the wonderful young people, of whom we have had the pleasure of working with everyday throughout this process.
I would also like to extend this thanks to all members of our College Community and staff at Saint Ignatius who contributed to this thrillifying finish to 2021.
A selection of photos can be viewed below. The full photo gallery can be viewed by clicking here: https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.a...
Marina Brown Wicked Producer and Learning Area Leader: Performing Arts
The bus routes and allocations for 2022 are almost complete. You will receive an Operoo notice shortly which will provide you with information regarding the bus arrangements for 2022.
Please read all information and return all required forms as soon as possible.
Please ensure that you have returned your completed School Fees and Building Fund Payment Plan for 2022, sent earlier via Operoo. These forms are required as we have changed our bank provider and also, to provide information regarding Catholic Primary School discount and Building Fund contributions.
If you have not yet returned this form, please download the form from this link:
Parents of Year 7 and Year 10 students in 2022 will soon receive an invoice for the laptop computers which will be distributed to students on the first day of school. Please ensure that payment for this laptop is made by the due date shown on the invoice.
Parents or guardians of students attending our College may be eligible to claim CSEF. Claim forms will be available in early 2022 and information will be sent via an Operoo notice. If you would like further information on eligibility criteria, please go to the State Education and Training website using this link: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx#link80
The College Office will be closed from Friday December 17th 2021 to Monday January 17th 2022
For general enquiries please email: office@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Closed from Friday December 24th 2021 to Tuesday January 4th 2022
For College Fee related enquiries email: fees@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For account related enquiries email: accounts@ignatius.vic.edu.au
For enrolment related queries email: registrar@ignatius.vic.edu.au
The IT department will be closed from Friday December 17th 2021 to Tuesday January 4th 2022
For general IT support enquiries please email: itsupport@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Wellbeing will be closed from Friday December 17th 2021 to Friday January 28th 2022
For Wellbeing support please email: wellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Congratulations to the winners of our 2022 College Fees raffle
1st Prize (total value $3,280.00) winner is Narelle Stevenson
2nd Prize (total value $2,810.00) winner is Serah Scutchings
3rd Price (total value $300.00) winner is Simone McNaught
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets in the 2022 College Fees raffle. We raised over $13,000 which will help us to continue to support our school.
Also a huge shout out to all the businesses who generously donated prizes to help us achieve this amazing result. When purchasing your back to school needs please support these local businesses who always generously support us.
Do you shop at Rebel? You can support our school every time you shop by linking your Rebel Active Membership to our school. 5% of what you spend is given to the PFA to purchase sporting equipment for our school. If you’re not a member it’s free to join either online or ask a team member in store. Please sign up for this when purchasing sporting goods for Christmas and next year's school supplies.
Yes we are still selling the Entertainment Book however it now is digital and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. If you would like to purchase an Entertainment Book please email us at sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au.
We are still searching for a new Treasurer, unfortunately there was no nomination at our AGM. We would like to invite you to consider nominating for this role and be part of our wonderful team.
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday February 8th at 7.00pm. Hopefully we will be able to meet on site but will let you know closer to the date. We look forward to seeing you there. Even if you cannot 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
Our uniform shop is now closed however if you have any requests please email Kate and she will try to assist.
Uniform Shop will reopen on:
Wednesday 2nd February 2-4pm
The above dates are dependent on current visitor restrictions within catholic schools. Please check the Saint Ignatius Facebook page for updates regarding open days and times. Email the uniform shop at uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.
Do you know the Uniform Shop also sells brand new socks, ties and hats?
Items to be sold or donated can be dropped off on any of the above days or anytime at the front office.
Please ensure any item that is sent in for sale has been freshly laundered, if not it will be returned to you.
We are always seeking Volunteers to help in the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out contact Kate by emailing uniformshop@ignatius.vic.edu.au . Training is provided.
From everyone at the PFA thank you for all your support this year.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas.
See you in 2022!
The College canteen menu uses the 'traffic light system' to inform students, staff and parents of the College the healthier choices available at the College canteen (See 'Healthy Food @ School Guidelines' in our 'College Policies and Procedures' section for full details).
Canteen duty provides a much appreciated service to the school. It gives you the opportunity to meet and talk with other parents and also enables you to see your child’s school in action.
Five helpers are needed each day. Helpers will need to be at the canteen by 9:00am and will generally be finished by 1:30pm. If you can only be there part of the day, your help is greatly appreciated.
If you are able to assist, please contact Sandra Woodall at the College on 5251 1136.
Whilst there may not yet be conclusive evidence linking digital media use to poor mental health outcomes there’s no denying that it’s one of the chief concerns facing parents and educators of children and adolescents, growing up in a digital world. The contradictory research findings confirm that this is a complex topic.
There’s certainly consensus in the research that young people are heavy technology users, which comes at a cost of their psychological and physical needs. Their digital behaviours eat into the time that was once available for three pillars of mental health – sleep, relationships and exercise.
Minimising sleep disruption
Sleep is vital for mental wellbeing and emotional regulation in childhood and adolescence. Inadequate amounts or poor-quality sleep can cause mental health issues. Studies consistently show that Australian children and teens aren’t getting enough sleep. Digital device use is also linked to sleep disruption, impacting the sleep-wake cycle. The Lancet study suggested that nearly 60% of the impact of young people’s psychological distress could be attributed to disrupted sleep and exposure to cyberbullying.
Parents need to remind children and young adolescents about the critical role sleep plays in their psychological wellbeing. Parents can help adolescents foster healthy social media habits by establishing a digital curfew, keeping devices out of bedrooms and discouraging teens from ‘bookending’ their day with social media as it can easily trigger the stress response at these times.
Maintaining healthy relationships
Positive relationships are fundamental to a young person’s psychological wellbeing. Adolescents are biologically wired for relational connection. They want to be part of a tribe. Whilst teens and pre-teens may insist that technology connects them and caters for their relational needs, if used excessively or inappropriately, technology use can compromise their relationships and deteriorate their mental health.
Parents need to encourage and sustain opportunities for real interactions amongst adolescents. When we connect in-person the brain releases oxytocin, the social bonding hormone, which isn’t replicated online. The need for keeping a balance between digital and face-to-face interactions is paramount.
Ensuring sufficient exercise
Sedentary social media and digital consumption frequently replaces physical movement on weekends and after school, which are the opportunity times for kids’ sport, free play and outdoor activities. Brain science now informs us that physical exercise boosts serotonin and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine that play a critical role in regulating adolescents’ mood. Lack of exercise is now being linked to the current anxiety epidemic that we are seeing in young people.
Parents need to ensure that children experience a minimum of 30 minutes exercise, and teens a minimum of 60 minutes. “Go outside and play” is a term that this generation needs to hear as frequently as children in past eras.
In closing
The research into the links between kids’ digital technology use and their mental health presents a complex picture that defies simplistic conclusions. Blanket statements and headlines that suggest screens and social media are to blame for kid’s poor mental health aren’t helpful as technology is now a part of all our lives. However, there is enough evidence to suggest that the key pillars of mental health outlined above can be severely impacted by the overuse of digital technology. All things in moderation, a common guideline for healthy living, is best when considering kids’ social media and digital technology use.
Michael Grose
Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s an award-winning speaker and the author of 12 books for parents including Spoonfed Generation, and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It. Michael is a former teacher with 15 years experience, and has 30 years experience in parenting education. He also holds a Master of Educational Studies from Monash University specialising in parenting education.
Saver Plus is a financial education program for families and individuals on a tight budget to develop life-long savings habits.
To join Saver Plus, you must:
*Many types of income and Centrelink payments are eligible
For more information, please contact your local Saver Plus coordinator:
Amanda Vernon
Email: avernon@bethany.org.au
Phone: 5278 8122
See the attached PDFs for details:
Local Community and Sporting groups you may be interested in.
Local Sports Contacts
Attached is a comprehensive PDF document that lists a wide range of current contacts for different sport clubs in our region in 2021-2022. The ones that I have spoken to are very keen to hear from any Saint Ignatius student wishing to be involved in local sport teams this summer.
Year 7 & Year 10 Immunisation Reminder
Any Year 7 & 10 students who missed their school-based vaccinations this year while learning from home can still catch up before the end of the year.
Catch up appointments available at Barwon health immunisation service via this link or contact your GP
For more information see
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools#immunisation-for-secondary-school-students-is-important
