Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Parents & Carers,
Open Afternoon
Our next Open afternoon will be held on Wednesday 22nd March. Please see our website for times and how to book a visit.
Yr 7 2024 enrolment applications close on 5th May 2023. This closing date also applies when a sibling is already enrolled at the College.
If you know of any parents considering secondary schooling for their children, please encourage them to book a visit or apply for enrolment.
Many students have volunteered to be present to help with the Open Afternoon Guided Tours. The students were wonderful ambassadors for their College at the previous Open Afternoon, and I am sure that this will be the same next week.
House Athletics Carnival
On Monday 27th March, our College will hold the Annual House Athletics Carnival at Landy Field Athletics Track, South Geelong. Similar to the Swimming Carnival, we won’t be involving the whole school. All Years 7 & 8 students will attend, and those Yrs 9 – 12 students who register for events.
Yrs 9-12 students who will not be participating in the carnival will be expected to attend their usual classes at school. As was the case for the swimming carnival day, Yr 12 students who remain at school will have private study.
Sports Coordinator, Mr Andrew Philp will provide more details soon.
Term One Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences
Our learning management system, “Canvas”, is a valuable online platform that is a fundamental support to our teaching and learning programs. If you haven’t already, I suggest you ask your daughter/son to show you the features of Canvas, including courses and assessments to date. Monitoring your daughter's/son’s progress by accessing Canvas will help you affirm good practices and achievements and raise areas of concern. In addition, these discussion points would help prepare for the end-of-term Parent, Student & Teacher conferences.
A reminder that these meetings will be conducted online via Zoom. The time period available will be in the second last week of term one on the afternoon and evening of Thursday 30th March (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm) and the morning of Friday 31st March (9.00 am – 12.00 noon.) Please note that we expect students to attend the meetings with their parent/carer and teacher. You are most welcome to use these online meetings to meet teachers, discuss progress and address concerns. Instructions on booking appointments will be emailed to parents/guardians by Deputy Principal Ms. Bernadette Donnelly.
Magis 2022
During the past week, parents of Years 8 to 12 students should have received their copy of the College’s 2022 Annual Magazine. Parents of last year’s Yr 12 students who do not have a current student at the College will receive their copy in the mail. If you missed out, you could obtain a copy from our Loyola Centre reception desk.
‘Magis’ is a fantastic record of College life for the previous year. I hope you enjoy looking over the year’s records in this annual magazine, and over time it will become a treasured memory of your daughter or son’s 2022 school year.
On behalf of the College Community, I express my gratitude to our Communications Officer, Ms Michelle Ryan, for her coordination, design work and development of the ‘Magis’ for another year.
Best wishes for the next fortnight,
Michael Exton | Principal
On Monday March 6, 110 Year 12 Saint Mackillop and Glowrey students and staff headed across the bay on the ferry to Sorrento to start our 3 day Retreat. We then caught a bus that took us to our final destination of Camp Don Bosco in Dromana. Spread amongst some bushland and close to the beach it was a beautiful location. After students settled into their cabins, the afternoon of activities started. We walked to the beach and along the foreshore to the pier, where students were able to enjoy a refreshing ice-cream. After dinner, one of the highlights of the retreat was the African drumming workshop they took part in-from dancing to learning different beats it was a fun evening for all.
The next day found us adventuring up to the top of the Arthurs Seat via the Eagle chair-lift. Here we truly witness God’s beautiful creation of our world. The view from the top looking out over Port Phillip Bay and The Mornington Peninsula took our breath away. An amazing time was had by all staff and students and we greatly appreciate the time, effort and energy that Ms. Kirsty Allan put into making this such a wonderful experience for all involved.
Mrs Laura Taylor-Payne | Head of MacKillop House.
Please see some reflections from our Mackillop Year 12 students.
I found retreat quite enjoyable as it allowed me to be with my friends and classmates in a different environment to school. The activities allowed me to do things that I wouldn’t normally do (for example the performance night) which made me get out of my comfort zone and give it a go. Overall, Retreat was a highlight of my schooling life and I will never forget that song that played every 5 minutes because it is still stuck in my head.
Harvey Mason
Retreat was a really good experience for the whole Year 12 cohort. The class of 2023 was split into two retreat groups one containing MacKillop and Glowrey students and the other being Ricci and Xavier which allowed us to bond with the students and teachers within our respective houses. The Retreat went over 3 days full of fun activities and worthwhile experiences. Our retreat was held in Dromana, a beautiful seaside suburb on the coast of the Mornington Peninsula. I think a highlight for most of the students was the Gondola ride which took us up and down Arthur’s Seat, allowing us to see the entire landscape of the town and Safety Beach on the coast. The Retreat focused on immersing us all in nature to provide a time of relaxation ahead of the busy year, as well as, allowing for constructive reflection.
Grace Durbidge
The Year 12 Retreat was a good experience as I got to know more about people I wouldn't have otherwise spoken to, as well as being with my mates outside of school. Going to Arthurs Seat was a fun experience being with my mates on the way up and seeing the views from the chair lift was good. I found the Retreat to be an enjoyable experience and one that I won't forget.
Riley Hynson
The thing I liked most about Retreat was getting closer to the people in my companion group. It was a very valuable experience. I also enjoyed the free time and playing Gaga ball. Overall the experience was great.
Ari Gillies
I enjoyed Retreat because it was good to spend time with our friends and get to know each other better at the beginning of Year 12. The Retreat was a good time to reflect on what was special to us and write a letter to our future selves to have at the end of the year. The African Drumming was my favourite activity as it was something I hadn’t done before and the Arthur’s Seat Chair Lift and walk was fun to do with our friends.
Breanna Parisi
It has been a busy and exciting time for our Year 7’s in the Religious Education classroom. Below is a student reflection of what they have been learning:
This Term in Year 7 Religion Education we have been learning about a variety of interesting things. Recently we have been exploring the meaning and background of our Saint Ignatius logo.
My class and I have expanded our understanding of the logo and know that it has a deeper meaning than just any logo. We found out that the cross represents our Catholic identity meaning whom and what we believe in. The stars represent the southern cross which encourages us “to reach for the stars” and to “let your light shine brightly”. When I first saw the logo I always wondered what the letters “AMARE ET SERVIRE” meant but we found out that it means “to Love and to Serve” in Latin. The waves represent the sea around our school. We learnt that the wolves symbolise the goodness of family and their generosity.
For me, wearing the Saint Ignatius College crest doesn't only make me feel proud to be a student here but it also makes me feel as though I belong to the Saint Ignatius community.
I am so excited to see what we will learn about next!
Amanda Da Riva | RE Learning Area Leader
Hello Saint Ignatius College Community,
It is my honour to be writing to you. My name is Zac Dwyer, and I’ve been elected as College Vice-Captain. Recently within the school many events have come up, namely the Swimming Carnival and Year 12 Retreat.
Starting with the Swimming Carnival, yet again it was an absolute blast to experience. To watch swimmers display their strength, speed and endurance was one thing, but to witness at any point throughout the day the sheer amount of students pushing themselves to participate was another. The whole vibe of the day was uplifting and exemplified our school’s spirit.
Furthermore, the Year 12 Retreat to Dromana was also a massive event within our cohort. The first group went from Monday - Wednesday, with the second group Wednesday - Friday. It was epic. Everyone embraced their time spent there, participating in the numerous activities and just generally getting along with each other. The weather was also perfect, allowing both groups to experience the best of the camp; from African Drumming to beach walks, Arthurs’ Seat views to a dance competition. Overall, the time spent there can be summarised as cruisy and good-vibes.
To end it, I’m impressed to see that everyone is progressing, growing and uplifting. Wishing all the best for our time ahead.
Cheers,
Zac Dwyer | College Vice Captain
On Thursday 9th March, Saint Ignatius College participated in the 2023 Victorian Catholic Schools FIRE Carriers Forum at Siena College, Camberwell. Alana Clark ( Year 11 ), Isabel Gee ( year 10 ), Ms. Kate Otto and myself joined 140 students and teachers from all over Victoria to talk and discuss the FIRE Carrier program. We shared ideas, listened to other schools' FIRE Carriers covenants and shared our schools commitment and future plans.
The FIRE Carriers forum was an opportunity to hear about the Stolen Generation Reparation, the Yoorrook Justice Commission report, The Victorian Treaty Authority Bill, The Garma speech by Australian Prime Minister Mr Anthony Albanese and the launch of a referendum of a First Nations Voice to Parliament. We heard from Aunty Vicki Clark who is a Mutthi Mutthi Wemba Wamba woman who has dedicated decades of her life to increasing understanding of Aboriginal spirituality and defending the rights of Aboriginal people to express this spirituality in its many forms.
A truly inspirational woman and a great role model.
Attel Martschinke ( Teacher ) | FIRE Carriers SICG
Last week, the Year 12 cohort and a large number of staff headed off to Mornington Peninsula for the annual Year 12 Retreat. After leaving the school grounds in buses, the students were transported to the Queenscliff Ferry, where a brief trip across the bay saw them alighting at Sorrento. Another quick bus trip brought them into the wonderful setting of the retreat centre at Don Bosco Camp, Safety Beach. In a short period of time, students crossed land and water to arrive at a destination that is intentionally removed from their typical experience. This is the purpose of a retreat - to allow retreatants to step away from the demands and distractions of everyday life so as to become more aware of themselves and their interior lives.
While on Retreat, students are encouraged to spend time reflecting on what is important to them, their relationships with themselves and other significant people within their inner circle. In small groups, conversations about these topics are allowed to develop naturally, with the opportunity to contribute available to all but without the pressure to say something if it is not forthcoming. How often do we take the time to check-in on ourselves, to intentionally focus on our inner sense of self and consider what we might do to foster our wellbeing and spiritual growth? Along with the games, the shared meals, the ride on the Arthurs Seat gondolas, the African drumming session, the beach walks and the skits performed by each group on the final night, the retreat hopes to instil in all students an appreciation of how God might be at work in their lives.
It was so encouraging to hear students speak openly about their developing sense of self, their supportive families back at home, the specific challenges they face, and their hopes and dreams for the future. The ability to reflect on our experiences and learn from what we observe is a key Ignatian value and one that we can continue to refine as we grow and mature throughout our lives. I commend all those Year 12 students who were able to take advantage of this opportunity while on retreat and hope that the experience of small group conversation and personal reflection will continue to enrich their experience of themselves and their place in the world well beyond their school years.
Mr Michael Tod | Director of Ignatian Ethos and Identity
Last Wednesday, March 8th, was International Women’s Day. International Women's Day is a day celebrated annually around the world to recognise women's achievements and bring to light issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
At Saint Ignatius College, numerous events were run to support and raise awareness of the International Women's Day and its theme ‘Embrace Equality. Students were encouraged to wear purple on the day with the aim to visually acknowledge International Women's Day and to join other women and their supporters across the world in solidarity and celebration. There was also a staff vs students netball match during lunchtime. While the winner is undetermined, it was still a wonderful event in which the school community were able to get together and support their peers and teachers. Well done and a big thank you to all those who competed!
Purple cupcakes were also sold at lunchtime to raise funds. In total 400 cupcakes were sold along with pens and ribbons. This helped raise $500 dollars in profit to donate to Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, a not for profit and independent service in our regional area. This will then go toward women impacted by the floods, primarily in Echuca and Rochester.
The Loyola Centre hosted the fifth 'International Women's Day Evening' for our College Community with speaker Jelena Dokic. Her inspirational story highlighted the importance of kindness, courage, hope, resilience and supporting the achievements of women.
Thank you so much to everyone who got involved in the day.
Alana Clark on behalf of the Social Justice Team 2023
Saint Ignatius College is running a week-long event dedicated to raising money and awareness for Project Compassion. This will begin on Monday the 27th March and include a variety of fund-raising activities as organised by the four college houses. MacKillop House is launching their Hot Cross Bun fundraiser on the Monday. On Tuesday Xavier and Ricci are selling soft drinks and organising a BBQ respectively. Wednesday is reserved for the Year 7/8 Easter Egg raffle and then finally Glowrey House will finish the week with a bake sale.
Students will also be given the opportunity to donate in cash or card this year. Of course the traditional Project Compassion boxes can still be found around the school in certain locations including the canteen, front office, House Leaders office and Xavier Centre.
Through these events the students aim to make a difference within the lives of those in need, demonstrating the importance of solidarity and kindness. In doing so, we recognise the theme of Project Compassion, ‘For All Future Generations,’ and act now to benefit the lives of generations to come, as well as emphasising the prioritisation for long-term solutions. We are all looking forward to this week.
College Captains and the Social Justice team
Parents and Friends' Association
Bunnings BBQ
Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time or came along and supported our school by purchasing a sausage sandwich. The day was a great success with the P&F raising over $2,200.00. We are hoping to have 2nd BBQ this year and will let you know once we have a date booked.
Entertainment Book
Yes we are still selling digital copies of the Entertainment Book which are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. If you would like to purchase an Entertainment Book please email us at sicpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au.
Become part of the Parents and Friends’ Association
Can you spare an hour or more to support our school?
Do you have a passion for fundraising, selling or promoting?
Then we need you!!!!! We are always looking for volunteers to help with our fundraising events, the uniform shop and our P&F meetings. You can volunteer as little as a hour or as frequently as you like. If you would like to help please click on “VOLUNTEER YOUR SERVICES” on the P&F page of the Saint Ignatius College website or email us at sicpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au. Come along and join in the fun!
The Uniform Shop
The 2nd Hand Uniform Shop is currently looking for a new Coordinator as wells as Volunteers to oversea the uniform shop. If you are available and have time to help out contact Kate Callaghan by emailing sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au . Training will be provided.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine information for parents/guardians
From 6 February 2023, the routine two dose HPV vaccine schedule provided to young people aged 12-13 years through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has become a single dose schedule using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine.
What is the HPV vaccine?
The Gardasil®9 vaccine protects against HPV infection, which is a common viral infection, usually affecting the genitals and spread through sexual contact. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, that is before a person becomes sexually active. More information about HPV and the HPV vaccine can be found here.
How has the HPV vaccine schedule changed?
From 6 February 2023, the recommended HPV vaccine schedule for most people has changed from two-doses to a single dose course using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine. There is no change to the amount of vaccine that is given in the single dose.
The schedule has not changed for immunocompromised people. A 3-dose schedule of HPV vaccine is recommended for people with severely immunocompromising conditions, regardless of their age when they started vaccination.
Why was this change made?
The change is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), who have considered and reviewed the latest international clinical evidence. ATAGI support the large volume of clinical findings that a single dose of HPV vaccine provides about the same protection as two doses of HPV vaccine.
What do you need to do?
Your council immunisation service will seek your consent for vaccinations delivered to students at school as usual.
If you would like to discuss the change, or clarify any information about the HPV vaccine please contact your local council.
Further information
Better Health Channel https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/human-papillomavirus-hpv-immunisation
VAPING – A Growing Concern in the Community
Recently, there has been significant coverage in the media in relation to the ‘vaping’ issue that is impacting our young people.
Vapes or e-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that are used to heat a liquid to produce a vapour, which is then inhaled – mimicking the act of smoking. This is commonly referred to as ‘vaping’. E-cigarettes are mostly used to vape nicotine e-liquid solutions.
Concerns have been raised about the appeal of vaping products to young people. Companies glamourise their products to appear cool or fun, and create flavours that give off the perception of sweetness (such as candy or fruit flavoured) which appeal directly to young people.
Associate Professor Becky Freeman of the University of Sydney stated that recent research in Australia found that as many as one in three teenagers between 14 to 17 had tried vaping. This statistic is very concerning, especially considering the health implications that vaping can cause.
Although there has been limited studies to the long term effects of vaping, it has been discovered that using vapes can impair blood vessel function, significantly increase the chances of heart disease and expose the individual to cancer causing chemicals.
It is important for families and schools to work together in educating and supporting our young people through this issue. The College is committed to educating our students about the impacts and effects that vaping can have on their body. Recently the College has also updated the Drug and Alcohol Policy to incorporate an e-cigarette section. Due to the seriousness of this issue, the College has significant sanctions if a young person is caught vaping within the College environment:
First Offence
Level Two Infringement
External Suspension one day and parent meeting arranged
Health Education with the Year Level Coordinator or Head of House upon return to the College.
Second Offence
External Suspension two days
Provisional Enrolment (ongoing enrolment at Saint Ignatius College will be dependent on the student following specific requirements)
Third Offence
Student will be withdrawn from the College
The Government provides the following advice for parents whose child is vaping:
Start with information
Approach it calmly
Don’t make assumptions
Avoid judging or lecturing
Focus on health
https://www.vic.gov.au/smoking-and-vaping-advice-parents
In partnership together, I am sure we can educate our young people, work through this concerning issue and provide a safe and supportive environment that allows them to make the right choices.
Saint Ignatius College would like to thank the following companies for their support of the SICG Golf Day, which is to be held at Lonsdale Links Golf Course on Sunday March 26th, 2023.
SPONSOR A PIANO KEY
As the Performing Arts Department excitedly conduct research for their new piano, Saint Ignatius College Geelong would like to thank the following people, and businesses for their contribution to the 'Sponsor a Piano Key' initiative.
The Old Ignatians warmly invite the Saint Ignatius College Community to our annual Golf Day, at Lonsdale Links on Sunday March 26th, 2023.
Attendees will enjoy a brekky snack, a two course lunch, 18 holes of golf, before a brief College presentation.
There are also tickets available for lunch only. Proceeds from this day will go towards student resources at the College.Format of the day is teams of 4, '4 Ball Ambrose.'
Individuals can still register with team allocation occurring on the day.To secure your place, please register for golf/lunch only via the below link;
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1001783
Elana Cole | Director of Community Engagement and Development.
EASTER EGG HUNT
Saint Ignatius College Geelong is 'eggscited' to host our inaugural 'SICG Easter Egg Hunt' for our College Community on Sunday April 2nd at 10.30am.
With 2 separate sections 'the Little Tackers Section' 0-5 years, and the 'General Hunt Area' 5 years +, there is bound to be fun for the whole family. Tickets are available via the below link, with families encouraged to select which section they will be participating in on the day.
https://www.trybooking.com/CGDWH
With all profits going towards student resources at the College, we hope that families embrace this new initiative. The 2023 SICG Easter Egg hunt will use palm oil free Cadbury Chocolates in support of our Indonesian language students, and their research into environmental concerns in the region.Saint Ignatius College Geelong would like to thank the Parents and Friends Association for this 'eggsellent' new event.
MEGA EASTER BASKET RAFFLE
The Parents and Friends 'Mega Easter Basket Raffle' has just arrived at Reception!
Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 - cash only. Swing past and grab a ticket and support the amazing work the Parents and Friends Association do for the College.
W/C 20/03/2023
20th: K.McCauley, N.Yates.
21st: L.Hart, F.Horne, S.Twaits.
22nd: L.Dowling, NEEDED.
23rd: M.Hiemstra, K.James, F.Ferguson.
24th: L.Taylor, S.Clarke, D.Watkins.
..............................................................................
W/C 27/03/2023
27th: E,Musella, NEEDED.
28th: C.Rivo, K.Allchin.
29th: C.Ford, M.Jackson.
30th: S.Sheerin, M.White.
31st: E.Farnsworth, K.Royle, S.Luki.
....................................................................................
Click here to view the 2023 Canteen Price List
If you are able to assist on the above mentioned dates, please contact Canteen Manager Mrs. Sandra Woodall on woodalls@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Volunteers must hold a current WWCC. New volunteers must fill out the form provided via the link below.
Mrs. Sandra Woodall | Canteen Manager