Congratulations to Yr 12 students

The 2024 VCE Units 3/4 results were released on Thursday. I congratulate the VCE Class of 2024. I am very happy to report that overall, our VCE results are very pleasing, again above the state averages and a little higher than last year’s.

Reflecting on our students’ achievements, they reinforce that the key to success is consistent effort and persistence. I acknowledge the importance of the positive partnerships between parents, teachers, and students, which have supported our students over the years in developing the skills and attitudes that underpin successful VCE achievement. And I recognise the dedication and efforts of our Year 12 teachers.

As well as coping with the demands of Year 12, many students were actively involved in the College’s co-curricular program. Examples include Leadership, Sport, Music, Community Service and Social Justice. This has contributed to developing well-rounded young women and men.

Many of our students achieved outstanding results, and I congratulate them. Some noteworthy achievements are as follows.

VCE Dux of the 2024 Class was Catherine Anderson, with an impressive Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 98.95. Well done, Catherine!

The following students (in alphabetical order by surname) received an ATAR of 90 or greater, placing them in the top 10% of the State:

Some key statistics were:

7.3% of study scores were over 40.

The median study score was 30.

10.1% of students achieved an ATAR over 90.

24.7% of students achieved an over 80.

44.9% of students achieved an over 70.

There were two perfect scores of 50:

Archer Stein (Chemistry)

Alana Mulvahil (Food Studies)

Well done Archer and Alana!

Many other students achieved very high study scores. I congratulate these students who achieved at such a high level and their teachers.

I would also like to congratulate our VM students on the completion of their Senior Secondary Certificate. Many have secured full-time apprenticeships, others will be undertaking further education, and some have obtained employment. I wish them all the best in the future.

In particular, I extend our College’s congratulations to our VM Student of the Year, Evie Abbott. Well done, Evie!

With the VCE results in and VCE or VM certificates obtained, some students may be looking for some support, and I remind students and parents that our Work and Further Education Coordinator, Mr Bruce Connor (connorb@ignatius.vic.edu.au) is available to discuss plans with any student who would like some advice.

The ‘results’ of all of our students reflect their commitment to learning, the hard work and encouragement of their teachers and the love and support of their parents and families. I wish our Class of 2024 all the best for their futures.

Farewell to some staff

On behalf of our College community, I thank each person who is leaving for their contribution to the education of our students and wish them all the best.

In particular, I want to recognise with gratitude the contributions made by our retiring staff members. They have significantly contributed to the development of our College. I congratulate them on their careers and wish them every blessing for their futures.

Thank you to the following staff members who are leaving:

Broadbear, Jason

Greiner, Peyton

Hutton, Suzanne

Miles, Bill

Millis, Aphra

Phillips, Blair

Drinkwater, Ryan

Dywer, Zac

Plummer, Rachael

Thank you to the following staff members who have retired:

Fitzgerald, David (32 years), Business Manager

Gravener, Anthony (22 years), Senior Teacher & Student Leadership Development Coordinator.

Lewis, Paul (13 years), Deputy Principal (Identity & Co-curriculum)

McKay, Patricia (9 years), Finance & Human Resources Officer

Best wishes to Mrs Linda Pape, our Head of Performing Arts, who will be taking Long Service Leave for Semester One 2025. Mr Michael Wilding will be the Acting Head of Performing Arts.

Semester Two Reports

Just a reminder that the Semester Two reports are available via the Parent Portal. I trust that the Mentor and individual subject reports record achievements, identify strengths and areas for improvement and acknowledge student effort. I encourage you to take some time with your daughter/son to reflect on progress this year in the light of the report and lead the conversation towards setting some goals for 2025.

Some 2025 dates

I provide the following overview of early next year’s College events for your perusal to help with your planning. You will find more details, where appropriate, about these events in the newsletters early next year. You can also access the College Calendar through our website www.ignatius.vic.edu.au

Monday 20th January College office re-opens

Tuesday 28th January Teaching staff return

Friday 31st January Yrs 7 & 12 students return

Monday 3rd February Yrs 8, 9, 10 & 11 students return

Monday 3rd February College Beginning of Year Mass (Pds 3 & 4)

Wednesday 5th February College Assembly (9:00 am – 10:30 am, parents invited)

Friday 7th February Student photos

Friday 14th February Swimming Sports (NBAC, Drysdale)

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

With the school year coming to a close, it is a hectic time, and we are eagerly looking forward to the summer break. During this end-of-the-year busyness, it is easy to forget that we are in the Advent season that prepares us for the Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus and calls us to reflect on God’s entering into the human story by becoming one of us.

As partners in the Christian education of our Saint Ignatius College students, it is a challenge for us all to ensure that we keep “Christ in Christmas.” At the final day year level assemblies I was able to attend, I encouraged the students to ensure that Christmas was more than just receiving gifts, although this will be an enjoyable part of the celebration, by attending their church service or attending a carols event or including an act of giving or service for someone in need – some way of helping them to reflect on and more deeply enter into our faith story.

As this is the last newsletter of the year, on behalf of the College, may I wish all families a very happy and holy Christmas and a safe and restful holiday break. Thank you to our Saint Ignatius College community for your contributions and support during the year.

Michael Exton

Principal