Saint Ignatius College Geelong
As we wrap up another incredible term at Saint Ignatius College, it's truly heartening to reflect on the many accomplishments and the collective spirit of our school community. From the enthusiasm of our Year 7’s to the focused determination of our Year 12 VCE and VM students, this term has been a testament to our school’s values of striving for excellence and being of service to others.
We continue to provide a wide array of opportunities for students to get involved beyond the classroom. Clubs, leadership programs, and community service initiatives have seen great participation, with students taking on roles that not only develop their skills but also allow them to make meaningful contributions. Our student leaders have been especially active, embodying the Ignatian Charism of service, leadership, and care for others. It has been inspiring to see so many students step up to lead events, mentor their peers, and make a difference both within our school and the wider community.
Year 9 Camp
Recently the Year 9 cohort embarked on Silverband Lodge in Halls Gap, Victoria, offering our students a fantastic opportunity to grow and learn outside the traditional classroom setting. Set against the backdrop of the Grampians, the Year 9 camp ‘Camino Inigo’, immersed students in nature and encouraged them to embrace challenges through activities like hiking, rock climbing, and team-building exercises. These experiences foster essential life skills such as resilience, leadership, and teamwork, as students collaborate to overcome physical and mental obstacles. The camp also provided a chance for students to disconnect from technology, engage with their surroundings, and connect with their peers on a deeper level. This not only strengthened friendships, but built a sense of community, increased self-confidence, independence, and a renewed appreciation for the natural environment. Thank you to all staff who assisted with the program, especially Deb Hodge, Caleb Ryan and Matt Waters for their coordination.
R U Ok Day
This week at Saint Ignatius College, we recognised and celebrated R U OK? Day. This day serves as an important reminder for us to check in with each other, fostering a supportive environment where students and staff feel comfortable discussing their mental health. By encouraging open conversations, we aim to break down the stigma associated with mental health challenges and empower individuals to reach out for help when needed. Celebrating R U OK? Day also emphasises the importance of looking out for one another, nurturing a culture of empathy and connection that extends beyond the classroom. It’s a powerful opportunity for our community to come together, strengthen our bonds, and remind each other that a simple question can make a significant difference in someone's life. We appreciate the efforts of the Wellbeing Team in supporting this day.
Year 7 Father’s Day Breakfast
Last week we celebrated Father's Day with a breakfast for the Year 7 students and their fathers or male mentors. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, as families gathered to enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by staff and participated in games in the single gym. The students were excited to share this special moment with their father figures, and it was heart-warming to see the bonds being celebrated and strengthened. It was a fantastic way to kick off the day and reflect on the importance of these relationships. Alithea Anderton did a great job coordinating the event and was well supported by a large number of staff.
Leaders for 2025
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our incoming 2025 College Captains and Vice Captains. After an extensive process, the 2025 Captains are Isabel Gee and Tucker Kooloos and the College Vice Captains are Stephanie Reynolds and Riley Molloy. I wish these leaders all the best for 2025, I am sure they will have a positive impact on the College community.
Year 12 VCE and VM Students: Approaching the Finish Line
A special mention must go to our Year 12 VCE and VM students, who are diligently working towards completing their studies and preparing for the next phase of their journeys. As they approach their final exams and assessments, their commitment and perseverance are commendable. The support from teachers, mentors, and families has been invaluable in guiding them through this critical period, and we have no doubt that their hard work will pay off. Whether heading towards university, vocational training, or other exciting pathways, our Year 12s are well-equipped for success, and we are immensely proud of their efforts.
As we head into the break, it’s a good time to rest, recharge, and reflect on the achievements of the term. We look forward to continuing this momentum into the next term, with more opportunities for learning, growth, and community connection.
To all students, staff, and families, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to making Saint Ignatius College a place where everyone can strive to be their best.
Enjoy the break, and we’ll see you next term ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities!
Michael Timms | Principal (Acting).
As we draw to the end of Term 3 it is a great time to reflect on progress made so far by our students. Success comes in many forms, and it can look different for each student. It is vital that we are able to see the success and growth of each one of our students - as parents/carers, as teachers and as a school community, and acknowledge and celebrate them. For some, this success might be consistently high grades, it might be an improvement in one particular subject area, it might be volunteering for a school event or singing in front of an audience. Success might be writing an essay, having a goal, and working hard to get there, it could be social, or academic but most importantly success indicates growth in one way or another.
Celebrating student success is essential in fostering a positive school environment and encouraging students to strive for excellence. We are in the midst of parent/teacher/student conferences and I hope that the conversations have highlighted some areas of celebration for your student/s. and it is important to take a moment to celebrate the success of your student/s.
By recognising your student/s successes it may help your son or daughter to feel valued and appreciated, enhancing their self-esteem and motivation. It also encourages continued effort, for when students see their efforts recognised, they are more likely to continue working and striving for improvement. Furthermore, celebrating success fosters a sense of belonging and community among students, teachers, and families.
As a College we have had a number of successes over this Term. Just this week our Saint Ignatius 1stXVIII Boys AFL Team were crowned GISSA Champions for 2024 from the Herald Sun Shield Grand Final Day. This great achievement was possible because of the work of many, including each one of the boys who have turned up to training sessions and played their roles and the passionate coaching staff who have shared their expertise with the players. Team sports offer such valuable opportunities for students to bond, develop their leadership skills and hone their sportsmanship. Well done to the 1stXVIII for their success!
We recently also had students compete in the prestigious Choral Choir in Ballarat last Friday - and simply participating in such an event is a success. Our Year 12’s are in the final stages of their secondary schooling and for each one completing their studies, that is a success. The fundraising and social justice initiatives undertaken this Term by students, and staff are most definitely a success. They also serve to remind us of our commitment to the Catholic Social Teachings and the school motto “Amare Et Servire’ (To Love and To Serve.
I express my gratitude for your support of your child/ren as they navigate life as a Saint Ignatius College student. I am grateful for the support you also offer the College so that we can best guide and grow your child/ren. It is through your positive support that we are able to provide opportunities for success for each and every student.
As you, together with your child/ren reflect on the term that was, I hope that you are able to do so through a lens of gratitude, opportunity, grace and success.
Kirsty Allan | Deputy Principal - Students (Acting)
Across the College, Religious Education classes have been busy and dynamic this Term, responding to current events and providing loads of opportunity for students to consider the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in light of their own experiences.
In Year 9 Religious Education, students have been exploring the history of Catholic Education and the development of Catholicism in the Australian context. In the given social climate of growing secularism, understanding the journey of our faith tradition and the consistent purpose of Catholic Education, provides a context for reflecting on and appreciating one’s own faith journey and sense of purpose.
Our exploration has clearly identified that the key goal of Catholic Education in Australia has always been to provide quality education to all who desire it - even those who were traditionally marginalised by the prevailing governments.
Year 9 students have embraced the topic and used multimedia to share their investigations with their peers. Students created podcasts or recorded slide presentations that allowed them to practise oral literacy skills as well as add a little bit of creativity to their productions.
Student reflections:
Learning about the Catholic Faith during the start of Australia’s colonisation has been very eye opening. We have learnt about many key catholic figures such as Archbishop Vaughn and how they have shaped the catholic education that features in today’s life. It has been such a great experience learning about how something we all know today was such a little thing back in the day.
I have enjoyed learning about the catholic church in Australia. I never realised how much of an impact the Irish had on the church, their resilience really impressed me and inspired me.
This term we created podcasts in groups. Mine was about the First Nations' spirituality before European settlement. This was a fun assignment to do with friends in class and learn more about the First Nations' experience before European settlement.
Example of a group presentation:
Students are reminded that for ease and speed for entry to each lecture students are to bring their student ID card, and that the canteen will not be open during this time period.
Unit 3/4 students are to view the class allocation for each lecture that is now listed on the VIVI’s.
We look forward to welcoming Unit 3/4 students to this series in their endeavours to strive for the Magis.
Any parent/carers who have a current Working With Children Card, and are willing to volunteer to assist with the lecture series are invited to reach out to colee@ignatius.vic.edu.au for further information.
Elana Cole | Director of Community Engagement.
The Community Partnership between Rotary Club and Saint Ignatius has been long standing and fruitful. Part of this relationship sees groups of students being invited to present updates once a Term on school life to the Rotarians at club meetings.
On Monday Night two year 8’s (myself and Samantha Farmsworth) were invited to present at the regular Rotary Club meeting at the Portarlington Golf Club. After a lovely dinner our presentation began. We spoke about some of the events that have occurred this year at St Ignatius such as:
Nicole Livingstone presenting for International Women’s Day.
Kieran Perkins speaking as a part of Men’s Health Week.
The Our Village goods drive that we have run this term to collect baby products that will be distributed to struggling mums throughout the Bellarine and Geelong.
After the presentation there was a chance to have conversations with members of the club, exchanging ideas and experiences and gaining a greater understanding of what Rotary is all about.
Special thanks to Ms Cole who organised this fantastic opportunity!
Ziggy Newman
We’ve had an exciting and lively few weeks in the world of the Arts at our school, and I’m thrilled to share the highlights with you!
In August, the annual Vocal Night was a success, showcasing the incredible talents of our students in both solo performances and choir arrangements. This event serves as a wonderful opportunity for students who are working towards their AMEB singing exams and their Year 12 VCE music recitals to showcase their talents and skills. The ‘Iggy’s Pop Voices’ made their debut performance at vocal night, which features students from years 7-9. The evening included a huge array of voices and music, leaving the audience impressed at the new MacKillop Senior Centre Theatre!
Following closely, our Ensemble Showcase brought the stage to life with a dynamic array of group music performances. From the energetic performances of our rock bands, to the lyrical sounds of the junior/senior choir and band. It was clear that our students are not just passionate about music, but also exceptionally talented. It was a fantastic display of what our music students have to offer.
The Saint Ignatius Feast Day Talent Quest was another highlight, featuring three sections: junior, senior, and House acts. This event was a wonderful platform for students to display their talents, from dance and drama to music. The highlights were without doubt the House acts, with thrilling performances coordinated by each Head of House and the House Captains and the brilliant Art Competition that showcased the amazing fine art talent we have at the College. Congratulations to the junior art competition winners: Saisha Tagore (1st place), Samantha Farnsworth (2nd place), Emma Holland (3rd place) and our senior art competition winners: Gabriela Fernandes (1st place), Isabella Sbrissa (2nd place) and Jade Cowdery (3rd place).
On the 6th of September, our senior choir travelled to Ballarat for the annual South Street Competition. This prestigious event gathers choirs from various schools across the state to compete and showcase their skills. Additionally, on the 12th of September is the Combined Choral Evening, where schools in our area gather to display their talents; this year our school is hosting it at the MPC. These events are an excellent way to see what other schools in our area feature.
The second VCE Music Soiree this year is being held on the 10th of October at Terindah Estate. With a diverse program from a mixture of instruments and students, the night will be extraordinary and a fun time. The concert will include jazz, rock, musical theatre, and much more, all performed by the year 11 and 12 music classes. More information will be coming soon!
Overall, the work by our staff and students this term has been exemplary; without the support of our dedicated teachers, these incredible opportunities wouldn’t be possible.
Warm regards,
Zach Jackson | 2024 Arts Captain
Please see the below opportunities available to young people in our region.
There is a Victorian Youth Fest event called Headstrong Games - this will be targeting young males in the hopes of increasing mental health awareness and encouraging them to reach out for support. This event is free taking place on Sunday 15th September. Come along for some food and the chance to win a door prize including a framed whole team signed Geelong Cats poster, Boss Burger vouchers, photography package vouchers, tickets to AFL game and Rip Curl prizes.
Changing Gears Program – this is a free program that will support anyone 16 years or older in obtaining their L plates by participating in a 4 day program with education, food, and on the final day transport and payment for the actual licence test. The program is running from 30th September until 3rd October.
Both programs are open to all young people (not just headspace clients). See the below QR code to register and for further details. Alternatively, those interested can email cec.geelong@headspace.stride.com.au or call 0432 598 418 for further information.
On Wednesday, 11th September, Saint Ignatius College held its highly anticipated Interstate and International Trips and Immersions Information Evening, officially launching the 2025 program. The evening saw a strong turnout of families eager to learn about the exciting opportunities available to students next year.
During the event, presentations were given on a variety of immersive experiences, including:
1. Cape York Immersion
2. Timor Leste Immersion
3. Kokoda Expedition
4. Language trips to Italy and Indonesia (scheduled for 2026)
With a high level of interest expressed, families are encouraged to revisit the information booklet to consider their options. Students will have another opportunity to learn about the 2025 Immersions during a presentation scheduled for Tuesday, 15th October during Mentor Time.
A reminder to all that the cut-off date for Expressions of Interest is 25th October.
On Monday 2nd September all of our year 8 students were dazzled by Professor Bunsen. Professor Bunsen’s show featured fun, interactive science demonstrations aimed at engaging students and fostering their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The show included experiments that showcased concepts that the students have studied this year, such as chemical reactions and physics principles. It was wonderful to see our students involved and engaged in this hands-on learning experience.
Student experiences:
I enjoyed Mr Bunsen’s talk as it was informative and fun like how he showed us mini explosions, and how sound waves would look if we could see them. In my opinion, there was never a boring moment, everything was informative and brought light to more parts of science we could learn. My favourite part of his talk would have had to be how he had a speaker to place on things, which would be louder and better or quieter with worse quality. The talk was great to listen to and I had a great time.
Henry Flight 8 Doble
Professor Bunson showed us how dangerous things such as hairspray and butane are when they come in contact with fire by doing some experiments which he said to not do at home as they can harm and potentially kill. He grabbed a large jug and sprayed some hairspray in the bottom and plugged the top with a stuffed animal. He lit a barbecue lighter in it and there was an explosion that launched the stuffed red panda across the room. He also grabbed an empty can of pringles and a balloon full of hydrogen gas and made a small rocket. He made the hydrogen gas by putting aluminium foil and drain cleaner in a wine bottle with a balloon over the top. Over time it filled the balloon and he filled the pringles can with the gas which he lit.
Zavier Radonic 8 Doble
Isje Turang-Timmins
Learning Area Leader - Science
This September, Saint Ignatius College will join hundreds of organisations around Australia to promote positive body image in support of Body Kind Schools.
This is an annual campaign that encourages young people and their communities to:
Be kind to their own body, in the language they use, how they nourish and move their body;
Be kind to others, online and face to face, and
Celebrate and respect the differences and diversity in their own body and others.
Studies continue to report that the way young people feel about their bodies is affecting their health, mental health and wellbeing. By way of example, a recent national survey of almost 3,000 young people by the Butterfly Foundation found that:
More than half reported being dissatisfied with how their body looks
More than two thirds wished they were thinner/leaner and more muscular
More than three quarters have experienced appearance-related teasing
More than 60% reported that social media has contributed to the problem.
Early intervention and education have proven to be critical in improving outcomes for people with body image issues. Saint Ignatius College has therefore been engaging in a number of activities in and around this month, including: running tailored classroom activities in mentor time for the junior years; displaying Body Kind messaging around the school; reinforcing the positive messaging with teachers; running a targeted small group program, and offering a student leaders’ workshop.
The home is also an important place to foster positive attitudes and behaviours around body, appearance, eating and exercise, so we are encouraging our families to get on board and have these important conversations at home. Further information about Body Kind schools and Body Kind families can be found at www.butterfly.org.au/bodykind.
From the Wellbeing Team.
Thank you to the College Community for their support in purchasing tickets in our Mega Raffle. Funds raised will go towards student resources.
The 2024 Mega Raffle was drawn on September the 12th, 2024 and the winners have been contacted.
Saint Ignatius College wishes to thank the following businesses for their support of our Term 3 Mega Raffle!