Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Parents & Friends,
Term 3 finish-up
It is hard to believe that this week is the last week of Term three. When the Year 12 students return next term, they will have just over two weeks of formal classes remaining before exams commence in late October. To maximise their level of achievement, our senior students obviously need to plan to make the most of the remaining time.
To help you with your planning, can I please remind all parents about the following?
Please check your son or daughter’s Term 3 progress by accessing the feedback available on our Learning Management System, “Canvas” (ask your son or daughter to show you how to access this if you are not sure how to find this information)
The Last day of term three classes will be Friday 15th September.
The first day of term four is Monday 2nd October.
College Captains for 2024
A significant number of Year 11 students expressed their interest in becoming the College's student leaders for 2024. We are grateful for their enthusiasm to serve, their evident dedication towards the College, and their consistent demonstration of the College's values in their day-to-day activities.
The College Captains and Vice-Captains for 2024 have been announced, marking the completion of the first stage in selecting the student leadership team.
We congratulate the following students for putting themselves forward for leadership of the College in the year ahead:
College Captains: Alana Clark & Curtis McCoughtry
Vice-Captains: Zoe Walter & Thomas Galan
College Production – Tickets now available & selling fast!
It is very exciting that the College’s Production – “Anastasia” will be performed next week. After many months of planning, preparation and rehearsals, the cast of well over 100 students, together with the student, staff and parent support crew, are ready to entertain us and reap the many benefits of being involved in such an undertaking. The students have been developing valuable knowledge, skills, talents and confidence in many different areas.
The performances will be held at the Geelong Arts Centre’s (GAC) new Story House Theatre at the following times:
Thursday 14th September –evening show (7.00pm)
Friday 15th September - evening show (7.00pm)
Saturday 16th September – matinee show (12.00pm)
Saturday 16th September – evening show (7.30pm)
Tickets are available from the GAC website: https://geelongartscentre.org....
I encourage all members of the school community to support this event by coming along to one of the performances.
School Community Surveys – please provide feedback
Every year at about this time, students, staff and parents are surveyed by MACS (ORIMA Research will manage the surveys this year for MACS) to provide data to inform how we are progressing with our School Improvement Plan. Four hundred parents have been randomly selected and emailed a link to complete the survey online to provide confidential information about how the College is performing in a number of areas. This important information will help us determine how we are performing and inform our school improvement strategy plan. I ask all parents to please take the time to complete the survey if you are selected. We obviously need as many parents as possible to respond so we have the best possible sample of opinion. Thank you in anticipation of your support.
Students completed their survey during Mentor time on Tuesday 29 August, and Staff completed their survey at Wednesday afternoon’s Staff Meeting.
Staff changes for Term 4
Returning from leave:
Ric Roberts |
Leesa Snookes |
Bernadette Donnelly |
Jane Alexander |
David Alexander |
Julie Wilson |
Going on leave:
Leave during Term 4: | Replaced by: |
Brad Manczak (Term 4) | Jordan Vlahos |
Jeremy Ives (Term 4) | Penny King |
Deanne Allen-Emery (First 4 weeks of Term 4) | Carolyn Holton-Magor |
Isje Timmins-Turang (Part of Term 3 and Term 4) | Laurence Johnston |
Andrew Philp (Part of Term 3 and Term 4) | Greg Fisher |
Due to the intricacies of teaching loads and our timetable program you will find several of the changeovers for Term Four of staff are not simply “one for one”. The exact details will be evident on your daughter’s/son’s Term Four timetable when it is published.
I wish to acknowledge the enormous amount of work done throughout Term Three by Craig Brown (Timetable Manager) and Anthony Fitzgerald (Daily Organisation) to plan for all of the above staff changes and to implement them into our Term Four timetable.
Thank you to the staff who have supported the College over Term Three by replacing our returning teachers.
Some important dates on the College Calendar
Staff Professional Learning Day Friday 20th October. No classes will be conducted on this day.
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday Tuesday 7th November, and no classes are to be conducted on Monday 6th November.
Mosaic Awards Ceremony Costa Hall Thursday 16th November
Staff Professional Practice Time Day for teachers on Friday 8th December. No classes will be conducted on this day
The final day for classes for Yr. 7-11 is on December 7th.
Monday 16th October - Final day of scheduled classes
Monday 16th October – Farewell Assembly, periods 5 & 6
Monday 16th October – Valete Mass & Graduation Ceremony at the College (5 pm to 7:30 pm)
Tuesday 17th October – Year 12 Celebration Day
Tuesday 24th October – Unit 4 Exams begin
Wednesday 15th November – Unit 4 Exams finish
Friday 24th November – Valedictory Dinner at GMHBA Stadium (6 pm)
Best wishes
This is the final newsletter for term three. The next newsletter will be available late in the day on Thursday 5th October 2023.
I hope all students have a restful break with some time spent revising work and preparing for next term included. Best wishes to all families for an enjoyable time together.
Thank you to our dedicated and hard-working staff members for their efforts to support our students’ educational experiences throughout the term. I wish all staff members who will be on holiday my best wishes for a well-deserved and enjoyable break.
Michael Exton
Principal
Ethos and Identity
Our school crest | International Jesuit symbol |
the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations
the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution
the guiding belief that has the power to influence behaviours, emotions or even morals
the English word “ethics” is derived from the Ancient Greek word ēthikós, meaning “relating to one's character”. Ethos forms the root word ēthikós meaning morality and character
is all about credibility—is reliable and has a good reputation
What OUR ethos?
Our ethos is embedded in our school crest:
Catholic - cross
Jesuit - Amare et Servire, to love and serve
Catholic – we are a Catholic school |
Catholic ethos, described as:
the search for truth
a search to discover 'the meaning of life'
a search that empowers individuals and
'enables an integration of faith, life and culture'
(National Catholic Education Commission: 2001)
Underlying our teaching and our relationships are the Gospel Values of Unity, Respect, Joy, Love and Courage.
Our aim is that all members of our community show respect and care for one another and extend their concern to the needy by prayer and charitable service.
Fostering and nurturing relationships between students, parents and the wider community.
Catholic schools strive to be more through their Catholic mission. Catholic schools also focus on a holistic education of the whole child – socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and culturally. All important is preparation for life, and a life of worth at that – not merely a life of work.
What are 3 values of Catholic mission?
Dignity Everyone is worthy of respect. Integrity Always do the right thing. Compassion Be empathic and responsive
Jesuit / Ignatian – we are a Jesuit Companion school |
Jesuit schools are grounded in love for Christ and animated by the spiritual vision of their founder,
St. Ignatius of Loyola, to help others and seek God in all things. As members of a worldwide society
within the Catholic Church, the Jesuits are committed to the service of faith and the promotion of justice.
“Our present students will, in time,
assume various roles …
in government, in the administration
of justice, others in all sorts of
responsible occupations ….
…. the young people of today will
become the adults of tomorrow,
so their good formation in life will
benefit many others…
to the greater glory of God.” St Ignatius
Washing Feet
In the footsteps of Ignatius
The Way We Do Things at a Jesuit/Ignatian School
understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values and worldview
confidently innovating and adapting to embrace a changing world
engaging others with a positive, loving attitude
energizing ourselves and others by heroic ambitions |
“Heroic Leadership” Chris Lowney
When I was a child I knew “IHS” was a symbol for Jesus but I thought it meant “I have suffered”.
IHS is a symbol for Jesus but it comes from of the Greek word for Jesus.
In Greek Jesus is spelled IHΣΟΥΣ and the closest translation into Latin is “Jesus”.
Best wishes
Paul Lewis
DP – Identity and Co-curriculum
The 2023 College Production of "Anastasia" at Saint Ignatius College is well underway and promises to be a remarkable show. Following the immense success of previous productions like "Wicked" and "School of Rock," both students and staff are putting their hearts into making this production a memorable one.
The dedication of the entire team is evident, as they come together every Monday after school and during lunchtimes to rehearse and perfect the show. As a cast member, I have personally witnessed the unwavering commitment of the staff, who are tirelessly involved in directing, preparing the orchestra and our vocal arrangements, organising our costumes (and schedules), and creating the most amazing choreography. The sense of community and support at Saint Ignatius College is heartwarming, and it's an incredible experience to work alongside students from all year levels. The Performing Arts students are thriving under the guidance of these dedicated individuals.
Having to get an opportunity to work with students across all year levels whose passion and hard work have been nothing short of astonishing is invaluable. In a relatively short time, the strong cast of 80 have learned many complex dances, expressive scenes, and challenging, inspiring songs, all while maintaining a high level of efficiency and support. Their commitment to this production is truly commendable, and I applaud every single one of them.
"Anastasia" holds a special place in all our hearts, as it touches upon themes of found family, self-fulfillment, and passion. We believe that the story's deeper meaning will resonate with our audiences, and we hope to forge a connection with everyone who watches the show.
The cast and crew are eagerly awaiting the day we get to bring our wonderful show to the stage in just seven weeks. Make sure to save the date as it is one that is sure not to be missed. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to share this incredible journey with you all.
See you at the show!
Ms Zoe Walter
Arts Captain
Tickets for the 2023 College Production of Anastasia will be on sale Thursday August 3rd at 9.00am here.
Photos credit: Year 10 Student, Kathryn MCINERNEY SOTOMAYOR
Becoming sports captain in 2023 has opened my eyes to a whole new world that is the sport community at Saint Ignatius College. I see the tremendous work and commitment behind the scenes by Mr Philp and other sports department staff who organise and get students participating in a wide range of sporting activities each week.
There has been great success so far in 2023 for students participating in GISSA sports such as surfing, swimming, basketball, cricket and football. Saint Ignatius is known across the Geelong and Melbourne region as being a strong competitive school that will never give up the fight.
The Parents and Friends Committee continuously support the sports program at the College and generously funded our new AFL and AFLW playing kits. In association with Puma and PSW, the senior football teams will be proudly wearing an updated version of our playing kit. The senior girls' footy team were the first to display these amazing new uniforms on Tuesday the 25th of July at the GISSA AFL championships.
I have worked with a number of staff members organising staff v student sporting events for the upcoming 2023 Feast Day and I look forward to some friendly competition and lots of laughs.
Community service is a massive part of the sport at the College. Each week we require students to umpire and/or coach teams and I thank all students who have donated their time to fulfil these roles and without them, these events would not be able to run.
I look forward to what's to come in the sporting world at the College and hopefully the success of many teams and individuals.
Chloe Hobbs
Sports Captain
Book via this link or by scanning the above QR code.
W/C 31/7/2023
31st: K.Allchin, NEEDED.
1st: M.Portelli, F.Horne.
2nd: M.Portelli, C.Holland.
3rd: H.Nicol, NEEDED.
4th: K.Royle, NEEDED
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W/C 7/8/2023
7th: L.Mew, NEEDED.
8th: M.Dunstan, NEEDED.
9th: M.Jackson, NEEDED.
10th: M.Hiemstra, M.White, S.Sheerin.
11th: F.Horne.NEEDED
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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