Dear Parents & Carers,

Time for a check-up

For many years, I have encouraged students and parents to review the term’s progress around this time. We are now past the halfway mark of term one, making it a good opportunity for students to reflect on how well they have established their daily and weekly routines, particularly the priorities reflected in their habits. For instance, is schoolwork receiving the importance it deserves, and how balanced is their weekly program of activities? Are good meal routines and plans for the many housekeeping tasks in place? What about their sleep routine?

It is essential for students to have settled into a good routine by now so that, as the demands of the school program increase, they are well-prepared to manage the assignments and assessment tasks that will be set, while also maintaining other activities necessary for a balanced life. Additionally, developing good routines early in secondary school will help students establish patterns that support them through the demands of the senior school program in their final years.

How can parents help their son or daughter establish a good routine? I’m sure you know many ways to do this. However, I’d like to suggest that now might be a good time to discuss with your child how they think the year has begun. Ask them about their daily and weekly routines, what they might need help with, and what they can do to improve their routines. It would also be beneficial to ask about the goals they set earlier in the year and whether they feel they're off to a good start in achieving them.

It is truly pleasing to see so many students taking part in various activities. At St Ignatius, we promote the development of well-rounded young women and men by offering a diverse range of co-curricular activities. Engaging in sports, the performing arts, public speaking, debating, community service, environmental groups, or social justice initiatives fosters a strong sense of community, fair play, leadership, and service, while also developing a variety of skills. I recommend considering co-curricular involvement when reviewing the term so far. How about joining a debating team, choir, or sports team?

Term One Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences

Our learning management system, “Canvas”, is a valuable online platform that fundamentally supports our teaching and learning programs. If you haven’t already, I recommend you ask your child to show you the features of Canvas, including the courses and assessments to date. Monitoring your child’s progress by accessing Canvas will help you reinforce good practices and achievements while highlighting areas of concern. Additionally, these discussion points will aid in preparing for the end-of-term Parent, Student & Teacher conferences.

A reminder that these meetings will be conducted online via Zoom. The time periods available will be in next week and the second last week of term one on the afternoons and evenings of Wednesday, 19th March (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm) and Thursday, 27th March (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm). 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 have been emailed to parents/guardians by Deputy Principal Ms Bernadette Donnelly.

Supporting our students to ‘ace’ their VCE

We have launched an innovative program to better support our senior students’ academic success. This aligns with our School Improvement Plan.

Saint Ignatius College Geelong’s ACE Program supports senior VCE students by enhancing academic performance through structured study, personal growth, and effective techniques. With specialised support, small group tutoring, and dedicated study time, the program helps students refine study habits, prepare for assessments, and achieve their academic goals. ACE replaces some “free periods” with purposeful, guided study to improve learning and productivity.

Program Objectives:

• Achieve academic excellence through focused learning.

• Challenge students to improve study techniques.

• Extend knowledge through expert guidance and collaborative learning.

Activities in ACE:

• Effective Study Techniques: Learn to manage study time, set goals, and track progress.

• Small Group Tutoring: Work closely with teachers and peers to strengthen understanding.

• Allocated Study Time: Review lessons, prepare for assessments, and complete independent study with teacher support.

• SAC Preparation: Focus on preparing for SACs, especially in subjects like English and General Maths.

Supporting Study Skills:

• Time Management: Prioritise tasks, avoid procrastination, and allocate time effectively.

• Academic Goal Setting: Regularly track progress and adjust goals as needed.

• Personalised Feedback: Receive targeted advice to improve study habits.

Collaborative and Independent Learning:

• Small Group Sessions: Collaborate with peers to share ideas and clarify concepts.

• Independent Study: Reinforce learning and deepen understanding of course material.

SAC Preparation:

• ACE supports SAC preparation, particularly in General Maths and English, aligning with the program schedule to ensure students are well-prepared.

Integration with Religious Education (RE):

• Some ACE lessons may be swapped with RE lessons for SAC preparation or special events like guest speakers.

Program Organisation

ACE sessions are integrated into senior students’ timetables, taking place in dedicated classrooms on Level 1 of the MacKillop Senior Centre, promoting focused study and collaboration. Each class is led by a trained teacher who supports student involvement in ACE.

The ACE Program provides comprehensive support, preparing students for their final year and helping them reach their full potential.

Drysdale Emergency Access Track completion

The City of Greater Geelong (Council) has notified our College that construction of the Drysdale Emergency Access Track from Belchers Road to Peninsula Drive has been completed and is now available for use by emergency services.

As you may know, Peninsula Drive does not connect with Belchers Road. The Council has responded to the schools’ and community concerns about improving emergency services access to the busy Schools, Potato Shed, and North Bellarine Aquatic Centre precinct by providing this emergency access track. Our College is grateful for this.

Final day of Term One – Friday 4th April 2025

Year 9 students will not be required at school on this day as they will have been on camp from Monday to Thursday.

An amended timetable with six shortened periods will be in effect on this day due to the need to finish classes at 2:20 pm. This adjustment is because state schools finish early on this day, and the buses will operate on an amended timetable to accommodate this early finish. Our Bus Coordinator has worked with the Bellarine Bus Coordinator and the bus companies to ensure that our students can catch their usual bus but at an earlier time.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal

We are heading into an exciting time of celebration as next week is Catholic Education Week (Sunday 16th - Sunday 23rd March). During this time, Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the Catholic school network.

In light of the celebrations, communication from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) affirms the impact that a Catholic school education has on shaping the future. Recent research - undertaken by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) at Victoria University and commissioned by Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) - show the life-long impact of attending a Catholic school.

✅ People who attended Catholic schools are on average more likely to be employed, and to earn higher wages, than government school attendees. The average wage difference ranges between 4 per cent to 11 per cent.

✅ Past students are more likely to work in an industry or sector that directly benefits the public and were more likely to donate to charity.

✅ In addition, attending a Catholic school had a positive average impact on personal health and life satisfaction scores.

Saint Ignatius College is proud to be part of a wonderful network of Catholic schools who share the mission of Catholic education; who proclaim the Good News and equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and hope to live meaningful lives and enrich the world around them. We recognise that our staff, students and families, enrich our community and shape the future and that is worthy of grand celebration.

It has been a fantastic start to the year across all year levels in Religious Education.

Our Year 12 students had the privilege of hearing from Glenn Manton, who led a powerful and thought-provoking session filled with real and raw conversations about life, resilience, and purpose.

Year 11 students also had a significant experience with the Aspects of Religion Presentation, where Principal Mr. Exton and Deputy Principal of Faith and Mission, Ms. Carmen Ahearn, shared personal reflections on faith and its impact on their lives.

A particular highlight has been the enthusiasm in our Year 7 classes as they begin their journey at Saint Ignatius. Students have been exploring the deeper meaning behind the school logo and what it represents.

One student reflected:

"My class and I expanded our understanding of the logo and realised it holds a deeper meaning. We discovered that the cross represents our Catholic identity, the stars encourage us to 'reach for the stars,' and 'AMARE ET SERVIRE' means 'to Love and to Serve.' For me, wearing the logo makes me feel proud to be part of the Saint Ignatius community."

With such a strong start, we look forward to continuing these enriching experiences that challenge and inspire our students in faith and learning.

In 2024, Saint Ignatius College introduced the SNAP Program. SNAP is broken into two learning areas, Literacy and Numeracy. Participation in this program helps to ensure students receive targeted support and instruction to strengthen their foundational skills in literacy. The program involves a combination of specialised teaching methods, additional practice opportunities, and personalised attention to address each student’s unique learning needs delivered by our Literacy Intervention teachers and educators.

Over the last 12 months the SNAP team has had the pleasure of witnessing the significant positive impact the program has had on a number of our amazing students. We are incredibly proud of the effort and dedication our students show in their learning each and every lesson. We believe that by participating in this program, each student will not only improve their knowledge and skills but also gain confidence in their abilities and develop valuable reading skills that will serve them well in their academic journey and beyond.

Currently, we are in the process of establishing a SNAP Literacy mini library where students are able to borrow books targeted to their interests and reading skill needs to support them further in their reading development. We aim to have the library up and running before the end of term 1 so our SNAP Literacy students can continue to share and build upon their success at home.

If you have any questions about the SNAP Literacy Program or the SNAP Program in general, please reach out to our Literacy Intervention Teacher and program coordinator Kim Kovacev.

kovacevk@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Justice and Environment Teams in Action!

The Justice and Environment teams have hit the ground running this year! As your Justice and Environment Captains, we’ve been lucky to work closely together, supporting each other’s initiatives and helping both teams grow. It’s been awesome to see so many students getting involved already!

One of the highlights so far has been our combined team meeting, where students interested in the Environment Team got a sneak peek into the Justice Team and vice versa. We’re really excited to see more crossover between the two teams, and can’t wait to work together on future projects.

We also kicked off the year with a lunchtime litter pick, where a group of students volunteered their time to help clean up the school grounds. They collected rubbish from garden beds, walkways, and other areas, making a real difference. It was amazing to see everyone stepping up to take care of our environment!

To say thanks, volunteers earned Affirmation Awards and community service hours—a small reward for their community-minded attitude. We hope even more students get involved next time.

Next up, we’re diving into Project Compassion. Keep an eye on XUNO and the Vivi screens over the next few weeks to see how you can help with our fundraising efforts.

We’re also gearing up for Earth Hour on March 22nd. This global movement is all about switching off lights to raise awareness for climate action. Stay tuned for how we’ll be marking the occasion at school and how you can get involved at home.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far - we’re excited for what’s to come this year!

Sarah Tolan | Justice Captain and Nikita Smith | Environment Captain

Is your young person struggling to get to school? 

Are they regularly leaving school early or missing large periods of school altogether? 

There are many reasons why school refusal occurs and this can be very stressful for young people and their families. You're not alone and there is help available.

https://parents.au.reachout.com/school-and-education/school-refusal/school-refusal-and-teenagers
https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/school-refusal/

Saint Ignatius College supports Caritas Project Compassion during our first term by fundraising and awareness raising.

SICG Caritas fund raising website: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/saint-ignatius-college-geelong-drysdale

There are three ways you can support Caritas this Lenten season (Term 1)

1. Buy some Hot Cross Buns: try booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CZAFT

All profits go to Caritas Project Compassion

1. Year 7/8 Easter Hamper Raffle

Due date for 7/8 donations - no later than Tuesday 1st April.

Hamper winners will be drawn on the 4th April.

• Bring a gold Coin and go in the draw to win an amazing Easter Hamper

• Due date for gold coin - to the homeroom teachers by no later than Friday 28th March.

1. Long Walk for Water: Do some walking each day during Lent and sign up on the Caritas website to pledge your donation.

Sing the song, purchase some delicious hot cross buns and support Caritas Australia! The '2025 Hot Cross Bun Drive' is back and with all 4 Senior Houses combining this year, it is bigger and better than ever!

Purchase a packet here --> https://www.trybooking.com/CZAFT

EASTER EGG HUNT | Let's get eggcited Saint Ignatius! The annual 'SICG Easter Egg Hunt' is back!

Join the College Community on Sunday March the 30th for all the fun of chocolate, faith, and community!

There are 2 hunts for families to enjoy, 'The Little Tackers Hunt,' and 'The Main Hunt.' Secure your tickets to the yummiest community event of the year here --> https://www.trybooking.com/CYZLQThanks to the College PFA for their support of the 'SICG Easter Egg Hunt.'

Did you know that the '2025 SICG Car Raffle' is also drawn on this day?

Secure your tickets to the car raffle here -->https://rafflelink.com.au/2025-sicg-car-raffle

The Saint Ignatius College Parents and Friends Association is excited to present the '2025 Car Raffle!' With all proceeds going towards student resources, this is the raffle that you want to win! 

Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased here -->https://rafflelink.com.au/2025-sicg-car-raffle

Raffle will be drawn on Sunday the 30th of March at 11am, 2025, winner will be notified via phone/email. 

Thanks for your support of the College PFA, and best of luck with your tickets.Imagine yourself in the front seat of a red 2024 MG ZST VIBE.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the inaugural 2025 PFA Car Raffle:

Click here for Student Free Broadband information