Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Parents & Carers,
School Advisory Council Expressions of Interest
One of the valuable supports for the College’s leadership and management is the enthusiastic and supportive members of our School Advisory Council (SAC).
The SAC supports the College's principal, parish priests and leadership team. It is advisory and essential to the governing and operating of our College.
While no particular expertise is required, the school seeks people with a range of diverse skill sets to advise the principal, united by a desire to provide the best possible education for our students.
A balanced membership with parent voice on the School Advisory Council is well-placed to advise the principal about important matters, particularly those related to the school’s mission, students’ success, management and development.
The needs of the council will be given priority in terms of ensuring a balance of gender, cultural diversity and skill sets.
Following the retirement of three members of the SAC, an analysis of the current skill set and interests of the SAC members has identified the need for replacement members with skills and knowledge in the following areas:
financial;
risk assessment & management;
human resources management;
ICT/Business management;
occupational health and safety;
legal; or
building & construction.
Therefore, we are calling on parents and former parents to express their interest in being part of the SAC. If you are a member of a Geelong region Catholic parish or have children in the school, or have had children at our College and wish to serve the school community by joining the SAC, we would welcome your application in writing to me by 4 pm, Friday, 31st May 2024. All you need to do is send an email message to me via (E: principalsoffice@ignatius.vic.edu.au), which briefly introduces yourself and briefly explains why you would like to join the SAC and what you can bring to the SAC. An expression of interest does not mean an automatic appointment to the SAC. You are most welcome to contact the Principal’s Assistant, Kim Abbott (P: 03 5251 1136), if you would like more information.
We have a very dedicated, committed and capable team of SAC members who would welcome some new members. Meetings are usually on a Thursday (5:30 pm – 8:30 pm) at the College, about eight times per year.
Please consider whether you can serve the College community by joining the SAC or encouraging other parents to express their interest.
Jesuit Mission Maytime Fair
Saint Ignatius College Geelong was again very pleased to be able to support the Jesuit Missions Maytime Fair at Xavier College last Saturday. The proceeds will assist the Jesuits in their work with people in India, Myanmar, Africa, China, East Timor, Cambodia and The Philippines.
Well done to the Senior Student Leaders who, with some staff help, ran a “Tastes of the Bellarine” stall. In addition to raising valuable funds, the students were great ambassadors for our college and strengthened our connections with the network of Jesuit groups. In particular, thank you to Staff members Paul Lewis and Michael Tod.
School Review
This term, we will undertake our four-yearly School Review. The review has two parts:
VRQA & Governments’ Requirements Compliance verification to obtain continuing registration
Compliance: an audit/verification process of the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) Minimum Standards for School Registration and other State and Commonwealth Requirements is conducted for all schools engaging in the school review process.
SIF to SIP (2025-2028)
Improvement: The School Improvement Framework (SIF) supports self-reflection and assessment of performance and growth in school improvement and informs planning for the school’s next School Improvement Plan (SIP).
The review will be facilitated by a MACS contracted review company, National Curriculum Services, NCS. The independent reviewers will be Ms Sheridan Coverdale and Mr David Allibon.
Timeline:
School tour, including classrooms (especially specialist rooms)
VRQA Minimum Standards check
Child Safety Standards check
Collect school data sets
Focus group meetings (45 – 60 minutes) - leadership team, teachers, non-teaching staff, students (years 7 – 9), students (Years 10 – 12), parents, canonical authority. (8 – 10 people per group)
Classroom visits – there should be no ‘direct instruction’ during these visits so that the reviewer can speak to the teacher and individual students.
Continue focus group meetings and classroom visits as for Day 1
Reviewers meet to collate data
Reviewers meet with Executive to share insights.
Meeting with Executive & other key members of the school community.
Discuss the outline of the draft report, and develop priorities for the next 4 years.
The remainder of Term Three: develop the next School Improvement Plan (2025-2028) & Annual Action Plan 2025 (AAP 2025)
Early December 2024: SIP (2025-2028) & AAP 2025 completed
To provide the best possible sample of feedback for the reviewers, we will obviously need as many parents as possible to join a focus group for discussions with the reviewers. Soon, I will email parents inviting them to attend one of the focus group sessions. Thank you for considering this and in anticipation of your support if you can meet with a reviewer.
Time & Space Evenings
We held our annual “Time & Space” night for Yr 7 Mothers and their Yr. 7 son/daughter on Tuesday night. As in previous years, the night was very successful.
Our “Time & Space” programs are designed to strengthen and grow Parent – daughter/son relationships, especially during times of change and transition. In a busy world, these evenings provide time to stop, learn and reflect on what really matters in life.
I received very positive feedback from many attendees and the staff involved. Thank you to the parents and students who generously helped run these nights.
Thank you to staff members Emma Cuthill, Elana Cole, Deb Hodge and Stephanie Muscat, who were key organisers of this event.
We will hold the Yr 8 Father & daughter/son night leading up to Father’s Day.
Victorian Budget
Recently, the State Government announced a $400 School Saving Bonus for all school students in government schools regardless of income, but only for Health Care Card holders in Catholic schools.
This is deeply unfair.
We believe the payment should be means tested for all students or apply to all students.
It should not be based on which school you attend.
This policy is unfair to families who choose to send their children to a Catholic school.
Our school, MACS and the peak body, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, are working hard to oppose this policy, and we need your help.
We need to show the Victorian Government that families who choose a Catholic school think this policy is unacceptable.
Please consider contacting your local Member of Parliament to express your concern.
Our school’s local MP is Alison Marchant (Member for Bellarine), and they can be contacted by calling (03) 5250 1987 or by emailing alison.marchant@parliament.vic.gov.au.
Thank you in anticipation of you advocating for your family and our College.
Best wishes for the next fortnight,
Michael Exton
Principal
Term 1 was a term of new beginnings and settling into life at Saint Ignatius. Thank you for your support of the many learning opportunities that were provided. I trust that the recent Student Parent Teacher Conferences gave you an overview of your son or daughter’s Term 1 progress. I now encourage students to work towards achieving their Term 2 goals with a focus on effectively using class and home time. Just a reminder that parents and guardians are welcome to contact teachers at any time during the term to discuss their child’s learning.
Year 9 - 11 Semester One Examinations
Parents/carers and students will receive a copy of their examination timetable and letter in the coming weeks.
Year 10 and 11 examinations commence on Thursday 20 June and conclude on Thursday 27 June. Year 9 examinations commence on Tuesday 25 June and conclude on Thursday 27 June. Friday 28 June is a student free day for staff correction.
Important S dates
To assist students with their organisation and planning we publish S dates which refers to the final date for any Year 7 – 12 summative or reportable task to be completed. The Year 7 -12 Semester One S days are as follows:
Year 12: Thursday 27 June
Year 10/11: Wednesday 12 June
Year 9: Tuesday 18 June
Year 7/8: Friday 21 June
Year 9 Revision Program and Examinations
Year 9 students will undertake their first round of examinations at the end Term Two. Students will sit examinations in the following subjects; English, Humanities, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education and Science.
This year, we are introducing an explicit Revision Program period for the Year 9 students where they will begin to develop revision strategies and techniques. This will commence on Thursday 20 June and conclude on Monday 24 June. Students will participate in three consecutive ‘Revision’ sessions and one ‘Review’ session for each subject. They will also receive an extensive revision package to support their exam preparation.
Year 9 Morrisby Pathways Program
This year, the College introduced the Morrisby Pathways Program at Year 9.
The program is designed to empower our students by utilising the Morrisby Profile to assess their strengths and weaknesses, explore their interests and personality, and reflect deeply on their future pathways.
In Term One, all students completed a 100-minute online assessment. The data from these assessments has been processed and shared with students and their families. This term, a team of staff have been providing personalised guidance through one on one discussions with our Year 9 students to unpack the assessment data. This program allows the students to consider their strengths and interests prior to the Term 3 subject selection process.
Thank you to Leesa Snookes for introducing this program and overseeing its implementation, and the staff who have been involved in meeting with the students.
Term 3 Subject Pathways Information: Accelerated Studies
In Term 3, students will commence the 2025 Subject Pathways process. At Saint Ignatius College, we offer students the opportunity to undertake selected accelerated studies. Accelerated studies are academically challenging and participation in an accelerated study is not automatic. Therefore, a student considering applying to study an accelerated subject must be able to demonstrate that they can cope with the workload, have sound organisational skills, have demonstrated excellence in their chosen Year 10 or 11 subject area, and that the accelerated study will not negatively impact on their Year 10 or 11 studies.
It is expected that any student considering applying to study an accelerated subject meets the following criteria:
• An overall result of 80% or higher in the accelerated subject area studied in Semester One
• An overall result of 75% or higher in all other subjects studied in Semester One
A high level of literacy is beneficial to a student studying an accelerated subject.
A student who does not meet the criteria in Semester 1 may reapply at the end of Semester 2 but cannot be guaranteed a place.
Bernadette Donnelly
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning.
Ricci House have been busy across a range of activities over this year.
Ricci students were very proud to win the Athletics House Cup. But, more importantly, it was great to see so many students across the College participating and enjoying the day with a spirit of competitiveness and companionship at Landy Field.
Ricci House ran the Inter-House Pickleball competition for Year 12 students at lunchtime which saw some fierce competition against all the Houses.
The Coat Drive has been well supported by Ricci students and donations can still be made.
Students have been busy representing the College in a range of sports, undertaking SACs and assessment tasks, participating in a range of excursions, preparing for the Little Shop of Horrors, Craft and Create group, Year 10 work experience, the Big Science Competition to name just a few.
The highlight of Term 2 has been the Ricci House Mass for senior students. This was celebrated in the new MacKillop Theatre on Tuesday 14th May. Father Gerry Healy SJ celebrated our mass and shared reflections on the work of Matteo Ricci and the impact he has had on Jesuit education. Students celebrated the Feast Day of our Patron Saint with a shared pizza lunch.
Ricci students have been committed and involved this year and have represented the House proudly.
Ms Kristin Williamson
Head of House - Ricci
DISTRESSING CONTENT
This day and age, we live in a very complex and forever evolving world. Technology and social media is all around us; on our TVS, portable devices, mobile phones, work life, school and within our communities. As we have seen in recent months, there have been tragic events that have saturated news outlets and social media platforms, The volume and heaviness of these issues to date can cause an array of feelings such as anxiety or confusion for our teens, which is why it is so important to be open and communicate with our young people in efforts to keep our children safe and protected from distressing content.
Everyone responds differently to disturbing or unacceptable content which is why it is important to ensure that we are monitoring young people's internet usage and establishing barriers to ensure that our young people are not at risk.
HOW DOES NEGATIVE CONTENT AFFECT TEENAGE BRAINS?
The over consumption of negative content can contribute to significant changes in mood in young people, leading to possible feelings of anxiety and overall decreases of mood. In addition bad news can contribute to altered thought patterns. This means the more negative news or tragic events that are televised to us the more likely we are to only remember the negative or draw more attention to these thoughts in our brains, therefore potentially minimising the impact of positive stories or news items that are reported to us. This is why it is so important to ensure that our teens are supported and provide them with strategies that will help them to cope with distressing content.
Distressing content can present in many forms for example:
Illegal content: This may show, describe or encourage violent crimes or behaviour.
Violent content: This may include images or stories of harm to an individual.
Inappropriate age content: This can include images and material that is unsuitable for that age group.
This content may also make young people feel:
Afraid or unsafe
Hopeless
Confused
Pressured
Isolated
Overwhelmed
Unable to switch off or stop scrolling.
Online safety key strategies:
It is important that we help and provide guidance to our young people, when they are navigating their digital world. Young people, especially teenagers spend a lot of time online, as it can be a helpful way to keep in contact with their peers, friends and family when they are not physically with them. To assist with positive online engagement, parents are encouraged to:
1. Be engaged, supportive, curious and open.
2. Set age-appropriate rules in conversation with your young person.
3. Role model positive use of technology
4. Stay informed and reach out for help
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR CHILD?
Stay open and talk frequently with your child
It is important that you continue to stay open and frequently talk with your child about the content that they are consuming online and in the news – especially if you are aware they are exposed to material that they may find distressing.
It is particularly important to ensure that you are engaging in an open and supportive conversation. Encourage your young person to connect with you about anything they want to. Being encouraging and supportive will allow for your young person to feel connected to you and supported by you.
Ask questions
It is also important to ask questions. Asking your child how they feel and what they are comfortable consuming online will help you to get a better understanding of what they are currently exposed to. If they are currently having any issues online, prompt with open questions to them will show them that you care and are interested in maintaining their health and wellbeing.
Seek additional help if needed
If you are feeling overwhelmed or confused about how to move forward with these topics, or think it would be beneficial for your young person to seek further support, we encourage your child to contact our Student Wellbeing team at St Ignatius College or parents are encouraged to seek advice from Parentline at 13 22 89 or the Esafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
HOW CAN YOU MAXIMISE ONLINE SAFETY AT HOME?
Use parent controls, in conversation with your young person
They are a tool that allows you to monitor and limit what your young person sees online. They can be set through your home WIFI or on your child’s personal device. This tool allows you to have some control over the content that your young person is consuming, whilst also ensuring that the content they do have access to is age appropriate and will not contribute further to potential adverse effects.
Features of parent controls that can be particularly useful are:
Filtering:
This function allows you to isolate ‘adult content’, as well as other types of content that may portray violent behaviour and so on. This allows you to have some control over what your child is consuming online. This shows your young person that you are concerned about their wellbeing and are making efforts to ensure they feel safe and supported online.
Set time frames:
Setting time frames on devices such as laptops, mobile phones etc ensures that your young person isn’t stuck ‘scrolling’ for hours at night. This cycle can be very damaging to their sleep cycles and a habit that is difficult to break. Setting a time frame on their devices will ensure that they are getting enough sleep needed for their bodies to be adequately rested and restored for the next day.
Additionally, constant notifications, messages and pressure to always be ‘up to date’ with social media can be very exhausting and potentially anxiety inducing for teens. Setting a time frame will allow them to rest their eyes and mind.
For more information on parental controls please head to.
https://www.esaftey.gov.au/par...;
Written by the Student Wellbeing Team
Friday 17th May is IDAHOBIT Day.
At Saint Ignatius College this day represents an occasion to focus on promoting a safe, inclusive school community in which all students feel safe and recognised and valued for the people they are now and the ones they will grow to be, sharing their uniqueness with our community. We are fortunate to be blessed with their gifts and talents and this occasion allows us to take time to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices our cultural or social backgrounds might have contributed to our developing identity.
The event is a gazetted, annual, Justice event on the school calendar and bears witness to our school’s commitment to the National Child Safe Principles, in particular Principle 4 - Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
According to the National Document:
This principle examines how recognition of children and young people’s diverse circumstances enables an organisation to work in a more child centred way and empowers children and young people to participate more effectively. This builds an organisational culture that acknowledges the strengths and individual characteristics of children, and embraces all children regardless of their abilities, sex, gender, or social, economic or cultural background. A welcoming organisation is one where all children and young people feel comfortable and where services are provided in culturally safe and inclusive ways. This reduces the risk of discrimination, exclusion, bullying and abuse.
This week students and staff have been invited to add a little splash of solidarity on their sneakers by placing a few coloured beads on their laces. A video that explains this initiative beautifully can be accessed via this LINK.
On Friday morning we will hear the Youth Ministry prayer for equal rights and equity for all in our EXAMEN.
On Friday at lunchtime, students are invited to participate with a number of friendship building events including:
Framed photo opportunity
Music provided by the Year 9 bands
Rainbow Lego in the ILC
Rainbow nail painting in the outdoor space (near canteen)
Friendship bead making
Buy a rainbow drink or lolly pack ($1 per item just to cover costs)
We look forward to sharing some photos in the next newsletter!
Mrs Sadler
Justice Coordinator
Support the 2024 Saint Ignatius College Coat drive in support of The Salvation Army Bellarine, see Year Level Coordinators and Heads of House for drop off points.
National Consistent Collection of Data on School Students With Disability (NCCD)
All Victorian schools are asked to provide information to the government about the number of students with additional needs currently attending their school.
There is a broad definition of 'disability' that includes students who require minor adjustments to those needing significant additional support to achieve success at school.
The data is provided to the Australian Government to assist in the development of a consistent, national picture of the educational needs of students with disability.
For further information related to this mandated collection process, please read the attached document in this newsletter titled, ‘NCCD Fact Sheet for Parents, Carers and Guardians’.
Should you have any additional questions after reading this information, please direct these to Mrs. Caroline Edmonds, Learning Diversity Coordinator, during school hours or via her school email:
The link is live for the 2024 Careers Panel & Expo! Students in Years 9-12 are encouraged to register for the workshops, the Alumni panel, and expo to ensure that they use they utilise their time effectively on this exciting night. To register your preference for this evening, click on the link (link in bio) https://forms.gle/5jurNWja52Xp9DS68
Saint Ignatius College is delighted to welcome our College Community to our Men's Health Week Community Evening on Wednesday June 12th, as we host 2 time Olympian, Kieren Perkins OAM OLY.
The evening will commence with light refreshments from 6pm, with the main address starting at 6.30pm.Whilst this companion evening is free to attend, guests are encouraged to register their attendance via this link (link in bio) https://www.trybooking.com/CQZDR
We look forward to welcoming our community to this exciting, engaging, and informative evening.