Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Dear Parents & Carers,
With two weeks remaining of this eleven-week term, I draw your attention to the following dates.
Thursday, 27th June 2024 – Final day of classes for the term.
(Friday, June 28, 2024, will be a Teacher Professional Practice Day.)
Tuesday, 16th July 2024 – First day of classes for term three.
(Monday 15th July 2024 will be a Teacher Professional Learning Day.)
Semester One Reports
Semester One Reports will be available early next Term. These are summative reports that indicate overall results for the semester. More detailed information about student progress can be found by accessing assessment feedback through our online Learning Management System ‘Canvas.’ If you haven’t already accessed Canvas, your daughter or son should be able to show you how to do this.
Except for VCE Unit 3 & Vocational Major subjects, there are no formal Parent-Teacher interviews scheduled to follow up on these reports; however, you are most welcome, and I encourage you, to please make contact with any subject teachers regarding academic concerns or the Mentor teacher if there are any pastoral concerns. Please email the teacher to organise a time for a meeting.
Years 9 – 12 Semester One Examinations
With Semester 1 (terms 1 & 2) almost complete, we are about to commence a busy assessment period. Can I suggest that parents/carers check in with their daughter or son and check on their level of organisation to support them and encourage good habits that will help them manage this challenging time?
Our Years 9 – 12 students will have many assessments due, and in particular, they will have examinations as follows:
Week 10: Tuesday, June 18: The GAT (all day) for all VCE students undertaking Unit 3 & 4 subjects.
Week 10: Thursday June 20 Year 10/11 exams commence
Week 11: Tuesday June 25 Year 9 Exams commence
Week 11: Thursday June 27 Exams conclude
Year 9 Revision Program commences next week (Week 10)
To better prepare our Year 9 students for their first experience of formal exams, we are introducing a planned revision period in the lead-up to their exams. This will commence on Thursday 20th June and run for three days. During this time, students will undertake set revision and review lessons and activities according to a structured timetable, under the guidance of their subject teachers. This new structure will ensure students receive comprehensive preparation, including targeted revision, reinforcement, and exam practice, aligning with senior-level expectations in core subjects. The revision program will focus on building confidence, promoting consistency, targeting support, encouraging accountability, and preparing for future success.
Year 7 & 8 Belonging Week (Week 11)
Another new initiative to better support our students is the introduction of the “Belonging Week” program during the last week of this term. This program builds on the “Connected Week” program we ran during the first week of the semester at the beginning of the year. In alignment with our School Improvement Plan, it will play a crucial role in fostering a sense of connection, belonging, and community among students and staff. The program will serve as a platform to build relationships, promote inclusivity, and enhance the overall educational experience for everyone involved.
No usual timetabled classes will run during this week, but a bespoke program has been developed that will be facilitated by Year 7 and 8 teachers and other staff during the final week of the term. It will be a great way for our students to complete their Semester One learning journey and share their achievements.
Subject selections for 2025
In early Term three, students from Years 8 to 11 will choose their elective subjects for the upcoming year. It's crucial to discuss with your child their strengths, interests, and future plans, and revisit the topic periodically. You can use their Semester One reports as a starting point for this conversation. For year nine students, the Morrisby Testing Program results will also provide an excellent starting point for discussions about your daughter or son’s senior school pathway. I know many Year 9 parents have already discussed the information arising from this program with their daughter or son.
The Careers Panel and Expo evening held at the College on Monday, 27 May, was very well attended by families. Alumni students and representatives from the Tertiary institutions provided valuable career and course information. This was another very helpful way of opening up conversations that would help inform subject selections.
Principal leave
I will be away during term three on Enrichment Leave. I will return on the first day of Term Four. I am grateful to my colleagues who will cover my absence. Deputy Principal Mr Michael Timms will be the Acting Principal. In order to facilitate this, the following changes to our leadership positions have been made:
Change in Leadership position for Term 3, 2024 | Replacing |
Michael Timms Acting Principal | Michael Exton |
Kirsty Allan | Michael Timms |
Kristin Williamson | Kirsty Allan |
Amanda Da Riva | Kristin Williamson |
Nicole Sadler | Amanda Da Riva |
School Review update
As I mentioned in the newsletter earlier this year, 2024 is our school review year. Term Two has been a busy time for the review process, with the two independent reviewers spending three days at the College.
The first day involved checking that the College was compliant with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and state and federal government requirements. I am pleased that we have met the compliance requirements and, as a result, will have our school registration renewed.
On the second and third days, the reviewers met with a cross-section of College community members, including students, parents, staff, school advisory council members, and two parish priests, to discuss the College’s performance. Thank you to everyone who was able to provide feedback to the reviewers.
The next phase of the review will involve the reviewers presenting the findings of their analysis of the College’s performance over the last four years to the College Executive. We will then use their findings to inform the development of our school improvement plan for the next four years.
I will keep you updated about our progress through the newsletter.
Best wishes for the next fortnight,
Michael Exton
Principal
As an Ignatian school, we are so fortunate to be in a position where there is much opportunity to uphold our school motto ‘to love and to serve’ as well as live out Ignatius’ values of helping one another and the disadvantaged in our local and wider community.
Last term, we kickstarted the Social Justice calendar with the launch of Project Compassion where we ran the ‘MacKillop hot cross bun drive,’ the junior Easter raffle, sausage sizzle, donut, Year 9 op shop and soft drink stall. Lent is a time of almsgiving in the Catholic church, so it was fantastic to see the whole college unite in support of this remarkable charity.
International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8 where we raised 100 dollars for the Alma nuns in Timor from the cupcake sale. IDAHOBIT Day was a success with many enjoying the friendship bracelet making workshop held in the art rooms.
We also introduced the fashion revolution week initiative which commemorates the collapse of the Rana Plaza sweatshop in 2013 which killed and injured thousands. Our goal is to build upon this event in coming years and raise awareness around the severity of fast fashion.
The Social Justice Team is also in the midst of hosting Refugee Week. All students are challenged to stay silent for the whole day in ‘the silent protest’ and/or encouraged to make a stand and eat refugee rations for 3 days. This Thursday, selected Year 11 and 12 students are also tackling the cage; they will be sleeping rough, eating typical refugee rations as well as making a stand in our community about Refugee rights.
Refugee week is a critical part of welcoming and celebrating refugees and people seeking asylum, so don’t miss out on being a part of this special event and promoting awareness for the 100 million people who are forcibly displaced each year.
During the last school holidays, 11 of our staff and students were super lucky to be able to spend a day at St Joseph's with some children from Cultura at the Refugee holiday program. This program is a partnership between Cultura and the Catholic schools in Geelong.
All participants raved on about how it was such a gratifying experience to be able to spend this quality time with these children and learn their stories. Next school holidays, our College has the incredible opportunity to be able to host this program, which we are currently seeking volunteers for, so I urge everyone to get involved!
Thank you all to everyone who gets involved and helps organise events and programs. Especially to the parents/carers for giving money for your kids to buy a sausage or a cupcake! It all makes such a difference.
Social Justice
Wednesday 12th June Lunchtime - The Cage participants - quick pre-event meeting X07 (downstairs Xavier Building) beginning of lunch - all participants must attend for per-event briefing
Thursday 13th June Recess to Friday 14th June Lunchtime - The Cage - year 11 and 12 students raising awareness about refugee injustice in our world. Sleep out, guest speakers, movie and prayer
Thursday 13th June Lunchtime - Ration Challenge participants pick up your Ration Packs in the Arrupe Room at lunchtime
Monday 17th June to Wednesday 19th June - 3 Day Ration Challenge
Monday 17th June to Friday 21st June - 5 day Ration Challenge
Wednesday 19th June - beginning of lunch in X07 - Silent Protestors - pick up your protest signs
Wednesday 19th June - 1pm in X07 - Laura Carolan-Scott from Act for Peace Zoom Presentation - all Ration Challenge Participants, Silent Protestors and any supporters who would like to Zoom with an Act for Peace refugee worker
Thursday 20th June - all day - Silent Protest
Students Raise $14,650 to Empower Teenage Girls in Kenya
In an inspiring demonstration of community spirit and dedication, MacKillop House has successfully raised $14,650 to send teenage girls in Kenya to high school. This significant achievement underscores our commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through education, a value deeply rooted in the legacy of Mary MacKillop.
The Impact of Education
Education is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty. For many girls in Kenya, the opportunity to attend high school is a distant dream due to financial constraints. By providing these girls with the means to continue their education, we are giving them the chance to build a brighter future. Education not only opens doors to better job opportunities but also empowers individuals to make informed decisions, thereby improving their quality of life and that of their communities.
Mary MacKillop's Legacy
Mary MacKillop, our house’s namesake, was a fervent advocate for education, particularly for the underprivileged. She believed that education was a right, not a privilege, and dedicated her life to ensuring that children from impoverished backgrounds had access to quality schooling. Her values resonate with our mission, and this fundraising effort is a testament to her enduring influence.
The Journey to $14,650
Raising $14,650 was no small feat. It required months of planning, dedication, and hard work from the team especially House captains, Meg Swinton, Taj Don and Vice captains Grace Dowie and Tucker Kooloos. The centrepiece of our fundraising efforts was an incredibly successful trivia night. This event brought together parents, students, staff and the wider Saint Ignatius College Community in a lively evening of fun and competition. Teams battled it out over a series of challenging and entertaining questions, all in the spirit of charity and camaraderie. Many items were donated for the silent auction and the live auction which again instilled an element of fun competition.
We would like to thank all of our sponsors and donors that contributed to this night being successful.
A Team Effort
The success of our trivia night and the overall fundraising campaign was made possible by the incredible efforts of our MacKillop team and mentor teachers. From organising the event to soliciting donations, sponsorship and promoting ticket sales, every detail was meticulously handled by a group of dedicated individuals. Their passion and commitment were truly inspiring, and it was heartening to see our community come together for such a noble cause.
A Brighter Future
The funds raised will go directly towards covering tuition fees, uniforms, books, and other essential supplies for the girls. This support will enable them to pursue their education without the constant worry of financial barriers. By investing in their education, we are not just helping these girls but also contributing to the upliftment of entire communities.
Gratitude and Forward Movement
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this initiative. Your generosity and spirit of giving have made a tangible difference in the lives of these young women. As we move forward, let us continue to embody the values of Mary MacKillop, striving to create opportunities for the less fortunate and fostering a community built on compassion and support.
Together, we have proven that when a community unites with a shared purpose, remarkable things can happen.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us make a lasting impact.
Hockey Geelong Sharks are conducting free hockey clinics for any females who would like to have some fun, learn some skills and try a new sport or get back into hockey.
Place: Stead Park, John St Corio
Time: 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Dates: Monday fortnightly, 10th and 24th June, 8th and 22nd July and 5th August
Please register at: https://forms.gle/fpLJ6nPcJZagmwH26