T IGNATIUS COLLEGE SAIN
Newsletter
Edition 21, December 18th 2014
Merry Christmas and a happy new year from Saint Ignatius College Geelong!
From the Principal Welcome! Congratulations to Year 12 students
The following students received an ATAR in the top 10% of the State:
The 2014 VCE Units 3/4 results were released on Monday this week. I am very pleased to report that overall our VCE results are higher than last year’s very sound results and were again above the state averages.
Cooper Moody 98·85 Monique Campbell 96·70 Nicholas Vella 95·10 Lily Matthews 94·25 Michael Peace 92·20 Alexandra Borley 91·10
The College’s School Improvement Plan has focused on continual improvement of teaching and learning.
Approximately 50% of our students received an ATAR above 70, which puts them in the top 30% of the State. Our estimates, to be confirmed by VCAA, of two key statistics were: 8% of study scores were over 40. The median study score was 31.
Mon 2nd Years 7, 11 and 12 Commence
One key indicator of our success in improving student outcomes is the results our Year 12 students achieve. I congratulate all of our students who applied themselves to their studies and have produced results commensurate with their abilities.
Tues 3rd Years 8, 9 and 10 Commence
Many of our students achieved outstanding results and I congratulate them.
Coming Events December 2014 Fri 19th Last Day College is open
January 2015 Mon 19th College Office Opens Thurs 22nd Book Collection Day and Laptop Collection for Years 7 and 10
February 2015
Thurs 5th Year 7 Parent Welcome Mass Fri 6th Whole College Assembly Mon 9th Year 8 Parent Information Evening A more detailed calendar is on the last page.
Some noteworthy achievements are as follows. Dux of the 2014 Class was Cooper Moody with a very impressive Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 98·85.
There were two perfect scores of 50, both in Health and Human Development. Well done to students Meg Hodgson and Lily Matthews. There were many high results in this subject and I congratulate their teacher Ms. Stacey Learmonth. The results reflect the students’ commitment to learning, the hard work and encouragement of their teachers and the love and support of their parents and families. I wish our Class of 2014 all the best for their futures. ....continued on Page 2
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In Brief
From the Principal (cont.)
This Page:
Old Ignatian ordained
Farewell to some staff
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Congratulations to Mathew Crane (last year) who was ordained an Anglican Priest on Saturday at Cathedral Church of Christ the King in Ballarat.
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Four teachers and I were honoured to be present at this very special occasion.
There were mixed emotions as we said farewell to three retiring staff members at our Staff Break-up. We were sad they were leaving yet we were filled with happy memories and thankful sentiments for their involvement with and contribution to our College over the years.
Continuation of ‘From the Principal’ Continuation of ‘From the Principal’ Fr Kevin Dillon Comment
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‘Mindfulness’ Teacher PD Day photos
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Parents and Friends’ Association
Fr Mathew will continue in his new role in his current Parish of Warnambool. Fr Mathew is a foundation member of the ‘Old Ignatians’ and I was so pleased our College was well represented at this important occasion. On behalf of our College community I wish him every blessing for his ministry.
Thank you and best wishes to: Tricia Giles (Assistant to Mission) Angela Humphrey (Textiles & Food Technology Teacher) Chris Wood (Art Teacher)
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We farewelled Deputy Principal, Kerry Sidaway, who as you probably know is moving to a senior leadership position at Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay, Queensland.
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I again thank Kerry for her leadership and management over the last nine years and wish her a very rewarding time in her new role.
Canteen Roster and Young Women and Men for others Year 12 VCE Results 2014
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It was good that Art/RE teacher Simon Macaulay was able to return for our Staff Break-up. Mr. Macaulay has been on leave this year and he has decided not to return to the College so his attendance provided us with the opportunity to acknowledge his contribution and wish him all the best for his future.
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Thank you to the following staff members who finished their contract at the end of this term.
Page 12 to 14:
Elizabeth Dwyer (Replacement Teacher) Phoebe Morgan (Replacement Teacher) Gabrielle Smales (Replacement Teacher) Amy Somers (Replacement Teacher)
Friendly rivalry does the trick DEECD Student Scholarships 2014 - 2015 and Changes to the Secondary School Tax File Number Program in 2015 “Are you amongst the 10% of smart parents?” by Michael Grose Community Notice Board
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School Calender
And all the best to the following teachers who will be on maternity leave next year - Isje Timmins and Julie Wilson.
Congratulations On behalf of the College community I extend our congratulations to English Teacher Sarah Pitaro on her marriage to John Adams this Saturday at St Mary’s Basilica, Geelong. May their wedding day be a very special and memorable occasion and every best wish to them for their futures together. Ms. Pitaro will be known as Ms. Adams next year at school. ....continued on Page 3
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Semester Two Reports
Tuesday 3rd February Years 8, 9 & 10 students return
Just a reminder that the Semester Two reports are available via the Parent Portal.
Thursday 5th February Year 7 Welcome Mass (evening, families attend)
I trust that the Homeroom and individual subject reports record achievements, identify strengths and areas for improvement and acknowledge effort. I encourage you to make some time with your daughter/son to reflect on progress this year in the light of the report and lead the conversation towards setting some goals for 2015. Some 2015 dates
Friday 6th February Full School Assembly (9am, Parents invited) Monday 9th February Year 8 Parent Information evening Thursday 12th February House Swimming Carnival (Kardinia Pool, parents invited) Monday 16th February Years 9 & 12 Parent Information evenings Thursday19th February Student photos
Monday 19th January College office re-opens
With the school year coming to a close it is a very busy time and we are eagerly looking forward to the summer break.
Wednesday 28th January Teaching staff return Monday 2nd February Years 7, 11 & 12 students return
At the final day year level assemblies I was able to attend I encouraged the students to ensure that Christmas was more than just receiving gifts, although this will be an enjoyable part of the celebration, by attending their church service and/or attending a carols event or including an act of giving or service for someone in need - someway of helping them to reflect on and more deeply enter into our faith story.
As this is the last newsletter of the year, on behalf of the College may I wish all families a very happy and holy Christmas Wednesday 25th February and safe and restful holiday break. Years 10 and 11 parent Information Thank you to our Saint Ignatius College evenings community for your contributions and support during the past year. Merry Christmas and happy
I provide the following overview of early next year’s college events for your perusal to help with your planning. You will find more details, where appropriate, about these events in the newsletters early next year. You can also access the College Calendar through our website www.ignatius.vic.edu.au
Thursday 22nd January Book Collection
As partners in the Christian education of our Saint Ignatius College students, it is a challenge for us all to ensure that we keep “Christ in Christmas.”
new year
In this end of year busyness it is easy to forget that we are in the Advent season that prepares us for the Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus and calls us to reflect on God’s entering into the human story by becoming one of us.
Best wishes,
Michael Exton Principal
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Heroes who jumped into action to save a dying Whittington father in a Westfield car park have been awarded commendations. But Keith Bell’s rescuers say seeing the 55 year old smile is award enough. Mr Bell and his family had been watching the lighting up of Geelong’s $1 million Christmas tree on November 21, before returning to their car parked in Westfield. Mr Bell suffered a heart attack as he was driving to the Yarra St exit and crashed into another car. Adrain Vandermost, Cameron Keech, Jason France, off-duty nurse Rhoda Jamieson and security guard Ziggy Okunowski were all in Westfield Geelong when they heard the accident. Ms Jamieson helped to co-ordinate the CPR before Mr France ran to find the shopping centre’s defbrillator. Without the teamwork, paramedics said it was unlikely Mr Bell would have survived. Mr Bell said he would be forever indebted to the five strangers who bought him back from the dead. “I can’t thank these guys enough.” Geelong MICA paramedic Gary Jones said Mr Bell had been shocked twice with the defibrillator before paramedics arrived and he was breathing on his own within seconds. “The early defibrillation - really did save Keith’s life.” “Geelong Advertiser”, Tues. Dec 9
From Fr Kevin Dillon It’s not a rare experience to read or hear stories about people in need whose predicament is ignored by someone, even several people who would have been in a position to assist. Calls for help fall on deaf ears, people in significant danger are ignored. “We didn’t want to get involved” is the feeble response offered by embarrassed potential rescuers who have passed up an opportunity to assist someone in need, even to the extent of saving their life. So it was a refreshing change to read in Tuesday’s “Addy” how a group of Geelong residents decided very specifically to “get involved” when Keith Bell suffered a heart attack in the Westfield car park following the lighting of the Floating Christmas Tree. These “passers-by” actually refused to “pass by”. They saw a stranger in dire straits, and did everything they could to save his life - happily, in Keith’s case, very successfully.
But if being a “hero” means that someone has acted with integrity and selflessness, and that the effect of their action has been to “make all the difference” in a positive sense, then it’s an appropriate term to describe those people who truly “made all the difference” for Keith. It was the kind of challenge which can confront any of us at any time. Only one of Keith’s rescuers had professional medical training. But when confronted with an urgent situation, their own convenience or even fear of failure was set aside, and swift and effective action was set in place, with each person rapidly finding what was needed and springing into action. They provided a great example of how “ordinary people” can respond to some emergency situations with great effectiveness, and their action may well inspire us if and when we are confronted by a similar need for someone in a major predicament.
Aided by the defibrillator provided by Westfield (the first time it has been used in Westfield Geelong) and the ever-reliable skill and expertise of MICA paramedics, Keith’s life was saved, and he’s now up and around and in good spirits. The modest rescuers would be the first to reject the title “heroes”, a title which can sometimes be too hastily bestowed without acknowledgement that personal courage should be a component if the “hero” accolade is strictly applied.
Fr Kevin Dillon, Geelong Deanery Coordinator and Association of Canonical Administrator President, OAM
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‘Mindfulness’ Teacher PD Day photos by David Alexander
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Parents and Friends’ Association: Meetings for 2014
The Parents & Friends’ Association cordially invite all those interested to their meetings for 2014 held from 7.30pm onward in the Food Tech Centre on the following dates:
Meeting schedule: December
No Meeting
The Minutes for all meetings can be found on the College website in the Parents and Friends’ Portal when available. The Agenda for the up-coming meeting is also available from the website just prior to the meeting date.
Parents and Friends’ Association Committee 2015 Following the Annual General Meeting for the Parents and Friends’ Association on Monday 17th of November 2014, we would like to welcome the following people into the Committee Positions for 2015:
Parents and Friends’ Association Committe 2015 Message from the new President My name is Jo-Anne Britt, new President of the PFA and looking forward to seeing and meeting lots of new parents and friends at meetings and events. Currently we have Claudia in Year 8 Xavier (Year 9 next year) and have three children already on their paths to self sufficiency following their education at Saint Ignatius: Carly -Year 12 2008 (Communications and media at the Fair Work Ombudsman Office Melbourne, Sean Year 12 2010 currently finishing a Bachelor of Building Construction and Management at Deakin Geelong and Patrick - Bachelor of Visual Arts - Film and Television at Deakin Burwood. We have a great new enthusiastic committee from our recent AGM. I would like to thank our three outgoing committee for their fantastic work over a great many years: Veronica Magennis, Jo Ketchen and Helen Benjamin. We have two people who have replaced Helen in Fundraising and Uniform Shop and would like a volunteer to help out in co-ordinating the uniform shop with Debbie. Please ring me on 5250 1851 or email me at jobritt@datafast.net.au if you would be interested and would like to know what this entails. Cheers Jo
2015..
Jo Britt declared as President Bernie Malone declared as Vice President Kristi Papp declared as Secretary Clare Gordon declared as Treasurer Abraham Papp declared Fundraising Chair Adrian Matthews declared as Environment Chair. Debbie Isbister, looking for an Assistant to coordinate the Uniform Shop
Look out for more details in the College Newsletter in early 2015!!
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Canteen Roster Thank you to all Canteen Helpers for your support during 2014. Any parents interested in helping the college in 2015 as a Canteen Helper please contact Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050 258
Young Women and Men for others At the recent Mosaic celebration night at Costa Hall the Gold and Silver Lions Young leaders in Service Awards 2014 were presented.
Lions Young Leaders in Service Award Winners 2014 pictured with Mr. Bruce Holmes and Mr Anthony Gravener:
Mr. Bruce Holmes from the PortarlingtonDrysdale Lions Club presented these awards to our committed students who undertook at least 100 and 50 hours of community service respectively during the year.
Silver: Kaelyn Carter, Claudia Britt, Lara Walters, Catherine Exton, Brogan Cooper, Alana Brew, Rebecca Madden, Sabastian Bouma, Lachlan Ford, Nicola Gordon, Michael Hannan, Elsie Maertzdorf, Jessica Dougherty, Madeleine Lewis, Emily Harwood, Genevieve Nicholls, Meg Hodgson and Forrester Sadler.
We are most grateful to the Lions Club for their support and encouragement of our students in their quest to be “ young women and men for others”. We congratulate all the students who attained these high levels of service, and to all students who undertook community service during the year.
Gold: Amelia Ford, Catherine Nitz, Cara McKinnon, Claire Bensted, Callam Thompson, Harry Stannard and Joshua Smith.
We encourage all our students to accept the challenge to become a ‘Lions Young Leader in Service Award ‘ winner next year. The College also congratulates Mr Anthony Gravener, Head of Community Service in the College, for his drive and inspiration in developing the Community Service programs within the College and the support given to our students to reach their goals of service. Claire Hewitt Development Manager
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Year 12 VCE Results 2014 The Dux of the College for 2014 is Cooper Moody with an impressive ATAR score of 98.85. The College community congratulates him on his hard work, determination & fine achievement. During the year Cooper (pictured below) studied English, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematics Methods, Chemistry and Physics. Last year he achieved very well in Units 3&4 Further Mathematics whilst a Year 11 student.
Cooper hopes to begin studies in Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne next year and is unsure where that will take him next. He advises future year 12 students to, “Start working early-start in the summer school holidays, which makes the start to the year more easy, and work consistently during the year. Do not prefer one subject over another so that you make sure you put equal amounts of time into each subject.” We congratulate other students with outstanding overall results, including Monique Campbell, Nicholas Vella, Lily Matthews, Michael Peace and Alexandra Borley. Academic Captain Lily Matthews and also winner of the ADF Long Tan leadership and teamwork award, as well as gaining an outstanding ATAR score, gained an outstanding perfect score of 50 for Heath and Human Development as did Meg Hodgson, recent winner of the Saint Ignatius of Loyola award for leadership, competence, conscience and compassion.
Last month at Costa Hall he was awarded Mosaic awards as the most outstanding student in all of his subjects and he gained a General Level Excellence award for his overall exceptional performance. He was a member and contributor to the College’s after School Leap Program for students committed to developing mastery in Language Analysis and Communication Skills specifically focussed on the English syllabus. An outstanding consistency of effort was the hallmark of his approach to his studies. He particularly liked Physics finding the content interesting and achievable. Mr. Andrew Smith, VCE Coordinator and his teacher of Physics and Specialist Mathematics explained, “Cooper was an extremely committed student who worked consistently throughout the year. Cooper was well liked and respected by his peers and teachers within the school community. He maintained a balanced lifestyle during his VCE but managed to focus extremely hard on his studies at all times during the year.” In the last 2 years Cooper has been a member of the University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Scholars Program, an academic enrichment program, which has enabled him to participate in their programs and, through a members’ Facebook group, enhance his study outcomes by sharing ideas and having the opportunity to discuss content and study methods and techniques.
Their teacher, Stacey Learmonth (pictured left with Lily )said, “Lily and Meg were both determined to do their best in this subject. They both wanted to be high achievers and they did everything possible for this to occur. Lily and Meg were very conscientious towards their studies; they constantly revised their notes, always sought my assistance whenever they required it and completed many practice exams at the end of the year. The course covered a variety of aspects about the health status of Australians and it also focused on the issues faced by many children and adults in developing countries. Lily spoke of her interest in the subject and in which she felt she could meet all the challenges. “ The subject suited my learning style where there was a lot of content requiring much interpretation, analysis and application.” Lily wishes to study a Psychology undergraduate degree next year at Deakin University followed by postgraduate Honours and then to work in Child Psychology. Lily was able to balance the demands of her position as the college’s inaugural Academic Captain with her rigorous academic program. She participated in the development and implementation of a new College initiative: the introduction of individual digital portfolios for students in Years 7 to 9.
Lily was chosen, as one of four students from across the region, by the Geelong Advertiser to report each term on her individual journey through Year 12. Her responses to her reflections on her academic year including thoughts about the impact of her school in her attainment will appeared in “The Age” newspaper on Wednesday 17th December. Mr. Joe Mclean, Year 12 Coordinator spoke of the attributes of our high achieving students, a number of whom he taught in Physical Education. “Our high-achieving students showed high levels of organization; were prepared to go beyond what was required for homework on a daily basis; were willing to take the opportunities provided; listened to advice and took on constructive criticism and had a willingness and determination to do well.” Some of the plans of our high-achieving students include Alexandra Borley who hopes to study a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at Monash University after a Gap year of work and travel to America and Europe, Nicholas Vella is hoping to study Computer Science at Monash University next year, Monique Campbell hopes to study for a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne next year majoring in Chemistry (her favourite subject) and hoping to undertake research in the future. Saint Ignatius College is very proud of the efforts and achievements of all the Year 11 & 12 students who undertook Year 12 Units 3 & 4 subjects this year and wishes them well in the future. A unedited version of this article is available on our website.
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Friendly rivalry does the trick!! Saint Ignatius year 12 students and College leaders Meg Hodgson and Lily Mathews have been friends since Meg arrived at the college in Year 9. They were in the same homeroom then. On Monday when the results were sent they were both ecstatic to receive a perfect score of 50 for their favourite subject Health & Human Development and they were both ecstatic for each other! Their teacher, Stacey Learmonth was thrilled for them and explained, “Lily and Meg were both determined to do their best in this subject. They both wanted to be high achievers and they did everything possible for this to occur. Lily and Meg were very conscientious towards their studies; they constantly revised their notes, always sought my assistance whenever they required it and completed many practice exams at the end of the year.” Lily Matthews was the College’s inaugural Academic Captain and also a recent winner of the ADF Long Tan leadership and teamwork award; Meg was the College’s Social justice Captain and recent winner of the Saint Ignatius of Loyola award for leadership, competence, conscience and compassion. Meg and Lily were in Ms Learmonth’s Year 11 class together and the happy competition began! This year they were in different classes of Ms Learmonth but kept a constant eye on what each was doing-SAC marks, study techniques and so on but helped each other out discussing concepts and answering each others questions. Meg said, “It wasn’t selfish competition-we both wanted each other to do well.” It is well known that this friendly rivalry usually drives intelligent students to do better and that is what happened here. Lily added, ” It was a good thing we had going-it was positive we knew that working together and spurring each on would enable us to achieve our best this way”.
Lily was able to balance the demands of her position as well as the College’s inaugural Academic Captain with her rigorous academic program. She participated in the development and implementation of a new College initiative: the introduction of individual digital portfolios for students in Years 7 to 9. The portfolio is a digital repository where students can document their schoolwork, goals and reflect on their learning. She created her own digital portfolio in order to demonstrate its values and discussed its features not only to a full staff meeting, but also to a forum of Catholic Secondary school curriculum representatives from the Western region. She also spoke at College information evenings and gave presentations about subject selection considerations to other year levels, and importantly, promoted and engaged in Elevate Education seminars. Congratulations to two very hard –working friends who, with their commitment to responsible leadership roles within the college and, and enhanced by their friendly rivalry were able to take out the gold medals together!!! The Saint Ignatius College community wish them well for their future studies. Claire Hewitt Development Manager
Pictured below is Meg Hodgson and Lily Matthews
Meg was the College’s Social Justice Captain this year and was a member of the Latrobe University Aspire program, a program of year 12 seminars prior to exams, amongst other activities and which ensures a place if one reaches the pre-requisites of the course. Meg applied to become a member and was accepted on the basis of an application, which included her significant leadership and social justice commitment within the college and in the wider community. In 2014 her community service hours totalled well over 50. She was on the Triumph committee comprising senior student leaders from the four Catholic Colleges of Geelong, which organised the “Triumph” festival, which raised over $50000 for East Timor in September. She volunteered for a number of causes including at the Christ Church Soup Kitchen, Refugee holiday programs Meg is thrilled to know now that she has been accepted to study Human Nutrition at Latrobe next year.
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Student Scholarships 2014 - 2015 Main Points
Critical Dates
Additional Information
l Student Scholarships from the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) are available for students currently in Years 4- 12.
l The student online process is now open and will close on 30 January 2015.
l The Year 12 scholarships that are available include the Alice Jennings Scholarship for a Koorie female completing her last year of VCE/ VCAL, the Glen Moorhead Memorial Scholarship, the Ken Matthews Scholarship and the Walter Lindrum Memorial Scholarship.
l Applications for student scholarships are now open at https://www.eduweb. vic.gov.au/scholarships l Students will need their 2014 end-of -year results in order to apply, and principals must verify student results in order for the application to be valid. l Principals can verify student results at https://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/ scholarships/PrincipalHelp.aspx (also accessible via the Principal Verification tab on the website)./
l The Principal Verification process in now open and will close 27 February 2015. l Scholarships will be awarded by 30 June 2015. l Students interested in applying for a DEECD scholarship should apply online at https://www.eduweb.vic. gov.au/scholarships by 30 January 2015. Principals are required to verify student results for applications to be valid.
l Many of the scholarships that DEECD administers have financial need as an eligibility criterion. This criterion will be met if the parent/guardian holds a Health Care Card, a Low Income Health Care Card, or a Pensioner Concession Card, or if the student receives Youth Allowance.
Changes to the Secondary Schools Tax File Number Program in 2015 The Secondary Schools Tax File Number (TFN) Program will not continue beyond 31 December 2014.
More information on applying online can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for ‘QC27248’
This means that School TFN forms will no longer be processed beyond this date.
Students who are unable to visit a participating Australia Post office will need to complete the application form Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals form (NAT 1432).
How students can apply for a TFN from 1 January 2015. The Australian Taxation Office in partnership with Australia Post is making it easier for individuals to apply for a TFN. Students can now apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office. Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way for students to get a TFN.
More information about lodging this form can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for ‘QC22604’ The ATO will continue working with teachers to educate students about tax and superannuation.
In the coming weeks we will provide more information by email on how students can apply for a TFN and the educational services we can provide. In the meantime if you require any further information you can phone 1300 130 282 between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Regards Steve Vesperman Deputy Commissioner of Taxation
The curriculum resource Tax, Super & You is a free, easy to use, online educational resource aligned to the school curriculum of each state and territory. This resource can be accessed at taxsuperandyou.gov.au
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INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships WORDS Michael Grose
Are you amongst the 10% of smart parents?
Parenting is challenging but you don’t need to go it alone. We all need help from time to time. Here are some ideas to help parents build their support network. New Queensland research revealed that half of parents struggle with the stress of raising children, but only 10 per cent regularly ask for help. They are the smart 10 per cent! Parents need assistance, advice and support from others to help them successfully raise their kids. Yet, 90 per cent of them do not regularly ask for help. My experience suggests this is an Australiawide phenomenon.
Help comes in many forms. It’s essential to build your network of support. Here’s how:
4 Follow a voice you can trust
1 Start with family and friends
Answering the basic question, “Am I doing a
You need between three and five trusted, non-judgemental people who you can call on for help. Count how many you have right now. If you fall short, look for ways to build your social capital.
good job?” is now super-confusing. Choose
2 Work alongside your
Help-seeking behaviours are healthy
child’s teacher
Traditionally, Australians have not been great at asking for help of any kind. The term ‘battler’ is an endearing term attributed to someone who is doing it tough. But for every battler who has fought against the odds and succeeded there are at least ten who struggled alone and never really got anywhere. And their families suffered as a result.
Fear of judgment Anecdotal evidence suggests that many parents don’t seek help through fear of being judged as poor parents. Of course, the reality is that ALL parents struggle from time to time coping with their children’s behaviours and attitude. We can all use some help, as it’s easy to get STUCK in your parenting.
Develop an open and communicative relationship with your child’s teacher so that you can work with them, seek support and develop ongoing strategies. Understand the best time to touch base with your teacher and establish how regularly this contact is needed.
Part of modern parental stress comes from the plethora of information about raising kids.
expertise wisely.
5 Don’t blaze trails Many parents think like the Lone Ranger, they are blazing a trail through uncharted territory. Raising twins on your own? You’re not the first. Got a child with ADHD, another with autism and your 15 year old wants to get a tattoo? You’re not the first. Seek out likeminded parents or experienced professionals who have been down these paths, or have helped people navigate similar situations and get their perspectives. Trail-blazers are easily lost.
3 Find counselling, parent
education services and professional assistance Whether paid or free (such as Parentline), there are various services that you can go to when you need significant assistance. Foster a relationship with a professional (general practitioner, psychologist, specialist in a child’s disorder, social worker) that you can trust and return to over time.
If you are like the majority of parents who find the job tough from time to time then I encourage you to be one of the smart 10 per cent and adopt help-seeking behaviours. The alternative, struggle along with the majority of parents, is just not necessary.
Michael Grose
e from Michael Grose. Join Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did. Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu © 2014 Michael Grose
parentingideas.com.au
Community Notice Board Friends of Bellarine Rail Trail Where: Bellarine Rail Trail, Geelong to Queenscliff Activities: Weeding, revegetation, plant propagation and planting. Contact: Alastair Mackintosh
Friends of Edwards Point State Fauna Reserve Where: Edwards Point Faunal Reserve, St. Leonards Activities: Weed removal, frog monitoring, plant propagation and planting. When: 3rd Sunday of the month or as needed. Contact: John Fyfe ph. 5257 3298
Ph. 5248 5234
Friends of Buckley Park
Where: Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve, between Ocean Grove and Pt. Lonsdale Activities: Aboriginal heritage site protection, coastal and dune conservation works. When: No regular working bees. Contact: Peter Haffenden Ph. 9318 3544
Queenscliff Global Warming Action Group Where: Queenscliff Activities: Educate about the effects of global warming and to initiate local actions to reduce the Borough’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Contact: Joan Ph. 5258 3381
Get involved in your community!
Bellarine Community Groups Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve Where: Grubb Rd., Ocean Grove Activities: Weeding, revegetation, flora and fauna walks and awareness raising activities. When: 1st Sunday of the month Contact: Chris Pitfield Ph. 5232 9100
Swan Bay Environment Association
Where: Queenscliff and Pt. Lonsdale area
Activities: Coastal conservation and protection, community education, weed control and Indigenous plant propagation. When: 3rd Sunday of the month Contact: Felicity Thyer Ph. 5258 2559
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Community Notice Board
G N I K N I H T ARE YOU L O O H C S E ABOUT TH ? S Y A D I L O H YMCA GEELONG SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM IS JUST WHAT YOU NEED! • Activities for children aged
January 2nd - 23rd 2015
5 up to 18 years itional needs
• Inclusive for children with add • Excursions, Games, Sports, & Crafts, and much more!
Cooking, Arts t public
• Every school holidays (excep holidays)
m • Program times: 7:30am-6:00p y periods) ida hol ool sch (weekdays during iods apply, please Registration and booking per see our website for further ca.org.au information - www.geelong.ym eive information To join our mailing list and rec mmunity Programs directly, please contact the Co with your preferred Coordinator, Kimberley Maher details. Kimberley Maher inator Community Programs Coord u kimberley.maher@ymca.org.a
YMCA GEELONG
YMCA Newtown Stadium
25 Riversdale Rd, Newtown 3220 (03) 5223 2714
geelong@ymca.org.au www.geelong.ymca.org.au
www.facebook.com/YmcaGeelong
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Community Notice Board AM R G O R P Y A D I SCHOOL HOL
S D E E N L ADDITIONA S E I T I V I T C A junction with regular All activites will be run in con h each individual child programming. Staff working wit ess at the time whether with additional needs will ass suited to additional the children would be better r programming. needs programming or regula ACTIVITIES ON OFFER run for 30 - 45 mins each • Bubbles • Water Play • Gym Movement • Feely Things • Music - Percussion • Chalk Drawing • Sand Stuff
• Dark Den • Pattern Blocks • Puppets • Therapy Ball • Trampoline • Music • Duplo (Lego)
staff working with the Activities will be conducted by se staff will introduce additional needs children. The on whether the activities as needed depending excursion, the children are in the centre or on ather and availability emotional state of the child, we of resources at the time. alter programming to Staff at the YMCA will happily child, and/or at the suit the individual needs of the . request of the parent/guardian
YMCA GEELONG A Jesuit Partner School
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School Calendar December 2014
January 2015
Wednesday 3rd Last Day of Year 7, 8 and 9
Monday 19th
Wednesday 3rd Year End of Year Celebration Village Cinema
Thursday 22nd Book Collection Day Laptop Collection for Years 7 and 10
Thursday 4th Parents and Friends’ Association Booksale 6.00pm to 9.00pm MacKillop Centre (VCE Building) Tuesday 9th
Year 7 2015 Orientation
Monday 15th
Teachers finish
Friday 19th
Last Day College is Open
College Office Opens
February 2015 Monday 2nd
Years 7, 11 and 12 Commence
Tuesday 3rd
Years 8, 9 and 10 Commence
Thursday 5th
Year 7 Parent Welcome Mass
Friday 6th Whole College Assembly Periods 3 and 4 Monday 9th
Year 8 Parent Information Evening
Thursday 12th
Saint Ignatius College Swimming Carnival
Monday 16th
Year 9 Parent Information Evening
Look for the Calendar available through the Saint Ignatius College Website: www.ignatius.vic.edu.au T IGNATIUS COLLEGE SAIN
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
27 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale, Victoria. 3222 E: info@ignatius.vic.edu.au T: 03 5251 1136 www.ignatius.vic.edu.au A Jesuit Partner School
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