Edition 2 february 18th 2016 (hr) by Saint Ignatius

T IGNATIUS COLLEGE SAIN

Newsletter

Edition 2, February 18th 2016

From the Principal Welcome! Coming Events February 2016 Fri 19th Beginning of School Year Mass Period 1 & 2: Years 8 &10 Period 3 & 4: Years 9 &11 Period 5 & 6: Years 7 &12 Mon 22nd Surf League Titles Mon 22nd Year 11 Study Sensei Mon 22nd Year 11 Parent Information Night Tues 23rd Year 7-12 GISSA Tennis Tues 23rd Year 9-12 GISSA Cricket Tues 23rd Unit 3 Outdoor Ed Murray River Canoe Trip Tues to Fri 26th Wed 24th Year 11 VCAL Parent Information Night Thur 25th Year 7 Reach Workshop - ACE A more detailed calendar is on the last page.

Now that we are into the third week, I am very pleased to report that we have had a smooth start to the new academic year. We have already held a number of major events that have ‘set the scene’ for the new year promoting our values, our Ignatian Story and sense of community - as well as encouraging students to make the most of their wonderful opportunities at Saint Ignatius to grow and develop themselves.

Lent On Wednesday last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent in the liturgical calendar of the Church year. Lent is a period of forty days leading to the high point of the Church’s year, Easter. We are encouraged to reflect on our lives in the light of the example of Jesus during Lent. We are encouraged to make Lent a special time to reflect on and redirect our lives where necessary so our ways are in better alignment to the Gospel values and truths. The students participated in a simple liturgy involving the distribution of ashes on Wednesday morning during Homeroom time.

Each student was marked on the forehead with the Sign of the Cross in Ashes as part of this prayerful liturgy as a call to “Repent and believe in the Good News.” The ashes remind us of our need for God’s mercy and compassion. The Church has declared that the theme for this liturgical year is Mercy. In this “Year of Mercy” we are called to conversion in our own lives so that we can be and bring the face of God’s mercy to the world. There are a variety of concrete ways we invite students into an exploration and deeper appreciation of this call - to be the face of mercy to those we meet. Examples where we do this are: l Linking prayer and justice, morning Homeroom prayers and assembly liturgies; l Classroom educational activities, exploring issues in RE classes; and l

Joining wider Catholic awareness and fund raising activities such as Caritas’ Project Compassion or other Social Justice activities. ....continued on Page 2

A Jesuit Partner School

In Brief

From the Principal (cont.)

This Page:

Ash Wednesday also begins our efforts as a College community to raise our consciousness and much needed funds for CARITAS through “Project Compassion”. These funds support many disadvantaged and needy communities in Australia and overseas. Our Religious Education Learning Area Leader, Mr. Caleb Ryan provides information about our action for this awareness and fundraiser later in this newsletter.

Continuation of ‘From the Principal’

Page 3:

Continuation of ‘From the Principal’

Pages 4, 7, 11 & 16:

Swimming Carnival 2016 Photos

Page 5:

Full School Assembly

Page 6:

We commenced the assembly with a short liturgy to pray for God’s blessings in our new school year. Liturgy Captain, Rhys Lowther, led the liturgy. Fr. Kevin Dillon was disappointed that due to his heavy schedule he couldn’t be present, however, he kindly agreed to a short video recording which we played at the assembly so he could wish the students well for the new school year. He also provided an inspiring message about the significant role that the school community can play in a student’s life journey.

From Fr Kevin Dillon Faith Matters - Call for a compassionate response

Page 8:

Student Leadership Update! and PAT and AGAT testing

Page 9:

VCE News

Page 10:

Canteen Roster and Parents and Friends’ Association

Page 12:

Project Compassion leads to Empowerment

Page 13 & 14:

Year 11 VCE Parent Information Evening and VCAL Information Evening

Page 15:

Retro Fashions and Circle of Mercy

Page 17:

CSEF Funding Information

Page 18:

St Thomas’ Family Fun Day

Page 19:

Headspace Deliberate Self Harm and Suicidality Information session

Page 20:

Jesuit Social Services Annual Fundraising Dinner

Page 21:

‘Host a Student’

Page 22-23:

“10 confidence-building strategies every parent and teacher should know” by Michael Grose

Page 24:

Community Notice Board

Page 25:

College Calender

In early December last year School Captain, Noah Hodgson and Vice-Captains, Lucy Simmons and Greg Lewis attended the National Jesuit and Jesuit Partner Schools Student Leaders Conference that was hosted by Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay. One outcome of this conference has been the choice of our College theme for 2016 by our College Student Leaders. The College Captains, Noah Hodgson and Claudia Beattie announced that the chosen theme is “Courage to Act.” They spoke impressively about this theme in their addresses at the assembly. We welcomed back our outstanding academic students from the Class of 2015 and together with some high performing Year 11 students from last year presented them with a gift of a “High Achiever” College Medallion as an acknowledgment of their achievements. Our Sports Coordinator, Mr Andrew Philp, promoted many of the sporting opportunities that will be available during the year.

House Swimming Carnival Last Thursday we were blessed with a perfect day weather wise for our annual House Swimming Carnival at Kardinia Pool, Geelong. There was some excellent competition, participation was very good in the junior levels and the atmosphere was overall very good.

The carnival atmosphere was enhanced by the effort many students went to dressing up in House colours, the availability of the waterslide and student musical items being performed throughout the day. I was very pleased with the overall student attendance with absenteeism being very low well done to our students! Thank you to our Sports Coordinator, Mr Andrew Philp, for his tremendous effort to coordinate the carnival. Thank you to the staff for their involvement in the running of the day. And it was great to see many parents there. Congratulations to Bradman House on winning the day!

Parent Information Evenings We have conducted Parent Information Evenings for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12 over the last two weeks. The Year 11 Parent Information Evening will be conducted next Monday. I have received very positive feedback from many parents about the evenings and I thank all parents who were able to attend for their support of our college. We welcome feedback about college events with a view to continually improving what we offer. You can write, ring (Ph. 52511136) or e-mail the college (info@ignatius.vic.edu.au) any constructive comments. Please address the comments to the main organiser; in the case of the information evenings this would be the relevant Year Level Coordinator (YLC.) Thank you to the YLCs (Ms Tory Wood, Ms Deb Hodge, Mr Ben Collyer, Mr Brendan O’Brien & Mr Joe Mclean) and their staff teams for providing these evenings.

Parents & Friends’ Association The Parents and friends’ Association (PFA) is very positive and important support for our community. They held their first meeting for the year on Tuesday evening last week and I want to recognise the generous and valuable contribution parents can and do make to our school community through membership of this group. Thank you to all members of this group and in particular the current office bearers. ....continued on Page 3

A Jesuit Partner School

PFA Board:

Board Meeting

Ms. Jo-Anne Britt President Mr. Abraham Papp Vice President Ms. Fran Lakey Secretary Ms. Clare Gordon Treasurer Ms. Lisa Bell Board Rep.

The College Board met for the first meeting of 2016 on Wednesday evening last week. The Board comprises a group of very committed and enthusiastic women and men who on behalf of the Canonical Administrators provide overall governance of the College.

Please consider coming along to the next PFA meeting on Tuesday 1st March at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the College’s Information Learning Centre. I will attend the meeting and am looking forward to meeting parents and sharing some of the vision for the College. Many of the members of this group have given generous service to the school community for a number of years and it is obviously important that we have new parents join this group each year to replace those who finish up. So I encourage all parents to please consider joining this group - a strong PFA will strengthen our school community and improve outcomes for all students! There are a variety of ways parents can help out. The College canteen helpers are vital to helping us provide a canteen service to our students. Many parents and friends of the College have put their name down to help in the canteen and I encourage you to consider contacting our Canteen Manager, Mrs Sandra Woodall, to offer your services. Some of the ways the PFA supports our school community include: running fundraisers and social events, helping out at school functions, organizing working bees, encouraging and supporting a sustainable school environment and running a second-hand uniform shop. I ask all parents to please support the PFA where you can as their work benefits all students. Can I please ask you to consider attending the PFA’s Working Bee on Sunday 6th March (10am to 12.30pm.) Further details will be provided in the next newsletter. A BBQ lunch will be provided to support those involved and further build the sense of community in the College. Students are also encouraged to attend with their parents / guardians.

The Board Members are as follows: Mr Tony Frizza (Chairperson) Fr Kevin Dillon (President of Canonical Administrators) Mrs Jennie Hickey (Jesuit Provincial Education Delegate) Fr Linh Tran (Canonical Administrator) Fr James Puppady (Canonical Administrator) Mr Peter Cooper (Xavier College Representative) Mrs Jo Ketchen Mr Darren Henry Mr Steve Gibbs Mrs Veronica Magennis Mr Toby O’Connor Mr Michael Exton (Principal) Ms Annette Chidzey (Deputy Principal) Mr Paul Lewis (Deputy Principal) Mr Michael Timms (Deputy Principal) Mr David Fitzgerald (Business Manager) Ms Gail Lambert (Board Coordinator)

Student Uniform Most students are wearing their uniform well and with pride. There are a small number who are letting the rest down. I have asked staff to make a special effort to insist on students following our policy. A number of students have received notice that they need to rectify some part of their uniform. Consequences will follow if these matters are not quickly attended to. Five problems that are apparent in a small number of cases are: 1. Dress too short (needs to be to the knee); 2. Long hair not tied back; 3. Shoes not clean (needs to be shiny and scuff free); and 4. No hat (need the college hat or cap to be sunsmart.)

Road Safety All drivers travelling to and from our College are reminded of the need to adhere to traffic sign requirements at all times. The Andersons Road, Drysdale Crossing Supervisor has expressed concern to all schools in the area that some motorists appear to not be heeding the speed limit of 40 km/h. To promote safety I remind our community that the speed limit on Andersons Road is: 40 km/h (morning and afternoon); and 60 km/h (all other times.) The speed limit on Peninsula Drive is 40 km/h (all times.) Please approach the intersection of Andersons Road and Peninsula Drive with care and in particular when approaching the school crossing near this intersection. When attending after hours events at the College please do not park in the St Thomas Primary School carpark. Thank you for your support in prioritizing the road safety of all those in and around the College.

Beginning of Year Masses tomorrow We have again advertised these Masses in this edition of the newsletter. Parents are most welcome to attend. The venue will be St Thomas Church, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale. Please note that the only student leadership badges that will be presented at the Masses will be for the senior student leaders and the Years 7 - 12 SRC representatives. All other badges for students selected for a leadership position will be presented at next week’s Year Level assemblies. Best wishes,

Michael Exton Principal

A Jesuit Partner School

Swimming Carnival 2016 Photos

Photography by David Alexander

A Jesuit Partner School

Will Murray cannot walk or move. But the star athlete, 14, has inspired a surge of public support since his life changed forever on January 17 this year. Will seriously injured his spinal cord doing what so many other kids have done - jumping off a pier at Half Moon Bay. Friends and family of the Sandringham teenager, who was left quadriplegic after the accident, have been inspired by the love for their injured son. They have launched a fundraising campaign to raise the huge costs needed for his lifelong rehabilitation and care. He is recovering in the Royal Children’s Hospital from surgery to remove his C5 vertebrae, and has only limited feeling in his fingers. It’s estimated a staggering $300,000 a year will be needed to fund around-the-clock home care, house modifications, a custommade car and the top-level rehabilitation needed to maximise Will’s recovery. Will isn’t eligible for TAC payments as he didn’t suffer a traffic-related injury. Mother Emma Murray said the family were desperate to get Will into cuttingedge therapy that focused on getting function below the injury site. “Where there’s sensation there’s still hope for movement,” Mrs Murray said. But such rehab takes 3-5 hours a day, and costs $115 an hour, Mrs Murray said. A donation website, wheretheresawill. com.au, is now open.

From Fr Kevin Dillon Do you remember the week-end about 4 years ago when people at St. Mary’s were asked to “pay” $1 to leave Mass (at the end, of course!)? Beau Vernon, a star footballer from Leongatha, had been left a quadriplegic following an on-field collision. His club (like many others at the time) had no insurance to assist him. So people all over Victoria “kicked in” to help. St. Mary’s Parish gave around $4,000 to assist his rehabilitation, and we invited other parishes around Victoria to join with us. Eventually 12 other parishes joined with us, and in all we raised around $11,000 to help Beau get his life back. The Vernon family believe that the efforts of so many individuals and groups who supported Beau were of enormous benefit as Beau adjusted to a new, challenging and very different life. But it has also been a life with meaning. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, he has married, has a full-time job and amazingly is now coach of his former team. In a small but hopefully valuable way, our parish community played an important role in affirming this extraordinary young man and assisting him to find the motivation to build a new life.

Can we do it again? This time the call is to help 14 year-old Will Murray. Like Beau, but nine years younger, he needs to find a new life following an horrific accident after also becoming a quadriplegic, doing what most 14 year-olds do, jumping off a pier. Like Beau Vernon, he has a loving family, but he, his parents and siblings, will need all the support, prayers and practical help possible. “Little things mean a lot”, so once again we’ll ask parishioners to give just $1 per head as they leave Mass to help this young lad. And we’ll ask other parishes (especially the ones who helped Beau) to “kick in” again. The funds are important. But the message to a young, vital teenager that his life has meaning and that he has a genuine future is a critical part of what we can do. So once again it might cost you $1 to get you out of the Church this week-end! Fr Kevin Dillon, Geelong Deanery Coordinator and Association of Canonical Administrator President OAM

“Herald Sun”, Thurs. Feb. 11, 2016

Thank You: Saint Ignatius College would like to thank Mr John Fitzgerald from Delta Carpet One, Geelong for his kind generosity in support of our College. A kind ‘Friend’ of the College. A Jesuit Partner School

I offer you the prayer of Pope Francis for the Jubilee as you seek mercy in all that you do. Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!” You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with His anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Faith Matters Call for a compassionate response Recently, both Archbishop Hart and Bishop Long have released statements in response to the decision made by the High Court on the status of refugees. On Tuesday Bishop Long celebrated Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral for Catholic agencies along with staff and students of Catholic schools. This week we have prayed in solidarity as a staff body and in homerooms for just treatment of refugees, for compassion and mercy. Both Archbishop Hart and Bishop Long have released statements encouraging compassion towards refugees and asylum seekers. In particular we are urged to especially focus upon the children, especially the sick. In his letter to the Hebrews St Paul professed, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). We are encouraged to consider what hospitality looks like today. As it’s in the poor, the refugee and all those at the margins of society we truly see God’s face. Are we able to see God in the face of those demonized by the label of asylum seeker or boat people? Truly there are angels that we may not encounter unless we offer compassion.

However we are encouraged in prayer, through the guidance of the Spirit to consider what we wish others would do to us if we were found in such a situation. Only then guided by conscience can we determine where we might find God and respond in turn. Throughout his ministry Jesus taught continuously about connection to God and love for one another. The ‘Golden Rule’ offers a lens that we might view our decisions through. He said “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law of the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has called all to “be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Each person is encouraged to examine their response to others and evaluate whether they have been able to offer the hand of friendship. Some people may consider their response to those at the margins through the lens of mercy, guided by the question ‘how would we like to be treated?’ In this Year of Mercy we are called to seek God, view others with compassion and become the hands and feet of Christ. Yours in Christ, Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator

The responses articulated by both the Church and secular organizations commenting on this matter have the underpinning themes of mercy and compassion. We at Saint Ignatius are guided by the three core values of conscience, competence and compassion. In the Ignatian tradition of reflection and discernment we are encouraged to pause to consider not only the movements of God that can be found around us, but also of the inherent good of the actions and decisions by and of others. When we ponder the complexities of the issue of refugees and the people caught within this intricate situation it may seem too vast an issue to unpack.

Amen.

A Jesuit Partner School

Swimming Carnival 2016 Photos

Photography by David Alexander

A Jesuit Partner School

CLOGS Launch

Student Leadership Update!

The Catholic Leaders of Geelong Schools (CLOGS) launch for 2016 was held at St. Joseph’s College on Thursday, February 11th. Student leaders and relevant staff from the four local Catholic secondary schools shared a meal, student leaders delivered a presentation on their school and a previous school captain shared his thoughts on the role. The students also had the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss ideas for the upcoming year.

House Captain announcement Congratulations to Jonathan Grbac on his recent appointment as Elliott house captain. Jonathan replaces Dylan Lewis who exited the school over the summer break.

Senior student leader induction All senior student leaders (G10, Ignatian leaders, House captains and House vice captains) and student council representatives have had the opportunity to participate in formation sessions held in the first two weeks of term. In these sessions students considered the student leadership (draft) policy of the school, which espouses a servant leadership model in the Ignatian tradition and reflected on their own strengths and weaknesses as a leader.

Student council Student council representatives were elected last year. Members of this group were asked to come up with an idea for a student council project for 2016. They will have the opportunity to present their idea to the council this term and a decision will be made on which project to pursue. St. Ignatius. Inspiring me to be a leader.

Photographed above is College vice captain, Lucy Simmons (second from left in back row), College captain, Noah Hodgson (far right in back row) and College captain, Claudia Beattie (far right in front row)

PAT and AGAT testing Saint Ignatius College conducts a regular testing programme for Year 7 students in the first term of every year. This programme provides teachers with valuable data, which can be used alongside classwork and school-based assessments to build a comprehensive picture of each student’s abilities and learning needs. The normal program includes PatR and AGAT testing but this year, it has been decided to include PATMaths to this suite of diagnostic tests. The rationale for testing relates to key strategies that have been prioritised within the learning and teaching component of the 2016 Annual Action Plan created by the College. One of these strategies seeks to “use relevant data rigorously to drive student learning”. The intention of gathering this data therefore, is to enable us to provide a more personalised and meaningful learning experience for each student. During Term 1 2016, the following tests will be completed: l The ACER PATR Fourth Edition (Progressive Achievement Test in Reading: Comprehension and Vocabulary). This is a thoroughly researched and normal test that measures student achievement in reading comprehension, word knowledge and spelling. This test will take place in a single English period during the week beginning Monday 22nd February (Week Four)

l The ACER PATMaths Fourth Edition (Progressive Achievement Test in Mathematics). This is a thoroughly researched Australian test designed to provide objective, norm-referenced information to teachers about the level of achievement attained by their students in the skills and understanding of mathematics. This test will take place in a single Mathematics period during the week beginning Monday 7th March (Week Six) l The ACER General Ability Tests (AGAT) is designed to assist teachers in their assessment of students’ general reasoning ability. The test assesses students’ reasoning skills in three areas: verbal, numerical and abstract (visual). This test will be completed online so students will need to make sure their laptop is fully charged. This test will take place in a single Personal Learning period during the week beginning Monday 7th March (Week Six) Should you have any further queries related to this testing, these can be directed to Ms. Lesley Falconer, Literacy Coordinator during normal school hours or via email at: falconerl@ignatius.vic.edu.au Mrs. Annette Chidzey Deputy Principal [Learning and Teaching]

A Jesuit Partner School

VCE News Welcome to another exciting year of VCE news for 2016.

through 15 practice exam papers, you need to find at least 105 hours to prepare for one subject exam.

Last year, Saint Ignatius College had 100% of Year 12 students receive their Victorian Certificate of Education. The majority of students that completed the Written Examinations received an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) that earned them an offer in either their 1st or 2nd preferred University Course for 2016. We had some students who received an ATAR of above 90% and/ or a study score above 40 in individual subjects. These students were recognized at our Beginning of the year assembly and received a certificate and a beautiful “High Achievers” Medallion. Congratulations to all our students of 2015 and I wish them the very best for their future endeavors. This year Saint Ignatius College is offering a new program for our Unit 3 & 4 students to assist them in organization and examination preparation. This program is called the ACE Program and will be offered after school for any student who studies Unit 3 & 4 subjects. In term 1, students will be given information regarding organization and study skills to assist them to establish good study habits and routines. Term 2 & 3 will begin to focus on specific subject areas, with guest expert presenters and recognition of key words used in the examination language. Further information will distributed later in Term 1. I have included an interesting information from TSFX (The School For Excellence: www.tfsx.com.au ), which is good advise for all VCE students. Important messages from TSFX If you are aiming for the higher study scores, you cannot start your exam preparations towards the end of Term 3, like the majority of VCE students. One unit in one subject alone requires at least 30 hours to revise, and when you then include the time needed to work

And all of this is expected on top of your regular homework commitments! To make matters worse, the last three weeks of Term 3 will be taken up with SACs, so that teachers can start revising course materials in Term 4! So what can you do to maximise study scores and reduce workloads in the challenging weeks leading up to the exams? # Prepare your exam study notes as you complete each topic at school. # Work through examination-style questions from the beginning of the year. # Learn Unit 3 course materials to VCAA exam standard by the end of Term 2. #

Take your Unit 3 exams seriously so you can find out how well your study efforts are translating into examination marks.

# If your school is not holding Unit 3 exams, pretend they are, and work through the Unit 3 questions from a VCAA exam under examination conditions. # Work through Unit 4 materials before they are presented at school. # Regularly revise what you have learned so that you do not need to waste time re-learning materials in the weeks leading up to the VCAA exams.

“ Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” Tim Notke

I hope to see all parents and students at the Parent Information evenings at St Thomas Church. One important aspect of good work and study habits is to have a healthy and active lifestyle. Research has proven that students who enjoy a wide range of physical activities can concentrate for longer periods and are more productive during school and homework times. In a 2008 study titled “Physical education, school physical activity, school sports and academic performance” conducted by Trudeau and Shepherd, it was found that engagement in Physical Activity (particularly vigorous activity) improved Maths and English results in across a broad range of student age groups. It was also found that “Cross-sectional observations show a positive association between academic performance and Physical Activity”. The conclusion of the study was that “Given competent providers, PA can be added to the school curriculum by taking time from other subjects without risk of hindering student academic achievement. On the other hand, adding time to “academic” or “curricular” subjects by taking time from physical education programmes does not enhance grades in these subjects and may be detrimental to health.” Our Year 10 PE program are currently engaging in the recreational activity of Golf. We are very fortunate to have Curlewis Golf Club and Partarlington Golf Club host our students with their Golf Pros offering expert instruction and coaching. Our Year 7 - 9 classes are participating in a range of traditional sports along with completing their fitness tests. The results of fitness test may be discussed at the upcoming Parent/ Teacher / Student conferences. Happy Studying and Be Active Mrs. Anna Oliver VCE Coordinator & Health and Physical Education Learning Area Leader

A Jesuit Partner School

Canteen Roster Starting 22nd February Monday 22nd C. Dumaresq, C. Benson, R. Brooke, S. Schwaiger, A. Cassels-Rantal, N. Van Vliet Tuesday 23rd L. Tigani, J. Davies, L. Tigani, A. Rose, M. Van Loon, B. Downey Wednesday 24th M. Sideris, L. Hamer, J. Laney, M. Lawry, V. Durbidge Thursday 25th P. Bakker, J. Hill, T. Mifsud, A. Ward, Needed Friday 26th E. Stokie, D. Byron, K. Every, P. Joly, L. Grant Starting 29th February Monday 29th V. Dwyer, B. Downey, E. Carpenter, D. Lacy, A. Brown, M. Payne Tuesday 1st March L. Smith, M. Rav-Wig, T. Nicholls, C. Carey, Needed Wednesday 2nd V. McKee, S. Reeves, J. Cinel, K. Carrol, M. Sideris Thursday 3rd S. Jenkins, J. Tarleton, N. Elliott, T. Mifsud, Needed Friday 4th D. Kennedy, K. Seear, L. Quinlivan, N. Woodfine If unable to attend, please make sure you get a replacement.

Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050258

‘2020 - The Future’ Q&A with Mr Michael Exton When: Tuesday 1st March Where: ILC (Library Area) at 7:00pm Come along and share some “Wine & Cheese, or a Cuppa” with us while we hear from Mr Michael Exton, College Principal. Hear about our College and the direction it is going. What changes are on the drawing board. Great opportunity to ask a question or two. This will be followed by a brief meeting to discuss our Open Day, Working Bee and future Fundraising Events. R.S.V.P:. For catering purposes please R.S.V.P. by the 26th of February 2016 to: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Working Bee / Environment Day

Years 7, 8 & 12 Families. When: Sunday 6th March 10am - 12:30pm Your assistance is required to help us to spruce up our College. At this time each year we come together to plant, spread mulch, trim trees and generally give our grounds a good clean up. All assistance is greatly appreciated and we’ll be putting on a BBQ lunch afterwards. The whole family is invited and it is a great opportunity to meet other families.

Parents and Friends’ Association:

Meetings

Uniform Shop

The Parents & Friends’ Association cordially invite all those interested to their meetings for 2015 held from 7.00pm onward in the Food Tech Centre on the following dates:

Our Secondhand Uniform Shop is located at the far end of the College in the Music Department area, look for the signs.

Meeting schedule: March Tuesday 1st April Tuesday 12th May Tuesday 3rd June Tuesday 7th July Tuesday 12th Agust Tuesday 2nd September Tuesday 6th October Tuesday 4th November Monday 8th AGM December TBA

The shop opens Monday afternoons during school term from 2:00-3:30pm. We carry brand new socks for purchase; also a large range of our College uniform. Come past and have a look or contact us at uniform@ignatius.vic.edu.au

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.

A Jesuit Partner School

Swimming Carnival 2016 Photos

Photography by David Alexander

A Jesuit Partner School

Project Compassion leads to Empowerment On Ash Wednesday at the college we launched our annual Lenten Appeal: Project Compassion. And in the same way as previous years the small triangular shaped cardboard boxes with the familiar coin slot at the top were delivered to every homeroom in the college as an invitation to teachers and students to donate some spare change to Caritas. Caritas is a global charity organisation doing vital work in all parts of the world with the poorest of the poor and an organization that we here at Saint Ignatius College are proud to be involved with. The photo you see here includes some of the goods produced by the Tjanpi Desert Weaving (Tjanpi meaning grass) women who are supported by Caritas and whose work could not continue without the major annual fundraising initiative run by Caritas we know as Project Compassion. The women pictured are members of Tjanpi Desert Weaving and their land spans from the northern parts of South

Australia, up into the NT and west into the northern tips of WA. With the support of organisations like Caritas these women, and many others like them, are providing for themselves and their communities. Through the sales and distribution of the products they make they provide not only the much needed funds to survive in what are very poor social conditions but more importantly they are building life and business skills and important social and economic structures too. With the help of our donations during Project Compassion and the direct support of Caritas these women have the ability to empower themselves and in doing so can offer the gift of empowerment to their communities too for generations to come. It’s for this reason that most mornings in my homeroom I throw some gold into the little Caritas cardboard box at the front of my class in year eight and challenge the students to match my contribution.

I do this not out of guilt or obligation, I do it because I know that Caritas are the real deal, I know they invest in people and their communities which is clearly outlined in their aims for the future: “…to deliver programs that are effective, efficient and ultimately lead to the independence of the poor….” Caritas strategic directions 2013-2018 Running a family is an expensive exercise (I’m building a house at the moment and parting company with my gold change isn’t easy believe me!) but we ask that every student make at least some form of contribution to Project Compassion in 2016. As we do so we should aim to find solace in knowing that our small contribution is going towards real and effective change in the world for people without access to the opportunities we enjoy. In Lent, Caleb Ryan Learning Area Leader Religious Education

A Jesuit Partner School

Year 11 VCE Parent Information Evening This workshop will include: l Presentation by Elevate Education l Study tips for students and their families l How much study should be done? l How can the College support? l Important VCE information and requirements

Date: Monday Feb 22nd, 7:00 - 8:30pm Where: St Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Church Drysdale No RSVP required. A Jesuit Partner School

VCAL Information Evening 2016 We will discuss: l VCAL Structure l VCAL Themes l Attendance l Absences l Homework l Structured Workplace Learning l VET

Date: Wednesday Feb 24th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm Where: Year 11 VCAL Homeroom No RSVP required. A Jesuit Partner School

ATTENTION YR9! MISSED OUT THIS YEAR ON RETRO FASHIONS? But would still like to build up your skills and complete exciting fashion projects without the theory work? Then come along to Textiles T01 at lunchtime on TUESDAYS to register your interest with: MRS HORBOWSKY HURRY PLACES ARE LIMITED. Sacred Heart College, Circle of Mercy Community Evening: Rev Dr James McEvoy will present

Sacred Heart College presents

Circle of Mercy

‘Experiencing the Mercy of God’

Rev Dr James McEvoy

on Thursday 25 February at 7.00pm in the Celies Hospitality Centre, Sacred Heart College.

James McEvoy is a senior lecturer in the faculty of Theology and Philosophy at Australian Catholic University. He is a priest of the Adelaide Archdiocese. His doctoral thesis was in the fields of theological and philosophical anthropology, studying the works of Karl Rahner and Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor.

All welcome and supper will be provided.

His current research studies the place of religion in the contemporary West and the church’s understanding of its role and social relationships in that context. James McEvoy is the President of the Australian Catholic Theological Association.

Please Save the Date for 2016

‘Experiencing the Mercy of God’

Circle of Mercy Community Evenings:

Thursday 25 February 2016 7pm - 8.30pm Celies Hospitality Centre - Aphrasia Street entrance Supper provided

Fr Richard Leonard SJ, Thursday 5 May

2016 Circle of Mercy Calendar Thursday 25 February Thursday 5 May Thursday 18 August Thursday 6 October

Rev Dr James McEvoy Fr Richard Leonard SJ Carole McDonald RSM Patricia Fox RSM

7pm - 8.30pm 7pm - 8.30pm 7pm - 8.30pm 7pm - 8.30pm

RSVP Rita Chiavaroli by email rchiav@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au or phone 5222 0467 by Monday 22 February 2 0 1 6

E x t r a o r d i n a r y

O p e n i n g

t h e

J u b i l e e

D o o r s

o f

Ye a r

M e r c y

Please RSVP by Monday 22 February to Rita Chiavaroli via email rchiav@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au or phone 5222 0467.

o f

M e r c y

Carole McDonald RSM, Thursday 18 August Patricia Fox RSM, Thursday 6 October.

To g e t h e r

A Jesuit Partner School

Swimming Carnival 2016 Photos

Photography by David Alexander

A Jesuit Partner School

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes. CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum. CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

HOW TO APPLY Contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

MORE INFORMATION For the CSEF application closing dates and more information about the fund visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. The annual CSEF amount per student is: • $125 for primary school students • $225 for secondary school students.

Eligibilty Date For concession card holders CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent / legal guardian’s consession card being successfully validated with Centrelink on the first day of either term one (27 January 2016) or term two (11 April 2016).

Closing Date Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form by 29 February 2016, so that payments can be made from March 2016. However schools can accept parent applications up until 03 June 2016.

Sign sponsored by:

St Thomas’ Parish will be hosting a Family Fun Day on the 5th of March 2016. We would like to invite all families associated with the parish via enrolment at Saint Ignatius College. The aim of the event is to connect the community and celebrate families in all of their diversity. The day has been designed so that families may attend, bring a picnic if you would like and have a wonderful day without paying a cent. There will be stalls and food vans that will offer a variety of goods, along with entertainment and activities for young children and teenagers. Cake Stall – help needed please Can you please help with baking some home made goodies for the Cake Stall at our Parish Fun Day? We need cakes, slices, muffins, cookies, unfilled sponges, scones, etc. (No cream, custard or jelly please.) Plates will be available for the school office from Monday 29th February. A flyer containing all relevant information and a label (that will need to be filled out) will be provided with each plate. Drop Off - Friday 4th March St Thomas Church, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale (8:30 am – 11.00 am) Lumen Christi Church, Kensington Road, Leopold (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm) It would be a great help if most items could be dropped off on Friday 4th March. If needed, items can be dropped to the Fun Day on Saturday 5th March in the morning. Thank you very much for your support. All are invited and we hope that you are able to enjoy the day with your loved ones and the community. Sincerely, Brendan Nicholls

A Jesuit Partner School

Deliberate Self Harm and Suicidality Information session for parents When Thursday 17th March 7-9pm Where Western Victoria Primary Health Network 131 Myers St Geelong Contact Please RSVP to headspace Mary.Holmes@westvicphn.com.au or 52226690 Session will be informal and interactive Facilitated by Sue Eddy (counsellor) and Sue Barker (GP) headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health under the Youth Mental Health Initiative

A Jesuit Partner School

Jesuit

Social Services Building a Just Society

You’re invited to the Jesuit Social Services

Annual Fundraising Dinner 7pm, Saturday 19th March 2016 Members Dining Room, MCG Guest speaker: Michael Coutts-Trotter Head of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Michael has overcome substantial adversity in both his personal and professional lives. Michael refers to himself as ‘the King of second chances’ and will no doubt deliver a powerful story of redemption and leadership.

Help us build a just society celebrating with friends, colleagues and supporters while raising money to support our work with marginalised members of the community. Our Annual Dinner, held at the iconic MCG, will also feature auctions, door prizes, music and entertainment.

BOOK NOW - www.trybooking.com/CCNK or call (03) 9421 7600 For more information go to jss.org.au or email bookings@jss.org.au

Can Saver Plus assist you with school costs? Join Saver Plus and match your savings, dollar for dollar, up to $500 for educational costs including: • school uniforms and text books • computers, laptops and tablets • excursions and camps • sports equipment, uniforms and lessons • music tuition and instrument hire. You may be eligible if you have a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card, are at least 18 years old, have some regular income from work (you or your partner), such as full-time, part-ime, casual or seasonal work, and have a child at school or study yourself.

Contact Amanda Vernon your local Saver Plus Worker: (03) 5278 8122 or avernon@bethany.org.au Saver Plus was developed by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence and is delivered across Greater Geelong by Bethany. The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government.

A Jesuit Partner School

INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships WORDS Michael Grose

10 conﬁdence-building

strategies every parent and teacher should know

Instilling confidence takes more than heaping praise on kids. Here are 10 practical confidence-building strategies for parents and teachers of children and young people. Children with healthy self-esteem and selfconfidence learn more, achieve more and are generally happier than those with low confidence levels. Building children’s and young people’s confidence is complex. It’s more than being a praise robot and heaping positive comments on a child at the first sign of them doing something well. Confidence building requires a number of approaches that impact on how they think, how they feel and what they can do.

Here are ten practical strategies that you can use to build real selfconfidence in kids of all ages: 1 Model confident thinking Kids soak up the language, thinking and behaviour of those closest to them in their environment. Parents and teachers play a part in modelling confident thinking and behaviour particularly when it comes to tackling new activities. In particular, let kids hear positive self-talk when you tackle something new. They should hear something like, “I’ll have a go at this. If I don’t do so well then I can try again tomorrow.” This is far more effective than “I’m no good at this. I’ll probably stuff it up.”

2 Focus on effort & improvement Current thinking shows that people who believe that they can increase their intelligence through effort and challenge actually get smarter and do better in school, work, and life over time. One way to develop a growth mindset is to focus your language on effort and improvement rather than on the results of what they do. By linking success with effort you are teaching them success comes from something other than purely their ability, talents or smarts.

3 Praise strategy While effort is key for achievement, it’s not the only thing. Kids need to try new strategies and seek input from others when they’re stuck. They need this repertoire of approaches – not just sheer effort – to learn and improve. It helps too to focus language on better and smarter ways on improving. Comments such as “That was a smart idea to tackle the hardest task while you were fresh!”(strategy) and “You recognised the first few steps were the most important but then after that you were right” are descriptive statements that have significant instructional value for kids.

4 Develop self-help skills from an early age A child’s self-esteem comes as a result of his or her successes and accomplishments. The most important competencies to build confidence are basic self-help skills. These form the building blocks upon which other competencies such as organisational skills and many social skills are formed.

5 Give them real responsibility From a young age start giving children responsibility for some aspects of their lives. By giving kids responsibility we are sending a powerful message that we think they are capable. Also they are learning the skills necessary to care for themselves.

6 Practise unconditional acceptance Your ability to accept children and young people’s best efforts in any area of endeavour, irrespective of the results, will go a long way toward determining their self-esteem and confidence.