Term 4 Week 6 College Newsletter
- Acknowledgement of Country
- From the Principal
- Curriculum Corner
- Identity and Mission
- Director of Students
- Pathways Hub
- Year 11 Art Excursion
- 2025 Year 12 ATAR Engineering Class at JCU
- Rugby Union News
- Theatre Sports
- 2025 NZ Ski Tour
- 2024 National Parent Survey
- Bus Service Information
- Marching Drum Ensemble
- Townsville Cricket Events
- Students on School Grounds Outside School Hours
- Applications for Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme
- School Fees
Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers
Next week will be the last for the senior cohort of 2024. As I write this, we are entering the final few days of external exams, and for many of our students their attention is shifting from focussing on exams, to focussing on their next steps. It has been great to hear so many stories from our seniors about apprenticeships, university offers, and employment secured for 2025, and no doubt the following week will be a memorable one as we recognise and celebrate this significant milestone for these young men. This week will culminate with their official graduation from the College next Friday, but no doubt many of our boys are looking forward to the ‘grad’ dinner on Wednesday evening. I am sure that you will join me in wishing these young men all the best for the next week and a half, as they prepare to enter this new stage in their life and complete this modern day ‘rite of passage’ that is graduating from high school.
Throughout the year a number of students have been engaged in the F1 in schools project, which is a STEM extension program. The program requires our students to design an F1 car (scaled down version approx. 10-15 cm in length), build it, then race it on a straight track, while also completing design briefs, interviews and research. While we had a number of teams compete in the regional competition, we were lucky enough to have two teams advance to the state finals last weekend in Mackay. Both teams acquitted themselves well, with our senior cadet team winning the competition. An outstanding outcome in a great event which is extending our boys within the STEM space and setting them up for bright futures in this space.
Over the last two weeks our year 8, 9 and 10 students have had the opportunity to engage in their annual retreat program. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, our faith and spirituality are a significant part of who we are as a school, and our retreats allow our students to engage with this aspect of College life from where they are at. I had the pleasure of joining the year 10 retreat as the boys were participating in the final ‘ceremony’ of the day which focussed on thanks and forgiveness. It was powerful to watch our young men approach each other with humility and warmth as they asked for forgiveness, or thanked each other, which was signified by tying a piece of string around their wrist. They participated with integrity, and were genuine in their interactions with each other, approaching this activity with a level of maturity beyond their years.
As we enter these last few weeks of school, it is imperative that students are focussing on their studies. Boys have been informed of dates for their exams and assignments, and I would strongly encourage you to open a discussion with them on the topic. Support to develop a study schedule, remain on task while working at home, and prepare for exams, are all areas that you can support your son as they approach this period of the year. Regular revision of new work covered in class is a great starting point for all students, as is checking in with their teachers on potential areas for improvement.
Have a great week.
Luke Thomson | Principal
Curriculum Corner
IMPORTANT CURRICULUM DATES FOR TERM 4 (dates are subject to change)
| 21 Oct - 08 Nov | Year 12 External Examinations |
| 18 - 28 Nov | Year 7 to 11 Exam Phase |
| 05 Dec | Year 7 to 10 Report Cards Issued |
END OF SEMESTER ASSESSMENT
Students and parents are reminded that our last day of teaching and learning in 2024 is Friday 29 November. All year levels have assessment scheduled for this last week of school and it is expected that all students are in attendance. The assessment schedules can be found on the College website here: https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/
As per the College Assessment Policy, students who are unable to sit exams, submit assignments or require a variation to assessment conditions, are required to submit an AARA Application along with any supporting documentation. AARA applications are available from the College website using this link. Alternatively, hard copies are available from the Edmund Rice Office.
END OF SEMESTER REPORT CARDS
End of Semester report cards for all Year 7 to 10 students will be available for collection from the Edmund Rice Hall on Thursday 5 December between 10.30am – 11.30am. Please ensure all college resources (i.e. textbooks, borrowed laptops etc) have been returned to the Learning Resource Centre prior to collecting your report. Any damaged or lost resources must also be paid for prior to collecting.
Year 11 students will not receive a report card until the end of their Unit 3 in 2025.
YEAR 12 RESULTS
Year 12 results are due to be released on Wednesday 11 December. Students will be able to access their final subject results and their Senior Education Profile (SEP) from their learning accounts on the myQCE website at: myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au .
Depending on your son's subject selection and results, his SEP will comprise one or more of the following documents:
- Senior Statement: list of all QCAA subjects and results
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE): if eligible
- Queensland Certificate of Individual Attainment (QCIA): if eligible.
Additionally, Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) has advertised that ATAR results will also be released on Friday December 13. Students who have not already done so, will need to set up an account with QTAC at: https://atar.qtac.edu.au/sessions/signin.
Students who have any questions about accessing their learning accounts on the myQCE website or their QTAC accounts should email curriculum@ipc.qld.edu.au or the College Careers Advisor, Ms. Fiona Williamson.
2025 SUBJECT CHOICES
Students who will be in Year 9 – 11 next year will soon be emailed with their subject choices for next year. If students wish to make any changes to their subjects for 2025, a subject change form will need to be completed. Subject change forms can be collected from the Edmund Rice Office or please email curriculum@ipc.qld.edu.au for assistance.
Lesley Gardner | Director of Curriculum
Identity and Mission
Year 8, 9, and 10 Retreats
The recent retreats for our Year 8, 9, and 10 students offered powerful opportunities to explore key themes vital to their personal growth, all aligned with our College's values, touchstones and PACA / Pastoral Care Program. These retreats were crafted to nurture a stronger sense of self and community among our young men.
Year 8 – “Stronger Together”
Held in the IPC Hall, the Year 8 retreat emphasized unity and the strength found in teamwork. Facilitated by the Passionist Youth Team, with the support of IPC staff, students engaged in meaningful activities that fostered connection, understanding, and resilience. This retreat allowed Year 8 students to reflect on how they can support one another and build a strong, inclusive community.
Year 9 – “Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance”
Year 9 students ventured to the YWAM Youth Precinct for dynamic days focused on discovering and developing their passions and purpose. This retreat included challenging ropes courses that encouraged perseverance and team spirit. Through these activities, students learned to embrace their strengths, overcome obstacles, and stay committed to their goals, helping them grow into dedicated, motivated individuals.
Year 10 – “Masks: Pathways to Authenticity”
For Year 10, the theme revolved around authenticity, exploring the metaphor of “masks” to uncover the genuine self beneath. Again, these were facilitated by the Passionist Youth Retreat Team from Brisbane, and this retreat invited students to reflect on societal expectations and how they can courageously pursue a life true to their values. It was a powerful experience that encouraged them to let go of facades and grow into authentic young men.
These retreats play an essential role in helping students at our College navigate the complex journey of adolescence. They provide a safe space for young men to reflect, build meaningful relationships, and gain clarity on their values and purpose, fostering a path toward becoming good, responsible men.
I'd like to thank Mr Greg Christ for his hard work and organization behind the scenes to bring these Retreats to life.
Please keep up the great community spirit by bringing in donations for our SVDP Christmas Appeal well underway. Huge thanks to Mr Ty Mills for driving these great initiatives within our College to directly help the wider Townsville community.
Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission
2024 Retreats
Director of Students
The Importance of Standards
As we continue our journey of personal growth and learning in this final school term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of standards in our lives—both as individuals and as a community. Standards are not merely rules or expectations; they are the guiding principles that shape who we are and how we interact with the world around us.
In the context of Ignatius Park College, our standards reflect the values of the integrity, pride and commitment that underpin our Catholic identity. They serve as a blueprint for academic achievement, personal conduct, and community spirit. By upholding high standards, we cultivate an environment where everyone is challenged to be their best self, to strive for greatness, and to one day contribute meaningfully to the broader community.
While it can sometimes feel difficult to meet these standards, it is important to remember that they are not about perfection but about progress. Standards are a reminder that we are constantly growing, evolving, and learning. Be it our hair, uniform or simply behavioural standards, they help us hold ourselves accountable, build resilience, and celebrate success—both big and small. As I tell many parents, we are a microcosm of society and when our student leave our gates and move beyond secondary schooling, there will be expectations out there as well. We are working in partnership with parents to prepare them for that scenario.
Let us continue to embrace the standards that define us, knowing that they are a point of difference, with hearts full of purpose and hands ready to serve.
Responsible Thinking Process Implementation
At Ignatius Park College, we are committed to a positive and respectful learning environment for all students. One of the key strategies we use to achieve this is the Responsible Thinking Process (RTP), a proactive approach to managing student behaviour. The RTP helps students reflect on their actions, understand the consequences of their choices, and take responsibility for their behaviour in a constructive way.
When a student is sent to the RTC, it is part of this process. The RTC is a dedicated space where students can pause, reflect, and work through any behavioural challenges they may be facing. This is not a form of punishment but an opportunity for students to think critically about their actions and plan to make better choices in the future. During their time in the RTC, students engage in a structured reflection process with staff, exploring how their behaviour affects others and what they can do to resolve the situation.
As part of our commitment to transparency and collaboration, we will notify you if your son is sent to the RTC. This communication will provide you with details about the situation and the steps taken. We encourage you to discuss the matter with your son to ensure that he understands the process and can work towards improving his behaviour in a supportive way.
Together, we can help your son develop the skills necessary for responsible decision-making, self-regulation, and respectful interactions with others.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to raise the bar in new and exciting ways at IPC.
John Deer | Director of Students
Pathways Hub
Industry Placement
Last week we had about 70 Year 11 students participating in our Industry Placement program. This program is invaluable for enhancing our students’ employability skills and provides the opportunity for them to have a ‘real life’ work experience. We truly hope the students gained valuable life skills and now better appreciate the world of work. We also want to thank all our valuable employers who hosted our students throughout the year, we look forward to working with you again in 2025.
VET and Industry Placement
Current year 11s who are doing Industry Placement next year would have received an email for paper work to be returned. This is to organise their Industry Placement for 2025, even if they are returning to the same employer a new contract needs to be signed. This is now overdue. If this not completed, and returned we can’t send your son on placement in 2025.
Holiday Placements
It is still open to register for Christmas/New Year Holidays. Work experience is a great opportunity for students to gain an insight into possible career matches and determine potential future pathways post school. If you would like more information about how to organise work experience, please contact the Pathways Hub.
Industry Placement Packs from Year 10's Set Plan Interviews
The paperwork your son was given following his SET plan needs to be completed and returned to the Pathway Hub by the end of Week 6 (8th November 2024). If he did not receive any paperwork at the end of the SET plan interview, please let me know. I can follow up with your son and provide him with a pack to complete.
Year 12 VET Certificates
Year 12 students that are graduating will receive their VET certificates on Wednesday the 13th November.
Zeb Kyle | Program Leader of Skills and Training
Year 11 Art Excursion
Recently, Year 11 Visual Art students visited local galleries, including Umbrella Studio (pictured), The Perc Tucker Gallery, and Pinnacles Gallery. They engaged with various exhibitions to broaden their understanding of Art and gain inspiration. This experience allowed the students to absorb new ideas, techniques and perspectives, fuelling their creativity as they prepare for their Senior Body of Work. We eagerly anticipate the artwork they will produce as a result of this excursion.
Year 11 Art Excursion
2025 Year 12 ATAR Engineering Class at JCU
Our 2025 Year 12 ATAR Engineering class continued the annual tradition of an excursion to James Cook University with the Cathedral School of St Anne and St James. They performed experiments including tensile and compressive testing, beam and truss experiments and testing airfoils in the wind tunnel. Some of the data from these experiments will be used in their upcoming portfolio for their IA1 piece. We also got to tour the brand new Engineering facilities, which sparked the interest of the boys who want to have careers in the field. Many Year 12 Engineering students go on to study tertiary Engineering at JCU and we are proud of the partnership we have made with the university in this program. Thank you JCU for once again hosting us and we look forward to next year’s visit.
Tom Lucas | Teacher
Engineering Excursion to JCU
Rugby Union News
Successful Launch of the Rugby Skills Development School (RSD)
This past Saturday and Sunday marked the launch of the only Scrum School outside of Brisbane schools, with the debut of an exciting new program, Rugby Skills Development (RSD). Created to provide promising young rugby union players a unique opportunity to refine their scrum skills, RSD is dedicated to preparing athletes to seize opportunities as they arise.
The program kicked off with an intensive weekend workshop led by former Queensland prop Michael Crank. Crank, a seasoned rugby mentor currently involved with several teams, including the Queensland U18 Schoolboys and the Australian U18 Schoolboys, who recently toured Fiji in September, brought a wealth of experience and insight to the inaugural session.
RSD is structured around a three-tiered achievement model—Foundation, Competition, and Elite—designed to foster skill development over an extended period. Under this model, players are guided and coached by a team of experienced ex- and current players. Each session is filmed, allowing participants to receive detailed feedback as they progress. Players are also encouraged to take initiative, practicing skills outside of scheduled sessions and providing both peer and self-evaluation, supplemented by mentor feedback.
This past weekend was an outstanding start for the program, which is expected to expand to other rugby positions and eventually be available to clubs at a later date. For the 24 boys who participated, it was a hot but productive two days filled with hard work, dedication, and a genuine appreciation for the opportunity and the team behind it.
A huge thank you to mentors Michael Crank, Bruce Denny, Troy Deans, Michael Nieminen, Matthew Fanning, Tookey, and Michael Parker for your invaluable assistance and continued support. The RSD program is off to an excellent start, and we look forward to seeing these young players grow and succeed on and off the field.
Three-Week Interschool Rugby Union 7's Competition Concludes with Impressive Results
Yesterday marked the final day of an exhilarating three-week interschool Rugby Union 7's competition, where IPC students showcased their competitive spirit across multiple grades. With two teams entered in each of the Year 7, Year 8, and Year 10 divisions, IPC demonstrated skill and sportsmanship in every game.
Throughout the competition, players exhibited outstanding grit, determination, and remarkable skill, treating spectators to a series of impressive tries and fast-paced action. Students thrived in the dynamic environment, fully embracing the thrill and unique challenges of the 7's format. Beyond the scores, the competition was filled with fun, a true sense of achievement, and an unforgettable experience for all.
A huge thank-you to the dedicated teachers who supported the teams tirelessly over the three weeks—especially Mark Robertson, Kylie Tillack, Bruce Denny, Troy Deans, and Mark Moxon—whose encouragement and hard work made this opportunity possible. Their commitment helped keep spirits high, even as schedules tightened and energy dipped.
Theatre Sports
Congratulations to our IPC team for clinching first place at the recent NQ Theatre Sports competition. Riley, Byron, Marcus and Jack (absent from photo) wowed the audience with three impressive improvised performances at the interschool theatre festival. Keep up the great work men!
2025 NZ Ski Tour
2024 National Parent Survey
Bus Service Information
Applications for Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme
Online parent applications can be made for Student Travel Assistance for Semester 2, 2024 via the School Transport website here: Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS)
The following Programs are available to IPC parents/carers:
- Bus Fare Assistance Program (BFAP)
- Students With Disability (SWD)
Marching Drum Ensemble
Marching Drum Corps rehearsal will resume on Monday of Week 3. Please meet outside the Drum Storage Room at 3:15pm. New members are welcome and no experience is needed. See Ms Guazzo for further information.
Townsville Cricket Events
Students on School Grounds Outside School Hours
Ignatius Park College has an enviable co-curricular program that operates outside school hours for a number of activities. All these activities are supervised by College staff and operate with parent and/or College permission.
For students arriving at school before the school day begins and remaining behind after the school day concludes, supervision is provided by school staff from 8.10am until the start of homeroom at 8.30am and after the school day concludes at 3.00pm until 3.20pm. School bells ring at 8.10am and 3.20pm to indicate the beginning and end of this supervision.
Parents are reminded that unless students are taking part in supervised outside school activities, they will not be supervised by school staff except during the period from 8.10 am and until 3.20pm. Parents should ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to ensure the supervision of their students outside these times. While school gates will be open before and after these times, this is to provide access to staff and for students attending these supervised activities.
Applications for Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme
Online parent applications can be made for Student Travel Assistance for Semester 2, 2024 via the School Transport website.
Programs available:
- Bus Fare Assistance Program (BFAP)
- Students With Disability (SWD)
School Fees
The College Fee Schedule for 2024 can be viewed at https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/enrolment/fees/.
Please be informed that timely payment of the school fees is mandatory. If you have defaulted a timely payment or have outstanding fees, please pay in full as soon as possible. Please contact the College Finance Team at finance@ipc.qld.edu.au or call (07) 4796 0222 if you need further information.
Edstart
Ignatius Park has partnered with Edstart to assist parents in managing their school Fee payments. You can pay weekly, fortnightly, or monthly by choosing a plan that suits your budget. This is an application-based process. There are no transaction fees or interest charges when using Edstart Pay+ for your IPC fees. Visit edstart.com.au/ipc for more information on Edstart payment options.
Vilton Crasto | Director of Business Operations