Term 2 Week 4 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Acting Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

I am conscious that over the last three weeks, the name, Edmund Rice, has been prominent in two very different reasons at the College. Three weeks ago, you would have received an email from the school containing a letter from Craig Wattam, Executive Director of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), the organization that operates Ignatius Park College. He was advising us of changes to the organizational structure of EREA that will come into place over the next month. A very practical process that helps to allow the school to continue its work into the future. The second area was the celebration of Blessed Edmund Rice Day last week.

Religious Institute schools such as IPC, like other organizations that have a rich history and trace their foundations to a founding person or group, usually recognize these special people each year. In our case, schools across Australia and around the world, recognize and celebrate Edmund Rice in a special way on 5^th May each year.

Two weeks ago, I attended the weekly Wednesday morning mass in the chapel, hosted by the Baillie House. Jonathan Gatis, on behalf of the house, gave a short biography of Brother Baillie, after whom the house is named. What most struck me about Br. Baillie’s story was that here was a young man from Mackay who in the time before the outbreak of World War 2, virtually ran away from home. On his own and with no resources, he traveled to Sydney to begin training as a Christian Brother. That he then spent his life, like many of his peers, in selfless service to others with no expectation of reward and the strong possibility of a life shortened by the hard conditions in which he lived and worked. What leads a person to do that and what sustains them for the many years that they persevere in this life?

Last week, as a college community, we bore witness to what Edmund Rice and his successors, including Brother Baillie, achieved up to and including our present time. It is easy to see that in terms of structures, buildings, organizations etc. It is less easy to recognize in people but that is the more enduring outcome. I include in our thoughts at this time, Br. Tony White, a former principal of the college on two occasions, who passed away after a long illness last week. May he rest in peace.

Two hundred and twenty years ago, Edmund Rice set up his first school in some converted stables in Waterford, Ireland. Not a very glamourous beginning. But he had a vision of an education for young people that would be liberating from their poverty and that would enable them to live a full and meaningful life as contributing members of their families, communities, and religion.

Today, that vision is all around the world and in particular, at this college. We see it in the people who make up our community and in the young people who go onto live more fulfilling and enriched lives because of their time at this school. We took some time last week to pause and reflect on those who have contributed to that vision, and we pay our respects to them.

John Doolan| Acting Principal

Identity and Mission

Dear Parents & Carers,

It has been a huge couple of weeks in the Identity & Mission space of the College. Year 9 Retreat was once again a massive hit at YWAM and Edmund Rice Feast Day was a huge success all round, beginning with a very reverent and well engaged with Mass led by Fr. Rod Ward. I thank all our staff who are involved in all our activities and programs, without them these things would be impossible to keep up with. A few of these things from the past few weeks have got me thinking about how we as adults, direct our students to ‘see’ the world – i.e. their worldview. We aim to shape and form the young men of IPC to a Christian worldview full of love and service. This is becoming increasingly difficult when all we see when we turn on the news the war, poverty and violence.  

The slogan “Think Different,” reminds me that as Christians, we are called to “see different”. We’re invited to look at the world which seems to have gotten so much out of hand and believe Jesus still has his sheep in hand. We watch our loved ones die and still believe that only mortal life is passing away. We view the misery and poverty of people on the streets and refuse to be paralysed into inaction. We’re aware that the violence in our society, and the violence we harbor in our hearts, is definitely related. We perceive that all the world’s children are our children. Others may tell us that people get what they deserve, and not to waste our pity on the disadvantaged or marginalised ones, a view in the Edmund Rice tradition we certainly do not uphold. But we, who deserve condemnation and get mercy instead, can’t be so smug. We’re in the hands of the good Shepherd who speaks gentle words of life and hope. Promised an imperishable future, can we see those perishing all around us and NOT see how the world can and must be different? We hope when students leave our gates they see the world not just as a place to be, but a place to participate in and thrive with.
 
Make a short list of the world’s problems. Create two columns of response: one for what conventional wisdom suggests we do, and the other for the response demanded by the gospels. What motives underlie each response?

 Have a great week.

Mark Holmes | Director – Identity & Mission

LUKE KENNEDY - PARENT TALK

The Ignatius Park community are encouraged to attend an evening with Luke Kennedy. Luke has experience in many areas which are pertinent to the lives of our young men and has intriguing insights for parents as well.

Ignatius Park College has an extensive Pastoral Care program, as well as rites of passage program, which are designed, specifically to bring out the best in young men in our challenging environment.

Our students are bright, complex, talented, funny, enthusiastic, and caring, but these qualities can sometimes be hidden under anxiety, depression, difficulty with relationships or anger.

Luke will help us to unpack many of these issues and help us to understand the complex nature of young men in education in the 21^st Century.

Luke comes to us with high credentials as a guest speaker.

Please take the steps to book online and I hope to see you on Thursday the 19, May 2022 at 6:30pm.

This parent evening is a free of charge event.  Bookings are essential.

John Deer | Dean of Well-Being 

Pathways Hub

Year 10 Set plan process and folders.

This term our Year 10 boys are exploring career options and completing a career assessment called the Harrison Tool. This tool, when done honestly, will highlight areas of strength and preferred modes of work, suggesting career matches. The Year 10s will be receiving a set plan folder in week 6 that includes information on the QCE, reports generated by the Harrison tool and a myriad of other resources that will guide them in their subject selections and the SET Plan process.

We would love parents to discuss these reports, assist their sons to navigate the Harrison portal, look at recommended matches, and start conversations about how their strengths, interests and skills might best be utilized in a future career.

We are endeavoring to equip the Year 10s so that they can lead their own SET Plan interview in the middle of next term outlining career pathways and intended senior subjects that will assist them achieving their goals.

Upcoming Industry Placement

We are no longer taking any change of placements for Term 2. Student have had more than enough time to return this paperwork to the pathway hub.

All the VET and Industry Placement students will be out on industry placement in Week 8 (June 6 to 10). This is a fantastic opportunity for the Year 11s to try different trades and for the Year 12s to begin to secure their future careers.

The students will be issued with their logbooks by Monday 30 May 2022. Students are expected to call their employers no later than Wednesday week (1 of June). This call will be to confirm the placement, address, attire etc. In their logbooks, there is a guide on what to say and ask. If students are nervous or unsure about making their call, they are welcome to come to the Pathways Office and we are happy to assist.

Grant Rossiter |Dean of Pathways

Naplan

The NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) testing program will take place next term between May 10 - 18 for students in Years 7 and 9.

NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment that allows parents to see how their child is progressing in literacy and numeracy against the national standard and compared with their peers throughout Australia. At the classroom level, NAPLAN provides additional information to support teachers’ professional judgement about student progress.

All of the tests will take place online this year. Students will need to make sure they bring their fully charged laptops and earphones (not Bluetooth). A practice session to confirm the capability of our network will be held on Thursday this week. In addition to the scheduled testing, students will also have additional opportunities to complete tests if they are absent.

The testing schedule for Ignatius Park College is below:

Further information can be found at:

https://www.nap.edu.au/

https://www.acara.edu.au/assessment/naplan.

Students who have particular learning needs and are entitled to adjustments will be contacted directly. Should you wish to withdraw your child, please contact me to access the appropriate documentation. You are also welcome to contact me at the College should you have any questions.

Andrea Tarttelin | Dean of Pedagogy

Sport

INTERHOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

The interhouse cross country championships were held last week. Although the conditions were not kind (humid) the boy's competitive spirit and willingness to have a dig was on display. 

A warm thank you to all the staff who manned stations that allowed the competition to be challenging but safe. Also, a thank you must go to the two police officers who patrolled the area. 

A squad of 10 boys per age group has been selected and their names will be made public this week. These boys will contest the Townsville A grade Interschool Championships at Bicentennial Park on Tuesday 31^st May. There will be training runs on the Townsville course on Friday 13th, 20th, 27^th May. A school bus will depart IPC about 3.15pm and return about 4.45pm on these days. 

The interhouse cross country results for 2022

1.  Rice
2.   Carew
3.   Baillie

AGED CHAMPIONS 

John Alloway | Program Leader - Sport 

Gallery

Northern Water Polo

Last week, five Ignatius Park College students represented the Northern region at the Queensland Water Polo Championships in Brisbane.  Jacob Fowler (captain), Zac Bennett, Kym Nuth, Hayden Vignale and Zac McKerghow (goalkeeper) all performed exceptionally well throughout the championships and were the mainstay of the Northern team. The team under the leadership of Queensland player Jacob Fowler made it to the finals but were unable to defeat the stronger and more experienced Met East Team.  Wins over Darling Downs and Capricornia were accomplished.

Congratulations to Jacob Fowler and Zac Bennett who were selected to play in a Possible vs Probable’s game and were in consideration for Queensland selection.  Jacob Fowler was outstanding throughout the championships and was rewarded with his selection in the Queensland squad. Additionally, Kym Nuth swam tirelessly to contest both offensive and defensive opportunities, Hayden Vignale was sensational in center back defense and Zac McKerghow saved three out of five goals in a penalty shoot out to allow Northern to progress to the Gold Medal match.

Well done to all the boys on a successful championship.

Sandy O’Melia | IPC and Northern Boys’ Water Polo Coach.

School of Origin Netball

GAME ONE – SMMC vs IPC Phoenix Phunder

The rainy Tuesday afternoon of 10, May did little to dampen the spirits of the players involved in game one of the highly anticipated annual “School of Origin” Netball clash between the IPC Phoenix Phunder team and St Margaret Mary’s College. Despite some of The Park men being absent to due “fluvid,” and nerves kicking in once the girl’s team began their synchronized dynamic warmup, co-captains Cody Brown and Jack Petitt were able to focus their men with an inspirational team huddle and the imparting of netball words of wisdom. Not playing on home turf meant that the IPC team felt the pressure to maintain their winning streak from the 2021 series. However, their confidence was bolstered by the hugely supportive Blue Brigade who ensured their raucous spirit was enjoyed by all. It was especially a pleasure to experience the vibrant, professional atmosphere that SMMC provided in their newly renovated hall.

It was a rocky start for the team with Josh Corcoran struggling to find his goal shooting “mo-joe” in the opening minutes of the game. However, Corcoran’s height, coordinated with Petitt’s attacking prowess, safeguarded an early lead in the first quarter. The agility and pace that both Marcus Illin and Sean Young demonstrated on the court, coupled with some great passing and fast ball work by Brown and Lleyton Ward, quickly wore down the girls’ momentum. This strong attack was also complimented by the defensive skills of both Jacob Fowler and Brody Ah Kit, who on several occasions, intercepted many loose balls. Similarly, within the scoring circle, MK’s long reach, coupled with Jackson Waldon’s intuitive defense, made scoring difficult for the SMMC team. This worked in the boys’ favours, and they cemented a comfortable half-time lead of 20 – 7.

The second half saw an initial boost of revival from the opposition, but it did not last long. As if responding to the “Netball Gods,” both Finn Lyons and Zac Bennett worked tirelessly to ensure Phoenix Phunder continue to dominate and maintain a similar point margin. The result was a convincing winning score of 34-13. Player of the Match was awarded to Cody Brown, who consistently showed great shooting and tactical moves in both attack and defense. Special mentions go to Jack Petitt for his great marking and consistency in directing good plays, and Brody Ah Kit for his entertaining defense. Thanks to Amanda Loechel for taking on the challenge of referring such a high-intensity match, and to Pudy Timbs for her hard-core training regime and coaching tips that have enabled today’s powerful performance! Until the next game on home territory – 24, May 2022.

Team list for Game 1:

C – Jack Petitt

GA – Cody Brown (C); Lleyton Ward

GS – Joshua Corcoran

GK – Zac Bennett; Finn Lyons

GD – Jackson Waldon; Murugu Kiumbura

WA – Sean Young; Marcus Illin

WD – Brody Ah Kit; Jacob Fowler

Alyssa Deer | Team Manager 

Important Dates'

• Year 7 and 9 Naplan Test Tuesday 10 May - Thursday 19 May
  
• Parent and Carer Luke Kennedy Talk Event - Thursday 19 May 
• Year 9/10 Rugby Union Tour - Friday 20 May - Sunday 22 May
• Year 9 Pastoral Day - Friday 20 May
• U/15 TSSS Rugby Union Trials - Tuesday 24 May
• Chess Tournament - Wednesday 25 May

Film and Television

Swaggies Film Camp

YEAR 11 AND 12 STUDENTS!

Year 11 and 12 students have a unique opportunity to experience an introduction to the Screen and Media industry, exploring film as an option for a career pathway after school. Students will be taken on an extraordinary journey, working with industry professionals and Griffith Film School lecturers through the various aspects of creating a short film during the 6-day camp in the outback under the stars!
 
The camp will run during the second week of the June/July school holidays and after the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival with students accommodated at the Council Dorm in Winton for the duration of the camp.
 
The cost of the camp is $580.00 per student.  This fee will cover the costs of tuition, accommodation, meals and other extracurricular activities planned during the week. 

Participants will arrange and pay for travel to the camp for arrival by 3.00pm on Friday 1^st July and departure at 12.00pm on Thursday 7^th July 2022 by way of parents or public transport. Costs for any transport requirements during the camp will be covered in the participant’s fee. 

QMEA Oresome Minds Camp - Last Chance

QMEA Oresome Minds Camp - Applications Closing Friday 13th May 2022

⏱️ Time's ticking to get your application in for our Oresome Minds Camps in the July school holidays! Applications close Friday 13th May 2022!

🎓 Calling Year 11 and 12 students interested in a University STEM pathway into the resources sector after school - this is the experience for you!

👷 Work with professionals to solve real world problems and present your solutions to key sponsor staff.

🤝 Meet and socialise with other like-minded students from across Queensland

💻 Apply online: https://qmea.org.au/oresome-minds-camp/

QUT Future You STEM

Applications for QUT Future You STEM Summit and STEM Internships (Brisbane) for high-achieving Year 11 and 12 students close next Monday 16 May.

QUT Future You STEM Summit and STEM Internships (Brisbane)

The Future You four-day on-campus program is set to teach students the importance of a STEM mindset, helping to guide a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to build the jobs of Australia’s future.

QUT Future You includes both the STEM Summit and STEM Internship experience and is open to high-achieving Year 11 and 12 high-school students.

****We would welcome you circulating QUT Future You information to your students and encouraging them to apply for this opportunity****

Future You STEM details:

• Dates: Tuesday 27 September – Friday 30 September 2022
• Program:  STEM Summit and STEM Internships
• Cost: QUT Future You is free to attend for eligible participants. Students will receive a lunch voucher each day to use at one of the relevant campus retail outlets. Any travel or accommodation costs associated with attending Future You STEM are the responsibility of the student and are not funded by QUT.
• Student applications close: Monday 16 May 2022

All students will experience:

• Inspiring keynote with high-profile speakers
• Interactive Q&A panel sessions featuring local industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers
• QUT alumni, academics, and current students speaking about how they use their STEM mindset every day

To be accepted into the program students must: 

• Be a current Year 11 or Year 12 student from Queensland or Northern NSW
• Be studying and have received two or more As in the previous year of study in a STEM subject
• Provide a copy of Semester 1 and 2, 2021 school report

• Ask a teacher, head of department or principal for a recommendation (teacher recommendation due Thursday 19 May 2022)

School Transport Assistance Scheme

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme assists eligible families with the cost of traveling to school, with applications for Semester 1 2022 now open online and close on 31 May.

Student travel rebate applications are only open in May for Semester 1 and October for Semester 2. Please visit below first to check if you are eligible.

Volunteers Needed

At Ignatius Park College, there are a number of opportunities to volunteer to be more involved with your son's education or to give back to the College.

Our Tuckshop is in urgent need of volunteers.

Please complete the form below to nominate your interest in volunteering at the College. We truly appreciate any time you may be able to spare. 

https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/community/contact/volunteers/

School 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 any further information.

Edstart

Ignatius Park has partnered with Edstart to assist parents to manage 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 credit applications and 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 | Business Manager