Term 1 Week 2 College Newsletter
Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
I want to extend a very warm welcome to all families and members of the Ignatius Park College community as we commence the 2023 academic year. I offer my prayerful best wishes for a happy, safe, and positive year ahead. A special welcome is extended to the 201 new students and families who have joined our College community. I trust your relationship with our community will be enjoyable and productive.
It was wonderful to see the excitement on their face (and a little nervousness) as our new Year 7’s walked through the gates to commence their journey into high school last week. Likewise, our Year 8 – 12 were keen to return to school to catch up with mates and be part of our Iggy Park community as we commence the academic year. Similarly, our College staff should be acknowledged for greeting and supporting students to move quickly into the rhythm of teaching respective classes.
Since our commencement newsletter welcoming our new staff members for 2023, we have welcomed two more to our College community.
Margo Townsend | Inclusion Support Teacher
Rosalyn Clarke | Program Leader Languages
150 Years of Catholic Education in Townsville
This year the Townsville Diocese celebrates 150 years of catholic education in this region. Bishop Tim Harris, Bishop of Townsville, stated:
The Catholic School needs to be a living faith community whose members operate in a constructive partnership. It should be a place where Gospel values operate and Church teachings are reflected in its policies, its practices and in the positive relationships of all the community members. Truth, trust and shared wisdom are important hallmarks of the authentic Catholic school.
As an Edmund Rice school, we have had a presence in the Townsville region for 112 years, with the Christian Brothers first arriving in 1911, establishing schools: Our Lady’s Mount, St John Fischer and Ignatius Park College. This year we celebrate 54 years of boy’s education on this site and a network of Edmund Rice schools globally that have taught boys for over 220 years.
So, what makes this school different? We are not just a catholic school but a school that authentically lives the values and charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.
His charism comprises three virtues:
- Presence – seeing the image of God in the diversity of his students, whether rich or poor
- Compassion – seeing the right relationships in all we encounter that respects the dignity of all, and
- Liberation – providing a critical education that raises consciousness and an ethics of care in the school
This was the mantra that Blessed Edmund Rice left for us all, a legacy that was passed on by the Christian Brothers and now is our responsibility in 2023. Our Touchstones call us at Iggy Park to offer a liberating education, based on a gospel spirituality, within an inclusive community of justice and solidarity. These Touchstones are living the virtues of Edmund Rice.
For Iggy Park to truly live these virtues, we must live these collectively. This year our senior leaders have chosen the 2023 theme “Blue and White: We Unite”. This is about us being - one college with one vision. We need this year to develop a sense of unity, as in the image on the PowerPoint of the junior’s and senior’s uniforms united as one. It is about building a positive feeling of being part of a larger social structure – our College community, where we develop a high sense of unity, interdependence, belonging, trust, and selflessness in relation to different groups in our school and a sense of common good that is reflected of the Gospel values.
Our sense of Brotherhood that is so integral to our College culture calls us all to be united. It is a culture of accepting all diversity in our school, it is about mateship, comradery, and a sense of belonging, it is to aspire for excellence, which instils strong interpersonal relationships, respect, and community connection which reflect the Touchstones in our everyday encounter.
Edmund Rice’s legacy calls us to oneness. We need to have a united consciousness that goes beyond self and reaches the heart and soul of all members of our College community. It is through this united consciousness we have a sense of oneness, compassion, love, and respect for all human beings – the same virtues demonstrated by Edmund Rice in 1802.
It has been with excitement that the Waterford Place Learning Centre has been opened to students this year. Despite some minor works still to be completed internally, this new centre is a magnificent contemporary learning environment for our students. It is wonderful to see students fully utilising this new space for their studies whether this is on our outside deck, in our meeting rooms, tiered amphitheatre, our café area or in our flexible learning areas. In the forthcoming weeks, a large aquarium will be placed in the centre supporting our rainforest theme throughout the complex and a large trophy cabinet will be placed as you enter the centre, depicting our College history and tradition. This centre is named after the town in Ireland where Blessed Edmund Rice commenced his schools and provides our students with a positive and modern environment to engage fully in their learning. The Waterford Place Learning Centre will be officially opened and blessed on 22nd March.
Waterford Place Learning Resource Centre
Our College Advisory Council plays an important role in working collaboratively with the Principal and the EREA, ensuring that we are faithful to the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition and quality stewardship in offering the best possible learning community at Ignatius Park College. The College Advisory Council has responsibilities in strategic planning, school improvement plans, master planning and capital works, approving policies, compliance with EREA Risk Policy and procedures and ensuring our authenticity to the Touchstones. Mr Jeff Doyle and Mr Kieran Keyes finished their college tenure at the end of last year. I sincerely thank Jeff and Kieran for their passion and dedication to the council over the years.
Therefore, two positions have now become available on our College Advisory Council, and all members of our College community are welcome to apply. The Council would appreciate any applicant that can bring a wealth of experience and expertise to enhance the Council's operations.
If you are interested in applying to become a member of our College Advisory Council, please get in touch with Ms Debbie O’Brien at Debbie.Obrien@ipc.qld.edu.au and request an Expression of Interest form. All Expressions of Interest must be submitted by the close of business Friday, 24 February 2023.
Today the College celebrated our ATAR and Diligence Awards Assembly. As part of the awards ceremony, we invited our 2022 Year 12 Graduates to recognise their outstanding achievements in various subjects and overall ATAR score. As a College community, we are incredibly proud of their achievements. We wish to acknowledge that their results are a testament to their individual and collective strength, resilience and determination to achieve their personal best.
Congratulations to 2022 College Dux Harry Gallagher-Smith, who achieved an ATAR of 96.30. He has also been accepted to study Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at James Cook University.
Our College Proxime Accessit is Riley Innes, our 2022 College Captain, who led the cohort and school admirably throughout last year and achieved an ATAR of 95.65. Riley has been offered a Bachelor of Bio-Medical Science at James Cook University.
The College had nine students achieving an ATAR of 90 or more, and 43% achieving an ATAR of 80 and above.
We also acknowledge and applaud our VET students, with over 30 school-based apprentices or post-school students receiving employment and apprenticeships and seven students receiving a Diploma of Business. For all current students, academic success just doesn’t happen. It occurs with hard work, dedication and commitment. Today we also acknowledged our current students in Years 8 – 11 who received gold, silver and bronze diligence awards. Congratulations to all these award winners listed below.
Reminder next Friday, 10th February is our Interhouse Swimming Carnival. Attendance to this day is mandatory and all students are required to participate in the swimming carnival. Our carnival is one of the highlights in the school calendar and we ask all students to support their house. Good luck to all houses on Friday!
Beginning of the year Prayer
Loving God,
you call us together at the beginning of this new school year.
We ask you to send your spirit upon us that,
as the days and terms unfold,
we may be always mindful of your presence
and alert to opportunities to see and serve you in those around us.
We pray that we may teach well by the example of our own lives,
by our knowledge and love of learning,
by our gentleness and care of the students entrusted to us.
In all that we do and say,
we pray that, in building up the community of our school,
we may contribute to the betterment of society
and to the Kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ,
for your greater glory.
Amen.
Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.
Shaun Clarke | College Princpal
Identity and Mission
A sincere and warm welcome back to everyone.
It is a privilege to serve you again as the Director of Identity & Mission for 2023. We welcome back Mr Greg Christ to the team as Edmund Rice Beyond Borders (EREBB) and Retreats Coordinator, as well as Mrs Sal Kruger to the Faith, Learning in Action Role. Mrs Bianca Barbagallo will again do a great job in her role as Liturgies and Faith Development. We have an exciting and jam-packed year ahead!
Prayer for Beginnings
O God of beginnings, as your Spirit moved over the face of the deep on the first day of creation, move with me now in my time of beginnings, when the air is rain-washed, the bloom is on the bush, and the world seems fresh and full of possibilities, and I feel ready and full… AMEN
This a reminder of our Touchstones
Upcoming Identity Events
- Mass in Our Lady of the Mount Chapel – every Wednesday morning at 8 am beginning Week 4 with BAILLIE House Mass
- Year 12 Induction – 11.15 am Thursday, 9 February (Week 3), Edmund Rice Hall
- Toast Room Launch, Shrove Tuesday, 21 February (Week 5)
- Ash Wednesday Liturgy Wednesday, 22 February(Week 5) Edmund Rice Hall
I look forward to keeping you updated on upcoming events and reporting on successful occasions this year.
Have a good fortnight continuing to settle into the routines of the school year.
Mark Holmes | Director Identity and Mission
Curriculum Corner
GOAL SETTING
The start of a new year gives everyone the opportunity to set goals for the year to come. Your son(s) may have already completed a few goal setting activities in their classes, but it might be a good opportunity to set some wholistic goals for 2023. A good place to begin is to reflect on the previous years achievements and think about a variety of realistic changes or improvements that can be made. I would never restrict a student from ‘reaching for the stars’ and setting ambitious goals but it is also important to set smaller attainable goals to allow them to gain that sense of achievement to keep them focused.
5 Benefits of Setting Goals
- Assessment – allows you to evaluate your life
- Direction – gives you a path towards things that are important to you
- Focus – allows you to focus on things that align with your goals
- Inspiration - fills you with excitement and the anticipation of fulfilling your desire
- Happiness – a sense of achievement can increase your happiness and satisfaction in life
READING
Reading is a skill and a pastime that cannot be underestimated. It can be a source of personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you’re reading a motivational or self-help book, a novel that resonates with your own experiences, or a biography of a person you admire, reading can inspire you to reflect on your own life and learn about yourself. By reading about others’ experiences and perspectives, you can gain a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you.
10 benefits of reading for all ages:
- Exercises the brain
- Form of (free) entertainment
- Improves concentration and the ability to focus
- Improves literacy
- Improves sleep
- Increases general knowledge
- Motivational
- Reduces stress
- Sets a positive example
- Teaches empathy
Encourage your boys to discover the joys of reading and immerse themselves in texts of their choosing. The friendly staff at our new Learning Resource Centre, Waterford Place, are more than willing to help the boys find a book that meets their needs.
Don't forget our Homework program - please see below for further information.
Tim Lindeberg | Dean of Pedagogy
Introducing the Inclusion Team for 2023, please get in touch with the year group Inclusive Educator regarding your son.
Year 7 – Nadine Burnett
Year 8 – Margo Townsend
Year 9 – Nicole Putscher
Year 10 – Nicole Putscher
Year 11 – Sandy O’Melia
Year 12 – Sandy O’Melia
Thank you,
Nicole Putscher | Program Leader Inclusive Education
Pathways Hub
Dear Parents and Carers,
My name is Zeb Kyle, and I have taken on the Skills and Training Program Leader role. I have completed a trade in Metal Fabrication and a degree in Education. I have a passion for helping students find a career they are interested in, and I believe the industry placement program the school offers is second to none in helping students with this. My door is always open if you need to talk about your options.
Over the Christmas holidays, a few enthusiastic young men took the opportunity to gain experience in a career of choice or to trial for a school-based apprenticeship. Work placements are an excellent way for students to determine their interest and suitability for a role and develop much-needed skills and attitudes necessary for a positive career outcome. One of my main priorities for 2023 is to promote and place as many students in work experience as possible to ensure that future decision processes have experience in the job as a necessary factor. If you are in year 10, 11 or 12 and would like to participate in a week of holiday work experience, please come to the pathway hub to discuss options and possibilities with me.
School-based Apprenticeships
During the holidays Andrew Gatis carpentry school-based apprenticeships. We would like to congratulate them on securing his future career and thank their employer Foundation Carpentry for this wonderful opportunity and for investing in our young men.
Diploma of Business
The Diploma of Business with Major Training started off on Tuesday, 31 January. Last year all our Diploma of Business boys passed – we wish the current year 11s and 12s all the best.
White Card Course
A mandatory requirement of the construction industry is that all workers, including industry placement students, undertake a General Construction Safety Induction before entering a construction worksite. This is necessary to ensure their safety and so that they understand and know what all signage and signals mean and how to wear all relevant PPE. Once the induction is completed, students are issued a White Card.
This course is compulsory for all construction, Engineering Pathways and Resource Infrastructure students.
However, students undertaking Certificate I in Construction will not be required to pay the fee for this course, as it is included in their subject. For non-construction students, the cost is $79, payable by 10 February 2023. While it is not mandatory for other VET students, it is highly recommended. Your son will not be placed on industry placement in a construction trade if he does not have a White Card.
The College will offer this safety induction through a third-party provider, which will be conducted at the College during school time. Two White Card courses will be run on Thursday, 16 and Friday, 17 February. Your son will be advised via email which course he will be attending.
Industry Placements
There will be approximately 140 students attending industry placement this year. Finding placements for this many students is a mammoth task. Some placements have already been finalised, but many more still need to be matched with a willing employer.
If you have personal contacts and can assist with finding your son a placement, please contact Jennie Vignale as soon as possible – pathways@ipc.qld.edu.au
Once placements are organised, we are hesitant to change them (until the following placement), so we do not inconvenience employers.
Industry Placements Dates for 2023
Please find below the industry placement dates for 2023. It is an expectation that all industry placement students attend every day. We ask that appointments, sports and work commitments are organised outside work time on these weeks to not interfere with attending industry placement.
Term ONE
Monday, 6 March to Friday, 10 March | Week 7
Term TWO
Monday, 5 June to Friday, 9 June | Week 8
Term THREE
Monday, 21 August to Friday, 25 August | Week 7
Term FOUR
Monday, 30 October to Friday, 3 November | Week 5
Year 12 students to organise their own placement.
If you have any concerns or queries with regard to anything in this article,
please call me at 0438 185 403 or email is zeb.kyle@ipc.qld.edu.au
Zeb Kyle | Program Leader Skills and Training
Careers Hub
Welcome to the 2023 school year! Hope you’ve all had a smooth transition into the new year. I am very excited about working in the Careers role at IPC and look forward to working with you all as the year progresses.
I am here to help with:
- Subject selection
- QTAC applications
- Early admission applications
- MyQce
- QCE points tracking
- Individual career conversations with students and families regarding all aspects of career planning, including (but not limited to) QTAC processes, applying interstate and overseas, scholarships (special access schemes), Education Access Schemes (EAS) and University admissions requirements.
Not only that, but also:
- Resume fine-tuning
- Job applications
- Interview skills
You can contact me via the below email or drop into the Pathways Hub to chat and let me know how I can help you.
fiona.williamson@ipc.qld.edu.au
Good Careers Guide and what information it provides
The Good Careers Guide (GCG) provides information on over 400 jobs and related entry pathways. It also includes tips on career exploration, financial assistance and job seeking skills. In the online edition, you will be able to locate:
- Courses in Australia - Search for accredited courses offered by Australian universities, TAFE institutes and private colleges
- Institutions in Australia - Search every Australian university, TAFE institution and private provider
- The Good Careers Guide - Explore more than 400 job descriptions and find the right career for you
- University Ratings and Rankings in Australia - Find and compare ratings for universities and higher education institutions around Australia
- Scholarships in Australia - No matter what you are intending to study and where, you will be sure to find some financial assistance on offer to help you pay for it
- Events & open days - Keep up to date with the latest university events & open days
Fiona Williamson | Careers Advisor
Indigenous and Multicultural
Dear Parents and Carers,
My name is Dylan O’Connor, and I have taken on the role of Indigenous and Multicultural Program Leader at the College in 2023. I have experience teaching in schools and Indigenous boarding facilities, working with students throughout Queensland and the Torres Strait. I have a passion for supporting students from various cultural backgrounds and believe the work we do with the boys at the college can directly impact their future in many positive ways. As an Ignatius Park College Old Boy, I have experienced firsthand the positive effect staff and support workers can have on students at the college. My door is always open for all students and families, and I look forward to establishing positive relationships within the school community.
This year we welcome back Jaelen Feeney, who has taken on the Indigenous and Multicultural Coordinator position. Jaelen will work with families and the pastoral to support our Indigenous and Multicultural students. He will also coordinate cultural activities within the school and work with community organisations to support our students and programs. Jaelen has a strong cultural understanding within the school and community and will continue to work with staff, students and families to best support our students through their time at Ignatius Park.
Tristan Nelliman-Adams also returns this year to continue his work as Project Officer for Journey 2 Jobs. Tristan will continue coordinating the program, which assists our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students to complete school and transition into their desired post-school pathway. Several J2J events are being finalized, which will be communicated to the school community in the coming week. Please keep an eye on your Parent Lounge Events and Payments section or emails, and feel free to contact the multicultural room if you have any questions or concerns.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in the Multicultural room or via email if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year.
indigenousmulticultural@ipc.qld.edu.au
Dylan O'Connor | Indigenous and Multicultural Leader
Defence Corner
Welcome back to our Defence Families for 2023. This year we have had new students arriving from Canberra, Brisbane and NSW, and we also welcome students from our local Primary Schools.
My name is Carolyne Drummond and I am the Defence School Mentor at the College. I am an extra layer of well-being support for students with a parent or carer serving in the Australian Defence Force. I know how challenging defence life can be and how resilient our young people need to be to cope with the defence lifestyle.
By now, your son should have received a small Welcome Pack with some goodies to start his journey with IPC. This includes a letter detailing my role at the College and what programs are on offer for students. Throughout the year your son can be involved in Milo Club, Lego Lads and various activities that aim to integrate and support your child into the College.
If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me via the front office or via email; Carolyne.drummod@ipc.qld.edu.au.
I am available Monday to Friday from 9-2 pm.
Carolyne Drummond | Defence School Mentor
Counsellors' Corner
Happy New Year to our new and returning IPC families!
We’ve finally had a ‘normal’ start to the school year – without the impacts of COVID or disasters. I hope you’ve had a restful break and are ready for an amazing 2023!
The Student Counselling team has a new addition – Ms Jessica McLeod. Jess joined us in Term 4 of last year and has over 15 years of counselling experience across sectors- including the Department of Defence and Non-Government organisations, to offer the students and families of Ignatius Park College.
Jess has a keen focus on adolescent well-being and mental health that young people are experiencing today. Her passion to enhance the well-being of young people will be a valued addition to the Student Counselling and well-being space.
Jess can be reached by calling the switch on 4796 0222.
Her email Is jessica.mcleod@ipc.qld.edu.au.
We have been conducting Child Safeguarding information sessions for all year 7 students this term. IPC prides itself on keeping young people safe, and we are committed to enhancing their knowledge of how to do this. Another integral part of safeguarding includes awareness raising and resource support to parents. This month we are focusing on ‘social media and online safety’.
One link you may find helpful is below. The bravehearts.org website has a wealth of information and tips to help parents support their children in being safety aware.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we can support our boys to keep them safe.
If you have any questions or need additional support, please contact Ms McLeod or me.
Yours in well-being,
Mrs Val Derwent | Student Counsellor
Co-Curricular
IPC Chess
IPC will once again host all 3 rounds of the North Regional Schools Chess competition in 2023. Dates have been locked into the calendar as follows:
Wednesday 1st March - IPC HALL
Wednesday 31st May - IPC HALL
Wednesday 9th August - IPC HALL
Students who register to play will be out of classes for the day. Acceptance and registration payment ($22) will need to be done via the Parent Lounge portal at the time. Each round's information will come closer to the event through student notices. If your son is keen on a game of chess against some quality opposition in a relaxed and sociable setting, then I encourage him to register. Stay tuned for more information as the 1st round draws closer.
John Fuller | Chess
DEBATING SIGN UP
Do you enjoy critical thinking, working in a team and public speaking? If so, then debating is for you! The Townsville Interschool Debating Competition begins soon and we are looking to enter teams as early as possible. If you would like to join a debating team this year, please see Ms Martinez or email marita.martinez@ipc.qld.edu.au
Marita Martinez | Debating
Learn to Row
Enrolments
If you have a Son/s who is due to commence Year 7 in 2024 or 2025, it's important that you apply as soon as possible. Year 7, 2024 enrolment interviews began last year and will continue this term.
Please follow the link below if you have not yet enrolled for these years.
Thank you
Kerry Shephard | Enrolments and Admissions Officer
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