Term 1 Week 6 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Defining School Spirit

The question that is often asked is: How do you define School Spirit? C.G. Scott once said, ‘The Human Spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it’. Last weekend I witnessed our school spirit in action with our 1^st XV students playing Townsville Grammar on their home ground. I arrived at their campus with over 100 students dressed in blue attire supporting the players on the field. Our Blue Brigade were there not only to offer support for the team but were ultimately proud to be part of our Iggy Park community. Even though we had a convincing win, there was a sense of devotion and affection for our College.

This sense of devotion can often be seen on the sporting field where there is competition, but developing a school spirit is more about building positive relationships in all facets of the College community. It is about celebrating our successes, either as individuals or collectively together. Celebrating our achievements helps to build a sense of belonging and a sense of well-being, and being a part of the College fosters this sense of College spirit. Understanding the importance of school spirit is not so easy to define and even harder to measure. That’s because school spirit consists of a vast number of things, from the physical environment, its staff, the values and principles it seeks to instil, and what high intangible quality is in each person. Sometimes school spirit is described by our students as the feeling you get as you step into the college gates for your school’s sporting game, a College Assembly, a House competition, the school production – a true sense of belonging likened to a positive spirit to a family or close community.

In my experience School spirit is a very important dimension of what makes up a school environment and how it empowers students to achieve their academic potential and develop as well-rounded human beings who are able to operate in and contribute to our society. Sometimes some of these students who have long graduated return to their place of schooling and forever speak fondly of their time at the college.

The process and facets in which some of the college spirit is built are through its by-products of the mechanisms we use to build and foster relationships through participation, competition, pastoral mentorship, and the development of leadership roles amongst peer and house levels. Other dimensions of our school spirit can be identified by students' pride in how they wear their school uniform and their conduct towards others through our sense of Brotherhood.

Many times throughout a school day, students would demonstrate this spirit and pride in the desire to present themselves well and demonstrate respect for the environment and further resources they use on a daily basis, not to mention their interactions with other members of the wider community.

School spirit is, in itself, only a word. This word is given meaning when connection occurs, connections with students, teachers, coaches, mentors, parents, and principals, and the world unites in harmony and with purpose. I believe at Iggy Park, we have been gifted with a wonderful school spirit where the students are proud to wear blue and white. We see this spirit in our swimming carnivals, graduation, fun days and the interaction we see with each other every day.

Rowing

Congratulations to both Thomas Bartels and Sonny Crawford who have been selected in the Queensland Schoolboy Pathway VIII for 2023. The rowers will travel to Brisbane in the school holidays to participate in a junior pathway camp. Their selection is the result of hard work and dedication to rowing. We wish both students the best and are proud to have two of our rowers selected at a state level.

A reminder to all parents of rowers, including the new learn-to-row parents there will be a Rowing Information Evening on Wednesday, 8 March, at 6.00 pm in the Edmund Rice Hall. This evening will outline the forthcoming rowing season that will commence in term two. Everyone is welcome, including students who may be interested in rowing this year.

International Women’s Day

Next Wednesday 8^th March the College will celebrate International Women’s Day. Due to COVID last year, we have not been able to host our breakfast at the College. The theme for this year is “Innovation and technology for gender equality” and focuses on how technology and education in the digital age can help the empowerment of women and girls across the world.

It is my vision that our young men who graduate from this college will be change agents, to be men that choose to challenge stereotypes, to fight bias and have a broader perception of the world that improves inequity and celebrates the achievement of women. Our world is calling for liberators, and my challenge for our young people today is to be leaders of this change, to not accept social norms in our society but question preconceived ideologies, to re-examine procedures, policies or structures that are exclusive of people and the rights of all genders. Next week all our students will receive purple ribbons to signify our solidarity for the rights of all genders. Tickets are still available for the breakfast at https://www.trybooking.com/CEGWN

To all mothers and women in our College community, I wish you a happy International Women’s Day.

Farewell

I was saddened last week when I received a resignation letter from Tristan Nelliman-Adams who has been successful in gaining a position working for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation titled “Indigenous Marathon Project Assistant Coach and Frontrunners Program Coordinator”. This role will see him act in a run coaching role for future IMP squads as well as providing wrap-around support to the 132 IMP Graduates across the country. His last day at school is 10^th March. I know this has been a difficult decision for Tristan who is passionate about this school and supporting our Indigenous students. We wish Tristan all the best.

Prayer

Please keep in your prayers and thoughts both Mr Denny whose mother passed away last week and Mr Hodgson whose mother-in-law also passed away.

We have also been made aware that Mervyn Smith also passed away last weekend. Mervyn taught in Christian Brothers schools for 43 years including St. John Fisher, Currajong and then 35 years at Iggy Park where he was Deputy Principal for 23 years and then Assistant Principal – Administration. We give thanks to Mervyn’s dedication and commitment to Edmund Rice Education.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.

Shaun Clarke | Principal 

Identity and Mission

Pray
God, may your mystery surround us and your light shine on us. Many your Spirit explore with us and be our companion. May what we do not understand send us on a journey with you today. Amen.
 
Ponder
 Get ready to participate in some powerful transfigurations! Ask God to change the rough, ugly, or impossible roads in your life into freeways for grace. Invite the Holy Spirit to make the valleys smooth, and the mountains low. “Don’t breathe a word of what you’ve seen. After the Son of Man is raised from the dead, you are free to talk”.

First Week of Lent - Week beginning Monday, 27 February

We begin our annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by learning about Laxmi, a 16-year-old girl living in Jajarkot, a remote district in Nepal where almost half of the population live below the poverty line.  Tragedy struck when Laxmi was 10 years old and her father passed away. Her father worked hard to pay for his children's education and, after losing him, Laxmi was at risk of falling further into extreme poverty.

With the support of our partner Caritas Nepal, Laxmi joined a child's club at her school where she was encouraged to resume her education. Through the child’s club, Laxmi developed the skills and confidence to become a leader, advocating for clean water taps at her school. 

Laxmi is now excelling in her studies and working towards her dream of becoming a civil engineer. She continues to be involved in the child's club, serving as an advisor and mentoring the next generation of young leaders at her old school.   

Watch a short film about Laxmi’s story here.

Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion by visiting the site or supporting one of our school initiatives as per below.

IPC Project Compassion Fundraising this week:

Mark Holmes | Director Identity and Mission

PINK DAY 2023

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 11

Next

Curriculum Corner

With just over 4 weeks left in Term 1, we are entering a very important academic period. Most boys will have draft or final due dates for assignments over the next few weeks. All year 7 and 9 students have NAPLAN testing in week 8 and 9 whilst all year levels will have exams to prepare for in week 9 and 10.

This edition of Curriculum Corner has important information around assessment and NAPLAN testing. There are also helpful tips for parents to check-in on their son’s study habits and study areas.

We encourage all parents to read the following information carefully and touch base with their sons to support them through this busy period.

EXAM SCHEDULE

The College exam schedule has now been published. Students and Parents can view this via the College website https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/. Please note that this schedule only covers exams. Please refer to Parent Lounge for the assignment draft and due dates.

NB.
Year 7 – 10: Regularly scheduled lessons will be running right up until the last day of Week 9. All students are required to be at school even when not in an exam.

Year 11 & 12: Regularly scheduled lessons will be running right up until the last day of Week 9. All students are required to be at school even when not in an exam. In Week 10, Senior exams and tutorials are scheduled. These sessions are blocked, meaning students will only need to be at school if they have an exam and/or tutorial.

VARIATION TO ASSESSMENT – AARA‘s (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments)

As per the College’s Assessment Policy, requests to vary the conditions or due date of any assessment item can only be considered following the submission of an Access Arrangement and Reasonable Adjustment (AARA) form and appropriate supporting documentation.

Year 7 – 9: The completed AARA form should be submitted to their Subject teacher. Documentation may be required (i.e. standard medical certificate)

Year 10 – 12: The completed AARA form, along with required documentation (i.e. detailed medical certificate and details of absence) must be submitted to their Subject Faculty Leader or the Edmund Rice Office.

A copy of the AARA form is available on the school website at: https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/. Alternatively, hard copies of this form are available from the Edmund Rice Office.

STUDY TIPS - 5 Tips for Setting up a Successful Study Space at Home

Having a study space that is comfortable, inviting and organised is crucial to academic success. Below are some simple tips any parent can use to help their son set up a great study area. We encourage all parents to use this checklist to conduct an audit of your son’s dedicated study area.

1. Reduce distractions to a minimum: TV's, phones, gaming consoles and other devices can be a temptation too great for young minds to pass up. Keep these distractions to a minimum during designated study and homework periods.

2. Remove clutter and rubbish: If your son is using his bedroom as a study space it is a good idea for him to get into a routine of doing a quick tidy up before any study time. Clothes, food, wrappers and other items strewn around the room does not make for an inviting study area. Having a small bin in a study space will certainly assist.

Study desks should be big enough to accommodate a laptop/device, textbooks, stationery and notebooks. They should also be clear of clutter, cables and rubbish. As a general rule, only equipment that is going to be used regularly during a study period should be on his desk. All other items can be temporarily (or permanently) stored elsewhere.

1. Make it Comfortable: your son’s study space should be inviting. You can assist in creating an appealing study environment by ticking off the following tips.

•  Temperature: the temperature of your son’s study space should adhere to the Goldilocks test (not too hot, not too cold).
• Ergonomic Chair: chairs with back support, arm rests, adjustable height and backrest angles are ideal. They support good posture and allow students to personalise seating to their own needs.
•  Natural Ventilation and Lighting: natural light is ideal physically and emotionally when studying. Having a study space with windows not only enhances natural lighting but also facilitates natural ventilation. In the evening, your son’s study space should have sufficient artificial light so as not to strain his eyes when reading. Conversely, very bright and harsh lighting can also place strain on eyes, whilst flashing and coloured lights may provide an unneeded distraction.

4. Make sure your son is well resourced: make sure your son has all the equipment and tools required to complete homework, assignments and exam revision. This may include:

• • A Laptop/device
  • A range of stationery
  • Exercise books/notebooks and planning paper
  • Calculators
  • WiFi access

5.  Minimise Noise/Music: research indicates listening to music is not conducive to deep learning or comprehending new information. Music may, however, be appropriate when revising familiar concepts or undertaking low order homework activities.

Other Study Tips

• Manage time and have a study schedule. It is important for students to explicitly identify and quarantine regular time to study. Before you can do this, you will first need to document all your other commitments (eg. Work, sport, friends and family commitments)
• Assist but don’t do. Study and homework are crucial opportunities for your son to consolidate and check his understanding of coursework. It might seem easier to just do homework or assessment tasks for your son when he is struggling but in the end this does not assist his educational journey.

NAPLAN PREPARATION

In week 5, we held our NAPLAN practice test, which highlighted areas of improvement. A key concern was students not being prepared with the required equipment.

We urge all parents to ensure have the following items for each day of testing:

• Fully charged laptop + charger
• Pencil case
• Wired Earphones (not Bluetooth)

We will be working with all students in years 7 and 9 over the coming weeks to ensure their readiness for these tests. A reminder of our testing schedule is below:

Should you have any concerns regarding NAPLAN or your son’s participation please email tim.lindeberg@ipc.qld.edu.au. Further information can be provided on application.

Shane Dove | Director of Curriculum 

Pastoral / Well-being

REMINDER - Student ID Photos

A third catch-up ID photo session has been scheduled for Tomorrow.  This is the final time students will be able to get a photograph taken for their school ID card and also a homeroom photograph.

An email has gone home to those students who are yet to have a photo taken with the following information:

Friday, 3 March 9 AM

Waterford Place Learning Resource Centre - Level 2

Full Formal Uniform Required - Including BELT.

Hair to be groomed and face to be clean shaven.

This will be the last time that this will be able to be done as the rest of the parent body is waiting for their photos. We need to finalize all remaining students to get all photos to the printers for this to happen. If the photo cannot be taken on Friday, unfortunately, your son’s photo will not appear in homeroom and sporting photos in the Yearbook and as part of the purchase option.

Please check in with your Son/s tonight and check if he requires an ID photograph tomorrow.

Thank you

Pathways Hub

School-based Apprenticeship

We are happy to announce that Thomas Keir (12 Carew) has been signed up as a school-based apprentice with Mark Graham Electrical (MGE). Congratulations, Thomas on securing this opportunity to gain skills and a qualification whilst still at school.

Industry Placement

Next week about 160 Year 11 and 12 students will be 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.

Could parents of these students please peruse their son’s logbooks and remind them of the importance of having pages 13 and 14 completed by their employers. Four fully completed logbooks could earn the boys 2 QCE points. Please check with the boys to make sure they are ready for Monday and that they return their Logbooks to the Pathways office on Monday of Week 8.

If the students wish to change placements for Term 2, they must have the purple Change of Placement form completed and lodged with the Pathways office by Friday, 19 May 2023 (Week 5).

Thank you to Mrs Vignale for all the hard work she has put in to make the work placement process run smoothly.

Work Experience

Any year 10 or senior student wishing to organise a week of work experience during the Easter Holidays needs to have finalised all the necessary paperwork by Friday 17 March.  If you are unsure what you need, please come to the Pathway Hub and Mrs Vignale can assist you.  At this stage, we have no students wanting to do work experience during these holidays to ascertain if a certain occupation is a good fit for them.

Inductions

Our Year 11 VET students attending Industry Placement next week did their School-based Inductions last week.  This is part of our process by helping them become ready for their upcoming Industry Placement.  The students were lucky enough to have Ms Dallas Webster (HR manager) from Wulguru Group and Mr Jason Rosler (Manager) from Bonlec along to explain what the employer’s expectations are.  This is invaluable information, and we thanked them for both making the time to come and speak with the students.

Zeb Kyle | Program Leader Skills and Training

Careers Hub

CQU Townsville: Year 12 University Experience

Start: 24th Mar 2023 9:00 am
End: 24th Mar 2023 1:45 pm
Duration: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Location: CQUniversity Townsville, Building 2, Ground Floor

University Experience is a free, one day on-campus event allowing Year 12 students an opportunity to explore their post-high school options, including both higher education degrees and TAFE courses. It provides high school students an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a CQU student.

• Explore study options available after high school and participate in a fun, experiential day at a CQU campus
• Experience two course areas of interest and participate in hands-on activities delivered by CQU teaching staff and current students
• Whether you choose to study on campus or online get a taste for student life – receive a personalised timetable, tour the campus and talk to students about their experience with us.

Date: Friday, 24 March 2023

Time: Event will run from 9 am – 1.45 pm with sign up from 8.30 am.

Sign Up: Via QR Code in Pathways Hub

RSVP Deadline: Thursday 16^th March

FEE-FREE TAFE PLACES FOR QUEENSLANDERS IN 2023

If you are thinking about a TAFE course to be job ready, to upskill or retrain, now is the time with Fee Free TAFE at CQUniversity or TAFE Qld. With a huge choice of skill sets, certificates and diplomas across a wide array of industries, 2023 is the year that sees you ready to go!

WHAT’S FREE?

Free means the Australian and Queensland Governments will cover the full cost of training in a high-priority qualification that is included on the list below, so eligible students don't contribute to training fees. However, students may incur related costs such as uniform and resource costs.

CQU Fee Free Course Link                                              TAFE Fee Free Course List

Match My Skills

Need help finding a course that suits you? Match My Skills sees you work through the steps and create a list of QUT courses that may be of interest to you. It takes less than 10 minutes. Take the quiz. 

AFP Forensics Work Experience Program

Applications are now open for the AFP Forensics Work Experience Program!

The one-week program held in Canberra is for years 10-12 students who want to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), particularly in forensic science.

The first course will be held in May 2023 and the second in September 2023.

You have until 10 March 2023 to submit your application.

For more information and how to apply, click here: https://jobs.afp.gov.au/forensicsworkex

Fiona Williamson |  Careers Counsellor 

Indigenous and Multicultural

Last week twenty-five senior Indigenous and Multicultural students participated in the IPC Volunteer Program at Vincent State School. Our students assisted the VSS grounds staff in assembling new classroom furniture and tidy up the gardens and oval, while many students also assisted HPE classes. The students reported that the experience was very enjoyable and they look forward to building connections and working with Vincent State School throughout the year.

The Indigenous and Multicultural Program staff would like to thank the students and families who were able to attend the Journey 2 Jobs program information night on Wednesday, week 5, It was a great turnout with lots of information and opportunities shared with students and families. It was great to see so many families come together and meet a lot of new faces, and we look forward to working with you all throughout the year.

We would also like to acknowledge past and present Ignatius Park Indigenous and Multicultural students who were selected in the Blackhawks under 16 and 18s round 1 team as well as the Cowboys Young Guns trial in cairns. Well done to Sitiveni Afu, Lincoln Baker, Izaya Leadie, Wyatt Lourigan, Jonah Raidaveta, Rayzarlin Pearson, Tekelu Mene and Jamal Shibasaki.

Dylan O'Connor | Indigenous and Multicultural Leader

Co-Curricular

Congratulations to Lachlan Patterson and Monty Curran who have been selected into the NQ Volleyball Team to compete at the upcoming State Championships.

BASKETBALL

The IPC white Basketball team played Southern Cross Catholic College in the second round of the Year 7 & 8 Basketball competition. The boys played an excellent team game and did Iggy proud. Resulting in a 92 - 32 victory!  Well done, boys!

The IPC Year 9 and 10 Basketball team won convincingly against Kirwan last week. The team played with intensity and came away with a 20-point win!

Swimming

Congratulations, Jake Piccolo, Joshua Eggins and Matthew Lynch, who have been selected for the NQ Swim Team to compete at the state championships in Brisbane on March 28.

Rugby Union 

The IPC 1st XV rugby team travelled to Townsville Grammar School on Saturday, accompanied by a group of 100 enthusiastic Blue Brigade boys. It was a highly anticipated match, and the IPC team did not disappoint with an impressive display of skill and teamwork.

From the start, IPC dominated the game with their aggressive style of play and solid defence. The team went into half-time with a commanding lead of 21 points to nil, leaving Townsville Grammar struggling to keep up.

In the second half, the pressure continued as IPC piled on more points, ultimately resulting in a convincing 33 to 7 victory. The team's five tries were scored by Marley Scarf, Andre Corradini (2), Caleb Keir, and Josh Morton, with Mitchell Waldon converting four of them.

The players who stood out with their outstanding performances were Mitchell Waldon, who received three points and was awarded man of the match, Luke Madsen, who received two points, and Jayden Chilby, who received one point.

The IPC team demonstrated their impressive skills and teamwork, which proved too much for Townsville Grammar. It was a well-deserved victory for the team, who can now look forward to their next match with confidence. Congratulations to the IPC 1st XV rugby team on an outstanding performance!

Rowing 

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 

Community

Art Design Awards & Literary Competition

https://ieuqnt.org.au/competitions/?fbclid=IwAR1gfPNk-DgU_3pNJMsmbtkj37mltTmwDWiCPHbI9dBBjPyhC0C0t3WdqDM

IEU-QNT’s annual Awards for Excellence in Art Design and Literary Competition help to recognise and encourage the artistic and literary talents of Queensland and Northern Territory students and teachers.

The Excellence in Art Design Awards invite entries from preschool, primary and secondary school students and teachers in non-government schools throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The Literary Competition invites Queensland and Northern Territory students and teachers to share their literary prowess by submitting either poetry, short stories or non-fiction prose.  It is Queensland’s longest running literary competition.