Term 2 Week 8 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Edmund Rice restoring the circle of the Celtic Cross - Walking his footsteps.

Within the last week, I have returned from our Edmund Rice Education Global Congress in Dublin, Ireland. I would firstly acknowledge and thank Mr Jason Sepetauc, Acting Principal, Mr Mark Holmes, Acting Deputy Principal and Mrs Bianca Babargallo, Acting Director of Identity and Mission, for their work in my absence – it was a time filled with challenges and highlights, so I would really express my appreciation and commendation for their leadership.

As I travelled through the countryside of Ireland, I saw many large celtic crosses. It reminded me that at Ignatius Park College, we have a large replica of the Celtic Cross in front of the school based on the cross in Monasterboice, Ireland. The Celtic Cross is symbolised by the central figure of Christ interwoven with divine action, the column depicts scriptural stories and the new life offered by the risen Christ and, finally, the circle. It is believed that the circle represents the pre-Christian past, in particular, the sun, where all creation steams from, and the four indentations represent the four seasons of the Celtic year. It was believed by attaching the sun to the Son on the cross was to acknowledge the fullness of creation in Christ. To restore the circle to the Celtic cross was to give people their place in the sun – something that Edmund Rice set out to do.

What was very significant in my travels was not only networking with the other 280 Principals from Edmund Rice schools but also realising that EREA is a world leader in establishing global partnerships. In my pilgrimage “Walking in the Footsteps of Edmund Rice”, I was inspired by visiting Waterford and Callan, the birthplace and home of Edmund Rice (1762 – 1844), a shipping merchant, who established the Christian Brothers, when he decided to set up a school for boys, who were disadvantaged and were not getting an education. Edmund was about liberating and empowering his students, a spirit that is still reflected in our College today. As a College, we are absolutely committed to our global learning and partnerships, which I was able to consolidate at the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) Congress with twenty countries represented. While at the congress, I was able to further develop relationships with schools in Ireland, South America, Africa and England.

As part of the congress, I visited Midleton Christian Brothers Secondary School in County Cork. It is an all-boy’s school, similar size to Iggy Park, who were keen to show their wonderful gifts and talents. The school was proud to display its skills in hurling after recently winning the Rice Cup for the best Edmund Rice hurling school in Ireland. The school was also proud to show their ability in music, art and technology, amidst wonderful Irish hospitality.

The highlight of the congress was the celebration of the Eucharist with all the global principals around the tomb of Blessed Edmund Rice with the Bishop of Waterford. This sacred moment for me provided an opportunity to reflect on Edmund’s life and ask: What drove him to this sense of connectedness with the world around him? Edmund’s own Celtic Spirituality and the belief that the face of Jesus was to be found in the poor would have challenged him to find his monastery in the streets. Reaching out to those in need and providing hospitality to the poor was entrenched in the Celtic tradition. The circle around the Celtic Cross would have reminded Edmund of his own humanity within the cosmos, in which God exists within creation. The cross, a Christian symbol, would have reminded Edmund that Jesus carried the cross to Calvary, that through his own faith and love for God, he could overcome any obstacle and “Live Jesus in his Heart Forever”

This is the challenge of our College community today. The pilgrimage and congress reminded me that we are all called to restore the circle to the Celtic cross, to live a vision and spirit now globally that was established over two hundred years ago by a man who respected the human dignity of every person.

Bugsy Malone

It was an absolute privilege to attend the three-school production of Bugsy Malone last weekend. This was the first production Ignatius Park College has hosted for some six years, and the standard of this production was outstanding. Well done to the entire cast and crew who worked on this production. I would especially like to congratulate to our students who displayed unbelievable talent and skills in their roles and wonderfully depicted each character, including the accents.  

Also, thank you to the following staff who have given countless hours to rehearsals and production preparation that include Kylie Tillack, Katrina Guazzo, Jon Roberts, Tess Higgins, Adriana Rossi, Andrew Hodgson, Leo Hogan and Drew Thompson. In particular, thank you to Mrs Samantha Carter, a parent who was a wonderful support.

Prayer

TRASNA (A Celtic word meaning Spiritual Crossing Place)

Raphael Considine PVBM

The pilgrims paused on the ancient stones

In the mountain gap.

Behind them stretched the roadway they had travelled.

Already a far journey…was it a lifetime?

Ahead, mist hid the track.

Unspoken the question hovered: Why go on?

Is life not short enough? Why seek to pierce its mystery?

Why venture further on strange paths, risking all?

Surely that is a gamble for fools…or lovers.

Why not return quietly by the known road?

Why be a pilgrim still?

A voice they knew called to them, saying: This is Trasna, the crossing-place.

Choose! Go back if you must, You will find your way easily by yesterday’s road,

You can pitch your tent by yesterday’s fires,

There may be life in the embers yet. If that is not your deep desire,

What am I seeking? What is my quest?

When your star rises deep within, Trust yourself to its leading.

You will have light for your first steps.

This is Trasna, the crossing-place. Choose!

This is Trasna, the crossing-place. Come!

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever!

Shaun Clarke | Principal 

From the Deputy

Last week I re-introduced the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Touchstones for the purpose of reminding the community of our true calling as Catholic School educators. In this newsletter, I will expand on two of the four Touchstones in the hope of articulating our evangelising mission. 

Erea Touchstones| Liberating Education

The origin of Ignatius Park College (IPC) came from Blessed Edmund Rice. His faith and vision to educate the poor and marginalised boys of Waterford, Ireland in 1802 has created a worldwide legacy. Edmund knew that an education would help to liberate these boys from poverty and hopelessness to fully live the life God meant them to have. Today IPC teachers build upon Edmund’s legacy to create truly liberating education opportunities.  

EREA encourages all students to work to the best of their ability. IPC provides this opportunity through a broad range of subject choices and pathways.  

We offer Literacy and Numeracy programs that meet the individual needs of boys, elective choices so boys can explore their interests, and diverse senior pathways. Traditional ATAR pathways are complemented with skills and training opportunities to meet rapidly evolving post school learning and labour markets.  

An IPC education also calls boys to prophetic leadership in the community beyond their time as a student. To be truly liberated an ‘Iggy Boy’ needs to combine his talents and opportunity with a sense of duty. To seek the truth of God’s word. In their work teachers are mindful of using education as a liberator, and to encourage boys to have a positive influence in the community by using their education to promote the common good.   

Justice, solidarity, advocacy and service are evident in the planning of the IPC curriculum. This is no more evident than in our commitment to include Religious Education as part of our learning programs. The value of a religious education is a critical element of the liberating nature of an Edmund Rice education, and a point of difference with other schools. A liberating education asks us to be servant leaders.  

EREA Touchstones | Inclusive Community 

As an EREA school we are called to be accepting, welcoming and to foster right relationships. We are committed to the Catholic Social Teaching (CST) of working for the common good. The origin of CST, and EREA Touchstones, are the teachings of Jesus. Link to CST information  

At IPC inclusive community means many things and is always evolving. Our pastoral care system is one example that nurtures the dignity of each boy. We recognise and praise achievements, challenge boys to be the best they can be and encourage boys towards better paths when they stray with empathy and love.  

We also demonstrate preference for the poor. Programs like the Toast Room are easy to identify and continue to be important in the formation of boys. Mostly unseen is the sensitivity and assistance IPC shows families who face difficulties. They are included and welcomed with dignity. 

IPC is also a place of diversity. This is celebrated, not just tolerated. Recently this was evident in our Reconciliation Week celebrations. Diversity in race, religion, disability, gender and sexual orientation enriches our community and brings us closer to liberation.  

We would not be able to do this without the legacy of the Christian Brothers who built IPC. Their faith in both Jesus and Blessed Edmund Rice allowed them the generosity of spirit to create the vibrant and inclusive community boys thrive in today.   

Next Newsletter I will explore the two remaining touchstones, Gospel Spirituality and Justice and Solidarity.  

Curriculum Corner

Key dates for Term 2 

June 13 – Start of Year 12 Mid Unit 4 Exam Week

June 19 – Start of Year 7 – 10 Exam Week

June 23 – Year 11 Reports Issued

YEAR 7 – 10 END OF SEMESTER 1 EXAM SCHEDULE

Examinations for Years 7 – 10 will commence during week 9 and finish in week 10 to end the semester.

The exam schedule for each year level has been published, and 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 Student Café / Parent Lounge for the assignment draft and due dates.

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

A general reminder about our AARA process:

• 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.
• The completed AARA form and 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 here: https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/ Alternatively, hard copies of this form are available from the Edmund Rice Office. 
  

RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: 

As technology continues to evolve, so does the way our students engage with their academic work. At Ignatius Park College, we strive to provide our boys with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. A range of such tools are constantly evolving in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI products such as ChatGPT, offer language models that may be of assistance to students in researching and preparing assignments, but their use needs to be carefully monitored. Accordingly, it is crucial for parents to understand the responsible use of such products.

Below are guidelines that parents need to be aware of to ensure their sons are maintaining academic integrity:

1. AI is not always accurate: AI tools can, and do, produce inaccurate, outdated and bias results. It is crucial that students cross-check any ‘factual information’ generated by AI with reliable, reputable sources.
2. Proofreading and editing is crucial: While AI can generate well-structured responses, it may not always be flawless. Encourage your sons to proofread and edit their work carefully, ensuring that the content remains coherent, accurate, and free from errors. Importantly, the work submitted must be their own!
3. AI does not replace the need for critical thinking: whilst AI tools can be a helpful resource, they should not replace student’s own research, thinking and creativity. Encourage your sons to view AI generated responses as a starting point for their ideas to develop their own thoughts and arguments. AI responses must not be the final product for submission.
4. Plagiarism is a serious offense: It is important students reference the sources of information used in assessment. Tools such as ChatGPT are not a credible source and should not be referenced. Students must verify and reference any information from other reputable sources.
5. Academic Penalties may apply: teachers will only mark assessment that can be verified as a student’s own work. AI generated responses and portions of assessment that are not accurately referenced will not be marked. This can have significant impact on students’ assessment marks and overall results in subjects.
   

By following these guidelines, we can ensure that our boys develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research, and writing while leveraging the benefits of technology.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr Shane Dove |  Director of Curriculum 

Regional RACI Titration Challenge - 31 May 2023

The RACI Queensland Titration Competition is a quantitative analytical competition open to Year 10 -12 students.  Two Year 12 teams, comprising of Nathaniel Barton (12S), Jude Foyle (12B), Liam Sutton (12E), Samuel Cozzitorto (12M) and Sebastion Archer (12S), took up the challenge in competing at this year’s regional challenge held at the Science Place, JCU.   Students completed a set of acid-base titrations to determine the unknown concentration of a weak acid. While our team scores did not cut the mustard in taking the top prize and being invited to the State challenge, Nathaniel Barton and Jude Foyle attained HIGH DISTINCTIONS for their individual results.  A great day and worthwhile in regards to Chemistry revision for their upcoming external exams!

FOTE Morning Tea 

Another successful morning tea was held by Mrs Kenyon’s Year 7 Food Technology on Tuesday morning. All guests were treated to first-class service, delicious food (served with a smile), engaging conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. Very few pizza pinwheels, lemonade scones, choc chip cookies or bacon and egg tarts were left behind…a testament to the great cooking skills developed by the boys. Thank you to all involved, including Kitchen Aides Joanne Long, Monique Bebb and Leonie Shucksmith, who helped make this event a memorable one.

Morning Tea Gallery

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Pastoral

In the busy Pastoral team of Ignatius Park College, we maintain that the central point of difference and what separates IPC from other educational settings is the relational basis from which everything else is based. Edmund Rice himself once espoused “Were we to know the merit and value of taking a personal interest in each student on a day to day basis, we would value it more than our weekly wage”. The humble homeroom each morning provides the sense of friendship, trust and value that all young men need to thrive. They are guided by their homeroom teacher, who takes a keen interest in the individual journey of each of their homeroom students through the years. Our house system then provides the next layer of belonging, focusing on the individual talents of the students within each house, also celebrating their recent successes. This forum also provides the college with the atmosphere to make our expectations clear to all students. Finally, at a whole school level, we speak on college assemblies reiterating the ideology that individual students matter, the house matters, and the school matters. Each of us play a small role in keeping the spirit of Edmund alive and well, maintaining the standards of those who have gone before us and harnessing the revitalized energy this College has at its disposal.

In recent weeks, Pastoral focus points have been on student responsibilities such as wearing hats at breaks, using our lockers appropriately for laptop security and concentrating on our conduct, particularly in the junior school. Of course the aim of this is that we are preparing them for the world of work beyond IPC where individual responsibilities are in fact a necessity. Some students in our community have needed reminding of their responsibilities recently, however that is all part of the learning curve as our students transition from boys to young men. Thanks to families who have ensured their sons have a hat, school jacket for those cooler mornings and are being punctual to school each day. Your support makes a huge difference.

Well done to the year 7 students who went and saw the college production “Bugsy Malone” on Friday the 2^nd of June. Their behaviour throughout the morning was exemplary and a real credit to both their families and the school. I was proud to be there to witness not only the appreciation shown by them, but also the immense talent on display on the stage.  Also, congratulations to Brayden Lewis, and also old boy Kaleb Lewis on taking their place on the “Blue Wall” last week. Both of these fine young men have become very respected referees in the sport of Hockey and have reached state level for their efforts. It is only fitting that they are rewarded by seeing their names placed alongside our other high achievers of the past.

John Deer | Director of Students

Identity and Mission

As we enter the final phase of the term and the colder months, it is important to reflect on what we are 'feeding' ourselves not just physically, but spiritually also.  We live in an age that invented junk food: food that is not real food because it supplies no nourishment and can be harmful to eat. It’s not surprising, then, that we also consume volumes of reporting that is mostly opinion, and inform ourselves from sources we can’t even identify. Our cultures popular stories are thin, recycled, and not transformative. A lot of what we take in – to our bodies, our minds, our hearts – is just junk.

Some people awaken to that reality and try to make changes. They train themselves to walk past the processed food aisle in the market. They turn off the TV, forsake pre-packaged options, seek out stories which lead beyond romance or cynicism. They look for people engaged in vital living, who go beyond the existence loop that many of us have crawled into: work, eat, entertain, sleep. Some people are looking for true food.

Jesus offers true food to those who believe. Eucharist is how we express that, but the sacrament takes us beyond the sacred elements to the flesh-and-blood avenues of our lives. Jesus gave us the Eucharist to open our eyes to the words he spoke, the stories he told, the transformative action of Spirit that helps us break out of the existence loop and into lives that matter. When we’ve had enough junk food, the true food is on the table.

What nourishes your body and your spirit? How much cultural junk do you consume, in proportion to the true food of faith?

Pray

Generous, loving God, we ask you to give us today our daily bread. As we store the crops, and fill our sheds, stack our shelves, pile high the tins, and wander the aisles of supermarket choice, show us how to see the world through the eyes of the hungry. Teach us how to share with all, our daily bread. 

Amen.

Ponder

Consider the ratio of “junk food” in your life to the true food that Jesus offers. Plan a new diet, lessening the amount of time you surrender to useless, lifeless activity. Increase your intake of good food, inspiring stories, real relationships.

Have a great week everyone. 

Mark Holmes | Director - Identity and Mission

Pathways Hub

Industry Placement

We currently have 150 Year 11 and 12 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.

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 9.

If the students wish to change placements for Term 3, they must have the purple Change of Placement form completed and lodged with the Pathways office by Friday, 4 August 2023 (Week 4).

Work Experience

Any year 10 or senior student wishing to organise a week of work experience during the June/July Holidays needs to have finalised all the necessary paperwork by Friday, 16 June.  At this stage, 4 students will be doing work experience these holidays to ascertain if a certain occupation is a good fit for them. My aim is to facilitate all senior students to participate in work experience whilst at school.

Apprenticeships

There are an increasing number of Apprenticeship opportunities in a variety of trade areas that are becoming available. Please keep an eye on the notices for future opportunities.

Mr Zeb Kyle  | Program Leader Skills and Training 

Careers Hub

Youth Innovation Festival 

Friday, 26 May, saw 12 students represent IPC at the annual Youth Innovation Festival.  Students came together to address the issues in North Queensland head-on, participating in lively talks and brainstorming sessions to create microbusiness solutions. The main goal was to make sure that

 the students' concepts were not just original but also workable and realistic. It was encouraging to see the emergence of regional solutions with the potential to create remarkable change.

Youth Innovation Festival Gallery

Physiotherapy coming to CQU Cairns in 2024

Exciting news for aspiring Physiotherapists! CQUniversity will offer its prestigious Physiotherapy course in Cairns from 2024.

Why Choose CQU's Physiotherapy program in Cairns? 

• A brand-new anatomy lab for simulations and practical learning experiences
• Extensive clinical placements with allied health services 
• Attainable entry requirements include an ATAR of 77.0, straightforward applications, and pathway options
  

Register your interest now! https://bit.ly/physiocns

QANTAS Female and First Nations Pilot Scholarships

Qantas is offering 50 scholarships to female students and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to help you get your career off to a flying start at their Pilot Academy.

The $1.5 million investment over five years is part of Qantas and Jetstar’s plans to meet the demand for Australia’s growing aviation industry and encourage more diversity in the flight deck.

Each scholarship is worth up to $30,000 and covers accommodation at the Academy, meals and utilities. Tuition fees are additional.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity here.

2023 Engineering Link Project 

The 2023 Engineering Link Project is a one-day workshop where engineers from the local community, as well as engineers from JCU, work with students in Years 10, 11 and 12 in two half-day engineering projects. Over lunch, students will also participate in “Speed Talks” – small groups of students talk to visiting engineers about their careers for a few minutes, and then rotate.

There is more information about the program on our website:

 https://www.telg.com.au/programs/elp/

This year’s project will be held on Saturday, 15 July at James Cook University, from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm. Students can download a flyer here, find out more information and register at https://www.telg.com.au/register/

2023 Future Jobs Report 

The World Economic Forum has recently released the 2023 Future of Jobs Report, which explores the trends that will shape the workforce over the next five years. Below are some of its key findings:

Opportunity for Year 12s with the Department of Home Affairs

Defence Corner

Extended Military training will begin toward the end of June and carry through until September. This can be a difficult time for our Defence students and their families. Please ensure you let our Defence School Mentor know if you have a family member who is heading away on training or deployment. Our Defence School Mentor can help guide students and support their well-being through our Mentor Program.

Regular DSM programs:

Carolyne Drummond | Defence School Mentor 

Co-Curricular

Block Sport 

Rugby League 

The Year 7 white team had a home game against Kirwan Red on Tuesday, the boys played very well, going down in a narrow loss 8-4. The Blue team travelled to Kirwan and also had a very close game going down 5-4.

The IPC Yr8 team travelled to Thuringowa, winning 56-4 to record their 3rd win in a row after a very skilled performance. The boys are now waiting for the semi-final to be played before they look to continue their undefeated run of victories in the grand final in a week’s time.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Year 9&10 Ignatius Park team played their first game of the competition, playing Kirwan Red at Townsville District Junior Rugby League grounds. The boys put on a masterful display running in 7 tries to 3 and taking a well-deserved victory.

Upon completion of that game, IPC second 13 took to the park in their 3 games of the competition, Playing the strong Kirwan red team. After scoring first and holding their own all game, the boys came away with a narrow 4-point loss.

Recently the Year 9&10, and Open teams played in the Blocksport League competition semi-finals at TDJRL on Wednesday. Both teams are now playing Kirwan in the Grand Final!

Last week, the Cowboys Challenge squad embarked on a journey to Mackay for our Round 1 match against St Patrick’s College. During this trip, the players received their jerseys and listened to inspiring words from the First XIII squad, emphasizing the significance of representing Ignatius Park College. Unfortunately, on the morning of the game, squad members fell ill with the flu and were unable to participate, which, combined with the formidable St Patrick’s College team, resulted in a 26-6 defeat for our boys. Nevertheless, this loss provided valuable lessons for the team. As we approach the upcoming week, the players showcased their improvement as they faced Kirwan SHS yesterday, with both teams coming away 12-12 draw. 

Interschool Cross Country 

The Ignatius Park Cross country team attended the NQ cross country trials on Tuesday, the boys were very competitive cross all the age groups. Final results will be released soon. A big congratulations to Tom Dodds, who finished second in the U16, 6km race and has gained a sport on the North Queensland Cross country team to compete in Hervey Bay next month.

IPC Chess

A big day on the boards last Wednesday.  The Hall was full of colour and competition.  All up, approximately 200 students were in attendance, with 54 registered to play from IPC.  A huge thank you to Lyn and the team from the Tuckshop for catering for the needs of all students on the day.    

We picked up a few gongs as well..…

INDIVIDUAL MERIT AWARD WINNERS (4.5 wins from 7 games)

Lachlan CRAWSHAW
Aiden CRAWSHAW

Christian HEALY

Blake PEARCE

Mitchell HOBBS
Mason STOUT

Cohen SCHAFER

Hayden LLOYD

Ethan CAVANAGH

SECONDARY A DIVISION – TEAM EVENT

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS:

Ethan ARMSTRONG

Tyler PANNACHE

Hayden KING

Jackson HATCHARD

SECONDARY A DIVISION – INDIVIDUAL EVENT

GOLD MEDAL WINNER:

Ethan ARMSTRONG (6 from 7)

Rugby Union 

NQ Representation at QLD U18 Schoolboys Rugby Union Championships

We are proud to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of our students at the recent QLD U18 Schoolboys Rugby Union Championships held on the Gold Coast. Sean Weir's remarkable performance has earned him a spot in the QLD 1 team, which will compete at the Nationals in July for a chance to represent the Australian Schoolboys team.

IPC NQ players, included Jack Bragg, Andre Corridini, Stewart Gordon, Marley Scarf, Joshua Morton, Lleyton Dooley, Reagan Knowles, Aiden Knowles, Archie Allen, Mitchell Waldon, and Jayden Chilby, who represented themselves, our region, our college, and their families with great pride and sportsmanship.

Their outstanding skills and conduct on and off the field serve as a shining example for our school community. We extend our gratitude to their families for their unwavering support. We wish Sean Weir the best of luck at the upcoming Nationals and congratulate all our students on their remarkable achievements.

Union Gallery

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Debating 

Three IPC teams through to quarter finals

Both of our Year 9/10 debating teams (Blake De Satge, Louie Ferres, Jackson Hatchard, Jake Piccolo, Elliot Gilmore, Jack Montgomery, Gordon Richards and Euan Roberts) along with our Senior team (Nathan Dolan, Jude Foyle, Tate Hastie, Benjamin Hatchard and Daniel Mosch) are all through to the debating quarter finals which will be held later in the term for the seniors, and early next term for the Year 9/10 teams. The quarter final debates are impromptu with only two hours’ notice of the topic, and no internet or coach input. Congratulations to all teams for progressing this far!

Rowing 

On Sunday, June 4th, Ignatius Park held its final local regatta of the term, marking the third event of its kind. Unlike the previous regatta, this one presented much rougher conditions for rowing, with river weed obstructing the finish line and strong winds posing a challenge for boats lining up at the start. However, despite these obstacles, the boys persevered, and the conditions gradually improved as the day progressed.

Throughout the day, numerous crews achieved success and showed improvement compared to the previous regatta. Notably, the Year 8s stood out with their exceptional performance. In the Schoolboys Single Scull event, Harry Leoni delivered an outstanding performance, securing second place in the final. He finished just four seconds behind the first-place rower and outpaced the third-place finisher by a considerable 13 seconds. This remarkable effort by the Year 8s was further shown in the Double Scull event, where Harry Leoni partnered with Marlon Lau, as well as in the Quad Scull event, with the crew of Harry Leoni, Marlon Lau, Xander Chun Tie, and Willem Palin. Both boats performed admirably, getting second place in their final. The double scull missed out on first place by a mere three seconds. Congratulations to the boys for their achievements.

In the Open Single event, Thomas Bartels once again showcased his rowing skills, claiming first place in the heat and second place in the final, finishing a mere three seconds behind the winner.

The last race of the day contained two Open Eights: the First Eight, consisting of Thomas Bartels, Sebastian Arends, Aiden Phelan, Ethan Cavanagh, Caius Arnold, Rory Foyle, Vincent Micale, and Harrison Biggins, coxed by Co-Captain Jude Foyle; and the Development Eight, comprising Ethan Cavanagh, Ethan Catt, Harrison Barrett, Rylan Coleman, Hayden King, Gordon Richards, Logan Webster, and Angus Woodhouse, coxed by Kai Burchell. Despite Kenta Muirhead being absent due to illness, Harrison Biggins stepped in and helped the First Eight maintain their third place. Meanwhile, the Development Eight showed significant improvement since the beginning of the year, finishing fourth in the race. The boat had improved their time from the first regatta by 15 seconds, an impressive feat considering that most of the crew members are in Year 10 or even lower in an Open event.

We extend our gratitude to the parents and carers for not only their invaluable assistance in ensuring the smooth running of the regatta, but their ongoing commitment to their son’s training. A lot is sacrificed in order to wake up at 4:30 in the morning three times a week, and it is greatly appreciated. We would also like to express our appreciation to the coaches who support us, facilitate these fantastic results, and keep us focused on our goals.

If you would like to see the rest of the results, they can be found here: 2023 The Cathedral School Regatta 

Vincent Micale | Co-captain of Boats.

Musical Bugsy Malone

Bugsy Malone a Resounding Success

For those who were involved ‘poisonally’, or for those who were lucky enough to be in the audience, this year’s combined schools’ musical Bugsy Malone was, undoubtedly, a resounding success.

Host school Ignatius Park College (IPC) joined forces with St Margaret Mary’s and St Patrick’s Colleges to present the much-loved, family gangster musical. The comic and charismatic performances were realised with great skill at the Townsville Civic Theatre in the brief season from June 1-3.

For the past forty years, Bugsy Malone has captured the hearts and minds of children and adults alike, paying homage to the golden days of Hollywood. The brainchild of Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning writer and director Alan Parker, with music written by Paul Williams, the songs have become as iconic as the characters that sing them.

IPC staff ensured this slick show provided high production values, and that the numerous vocal and dance numbers were handled with great skill by the ensemble cast, who thrived under expressive choreography and well-rehearsed vocals. Equally impressive was the musical direction and combined staff and student band that took us back to the speakeasies of 1920s New York.

Leading a talented cast of more than seventy students from Years 7 to 12, IPC seniors Connor Kenyon as Bugsy Malone and Domenick Osborne as Fat Sam, set the pace with considerable skill and dedication. Harrison Rush as Cagey Joe and Ben Hatchard as Leroy are also worth notable mention. Dim-witted police officers Smolsky and O’Dreary, played by Dylan Hill and Luke Quincey, never failed to get a laugh. Equally impressive were our junior and middle school IPC students Riley Johnston, Marcus Carter, Joshua Symons, Jack Kelly and Coben Miles who all created defining and memorable moments throughout the show.  

At their best in the individual showstoppers, the stage laid bare and the spotlight focused centre stage, Bridget Baxter and Amelia Betcher displayed impressive control over their vocal solos as Blousey and Tallulah respectively.  Isabelle Gilbride as Fizzy also did a beautiful job with one of the show’s most memorable numbers, Tomorrow, filling it with sensitivity and hope.

It’s not hard to imagine that Bugsy Malone, beginning with the 1976 British film of the same name, has been transformed into an educational musical institution as it simply brings such joy.  Our splurge guns and custard pies may have been replaced with oversized fruit and veg that ensured the gangsters got the chop – but they still packed a punch and our talented team certainly delivered ‘The Goods’ while reminding us that ….’if you give a little love, it all comes back to you’.

Mr Jon Roberts |Teacher

Bugsy Malone Gallery

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Enrolments

If you have a Son/s who is due to commence Year 7 in 2024  it's now urgent that you apply.  Year 7, 2024 enrolment interviews have begun and places are extremely limited.

Please follow the link below if you have not yet enrolled. 

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.

Parent Lounge - How to

To advise the College your Son is away sick you can use Parent Lounge:

If you are using a computer, down the left-hand side of the screen, go to Absences (this will be called Attendance from a mobile phone)

Click on Add Absence Notification at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen:

Select the Student and then fill in the form with Reason for Absence and attach a Medical Certificate if required, and click Submit New: