Term 3 Week 4 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

A Spirit of Excellence

At our school assembly last week, we gathered as a college community to congratulate those students who received Diligence Awards for Semester One, acknowledging students who consistently demonstrated high levels of application, effort and engagement in their studies. It was a wonderful celebration of student achievement with 112 students being recognised for their outstanding results and their demonstration of excellence. The list of those who received awards is included in our newsletter.

It was wonderful to celebrate the talents and achievements of many of our students through our awards, the challenge remains for each and every for students to share their particular talents and to strive for excellence in what they do. Put simply, all students are challenged to give their best. To do anything less than their best will not be enough! 

Whether a students’ talents, ideas and pursuit of personal excellence is in the area of their academic studies, the creative arts, sport, or other areas of college life, the fact remains that success will require a commitment to work hard, a clear desire to fully engage and learn, and it will require a genuine application to the task. All things that each and every student is capable of in their own context.

Congratulations also to students who received awards for outstanding performance in age groups on Athletics Day and students' participation in the College production. Let us celebrate those students who have demonstrated a Spirit of Excellence within our College with the hope that every student can personally commit themselves to achieving excellence in the future.

Celebrating Catholic Education Week

Last week the Townsville Diocese celebrated Catholic Education Week. This year is the 150^th Year of celebrating Catholic education in the Townsville Diocese and our College was actively involved in the celebrations during the week which included our students participating in a pilgrim's walk from St Joseph's, The Strand (which is celebrating 150 Years) to the cathedral and the Catholic Education Week Award Dinner that was commentated by Nick Rowan and Daniel Mosch who were outstanding in presenting each award recipient. The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Bishop Tim Harris and Father Rod Ward (all old boys of an Edmund Rice school). Congratulations to Nathaniel Barton who received the Deus Caritas Est Award for Ignatius Park College.

This week reminds us that Ignatius Park College is a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition. It was the teachings of Jesus that inspired Blessed Edmund Rice to create an educational system that developed the whole child, ensuring his schools were a place of a respectful sense of the scared, an education for liberation, and a place where students feel safe. Catholic Education Week is an important time for us as a College community to recognise and appreciate the immense positive impact as a Catholic school we have on our youth, our communities, and our world. I believe at Iggy Park we prepare our students to live the Gospel values authentically in our world.  Pope Francis stated: “A Catholic education is an environment that seeks to develop the whole person, not just the mind, but also the spirit and heart.”

Living the Iggy Spirit

Last weekend I was fortunate to witness the twelve students who rode the Townsville to Cairns Charity Ride come over the finishing line. This was an amazing group of students who not only raised money to support research into overcoming child cancer but rode over 350 kilometres to Cairns. These students showed resilience, determination, and great teamwork to support each other over the distance. Thank you to Paul Bruce, Michael Turner, and Greg Christ who rode with the cyclists, and Brian Geaney who drove the support van. Congratulations to the following students who completed the ride: Zachery Balnaves, Charlie Barringhaus, Harry Beasley, Marcus Farrands, Jack Hedger, Phillip Lander, Kaylon Perkins, Rafael Pyers, Jared Sargent, Luis Sirriss, Jarrah-Daniel Sorbello and Blair Staehr.

The College received an award for the continued contribution and support that is given to the Challenge Games every year. The Brian Greenaway Volunteer Excellence Trophy was created this year by the Challenge Games Committee in recognition of such persons or groups that support the Games and many students over the years and we were the first recipients.

Also, congratulations to our cricket team for winning the North Queensland titles last week.  Students this week will also be participating in the Queensland Vicki Wilson Netball finals in Brisbane and the Queensland Senior Schools Volleyball Cup in the Gold Coast. Good luck to both groups.

St. Mary of the Cross

Next Tuesday, 8^th August, is the Feast Day of St. Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop). The Sisters of St Joseph first established a school in Townsville on The Strand in 1873. In fact, in 1875 Mother Mary of the Cross visited the school for the first time and taught classes and later return to Townsville in 1878. This year in celebration of this day we are asked to be a community, like Mary, that is being fierce in the face of adversity and fair where there is injustice. Mary MacKillop saw families living on the margins without access to education, she set up a school to teach children herself — regardless of their situation. She and the Sisters of St Joseph went wherever the need was greatest. And despite facing enormous challenges, they continued to walk with people every step of the way.

Mary MacKillop Prayer

Ever-generous God,
You inspired St Mary MacKillop
to live her life faithful
to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and constant in bringing hope
and encouragement
to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy.
We ask that our faith and hope
be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too,
like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage,
trust, and openness.
Ever-generous God, hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever

Shaun Clarke | Principal 

Curriculum

Curriculum Corner

IMPORTANT CURRICULUM DATES FOR TERM 3

(dates are subject to change)

DILIGENCE AWARDS

Recently we celebrated Semester I Diligence Awards. The deserving recipients all demonstrated outstanding work ethic in Semester I, achieving Excellent across all subjects, or all Excellent except for 1 subject, which was no less than a Good, for their efforts in class. Congratulations to all those below. 

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YEAR 12 END OF UNIT 4 EXAMS

The Year 12 End of Unit 4 exam schedule is Live on our website. These exams will commence on Tuesday, 8 August in Week 5. Students and parents can view the schedule here:

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 assignment draft and due dates.

YEAR 10 SET PLAN AND INTERVIEW BOOKINGS

All students have now selected their subjects for 2024. If your son has not yet done this (the portal will be closed), please email curriculum@ipc.qld.edu.au as soon as possible.  

Students are now completing their SET Plan script for their interviews which will be held in Week 6, Friday, 18 August. Interview bookings are made through Parent Lounge (parents/carers will receive information about how to make bookings soon) and will be open on Monday, 7 August. Students will be assigned to a specific SET Plan interviewer and it is important parents are in attendance.

Please note that SET Plan interviews are compulsory. Subject selections will not be processed and students will not be enrolled in senior subjects until a SET Plan interview has been completed with the student and a parent/carer.

The SET Plan interview gives students an opportunity to explain and justify the choices for their senior years of schooling. The senior schooling expectations and obligations will be presented and the SET Plan interviewer will share some vital information about requirements put in place by the College to support you on your path to success.

Taiko Drums!

Embracing Tradition: Students immerse themselves in the art of Japanese Musical Instruments.

In a celebration of cultural diversity and a tribute to the rich heritage of Japan, students from the Japanese and Music classes gathered in the Hall for a unique experience, immersing themselves in the world of traditional Japanese musical instruments. Led by renowned musicians and instructors- Anne Norman and Toshi Sakamoto, the workshop offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to explore the rhythmic beats of the Taiko drum and the soulful melodies of the Shakuhachi flute.

The students were filled with excitement as they participated in the performance, eagerly trying their hand at playing Taiko drums of different sizes and experimenting with other traditional percussion instruments available. Even some teachers joined in on the fun, and I can personally attest that playing the Taiko drums is far more challenging than it appears!

Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the experience, making it an excellent opportunity to introduce our students to the richness of traditional Japanese culture and music.

Rebecca Irvine |Teacher in Charge - Languages

Taiko Drumming gallery

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Pastoral and Well-being

Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s School Immunisation Program team will again be visiting our school before the end of the year.

This is an opportunity for children who have missed their immunisations to be brought up to date in their protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Queensland’s School Immunisation Program is a safe, effective, and free way to protect your child and their peers from vaccine-preventable diseases.

In year 7, vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) is offered. In year 10, vaccination against meningococcal ACWY is offered.

These diseases can cause serious harm to your child.

If your child requires vaccination, simply collect a consent form from the student hub, then sign and return it so your child can be vaccinated at school by a qualified immunisation nurse.

Consent forms are also available at this link:

Young people | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

Are you or your son experiencing Exam Jitters? Don't worry we're here to help!

With Exams happening or coming up for most of our Students, it's essential to address the pressure they face and help them achieve their desired results without losing their sanity. In this month's edition of SchoolTV, they provide valuable advice for parents on supporting their children during this critical period. Discover how you can help your kids maintain perspective and keep stress levels low, creating a supporting environment for them to thrive!

Learn more here

https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/student-well-being-exam-jitters/?fbclid=IwAR37I2wUFuMUq8jX9NPpb1xuiOcLfDETeYwDK8_0WTwa0gELzieZxyJP5YY

John Deer | Director of Students

Identity and Mission

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Things are in full swing in the Identity & Mission space for Term 3. Last week, we had some wonderful celebrations for Catholic Education Week, of which you would have read about the occasion in my last article. A huge congratulations to our Catholic Education Week award winners - the Year 12 Student Award Deus Caritas Est - Nathaniel Barton and Teacher Award Nominee Mrs Nadine Burnett. We are privileged to have people like this amongst our College Community! 

This week saw the commencement of the Year 12 Townsville Drop-In Centre Visits. This is a fantastic tradition at the College and serves as a 'Rite of Passage' for our Senior Students. They, in small groups with a staff member for the next three weeks, attend the Homeless Shelter in South Townsville and cook a hot breakfast for the clients, which is donated by the college by funds raised by the students. This is an eye-opening experience for our College leaders as they cook and interact with the less fortunate in our society and hear the stories of people marginalized right in our very community of Tow

Mr Christ also has some amazing opportunities for our Student Middle Leaders this week to talk, interact, learn from and teach fellow Edmund Rice students from India and South America via Zoom calls. This is a great way to globally engage our students through Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders. 

EREBB – Global Classroom Partners 

This week we have two online meetings with our international partner schools.

Both meetings will be conducted in the Palm Room, LRC, from 3-4 pm.

SOUTH AFRICA - Wednesday 2^nd August – We are meeting with Veritas College, South Africa and CBC Bulawayo with our Senior Leaders and House Captains to discuss :

1. How an ER education has prepared them for life after school ‘in the real world’ ?
2. What do they see as the biggest challenges and changes in the world over the next 5-10 years?
3. How does Sport, Music and Culture balance and unite the world?

INDIA - Thursday, 3^rd August – We are meeting with St Vincent’s School, India to discuss the UN Sustainable Development Goals and share ideas for making the world a better place in the future.

This meeting will be with our year 9 Middle Leaders who had an introductory session with St Vincent’s earlier this term and are challenged to put some ideas into practice in our College community.

Mark Holmes |  Director Identity & Mission

Pathways Hub

Upcoming Industry Placement

All the VET and Industry Placement students will be out on industry placement in Week 7 (21^st-25^th August). This is a fantastic opportunity for the Year 11s to try different trades and for the Year 12s to try and get that apprenticeship.  This will be year 12's last industry placement for the year, so we wish them all the best.

Change of placement for this Term 3 closed on Tuesday, 1^st August.  Any forms handed in after this date will be processed in Term 4.

Diploma of Business

Congratulations to all 12 students who are now three-quarters of the way into completing their Diploma of Business.  The dates for Term 4 are Wednesday, 4^th – 6^th of October (Week 1).  The bus will be running like this term.  Students who wish to use the bus are required to be at school by 7.25 am so the bus can leave by 7.30 am.  The course starts at 8 am in the city.

Work Experience

We would encourage all year 10, 11 or 12 students to do work experience as it either consolidates their ideas about a chosen career or rules out a career from their possible/probable list of post-school options. It is now time to register for September Holidays.  This is a great opportunity for students to gain a look into possible career life after school.  If you would like more information regarding this, please get in touch with Mr Kyle or Mrs Vignale in the Pathway Hub.

CSQ Bricklaying Try A Trade Day

On Wednesday, the 25^th of July, four students participated in a Bricklaying Try A Trade Day. The bricklaying-specific event was an interactive program that allowed the students to gain valuable hands-on experience with a view to offering either school-based or full-time apprenticeships to the right candidate. The students enjoyed the day, and we have a student going to do work placement with one of the Bricklaying companies with the view of an apprenticeship in the future.

TRY A TRADE

Zeb Kyle | Program Leader Skills and Training

Careers Hub

Bionic Hand STEM Challenge

On Wednesday 26^th of August, 11 or our Year 10 students & Mr Anderson headed to The Cathedral College to participate in the Bionic Hand Challenge.  The challenge was to make a hand made out of cardboard, strings, straws and rubber bands, then program it to move remotely.  They related the bionic hand to their own to understand the function of the fingers and the importance of the thumb, to grab or hold objects with different shapes and forms. They also learned how it would not be possible to move the human hand if it was only composed of bones. It was this understanding of how bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments work, by comparing them with the materials used on the bionic hand to move the fingers.  

When humans are working in space, or in environments such as the surface of Mars, they must wear pressurized space suits.  This means that it requires more force for them to grasp objects, as they are working against the pressure in the suit.  The development of bionic hands that can be remotely operated can help to complete tasks which would be difficult or tiring for a human. 

Bionic Hand STEM gallery

Townsville Careers Expo

70 students from Years 10, 11 & 12 took to Townsville Stadium on Monday to attend the 19^th Annual Townsville Careers Expo, which is the longest-running and largest careers expo in the region. They took the opportunity to speak to exhibitors from a wide range of industries about future employment options and/or study paths.

Careers Expo gallery

CQU Open Day

Help your children take control of their future at CQU’s Townsville Open Day. Connect with CQU's teaching staff, discover range of university courses, and learn more about our outstanding range of student support services.

Register online and you’ll be kept up to date with the latest event info and you’ll automatically enter the draw to WIN one of three prizes: Macbook Air M1, Apple Watch SE or Apple AirPods.*

*Terms and condition apply. Available at cqu.edu.au/competitions.

Link: https://www.cqu.edu.au/events/townsville-open-day

QTAC

QTAC Remind Me is a service run by QTAC that enables students, parents, guardians and non-Year 12's customers to opt-in to receive timely reminders regarding ATAR release, application reminders, upcoming key dates and important admissions information. Subscribers of Remind Me benefit from receiving reminders via both SMS and email, beginning in mid-July, and finishing in February, with a break in between for Year 12 students during the block-out period for exams. 

QTAC Passport

Find the key information you need for your journey from high school to higher education:

• ATAR Application
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• QTAC Application
• Assistance schemes
• Preferencing
• Offers
• Expos and Open Days
• Important dates
• Year 12 Guide

Fiona Williamson |  Careers Counsellor 

Co-Curricular

Last week the year 7&8 touch team travelled to St Anthony’s Catholic College to play in the second round of the block sports competition. The boys played well, having a narrow loss to Kirwan, a draw with St Anthony’s and a win over Cathedral.

The open blocks sport team travelled to Calvary, coming up against a formidable side. The boys showed resilience and brotherhood in their loss.

Matt Arnold | Dean of Co-Curricular 

Rugby Union 

U12 NQ Schoolboys Rugby Union

IPC was once again well represented in the NQ Schoolboys U12 Rugby Union Team. The young and talented team recently travelled to Ipswich for the U12 QLD Championships. Though the ultimate result of securing 9th place may not have been what they had hoped for, the team's remarkable progress and unwavering spirit undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the field.

The championships spanned four intense days of action-packed matches, where the NQ Schoolboys displayed an inspiring level of improvement throughout the tournament. Their relentless dedication and hard work paid off as they secured victory in two out of the six games played – a testament to their perseverance and determination to succeed.

IPC was represented by Xydan Scarff, Jack Canning, Carter Goldsack, and Ben Fraser who consistently showed why they were part of the team with good performances throughout the championships.

Xydan, a rising star on the team, held the esteemed position of Co-Captain and led his teammates with exceptional poise. His standout performance earned him the coveted title of "Man of the Match" against Peninsula, where his contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. Furthermore, Xydan excelled off the kicking tee with a perfect record of 9 out of 9 conversions during the championship.

Recognizing his immense impact and stellar sportsmanship, Xydan was also bestowed with the distinguished "Life Members Player Award" for the Northern region, solidifying his status as one of the most promising young rugby players in the area.

The NQ Schoolboys U12 Rugby Union Team's journey may have concluded with a 9th place finish, but the experience they gained and the friendships forged on the field will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for future successes. This event marks the beginning of a bright and promising sporting journey for these young talents as they continue to grow and flourish in their rugby careers.

Well done, men, and we look forward to watching you further develop in your rugby careers.

Congratulations to the following students who represented North Queensland at the U15 Schoolboys Rugby Union QLD Championships in Cairns recently. Representing the College, on and off the field, with pride and integrity, all IPC students showed their wares against the various regions throughout Queensland.

IPC representatives in the NQ U15 Schoolboys Rugby Union included:

1. Tamiana Fatiaki
2. Cai Banfield
3. Hans Ila
4. Linton Williams
5. Craig Blackhurst
6. Blaize Goodwin
7. Klay Graham
8. Keagan Van Aswegen
9. Cameron Mears
10. Harrison Rowe
11. Oliver Nguyen
12. Hugo Drovandi

Over four intense days of competition the team played a total of five tough games against seasoned rugby sides from around the state. While the results may have been mixed, our boys fought valiantly and narrowly missed out on victory in several matches, ultimately securing an impressive sixth-place finish overall.

Special shout out to the following IPC students who were selected in the U15 Emerging Reds team:

• Keagan Van Aswegen
• Oliver Nguyen
• Cai Banfield

Having excelled on the field throughout the championships, they will represent North Queensland once again as they face off against other Regional Emerging Reds teams in September at the prestigious Ballymore stadium in Brisbane. We have every confidence that they will make us proud and leave a lasting impression on the field.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the coaches, parents, and supporters who have stood by our athletes throughout their journey. Your unwavering encouragement and guidance have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping these young players into the players they are today.

Once again, congratulations to all the students who represented North Queensland at the U15 Schoolboys Rugby Union QLD Championships. Your hard work and dedication have paid off. Use this experience to now go back and make a difference in your club and school teams as we look forward to watching you develop further into the future.

Enrolments

If you have a Son/s who is due to commence Year 7 in 2025, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.  Year 7, 2025, enrolment interviews will begin in October.

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

Thank you

Kerry Shephard | Enrolments and Admissions Officer

School Fees

Please be advised that All Term 1 & Term 2 fees are now OVERDUE – please make payment as soon as possible if you have outstanding fees. For those families on pre-arranged payment plans, please continue your regular payments as arranged. If you didn’t receive an email from us, please check your Junk or Spam email folder, otherwise all fee statements are accessible via logging into Parent Lounge.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to apply for a fee concession, please contact us for a confidential discussion and application. However, please note that any accounts in arrears where contact has not been made with the College may be referred to an external debt collection agency.

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.