Term 3 Week 6 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Given A Precious Gift

Last week I announced to the College community that I would be retiring at the end of the academic year. Thank you to all members of the community who have wished me well and the very best for my future. As I mentioned in my letter last week, leaving Ignatius Park College has not been an easy decision and over my teaching career, I have taught in six different schools. But without a doubt, this College has an amazing culture like no other school. I am deeply grateful for the invitation to lead Ignatius Park College over the past six years and it has been a precious gift to be part of a wonderful and special school. I look forward to leading the College until the end of the year.

Celebrating 54 Years

On Tuesday, the College community celebrated the Anniversary Mass of Ignatius Park College. Bishop Tim Harris, Bishop of Townsville, officiated the mass with our con-celebrants Fr. Rod Ward and Fr. Emene Kelemente (old collegian). This mass occurred on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which commemorates the death of Mary and her bodily assumption into Heaven. It signifies the Blessed Virgin’s passing into eternal life.

The Feast of the Assumption has always been an important day for the Christian Brothers. Blessed Edmund Rice devoted his prayers towards Mary and prayed before a picture of the Assumption, the Christian Brothers congregation was proclaimed on this feast day and Br Ambrose Treacy cfc, left Ireland with three brothers for Australia on this day the Feast of the Assumption in 1868.  This year we celebrate the 54^th anniversary of Ignatius Park College.

The foundation stone of the college was laid and blessed on the 16^th March 1969 by Bishop Leonard Faulkner. During that year, work commenced on the original building with the assistance of many volunteers. During the early period of 1969 the Year 9 – 12 students from St John Fishers’ and Our Lady Mount congregated at Our Lady’s Mount, Stanton Hill for their education while the Year 5 – 8 students remained at St John Fischer’s.  Around the Feast of the Assumption in August 1969 students from Our Lady’s Mount, Stanton Hill moved to the Ignatius Park College campus.

The mass was a great celebration of our Iggy Spirit and the wonderful tradition that has been left by others before us.  

Blessing and Opening of the Landscape Area

Also, on the Feast of the Assumption this week we had the official blessing and opening of the Waterford Place Landscape Area. This was the final phase of the redevelopment of this site with the demolition of the Brothers House, the construction of the new Waterford Place Learning Centre, the extension of the car park, and the landscaping the area at the front of the College.

Two memorials were blessed in this landscaped area. The first was our defence memorial, which was unveiled by Dylan Thomson (student of a defence family) to acknowledge all the men and women who have served or have given their lives for the freedom we have today. Our College is situated in a garrison city and we wanted to acknowledge our defence families who attend our College and asked them in the ceremony to plant a rosemary bush around our memorial. Major Justin Parker (2^nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and parent) shared a wonderful reflection on the EREA Touchstones and their relevance to the virtues of courage and resilience in the defence force. This memorial is a constant reminder to our students to ensure they live the spirit of ANZAC live in our hearts forever, and their wisdom and respect for life guide us as a College community to strive for world peace.

Our second memorial was to the legacy of the Christian Brothers. The memorial acknowledged the presence of the brothers in Townsville for the past 112 years. In particular, the 52 Christian Brothers who resided in the original Brothers House from 1969 – 2020. Both Br. Jon Hansen cfc and Br. Paul Conn cfc (former principal and now Oceania Province – Deputy Leader) both unveiled the memorial that included 52 bricks from the Brothers House and they both planted an Edmund Rice rose next to the memorial.

We were graced by the presence of Mr Phillip Thompson OAM, Federal Member for Herbert, Brigadier David McCammon and Councillor Kurt Rehebin - Division 7.

Parent Survey

In week eight of this term we will be inviting all parents to complete an Ignatius Park College survey. This survey we conduct every two years at the College to gain insight into the culture of the college, strengths, and challenges and will provide essential data in our development of the strategic and improvement plans for 2024 and beyond.  This survey will be emailed to all families on Monday, 28^th August, and will be open for two weeks. Surveys will close on Friday, 8^th September. All responses are confidential and will be collated by an external consultant who will not supply any identifying information to schools. Please take some time to complete the survey when it is emailed to you.

Celebrating Our College Spirit

Congratulations to our senior debaters consisting of Jude Foyle, Nathan Dolan and Daniel Mosch who won the Townsville Grand Final against Townsville Grammar, arguing the negative of the topic “That privacy is more important than security”. We last won the shield in 2019.

Congratulations also to our Senior AFL and Cowboys Challenge Rugby League teams, who each competed yesterday - well done to all.  

This Sunday, 20^th August is the annual 2023 Townsville Rowing - Head of the River competition for our rowers. This is the last local regatta for the rowing season and our rowers will be competing against local schools. The results from this regatta will form the selection for the crews to compete in the state regatta in Bundaberg in September. We wish the team all the best for the weekend. All members of our College community are invited and welcomed to support our 35 rowers at Riverway Boat Shed on Ross River.

Prayer for the Assumption

Almighty and everlasting God,

You have taken up body and soul

into the heavenly glory the Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Mother of Your Son: Grant, we beseech You,

that, ever intent upon heavenly things,

we may be worthy to be partakers of her glory.

Through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.

Shaun Clarke | Principal 

Community Consultation 

The Panel welcomes your input through your participation in either or both of the following processes.

New Principal Process - The community survey link is open for feedback and input regarding the qualities and attributes you would like to see in the new Principal of Iggy Park in 2024

The Community Survey is available via the link below.

While the Survey asks for your name, all responses are collated at our Melbourne office,

with only the deidentified data included in the survey report for the Panel.

The Survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Click here

Curriculum

Curriculum Corner

IMPORTANT CURRICULUM DATES FOR TERM 3

(dates are subject to change)

GLOBAL ACADEMIC CHALLENGE

In May this Year, 10 Year 8 students were invited to participate in the 2^nd Global Academic Challenge.  The Global Academic Challenge is a unique opportunity to stretch high-achieving students to apply their knowledge and skills beyond the curriculum in Mathematics, Science and Reading. The competition provides students with the opportunity to challenge themselves with questions of an international standard and to see how their results compare to both an international and Australian cohort.  Congratulations to every student who took part in the Global Academic Challenge. Students achieved excellent results and answered tough questions impressively.

Riley Smith was awarded 1 credit and 2 High Distinctions, placing him in the top 5% of students in Mathematics and Science in the world who attempted the challenge.

Callum Lindeberg was awarded 2 credits and 1 distinction.

Zachary Pearce was awarded a credit in 2 of the 3 disciplines.

The following students were awarded a credit in 1 of the 3 disciplines:

• William Thiele
• Daniel Player
• Riley Johnston
• Dylan Grace

The following students were awarded certificates of participation:

• Austin Sperring
• Eli Groves
• Aiden Crawshaw

Congratulations to all the boys for such excellent results.

YEAR 7 – 12 EXAM SCHEDULES

Year-level exam schedules are currently being finalised and will be published by the end of this week. All exam schedules will be emailed to students and published on our website via:

https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/

Identity and Mission

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Last week we held the annual (back after a couple of years hiatus) Homeless Sleepout with 18 eager Year 10's. 

The night started with a talk, tour and visit from the Orange Sky Laundry Van, then a visit from Stephen Gasparini (old boy) who now is the local Youth Coordinator for St Vincent de Paul talking to the boys about Youth Homeless and playing some games to get them thinking and talking. 

The boys then sourced some strategically placed items from around the quad (cardboard etc) to create a 'rough' sleeping space. 

We watched a movie which got them thinking about struggle and resilience (Pursuit of Happyness) to settle down after dinner. The night was a great success in getting the students thinking deeply and experiencing profoundly the plight of those less fortunate in our society. 

This week also sees the conclusion of the Year 12 Drop-In Centre Visits for 2023. The centre and the clients are always much appreciative of our attendance in cooking a nice hot breakfast to serve them. We thank Althea Projects and the students and staff who gave their time to volunteer. 

Our Justice and Solidarity based initiaves fit in pefectly with teh Gospel focus of this week on which is a great reflection for our lives and how we see the world. 

Building a Bigger House

(Matthew 15: 21 - 28)

Even dogs have hope! This is what the woman says to Jesus, when she asks him to heal her tormented daughter. She classifies her family with dogs, knowing the average Israelite would describe a Canaanite that way. Jesus is astounded by her faith and gives her the desire of her heart.

Some scholars claim Jesus was testing the woman by not responding to her request right away. Others say Jesus learned from her that his mission was larger than Israel. This seems strange to those of us who were taught that Jesus had the mind of God from the time Mary first laid him in the straw. But if Jesus is also fully human, he’d have to grow in wisdom and grace, as Luke says Jesus did.

This woman summoned up the courage to tell Jesus how to run his own ministry! The best of the prophets and saints showed this kind of spirit, sparring with God over matters of importance to them. Who knows what could happen if more people prayed with such confidence? Who knows how many of us could wrestle with God like Abraham, Jacob, Hannah, and the Canaanite woman - and win?

Do you think God’s mind can be changed? Do you think there are things about which “God’s mind is made up”? 

Pray

Wise and loving God, when relationships are fractured, journey with us in the life-giving process of reconciliation. Fill us with patience and unconditional love, so that we might forgive as we have been forgiven. In Christ. Amen.

Ponder

Show some chutzpah! Resolve to pray for the things that are most important to you - peace in the world, an answer to hunger - or a job or a better relationship with someone in your family. Pray unceasingly, as Paul says, or sing your prayer, as Augustine recommends. But pray most of all unfailingly. “Oh, woman, your faith is something else. What you want is what you get!”

... for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. (Isaiah 56: 7)

Every three years, about a million Catholic young people from all over the world gather at an event called World Youth Day, of which friends of ours from Good Shepherd Mt Isa and once of their Parish Priests (and Iggy Park Old Boy!) Fr Emene Kelemete attended. This year’s World Youth Day was in Lisbon, Portugal. It is a time for young Catholics to go to Mass together, share stories, learn about other cultures and languages and become friends. Pope Francis once said about World Youth Day: “We celebrate the fact that coming from different cultures, we have come together to pray. Let our best word be our unity in prayer”.

God living among us, let me love all your people, all over the world.  Amen.

Have a great fortnight. 

Mark Holmes |  Director Identity & Mission

Pathways Hub

School-based Apprenticeship

We are happy to announce two school-based Apprenticeships this fortnight.  The successful students are Sherriff Dury (12 Reid) who has been signed up as a school-based apprentice plumber with Rowey’s Plumbing and Gas and Trent Grant (12 Treacy) who has been signed up as a painter with Marteene Painting Services. We would like to wish them all the best on securing this opportunity to gain skills and a qualification whilst still at school. 

Upcoming Industry Placement

All the Year 11 and 12 Industry Placement students will be out gaining valuable work experience and skills in Week 7, starting Monday 21^st – Friday 25^th August. This is a fantastic opportunity for the Year 11s to try different trades/occupations and for the Year 12s to hone their skills and impress potential future employers.

The students have been issued with their logbooks. Students are expected to call their employers to confirm the placement, address, attire etc. In their logbooks, there is a guide on what to say and ask. If students are nervous or unsure about making their call, they are welcome to come to the Pathways Office and we are happy to assist.

Conditions and Expectations of Students on Industry Placement

Contacting Employers

• The student will phone the employer by no later than the Wednesday prior to placement dot confirm arrangements. If the student is having trouble contacting the employer, he will see the Pathway Hub for assistance as soon as possible.

• If the student has any commitments that will affect his attendance during Industry Placement (including appointments school commitments, sporting commitments etc.) he will advise the Program Leader of Skills & Training and the employer at the earliest possible time prior to the Industry Placement week.

Change of placement

• Requests to change placement/employers will be completed and submitted to the Pathway Hub, by date they have been provided with.

Absences

• Contacting the Employer. If the student is absent from the workplace, he will call his employer.  This must be done prior to his usual staring time.

• Contacting the College: During Industry Placement week parents/guardians will phone the Program Leader of Skills & Training directly before 8.30am on 0438 185 403.  (This is also shown on the student logbooks)

Logbooks

• Students will neatly, comprehensively, and diligently complete their logbooks for each placement day and have it signed by their supervisor at the end of the week.

• On the first school day after industry placement week, the student will have his logbook sighted and signed by the Program Leader of Skills & Training.

Conduct in the Workplace

Students are to ensure they adhere to the following conduct expectations whilst on Industry Placements.

• Confidentiality: While on placement any information you gain must be treated as confidential n you must refrain from discussing such information with others.

• Mobile phones: Mobile phones are not to be used for personal use at all during working hours.  Use of mobile phones during breaks is at the discretion of the work supervisor.

• Courtesy: Remember a smile goes a long way in personal relations when greeting and dealing with customers, staff, and management.

• Initiative and enthusiasm: Be willing and inquiring on and show the employer you r are thinking about what you are doing.  Make sure you listen to and following instructions.  If you encounter difficulties, ask for help.

Dressing appropriately: Before arriving at work on the first day, check with the employer about the type of clothing and personal protective equipment which is appropriate for the work you will be undertaking.

• Honesty: During placement, you are representing the College.  Regarding money, merchandise, behavior and truthfulness show personal pride in yourself and your college by behaving appropriately.

• Safe work practices: The Workplace Health and Safety Act states that employees and other (including Work Experience Students) have certain obligations in the workplace.  All workers:

1. Must comply with the instructions given by the employer.
2. Must not injure themselves.
3. Must use protective equipment.
4. Must not place other employees at risk.
5. Must not willfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse equipment or anything provided in the interests of health or safety at the workplace.

• Non-discriminatory work practices: The Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 prohibits either direct or indirect discrimination based on sex, race or impairment.  Any person who experiences discrimination or sexual harassment may make a complaint to the Commissioner of the Anti-Discrimination Commission within one year of the alleged contravention of the Act.

Failure to follow these protocols and expectations will result in consequences at the discretion of the Program Leader of Skill & Training.

Work Experience

Any year 10, or senior student/s wishing to organise a week of work experience during the September Holidays needs to have finalised all the necessary paperwork by Friday 8^th September.  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.

Students are invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities of some of Queensland's top advanced manufacturers and support organisations

Inside Advanced Manufacturing is a two week long series of advanced manufacturing showcase events taking place across Queensland from 4 - 15 September 2023. 

During the first week (4-8 September), a selection of Queensland’s advanced manufacturers and manufacturing support organisations will open their doors to school students to demonstrate their innovative and cutting-edge processes, systems and technologies, including robotics, automation and software integration. Students will also hear from a selection of manufacturers about the varied and exciting career opportunities within the manufacturing industry.  

Places are limited so we invite you to nominate to send students to the following tour:

TEi Services - Wednesday 6 September- 9.30am - 10.30am (12 places available)

Location: Bohle, Townsville

Tour information: TEi Services is an engineering and steel fabrication company offering a diverse range of services from in-house drafting, engineering, fabrication, and coating. Students will tour their manufacturing facilities and hear how investing in the best available technology, such as their new welding and robotics system equipped with artificial intelligence, has set them on the path to advanced manufacturing. They will also hear from staff about the different roles and opportunities in manufacturing.

www.tei.com.au/ 

Area 61- Wednesday 6 September- 11.30am - 12.30pm (20 places available)

Location: James Cook University, Townsville

Tour information: Part of the James Cook University, Area 61 is an industrial-scale facility with unique resources and expertise to enable the co-design and build of innovative one-off prototypes which can be scaled for manufacturing. Students will tour the innovation centre to see the equipment and technology that enables design, prototyping and commercialisation of projects. They will also hear from staff about the different roles and opportunities in manufacturing.

www.jcu.edu.au/area61

Well Hung Glass & Aluminium - Wednesday 6 September- 1.30pm - 2.30pm (20 places available)

Location: Garbutt, Townsville

Tour information: Well Hung Glass & Aluminium specialise in the design and manufacture of quality custom made glass & aluminium doors, windows and security screens for both the residential and commercial markets. Students will tour the Well Hung facility to see how they have adopted advanced machinery and processes to increase their efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. They will also hear from staff about the different roles and opportunities in manufacturing.

www.wellhungproducts.com.au

Please register by Friday, 18th August 2023 if you would like to send students to this tour. Further details rdmw.qld.gov.au about the tour logistics will then be sent to you. 

For more information, please visit Inside Advanced Manufacturing | Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water

rdmw.qld.gov.au 

Zeb Kyle | Program Leader Skills and Training

Careers Hub

Digital Skills 

Shape the world through Engineering 

CQU – Start TAFE Now 2024 applications

We are excited to announce that 2024 Start TAFE Now course applications will open on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 (9 am AEST) via Apply Online.

With strong demand for Start TAFE Now courses and limited places in on campus offerings, we recommend students apply as soon as possible. To prepare their application students will need to:

• Organise a completed Start Now Study Authorisation Form. This will be uploaded as part of the online application supporting documentation section. All sections must be completed.
• Create a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This will be required to submit the application online.

For more information on key dates, student eligibility and the application process visit our how to apply page.

Start TAFE now course options

AVCAT Scholarships

Aspire at La Trobe University

Fiona Williamson |  Careers Counsellor 

Counsellor Corner

PEER MENTORING PROGRAM

It is that time again when all Year 10 students are invited to apply to become IPC 2024, Peer Mentors.  As a college, we know that when most young people have problems, they are more likely in the first instance to talk to their peers.  Thus, to assist year 7, students transitioning to high school, two students from each house will be selected to mentor the 2024 year 7 students.

The Year 10 students who are selected to be Peer Mentors will attend the Peer Mentor camp on November 7^th & 8^th at Gumburu.  Over the 2-day workshop, students will learn skills to enable them to provide appropriate support and assistance to the Year 7 students. The Peer Mentors will continue to be supported by the Peer Mentor facilitators, Pastoral team, homeroom teachers and other teaching staff throughout the year. 

As a college, we look forward to the impending Peer Mentor applications and the initiatives that come from the Peer Mentors that build on our positive and supportive college environment. Applications will open soon – so watch this space!

On Thursday, 7 September, in periods 3 and 4, the College will partake in its first Child Protection Expo, which promotes the value of children and focuses attention on the issues of child abuse and neglect. This is part of National Awareness Week for Child Protection. The objectives of Child Protection Week are to: 

• raise the profile of all issues connected with child protection, including child abuse prevention, treatment, research, education, service provision and support for children, young people, and families. 
• create a statewide umbrella focus for child protection allowing government and non-government agencies to present a cooperative and coordinated community-oriented campaign. 
• support and value professionals and volunteer child protection workers by providing 'best practice' training and a forum to exchange ideas and information. 
• offer a framework to recognise advances in the field, thereby contributing to better outcomes for all children and young people, especially those who have been harmed or are at risk of harm.  

The aim of the expo is to bring awareness of children's rights to our students and the assistance/services available to them outside the College. We have 11 organisations within the Townsville community holding a stall with information that highlight the services they provide to the community.

Students will rotate through 3 sessions (stalls/services, information talk, and interactive art display). There will also be a sausage sizzle at lunchtime beforehand. 

ALL students are encouraged to submit a piece of art that focuses on the theme “Child Protection is Everyone’s Business”. The art will be displayed at the expo, and they have the chance to win 1 of 3 prizes:

• First place: $50 gift card
• Second place: $30 gift card
• Third place: $10 gift card

Students can produce a model, a painting, digital art, a collage – anything that can be displayed for others to enjoy. Entries are to be given to Mrs Burnett in week 8.

Parents, carers, and families are welcome to attend. Please email Nadine.burnett@ipc.qld.edu.au if you have any questions.

Val Derwent and Jess McLeod | Student Counsellors 

Student Achievements

IPC CHESS

Some of our students would’ve gone home exhausted on Wednesday, 9 August, after an ultra-competitive day of Chess in our IPC Hall.  There was plenty of excitement and engagement as students competed in premier, senior and junior divisions – and we managed to walk away with a few awards as well.  An outstanding effort from 41 registered IPC players on the day, coupled with over 160 students from a variety of primary and secondary schools from around the Townsville community.  A massive thank you to Lyn and her team from the Tuckshop – opening extra hours to accommodate the eager young minds of tomorrow.

The wrap-up from the final round:

8 merit awards – (4.5 wins from 7)

2 individual medals (6 wins from 7)

2 team medals (6 wins from 7)

MERITS: Phillip LANDER, Vihn LUONG, Lachy & Aiden CRAWSHAW, Christian HEALEY, Noah SHANAHAN, Zachary VAN DOOREN and Zac REEVES

INDIVIDUAL MEDALS:  Charlie BARRINGHAUS (Bronze), Callan MILES (Gold)

TEAM MEDALS:  Brooklin ROBINSON, Callan MILES, David SHILU, Felix KEIR (Silver)

TEAM MEDALS:  Isaac DRUMMOND, Noah SHANAHAN, Christian HEALEY, Charlie BARRINGHAUS

A fantastic way to finish the 2023 season.

Chess Gallery

Hockey News

Congratulations to Year Nolan Student Brayden Lewis, who is currently in Adelaide, representing QSS at the National U/16 Hockey Championships. Brayden is a student official for the tournament. 

Debating News 

Grand final winners! Congratulations to our senior debating team, who walked away with the win in the Townsville Interschool Debating Competition grand final. The team, consisting of Jude Foyle, Nathan Dolan, Daniel Mosch, Tate Hastie and coached by Stephen Robertson, defeated Grammar arguing the negative side of the argument, 'that privacy is more important than security'. Well done gentlemen! 

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.