Term 3 Week 10 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Term Three

It only seemed yesterday that we commenced term three. This week has been our activity week, and our Year 7 and 8 students have engaged in retreats, our Year 9 and 10 students have been on camp, and our senior students have had exams over the past two weeks. Our Year 12 students have just completed their mock exams, for many of them, these are preparation exams for the External Exams to occur in November.

The QCAA external examinations commence for ATAR students on Monday, 23 October. The external examination timetable is available:

https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_ext_assess_timetable_2023.pdf

As we end this term, the completion of the academic year is rapidly approaching for our senior students. Completing secondary education is a significant event in the lives of our young men. There will be mixed feelings across the cohort as some are looking forward to life after school with excitement, while for others there is a sense of apprehension as they will soon leave the certainty of school life and embark on their future within society. Whatever the future holds for each of our graduates, we are confident that they have developed the necessary skills to successfully contribute to their community and to create their own future within it. As the intensity of completing the academic requirements of each course culminates into final assessments and examinations, there are also a number of key events that we look forward to in order to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2023. Our Year 12 students will return next term to celebrate some important Rites of Passage activities that include: Year 12 Camps, Valedictory, Awards Night, the Final Liturgy at the College campus, and Graduation. All these are important rites as we prepare our Year 12s to be proud “Iggy Boys” to venture beyond the College gates to make a positive difference in our world, remembering they are “Brothers Forever”.

Parent Survey

Thank you to all parents and carers of our College community who completed our parent survey. We had over 240 respondents to our survey, and this feedback will provide essential quantitative and qualitative data to inform our planning for 2024. The survey will also provide useful information for the forthcoming Principal to have some insight and perception into our College community. I will share an overview of the survey results in our first newsletter next term.

2024 Leadership Team

After much discernment, students and staff took to the task of nominating who they thought would best lead the College next year. The following students were nominated as senior leaders in the College: Alexander Demopoulos, Wesley Kerr, Joshua Morton, Kynan Purdy, Jacob Sexton and Adam Sievers. Congratulations to them all! Their position as Captain, Vice-Captain and Prefect will be formally announced at our Awards Evening on 18 October 2023. Our other senior leadership positions of House Captain and Vice-Captains will be announced at our senior breakfast on 20 October 2023.

Our student leaders are vital to the life of the College. They assist in leading, fostering, and nurturing our College community, including through the provision of academic and well-being support to fellow students, organising sporting, cultural, social, and service activities across the year, and much else besides. 

Student leadership positions give students superb opportunities to develop their leadership and teamwork skills and to undertake the community service that has been at the heart of Iggy Park since its founding in 1969. Experience in these roles also provides invaluable preparation for students’ lives and careers after college. 

Competing during the holidays

This week our Senior CBSQ team is travelling to the Gold Coast to compete in the Champion Basketball School of Queensland Tournament with Ms Loechel supervising the students.

Likewise, our rowers departed today and are travelling to Bundaberg to compete in the State Rowing Championships, with Ms Fahey supervising the students.

We wish both teams all the best in their competitions.

Japanese Cultural Tour

This Friday, 21 students will engage in our Japanese Cultural Tour. This is the first time we have had a tour of Japan for many years as our last tour was cancelled due to the pandemic. The students will have an opportunity to encounter the Japanese language, tradition, and food through their experiences of dining out, visiting sites, catching trains and immersing themselves totally in Japanese culture. While in Japan, they will be visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka. Mrs. Martinez, Mr. Mills and Mr. Reyes will be supervising the students. We wish them all a wonderful cultural experience.

Commencement of Term Four

As students and staff ready themselves for the Term Three holiday break, I express my gratitude for the hard work of learning and teaching that has occurred so far this year. I hope all have an opportunity for some rest and nurture your soul. When we return for the final home stretch of 2023, let us do so with the focus and discipline that strive to achieve our very best in all things.

Reminder to all parents and carers that school recommences on Tuesday, 3^rd October. Monday is the King’s Birthday public holiday.

End of Term Prayer

We thank you Lord, for this term.

For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.

Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.

Give us strength and courage to do what is right; to be witnesses of our faith.

Help us to be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others, to be peacemakers in our family.

Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun.

Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.

We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us.

May we always be conscious of you in our lives. Amen

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.

Shaun Clarke | Principal 

Important Dates

Thursday, 14 September - Friday, 15 September 

- Student Free Days Year 7 and Year 8 

- Camp and or Block Exams for Year 9 - Year 12

A reminder that the camp information and dates are below: 

Year 9 Students

Year 9 students will be on camp. These camps are specific to their house, and attendance is compulsory. Students go on camps in two groups. The camp is a three-day experience, and students are not required at school on the other two days of the week.  Please accept permission and verify medical details in your Parent Lounge Portal. The information and what-to-pack list can also be found in your Parent Lounge Portal. 

Monday 11 September - Wednesday 13 September - Compulsory Camp 1 - Baillie House, Nolan House, Putney House and Treacy House Students only.

Monday 11 September & Tuesday 12 September - Reid House, Rice House and Carew House - Student Free Days.

Wednesday 13 September - Friday 15 September - Compulsory Camp 2 - Reid House, Rice House, Carew House students only.

Wednesday 13 September - Friday 15 September - Baillie House, Nolan House, Putney House and Treacy House - Student Free Days.

Year 10 Students 

Year 10 students will be on camp. These overnight, two-day camps are specific to their house, and attendance is compulsory.  Please accept permission and verify medical details in your Parent Lounge Portal. The information and what-to-pack list can also be found in your Parent Lounge Portal. 

Year 10 students go on camp in three groups. House allocations are as follows:

REID and CAREW: Attend camp on Monday, 11 September, and Tuesday, 12 September.

Students are not required at school on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday - Student Free Days.

PUTNEY, NOLAN and BAILLIE: Attend camp on Tuesday, 12 September, and Wednesday, 13 September.

Students are not required at school on Monday the 11th, Thursday the 14th  or Friday the 15th - Student Free Days.

TREACY and RICE: Attend camp on Wednesday, 13 September, and Thursday, 14 September. 

Students are not required at school on Monday the 11th, Tuesday the 12th or Friday the 15th - Student Free Days.

From the Deputy Principal

Parents driving onto School Property

Part of the College redevelopments, associated with the new Learning Resource Centre (LRC), was the opportunity to develop a new entry, car parking and traffic management system in the existing Pool Entrance area. The end result is a much better flow of traffic, including drop-off and pick-up bays for parents.

The final stage of this redevelopment is the installation of the electric gates at the entrance onto Ross River Road, which will be switched on this Friday. This will give the school greater security after hours. The gates will be open during school days from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm. Special arrangements will be made for evening and weekend school events.

One of the major reasons for the redevelopment was to improve student safety on the school grounds, especially on the roadway from the new car park area through to Edmund Rice Hall. This area serves as a major throughway for staff and students between the main school area and both the John Fisher Building and the College ovals. As such, it is important that road traffic is kept to an absolute minimum during the school day from 7.30-4.00 pm.

All parents should therefore be using the traffic area and parking adjacent to the pool and not be using the access road that runs through this area down to the Hall. This means that all vehicles should not be going any further than the turning and visitor parking areas opposite the LRC. Your assistance with helping to keep staff and students safe is appreciated.

John Doolan | Deputy Principal

From the Director of Curriculum

As we embark on this well-deserved holiday break, I would like to thank your sons for their hard work and dedication throughout the term. I would also encourage students and parents to reflect upon the efforts of their teachers in delivering a curriculum that stimulates resilience, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Now, it's time to relax, recharge, and cherish quality moments with loved ones. May the holidays for you and your sons be filled with joy and laughter - we look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting term ahead.

IMPORTANT CURRICULUM DATES FOR TERM 4 (dates are subject to change);

Shane Dove | Director of Curriculum 

From the Director of Students

Director of Students

"Every boy will become a man, but not every boy becomes a gentleman."

At Ignatius Park College, we are currently in an exciting phase of the year, with our senior students preparing for external exams, our Middle school undertaking our outdoor education program, and our juniors completing assessments for the term.

In 2023, the Pastoral team has been looking into the development of a comprehensive package that is integrated across the college, which has at heart, the development of boys from their inception in year 7 into gentlemen as they transition beyond the gates in year 12. Developing our students academically is extremely important, but the mark IPC intends to hit is in making a difference in the hearts of our young men as well.

What makes a good man - a gentleman - is timeless. For boys to become good men, they need to learn in a tailored and challenging environment with the right combination of values, influence, guidance and example. At Ignatius Park, our students are guided through their transition from boyhood to becoming good men.

The safety and well-being of every one of our young men is paramount. Through our unique Pastoral Care and education programs based on a strong understanding of how boys learn, students are empowered to distinguish what is true and what is false so they can build a future that is concerned with human dignity for all and care for our environment.

Our unique Outdoor Education program and Pastoral Care lessons are dovetailed with Key Ceremonial markers and Spiritual components, which target the age and stage development of young men in the 21^st Century. I look forward to further developing the middle years of this program and strengthening the outcomes for all of our young men and their families.

Finally, congratulations to Leuatea Kelemete of 9 Treacy, who took out this year’s IPC Handball Championship. He played a fantastic five-set final against Walter Dau of 9 Carew on Tuesday last week. This championship is another exciting reason IPC has a strong spirit and community. Leuatea will now have the show court named after him for a full year.

John Deer | Director of Students

Identity and Mission

We hope the last newsletter of the Term finds you well. This week being activities Week, we're thrilled to share with you the remarkable experience our Year 7 & 8 students had during their recent retreat day with the Passionist Youth Retreat Team from Brisbane.

"A Transformative Retreat Experience: Nurturing Brotherhood, Self-Esteem, and Faith"

A Shared Journey: Facing Common Challenges

It is a universal truth that students across Australia face many of the same challenges, whether it be academic pressures, social dynamics, or personal growth. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy for our students to forget that they share this common experience with peers from all corners of the country. All Edmund Rice schools like ours so retreat days to get out of teh classroom and work on the other, important aspects of 'self' on the journey of holistic growth and development. This retreat served as a powerful reminder of their shared journey, fostering a sense of empathy and solidarity

Brotherhood as a Protective Shield and the Masks We Wear

One of the defining aspects of our school is the strong brotherhood that our boys form. This bond serves as a protective shield, not only for them but also for those around them. However, the masks they sometimes wear, driven by a desire to fit in or meet societal expectations, can inadvertently damage their self-esteem and affect those they interact with. It's crucial to create an environment where authenticity and self-expression are celebrated, as this fosters a culture where each student feels valued for who they truly are.

Retreat Highlights: A Journey of Self-Discovery

During the retreat, our students were given a unique opportunity to break free from their usual routines and take part in a day filled with valuable experiences and lessons:

• Broke open the day with communication and games: The day commenced with activities that encouraged open communication and team-building games, setting a positive tone for the day.

• Developing an understanding of their year level: our students explored the dynamics within their year level, fostering a deeper understanding of their peers and strengthening bonds.

• Understanding the impact of their actions: through workshops and discussions, they reflected on how their actions affect others, emphasizing the importance of empathy and responsibility.

• Being challenged: growth often comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone. Students were challenged to explore new ways of connecting with one another in healthy and meaningful ways.

• Connecting love through liturgy and action: The retreat focused on the central question, "Who am I?" as well as "Who are we?" and "How do I support those who are in this with me?" Through a Christ-centered session inspired by "The Prodigal Son," students took tangible actions, like the Handshake Ritual, to build bridges and let each other know that they make a difference and are important.

Encouraging Meaningful Connections

Ultimately, this retreat experience allowed our students to connect with others outside their normal friendship groups, fostering meaningful relationships and reflecting on the impact they have on those around them.

As parents, your support and encouragement play a crucial role in reinforcing the values and lessons learned during this retreat. Together, we can continue to nurture a school community where our boys thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.

As the term draws to a close, we wish Mrs Sal Kruger all the best as she enters her Maternity Leave. 

We wish you continued blessings for your son/s and your families during the September break.

Yours in Faith and Education,

Mark Holmes |  Director of Identity and Mission

Pathways Hub

School-based Apprenticeship

We are happy to announce a school-based Apprenticeship.  The successful student is Jake Reinders (12 Rice), who has been signed up as a school-based apprentice plumber with Purcell Plumbing & Drainage. We would like to wish him all the best in securing this opportunity to gain skills and a qualification whilst still at school. 

Diploma of Business

The dates for Term 4 remain the same.  This is also the final date to complete this course face-to-face.  The dates are Wednesday, 4 - 6 of October (Week 1).  The bus will still be offered to students doing this course.  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.  Course starting time is 8 am in the city.

Change of Placement forms

If year 11 students wish to change placements for Term 4, they must have the purple Change of Placement form completed and lodged with the Pathways office by Friday, 6 October 2023 (Week 1).

Green Cards

We would like to thank all our VET and Fitness teachers who assisted students last week.  Thank you to all parents who also helped by sending your son back to school.  Hopefully, most of the year 11s and 12s are now up to date.

Holiday Placements

We have 13 students doing work experience during these holidays.  It is now closed to register. Please also start thinking about registering for the Christmas/New Year Holidays.  Work experience is a great opportunity for students to gain insight into possible career matches and determine potential future pathways post-school.  If you would like more information about how to organise work experience, please contact Mr Kyle or Mrs Vignale in the Pathway Hub.

Vet and Industry Placement

Current year 11s who are doing Industry Placement next year have received an email. This is to organise their Industry Placement for 2024, even if they are returning to the same employer, a new contract needs to be signed. This must be completed and returned as quickly as possible to the pathway hub by Friday, 6 October (Week 1). This helps us to make way for the new year 11s in 2024.

Industry Placement Packs from Year 10s Set Plan Interviews

The paperwork your son was given following his SET plan needs to be completed and returned to the Pathway Hub by Friday, the 10^th of November. If he did not receive any paperwork at the end of the SET plan interview, please let me know.  I can follow up with your son and provide him with a pack to complete.

Zeb Kyle |Program Leader Skills and Training

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.