Term 1 Week 8 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Ignatius Park Community,

I am currently with other EREA Principals as we look at the EREA Charter, a document that drives who we are and what we do as a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition.  It has been a great opportunity to speak with colleagues about projects and programs that they have within their College that allow our students to be informed in this space.  One of the Touchstones is about EREA schools creating an Inclusive Community, and I was taken by a story that a colleague told us of his own recent experience that caused him to reflect in how well he lives this value.

Grabbing a breakfast at his usual coffee shop, he sat with his family as just another regular, but another who was known to be very eccentric and at times difficult to deal with walked in with her dog.  As she entered, he told his family to look straight ahead and say nothing but his son engaged with the dog and struck up a conversation with the lady, later joined by the mother, while by his own admission the father was trying to get the son to stop, and withdraw from the conversation as he did not want to engage with her.  Once the conversation ended, he ‘had a go’ at his son and wife for ignoring him, getting involved with this person who ‘everyone knows’ is best left alone.

10 minutes later he went to settle the bill and was told that the lady had paid it for them.  He asked why and was told by the waitress that “no one ever talks to her, everyone ignores her and she was just stoked to have that conversation that she had had earlier with his family, as it was likely the only interaction with others that she would have that day”.  For him, he spoke of this moment providing clarity, reflection and humility, as he reflected on the way that he had treated that lady, and his family.  He apologised to his son and wife, and openly admitted that he had got that situation wrong, while they got it right.

This story had me thinking about how I live the EREA Touchstones in my life, and how we (Parents and the school) create good students, but more importantly good people.  Our Touchstones should become a way of living for our community, where we do the right thing even when no one is watching and we extend support to those who need it regardless of who they are, even if it is as simple as patting a dog and engaging in a short conversation when no one else will.

Within the School

It is and will be a busy couple of weeks leading up to the easter school break within our school community.

We held our Open Day last Thursday where we welcomed over 350 families through the gates. It was great to see all family members engage with what we had to showcase and we received positive feedback from many members of the community.

We are holding NAPLAN this week for our Year 7 & 9. Assessments are nearing completion due dates and then exams will be held in Weeks 9 & 10. It is important that the students get plenty of rest during this time.

Advisory Council Membership – Calls for Expressions of Interest

Our calls for Expression of Interest are still open until Friday 22^nd March 2024. We welcome members of our College community to apply.

Please see below my newsletter for further information.

Have a great fortnight.

Luke Thomson | PRINCIPAL

Calls for Expressions of Interest for the College Advisory Council

We are currently seeking suitable members to fill up to three (3) positions on our College Advisory Council, and we welcome members of our College community to apply.

The Council would appreciate any applicant that can contribute to the skills and knowledge of the Council and brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the fields of marketing / building / architecture / property.

Our College Advisory Council plays an important role in working collaboratively with the Principal and Leadership Team to ensure that we are faithful to the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition and quality stewardship in offering the best possible learning community at Ignatius Park College.

The College Advisory Council provides advice to the Principal in support of the strategic plan, annual budget & financial statements, capital works and master planning in their role to implement school policies & procedures in line with guidelines set by the EREA Policy Framework.

If you are interested in applying to become a member of our College Advisory Council, please email principal@ipc.qld.edu.au to request an Expression of Interest form.

All Expressions of Interest are to be submitted by COB - Friday, 22nd March 2024.  Interviews will then be held with prospective candidates.

We look forward to a positive, collaborative year ahead.

Enrolment Reminder

If you plan to apply for your son to start Year 7 here at IPC in 2025, please submit an application as soon as possible as interviews are currently underway and available slots fill up fast!

Curriculum Corner

Key dates for Term 1 (dates subject to change)

End of Term Exam Schedule

A few weeks ago the College published the exam schedule for week 9 and 10 and of this term https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/. Parents are asked to review this schedule with their son’s to ensure all aware of his commitments.

Please note for Year 11 students, there are exams scheduled for the Pupil Free Day on Thursday 28 April. This day has been used to ensure students have suitable time to prepare and study for their exams.

Checking Your Son’s Assessment Schedule- Parent Lounge

Did you know you can see your son’s assessment schedule for the current term at any time? Did you also know you can check his results for previous assessment without a report card or Parent-Teacher Interview?

To learn how to do this, follow the instructions below:

Variations to Assessment – Absence, Extensions

It is timely to remind parents that requests to vary the conditions or due date of any assessment item can only be considered following the submission of an Access Arrangement and Reasonable Adjustment (AARA) form and appropriate supporting documentation.

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

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

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

Junior Update

Our Year 7 and Year 9 students have now completed the NAPLAN Practice test. Their participation was positive and fills us with confidence for the upcoming testing days. During the sessions, the students and teachers were able to identify areas of improvement around being better prepared. Some key learnings from our Practice session include:

• Make sure laptops are fully charged the night before – plugged in and switched on
• Pack chargers as a back up
• Working wired headphones are required to listen to test questions
• A good night's sleep
• A healthy breakfast
• A positive attitude

Should you have any concerns regarding NAPLAN or your son's participation, please email me on tim.lindeberg@ipc.qld.edu.au.

Shane Dove | Director of Curriculum

Mission and Identity

Dear Parents and Carers,

Fourth Week of Lent  

(Week beginning Monday 11th March)

Photo: Tim Lam/Caritas Australia

We are supporting Project Compassion right up until our Easter Mass on Friday of Week 9 at 2pm, so please offer your support when your son/s come home and ask for a gold coin or two for a great cause!

Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

Mark Holmes | Director of Mission & Identity

Implementation of Co-curricular Agreement 2024

Dear parents / caregivers,

I am writing to inform you about an important development that will come into effect for our students participating in co-curricular activities at Ignatius Park College in 2024.

We feel that participation in Co-Curricular activities is a privilege at Ignatius Park College, not a right. Dedication, desire, teamwork, commitment, integrity, pride and good citizenship are essential personal characteristics which are necessary for a student to successfully participate on any co-curricular activity. The goal is to nurture these traits. In so doing, each student should develop a sense of pride in himself, the school and the community. In order to assist the students to achieve these goals, a letter outlining the expectations will be given to the students participating in co-curricular activities in 2024. It will comprise of an agreement between the school, the student and the parents/carers.

 The key elements of the Ignatius Park College Student Athlete Agreement include:

1. Commitment to academics

1. Behaviour expectations

1. Attendance and punctuality

1. Communication

1. Sportsmanship and integrity

The agreement will come into effect once co-curricular activities are undertaken. It will be distributed among the chosen student and their parents/carers, and we kindly request you to review the agreement together with your son.

We firmly believe that this agreement will enhance the overall experience of our students, promote a positive culture at Ignatius Park College, and enable them to excel both in the class room and beyond.

Yours,

Matthew Arnold | Dean of Co-curricular

Pathways Hub

Industry Placement

Last week 150 Year 11 and 12 students were participating in our Industry Placement program. Congratulations to all students who took part in this program as it’s invaluable for enhancing our students’ employability skills and provides the opportunity for them to have a ‘real life’ work experience. Majority of the feedback we received from our employers was positive and this helps to maintain our working relationships with them. We truly hope the students gained valuable life skills and now better appreciate the world of work.

Could parents please remind their sons that their logbook are returned by tomorrow (15/03/2023) fully completed otherwise they will receive a detention.

If the student wish is to change placements for Term 2, they must have the purple Change of Placement form completed and lodged with the Pathways office by Friday 17 May 2023 (Week 5).

Work Experience – School Holidays

We have stopped taking work experience forms for Easter School Holidays.  The next work experience will be during June/July holidays.  Please keep coming to see us at the Pathway Hub to collect your forms.  We love to see so many keen students doing this.

Zeb Kyle | Program Leader of Skills and Training

Careers

Townsville Hospital Work Experience Program

On Wednesday 13^th March, 5 of our year 11 students participated in the Townsville Hospital Work Experience program for March.  Throughout the day students participated in the clinical simulations as well as interactive stations dependent on their area of interest.

Congratulations to the 5 who were selected for this round:

Ashton Deer = Physiotherapy
George Paske = Medical Science
Ethan Catt = Medical Science
Brooklin Robinson = Exercise Physiology
Ethan Cavanagh = Medicine

 JCU NEUROSTEM DAY

On Saturday 9^th March a group of 10 students were fortunate enough to participate in the JCU NeuroSTEM day.

Throughout the day we:

 - Used computer coding to visualize brain data and analysis
- Learnt about how the body reacts to stress
- Learnt about brain imaging to measure brain structure and function
- Visited the lab to see real brains - intact and dissected
- Were able to touch and feel human organs and arms using human cadavers

Public Speaking

It is that time of the term that students are busy with assessment, exams, and the dreaded presentation in front of the class.  Feeling nervous and anxious presenting in front of their peers is a normal reaction.  Students may experience physiological symptoms including pounding heart, shortness of breath, complaining of feeling sick, and potentially not wanting to come to school.  It is also important to know that some nerves are good, for instance, adrenaline can have positive impacts on the student’s performance. While presenting may feel like the worst, it is important to remember that these are just feelings and not a reflection of the student’s ability.   

Given that public speaking is a skill, the more you practice the better you become. To succeed at public speaking preparation and practice is key.  Here eight top tips for presenting:

1. Practice and preparation: Give yourself enough time to write your speech. Knowing your own material well can alleviate anxiety.
2. Practice in the mirror and in front of people: Practice in front of the mirror as many times as possible. Practice in front of someone and ask for feedback.
3. Nervousness is normal: These are just feelings. Acknowledge that feelings pass and that your feelings are not a reflection of your ability.
4. Breathe mindfully: The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is responsible for the “calming” response. Practice deep, slow breaths.  Remember your breathing exercises taught to you during Wellbeing Wednesday.
5. Visualize success: Imagine yourself delivering a successful speech. Visualization can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
6. Positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself that you are capable and prepared.
7. Remember, you’re not alone: Many people share this fear. Embrace it for the assessment task.
8. Ask for help: Ask for help from your teacher, friends, family, and/or Student Counsellors.

From the Student Counsellor, all the best with your presentations!!!

Jessica McLeod | Student Counsellor

Defence School Mentor

Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) have some excellent programs to help our Defence families integrate into the Townsville Community.

Education Assistance - Defence's Education Assistance Scheme offers financial support to help members’ children who may experience disruption to their education each time they move for a posting when a member is posted to a new location.

Financial support available under the Education Assistance Scheme includes: 

 Tutoring
 Tuition and boarding school allowance
 Tertiary accommodation
 Loss of scholarship compensation
 Reunion travel

For assistance with your application, you can send an email to education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au or contact our DSM on Carolyne.drummond@ipc.qld.edu.au for further information.

Defence Student of the Month – February

Our Defence School Mentor would like to congratulate Hayden Webb on his award for Defence Students of the Month for February. Hayden has shown the ADF values of courage and respect in all aspects of his learning. Hayden has shown great courage in his willingness to try new things, including joining the Water Polo Team and playing Chess with new mates in the LRC. Hayden is friendly, polite and outgoing and always uses his manners in the Defence Room. Congratulations Hayden! Enjoy the Tuckshop Voucher. 

Rugby Union

YEAR 9/10

The Year 9/10 rugby union games on Wednesday, March 6th, proved to be a test of skill and resilience as the IPC team faced off against both Pimlico and The Cathedral School (TCS) amidst rainy and challenging conditions.

In the first match against Pimlico, spectators were treated to an entertaining display of rugby despite the adverse weather. The IPC team showcased their prowess on the field, ultimately emerging victorious with a commanding scoreline of three tries to nil. The try scorers, Jamestyn Baira, Ryan Nguyen, and Hayden Nieminen, demonstrated their determination, contributing to IPC's triumph.

However, it wasn't just the try scorers who shone on the field. The most valuable players of the match were recognized for their outstanding performances. Giann Moody-Moxon earned three points for his exceptional contributions, while Ryan Nguyen and an Daniel Player, secured two and one points, respectively.

Despite their initial success against Pimlico, the IPC team faced a formidable challenge in their subsequent match against The Cathedral School. TCS proved to be a force to be reckoned with, dominating play across the field. Despite IPC's gallant efforts, TCS emerged victorious with a three-try to nil win.

Nevertheless, IPC's resilience and fighting spirit were evident throughout the match. Despite the outcome, standout players were recognized for their noteworthy performances. Nic Demopolous, with his stellar display on the field, earned three points, while Will Thiele and Tellay Thaiday showcased their talents and earned two and one points, respectively.

NQ U18 Rugby Union Team Selections

Congratulations to the following students who were selected in the NQ U18 Rugby union team yesterday.

They will travel to Toowoomba in May to compete in the Qld Championships for possible selection in one of two Qld U18 teams.

Interschool Swimming Carnival

On Thursday, the IPC Interschool swim team attended the Townsville Secondary School Sports interschool swimming carnival at long tan pool, with a squad of 36 swimmers. It was a fantastic day with the boys competing in every race . In an excellent performance from all the boys and a great team effort

We had many victories across all the races.

We also defended our all-ages 50 freestyle relay title from last year. The team consisting of Porter Gilbride (U12), Oscar Demos (U13), Sebastian Sebein (U14), Jed Giddy (U15), Euan Roberts (U16), Ronan Richter (U17) and Alex Demopoulos (Open)

Overall team results

47  – 1st places

18 – 2^nd places

Out of a total of 74 competitive events.

The overall points score for the Melton Black Shield as Ignatius Park 1147, Townsville Grammar School 873, The Cathedral School 814 and Southern Cross Catholic College 552.

Swimming Championships Spotlight

Congratulations to Porter Gilbride who competed in the 2024 North Queensland Championships in Mackay. He took out the NQ Age Champion for 12 years old boys in some very tough competition, achieving Personal Bests in all races.

An amazing performance, well done Porter!

Year 10 FTVNM Photography

Students in Year 10 Film, Television and New Media have been viewing their world through a different lens this term – the lens of a camera.  

The boys who selected this elective subject are studying digital photography and have been learning how to use a DSLR camera and professional photo editing program. Additionally, they have explored compositional elements such as the Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Symmetry and Pattern and making use of these techniques in their photographs to create balance and aesthetic appeal.

Thanks to Gordon Keith and Marcus Carter for providing us a sneak peak of their landscape photography portfolio that they are in the process of compiling.

Bring It On Tickets are on Sale!

Tickets are now on sale for the Combined Schools' Production of 'Bring it On!'

BOOK NOW: https://bit.ly/42Y5u3m

Hey Wire Competition

2024 Awards for Excellence in Art Design

Entries are open for the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Art Design. Further info is available at the below link:

https://ieuqnt.org.au/competitions/

2024 J League Hockey Returns!

Students on School Grounds Outside School Hours

Ignatius Park College has an enviable co-curricular program that operates outside school hours for a number of activities. All these activities are supervised by College staff and operate with parent and/or College permission.

For students arriving at school before the school day begins and remaining behind after the school day concludes, supervision is provided by school staff from 8.10am until the start of homeroom at 8.30am and after the school day concludes at 3.00pm until 3.20pm. School bells ring at 8.10am and 3.20pm to indicate the beginning and end of this supervision.

Parents are reminded that unless students are taking part in supervised outside school activities, they will not be supervised by school staff except during the period from 8.10 am and until 3.20pm. Parents should ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to ensure the supervision of their students outside these times. While school gates will be open before and after these times, this is to provide access to staff and for students attending these supervised activities.

John Doolan | Deputy Principal

School Fees

The College Fee Schedule for 2024 can be viewed at https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/enrolment/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 further information.

Edstart

Ignatius Park has partnered with Edstart to assist parents in managing 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 transaction fees or interest charges when using Edstart Pay+ for your IPC fees. Visit edstart.com.au/ipc for more information on Edstart payment options.

Vilton Crasto | Director of Business Operations