Term 1 Week 10 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

The week started disappointingly as we had to transfer our Year 8 camp back to school due to Camp Gedling receiving over 100mm of rain on Sunday night and Monday morning.  This is not what the students or the staff want, however having been up at the campsite on Monday morning myself I can assure you that conditions were not safe for our students to be there.  We did manage to convince many of our facilitators and providers to come to school and run the same sessions here at the college, that were planned for our camp, which has been beneficial, however there were many other activities planned for camp that would have been cancelled had we proceeded as planned.

We are looking at the possibility of taking the boys for an overnight trip to Gelding later in the year, however this may mean changes to existing plans so there is still some work to be done in order for this to occur.  Once we know more closer to a date, we will advise.

As part of our commitment to improving and upgrading our facilities, a new large sheltered area and kitchen are planned for Camp Gedling, and it is my hope that they will be in place before the end of this year.  This will allow us to better cope with the weather when it comes, and it would also give us the opportunity to make more frequent use of the facility not only for camps, but retreats, leadership days and culture building activities. 

This week has seen our year 10 students participate in work experience for the first time.  I believe that this is a fantastic opportunity for students to get a taste of the careers that they are considering, particularly prior to SET planning and making decisions about their future study pathway.  This would not have taken place without the hard work of our pathways team, and every staff member that visited our students in the workplace.  In addition to this, placing over 150 students into work experience would not have happened without the openness and willingness of our employers to take on our students and give them the opportunities that they have been presented with this week. Thank you.

Our Year 11 and 12 students have been very busy with exams this week, and it has been great to speak with them about their assessments and how they are currently tracking within their subjects. 

I would like to wish our touring Rugby team the best of luck for their upcoming tour of New Zealand over the school holidays, a great opportunity to play some tough teams and also immerse themselves in the rich culture of NZ. 

And finally, I would like to wish each and every member of our College community a happy and safe Easter.  As a Catholic school we are reminded that this period is an important time in our Church.  It is a sacred yet sombre period, where we as Catholics are challenged to look inside ourselves and be aware of our own shortcomings and sins.  Ultimately though, Easter is a celebration of the risen Lord and a time to be refreshed and reborn within ourselves.

I hope that you are able to spend time with those that mean the most to you and I look forward to welcoming the boys back for Term 2 which commences on Tuesday the 16^th April 2024.

Luke Thomson | PRINCIPAL

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 Reflection

As term 1 draws to a close, we encourage you as parents to spend some time with your son to reflect on his academic performance so far this year.

We would also ask you to reflect upon your involvement in your son’s progress at school.  Whilst Ignatius Park College has a range of dedicated and skilled staff to support your son, a myriad of research exists to suggest parental involvement is crucial to enhance academic outcomes of your children.

Below is a list of key findings from an article What is the Role of Parents in Education?, published by the Australian Christian College in 2020.

1. Parental Influence is Paramount: Parents are the primary architects of their child's learning and character development. This role is crucial and irreplaceable, extending beyond facilitation to active participation in their child’s education.

2. Schools as Partners, Not Substitutes: Schools contribute significantly to a child's development in various areas, but they complement rather than replace the nurturing home environment. The collaboration between school and home is key to a child's success.

3. Harmonising School and Family Values: Aligning the values taught at school with those at home is crucial for a seamless and supportive upbringing. This harmony reduces conflicts and enhances the child’s overall development.

4. Parental Engagement in School Life: Active parental involvement in school activities and events is essential. It strengthens the bond between home and school, supporting the child's academic and social growth.

5. Parent-Teacher Interactions are Vital: Open communication with teachers greatly impacts on a child's education. These interactions offer a platform for parents to participate actively in their child's educational journey.

6. School Community’s Impact: Involvement in the school community and events offers practical lessons and experiences for students, fostering skills like teamwork, leadership, and empathy.

As the article suggests, schools and parents form a crucial partnership to guide students through their schooling. The stronger this partnership is, the greater the potential outcomes for your son.  To access the full article, click on the following link: https://www.acc.edu.au/blog/what-role-do-schools-play-in-parenting/

Have a safe and holy Easter. Enjoy the time with your families.

Shane Dove | Director of Curriculum

Mission and Identity

Dear Parents and Carers,

What an incredible journey it has been for the vibrant young men of Ignatius Park College, alongside their families and our beloved wider community, as we wholeheartedly embraced the spirit of giving through our Project Compassion Lent fundraiser! With boundless enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, our students took the lead, organizing a flurry of engaging activities: from the thrilling coin race to sizzling BBQ lunches, tantalizing chocolate frappes, and the chance to win a prized 2024 North Queensland Cowboys framed jersey through a spirited raffle.

Together, as one united college community, we achieved something truly remarkable, raising an impressive $2,380! Our heartfelt gratitude extends to each and every member of the IPC family for their tireless efforts and generous contributions. It's with immense joy that we reflect on the impact of our collective endeavour, knowing that every dollar raised will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters around the world.

Let's celebrate this incredible accomplishment, knowing that our compassion knows no bounds and our unity has the power to transform lives. Thank you, IPC community, for exemplifying the spirit of generosity and empathy. Here's to continuing our journey of making the world a brighter, more compassionate place for all!

Let us Pray:

God of all peoples and nations, you accompany us on our Lenten journey. Through the life and mission of your son, you give us the gift of mercy. May we learn to walk your way of justice and compassion with all your people. In a special way, we keep in mind the children, women and men around the world who are most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice. In this Year of Youth, may we support young people as they recognise that through their efforts, their desire to change and their generosity, they too are participating in the building of a better world. Bless our prayers, our fasting and our Lenten gifts to Project Compassion. Through these actions, may our hearts be open to receive your grace as we work towards a just future for all your creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice…Prayer for Us.

Live Jesus in our Hearts… Forever.

Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission

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

School-based Apprenticeships (SBA)

During the last fortnight we have had 2 more students signing up students as SBAs. We are happy to announce the following students.

• Riley Talbot (11 Reid) has been signed up with a traineeship at The Ville Resort - Casino
• Jack Kennedy (12 Reid) has been signed up as an SBA Refrigeration Mechanic with MVO Air Conditioning.

Congratulations to all these young men on securing this opportunity to gain skills and a qualification whilst still at school. A massive thank you also to our wonderful employers.

Holiday Placements

We have 6 students doing work experience during these holidays.  It is now too late to register for any more however you can still register for June/July 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 contact Mr Kyle or Mrs Vignale in the Pathway Hub.

Change of Placement Forms

If the students wish 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).

Industry Placements Dates for Term 2

Please find below the industry placement dates for Term 2.

Zeb Kyle | Program Leader of Skills and Training

YEAR 10 Call Out!

Want to join the Healthy Minds Project (HMP)? Learn new skills? Be a part of a dynamic team?

Here are a few projects that previous HMP crews have done to

increase well-being with the young men of Iggy…

The Phoenix Room - have you seen or used it?  The 2021 HMP crew designed and created the room, within close proximity to Student Counselling services, so students could ‘Reset & Reintegrate’ back into the school day by:

• INCREASING student connection to one another, create a relaxed space to ‘take a breath.’
• DECREASING stress, feelings of being overwhelmed and at times, the impacts of mental health challenges.

Have you seen the IPC Blue Tree in the front garden?

Our Blue Tree is one of 1,149 registered across the world, serving as beacons of hope and conversation starters. The ‘Blue Tree Project’ is an Australian born initiative ‘to help spark difficult conversations and encourage people to speak up’ – one tree at a time. And 2022 and 2023 Healthy Minds Project Crews shared this vision too!

See if you can find our tree! Tree Locations - Blue Tree Project

This is what being a part of the HMP requires:

• 2 x one day (awesome!) workshops, outside of the College, with several other schools from Townsville and surrounding areas. Facilitated by UPP - Student Leadership & Student Wellbeing | Unleashing Personal Potential, where you’ll develop skill in leadership, resilience, project planning and development, team building , PERMAH and more!
• Workshop dates – Wednesday 24 April & Wednesday, 24 July
• 1x half day feedback session (date tbc).
• Fortnightly meetings-1^st break- in Term 2 & 3 so we can ‘get this project started’.

• Then launch our initiative in Term 4 during Qld Mental Health Week in Term 4 to IPC.

Sounds like something you’d like to be a part of?  Send an email ASAP to Mrs. Derwent at val.derwent@ipc.qld.edu.au and tell us a bit about why you’d like to join the Crew.

Spaces are limited!  

Yours in well-being,

Mrs Derwent & Ms McLeod | Student Counsellors

Defence School Mentor

The Prince’s Trust are looking for 20 teens aged between 12-17 who have a parent who is serving in the ADF or is a veteran. You will take part in an interactive workshop right here in Townsville on school holidays at The Oasis in Idalia. You will be helping to design and brainstorm ideas for a brand new programme aimed at students who have a parent who is serving in the ADF.

For your time you will receive:

• $100 eftpos gift card
• A delicious lunch

Scan the QE code for all the information and registration details.

Carolyne Drummond | Defence School Mentor

Rugby Union

ROUND 5

YEAR 7

Game 1: IPC Roos v IPC Dingoes

Result: Dingoes: 40 – Roos: 0

After the previous two rounds had been cancelled due to wet weather the boys were pumped to get back on the field and play rugby. In what turned out to be a fast running game the Dingoes were just too strong and too fast for the Roos.

IPC Dingoes MVPs: 3 – Nate Groves ; 2 – Cade Naseby; 1 – Lochlan Lambert

IPC Roos MVPs: 3 - Boston Bolton; 2 - Aiden Michael; 1 - John Watt

Game 2: IPC Boars v Cathedral

Result: WON: 30 -25

The IPC Boars came up against old foes Cathedral on Tuesday afternoon, showcasing their prowess and finesse on the field, securing a narrow victory with a score of six tries to five. The match transpired in a spirit of camaraderie, with both sides exemplifying commendable sportsmanship. Both sides went try for try, however, the determination of the Boars saw them take victory in the last few minutes.

Tries: Logan Osborne X2; Gibson Westcott X 3; Elijah Nona

MVPs: 3 – Gibson Westcott; 12 – Logan Osborne; 1 – Nash Vardy

Game 3: IPC Taipans v Grammar

Result: WON: 40 - 0

IPC Taipans faced off against Grammar in round 5. Playing in the last game of the afternoon the boys could not wait to get on the field. Strong runs by the forward pack resulted in plenty of holes opening up in Grammar’s defence for the backs to take advantage of. Amidst the fierce competition, the match epitomized the true essence of sportsmanship, with every player embodying a spirit of fair play and a commitment to excellence.

Tries: Will Travers x 2; Nate Ryan; Jackson Scalia; Quaid Smith; Archer Smerdon; Bailey Campbell

MVPs: 3 – Will Travers; 2 – Jackson Scalia; 1 – Henry Hedger

YEAR 8

Game 1: IPC 1 V Grammar

Result: WON: 40 - 10
The showdown between two top-tier local Rugby squads was an electrifying affair, brimming with adrenaline from start to finish. IPC delivered peak performances, executing powerful runs that effortlessly penetrated Grammar’s defence to take the game away. Despite the intense rivalry, the match exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship, with every player demonstrating a commitment to fair play and excellence.

MVPs: 3 – Karmanhii Douglas; 2 – Alex Moss; 1 – Riley Hall

Game 2: IPC 2 V Cathedral

Result: WON: 30 - 25
The IPC squad dove into a thrilling encounter this week against the formidable Cathedral team. The clash promised intense action from the get-go, with an atmosphere charged with anticipation as both teams fiercely contested every move. After displaying remarkable skills and showing immense bravery, IPC ultimately defeated Cathedral in what was a closely fought match.

MVPs: 3 – Leo Payton; 2 – Chase Davies; 1 – Harper Jensen

FINAL ROUND

The last week of the local season saw the boys turn up in large numbers to finish the season off with a bang. They were all keen to go out on a winning note. It has been another fantastic year for Junior Rugby at IPC. Thanks to all those boys who took part as well as the staff who helped out in a number of positions. We look forward to seeing them all on the Rugby field next year.

YEAR 7

Game 1: IPC Dingoes v IPC Boars

Result: Dingoes:  20 – Boars: 5

The Dingoes and Boars finished off the season with a hit out against each other. The boys went out with the intent of enjoying themselves and playing some hard rugby against their mates. The game turned out to be a fast paced affair with the Dingoes taking home the bragging rights.

IPC Dingoes MVPs: 3- L.Henry; 2- B.Campbell; 1 - M.Maloney

IPC Boars MVPs: 3 – L.Oborne; 2 – N.Keir; N.Vardy

Game 2: IPC Roos v Grammar

Result: WON: 50 - 10

The IPC Roos were keen to get a win in their final game against old foes Grammar. Throwing the ball around resulted in IPC opening up a number of gaps in the Grammar defence that allowed the boys to score a number of tries both through the middle and out wide. The end result witnessed a jubilant Roos team finally getting a chance to celebrate a win. Well done boys.

MVPs: 3 – B.Bolton; 2 – Q. Chistiansen; 1- A.Nieminen

Game 3: IPC Taipans v Cathedral

Result: WON: 40 - 35

IPC Taipans faced off against Cathedral in the final round of the season. There were two of the most consistent teams in this years season and the crowd were not left disappointed with the skills on display. Both teams went try for try. However, IPC were able to hold out a determined Cathedral to come out on the winning side once the final whistle blew.

MVPs: 3 – Kingston Bowman; 2 – Quaid Smith; 1 – Nate Ryan

YEAR 8

Game 1: IPC 1 V Cathedral

Result: LOST: 35 - 0
The clash between two premier local Rugby teams ignited the atmosphere, pulsating with excitement from kick off to final whistle. IPC, however, could not put their plans into action for the final game and went down to a dominant Cathedral team.

Game 2: IPC 2 V Grammar

Result: WON: 20 - 5
The Year 8 IPC2 team embarked on an exhilarating showdown against the formidable Grammar squad. The encounter brimmed with excitement from the outset, with an atmosphere charged with anticipation as both sides fiercely contested every play. Exhibiting remarkable skills and unwavering courage, IPC emerged victorious in a hotly contested match against Grammar.

YEAR 9/10

IPC v Cathedral

Result: Won 15 - 10

The final game of the Year 9/10 rugby union season showcased a thrilling battle between IPC and TCS. Despite it being the last match, a strong turnout highlighted the dedication of the players. IPC took an early lead with dominant attack saw IPC's Jonna Allan and Giann Moody-Moxon scoring quick tries, yet lapses in defense kept TCS in the game. After halftime, TCS fought back fiercely, narrowing the score. Dale Humphrey’s' crucial try late in the game extended IPC's lead, but TCS remained resilient. In a tense finale, IPC held on for a hard-earned 15-10 victory. Giann Moody-Moxon's performance earned him 3 points, followed by Koby de Wet with 2 points, and Will Thiele with 1 point, highlighting their impactful contributions to the team's success.

Year 10 FTVNM Photography

Students in Year 10 Film, Television and New Media are busily editing their photos as part of this term’s unit on digital photography. 

They have been enjoying learning how to use a DSLR camera, the professional editing program, Lightroom, as well as how to promote their work in the community.  Students have been photographing a range of diverse subjects and experimenting with various techniques to create balance and visual appeal in their shots.  

Thanks to budding student photographers Kevin Morris, Gordon Keith, Kevin Ross, Blaine Roper, Jachri Laban and Nicolas Demopoulos for providing us a glimpse into their photography folios.  Nice work boys!

Katrina Guazzo | The Arts Faculty Leader

Year 9 Drama Excursion @ Arc Theatre

Year Nine Drama students juggled, balanced and clowned their way through yesterday afternoon, as they took part in a physical theatre workshop at the Townsville Civic Theatre.  Facilitated by award-winning Arc Circus performers, Robbie and Lizzie, the boys explored physicality in character movement, circus style counterbalance, and juggling skills. The engaging workshop linked directly to this term’s curriculum and provided the budding thespians a valuable opportunity to further their knowledge and skills in this popular area of the performing arts.

Engaging Adolescents Parent Course

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