Term 2 Week 4 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

May 5^th saw the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice.  Edmund, as the founder of the Christian Brothers built a tradition and legacy that continues today through many Edmund Rice programs and initiatives, and of course the network of schools worldwide that were founded in his tradition.  At Ignatius Park College we recognised this significant event on Friday with our annual ‘Edmund Rice Day’, which was a fantastic community event.  It was a pleasure to welcome back Fr Emene Kelemete, an old boy of the College, to celebrate Mass in recognition of this day.  Our senior boys then led the College in a number of activities, before the running of our annual cross-country carnival.  It was a great day with a genuine feeling of faith, community and celebration throughout and congratulations to the overall winner ‘Rice House’.  Thank you to all involved.

As we approach the June holidays, our College preparations to host this years Confraternity Carnival are ramping up.  The carnival will see 64 teams competing for the title across 4 divisions and will bring over 5000 people to the region for the week.  I would like to thank the members of our community that have already volunteered to help throughout the week, as well as those businesses that have agreed to sponsor the event.  In a change from previous years, the girl’s final will be played as a curtain raiser for the women’s State of Origin on the Thursday night, which should be a great event.  Mr Mark Holmes as the carnival convenor is doing a fantastic job in what promises to be a huge event not just for our school, but for the Townsville community.

Our two renovated rooms have been opened this week, with our tradesmen now moving to the remaining three rooms on the second level (rooms 203-205).  At this stage we are aiming to continue classroom refurbishments throughout the year, with a view to improving 15 rooms in 2024, bringing the total refurbished to 23 across the College.

Thank you to all parents who came in last week for our Parent Teacher interviews.  These interviews are deliberately placed at this time of the year so that parents are able to get feedback on progress, while still having a good proportion of time to work with staff and their sons to address any areas that require extra attention.  We will hold a second round of Parent Teacher interviews in term three and I would strongly encourage all parents to take up this opportunity.

With Term 2 comes a new influx of extra-curricular opportunities for our boys to engage in.  We currently have opportunities in the combined schools musical, music ensembles, rugby league, debating, rugby union, volunteering, soccer, rowing, volleyball, basketball and netball amongst other things.  It is important to note that while each of these activities are important to the growth and development of our students, it remains a privilege to represent our College, not a right.  First and foremost, students come to this College for an education, and this must be each and every student’s primary focus.  This point of the year is a great time to remind students that in order to represent the College outside of school, they must be putting their best foot forward inside school, and that includes meeting deadlines and expectations in the classroom.  I know that for the vast majority of our students this is not and will not be an issue. 

Best of luck to our year 9 students beginning their ‘Rite Journey’ program on Thursday evening, it promises to be a impactful program. 

Luke Thomson | Principal

Curriculum Corner

Key dates for Term 2

May 14                   Year 12 Essential Mathematics CIA Examination

May 17-30              Year 11 End of Unit 1 Examination and Assessment Phase

June 12-20             Year 7-10 and Year 12 Examination and Assessment Phase

June 13                  Year 10 Subject Talks

June 14                  Year 11 and Year 12 Reports Issued

Parent-Teacher Conferences have occured: What’s next?

We are nearly at the halfway mark of Term 2, you have received a report card and most of you have met a number of your son’s teachers. Some of you may have left with a clear understanding and plan of how to best support your student from home.  But some of you may still have questions that you need answered.  Things to consider:

1. Does your child have a good work environment at home to complete assignments and study for exams?

• minimal distractions.
• a calm atmosphere.
• low noise levels.
• access to fresh air.
• temperature control.
• natural light.
• a comfortable, ergonomic chair.

1. Does your son need more support?

It can be difficult to hear that you child is struggling academically.  If their teacher is recommending additional academic support, it is important that you take this advice with an open mind. Research shows that the earlier academic interventions are put in place the higher the rate of success. Afterschool Homework Program in the LRC or attending Help-A-Brother-Out can be helpful in completing homework and assignments.  If further intervention is necessary, a conversation with the Dean of Middle School (Years 7-9) or Dean of Senior School (Years 10-12) can point you in the right direction.

1. Have behavioural issues been identified?

Try to hear your child’s teacher out. Sometimes children behave very differently at home than they do in school. Sometimes certain combinations of children bring out the worst in them. Try not to take it personally. All children misbehave at times. Ask your child’s teacher what you can do to help reinforce good behaviour in the classroom. Share what works for you at home. Sometimes better school-to-home communication is all it takes. Homeroom teachers and Pastoral Leaders can also be extremely helpful with these issues.

If you still have questions after parent teacher conferences, you may need to contact the teacher again, so you and your child can feel comfortable with the action plan. Good parent-teacher relationships are the key to the success of all students.

Year 10 Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans - Choosing the Right Subjects for 2025 and 2026

This term in Pastoral Care (PACA) lessons, Year 10 students will embark on their SET Plan Journeys. Every Year 10 student in Queensland is required to develop a SET Plan.

Developing a SET Plan helps students:

• investigate possible careers and future study options they may be interested in post-school
• structure their learning in Years 11 and 12 around their abilities, interests and ambitions
• ensure their learning options allow them to pursuit preferred study, further education and training, and career goals
• map their pathway to a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Parents play an extremely important part in this process. Some important dates for parents include:

Monday 22 July, Subject Showcase Evening:  parents have an opportunity to talk to teachers about Year 11 and 12 subjects for their son as well as develop their understanding about the Senior Phase of Learning in Queensland. Additionally, representatives from industry and tertiary institutions will be in attendance to answer questions about pathways after school.

Friday 16 and Monday 19 August, SET Plan Interviews: in these interviews, students will explain to interviewers their preferred subjects for year 11 and 12 and justify their reasons for choosing these subjects. Parents are asked to attend these interviews to ‘sign-off’ on their son’s SET Plans and ensure they are fully aware of his intended learning pathway.

Parent Webinars – Supporting Your Son to Maximise his School Outcomes

Ignatius Park College has teamed with Elevate Education to provide all parents with access to a series of free webinars. The webinars are targeted at provided parents with clear strategies and practical tips to support their child through high school.

The schedule of webinars for term 2 is:

Wednesday May 8, 6:30pm:       How to Get (and Keep!) Your Child Motivated

Wednesday 22May, 6.30pm:      Help Your Child Prepare for Exams

Wednesday 5 June 6.30pm:       Help Support Your Child During Exams

Wednesday 19 June 6.30pm       Live Q and A – open question time with the presenter

Parents can register for the webinars via the following link: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars

Shane Dove | Director of Curriculum

Director of Students

Domestic Violence

Sadly, a Victorian school has recently been caught up in the media as a result of comments and actions made by three of their male students online. Their actions include compiling a highly offensive spreadsheet rating the attractiveness of their female peers. According to their Principal, the spreadsheet used despicable terms such as "wifeys" and "cuties" to describe female students and also used the term "unrapeable". This type of abhorrent thought process in our young people must be called out and acted upon. At Ignatius Park College, it would be naïve to believe that all of our young men act, speak and type with due care and thought all of the time. We must continue to nurture and develop their awareness of what is right and what is acceptable. The manner in which our young men speak about and behave around the women in their lives is absolutely critical, and as a College we work very hard to ensure our students know how to conduct themselves as gentlemen, showing respect, courtesy and decorum.

Our year 9 students recently had a visit from Dave Kramer who spoke about the topics of Safe and respectful relationships, The influence of Social Media on behaviour, feelings, emotions and regulation. This session was informative and in the current environment, very timely. The session was sponsored by the “Townsville Fire” as part of National Domestic Violence awareness month in May. 

The Rite Journey

This week, we welcome the parents of our year 9 students to mark the start of our transformative program, The Rite Journey. We look forward to “The Departure” ceremony which takes place on Thursday afternoon in the Edmund Rice Hall.

Ignatius Park College's Year 9 students embark on a transformative journey alongside their parents: The Rite Journey. This unique program isn't just a typical outdoor adventure; it's a rite of passage, marking the transition from childhood to adolescence and beyond. Designed to foster resilience, self-awareness, and responsibility, it guides students through challenges both physical and emotional.

The journey begins with a a series of lessons designed to transform the way our young men think. Later in the year, the students will embark on a transformational outdoor experience where students disconnect from the distractions of modern life and reconnect with nature and themselves. Through group activities, reflection, and mentorship, they confront fears, develop teamwork skills, and discover their inner strengths.

For parents, it's a parallel journey of letting go and trusting their child's growth. They participate in ceremony, fostering open communication and understanding between parents and teen.

As students return, they carry with them newfound confidence and a deeper sense of purpose. The Rite Journey isn't just an adventure—it's a profound experience that shapes students' lives and strengthens the bond between parent and their student.

Edmund Rice Day

We have recently had our annual Edmund Rice Day, which is one I circle on the calendar each year. A day of remembrance, fun and competition, the Iggy Park spirit was alive and well with games, amusement rides and of course the student Vs staff sports. To finish the day, the students battled it out on the cross country course which is always a true indicator of grit and determination. Well done to the Rice House who came out on top in this event.

John Deer | Director of Students

Mission and Identity

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last week we celebrated the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice. In light of this great event, this fortnights reflection will focus on Edmund and his great work that still lives strong through our College today.

Praying with Blessed Edmund Rice

O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice. He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice. May we follow his example of faith and generosity. Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, AMEN.

The Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice – 05 May

Born on 1 June 1762 in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland, Edmund grew up in a relatively well-off Catholic family at a time when Ireland was under British rule and anti-Catholic Penal Laws were in force.

After receiving his initial education, Edmund joined his uncle's business in providing supplies for the British Navy and Army at Waterford.  He became very wealthy. After his uncle's death, Edmund inherited the business and got married. Sadly, his wife died not long after giving birth to their daughter.

Edmund realised that education was essential to liberating young men from their circumstances. This led him to sell his business and begin to instruct poor boys living on the streets of Waterford. He provided food, clothing and education for 200 to 300 students. Edmund was determined that the school have the best standards of the day. The curriculum was designed to help students work in business and commerce, and build their spiritual practice knowledge of the Bible. The opportunity to become educated changed many boys' lives.

Edmund Rice was a radical revolutionary who believed that by opening the hearts and minds of boys and young men, they would be filled with the hope that they were free to build a better life for all.

Edmund continued to be involved in Irish nationalism. His life became more and more about liberation. He died in 1844.

Pope John Paul II beatified Edmund Rice at a ceremony in St. Peter's Square, Rome, on 6 October 1996 and he became known as Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice. His official feast day is May 5.

• What is important now is to understand the Edmund Rice Charism. Edmund Rice Education Australia expresses the charism through the Touchstones:

• Liberating Education
• Gospel Spirituality
• Inclusive Community
• Justice & Solidarity.

There are two questions we should ask ourselves regularly, and particularly as we celebrate Blessed Edmund’s Feast Day:

• How do you see the Touchstones alive at IPC?
• How do you live the Touchstones when you are not at school?

Have a great week.

Live Jesus in our Hearts

Forever.

Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission

Wellbeing Report

A SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating Mother's Day

Mother's Day originated from humble beginnings in 1908 as a simple tradition to honour all mothers, living and deceased. However, it did not take long for florists, confectioners and card companies to jump onboard and commercialise the day, much to the disappointment of its founder, Ann Jarvis.

Today, Mother's Day is an annual reminder to say thanks to our mum, or other motherly figure, who plays an important role in our lives. It is a day to express our gratitude and love towards the women who have dedicated their time, energy, and love to raise and support us. Whether it's a simple gesture like a card, a bunch of flowers, or a heartfelt message, Mother's Day is an opportunity to show our mothers how much we cherish and admire them. It's a time to reflect on the love, sacrifices, and unwavering support that our mothers provide unconditionally. 

Mothers will often put the needs of others above their own, so it is paramount to remind them to take care of themselves, especially when it comes to their mental health. Research has shown that women experience some mental health conditions more so than men and at much higher rates. There are many factors that can impact a woman's wellbeing physically and emotionally. Seeking effective treatment can enable her to engage more readily in everyday activities and fulfil the needs of her children and family.

This Special Report highlights that Mother's Day is not only a celebration, but also a reminder of the vital role mothers play in the developmental growth of her children and the impact this has on shaping our society.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://ipc.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/celebrating-mothers-day

The Party Program

Our Year 11 boys recently participated in the PARTY Progam at The University Hospital.
PARTY (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth) is an interactive program allowing students to meet health professionals, emergency services personnel and people who have experienced trauma and survived.

The program aims to reduce traumatic injuries in young people, by providing teenagers with trauma-related information enabling them to:

- recognise potentially risky situations
- make prevention orientated choices
- adopt behaviours that minimise unnecessary risk.

It was great to see these boys engaged and learning these life-long lessons

Christian Quabba | Dean of Wellbeing

Pathways Hub

Work Experience

We would encourage all year 10,11 or 12 students to do work experience as it either consolidates their ideas about a chosen career or rules out a career from their possible / probable list of post school options. It is now time to register for 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 the Mr Kyle or Mrs Vignale in the Pathway Hub.

Upcoming Industry Placement

All the VET and Industry Placement students will be out on industry placement in Week 7 (27-31 May). This is a fantastic opportunity for the Year 11s to try different trades and for the Year 12s to begin to secure their future careers.

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 10 May 2024 (Week 4).  If they are received after this date the student will be changed in Term 3.

Industry Placements Dates for 2024

Please find below the industry placement dates for 2024. It is an expectation that all industry placement students attend every day. We ask that appointments, sport and work commitments are organised outside work time on these weeks as to not interfere with attending industry placement.

If you have any concerns or queries about anything in this article, please call me on 0438 185 403 or my email is zeb.kyle@ipc.qld.edu.au.

Zeb Kyle | Program Leader of Skills and Training

Careers

Year 10 Work Experience

What an amazing week!  Year 10’s – You are the best!!!  Nothing but positive comments from yourself, parents and businesses! A HUGE THANK YOU to all businesses who opened their doors and let our students experience their possible chosen career for the week. Pick any type of occupation and there was a year 10 student there to experience it. The purpose of this was to see if this was a career Year 10’s would like to pursue further or cross it off their list; from feedback already this was definitely the case on all accounts.  Congratulations also to those who obtained casual work or SBA’s from their experience – that is a huge compliment.

JCU/ University of Newcastle: Science & Engineering Challenge

What an exciting experience this was! So many challenges to choose from and kudos to our Year 10’s – it was all done by correspondence to organise. 19 students put their hand up to participate. Challenges were varied to different abilities and IPC managed to take out first place on their day.

RAAF Open Day

An experience not usually open to the general public, students had the opportunity to:

• Go inside the base, and see first-hand the different functions
• Chat to various serving Air Force personnel
• Get up close or hands on with the latest aviation technology including surveillance and reconnaissance, F35 and Chinook static display, Airfield defence weapons displays, and much more.

Heroes in Health

One of our Year 11 students was able to experience what a day in the life of a health professional would be like, through JCU's Heroes in Health program. It was an incredible opportunity for this student to experience firsthand what he can expect should he continue to head down the path to a career in medicine. 

JCU Engineering Futures

A unique opportunity for students to up their STEM game.

Do you have students interested in a career in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths? Would they love to experience a taste of university life and live on campus for a week?

JCU is excited to present Engineering Futures. This five-day free immersive program offers a unique opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to explore the latest technologies, discover careers in STEM and experience university life.

DATE: Monday 1 July - Saturday 6 July 2024

LOCATION: JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas

Students can maximise their holidays as they engage in interactive workshops, meet new friends and gain practical insights into a range of STEM disciplines.

Applications are now open!

If you have eager students in STEM, encourage them to check the eligibility and selection criteria and submit their online application here https://experience.jcu.edu.au/EngineeringFutures.

Spots are limited and applications close Sunday 19 May 2024.

IPC Overseas Trips Fundraising

Saturday night 11^th May from 6pm sees the Edmund Rice Hall come alive with teams to battle out for the win and who will walk away with the wooden spoon. All proceeds from this evening is to support upcoming overseas trips – UK Football Tour and South American Immersion. The night will be entertaining with trivia rounds, novelty games and drinks available for purchase from the bar. Dress up your table and bring nibbles to share. Prizes for Best Themed Table, Lucky door and raffles. Thank you to Century 21 and Buy It Boxed who have donated major prizes for the evening.

Book today: Tickets $10 per person or $80 for a table (8-10 people) at Try booking https://www.trybooking.com/CRBVC

Looking forward to a great celebration to raise money to support these amazing opportunities for our IPC boys.

TSMG Visit

Last week two representatives from the Townsville Multicultural Support Group TMSG spoke to the Year 10 Religion students about their journeys from conflict to peace. Anwar a Somalian by birth fled to Kenya as a refugee for ten or more years before being accepted as a asylum seeker and now permanaent resident of Townsville. Barzin an Iranian born man has lived through a brutal dictatorship in Iran since his primary years and fled to India as a refugee. There he lived ‘under cover’ for 23 years until he was rescued by the United Nations and was granted residency in Townsville just 5 months ago. Such powerful stories that give us an insight into the harsh realities of life in war torn countries and immense gratitude for living in a peaceful and democratic society.

Drum Ensemble Signup

CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Gold Sponsors

Students with Disability Travel Rebate

St Patricks College Trivia Night

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/

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