Term 2 Week 6 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and the gentlemen of Ignatius Park College are taking a proactive approach to raising awareness to this cause.  In January when I first started at the College, our College Captain Alex met with me to seek permission to start an initiative at the College.  Alex had been at the EREA Youth Leaders Forum, and in speaking with his counterpart from Nudgee College heard of the success of the Stella Fella campaign that had been running successfully for a few years.  Alex had the student leadership team onboard and wanted to run a similar initiative here.  This Thursday will see the inaugural IPC Stella Fella campaign take place.  Students are encouraged to bring or purchase a bow tie and wear it on the day, and also sign a pledge that states that they will stand up against domestic and family violence in our society.  What I feel is the most powerful aspect of this initiative, is that this has not been led by staff asking students to get on board, but by our students.  I commend their willingness to tackle such a big societal issue and shine a light on this problem, and I commend their leadership in ensuring that this campaign gets off the ground and the young men of Ignatius Park are proactive in being agents of change in our community.

Over the last 2 weeks we have held several events with other schools which are fantastic opportunities for our students to build connections with each other.  Our boy’s netball team have taken on St Margaret Mary’s in the opening game of the annual School of Origin, taking home the narrow win in Game 1.  What was especially pleasing was the 100 odd spectators who turned out to watch, and were fantastic ambassadors for our College, with SMMC staff commenting that they were the best group of student spectators that they have had at the College. 

Many Year 11 boys also took the opportunity to enjoy a social trivia night at St Pats College last Friday evening, and our Year 9 boys participated in a combined (social) touch football competition with St Margaret Marys, St Pats and St Teresa’s Abergowrie (an EREA associate school).  These events are great opportunities for our boys, and again it was fantastic to receive such positive feedback from each of these events.

With Industry Placement week happening next week, it also signifies that the end of the term is fast approaching.  Next week we are in week 7, so for most students (particularly years 7-10) that will mean that assessments and exams are drawing close.  If not already underway, students should be regularly revising the content covered in class, and practising the skills required to address assessment criteria.  Even when there is no set homework for a subject, assessment and revision work is ongoing.  When positive, sustained and regular study patterns are developed at home, we generally see a correlation to improved academic outcomes.  The LRC is also open to all students on Monday to Thursday afternoons until 4pm for study, and Thursday nights until 6pm for year 11 and 12 students.  It would be great to see more students taking these opportunities for supported study each day. 

And finally, next week our year 7 students will be making their way to Camp Gedling for their camp.  This was postponed from earlier in the year and will be the first camp for our College this year (our year 8 camp also was rescheduled due to weather).  I wish every student all the best for the three days up in the ranges and thank the staff who have given up their time to provide this opportunity for our boys.

Have a great week.

Luke Thomson | Principal

Curriculum Corner

Curriculum Corner

Key dates for Term 2

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

Year 11 Subject Changes

Year 11 Students have the opportunity to undertake subject changes for the next couple of weeks. With Unit 1 nearing completion, it is an opportune time for students to be reflecting on their results and subject pathways. Any student wishing to change their subject are to follow the process below:

1. Subject Change form obtained from the Edmund Rice Office
2. Obtain feedback and signatures from:
   1. Teacher of Current Subject
   2. Teacher of New Subject
   3. Faculty Leader of New Subject
3. Subject Change form signed by student and parent/carer
4. Submit fully completed Subject Change form to Edmund Rice Office by no later than Friday 31 May

PLEASE NOTE: Availability in some elective and VET subjects may be limited due to existing class sizes and timetable clashes.

Year 12 – Tracking Your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Attainment

With Unit 3 now complete, it is important all Year 12 students are aware of their QCE status. The quickest, most efficient and accurate way to undertake this is through the Student Portal on the QCAA myQCE website at: https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/

To attain a QCE, students must achieve:

• a set amount of learning: accrue at least 20 QCE points

• at a set standard: achieve a satisfactory or C standard for General and Applied subjects. Complete all requirements of Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications

• in a set pattern: at least 12 points from Core learning (ie. Applied/General/Certificate II Vet subjects) and a maximum of 4 points from Preparatory learning (ie. Certificate I VET and short courses)

• while meeting literacy and numeracy requirements: pass any unit of English/Maths or successfully complete a QCAA Short Course.

Parents of Year 12 students who are at-risk of not attaining a QCE will be contacted by the College over the next week. These students will be offered additional studies to undertake in Semester 2 in order to enhance their chances attaining their QCE.

To find out more information about, click on this link.

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.

Term 2 Assessment

Parent Lounge is the quickest and easiest way to keep track of the assessment your son has coming up towards the end of Term 2.  This can be a busy time with assessment and extra-curricular activities. Being organised is essential.

Log onto Parent Lounge and click on the “Curricular Activities Due” tab on the left-hand menu. This will open a page that lists the assessment items your son(s) will complete this term along with key dates for drafts and final copies to be completed.

Shane Dove | Director of Curriculum

Director of Students

At Ignatius Park College, we firmly believe that consistent school attendance is vital for academic success and personal development. Attending school regularly not only helps students keep up with their academic work but also fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Firstly, good attendance directly impacts academic performance. When students attend classes regularly, they are better able to understand and retain the material being taught. Regular attendance helps prevent gaps in knowledge, ensuring that students build a strong foundation in all subjects. Missing classes can lead to misunderstandings and falling behind, which can be challenging to recover from, even with extra effort and tutoring.

A high attendance rate also plays a crucial role in personal development. It instills discipline, punctuality, and a sense of responsibility. These qualities are essential for success beyond the classroom. Consistent attendance teaches students the importance of committing to their obligations and following through on their responsibilities. These lessons are invaluable as they prepare for higher education and future careers.

Going off recent data, based on the past five years, all schools in the Queensland are coming to grips with what appears to be a trend to place less emphasis on the importance of attendance by students at school by some families. In response, IPC has taken the opportunity to revise our own procedure regarding attendance.

Beginning in Semester 2, the Pastoral Team will be increasing our vigilance on attendance, with parents being contacted if student attendance falls below our recommended levels. The process will begin with student falling below 90% attendance and will increase in scrutiny if there is no sign of improvement. Please speak with your son on the topic of taking soft options or staying home to study, rather than toughing out the day at school as this is not an option society or employers generally accept and if we are serious about preparing our students for post-school life, this must be an area of concentration.

At Ignatius Park College, we are committed to supporting our students in achieving excellent attendance. We encourage parents and guardians to partner with us in emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance. Together, we can ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed academically and personally.

John Deer | Director of Students

Identity and Mission

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we enter the second half of the term and the colder months, it is important to reflect on what we are 'feeding' ourselves not just physically, but spiritually also.  We live in an age that invented junk food: food that is not real food because it supplies no nourishment and can be harmful to eat. It’s not surprising, then, that we also consume volumes of reporting that is mostly opinion, and inform ourselves from sources we can’t even identify. Our cultures popular stories are thin, recycled, and not transformative. A lot of what we take in – to our bodies, our minds, our hearts – is just junk.

Some people awaken to that reality and try to make changes. They train themselves to walk past the processed food aisle in the market. They turn off the TV, forsake pre-packaged options, seek out stories which lead beyond romance or cynicism. They look for people engaged in vital living, who go beyond the existence loop that many of us have crawled into: work, eat, entertain, sleep. Some people are looking for true food.

Jesus offers true food to those who believe. Eucharist is how we express that, but the sacrament takes us beyond the sacred elements to the flesh-and-blood avenues of our lives. Jesus gave us the Eucharist to open our eyes to the words he spoke, the stories he told, the transformative action of Spirit that helps us break out of the existence loop and into lives that matter. When we’ve had enough junk food, the true food is on the table.

What nourishes your body and your spirit? How much cultural junk do you consume, in proportion to the true food of faith?

Pray

Generous, loving God, we ask you to give us today our daily bread. As we store the crops, and fill our sheds, stack our shelves, pile high the tins, and wander the aisles of supermarket choice, show us how to see the world through the eyes of the hungry. Teach us how to share with all, our daily bread. 

Amen.

Ponder

Consider the ratio of “junk food” in your life to the true food that Jesus offers. Plan a new diet, lessening the amount of time you surrender to useless, lifeless activity. Increase your intake of good food, inspiring stories, real relationships.

Have a great week everyone. 

Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission

Wellbeing Report

A SPECIAL REPORT: Stella Fella

Tomorrow we’re inviting our boys to commit to be a #stellafella.

Stella Fella is the brainchild of our senior cohort and is centred around Domestic Violence Awareness and taking a pledge to be a stronger man – committing to being a Stella Fella to put a stop to Domestic Violence.

The boys have had opportunities to buy bow ties from the school throughout the week, and they can also bring their own from home. We look forward to seeing our students taking a stand against domestic and family violence as they ‘Say No with a Bow’.

Well done to our senior boys – leading the way to make a change.

In this edition of SchoolTV - SCHOOL REFUSAL

School refusal, sometimes called school avoidance or school phobia, is not uncommon. It is different to ‘wagging’ or truancy and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. Although it is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, parents should only be concerned if a child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home due to minor physical complaints.

School refusal is a complex issue as there is rarely a single cause. It affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school. More recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the educational experience of all students, affecting some more than others. Dealing with a school refusal child can affect the whole family, adding pressure to an already challenging time. School refusal is not considered a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It’s a name given to an emotional and/or behavioural problem.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will learn how best to approach this issue and work towards a solution.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the School Refusal edition of SchoolTV
https://ipc.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-refusal

Christian Quabba | Dean of Wellbeing

Pathways Hub

School-based Apprenticeships (SBA)

During the last fortnight we have had another student sign up as SBAs. We are happy to announce the following student.

• Ashton Leeming (11 Rice) has been signed up as an SBA as a carpenter with Chris Leeming Carpentry.

Well done to Ashton 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 27^th of May. 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 were issued with their logbooks on Friday 17^th May 2024. Students were expected to call their employers no later than Wednesday 22nd of May. This call would be 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 wit 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 wishing to organise a week of work experience during the June/July Holidays needs to have finalised all the necessary paperwork by Friday 7^th June.  At this stage, 2 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

Zeb Kyle | Program Leader of Skills and Training

Careers

Careers Week was such a blast this year!  Activities each day on notices ranged from quizzes to complete, 'A day in the life of...' for different occupations as well as career paths for students to follow.

Thursday was a 'Careers takeover' during PACA lessons:

• Year 7 enjoyed a range of games to introduce them to different occupations
• Year 8 enjoyed a session from the JCU Outreach team that got them thinking about their personality type
• Year 10's participated in the expo and then worked on their '3 possible career choices'
• Year 11's had to see if they could survive just on a gig job or side hustle, as well as attend the expo
• Year 12's signed up to 'Year 13' which is a one-stop place for everything to do with leaving school and transitioning into the future as adults.

CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Gold Sponsors

CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Silver Sponsors

CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Bronze Sponsors

NRL Jersey Raffle

Inter-House Cross Country Results

The Ignatius Park College Interhouse cross country was run on Friday 3^rd May. The course along the River ranged in  distances of 3km for the U12 and U13’s, 4km for the U14 nd 15’s and 6 kilometers for the older age groups.

The Top 3 placegetters for each age group are

U12

1^st - Brice Wheldon

2^nd - Jordan Bye 2

3^rd - Gibson Westcott

U13

1^st – Archer Smerdon

2^nd – Cooper Clauss

3^rd – Chase Davies

U14

1^st – Patrick Fanning

2^nd – Archie Lansley

3^rd – Jobie Haller

U15

1^st – Jonah Allan

2^nd – Jay Kyle-Little

3^rd – Zachary Pearce

U16

1^st – Hugo Drovandi

2^nd – Corbin Waddington

3^rd – Braeden Johnstone

U17

1^st – Thomas Dodds

2^nd – Jacob Sexton

3^rd – Tallis Smith-Wehrman

U18

1^st – Jai Duxbury

2^nd – Geoffrey Lui

3^rd Joshua Morton

School of Origin Netball

Game 1 of School of Origin Netball was a hard fought game played in excellent spirit and sportsmanship.

The Iggy boys went into the game confident of a win but soon realised the game of Netball is one of fitness and well executed movement and passing. During the first quarter, the Iggy team’s attacking end blitzed the girls with their athleticism and shooting accuracy, However, that lead was lost in the second quarter with a defensive and shooting slump, with the boys going into half time with a significant deficit. The team worked hard to bring the score line level in the 4^th quarter with it being anyone’s game until the last few minutes.

The final score line was 28-26 with a win to the boys! Congratulations to Logan Maggenti who takes out most versatile player proving his abilities at both ends of the court! Game 2 is played Monday of week 8 at the IPC Hall.

Photo Competition Winners

Congratulations to the winners of our inaugural Year 10 Film, Television and New Media (FTVNM) photography competition.  An avid landscape photographer, Marcus Carter took out both first and second place of the Peoples’ Choice award with his beautiful shots of Pallarenda, winning $130 in vouchers.  Also a keen landscape photographer, Kevin Ross scooped third place in the competition and won a $30 voucher.   

More than 200 students, staff and parents voted for their favourite photo at our recent Parent Teacher Meetings and during the Eddie Rice Day festivities last week.  Everyone who voted went into the draw to win an IPC tuckshop voucher and our lucky recipient of the $15 tuckshop voucher was Jachri Laban.

All 18 photos in the competition were taken by Year 10 FTVNM students as part of their photography unit.  The budding photographers produced some amazing images on a range of subjects from picturesque beaches, to creepy crawly critters, to eye-catching drag cars. 

Thanks for your support of our year 10 FTVNM work and keep your eyes out for next year’s photography competition.   

Drum Ensemble Signup

Bring It On Musical Excursion

Students with Disability Travel Rebate

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