Term 2 Week 8 College Newsletter
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Acknowledgement of Country
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From the Principal
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2025 Year 7 Enrolments
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Curriculum Corner
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Director of Students
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Identity and Mission
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Pathways Hub
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Careers
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CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Gold Sponsors
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CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Silver Sponsors
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CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Bronze Sponsors
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NRL Jersey Raffle
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Congratulations to Our NQ U18 Rugby Union Representatives!
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Year 8 Rugby League Training with James Tamou!
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IPC Chess
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Welcome Back Cohan Russell!
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Youth Art Classes
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Drum Ensemble Signup
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Bring It On Musical Excursion
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Students with Disability Travel Rebate
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Hey Wire Competition
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2024 Awards for Excellence in Art Design
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Students on School Grounds Outside School Hours
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School Fees
Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
The last few weeks have certainly seen the busyness of the College ramp up as we are fast approaching the completion of term 2. As the end of term approaches, so do a number of exams and due dates for most students. It is essential that boys are organised so that their studies are prioritised, especially at this time of the year. I would encourage you to discuss upcoming assessments with your son, as your support and encouragement will help ensure that deadlines are met, and revision is completed.
While organisation is one element that supports student success, so to is attendance. Our student wellbeing team tracks attendance, with the aim that ninety percent of all students are attending school ninety percent of the time. Ninety percent attendance equates to one day off every fortnight, which in turn equates to twenty days off per year. This is still a significant amount of time off school and would mean that even a student with 90% attendance is missing out on 120 hours of education and instruction per year than someone who is present each and every day. If you are having challenges with attendance in your household, please discuss these issues with your son’s Pastoral Leader to see how the College can support you.
I had the pleasure of spending last Thursday with our year 7 students on their camp. It was great for the camp to go ahead (this camp was postponed after the Cyclone), and it was exciting to see our students pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone in many of the activities. As a College, we see great value in school camps and the benefits that these bring to our students, which is why we run them, and why we are looking to improve our facilities at Camp Gedling. Thank you to Mr Quabba for his organisation, and to the staff who took part in the two night camp.
Last week was a particularly busy week for the College. We had students participating in work placement, year 7 camp, numerous sporting activities, rowing regattas, chess championships, service learning and National Reconciliation Week. While broad and diverse experiences at school are in my view, essential in developing well rounded young men, none of these activities would take place without the sacrifice and dedication of the staff involved. In addition to staff who give up their time to run different activities, we also have staff who support these by covering lessons and duties back at school. It is a combined effort from everyone, and I am sure that you would agree that the activities and opportunities that are open to our students as a result of this allows students to follow their passion and helps them to discover their purpose. Thank you to all staff for your efforts.
Finally, I would like to wish our students who are involved in the Combined Schools Musical all the best for the upcoming performances this week and weekend. I know that the team has been rehearsing for a long time and no doubt it will be an outstanding event. Tickets are still available via the link - BRING IT ON TICKETS - BOOK HERE!
Luke Thomson | Principal
2025 Year 7 Enrolments
Enrolment applications for Year 7 2025 and 2026 are currently being accepted. Applications are available via this link. Please complete the online Enrolment Application including the following documentation:
- Birth Certificate (if born overseas we will also need passport and visa documentation)
- Baptism Certificate (if Catholic) as well as any additional Sacramental Certificates
- Semester 2, 2023 Report (and 2024 reports as available throughout the year)
- Year 5 Naplan (when available)
- Any legal or learning support documentation if applicable
- Immunisation Statement
- Medicare Card details
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Enrolments Officer
E: enrolments@ipc.qld.edu.au
Curriculum Corner
Key dates for Term 2
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 10 Senior Education and Training (SET) Planning
This term, Year 10 students have embarked on their Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) Journeys . Every Year 10 student in Queensland is required to develop a SET Plan in order to:
- investigate possible careers and future study options after school
- structure their subject selection for Years 11 and 12 around their abilities, interests and ambitions
- map their pathway to a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
Parents play an extremely important part in this process. This process and timeline for SET Planning and subject selections is outlined below;
Date | Activity | Involvement |
Term 1 | Week 10 | Work Experience Week | Students |
Term 2 | Week 1 - 7 | Pastoral Care Lessons – Focus on Careers Pathway. Mini Careers Expo, Career Investigation | Students and Teachers |
Term 2 | Week 8 | Pastoral Care Lesson – Senior Curriculum Handbook emailed to all students and published on IPC website. Students provided with guidance around subject selections and the subject selection process. | Students, Director of Curriculum, Careers Advisor and Teachers |
Term 2 | Week 9 | All year 10’s attend subject information talks by Faculty Leaders. First round of subject selections - subject portal opens at 5.00pm | Students and Faculty Leaders |
Term 3 | Week 1 | 2025 subject lines released. Subject selection process is reinforced. SET Plan writing and preparation continues. | Students, Director of Curriculum, Careers Advisor and Teachers |
Term 3 | Week 3 | SET plan writing and preparation for interviews continues. Subject Showcase Evening. Subject selection portal opens at 6.00pm. | Students and Parents, key College staff |
Term 3 | Week 4 | Subject selection portal closes 6.00pm. Townsville Careers Expo | Students and Parents |
Term 3 | Week 5 | SET Plan Interview portal opens. The portal is open for 1 week only. It will close at the end of week 5. | Students and Parents |
Term 3 | Week 6 – 7 | SET Plan Interviews with all students and families will occur in Week 6 (Friday 16 August) and Week 7 (Monday 19 August) | Students, Parents and key College staff |
End of Term Exam Schedule
A reminder that the exam schedule for week 9 and 10 and of this term has been published 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.
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.
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
Cyber Safety
Ignatius Park College is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, both within and beyond the school grounds. As part of our ongoing pastoral care program, we recognize the importance of addressing safety on social media platforms. In today's digital age, social media plays a significant role in the lives of our students, presenting both opportunities and very real risks.
Our pastoral team has been actively engaging with students through workshops, discussions, and educational resources to raise awareness about the potential dangers of social media, including cyberbullying, online predators, and the impact of inappropriate content. We emphasize the importance of responsible online behavior, critical thinking, and maintaining a positive digital footprint. On the home front, it is important that parents play a key role in supporting the safe use of phones. Discuss with your son/s the importance of not perpetuating gossip and remember to support one another when or if things go wrong. There are very real issues with recording, saving and sharing content with inappropriate or unsafe intent, which students need to be clearly aware of.
We encourage open communication between students, parents, and the pastoral staff to address any concerns or incidents promptly. By continuing to foster a supportive and informed community, we aim to empower our students to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly, promoting their overall well-being and academic success.
For more information, check the following link:
https://ipc.qld.schooltv.me/searcher?search_api_fulltext=cyber
Road Safety
It has become evident that recently, we have continued to see unsafe actions on our roads from students. Our office has had reports that some students are alighting from vehicles whilst they are stopped at the crossing lights on Ross River Road in traffic lanes. This is extremely dangerous and presents a poor example to other students and road users. Can I ask parents to be mindful of their responsibilities when dropping students to school, and do so in designated parking areas. Students must cross at the lights, and walk straight across the road, not diagonally despite the temptation to rush across.
John Deer | Director of Students
Identity and Mission
Dear Parents and Carers,
When I take my children to Mass, I am well aware that it is a bit of a trial for them. It requires self-regulation capabilities that are beyond their years and they are locked out by a lack of understanding and literacy. Yet, my 7-year-old daughter often jumps at the chance to accompany me to Mass. For her, the mysteries of the Mass are starting to reveal themselves and this is a result of experience, completing her sacraments, religious education at school, and conversations at home. She appreciates the opportunity to sing, get dressed up and experience a world of ongoing discovery and growth.
This week I offer you two holiday reading articles to help to demystify the Mass and Faith. The Bible’s mark on the Mass is more than the reading of the scriptures in the Liturgy of the Word, writes Julian Butler SJ. We also investigate why Saint Thomas the Apostle is the ideal guide for all when faith falters. I hope you find the time over the break to read these insightful articles.
We have had a big term at IPC in the Identity & Mission Department, and Term 3 only gets bigger. Guest speakers on Assembly, Year 12’s doing the Townsville Drop-in Centre, Year 10 Homeless Sleepout, Year 11 & 12 Catholic Studies Volunteering, just to name a few of the big ticket items.
Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission
Pathways Hub
Traineeship
During the last fortnight we had 2 students sign up to do Cert III in Business Traineeship with Zarraffa’s. Congratulations to Benjamin Hollis (11 Putney) and Cooper Humphries (11 Carew). Well, done to both Ben and Cooper at securing this opportunity whilst still at school.
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 however we still have a number of students not meeting the requirements of Ignatius Park Expectations. This impacts our working relationships with our employers. We truly hope that the majority of students gained valuable life skills and now better appreciate the world of work. Congratulations to all those who has secured apprenticeship and or traineeships from this program
Could parents please remind their sons that their logbook is returned by tomorrow (07/06/2024) fully completed otherwise they will receive a detention.
If the student wish is to change placements for Term 3, they must have the purple Change of Placement form completed and lodged with the Pathways office by Friday 2nd August 2024 (Week 4).
Work Experience – School Holidays
We are still taking work experience forms for June/July Holidays. The next work experience will be during September 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
First impressions are crucial, and your son deserves the best chance to shine. In the evolving landscape of Career Development, employers and universities are shifting away from traditional written applications. Instead, they are increasingly using Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMIs) to screen applicants who may seem a good fit on paper.
MMI preparation is vital for students interested in a range of courses, including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Theatre, and others requiring auditions or portfolios. To help your child succeed, we invite you to attend an invaluable session with Dr Ashe Coxon on Thursday, June 13 at St Margaret Mary’s College.
Dr Coxon is a General Practitioner and Career Development Counsellor with extensive experience on university interview panels. Her expertise in interview preparation will help your child build confidence, structure answers effectively, and cover key points without straying off topic.
Interview skills are essential life skills. Join us for this evening session and empower your child to make the most of their first impression in career development and beyond.
To register your interest to attend, please click here
Marianne Milani | SMMC Career Development Practitioner
CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Gold Sponsors
CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Silver Sponsors
CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Bronze Sponsors
NRL Jersey Raffle
Congratulations to Our NQ U18 Rugby Union Representatives!
Congratulations to Reagan Knowles, Owen Myles, Hugh McCafferky, Josh Morton (Captain), Daniel Spicer, Hayden Griffin, Rawiri Roberts, Pio Kelemete, Luke Madsen, and Indygo Keir, who recently travelled to Toowoomba to represent North Queensland (NQ) in the Under-18 Rugby Union at the Queensland Championships.
Over the course of four action-packed days, these dedicated young athletes played six intense games, showcasing not only their skill and dedication but also their impeccable sportsmanship. Their enthusiastic participation was a testament to their hard work and commitment, bringing pride to our College, their region, and themselves. They represented NQ with distinction, performing admirably both on and off the field, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
A special commendation goes to Josh Morton, who led the team as captain and was honoured with the Life Member’s award. This prestigious recognition is given to a player who consistently contributes to the team in a selfless and positive manner throughout the entire campaign. Josh’s leadership and dedication set a shining example for his teammates and were instrumental in the team's success.
Well done to all our players for their remarkable achievements and for making us proud. Your hard work, sportsmanship, and excellence are truly commendable.
Well Done, Men!
Year 8 Rugby League Training with James Tamou!
Huge thanks to Blackhawks, Blues and former Cowboys NRL Legend James Tamou for helping out the IPC Year 8 Rugby League Teams at training yesterday, Monday 3rd June. Helping boys with defence, attitude to training and playing and making the most of sporting opportunities.
IPC Chess
A great day last Wednesday as IPC hosted the 2nd round of the North Regional Schools Chess competition. Over 270 students from a variety of primary and secondary schools across the Townsville district attended on the day. There was plenty of colour and excitement as students hit the boards playing seven games in total throughout the day.
It was a successful day for IPC students with Hayden King and Chatchawin Quinn picking up individual silver medals in the junior and open division. More medals for the following students in the group stages – IPC 2: Silver medal (Romeo Healey, Chatchawin Quinn, Daniel Player and Cooper Hemphill), IPC 4 – Silver medal (Zac Reeves, Lachlan Crawshaw, Aiden Crawshaw and Isaac Gallagher), IPC 7 – Bronze medal (Riley Girgenti, Francesco Fusco, Zachary Fuller and Jim Finucane).
Well done to all competitors on an awesome day. Looking forward to the 3rd and final round in Term 3. If you son knows his way around a chess board and is looking to play some quality chess in a relaxed and social setting, then this is the day for him. Your move!
Welcome Back Cohan Russell!
We’re so pleased to welcome Iggy Old boy Cohan Russell back to The Park – this time as part of our Instrumental and Ensemble Program!
Cohan will be busy with piano lessons for our students and the very important role of College Ensemble Director! He’ll be working with The Flame Riders and The Fire Starters each week and still has some music lesson vacancies to tutor students in vocals, songwriting, guitar, ukelele, piano, and music theory.
If you’d like to learn more about our exciting co-curricular program, contact Mr Arnold or Ms Guazzo!
Youth Art Classes
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:
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