Term 3 Week 2 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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Pastoral Place
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Identity and Mission
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Wellbeing Update
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Mathematics Update
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Pathways Hub
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Careers
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Rugby Union
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Iggy Under the Stars - Hall of Fame Profile #2 John Watson
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CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Silver Sponsor
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Drum Ensemble Signup
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Hey Wire Competition
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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,
Welcome back to term 3. We are straight into the thick of things with a busy few weeks ahead.
The Confraternity carnival was a huge success over the holidays with 64 teams travelling to Townsville and participating in the tournament hosted by IPC. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our community, including Parents, staff and students who all gave of their time to ensure that the event was a success. All in, we had over 110 volunteers filling roles of medical officers, field marshals, ball boys, information providers, announcers and time-keepers to name a few. While it would not have been possible to successfully run the carnival without these people, we still needed someone to have the overall vision and pull all these elements together. Thank you to Mr Holmes who filled the role of Carnival Convenor, and achieved his aim of ensuring that this carnival was memorable for all the right reasons, we could not have pulled it off without him.
While it was an honour to host the event, the honour was made even greater when our boys were able to hold the Confraternity Shield high on Friday afternoon after winning a hard-fought final against Padua College. A fantastic achievement for all involved, particularly our players and coaching staff led by Mr Kyle. Congratulations to our First XIII for capping off a truly memorable week.
This Saturday sees the beginning of the run home to our rowing season, with our next Regatta on Sunday. Good luck to our boys as they continue to build toward defending their Head of the River title later in the term.
It was great to see so many parents at our second Parent Teacher evening on Wednesday. While I acknowledge that there was another significant event on that night, these evenings are an essential part of the educational journey as they allow parents to be informed of their son’s progress, including areas of strength, and areas that need further improvement.
Next Monday is our Subject Selection evening for Years 9 and 10. The evening will begin for Year 9 families at 5.30pm and continue for our Year 10 families at 7pm. Following this event, all Year 10 students will be required to attend a SET plan interview with their parents. At this interview we will discuss subject selection for 2025 and ensure that these subjects align with potential career and study pathways. This is an important evening to gather the information needed to inform you and your sons decisions moving forward, particularly for our Year 10 students. I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
Next week is looking to be a busy one with plenty of sporting competitions, academic extension days and service-learning opportunities. Our Year 9 students will be participating in the Technology Challenge over two days, and I am looking forward to seeing how our boys engage with this initiative.
And finally, it is with pleasure to welcome Mrs Lesley Gardner to the College who has taken up the role of Acting Director of Curriculum until the end of the year. Lesley has joined us from Nudgee College and has replaced Mr Dove who has begun his tenure as the Deputy Principal. We are also able to welcome Mr Brendan Turner to the College who is our new Science teacher, having joined the College from Education Queensland. I am sure that you will join me in welcoming Lesley and Brendan to the College.
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
Welcome back to Term 3. It is an extremely busy term for students across all year levels starting with Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Now that you have met with your son’s teachers at these conferences, we strongly recommend that you have honest discussions about the teacher feedback you have received. The sooner any necessary changes to study habits or routine are implemented the better the chance for improved outcomes.
This term is a very important one for our current Year 9 students and Year 10 students who will be focusing on their 2025 subject selections and future pathways.
Important Curriculum dates for Term 3
July 12 Year 7 – 10 Report cards issued
July 15 Year 9 Subject Talks
July 22 Year 9 Subject Talks continued
July 22 Subject Showcase Evening
July 22 – 6 August Year 11 Mid Unit 2 Exam Phase
July 25 – 9 August Year 12 IA3 Exam Phase
August 14 SET Plan Interviews
August 15 SET Plan Interviews
September 4 – 12 College Exam Phase: Year 7 – 10, Year 11 End of Unit 2, Year 12 Mock Exams
SUBJECT SHOWCASE EVENING | SUBJECT SELECTIONS FOR 2025
Our Subject Showcase Evening is an important information sharing event that extends on this advice. We invite, and strongly recommend, all Year 9 and 10 parents and students attend this evening.
The Acting Director of Curriculum, Ms Lesley Gardner, will present important information to assist students with subject selections and intended career pathways. Students and Parents/Carers will also have the opportunity to speak with Faculty Leaders and Teachers about subject requirements and discuss in further detail the subjects on offer. Parents, Carers, and students are encouraged to read through the Subject Information Handbook, which can be found online: https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/curriculum-handbooks/
Students currently in Years 9 and 10 this year will be required to nominate subject preferences after the event. Information and unique login details on how to access the Subject Preferences Portal will be sent to each student’s email prior to the event. Staff will be available to assist students with their selections in the portal.
When:
Monday, 22 July 2024
Time:
Year 9 students going into Year 10 – 5.30pm Prompt start
Year 10 Students going into Year 11 – 7.00pm Prompt start
Location:
Edmund Rice Hall
Key dates:
22 July 2024 Subject Showcase
22 July 2024 Subject Preferences Portal Opens at 6.00pm
29 July 2024 Subject Preferences Portal Closes at 5.00pm
Should you have any queries or are having difficulties accessing the portal, please do not hesitate to contact the Edmund Rice Office via curriculum@ipc.qld.edu.au
YEAR 11 MID UNIT 2 EXAM SCHEDULE
The Year 11 Mid Unit 2 exam schedule is now Live on our website. These exams will commence on Monday 22 July in Week 3. Students and parents can view the schedule here: https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/.
Please note that this schedule only covers exams. Please refer to Student Café / Parent Lounge for assignment draft and due dates.
YEAR 12 IA3 EXAM SCHEDULE
The Year 12 Internal Assessment 3 (IA3) exam schedule is now Live on our website. These exams will commence on Thursday 25 July, Week 3 and continue into Week 5. Students and parents can view the schedule here: https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/.
Please note that this schedule only covers exams. Please refer to Student Café / Parent Lounge for assignment draft and due dates.
VARIATION TO ASSESSMENT – AARA‘s (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments)
A general reminder about our AARA process:
- As per the College’s Assessment Policy, 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.
- 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.
Lesley Gardner | Director of Curriculum
Pastoral Place
Striking a Balance: The Importance of Life Balance for Students
In the modern world, even in Townsville, students often juggle multiple responsibilities — academics, co-curricular activities, casual employment, social engagements, and family commitments. Amid this whirlwind, maintaining a balanced life is crucial for achieving long-term success and well-being.
One primary benefit of a balanced life is improved mental health. When students allocate time for relaxation and hobbies alongside their studies, they reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. High school can be particularly stressful with exams, assignments, and the pressure to excel. Ensuring there is time to unwind allows students to approach academic responsibilities with a clearer, more focused mind.
Physical health also benefits from a balanced lifestyle. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet are essential components. Physical activity boosts energy levels and enhances concentration and memory. Sleep, often sacrificed for late-night study sessions, is critical for cognitive function and emotional stability. Read more about the benefits of sleep here.
Life balance fosters better relationships. Time spent with family and friends is invaluable. It helps students develop social skills, empathy, and a support network that can provide encouragement during tough times. Engaging in extracurricular activities, whether sports, arts, or clubs, allows students to explore interests, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging.
Addressing Mobile Phone Use and Social Media
In the quest for balance, it's essential to consider the impact of mobile phones and social media. While technology offers many benefits, excessive use can disrupt life balance. Students often spend significant time on their phones, engaging in social media, gaming, or messaging, which can lead to reduced productivity, sleep disturbances, and increased stress levels.
Social media can create unrealistic expectations and foster a sense of inadequacy. The constant comparison to curated images and posts can affect self-esteem and mental health. It's important for students to recognize the potential negative impacts and set boundaries for their technology use. When most of us were their age, we had the ability to switch off, disengage from the social pressures of being a teen and just unwind. Unless direct action is taken and purposeful time devoted to NOT being online, your son could be subjected to this for the entirety of his day.
Encouraging mindful use of technology can help students reclaim their time and focus. Setting specific times for checking social media, turning off notifications during study periods, and engaging in offline activities are effective strategies. By being intentional about technology use, students can enhance their ability to concentrate on studies, enjoy quality time with loved ones, and participate in physical activities.
Vaccinations
Finally, a reminder that we have upcoming vaccinations for Meningococcal B (second dose) for year 10 students, and there will also be catch up vaccinations for year 7 students who missed their initial vaccinations. These will take place on Tuesday 6th August. Emails have been sent home to all families impacted with further details.
John Deer | Director of Students
Identity and Mission
Dear Parents & Carers,
This Term is a big one in the life of the college; Identity & Mission wise. There is a very strong Social Justice theme in Term 3 which sees lots of activity and community work happening. Just a few of the things to look out for when your son comes home discussing them: Catholic Studies Volunteering with Year 11’s & 12's, SVDP Homeless Sleepout, Brooklea Elderly visits, Year 12 Drop-in-Centre visits… just to name a few!
Please encourage your son to get involved in as many of these initiatives and causes as possible, a little from many goes a long way! In planning all these events, it got me thinking about how we are teaching our students not just to “do” these things blindly, but the advocacy behind “why” we “do” these things. How do we prepare them? How does the work we do flow through to the boys lives outside of school? All things we aim to answer with each and every social justice action we undertake.
Jesus sent out his disciples without a degree in theology, without a certificate from a diocesan training program, and without a catechism. Two by two, they walked along with no more than a pair of sandals and a walking stick, both crucial to keep them on the journey. With so little, they still summoned the authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, and preach repentance.
This amazes me, having the degree, pedigree, and reference books by the score to keep me in the arena of orthodoxy. Yet I’m not certain that demons are at all intimidated by these things. Though institutions may grant credibility, only God can provide the authority for ministry. And God grants it to slackers like Peter, not much of a fisherman but possessed of interesting impulses; to James and John, much admired by their mother, at least; and even to Judas, more loyal to himself than to the Lord. It seems God favours those who are willing to stay on the road and travel light. The walking stick is the best credential of all.
What do you carry, in your heart and on your back, that limits your ability to serve?
Time to lighten the load! I encourage every reading this to identify one element in your life - a relationship, attitude, behaviour - that chronically keeps you from progressing on the spiritual journey. Take steps to reconcile, heal, and move forward.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK IN QUEENSLAND
Catholic Education Week is an annual state-wide event that promotes the distinctive mission of Catholic schools throughout Queensland.
The week 21 - 27 July is celebrated by all schools through a range of liturgies, events and activities.
The Catholic Education Week 2024 theme is " Communities of Faith, Hope and Love".
A Mass to mark the official launch of Queensland Catholic Education Week 2024 will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville on 23 July 2024 and on the evening prior, awarding of the High Schools Dues Caritas Est Award and Catholic Education Week Staff Award Winners for 2024, both are live-streamed and links available on social media pages. We will have a number of students attending to represent IPC!
Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.
Have a great fortnight.
Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission
Wellbeing Update
A SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about the history and culture of Indigenous communities.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.
NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities and is a great opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Families are encouraged to join in and support young people in learning the significance of NAIDOC Week.
This Special Report offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
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/special-report-celebrating-naidoc-week
A shoutout to Dylan, Braithen and Braedan who organised an outstanding week of activities for the students! Please enjoy selected photos from the events below:
Christian Quabba | Dean of Student Wellbeing
Mathematics Update
Year 7 Mathematics - Semester Review
Over the first semester, each Year 7 student has been engaging with Maths Pathway, a personalised learning program. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work of all students in the cohort. They have shown dedication by consistently striving to master new mathematical concepts.
Looking through the data of our Year 7 students, I can see that students in all classes have been engaged and working hard. In particular, I want to acknowledge those students who have continually excelled in mastering new content. The table below shows all the students who have mastered 5 or more modules on average per test cycle (approximately each fortnight). If they continue this growth, they will have learnt more than 1.5 years' worth of content by the end of the year. Well done to all the gentlemen listed below!
Name | Av. Modules Mastered |
Troy Holland | 7.3 |
Liam Torrens | 7.0 |
Edward Kennedy | 6.4 |
Jackson Manyuon | 6.4 |
Jeremiah Falani | 6.3 |
Casey Boon | 5.9 |
Lucas Morrish | 5.9 |
Lachlan Sorbello | 5.8 |
Jasper Rogers | 5.7 |
Blake Dowd | 5.6 |
Ryan Makowski | 5.6 |
Archie Reljanovic | 5.5 |
Nate Groves | 5.4 |
Campbell Kostolanji | 5.3 |
Logan Accendere | 5.3 |
Mason Jolliffe | 5.3 |
Bryce Wheldon (Townsend) | 5.2 |
Ioakima Paulino | 5.2 |
Jakob Kubea | 5.2 |
Braxton Thorburn | 5.1 |
Ezekiel Harbour | 5.1 |
Noah Harper | 5.1 |
Elijah Nona | 5.0 |
Leon Miguel Padilla | 5.0 |
Nataio Tamwoy | 5.0 |
Teague Lindeberg | 5.0 |
Hayden Webb | 5.0 |
Jack Parsons | 5.0 |
Finn Carfoot | 5.0 |
I also wanted to share my praise for Ms. Loechel’s class, 7MATH4. This class has shown exceptional dedication and perseverance, achieving the highest number of modules mastered on average, with an impressive 4.3 modules per cycle. This remarkable accomplishment reflects not only the hard work of the students but also the effective teaching and support provided by Ms. Loechel.
Australian Mathematics Competition
The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) is a well-regarded mathematics competition that engages students in solving a variety of challenging mathematical problems. The competition is divided into different levels to cater to various year groups. The secondary divisions are:
- Junior (Years 7-8)
- Intermediate (Years 9-10)
- Senior (Years 11-12)
This year, Ignatius Park College has invited approximately 50 students from each year level to compete in the competition on Thursday, 8th August. These were determined based on Mathematics results and numeracy levels on the NAPLAN tests.
If your son has been selected and you would like him to participate, please ensure you have accepted the event on Parent Lounge before Thursday, 25th July. I have included three sample questions that your son may like to try:
If you think your son would excel in the AMC and hasn't been invited via Parent Lounge, please feel free to contact mark.laguna@ipc.qld.edu.au.
Pathways Hub
School-based Apprenticeship
We are happy to announce that Scott David (12 Carew) has been signed up as a school-based Carpentry apprenticeship with Ironbark Built Pty Ltd. Congratulations David on securing this opportunity to gain skills and a qualification whilst still at school. Doing some extra work experience during the June - July school holidays has really paid off for you to secure your apprenticeship.
Work Experience
We had 5 students who did work experience during the June/July Holidays. We would like to thank these businesses below for supporting our students doing Work Experience.
Student Name and Grade | Employer |
David Scott Year 12 | Ironbark Built Pty Ltd |
Richard Price Year 12 | Engineering Industries Australia Pty Ltd |
Jacob Sexton Year 12 | Ergon Energy |
Sebastiaan Arends Year 12 | GHD Pty Ltd Consulting Engineers |
Preston Johnston Year 12 | GTL Electrical |
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 September 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 (19-23 August). 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. This is also the last time that we will be placing our Year 12 students. In Term 4 the year 12 students will need to arrange their own placements.
If the students wish 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). If they are received after this date the student will be changed in Term 4.
Green slips
It is an expectation that all VET Pathway students are meeting the required checkpoints of their certificate courses classwork to participate in industry placement. If students are not up to date with their coursework, they will be required to stay at school during industry placement until they have reached the checkpoints of their certificate work. Students will be notified in the coming weeks if they are not up to date with their work.
Zeb Kyle | Program Leader of Skills and Training
Careers
There is a massive range of career opportunities and sessions available to students this term.
The list so far:
Speech Pathology Symposium
Run in conjunction with Townsville University Hospital
First Nations Youth Jobs Expo
Active Industry Online Careers Hub
Sport, Fitness & Recreation
An online Active Careers Hub to assist school leavers and job seekers find a rewarding career in the fitness, sport and recreation industry. To make it easier for students and job seekers alike, we have centralised all the information necessary to gain a career in the most in-demand professions in the industry.
JCU Heroes in Sport
Do you have what it takes to train like a Cowboy?
JCU, in partnership with the North Queensland Cowboys, is giving high school students with a passion and desire to develop a career in sports the chance to learn from industry experts and train like a Cowboy!
What to expect?
During this full-day program, you’ll gain unique insights into a career in sport. You’ll go behind the scenes at JCU and then explore the Cowboys Community, Training and High Performance Centre in Townsville. Academics and industry experts from Physiotherapy, Biomechanics and Sports and Exercise Science will share their experience and expertise. You will then take to the field for a high performance training session, developing your skills in leadership, teamwork and perseverance.
Can I apply?
If you’re in Year 11 or 12 and based within the North Queensland region, you can apply to be a part of the Heroes in Sport program.
JCU Careers in Health webinar
Discover how you can turn your passion for helping people into a rewarding, successful career in health.
Learn about the many careers available in the field of health, from those in allied health to those within pharmacy and medicine.
Degrees within Medicine and Dentistry have unique application processes, and we’re here to help you navigate them. Gain a deeper understanding of study pathways, application processes and career options at the Careers in Health Webinar.
In addition to having a clearer idea of what health career you might pursue, you’ll also be equipped with the information and insight to confidently prepare for and complete your JCU application for the:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
JCU Biomedical Sciences Immersion Day
The Biomedical Sciences Immersion Day provides an interactive experience for Year 10, 11 and 12 students who are considering studying Biomedical Science.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities in a laboratory relating to the six majors of the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences available at JCU:
- Bioinformatics
- Health
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Physiology and Pharmacology.
Morning tea will be provided.
Event details:
DATE: 20 July 2024
TIME: Registration from 8:30 am for 9 am – 1 pm.
LOCATION: JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus
Link to register your interest
Radio School Information Night
Tourism & Hospitality Careers Roadshow
"Come and try" day
I have 20 tickets for IPC to this. If you are interested please let me know.
Careers for Net Zero Roadshow
20 tickets are available for this also.
This roadshow will provide attendees with the latest information about clean economy careers, including renewable energy, critical minerals and green manufacturing, as well as the opportunity to connect directly with local employers.
Townsville Careers Expo
Biggest Careers Expo. This one is for everyone!
Add your name to the list in Pathways Hub for this
Media work Experience
Mike Carney Toyota are looking for people to partner with for all aspects of digital media.
Would benefit students interested in pursuing careers in media and marketing
Cubic
Simulation in the Tropics
Queensland Surveying Unleashed!
Tuesday 13th August
The Surveying Unleashed focuses on providing senior students the chance to use surveying equipment, supervised by surveyors and hear stories and advice from fresh and experienced industry personnel.
RSA & RGS Training!
This group of men were in training last Thursday - working towards getting their RSA and RGS (Responsible Service of Alcohol / Gambling) with Aurora Training Institute. A great way for our boys to gain more skills and qualifications, getting them workforce ready.
Rugby Union
Congratulations to IPC students who represented the Townsville Brolgas in the Queensland rugby championships during the June-July holidays! Your dedication and hard work have definitely paid off. A special mention to Chase Davies and Ioakima Paulino for their outstanding performances, earning spots in the U/13 Queensland Country teams. They demonstrated exceptional commitment by backing up after the championships to play two additional games against Brisbane. This remarkable achievement highlights their talent and perseverance. Well done to all the students who participated, and best of luck for the rest of your respective seasons this year. Keep up the fantastic work!
Iggy Under the Stars - Hall of Fame Profile #2 John Watson
Preparations are well underway for Ignatius Park College’s Arts evening, Iggy Under the Stars, next month. The showcase will include a Hall of Fame photo gallery to celebrate the achievements of old boys across diverse fields within the Arts sector, locally, nationally and globally.
The Hall of Fame will also serve as inspiration for present and future generations of aspiring Arts students. In the lead up to Iggy Under the Stars, Arts staff look forward to sharing a glimpse into the lives and careers of old boys who have continued their commitment to artistic expression and creativity post school. The week’s profile recognises Music Manager John Watson. IPC is very proud of John and grateful for the path he creates for our young men to follow.
His Story: Leaving the gates of IPC in the early ‘80s, old boy John Watson has gone on to rub shoulders with many of Music’s most well-known names. Among some of his greatest accomplishments, the music manager is responsible for signing Silverchair to Sony in the ‘90s, before going on to manage the iconic rock band. John also launched the career of much-loved Australian singer and songwriter Missy Higgins.
Living in Sydney with his wife and three children, John is the owner and president of both John Watson Management (JWM) and the associated label, Eleven: A Music Company. Over the past 25 years, artists on the JWM/Eleven rosters have sold more than 20 million albums globally with five achieving gold certifications or better in the United States.
Growing up in Townsville, and attending Iggy Park for his secondary education, John has always loved all things music. When not at school, John spent his time working in record stores and playing in indie bands. Recently, the old boy recalled his years at IPC with fondness, revealing that he especially enjoyed the annual productions. “I have got such fond memories of all those shows … cringeworthy in many ways, of course, but also incredibly formative on all sorts of levels.”
In John’s final year at IPC, he played the lead role of super-cool Sam Galactic in the College’s 1983 production of Dazzle under the direction and choreography of former IPC staff members Mr Peter Scott and Miss Edna Galvin, respectively. The IPC musical was always a “show of high calibre,” John recalled. “No activity gained our school more local recognition than the continuing standard of our annual theatrical productions.”
After school, John moved to Sydney to study a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics. While at university, he worked as a freelance music journalist before joining Sony Music in 1991. It was here that he seized the opportunity to sign Silverchair to the production company, before leaving to manage the band under the John Watson Management umbrella in 1995. The Silverchair trio quickly rose to international stardom, under John’s management, securing their place as international popstars. Silverchair remained JWM clients throughout their career before disbanding in 2011.
In 2004 JWM and Eleven launched the career of now-household name, Missy Higgins, who instantly struck a deep and enduring chord with fans both nationally and internationally. She has worked with John ever since and enjoyed three consecutive number one albums in Australia, including her iconic The Sound of White which was certified nine times platinum.
But John’s achievements don’t stop there. He has a keen eye for talent and has managed – or continues to manage - Wolfmother, Pete Murray, Goyte, Birds of Tokyo, The Presets, Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes, and Midnight Oil.
Despite his success, the humble music manager is quick to remember his IPC and Townsville origins. “The posters of Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil that hung on my bedroom wall in Townsville as a teenager now adorn my office walls,” reminding him of where it all began. John speaks positively of his schooling days, and his time at Iggy Park. He encourages current students to make the most of their education and urges our young men to go out and “extend on the reputation that so many old boys have worked hard to establish”.
Photos of John with some of the artists that he manages:
CQUniversity Confraternity Carnival Silver Sponsor
Drum Ensemble Signup
Hey Wire Competition
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.
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