Term 4 Week 2 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

There is little doubt that the term has started with a rush, and as always, I expect this term to fly by.  We do have a few date claimers coming up with the big one being next Wednesday night for our College awards evening.  Please remember that this is a compulsory night for all Year 11 and 12 students.

Last week we had the privilege of listening to Mr Simon McAndrew, Dean of Students from St Edmunds College in Ipswich, who travelled to Townsville to talk to staff about the St Eddies journey with a responsible thinking classroom.  After significant discernment of a number of different school wide strategies, Ignatius Park will be introducing the process in 2025, and it was great to hear about the positive difference that the implementation of the room has made at a school that has a lot of similarities to us.  Simon demonstrated to staff that with strong processes in place, student behavioural issues are lessened, parents are better informed, and students are better supported.  This has had the effect of creating calmer learning environments, and contributing to improved academic outcomes.

We are introducing this room/process for a number of reasons, but above all the room will better support our teachers to provide a learning environment that is calm and orderly, creating an environment that is conducive to learning, which will benefit all students. 

Each year our community seeks feedback using surveys, from staff, parents and students, and each year concerns regarding student behaviour are raised through that survey.  It is important to keep in mind that every school will have behavioural challenges, after all we are working with young people.  Our students (and all students) are still developing, and at times we all know that they will make mistakes.  I see it with my own children at home as I am sure that you do.  We need to understand that these mistakes are opportunities for students to learn, and while they may be difficult lessons to learn, they will be better for having made the mistake, provided they learn from it. 

The responsible thinking classroom (RTC) is restorative in nature.  It prioritises learning from mistakes and restoring the relationships as a result of behaviours.  Our College implementation team is continuing to work on how this will look at IPC, and I look forward to bringing you further information on these changes as we solidify our process.

We have also been looking closely at how our co-curricular program works at IPC, particularly the amount of time that students and staff are spending away from school as a result of this.  For clarity, you will find no bigger advocate of co-curricular offerings than me.  I am a firm believer that they provide our students with the physical and creative outlets that they need to be at their best, and that makes them better students academically.  Ignatius Park College has an outstanding reputation in both sports and the arts, and we want to ensure that we maintain these reputations not only locally but across the state.  Where we are challenged at IPC, is that many of our sports take place during school time, while other EREA schools down south play on weekends, minimising disruptions to learning time.  What we are looking to do is to seek the feedback of our community on what we are currently offering, what opportunities might be out there for the future, and what could be improved.  When you see this survey arrive in your email box, please take the time to complete it and have your say.

Luke Thomson | Principal

Enrolment Notice

Parents/Carers of sons in Years 7-11,

If your son is not returning to the College for 2025, please contact the Enrolments Officer as soon as possible to advise- enrolments@ipc.qld.edu.au. 

Curriculum Corner

Key dates for Term 4

14-18 October                Year 12 Unit 4 Exams – Applied subjects

16 October                      Academic Awards Evening

21 Oct – 8 Nov               Year 12 External Examinations

25 October                      Year 11 Report Cards Issued

1 November                    Year 12 Report Cards Issued

18 – 28 November          Year 7-11 Exam Phase

5 December                    Year 7-10 Report Cards Issued

Welcome back to Term 4. It is an extremely busy term for students across all year levels, especially our Year 12 students who are entering into their final phase of assessment for schooling.

It is good time for the boys to reflect on their performance in Term 3 and reassess their goals before the end of the year.  Some students may be looking toward the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is important for them understand that it is never too late put in that little bit more effort.

We hope your sons finish the year with a sense of satisfaction knowing they did everything they could to get the best results possible.

Year 12 Applied Subjects and External Examination and Tutorial Schedules

The Year 12 Applied subject exam schedule is now Live on our website. These exams will commence next Monday 14 October. The Year 12 QCAA external assessment schedule is also finalised and published on our College website for information. This schedule is set by QCAA and cannot be amended however we have introduced Tutorials to assist with student preparation. Students and parents can view the schedule here:  https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/.

College Academic Awards Ceremony

Next Wednesday, 16 October, we will celebrate student academic achievements at our annual awards ceremony. The achievements of our students in 2024 are a culmination of three terms of hard work and dedication.  As a community we should be proud of our boys’ efforts and genuinely congratulate them on a job well done.

Year 11 – Term 4

Term 4 marks the beginning of the Year 12 journey for students in both ATAR and the Skills and Training pathway. For students enrolled in General subjects this will mean that this term they will be involved with assessment which will have a direct contribution to their ATAR.  For Skills and Training students there will be assessment in their Applied subjects and competency-based tasks, all of which will contribute to their QCE. It is important that our Year 11 students maintain a consistent approach to their study for the duration of Term 4.

Lesley Gardner | Director of Curriculum

Identity and Mission

Welcome back for Term four.

Here at Ignatius Park College, we’ve hit the ground running as we begin the final term of the year. Our students are embracing the opportunity to give back to the community in a variety of meaningful ways, continuing to uphold the values of service and compassion that define our school.

 During this final term, we see many exciting events taking place around the College. Our South America Immersion Tour is progressing well, where students are experiencing new cultural practices, developing connections with fellow EREA schools, and making lasting memories. Keep track of the immersion on our college Facebook page. 

We are also proud to continue our ongoing support of the Townsville Drop-In Centre through our clothing donations. If you have any items to contribute, your generosity is always appreciated.

Additionally, we are excited to launch this year’s “St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal”, with a focus on addressing the growing cost-of-living crisis in Australia. Each year level and homeroom has been assigned a specific item to donate. Please ask your son or check our college’s social media for details about what we are seeking this term. Every contribution makes a big difference, and together, we can provide some much-needed relief to families in need this Christmas.

Another exciting initiative this term is “Boots for the Bush”. This program allows our students to donate pre-loved football boots, which will be delivered to children across North Queensland. These donations will help kids from remote communities enjoy the sport they love, ensuring that no child misses out on the joy of footy due to a lack of resources.

As we come together this term to support these important causes, let us keep in mind the words of St Vincent de Paul: 

_"Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity."

Thank you for your continued support and generosity as we work to make a difference in the lives of others!

Lastly, our Year 12s students begin their journey through external assessments, progress to their final Liturgy, to finally become Old Boys of Ignatius Park College. As our seniors prepare for their external exams, we pray the following:

Dear Lord,
We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as these students approach their exams. Grant them focus, calm, and confidence as they prepare and sit their tests. May they feel Your presence in every moment, and may their hard work be rewarded. Bless their futures with success, purpose, and joy as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice… Pray for Us.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever.

Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission

Director of Students

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Term 4 for 2024. We’re excited to see our students return for a term filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities. The IPC calendar is absolutely jam packed this term, starting in the first few weeks with our Year 11 leadership speeches, Deadlies, Battle of the Bands, Year 11 Leadership Breakfast and Awards night. To our parents and guardians, thank you for your continued support.  

Appearance Policy

I also want to say thanks once again to the vast majority of families who are working hard with their sons to ensure compliance with the appearance policy. Sometimes it is hard being a parent, and the new hairstyles are definitely testing the waters there. I have sent many messages home about hair this year to try and clarify things. I am happy to talk to any parents about this of course. It is a step that IPC does have, which enables our students to learn that sometimes in life, one cannot simply do whatever they like just because they want to. The real world does not operate like that, and we are trying to prepare our students for that world. Let’s work together to ensure a successful term, creating lasting memories and achievements. Welcome back, everyone!

Responsible Thinking Process

In 2025, Ignatius Park College is excited to introduce the Responsible Thinking Process (RTP) to further enhance our positive learning environment. This new initiative aims to promote self-discipline, responsibility, and respectful interactions among students, fostering a culture where everyone takes ownership of their actions.

The Responsible Thinking Process is a structured approach designed to guide students in reflecting on their choices, considering the impact of their behavior, and developing strategies to resolve conflicts constructively. It aligns with our values of Integrity, Pride and Commitment in reinforcing that learning and behavior go hand in hand. Students who find themselves disrupting the learning environment will be encouraged to step out, reflect on their behavior, and participate in a guided conversation, allowing them to consider better choices moving forward.

Implementing RTP will ensure that all students feel valued and supported while promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect. This process not only benefits individual students but also enriches the overall school community by establishing clear expectations and consistent approaches to discipline. We believe RTP will further assist students to grow into responsible young men who are equipped to contribute positively to society, embodying the Ignatius Park spirit both in and out of the classroom.

How RTP Works:

1. Identifying Disruptive Behavior: When a student disrupts the classroom environment, the teacher calmly addresses the behavior and asks the student reflective questions, such as “What are you doing?” and “Is that what you’re supposed to be doing?”
2. Reflection and Choice: The student is given the opportunity to acknowledge their behavior and choose to correct it. If they decide to continue the disruptive behavior, they are asked if they would prefer to leave the class and complete a Responsible Thinking Plan.
3. The Responsible Thinking Classroom (RTC): If a student chooses to leave, they are sent to the Responsible Thinking Classroom. Here, they work with a trained facilitator to reflect on their actions, understand the impact of their choices, and develop a plan for how they will behave when they return to class.
4. Creating a Plan: The student writes a plan outlining how they will avoid similar disruptions in the future. This plan is discussed with the teacher, and once both agree, the student is allowed to re-enter the class.
5. Reintegration: After completing the process, the student re-enters the classroom and is expected to follow the plan they created, ensuring a positive learning environment for everyone.

RTP promotes a respectful dialogue, focuses on problem-solving, and teaches students to take responsibility for their actions without punitive measures in the initial instance.

John Deer | Director of Students

Defence News

Parental Absence

Are you a Defence family and one of your loved ones is heading away? Please remember to communicate any absence (deployment, training, courses) with our Defence School Mentor. Our Defence Mentor Program helps students of Defence members to receive an extra layer of support during times of absence. The time spent away from the home can have a significant impact and our DSM is here to support you and your family.

Our DSM can be reached at carolyne.drummond@ipc.qld.edu.au. 

Mental Health Week 2024

Our Year 10 Healthy Minds Crew bring attention to this year's Mental Health Week theme: "Connect for Mental Health". By looking at four of the ways that we can improve our mental health, our students have put together a very helpful video. We hope you enjoy.

Australian Mathematics Competition

On the 8th of August, 84 students from our school participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition, the nation's longest-running and largest mathematics competition for school students. This prestigious event presents unique problems each year, specifically crafted to challenge and enhance students' problem-solving skills.

We are pleased to acknowledge the exceptional performance of our participants. Thirty students achieved a Proficiency Award, while an additional thirty-five students achieved a Credit or Distinction in their respective year groups. Congratulations to all participants for their commendable efforts and achievements.

Credit Award recipients:

Distinction Award recipients:

2025 NZ Ski Tour

Kinetic Bus Service Information

Marching Drum Ensemble

Marching Drum Corps rehearsal will resume on Monday of Week 3. Please meet outside the Drum Storage Room at 3:15pm. New members are welcome and no experience is needed. See Ms Guazzo for further information.

2025 Combined School Musical Signups.

If you are interested in being part of the 2025 combined schools’ musical, "We Will Rock You", hosted by St Patrick’s College, auditions are now open.  Please see Ms Guazzo, or email kg@ipc.qld.edu.au, for information about the audition process

Townsville Cricket Events

Festive Flags

National Water Week 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