Term 4 Week 4 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

Week three of term four is always a very busy week in every Qld high school, but what a week it was.  Firstly, I would like to again thank our community for the manner in which you responded to the challenges that we faced on Tuesday.  I appreciate that it is not easy to up and leave work any time, however the absence of power simply meant that we could not have students on campus.  It would also like to publicly acknowledge Ergon, first of all for the support that we received in first having electricians onsite to deal with the issue.  Then when the issue became more complex, the speed at which they rallied the resources required to complete the work that had been scheduled for the upcoming weekend, allowing us to only lose 1 day, and get back to business as usual. 

While I have mentioned this already, our staff were fantastic in ensuring that we moved such a large number of students offsite safely and in an orderly fashion, and I cannot thank them enough.

Once we got the week back on track, our awards night on Wednesday was a wonderful celebration of all things great about our College.  Academic excellence was front and centre on the night, and it was brilliant to see so many students receiving academic awards recognising their hard work in the classroom throughout the year.  It was also an opportunity to recognise students who have excelled in the areas of social justice, service, sports, leadership and the arts, and once again I would like to extend my congratulations to every award winner. 

The night ended with the announcement of our College leaders for 2025, and seeing the calibre of the six young men given the honour, I know that Ignatius Park is in good hands in 2025.

This celebration was followed on Friday by our year 11 leadership ceremony, where we acknowledged our senior class of 2025 for the first time, and presented them with their senior ties.  It was great to see so many parents able to make the time to celebrate this milestone with their boys and it was a privilege to see how much this event meant to both our boys and our parents.  In addition to this we were able to name our House leaders for 2025, and I would like to congratulate the 14 young men who have been given this honour.  I know that we have a great senior group leading this College next year, and I am looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings under their stewardship.

Last week also saw our year 12 students finish their ‘lessons’ as they moved off on study leave in preparation for their external exams.  On behalf of the entire College community, I would like to wish them all the best as they enter this important phase of their schooling.  In addition to this, it has been extremely pleasing to see so many of our boys securing early offers from universities and apprenticeships for 2025.  Fantastic achievement for those boys, and I look forward to hearing of more success in the coming weeks.

The remainder of our students will be entering the final assessment phase in the coming weeks, and it is a timely reminder of the importance of approaching this period with a study scheduled.  Boys are informed of assessment due dates in advance, and I would encourage each of them to ensure that they are approaching this time with a structured plan on how they are going to meet deadlines, while also ensuring they can complete appropriate levels of revision in preparation for exams.

And finally, Matt Arnold is currently undertaking a review of our co-curricular program, and I would encourage all parents to ensure that they take the time to respond to this survey and put their opinions and thoughts forward.

Luke Thomson | Principal

Curriculum Corner

List of Dux and Proxime Accessit Students for 2024

Year 7: 
Proxime Accessit: Toby Piccolo
Dux: Nate Groves

Year 8:
Dux: Jimmy Robinson
Dux: Simeon Staples

Year 9:
Proxime Accessit: Giann Moody-Moxon
Dux: Callum Lindeberg

Year 10:
Proxime Accessit: Caylan Rout
Dux: Jake Piccolo

Year 11:
Proxime Accessit: Jack Montgomery
Dux: Seth Chun Tie

Lesley Gardner | Director of Curriculum

Identity and Mission

An Edmund Rice Education - Beyond Borders

Did you know Ignatius Park College is part of over 280 EREA schools worldwide? I am extremely grateful to have just completed a two-week pilgrimage with fellow teachers from EREA schools, travelling through India and Ireland as part of the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) community. This journey has reminded me of the global reach of the Edmund Rice family and the shared mission that unites us all.

Our journey began in India, where we visited Kolkata, Varanasi, and Delhi. One of the most moving experiences was in Kolkata, where we visited the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. Attending the 6am Mass and praying at her tombstone was a moment I will never forget, offering a profound glimpse into her legacy of love and service to the world’s most vulnerable. We also had the opportunity to visit fellow EREA schools, including St Joseph’s, St George’s, and St Mary’s schools in Kolkata.

Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, was another extraordinary stop. The spiritual significance of the Ganges River, where pilgrims gather daily to purify themselves in its sacred waters, left a lasting impression. Standing on the ghats, witnessing the rituals and reflecting on the universal search for connection with the divine, was a powerful reminder of the sacredness of all human life.

In Delhi, we visited St Columba’s, an EREA school with 3,100 students. We were inspired by the same commitment to a liberating education that we see in our own communities. Despite the different cultural contexts, the values of presence, compassion, and liberation were evident.

In Cork, we continued to follow in Edmund Rice’s footsteps. We visited Nano Nagle’s tombstone, honouring the woman whose vision for education led to the foundation of the Presentation Sisters. We also met with the Presentation Brothers; the first order founded by Edmund Rice before the Christian Brothers. It has been an honour to explore the origins of the Edmund Rice story and witness how his legacy has flourished worldwide.

From there we travelled to Waterford, the birthplace of Edmund Rice (in nearby town Callan) which was a very humbling experience to be in the very home he grew up in and established his own set of morals and values we live through in our College today. In addition, visiting the Edmund Rice Centre and the very first school he established which is still running today - Mt Sion College and having Mass in the Chapel where Edmund's tomb is, was a powerful moment of the trip. After Waterford was Dublin, where we saw where the work really began in training up the ever-amassing contingent of Christin Brothers to travel and spread education across the world, including Australia where we have been lucky enough to be recipients and the ongoing legacy of this truly amazing movement. 

This pilgrimage has deepened my appreciation for the global Edmund Rice network. Meeting fellow educators and students, hearing their stories, and sharing in prayer has been an enriching experience. It’s a reminder that the spirit of Edmund Rice lives on not only at Ignatius Park in a very deep way and in the formation of the Gentlemen of our College but also in communities worldwide, all working towards the shared mission of an Edmund Rice Education.

I look forward to sharing more at assemblies and other events later in the year.

Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission

India Journey Highlights

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Director of Students

Ignatius Park College Year 9 Students Embrace The Rite Journey

This year, our Year 9 students have been actively participating in our inaugural The Rite Journey program, a transformative initiative designed to support their personal growth and development as they transition into young adulthood. The program focuses on building resilience, self-awareness, and a sense of community through engaging activities and reflections.

Throughout 2024, in small pods of around 12 students, our young gentlemen have explored essential themes such as identity, responsibility, and relationships. They’ve engaged in meaningful discussions on topics including consent, how we treat others, and the importance of acceptance. Students celebrated their childhood memories and reflected on their plans for the future, fostering a sense of purpose and a drive for their senior years at Ignatius Park College.

A highlight was the heartfelt parent letter writing activity early in the year, where students expressed their thoughts and gratitude, strengthening family bonds and allowing them to express themselves. They also delved into crucial issues like “the man box” and learned how to support their mates, emphasizing emotional intelligence and the importance of expressing and understanding feelings.

The outdoor component of the program, named “The Abyss” provided opportunities for students to discuss the masks we wear and what it means to move into adulthood. As the program draws to a close for this year, we are proud of the growth and maturity displayed by our Year 9 students. We will be running our closing ceremony, entitled “The Homecoming” soon, so I ask parents and caregivers to keep an eye out for the details. The Rite Journey has equipped them with valuable life skills, laying the foundation for a supportive and inclusive school community. We look forward to witnessing their continued development as they move into the next stage of their educational journey.

Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Student Leadership Team

We are thrilled to announce the election of our senior student leadership team for 2025. Congratulations to the gentlemen listed below who have been chosen to guide and represent their peers and this fine college with passion and dedication.

In the coming year, our leaders will play a crucial role in fostering a positive school environment, promoting student engagement, and encouraging collaboration among their classmates. Their commitment to our school community will inspire others to participate actively and make meaningful contributions.

As they embark on this important journey, we are confident that their leadership skills, creativity, and enthusiasm will leave a lasting impact. We look forward to seeing their initiatives unfold and the positive changes they will bring to Ignatius Park College.

Once again, congratulations to our new leaders. Let’s support them as they work to make 2025 a fantastic year for all.

John Deer | Director of Students

Pathways Hub

School-based Apprenticeship

We are happy to announce that Bryce Micola Von Furstenrecht has been signed up as a school-based apprentice with Bonato Electrical. Congratulations Bryce on securing this opportunity to gain skills and a qualification whilst still at school. We wish you all the best with your chosen occupation.

All the Year 11s doing Industry Placement will be out to gain valuable work experience and skills during Week 5, starting Monday 28^th of October – Friday 1^st November. This is a fantastic opportunity for the Year 11s to try different trades/occupations.

The students have been issued with their logbooks. Students are expected to call their employers 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 with 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.

Year 11 into year 12 industry placement paperwork

The paperwork for VET students who are going into year 12 next year is due back. Thank you to the families that have bought it back. These documents are required so we can start placing students for next years placements.

Industry Placement Packs from year 10s Set Plan Interviews

The paperwork your son was given following his SET plan needs to be completed and returned to the Pathway Hub by Friday, the 31st^th of October. If he did not receive any paperwork at the end of the SET plan interview, please let me know.  I can follow up with your son and provide him with a pack to complete.

Work Experience

Any year 10, or senior student/s wishing to organise a week of work experience during the December Holidays needs to have finalised all the necessary paperwork by Friday 15^th November.  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 - Year 12 Bits & Pieces

MY QCE
Log in and check your QCE.  
Points should be up-to-date now.
Overall results in from general subjects (out of 100 total)
If you see a discrepancy let us know asap

APRENTICESHIPS/TRAINEESHIPS
Make sure you have created your My Gov account.
This is especially beneficial to obtain  your apprenticeship bonus payment ($625 every 6 months for 2 years).
Don't have an apprenticeship lined up yet - maybe look at enrolling in TAFE for the course you need for your industry.  TAFE also has access to additional employers who are looking.

ATAR PORTAL
You should have registered through the portal by now to receive your ATAR.

JCU EARLY OFFER
Applications are now closed.

RURAL BONUS POINTS
See me this week if you need your letter of evidence.
Make sure you have added to your QTAC application.

CERT III FREE 2025
Google CQU Tafe or Tafe Qld for the range of Certificate III courses available to you next year for free.

YOUTH ALLOWANCE
Start the process for applying for Youth Allowance.
You can claim for Youth Allowance up to 13 weeks before you start studying or an apprenticeship.
Looking for work - you may be entitled to youth allowance as a job seeker

JOB HUNTING
Come and see me to start the process.
If you haven't already. let me know what you are looking for so I can send through vacancies as they come out.

Fiona Williamson | Careers Counsellor

Learning Resource Centre

It has been an exciting few terms in the LRC, there have been clubs formed, Book Week celebrations and an array of new books added to our collection. The formation of a Chess Club, a Dungeons and Dragons Club plus a Lego Club have proved very popular, and the waiting lists are filling up fast. If you are interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons or creating Lego masterpieces in 2025, please pop into the LRC and put your name down on the waiting lists. Chess club is upstairs in the LRC, first break on a Tuesday and there are always fresh faces ready to test your mettle on the board. All students and levels are welcome to attend.

2024 Book Week was a fast and furious array of activities and wonderful costumes celebrating all things literary. To celebrate Book Week, we held staff vs students Bananagrams rallies, participated in the Flash Mob reading, held multiple competitions including a 2 line story writing competition and a “guess the staff member’s favourite book” plus a Blackout poetry competition for Staff. Planning is underway for Book Week 2025 with the announcement of the theme being “Book an Adventure”. Watch this space, the LRC will be transformed into an adventure themed Wonderland before your eyes!

2025 will bring the next round of Reader’s Cup competitions and we are looking for our next reading legends, the teams will consist of a Year 7/8 team and a Year 9/10 team, please register your interest at the LRC.

New reads coming to the LRC soon include a boxed set of Assassination Classroom and The Inheritance Games trilogy. Look out for our “new books” display as you enter the LRC. Don’t forget to let us know if you have any requests that you think will boost our collection, student driven acquisition is important to our team. Last but definitely not least, please return your overdue books, the computer-generated reminders go to your emails each week. Students with overdue books from Term 1 & 2 will be charged accordingly.  Bringing back your books is a great way to check out all our new books! We look forward to seeing you in the LRC soon!

Marie Jerome | Learning Resource Centre Coordinator

Battle of the Bands

IPC celebrated our annual Battle of the Bands recently, with all 7 hours vying for the recognition of being rock gods. After some fierce competition and plenty of talent on display, the dust settled and the leaderboard looked like this:

1. Reid
2. Rice
3. Nolan
4. Carew
5. Baillie
6. Treacy
7. Putney

IPC Dominates in the inaugural NQ Schools Development Cup

This past weekend, IPC's 1st XV rugby team traveled to Innisfail to compete in the inaugural NQ Schools Development Cup. The team stayed at the Daradgee Environmental Education Centre and faced extremely hot conditions as they battled through two games on Saturday, followed by the final on Sunday. Despite the heat, IPC emerged victorious, winning the tournament in dominant fashion.

The competition featured teams from across the region, including the Cassowary Coast Barbarians, Townsville Grammar School (TGS), and Saint Augustine’s College from Cairns.

Game 1: IPC vs Townsville Grammar School

In their first match, IPC faced TGS. After a somewhat disjointed first half, IPC found their rhythm and began to showcase some outstanding rugby. The team scored two tries in the first half and stormed through the second half with six unanswered tries. Hans Ila had a perfect day with the boot, converting all eight tries. The final score was IPC 56, TGS 0.

Try scorers: Anthony Roveglia, Zac Green, Cooper Eastlake, Indygo Keir, Nic Barr (2), Kalan Melvin, Hugo Drovandi.
MVPs: 3 points - Nic Barr, 2 points - Hans Ila, 1 point - Orlando Lochowizc.

Game 2: IPC vs Saint Augustine's College

The second game saw IPC take on Saint Augustine’s College from Cairns. This match proved more challenging, with the team struggling to find their rhythm. Though they defended well, basic errors made it difficult to build momentum. Despite these struggles, IPC managed to secure a hard-fought victory, leaving points on the field but still coming out on top with a final score of IPC 14, Saint Augustine’s 7.

Try scorers: Toma Apete, Hans Ila.
Conversions: 1 by Indygo Keir, 1 by Hans Ila.
MVPs: 3 points - Nic Barr, 2 points - Indygo Keir, 1 point - Hans Ila.

The Final: IPC vs Cassowary Coast Barbarians

Heading into the final with two wins, IPC saved their best performance for last against the Cassowary Coast Barbarians. The team found their shape early, dominating the breakdown and maintaining control throughout the first half, leading 30-7 at halftime after six tries. With substitutions rolling and the heat taking its toll, IPC slowed in the second half but remained in control, closing out the match with a 40-22 victory to secure the title.

Try scorers: Anthony Roveglia, Cooper Christiansen, Hugo Drovandi, Gordon Keith, Frank Donovan, Indygo Keir, Nic Barr, Cameron Mears.
MVPs: 3 points - Rookie McMinn, 2 points - Hugo Drovandi, 1 point - Cruize McGhie.

Overall Success and Player Recognition

It was a fantastic weekend for the team, with all players representing the college, themselves, and their families with pride both on and off the field. A special congratulations goes to Nic Barr, who was named IPC’s Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances.

The entire team should be proud of their efforts as they bring the trophy home to IPC.

Rugby Interschool 7s

The interschool 7's competition kicked off at Hugh Street on Monday 14th October. IPC has entered two Year 7 teams, two Year 8 teams and one combined Year9/10 team into the competition which also includes Grammar, Cathedral, Pimlico, Thuringowa and William Ross. The 7s and 8s play on Mondays and the 10s on Tuesdays.

It is a fantastic opportunity for both experienced and first timer players to enjoy Rugby at a fast pace. On Monday, both the year 7 teams took on Grammar and came away with one loss and one victory. The Year 8s came away with a similar result. Most importantly, the boys enjoyed themselves and worked hard to support each other.

Tuesday saw the Year 9/10 team take on Thuringowa firstly and Townsville Grammar in their second game. IPC won both matches showing good skill and having a lot of fun doing it. Games continue for the next two weeks with more of the same expected.

Engineering Success Stories

Four Iggy Park old boys came back to share their success stories with Mr Lucas’ senior Engineering students:

• Jayden Bauers (now a graduate Mechanical Engineer at Rockfield)
• Joseba Kelly (graduating this year as a Civil Engineer)
• Matthew Gilboy (final year of Engineering)
• Vatsal Goyal (final year of Engineering).

They are impressive young men making great strides in their chosen fields, and it’s great to see them giving back to the community by sharing their wisdom with our current students about university prospects.

2025 NZ Ski Tour

2024 National Parent Survey

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

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