Ignatius Park College eNewsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

Our Year 10’s participated in Work Experience this week, with over 120 students engaging in the workforce. A huge thanks goes to our Skills & Training Team for their efforts, as a lot of this organisation takes place outside of their normal day, but more importantly it would not be possible without our local businesses, taking on our students and providing them the opportunity to engage with this concept and experience the working world outside of school. On behalf of the College I would like to thank each and every business who has supported our students with placements.

We held our second Year 7, 2026 Bulk Enrolments Afternoon last Tuesday with our extended CLT team interviewing over 90 families for potential spots for next year. Letters of offer will be sent out in the 24^th April to successful families. Again, this year we are expected to be significantly over subscribed, and will not be able to offer every applicant a position at the College. In the last two years we have received over 220 applications for 182 places, so if you know of someone who has a son in year 6 and is looking at IPC, I would recommend that they get their application in asap.

The new science labs are continuing, and we are being advised by the contractor that we are still on track for the end of May 2025 completion. It will be great for the students to be able to utilise the new, modern working classroom environment in Term 2 and will complete another major investment in our facilities to ensure that our students have access to the some of the best learning spaces in North Queensland.

Next term we welcome Jess Lamont to the college. Jess is relocating from Brisbane where she has been working at Padua College. Jess will be teaching English and Humanities, and we are looking forward to her starting with us.

Sadly, I was informed last week that Mr Mark Moxon has resigned from the College. Mark has been at IPC for 23 years and has made an invaluable contribution to IPC during this time. In addition to being a senior teacher, he has led the Rugby Union program at the College (and at times throughout the Townsville region at a school level), was the first Pastoral Leader of Carew House and led both domestic and international school tours. Mark has made a significant contribution to the College over the last 23 years and will be missed by staff and students alike. I am sure that you will join me when I say that on behalf of the College, I would like to thank Mark for everything that he has done during his time with us and wish him all the best for the future.

Mr Greg Christ will also be leaving the College at the end of the term. Greg has been successful in gaining a position overseas, so will be moving to India in the near future, to start his tenure at an international school there. We wish him the best of luck also.

And finally, I would like to wish you and your families of our College community a happy and blessed Easter, filled with joy, peace and reflection on the significant of this holiday. May this Easter Break be a time of rest, renewal and strengthening of faith and family bonds. As a Catholic school we are reminded that this period is an important time in our Church, and I certainly hope that it is both a safe and fulfilling one for you and your family. I look forward to welcoming the boys back for Term 2 which commences on Tuesday 22^nd April, as Monday 21^st is Easter Monday.

Luke Thomson | Principal

Curriculum Corner

Key dates for Term 1 (dates subject to change)

Monday 31 March – Thursday 3 April	Year 12 Exam Phase – Blocked (from Tues 1 April)
Friday 4 April	College Learning Habits Reports Issued

As term 1 draws to a close, we encourage you as parents to spend some time with your son to reflect on his academic performance so far this year. Whilst it has been a disruptive term with weather events, students have engaged in class activities and fully participated in assessment tasks to end the term. We look forward to discussions with parents at our Parent-Teacher conferences in Term 2. We hope you have a safe and holy Easter. Enjoy the time with your families.

Reporting

Term 1 reports will be sent home via email on Friday 4 April. These reports will provide a snapshot of how students are progressing in each of their subjects. This information will also be the focal point for discussions at Parent teacher interviews early in Term 2.

Parent and Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held in the Edmund Rice Hall on Wednesday 30 April, commencing at 1:40pm. Interviews will be conducted by your son’s subject teachers and students are welcome to attend with their parent/carer. Bookings will open on Wednesday 16 April at 3pm and can be made via the Parent Lounge. Bookings close on Monday 28 April at 3pm. 

Students will finish lessons at 12.55pm on this day.

Supervised study will be provided in the Learning Resource Centre until 3pm for students who are unable to make travel arrangements. If students are not travelling directly home, they must change out of their school uniform before leaving the college grounds. There will be no Homework Program operating. 

Unavailable Teachers – Some teachers may be unavailable for interviews. In this case, please contact Parent Reception info@ipc.qld.edu.au to request them to contact you at a later date.

Assistance with Parent Lounge – If you have used the ‘Forgot Password’ link and are still unable to log in, please contact Mrs Kerry Shephard on 4796 0222 or enrolments@ipc.qld.edu.au

Lesley Gardner | Director of Curriculum

Identity and Mission

Dear Parents & Carers,

Resilience, Reflection and Renewal: Term 1 at Ignatius Park College

As Term 1 draws to a close, it offers us a moment to pause, reflect and give thanks – even in the face of challenge and disruption. This term at Ignatius Park College has been one marked by resilience and spirit, and I am proud of the way our community has come together with strength and compassion.

Our Touchstone focus for Term 1 has been Gospel Spirituality, inviting staff and students alike to engage more deeply with the heart of our Catholic faith. Through prayer, reflection, and service, we have been reminded that to live the Gospel means to walk humbly, act justly, and love tenderly in all that we do. Despite the rain, floods, and interruptions to our usual rhythm, the unwavering commitment of our young men and their families to live out our shared values has been nothing short of inspiring.

Among the many highlights of this term was our Year 7 Retreat Day, held just this week. The day provided our newest Iggy Park students with a chance to step away from the busyness of school life and reflect on their journey so far. Centred on the theme inspired by our College motto “Seeking Truth,” students explored what it means to be authentic, to ask big questions, and to grow in both faith and friendship. The energy, openness, and engagement from the Year 7 cohort was outstanding, and it was a true joy to witness their formation in action.

I would also like to acknowledge the incredible work of Mr. Ty Mills, our Faith & Learning in Action Coordinator, along with our passionate Year 9 Middle Leaders, for their tireless efforts throughout this term’s Project Compassion fundraising campaign. Their creativity, drive and generosity have set an example for us all, reminding us of the power of young people to lead with empathy and effect real change in the world. I look forward to updating you all on our fundraising totals early next Term.

As we approach the Easter season, we are reminded of the message of renewal and hope that lies at the heart of our Christian story. I wish all our College families a safe, restful, and joy-filled Easter break. May it be a time of connection, peace and celebration with your loved ones.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a vibrant Term 2.

In faith and service,

Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission

Year 7 Retreat Day

Ignatius Park College - A Great Term of Achievement

As we reflect on a fantastic term at Ignatius Park College, it’s clear that our students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and spirit. Our Swimming Carnival was a highlight, with students showing great sportsmanship and determination in every race. It was a day filled with excitement, and the House competition was fierce, but everyone participated with enthusiasm.

The Year 12 Liturgy was a memorable occasion, as our senior students came together to celebrate their journey and the significance of their final year at Ignatius Park. Their leadership and reverence were inspiring.

A special mention must go to our hard-working students who consistently give their best in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The House Choir Competition showcased the musical talents of our students, and the performances were outstanding, highlighting their creativity and team spirit.

The Importance of Arriving on Time

Arriving at school on time is crucial for setting a positive tone for the day and ensuring that students don’t miss out on important learning opportunities. Ignatius Park College starts each day at 8:30am. The social interactions before school and during homeroom form a critical part of the brotherhood between our students. Missing this time can mean the difference between feeling genuine connection to the school, and feeling isolated.

Being punctual helps students settle in, prepare mentally for the day, and fully engage in lessons from the start. In Term 2, we will be closely monitoring attendance data to highlight the importance of timeliness and encourage all students to arrive on time. Consistently being punctual not only improves academic performance but also fosters responsibility, time management, and respect for others. I look forward to working with families to challenge the rhetoric that being late regularly is not harmful.

Term 2

Term two begins on Tuesday the 22^nd of April and we will begin the day with house meetings. Some highlights of Term 2 include the year 9 mother and son dinner dance, pastoral days, Edmund Rice Day, Anzac Day, Year 11 Trivia night with the girls’ schools and of course our annual combined schools musical which this year is “We will Rock You”.

We’re incredibly proud of all our students and look forward to the continued success in the coming term. Enjoy your Easter.

John Deer | Director of Students

Pathways Hub

What an action-packed term we have had in the Pathways Hub!

Week 10 – Year 10 Work Experience

This week our year 10 students are out on work experience and staff are conducting visits of the boys. It has been a pleasure to see our young me out in the community representing Ignatius Park with pride and commitment. Well done. This week 10 work experience program for year 10 students provides students an insight into different careers options and industries. This process is used to support students when making subject selections from year 10 into 11.

Year 11 and 12 Industry Placement

Year 11 and 12 Students who are wanting to change their Industry Placement for term 2 need to submit a change of placement form with the Pathways Hub. These forms need to be completed by week 3 of term 2. If there is no change of placement form, we will place your son with the same employer from term 1. The Pathways Hub will be finalizing industry placements for year 11 and 12 Students in week 5 of term 2, ready for industry placement in week 7.

Year 11 and 12 Students – University Pathway

James Cook University – Information for school students to support their transition from secondary school to university.

The JCU Open Day for Townsville schools is on Friday 18^th July.

If your son has any questions regarding this event, they can contact JCU via the following methods:

Email: futurestudents@jcu.edu.au

Phone: 1800 943 499

Kirsty Clarke | Program Leader - Skills & Training

Year 10 Work Experience

Student Wellbeing

In this edition of SchoolTV - Cyber Safety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –– for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access –– it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

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

Here is the link to the Cyber Safety edition of SchoolTV
https://ipc.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/cybersafety-au

Christian Quabba | Dean of Student Wellbeing

From the Student Counsellors

Can you believe we’re already a term down? It feels like we were welcoming our new Year 7s and catching up with our returning students just yesterday.

This term has been nothing short of action-packed, including in the Student Counsellors' space. We’ve been thrilled to welcome our new counsellor, Patrick, who’s hit the ground running. We have supported our amazing Peer Mentors as they guided our Year 7s, while also providing individualised wellbeing support to students across the school. Through it all, we have been committed to reflecting on our practices and ensuring we’re offering evidence-based, best-practice approaches in our work.

What has been a standout this term has been the incredible resilience shown by both our students and their families, especially in the face of unpredictable weather events. When so much feels like it is out of our control, it’s only natural that it can drain our energy levels. As such, we encourage everyone in the IPC community to use the upcoming school holidays to rest and recharge.

A great way to unwind is by practicing simple mindful breathing, meditation, and gentle movement that can help ease tension, calm your nerves, and restore your inner balance. We’ve linked below a short, self-guided relaxation exercise from Beyond Blue that we highly recommend:

Self-guided relaxation exercises for anxiety, depression, and wellbeing management - Beyond Blue

On behalf of the Student Counselling team, we want to congratulate you on your efforts in managing the challenges of this term, and we can’t wait to see what Term 2 has in store!

We wish you a safe and restful holidays.

Jess McLeod & Patrick Houghton| Student Counsellors

Term 1 Defence School Mentor Wrap Up

What an exciting and busy term we have had in the Defence School Mentor Space.

We welcomed our new Year 7 students who have taken to high school with such confidence. Students have developed some wonderful friendships and are certainly fitting into the Brotherhood of IPC. Year 7’s also enjoyed a welcome lunch with Mrs Drummond earlier in the Term. Be sure to keep an eye on emails and on the notices for Term 2 lunchtime activities and catch ups.

Milo Club is in full swing and operational two times a week. Students have popped by and grabbed a milo, played some games and had a chat with mates. Feel free to come by on Mondays and Wednesdays and enjoy an icy cold cup of Milo.

Mrs Drummond has also started some classroom visits for our younger students. She has been able to help students get organized, making sure they are using their diaries and keeping up to date with assessments. Having a friendly face around can help calm some nerves and direct students to the correct classrooms.

Donations for 3CER - Thank you to families who took the time to donate some good to this cause. Our donations are already on the way to PNG and will certainly make the day of many young children.

Please remember to keep our DSM informed of any change of circumstances, including time spent away on deployment or exercises so she can ensure that our Defence students are supported during challenging times.

ANZAC Day information

Anzac Day Liturgy – Defence families are welcomed to join us in the Hall for our Liturgy on Thursday 24^th April at 2:00pm. There will be a light afternoon tea prior to the Liturgy in the LRC. Please keep an eye on emails for information on this. There will be an opportunity for wreath or book laying at the Liturgy, so please bring something along if you would like to participate in this.

ANZAC Day March - If you have registered to march on The Strand on ANZAC Day – keep an eye on emails from Ms Fensom and Mr Deer. They will be emailing more information on meeting points etc.

Carolyn Drummond | Defence School Mentor

StudentRide Bus Service Survey

StudentRide are asking Bus service users and non-users to complete their online survey. Current users can provide feedback on the services, while non-users can help to identify potential demand.

The survey can be accessed by scanning the QR Code below, or via this link:

https://forms.gle/Vz5SuCmzuvG3R3NT9

Year 10 Film, TV & New Media

This term in year 10 Film, Television and New Media the students have taken photos to create a portfolio of work on the theme of 'Australiana'. Students also experimented with editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. Below is a snapshot of some of their great work.

10 FTV Student Photos

2024 Graduates' Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

School TV

School_TV_Flyer.pdf

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 2025 can be viewed at https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/enrol/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 4796 0222 if you need further information.

School Fee Platform - Edstart

From Term 1 2025, all school fees including termly and periodic payments will be managed by Edstart. You can set up your Edstart account at edstart.com.au/ipc

Vilton Crasto | Director of Business Operations

Term 1 Week 10 College Newsletter