Term 2 Week 4 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

It's been an extremely tough couple of weeks for our community with the passing of Br Paul Conn and Br Jon Hansen.  Br Jon only retired from full time work at the College in 2019, and up until recent years had continued to do relief teaching work at the College.   Br Jon continued to be a presence in and around the College until his passing, often coming in as a guest speaker to classes, dropping off a selection of holiday reading for staff, or announcing on carnival days.  Br Jon was known over the years for his visible presence, he knew every student at the College, and when it was a student's birthday, Br Jon would seek them out and wish them a happy birthday while handing over a ‘mintie’ as a small token of celebration.  Br Jon was our last remaining Christian Brother at the College, and his presence, wisdom and care will be missed by all of us as well as many people beyond our College gates.  Br Jon’s funeral will be held in the College Chapel on Friday morning, and it says something about the significance and importance of this school that both Br Jon and Br Paul will be farewelled from this College over the weekend. 

Our Year 7 boys are currently at Camp Gedling on their first IPC camp.  Camp is a great opportunity to push our students outside of their comfort zone, while at the same time allowing the boys to experience learning in areas that are outside of the traditional setting, and building new friendships and connections.  I look forward to hearing about the camp on their return on Friday afternoon.

Our Co-curricular happenings are really starting to take hold for term 2 with our rugby league teams increasing their training, our rowers having their first regatta, the school of origin series with St Margaret Mary’s starting, our soccer players starting their training and our debaters having their second debate of the year.  In addition to this, many other co-curricular opportunities are continuing, and I would encourage all students to take up these opportunities where possible.

Our year 11 students will be finalising assessment for unit one over the next week or so, and this is a timely reminder for all students about the importance of putting their best foot forward with all activities and assessments in class.  Senior staff will soon be starting our second round of academic mentoring discussions with the senior ATAR students, and while it only seems like yesterday that we started the year, very soon our Year 10 students will begin to look at their senior subject selections and pathways. 

And finally, on the second of May we held celebrations for the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice, or as the boys call it, Eddie Rice Day.  This day is always a timely reminder of the sacrifice that so many made to create this legacy in education that we all benefit from today.  Our College Mass was a great celebration for the community, and the interhouse cross country followed this, before the boys were able to let their hair down with the activities in the afternoon.  Our Marketing Team has created this video of the day, and I would recommend that you take a look, as it sums up so much that is great about this community.

 Luke Thomson  |  Principal

Curriculum Corner

Key dates for Term 2 (dates subject to change) 

Year 11 End of Unit 1 Assessment Phase
The next couple of weeks are going to be a busy period for Year 11 students who study General subjects particularly.  All general subjects are quickly approaching the end of Unit 1 (the first opportunity for boys to gain a QCE point for their subject) and this means lots of assessment combined with exams.  The exam timetable has already been shared with boys and unit outlines which includes assessment information can be found on Parent Portal. Please remember that for Year 11 students the AARA form is needed for illness or misadventure.  Please communicate with Mrs Harrison in the Eddie Rice Office for all AARA approvals.

Year 10 Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans - Choosing the Right Subjects for 2025 and 2026
This term in Pastoral Care (PACA) lessons, Year 10 students will embark on their SET Plan Journeys. Every Year 10 student in Queensland is required to develop a SET Plan. 
Developing a SET Plan helps students:
•    investigate possible careers and future study options they may be interested in post-school
•    structure their learning in Years 11 and 12 around their abilities, interests and ambitions
•    ensure their learning options allow them to pursuit preferred study, further education and training, and career goals
•    map their pathway to a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Parents play an extremely important part in this process. Some important dates for parents include:

Monday 21 July, Subject Showcase Evening:  parents have an opportunity to talk to teachers about Year 11 and 12 subjects for their son as well as develop their understanding about the Senior Phase of Learning in Queensland. Additionally, representatives from industry and tertiary institutions will be in attendance to answer questions about pathways after school. 

Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 August, SET Plan Interviews: in these interviews, students will explain to interviewers their preferred subjects for year 11 and 12 and justify their reasons for choosing these subjects. Parents are asked to attend these interviews to ‘sign-off’ on their son’s SET Plans and ensure they are fully aware of his intended learning pathway. 

Educating Boys
As teachers we are often asked about how parents can support their sons at school.  This idea goes further than just helping with homework or planning out assessment.  Parents play a crucial role in helping their boys develop positive relationships with their teachers. These relationships can significantly impact a child's academic success and overall well-being. Here are some practical ways parents can support their boys in fostering strong, respectful connections with their teachers.

1. Encourage Respect and Courtesy
Teach your son the importance of showing respect and courtesy to his teachers. This includes addressing them politely, listening attentively, and following classroom rules. Modelling respectful behaviour at home can reinforce these values.

2. Promote Active Participation
Encourage your son to actively participate in class. Discuss the importance of asking questions, contributing to discussions, and showing enthusiasm for learning. Participation not only enhances understanding but also demonstrates a commitment to education.

3. Foster Open Communication
Help your son feel comfortable approaching his teachers with questions or concerns. Role-play scenarios where he might need to ask for help or clarification. Emphasise that teachers are there to support his learning and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

4. Emphasise Punctuality and Preparedness
Teach your son the value of being punctual and prepared for class. Ensure he has all necessary materials to allow him to actively engage in every lesson. Being prepared shows respect for the teacher's time and dedication to his education.

5. Show Appreciation
Encourage your son to express gratitude towards his teachers. Simple gestures like saying "thank you" or a fist pump as they leave the room can go a long way to creating more positive relationships between teachers and students.

 Lesley Gardner  |  Director of Curriculum

Identity and Mission

Dear Parents & Carers,

The Shift is Now: Educating with Purpose, Presence, and Power

The election of Pope Leo XIV arrives as a profound moment of renewal for our global Church – and an invitation for us in our Catholic school to reimagine our sacred connections in light of his early signals of pastoral courage, social clarity, and spiritual authenticity.

Pope Leo XIV’s first address did not shield away from confronting the turbulence of our age: climate anxiety, generational disillusionment, war and displacement, the digitisation of human connection, and the deepening ache for meaning among young people. His language – grounded in hope but unafraid of critique – calls us to lead not with platitudes, but with presence. As a Catholic school community in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are not just parents and staff; we are daily witnesses to the spiritual and emotional landscapes of our students. And these landscapes are changing fast.

This is a Kairos moment. We cannot return to business as usual. Catholic schools, even Ignatius Park College, must become radical spaces of encounter – where justice, mercy, and truth are not merely taught, but lived. Where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are honoured not as an inclusion box to tick, but as a deep well of wisdom. Where ecological stewardship isn’t relegated to Science Week, but animates how we think, plan, pray and act together. Where every child knows they are seen, heard, and deeply loved – especially those on the margins.

Pope Leo XIV understands that the credibility of the Church now rests not in institutional preservation, but in moral imagination. So too in our classrooms. We must educate for hearts that feel and hands that serve, not just minds that achieve. This means embedding Catholic Social Teaching at the core of our pedagogy, which we do very well at already, albeit challenging ourselves to further ask uncomfortable questions and accompany our students not from above, but alongside.

Let us be bold. Let us look to this new papacy not as a distant event in Rome, but as a challenge to awaken our Iggy community here and now. As Pope Leo XIV evokes the spirit of the Good Shepherd who knows the sheep, so must we know and lead ours – with humility, conviction, and joy.

Call to Action

• Recommit to the mission of Catholic education as a ministry of transformation, not just transmission. Re-evaluate how your school enacts the Gospel – structurally, pedagogically, and relationally.
• Centre student voice, Indigenous perspectives, and care for creation in your curriculum design.
• Make space for silence, wonder, and authentic encounter with Christ – especially in chaotic times.
• Advocate fearlessly for justice in your local context, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Now is the time. Not to wait, but to witness. Not to preserve, but to proclaim. Pope Leo XIV has struck a match – let us be the fire that brings light to our schools and to the world.

We Pray

This week we say goodbye to two highly respected and prominent members of our Ignatius Park Community. We are deeply saddened to have lost Brother Paul Conn and Brother Jon Hansen. I include the prayers we as a staff and student body prayed in remembrance of these two stalwarts of College fabric and history and keep in our hearts their families as they grieve and heal through this time. 

Prayer for Brother Paul Conn 

Loving and gracious God, 

We give thanks for the life and leadership of Brother Paul Conn — a man who answered Your call with courage, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

We remember his dedication to Ignatius Park College, his passion for education, and his steadfast belief in the potential of every young man. May his legacy of service, compassion, and Gospel-centred leadership continue to inspire us in our own work. 

May his spirit of kindness, integrity, and commitment to the Edmund Rice charism guide our words, decisions, and actions. 

May we honour his memory by living lives of service, Seeking Truth always to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with You. 

Prayer for Brother Jon Hansen 

Loving and gracious God,  Let us pray.

Loving and compassionate God, We give thanks for the life of Brother Jon Hansen – A faithful servant of the Christian Brothers,

A passionate educator, and a gentle presence in our College community with great commitment to Gospel living.

Through his teaching, leadership, and care, He revealed the face of Christ to many.

As we gather in prayer today, Help us to remember his legacy with gratitude

And to walk in his footsteps – With kindness, integrity, and faith.

Amen. 

In faith and service,

Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission

Director of Students

John Deer | Director of Students

Skills & Training Hub

We have had a busy start to the term in the Pathways Hub; organising placements, assisting with the IPC Careers Expo, school-based apprenticeship sign ups and planning for year 10 into 11 subject selections.

Last week I attended 3 sign-ups for school-based apprenticeships which is fantastic for the young men of Ignatius Park to get a head start on their respective trade areas. Congratulations men.

Reminder, that in week 7 (2nd June – 6th June) we have another round of industry placement for year 11 and 12 VET students. We are in the final stages of ensuring that all students who want to go on placement are supported with employers who have the capacity to take on our students. If you know that you are going to be away from school during this week, please let the pathways team know via phone 4796 0222 or email pathways@ipc.qld.edu.au so that we can call the employer prior to week 7.

Feedback from employers is that the industry placement week is critical in determining if someone is a good fit for their company and often leads to work outside of school hours or post schooling apprenticeships.

Your son will receive an email and a hard copy detailing his industry placement, including the name and address of the employer at the end of week 5. It is the student’s responsibility to call the employer and confirm expectations around uniform and start and finish times.

If you have any questions or concerns about Industry Placement please contact the Pathways Hub.

Kristy Clarke | Program Leader - Skills & Training

Careers Hub

Celebrating National Careers Week – 12^th – 18^th May 

National Careers Week is an initiative which aims to celebrate careers and career development.  

This week the College will celebrate with students interacting in a range of activities including our upcoming Careers Expo and Guest Speaker Presentations.  

The week will raise awareness of Career options, encourage early planning and create a sense of engagement across the college.  

College Careers Expo  

The College Careers Expo will be held on Thursday 15 May during Period 5 and 6 for all Year 10 – 12 students. We have a broad range of industries and organisations involved who will interact with students, share information about career paths within their field, and answer any questions students may have. The expo aims to provide our students with valuable insights into various career paths, opportunities for further education, and guidance on making informed decisions about their future endeavours.   

The expo will be open from 3.00pm – 4.00pm this year should parents and junior school students wish to attend. 

JCU Webinar Series: Unmasking the ATAR System Webinar 

Hosted by JCU and QTAC, this one-hour interactive webinar will provide you with a greater understanding of: 

• The role of the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) in calculating and awarding students Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and making uni offers.   

• How different subjects are graded, which subjects cannot be studied together and how subject scaling can assist in the ATAR calculation process.  

• The importance of subject selection going into Year 11 such as prerequisites for certain university courses. 

• How students can access their ATAR, and what a QTAC application looks like. 

Webinar Details - REGISTER HERE 

Date: Thursday 29 May 2025 

Time: 7 pm - 8 pm (AEST) 

Join via: Zoom. Watch the webinar via phone, tablet, or other computing device (no webcam needed). 

ERGON OPPORTUNITIES  

Trade based Work Experience for high school students Work Experience – Energy Queensland 

Applications are now open! Apply by 23 May 2025 for placements from 4 August – 31 October 2025 
We support work experience opportunities for high school students currently in Years 10, 11 or 12, or students completing a relevant course through TAFE to gain an insight into trade based career pathways within our organisation. 

Apprenticeships 

Applications are currently closed and will open again in June 2025 

We have annual apprentice intakes with a range of positions available across Queensland. For more information about our apprenticeship programs is available on our website Careers – Energy Queensland. 

Below are the variety of trades on offer though our apprenticeship program. 

• Electrician 
• Communications Technician  
• Distribution Linesperson  
• Underground Cable Jointer  
• Mechanical Trade (Fitting)  
• Transmission Linesperson

More information about trade types – skills required, positions and locations, program structure and support, career paths, recruitment process and tips are available on Apprenticeships | Ergon Energy 

Mater Education Open Day

Are you curious about a career in healthcare? Passionate about helping others but not sure where to start?  

Mater Education’s Open Day is the perfect opportunity to seek guidance and have all your questions answered.

Event details include: Saturday 24 May – 9.00am to 11.00am REGISTER HERE

 JCU Navigate YOU Summit  

The inaugural James Cook University (JCU) Navigate YOU Summit is a live-in program offering current Year 10 students the chance to experience university life during the school holidays. The program is an entirely immersive residential program that is fully funded by JCU.  

Student Application: Students are required to submit their completed application by Friday 30 May 2025. Late or incomplete applications may not be accepted, as places are limited. Applications can be submitted online or a hard copy can be emailed to you by contacting outreach@jcu.edu.au 

Contact: The JCU Outreach team is available to answer any questions you may have, contact the JCU Outreach team by email outreach@jcu.edu.au or by phone 0439 936 982. 

Work Experience: June/July Holidays – Years 10, 11 & 12 

Work experience for the next set of holidays is open. Students who are interested should start to organise their work experience and paperwork. Please see staff in the Pathways Hub for more information or email pathways@ipc.qld.edu.au  

Need help with your Resume? 

If you're not sure how to write a resume, don't worry — you're not alone, and we're here to help. Whether you're starting from scratch or just need guidance along the way, we can support you step-by-step to create a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and strengths. Pop into the Pathways Hub and we’ll get you started. 

Job Opportunities! 

Rowlands Surveys are looking for an enthusiastic person who may be interested in a career in Surveying. Email: manager@rowlands.net.au for more information.  

Key Motors are searching for Apprentices to add to their team. They are after a 1^st year Apprentice Automotive Technician, a 1^st year Apprentice Parts Interpreter, as well as a Car Detailer. Email david.anderson@keymotors.com.au for mor information.  

Lynams Landscaping, North Queensland’s premier landscaping company, is offering an amazing opportunity to join our passionate and professional team! Now Hiring: Landscaping Apprenticeship – Certificate III in Landscaping. Send your resume or expression of interest to Paul via lynamslandscapes@bigpond.com 

Powerlink Apprenticeship Program - 2026 I Brisbane, Gladstone & Townsville – refer HERE for more information 

Sheena King | Careers Counsellor  

Student Wellbeing

As has previously been communicated Ignatius Park College has partnered with Wellio this year to assist with the delivery of Pastoral Care (PACA) lessons each Thursday.

Wellio helps students proactively improve their mental wellbeing using research-backed habits and techniques. Their programme supports students in improving their sleep, managing social media use, building healthy relationships, improving physical well-being, and reducing anxiety. 

Alongside their work inside the classroom, Wellio also deliver a free webinar each term for parents. These sessions are designed to equip parents with practical tools to support the wellbeing of their children throughout the year. 

The upcoming webinar for this term is titled Managing Device Use: Creating Healthy Tech Habits at Home. With technology and personal devices playing an ever-increasing part in daily life, this session will explore key parenting strategies to help you encourage healthy device habits with your children.

This 60-minute webinar is scheduled for Thursday 22 May, 6:30pm (AEST). You can register at https://collections.humanitix.com/2025-parent-webinar-series 

Wellio will record the event, so please register if you can't attend but want access to the recording.

I trust you will find the above content engaging and useful in helping to set the young man in your care for success.

Christian Quabba | Dean of Student Wellbeing

Interhouse Cross Country

Interhouse Cross Country Report – Ignatius Park College

Eddie Rice Day Carnival – Cranbrook Park & Ross River

On a fantastic day of competition and camaraderie, Ignatius Park College held its annual Interhouse Cross Country event as part of the Eddie Rice Day celebrations. The carnival, hosted at Cranbrook Park along the scenic Ross River, saw boys from all year levels push themselves to the limit in a true test of endurance and house spirit.

Race Distances:

• Under 12 & Under 13: 3km
• Under 14 & Under 15: 4km
• Under 16 – Open: 6km

The challenging course along the riverbank provided a great setting for some outstanding individual performances, as well as fierce competition between houses.

Age Champions:

Each age group was led by a standout performer, with the following boys claiming victory in their respective divisions:

• U12: Parker Rose
• U13: Bryce Wheldon
• U14: Archer Smerdon
• U15: Lachlan Cameron
• U16: Jay Kyle-Little
• U17: Kobe Kyle-Little
• Open: Thomas Dodds

Congratulations to these athletes on their impressive achievements!

Overall House Placings:

The battle for house supremacy was tightly contested, with Rice House emerging as the overall champions, showcasing depth and determination across all age groups. The final standings were as follows:

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

Well done to all runners who participated, giving their best effort for their houses. The day was a fantastic display of sportsmanship, perseverance, and the strong community spirit that defines Ignatius Park College.

A special thank you to all staff, parents, and supporters who helped make the event a success.

Matthew Arnold | Dean of Co-Curricular

2025 Cross Country

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Year 10 Photography Competition

Last term, Year 10 Film, Television & New Media students studied a unit on photography and produced some amazing photos on a range of subjects. Their work showcased a keen eye for composition, lighting, and storytelling, capturing everything from the vibrant energy of street scenes to the serene beauty of coastal views.

Some of these photos were selected to be part of the Year 10 Photography competition. Photos were displayed at our recent Parent Teacher interviews and at the Eddie Rice Feast Day activities last Friday. 

More than 150 students, staff and parents voted for their favourite photo, with the winners announced on assembly last Thursday. 

The winners were:

First Place: Jonel Foley, an avid landscape photographer captured a beautiful, beach scene proving very popular among voters. He impressed with his ability to capture emotion through the lens, depicting a location in which we are all familiar. 

Second Place: Riley Allman has a keen eye for capturing the beauty in the everyday. His work stands out for its appreciation of rustic charm and a strong sense of place. 

Third Place: Jackson Rowe enjoys black and white photography and capturing the charm of farm life. 

Art Supplies Wanted

School TV

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