Term 3 Week 4 College Newsletter
Acknowledgement of Country
From the Principal
Dear Parents/Carers and Students,
Later this week I will be attending the Year 11 leadership conference, as our students start the discernment process of nominating for, and deciding on, College Leaders for 2026. Over two days our young men will be working on group activities at Camp Gedling on day 1, while day 2 will be a change of tact as they take the time to hear from guest speakers from professional sport and the ADF on their leadership journey. It promises to be two great days for our students, and it is my hope that for many it will open their thoughts to not only wanting to pursue a leadership position at the College but also help them to understand and be clear on why they want to do it.
Last Thursday saw us recognise those students at the College who had received diligence awards for their efforts throughout semester 1 at the College. It was especially pleasing to award so many students from years 7 and 12 with their certificate. Mr Dove took the time to remind all students that diligence awards are not reliant on achieving ‘A’ grades. They are awarded for application and effort in class and therefore are achievable for each and every student.
It was great to see so many students and staff supporting Book Week this week. While we have been a little early to the party this year due to other commitments during the ‘official week’, there was plenty of creativity and fun to be had all in the name of promoting books and reading at Ignatius Park. Our Faculty Leader of English Mrs Plumridge and Librarian Mrs Jerome had done a great job of promoting the day and ensuring that everything books and book related was celebrated. A timely reminder to all of us of the importance of regular reading.
Last week also saw the College recognise Catholic Education Week, which is celebrated across Qld. A special tradition of the week is that each school can nominate a staff member for the Spirit of Catholic Education Award, and a senior student for the Deus Caritas Est Award. These nominees are invited to the Cathedral and are presented with their awards by Bishop Tim Harris. It was a privilege to join our nominees and their families at the event, as it is also a privilege to announce that our Spirit of Catholic Education Award nominee was Mrs Kylie Tillack, and our Deus Caritas Est Award winner was Thomas Dodds. Congratulations to both Kylie and Thomas, they are certainly worth recipients of their respective awards. It certainly capped a big week for Thomas, who had only taken out the Magnetic Island to Townsville swim two days before. A wonderful achievement.
Our Australian Rules under 15 team had a huge result last week defeating St Augustine's to take their place as the North Queensland Champions for the state cup to be held later in the year on the Sunshine Coast.
On Thursday afternoon our Rugby League teams will continue meet our local rivals Kirwan State High School in the Aaron Payne Cup and the Cowboys Challenge. It would be great to see as many students present as possible, cheering our teams on. These teams have been training since last October, and with this being the final round of the competition, the results will determine the draw for next week’s semi-finals.
Our rowers will also have a big weekend as they compete in the NQ Schools championships at Riverway. Schools from as far south as Rockhampton will join in the competition, and it is the final hit out prior to Head of the River in a fortnights time. All the best to both groups of athletes.
As a courtesy, School Locker have advised that an increase in the cost of uniforms will be occurring from the 1 October 2025. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact School Locker directly. support@theschoollocker.com.au
Have a great week.
Luke Thomson | Principal
Curriculum Corner
Key dates for Term 3 (dates subject to change)
| August 04-13 | Year 12 IA3 Exam Phase |
| August 19 & 20 | SET Plan Interviews |
| September 01-17 | College Exam Phase: Year 7-10, Year 11 End of Unit 2, Year 12 Mock Exams. |
YEAR 10 SET PLAN AND INTERVIEW BOOKINGS
Students are now completing their SET Plan script for their interviews which will be held in Week 6, Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 August. Interview bookings are made through Parent Lounge (parents/carers will receive information about how to make bookings soon). Students will be assigned to a specific SET Plan interviewer and it is important parents are in attendance.
Please note that SET Plan interviews are compulsory. Subject selections will not be processed and students will not be enrolled in senior subjects until a SET Plan interview has been completed with the student and a parent/carer.
The SET Plan interview gives students an opportunity to explain and justify the choices for their senior years of schooling. The senior schooling expectations and obligations will be presented and the SET Plan interviewer will share some vital information about requirements put in place by the College to support you on your path to success.
YEAR 12 MOCK EXAMS
See image below for timetable.
Lesley Gardner | Director of Curriculum
Identity and Mission
Dear Parents & Carers,
Last week, Faith Learning in Action Coordinator Ty Mills Faith, Learning in Action Coordinator along with teachers Izzac Scott and Cathal Mullins held the annual Homeless Sleepout with 12 eager Year 10's.
The night started with a talk, tour and visit from the Orange Sky Laundry Van, then a visit from Stephen Gasparini (old boy) who now is the local Youth Coordinator for St Vincent de Paul talking to the boys about Youth Homeless and playing some games to get them thinking and talking.
The boys then sourced some strategically placed items from around the quad (cardboard etc) to create a 'rough' sleeping space.
We watched a movie which got them thinking about struggle and resilience (Pursuit of Happyness) to settle down after dinner. The night was a great success in getting the students thinking deeply and experiencing profoundly the plight of those less fortunate in our society. Please see photos below.
This week also sees the continuation of the Year 12 Drop-In Centre Visits for 2025. The centre and the clients are always much appreciative of our attendance in cooking a nice hot breakfast to serve them with. We thank Althea Projects and the students and staff who gave their time to volunteer.
Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop
We will be celebrating the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, our Townsville Diocese's patron saint, and I would like to share the details of this special occasion with you.
The celebration will take place on Friday, 8th August, with Mass at 6:00pm at Holy Trinity Church, Mundingburra, followed by a light supper. It will be a joyful time of prayer, thanksgiving, and community as we honour Australia’s first saint and her legacy of faith, service, and education.
Your presence and participation in representing Ignatius Park College would be most welcome and would enrich our celebration. Fr Joshy John does a lot for our College community through House Masses, whole school masses etc and it would be great to offer our presence in return.
Our Justice and Solidarity based initiatives fit in perfectly with the Gospel focus of this week on which is a great reflection for our lives and how we see the world.
Building a Bigger House
(Matthew 15: 21 - 28)
Even dogs have hope! This is what the woman says to Jesus, when she asks him to heal her tormented daughter. She classifies her family with dogs, knowing the average Israelite would describe a Canaanite that way. Jesus is astounded by her faith and gives her the desire of her heart.
Some scholars claim Jesus was testing the woman by not responding to her request right away. Others say Jesus learned from her that his mission was larger than Israel. This seems strange to those of us who were taught that Jesus had the mind of God from the time Mary first laid him in the straw. But if Jesus is also fully human, he’d have to grow in wisdom and grace, as Luke says Jesus did.
This woman summoned up the courage to tell Jesus how to run his own ministry! The best of the prophets and saints showed this kind of spirit, sparring with God over matters of importance to them. Who knows what could happen if more people prayed with such confidence? Who knows how many of us could wrestle with God like Abraham, Jacob, Hannah, and the Canaanite woman - and win?
Do you think God’s mind can be changed? Do you think there are things about which “God’s mind is made up”?
Pray
Wise and loving God, when relationships are fractured, journey with us in the life-giving process of reconciliation. Fill us with patience and unconditional love, so that we might forgive as we have been forgiven. In Christ. Amen.
Ponder
Show some chutzpah! Resolve to pray for the things that are most important to you - peace in the world, an answer to hunger - or a job or a better relationship with someone in your family. Pray unceasingly, as Paul says, or sing your prayer, as Augustine recommends. But pray most of all unfailingly. “Oh, woman, your faith is something else. What you want is what you get!”
... for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. (Isaiah 56: 7)
Every three years, about a million Catholic young people from all over the world gather at an event called World Youth Day, of which friends of ours from Good Shepherd Mt Isa and once of their Parish Priests (and Iggy Park Old Boy!) Fr Emene Kelemete attended. This year’s World Youth Day was in Lisbon, Portugal. It is a time for young Catholics to go to Mass together, share stories, learn about other cultures and languages and become friends. Pope Francis once said about World Youth Day: “We celebrate the fact that coming from different cultures, we have come together to pray. Let our best word be our unity in prayer”.
God living among us, let me love all your people, all over the world. Amen.
Have a great fortnight.
In faith and service,
Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission
Director of Students
Improvement in Punctuality – Thank You for Your Support
It has been great to see a noticeable improvement in the number of students arriving on time to school each morning. We thank all families for your support in reinforcing the importance of punctuality. Starting the day at 8:30am allows the young men at Iggy Park to settle in, be organised, have some social time with their peers and fully engage in their learning from the start of their day.
As a reminder, if your son arrives late to school, he must have a written explanation from a parent or guardian in his diary. This note should clearly state the reason for his lateness. Students who arrive late without a valid reason will have their parents notified via SMS.
The consistent application of our Late Arrival Policy helps maintain high standards and ensures minimal disruption to classes. We appreciate your ongoing support in building positive routines that prepare students for life beyond school. I am always grateful to those parents who support our policies as their sons are the one who benefit in the long run.
Working in Partnership “College – SON – Home”
At Ignatius Park College, we strongly value the partnership between home and school. When parents and staff work together with mutual respect and shared purpose, students benefit greatly – not only academically, but socially and emotionally. Clear, open communication is vital, and we always welcome respectful conversations where parents seek clarification around decisions affecting their son.
However, it is important to recognise that a collaborative partnership cannot thrive when it becomes adversarial. While parents naturally want the best for their son, regularly challenging basic school expectations or attempting to override processes can send confusing messages to young people. I would respectfully ask that should an occurrence eventuate where parents may have some questions, please seek clarification from the college in the first instance. The temptation to solve problems for your son is always going to be there, but while this “bulldozing” or “snow-ploughing” approach may protect a boy in the short term, it ultimately hinders his ability to take responsibility, build resilience, and learn from experience.
Our shared goal is to guide students towards becoming capable, respectful and independent young men. This requires trust, consistency, and a willingness from both parents and the College to present a united front, even when difficult issues arise.
Having vast experience in boys’ education and been a leading college in that aspect for decades, we know the trust and responsibility parents place in us. We thank the vast majority of families who continue to trust and work with us in a constructive, respectful manner, and we look forward to continuing this positive partnership with all members of our community.
John Deer | Director of Students
Skills & Training
Ignatius Park College is a partner with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) this week 20 of our year 10 students from Ignatius Park College had the privilege of attending a live construction site. Our students were able to work alongside Hutchinson Builders tradesman and Construction Skills Queensland trainers and tradesman to experience finishing trades including painting and tiling. By all accounts our young men had a great day and enjoyed the hands-on experiences that were provided. These types of ‘try a trade’ events are fantastic ways for young people to gauge interest in the Skills and Training industry and learn about different sectors of the construction industry. The IPC Skills and Training Department would like to thank Hutchinson Builders and Construction Skills Queensland for inviting our students to attend this event and teaching them about different sectors of the construction industry.
Kristy Clarke | Program Leader - Skills & Training
Careers Hub
In the past couple weeks, our students have had some fantastic opportunities to explore future pathways and careers. A group attended the THHS High School Careers Program, while others participated in the Heroes in Engineering experience at JCU, gaining hands-on insight into engineering and innovation. We also had students attend the Townsville Careers Expo, connecting with industry professionals and discovering a wide range of career options. There are plenty more exciting opportunities coming up, so keep an eye out for upcoming announcements and make the most of these experiences. Please see photos below.
QTAC & University Applications – Year 12 students
Registrations for the QTAC ATAR Portal opened. QTAC applications for courses starting in 2026 on Tuesday 5 August 2025. All students interested in applying to university have received information about the application process and have been invited to a group session this week (Thursday 7 & Friday 8).
SET Plan Script & Upcoming Interviews – Year 10 Students
Year 10 students will be completing their SET Plan scripts during PACA (Pastoral Care) classes this week in preparation for their upcoming SET Plan interviews, which will take place in Week 6. I will be assisting students during these sessions to ensure they are ready for their interviews. For more details regarding interview times and bookings, please visit the staff in the Edmund Rice office.
Job Applications Support
Students who are looking to apply for jobs, apprenticeships, or other opportunities, I am available to support you with preparing your resume, cover letter, and general application tips. A strong application can make a big difference, so please take advantage of this assistance if you need it.
Save the Date – CQU Open Day – Thursday 14 August – 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Students can get a closer look at their options, take control, and launch into their future at Open Day. It's a great opportunity to:
- discover a passion and a career
- choose a pathway to study
- chat with our specialist lecturers about courses and work-integrated learning opportunities embedded throughout
- meet the team at the Support Hub to talk about applications, scholarships, student support, and uni life.
Explore their program HERE
Upcoming Heroes Programs
JCU Heroes Programs - JCU Australia
JCU Heroes in Vet – 5 September – Register your interest now
Are you in Year 11 or 12 and have a passion and desire to develop a career in veterinary science? From this full-day program, you’ll gain unique insights into a career in vet. You’ll learn from industry experts in suturing, pregnancy testing, gowning and gloving, animal anatomy, and live animal examinations, and go behind the scenes at JCU Vet. REGISTER HERE
JCU Webinars
JCU offer a range of webinars for you to gain knowledge, develop new skills and find inspiration. Upcoming webinars are listed below.
- Pathways Webinar – Thursday 28 August – 7.00pm to 8.00pm
This session will be a very helpful session for any Year 12 student intending on applying to QTAC and wanting to learn more about the process. This is a general QTAC session and not just for students applying to JCU. REGISTER NOW > HERE
Australian Defence Force Gap Year Program – Applications Open
If students are interested in a position with the Australian Defence Force, the Gap Year Program may be a good option to explore. This program allows students to experience an ADF position, basic training, and the military lifestyle for 12 months. At the end of this time, they can either choose to begin the process of full enlistment or move to other pathways outside of the ADF. This program can be helpful for students contemplating the ADF but unsure if it is the pathway they really want. Please see HERE for more information.
Defence Work Experience – August to November
Work experience opportunities are being offered by Defence Recruiting over the next few months. If you’re interested in applying, please see me in the Pathways Hub to discuss. More information can be found HERE.
Australian Defence Force Academy (AFDA) Open Day (Online) – Saturday 16 August
ADFA Open Day is coming up on the 16th of August, 2025. Join us in person or online to:
- Explore world-class UNSW degrees, with information sessions about Business, Arts, Science, Engineering, Computing and Cyber Security.
- Learn about military training, studying and life on campus from current ADFA Trainee Officers.
- Watch a range of exciting military displays from Navy, Army and Air Force.
- Take a tour of the campus, and much more.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE NOW
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
JM Tiling NQ – Apprentice Tiler Opportunity
JM Tiling NQ are looking for an apprentice ready to learn the trade. You’ll be working in a small, supportive crew with a focus on floor and wall tiling for new homes . How to apply: Send us a message or email your details to jmtilingnq@gmail.com and we’ll be in touch.
Lazzaroni Electrical Apprenticeships – Applications close 18 August
Lazzaroni Electrical Pty Ltd is seeking highly motivated applicants to commence an electrical apprenticeship, certificate III in Electrotechnology (electrician) in 2026. Based in Townsville, this opportunity is perfect for any candidate who is willing to learn and wanting to develop a fulfilling long-term career the electrical services industry. To apply, please email resumes to lazzhr@hotmail.com. See attached flyer for more information and compulsory requirements.
Jason Miekus Plumbing Opportunity
Are you ready to dive into an exciting career in plumbing? Jason Miekus Plumbing is the place to be! With decades of experience and a passion for quality workmanship, we're committed to shaping the next generation of plumbing experts. We are new home construction plumbers, not maintenance, so if your passion lies in the building industry, please give us a call. Requirements include: High school diploma or equivalent,
Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn, Driver’s Licence, White card. To apply: Please email your resume and cover letter explaining why you'd love to join our team to admin@miekusplumbing.com.au
AECOM Cadet Opportunity
AECOM currently have a role for a Cadet – Assistant Technical Officer in their Transport team. A cadet in our organisation is typically a school leaver or mature aged student who works a full-time job under the guidance of experienced designers and engineers to produce design models and documentation for transport projects for our key clients. This is in conjunction with studying an Associate Degree of Civil Engineering on a part time basis, which upon successful completion, is fully paid for by the business. If this is something that may be of interest to you, please come and discuss with me in the Pathways Hub.
Bird’s Plumbing & Drainage Opportunity
Bird’s Plumbing & Drainage are currently on the lookout for a new apprentice to join their team. If this is something that may be of interest to you, please come and discuss with me in the Pathways Hub.
Ausnorth Building & Construction - Junior Estimating Opportunity
An opportunity exists with Ausnorth Building & Construction for students interested in a Junior Estimating position within our Townsville office to assist with preparing quotes for our building projects. Ausnorth are looking for someone who is eager to learn and ideally has good computer and communication skills. Full training will be provided. Please see me in the Pathways Hub if you’re interested.
Casual Job Opportunity – Toymate Townsville
Toymate Townsville are currently looking for casual Employees. They are looking for maximum availability, i.e. after school and weekends, especially coming into the Christmas season. Interested students should email their cover letter and resume to townsville@toymate.com.au. Alternatively, students can apply via the website www.toymate.com.au or deliver their resume in person at the store and collect an Information Pack. Toymate are not concerned if this is the first job and therefore not a lot of information will be on the resume, they are more concerned with finding people who are eager to learn and have a great work ethic.
Apprenticeships Central – scroll through all the amazing opportunities currently available in various industries. Search Here Now.
Sheena King | Careers Counsellor
Sporting News
Ignatius Park College Athletics Carnival: Rice House Claims Narrow Victory!
The Ignatius Park College Athletics Carnival concluded in spectacular fashion, with Rice House edging out Treacy House in a thrilling battle for supremacy, while Baillie House secured a strong third place. The competition was fierce across both track and field events, with standout performances from athletes in every age group.
Track Age Champions
Speed, endurance, and determination were on full display as this year’s Track Age Champions were crowned:
- 12 Years: Jax Radnedge
- 13 Years: Gibson Westcott
- 14 Years: Cohen Kyle
- 15 Years: Nicholas Partridge
- 16 Years: William Thiele
- 17 Years: Riley Sievers
- Open: Indygo Keir
Field Age Champions
The field events also saw incredible talent, with the following students dominating their divisions:
- 18 Years: Tashaun Benjamin
- 17 Years: Keagan Van Aswegen
- 16 Years: Drew Homuk
- 15 Years: Barack Bourne
- 14 Years: Cohen Kyle (doubling as Track & Field Champion!)
- 13 Years: Ashton Catalano
- 12 Years: Riley Daveson
A Carnival to Remember
With House pride at an all-time high and records potentially broken, this year’s carnival was one for the history books. Congratulations to Rice House on their hard-fought victory and to all competitors for their outstanding efforts.
2025 Athletics Carnival
Defence Mentor News
Congratulations to Harrison Palmer and Illinois Rogers, our recent recipients of the Defence Student of the Month Award!
This award recognises Defence students who exemplify both the Ignatius Park College values and the core Defence values of mateship, courage, leadership, loyalty, and teamwork.
Harrison and Illinois have been acknowledged for their outstanding commitment to school life and for consistently demonstrating these important values. As part of the award, they each received a congratulatory letter and a Tuckshop voucher from our Defence School Mentor. Well done!
Iggy Under the Stars: Tickets on sale now!
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