Term 3 Week 6 College Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

It’s been a busy time at Ignatius Park College this term. This week, we’ve had the privilege of conducting our SET Plan meetings with students and families. These sessions are always a highlight as they offer a valuable opportunity to support our young men in planning their futures, exploring pathways, and setting goals as they move through their senior years. Thank you to all the parents and caregivers who made the time to be part of these important conversations.

Last week, we had the honour of hosting the EREA Colleges Principals here in Townsville. It was a fantastic occasion to connect with leaders from across the Edmund Rice network and to showcase the ongoing development happening in our College. We were proud to give our visitors a tour of our LRC, the impressive new science facilities, the revitalised quad, and our recently completed classrooms. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and it was a great reminder of the progress that we have made as a College community in creating engaging, modern spaces for learning and growth.

Cocurricular opportunities are essential for boys growth and development and a new partnership that we are currently working on with an external provider, will further widen the opportunities that are available to our boys.  We will be launching this new initiative to the wider community in the next couple of weeks, and I’ll be sure to keep you informed with details and key dates as they are confirmed.

We’d also like to wish our Cowboys Challenge team all the best as they take on Kirwan State High School in the final of the competition this Thursday afternoon. This is always a fiercely contested match and a great showcase of schoolboy rugby league talent in North Queensland. We know our boys will give it their all and represent Iggy Park with pride.

This Friday night we will host Iggy understand that Stars.  This is a fantastic advertisement of the musical and artistic talent that is present amongst our boys, and a great opportunity for them to showcase their talents.  I look forward to seeing many of you there.

And finally, best wishes to our dedicated rowing team as they compete in the Head of the River this Sunday. The commitment and discipline these young men have shown throughout the season has been outstanding, and we’re confident they will perform with the same grit and determination that defines all Iggy Park teams.

Have a great week.

Luke Thomson  |  Principal

Curriculum Corner

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR TERM 3 

September 5 – 18 College Exam Phase: Year 7 – 10, Year 11 End of Unit 2, Year 12 Mock Exams.

Please note that year 11 students will only attend school when they have a scheduled exam from Friday 12th Sept until Wednesday 17th Sept. For Year 12 students regular classes will run on Thursday 4th September.  From Monday 8th September until Friday 12th September students will be required to attend when they have a scheduled exam, assessment catch up or VET competency catch up.

YEAR 7 – 12 EXAMS 

From Week 8 students in all year levels will be entering their examination period to end the term. It is important that students are aware of their scheduled examinations and are prepared with the equipment required (i.e. calculator, ruler, pens).   

We would ask that all parents are conscious of their son’s exam timetable in setting appointments, as staff will not be able to assist with collecting students from exam rooms. During the exam period, the front office will not be able to call up classrooms as this will disturb students.  

All exam schedules when finalised, are published to our website here: https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/  

Please note this schedule only covers exams. Please refer to Student Café / Parent Lounge for assignment draft and due dates.  

 VARIATION TO ASSESSMENT – AARA‘s (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments) 

A general reminder about our AARA process: 

• As per the College’s Assessment Policy, requests to vary the conditions or due date of any assessment item can only be considered following the submission of an Access Arrangement and Reasonable Adjustment (AARA) form and appropriate supporting documentation.
• The completed AARA form, along with required documentation (i.e. detailed medical certificate and details of absence) must be submitted to their Subject Faculty Leader or the Edmund Rice Office. 
• A copy of the AARA form is available on the school website at: https://www.ipc.qld.edu.au/studies/exams-assessment-study-documents/. Alternatively, hard copies of these forms are available from the Edmund Rice Office.  

 YEAR 10 SET PLAN INTERVIEW  

SET Plan interviews took place on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week for all Year 10 students. If you have been unable to attend and need to reschedule your appointment, please email curriculum@ipc.qld.edu.au.  

Key dates for Term 3 (dates subject to change) 

Identity and Mission

Dear Parents & Carers, 

Last week, we celebrated Ignatius Park College's 56^th Birthday with our Annual Anniversary Mass. 

This was another great celebration bringing the College community together in what I like to call a "no frills", reflective celebration of our amazing history and charism. 

I thank the entire congregation for their active participation and especially thank Fr Emene Kelemete, who, through his relatable and inspiring way, led the Mass and engaged wonderfully with the boys during the homily, throwing out lollies for the right answers, which is always a treat!

It is hard to believe our next full school Liturgy will be farewelling the Year 12's in November, the year is getting away quickly with still many other great events to go in between then and now. 

With the tension around the globe at the moment, I would like to share our Staff Briefing Prayer with you from this week, which led us to think outside our school gates in the vein of our Term 3 Touchstone focus of Justice & Solidarity. 

Prayer for Refugees and Peace 

Loving God, 
You call us to walk with those who are displaced, 
to share their burdens, and to listen to their stories. 
We pray for refugees across the world— 
those fleeing conflict, persecution, and fear— 
that they may find safety, dignity, and hope. 

In the spirit of Edmund Rice, 
help us live the touchstone of Justice & Solidarity. 
May we stand alongside the vulnerable, 
speak out for those without a voice, 
and work together for a world where peace and compassion reign. 

Lord, guide the hearts of leaders, 
that they may seek justice over power, 
reconciliation over division, 
and welcome over exclusion. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

In faith and service,

Mark Holmes | Director of Identity & Mission

Director of Students

Careers Hub

It’s been a busy couple of weeks in the Pathways Hub with some great opportunities for our students! Over the past two days, our Year 10 students have completed their SET Plan interviews, doing an outstanding job in preparing and engaging in this important step toward their senior schooling. A huge thank you to parents for attending and supporting this milestone. This week, students also had the chance to take part in the final Hospital Work Experience Program as well as the Heroes in Sport Program with JCU and the NQ Cowboys—both fantastic opportunities that provided valuable experiences and insights for their future pathways.  

QTAC & University Applications – Year 12 students 

A reminder that the registrations for the QTAC ATAR Portal are open. If you’re interested in applying for University, please see me in the Pathways Hub to organise a meeting time. 

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.  

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  

Engineering Link Project – Townsville – Friday 26 September 

The ELP is an award-winning program that inspires and empowers Year 10, 11 and 12 students to see engineering as a force for positive change. With a strong focus on the humanitarian and human-centred side of the profession, this event invites students to tackle real-world challenges affecting communities today. Through two hands-on workshops, they will collaborate with professional engineers and university staff to design solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities, and create a more sustainable future. For more information and to register – please refer 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  

• Exploring the World of Veterinary Science – Tuesday 9 September – 7.00 to 8.00pm

• All Things Marine – Tuesday 16 September 

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.  

JOB OPPORTUNITIES  

STP Consultants – Engineering/Drafting Cadetship 

STP Consultants is inviting Year 12 students to explore exciting career opportunities through their Early Careers Program. This program allows students to jump straight from the classroom into a real career in engineering or drafting, gaining hands-on experience while continuing their studies. 

Program Highlights: 

• Earn while you learn: Work full-time (four days practical + one study day) and gain paid experience.
• Mentorship and support: Learn from experienced engineers and drafters, with guidance and study support throughout your journey.
• Career pathways: Join as a Junior Draftsperson (Associate Degree or TAFE) or Cadet Engineer (Bachelor of Engineering).
• Real projects: Apply your skills on projects that shape Queensland’s future.

Application Details: 

• Applications close: 30 September 2025
• Send resume and cover letter to: careers@stpconsultants.com.au

Parker Hydraulic Designs - Junior Hydraulic Draftsperson 

Parker Hydraulic Designs are currently looking for a junior team member to join their company, and students with a keen interest in AutoCAD and Revit would be a great fit for this role. This position offers a chance to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment and develop valuable skills in the industry. 

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. 

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.  

Apprenticeships Central – scroll through all the amazing opportunities currently available in various industries. Search Here Now.  

Mater Education – Townsville Open Day

Students in Years 9-12 should join us at Open Day on Saturday 6 September 2025 from 9am - 11am.

Come along and learn about career pathways available through Mater Education, including:

👉 Our 18-month Diploma of Nursing program.

👉 Our Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. 

👉 Our popular High School Health Adventure for students in Years 10-12.

👉 Vocational Education and Training in Schools - our school-based training program for students in Years 10-12.

Sheena King | Careers Counsellor  

Sporting News

NQ All Schools Touch - Ignatius Park College Wrap

What an incredible weekend for Ignatius Park College at the NQ All Schools Touch competition! Our teams played with heart, skill, and pride, bringing home well-deserved victories across all age groups. Here's a closer look at each team's outstanding performance:

U13s A: The U13 boys delivered a 12-1 victory over Southern Cross in the grand final. From the very first whistle, they dominated every aspect of the game. Gibson was named Player of the Final for his incredible playmaking, quick thinking, and leadership on the field. Every player stepped up and played their part, showing outstanding teamwork and determination. The defence was rock solid, and the attack was clinical. A massive shout-out to the entire team for their unstoppable performance!

U13s B: While the U13s B team didn’t make it to the grand final, their semifinal clash against Southern Cross will go down as one of the most exciting, nail-biting moments of the tournament. The match ended in a thrilling 5-5 draw, leading to a 12-minute long drop-off at 3 players each. The atmosphere was electric, and both teams had multiple chances to secure the win. In the end, despite a valiant effort, the boys were narrowly edged out. This match, full of tension, skill, and drama, will be remembered by everyone in attendance. The boys showed heart and determination throughout, and their effort was a proud moment for IPC.

U15s: Our U15s were relentless in their 13-4 win over St Mary's Cairns. The game was a masterclass in tactical play, with the boys controlling the tempo from start to finish. Xydan earned Player of the Final for his exceptional speed, vision, and playmaking. The team's communication and cohesion were flawless, and they made it clear that they were one of the strongest teams in the competition. Fantastic work all around!

Opens: The Opens team capped off a stellar weekend with a 10-4 win over Kirwan. The game was a true display of experience, with the team showing poise and control under pressure. Klay was named Player of the Final for his phenomenal leadership and playmaking, making key decisions and leading the team to victory. The team's fitness and resilience were on full display, and they adapted to every challenge thrown their way. Everyone played their part, making sure the victory was a collective effort. Great work to the entire squad!

A special thank you to Jasper Lyons (Year 7) and Callan Watson (Year 11) for their exceptional work as student referees. Both were awarded Finals for their outstanding officiating, and they handled their roles with professionalism and confidence.

Now, with NQ All Schools behind us, the focus shifts to QLD All Schools in October! Training continues for all teams as we aim to build on this incredible momentum and show the state what IPC is made of.

Year 11 Leadership Camp

Our Year 11 leadership camp was a two-day event, first held at Camp Gedling, focusing on teamwork and communication, and secondly, in a formal setting at the Mercure Inn. There were many guest speakers sharing their advice and insights from experiences that have shaped them as leaders, and what it takes to be a successful leader.

On day 1, students took part in house groups and cohort bonding activities that challenged us to work together. One of the highlights was filling a container full of water as a team held above the ground using only our feet, encouraging collaboration and problem-solving to reach a common goal.  Another engaging activity was the slingshot competition, which sparked excitement, creativity and some early expected behavioural disruptions. Overall, the camp strengthened our leadership skills and reminded us of the importance of cooperation to achieve success as a cohort, encouraging all of us as seniors to shift from a "me" mentality to a "we" focus, to achieve our house and cohort's goals moving forward as seniors.

Day 2 was a formal forum held at the Mercure Inn, which explained how we, as emerging leaders, will now be treated as men, and therefore we must act like it from the beginning. Formal attire, arrival expectations, and manners meant we had to leave our immature ways behind.

For the first speaker, we had the honour to hear from Brigadier Ben McLennan, who shared his insights and army experiences on what he sees as key aspects that build and develop leadership. Brigadier McLennan explained his 3-step method: 1. Know yourself—understanding yourself before guiding others; 2. The quote “To thine own self be true” means sticking to what you believe and, 3. Character vs Charisma—charisma is just short-term favour, while character is like a chisel, shaped by trauma and hardship to remove flaws and create strength. He said you can have both, but charisma without character is empty. He ended with the poem “If” and a final quote, “you should lend every man your ear, but few your voice.”

Next, Principal Luke Thompson shared his ideas on leadership, challenging us to reflect on what leadership means to us and then brainstorm about its meaning and appearance. We learned about the different leadership styles used worldwide by many different figures, but above all, servant leadership is ideal, focusing on team success and growth. He also highlighted the efforts and attributes of the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks.  Emphasising discipline, hard work, trust, and focus on personal and team development over ego, and how this built a legacy we should aim to emulate.

Mr Groves and Mr Deer then both spoke about our Iggy Culture. Mr Groves explored the old boy culture, highlighting the ease of connecting with strangers through a shared high school experience. Mr Deer discussed a video and rivalry conflicts, urging us to stay true to our values of Integrity, Pride, and Commitment rather than reacting negatively.

Then, James Tamou, a former NRL star who played for the Cowboys, Panthers, and Tigers, shared his experience of transitioning between clubs with contrasting cultures—Penrith’s disciplined approach versus the Tigers’ relaxed style—highlighting the impact on success. Tamou explained that leadership isn’t just about titles but about who you are. Laziness and poor discipline affect behaviour and cause long-term issues for the group. Respect, he said, is earned through actions, not words. He finished with the quote, “You must find a purpose and put everything you have into that,” stressing that if you don’t, you won’t achieve results.

We then had a Q&A with the 2025 School captains and prefects, where they shared their experiences and offered advice on how to improve. They explained how, as seniors, balancing leadership, school, and a social life is tough, and sacrifices will be necessary for success. They told us how they enjoyed representing the school, with some regret as not all ideas were acted upon and therefore didn’t come to fruition. They acknowledged mistakes but believed learning from them was key. Finally, we discussed our focus and theme for 2026, settling on the slogan “Never Me, always We.”

These two days helped and guided us, the men of the Park, to understand the dedication needed to fulfil our roles as leaders. After signing the board at the front of the conference, we committed to leaving behind immature behaviour and striving to be the men we aspire to, using past leadership experiences to enhance the Iggy legacy and leave a positive mark on our second home for all it has done for us.

- Cooper Bloxsom (11 Baillie)

Changes to Family Details

Please ensure the College is kept informed of any changes to your family circumstances. Residential addresses can be updated directly via Parent Lounge, while any other updates should be advised to the College Office.

School Bus Service News

StudentRide, our School Bus Service, is currently exploring the possibility of introducing additional bus routes to better support families in the IPC community. To help assess interest and plan accordingly, they are asking all families to answer two short questions here: https://forms.gle/RvQ55x2foK1rMq8t8

Class of 1975: 50-year Reunion

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

Voluntary Contributions: With your child’s outcomes at the heart of what we do, voluntary contributions are crucial to the sustainability and advancement of our school. If you did not select to include these optional levies when setting up your Edstart account for the year and you would like to contribute - Please contact Edstart to let them know you would like these levies included in your payments.

Vilton Crasto | Director of Business Operations