Phoenix - Term 3 2023

Acknowledgement of Country

The Ignatius Park College Community would like to humbly acknowledge the Wulgurukaba peoples on whose land our College is located, as well as the Bindal peoples on whose land many of us live and travel across daily. We respectfully thank the elders of this traditional land both past and present for guiding us through the journey of time to where we are today. This spiritual and cultural journey is significant in allowing the freedoms our society has today. As a community we reflect on the history of Australia and its First Nations peoples and ask all elders to guide us to a promising and enriching future. As a community we will continue to develop our minds to be respectful and learn from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders as well as all people who make up this country of Australia.

From the Principal

Dear Alumni of Iggy Park,

Honouring our Tradition

Welcome to the third edition of “The Phoenix” for 2023. In my principalship, I have always believed that the success of any school is honouring our rich tradition. I often say to the students at assemblies that our Iggy culture is a legacy of others who come before us, as it calls our students to live the collective values, behaviours, traditions, and social norms that have shaped this school over the past 54 years. Being an Iggy Boy encompasses the shared identity and atmosphere that defines how our students, staff, and parents interact and come together within our community. It is about ensuring that our values of integrity, pride and commitment are authentically lived in our College.

The word ‘tradition’ can evoke different responses from different people, be it in the sphere of religion, politics, art, dress, music or manners. I believe our College tradition provides a deep sense of belonging and a realisation we are standing on the shoulders of others. At Iggy Park, we are proud to be acknowledged as an educational community with a strong and unique tradition. We value our faith and tradition, which inspire truth, honour, loyalty and commitment and are firmly defined by our Edmund Rice ethos that draws from the past and points to the future.

I further believe when we truly live our values and a deep sense of “Brotherhood” then we create an Iggy Boy. It is not something that just happens by accident but is nurtured by each student and is formed by each other. Continuing our tradition and heritage is the responsibility of everyone that attends the College. For our students to truly live our tradition, the uniform is not clothing that identifies our school, but the crest must tell the story, a story we are proud to be part of, that is lived every day both inside and outside school. Likewise, to be an Iggy Boy, the school can’t be just a meeting place to gather, it must become a community, a place of respect, a place where friendships and values are developed and where we challenge each other to be the best we can be.

For our students, their thinking about life and the world will inevitably be done in a way that draws upon and is shaped and determined by people, teachings and traditions experienced at school. They will provide us with many fixed points of reference, which we will need in order to function intellectually. All human thought, even that which is most critical and radical, relies upon the support structure of an intellectual and cultural tradition – a vast body of knowledge and assumptions shared by the community within which we live, move and be.

It can be difficult to define objectively what are the dimensions of tradition. However, I believe tradition is passed through our telling of stories, our shared values, the pride in wearing the uniform, being integral as a person and maintaining high expectations that are reflective of our faith and academic endeavours.

Last term I attended a funeral for a Christian Brother who was my former Principal. While at the funeral I had two brothers approach me stating that they taught in Townsville in their early teaching days. Both Br. Laws and Br. Moodie agreed to share their reflections on teaching at St. John Fischer in the 1950’s. In this edition of “The Phoenix,” both stories are included. It is important that we continue to encapsulate the oral tradition of others who have contributed to the history and tradition of the College.

Our tradition at Iggy Park is based on sharing stories. Our Year 12’s will soon be passing on the “baton” and leaving their story to our new leaders in 2024. The success of our College has been the passing on of tradition. If there are old collegians who would like to share their story of tradition at the College, we would like to include them in forthcoming editions. As a College, we are proud of our tradition, a tradition that has formed us but also allowed us to hear other voices, and other stories and be prepared to reflect on ourselves as human beings to make a positive difference in the world.

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.

Shaun Clarke

Reflections

Br. Kevin Laws cfc

All were present in grades 4 and 5, which never happened, there were 110 in the room. ( The Ark)  A difficult task to manage and near impossible to teach. Just marking the roll took time let alone correcting compositions. I still have very fond memories of those classes. Many would remember the day the night cart got bogged outside the classroom at 3.00 in the afternoon. The pandemonium and carry on that ensured of holding noses and pretend sickness was far beyond my powers of control. In the wet season many came in bare feet as the grounds were underwater, boys would bring water lilies from swamps for the may altar. Once a week we walked to a local park to play football or cricket, some played and some just drifted into the bush and came out when we returned to the school. Br. Baillie was the first headmaster of St John Fisher's. 

I still remember in sadness the death of Patrick Collingwood who was killed on the Garbutt road riding his bike to school. There was no counselling for students in those days. They were difficult times but extraordinarily rewarding. I pray for those who have passed and wish a happy retirement for those who read this.

I taught in Primary, Technical and High Schools throughout my life. Worked in Papua New Guinea for 10 years, was Principal in 3 schools, and later worked as a volunteer in Palliative Care and St Vincent’s de Paul Society. I now live in a one-bedroom unit in a block of flats with 6 other brothers. We all live independently. My life as a Christian Brother has been very fruitful, eventful, rewarding and I deeply appreciate the opportunities that have come my way.

Go Gently 

Br. Kevin Laws cfc 

Fr Emene Michael Kelemete

My name is Fr Emene Michael Kelemete and proudly a former student of Ignatius Park College. My brief story is one of generosity, faith and love.

Coming from an underprivileged family of Tokelauan, Samoan and Cook Islander descendants, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into Ignatius Park College back in 1993, thanks to the generosity of Edmund Rice, his Christian Brothers and staff, assisting young men in need, and the Townsville Catholic Diocese who paved the way for our unique family to settle down in Townsville.  

Son to Joseph and Peteli Kelemete and brother to many siblings, our Catholic faith played a major role in our lives. My grandmother, Luta Kelemete, the matriarch of the family, insisted that all her grandchildren would receive an education in a Catholic school and that God would provide this opportunity. She had an amazing faith and trust in the Lord that influenced all her grandchildren.

Since 1993 to the present time, Ignatius Park College has educated and continues to educate well over 40 of the Tokelauan young men in Townsville. Like Edmund Rice, it is through education and love of our Catholic faith that has enabled me to become the man I am today - serving God’s people with generosity, faith and love.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ignatius Park College for providing a faith-based education that enables young men to form profound relationships with God and His people.  Let us continue to pray for each other and all who have helped us.

Fr Emene Michael Kelemete

Br. John Moodie 

John Moodie arrived in Townsville in 1956 as a 22-year-old Christian Brother to live in Community and teach at St. John Fisher school. The Brothers drove each day from their Community house at Our Lady’s Mount College to the branch school, John Fisher.

 Brother Michael O’Carrigan was in charge of the school. I remember teaching a combined class of grades 6/7.  The teaching was quite challenging. At the end of the first year Brother Kevin Laws moved from the Community and Brother Vince Connors replaced him.  I was asked to teach 123 students in Grades 4/5 for the next three years.  The boys were very much into sports at the school. I enjoyed my time in Townsville.  In later years there was a combined sports football competition at Warwick and I met some of my former pupils from John Fisher – that was a real joy.

From Townsville I moved back to Sydney to make my Final Profession as a Christian Brother. After many years teaching, doing vocation work and missionary work in The Philippines I am now retired in Melbourne.

2024 Confraternity Carnival

We will have sponsorship packages up for grabs for the upcoming Carnival, it's a great way to put your business in front of 10,000 + People over a 1 week period!

If you are interested in taking a look, please reach out to the Confraternity Organising Committee: 

confro2024@ipc.qld.edu.au

2023 SENIOR FUNDRAISER

WIN A CAR!!!

The Ignatius Park College Senior Cohort is excited to present an incredible opportunity to the community through a raffle featuring a BRAND-NEW FORD PUMA, thanks to Carmichael Ford Townsville. This raffle serves a greater purpose, as the funds raised will contribute to the realisation of the 2023 Senior Gift, a long-standing tradition at Ignatius Park College.  The Seniors are fundraising for the installation of a cutting-edge LED Scoreboard Screen for the College Oval.

The envisioned scoreboard is poised to revolutionise how we engage with sports, information, and teaching. With its dynamic capabilities, including the playback of videos, the display of photos, and communications of important notices, the scoreboard not only enriches our school environment but also extends its utility to our broader sporting community.  With a focus on Rugby Union Games, particularly as Ignatius Park College is the home grounds for Brothers Rugby Union Townsville, this scoreboard promises to enhance the experience for players, spectators, and enthusiasts alike.

Participating in this raffle not only offers a chance to win this remarkable new car but also an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful enhancement of our shared sports and educational spaces. 

Tickets are priced at $50 each, 3 tickets for $100, 5 tickets for $150, 10 tickets for $250

RUGBY LEAGUE - HOST FAMILIES 

Expression of Interest for Homestay Families

Are you interested in becoming a homestay family and providing a nurturing environment for students who are relocating to Townsville to be part of the Ignatius Park College Educational Journey and Rugby League Program? Your support and hospitality can make a significant impact on their experience.

What is Homestay?
Homestay is a unique opportunity for students to live with local families while pursuing their education and athletic goals. It allows them to immerse themselves in the local culture and community while receiving a safe and supportive home away from home.

How it works:

1. Expression of Interest: By expressing your interest, you indicate your willingness to open your home to a student needing a homestay opportunity.

2. Student Placement: If a student requires homestay, Ignatius Park College will contact you to discuss the potential match.

3. Negotiating details: The finer details of the student's stay and expenses will be negotiated between your family and the student's family. This includes accommodation, meals, transport and any other relevant arrangements.  

If you think this might be something your family is interested in, please fill in this expression of interest form:

HOMESTAY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM, CLICK HERE

We thank you in advance for your interest in possibly becoming a homestay family for the Ignatius Park College Rugby League Program. Your support in helping these students adapt to their new environment is greatly appreciated. We will be in contact if a suitable student match is identified.

Thank you, 

Zeb Kyle | First XIII Coach 

Enrolments

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