From the Head of Senior School

The Intermediate A1 debating team competed in the grand final against Prince Alfred College for the second year in a row on Sunday 20 October in the Sir Samuel Way Building. Arguing affirmatively on the motion that the government should cap price increases on staple goods, the team emphasised the importance of access to essential products for all Australians and how price increase caps would help ease inflation. After a particularly compelling discussion of economics and the broader positive effects on Australia, they came away with a win after a 4-1 split adjudication in their favour. Congratulations go to Sharon Zhang (1^st speaker), Shudhit Mittal (2^nd speaker), Gigi Osborn (3^rd speaker), and Ella Verilli (chairperson). We are most grateful to Mr Ben Rogoznica and Mr Anthony Haskell for their support of the team.

On Wednesday 23 October, Mr Aaron Dohse, the Coordinator of Co-curricular Arts & Activities, presented the annual Night at the Theatre, Senior Years Concert – A Night to Remember, showcasing our senior musicians in the Flynn Theatre. This included the final item from our graduating Year 12 musicians, led by Music Captains Elizabeth Nguyen, Oscar Pacor, and Kevin Zheng collaborating to present a medley of popular tunes.

Last week we acknowledged the contribution of our Year 12 students with a House celebration, morning tea, Senior School Assembly, and farewell liturgy. The Valete Mass was held on the Bellarmine Lawns at Athelstone with our Year 12s and parents, followed by a celebration with refreshments. This Eucharist was a meaningful occasion for our Valedictorians, and they received their missioning cross and later a copy of the book Finding God’s Traces by Michael McGirr. Vincent Pennino gave a toast to the parents, Kate Carey gave a toast to the College, and Mr Angelo Picca, Senior Years House Leader of Xavier, toasted the Class of 2024. We are most grateful to those who made this is an enjoyable evening for the graduating class and their families.

We wish our Year 12 students well as they begin their written SACE examinations next week.

Phil Donato
Head of Senior School

Please take note of some special events at the Senior School during Weeks 4 and 5:

Year Twelve SACE Examinations continue

Monday 4 November
Feast of All Saints Mass, Dennett Centre

Wednesday 6 November
New Year 7 2025 Student Welcome Day
New Year 7 2025 Parent Welcome Evening, Flynn Theatre – 7:00pm.

Friday 8 November
Stage 2 Art and Design Exhibition, Andrea Pozzo Gallery – 6:00pm.

Monday 11 November and Tuesday 12 November
Year 11 SACE Drama Performance – Queens by Kristen Doherty (M rating), Flynn Theatre – 7:00pm

Thursday 14 November
French Cultural Exchange Parent Meeting, Bellarmine Room – 7:00pm.

Wednesday 13 November
New Year 8 to 10 2025 Student Orientation Day

Thursday 14 November
New Year 7 2025 Student Orientation Morning – 8:45am to 11:00am.

We are excited to announce that photos taken during the Valete Mass & Celebration are now available for viewing and ordering. This event was a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the Class of 2024.

Accessing the Photos
Families can access the photos by visiting the website below. To ensure you can view and order the images, please use the provided access code.

• Website: www.eventphoto.com.au
• Access Code: stignatius

Join us for the 2024 Year 12 Art & Design Exhibition, where we will be showcasing the incredible works of our Stage 2 Art and Design students as well as our Stage 1 Visual Arts students.

Date & Time: Friday, 8 November 2024 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Gallery, Andrea Pozzo Building, Saint Ignatius College Senior School
Tickets: Click here

We look forward to seeing you there!

Maria Minucci
Leader of Learning Visual Art and Design

Join us for the Year 11 Drama Production: Queens by Kristen Doherty

Dates: Monday, 11 & Tuesday, 12 November
Location: Richard Flynn Theatre, Senior School
Tickets: Click here
(Please note, this is an M-rated production)

The Year 11 Drama class is thrilled to present Queens, a tale of Henry VIII’s journey through purgatory. Haunted by the Women in White and tormented by three wicked Fools, Henry is forced to relive his sins against his Queens and court in a gripping story of power, remorse, and eternal consequences.

Cast:
King Henry VIII – Purgatory - Reid
King Henry VIII – Dream - Archer

Fools:
Amelia, Liam, Edward

Queens & Court:
Catherine of Aragon/Mary Shelton - Ashleigh
Anne Boleyn/Grace Newport - Juliet
Jane Seymour/Margaret Shelton - Bianca
Anne of Cleves/Jane Pipincourt - Hannah
Kathryn Howard/Mary Boleyn - Emma
Kathryn Parr/Mary Rose - Lily
Elizabeth I/Dorothy Heydon - Alice

Supporting Cast:
Bessie Blount - Criselda
Joan Dingley - Takudzwa
Anne Hastings - Sofia
Bridget Wiltshire - Zara

Don’t miss this powerful performance by our talented students!

Year 8 students warmly invite their Grandparents’ and Special Friends to a Mass and morning tea on Tuesday 19 November 2024.

We hope this will be a morning dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the important contribution made by Grandparents and Special People to the wellbeing and education of children within their family.

The program for the day is as follows:
9:00am: Grandparents and Special Friends arrive
9:15am: Mass commences in the Chapel of the Holy Name
10:00am: Morning tea, Bellarmine Lawns
10:45am: Tour of the College by grandchild (optional)

Please note:

• In some cases, challenges regarding mobility limits guests from taking the tour with their grandchild and therefore some guests may choose to depart at the conclusion of the morning tea presentations.
• Students are to dress in formal summer uniform for the morning.
• Guests are encouraged to bring a hat as morning tea will take place outdoors.

For catering purposes, please RSVP your attendance via EdSmart by Tuesday 5 November. If you require and further information about this event, please contact Leah Grainger l.grainger@ignatius.sa.edu.au or 8334 9379.

We look forward to sharing this special morning with you.

Tara Davey, Miriam Doyle, Sarah Colaiacovo and Shaun Bollmeyer
Middle Year House Leaders

As part of the Year 10 Science submarine project, students have been diving into the exciting world of Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs) through the innovative Year 10 STEAM initiative. Using design thinking and entrepreneurship, students have been working to enhance their ROV designs as they gain valuable skills in technology and problem-solving. They are learning how to apply engineering principles, manage project constraints, and think critically about improving efficiency and functionality. The project encourages collaboration, with students working in teams to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and refine their designs, key skills in any engineering or scientific career.

Recently, students had the opportunity to hear from Nick, an apprentice at the Australia’s Submarine Company (ASC). Nick shared his experience working on submarines, offering a firsthand look at the daily challenges and rewards of his apprenticeship. His insights into the submarine industry and the cutting-edge technology involved left students inspired, helping them connect their ROV projects to real-world opportunities in the growing defence sector. They also gained a better understanding of the technical expertise required in industries such as robotics, automation, and underwater exploration, as well as the career pathways available through vocational training and apprenticeships in submarine technology and defence engineering.

In addition, last week our class had an exciting excursion to ASC. The day began with an informative presentation about ASC and the diverse career opportunities available within the organization followed by a ‘white line’ tour around ASC North, where they had the chance to view two submarines! Students learned about the various roles involved in submarine construction and maintenance, including the electrical, mechanical, and fabrication processes used to sustain Australia’s Submarines.

The visit provided a unique opportunity for students to explore the fascinating world of submarines, deepen their understanding of marine technology, reinforce the concepts learned in the classroom but also inspire students to consider future careers in this exciting field.

Fiona Dimopoulos
Teacher of Mathematics and Physics

Alexander Massy Gartly
Leader of Learning – Design & Digital Technologies

On Wednesday, 23rd October, a group of Year 7 students participated in a Science Enrichment Day at Thorndon Lake, entitled ‘Who Poisoned Thorndon Lake?’

The students engaged in a series of activities, applying science-based methodologies and processes to investigate the water quality of Thorndon Lake. They conducted observations, collected water samples, created photo essays, and carried out experiments and surveys to draw conclusions about the environment. Additionally, they designed a water filter as part of the experience, working in the school labs to deepen their understanding.

It was a fun and meaningful day, expertly led by Mr Michael Lucas (Science Teacher), providing students with a valuable opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world context.

Kathryn Wills
Gifted and Talented Coordinator (Challenge Program)

SATAC Applications 2025

It’s not too late to apply to SATAC for entry in 2025. Students are encouraged to make an appointment to see Lisa McDonald if they need assistance after their exams are completed. Additionally, the Careers Office will be open on SACE Results Day.

All three universities will be hosting events to address any questions students may have regarding their preferences. Don’t forget that all South Australian universities offer alternative entry pathways.

• 2 December: Equal consideration cutoff date
• 2 January: Change of preference cutoff
• 10 January: Main offer
• 23 January: Second offer round
• Every Tuesday and Thursday: Subsequent offer rounds

UCAT Interview Seminar
We will be hosting a UCAT seminar in mid-November with a team of Old Ignatians for students who have been allocated an interview. Please email l.mcdonald@ignatius.sa.edu.au to book a place for this seminar.

TAFE
TAFE operates a ‘rolling’ approach to offer rounds and dates, so please refer to the TAFESA website or SATAC website for details.

Have you checked your SACE login?
Now is a good time for students to check their login, reset passwords, and ensure that all recognised learning has been recorded (including Certificate IIIs). Please note, the SACE Board will lock this information in early December, and passwords cannot be reset until after results are released.

Career Education in the Middle Years
Research shows that the earlier we begin discussing career education, the more students can expand their thinking about a wider range of careers. At Saint Ignatius’ College, we utilise the Become programme in Years 7 and 8. Linked here is an article by Professor Jim Bright, which discusses the importance of allowing students time to think about and develop the skills required to design and construct their future lives. Career education should focus on enhancing student agency rather than merely making a ‘plan’. It’s about teaching students how to explore numerous possibilities, rather than limiting them to choosing just one career in the middle years; it’s about how to manage their decisions throughout their lives.

The Year 7s have just started working on the Become programme this term, while the Year 8s completed it in Term 3. This term, the Year 8s will focus on The World of Work, exploring the changing nature of work over the years as well as its future. This will culminate in our annual Year 8 World of Work Day in Week 6. An Edsmart will provide details of this day.

Work Experience 2025
This term, the Year 9s began their introduction to our Work Experience Programme. More information on the College’s Work Experience Programme can be found on the College’s Careers Website. Students have been brainstorming possible placements, creating application letters, and learning how to write a CV. Mentors have been assisting students in creating lists to cold-call businesses for placements and in mind mapping their circles of connections. Students should also investigate whether they require additional certifications, such as a Working with Children Check or a White Card for construction.

Our Work Experience dates for 2025 are 24, 25, and 26 June. The Learning Agreement Form can be found on Career Tools under Required Documents. Please note that students must complete the WHS training programme prior to any placements outside of the official College programme in June. The Year 10s will complete this as a group in Week 10 of Term 1. Students in Years 11 and 12 must also complete an additional 1-hour ‘refresher’ course before attending any placements. Email l.mcdonald@ignatius.sa.edu.au for the link.

The Message Board on Career Tools is a great place to start looking for current Work Experience options. Currently, there is a notice about surveying with Alexander Symons and opportunities with the Motor Trades Association.

Flinders Extension Studies / UniSA Accelerate / Headstart at University of Adelaide 2025
Applications are now open for these programmes. Keep an eye on their websites for information evenings and webinars.

Lisa McDonald
Leader of Learning - Pathways and Futures