From the Head of Junior School

We thank and farewell all the Year 6 children and a number of our parents for whom this next week concludes their time here as a family at the Junior School. Our Year 6 students have shown themselves to be a wonderful cohort who have given their best and modelled a collective sense of servant leadership. We look forward to celebrating their Graduation Ceremony with their parents in the coming week and the student-led Guard of Honour in finishing the year. We wish them all the very best for their transition into high school.

There has been plenty of Christmas cheer celebrated over these past couple weeks at the Junior School. The festive spirit was animated by our Year 1 students and their dramatisation of the Nativity Scene recreating the birth of Jesus. The incarnation is a profound expression of God's love for humanity. The act of giving around this time of Christmas reflects how God’s love broke into the world some 2000 years ago through the birth of a baby. And so, we too are encouraged, as a Christian community, that every action can lead to an increase in faith, hope, and love.

The opportunity for our students to live these values is shown through our Pedro Arrupe Outreach Program. As a part of this program, we enjoyed the Christmas markets on Wednesday, selling the trinkets made by our creative students, with proceeds given in support of charity. I offer my thanks to all the families who have generously donated gifts to the St Vincent de Paul Giving Tree in the front office. These gifts will be passed on to families in need over the break. Parents wishing to support this program can do so until the last day of school. Whether through the Arrupe programs engaged by staff and students, or the Giving Tree Program supported by the parents, may this message of love and hope extend through our actions and ability to live lives inflamed with love.

Christmas is a time of hope, peace, and love. I pray that God’s love comes close to you and your family this Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Nic Boys
Head of Junior School

Please take note of some special events at the Junior School during week 8:

Monday 2 December
EOY Gratitude Mass/Liturgy

Wednesday 4 December
IEY Graduation

Thursday 5 December
Class Excursion Day

Friday 6 December
Year 6 Graduation Mass
End of Term 4

Please note: The Front Office will be close on Friday, 13 December 2024 and reopen on Monday, 20 January 2025

After 15 wonderful years at the Adelaide Zoo, it is time to bid farewell to Wang Wang and Fu Ni, the beloved giant pandas who have brought joy and inspiration to so many. A special farewell celebration was held to honour their departure, and we were thrilled to see six of our Year Four students participate in this memorable event.

Our talented students bilingually performed the 'Panda Song', showcasing their beautiful voices and excellent manners. Their heartfelt performance impressed the audience and left a lasting impression on the event's distinguished guests.

In the classroom, we will continue to learn about these magnificent animals and their importance to conservation efforts. Additionally, we look forward to welcoming two new pandas to the Adelaide Zoo shortly and hope to be part of their grand introduction.

Wenting Hao
LOTE Teacher

On Thursday, 7 November, the Mid-Year and Reception classes enjoyed a captivating incursion presented by David Booth, a proud Warumungu and Yuggera man, celebrated artist, and skilled Didgeridoo player. Throughout the session, students participated in a cultural dance workshop that immersed them in traditional stories, dance, music, and games led by David.

David shared stories of the Kaurna people and other traditional custodians of the lands around Adelaide. He explained the significance of the smoking ceremony and discussed traditional clothing, music, dances, and instruments. Demonstrating the Yidaki (Didgeridoo), which is traditionally played only by men, and the clapping sticks, which can be played by both men and women, David illustrated how the clapping sticks keep the beat of the music. The children were thrilled to dance like eagles and snakes to the Didgeridoo’s slow rhythm and to hop and run like kangaroos and emus as the pace quickened.

The students were especially engaged as David introduced them to First Nations languages and shared insights into the deep connection Indigenous people have with their land.

Through this experience, our young learners began to explore the rich history and traditions of Australia’s First Nations people. Such activities help foster in our students a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of acknowledging and respecting Indigenous cultures. We look forward to more opportunities like this.

Kate Westland
Aboriginal Education Coordinator - Junior School

We are thrilled to announce the incredible success of our students at the 2024 Australian Voice Chinese Singing Competition! This year, young performers from Saint Ignatius College Junior School captivated a full audience, which included esteemed VIPs such as Mr Li Dong, Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Adelaide; Mr. Douglas Gautier AM, CEO and Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival Centre; Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Jane Lomax-Smith AM; Mr Sean Keenihan, President of the Australia China Business Council SA Branch and more than 20 community and school leaders in South Australia. Their beautiful voices and remarkable talent indeed left an impression!

Our principal, Mrs Brooks, was honoured to present the first prize to our students, who performed the song As Wished. It was a proud moment for all of us as they represented our school so wonderfully.

Our Year 5 and Year 6 girls showcased their vocal talents with an impressive rendition of Invisible Wings and the Australian and Chinese national anthems, setting an inspiring tone for the event. Meanwhile, our Year 3 and Year 4 students delivered an enchanting bilingual performance of Panda’s Song in collaboration with St Peter’s College, delighting the audience with their energy and enthusiasm.

The performance was praised greatly, as teachers and school leaders from other schools commended our students’ beautiful singing and impeccable manners on and off stage. It’s always heartwarming to see our students embody the values of respect and excellence, making us all incredibly proud.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the parents. We know it was a warm day, and the bustling Christmas pageant added extra challenges for everyone. Your patience and willingness to support your children in these conditions truly made a difference, ensuring they felt comfortable and confident throughout this special event.

Thank you to our entire school community for the continued support that makes achievements like these possible. We look forward to seeing more wonderful performances in the future!

Wenting Hao
LOTE Teacher

Students from Reception to Year 6 were invited to take part in our College Diary Art Competition. The task was to create an artwork reflecting the theme A.M.D.G.

All entries were showcased on Mission Fete Day, where students had the opportunity to vote for their favourite piece in the "People’s Choice Award." Following the event, a panel led by Mr. Boys selected the winning artwork to feature on the cover of our 2025 diary.

• People’s Choice Award: Liam Cotton, 3 Gold
• 2025 Diary Cover: Emilia Licup, 2 Blue

As part of our Pedro Arrupe Outreach Project, aimed at spreading love and care in our local communities, our Reception students recently visited Eldercare Norwood. This special trip brought joy and connection as the children shared their Christmas spirit with the residents.

The highlight of the visit was a heartfelt performance of Jingle Bells, which filled the room with festive cheer. Students also gifted handmade cards and engaged in meaningful conversations with the residents, fostering a sense of warmth and community.

We are grateful to Eldercare Norwood for their warm welcome and to our families for supporting this initiative. This experience beautifully illustrated the power of small acts of kindness and how they can light up the lives of others, especially during the Christmas season.

Jared Centenera
Reception Teacher