ignatius park college 368 ross river road, cranbrook ......during this year’s project compassion...

A Catholic Secondary College in the Edmund Rice TraditionThe Edmund Rice Community acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which the College stands, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People, and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.

Ignatius Park CollegeNewsletter

368 Ross River Road, CranbrookTownsville Australia 4814

E: [email protected]: www.ipc.qld.edu.au

T: 07 4796 0222F: 07 4796 0200

Number 18 | 08 June 2017

From the PrincipalDear Parents and Carers

The recent tragedy involving one of our Old Boys has put youth suicide well and truly back into the spotlight. I know that I am personally struggling with not knowing the answers of even what to say to people in these difficult times.

One of the very popular shows on Netflix this year has been 13 Reasons Why. It is the story of a high school student who chooses to take her own life in response to her feelings about her interactions with others. The program has an MA15+ rating and deserves it. I have watched a couple of episodes and whilst it tries to take on some very real issues for young people, I believe that the producers have missed the mark in presentation and the show has the potential to confuse young people. That said, an awful lot of our students have watched all or part of the series.

If you subscribe to Netflix and you know your child has watched this program and, even if they haven’t, can I strongly suggest you sit with them and watch the 14th 30-minute episode? I fear that the vast majority of students who have watched the series did not take the time to watch that 14th episode. It is the documentary produced with interviews with the cast, producers and professionals and has a good look at the issues raised. I think it is excellent and certainly provides a lot of material for discussion. Hannah, the main character, is badly treated by some but in other ways, is the author of her own destruction. To a significant degree, the show can be interpreted as celebrating suicide and that should never be the case. It is a tragic waste of life. Watch the 14th episode and talk about those issues, as you think age appropriate, with you sons. More importantly, reinforce with them, at least, the 13 reasons why not to follow Hannah’s path.

P 2 | Redefining the Education of Young Men

From the Principal continued1. No matter what you believe, pain is temporary and even in its worse form, is manageable with the right help.2. The world is full of good people who know how to help.3. Don’t hold other people responsible for your health – mental or otherwise. You have the power over your own life.4. Always focus on the people who make you feel better – those you love – rather than those who are negative.5. Sudden avoidable death is unbelievably cruel to those who love you.6. Death is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.7. Reach out, even if you feel like Hannah, talk to someone, call the hotline, talk to someone anonymously. We grown-ups want to be ‘burdened’ with your problems and we are desperate to help you.8. Despite difficulties, life is wonderful and should be cherished.9. No human experience surpasses holding your own children in your arms.10. Every one of us has a responsibility to be the change we want to see in the world.11. You can’t appreciate the beauty of a sunrise without experiencing the dark of night and even the moon can shine brightly at night. Who are the people who can be your sun and moon?12. God doesn’t make mistakes and you are made in God’s image and likeness.13. Give your cerebral cortex time to grow – it might take until your mid-20s – you will be able to ‘process’ a lot better then.

On a much brighter note, I had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend last weekend watching our boys at the College making the most of opportunities presented to them. On Saturday night I watched our annual school production, Pirates of Penzance JR, and witnessed as professional and polished performance as I have seen in over 30 years of going to school productions.

Congratulations to all involved but particularly to our Director/Producer, Zara McGregor, Assistant Producer, Matthew Thiele, Assistant Director, Leo Hogan, Stage Manager, Andrew Keane and all who helped with costumes, sets, props, photography, marketing, security and makeup. I thought our boys were outstanding with the roles they played. I must particularly congratulate Sam Audas-Ryan, Jack Bombardieri, Mason Penny, Max Penny and Ben Wilmen who showed what they were capable of when given the right opportunity.

Congratulations also to our First Eight – Liam Buxton, Aaron McRae, Fintan Halpin, Christian Lauder, Anthony Grech, Elliot Basso, Harry Cordery, Jesse Statham and Alistair Corkeron – who put on a stellar performance at our Rowing regatta on Sunday and to Benjamin Judge, Max Spriggs, Curtis James, Callum James, Rhys Mead and Matt Astbury who helped North Queensland Open Schoolboys to a Silver Medal in the State Hockey Championships which concluded on Sunday.

Yours sincerely

Michael Conn | Principal


Identity and MissionPraying with Edmund

Loving God, You shine through Edmund Rice’s life in the way he treated the least of people with the greatest. Dismantle my defences, my fears and prejudices; open my eyes to see your presence in the people around me, especially where I least expect it. AMEN.

Fifty days after Easter Sunday, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and their followers, and the beginning of their Earthly ministry to make disciples of all nations. Pentecost is also a Jewish holiday, which the Jews use to celebrate the end of Passover. This year, Pentecost was on Sunday 4 June.

The symbols of Pentecost are the flame, wind, and the dove, which represents the Holy Spirit. The colour of Pentecost is red and the priest wears red vestments on this day. Parishioners are also invited to wear red on this day.

Liturgy News

Music and singing practice for the Anniversary Mass began this week. The whole school was led by Mr Leo Hogan during Assembly, and students interested in playing music and singing were invited to attend regular practices starting today. Please encourage your musical or interested sons to be involved. Practice is every Thursday at second break in the Music Room.

Faith in Action News

This week, Mary McAuliffe from Caritas Australia was presented with a cheque for $3561.95. Thank you to Mrs Jodie Roberts and the IPC community for all of your efforts during this year’s Project Compassion campaign.

Please ask your boys how they are going with their Faith in Action volunteer hours. They may be eligible for an award. If they get their books signed off and take them to the Mission and Identity Office, they may be eligible for the first round of Certificate presentations at the first Assembly in Term 3.

Retreat News

More than fourteen ministries have signed on to be involved in our Year 10 Retreat Program this year. Mr Greg Christ has planned a wonderful experience for the boys – a chance to meet with the people who make life better for Townsvillians who are experiencing disadvantage. The Retreat is on Friday, 11 August. Watch this space for more information.

Academic News

All students in Years 7 to 9 will be completing their assessment items this week.

Johanna Smith | Acting Deputy Principal - Identity and Mission


Curriculum

Timetable 2018

Deputy PrincipalFrom OP to ATAR

This meeting was held on Tuesday 6 June and was the first major opportunity to learn more about the new Senior Schooling System in Queensland called ATAR. If you missed the meeting and wish to get some information about the new system, please feel free to email [email protected] or access the information via the College Website under the STUDIES link.

Upcoming Exams

Formal exam timetables for all year levels are now finalised and a copy can be found on the school website: www.ipc.qld.edu.au. Please click on the “STUDIES” link. Stay at home exams for Year 11 and 12 begin Friday 16 June. This means that for Years 11 and 12, the last “normal” day of school they are required to attend is Thursday 15 June.

For Years 7, 8, 9 and 10, formal exams also begin on Friday 16 June, and their timetables can be found in the same location. Please print a new copy as some of the timetables have had minor revisions in the past week.

If any students are absent for these exams they must have a medical certificate (Year 11 or 12) or a detailed note in the diary (Years 7 – 10) explaining this absence. We will then attempt to hold the exam later in the week or the first week back in Term 3 when time permits.

It is important to note that it is general practice of the College to hold exams for all year levels up until the last day of student attendance in each year level, except for variations in regards to Year 11 and 12 Work Placement. Please organise family trips around these times if at all possible. The last day for students in Term 2 is Thursday 22 June 2017.

Good luck to all students in their upcoming exams and assessments!

Brendan Stewart | Deputy Principal

We have already begun the long process of building the timetable for 2018 and some changes to the curriculum at a National and State level are driving many of the decisions to be made. Over the next few weeks, your son will be coming home with information about subject preferences, SET Planning, OPs, VET and ATAR. This can all be a bit overwhelming. Each newsletter I hope to keep you informed of the process and our progress towards 2018.

Subject Information Evening

The evening will take place on the revised date of Thursday, 13 July. This is a little earlier than usual and will include both the Year 10 into 11 and the Year 8 into 9 evenings into one event. Your son will be provided with all subject information and instructions on how to submit their subject preferences online on Thursday 22 June 2017 (the final Thursday of this term). If you are unable to make it on the evening, you will be able to access the subject preferences online.

Why subject preferences and not selection?

Subject preferences are what we use at the College to build the timetable. We endeavour to suit our timetable as much as possible to the needs of our young men. With the large number of possible subject combinations available, we are not always able to give every student their first preferences. If combinations are not run, this is usually due to factors such as staffing, resources and student numbers. We ask our students to nominate their first preference subjects and two reserve subjects that they are willing to undertake, should their preferred combination not be available.

After the student preferences are received and the timetable is built to suit the majority of student combination options, students and their families will be notified if they have been allocated their preferences or if one of their reserves selections have been given instead. All Year 10 students progressing into Year 11 in 2018, will need to attend a SET planning Interview on Tuesday 1 August. At this interview, students and parents/carers will be able to discuss senior schooling pathways and career options, prior to subjects being finalised.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Allison Elcoate | Assistant Principal - Administration


CurriculumYear 7 Food Technology

Year 9 Food Technology

Year 7 Food Technology students played host to parents, family and teachers. Their function was a themed morning or afternoon tea where they served the food they had prepared including fluffy scones with jam and cream, crunchy egg and bacon tarts, mouth-watering choc chip cookies and delectable pizza pinwheels. The food safety and food preparation skills they have developed during this term were on display and all guests were suitably impressed and had a lovely time.

Year 9 Food Technology students Fresh Food Unit practical assessment. The boys created some wonderful dishes with their brief to investigate, design, produce and evaluate a dish with an Australian Fusion theme.


PastoralBlue WallThis week we acknowledge a very humble young man in Year 12 who, for many years, has worked tirelessly in his chosen sport of Lifesaving. Lincoln Hardy has been selected as the U17 QLD Champion Lifesaver and has had to excel in various events to be awarded this title including Resus, Board, Swim and Paddle as well as theoretical exams.

Well done Lincoln!

Pudy Timbs | Pastoral Leader - Baillie House

Indigenous Cultural TourStudents from Ignatius Park were recently given the opportunity to participate in a Cultural Tour of Melbourne. The tour allowed the participants to showcase their cultural heritage, through dance, to a range of audiences in Melbourne in the days leading up the ‘Dreamtime at the G’ fixture as part of the AFL Indigenous Round. Prior to the tour, the group worked hard to learn a number of Aboriginal dances under the guidance of Ashley Saltner Jnr and Mr James Gaston. The hard work paid off with three exceptional performances on the tour. The boys performed at the Essendon FC Cultural Community Day, for the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby playing, coaching and administration staff and finally for the Carlton FC AFL players, coaches and supporters.

The group then participated in the Long Walk from Federation Square to the MCG to mark the significant steps Michael Long and the AFL took towards building reconciliation in Australia and, in particular, Australian Rules Football. Approximately 15,000 people took part in the annual walk and joined 85,000 people who attended the Dreamtime Match between Richmond and Essendon, which was a terrific experience for the group. The boys conducted themselves in a way in which their family, school and community should all be proud. Thanks must go to the staff for the tireless work leading up to and whilst on the tour, including Mr Dave McKenzie, Mr James Gaston and Mr Ashley Saltner Jnr for his support with the performances.

Andrew Kirkpatrick | Program Leader - Indigenous and Multicultural


PastoralAthletics Carnival - Day 1


AdministrationIgnatius Park College

Upcoming Events and Dates

WEEK 8Friday 9 June

Athletics CarnivalWEEK 9

Friday 16 - Thursday 22 JuneExams

WEEK 10Thursday 22 June

Office Closed 3.30pm

Entertainment BookIgnatius Park College is raising funds. Here's how you can help...

Your 2016 | 2017 Entertainment Membership is expiring on 1 June 2017. Please continue to support Edmund Rice Camps by buying the NEW 2017 | 2018 Entertainment Membership from us today. You'll receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do, and help our fundraising at the same time!

http://www.entbook.com.au/270m778


Co-curricularThe Pirates of Penzance JR


Co-curricularRowing News - Regatta 3After the false start of a fortnight ago, with our previous scheduled regatta cancelled, SMMC and IPC finally hosted their Regatta in the relatively calm, weed free waters of the upper Ross. We were a bit apprehensive going into the Regatta to see what effect the lack of on water training had on our new squad. Our fears were allayed very quickly. Throughout the morning, we had crew after crew performing strongly and, in many instances, qualifying for afternoon finals. The Regattas consist of 20 events over three different age levels. Our combined and relatively small SMMC/IPC/SPC squad competed in an unprecedented18 finals and in many of these we had multiple crews. Our boys from Ignatius Park featured in all 10 of their finals - an amazing effort!

Regatta highlights include: our Year 7/8 boys who battled their way into all finals. Led by Jake Gilmour, Zach Skipp, Reilly Williams and Callum Leech, some of these boys competed in up to six races for the day and, brushing fatigue aside, were still rowing strongly at the end of the day.Our Year 9/10 boys were not to be outshone. Christian Lauder and Anthony Grech powered home to win the double on the line in a thrilling race that also featured the doubles of Elliot Basso and Alistair Corkeron. Bailey Schneekloth partnered a lone Ryan paddler to also make the final. Christian, Anthony, Elliot, Alistair, guided by our charismatic cox, Atticus D’Mello, also combined to come a close second in the Quad.

Our Open boys are also starting to form a powerful unit. Aaron McRae won a cracking race the Open Single against a quality field and then combined with Liam Buxton for second place in the Doubles. Fintan Halpin and Harry Cordery also finished strongly coming fourth in the same race.

Once again the last race of the day, The Eight, was a like the “Charge of the Light Brigade”! Battered and tired after so much intense racing our fearless crew, cheered on by a Mr Conn led cheer squad, managed to lift and hang on admirably to come a close third behind the much fresher Cathedral and Grammar crews. A great effort!!

The coaches and I are very proud of the way the boys competed. I think our deeds on the day will be sending a shudder up the spines of our more established competition.

I would also like to acknowledge our extended squad of parents who all helped run this regatta very successfully. The feedback on the overall regatta has been very positive. A very big thank-you to all!!

See you on the water Tony Smith - Head of Rowing Program


Co-curricularRugby League News

Basketball News

Abergowrie travelled to Ignatius Park to play us in another round of the Aaron Payne Cup. After a very bruising opening 15 minutes, Abergowrie really had the upper hand until Ignatius Park settled into their rhythm and showed some very good defence to hold them out. Half time saw the score 16-nil to Ignatius Park.

The second half was all Ignatius Park with some very good performances by Jack Mellor, Dane Thompson and Kieran Moran. Special mention to go to Hayden Rowbotham who made his debut for Ignatius Park in the First XIII Jersey.

The final score ended up being 36-nil. A great effort by the boys who are now getting ready to go away to Confraternity to defend their title during the June holidays.

Gary Cook | Pastoral Leader - Nolan House

Last week Year 7 students Lleyton Ward, Matthew Evans, Cody Brown, Henry Judge and Matthew Wheeler travelled to Brisbane to compete in the U12 Queensland School Boys Basketball State Championships. The Northern team played 10 games in total over a four day tournament and only narrowly missed playing in the Gold medal game. The boys made it to the Bronze medal game and convincingly took out the win.

They showed excellent sportsmanship, attitude and enthusiasm both at training and the tournament. Thanks to the Coach, Craig Homer, and Assistant Coach, Marc Arndt, for your effort and the time you put into the team. Congratulations to Lleyton Ward and Matthew Evans who were selected in the Queensland Team and will compete in the Pan Pacific games in Adelaide in December.

Amanda Loechel | Teacher


Co-curricularRugby Union NewsU13s

U13 Blue vs Southern Cross

Last week IPC Blue played against a strong Southern Cross side. Cooper Chislett, Jacob Fowler and Joshua Pierce are to be commended for stepping up and playing for the other team. Despite a defeat, IPC Blue displayed enthusiasm throughout and continued to defend well. Congratulation to Southern Cross for taking the 36/10 win.

Try scorers: Michael McKinley, Dominic TaylorMVPs: Michael McKinley, Cooper Chislett, Dominic Taylor

U13 Blue vs Cathedral

IPC Blue came back fighting after their previous defeat to beat a Cathedral side 24 - 22. The boys displayed excellent team work and communication. Congratulations to Daniel Franettovich for a technically perfect conversion. IPC Blue finished on a high and we thank them for their commitment this season.

Try scorers: Michael McKinley, Andrew Hardy, Zac Blown and Daniel FranettovichMVPs: Reece Foley, Ethan Fletcher, Ryan McCarron

U14s

Cathedral and IPC played off in the final round of the Under 14 Rugby Union competition for 2017. The Ignatius Park team was missing players due to school camps but were able to come out on top, displaying plenty of skill and determination. Once again, hard running and skillful rucking in the forwards supplied the backs with plenty of ball.

Kyle Heenan, Alex Bombardieri, Euan Cram and Michael McKinley, laid the foundation for Hunter Lim at fly half to direct his backs around the paddock. The inexperienced Cathedral team showed great heart against IPC, especially in the second half, but the IPC boys were able to withstand Cathedral’s comeback to win the game 34 -17. Congratulations to all the boys who played.

Try scorers: Alex Bombardieri, Euan Cram x 2, Hunter Lim, PJ Pakome, Nicholas PearceMVPs: Euan Cram, Hunter Lim, Michael McKinley

U15s

After stringing together a few good wins the boys brought a lot of confidence into the match against Cathedral. However, with a number of boys participating in the NQ trials during the day, there were some tired and sore bodies which led to a much closer match up. The forwards provided a great platform for the backs to attack with both Lachlan Moss and Jaidan Penny scoring out wide. With both teams getting over the line twice, only a conversion by Cathedral separated the two teams at half 12-10.

It was much of the same in the second half. Cathedral were able to take advantage of some strong wide running, crossing the line three times. However, with Ignatius Park’s size and numbers advantage, we worked hard to convert four second half tries to claim a narrow victory 32-31.

Try scorers: Lachlan Moss, Jaidan Penny, Lachlan Ryan, Terence Rooney, Lachlan Waldon, Raith SheeransMVPs: Lachlan Ryan, Terence Rooney, James Oh

U13 Blue vs Southern Cross U13 Blue vs Cathedral


NQ Hockey News

Co-curricularRugby Union News continuedFIRST XV

This was the match IPC were waiting for - the second game against old foes, Cathedral. After losing to Cathedral in the first round, IPC were keen to come out strong and avenge the first round loss. The boys came out firing in the first half and, after a number of disciplined set plays, they went into half time with the lead. The second half saw a continuation of good structured Rugby by IPC and, despite constant pressure by Cathedral, they finished with a convincing 21 – 10 victory.

Try scorers: Viliami Taufa, Jack Andreassen, Thomas LyonsMVPs: Jack Andreassen, Thomas Lyons, Harrison Mahoney

Mark Moxon | Pastoral Leader - Carew House

The Queensland School Sport Hockey State Championships were held in Townsville 1 – 4 June.Congratulations to Benjamin Judge, Matt Astbury, Rhys Mead, Callum James, Curtis James and Max Spriggs who won the Silver Medal at the event.

Benjamin Judge and Curtis James (Goal Keeper of the Tournament) gained U16 Queensland Selection and will travel to Adelaide in December to participate in the Pacific School Games.

Rhys Mead (U19) and Max Spriggs (U16) were named as Shadow players and William McMahon was selected as the Umpire to travel with the U19 Qld team.

Drew Boniface, Josh Ferns and Zachary Judge also acted as Student Officials and Umpired and Tech Benched at the State Championships.

An impressive performance from all Iggy boys involved in the Hockey State Championships.

Callum James, Matt Astbury, Rhys Mead, Benjamin Judge, Max Spriggs, Curtis James

Drew Boniface, Zachary Judge, William McMahon, Josh Ferns

First XV vs Cathedral First XV vs Cathedral


Community

Father and Son Day

Careers NewsImportant dates for Year 12 students to remember and attend.

• Monday 12 June In Period 4, QTAC will be delivering an information session on how to register and apply for Undergraduate Degrees or Diploma courses.

• Tuesday 13 June During the lunch break a guest speaker from Raymont Residential College will be delivering information on life and costs of staying on campus. Raymont Residential College has access to Universities such as QUT, UQ, Griffith, Conservatorium of Music and Queensland College of Art.

• Thursday 15 June During the lunch break a guest speaker from Bond University will be presenting information relating to Bond University.

TERM 3

• Thursday 13 July is JCU University Experience day where all OP Eligible Year 12 students are expected to attend. Transport and lunch will be supplied.

Students have received a Parental Permission form and an Academic Session form. They are required to choose two sessions from the list and hand in the forms to Ms Rogers in the Edmund Rice Room. If your son is choosing Medicine and wishes to attend the Anatomy Laboratory, they will need to obtain and return a special form to me.

It is important that all forms are returned by Friday 16 June. No form - no attendance.

Year 10 students are starting their Career Planning and this is part of the Colleges SET Planning process. The students register on Career Tools which is on the College website under Pastoral > Careers > Career Tools and then complete the following activities: Interest Test, Skills and Abilities, Work Values, Career Planner and a Career Action Plan. Student’s progress will be checked this term and at the start of next term. The plan is to assist students make the correct subject choices for Years 11, 12 and beyond.

QTAC information on the ATAR

QTAC have published key information and FAQs about the ATAR on their website. This information answers the predominant questions about the ATAR and changes to tertiary entrance in Queensland for 2020. The web site address is: www.qtac.edu.au

If your son is in Year 12 and needs Career Advice please have them come and see me for help.

Phillip Dembowski | Teacher and Careers Advisor

The annual IPC Father and Son Day will be held on Sunday 18 June. This is a great opportunity for some quality family time in the great outdoors at Hervey's Range. Activities for the day will include abseiling, a BBQ lunch and high ropes session in the afternoon. Should you wish to attend this popular event, please email Steve Coleman with names of those attending, email address and contact number [email protected] The cost will be $10 per person for catering purposes and payable on the day. Please register for attendance by Wednesday 14 June. Further details will be available on registration. Looking forward to seeing you there! Steve Coleman | IPC Outdoor Education Consultant


Community

calling for volunteerscome and be part of the fun!!WHEN: saturday 14th & sunday 15th october 2017

WHERE: Strand Park, Townsville

sign up at thecolorrun.com.au/volunteer/ or email [email protected]

join our dream team

Thursday 27 JulySports House3-9 Redpath Street, North Ward11am-2pm

FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Education and training

Employment agencies

Volunteering

Government agencies

Community Service Providers

Health and wellbeing services

Leisure and recreation services

Access post-school options

[email protected]

17TRANSITIONEXPO

Event Details

Further info

Are you a student with disability in year 7-12 wondering what you'll do when you finish school?

Exhibitors info sessions

Held on the second day of the Challenge Games to enable parents, carers, teachers and students to attend during breaks in events.

T O W N S V I L L E

BE A FOSTER CARERWe need Foster Carers to share their home, heart and time with a child or young person.

Children in foster care need committed,trustworthy and resilient adults to guide themto a positive future.

If you can be the positive change in a child’slife, contact us today.

Foster Care - It’s Life Changing

CONTACT UST. 07 4755 7400E. bradley.�[email protected]. www.lwb.org.au

Friday Athletics Carnival Tuckshop Menu

Hamburgers with Salad $5.00Lot Burgers with Salad, Bacon and Egg $7.00Pizza $4.00Macaroni Cheese $3.00Spaghetti Bolognaise Pasta $3.00Garlic Bread $2.00Hot Dogs with Sauce and Cheese $3.50

There will also be plenty of fresh sandwiches, wraps and salad bowls, pies and sausage rolls as well as cold drinks and ice blocks.

Kay O’Connor | Tuckshop Convenor

Toast Room

The Toast Room relies heavily on donations and we are asking for your generosity in this regard. We require donations of bread and spreads including Strawberry Jam, Vegemite, Cream Cheese Spread and Nutella. A gold coin donation would be greatly appreciated from those who are unable to make it to the shops!Your son can leave these donations at the Toast Room or the Tuckshop.Many thanks to those who have already left donations, it is greatly appreciated.

Kay O’Connor | Tuckshop


Community

F R I D A Y 4 A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

SEAN CHOOLBURRACASEY DONOVANBLACK OLIVE

- COMEDIAN

- SINGER

- CHEF

C E L E B R A T I O N 2 0 1 7

Saver Plus Fact Sheet

How does the program work?Saver Plus participants are assigned a Saver Plus Coordinator through a community organisation, and open an ANZ Progress Saver account.

They set a savings goal for education expenses, make regular depostits into a savings account over 10 months, and attend MoneyMinded workshops.

At the end of the program their savings are matched by ANZ, dollar for dollar, up to $500.

What is Saver Plus?Saver Plus is Australia’s largest and longest running matched savings and financial education program and provides participants with up to $500 in matched savings for education expenses.

The program is offered in 60 communities across Australia, in every state and territory, by local community organisations.

Who can join?To be eligible, participants must:• have a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card;• be at least 18 years old;• have some regular income from work (themselves or their

partner) including casual, part-time, full-time or seasonalemployment; and

• be a parent or guardian of a child at school OR be attendingor returning to vocational education themselves.

Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 32,000 Australians to save.

ANZ has provided more than $14 million dollars in matched funds to participants across Australia since 2003.

Participants have saved more than $17.3 million dollars during the program.

SuccessesContributed to the receipt, by the Financial Literacy and Inclusion Partnership, of a Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships 2006 and 2007.

Gold winner of Best Socially Responsible Product in Money Magazine’s Best of the Best Awards 2008.

Recognised as world’s best practice in 2008, outperforming similar programs in the UK, USA, South America and Asia.

Outstanding Achievement Award in the Community category MoneySmart Week 2012.

What are the benefits of the program?Independent research published by RMIT in 2015 found that of participants who completed the program:

• 87% continue to save the same amount or more upto 12 months post completion.

• 93% reported that achieving their goals increasedtheir self-esteem.

• 81% are better equipped to deal with unexpectedexpenses.

• 84% encouraged family members, includingchildren, to save.

• 88% are more aware of where to get help withfinancial decision-making.

How did the program start?Saver Plus was developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ in 2003, and is now delivered in 60 communities across Australia in partnership with Berry Street, The Benevolent Society and The Smith Family and other local community agencies.

The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government Department of Social Services, with ANZ providing the matched funds to participants. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.

How to find out moreCall or SMS your postcode to 1300 610 355 Email [email protected] online at www.saverplus.org.au

ignatius park college 368 ross river road, cranbrook ......during this year’s project compassion...

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