Pay It Forward Evening

Our Pay It Forward evening was held on Friday, 30 August and was a powerful example of living out the Gospel values through service. Students and staff came together to cook a barbecue for the Exodus community in Heidelberg West, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity with those in need. Later, accompanied by Brother Doug Walsh, we travelled to the city to hand out blankets, scarves, and toiletries to homeless individuals, extending both compassion and dignity to the marginalised. This evening of service is deeply rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. It reflects a commitment to recognising the inherent dignity of every person, advocating for those on the margins, and seeking justice for those experiencing hardship.

In keeping with the Ignatian charism, Loyola College’s engagement with the Exodus community and the homeless reflects the spirit of Magis - the call to do more for others. The students' and staff's actions align with St. Ignatius' vision of being people for and with others, where faith is expressed through action. By offering service with humility and love, the Loyola community embodies the Ignatian call to “find God in all things,” recognising Christ in the faces of those they serve. This evening of outreach also served as a tangible reminder of the Jesuit tradition of promoting justice and acting in solidarity with the poor, in alignment with both the school's Catholic identity and its Ignatian values.

Jesus Good Shepherd School visit

The recent visit of students from Jesus Good Shepherd School to Loyola was a joyful occasion that fostered a spirit of community and learning. The students were warmly welcomed by the Loyola community and engaged in a range of activities designed to introduce them to the unique aspects of life at Loyola and the Australian culture. From participating in interactive classroom sessions to touring the campus, the visiting students experienced first-hand the vibrant learning environment that Loyola offers. This visit not only provided them with insights into secondary school life in Australia but also reinforced the values of collaboration and mutual respect between the two schools.

The visit also highlighted Loyola’s commitment to nurturing relationships with its wider educational community, aligning with the school’s mission of fostering inclusivity and engagement. As part of their visit, the Jesus Good Shepherd students participated in reflective prayer and dialogue, connecting to Loyola’s strong Catholic identity and Ignatian tradition. The visit served as a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the faith-filled atmosphere of Loyola, further strengthening ties between both educational institutions.

I would particularly like to thank the following staff members who made this immersion experience possible for our Filipino visitors: Sr Nelia Llanto sjbp, John Tran, Monica Agius, James McIlroy, Fotini Veis, Jacqueline Di Stefano and Alison Leutchford. I also wish to thank our billet families who opened their homes to our visitors, played tour guide and welcomed them with open arms.