Term Three is moving along at a rapid pace. We have so much to be grateful for in the Loyola College community.

St Ignatius Day:

Wednesday, 31 July was once again a wonderful day, marking the life of St Ignatius of Loyola, raising funds for others through our 'Walk for Others' and ultimately celebrating the strength of our community through concert, rides and other festivities. The day started with a beautiful liturgy celebrated by Father Paul Mullins SJ. Concelebrating alongside Father Paul were Father Gerry Healy SJ, Father Rob Davoran SJ and Father Michal Ryan SJ. On St Ignatius Day it was a real privilege to have four Jesuits celebrating our liturgy.

After the Mass, students took off on a seven kilometre walk with great spirit. I am proud to say that in total, the College generated just under forty thousand dollars for our House charities.

I would like to thank all of the staff and parents who were involved in the organisation of the day.

ACS Public Speaking and Debating:

On Monday, 5 August, three students represented Loyola College at the ACS Public Speaking Competition held at St Leonard’s College, Brighton. The students were well prepared and presented beautifully. I would like to thank Ms Shannon Staub, who accompanied the students and the following students who represented the College:

Junior: Marco Parpinel (8/KME)

Intermediate: Mackenzie Davies (9/XJLT)

Senior: Imogen Phillips (12/XDMA)

Annual Music Concert:

It was a delight to see our Music students perform at the Annual Music Concert across two evenings on the 6 and 7 August. Each of our Year 7 BLG groups played a group piece. 'Hot Cross Buns' was once again a favourite! Another group performed the well-known 'Tequila' but took great delight in calling out “Lime Cordial!” I would like to thank Mrs Jennifer Taylor (Head of Music), Mr Matthew Thomas (Head of Performing Arts) and Mrs Antonella Dalla Vecchia (Performing Arts Secretary) for their hard work and organisation in the lead up to the performance and on the night itself.

It is really wonderful to see the growth in our Music Department and the evolving talent of our students.

Alumni Reunion:

On Friday, 2 August I was privileged to attend our annual Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) Annual Reunion. The night was well attended and took place at Glasshouse Brücke in Richmond. A different approach was taken than in previous years, with Loyola College Alum Vic Bonacci (L: 89-94) providing live entertainment courtesy of his band 'Rat Pack' and many Alumni danced the night away. It was entertaining to hear some of the stories of times gone by. Lots of happy memories shared! Thank-you to Mr Matthew Luczek and to the LCAA Committee under the leadership of Mrs Rebecca Andonovski for their organisation of the evening.

Right to Disconnect:

On 26 August, Right to Disconnect legislation is being enacted. This means that Loyola College employees, teachers and support staff have a right to disconnect from devices outside working hours. Specifically, our employees are not obligated to monitor, read or respond to emails outside of work hours. The primary responsibility of our teachers is to prepare and teach our students.

Parents are reminded that we ask our staff to respond to parent communication within 48 hours of receiving it. As such, parents will not always get an immediate response to communications.

As always, we are committed to engaging in respectful partnership with parents; however, it is important that parents are aware that this new legislation must be enforced.

Senior Programs Evening:

I encourage parents/guardians of our Year 9 - 12 students to attend our Senior Programs Evening on Tuesday, 13 August (6:00 – 8:00pm). This evening has been reinvented to include representatives from various tertiary institutions. On the same evening, a VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) evening will take place, which will assist parents and students with information related to the VTAC process.

Working Bee:

Thanks to all the parents who attended our Working Bee on Saturday, 27 July. As always, a great amount of work was done in great spirit. We are blessed with a wonderful and generous community spirit at Loyola College!

Loyola Parents and Friends Association:

Thank you to the Loyola Parents and Friends Association who have donated money for the Music Department to purchase a new piano.

They have also agreed to financially support the provision of a new bus shelter, built into the College on Grimshaw Street, to protect students from rain and traffic. This project is underway.

Don’t forget to look out for the LPFA Bogan Bingo evening, an opportunity to connect with our parents and to also help with the fundrainsing efforts of the LPFA.