Activities Week

The first week of March featured Activities Week, which was filled with engaging experiences and learning opportunities. I am confident that our students returned home from camps and activities with numerous stories to share.

I would like to express my gratitude to our staff members for their involvement during Activities Week. Their goodwill, enthusiasm, and dedication were greatly appreciated and played a crucial role in the week’s success. The hard work and commitment of our valued staff made the week memorable for each of our students.

I would like to extend a special thanks to the Operations team, including Lauren Hartigan, Anne Musgrove, and Paul Davis, for their extensive efforts in the preparation and execution of Activities Week.

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the Activities Convenors for their meticulous planning, risk assessment, and organization of their respective activities. This includes:

• Julia O’Brien and Crystal Delosa for Year 7 Camp

• Sister Nelia for the Liturgies

• Matt Lee for the Science Days

• Jason Van Leest for the Year 8 STEM Day

• Lisa Bosco for Careers (and integration of Mental Health First Aid)

• Mel Paino for Mental Health First Aid

• Jamie McIlroy for Christian Service

• Adam Calderone and John Tran for Year 12 retreat

• David Ferrante for Year 8 Camp

• Mel Paino for Year 9 Camp

• Fotini Veis for Year 9 Personal Development

• Adam Calderone for Reflection Days

Attendance

It was disappointing and concerning to observe that some students did not return to school later in the week after attending camp. We recognize that students may experience fatigue after such activities; however, the college has made a significant investment in creating enriching hands-on opportunities that promote engagement, intended to enhance motivation and involvement in learning. Taking days off from school can lead to patterns of increased absenteeism. Occasional absences may contribute to the establishment of more frequent attendance issues.

Regular attendance is closely associated with improved academic performance. Students who attend school consistently are more likely to comprehend the material, participate actively in class, and achieve success on exams. Being present in school facilitates interactions with peers, which are essential for developing social skills and building relationships. These interactions play a crucial role in emotional growth, teaching students how to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively.

Every day at school presents a valuable chance for students to build relationships, develop resilience and foster personal growth.

We look forward to parental support with attendance as the year proceeds.

Official Opening of the Magis Art Collection

The Loyola College Magis Art Collection is an initiative that showcases a series of student artworks selected by the principal. These works are displayed in the Via Maxima, highlighting the creativity and talent of the students at Loyola College.

The official opening of the 2025 Magis Art Collection will take place on Tuesday 18 March between 6:00 – 7:00pm. All members of the College community are welcome to join us to celebrate the talent and success of our students.

Congratulations to all students who have been selected to display their artwork.

ACS Sport

I would like to clarify some aspects of the Loyola College sporting program and address certain issues that have begun to affect the quality and integrity of sports at Loyola. Our ACS program has shown remarkable growth, and we have achieved considerable success in competitions and finals.

We are grateful to the majority of students and families for their ongoing support of sports at Loyola, and we look forward to maintaining this collaborative spirit in the coming years.

It is important to note that, on enrolling students at Loyola College, parents acknowledge that participation in compulsory weekly sports is required. If students are selected for an ACS team, it is expected that they will compete and represent our College. As such, opting out of ACS teams is not permitted.

Despite this, there are still instances where families are requesting exemptions for their children from sports participation. We ask that the following commitments are made outside of the sporting timetable:

- Medical appointments (e.g., doctor, physiotherapist, dentist, orthodontist)

- Study commitments or preparation for School Assessed Coursework (SACs)

- Part-time work obligations

- Conflicts with outside club commitments (excluding representative or state-level engagements)

Should there be extenuating circumstances that prevent a child from participating in sports, any exemptions can only be granted at the discretion of the College Principal.

The ACS sporting fixtures are communicated well in advance each season, and families are expected to uphold the policy that no notes should be provided to excuse their children from representing the College. After-school training days are also communicated ahead of time and are non-negotiable for players. The schedule for sports and training remains consistent throughout the year, allowing families to plan accordingly to avoid conflicts.

In cases where students are injured and unable to participate on a given sports day, they are expected to provide a note or medical certificate and accompany the team to the scheduled fixture. This is a vital aspect of supporting the team and remaining involved in an official capacity.

The benefits of team sport are many. Team sports foster essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, while also promoting physical health and mental well-being. Additionally, participating in team sports can enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of belonging and community.

Thank you to our parents for their anticipated support of the ACS program.