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.

Introducing the New Loyola College Prayer

This year, Loyola College proudly launched a new prayer that beautifully encapsulates the core values and spiritual heritage of the school. Embedded in Catholic and Ignatian traditions, the prayer serves as a guiding light for the Loyola community, emphasising justice, mercy, and faith.

The Prayer

Lord,

Guided by the values of Loyola College—justice, mercy, and faith—we pray that You guide us in our thoughts, words and actions, and that our commitment to justice inspires fairness, our sense of mercy encourages compassion, and our faith provides strength and purpose.

In the footsteps of Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit, we pray that our community embraces kindness and respect, where we treat one another with dignity and understanding, and seek to be a place where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

Following the example of St. Ignatius, we are called to give and not to count the cost, to labour and not seek reward, knowing that in serving others, we truly flourish. Jesus asks us to follow the Ignatian call to be people for and with others, reaching out in solidarity to those in need.

As members of the Loyola College family and with Christ at the centre of our actions, we pray that we may see Him in everyone we encounter and in doing so, build and maintain strong, positive relationships within our school, strengthened by mutual support and a shared vision for a community of learning, faith, and love.

St. Ignatius, pray for us. Amen.

The new prayer is deeply embedded in Catholic teachings and the Ignatian tradition, reflecting the spiritual foundation upon which Loyola College is built.

Catholic Themes:

• Justice, Mercy, and Faith: These core values are central to Catholic social teaching. The prayer calls for justice to inspire fairness, mercy to encourage compassion, and faith to provide strength and purpose.
• Footsteps of Christ: The prayer emphasises following Christ’s example, guided by the Holy Spirit, to foster a community of kindness, respect, and dignity.

Ignatian Themes:

• Example of St. Ignatius: The prayer draws inspiration from St. Ignatius of Loyola, highlighting the call to selfless service and the Ignatian principle of being “people for and with others.”
• Solidarity and Service: It encourages reaching out in solidarity to those in need, embodying the Ignatian mission of social justice and service to others.
• Christ-Centred Actions: The prayer underscores the importance of seeing Christ in everyone and building strong, positive relationships within the community, reflecting the Ignatian emphasis on finding God in all things.

This new prayer not only reinforces the spiritual identity of Loyola College but also serves as a daily reminder of the values and principles that guide the community. It is a testament to the College’s commitment to nurturing a faith-filled, compassionate, and just environment for all its stakeholders within our community.

As we approach the end of term, I would like to take a moment to highlight that mid-Semester reports and Parent Teacher Interviews will take place in Term Two.

Mid-Semester Reports:

Reports will be available to parents/carers through the Parent Portal from Friday, 2 May (the second Friday of Term Two).

ALL (both interim and end of Semester) reports will only be available for you online. Therefore, I would suggest that you either print a hard copy or save the report as a PDF if you would like to refer to it during your Parent Teacher Interviews.

Parent Teacher Interviews (PTIs):

Our first Parent Teacher Interviews for 2025 will take place when we return in Term Two.

The purpose of these interviews is to discuss the learning that has occurred in Term One and look at the academic successes and challenges that your child may have encountered so far this year.

Dates and Times:

More details regarding locations and bookings will be available in the next edition

NAPLAN 2025:

I would like to congratulate all our Year 7 and 9 students for successfully completing their NAPLAN tests this week. The students’ attitude and dedication was exemplary and hopefully the hard work and effort pays off when we receive the results later in the year. Whether our students achieve their desired score or not, taking these tests is a significant accomplishment in itself. We must remember that this is only one step in the students’ journey, and there will be many more challenges ahead.

Assessment & Reporting Codes:

As many students are in the midst of assessments, I would like to remind and inform new parents of the assessment guidelines and codes used at the College. The aim of this is to provide clarity and consistency across subjects, making it easier for both parents and students to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Please find below detailed information about the new reporting and assessment codes, including examples and case studies of how they could be used in practice.

Y7-10 students (except for VCE RE in Year 10):

There are 3 possible codes:

1. Ex – Exempt: No Penalty

• Approved non-submission (illness with Medical Certificate, Pharmacy Certificates and Statutory Declarations provided to the teacher.)
• School sanctioned events
• Compassionate grounds as approved by any of the following:
  • Head of House
  • Head of Learning
  • Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning
  • Deputy Principal - Students
  • Head of Student Services

2. 0%:

• Not submitted (not handed in)
• Late submission
• Plagiarism (including AI)
• Absent with no explanation from parent to teacher prior to or day of assessment.
• Holidays during term time

Students will have the opportunity to redeem in the case of below 49%, however the redeemed grade will be recorded in comments on the LMS. The original % remains. 

3. % grade:

• This is awarded to the assessment piece according to the school’s grade descriptors.

Case Studies:

The case studies below will hopefully aid an understanding of the new codes.

This year, the Year 10 students took part in a week-long careers program during Activities Week. Throughout the week, they engaged in a variety of enriching experiences designed to inspire reflection on their future paths and help guide them toward achieving their goals. One key activity was the Morrisby profiling analysis, an objective psychometric assessment that connects each student’s potential with future career and education pathways. This tool provided students with valuable insights and equipped them with the resources to explore their top career choices. With this knowledge, they were able to set strategic goals aligned with their aspirations.

Additionally, students had the opportunity to build their resumes and draft cover letters for job applications, which are essential lifelong skills they can apply beyond school. We also arranged for a range of guest speakers to offer unique insights, including Tyson Day from Arrive & Thrive, who discussed career design and the importance of aligning personal values with career choices. The week also featured a Career Panel, with professionals from diverse fields—such as a physiotherapist, HR manager, plumber, journalist, hospitality manager, and an army major—who shared their career journeys, daily responsibilities, and provided valuable advice about their respective industries.

The program concluded with two experience days. The first, a Tertiary Experience Day, gave students the chance to choose an institution to visit and engage with the life of a tertiary student. On the final day, the group visited La Trobe University, where students participated in hands-on workshops from various faculties, including Engineering, Business, and Health. These experience days allowed students to demonstrate responsibility, navigating their way to and from meeting points, and enjoying the independence of purchasing lunch in campus cafés.

Overall, the week was a fantastic success, thanks to the outstanding participation and respect shown by the students throughout the entire program.

As always, further information about upcoming opportunities can be found on the Learning Pathways LMS Page through our weekly Careers Newsletter.

Financial Assistance – Camps, Sports, Excursions Fund (CSEF)

The CSEF offered by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families by reducing the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities included in the Loyola fees, has been increased to $256 annually. Eligible families that did not apply for the CSEF in 2024 may also be entitled to the 2025 School Savings Bonus of $400.

Families that hold a valid means-tested concession card such as a Health Care Card or Pension Card, temporary foster parents as well as asylum seeker and refugee families are welcome to apply.

If you applied for the CSEF in 2024, you do not need to complete an application form in 2025 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances such as:

• new student enrolments; this is your child’s first year at Loyola College and you hold a valid means-tested concession card.
• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new sibling commencing at Loyola College in 2025.

Please click here to access the CSEF application form or contact the school office to obtain a copy. For queries regarding eligibility, please call 9433 0292.

Free Student Broadband Offer Extended

The Australian Government recently announced an additional $4.9 million in funding to NBNCo to extend the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to 30 June 2028 to ease cost-of-living pressures and narrow the digital divide for unconnected families with school-age children.

The extension will allow the free service to continue for new and existing families, with up to 30,000 places available in the program.

To apply, families and carers are encouraged to contact the National Referral Centre run by Anglicare Victoria on 1800 954 610 (10.00 am – 6.00 pm Monday to Friday) or visit www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.

CDFPay

We would like to inform you that our canteen payment system, CDFPay, has recently transitioned to Flexischools. This platform allows you to set up an account for online ordering and enables students to pay for canteen items using their student card.

If you have not yet registered for CDFPay, please follow the instructions outlined below. It is important to include your child’s student ID number, which can be found on their student card.

To support the rollout of CDFPay, we are offering a free sausage in bread on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. To access this promotion, simply place an online order via the CDFPay Flexischools application.

For any questions or assistance, please email CDFPay@loyola.vic.edu.au.

Good as New Uniform Sale – TONIGHT

The Loyola Parents And Friends Association will be holding another “Good As New” Uniform Sale at the Twilight Working Bee tonight, Friday 14, March from 4.00pm – 6.00pm. This is a great opportunity for parents to pick up items of second hand uniform as discounted prices. Please note that stock and sizes are limited. All proceeds from the sale assist the LPFA in supporting the College through their fundraising efforts.

Year 7 Family Get Together, Friday March 21 – BOOK NOW

The LPFA once again look forward to welcoming all Year 7 families to a fun filled Year 7 Family Get together. This is a great opportunity to meet other Loyola families. Both students (siblings included) and parents are welcome to attend.

WHEN: - Friday March 21

TIME: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

WHERE: Loyola Companions Hall

Bookings are essential at www.loyola.vic.edu.au/tickets

Tickets $15 per family (plus booking fee) – includes pizza, drink, ice-cream, games and entertainment (free entry to door prize draw and raffle tickets available for sale

Canapés With Class, Thursday May 1 – A Parent Only Event

Loyola College invites all parents to a special evening of Canapés With Class – an exclusive parent-only event designed to bring our school community together while supporting our talented Hospitality students.

Join us for an elegant night of delicious canapés, prepared and served by our senior Hospitality students as part of their training and industry experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other parents in a relaxed and welcoming setting while celebrating the skills and dedication of our students.

Don’t miss this wonderful evening of fine food, great company, and community spirit. Tickets are $30 per person. Secure your spot today!

LPFA Winery Tour – TICKET SALES

The Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA) invites you to join us for a delightful, scenic Winery Tour in the Macedon Ranges on Saturday, 24 May. Gather your friends for a relaxing day exploring some of the region’s best wineries, enjoying great company, and supporting our school community.

BOOKINGS OPEN MONDAY, 17 MARCH at 7:00pm

The annual LPFA winery tour is always a popular event, and places fill up quickly! Be sure to secure your spot early to avoid missing out.

Mother & Daughter Breakfast, Tuesday May 6

Loyola College warmly invites mothers and daughters to join us for our Mother & Daughter Breakfast in celebration of Mother’s Day. This special event is an opportunity to share a meaningful morning together while supporting a vital cause.

Good Samaritan Inn provides crisis, short-term, and transitional accommodation and support for women, children, and young people experiencing family violence or homelessness. Each year, the organisation offers practical and emotional support to approximately 250 individuals, welcoming people from all backgrounds with care and compassion.

Join us for this heartwarming morning as we celebrate the special bond between mothers and daughters while making a difference in the lives of those in need.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL AND OPEN THURSDAY, 20 MARCH at 7:00pm

We look forward to sharing this special morning with you!

This event is always a popular event, and places fill up quickly! Be sure to secure your spot early to avoid missing out.

Elite Performance Grant

The Loyola Friends and Parents Association (LPFA), generously support young achievers in their pursuit of elite Sport or Performing Arts each year at the College. Students are given the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $500.00 to put towards their travel expenses and costs for major competition in which they are competing. Students can apply for this grant at any time of the year. There are four sporting grants available.

For more information about this grant please contact Monica Agius at community@loyola.vic.edu.au or 9433 0228

Donation of Loyola Uniform

Thank you to all the families who generously donate second-hand uniforms throughout the year to support our Good As New Uniform Sales. As we prepare for 2025, we are accepting donations of washed uniforms. If you have any items that you no longer need and are in excellent condition, please leave them with Reception. Your contributions help support families in need and are greatly appreciated.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OLD STYLE SPORT UNIFORM CAN NO LONGER BE WORN BY STUDENTS AND MUST NOT BE SENT TO RECEPTION. Parent co-operation in this matter is kindly appreciated.

For more information, please contact Monica Agius at community@loyola.vic.edu.au or 9433 0228.

2025 House Masses

We invite students and families to their House Masses in Term One, celebrating the Eucharist and fostering faith and connection within our Catholic community. Parish Priests will bless our new Year 7 students and their senior Mentor buddies as they embark on their academic journeys at Loyola in 2025. It is therefore compulsory that Year 7 students and their Senior Buddies are present at these Masses, however students and families from all year levels are welcome.

Each Mass concludes with a shared morning tea, and we encourage families to bring a plate to share. Join us for this meaningful community celebration!

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

2025 Entertainment Guide

Support LPFA fundraising efforts and enjoy hundreds of everyday savings!

Entertainment Guide is the easy to use App packed with incredible savings of up to 50% off and 2-fr-1 offers, so you can save on takeaway, dining, shopping, groceries, gift cards, activities and more! And what’s more, 20% of every membership purchased via the following link goes towards supporting the College through the Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA)

Digital memberships can be purchased HERE