As we reach the conclusion of a busy and rewarding Term 3, I would like to reflect on the many achievements, celebrations and opportunities that have taken place over the past fortnight.

ACS All Stars

One of the highlights of the term was our participation in the ACS All Stars Event on Wednesday, 9 September. This annual event celebrates and showcases the outstanding talent, commitment and achievements of senior student athletes from across the ACS Competition. We congratulate all Loyola students who were selected in the ACS All Stars teams, recognising their commitment to teamwork, sportsmanship and excellence in their chosen sports.

Students Reign Supreme on the Sporting Stage

The Loyola Student Council facilitated the always-anticipated Staff vs Student Football Match and in addition, we introduced a new Staff vs Student Basketball Match, which brought our community together in a wonderful spirit of friendly competition and fun. These events highlighted the positive relationships that exist between staff and students and generated plenty of enthusiasm, laughter and school spirit. Such occasions remind us that a thriving school community is built not only through academic achievement, but also through shared experiences and meaningful connections. Both matches were won by the students, much to the disappointment of our determined staff.

The World’s Greatest Shave

Another significant highlight of the term was the incredible success of our World's Greatest Shave event. Through the generosity and commitment of our students, staff and families, the College community raised an outstanding $15,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. It was a wonderful event that combined great fun with a meaningful cause, demonstrating our commitment to being people for and with others. We thank our student social justice portfolios and the student leaders whose hard work and enthusiasm helped make this initiative such a success. Their efforts reflect the Ignatian values of compassion, service and solidarity with those in need.

Commitment to Best Teaching Practice

Monday, 7 September provided our staff with an exceptional professional learning opportunity through the visit of internationally renowned educational consultant Tom Sherrington. His work on instructional coaching and WalkThrus reinforced our commitment to best teaching practice and challenged us to continue striving for excellence in learning and teaching. I would like to sincerely thank Kathryn Wilson, Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning, and Jacqui Di Stefano, Acting Director of Learning, for their organisation of this wonderful opportunity. They ensured that staff were able to engage deeply with current educational research and practice. We were particularly honoured to be the only Catholic secondary school visited by Tom during his time in Victoria, and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from his expertise and insights.

Clucking into Sustainability

Our commitment to caring for creation also reached an exciting milestone this term. Thanks to the excellent work of Natalie Buser, (Sustainability Coordinator), and the members of the Sustainability Club, Loyola now has its very own chickens, housed behind Old Loyola. We are delighted to welcome Gertrude McFuzz, Nugget, Dolly Part-hen, Tyrannosaurus Pecks, Hei Hei and Chikira to the Loyola Community. This initiative provides students with practical opportunities to engage with sustainability while fostering a deeper appreciation of stewardship and responsibility for our common home. We thank Natalie and the Sustainability Club for their vision, energy and ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability at the College.

Congratulations to 2027 College Captains

Term 3 is also a significant time in the College calendar as we appoint student leaders for the year ahead. In the Ignatian tradition, leadership is viewed not as a position of privilege but as a call to service. It asks young people to lead with humility, integrity, courage and a commitment to the common good. It is therefore with great pleasure that I congratulate our 2027 College Captains, Ava Reckerman (11/KAST) and Patrick Quinn (11/CMBM). Ava and Patrick have demonstrated a strong commitment to the values of Loyola and a genuine desire to serve others. I am confident that they will lead our community with generosity, wisdom and enthusiasm, inspiring their peers through both their words and actions. We wish them every success as they prepare to undertake this important responsibility.

At the same time, I would like to acknowledge and thank our outgoing College Captains, Simon Adi-Purnomo (12/AAAM) and Angelina Badawi (12/ADFE) as they near the completion of their leadership tenure. They have done an amazing job representing Loyola College. Through their leadership, they have strengthened our community, championed student voice and modelled what Ignatian leadership looks like in practice. We are deeply grateful for their service and the positive contribution they have made to the College. As they prepare for the next chapter of their lives, we wish them every success and happiness in the future.

As one chapter closes and another begins, we also take this opportunity to farewell Anne Musgrove who has been employed at the College for 40 years. Anne's contribution to the College has been greatly valued, and she has touched the lives of many through her professionalism and care. On behalf of the entire Loyola community, I thank Anne for her service and wish her every blessing and success in the next stage of her journey.

As we conclude Term 3, I extend my sincere thanks to our students, staff and families for their ongoing support and partnership The achievements of this term are a testament to the generosity, talent and spirit that define our Loyola community.

In the spirit of St Ignatius, may the upcoming break provide opportunities for reflection, renewal and gratitude. I wish all members of our Loyola community a safe, restful and well-deserved holiday, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting and successful Term 4.

2027 Vinnies Sleepout

On Friday 4 September, a group of 28 students and four staff participated in the Vinnies Sleepout. This was the first time the College had had the Sleepout since 2018.

Our students heard about the history of Vinnies and who they support in Melbourne and worldwide from Vinnies ambassador Robert Tremlett, as well as experiencing sleeping rough like the near 30,000 people in Victoria do each night. Students participated in the Sleepout to raise awareness of homelessness and stand in solidarity with all who sleep rough each night while partnering with Vinnies.

By spending a night sleeping rough, our students connect directly with core Ignatian values:

• Faith That Does Justice: Students actively confront the reality of homelessness, turning moral values into real-world advocacy and fundraising.

• Contemplatives in Action: The experience combines physical discomfort with deep reflection, teaching students to find God in all things and all people.

• Solidarity: Giving up a warm bed for one night allows us to stand with the marginalised, embodying the Ignatian call to be "people for and with others."

Thank you to all the students and staff supporting this important event as we strive to love and to serve.

Subject Selection 2027:  

As mentioned in previous editions, we are now in the process of constructing the timetable for 2027, and consequently we are unable to accommodate any subject change requests. Students will receive confirmation of their subject preferences next term.

Thank you once again for your engagement and cooperation.  

Booklist Provider:   

The College will continue to use Box of Books as the booklist provider. Further details will be sent to families once subject preferences have been confirmed.    

 PAT Testing: 6 and 7 October (Years 7-10) 

We would like to inform parents and carers that students in Years 7 to 10 will be participating in the annual Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October. This year, we are streamlining the process: students will complete both the Reading and Numeracy assessments on separate days. All testing will take place in the LCH as per the schedule below. Students will need their laptop fully charged and be in full school uniform, including their blazer.

Tuesday 6 October - PAT Reading  

Period 1: Year 7 Reading 

Period 2: Year 8 Reading 

Period 3: Year 9 Reading 

Period 4: Year 10 Reading 

Wednesday 7 October - PAT Maths  

Period 1: Year 7 Numeracy 

Period 2: Year 8 Numeracy 

Period 3: Year 9 Numeracy 

Period 4: Year 10 Numeracy 

These assessments help us better understand each student’s learning progress and support their academic development. Thank you for your continued support.

Trial Exams (21 – 23 September)

The VCE Unit 3 & 4 Trial Examinations are scheduled to take place from Monday 21 September to Wednesday 23 September 2026, during the first three weekdays of the Term 3 break.

All students studying VCE Units 3 & 4, including accelerated Year 11 students, will have a trial examination for each of their subjects.

Attendance at all scheduled trial examinations is expected.

These examinations form an important part of Loyola College’s VCE examination preparation program. They provide students with valuable feedback about their learning and help guide their preparation for the VCAA end-of-year examinations. The trial examinations are also designed to replicate, as closely as possible, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) examination experience, providing students with valuable practice completing examinations under similar conditions.

Students are required to attend their trial examinations in full school uniform, including their blazer, as this is the standard of dress expected for the VCAA examinations.

Students who do not attend a trial examination at the scheduled time will not be able to sit the examination at a later date or submit a completed examination for feedback.

Please contact Mr Stephen Brasier (Head of VCE) if you have any questions

In today's world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.

It's essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren't merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It's more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.

Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child's ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams.

Here is the link to this topic http://loyola.vic.schooltv.me/...

Dear Parents, Staff and Students,

We are your 2026 (first ever!) Acutis House Captains - Natty and Samuel!

This has been such an exciting year for our House. We started with a blank page, and three-quarters of the way through the year, we can confidently say that everyone has helped fill it. From the very beginning, the drive and determination of our House has been so evident in everything we have done. Our House theme this year, “We Write Our Own Story,” couldn’t be more fitting for our first year.

We began the year by proudly placing second in the House Reading Challenge, narrowly missing out on first place by just one book! Eisteddfod was definitely one of our highlights, where we performed, We Will Rock You the Musical and placed third. Seeing everyone come together and pull it off on stage was truly something unforgettable. We would like to extend our appreciation to our backstage helpers, ensemble, teachers, Mr Simpson and all the families who came along to support us.

We are also so thankful to everyone who has represented Acutis at our Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, where we placed fifth and third respectively. Whether you competed or cheered along from the sidelines (or were a Year 12 flooding the grounds with orange), the House spirit was amazing to see.

At the commencement of Term 3, we were awarded our first official shield for Cross Country, followed by second place in Public Speaking. As captains, we are immensely proud of how our House has got involved, stepped up and given their best efforts across every event. Looking forward we still have House debating, e-sports and chess so good luck to those competing.

A massive thank you to our entire House and families for donating to our house charity, St Vincent de Paul. Together, 100% of our House was able to put forward a donation, helping us break a previously set fundraising record! This is such a fantastic achievement, and it has been so great to see our House come together when it matters most — helping others. We also had a sell-out of the famous ‘Simo’s Snags’, so thank you to everyone who purchased a snag!

On behalf of all Acutis students, we would like to thank all of our mentor teachers for being positive support systems every single morning and starting our days with positivity. We would also like to thank our Head of House, Mr Simpson, for all his hard work behind the scenes to keep Acutis going, as well as being our biggest hype person!

Thank you again to everyone for making the start of this year so positive and successful. We’re so proud of what we’ve already achieved together, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings for Acutis!

Natty Pascuzzi & Samuel Hage
2026 Acutis House Captains

Our Student of the Fortnight is Lucas Sapardanis (12/TMSU), an enthusiastic Year 12 student who has certainly made himself known throughout the Acutis House community.

Lucas has given his all in everything he has been able to contribute to our House this year. A standout moment was seeing Lucas come along to our Friday night rehearsals straight from trade school to help our backstage crew create the incredible backdrops for Eisteddfod. His willingness to give up his own time and help wherever he was needed really stood out to us.

Lucas has also gone above and beyond at our Swimming and Athletics events. He put the House first and stepped up to fill events that he wasn’t originally entered in, showing exactly the kind of attitude and commitment, we want to see throughout Acutis. His willingness to step up, even when it wasn’t expected of him, truly reflects the values we hope to build within our house.

Beyond events, Lucas comes to school every day with such positivity and a smile, always greeting those around him and bringing a great energy to the people he is with.

We are so lucky to have Lucas as part of our first-ever Acutis cohort. The effort, positivity and willingness to step up that he has shown this year is something we hope other students will look up to and carry forward in the years to come.

Thank you, Lucas, for everything you have contributed to Acutis!

Sustainability Update

Dear Parents, Teachers, and Students,

For those who may not know me, I am the Sustainability Captain for 2026, Sarah White.

I am incredibly proud of Sustainability this year, as the efforts our community has put into creating a more sustainable college environment have certainly not gone unnoticed.

In Term 1, we started the year by introducing 10-cent container bins around the campus, particularly in the hotspots for rubbish, so to speak. Since their introduction, the bins have been received very well by both staff and students. This dedication to creating a more sustainable environment demonstrates the care our college community has for our common home.

In Term 2, the Sustainability Portfolio hosted the first annual Lettuce Eating Competition: an event where one representative from each of the seven Houses tackled a full head of lettuce to see who could polish it off the quickest. A huge shout-out to Brock De Thomasis, who won first place, and the bragging rights, for MacKillop House. Again, a massive thank you to all seven competitors for taking part! We had an excellent turnout for both the competition and the accompanying sausage sizzle, raising money for Bundoora Farm and their sustainability efforts and initiatives.

In Term 3, we were very excited to welcome the six newest, feathered members of our college community: Gertrude McFuzz, T-pecks, Nugget, Hei Hei, Chick-ira, and Dolly Part-hen — our new chickens! The girls are very happy in their new home, and the Sustainability Club is very proud to finally have them move in. The entire pen, coop, feeders, and swings were all sourced with sustainability in mind, making sure our chickens will be safe and happy, and hopefully laying eggs soon!

We look forward to seeing what Term 4 will bring for Sustainability, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone — staff and students — who participated in any aspect of the club or portfolio. Your involvement and enthusiasm make me hopeful for the legacy Sustainability will carry on at Loyola College.

A big thank you to Ms Buser, who has supported the club and every element of our work throughout the year. I am also so thankful to have had the opportunity to take on this role, and I wish the best for the future of Sustainability at Loyola College.

Kind regards,

Sarah White
Sustainability Captain

My student of the fortnight is Will Hartigan (8/CMBM), who is a key member of the sustainability club. Without Will, who checks on the chickens every morning, helped us empty bins whenever asked, and who always offered his support and ideas to the club, we would not be as successful as we are now.

And I know I leave the chickens in good hands with Will, and the future of Sustainability will be kept alive with him. He is an invaluable member of the club, and his contributions throughout his time at Loyola have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

Basketball Academy Visits Home of Melbourne United

On Monday 14th September, our Year 9 Basketball Academy students enjoyed a memorable excursion to the home of Melbourne United, gaining valuable insight into the demands of elite basketball. Students had the opportunity to watch the NBL squad train and observe firsthand the professionalism, preparation and work ethic required to perform at the highest level of the game. Big names including Joe Ingles, Luke Travers, Cole Anthony and Chris Goulding impressed on the court as the team prepared for its season opener against reigning MVP Bryce Cotton and the Adelaide 36ers.

The experience also included an exclusive on-court session with NBL legend and Melbourne United Assistant Coach Nathan Crosswell, where students further developed their basketball skills and knowledge under expert guidance. To conclude the day, team physiotherapist Nick Harrison delivered an informative injury prevention session, helping students better understand common basketball injuries, the importance of recovery, and age-specific strategies for maintaining long-term athletic wellbeing. It was a fantastic learning experience that strengthened our students' understanding of what it takes to find success at all levels of basketball.

Are you looking to attend upcoming Melbourne United Home Games this season? Please see the news post on the LMS for an exclusive discount code for the Loyola Community.

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 2027, 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 community@loyola.vic.edu.au or 9433 0228.

Morning Tours 2026

Morning Tours for 2026 take place from 9.15am – 11.00am on the following dates:

Wednesday, 14 October

Tuesday 24 November

Please CLICK HERE to book a tour.

Working Bee –Saturday 10 October | 9am–12pm

Our final Working Bee for 2026 will take place on Saturday, 10 October from 9.00am and we are seeking volunteers to help us restore our Student Gazebo and Courtyard spaces prior to the summer season.

Together with our parent community, we will be aiming to complete the following tasks at the Working Bee:

TASK LIST:
1. Painting the Student Gazebo posts;
2. Staining the large Student Gazebo Table;
3. Pressure cleaning the Student Gazebo flooring and outdoor seating areas;
4. Staining the seats in the Courtyard area;
5. Clear staining the Ricci Centre garden bed boxes.

No special skills are required - just a willingness to lend a hand! Lunch will be provided as a thank you for your time and effort.

If you’re able to assist, please CLICK HERE to register or alternatively emailing community@loyola.vic.edu.au

We look forward to seeing you there!

2026 Entertainment Memberships

Entertainment Guide is the easy to use App packed with incredible savings of up to 50% off and 2-for-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