Good Luck to Our International Standards Olympiad Team

This Saturday, 7 August, we wish Noah King Barradas (8/FHPL), Sebastian Parisella (8/FJDS) and Isaac Schembri (8/AAAM) safe travels as they depart for Korea to represent Australia at the International Standards Olympiad.

Being selected for this international competition is an outstanding achievement and reflects the talent, hard work, and dedication each of these young men has shown. While they will be competing on the world stage, they will also be carrying with them the support and good wishes of our entire Loyola community.

We know they will embrace this incredible opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and the same spirit of excellence they demonstrate every day at school. We look forward to following their journey and hearing about their experiences when they return.

I would like to thank Mrs Victoria Kanicki, our Gifted and Talented Coordinator, for preparing the students in the lead up to the competition.

On behalf of all our students and staff, we congratulate Noah, Sebastian, and Isaac, and wish them every success in Korea.

We are immensely proud of them and know they will represent both Australia and Loyola with distinction.

Celebrating St Ignatius Day

Our school community came together on Friday 31 July to celebrate St Ignatius Day, a special occasion that invites us to reflect on the life, vision, and legacy of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Through liturgy, our annual walk-a-thon, followed by concert and festivities, students and staff were encouraged to consider how they can live out the Ignatian values of courage, service, gratitude, and striving to be their best for others. St Ignatius Day is always a highlight of the school year, providing an opportunity to celebrate what it means to belong to a Jesuit school community and to recommit us to being people of compassion, justice, and hope. It was a wonderful day of faith, fellowship, and school spirit.

I would like to thank Mr Matthew Luczek for his work in leading the organisation of this very special day.

I would also like to thank those families who contributed to the St Ignatius Day walk-a-thon. It is disappointing that despite students being given a free lunch on the day, followed by free access to rides, games, and concert, some students still neglected to raise even a small amount for their House charity. This is disappointing as the donation is a tangible way that we can live out our mission of being people for others.

The Raisley profile will be kept open for another week, so there is still time for students to make a donation.

Grandparents Mass and Morning Tea

On Wednesday 29 July, Loyola warmly welcomed grandparents to our annual Grandparents Mass and Morning Tea, one of the regular events on the school calendar. The celebration was a beautiful opportunity for students and their grandparents to come together in faith, gratitude, and community. The Mass provided a meaningful occasion to reflect on the invaluable role grandparents play in the lives of young people, sharing their wisdom, faith, love, and life experiences across generations.

Following the Mass, grandparents and students enjoyed a morning tea filled with conversation, laughter, and connection. There was a wonderful sense of joy throughout the morning as families spent time together and celebrated these special relationships. The event was a powerful reminder that grandparents are often among the greatest supporters and role models in a young person's life, helping to shape their values, character, and sense of belonging. We thank all the grandparents who joined us and helped make the day such a memorable and enriching experience for our community.

Subject Selection across Term Three

A special thank you to Mrs Kathryn Wilson, Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning, Mrs Lisa Bosco, Head of Learning Pathways, and the entire Head of Learning team for their outstanding work in organising this year's Senior Pathway Evening on Tuesday 28 July.

Term 3 is an important time for our students as they begin making decisions about subject selections and future career pathways. These choices can be both exciting and challenging, and a great deal of care, expertise, and support goes into helping students and families navigate the many options available to them. Events such as the Senior Pathway Evening provide valuable guidance and information, ensuring students can make informed decisions that align with their interests, strengths, and aspirations.

I encourage all students to take advantage of the support on offer by speaking with their teachers, Heads of Learning, careers staff, and pathway advisors. Asking questions, seeking advice, and exploring possibilities are important steps in shaping future success, and our staff are committed to walking alongside students throughout this journey.

Forthcoming Events

Loyola is fortunate to have a vibrant, connected, and highly engaged parent community, with many opportunities for families to become involved in the life of the College. One event not to be missed is the LPFA Trivia Night on Saturday 29 August. This much-anticipated evening is always a highlight on the community calendar, bringing families and friends together for a night of fun, laughter, and connection. Be sure to secure your tickets early, as this popular event is expected to sell out quickly.

There is also great excitement surrounding the upcoming LPFA Online Auction, which will feature an impressive range of prizes and experiences. We encourage families to keep an eye out for further details and to support this wonderful initiative.

Finally, a reminder that our Working Bee will be held this Saturday, 8 August. These events are a fantastic way to contribute to the College while connecting with other members of the Loyola community. As the saying goes, many hands make light work, and it is never too late to sign up. The more the merrier, and we would love to see as many families involved as possible.

Supporting our staff while planning for the future

Currently, all Catholic schools are working through planning and budgeting activities for 2027 to ensure we are well placed to support our staff, students and school communities in the coming year. This includes looking at how we can accommodate the changes likely to flow from a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with school staff.

We recognise the significant financial pressures many households are facing, and we are making a conscious effort to ensure these costs are not passed on through significant fee increases.

We will continue to keep our parent community informed throughout this process. As always, our focus remains on maintaining strong school communities and continuing to deliver a high-quality Catholic education for every student.

Walking for Others: Living the Mission of St. Ignatius

On St. Ignatius Day last week, our College community once again demonstrated the power of faith in action through our annual Walk for Others walkathon. I am delighted to share that together we raised in excess of $70,000 for our House charities, a record achievement that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we are called to serve.

This remarkable result reflects the generosity of our students, staff, families and supporters. Every step taken and every donation made was an expression of our commitment to being people for and with others.

Jesus teaches us that whatever we do for the least among us, we do for Him. Through this collective effort, we have responded to that Gospel call with compassion and generosity. In the spirit of St Ignatius, who reminded us that “love ought to manifest itself more by deeds than by words,” our community has turned conviction into action.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this outstanding expression of the Loyola spirit.

As mentioned in previous editions, Term 3 is an extremely busy term for the Teaching and Learning team, and a lot has happened since the previous edition

Thank You 

Student Pathways Evening: Thank you to all those parents and students who attended the VCE VM and VCE Student Pathways and Expo Evenings. They were a huge success, and the feedback was extremely positive. If parents do have any specific feedback that they would like to share, feedback, please email boscol@loyola.vic.edu.au or wilsonk@loyola.vi.cedu.au

Parent Teacher Interviews: Thank you to all parents / guardians for attending the Parent Teacher Interviews. We hope they were meaningful and worthwhile, and provided feedback on your child’s learning and wellbeing, together with strategies to support future progress.

Upcoming Events

Year 9 & Year 10 Learning Pathway Interviews

It is important that our students make their decisions about subject choices in an informed manner. In light of this, every Year 9 and 10 students will have a 1-1 careers interview in week 5 (w/b 10 August). An important stage of this process is to carefully read the 2027 Course Guide. The link to the Course Guide is here Year 7-12 - Loyola College Courses. It can also be accessed through the student’s LMS page in the blue bar at the top of their home page.

Please be aware that not all subjects listed in the Course Guide may be available in 2027 Furthermore, whilst the school aims to meet the needs and wishes of all our students, there may be occasions when we are unable to accommodate student preferences. Reasons for this, may be timetable constraints, demand for certain subjects or limits to class sizes.

Year 7 Enhanced English and Maths Entrance Exams

We would like to congratulate the Year 7 students who have been invited to sit the 2027 Year 8 Enhanced English and/or Mathematics Entrance Examinations on 12 (Maths) and 13 August (English).

Receiving an invitation to participate is a wonderful achievement and recognises the students’ outstanding academic performance, dedication to learning, and commitment to challenging themselves. We wish all students the very best as they undertake these examinations and look forward to celebrating their continued growth and success.

In 2026, our College has maintained a strong focus on implementing and embedding the MACS Vision for Engagement, which centres on fostering belonging, teaching respectful behaviour, improving attendance, promoting mental health and wellbeing, enabling motivation, and targeting individual learning needs. These priorities underpin our commitment to supporting every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Focus on Attendance

We continue to prioritise student attendance by working closely with students and families to identify and reduce barriers to school engagement. Through proactive support and meaningful opportunities for involvement, we aim to strengthen students' connection to learning and increase their motivation to attend school regularly.

Teaching Respectful Behaviour

Our Personal Development (PD) Program and Reflection Days provide valuable opportunities to explicitly teach and reinforce respectful behaviour both within and beyond the College community. Staff continue to foster strong relational safety, using everyday experiences as opportunities for reflection, growth, and learning, helping students develop positive relationships and a strong sense of responsibility.

Fostering Belonging

The College's mentor program remains a significant strength, providing students with opportunities to connect with peers across year levels while developing meaningful relationships with a trusted staff member. We continue to refine this program to ensure every student feels known, valued, and supported. Our House system, closely connected to our parish communities, further strengthens students' sense of belonging. Activities Week also provides numerous opportunities for students to build friendships, strengthen connections, and create lasting memories beyond the classroom.

Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing

Supporting student wellbeing remains a key priority across the College. The Student College Committee, Service Portfolios, and Wellbeing Team continue to collaborate on initiatives that promote awareness and encourage positive mental health practices. Wellbeing is embedded within our PD and mentor programs, ensuring ongoing conversations and support throughout the year. We are also fortunate to have a highly skilled counselling team that provides care and guidance to students when they need additional support.

Enabling Motivation

In partnership with the Teaching and Learning Team, enabling student motivation has been a significant focus of staff professional learning this year. Through the implementation of evidence-based practices and engaging learning experiences, we are seeing positive outcomes in student participation, engagement, and achievement across the College.

Targeting Individual Needs

Meeting students where they are in their learning journey continues to be a strength of our College. Led by our Learning Diversity Team, staff work collaboratively to provide personalised support that enables all students to access learning and experience success. At our College, every student is valued, respected, and accepted for who they are, ensuring an inclusive environment where all can flourish.

As a College community, we are proud of the progress made throughout 2026 and remain committed to fostering an environment where every student feels connected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Over the past two weeks, Loyola College was delighted to welcome 20 students and 2 teachers from our sister school, Liceo Primo Levi, in Montebelluna, Italy, as part of our Italian Exchange Program.

During their stay, our Italian guests experienced life as Loyola students, attending classes, participating in excursions, and immersing themselves in Australian culture while staying with generous host families. Highlights of the visit included exploring Melbourne's iconic landmarks, attending an AFL match at Marvel Stadium, visiting Melbourne Zoo, and sharing many memorable experiences together.

The final part of the exchange has been a wonderful opportunity for students from both schools to develop their language skills, broaden their cultural understanding, and, most importantly, form lifelong friendships. It has been inspiring to see the confidence, kindness, and enthusiasm shown by all students as they embraced new experiences and learned from one another.

We extend our sincere thanks to our incredible host families for opening their homes and making our Italian visitors feel so welcome.

As we farewell our Italian friends, we know the friendships and memories created over the past two weeks will last a lifetime. We look forward to continuing this special partnership with Primo Levi for many years to come.

Student Reflections:

Participating in the exchange with Liceo Primo Levi was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It gave me the opportunity to improve my Italian, while allowing my buddy to develop her English skills, as well as giving me a deeper understanding of Italy’s culture. The exchange also helped create new lifelong friendships, which was strengthened even more when our buddies visited us in Australia, where we were able to show them, what life is like here in Melbourne. It was an unforgettable opportunity and I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.

Zarah Clough
(10/FIBE)

The cultural exchange between students from Liceo Primo Levi in Montebelluna and Loyola College in Melbourne was an unforgettable experience. During the exchange, we visited places such as Treviso, Venice and the Veneto region in Italy, while the Italian students explored the city of Melbourne, the Melbourne Zoo and the Great Ocean Road. I really enjoyed the exchange as it gave me a cultural experience I will never forget. It also helped me practice my Italian language skills which is a bonus. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that allowed me to build friendships and experience another way of life.

Xavier Dal Cin
(11/MYKS)

Dear Parents, Teachers and Staff,

For those who may not know us, we are Siena and Carla, your 2026 McAuley House Captains.

So far this year, McAuley has come together as a House with incredible enthusiasm, participation and spirit. It has been fantastic to see so many students getting involved in House events and supporting one another. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Ms Brown, who has stepped into the role of Head of House. We are excited to work alongside her throughout the rest of the year.

Although McAuley finished 6th in the Swimming Carnival and 7th in the Athletics Carnival, the results certainly didn't reflect the incredible spirit and enthusiasm shown by our House. Both days were filled with energy, encouragement and plenty of House pride, making them memorable events for everyone involved. A huge thank you to all the students who competed, cheered from the sidelines, volunteered and helped throughout the day. Every event, whether in the pool, on the track or in the field, was made possible by the willingness of so many people to get involved and support one another. Your participation, teamwork and positive attitude are what make McAuley such a special House, and we couldn't be prouder of everyone's efforts.

In Term 1, McAuley had the pleasure of performing Trolls at House Eisteddfod. While we placed sixth overall, we could not have been prouder of the commitment, enthusiasm and teamwork shown by every student involved. Months of rehearsals and preparation culminated in a vibrant performance that truly reflected the spirit of McAuley.

In Term 2, McAuley participated in the House Public Speaking competition, finishing in fifth place with 440 points. Congratulations to everyone who represented our House with confidence and professionalism. We also wish the students currently competing in House Debating the very best of luck and look forward to seeing their continued success.

What an incredible day we had celebrating St Ignatius Day! The day began with Mass in the morning, followed by a 7 km walk, where students came together to support a great cause while enjoying time with friends. After the walk, everyone was treated to a delicious lunch provided by the school, followed by carnival rides and games, making it a fantastic day for the whole Loyola community.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and donated. As a House, McAuley raised an amazing $10,086 for our house charity, McAuley Community Services for Women and Children. This outstanding result reflects the generosity, spirit and commitment of our house community, and we are incredibly proud of everyone's efforts.

Our first fundraiser was a soft drink sale during the Swimming Carnival, which was a great success. We sold out by 12:00 pm and raised a profit of $300. Looking ahead, don't forget our McAuley Sausage Sizzle on Friday, 14 August. Sausages in bread will be available for $2.50, with drinks for $2.00. We hope to see plenty of students there supporting another great house fundraiser!

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making McAuley such a welcoming, supportive and spirited House. We are excited for everything still to come this year and look forward to seeing even more students get involved in upcoming events.

2026 McAuley House Captains

         Siena Erle (12/AMPI)                             Carla-Maree Murrone (12/ASVS)

Student of the Week

Our Student of the Week is Alexia Kargas (AMPI), who has raised an incredible $2,150 for Ignatius Day. Her outstanding fundraising efforts and dedication to supporting our school community are truly commendable. Thank you for your generosity, commitment and willingness to make a positive difference. Congratulations on this fantastic achievement!

Alexia Kargas (7/AMPI)

Working Bee: Saturday 8 August - 9.00am–12.00pm

Members of our College community are warmly invited to join us for our next Working Bee on Saturday 8 August from 9.00am – 12.00pm.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families while assisting with general grounds maintenance and light improvement projects around the College. Tasks will include supporting the upkeep and enhancement of our outdoor spaces, refreshing key areas, and helping with small preparation activities that contribute to the smooth running of College services.

Lunch will be served at approximately 11.30am as a thank you to our volunteers.

If you are able to assist, please contact Corrie via email community@loyola.vic.edu.au to register your attendance.

We would love to see you there!

Father & Daughter Breakfast: Book Your Tickets Now!

Loyola College warmly invites fathers and daughters to join us for our Father & Daughter Breakfast in celebration of Father’s Day.

Join us for this heartwarming morning as we celebrate the special bond between fathers and daughters. Following breakfast, we ask you to join us for Prayer of Thanksgiving in the St. Ignatius Chapel at Old Loyola.

Please CLICK HERE for tickets

LPFA Trivia Night & Online Auction: Book Your Table Today

Get ready to put your thinking caps on for our Trivia Night on Saturday 29 August! This will be the Loyola Parents & Friends Association major fundraiser for the year, with plenty of fun, friendly competition, and great prizes up for grabs. Tickets now on sale at www.loyola.vic.edu.au/tickets

Gather your friends and build your ultimate trivia team!

CLICK HERE to access the live Silent Auction

Are you a local business owner?

If you or your family own a business and would like to support the night, we warmly welcome prize donations for our games and raffles. It’s a great way to showcase your business to the school community while helping us raise vital funds. All donors will be acknowledged on the night and in our event communications.

To donate or learn more, please contact lpfa@loyola.vic.edu.au

Donation of Loyola College 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 2026, 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:

Please visit the College website at www.loyola.vic.edu.au to book a Tour. 

2026 Entertainment Memberships

Win 1 of 5 $1,000 Woolworths Supermarket Gift Cards

From 1 July to 31 July, when you purchase an Entertainment Membership you will receive an entry into the draw to win 1 of 5 $1000 Woolworths Gift Cards. *Terms & Conditions Apply. Please visit www.entertainment.com.au/promo... to view.

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-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.

St Ignatius Day: A very BIG Thank You!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our LPFA, PWP and parent volunteers for your incredible support on St Ignatius Day.

Whether you were serving students on the front line in the Two Wolves Café and Canteen, or working behind the scenes in the kitchen, your time, energy and commitment helped make the day such a success. Our staff are truly grateful for your willingness to support this important community event.

Thanks to your efforts, we sold out with more than 600 donuts, 300 Choc Tops and over 300 drinks sold throughout the day.

Thank you once again for your generosity and support. We could not have achieved such a wonderful outcome without you. 

Grandparents Mass & Morning Tea

The recent Grandparents Mass and Morning Tea was a wonderful and heartwarming occasion. It was a pleasure to welcome grandparents into our College community and celebrate the special role they play in the lives of our students. The Mass provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection and connection, while the Morning Tea allowed families, students, and staff to come together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and highlighted the strong sense of community that makes our College so special.

'Behind the Magis' provides us with an opportunity to introduce you to some of the amazing staff members who help make Loyola College such a welcoming, supportive and thriving place to learn and grow. These profiles offer a glimpse into the stories, passions and personalities of staff members working behind the scenes to support our school community, empowering our students to 'Strive for the Magis' each and every day.

Alanah Eade
Acting Head of Information Services
2024 – Present

Can you tell us a little about your role at Loyola College?

I've worked at Loyola College since 2024, usually as a Librarian but this year I am acting in the Head of Information Services role.

As part of my role I take Years 7-9 Recreational Reading classes where I recommend our students books and assist them with their year level reading challenges. I lead the team of Library Staff in the iCentre and ensure that everything is running smoothly for our staff and students. I also work closely with the English Faculty to ensure that our reading classes are relevant and interesting to our students.

I also assist and manage Book Week celebrations which over the past two years has seen our Library Team create two Escape Room challenges for students and staff which was very fun.

What does a normal day at Loyola College look like in your role?

I help to supervise the Library at Recess and Lunchtime and answer questions at the Library Front Desk. Additionally, days may include one or more of our Years 7-9 Recreational Reading classes alongside our English Teachers, and 'Book Chats' with students that focus on what they've been reading recently so that they can log these books for their respective year level challenges.

I often get to recommend books to staff and students who visit the Library and one of my favourite parts of this job is purchasing books for our Library collection.

We're a very busy and lively place in the school. Gone are the days of the Library being silent, so that means every day holds something different!

What do you enjoy most about your work at Loyola College?

The best part of my job is talking to staff and students about books and reading. I have a few regular visitors to the Library who come to me for recommendations and to talk about what they've recently read. It brings me a lot of joy when someone takes a book that I've chosen for them and they come back and tell me that they loved it.

It's also a great feeling to be surrounded by people who equally love reading and talking about books. The Library Team are the best and we enjoy discussing our latest reads.

If you could choose any dinner guest (outside of immediate family or friends), who would they be and why?

I would choose Caroline O'Donoghue. She's an Irish Author, Columnist and Podcaster. I'm a big fan of Caroline's writing. Her book 'The Rachel Incident' is one of the best books I've ever read. She also has a Podcast called 'Sentimental Garbage' which is described as a Podcast about 'the culture we love that society sometimes makes us feel ashamed of'. I think she's a smart, funny and accomplished woman and we would have a blast at a dinner party discussing books and pop culture.

What is something people may not know about you that you would like to share?

My fun fact is that I'm a Baker in my spare time! I love baking and decorating layer cakes and am making the wedding cake for a family-friend later this year!