2025 Student Leaders

Over the past term, the College has conducted a very rigorous approach to appointing the College Committee for 2025. This committee is made up of our Year 12 leaders, including our College Captains.

I congratulate the following students on their leadership appointments:

As always, the selection was difficult ,as there are so many students keen to nominate and be of service to their community. For those who missed out on a formal role, it is important for them to remember that all Year 12 students are looked to as leaders at Loyola College. The younger students look towards the Year 12 students to learn how to be a student at Loyola College. This role modelling is paramount in building our school culture and connectedness.

Year 12 2024

As we appoint the incoming leaders, the current Year 12 students are coming to the end of their time at the College. We look forward to a variety of events in Term Four which celebrate their contribution to our community. We wish these students well for their end of year examinations and hope that they transition smoothly into their new course of study or employment.

Presentation Balls

This coming Monday, 23 September and Tuesday, 24 September, Loyola College will host the annual Presentation Balls. Students have been worked hard to prepare for this evening. It is always a pleasure to see them dance and present with poise and grace. The Balls promise to be a wonderful celebration of their hard work and of the Loyola Community as a whole.

STEM Building

The STEM building is making good progress. Over the holidays, further concrete will be laid which will form the foundation of the building. Once this happened, we should see some rapid progress. The estimated completion date is the end of July 2025.

I wish our students and their families a restful break over the school holidays and look forward to an action-packed Term Four.

Pay It Forward Evening

Our Pay It Forward evening was held on Friday, 30 August and was a powerful example of living out the Gospel values through service. Students and staff came together to cook a barbecue for the Exodus community in Heidelberg West, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity with those in need. Later, accompanied by Brother Doug Walsh, we travelled to the city to hand out blankets, scarves, and toiletries to homeless individuals, extending both compassion and dignity to the marginalised. This evening of service is deeply rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. It reflects a commitment to recognising the inherent dignity of every person, advocating for those on the margins, and seeking justice for those experiencing hardship.

In keeping with the Ignatian charism, Loyola College’s engagement with the Exodus community and the homeless reflects the spirit of Magis - the call to do more for others. The students' and staff's actions align with St. Ignatius' vision of being people for and with others, where faith is expressed through action. By offering service with humility and love, the Loyola community embodies the Ignatian call to “find God in all things,” recognising Christ in the faces of those they serve. This evening of outreach also served as a tangible reminder of the Jesuit tradition of promoting justice and acting in solidarity with the poor, in alignment with both the school's Catholic identity and its Ignatian values.

Jesus Good Shepherd School visit

The recent visit of students from Jesus Good Shepherd School to Loyola was a joyful occasion that fostered a spirit of community and learning. The students were warmly welcomed by the Loyola community and engaged in a range of activities designed to introduce them to the unique aspects of life at Loyola and the Australian culture. From participating in interactive classroom sessions to touring the campus, the visiting students experienced first-hand the vibrant learning environment that Loyola offers. This visit not only provided them with insights into secondary school life in Australia but also reinforced the values of collaboration and mutual respect between the two schools.

The visit also highlighted Loyola’s commitment to nurturing relationships with its wider educational community, aligning with the school’s mission of fostering inclusivity and engagement. As part of their visit, the Jesus Good Shepherd students participated in reflective prayer and dialogue, connecting to Loyola’s strong Catholic identity and Ignatian tradition. The visit served as a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the faith-filled atmosphere of Loyola, further strengthening ties between both educational institutions.

I would particularly like to thank the following staff members who made this immersion experience possible for our Filipino visitors: Sr Nelia Llanto sjbp, John Tran, Monica Agius, James McIlroy, Fotini Veis, Jacqueline Di Stefano and Alison Leutchford. I also wish to thank our billet families who opened their homes to our visitors, played tour guide and welcomed them with open arms.

Parent-Teacher Interviews (PTIs):  

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. 

As parents are aware, we have now tried two different models in the hybrid approach. If you have 5 minutes to spare, we would appreciate any feedback you may have by completing our ONLINE FEEDBACK SURVEY HERE.

Academic Reports:

The third report of the year has been distributed to families this week. ALL reports (both interim and end of Semester) are available for you online. Therefore, I would suggest that you either print a hard copy or save the report as a PDF.

Trial Examinations:

In response to student and staff feedback, the Trial Examinations this year will take place:

• Term 3: 20 September (last day of term) – English, English Language, Literature & EAL
• Term 4: 7 & 8 October (first 2 day of term) – All other subjects

We wish all Unit 3 & 4 students the very best of luck.

Subject Selection 2025:

As you are aware, the portal for submitting subject preferences closed on Tuesday, 27 August. I would like to thank all students and families for taking the time to approach this process with care and thoughtful consideration.

Prior to the deadline, every Year 9 and Year 10 student participated in a 1-1 Learning Pathway conversation. These discussions were designed to provide as much support as possible, helping students make informed and confident choices about their academic pathways.

We are now in the process of constructing the timetable for 2025, and 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.

MACS Vision for Instruction: Parents Guide

On 22 February, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) launched its position statement, Vision for Instruction, outlining the goals, methods and processes for embedding a refreshed and system-wide approach to achieving teaching and learning excellence.

What happens in a classroom should not be a mystery to our parents, families and carers - research and evidence continues to expand, and how parents were taught and educated may have changed since their last experience of a classroom.

As many staff at the College are parents, we know first-hand how important it is for parents, carers and families to be engaged in the culture and practice of the Loyola community.

To find out what becoming a flourishing learner means for your child, and how you can help, parents are encouraged to view the Parents Guide to Vision for Instruction.

This year, Loyola College introduced a new and exciting initiative as part of the Year 11 Business Management program: The Year 11 Business Show Day. The program tasked students with stepping into the shoes of an entrepreneur, giving them the opportunity to create, manage, and run their own small business. The initiative, designed to provide students with hands-on experience, proved to be an overwhelming success.

Throughout the project, students proposed creative business ideas, developed business plans, and launched products that were made available for purchase by the school community. The atmosphere on the day was one of excitement and engagement, with the broader student body eager to support their peers by purchasing items. The array of products on display reflected the innovation and resourcefulness of the students, ranging from homemade crafts to unique acquired goods.

The initiative not only allowed students to apply theoretical business knowledge to real-world scenarios but also fostered critical skills such as teamwork, communication, financial proficiency and problem-solving. The entrepreneurial spirit was evident as each group worked collaboratively to promote, market, and sell their products, overcoming challenges with determination.

Loyola College is proud of the achievements of all the Year 11 Business Management students, and we look forward to seeing this initiative continue to flourish in the coming years. The Year 11 Business Show has undoubtedly set a high standard for future aspiring entrepreneurs at the college.

It has been an extremely successful year for the Music Department that has been filled with popular events including the House Eisteddfod, St Ignatius Day, many Assembly performances and Masses, and the Annual Music Concert.

The year began with Loyola’s annual House Eisteddfod at the end of Term One. Students spent the term rehearsing and preparing for the show which includes singing, dancing, acting and a whole heap of fun! Flynn House took the win this year but congratulations to all the houses and their efforts as it definitely was an evening to enjoy.

Our next event was the annual Music Camp in Term Two, where music students spent 3 days with their ensembles at a campsite practicing and rehearsing for the upcoming music concerts. We also can’t forget the live performance by the Horns of Leroy on the final night who were accompanied by the Loyola Jazz Band.

Then we had the St Ignatius Day concert where various bands have the opportunity to audition for and perform on stage at the Two Wolves Hub. This concert was a massive success as usual with multiple Year 11 bands performing as a part of their ensemble assessments as well as both Rock Bands, the Jazz Band, and various other performers. The St Ignatius Day Concert also includes the heavily anticipated Masked Singer where the teachers get the opportunity to dress in silly costumes and sing as the students guess who the teacher is. Big shout out to Sister Nelia for putting on the best Masked Singer performance on the day.

Finally, we had the Annual Music Concert which like last year, ran over two nights. This concert includes performances from various ensembles, the Year 7 classes, and solos from a select few Year 12 music students. This year’s Annual Music Concert also included special guest performances from two past Year 12 music students Jordan Greene (L: 21-23) and Celeste Murone (L: 18-23), who have moved onto tertiary studies in music since graduating. This night is always a huge success as the students get to show off the skills and pieces they have been developing all year long.

None of these events would be possible without the ongoing support of Ms Taylor and Mr Thomas as well as all the other music and instrumental teachers who work tirelessly to provide the music students with endless opportunities to learn and thrive in the department. A huge thank you to everyone for their support and I look forward to watching the department to continue to prosper in future years.

Music Captain
Jessica Wright

Student of the Fortnight: Archie Andrew (8/CMKC)

Archie is a Year 8 music student who is flourishing in the Music Department. He is currently an active member of the Loyola Jazz Band, which focuses on ensemble and improvisational skills. As a student who has only recently begun learning the trumpet, Archie is excelling in his instrumental skills and is keeping up with the other experienced members of the band. He’s extremely enthusiastic, is always looking to improve and is certainly blossoming into a heavily appreciated member of the Music community at the school. 

Well done Archie!

Unit 3 and 4 Trial Exams

The VCE Unit 3 and 4 trial exams will be held during the last day of Term Three (20 September) and the first two days of Term 4 (7 & 8 October).

All Year 12 VCE and accelerated Year 11 students have a trial exam for each of the subjects they study at Loyola.

Friday, 20 September: English

Monday, 7 & Tuesday, 8 October: All Other Subjects

Students have been emailed their personalised trial exam timetables. Below is some important information regarding the trial exams.

Information for all students:

• Trial exams will be held for all Unit 3 and 4 subjects that are taught by staff at Loyola College. This does not include subjects that are studied through VSV, VSL or other external providers and language schools.
• All the exams are run using VCAA rules.
  
• Students are required to be in full school uniform.
• Students who have VCAA approved Special Examination Arrangements (SEA) will sit their trial exams with these provisions.
• Students will not be allowed to leave the exam early – they must remain for the entire examination time.
• Students are expected to try their best in each exam and complete all sections of the exam. Teachers will mark these exams and provide important feedback to you.

Information specific to Year 12 Students:

• Students have their English, English Language or Literature exams on Friday 20 September. Their other 4 exams are spread out when we return on the first two days of Term 4.
• Students are permitted to go home if they do not have an exam in one of the exam sessions.
• Students can study in the library if they choose to remain on campus.
• Students are not required to attend mentor during this trial exam period.
• VCE - VM students are expected to attend their timetabled classes on the first two days of Term 4.

Information specific to Year 11 Accelerated Students:

• Most Year 11 accelerated students will have only one exam.
• Students will not be required to attend Year 11 classes on the day of their Unit 3 and 4 trial exam. However, they may do so if they wish.
• Students are expected to attend classes as usual on the other non-exam day.
• If a SAC is scheduled at the same time as their exam, they need to attend the exam and apply for a SAC reschedule following the usual procedure.
• Students do not need to attend mentor on the day of the exam.

Our Family’s Device User Agreement

As families head into the Term Three break, it is an opportune time to consider how technology should best be used in the home.

Some time ago I was privileged to listen to Richard Culatta talk on the theme, “Digital for good: Rethinking our relationship with technology in a post-COVID world”.

One of the things he said that struck me was that, when it comes to children and technology, parents may be focussing too much on the DON’Ts at the expense of the DOs. For instance, we should be teaching kids to be a good cyber friend, not just teaching them how not to be a cyber bully – in other words, we should be reframing the question as a positive.

So, it was great when Richard presented his own family’s ‘Device User Agreement’, which has been reframed in the positive. Here it is for consideration in your family:

• When should you use your device?
  • You need to finish your jobs before using your phone
  • At mealtimes your phone takes a rest in another room
  • When using your phone, the door stays open
• What should you do with your device?
  • Help us capture family memories
  • Use your phone to help you learn new things
  • Have fun (read, play games, listen to good music)
• Who should you interact with?
  • Stay in touch with your friends, teachers and family
  • Let Mum or Dad know before you start a conversation with someone who is not part of our family
  • Ask Mum or Dad before sending a picture/video to anyone
• What happens when something goes wrong?
  • When you do something with your device that is not in line with this agreement, let us know and we’ll help you figure out how to make it right

Students who received the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) in 2024 are automatically eligible for the Victorian Government’s one-off School Saving Bonus (SSB) for the 2025 school year.

The CSEF payment of $250 has already been applied to the accounts of eligible applicants, with the SSB of $400 to be credited to the 2025 Annual Account to offset activities included in the tuition fee.

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

You only need to complete the CSEF application form if any of the following changes have occurred:

• New student enrolments; your child has started or moved to Loyola College and did not apply in 2024.
• Changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or a new sibling is commencing at the school in 2025.

Applications for 2024 are now closed, but you can submit your application for 2025 by downloading the form HERE or by contacting the school office.

Loyola Parents and Friends Association 2024 Fundraising Event - Bogan Bingo

The Loyola Parents and Friends Association Bogan Bingo Night, held at Loyola Companions Hall on Saturday, September 7, was a fantastic success! The evening was filled with laughter and plenty of fun games that brought a unique twist to the traditional Bingo. It was a night to remember for all who attended.

A big thank you to the dedicated LPFA sub committee members who made the event possible, especially the hardworking sub-committee of Dianna Alonso, Loretta Baker, Domenic Carbone, Julie Gardner, Lisa Grant, Mina Paterra, and Lisa Zammit. Your efforts were truly appreciated. Thank you also to the LPFA Committee who collected prize donations, were present for set up and on the night to sell raffle tickets, serve at the bar, and helped with the smooth running of the night: Claire Baker, Christine Di Pasquale, Liz Karanfilovska, Des Mavridis, Mark Monteneri and Lou Taneski.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to everyone who attended the night, dressed up and supported the LPFA in its fundraising efforts. Your participation helps make these events possible, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support.

Philippines Immersion Visit - Short Term Cultural Experience

We recently welcomed and hosted thirteen students, from Jesus Good Shepherd School in the Philippines while on Immersion. The students were accompanied by two staff and three parents and enjoyed two weeks of very valuable learning experiences and enriching encounters with their host families, day buddies and many staff and students at Loyola. Thank you to Mrs Leutchford for her support of the program; and to Sr Nelia, Mr Calderone, Mr McIlroy, Ms Veis, Mr Tran, Mr McEvoy, Ms Gartland, Ms Chapman and the Hospitality students who attended excursions, ran programs and hosted a lovely dinner at Iggy’s.

Thank you to the four families who so generously opened their homes to the students during the immersion experience. Their warmth and hospitality provided not only a comfortable place to stay but also a rich array of experiences, from exploring Melbourne’s sights to participating in local sports. This kindness was also extended to the students who were hosted by Loyola at Arrupe House. Each family embraced their homestay student as part of their family, offering them a genuine home-away-from-home environment. This generosity and care helped create lasting memories for the JGSS students, and we are truly grateful for the difference you have made in their experience.

2024 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