Our Year 12 students are currently progressing through their final examinations. As our VCE students complete each subject examination, their academic load gradually diminishes. We look forward to celebrating their completion of this assessment period and learning about their future pathways in 2025.

Next week will be an assessment-free period for our Year 10 and 11 students, allowing them to focus on revising for their upcoming examinations. Additionally, examinations for Year 8 and 9 students are approaching rapidly. Term Four is a crucial time for students to remain focused, organized, and strategic in their studies.

The orientation period for Year 11 and 12 has been extended this year to provide students with a strong foundation for their 2025 curriculum.

Ignatian Ethos and Identity Review

Last week, Jennie Hickey (Formation and Education Office at Jesuit Education Australasia), Barbara Watkins (Executive Director of Jesuit Education Australasia), and Fr. Gerry Healy SJ visited our campus to engage in discussions with students, staff, and parents. Their objective was to assess the implementation of the Ignatian tradition within our College.

During their visit, several strengths were identified, such as our commitment to inclusivity, outreach and service opportunities, as well as our effective induction process for new staff and the initiation of our new teaching and learning framework.

They also identified areas for improvement, including the ongoing formation for Consult, staff, parents, and the School Advisory Council, as well as the continued development of our learning framework, particularly in relation to the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm.

Memorial Mass

Next Thursday, 7 November, all members of the College community are cordially invited to attend our annual Memorial Mass. An invitation is included in this edition of the Ignatian. This Mass provides a meaningful opportunity to honour and remember our significant family members who have passed away.

Year 7 Parent Information Evening

On Wednesday, October 29, the College hosted an information evening for our incoming Year 7 students and their parents. It was truly gratifying to see so many enthusiastic individuals interested in becoming part of the Loyola College community. Our ongoing strong enrolment figures reflect our commitment to our Ignatian values, including our Catholic identity, sense of inclusion, and strong community engagement.

Theatre Studies

Congratulations to Ms. Bryans and the Year 10 and 11 Theatre Studies classes. Each class delivered an exceptional performance over the past two weeks, demonstrating their remarkable talents. Our commitment to the Performing Arts continues to be a priority, and we take great pride in the high quality of work showcased within our community.

ACS Sport

I would like to acknowledge and commend our Girls' ACS Cricket team for their participation in the inaugural ACS Girls' Cricket tournament. Promoting the involvement of young women in sports is a key priority for Loyola College. Engaging teenage girls in sports offers numerous benefits, including enhanced mental and physical health, improved social skills, and a strengthened sense of belonging and identity.

Long Weekend

I wish students and their families a safe and happy long weekend.

Reflection on All Saints Day: Honouring the Communion of Saints and Saint Ignatius of Loyola

As we celebrate All Saints Day on 1 November, we are reminded of the profound connection we share with the great cloud of witnesses—the saints who have gone before us, showing us the way of faith, love, and service. This special day calls us to reflect on the lives of those men and women who lived with extraordinary holiness and dedication to God, offering us examples to follow in our own journey of faith.

Among these holy men and women, we are especially drawn to the life and legacy of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius not only left a rich spiritual heritage but also provided a framework for how we can live in close relationship with God and one another through the Ignatian way of proceeding. His life offers us insights into what it means to be a disciple in today's world.

Saint Ignatius’ journey was one of profound transformation. After a severe injury during battle, Ignatius underwent a spiritual conversion that led him from a life focused on personal glory to one centered on God's greater glory. His spiritual awakening gave birth to the Ignatian tradition, embedded in deep reflection, discernment, and a commitment to justice. The Spiritual Exercises, which emerged from his own prayerful reflection, invite us to seek and find God in all things—encouraging us to live with purpose, attentiveness, and a generous heart.

All Saints Day invites us to reflect not only on the lives of canonised saints like Ignatius but also on the "saints next door"—those individuals in our own community who quietly live out their faith in service to others. Whether it is through acts of kindness, justice, or mercy, each of us is called to sainthood in our own way. The life of Ignatius reminds us that sainthood is not an unreachable goal but rather a daily call to respond to God's grace, to be “contemplatives in action,” and to dedicate ourselves to building a more just and loving world.

At Loyola College, we are blessed to continue the mission of Saint Ignatius, fostering in all of our stakeholders a commitment to the values of faith, reflection, and service. As we celebrate All Saints Day, let us be inspired by the lives of the saints, and especially by Saint Ignatius, to live with greater intention, love, and generosity.

May we follow their example by striving to be people for and with others, reflecting God's light in all that we do.

VCAA Examinations:

As parents of our Year 12 students are aware, the VCAA examinations are in full swing.

Our students have been exceptionally well-prepared. The College staff and entire community have been working tirelessly to provide students with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to excel in their studies. It is evident that our collective efforts are paying off, as our students have demonstrated outstanding preparation and commitment for their exams. I wish to thank those parents who have supported and given up hours of their time for their children. We hope their results at the end of the year reflect their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence.

Good luck to all our Year 12 students for the remainder of your examinations.

Subject Selection:

Students and parents will receive confirmation of their subject preferences for 2025 from 4 November. Preferences have been carefully considered and the College has worked diligently to assign students to the subjects they requested. However, it's conceivable that, owing to timetabling constraints, some students may find themselves assigned to subjects from their reserve preferences. There is the opportunity to request a change of subject by completing a form (link will be available in the confirmation letter) alongside an interview with Mrs Bosco (Head of Learning Pathways). Students will have until 8 November to compete the form. Thereafter, no changes will be allowed.

End-of-Year Examinations (Year 8-11):

The dates for all end-of-year examinations can be found below.

Further details will be issued to parents in the next couple of weeks, but a summary can be found below.

Attendance:

Students who fail to attend an exam and cannot show a medical certificate will receive 0%. This includes students on holiday. Students with a medical certificate will receive exempt.

If a student misses an examination, they are welcome to collect the relevant examination from Ms Freeman (O127) after the examination window. Whilst staff are not required to mark the exam, they will provide feedback if requested by the student.

Dress Code:

All students must attend examinations in full school summer uniform (including wearing the school blazer).

Students not in full school uniform will not be allowed in the examination and will be directed to go to the iCentre to complete revision. These students will then be required to complete any examinations they have missed on 6 December at 1:30pm. Failure to attend this session will result in 0%.

Mobile Phones:

Mobile phones and/or smart devices are not permitted in an exam room. If a student has a mobile phone or electronic digital device on their person in the exam, it will be removed from the student, and a 0% recorded.

Equipment:

• Water bottles and pencil cases must be clear.

• Mobile phones will not be permitted. Any student found with a mobile phone will receive 0% for that examination (see above)

2025 Orientation:

Orientation for 2025 Units 1 – 4 will run from 22 November to 5 December. Further details will be issued nearer to the time. Any subject changes made by students will be reflected in the Orientation week timetable. This year, students are extremely fortunate to have nearly two weeks of lessons. Year 12 students will have nine lessons of each of their subjects and Year 11 will have seven lessons. Year 10 & Year 11 2025 accelerated students are expected to attend the appropriate accelerated lessons.

Booklist Provider:

As already mentioned in a previous Ignatian edition and our Term Four Bulletin, the College will continue to use Box of Books as our booklist provider in 2025. The link will be available in the confirmed subject letter issued from 4 November. The booklist will be live from 4 November 2024.

Parents are able to recycle physical books from siblings or purchase second hand physical books (as long as the book has not changed). As part of the College’s eBook levy, Year 7-9 students will automatically receive digital resources for English, Maths, Science, Humanities and RE and will not be required to purchase them.

Awards Evening:

Our annual Awards Evening will be held on Friday 6 December at 7:00pm in the Loyola Companions Hall.

Our Year 10 Legal Studies students recently had the unique opportunity to delve into the world of law and justice through an excursion to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, followed by a tour of the historic Old Melbourne Gaol.

The day began at the Magistrates’ Court, where students observed a real-life court case in progress. This experience provided them with a front-row view of the legal system in action, illustrating the roles of magistrates, lawyers, and witnesses as well as the structure and protocols of the courtroom. Students were able to connect their classroom studies with real-life proceedings, helping them understand the complexities of the judicial process and the importance of fair trial procedures.

Afterward, students toured the Old Melbourne Gaol, an iconic institution in Melbourne’s history. Built in the mid-1800s, the Gaol once stood as a symbol of authority, housing both dangerous criminals and petty offenders, as well as the homeless and mentally ill. The experience was eye-opening, allowing students to gain insights into how the treatment of criminals and offenders has evolved over time. Witnessing the conditions and treatment of prisoners in the past provided a stark contrast to the rights and protections afforded in today’s justice system, emphasising the importance of progress in the legal and correctional systems.

Overall, the excursion was a thought-provoking experience, offering our students not only an academic understanding of the law, but also an historical perspective on how justice and society have transformed over the years.

Year 11 Food Studies - ‘Cooking for Others’

Throughout 2024, the Year 11 Food Studies class has this year supported the Exodus Community Heidelberg West by cooking for the Community Drop-in Lunch once per term.

Remarkably, within a single 60-minute period, students prepare a two-course meal for approximately 60 guests, which is enjoyed later the same day at the Exodus Community facility.

In doing this, students, are demonstrating many Ignatian values, most notably Men and women for and with others. This act of service shows the generosity of spirit of the Year 11s, and I would like to thank Silvana Ammendola for the ‘behind the scenes' work that she has put in all year to make these lunches possible. Well done, Year 11 Food Studies students.

All students from Year 7-12 are welcome to attend Homework Club to access homework assistance in any subject. Staff will assist students as much as possible even if they don’t teach the subject for which students require assistance.

Here are the important details:

When?

Every Tuesday from 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Every Wednesday from 3:20pm - 4:20pm

Where?

The College Library (iCentre)

Who?

Teachers assisting are:

Tuesday:

Mr Kuhlmann, Ms Licciardo, Ms Belfiore, Mr Gasparini, Ms Dawborn, Mr Garzia

Wednesday:

Mr Lynch, Ms Stylli, Mr Stanton, Mr Cocks, Mr Garzia

Please make use of this fantastic opportunity - we can’t wait to welcome you!

The Visual Arts and Design Technology Areas are proud to present their annual Art & Design Show – showcasing the very talented work of our students from Years 7 to 12 – on Friday 8 November 2024.

Join us in the Cardoner Building to enjoy some light refreshments, view our displays and experience our interactive Art & Design workshop!

2024 Art & Design Show

Friday 8 November 2024

6:00pm – 8:00pm

FREE ENTRY!

Via SchoolTV: The Cost of Living Crisis

In our ever-changing economic landscape, parents and caregivers are increasingly faced with the task of broaching the subject of growing expenses with their children. While the instinct may be to shield young people from life’s challenges, there's a growing belief that addressing real-world issues, including financial uncertainties, can actually foster resilience and understanding. Striking a balance between protection and education is crucial for those looking to empower their children.

To effectively introduce the topic of finances, we need to be mindful of the timing and setting of the conversation. Using straightforward, age-appropriate language helps maintain transparency, and openly discussing adjustments to the family budget can carry significant weight. By encouraging children to participate in finding creative ways to save and make thoughtful spending choices, parents can nurture a sense of responsibility.

This Special Report offers a valuable opportunity to enhance children's financial literacy, equipping them with the resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCHOOLTV COST OF LIVING CRISIS REPORT

Cybersafety Part 10: Protecting Personal Data in the Digital Age

We live in a ‘Brave new [digital] world.’ How can you be sure that news items, social media feeds and advertisements you receive on your phone and browser are not part of a highly orchestrated attempt by state or private actors to influence your political or social views, not just your purchase preferences?

Governments across the world are concerned about the unprecedented volume of user information companies like Facebook and Google collect and the risk that this data could be monetised and used by third parties for targeted advertising or scams, or by nefarious actors to influence the political decision making of unsuspecting voters.

Australian and New Zealand governments would dearly like law enforcers to be able to police the algorithms companies like Facebook and Google use to determine what shows up in search results and newsfeeds, and be able to see the encrypted text messages exchanged between criminal organisations under investigation.

In this brave new digital age, our personal data is a commodity which we are increasingly forced to hand over to corporate interests in exchange for increasingly essential services. Our hapless selves are at one end, the data behemoths at the other, with our elected leaders floundering in the middle trying to stem the privacy degradation tide.

Adding to this concern, your mobile phone is possibly listening to your every word and sending back data that is being mined for targeted advertising. Or consider the Orwellian prospect that your digital footprint could, as is being experimented with in China, be used along with facial recognition technology to build a social credit registry. The system rewards with social benefits those who act as good citizens and takes social benefits away from those who are not deemed to be acting in the best interests of society.

Now add AI: the era of ‘deep fake’ impersonation for political, commercial or social gain, and the increased risk of data breach from your personally identifiable information (PII) being triangulated from disparate data sets (including prompts you add into generative AI apps like ChatGPT) by cyber criminals/state actors.

What can we do to protect the privacy of our personal data, some of which we have control over, but also other data that is gathered without our knowledge or consent? How can we protect ourselves against our personal data being harvested for social manipulation or commercial exploitation? Regulation and legislation are one part of the solution, but equally we need service providers to be good corporate citizens and enforce socially responsible rules.

Ultimately, it is up to us to develop our cyber awareness and think carefully before handing over our personal data when subscribing to online services, or when using generative AI apps to help us with our everyday domestic or professional tasks.

We wish to inform you of an amendment to the Music Program Agreement, effective from Semester 1, 2025. Please note the following updated clause:

Clause 12 – Make-Up Lessons

Make-up lessons are limited to a maximum of two (2) per semester for missed lessons due to unforeseen circumstances, where the music tutor has been notified directly by no later than 7:45am on the day of the given lesson. Notification of absence via the Loyola Absence Line WILL NOT be considered notification.

These updates will apply to all current and new students enrolled in the Music Program.

If you have any questions or concerns can be directed to the Performing Arts Department at music@loyola.vic.edu.au

Year 7 Parent Information Evening – Welcoming Our New Students

On Wednesday 30 October, we had the pleasure of welcoming 256 new Year 7 students for 2025 and their parents to our school community during the Year 7 Parent Information Evening. The evening began with presentations by various teachers, providing key information about the year ahead. Afterwards, students and their families broke out into their House groups, where they had the opportunity to meet their Head of House and start building connections. It was a wonderful evening, and we look forward to supporting our new students as they begin their journey with us at Loyola College.

Community Carols & Market

The Loyola Parents and Friends Association will be holding the annual Community Carols & Market event. Join us for a festive evening of fun, early Christmas shopping and celebration at our annual Community Carols & Market on Friday 29 November, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. There will be something for everyone, with food trucks, children's entertainment, and a variety of market stalls to explore. As the sun sets, gather in front of Old Loyola for an enchanting night of Christmas Carols presented by our students, capped off with a special visitor who’s sure to bring some holiday cheer! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the festive season with our community.

Loyola Parents and Friends Association – Final Meeting for 2024

The Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA) will hold its final Committee Meeting on Wednesday 6 November, at 7:00pm. This is a great opportunity for parents and friends to learn more about the activities of the Association and become involved in supporting our school community in 2025 and beyond. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact Monica Agius at lpfa@loyola.vic.edu.au or phone 9433 0228. We look forward to welcoming new faces and sharing our achievements of 2024.

Donation of Loyola Uniform

Thank you to all the families who generously donate second-hand uniforms throughout the year. As we prepare for 2025, we are now inviting donations of winter uniforms. If you have any items you no longer need, please leave them, washed and ready, at Reception. Your contributions help support families in need and are greatly appreciated. For more information, please contact Monica Agius at community@loyola.vic.edu.au or 9433 0228.

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-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

For Your Calendar:

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