Many of our Year 12 students have now successfully completed their examinations, while our Year 10 and 11 students are progressing steadily through their assessments. Year 8 and 9 students are preparing to begin their examinations soon. As we enter this critical phase of the term focused on assessments, it is important to note that once their examinations conclude, Year 10 and 11 students will begin their orientation for 2025 VCE studies. Additionally, Term Four tends to be a busy period as students wrap up their responsibilities and there are numerous opportunities to celebrate the achievements of the year.

Loyola Parents and Friends Association

On Wednesday, 6 November, the Loyola Parents and Friends Association held their Annual General Meeting. I congratulate the follow parents who have taken on roles within this Committee for 2025:

I would like to express my gratitude to the 2024 LPFA Committee for their dedication to fundraising, organising social activities and sponsoring Scholarships. The efforts of this committed group of parents (and friends) continues to foster strong community partnerships and creates an inclusive environment for everyone in our community.

Parent Thank-You Evening

On Tuesday, 12 November the College held its annual appreciation dinner to honour parents who have made significant contributions to our community through their volunteering efforts. Over 80 parents attended this event. We are fortunate at Loyola College to benefit from strong engagement within our parent body, which includes not only the contributions of the Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA), but also the School Advisory Council (SAC), Friends of Performing Arts (FOPA), the Partnership with Parents (PWP), Canteen Assistants, Homestay Families and numerous other tasks that work closely with our College and Community Engagement Assistant, Monica Agius in supporting our school community.

Parents interested in joining the active volunteer community at Loyola are encouraged to reach out to Monica for more information.

Loyola College Alumni Association

The Annual General Meeting of the Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 November at 7:00 pm in the College Boardroom. We recognise that many parents within our community are also Alumni, and we encourage those individuals to consider joining this exceptional team. At Loyola College, we are dedicated to fostering strong connections with our Alumni and warmly welcome past students from all graduating years. A diverse representation on our committee will enhance our outreach efforts, allowing us to connect with a larger Alumni network. This initiative not only benefits our former students but also enriches the experience of our current students.

School Advisory Council

The School Advisory Council (SAC) plays a vital advisory role in assisting the Principal with the strategic direction of the College. Participation in the SAC provides an opportunity to contribute support and guidance on various matters, including the College's Religious Education program, curriculum, enrolment, finance, school resources and facilities, and overall school improvement. The committee convenes eight times a year on Wednesday evenings. This year, we have experienced two resignations with one additional council member already appointed for 2025. There remains an open position on the Council. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an expression of interest to the Principal, Alison Leutchford, via email to the Principal’s Personal Assistant, Natalie Scott, at scottn@loyola.vic.edu.au by Friday, 22 November.

Forthcoming Events

The end of the year is fast approaching. I remind parents of the following community events:

Community Christmas Market and Carols Night: Friday, 29 November

Annual Awards Evening: Friday, 6 December

We look forward to seeing as many members of our community in attendance as is possible.

90 Years of Old Loyola

Monday, 16 December commemorates the ninety-year anniversary of the opening of our Old Loyola Building, which was completed in 1934. To celebrate this significant milestone, we have invited many Jesuits who trained at Old Loyola during its time as a Seminary to attend a Mass and a celebratory dinner. We are eager to welcome these individuals back into our community, honouring those who have lived and shared the Ignatian charism.

World Youth Day - Sunday, 24 November 2024

As we approach World Youth Day 2024, we are reminded of the powerful theme chosen for this year’s celebration: “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary” (Isaiah 40:31). This theme, inspired by the words of the prophet Isaiah, invites us to reflect on the enduring strength and hope that faith provides, especially in challenging times.

Pope Francis, in his message for World Youth Day, encourages young people to embrace life’s journey with hope and perseverance. He acknowledges the many challenges that youth face today, from social injustices to personal uncertainties, and offers a message of resilience and faith.

“Today, we too live in times marked by dramatic situations that generate despair and prevent us from looking to the future with serenity,” Pope Francis said. "Often the ones who pay the highest price are precisely young people. You sense the uncertainty of the future and are not sure about where your dreams will lead. In this way, you can be tempted to live without hope, as prisoners of boredom, depression and even be drawn to risk-taking and destructive behaviours."

However, the Pope’s message is one of encouragement and hope. He invites young people to see their lives as a pilgrimage, a journey towards greater fulfillment and happiness. "The solution to tiredness, oddly enough, is not to stand still and rest. It is to set out and become pilgrims of hope. This is my invitation to you: walk in hope!"

At Loyola College, we are committed to nurturing this spirit of hope and perseverance in our students. We encourage all members of our community to engage deeply with the theme of World Youth Day 2024. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on our own journeys, support one another, and find strength in our shared faith.

As we prepare for the celebrations, let us remember Pope Francis’s words: "Hope overcomes all weariness, every crisis and every worry. It gives us a powerful incentive to press forward, for it is a gift received from God himself."

We look forward to World Youth Day on November 24 and embracing the hope that it brings.

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.

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:

Letters and details of how to purchase has been issued to all parents. Thank you for your patience with the Officeworks link. It should now be up and running

Awards Evening:

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

Cybersafety Part 11: Back door threat actors trump even the strongest security

From the stealing of an important government official’s email account to some random person in cyberspace controlling your baby web cam, it is well understood amongst ICT security circles that almost every significant hack begins with exploiting a weakness on an end-point device.

Despite billions of dollars being spent globally on counter-cyber hacking measures, the strength of any chain of cyber security measures is only as strong as its weakest link, and there is usually no weaker link than the end user, and how they manage their digital device.

Major weaknesses on end-point devices include:

1. Weak passwords and easily guessed passwords. Worse still, using the same credentials across multiple devices.

2. Not keeping the anti-virus software up to date on all home and work network devices (i.e., not just computers, but also security cameras, baby web cams and network printers!).

3. Responding to emails that look legitimate and official, such as from your bank or the ATO, but which direct you to fake websites which ask you to enter your login and password.

4. Visiting pirate software/movies/music or unsecured (ie no HTTPS) websites, which have been infected with malware.

Threat Actors (ie hackers) use malware (malicious software) on infected computers to ‘scrape’ personal data, which they hope to use to gain access to a home, corporation or government network. Once inside the network, they may typically take several months (called ‘living off the land’) surreptitiously snooping around for valuable information, which they can sell on the Dark Web, or use to steal money out of credit card accounts, or use to steal Intellectual Property or other trade secrets in order to gain a competitive advantage.

So please be alert against being the weakest link in the cyber security chain when it comes to sensitive or personally identifiable data.

SPECIAL REPORT: Navigating AI Relationships

Despite governments globally moving towards raising the minimum age for social media access due to mounting concerns about the negative effects on youth mental health and wellbeing, there's now an even newer challenge on the horizon - the rise of romantic and companion AI bots. These virtual companions are becoming increasingly popular with young people, raising serious questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of relationships in the digital age.

The rise of AI-powered relationships is offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm.

Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. Researchers have also found that many adolescents are turning to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect real-life relationships.

As AI reshapes social dynamics, it's crucial to stay informed and engaged. While AI can enhance education and creativity, it also presents challenges around privacy, mental health, and misinformation. This Special Report will help you foster an open dialogue and balanced approach to help young people navigate this evolving digital landscape.

Click Here to Read This Fortnight's Special Report

Important Amendment to the Music Program Agreement

We wish to inform you of an amendment to the Music Program Agreement, effective from Semester 1 2025.

Please note that Clause 12 will be replaced with the following:

12. 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.

Please take the time to review the agreement as failure to withdraw a student from the program will be viewed as acceptance of the amendment.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Performing Arts Department at music@loyola.vic.edu.au.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), School Saving Bonus (SSB)

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 SSB of $400 will 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 applies:

• First time applicants: you have not applied previously and/or have recently been issued with a valid card.
• 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.

You can submit your application for 2025 by downloading the form here or by contacting the school office.

Loyola Parents and Friends Association

Thank you to the Loyola Parents and Friends Association for their hard work and support of the College throughout 2024. The LPFA held social events such as the Year 7 Family Get Together and the ever-popular Winery Tour, as well as supporting College events including Open Day, St Ignatius Day and the upcoming Community Carols and Market night. The major fundraising event for the year, Bogan Bingo, assisted the Association in their contribution of funds towards the purchase of a new piano for the Music Department and the extension of the Grimshaw Street Bus Stop to ensure student safety.

As we farewell and thank outgoing 2024 Vice President Claire Baker for her contribution to the Association 2019 – 2024, we wish Claire and her daughter Maddison (12/XJLT) all the very best as their time at Loyola College concludes. Thank you also to Priscilla Carrol and Andrea Ghastine for their work as Secretary and Assistant Secretary during 2024.

I would like to congratulate and introduce the continuing and new members to the LPFA Executive with whom I look forward to working towards another fun filled, successful year in 2025.

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 evening session 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.

Parent Thank You Dinner

The College hosted its annual Parent Thank You Dinner in the beautiful Old Loyola Courtyard last Tuesday, 12 November. The event was graciously led by our Principal, Mrs Alison Leutchford, as a gesture of appreciation for the dedication and time given by our parent volunteers throughout 2024.

Across the year, a multitude of programs, activities, and initiatives thrive due to the active involvement of our parent community. From assisting with events to supporting College activities and programs, our volunteers have been instrumental in enriching the experiences of our College community. We are grateful for all of our parent volunteers, and were pleased to share this special evening with 88 attendees who joined us for an evening of gratitude and celebration.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents who have contributed to the College this year, and we look forward to seeing many of you involved again in the year to come.

A special Congratulations to Pinella Lo Presti who was made a Life Member of the Loyola Parents and Friends Association. Pinella has been a committee member of the LPFA since 2019, assisting in all events and numerous activities of the Association. As Pinella finishes her time as a Parent member, with her daughter Eliza (12/XJAG) completing VCE, we are privileged to have her continued support as a Friend on the LPFA.

Host Families Required – Short Term Cultural Experience

We are currently looking for volunteer Host Families to welcome one of the twenty visiting students (aged 15-18 years) from Santa Laurensia School in Indonesia into their homes from 14-21 February 2025, helping these students have the opportunity to experience Australian family and school life by providing a home and buddy experience.

Whilst the short-term cultural experiences are a rewarding learning experience for the visiting students, we have also seen how host students and their families benefit from these programs. Hosting offers opportunities to learn about and experience another culture and improve language skills at the family level through the visiting student, as well as assisting guests with their speaking skills in English. Forming lifelong friendships is an added benefit to hosting. There have been many past host students and their families who have remained in contact with the visiting students and, in some cases, have even visited their host brother or sister during their own travels.

Interested families can contact Monica Agius at community@loyola.vic.edu.au or 9433 0228 for more information.

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 with 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