As we approach the end of another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have shared. This year has been filled with achievements, challenges, and countless moments of growth and learning.

Orientation Classes

Students in Years 10 and 11 have recently completed their examinations and have commenced their Orientation classes. This year, Orientation has been extended to ten days. This early introduction to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) courses offers many benefits. Students will gain an overview of the subjects they will be studying in 2025, aiding their understanding of the expectations and requirements of each course. Orientation typically includes sessions on effective study techniques, time management, and exam preparation, all of which are vital for success in the VCE program. Additionally, it provides students with the opportunity to set academic and personal goals, fostering motivation and a clear direction for their studies. Orientation also introduces students to the resources available to them, such as libraries, online tools, and support services, which can enhance their learning and overall well-being.

Students progressing from Year 10 and 11 to Year 11 and 12 will receive holiday homework assignments. We encourage parents to engage with their children about these tasks and to provide necessary support as they complete the set work. This collaboration will help ensure that students return in the new year well-prepared and ready to succeed in their learning.

Year 8 and 9 Exams

Year 8 and 9 students will commence their examinations next week. As exams draw near, it is important that parents help students to manage stress effectively by encouraging them to engage in relaxing activities, stay active, and talk about their feelings. A calm and supportive home environment can make a big difference in their exam preparation. By providing a supportive and structured environment, parents can help their children navigate the challenges of exam preparation more effectively.

LPFA Christmas Market and Carols

Tonight the LPFA will host their annual Community Christmas Market and Carols event. Families are invited to attend and explore the diverse selection of gifts available for purchase. Additionally, a sound and light show will enhance the carol performances. The event will begin at 5:00 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together to support the Loyola College Parents and Friends Association who do so much for our school community.

Annual Awards Evening

A reminder to all families that our Annual Awards Evening is scheduled for Friday, 6 December. Invitations to award recipients have been sent out and we eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate the numerous achievements of the year, encompassing academic, co-curricular, leadership, and sporting accomplishments.

Ignatian Leadership.

Next week, Loyola College will be hosting the annual Ignatian Leadership Training Seminar for our senior student leaders. Eight schools from the Jesuit and Companion Schools Australasia (JACSA) will be represented. Mr. Adam Calderone, Deputy Principal for Ignatian Mission and Identity, will coordinate the program with the objective of helping students understand the essence of being an Ignatian leader, grounded in the values and teachings of St. Ignatius.

I wish all families well in the coming weeks and look forward to seeing many of you at the carols or awards evening.

ADVENT

As we approach the season of Advent, we are reminded of the profound significance this time holds in our Catholic tradition. Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is a period of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year and invites us to reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

At Loyola College, we strive to instill these values in our students, helping them navigate the complexities of the modern world with faith and resilience. Advent is not just a time for religious observance, but also an opportunity for personal and communal growth. Here’s how this season relates to your children and the broader school community:

A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Advent encourages us to pause and reflect on our lives. In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, this season offers a chance to slow down and contemplate what truly matters. For our students, it is a time to consider their actions, relationships, and goals. We encourage them to think about how they can embody the spirit of Advent in their daily lives, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.

Building a Community of Hope and Support

The themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—are foundational to creating a supportive and nurturing school environment. As parents, you play a crucial role in reinforcing these values at home. By engaging in family traditions, such as lighting the Advent wreath or sharing daily reflections, you help your children understand the importance of these virtues. Together, we can build a community that supports each other through challenges and celebrates each other’s successes.

Preparing for the Future with Faith

Advent is a time of preparation, not just for Christmas, but for the future. In a world filled with uncertainties, our faith provides a steadfast foundation. We teach our students to look forward with hope, trusting in God’s plan for them. This perspective is essential as they face academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal growth. By nurturing their spiritual development, we equip them with the resilience to navigate life’s complexities.

Embracing the Joy of Giving

One of the most beautiful aspects of Advent is the emphasis on giving. Whether through acts of kindness, community service, or simply being present for one another, we encourage our students to embrace the joy of giving. This practice not only enriches their lives but also strengthens our school community. As parents, your example of generosity and compassion is invaluable in teaching these lessons.

Finding Peace in a Busy World

Finally, Advent reminds us of the importance of peace. In the midst of busy schedules and numerous commitments, finding moments of peace can be challenging. We encourage our students to seek balance and mindfulness, practices that can help them manage stress and maintain well-being. As a school, we are committed to providing a supportive environment where every student feels valued and heard.

As we journey through Advent, let us come together as a community to support our students in their spiritual and personal growth. May this season be a time of renewal and joy for all of us, and may we carry the light of Christ into the new year.

Wishing you a blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas season.

End-of-Year Examinations (Year 8-9):

Dates and supporting information for our final end-of-year examinations 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 an exemption.

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 commenced last week and will run until Thursday, 5 December. Students are reminded that any subject change requests are required to be submitted in person to Mrs. Bosco by Friday, 6 December.

Booklist Provider:

Families are reminded that all 2025 Booklist orders are to be submitted online via Box of Books by no later than Sunday, 8 December.

Awards Evening:

Our annual Awards Evening will be held on Friday 6 December at 7pm in the Loyola Companions Hall. Invitations have now been sent to all recipients and we look forward to celebrating another year of achievement together in Loyola Companions Hall at this event.

Toorong Marnong's ATAR hotline is now available for Koorie Students. Staffed by Indigenous academics and university support staff, our 24/7 hotline is here to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding your pathway into university.

You can contact us for:

- VTAC applications.

- Change of preference.

- Course planning.

- Pathway options.

- Information about Indigenous Support Units at universities.

- Overall advice.

For any questions or support needs about your university pathway, contact us at 1800 862 827 or email us at toorongmarnong@gmail.com 

The Art and Design Show on November 8th was a spectacular event that drew a large crowd eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere. The night was filled with music, delicious food, and most importantly, the incredible artwork created by talented students. Each piece captivated the audience with its creativity and storytelling.

The highlight of the evening was the interaction between the artists and the attendees. Students passionately explaining the inspiration behind their works made the event more than just an art show – it was a celebration of creativity and community. The Art and Design Show was a resounding success, leaving everyone excited for what these young artists will create next.

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.

Head in the ‘Clouds’ a Privacy Risk

At Loyola College all personal information, such as staff and parent/guardian contact information and student medical details, is stored only in Australia, both on onsite servers and redundantly on backup servers hosted externally to the College. The College also periodically reviews its privacy provisions to ensure it complies with its legal obligations.

In the interests of keeping parents/guardians informed about privacy issues that may impact family members, I would like to draw attention to the following concerns in relation to signing up for Cloud services, including email and social media services:

1. Take the time to read the site’s Privacy Policy, as it should describe how the organisation will use personal information and stipulate what steps the organisation will take to protect said information.

2. Determine in which jurisdiction(s)/countries personal information will be stored, as this impacts on the level of protection afforded to that information. Specifically:

• In Australia, as in many other countries, the Australian Privacy Provisions (APP) governs how data is controlled and processed.
• Some countries have stronger privacy regimes than others. For instance, the European Union and New Zealand afford the strongest protections for personal information. Next comes Australia. Unfortunately, the United States, home to Google Inc (Gmail), Apple and Facebook, due to its Patriot Act (anti-terrorism legislation) it does not provide as strong a privacy regime as does the EU, NZ or Australia. Although Google will ‘self-certify’ under Safe Harbour Principles, there are no guarantees that an Australian’s personal information held by Google will be protected to the same level compared to data that is stored in Australia.
• In some cases, it may be possible to request that personal information be stored in Australia; both Microsoft and Amazon allow this for some services.

So, when signing up for Cloud services, don’t have your ‘head in the clouds’ in relation to the protection of your private data. Take the time to read up on how the site deals with your privacy: if the organisation does not provide adequate protection for it, then think twice before signing up!

Community Christmas Market & Carols

TONIGHT!

• Food Trucks
• Christmas Market
• Children’s Entertainment – Magician
• ‘Good As New’ Uniform Sale
• Christmas Carols

A heartfelt, advanced thank you goes to the many students, staff, and LPFA volunteers who have volunteered their time in preparation for tonight’s event and who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your hard work and dedication brings the community together in celebration of this special time of year.

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; and to give these students 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 English speaking skills. 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 donated second-hand uniforms throughout the year. As we prepare for 2025, we are accepting donations of washed uniforms. If you have any items you no longer need, please leave them 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.

Please note that we are no longer able to accept the old style Sport uniform.

Appreciations and Acknowledgements

Parent Volunteers

As the year draws to a close, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the many parent volunteers who generously give their time and talents to support our College community.

Whether it’s through involvement in the Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA), the Partnership With Parents (PWP) program, sorting uniforms, preparing folders for promotional events, or countless other contributions, our volunteers make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families.

Your efforts help to create a vibrant, welcoming, and collaborative environment that reflects the values of Justice, Mercy, and Faith. Through your hard work and dedication, you not only support our events and initiatives but also help strengthen the spirit of community that makes our College truly special.

Local Business Support

Thank you to the following businesses who have so generously supported the Loyola Parents and Friends Association throughout 2024. These local businesses kindly donated prizes and vouchers which were used for raffles and prizes at the Bogan Bingo and Community Christmas Market & Carols events. Loyola College is fortunate to have the support of the local community in our fundraising activities. Thank you also to Lou Taneski who leads our parent volunteers on LPFA in sourcing these donations.

2024 Entertainment Guide – Great Christmas Gift Idea

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

Wishing all families a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy start to 2025.