As we near the conclusion of the 2024 academic year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the productive and meaningful experiences we have shared. This period is an ideal opportunity to express gratitude and celebrate the achievements and growth of our school community.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our dedicated teachers and staff. Their steadfast commitment to our students' education and well-being is truly commendable.

To our students, your hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm have significantly contributed to making this year exceptional. Your talents and resilience continue to impress us all.

To our parents and guardians, your support and involvement are invaluable. You play an essential role in our community, and we are grateful for your collaboration in nurturing and enriching the environment for our students.

As we celebrate the festive season, let us remember the values of kindness, generosity, and compassion. Whether spending time with family, assisting those in need, or enjoying a well-deserved break, I hope this holiday season brings all members of our community joy and peace.

May the Christmas season be filled with warmth, love, and happiness for you and your loved ones.

Wishing you all a blessed and Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

I look forward to seeing everyone revitalized and prepared for another successful year in January 2025. A list of important Term One dates has been added to the bottom of this Newsletter.

VCE Results 2024

Yesterday morning, our 2024 VCE results were announced. I would like to extend my congratulations to the students who have been awarded DUX and Proxime at Loyola College for 2024. Further analysis of the 2024 data will be provided to parents at a later date.

Awards Evening

On Friday, 6 December, our College celebrated its Annual Awards Evening. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making our Awards Evening a resounding success. It was a night filled with celebration, recognition, and joy, and it would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our wonderful school community. I would like to thank Mr Matthew Luczek, Director of College and Community Engagement and Ms Monica Agius, College and Community Engagement Assistant for their tireless efforts and organisation.

I congratulate all award winners. Students were commended for their outstanding achievements in a number of fields including leadership, service, academic, co-curriculum and sport. It was a privilege to celebrate student success, hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Our guest speaker for the evening was Kathryn Schuck (L: 98-03). Kathryn is accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as a Specialist in Family Law. She holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Legal Studies, and a Master of Laws (Applied Law) with a specialization in Family Law. In 2019, Kathryn established the practice now known as Inclusive Family Law and Mediation, where she currently advocates for the best interests of children in complex family law disputes. While we take great pride in Kathryn’s numerous professional achievements, we are even more proud of the person she has become - kind and true to herself.

A transcript of Kathryn’s tips for success beyond Loyola College will be included later in this Newsletter. They are certainly worth reading!

As we continue through the season of Advent, we are filled with anticipation and joy. Advent is a time of preparation, reflection, and hope as we await the celebration of Christmas. It is a season that invites us to pause and consider the deeper meaning of this special time of year.

Reflection and Preparation

Advent is a period of four weeks leading up to Christmas, each week marked by the lighting of a candle on the Advent wreath. These candles symbolise hope, peace, joy, and love. At Loyola, we encourage our community to take this time to reflect on these values and how they can be embodied in our daily lives. Whether through acts of kindness, moments of quiet reflection, or participating in community service, there are many ways to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.

Community and Celebration

This year, our Advent celebrations have included special masses, prayer, and opportunities for students and staff to engage in charitable activities. We will also hosted a Christmas Carols concert and event, showcasing the talents of our students and bringing festive cheer to all. These events are not only a chance to celebrate but also to come together as a community, supporting one another and spreading the joy of the season.

A Message of Hope

In a world that often feels uncertain, Advent reminds us of the hope that Christmas brings. It is a time to look forward with optimism and faith, knowing that the light of Christ is coming into the world. Let us carry this hope in our hearts and share it with those around us, making a positive impact in our school and beyond.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our community who has donated to our annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Your generosity and giving during this Christmas season has been greatly appreciated by the local Vinnies chapter and will go a long way to make Christmas a joyous occasion for those who would ordinarily do without.

THANK YOU!

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

As we journey through Advent and approach Christmas, I extend my warmest wishes to all members of the Loyola College community. May this season be filled with peace, joy, and love. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your families!

On Friday, 6 December, Loyola College had the privilege of welcoming former student Kathryn Schuck (L: 98-03) as our Guest of Honour for the 2024 Loyola College Awards Ceremony.

In 2019, Kathryn established the practice now known as Inclusive Family Law and Mediation - where she currently holds the position of Director Principal. In addition to her own practice, Kathryn recently joined The Separation Guide, where she works as a Mediator guiding couples through the separation process.

Kathryn is a speaker, trainer, and a social justice advocate. She is a proud member of the Law Institute of Victoria, the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, the Resolution Institute, Victorian Women Lawyers, Pacifica Congress, and the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators.

During her Occasional Address, Kathryn reflected on her Senior Year House Public Speaking Grand Final (2003) - where her topic was 'Top Tips on Surviving Life at Loyola College'. It featured some interesting student advice about how to work the new drinks machine at the bottom of the B Block stairs to ensure you get the best chocolate milk, and other equally helpful practical advice for students!

Over 20 years later, upon her return to our school, she presented what she believed to be her 8 top tips on surviving life AFTER Loyola College:

EMBRACE OPPORTUNITIES

Life will provide you with many opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and to try new things. You won’t always be the best at everything you do, but you will grow and learn. And often the journey is far more important than the destination.

BE RESPECTFULLY CURIOUS

About people, about places, about things. Take the time to learn about and from others, and to develop genuine connections.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO LIFT YOU UP

Success is not an individual pursuit, but rather a team effort. There is no award for doing everything yourself and for suffering under the weight of things that are heavy. We all need supportive people around us, cheering us on as we navigate life.

ADVOCATE

For your needs and (if you have the capacity and opportunity to do so) for those who cannot advocate for themselves. If you are fortunate to be in a position of privilege, contribute what you can to creating positive and meaningful change.

BE PROUD

Of the person you are. Of your achievements and of your skills. Of your strengths and of the obstacles you have overcome. Don’t be ashamed of failure. Because failure is necessary for growth.

HAVE COMPASSION

For yourself and for others. Life isn’t always easy. When you make mistakes, which you will, acknowledge your mistakes, and learn from them.

BE KIND

Be kind to others. To your classmates, to your teachers, to your siblings, to your parents. To the people who you encounter when going about your life. Don’t let the world tell you that you need to be ruthless or aggressive to succeed.

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

Take the time to discover what you are truly passionate about. Whether it is academic, creative, active or something completely unique. Find what makes you, you and what makes you happy. And NEVER compromise your morals or values.

We take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kathryn for her support of this year's Awards Ceremony.