House Athletics Carnival

On Monday 29 April, staff and students took the bus to the Meadowglen International Athletics Track for the annual House Athletics carnival. Lots of fun was had by all. Congratulations to Xavier House for winning the carnival. Xavier has now won both the House Swimming and Athletics. This is definitely testament to their team spirit and commitment.

I would like to thank Ms Jacqueline Wade (Director of Sport), and her team for the tireless work and organisation that went on in both the lead up to the carnival and on the day itself.

Anzac Day

On Wednesday 24 April, the College gathered around the flagpole to commemorate the contribution of all those who have served Australia (including those who died) in time of war and in war like conflicts. We welcomed Colin Brooks, Honourable Member for Bundoora, and Lieutenant Maria Gamble, who gave the Anzac Day address. I was very proud of our students, who were exceptionally respectful, showing that they fully understand the significance of this day for all Australians. I thank Mr Matthew Luczek (Director of Community and College Engagement) for his impeccable organisation of this event.

On Thursday 25 April, Mr Luczek and I accompanied college captains Noah Iozzo (12XEJS) and Shireen Yelburga (12XDMA) to the Watsonia RSL Anzac Day ceremony. Noah and Shireen presented with great poise and dignity as they laid a wreath on behalf of the college.

Xavier Maytime Fair

On Saturday 4 May, a number of our parents and students will be selling hot jam doughnuts at the Xavier Maytime Fair. The Maytime Fair is held at Xavier College on the first Saturday in May each year. This longstanding tradition has taken place since 1952 and raises funds to support Jesuit Mission’s outreach programs overseas.

All proceeds from the day go directly towards supporting at-risk communities in over ten countries in Asia and Africa, including Cambodia, Timor-Leste, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malawi and more.

The Fair will include entertainment for parents and children with a huge array of food, music, rides, arts and crafts, games, plant stalls, book stalls, a wine auction, sport, face painting, raffles, show bags and lots more.

Families are encouraged to go along and support the fair. I can personally vouch for the quality of the delicious hot jam treats!

Open Day

This coming Sunday 5 May the college will host the annual Open Day. We already have over 275 families registered to attend the day. Loyola remains the school of choice for many parents in the northern suburbs. Our applications and subsequent enrolments continue to be strong. However, we must not rest on our laurels. Open day is an important opportunity to promote the College. I thank the students who have made themselves available to be ambassadors/tour guides on the day. A reminder that students will finish at 2:45pm on Friday 3 May to give staff time to set up for Open Day.

Australia’s Best Teachers Campaign

A reminder that parents can nominate our teachers in the News Corp Australia’s best teachers’ campaign. Nominations can be submitted via the link below:

Nominate Teacher

Parent-Teacher Interviews (PTIs):

The purpose of these Interviews is to discuss the learning that has occurred so far this Semester and, in particular, look at the academic successes and challenges that your child may have encountered so far this year.

Dates & Times:

• Wednesday 15 May: 5:00pm to 8:00pm - Online through MS Teams (teachers will make contact with parent and student by ringing the student)
• Thursday 16 May: 2:00pm to 8:30pm - Face to Face at Loyola College (students dismissed at 1:15pm)

Bookings:

In response to parent feedback, Year 12 parents will get earlier access to bookings.  

• Open Wednesday 1 May at 7pm (Year 12)
• Open Thursday 2 May at 7pm (Years 7-11)
• Close Tuesday 14 May at 1pm (Years 7-12).

Venues:

• LCH (H032 on your booking list): All subjects with the exception of those listed below
• Portable Classrooms (T1-7 on your booking list): Maths & Science
• iCentre (L069 on your booking list): Humanities.

Appointments:

Appointments will last for 7 minutes with 2 minutes provided to move from one appointment to another.

If the occasion arises whereby parents / carers miss the 2-week window, then they are asked to contact the subject teacher directly. Please do not ask staff on reception to book appointments for you.

How You Can Prepare:

As we approach the scheduled PTIs, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your child's academic journey so far this year. Consider any questions or concerns you may have regarding their progress, as these PTIs provide an invaluable opportunity to address them directly with your child's teachers.

Clarification for Online Appointments (Wednesday 15 May 5:00pm – 8:00pm):

• Your interview schedule will be the same as it is when the interview is face to face.
• The interview will occur on MS Teams using your child’s Loyola account.
• At the scheduled time, the teacher will ring the student on their MS Teams account – please be available to receive the call.
• Cameras will be required to be switched on by the teacher and student/parent.
• If unanswered, the teacher will call for a second time during the designated appointment time.
• If the call is still unanswered, then the teacher will not attempt to call again.
• The student may message the teacher in the chat if they wish, explaining the reason for the absence. Depending on the reason, the teacher may call again.
• Interviews will last for 7 minutes with a 2-minute gap before the next one.
• We acknowledge some families have special circumstances. If both parents wish to attend these Conversations, we ask that you make one mutually agreed interview time.
• If you are unable to attend together, but both still wish to meet with your child's Subject Teacher, please make an alternative time directly with your child's Subject Teacher.

Semester One Examinations:

Following a review of the 2023 examination processes and procedures, it was agreed that Semester One examinations will only involve Years 9 and 10.

Years 8 & 11 will only have end of year examinations. The reasons for this decision was to better prepare our Year 11 students for their VCE examinations. Year 11 examinations will now replicate the Year 12 examination structure. Regarding Year 8, we now have a smother and more fluent transition from Year 7 (no examinations) to Year 9 (two examinations)

Dates for Year 9 and 10 examinations:

• Year 10 Exams: 19 - 27 June
• Year 9 Exams: 25 - 27 June

Year 9 - Application for Accelerated Subjects in 2025 Unit 1/2:

Whilst invitations and applications are not expected until Term 3, I thought it prudent to provide an overview to the community, as the invitation to Year 9 students is based on their Semester 1 assessment results. As a result, they only have the remainder of Term 2 to meet the criteria.

Overview for 2024 Year 9 students:

Acceleration requires demonstrated consistent high academic achievement and an ability to take on the demands of an accelerated subject. Therefore, a student will need to be committed to their studies, be well organised and able to meet deadlines.

Stages of the Acceleration Process:

1. Letter of invitation from the Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning to those students who meet the desired criteria of 5As (5 x 80%) (one of which has to be English) (75% for Enhanced / CLIL students)
2. Completion of Application Form
3. Completion of Acceleration Test
4. Invitation for a brief interview by the relevant Head of Learning
5. Students and parents informed of the outcome by Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning.

Students have been informed of this process at the beginning of the year.

Celebrating Mother’s Day: Reflecting on the Bond Between Jesus and Mary

As we approach Mother’s Day, a time dedicated to honouring maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society, it is a poignant moment to reflect on one of the most celebrated maternal relationships in history: that between Jesus Christ and His mother, Mary. This relationship not only provides a profound example of a mother’s love and sacrifice, but also offers valuable insights into the spiritual and emotional dimensions of motherhood.

Mary, often called the Blessed Virgin, holds a unique and revered position in Christian theology. Chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, Mary’s role was pivotal not just in the nativity story but throughout the life and ministry of Jesus. Her acceptance of her divine calling ("Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word," Luke 1:38) exemplifies deep faith and obedience to God's will, traits that every believer is encouraged to emulate.

The Gospels provide glimpses into Mary's enduring influence and support in Jesus’ life. From the moment of the Annunciation, through the miraculous birth in Bethlehem, and into His childhood and adult ministry, Mary was a constant figure. Notably, at the wedding at Cana, Mary prompts Jesus’ first miracle, subtly indicating her role in supporting her son’s mission (John 2:1-11). This interaction underscores the unique bond between them, highlighting how a mother’s intuition and encouragement can lead to significant moments in a child’s life.

This Mother’s Day, as we reflect on Mary’s life, we are reminded of the many sacrifices that mothers make for the wellbeing and success of their children. Mary’s story encourages us to appreciate and honour the strength, courage, and unconditional love that mothers exhibit daily. Whether navigating the challenges of daily caregiving or supporting significant life transitions, mothers play an irreplaceable role in shaping the lives of their children.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us draw inspiration from the life of Mary and recognise the sacred role of mothers everywhere. Let their examples of love, patience, and resilience inspire us to show gratitude and love for all that mothers do. Whether through a heartfelt note, a thoughtful gift, or a simple act of kindness, let us use this day to express our appreciation for the mothers in our lives, acknowledging their profound impact on our personal and spiritual journeys.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers in our community!

Year 9 Reflection Day – Tuesday 28 May

A reminder to Year 9 students and their families that the Reflection Day for the Year 9 cohort will occur on Tuesday 28 May. This is a compulsory school day for all Year 9 students. The day will be facilitated by Real Talk Australia. Real Talk provides relationships education. Based on Catholic Christian values, and incorporating personal sharing from our team of presenters, they provide up-to-date resources, presentations, and programs on these important topics.
More information will follow in a parent Consent2Go notification prior to the day.

Year Level Masses

This week, we have commenced our Year Level Masses for this year, as we welcomed Father Anthony Girolami from St Francis of Assisi, Mill Park, who celebrated the Eucharist with half of our Year 11 cohort, and Father John O’Connor from Our Lady of the Way, Kingsbury, who celebrated with half of our Year 10 student cohort. Each student will have a mass like this with their peers throughout the year. The Year 12 students have already had their masses on the Retreat during Activities Week, celebrated by Father Gerry Healy SJ. These masses are a more intimate way for our students to proudly live our Catholic identity as well as being an opportunity to communicate with God through prayer and the sacrament of communion. We sincerely thank all of our parish priests for their support of our liturgical program and in celebrating these masses with our students.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – CSEF

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) offered by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families by reducing the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities, included in the Loyola fees, has been increased to $250 annually.

Families that hold a valid means-tested concession card such as a Health Care Card or Pension Card, temporary foster parents as well as asylum seeker and refugee families may be eligible for the CSEF payment.

Please click here to access the CSEF application form or contact the school office to obtain a copy. For queries regarding eligibility, contact our Finance Department on 9433 0752.

Cybersafety Part 4: Student computers hijacked by Block Chain miners

The Australian education sector is known to be a focus for hundreds of international cyber threat actors.

School students in particular are a target because many spend much of their free time online gaming, meaning their computers are hooked into the Internet for lengthy periods.

Threat actors wishing to capitalise on this pool of online computing power place Block Chain mining software in gaming add-ons, which, once loaded on an unsuspecting gamer’s device, starts using their device to mine crypto currency. Crypto currency mining is a very expensive electrical process because it is very CPU and RAM intensive and requires many hours per day to complete. This chewing up of computer resources causes performance to lag, the fan to thrash constantly and the battery to drain much sooner!

If you are a gamer and your computer appears to be ‘going crazy’ when it’s supposed to be idle, consider the possibility of it being infected with Block Chain mining software! As per the ICT Acceptable Use Policy, student devices should only be used for educational purposes, not gaming.

Loyola College recently hosted year 9 STEM Day. In an ever-evolving world driven by innovation and technology, nurturing a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among students has become paramount. Recognising this imperative, Loyola College has taken a proactive approach by organising its annual Year 9 STEM Day, a vibrant event designed to ignite curiosity and inspire young minds.

One of the standout features of Year 9 STEM Day is its emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to engage in four out of 14 interactive workshops and activities. Whether it's coding, learning algorithms and programming robots or drones, solving the Escape room challenge, or designing rapid prototypes and testing them in a wind tunnel, participants are immersed in practical applications of STEM concepts.

Year 9 STEM Day serves as a window into the vast array of career opportunities within STEM fields. By interacting with our keynote speaker, Dr Robert Ross, students gain valuable insights into real-world applications of STEM disciplines. Dr Robert Ross is an Associate Professor in the Engineering Department at La Trobe University. Robert is head of Robotics and Electronics Research, founder of the RAMPS robotics lab and has developed a collection of robots to explore wombat burrows, prune grapevines and inspect sewers. Robert is also the inventor of an escape room decoder box designed for use in the classroom.

STEM education isn't just about memorising facts and formulas; it's about fostering a spirit of curiosity and nurturing creativity. Year 9 STEM Day encourages students to think outside the box, experiment fearlessly, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to innovation.

Beyond its immediate educational benefits, Year 9 STEM Day instils in students a passion for lifelong learning. By experiencing the excitement of discovery and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, participants develop a growth mindset that extends far beyond the confines of the event itself. They learn that in the dynamic world of STEM, there's always something new to explore, and every setback is an opportunity for growth.

Year 9 STEM Day at Loyola College is more than just a one-day event; it's a catalyst for transformative learning experiences that shape the future leaders of tomorrow. By fostering hands-on learning, encouraging collaboration, inspiring career exploration, cultivating curiosity and creativity, and empowering lifelong learning, the event equips students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly STEM-centric world. As we look towards the future, it's clear that initiatives like Year 9 STEM Day are instrumental in unlocking the full potential of our next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

Loyola College offers approximately 60 Co-curricular activities throughout the academic year.

Run by members of staff, these activities are conducted before school, at lunchtime or after school and aim to provide breadth in the programs on offer at the College, and education beyond the classroom. The Ignatian philosophy of ‘Education of the whole person’ is evident in the variety of experiences that students are offered in the College’s Co-curriculum Program.

Please see at this link, the Semester 1 Co-curriculum timetable.

All students are encouraged to stretch their imagination, make new friends and challenge themselves by participating in the College’s Co-curriculum program.

2024 Co Curriculum Timetable Student Version

Trauma Recovery

Trauma in children significantly disturbs their sense of safety and normalcy, leading to substantial emotional and behavioural changes. Such disturbances often result from exposure to traumatic events, which may be exacerbated by continuous media coverage. This exposure can trigger stress, anxiety, and trauma, with varying recovery timelines due to the unpredictable nature of trauma's impact. Observing young people grappling with these effects can be highly distressing for parents and caregivers.

It's important to establish a nurturing environment to help restore a child's sense of security and to help promote resilience. Active involvement in their recovery is essential, as is recognising the unique, personalised needs of each child in responding to trauma. Depending on their age, children may present with different symptoms, such as regressive behaviours in younger ones or withdrawal and agitation in older children and teens. It is important to monitor and manage the type of information children may access to reduce their emotional distress.

The brain stores traumatic events as powerful emotional memories, influencing behaviour through mechanisms beyond a child's conscious awareness. By providing young people with support and equipping them with coping mechanisms to handle uncertainty, parents and carers can greatly enhance a child's capacity to recover and build long-term emotional resilience.

This Special Report will help you identify a child experiencing trauma and how you can support them to overcome it.

Here is the link to your Special Report: https://loyola.vic.schooltv.me...

Hello Parents, Staff, Students and the wider College community. Our names are Emily Robertson and Rohan Wein and we are the 2024 Sport Captains at Loyola. This year we have been working alongside Ms Wade (Director of Sport) and our wonderful Vice Captains, Zara Violani and Liana Georgiev, to improve our sporting involvement/ commitment amongst the student body, exploring how we can make our trainings and competition more intense, enjoyable and team oriented.

This year we have had over 40 year 12s competing over the Summer and coming into the Winter season, which really portrays the growing love and commitment, not only to the sport but also to the team and friends made while competing. The Summer ACS season was most successful; we had 15 senior teams make semi-finals, and 5 played off in Grand Finals. The intermediate teams sit comfortably inside the top four with 20 of the 27 teams well placed to push for finals when the Summer season returns in Term Four. Year 7s made a solid start to their ACS careers with wins in their opening games for 10 of our 14 teams. Alongside the start of the ACS Summer season, we jumped straight into the Loyola Swimming carnival day which brought fun, laughter and a lot of competitiveness between Houses. It was also great to see Scarlett Siddles win the 2024 Jackson Car award in the final inter House race.

On Tuesday 12 March, the ACS Swim team competed at MSAC at the ACS Championships placing 6th. The team spirit was higher than ever before, both of us were so impressed by the support and team culture that was brought not only in the pool but from the whole squad on the sideline.

Coming into Winter season, trials have taken place and teams are being finalised ready and revving to go for round one. Our teams are looking stronger than ever with the help of our wonderful ACS coaches and staff.

On Monday 29 April, our annual Athletics Carnival was held at MeadowGlen Athletics track. It was great to see so many Loyola students from each House and year level stepping up and participating in as many events as possible.  It was also fantastic seeing all the Year 12s dressed in their House colours and enjoying their last Athletics Carnival at Loyola.  Congratulations to Xavier House for winning this year's carnival, followed by Chisholm in 2nd, Flynn in 3rd, MacKillop in 4th, Mannix in 5th, and McAuley in 6th place. Well done to all students who participated and brought the Loyola spirit, and an even bigger shout out to all the teachers, staff and coaches who helped make the day possible, and run as smoothly as possible.

We are so excited to see what is to come of the rest of the 2024 sports season and we are so thrilled to announce some up and coming changes/ additions we have been discussing amongst our leadership team.

Thank you for a wonderful start to 2024.

Emily and Rohan.

During the Easter Holidays, 20 lucky students embarked on a three week tour of Italy. Every city was beautiful; however, the breathtaking town of Assisi stole our hearts with its impeccable views, delicious dinner, and beautiful Basilica di San Francesco.

From the shopping in Florence to the picturesque canals of Venice and exploring countless churches, each moment was treasured. A highlight of the trip was staying with an Italian family for a week where we got to immerse ourselves in their culture, attending school, discovering local landmarks, and experiencing life with an Italian family all the while forging lifelong friendships with other students and our family.

It was a trip I will remember for the rest of my life.

Open Day

A reminder that Open Day will take place THIS Sunday, 5 May from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. This Day provides us with a great opportunity to welcome guests into our school and share with them all the things that make Loyola College special. If you know of family or friends who are interested in joining the Loyola College Community in the coming years, please advise them to register their attendance to this event online by clicking HERE.

Homestay Volunteers – Jesus Good Shepherd School, Philippines

We will be welcoming seven students from Jesus Good Shepherd School in the Philippines from 1- 15 September for a short-term cultural experience. For this program we will be looking for families to volunteer homestay accommodation for these students. The visiting students will shadow their host brother or sister at Loyola for the duration of the stay and host families may arrange outings for outside of school hours. These visits provide a rewarding learning experience for both guests and families, offering opportunities to learn about and experience culture, language and friendship.

Interested families should see the flyer below and contact Monica Agius for more information on 9433 0228 or email community@loyola.vic.edu.au

Maytime Fair

Xavier House and the Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA) will once again be supporting the Maytime Fair at Xavier College by running a hot jam donut stand. The Fair will also include entertainment for parents and children with a huge array of food, music, rides, arts, crafts, games, a wine auction, sport, face painting, showbags and more. This year’s Maytime Fair will be held on TOMORROW 4 May from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Proceeds from this annual event support Jesuit Missions and every year, Loyola College happily participates in this wonderful day. We look forward to seeing many Loyola families at the Fair – which always proves a fun day for all. Thank you to the parents and students who have volunteered to run the stall.    

https://loyola.vic.edu.au/admi...

The Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) will be hosting an Alumni Parent 'Bacon and Egg Brekkie' Friday, 31 May.

The invitation extends to former students who are now current parents at the College. 

Together with your child, you are welcome to join us for breakfast in the Loyola College Functions Room from 7:15am to 8:15am.

As a current parent and a past student, we understand that you share a unique and special bond - both with your child/children and within our Loyola College Community. It is our hope that enjoying breakfast together will allow you to share your own memories of our school with your son/daughter and embrace the legacy that your family continues to leave here at Loyola College.

To assist us with catering numbers, we ask that you please RSVP (regardless of your attendance status) via reply email by no later than Friday, 24 May 2024 to lcaa@loyola.vic.edu.au

Please Note: This invitation is extended both to yourself and your child/children however you are more than welcome to attend as an individual if you wish to do so. Additionally, there is no requirement for attendees to remain present for the duration of the breakfast should you require an early departure.