Ignatian Tradition
Annual College Theme
Each year the College proclaims a theme that taps into our Catholic Ignatian tradition. This theme becomes a practical focus for the College community to bring alive and enact our Christian heritage.
The theme for 2009 is "Teach us to give and not to count the cost".
This is based on a prayer attributed to St Ignatius, and proclaims the heart of the Christian message, selfless love and service to others.
College Prayer Life
At Loyola all staff members contribute to the Christian experiences provided by the College for our students, especially by their own personal witness to the Gospel.
Loyola’s religious education program provides a context which facilitates faith development. We realise of course that the family is the first educator of the child and that our efforts can only complement the faith that is nurtured in the home.
At Loyola all staff members contribute to the Christian experiences provided by the College for our students, especially by their own personal witness to the Gospel. Loyola’s religious education program provides a context which facilitates faith development. We realise of course that the family is the first educator of the child and that our efforts can only complement the faith that is nurtured in the home.
In the senior years students study VCE units on aspects of Catholic tradition and teaching. In Years 7 -10 Scripture, Prayer, Theology and Church teachings form an integrated foundation for the program with specific units on Sacraments, Church history, liturgy, prayer, social justice, personal development and decision making.
The Religious Education program is embedded in the day-to-day life of the school as a Christian Community. Regular class Masses, Reflection Days, Retreats and assistance for needy people encourage the integration of faith and life.
Ignatian Tradition
Distinctive characteristics of the Ignatian tradition include:
- commitment to a faith that does justice – awareness of needs of others and readiness to place one’s talents at their service
- personal concern for the whole life of each student
- development of a broad liberal education
- emphasis on critical thinking and effective communication
- striving for excellence
- pervading philosophy with emphasis on actions rather than words
- seeking out and doing what God is wanting a person to do in their lives
Loyola is a member of the Ignatian Network, a group of about 95 Jesuit and Non Jesuit schools in Australasia together with others worldwide that share the spiritual and educational philosophy of St. Ignatius of Loyola. As such it seeks to develop each student’s individual capacity for reflection including the search for God in all things.
We aspire to develop articulate, adaptable, discerning and confident graduates of conscience committed to living the values of Jesus Christ in a global community. (College Vision and Mission Statement 2008)
