As we farewell the Class of 2026 this week, we give thanks for the many ways these young people have enriched our Loyola community through their leadership, learning and service. One of the most powerful expressions of this has been their embodiment of the Ignatian spirit, where faith is put into action in accompaniment with others.

In the reflection below, our 2026 Christian Service Captains, Kevin Xiao (12/MSBR) and Angelique Robles (12/ATMV) share what these experiences have meant to them and how service has shaped their journey at Loyola. Their words offer a fitting tribute to a cohort that has sought to be true people for and with others.

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Year 12 has asked a great deal of us. It has been a year of early mornings and late nights, of practice exams and second attempts, of learning that effort does not always guarantee the outcome we hoped for, but always shapes the people we become. To think that in the flash of an eye, we are now clearing out lockers, signing each other’s jumpers and realising how many “lasts” we have already had without noticing.

Between it all were the moments that made it worthwhile: the laughter in the our Year 12 Retreat, the encouragement of teachers who believed in us before we believed in ourselves, and the friendships that turned a demanding year into a shared one.

As Christian Service Captains, we have been reminded that leadership is less about standing at the front and more about noticing who is standing at the edges. Loyola has taught us that our gifts are not ours alone, but are given to be shared, and that the measure of a life lies in how well we serve others. We hope our cohort leaves having made the College a little kinder than we found it, and we really look forward to watching the students who follow us carry that spirit even further, including our future captains, and the rest of Loyola's students.

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart... and He will direct your paths." To our families, teachers, and friends, thank you for walking beside us. We leave with gratitude for our time at Loyola, and hope that everyone will be able to experience a fulfilling journey in the future.

Raising Fathers by menALIVE

A menALIVE Raising Fathers evening has the potential to transform a father's approach to parenting. This has a powerful impact on the entire family and sets children up to become caring, engaged, and productive members of the community.

Want to be a better Dad?
There's a manual for everything these days except for the most crucial and influential role men play - Fatherhood!
With over 20 years' experience in engaging with men across Australia and NZ, menALIVE brings valuable insights and practical advice on fathering in the modern day.
These evening events are based on the book "Raising Fathers", co-authored by menALIVE co-founder Rob Falzon and 12 Australian men of varying backgrounds and ages, who share their collective, diverse experiences of fatherhood.
Practical advice
Unpack actionable insights to thrive amidst the challenges of fatherhood in today's world.
Powerful stories
Impactful, informative testimonies and stories of other fathers that resonate with your own challenges and joys of modern-day fatherhood.
Real discussions
Participate in candid conversations with other fathers and community leaders navigating the frontiers of contemporary fatherhood.
Inclusive invitation
Men and their parenting partners from all backgrounds are welcome. Please register via the QR code. Supper included on the night.

2027 Memorial Mass