Ignatian Newsletter: 2025 - Edition #11

From The Principal

Written by
Alison Leutchford
Principal

The first week of Term Three started with lots of fun and excitement with the Shrek performance season.

The show did not disappoint. It was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and teamwork of our school community. From the vibrant costumes and imaginative set design to the energetic choreography and heartfelt acting, every element of the production demonstrated an excellent standard. Students brought beloved characters to life with confidence and charm, while staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure each show ran smoothly. The enthusiastic support from families and the wider community added to the celebratory atmosphere. Congratulations to everyone involved for delivering a truly magical and memorable theatrical experience!

St Ignatius Day

I would like to express my gratitude to our community for their support of St. Ignatius Day 2025. Once again, the day was meaningful and memorable for all participants.

The day commenced with a mass celebrated by Fr. Desmond Dwyer SJ, with concelebration by Fr. Paul Mullins SJ, Fr. Michael Ryan SJ, and Fr. John Vespa. It was a true privilege to have three Jesuit priests present on the occasion that celebrates the legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius holds profound significance for the Jesuits, as he is their founder and the spiritual architect of their mission and identity.

We were also honoured to have Fr. John Vespa with us for the mass. Fr. John was recently ordained by Pope Leo at the Vatican in Rome. A local alumnus of St. Mary’s Greensborough and Parade College, he has dedicated his life to faith and service. We hope that Fr John will be a regular visitor in our community.

We are particularly proud of our students, who approached the fundraising initiative with enthusiasm and commitment. Their dedication and the purpose behind the fundraising reflect the values and spirit of St. Ignatius, which we strive to cultivate at Loyola. I commend our students for their generosity and effort; over $60,000 has been raised for our House charities.

Fostering a sense of community and purpose lies at the core of our mission, and it is deeply rewarding to see the positive and lasting impact of St. Ignatius Day.

I would like to thank Mr. Luczek, Director of College and Community Engagement, Ms. Agius, College and Community Engagement Assistant, and Mrs. Lauren Hartigan, Director of Operations, for their diligent work and organisation leading up to the event.

Additionally, I extend my appreciation to Mrs. Jennifer Taylor, Director of Music, and Mr. Matthew Thomas, Head of Performing Arts, for their outstanding musical contributions to the liturgy and for coordinating an exceptional concert that showcased the talents of our amazing Performing Arts students.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parents should have recently received details regarding our upcoming Parent-Teacher Interviews, scheduled for 14th August (face-to-face) and 4th September (online). We encourage parents to take advantage of these opportunities to engage with our teaching staff.

Please note that there may be some ACS matches on Thursday, 14th August; however, all teachers will be available to meet with parents during this time.

These interviews provide an excellent opportunity for parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of their child's academic progress, social development, and emotional well-being. Teachers will be able to highlight strengths and discuss areas where additional support may be beneficial. As such, I encourage all parents to take full advantage of the interviews.

LPFA Trivia Night

I look forward to engaging with members of our parent community at the upcoming LPFA Trivia Night on Saturday, 9 August. I would like to thank the LPFA members for their efforts in organising this event. It presents a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with one another and with the school and to take on members of the College Consult in trivia.