We are just over halfway through our eleven-week term, and it has been a whirlwind of activity! The busy term has seen remarkable progress in academic endeavours, sports, and co-curricular activities, reflecting our commitment to holistic education and the development of each individual's unique gifts. A wide range of opportunities has been offered to students, many of which are outlined in this edition of the Ignatian.

Open Day

Open Day took place on Sunday, 18 May from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. This day provided a great opportunity to welcome guests into our school and share with them all the things that make Loyola College special. Over 350 families attended the event. This is promising for future enrolments. I would like to thank the Loyola Parents and Friends (LPFA) who facilitated a sausage sizzle to welcome prospective students and their families, the student tour guides who gave up their time to showcase our wonderful facilities and Mr Matthew Luczek, Director of College and Community Engagement, who did a fabulous job in organising the event.

Strategic Thinking

Our co-curricular program is extensive and designed to cultivate the talents of all students. Earlier this week, students participated in the ACS Chess Competition and the Ethics Olympiad. Both activities promote strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, which are valuable both academically and in everyday life.

The Ethics Olympiad poses ethical dilemmas to groups of students and develops skill sin critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

A team of Loyola College students participated in the ACS Chess Competition. Loyola College was awarded a gold medal for Kevin Xiao 11 M/SBR and a bronze medal for Lachlan Pritchard 11 C/JBO in recognition of their outstanding individual performance, aside from the first, second, and third teams. These students are expected to be invited to the upcoming state finals. Kevin achieved a fourth-place finish overall, while Lachlan secured the thirteenth position out of seventy-seven participants. Playing chess helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, patience, concentration, planning, emotional intelligence, and resilience, all skills that support classroom learning.

Interschool (ACS) Athletics

On Monday, 26 May, students and staff travelled to Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park to participate in the annual ACS Athletics competition. The school finished in sixth place out of eight participating schools. There were numerous outstanding individual and team performances throughout the event. Special recognition is warranted for the Year 7 boys, who were awarded a pennant in acknowledgment of their success in the competition. The school's spirit was strong as students cheered enthusiastically, encouraging their peers to excel at the athletics carnival.

Performing Arts

Throughout Term Two, our Drama, Theatre, and Dance students have delivered impressive performances at the Magis Performing Arts Centre (MPAC). The Year 12 Theatre class presented an exceptional production of the musical play The Drowsy Chaperone. The Year 12 Drama students delivered compelling monologues to an engaged audience, and our Dance students displayed a diverse array of styles and choreography in a memorable dance concert.

The music students departed on Thursday for Music Camp in Healesville, and select students were earlier invited to represent the college at Generations in Jazz in Mount Macedon. The students who attended the festival described the festival as thrilling, with opportunities to listen to top big bands like Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band The event provided a unique chance for students to develop their musical skills, resilience, and leadership abilities.

Illness

A significant number of staff and students are currently experiencing illness. To help prevent the spread of infection, students are kindly reminded to maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water and using hand sanitizer as needed. Additionally, practicing social distancing, wearing masks in crowded areas, and staying home when feeling unwell can greatly reduce the risk of transmission. We appreciate the support of parents in promoting these practices and hope for the continued well-being of all.