As we reach the conclusion of a busy and rewarding Term 3, I would like to reflect on the many achievements, celebrations and opportunities that have taken place over the past fortnight.

ACS All Stars

One of the highlights of the term was our participation in the ACS All Stars Event on Wednesday, 9 September. This annual event celebrates and showcases the outstanding talent, commitment and achievements of senior student athletes from across the ACS Competition. We congratulate all Loyola students who were selected in the ACS All Stars teams, recognising their commitment to teamwork, sportsmanship and excellence in their chosen sports.

Students Reign Supreme on the Sporting Stage

The Loyola Student Council facilitated the always-anticipated Staff vs Student Football Match and in addition, we introduced a new Staff vs Student Basketball Match, which brought our community together in a wonderful spirit of friendly competition and fun. These events highlighted the positive relationships that exist between staff and students and generated plenty of enthusiasm, laughter and school spirit. Such occasions remind us that a thriving school community is built not only through academic achievement, but also through shared experiences and meaningful connections. Both matches were won by the students, much to the disappointment of our determined staff.

The World’s Greatest Shave

Another significant highlight of the term was the incredible success of our World's Greatest Shave event. Through the generosity and commitment of our students, staff and families, the College community raised an outstanding $15,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. It was a wonderful event that combined great fun with a meaningful cause, demonstrating our commitment to being people for and with others. We thank our student social justice portfolios and the student leaders whose hard work and enthusiasm helped make this initiative such a success. Their efforts reflect the Ignatian values of compassion, service and solidarity with those in need.

Commitment to Best Teaching Practice

Monday, 7 September provided our staff with an exceptional professional learning opportunity through the visit of internationally renowned educational consultant Tom Sherrington. His work on instructional coaching and WalkThrus reinforced our commitment to best teaching practice and challenged us to continue striving for excellence in learning and teaching. I would like to sincerely thank Kathryn Wilson, Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning, and Jacqui Di Stefano, Acting Director of Learning, for their organisation of this wonderful opportunity. They ensured that staff were able to engage deeply with current educational research and practice. We were particularly honoured to be the only Catholic secondary school visited by Tom during his time in Victoria, and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from his expertise and insights.

Clucking into Sustainability

Our commitment to caring for creation also reached an exciting milestone this term. Thanks to the excellent work of Natalie Buser, (Sustainability Coordinator), and the members of the Sustainability Club, Loyola now has its very own chickens, housed behind Old Loyola. We are delighted to welcome Gertrude McFuzz, Nugget, Dolly Part-hen, Tyrannosaurus Pecks, Hei Hei and Chikira to the Loyola Community. This initiative provides students with practical opportunities to engage with sustainability while fostering a deeper appreciation of stewardship and responsibility for our common home. We thank Natalie and the Sustainability Club for their vision, energy and ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability at the College.

Congratulations to 2027 College Captains

Term 3 is also a significant time in the College calendar as we appoint student leaders for the year ahead. In the Ignatian tradition, leadership is viewed not as a position of privilege but as a call to service. It asks young people to lead with humility, integrity, courage and a commitment to the common good. It is therefore with great pleasure that I congratulate our 2027 College Captains, Ava Reckerman (11/KAST) and Patrick Quinn (11/CMBM). Ava and Patrick have demonstrated a strong commitment to the values of Loyola and a genuine desire to serve others. I am confident that they will lead our community with generosity, wisdom and enthusiasm, inspiring their peers through both their words and actions. We wish them every success as they prepare to undertake this important responsibility.

At the same time, I would like to acknowledge and thank our outgoing College Captains, Simon Adi-Purnomo (12/AAAM) and Angelina Badawi (12/ADFE) as they near the completion of their leadership tenure. They have done an amazing job representing Loyola College. Through their leadership, they have strengthened our community, championed student voice and modelled what Ignatian leadership looks like in practice. We are deeply grateful for their service and the positive contribution they have made to the College. As they prepare for the next chapter of their lives, we wish them every success and happiness in the future.

As one chapter closes and another begins, we also take this opportunity to farewell Anne Musgrove who has been employed at the College for 40 years. Anne's contribution to the College has been greatly valued, and she has touched the lives of many through her professionalism and care. On behalf of the entire Loyola community, I thank Anne for her service and wish her every blessing and success in the next stage of her journey.

As we conclude Term 3, I extend my sincere thanks to our students, staff and families for their ongoing support and partnership The achievements of this term are a testament to the generosity, talent and spirit that define our Loyola community.

In the spirit of St Ignatius, may the upcoming break provide opportunities for reflection, renewal and gratitude. I wish all members of our Loyola community a safe, restful and well-deserved holiday, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting and successful Term 4.