As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, I am delighted to share what has been a vibrant and faith filled beginning to the year at Loyola College. The energy across the campus has been unmistakable, students, staff, and families have embraced every opportunity to connect, celebrate, and grow together as one community.

A Warm Welcome to Our New Families

One of the highlights of our early weeks was the Year 7 Family Picnic, a cherished Loyola tradition. It was wonderful to welcome our newest students and their families as they begin their Loyola journey. The atmosphere was joyful and relaxed, with parents, guardians, siblings, and staff gathering on our beautiful grounds to share food, conversation, and the excitement of new beginnings. Events like this remind us that education is not a journey taken alone, it is strengthened by the partnership between school and family.

Year 12 Breakfast – Marking a Significant Milestone

Equally special was the Year 12 Breakfast, signalling the commencement of our senior students’ final year at the College. This cohort approaches 2026 with determination, hope, and a deep sense of responsibility. Gathering together in celebration allowed us to affirm their leadership and to encourage them as they step into their final chapter at Loyola. We look forward to supporting them academically, emotionally, and spiritually in the months ahead.

Opening School Mass – One Body, Many Stories

Our Opening College Mass provided a sacred and meaningful moment to launch the year. Celebrated by Fr Eka Tanaya SJ, who will be joining us as our school chaplain in 2026, the Mass centred on our College theme for the year: “One Body, Many Stories.” This theme acknowledges the diversity of experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that make Loyola so rich. Each student, each staff member, each family, every person. brings their own story to our community. While these stories are unique, they come together to form one united body: a faith-filled, compassionate, and inclusive College.

"One Body, Many Stories" reminds us that:
• We belong to something greater than ourselves
• Our differences strengthen our community
• Every individual’s story is valuable, dignified, and worth listening to

Fr Eka’s thoughtful reflections helped us enter the school year with gratitude and purpose, and we look forward to his ongoing connection with our College community.

Community in Action – The Biannual Car Show

Beyond school events, our wider Loyola community gathered for the biannual Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) Car Show, held on Friday 13 February. This much-loved event once again drew an impressive crowd of past and present students, families, staff, and friends of the College. The variety of vehicles on display, classic, custom, modern, and everything in between was matched only by the enthusiasm of those attending.

Those attending also remarked on how beautifully presented our gardens were, and we extend our gratitude to the Loyola College Gardening Team, led by David Kelly, for their ongoing dedication in maintaining our grounds so impeccably, truly admired by our students and all who visit.

Activities Week – Learning Beyond the Classroom

The week commencing Monday 2 March marks our annual Activities Week, a significant part of Loyola’s commitment to experiential learning. Throughout the week, students will take part in a range of incursions and off campus programs designed to challenge them, build resilience, and foster an outward looking perspective on the world. These experiences remind us that learning is so much more than being in a classroom. It is about developing independence, teamwork, problem solving skills, and a broader understanding of the community and environment around us. We are deeply grateful to our parents and guardians for their support of these programs, which play such an important role in shaping well-rounded, confident young people.

As we approach Activities Week, I want to emphasise the importance of full attendance and strong participation. These programs are not optional extras; they are carefully designed experiential learning opportunities that help students develop resilience and confidence. A significant amount of planning goes into organising these experiences, including coordination with external providers and the creation of programs that meaningfully extend learning beyond the classroom. It is essential that students attend, even if they may feel tired or hesitant, as allowing them to stay home “just this once” can quickly become habitual. Consistent attendance ensures they benefit fully from the rich offerings available, and it reinforces the message that every learning opportunity matters. We thank our families for their ongoing support in ensuring students are present, engaged, and ready to participate across the entire week.

Year 7 Life & Learning @ Loyola

Last week the College published our Year 7 Life & Learning @ Loyola session online in a new video format. The session was designed to further introduce our Year 7 parents to a number of key learning elements for life at Loyola whilst also discussing important school related matters such as attendance and our upcoming Camp.

Year 7 families who have not yet had a chance to view the video can do so at: https://bit.ly/4kAu0R1

Once you have viewed the session, families are encouraged to take our online quiz and go into the draw to win a $50 Gift Card at: https://bit.ly/46FxJqv

As we move forward, may we continue to support one another in ensuring our students embrace every opportunity, honour their responsibilities, and contribute their unique stories to the strength of our Loyola community.