'Behind the Magis' provides us with an opportunity to introduce you to some of the amazing staff members who help make Loyola College such a welcoming, supportive and thriving place to learn and grow. These profiles offer a glimpse into the stories, passions and personalities of staff members working behind the scenes to support our school community, empowering our students to 'Strive for the Magis' each and every day.

Alanah Eade
Acting Head of Information Services
2024 - Present

Can you tell us a little about your role at Loyola College?

I've worked at Loyola College since 2024, usually as a Librarian but this year I am acting in the Head of Information Services role.

As part of my role I take Years 7-9 Recreational Reading classes where I recommend our students books and assist them with their year level reading challenges. I lead the team of Library Staff in the iCentre and ensure that everything is running smoothly for our staff and students. I also work closely with the English Faculty to ensure that our reading classes are relevant and interesting to our students.

I also assist and manage Book Week celebrations which over the past two years has seen our Library Team create two Escape Room challenges for students and staff which was very fun.

What does a normal day at Loyola College look like in your role?

I help to supervise the Library at Recess and Lunchtime and answer questions at the Library Front Desk. Additionally, days may include one or more of our Years 7-9 Recreational Reading classes alongside our English Teachers, and 'Book Chats' with students that focus on what they've been reading recently so that they can log these books for their respective year level challenges.

I often get to recommend books to staff and students who visit the Library and one of my favourite parts of this job is purchasing books for our Library collection. 

We're a very busy and lively place in the school. Gone are the days of the Library being silent, so that means every day holds something different!

What do you enjoy most about your work at Loyola College?

The best part of my job is talking to staff and students about books and reading. I have a few regular visitors to the Library who come to me for recommendations and to talk about what they've recently read. It brings me a lot of joy when someone takes a book that I've chosen for them and they come back and tell me that they loved it.

It's also a great feeling to be surrounded by people who equally love reading and talking about books. The Library Team are the best and we enjoy discussing our latest reads.

If you could choose any dinner guest (outside of immediate family or friends), who would they be and why?

I would choose Caroline O'Donoghue. She's an Irish Author, Columnist and Podcaster. I'm a big fan of Caroline's writing. Her book 'The Rachel Incident' is one of the best books I've ever read. She also has a Podcast called 'Sentimental Garbage' which is described as a Podcast about 'the culture we love that society sometimes makes us feel ashamed of'. I think she's a smart, funny and accomplished woman and we would have a blast at a dinner party discussing books and pop culture.

What is something people may not know about you that you would like to share?

My fun fact is that I'm a Baker in my spare time! I love baking and decorating layer cakes and am making the wedding cake for a family-friend later this year!