We are extremely proud to report that three of our Loyola College students have earned a remarkable opportunity to represent Australia on the global stage, after being selected to attend the International Standards Olympiad in Seoul, South Korea this August, supported by Australia’s national standards body, Standards Australia.

The Olympiad, hosted by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards and organised by the Korean Standards Association, brings together high-achieving secondary students from around the world to explore the role of standards in everyday life and to compete in the development of new international benchmarks. Across the three-day program, students will take part in collaborative standard-writing challenges, presentations, and formal Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Loyola College proudly entered both a Junior and Senior Team into the national selection process, competing against leading schools from across the country. Both teams progressed to the final stage, where students were required to present and interview before a panel of Standards Australia’s judges. While our Senior team performed strongly, it would be our Juniors that ultimately stood out, impressing judges with their insight, collaboration and innovation.

As a result, the team of Sebastian Parisella, Noah King-Barradas and Isaac Schembri have been selected as one of only two teams across the country to represent Australia at the Olympiad, earning an all-expenses-paid trip to Seoul. This outstanding achievement places the students among an elite group of young thinkers contributing to real-world problem solving on an international scale.

When reflecting on their journey, the students highlighted both the excitement and significance of the opportunity.

“The opportunity to visit South Korea, learn something new and meet like-minded students really motivated me to apply,” Sebastian shared.

Noah meanwhile, could not hide his excitement when describing the moment he received the news: “Spectacular. I’ve never jumped so high in my life. It was amazing to realise that all our hard work had paid off.”

Looking ahead to the experience, the team is eager to engage with peers from across the globe. “I’m most looking forward to competing with students from other nations and understanding their different perspectives and how these ideas can benefit not just their own countries, but the world.” remarked Isaac.

Being selected as one of only two schools nationally (along with Methodist Ladies' College, Perth) has not been lost on the group. “It’s incredible” states Noah, while Sebastian added, “It’s great to know our efforts have been recognised.” Isaac reflected that the achievement “symbolises perseverance.”

Ms. Victoria Kanicki, our school's Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator shared her own reflections on the boys' amazing achievement. "Even before boarding a plane to South Korea, the boys have achieved something remarkable. They’ve stepped into completely new territory, taken on a challenge no Australian team has attempted before, and shown the courage to represent their country on a global stage. What stands out most for me is not just their talent and maturity, but their willingness to learn, collaborate, and push themselves far beyond what’s familiar. This deserves recognition in its own right. Whatever happens in Seoul, they’ve already set a new benchmark for what young Australians can achieve."

The boys' advice to other students considering similar opportunities is simple but powerful: commit fully and back yourself. “You can’t fail if you’ve tried your best. Always strive for your goals regardless of your fears.”

Rod Balding, Chief Executive Officer, Standards Australia, congratulated the Loyola College team on their achievement, saying, “These students stood out in a field of exceptionally high‑calibre applicants from across the country, and their selection is an incredible achievement. We are looking forward to preparing them for the International Standards Olympiad and supporting them in Korea as they represent Australia on the global stage. This is a wonderful opportunity for the team to deepen their understanding of standards and the role they play in shaping industries, innovation and everyday life around the world. Congratulations.”

Loyola College congratulates these outstanding students on their achievement and looks forward to following their journey as they represent both the school and Australia on the international stage.

The International Standards Olympiad takes place across August 14-16, 2026 in Goyang-si and Gyeonggi-do (Seoul), South Korea.

Find out more about the Standards Olympiad here.