The first week of Term Three started with lots of fun and excitement with the Shrek performance season.

The show did not disappoint. It was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and teamwork of our school community. From the vibrant costumes and imaginative set design to the energetic choreography and heartfelt acting, every element of the production demonstrated an excellent standard. Students brought beloved characters to life with confidence and charm, while staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure each show ran smoothly. The enthusiastic support from families and the wider community added to the celebratory atmosphere. Congratulations to everyone involved for delivering a truly magical and memorable theatrical experience!

St Ignatius Day

I would like to express my gratitude to our community for their support of St. Ignatius Day 2025. Once again, the day was meaningful and memorable for all participants.

The day commenced with a mass celebrated by Fr. Desmond Dwyer SJ, with concelebration by Fr. Paul Mullins SJ, Fr. Michael Ryan SJ, and Fr. John Vespa. It was a true privilege to have three Jesuit priests present on the occasion that celebrates the legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius holds profound significance for the Jesuits, as he is their founder and the spiritual architect of their mission and identity.

We were also honoured to have Fr. John Vespa with us for the mass. Fr. John was recently ordained by Pope Leo at the Vatican in Rome. A local alumnus of St. Mary’s Greensborough and Parade College, he has dedicated his life to faith and service. We hope that Fr John will be a regular visitor in our community.

We are particularly proud of our students, who approached the fundraising initiative with enthusiasm and commitment. Their dedication and the purpose behind the fundraising reflect the values and spirit of St. Ignatius, which we strive to cultivate at Loyola. I commend our students for their generosity and effort; over $60,000 has been raised for our House charities.

Fostering a sense of community and purpose lies at the core of our mission, and it is deeply rewarding to see the positive and lasting impact of St. Ignatius Day.

I would like to thank Mr. Luczek, Director of College and Community Engagement, Ms. Agius, College and Community Engagement Assistant, and Mrs. Lauren Hartigan, Director of Operations, for their diligent work and organisation leading up to the event.

Additionally, I extend my appreciation to Mrs. Jennifer Taylor, Director of Music, and Mr. Matthew Thomas, Head of Performing Arts, for their outstanding musical contributions to the liturgy and for coordinating an exceptional concert that showcased the talents of our amazing Performing Arts students.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parents should have recently received details regarding our upcoming Parent-Teacher Interviews, scheduled for 14th August (face-to-face) and 4th September (online). We encourage parents to take advantage of these opportunities to engage with our teaching staff.

Please note that there may be some ACS matches on Thursday, 14th August; however, all teachers will be available to meet with parents during this time.

These interviews provide an excellent opportunity for parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of their child's academic progress, social development, and emotional well-being. Teachers will be able to highlight strengths and discuss areas where additional support may be beneficial. As such, I encourage all parents to take full advantage of the interviews.

LPFA Trivia Night

I look forward to engaging with members of our parent community at the upcoming LPFA Trivia Night on Saturday, 9 August. I would like to thank the LPFA members for their efforts in organising this event. It presents a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with one another and with the school and to take on members of the College Consult in trivia.

As we celebrate the Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola this week, we pause to reflect on the life of a man whose vision and values continue to shape our identity as a Jesuit companion school.

His is a mission that continues to inspire schools like ours: to form people of conscience, competence, compassion, and commitment.

At Loyola College, we are more than just a school—we are a community grounded in the Ignatian tradition. St Ignatius’ call to “find God in all things” challenges each of us to live with purpose, to reflect deeply, and to act justly.

For Our Students:

Ignatius reminds you that greatness isn’t just about achievement—it’s about who you become. He invites you to be curious, to ask big questions, and to seek meaning in your learning. His life shows that setbacks can lead to transformation, and that leadership begins with service. Whether you're in the classroom, on the sports field, or supporting one of our six House charities, you are called to be people for others.

For Our Staff:

Ignatius calls us to be educators of the whole person—mind, heart, and spirit. His legacy challenges us to walk alongside our students, to nurture their gifts, and to model reflective practice. In our teaching and mentoring, we are invited to embody cura personalis—care for the individual—so that each student and staff member feels seen, known, and valued.

For Our Families:

You are the first educators of your children, and your partnership with us is vital. St Ignatius reminds us that faith and family are central to a life of meaning. Your support, encouragement, and example help shape the values that our students carry into the world. Together, we form a community that nurtures resilience, compassion, and hope.

For Our Broader Community:

Ignatius’ vision was global. He believed in building bridges across cultures, faiths, and experiences. As a school community, we are called to extend our mission beyond our gates—to advocate for justice, to serve the vulnerable, and to be a light in the world.

This week, as we honour St Ignatius, let us also recommit ourselves to the causes that reflect his spirit. Our six House charities are not just fundraising efforts—they are expressions of our Ignatian identity. They remind us that faith must be lived, and love must be shown in action.

May the example of St Ignatius inspire us all to live with courage, to lead with compassion, and to always seek the greater good.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam—For the Greater Glory of God.

As mentioned in previous editions, Term 3 is an extremely busy term. In the next two weeks we have the following events:

• Week 3 (4 – 8 August): Student assemblies

• 7 August: PISA Testing for 26 of our Year 10 students

• 12 August: Senior Subject Selection Evening & Web Preferences open

• 14 August: Parent Teacher Interviews (2:15pm – 8:15pm) face to face

NAPLAN Individual Student Reports & Certificates of Achievement

We would like to inform families that the 2025 NAPLAN Individual Student Reports have now been distributed via post. These reports provide valuable insight into your child’s progress in literacy and numeracy and form part of the ongoing assessment of their learning journey.

In addition, some Year 9 students may also receive a NAPLAN Certificate of Achievement, awarded by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). These certificates recognise exceptional achievement in one or both of the following categories:

• Exceeding the Proficiency Standard in reading and/or numeracy

• Demonstrating Significant Growth in proficiency levels from Year 7 to Year 9

We congratulate all students on their efforts in this year’s NAPLAN and celebrate those who have achieved recognition through these certificates.

If you have any questions about your child’s NAPLAN report, please don’t hesitate to contact the College.

PISA Testing:

This year, we have been selected to take part in the PISA Testing. This involves 26 randomly selected Year 10 students sitting the tests on 7 August. (Parents have been notified.)

The assessment is administered by ACER, and an ACER Test Administrator.

Students will complete:

• An online computer-based test (2 hours): This test includes questions in science, reading, mathematics, and Learning in a Digital World. The questions are a mix of multiple-choice, short written responses, and interactive tasks involving simulated activities.

• A student questionnaire (45 minutes): This questionnaire asks about students’ attitudes toward school, motivations, self-beliefs, learning strategies, and activities outside of school.

Students will receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their contribution to representing Australia in PISA 2025.

Subject Selection Evening

This year, the evening will replicate the highly successful 2024 evening.

• It will be face to face and will take place in the MPAC. 

• Tertiary institutions and employment providers will be available in the foyer for students to meet and discuss future pathways.

• A brief VTAC presentation will be available to parents and students.

• Subject Selection Information will be presented for parents and students in Years 9-10.

• Web Preferences open on the evening of 12 August at 8:00pm  

Course Guide 2026:

It is important that our students make their decisions about subject choices in an informed manner. An important stage of this process is to carefully read the 2025 Course Guide. The format is new this year as we transition to an electronic and interactive version. This change aims to make the Guide easier to use by centralising all information in one location. We value any feedback you may have regarding this new format. The link to the Course Guide is here Year 7-12 - Loyola College Courses. It can also be accessed through the student’s LMS page in the blue bar at the top of their home page:

Please be aware that not all subjects listed in the Course Guide may be available in 2026. Furthermore, whilst the School aims to meet the needs and wishes of all our students, there may be occasions when we are unable to accommodate student preferences. Reasons for this may be timetable constraints, demand for certain subjects or limits to class sizes.

Subject Selection Conversations: 

During the Subject Selection Process, all current Year 9 and 10 students will meet with a member of the Learning Pathways Team.  Students are provided with a copy of their career plan and are strongly encouraged to discuss their Learning Pathways conversation with you. 

Parent Teacher Interviews:

As mentioned in previous editions, we have 2 separate evenings: 14 August and 4 September. To avoid confusion for parents, please find below details of the first PTI evening. The portal will open for bookings for both sessions.

14 August: 2:15-8:15pm face/face

We strongly encourage Year 11 & 12 parents/carers to attend on this earlier date. This provides valuable insight into student progress so far and, more importantly, allows parents to support their child as they prepare for the final assessments and Trial Exams, which take place during the first three days of the holidays. Year 7 – 10 parents are also naturally welcome. The portal will open two days earlier for parents of Year 11 & 12 students.

More information regarding the PTI on 4 September will follow in the next edition.

Bookings for both sessions: 

• Opened Wednesday 30 July at 7pm (Y11 & 12)  

• Open Friday 1 August at 7pm (Y7-12) 

• Close Wednesday 13 August at 2pm (Y7-12)

Locations: 

As previously this year, locations will be:

• LCH (H032 on your booking list): All subjects with the exception of below  

• Upstairs in the LCH: Visual Arts

• iCentre (L069 on your booking list): English

Attendance Matters

This year, we have placed a strong emphasis on student attendance across all year levels, diligently identifying patterns of absenteeism both in cohorts and in individuals. While absenteeism is more pronounced in some year levels than others, the reasons for absences vary, ranging from unavoidable circumstances to family decisions.

Every day missed from school is a missed opportunity for learning. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve better educational outcomes, which in turn opens up more opportunities for them after graduation. If your child is struggling with regular attendance, I encourage you to reach out to me, your child’s mentor, or their Head of House. Together, we can work to support your child in achieving the best possible educational outcomes during their time at Loyola.

BLOUM Wellbeing Check-In

Every fortnight, our students participate in a BLOUM wellbeing check-in. This quick, 30-second survey asks them about their experiences at school, home, and in life, providing them with an opportunity to request support if needed. The insights gained from this survey help us build a comprehensive understanding of your child’s wellbeing, whether they are thriving or facing challenges.

Students can access this program anytime through their LMS. I encourage you to discuss this program with your child, as it can serve as a valuable conversation starter about their feelings and experiences.

Parent webinar on AI and the digital generation

This is a free webinar hosted by Catholic Network Australia and Cyber Safety Project on Monday 11 August 2025 from 7:30 to 8:00 pm.

The webinar will offer insights into:

− generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI companion apps

− deepfakes and online misinformation

− AI safety at home

− legal and ethical considerations of AI use.

Registration and further information are available via AI & the Digital Generation (Parent Webinar) | CNA

Music & Drama

We are your Drama and Music captains for 2025, Matilda and Ryan, here to give an update on the exciting events going on in the Performing Arts departments of the school! This year has been truly special for our departments, full of exciting events with many more to come!

We started the year with Music in the Round, a night designed specifically for students taking instrumental lessons, giving them a chance to share what they've been working on in a more intimate setting. Watching these students step up and showcase their progress, you can see the pride and passion in their faces, which really set the tone for everything that followed.

This week brings St Ignatius Day, and there's always such a buzz around this tradition. The day starts early with Mass, where our Mass Band provides beautiful support, then builds into this fantastic lunchtime concert that draws the whole school together. You'll hear everything from rock bands to jazz ensembles, performances by our Year 11 groups, and of course, the Masked Singer competition that everyone talks about for weeks afterwards. It’s always a day full of energy throughout the whole school.

Next week, we have our Annual Music Concert across two evenings. There's something magical about seeing Year 7 students performing alongside seasoned Year 12s, giving their final recitals. The variety is incredible: class performances, intimate duets and trios, full ensembles and bands, our choirs, and those deeply personal solo pieces from our graduating students. Having alumni return to perform adds this wonderful sense of continuity and reminds us all that music truly is a lifelong journey.

We hope that love and enthusiasm come through loud and clear in all the performances this week and next. These moments remind us why we do what we do.

The Drama department has also been buzzing this year and full of exciting events for the whole school community to enjoy. Last week the school production, Shrek the Musical, was performed in a sold-out season and was met with rave reviews! It was incredible to see the show come together after so much hard work, time and effort put in from the students, staff and volunteers. The show was so amazing and every member of the show should be extremely proud!

Earlier in the year we were able to highlight the work of our dance students during the Dance Showcase night, in which a range of year levels were able to perform, including solos from the incredibly talented VCE dance students who blew us all away with their pieces. On the same night, we saw the VCE Drama students showcase the ensemble performances they had prepared throughout the term. Every ensemble group worked together to produce work at a high standard and it was amazing to watch! The College Play performed by the Year 12 Theatre Studies class, The Drowsy Chaperone, was also a great success and lots of fun to watch, having the audience rolling with laughter.

We are incredibly proud of every performing arts student and love seeing them get to showcase their talents! Keep an eye out for more events being held in our department in the near future!

Matilda Kelly 12/FSKE & Ryan Marchbank 12/FFCH
Drama and Music Captains

🎶 Student of the Fortnight 🎶

This fortnight, we’d like to celebrate Rory Hutchinson 10/XEJS for his outstanding commitment to music. Whether it’s their consistent rehearsal effort, involvement in numerous ensemble rehearsals for multiple bands, or their willingness always to help out, Rory has gone above and beyond. Congratulations, and thank you for being such a positive force in our music community!

Berry Street Integrated Family Services is offering the Tuning into Teens parenting program once more in Term 3. It is a free 6-week group program that will run on Wednesdays from 11am – 1pm (2 hours), beginning on 13th August with the final session occurring on 17th September (6 consecutive weeks). The group will run online, via Zoom. It will be facilitated by 2 Integrated Family Services staff members, and we will cap the group at 8-10 participants.

For those of you that may be unfamiliar with the group program, here are some of its key features and benefits:

· It is an interactive evidence-based parenting program developed by child and adolescent psychologists based at the Mindful Centre in the University of   Melbourne.

· It helps promote emotional intelligence and resilience in teens.

· Sessions are built around group discussion, activities and some roleplays where participants reflect on their parenting and practice the strategy of Emotion    Coaching. Participants are also asked to share their experiences of

Emotion Coaching at home with their teen, with the group:

· It supports caregivers to better attune to their teen’s emotions and support them with these through Emotion Coaching.

· It supports caregivers to teach their teens how to better manage their emotions.

· It can reduce isolation for caregivers through peer support.

· It can help to prevent or reduce behaviour problems in teens through a more connected relationship with their caregiver.

Please find the flyer attached. We encourage you to provide this to caregivers. To be eligible to participate, caregivers must reside in Banyule, Nillumbik, Darebin, Yarra or Whittlesea and they must self-refer.

Please note, caregivers that express interest will be assessed for group readiness and appropriateness prior to being offered a place.

We are thrilled to announce that three of our talented students have been named finalists in the prestigious Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition for 2025.

Congratulations to our finalists:

• Giuliano Frisina (10MJLI)

• Jai Langley (10KPBA)

• Marco Parpinel (9KMLE)

Their creativity, confidence, and passion for the Italian language shone through in their poetic performances, earning them a place among the top students in the state.

As part of the next stage of the competition, our finalists will recite their poems again this Friday, going head-to-head with other schools in the final round to determine this year’s overall winners.

We as a college could not be prouder of their efforts and the way they continue to represent our community with excellence and heart. Their success reflects not only their own commitment, but also the ongoing dedication of our Languages staff in nurturing a deep appreciation for Italian language and culture.

If you see our finalists around campus this week, be sure to wish them luck as they prepare for the big day!

Bravissimi e in bocca al lupo!

A reminder to kindly check out our Learning Pathways Page, which will be regularly updated with information about in-school programs for Years 10-12. It will also feature the release of our Careers newsletter. You can access the page via the LMS using this link: Companion Learning - Learning Pathways

As we approach the time of the year for tertiary open days, it is important to be checking the newsletter to be able to keep up to date with what is being offered from the tertiary institutions.

Sibling relationships are often a child's first and longest-lasting social connection. These bonds can offer companionship, support and opportunities to develop important life skills such as empathy, negotiation and conflict resolution. However, like all close relationships, sibling dynamics can be complex. Differences in temperament, age, needs and parental attention can all contribute to tension or rivalry. It's not uncommon for children to compete for attention, especially during times of change or stress.

As a parent or caregiver, your role in shaping the tone of sibling relationships is vital. Creating a home environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and avoids direct comparisons helps reduce rivalry and fosters mutual respect.

By listening without judgement, teaching emotional regulation, and supporting each child's individuality, you can create a family culture where siblings feel secure and valued. This edition of SchoolTV offers insights to support young people in developing positive, lasting sibling bonds that can remain strong well into adulthood.

Here is the link to your Edition https://loyola.vic.schooltv.me...

Cybersafety: How to block nefarious Internet websites?

Taking measures to protect oneself against unwanted attention or against criminal activity while working, socialising, emailing, playing or banking online is known as being ‘cybersafe’.

Schools play an obvious part in providing students a range of Internet-based learning opportunities that are engaging as well as safe. But given young people spend a significant proportion of their home time surfing online, socialising or playing games on the Internet, the cyber risks they may be exposing themselves to are more likely to be higher while at home than at school. Consequently, it is important that parents/guardians understand the risks their children face while online.

Over a number of subsequent Ignatian Newsletter issues, I will be exploring some Cybersafety issues that students and parents/guardians need to be aware of. Be prepared to be surprised and even shocked with what is revealed!

Let us start with the first topic: How to block nefarious Internet websites?

Home security products and services

While Loyola College does not endorse/recommend specific home security products or services, for Years 7 – 9 students the FortiClient (https://www.fortinet.com/) firewall and Internet filtering app is deployed on their school laptop. This provides student devices with cybersecurity protection both at school and at home.

Parents/guardians of Years 10 – 12 students may opt in to have FortClient installed on their child’s device. Please contact the ICT Helpdesk if you are interested in purchasing a licence.

The College is aware that other schools may have used the following products:

• Family Zone (https://www.qustodio.com/en/fa...)

• Circle (https://meetcircle.com/)

• Firewalla (https://firewalla.com/)

These products are not free and are typically offered as a monthly subscription service. The service provider is constantly updating its blacklisted website registry, so that users have access to the most up-to-date protection.

If you have a specific cyber-security question or concern, please contact the ICT Helpdesk.

LPFA Trivia & Games Night tickets are on sale now! LAST CHANCE SALES CLOSE 4th August 11:59pm

Brains, Banter & a Spit Roast Banquet!

It’s time to gather your team, sharpen those pencils (and your wits), and prepare for an evening of laughs, friendly competition, and great food!

Your ticket includes a delicious spit roast dinner, and drinks will be available at bar prices throughout the night. With trivia rounds, fun games and amazing prizes up for grabs, it’s the perfect excuse for a night out.

WHEN: Saturday 9 August

WHERE: Loyola Companions Hall, Loyola College

TIME: 6.00pm – 11.00pm

This is an adults-only event, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun. Book your table today and get ready for a night to remember! Creative team names are encouraged – the more outrageous, the better!

Don’t miss out on one of the most entertaining nights on the Loyola calendar!

Online Silent Auction Now Live!

As part of the 2025 Trivia and Games Night Fundraiser on Saturday 9th August, the Loyola Parents and Friends Association is running an online silent auction through 32 Auctions – bidding is now live! All proceeds will go directly towards enhancing school programs and providing valuable resources that benefit our students.

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun - bidders do not need to attend the Trivia Night to take part. But we’d love for you to come along for a great night out!

There are some fantastic items on offer - something for the whole family - so get involved, start placing your bids HERE and enjoy the excitement of supporting a great cause.

Bidding closes Sunday 10th August at 11.00pm, with winning bidders notified by phone on Monday 11th August.

We are grateful to the following businesses who have generously donated prizes for our games and raffle so far:

Father Son Breakfast – Ticket Sales Open 4th August, 7:00pm

Loyola College warmly invites fathers and sons to join us for our Father & Son Breakfast in celebration of Father’s Day. This special event is an opportunity to share a meaningful morning together while supporting The Men's Project - Jesuit Social Services.

Join us for this heartwarming morning as we celebrate the special bond between fathers and sons while making a difference in the lives of those in need. Following breakfast, we ask you to join us for Prayer of Thanksgiving in the St. Ignatius Chapel at Old Loyola.

Please CLICK HERE for tickets. Each booking incurs a $20 donation to The Men's Project - Jesuit Social Services (plus booking fee).

St Ignatius Day

Thank you to the team of parents from Loyola Parents and Friends Association and Partnership With Parents who gave their time at St Ignatius Day yesterday. Students and staff were once again delighted with the Hot Jam Donuts on sale. Our volunteer parents are the heart of our community, and their generosity of time and spirit helps create the warm and connected environment that makes days like this so special.

Donation of Loyola Uniform

Thank you to all the families who generously donate second-hand uniforms throughout the year to support our Good As New Uniform sales. We continue to welcome donations of freshly laundered uniforms in excellent condition. If you have items that are no longer needed, please leave them at Reception.

Your contributions directly support families in our community and are sincerely appreciated.

Please note that we are unable to accept items that are not in wearable condition (e.g. torn, heavily soiled, or missing buttons), as the College incurs costs to dispose of these items responsibly.

Important: The old style sports uniform is no longer part of the approved College uniform and must not be sent to Reception. We kindly ask for your co-operation with this matter.

For more information, please contact Monica Agius at community@loyola.vic.edu.au or 9433 0228.

Return of Unused ACS Player Uniforms

Parents are requested to return any unused ACS player uniforms to the Sports Office as soon as possible.

If your child has been issued a uniform and no longer participates in the program, returning the unused items helps us maintain accurate stock and ensures availability for future teams.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

2025 Entertainment Guide

Support LPFA fundraising efforts and enjoy hundreds of everyday savings!

Entertainment Guide is the easy to use App packed with incredible savings of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers, so you can save on takeaway, dining, shopping, groceries, gift cards, activities and more! And what’s more, 20% of every membership purchased via the following link goes towards supporting the College through the Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA)

Digital memberships can be purchased HERE