As we enter the final two weeks of Term One, it is a timely moment to pause and reflect on the many achievements and learning milestones our students have reached so far this year. Classrooms have been filled with energy, curiosity and commitment, and it has been wonderful to see our community so positively engaged. The weeks ahead provide an important opportunity to consolidate learning, celebrate progress and finish the term with purpose and pride.

Welcome to our Graduate Teachers

On Friday 13 March, I had the privilege of accompanying our new graduate teachers to the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) graduate teacher mass, a meaningful celebration marking the beginning of their professional journey within Catholic education. The Mass provided an opportunity to affirm the important role our graduates play in shaping the lives of our students. Coming together with graduate teachers from across the Archdiocese, the liturgy emphasised community, service and faith, and reminded us that teaching in a Catholic school is not only a profession, but a calling grounded in hope, compassion and commitment to the mission of Catholic education.

Congratulations to Hannah Barclay, Matilda Blakey, Madeleine O’Donnell and Bree Fitzpatrick, our graduate teachers, who have almost completed their first term of teaching.

Working Bee

Also on Friday 13 March, a wonderful group of enthusiastic parents joined us for our Twilight Working Bee, planting out the garden beds at the front of the Ricci Centre.

The landscaping has been beautifully designed by David Kelly (Head Gardener), with the invaluable support of our Grounds team, Trevor Busuttil and Daniel Hartigan.

The thoughtfully selected palette of yellow, purple, white and orange plants, along with garden beds that align with the architectural lines of the Ricci Centre, creates a striking and harmonious space.

The area has been carefully and intentionally designed and is now simply beautiful.

I encourage members of our community to take a moment to stop, look, and appreciate the outstanding work of our Grounds team and the generosity of our parents.

House Masses

Thank you to the members of our community who have attended our House Masses.

The masses are a wonderful way to connect with community and with our feeder parishes. The morning teas that follow mass are a great opportunity to connect with other families and share a cuppa.

There are three masses to go. I remind parents of the dates:

Sunday 23 March

Acutis House

Our Lady of the Way, Kingsbury at 9am

Sunday 29 March

Flynn House

Sacred Heart Diamond Creek at 9am

Sunday 29 March

MacKillop House

St Thomas the Apostle at 10.30am

Harmony Day

Harmony Day is an annual celebration held in Australia that recognises and celebrates the nation’s rich cultural diversity. It is a day that promotes inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.

Harmony Day highlights the message that everyone belongs and encourages people to reflect on the importance of understanding, acceptance and mutual respect.

At Loyola, Harmony Day provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate the many cultures, languages and traditions that enrich our communities, while encouraging students to stand against discrimination and to value kindness, empathy and unity.

We will mark this important date on Monday 23 March, with a Harmony Day assembly and a special luncheon where students can buy food from different cultural backgrounds.

Students are invited to wear casual clothes on the day and make a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the Caritas Project Compassion Campaign.

The colour orange represents the idea of bringing people together and is therefore used to symbolise Harmony Day. Students are encouraged to wear something orange to show their solidarity and support for the message of inclusion, respect and belonging that this important celebration represents.

I would like to thank Mr Andrew Mangano (Culturally Safe Coordinator) for his organisation not only of Harmony Day, but of the activities he facilitated in the previous week to support student understanding and action in this important space.

House Eisteddfod

On Tuesday 31 March, our annual House Eisteddfod will see Houses battle it out in a night of student led performances, competing for House points and providing a great evening of entertainment for our school community. Families are warmly invited to attend, with FOPA parents organising a pre-event sausage sizzle and a raffle on the night. All funds raised will go directly towards supporting the Performing Arts Faculty.

Student Free Day

A reminder to parents that Thursday 2 April is the annual staff spirituality day and as such will be a student free day.

2026 Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Week has been celebrated in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne this week.

This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day.

The theme for this year’s celebrations is,

“Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick”.

This year’s theme celebrates the significance of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of our local Church in Melbourne. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, our mother Church, is named after the saint of Ireland.

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the sector.

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and walk the way of the gospel to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.

There are 335 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne that educate around 150,000 students and employ more than 20,000 teachers and staff, and most will celebrate Catholic Education Week in some way.

Our school is planning a few activities during the week, including a staff morning tea, our representative attendance at the annual St Patrick's Day mass at the Cathedral today, and Young Speakers Colloquium, where our College Co-Captain Simon Adi-Purnomo (12/AAAM) will be speaking about his faith journey.

Coming in Term 2

Reports

Reports will be available to parents / carers through the portal from 1 May (second Friday back).

ALL (both interim and end of Semester) reports will only be available for you online. Therefore, I would suggest that you either print a hard copy or save the report as a PDF if you would like to refer to it during your Parent-Teacher Interviews.

Parent-Teacher Interviews (PTIs)

Our first Parent-Teacher Interviews for 2026 will take place when we return in Term two.

The purpose of these Interviews is to discuss the learning that has occurred in Term one and look at the academic successes and challenges that your child may have encountered so far this year.

Dates and Times: 

• Wednesday 20 May: 4.45pm to 8.00pm (online) 

• Thursday 22 May: 2pm to 8.00pm (face to face) 

Enjoying an Active and Restful Easter Break

As we approach the end of Term 1 and prepare for the Easter holidays, it is an important time for students to pause, rest and recharge after a busy start to the year. The break provides a valuable opportunity for families to reconnect, spend time outdoors, and support habits that positively influence both wellbeing and learning.

This year, one of our key focuses in the classroom has been increasing opportunities for students to be active within lessons. Research consistently shows that movement supports learning. Students who engage in physical activity throughout the school day are often more focused, engaged, and ready to learn.

Physical activity also plays a significant role in supporting young people’s mental health. Research highlighted by The Educator Online (links below) found that exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. The study reviewed hundreds of clinical trials involving more than 38,000 young people and found that regular movement can lead to meaningful improvements in mental wellbeing.

Encouragingly, the research also shows that physical activity does not need to be complicated. Simple activities such as walking, riding a bike, playing sport, visiting local parks, or spending time outdoors with family and friends can all have positive benefits.

The Easter holidays provide a perfect opportunity for students to find a healthy balance between rest, family time and activity. Time away from the routine of school, combined with opportunities to move and be outdoors, can help students return in Term 2 feeling refreshed, energised and ready to continue their learning.

On behalf of the Teaching and Learning team, I wish all families a safe, restful and active Easter break.

Healthier student’s links to better learning outcomes – study | The Educator K/12

How to exercise to boost brain performance | The Educator K/12

Exercise linked to better mental health in children, study finds | The Educator K/12

Dear Parents, Staff and Students,

Hello, my name is Natshali Fernando, and I am the 2026 Intercultural Captain for Loyola College!

As Intercultural Captain, my goal is to help create a school environment where every student feels respected, included and proud of their cultural identity. Our school community is made up of many different cultures and backgrounds, and I want to help celebrate this diversity.

One of my main aims is to promote understanding and connection between students. Through events like Harmony Day and other cultural activities, Mr Mangano (my patron) and Aimee Marulli (my Vice Captain), and I hope to encourage students to learn about different traditions, languages and experiences. This can help build stronger relationships and create a more inclusive school community.

For Harmony Day, my goal is to organise activities that bring students together and celebrate the message that “Everyone Belongs.” This could include cultural performances, food, and opportunities for students to share their backgrounds.

Overall, I want to help create a school culture that values respect, inclusion and curiosity about different cultures, so that everyone feels welcome and valued.

2026 Intercultural Captain

Natshali Fernando (12/MJMM)

My student of the week is Madeleine Tuong Yr9. I have seen her kind and welcoming attitude toward everyone since I met her through Mannix House events, she is a truly inclusive and warm individual. Congratulations Maddie!

Madeleine Tuong (9/MJLI)

Celebrating Harmony Week

Harmony Week is celebration held annually in March across Australia. It’s aimed at promoting diversity, respect and inclusiveness. This event is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about different cultures, traditions and customs. The goal is to encourage everyone to appreciate and celebrate differences and promote a sense of community and belonging for everyone.

During Harmony Week, there are a number of events and activities held to bring people from different cultures together. These activities include multicultural food festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions and workshops. Participating in these events helps children to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities that make-up Australia.

As a parent, you can engage your children in discussions about multiculturalism and encouraging them to ask questions. Promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, can help children grow up with a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of Australia's cultural landscape.

This Special Report hopes to instil positive values and create an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about understanding diversity and multiculturalism.

Here is the link to this Special Report http://loyola.vic.schooltv.me/...

Stronger Together – 2026 Parent Dinner

The Loyola College Partnership with Parents group invites ALL parents to our Stronger Together – 2026 Parent Dinner, an exclusive PARENT ONLY evening designed to strengthen engagement and foster meaningful connections within our school community.

Join us for a relaxed and inclusive night where parents can enjoy a welcome drink on arrival and spend time connecting with other families from within their child’s House.

Guests will then be treated to an elegant selection of delicious canapés, thoughtfully prepared and served by our senior Hospitality students as part of their training and industry experience. This special event not only brings our community together, but also celebrates the skill, creativity, and dedication of our students.

The Stronger Together Parent Dinner offers a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, deepen existing relationships, and enjoy a warm, social evening in support of our young people.

Tickets are $35 per person. Secure your place today and join us for an enjoyable night of fine food, great company, and community spirit. Bookings are now open - $35.00ea (plus booking fee). To book your tickets online please visit https://events.humanitix.com/2...

2026 Mother & Daughter Breakfast - Tuesday, 5 May

Our annual Loyola College Mother's Day Breakfast will take place on Tuesday, 5 May.

This year's event welcomes Mothers/Guardians and their Son/s to enjoy breakfast together, followed by a prayer service in the St. Ignatius Chapel.

Bookings can be made online from Monday, 23 March at 7.00pm at $20.00ea (plus booking fee) with proceeds donated to Good Samaritan Inn. To book your tickets online please visit https://events.humanitix.com/2...

Presentation Balls 2026

Year 11 Parents & Students are invited to attend a Parent Information Evening for the 2026 Presentation Ball.

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the event, including expectations, key dates, costs, rehearsal commitments, and the registration process. It will also offer families the opportunity to ask questions and determine whether participation is the right fit for you. All students considering involvement are encouraged to attend with at least one parent or guardian.

Date: Monday, 30 March
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Magis Performing Arts Centre

Information Evening Registration

To assist with planning, please register your attendance via the link below by Friday 27th March 2026:
Registration Link: https://events.humanitix.com/l...

The Presentation Ball Committee looks forward to sharing more about this special event and hope to see you there.

2026 House Masses

We warmly invite our students and their families to their respective House Mass, to be celebrated during Term One. As part of a Catholic community, these liturgical events offer an opportunity for students to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist, be formed in faith, connect with Parish, and in many cases, revisit their primary schools.

Parish Priests will bless our new Year 7 students and their senior Mentor buddies as they embark on their academic journeys at Loyola in 2026. It is therefore compulsory that Year 7 students and their Senior Buddies are present at these Masses; however, students and families from all year levels are welcome. A morning tea will be shared at the conclusion of each mass, and we kindly ask that you bring a plate to share.

Two Wolves Coffee Co.

Introduced in 2025, the Loyola College Coffee Fundraising Program was developed following our Coffee Survey, where parents shared their taste preferences. We are pleased to partner with Two Wolves Coffee Co., offering a coffee blend crafted to suit the preferences of the Loyola College community.

Proceeds from all sales support the Loyola Parents & Friends Association fundraising initiatives, contributing valuable items and services back into the school community each year. 500g and 250g bags of Two Wolves Coffee Co. beans are available for purchase via Main Reception or by clicking the link below.

This initiative is a great way to support our school and also makes a thoughtful addition to gift hampers, particularly with Christmas approaching. Orders can be placed online at https://bit.ly/47wj7tb, with online purchases available for collection from Main Reception the following business day.

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. As we prepare for 2026, we are accepting donations of washed uniforms. If you have any items that you no longer need and are in excellent condition, please leave them with Reception. Your contributions help support families in need and are greatly appreciated.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OLD STYLE SPORT UNIFORM CAN NO LONGER BE WORN BY STUDENTS AND MUST NOT BE SENT TO RECEPTION. Parent co-operation in this matter is kindly appreciated.

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

Morning Tours 2026

Morning Tours for 2026 take place from 9.15am – 11.00am on the following dates:

Tuesday, 24 February Tuesday, 24 March Tuesday, 9 June Wednesday, 29 July

Wednesday, 26 August Wednesday, 16 September Wednesday, 14 October Tuesday 24 November

Please visit the College website at www.loyola.vic.edu.au to book a Tour.

2026 Entertainment Memberships

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

For Your Calendar:

Morning Tour:	Tuesday, 24 March
Acutis House Mass:	Sunday, 22 March – Our Lady of the Way Church, Kingsbury
Presentation Ball Committee Information Evening:	Monday, 30 March – MAGIS Performing Arts Centre

JM Weekend Rental - Local Dress Hire School Formal

In 2026, JM Weekend Rental is placing a strong focus on supporting students attending school formals and similar events. We understand that for students aged 15-18, purchasing a formal dress can be costly and often requires parental support. Dress hire has become an increasingly popular and practical alternative, particularly for events where dresses are worn once and are typically higher in price. This option is often appealing to both students and their families.

We are reaching out to local high schools in the hope of raising awareness of our services and supporting students through their formal experience, while also promoting a local small business. As part of our “JM Formal Campaign,” we are offering a “Rent with a Friend”

discount, allowing students to receive a special discount when booking their formal dresses together with friends.

Jordyn Steward
Owner | JM Weekend Rental

Phone: 0473 239 840
Email: jmweekendrental@gmail.com

Website: jmweekendrental.com

Performing arts workshops for young people

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming April school holiday Performing Arts Workshops!

Open to all young people aged 5 to 18 who love to sing, dance, act or simply want to stay creatively engaged over the school break.

With a range of full or half-day workshops and multi-day intensives, there's something to suit everyone.

Workshops start from just $16 per hour, making them an affordable way to keep young people inspired and engaged.

How to book:
1. Click on the link below
2. Login or create an account on our Members Portal
3. Book into your preferred workshop(s).
Bookings are essential. Classes will be split by age.

Book Now