Term Two has begun smoothly, with students settling quickly back into routines and showing strong focus on learning while engaging in a wide range of academic, cultural and co-curricular opportunities across the College. It has been pleasing to see classrooms full of energy and purposeful learning as the term gets underway.

Italian Immersion

We were delighted to welcome back our students from the Italian Cultural Exchange. Their experience was rich and memorable, as they immersed themselves in language and culture, visited significant historical and cultural sites, and confidently used their Italian in everyday settings. Students also spent time at our sister school and shared invaluable experiences with host families, strengthening international connections and deepening their understanding of global citizenship.

A big thank- you to Mrs Lisa Saltalamacchia, Head of Languages who coordinated this wonderful travel experience.

ANZAC Day

Last week, the Loyola College community came together to commemorate ANZAC Day in a ceremony marked by great dignity and respect. The significance and solemnity of the occasion were evident as we paused to honour the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation.

I thank Mr Matthew Luczek, Director of College and Community Engagement, with the valued support of Mrs Monica Agius, College and Community Engagement Assistant, for their outstanding organisation of this event.

In addition, we were proud that our College Captains, Simon Adi Purmono (AAAM) and Angelina Badawi (ADFE), represented Loyola College at the Watsonia RSL ANZAC Day service. During the service, Simon offered a reading with poise and respect, contributing meaningfully to the commemoration. Their presence reflected the College’s commitment to remembrance, leadership and community engagement.

Professional Learning Day

Students are expected to work from home on Friday 1 May. Staff will be engaging in professional learning on this day. The Professional Learning Day is focused on strengthening teaching and learning through the shared practice of effective modelling in the classroom. Staff are working together to build a common understanding of how clear, explicit modelling helps students understand not just what to do, but how and why learning happens. Through research, observation, collaborative workshops and planning time, teachers are exploring practical strategies they can embed consistently across subjects.

This collective focus supports high-quality instruction and helps ensure every student is supported to engage deeply, think clearly and learn with confidence.

Xavier Maytime Fair

Parents and families are warmly invited to attend the Xavier Maytime Fair, to be held at Xavier College, Kew on Saturday 2 May. Loyola College Parents and Friends will be proudly supporting this event by selling everyone’s favourite hot jam doughnuts. All funds raised from our stall will be donated to Jesuit Mission, supporting vital work with some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

We encourage our community to come along, enjoy the festivities, and support this important cause while sharing in a wonderful day of connection within our Ignatian network.

Together, these moments highlight a strong and purposeful beginning to Term Two, grounded in learning, reflection and connection.

Child Safe Standard 3

At Loyola College, the safety, wellbeing and dignity of every child is at the heart of all that we do. As part of our ongoing commitment to the Child Safe Standards, this term we are focusing on Child Safe Standard 3, which emphasises empowering children and young people to understand their rights, to have a voice, and to actively participate in decisions that affect them. We believe that when students feel heard, respected and supported, they are more confident, resilient and able to flourish.

This edition of the Ignatian shares a fact sheet on how we nurture student voice and agency, and how families can partner with us in fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive school community.

Child Safe Standards 3 editions can be found HERE.

May: The Month of Mary — A Journey of Faith, Courage and Hope

As we enter May, the Church invites us into a deeply familiar and much-loved tradition: honouring Mary, the Mother of Jesus. At Loyola College, this season offers more than a custom or a set of prayers; it becomes an invitation to pause, reflect and walk more intentionally in the way of faith, love and service that Mary embodies so beautifully.

Mary’s significance is not found in grand gestures or public acclaim, but in her quiet courage and radical openness to God. Her simple yet profound response — “Let it be done to me according to your word” — is one of the most powerful acts of trust in scripture. Mary teaches us that faith is not about having all the answers, but about saying yes even when the path ahead is uncertain.

In the Ignatian tradition, we are invited to be contemplatives in action — people who discern God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life. Mary models this perfectly. She treasures, ponders and holds the events of her life in her heart. She notices. She reflects. She responds. In this way, Mary sits comfortably alongside St Ignatius as a guide for living attentively and faithfully.

For our students, May offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the kind of people they are becoming. Mary was young, courageous and deeply grounded in her identity as a beloved child of God. Her life reminds us that holiness is not reserved for the extraordinary few but is possible for all who are open to God’s invitation to love more deeply and act more justly.

Throughout the month, we will honour Mary through prayer, reflection and liturgical moments across the College. Classrooms and prayer spaces will reflect Marian symbolism, and students will be encouraged to engage in Marian prayer — particularly the Hail Mary and moments of silent reflection — not as routine, but as meaningful encounters with God.

May also invites us to consider Mary’s concern for others. At the Wedding Feast of Cana, she notices a need before anyone else does and brings it quietly to Jesus’ attention. Her instinct is compassion. In a world that can often feel hurried and self-focused, Mary calls us back to attentiveness — to see those who may be overlooked and to respond with generosity and care. This spirit aligns beautifully with our ongoing commitment to social justice, reconciliation and accompaniment within our College community.

As we journey through May, I invite families, staff and students to take a moment — perhaps with a simple prayer, a candle, or a quiet reflection — and ask: How is Mary inviting me to trust more deeply, to listen more closely, and to love more generously?

May Mary, our gentle guide and faithful companion, continue to walk with us as a community, leading us always closer to her Son and inspiring us to live with faith, humility and hope.

Mary, Mother of Loyola College, pray for us.

Parent-Teacher Interviews (PTIs)

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

Dates & Times:

• Wednesday 20 May: 5.00pm to 8.15pm - Online through MS Teams (teachers will contact parents and students by ringing the student)

• Thursday 21 May: 2:00pm to 8.15pm - Face to Face at Loyola College (students dismissed at 1:15pm)

Bookings

Online bookings will be available through the Parent Portal from the following dates. As last year, Year 11 & 12 parents will get earlier access to bookings

• Monday 4 May 7:00pm for Year 11 & 12 students only

• Wednesday 6 May 7:00pm for Year 7-12 students

The booking portal will close on Tuesday 19 May at 1:00pm. Please print out a copy of the interview times as it provides you with the list of interview times and locations. College Reception is unable to provide this information for you.

Venues

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

• Upstairs LCH (H133b) on your booking list: Visual Arts

• iCentre (L069) on your booking list: English

Appointments

Appointments will last for 7 minutes with 2 minutes provided to move from one appointment to another. If the occasion arises whereby parents / carers miss the 2-week window, then they are asked to contact the subject teacher directly. Please do not ask staff on reception to book appointments for you. 

How You Can Prepare

As we approach the scheduled PTIs, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your child's academic journey so far this year. Consider any questions or concerns you may have regarding their progress, as these PTIs provide an invaluable opportunity to address them directly with your child's teachers.

Clarification for Online Appointments (Wednesday 20 May 5.00pm – 8.15pm)

Your interview schedule will be the same as it is when the interview is face to face.

• Please ensure your child is logged onto MS Teams as the interview will occur using your child’s Loyola account.

• At the scheduled time, the teacher will ring the student on their MS Teams account – please be available to receive the call.

• Cameras will be required to be switched on by the teacher and student/parent.

• If unanswered, the teacher will call for a second time during the designated appointment time.

• If the call is still unanswered, then the teacher will not attempt to call again.

• The student may message the teacher in the chat if they wish, explaining the reason for the absence. Depending on the reason, the teacher may call again.

• Interviews will last for 7 minutes with a 2-minute gap before the next one.

• We acknowledge some families have special circumstances. If both parents wish to attend these Conversations, we ask that you make one mutually agreed interview time.

• If you are unable to attend together, but both still wish to meet with your child’s Subject Teacher, please make an alternative time directly with your child’s Subject Teacher.

Semester One Examinations

Semester one examinations will only involve Years 9 and 10.

Dates for Year 9 and 10 examinations:

• Y10 Exams: 10 June – 18 June

• Y9 Exams: 16 June – 18 June

Year 9 - Application for Accelerated Subjects in 2027 Unit 1/2

Whilst invitations and applications are not expected until Term 3, I thought it prudent to provide an overview to the community, as the invitation to Y9 students is based on their Semester 1 assessment results. As a result, they only have the remainder of Term 2 to meet the criteria.

Overview for 2026 Year 9 students

Acceleration requires demonstrated consistent high academic achievement and an ability to take on the demands of an accelerated subject. Therefore, a student will need to be committed to their studies, be well organised and able to meet deadlines.

Stages of the Acceleration Process

1. Letter of invite from the Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning to those students who meet the desired criteria of 5A’s (5 x 80%) (one of which has to be English) (75% for Enhanced / CLIL students)

2. Completion of Application Form

3. Completion of VCE Ready Test

4. Invitation for a brief interview by the relevant Head of Learning

5. Students and parents informed of the outcome by Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning.

Students have been informed of this process at the beginning of the year. Details are also available on the website and Course Guide.

Dear Parents, Teachers and Students,

For those who may be unfamiliar with us, Audrey and Justin we are the Mannix House Captains for 2026.

For term 1 of 2026 Mannix has seen fierce competition for the House shield, stating off with the Summer Reading challenge. Towards the end of the challenge Mannix has gathered enough momentum to land in 3rd place with 72 books, followed straight behind by Flynn with 69 books. We greatly appreciate all those who logged a book for Mannix.

Upcoming next we have the swimming competition. All the Mannix students participated with their best efforts, all student leaders worked incredibly hard to fill events. This year for the first time Mannix won the House chant, with all the students incredibly proud. We ultimately came 6th an incredible effort from all students.

After swimming, the spotlight was on the House Eisteddfod with Mannix performing the Greatest Showman. With rehearsals every week on Friday, we gave it our all. We came 5th for the Eisteddfod, although we personally believe the Mannix students gave the greatest show.

After the holidays, students return to term 2 with the Athletics carnival around the corner. We aim to fill as much events as possible, and to keep our title with the Best House Chant.

Alongside Athletics, we have House Public Speaking commencing. With fun, philosophical, or interesting prompts we hope Mannix will be able to win the public speaking.

We are close to halfway through the year, we hope you stay tuned with us as we progress through this year.

Justin Lin (12/MMOD) & Audrey Dal Cin (12/MMOD)

Our Students of the Week - Great Work Jack & Ella!!!

We wish to nominate our verry own year 7 student Jack Ristovski as our student shout out of the week. Whilst only being our peer for a term Jack has made tremendous growth within this term. We wish to recognise Jack for his kindness to others, his passion for his hobbies and dedication to hard work, and Jack please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Jack Ristovski (7/MMOD)

The second year 7 we would like to nominate is Ella Burns. Ella demonstrates all the values essential to the Mannix and wider Loyola community. She is caring, inclusive and dedicated to her peers. She is an amazing friend and someone who deserves a shout out!

Ella Burns (7/MESH)

Now available on SchoolTV - Do It For Dolly Day

Bullying can have a profound and lasting impact on a young person's wellbeing, sense of belonging and confidence. It is not always visible and can include social exclusion, verbal abuse and online harassment, often occurring repeatedly over time. Research shows that bullying can increase the risk of anxiety, low self-esteem, social withdrawal and difficulties with learning and peer relationships.

For parents and carers, it can be difficult to know how best to respond. However, recognising the signs, listening without judgement and maintaining open communication can make a significant difference.

Do It For Dolly Day is a national reminder that kindness matters and that everyone has a role to play in creating safe and inclusive communities. This Special Report provides practical guidance to help families understand bullying, support their child and promote empathy, respect and positive relationships, ensuring no child feels alone.

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

Following successful qualification, four Loyola Basketball Teams proudly represented the College in Basketball Victoria’s 3xCup State Finals event held at the State Basketball Centre on Wednesday 29th April.

In a tough day of competition, the ball unfortunately didn’t bounce our way with the Division 1 Girls Team bowing out in the Round of 16. The Division 1 Boys, Division 2 Girls and Division 2 Boys progressed to the Quarter Finals, narrowly missing out on Semi-Final berths.

There were many exceptional displays of teamwork, resiliency and sportsmanship from our competitors, who have learnt what it takes to take the next step in 2027. We look forward to competing in the upcoming Victorian Secondary Schools Challenge Tournament this month with Loyola teams in the U15, 17 and 20 age groups looking to book their ticket to the state finals in June.

Quarterly Arrangements

The second quarterly instalments for 2026 are due next Friday, 8 May 2026. Any queries or concerns should be directed to fees@loyola.vic.edu.au.

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)

Families that hold a means tested Health Care Card (HHC) or Pension Card may be entitled to the Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund (CSEF) that reduces their fee account by $400 per student.

The CSEF application form can be found on the College website at www.loyola.vic.edu.au

Queries should be directed to the Finance Department at fees@loyola.vic.edu.au

Students Selected for International Standards Olympiad in Seoul

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 https://www.standards.org.au/e....

Maytime Fair

This year’s Maytime Fair will be held TOMORROW 2 May from 9.00am – 4.00pm.

Xavier House, the Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA) and Partnership With Parents Group (PWP) will once again be supporting the Maytime Fair at Xavier College by running a hot jam donut stand. The Fair will also include entertainment for parents and children with a huge array of food, live music, rides, arts, crafts, games, a wine auction, sport, face painting, showbags and more. Take your friends and family along for a day packed with excitement, fun and community spirit – all for a great cause.

All proceeds from this annual event support Jesuit Mission’s work, empowering vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia and Africa. and every year, Loyola College happily participates in this wonderful day. We look forward to seeing many Loyola families at the Fair – which always proves a fun day for all.

Thank you to the parents and students who have volunteered to run the stall.

For more information and to pre-purchaser ride and raffle tickets, visit the Maytime Fair website.

Open Day

A reminder that Open Day will take place on Sunday, 17 May from 1.00pm – 4.00pm. This day provides us with a great opportunity to welcome guests into our school and share with them all the things that make Loyola College special. If you know of family or friends who are interested in joining the Loyola College Community in the coming years, please advise them to register their attendance to this event online by clicking HERE

LPFA Working Bee

We are seeking volunteers to assist at our upcoming Working Bee on Saturday, 9 May 9.00am - 12.00pm as we prepare the College for Open Day. Your help will make a huge difference in ensuring our school grounds and event spaces look their best.

No special skills are required - just a willingness to lend a hand! Lunch will be provided as a thank you for your time and effort.

If you’re able to assist, please register by clicking HERE

We look forward to seeing you there!

G & T High Tea – BOOKINGS MUST CLOSE 14 MAY

Join the Loyola Parents & Friends Association for a relaxed and indulgent day out at our upcoming LPFA Gin & High Tea social event at Black Sheep Distillery, Geelong. This adults-only event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents while enjoying a beautifully curated high tea experience.

For $97 per person, your ticket includes return travel (total time 9.00am – 3.00pm) and a two-hour gin high tea featuring a selection of handcrafted gin cocktails and spritz, bottomless sparkling wine, and alcohol-free options. Guests will also enjoy a delicious spread of European-inspired savoury and sweet treats.

Coach transport to leave Loyola College at 9.00am and return 3.00pm, with a coffee stop (at own expense) along the way.

• Saturday 23 May
• 9.00am – 3.00pm (including travel time)
• Black Sheep Distillery, Geelong
• Adults 18+ only

We look forward to sharing this special experience with you.

Bookings can be made online from Tuesday, 31March at 7.00pm. Ticket cost $97 per adult over 18 years of age, (plus booking fee). To book your tickets online please click HERE

LPFA Trivia Night & Online Auction – Save the Date!

Get ready to put your thinking caps on for our Trivia Night on Saturday 29 August! This will be the Loyola Parents & Friends Association major fundraiser for the year, with plenty of fun, friendly competition, and great prizes up for grabs.

An online auction will run alongside the event, giving everyone even more chances to support the cause and score something special. More details coming soon.

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:

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

Darebin Basketball Programs

Darebin Basketball are reaching out to schools who we are engaged with via our 2025/2026 participants! We are excited to confirm that our beginner/development programs are open for registration!

Our Term 2 programming has opportunities for players looking to engage with the game at a beginner level, and players who are currently playing Rep/Domestic level already! We would love if you have the opportunity to promote these programs to your school community via newsletter/any channels.

Registrations/info: https://www.darebinbasketball....