Term Three is progressing smoothly. With just nine weeks and a diverse array of activities planned, there is a positive sense of momentum as we move forward through the term.

ACS Night Football Match

I was thrilled to once again attend the annual ACS Night Football match. This match exemplifies teamwork, school spirit, and community engagement. As the event progressed from day to night, an energetic atmosphere emerged where students, staff, and families gathered to support their team in unity and pride.

Throughout the game, players demonstrated dedication through determined play, strategic teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their efforts highlighted the importance of collaboration, discipline, and commitment to both their team and school community.

I congratulate our girls’ team who won their game. Our boys fought hard, but the match was not theirs at the final siren.

Beyond the competition, the emphasis on respectful conduct and integrity underscored the true spirit of sportsmanship. Players supported one another, respected their opponents, and upheld the values that our community holds true.

In the stands, spectators—students, staff, and families—contribute to a positive and encouraging environment, sharing in the collective experience and fostering a sense of belonging.

This match is a wonderful example of how members of our community come together, with passion and purpose, to strengthen community bonds.

I would like to thank Ms Jacqueline Wade, Director of Sport, Coaches Sarah Sansonetti (L:14-19), Elisha Folino (L:19-24), Sam Philp (L:14-19) and Julian Minutolo (L:18-23) and Garry Ramsey.

I would also like to thank the Overnewton Principal, Mrs Emily Fitzsimmons, for her warm and generous hospitality.

Senior Subject Transition Evening

It was a pleasure to participate in the Senior Subject Transition Evening on Tuesday, 12 August. It was encouraging to observe students engaging with a variety of teachers to seek guidance and make informed subject choices that will support their future career planning.

I would like to thank Ms Kathryn Wilson, Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning, and Mrs Lisa Bosco, Head of Learning Pathways, for their organisation of the event.

Secondary School Improvement Network

On Friday 8 August, Mr Jacob Gasparini, Director of Learning, and I attended the Secondary School Improvement Network, where we further explored the Explicit teaching model and how it can have an impact of improving both classroom practice and learning.

This professional learning session was a great support for us as we continue to address the goals of our Annual Action Plan, which include both introducing an explicit teaching model and a targeted response to literacy and numeracy.

Loyola College Alumni Association Reunion

The annual Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) reunion took place on Friday 8 August at the Henry Barclay Hotel in Heidelberg. The event was well attended by both past students and staff who shared stories of bygone days. Many laughs and photographs were shared. Thanks to all those who attended and to Mrs Katrina Petrou, alumni liaison, who organised the event.

LPFA Trivia Night

A big thank-you to the Loyola Parents and Friends for their wonderful organisation of the trivia night on Saturday 9 August. The night was a fantastic celebration of fun, laughter, and friendly competition. Staff and families came together to test their knowledge, cheer each other on, and enjoy a night filled with energy and community spirit. Whether answering questions or sharing a table with friends, the joy of simply being together made the evening truly memorable.

ACS Public Speaking

Congratulations to the following students, who represented the College in the annual ACS Public Speaking Competition on Monday 4 August.

Simon Adi-Purmono (11/AAAM)

MacKenzie Davies (10/XJLT)

Kyle Stechemesser (7/MCMS)

Congratulations to Simon Adi-Purmono for achieving first place in the Senior division with his speech on the theme of mind-reading.

All participants represented our college with pride and distinction, demonstrating the high standards of public speaking fostered at the college.

I would like to thank Mrs. Shannon Staub, Director of Co-curricular Programs, for escorting the students to the competition, as well as Mrs. Gem Oktay and Mrs. Natalie Buser for their support in the adjudication process.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to the parents who attended the Parent-Teacher Interviews on Thursday, 14 August. Please note that there is a second (online) session scheduled for Thursday, 4 September. If parents were unable to attend the initial session, they are encouraged to schedule an appointment for the upcoming one. Building strong parent-teacher partnerships and sharing feedback are vital in supporting each student’s academic success.

Feast of The Assumption - 15 August

On August 15, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a moment of profound hope and grace in our Catholic tradition. It reminds us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven, a sign of God’s promise to all of us: that life is not ended, but transformed.

For our Loyola College community, this feast is more than a liturgical celebration—it is an invitation to reflect on Mary’s life of deep faith, courageous discernment, and humble service. These are qualities that resonate deeply with the Ignatian charism that shapes our identity.

St Ignatius of Loyola held Mary in great reverence. In his Spiritual Exercises, he invites retreatants to contemplate Mary’s role in salvation history, not as a distant figure, but as a model of openness to God’s will. Like Ignatius, we are called to listen attentively to the stirrings of the Spirit, to respond generously, and to walk with courage—even when the path is uncertain.

Mary’s Assumption is a celebration of her “yes” to God—a yes that was lived daily, in quiet trust and active love. In our own lives, whether as students, parents, or staff, we are invited to echo that yes. We do this when we accompany one another with compassion, when we seek justice, and when we nurture hope in our community.

As we honour Mary, Jesus' first disciple, this week, may we be inspired to live more deeply the Ignatian way: to find God in all things, to discern with wisdom, and to serve with love.

As mentioned in previous editions, Term 3 is an extremely busy term for the Teaching and Learning team, and a lot has happened since the previous edition

Thank you……
PISA Testing

Thank you to the 26 randomly selected students who took part for most of the day completing the PISA testing

Subject Selection Evenings (VCE & VCE VM)

Thank you to all those parents and students who attended the VCE VM and VCE Subject Selection and Expo Evenings. They were a huge success, and the feedback was extremely positive. If parents do have any specific feedback that they would like to share, please email boscol@loyola.vic.edu.au or wilsonk@loyola.vi.cedu.au

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all parents / guardians for attending the Parent Teacher Interviews. We hope they were meaningful and worthwhile, and provided feedback on your child’s learning and wellbeing, together with strategies to support future progress. We look forward to our second one on 4 September.

Upcoming events

Year 9 & Year 10 Career Interviews

It is important that our students make their decisions about subject choices in an informed manner. In light of this, every Year 9 and 10 student will have a 1-1 careers interview in week 5. An important stage of this process is to carefully read the 2026 Course Guide. 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.

The Ignatian Annie and Samuel

“Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” – St Ignatius. This year, that’s exactly what we’ve aimed for: putting our faith into action. As Christian Service Captains, we’ve watched Loyola students step up, serve others, and bring our Ignatian values to life. We are your Christian Service Captains for 2025, and our names are Annie Clarke and Samuel Covan.

To start Semester Two, our mission as a whole team has been to increase participation in all areas of Christian service, leaning into our Ignatian values of being people for and with others!

This has been accomplished throughout the semester and year through Loyola's co-curricular activities. For example, students in Year 10 and above visit St Pius Primary School in West Heidelberg, helping students with reading, engaging activities, and outdoor play. We have seen a steady increase in participation here and are proud of those from the Loyola community who get involved!

Similarly, Loyola students meet fortnightly with a group of children from around the West Heidelberg area to play games and engage with them, in a program organised through the Exodus community. This program continues to attract many students from Loyola, fostering positive mentorship and ongoing bonds.

Our Vinnies group has been busy visiting The Big Group Hug, helping sort and pack essentials for families doing it tough. The items we sorted were donated by the Loyola community, which we are exceptionally grateful for. We’re also bringing back the Hot Chips Drive, with all proceeds going to Vinnies projects. Later this year, we’ll be heading to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, connecting with other young people about their faith.

While this has been happening, we have launched a special new project for Loyola College that has been gaining attention on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. With help from Mr Tran, we’ve recorded two episodes of the LOL (Living Out Loud) podcast, focused on Christian service. We discuss how students are contributing to the Magis through fundraising, Young Vinnies, and current world events that reflect our values. Our latest episode, Faith in Transition, explores the church under Pope Leo XIII, the first U.S.-born pope. Go check it out if you haven't already. It’s a great way for our wider college community to be involved in the faith life of the college!

In other exciting news, we took part in our first-ever Kairos retreat with St Ignatius College Geelong. This involved four days of reflection, connection, and growing in faith. Kairos, meaning “God’s time”, is a retreat program that invites students to pause from everyday life, reflect deeply on themselves and their relationships, and experience God’s presence in a new way. We are super excited to see this continue in the years to come!

Looking to the future, keep your eyes peeled for our Vinnies non-perishable food drive as well as our Christmas drive this term. Time and time again, we are amazed by the generosity of the Loyola community. In advance, we are grateful for any donations you can provide. We also have the Pay It Forward night coming up, where a group of Year 12 students will participate in a range of Christian service activities, including a barbecue for the West Heidelberg community and handing out supplies to the homeless.

Before we finish, we want to leave you with this......

As Christian Service Captains, we challenge you, the Loyola community, to reflect on how you can be people for and with others. Even small actions can have a meaningful impact when we come together in service!

Annie Clarke (12/FJJM) and Samuel Covan (12/AAOB)

Student of the Fortnight

For our Student of the Fortnight, we wanted to highlight someone who truly embodies Loyola College’s values and spirit of being people for and with others.

This fortnight, the student is Jake Walsh (7/XJAG)! Jake raised $1,565, an exceptional feat for a year 7 student. We are so proud of his fundraising efforts, and we look forward to what he will contribute to the Loyola community in the years to come!

On Sunday, the Alliance Française de Melbourne hosted the thrilling grand finale of the Berthe Mouchette Competition, marking a proud moment for all participants.

As one of the most cherished events promoting French language and culture among Victorian students, this competition has been inspiring young minds since its founding in the late 19th century.

This year, three outstanding finalists took the stage one final time, reciting their poems with poise, passion, and impeccable French pronunciation. These young poets exemplified the courage and dedication the Berthe Mouchette Poetry Competition is known for fostering.

A heartfelt congratulations to our talented finalists:

Laura Greig (9XJGA)

Isabel Schembri (9MMJT)

Madelyn Wee (9KMLE)

The Languages Faculty and the entire Loyola College community are incredibly proud of you and of all the students who took part in this enriching experience.

This week, we hosted our annual Subject Selection and Careers Expo evening, which was a wonderful success with an excellent turnout. We hope all families found the insights from our Heads of Learning, tertiary institutions, and employment providers valuable in helping plan for students’ future pathways.

Our Year 12 students are now commencing their tertiary applications. We encourage them to explore courses in detail to make informed decisions about their future. Further information and resources are available on the Year 12 LMS page.

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

Free Parent Webinar: Digital Media Literacy & Safety

We are pleased to share an exclusive online event, presented by two of Australia’s leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

This one-hour webinar will explore:

• New Social Media Regulations

• Digital Footprint & Reputation

• Screen Time & Brain Development

• Parental Controls

Date: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Time: 7:30 - 8:30pm
Location: Online

This webinar will not be available for replay, so we encourage you to register now.

Register here: Digital Media Literacy & Safety – Part III

Cybersafety Part 2: What is posted on the Internet remains there forever!

Once posted, it’s toasted!

Consider this true story. A teenage girl takes some photos of herself modelling and posts these photos up on her social media account for her friends to see. Some months later she is travelling on a bus and notices an advertising billboard with one of her modelling photos on it. Shocked and curious, her concerned parents contact the advertisers only to discover that a social networking site’s Terms and Conditions allow them to sell any content (text, photos, videos) posted there without their daughter’s prior knowledge or consent.

In this era of AI generated content, any text, photos or videos in the public domain will likely to be ingested into Large Language Models, to then potentially be used by others, who may have criminal intent, to personally identify individuals and/or create deep fakes of them for economic or political gain.

What about when applying for a job? Does having a social media account or signing up for online competitions matter? Absolutely! The Internet is like ‘Big Brother’, constantly gathering data about a person’s private life. It is now commonplace for employers to use Google and social networking sites, perhaps even Gen AI tools like Chat GPT, to do background checks on job applicants before deciding whether to interview them for a job.

On the Internet you may be surprised at the amount of personal information available about people – this information is not protected by privacy laws, since it has been willingly posted on the Internet each time a person adds their profile details to a social networking site, or signs up for free downloads, ringtones, or competitions.

Parents/guardians, please encourage your child to think twice about posting the following online: boasting, being crude or talking about socially negative behaviours like theft, drug use, homophobia, xenophobia or getting drunk. These character blights will form a permanent part of your child’s online curriculum vitae.

It gets scarier. Even when deactivated, a Facebook account is kept forever; officially, this is so no one else can use the same name. But once a person’s information is put out there on the Internet, it can never be taken back! It is kept on a database and can be accessed by people with sufficient authority, even if that information does not appear to be visible to the public.

What can parents/guardians do to protect themselves and their children from cyber-theft?

1. Ensure they remove any content that someone else may find valuable or which may be used to hurt or bully them in future.

2. What about deleting all photos on Facebook and then closing the account? This is not sufficient! All content will still be kept in archives and can still be indexed by Google. And if someone else has already downloaded those photos, they can still repost or do whatever they like with the photos without asking for permission or telling anyone about it.

3. When signing up for things like social networking sites, add only the minimum information. Never fill in fields that are not asterisked. Never provide a surname, or at least a real surname. Never supply a date of birth, or at least a real date of birth. Never give out a personal, work or school email address. At the very most, use a temporary email address that can easily be dumped later on. Keep your personal email address only for important correspondences, such as for family, close friends and work.

4. Students should never use their school email address for anything other than for school related activities.

Stay safe online. Be careful not to get burnt!

St Ignatius Day

A big thank you to the amazing parents from the LPFA and PWP who generously gave their time to assist with the Hot Jam Donut and drinks stall on St Ignatius Day. Your friendly smiles, helping hands, and dedication were a valued part of a wonderful day of celebration for our students and staff.

The College is deeply grateful for the ongoing support of parent volunteers from the Loyola Parents and Friends Association and Partnership With Parents groups - your involvement truly makes a difference!

Trivia & Games Night – A Huge Success!

What a fantastic night we had at the Loyola Trivia & Games Night! The Companions Hall was buzzing with laughter and friendly rivalry as over 150 guests came together for an evening of fun.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, or helped spread the word. The event was made even more successful thanks to the generosity of local businesses who donated prizes in support of the online auction and raffles. Please see a list of these businesses below. The auction was a standout success, with fierce bidding and plenty of friendly banter as guests competed for their favourite items.

Special thanks to Funky Bunch Trivia for their high-energy hosting and engaging trivia rounds, and to Spitting Image Catering for the delicious two-course meal that kept our guests fuelled for the night.

An extra special thank you must go to our wonderful organising committee – Loretta Baker, Lisa Grant, Karina Papadakis, Hui Ping Teh & Lisa Zammit – who gave their time and talents to bring the event together so smoothly.

Thank you once again for making it such a memorable night and bringing the community spirit to Loyola!

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 Memberships – Special Offers

When you buy an Entertainment Membership this month, you’ll get a FREE upgrade to a Multi City Membership (valued at $120!).

That means for just $70 (save $50!), you’ll score access to up to 50% off dining, activities, shopping, and travel across Australia, NZ, and Bali. It’s the perfect Father’s Day gift that will give all year round.

With over $20,000 in savings – from Rebel Sport, Supercheap Auto, and BCF, to fuel at Shell, plus amazing dining deals your Dad will love – you’ll make that money back in no time. You might even use those savings to book your next holiday (yep, your Membership can help with that too!).

Every 25 Memberships sold raises $350 for our cause.

Click HERE to buy your Membership

Entertainment Memberships really do help us help each other – you save on the things you love, and we keep supporting our community with the funds raised.

Live Your Best Life in Love...

A Marriage Encounter weekend is for you…

Every married couple deserves this very special weekend.

Time-out to nurture your most precious relationship away from life's distractions.

The two of you will come away from your weekend feeling more deeply connected

and with tools to help keep your renewed intimacy alive.

No group sharing is required.

The weekend is based around Catholic values. Couples of all faiths are very welcome.

Please check our website for details and to book your special weekend:

We have 2 further weekends on offer this year

October 3-5 at Tooleybuc Sporting Club / Tooleybuc Motor Inn - a great weekend getaway

October 10-12 at St Paul's Retreat Centre, Wantirna South

Starts Friday evening at 7pm and finishes Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm

Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or

Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au