A most warm welcome back to our students and their families. I trust that the recent term break was an opportunity to rest, connect and energise in preparation for Term Four.

Farewell to our Year 12 Graduates

As our Year 12 students get ready to finish their time at the College, it is opportune to take a moment to celebrate everything they have achieved and the people they have become. Over the years, they have grown not just in knowledge, but also in character, showing what it means to live with compassion, act with courage, and serve others in the Ignatian spirit.

Their final week with us has been filled with special moments. On Thursday 16 October, they were farewelled by their House and Mentor groups in House Assemblies. This was an opportunity to reflect, share memories, and say thank you. Then on Friday 17 October, the whole College came together for a formal Assembly to honour our graduates. In one of our most cherished traditions, they walked out of the Assembly to the cheers and applause of the entire school community, a powerful symbol of our pride and support.

Later that day, at 4:00pm, we gathered for a beautiful Celebration Liturgy, followed by the Graduation Dinner. This is a time for students, staff, and families to come together, share stories, and give thanks for the journey we have shared.

We thank our Year 12 students for the energy, spirit, and leadership they have brought to our community. As they head into the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the heart of our school and the values that will guide them wherever life takes them.

Senior Sports Awards Evening

A big thank you to Ms Jacqueline Wade (Director of Sport) and her team for the organisation of the Senior Sports Awards evening on Thursday 9 October 2025.

This evening was a wonderful celebration of student achievements across both the summer and winter ACS seasons. The event acknowledged outstanding performances at championship carnivals and featured inspiring addresses from Sam Glover, VFL Collingwood captain, and Aisling Utri, Western Bulldogs AFLW premiership player and Australian hockey representative. A special highlight was the recognition of our Year 12 students who have participated in ACS sport every year of their six years at the College.

These students are commended for their remarkable commitment, leadership, and contribution to our sporting culture.

Presentation Ball

On Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 September, our annual Presentation Balls took place, celebrating the hard work and growth of our students who had been practising their dance moves over several weeks. It was a proud moment to witness their achievements, as they conducted themselves with grace and dignity throughout the beautiful presentations.

A highlight of the evenings was seeing families join students on the dance floor, leading cultural dances that reflected a strong appreciation of culture, acceptance of others, and a deep sense of community.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Loyola staff who made these events possible: Mr Matthew Luczek (Director of College and Community Engagement), Ms Monica Agius (College and Community Engagement Assistant), and Mrs Shannon Staub (Director of Co-Curriculum).

I would also like to thank the parent committee who worked tirelessly to organise the event. A very special note of appreciation goes to the following parents:

School Holiday Activity

Over the holidays, the Loyola campus remained busy and engaged. I thank the teachers who took the opportunity to run additional classes for their Year 12 students. The Maths faculty once again facilitated two Maths Magis sessions, open to all students who require extra support in Mathematics, preparation for exam conditions, or further personal challenge for excellence.

As they prepare to step into their final exams, we encourage our Year 12 students to stay focused, look after their wellbeing, and lean on the support around them. Now is the time to revise with purpose, ask questions, practise past papers, and keep a healthy balance between study and rest.

Cyber Incident Update

Our investigation continues with a focus on determining the specific impact on individuals, both past and present.

We will continue to send personalised communications to all impacted members of our community about exactly what data we know has been accessed or compromised and to provide further advice on what steps should be taken.

Importantly, there a number of steps we can all take to protect our information, including regularly changing passwords and reporting any suspicious activity.

Specialist identity protection advice and resources are available to you free of charge through IDCare, Australia’s national identity and cyber support community service by calling 1800 595 160. When contacting IDCare please quote the referral code MACS25.

As the Year 12 students' year draws to a close and they ready themselves for the examination period and life beyond Loyola College, our Christian Service Captains, Annie Clarke (12/FJJM) and Samuel Covan (12/AAOB) have written a short reflection on their time at the College. We wish them and all Year 12 students every success in the future. May they 'go forth and set the world on fire.'

After 13 long years of school, our year level is experiencing a bittersweet feeling, creating a palpable and almost tangible energy that fills the halls of Loyola. Some feel hopeful and excited for the future, while others are apprehensive about leaving the place they have called home for six years. Many are stressed about exams, and some are simply waiting for the well-deserved relief of them being over.

This year has felt like a marathon, and we are finally on the last stretch, gasping for air as adrenaline pushes us to the finish line. Reflecting on the journey, it has been a year of long days spent studying, precious memories made with friends, and the constant juggle of the many co-curricular activities Loyola offers. All of this has happened while we try to envision life beyond these walls and discern what our future paths might look like.

As Christian Service Captains, we are deeply grateful for the privilege of being Loyola College students and, in our roles, for living out the Ignatian value of being people for and with others. We hope to be remembered as leaders who served with humility and heart. While we are sad to be leaving, we are also excited to see how future cohorts will continue to promote the Catholic faith through an Ignatian lens at the College.

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank the Loyola community for shaping who we are.

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

The easy and cheap tip to help students get a 40-plus VCE study score

As our Unit 3/4 students prepare for their final VCE examinations, recent research has identified a highly effective study strategy: the consistent completion of practice questions.

According to The Age article, VCE success: Practice questions are key to high study scores, research shows, a comprehensive study involving over 57,000 students from the 2023 and 2024 VCE cohorts revealed a strong correlation between the volume of practice questions completed and the likelihood of attaining a study score above 40. In subjects such as Biology, high-achieving students frequently completed 800 or more questions prior to their examinations.

Why are practice questions so effective?

• They reinforce learning through repetition and retrieval.

• They assist students in identifying areas requiring further attention.

• They reduce exam-related anxiety by increasing familiarity with question formats.

• They contribute to improved performance in both School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) and final examinations.

Importantly, these resources are readily available to students through Loyola College, the VCAA, and other reputable educational platforms.

Educational experts consistently emphasise the importance of deliberate practice in achieving academic growth. Structured and purposeful engagement with practice questions enables students to consolidate their understanding and build confidence.

How Parents Can Support

Parental support plays a vital role in helping students navigate the final stages of their VCE journey. Here are some practical ways to assist:

• Encourage daily practice: Support your child in setting achievable goals for completing practice questions each day.

• Utilise available resources: Explore VCAA past exams and materials provided by Loyola College.

• Promote balance: Help your child maintain a healthy routine that includes study, rest, and wellbeing.

• Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your child’s efforts and milestones to foster motivation and resilience.

Call to Action

We encourage all families to take time this week to sit down with their child and develop a study plan for the upcoming VCAA exams. Even 30 minutes of focused practice each day can lead to significant improvement. Together, we can support our students in finishing their VCE journey with confidence and success.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier

Subject Selection

Students and parents will receive confirmation of their subject preferences for 2026 in the next few weeks. Preferences have been carefully considered, and the College has worked diligently to assign students to the subjects they requested. However, it's conceivable that, owing to timetabling constraints, some students may find themselves assigned to subjects from their reserve preferences. There is the opportunity to change a subject by completing a form (link will be available in the confirmation letter) alongside an interview with Mrs Bosco (Head of Learning Pathways). Students will have a week to compete this process. Thereafter, no changes will be allowed.

End of Year Examinations (Year 8-11)

The dates for all examinations can be found below.

Further details will be issued to parents in the next couple of weeks, but a summary can be found below.

Attendance

Students who fail to attend an exam and cannot show a medical certificate will receive 0%. This includes students on holiday. Students with a medical certificate will receive exempt.

If a student misses an examination, they are welcome to collect the relevant examination from Ms Freeman (OL127) after the examination window. Whilst staff are not required to mark the exam, they will provide feedback if requested by the student.

Dress Code

All students must attend examinations in full school summer uniform (including wearing the school blazer).

Students not in full school uniform will not be allowed in the examination and will be directed to go to the iCentre to complete revision.  These students will then be required to complete any examinations they have missed on 6 December at 1.30pm.  Failure to attend this session will result in 0%.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones and/or smart devices are not permitted in an exam room. If a student has a mobile phone or electronic digital device on their person in the exam, it will be removed from the student, and a 0% recorded.

Equipment

• Water bottles and pencil cases must be clear.

• Mobile phones will not be permitted. Any student found with a mobile phone will receive 0% for that examination (see above)

Orientation

Orientation for 2025 Units 1 – 4 will run from 24 November to 4 December. Further details will be issued nearer to the time. Any subject changes made by students will be reflected in the Orientation week timetable.

Booklist Provider

As already mentioned in a previous Ignatian edition, the College will continue to use Box of Books as our booklist provider.

Parents are able to recycle physical books from siblings or purchase second hand physical books (as long as the book has not changed). As part of the College’s eBook levy, Year 7-9 students will automatically receive digital resources for Maths, Science, Humanities and RE and hard copies for English.

STEM Research Program

We are excited to share that applications for the Fall Cohort of the STEM Research Program are open for motivated students (ages 14–18) keen to explore their passions while working on cutting-edge STEM topics.

Led by researchers at MIT, Caltech, and Stanford, the STEM Research Program introduces ambitious students to the cutting edge of scientific field of interest. Students will work 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor and create an independent research project.

Explore cool topics like astrophysics, quantum mechanics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, robotic control, game theory, genetic engineering, and many more!

Timeline

• Week 1: Introduction to your mentor and align on a topic

• Week 2-4: Explore the topic and identify the research question

• Week 5-9: Compose research paper with 1-1 support from research mentor

• Week 10-12: Complete final edits and submit the paper for final evaluation

Complete this application below to be considered for participation and receive more information. We look forward to working on interesting science with you!

STEM Research Program Application

Dear wonderful Loyola College Community,

Just as quick as 2025 started, we are now fast approaching the end of another fantastic year. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting, working, collaborating and spending time with many of you. It has been a very special time for us and we want to thank you all for these experiences, opportunities and your ongoing support. Loyola has been such a vibrant environment to be in and has been completely attributed to everyone in this college, making this community whole.

The calendar this year was jam packed with so many events where every student had the opportunity to excel and thrive within the school environment. The annual College House events of Athletics, Swimming, Eisteddfod, Debating and many more showed the ongoing active willingness and eagerness of the students to participate. It is always amazing to see all the events filled with so many people and we hope this continues to grow into the future. We had also seen events such as the College Musical Shrek, the ACS Carnivals, the Singapore STEM Tour and so much more which showcased the College’s fundamental tenet of Cura Personalis, which truly is developing the whole person. 2025 also saw the announcement of the new Orange House. This is an exciting new prospect for the College which will broaden opportunities for years to come. This is Loyola history in the making and you’re all living through it.

We also had an overwhelming number of fundraisers this year, in our opinion (not statistical), the most we’ve ever had in a year. This demonstrated the dedication of the student body to assist such great causes from a variety of charities which everyone embraced in huge support. A highlight this year was our St Ignatius Day Walk fundraiser from which donations go to the various house charities including the Caroline Chisholm Society (Chisholm), Jesuit Social Services (Mannix), Redfern Jarjum College (Flynn), McAuley Community Services for Women (McAuley), MacKillop Family Services (MacKillop) and Jesuit Mission (Xavier). We smashed our goal of $30,000 and raised over $60,000 which is an absolute credit to the amazing community Loyola has, always willing to offer a helping hand to those who are in need.

At the very beginning of the year we had set out clear goals for ourselves, to make school a more engaging and enjoyable environment to be in, as well as trying to bring excitement to the College, whilst continuing our proud traditions. We believe we have achieved this in 2025 and set foundations up for a bright future at the College. By being as approachable as we could, we ensured that we could break down barriers and make sure that the student body could be represented in full. We ensured that we upheld the responsibility of the role of College Captains whilst showing the school that it is okay to have fun and a joy to be a student at Loyola College. By implementing and supporting initiatives in the College Committee, Loyola Student Council (LSC) and Service Portfolio’s, we were able to see this vision out.

As a collective, the College Committee was able to set up four major goals: Reviewing Aspects of the PD Program, Revising Leadership Awareness within the College, Promoting Student Voice and Engagement and Reviewing the Teacher/Student Relationships, all of which had rates of success within the College and set out to benefit the future in some way or another. The College Committee also ran the Staff vs Student Netball and Soccer Matches, both raising donations for charitable causes. The Loyola Student Council had two major initiatives: the highly requested Uniform Reforms and the many smaller College Life projects. It also ran a successful LSC Week. On top of this the LSC helped fund the new bus shelter inside the school grounds, which has recently opened. The Service Portfolios also had successful years with their initiatives, such as The Ice Bucket Challenge, The World's Greatest Shave, The Watermelon Eating Competition, Wellbeing Week, and so many other exciting projects, which help solidify the phrase being people with and for others. Thank you to all the students involved. What you have achieved this year is something each of you should be immensely proud of and which you can look back on with fondness. Well done on all the hard work and effort that was put in this year.

We would also like to thank key members of staff who had helped us, guided us, and had their fair share of 1 am emails - Mrs Salmic, Ms Sudano, Mr Luczek, Mrs Paino, Mr Brasier, Ms Solomon, Mr Tran, Mrs Leutchford, Ms Scott, Ms Freeman, and all the other teachers that helped us along the way. It has been a hectic process, and it has always been comforting to know that teachers, such as yourselves, were here to support us, and see us and the whole school flourish. To our biggest supporters - our families. You have and are always there for us no matter what and have given us an abundance of support and love and helped guide us through our journey, not just this year, but every year. Thank you for being with us and helping us cherish every moment. We couldn’t have gotten to where we are without you. And the biggest thank you of all has to go to the students. Each and every one of you are the reason we do what we do, and because of that, makes our jobs so much easier. Your waves, smiles, salutes and bouts of questions are what got us through a crazy year, and we hope we did you, as your representatives, and this College, proud.

It feels like not that long ago we were both just starting our journey as College Captains. Today, it comes with great joy that we’d both like to welcome Angelina Badawi and Simon Adi-Purnomo as next year's College Captains. We are both confident that Angelina and Simon will serve the role to the best of their ability and that they will lead the College to great places in 2026. We would also like to wish next year's leaders the best of luck for the year to come.

We say this now with mixed emotions that our time at the College is almost over. It has been the greatest honour and privilege to serve, lead and be a part of Loyola College. Thank you for trusting our vision and enabling us to lead the best we can. Thank you for creating memories with us that we hope you will remember for a lifetime. As we enter our final weeks at the College we want to wish this community the very best for whatever the future may hold and that each and every one of you lead lives that are full, filled with joy, learnings and love.

Marlo Johnson and Kai Simpson
2025 College Captains

There's no such thing as perfect parenting. But by understanding different parenting styles, we can better support our children in healthier and more effective ways.

Most of us parent as a blend of our own upbringing, lived experiences and external influences such as books, podcasts or parenting websites. And while parenting is always a challenge, it can become even more complex through divorce, separation, blended families, trauma or bereavement. Not to mention life's many other hurdles.

The concept of "parenting styles" was first introduced in the 1960s by Diana Baumrind, a clinical and developmental psychologist. She identified four main categories of parenting. Each style shapes a child's development in different ways and comes with both strengths and challenges.

Although well-intentioned, each parenting approach can have drawbacks in a child's development. Every child is unique, and their needs change as they grow. An authoritative style may suit younger children, but teenagers often require a greater balance of guidance and independence. The goal is to create a secure environment where children feel respected, heard, and supported.

By learning more about the different styles and how they influence children, you can make informed choices about the approach that best suits your family. And remember, styles are not fixed. They can evolve over time as your child grows and their needs change.

We invite you to watch this Special Report and complete the quiz to discover your own parenting style. You might also like to compare your results with your partner's and reflect together on the different approaches you each bring to parenting.

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

VTAC Applications – Year 12

A reminder to families of Year 12 students that timely VTAC applications close on September 29. We encourage all students intending to apply for tertiary study through VTAC to submit their course preferences before this date to avoid the additional cost of late applications. Please note that preferences can still be adjusted as many times as needed after the deadline. Further details, including key VTAC dates, are available on the Learning Pathways LMS.

RIJI Program – Year 9

We thank our Year 9 students who have submitted their job applications to take part in the mock interview process as part of the Real Industry Job Interview (RIJI) program, facilitated by the Banyule/Nillumbik Local Learning Group. Parents of participating students will receive further information via Consent2Go closer to the interview date on 23 October.

As always please continue to use the Learning Pathways LMS for further information and useful links.

Year 10 Italian Excursion to the Veneto Club

On Tuesday 12 August, the Year 10 Italian students enjoyed a unique cultural experience at the Veneto Club in Bulleen. This excursion gave students the opportunity to learn about the history of Italian migration to Australia, particularly after World War II, when many Italians arrived in search of work and a better life.

At that time, there were no mobile phones or social media, so people from the same regions of Italy chose to gather together and create places where they could connect, share traditions, and support one another. The Veneto Club is one such place. Even today, it continues to serve as a cultural hub where families come together to enjoy traditional food, play soccer and bocce, and celebrate their heritage.

During the excursion, students took part in a presentation about the history of the Club and the migration experiences of Italians from the Veneto region, linking back to their learning in Semester 1. They also discovered more about the unique cultural aspects of the Veneto Region, which they are now exploring in greater depth in Semester 2.

The day was filled with engaging activities, including playing bocce and soccer, as well as participating in a hands-on Italian cooking class. A highlight for many was enjoying the delicious gnocchi they helped prepare!

This excursion was not only fun and interactive but also a valuable way for students to deepen their understanding of Italian culture, migration history, and the traditions that continue to connect generations within the Italian-Australian community.

Exceptional Service – Hospitality Students Shine for the Community

From the beginning of the year, our talented Hospitality Front of House and Kitchen Operations students have delighted the community with a series of unforgettable à la carte dining experiences. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with warmth, professionalism, and the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from seasoned industry professionals – not students still perfecting their craft.

The kitchen team, brimming with creativity and enthusiasm, cooked our seasonal menu that showcased fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish was crafted with care, balancing flavour and presentation. Meanwhile, our Front of House students ensured every guest felt welcome and valued, providing attentive service that elevated the evening into something truly special.

These dinners were more than just a culinary showcase – they were a chance for our students to gain real-world experience, working together as a professional team under the pressures and rewards of live service. They demonstrated not only their technical skills but also their teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to excellence.

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful to the community members who joined us to support and celebrate their work. These dinners have given our students the confidence to recognise their capabilities and the drive to push their skills even further as they move forward in their hospitality journey.

Cyber Security is Everyone’s Business

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, an opportunity to talk about cyber security and take action to protect your devices and accounts.

The theme for Cyber Security Awareness Month 2025 is Building our cyber safe culture, and you are encouraged to prioritise cyber security by taking these 3 key actions – this applies to all devices, including work and home devices:

1. Install software updates to keep your devices secure.

2. Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account.

3. Always set up multi-factor authentication.

Further resources for the general community are available at actnowstaysecure.gov.au/cybermonth2025

Spring Working Bee – Tomorrow

Our final Working Bee for 2025 will be held tomorrow, Saturday 18 October, from 9.00am – 12.00pm. Parent assistance is greatly appreciated, and you are welcome to join us at any time during the morning to help with a range of tasks around the College.

In the interest of child safety, we kindly ask that only parents attend.

To thank our volunteers for their efforts, lunch will be provided at 11.30am.

Community Christmas Market & Carols Night - Market Stall Holders Expression of Interest

Loyola College, in conjunction with the Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA) will be hosting the annual Community Christmas Market & Carols Night on Friday, 28 November 5.00pm – 9.00pm.

As in previous years, this wonderful family event will include food trucks, children’s entertainment, Christmas performances by our students, the Good As New Uniform Sale and a festive Christmas Market - offering families the opportunity to purchase unique and handmade gifts. The evening attracts approximately 1000 people from both the College and local communities.

We are now seeking expressions of interest from small businesses wishing to holding a stall at the event. A $20 stall fee applies, and stallholders are requested to provide their own trestle table/s. Please note that all stall holders and their helpers must hold a current Working With Children Check.

Enquiries can be made at PaterraG@loyola.vic.edu.au

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. All funds raised at these sales support the fundraising efforts of the Loyola Parents and Friends Association.

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

Entertainment Guide

Save up to 50% on dining, shopping and things to do.

Unlock over $20,000 in value and savings with an Entertainment Membership. Redeem Members only offers at over 15,000 locations across Australia and New Zealand, with new offers added daily.

Please click HERE to purchase 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.

For Your Calendar

Melbourne United & Loyola College

Looking to attend upcoming Melbourne United home games? Through our partnership with Melbourne United, Loyola students and families have access to the exclusive discount code ‘UNITED26092’ for 15% off all tickets. This code is valid for all regular season games at John Cain arena throughout the 2025-26 NBL season.