Welcome to Term Two - The Trinity Term. May the hope and joy of Easter by with you in the term ahead.

I hope you all had a restful break and are ready for an exciting and productive term ahead.

Over the school break, Loyola College continued to offer a wealth of enriching experiences and opportunities.

Singapore STEM Tour

I would like to express my appreciation to Mrs. Lauren Hartigan, Mr. Mark Cuddon, Mr. David Ferrante, and Mrs. Natalie Zrimsek for supervising twenty students during the Singapore STEM Tour. Singapore is widely recognized for its achievements in technology and innovation. During the trip, students participated in various exhibitions, workshops, and hands-on activities, which we hope will enhance their interest and understanding of a broad range of STEM concepts.

Indonesian Immersion Trip

The College also organized an immersion program in Indonesia. This experience provided a valuable combination of cultural engagement, educational enhancement, and personal growth. We gratefully acknowledge Mr. Raymond Setiawan, Ms. Justiana Setyawan, Ms. Elizabeth Gartland and Ms. Lisa Saltalamacchia for accompanying our students and supporting them through this transformative journey. We also look forward to observing the development of their Indonesian language skills!

Maths Magis

Our Mathematics Teachers are passionate about their subject. On Tuesday, 9 April, a significant group of our Math teachers and their students visited Monserrat to engage with some of the more challenging mathematics concepts. Following preparatory activities, students sought assistance and collaborated effectively to complete some of their holiday homework.

I sincerely appreciate the generosity of these teachers, who willingly dedicate their own time to support and challenge our students in striving for excellence.

Exodus Family Camp

On Wednesday, 10 April Mr. McIlroy and Mr. John Tran accompanied ten students to the Exodus Community Olympic Village Family Camp. The camp was held at Mount Evelyn and provided recreational activities for families who may not otherwise have access to such experiences. Our students volunteered their time to support these families, demonstrating generosity and exemplifying the spirit of service to others.

FOPA Bunnings BBQ

A big thank-you to our FOPA parents for organizing the Bunnings BBQ on Saturday, 5 April. The proceeds from this event will be invested in this year’s College Musical, Shrek.

Loyola College Bulletin

Over the past two years, the College has compiled a quarterly bulletin providing an overview of key dates and important information. The Term Two bulletin was distributed to parents via email on Tuesday, 22 April. Parents are encouraged to review the bulletin to ensure they are well-informed about the upcoming events scheduled for this term.

Teaching Excellence Program 2025

Loyola College values the learning and development of our staff, and the positive impact this has on student outcomes and school improvement.

We are proud to share that Ms Stefanie Anderson has begun their professional learning journey through the Teaching Excellence Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.

This program enables teachers to advance their capabilities and excellence in teaching.

Through the program, Stefanie will grow their knowledge of teaching practice by participating in 10 in person days of professional learning and inquiring deeply into two areas of their practice, using the evidence-informed practice, generative AI, First Nations’ perspectives, student engagement tools and discipline-specific learning. They will also be inspired by national and international experts in the field of education through 2 dedicated conferences

We look forward to working with Stefanie to implement her knowledge and skills from the program to continue to support student outcomes and wellbeing at our school.

We are proud that we have Stefanie representing our school and supporting the Academy in raising the status of our amazing profession!

Reflecting on the Life and Pontificate of Pope Francis

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Pope Francis, we are reminded of the profound impact he has had on the Catholic Church and the world. His life and pontificate are deeply intertwined with the values and principles that we cherish at Loyola College, grounded in the Ignatian and Jesuit tradition.

A Jesuit Pope with a Global Vision

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as the first Jesuit Pope. His Jesuit formation has profoundly influenced his approach to leadership, emphasising humility, service, and a deep commitment to social justice. These values resonate strongly with our Jesuit/Ignatian charism at Loyola, where we strive to form people for and with others.

Commitment to Social Justice

One of the hallmarks of Pope Francis' pontificate has been his unwavering commitment to the marginalised and the poor. He has consistently called for a "Church of the poor" and has urged us to reach out to those on the peripheries of society. This call to action aligns with our own mission to foster a community that is inclusive, empathetic, and dedicated to the service of others. Through our various social justice initiatives, such as Exodus, St. Pius Reading Help, and Pay It Forward, we are inspired by Pope Francis to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

Care for Creation

Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si', has brought global attention to the urgent need for environmental stewardship. His call to care for our common home echoes the Ignatian principle of finding God in all things, including the natural world. As a College, we are committed to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, encouraging our students to be stewards of creation and to take action to protect our planet.

Mercy and Compassion

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of mercy and compassion. His message of forgiveness and love challenges us to look beyond ourselves and to embrace others with open hearts. This spirit of compassion is at the core of our Ignatian identity, guiding us to support one another and to build a community where everyone feels valued and respected.

Engaging with the World

Pope Francis has also encouraged dialogue and engagement with the world, urging us to listen to and learn from others. This approach is reflected in our educational philosophy at Loyola, where we emphasise the importance of critical thinking, open-mindedness, and respectful dialogue. By fostering a culture of inquiry and reflection, we prepare our students to be thoughtful and engaged citizens who can contribute positively to society.

A Legacy of Hope and Inspiration

As we continue our journey at the College, we draw strength and inspiration from Pope Francis' example. His life and leadership remind us of the power of faith, humility, and service. We are called to live out these values in our daily lives, to support one another in our shared pursuit of knowledge and justice, and to contribute to the greater good.

In the words of Pope Francis, "Let us learn to live with kindness, to love everyone, even when they do not love us."

May his legacy continue to inspire us to live out our Ignatian values with integrity and compassion.

Prayer in Memory of Pope Francis

Loving God,
Today we remember with sorrow and gratitude
your servant Pope Francis,
who returned to You after a life poured out in love and service.

Even in his final days, he brought hope to the world -
blessing us on Easter Sunday,
speaking words of peace, freedom, and compassion.

We thank You for his courage, humility,
and tireless work for justice, unity, and care for the poor.
May his example guide our hearts,
and may his spirit of mercy live on in our words and actions.

Welcome him into the light of Your presence,
and comfort Your Church as we journey forward in faith.

Through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

Over the term break 27 students and 4 teachers embarked on the Loyola STEM Tour to Singapore. The tour is an immersive experience where students are engaged in learning about sustainable technologies and the use of ‘better practice’ when it comes to managing crucial energy resources such as electricity and water.

The students also marvelled at Singapore’s population management and its emphasis on public housing and the policies and practices centred around a healthy standard of living for all citizens.

The tour also allowed students to better understand how disciplines studied at school such as Science and Engineering have end user benefits in the real world. Design principles of Singapore’s atrium gardens and their appreciation of the natural world in their built environment allowed students to understand the contrasts between Australia and Singapore in the use of space and the physical environments.

Our students also saw how 3D modelling technologies are used at mapping real world settings, how forensic science is used in criminal detection, and students also practised how to navigate the complex flight systems of a Boeing plane. The science behind ice cream making was also an enjoyable task.

The students from Years 10 to 12 really bonded into a little ‘Loyola Family’.

Some remarks from our Tour Group

“The Singapore trip fostered stronger connections among us, through shared experiences, new friendships were formed, and lasting memories created.”

"Singapore showed me how far I’ve come and how far I can go."

“A journey worth a lifetime”

“The stem tour brought a diverse group of strangers from different year levels closer together to embark on a once in a lifetime opportunity. From Sentosa island to the Singapore science centre, each stop ignited a passion for discovery within our little Singapore family. As we navigated the streets of Singapore, each conversation, and shared experience created a true bond that transcended age. The stem tour was genuinely one of the most memorable and amazing experiences of my life. I'm beyond grateful to have been part of it.”

"The food was amazing!!!"

“The people were gentle and friendly, totally immersed in their modern world and using their places and spaces to live meaningfully”.

“It was so fun I enjoyed hanging out with other year levels and with my friends”

“Very fun and extremely informative”

"Amazing trip, got a lot closer with all the group members & the gardens were gorgeous, especially with all their sustainability efforts"

“Once in a lifetime experience “

“The experience not only enhanced my learning but helped me make connections with people across year levels. Not only did I learn a lot about stem but I learned a lot about myself too. The stem tour had something helpful for many of my subjects, I don’t know how many times I took a photo and said, "this will be good for my folios.’”

Financial Assistance – Camps, Sports, Excursions Fund (CSEF)

The CSEF offered by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families by reducing the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities included in the Loyola fees, has been increased to $256 annually. Eligible families that did not apply for the CSEF in 2024 may also be entitled to the 2025 School Savings Bonus of $400.

Families that hold a valid means-tested concession card such as a Health Care Card or Pension Card, temporary foster parents as well as asylum seeker and refugee families are welcome to apply.

If you applied for the CSEF in 2024, you do not need to complete an application form in 2025 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances such as:

• new student enrolments: this is your child’s first year at Loyola College and you hold a valid means-tested concession card.
• changed family circumstances, such as a new sibling commencing at Loyola College in 2025, change of custody, change of name or concession card number.

Please click here to access the CSEF application form or contact the school office to obtain a copy. For queries regarding eligibility, please call 9433 0292.

This month on SchoolTV – Cybersafety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –– for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access –– it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

Here is the link to your Edition https://loyola.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/cybersafety-au

As the Mannix House captains, we have been working hard to improve the attitude and participation in Mannix House, bringing a more uplifting spirit to our activities and events. We’re proud of the progress we’ve already made, including achieving second place in House Swimming with almost every event filled, and winning first place in the Summer Reading Challenge, beating the previous record. These results reflect the positive changes we’re beginning to see.

We also want to acknowledge everyone involved in House Eisteddfod. Although we didn’t achieve the result we had hoped for, we are incredibly proud of the spectacular amount of effort put in by all. It was amazing to see everyone show pride for the house and support one another throughout the process. As we begin this second term, we are already noticing this strong change take effect within the house with the attitude, and participation at the forefront of this development, and are looking forward to showing this during house athletics.

We must commend every single member of our house, as each and every one of you has demonstrated incredible leadership, passion, and dedication in helping to change and improve the culture of Mannix. It has been inspiring to see how everyone has stepped up, embraced the challenges, and committed themselves to making our house a better place for everyone.

We also want to take a moment to recognise and thank our amazing new Head of House, Mr Simpson. From the moment he joined us, he has brought an incredible energy and a genuine passion for helping each of us grow and succeed. His leadership has made a real difference, not just in the way our House runs, but in the way we all come together as a community. His encouragement and belief in what we are building here have given us the confidence to keep pushing forward.

As we head into this second term as House captains, we want to make it clear that we are not done yet. We are committed to continuing this momentum right through to the very end. Together, we will keep pushing, supporting each other, and striving to leave a lasting impact on the Mannix culture for years to come.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

2025 Mannix House Captains
Liam Beckett & Ella Hart

Student of the Fortnight:

We are excited to recognise Erik Lai (9/MCMS) from Year 9 as our Student of the Fortnight. New to leadership this year, Erik may be a quieter presence, but his impact within Mannix House has been incredibly strong. He leads through his actions, always stepping up when needed and showing great reliability, care, and positivity. Erik’s quiet dedication consistently lifts those around him, and his genuine commitment to making a difference truly reflects the spirit of our house. We are incredibly proud of the way Erik has embraced his leadership role and the outstanding example he is setting for others.

Banyule City Council - Road Safety Around Schools

On behalf of Banyule City Council and the Road Safe Metropolitan North Eastern (RSME) committee kindly seeking support in reminding parents and guardians about student road crossing safety around Loyola College Watsonia, particularly Cameron Parade & Sharpes Road roundabout in Watsonia North.

As the school year progresses, council continues to receive concerns by local residents regarding child safety and decision making when navigating through local roads.

Refer to the recent version of Council’s Safety Around Schools brochure. This information is relevant to both school and general pedestrian responsibility when negotiating through busy areas.

Thank you for your time and assistance in promoting safer and more considerate road user behaviour.