As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, I am delighted to share what has been a vibrant and faith filled beginning to the year at Loyola College. The energy across the campus has been unmistakable, students, staff, and families have embraced every opportunity to connect, celebrate, and grow together as one community.

A Warm Welcome to Our New Families

One of the highlights of our early weeks was the Year 7 Family Picnic, a cherished Loyola tradition. It was wonderful to welcome our newest students and their families as they begin their Loyola journey. The atmosphere was joyful and relaxed, with parents, guardians, siblings, and staff gathering on our beautiful grounds to share food, conversation, and the excitement of new beginnings. Events like this remind us that education is not a journey taken alone, it is strengthened by the partnership between school and family.

Year 12 Breakfast – Marking a Significant Milestone

Equally special was the Year 12 Breakfast, signalling the commencement of our senior students’ final year at the College. This cohort approaches 2026 with determination, hope, and a deep sense of responsibility. Gathering together in celebration allowed us to affirm their leadership and to encourage them as they step into their final chapter at Loyola. We look forward to supporting them academically, emotionally, and spiritually in the months ahead.

Opening School Mass – One Body, Many Stories

Our Opening College Mass provided a sacred and meaningful moment to launch the year. Celebrated by Fr Eka Tanaya SJ, who will be joining us as our school chaplain in 2026, the Mass centred on our College theme for the year: “One Body, Many Stories.” This theme acknowledges the diversity of experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that make Loyola so rich. Each student, each staff member, each family, every person. brings their own story to our community. While these stories are unique, they come together to form one united body: a faith-filled, compassionate, and inclusive College.

"One Body, Many Stories" reminds us that:
• We belong to something greater than ourselves
• Our differences strengthen our community
• Every individual’s story is valuable, dignified, and worth listening to

Fr Eka’s thoughtful reflections helped us enter the school year with gratitude and purpose, and we look forward to his ongoing connection with our College community.

Community in Action – The Biannual Car Show

Beyond school events, our wider Loyola community gathered for the biannual Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) Car Show, held on Friday 13 February. This much-loved event once again drew an impressive crowd of past and present students, families, staff, and friends of the College. The variety of vehicles on display, classic, custom, modern, and everything in between was matched only by the enthusiasm of those attending.

Those attending also remarked on how beautifully presented our gardens were, and we extend our gratitude to the Loyola College Gardening Team, led by David Kelly, for their ongoing dedication in maintaining our grounds so impeccably, truly admired by our students and all who visit.

Activities Week – Learning Beyond the Classroom

The week commencing Monday 2 March marks our annual Activities Week, a significant part of Loyola’s commitment to experiential learning. Throughout the week, students will take part in a range of incursions and off campus programs designed to challenge them, build resilience, and foster an outward looking perspective on the world. These experiences remind us that learning is so much more than being in a classroom. It is about developing independence, teamwork, problem solving skills, and a broader understanding of the community and environment around us. We are deeply grateful to our parents and guardians for their support of these programs, which play such an important role in shaping well-rounded, confident young people.

As we approach Activities Week, I want to emphasise the importance of full attendance and strong participation. These programs are not optional extras; they are carefully designed experiential learning opportunities that help students develop resilience and confidence. A significant amount of planning goes into organising these experiences, including coordination with external providers and the creation of programs that meaningfully extend learning beyond the classroom. It is essential that students attend, even if they may feel tired or hesitant, as allowing them to stay home “just this once” can quickly become habitual. Consistent attendance ensures they benefit fully from the rich offerings available, and it reinforces the message that every learning opportunity matters. We thank our families for their ongoing support in ensuring students are present, engaged, and ready to participate across the entire week.

Year 7 Life & Learning @ Loyola

Last week the College published our Year 7 Life & Learning @ Loyola session online in a new video format. The session was designed to further introduce our Year 7 parents to a number of key learning elements for life at Loyola whilst also discussing important school related matters such as attendance and our upcoming Camp.

Year 7 families who have not yet had a chance to view the video can do so at: https://bit.ly/4kAu0R1

Once you have viewed the session, families are encouraged to take our online quiz and go into the draw to win a $50 Gift Card at: https://bit.ly/46FxJqv

As we move forward, may we continue to support one another in ensuring our students embrace every opportunity, honour their responsibilities, and contribute their unique stories to the strength of our Loyola community.

As we enter the Lenten season, our Loyola community is invited to embrace a time of reflection, renewal and reconnection with God. Lent calls us to pause, simplify and listen more attentively to the movements of the Spirit in our daily lives. In the spirit of our 2026 theme, One Body, Many Stories, we are reminded that each person’s journey—unique and sacred—contributes to the richness of our shared identity. Saint Ignatius encourages us to seek God in all things, reminding us that “Love ought to show itself more in deeds than in words.”

This Lent, let us commit ourselves to living this Ignatian wisdom: to act with generosity, to reconcile where needed, and to give time to prayer and service. We invite every student, staff member and family to choose one concrete practice that deepens connection—with God, with others, or with the world—and to carry it faithfully through the season.

Upcoming Events

Student Services Information Evening for Year 7 Parents
25 February 7.00pm

The purpose of this evening is to communicate the various academic, social, and environmental supports available at Loyola, and discuss how these may alter as your child grows. This is a parent only session for those with children with an identified individual need.

More information regarding this evening will be provided shortly by our Director of Students Services, Mrs Kelly Hussey.

VCE Evening

26 February 7:00pm. Inigo Theatre - Magis Performing Arts Centre.

The purpose of the evening is to provide an overview of VCE procedures for 2026, in the hope that any concerns or questions you may have will be answered and addressed.

More information regarding this evening will be provided shortly by our Head of VCE, Mr Stephen Brasier.

Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN

Please note that NAPLAN will now take place in the LCH week beginning 9 March. Further details will be available nearer the time.

Dates are:

• Wednesday 11 March: Writing

• Thursday 12 March: Reading

• Friday 13 March: Language Conventions

• Monday 16 March: Numeracy

• Tuesday 17 March: Catch up Session

Session times:

• Year 7: Period 1 each day

• Year 9: Period 3 each day

Assessing Student Curriculum and Assessment Grades – new students to the College

Both students and parents/guardians have access to curriculum material via our Learning Management System. Teaching Staff post course work, homework and resources to help our learners as they travel through this year’s curriculum. It is possible to track student usage, and we aim to support parents to a level of comfort with using the LMS as a means to view what their child is working through in class. Assessment marks will also be placed on the LMS within three weeks of being collected, moderated and marked.

School Assessed Coursework (SACs) are Part of Assessment

As the term progresses student assessment becomes more frequent. It is during this period that students can start to feel the pressure of assessment(s). It is important that we keep in mind what assessment is. Assessment is the opportunity for students and teachers to assess what they have been learning in class and receive important feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement. Assessment only tests or examines what students have already been studying.

At Unit 3/4 level, each SAC is often only worth a small percentage of the total year’s overall assessment, with the majority of the end of year results weighted heavily on examination results.

Some hints to avoid assessment stress:

• Complete all set work

• Complete a regular homework program

• Use your class time well

• Revise consistently

• Attend out of class help sessions, such as master classes held after school

• Meet with your teacher to go over the feedback after SACs/SATs

• Set achievable goals

• Attend Homework Club on a Tuesday/Wednesday after school

• Use the Study Design to guide learning and revision

Students should discuss any concerns that they may have with their subject teacher, mentor or the relevant Student Programs Coordinator.

Immediate S for Units 1- 4 SACs

Students will receive an immediate S for a SAC when they have demonstrated the following:

• Produce work that demonstrates achievement of the outcomes

• Submit work that is clearly their own

• Observe the rules of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and the school. (School rules may include for example Attendance or Submission of Work policies)

If any or all of these are not satisfied at the time of the SAC/SAT a student can be awarded a ‘Provisional N’. There are many options to redeem an S for any missed Learning Outcome(s). Students will need to consult with their subject teacher about the best way to proceed.

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Brain-Based Tips for Success

Many parents may have read the recent Herald Sun article ‘Chunk it, switch it, and space it out, but don’t cram - the new brain-based study tips for students’

Experts reveal better study methods than last-minute cramming | Herald Sun

As term time gets underway, students are being encouraged to rethink how they approach study, with evidence showing that how you study can matter just as much as how long. Recent education insights highlight three powerful strategies: chunk it, switch it, and space it out and remind us of one thing to avoid: don’t cram.

Chunk it involves breaking learning into smaller, manageable sections. This helps reduce cognitive overload and improves understanding and recall.

Switch it encourages students to vary topics or question types within a study session. This approach strengthens connections in the brain and improves long-term retention.

Space it out refers to spreading study across time. Revisiting material over days or weeks is far more effective than trying to learn everything at once.

Importantly, the research reminds us of one key principle: avoid cramming. While it may feel productive, cramming often increases stress and results in weaker retention.

Encouraging students to adopt these strategies can support deeper learning, improved confidence, and more sustainable study habits.

Being Ready to Learn

A key part of being equipped for learning is developing consistent habits of preparation. Arriving to every lesson ready to learn and engage allows students to maximise their learning time and reduces unnecessary disruptions.

Students are expected to bring their device to school fully charged each day, along with essential learning resources to lessons including a pen, pencil, ruler, and planner. These simple but important routines support organisation, independence, and personal responsibility.

For subjects requiring specialised equipment, students must also ensure these items are ready to use. For example, students studying Mathematics should bring their CAS calculator fully charged. In recent years, the Mathematics Department has provided calculator charging facilities to assist students who occasionally arrived without a charged device. While this was intended as a support measure, it has increasingly become relied upon as a routine service rather than a backup for exceptional circumstances, such as loss, theft, or unexpected malfunction.

Discontinuing this service is intended to reinforce positive learning habits and strengthen student responsibility. We ask families to support this expectation by ensuring students have access to appropriate charging equipment at home, including a dedicated calculator charging cable (USB-A to Mini-B) and a standard USB-A wall charger. In the spirit of fostering independence and personal responsibility, students are encouraged to treat their device and CAS calculator with the same care and routine preparation as their other essential devices, such as their phone and gaming accessories (please see Mr Green if you have any questions regarding CAS calculator)

Dear Parents, Staff and Students,

For those who aren’t yet aware of us, we are Simon and Angelina and together we are the 2026 College Captains.

We want to congratulate everyone for settling in quite nicely into the new year for 2026. We know everyone will miss those morning sleep-ins with no alarm needed, and now we have in their place those bustling mornings of rushing to get ready and beat the morning traffic. In conjunction with welcoming back families in the Loyola Community, we would also like to take this opportunity to welcome new Year 7’s and their families, as well as any new students/staff joining Loyola College. We wish you all a year of growth and opportunity to start things anew.

Going into the new year “one body, many stories”, this year's College theme touches on the idea of many experiences, choices, and events that have happened, or are yet to occur. We believe this theme will resonate with everyone within the community and reach everyone's heart to remind them of their significance within the College community.

Alongside this, our focus for this year is to implement our goal of S.U.P - which stands for Strive (for) Ur Passion. Our aim for this goal is for us to help extend this beyond an understanding, to have it as a lifestyle for all students to take part in and develop with pride. It encourages students to remind themselves of their passion, something that they love doing, and to strive for that proudly. It's our commitment as the College captains, alongside the College committee, to uplift students to this notion, believing that it's our passion to help others strive for theirs. Watch out for more news about SUP, as throughout the year, we will be heavily promoting this goal, and hope for everyone in the Loyola Community to take it on board too!

It was a busy start to the term, and the next few weeks are also looking very packed for Loyola and loaded with different events, competitions, and special occasions. The most recent events have been the Year 7 picnic, Yr 12 breakfast, and the Summer Reading Challenge. Alongside these events it's important to mention the ongoing rehearsals for the House Eisteddfod competition, a competition where each House presents a 12-minute student-run production. Also to note, the Swimming carnival is coming up on the February 20 (Go McAuley!). As observed, there are a lot of events going on at Loyola, with many more coming up; stay tuned for more information about these.

Lastly, don’t forget we are both here to help out in any way we can, for all the students reading don’t be afraid to approach us for a chat or even wave a ‘hi’! We’re always open to helping out and are very excited to meet more people within the Loyola Community.

We hope everyone is ready to take this journey with us in the year of 2026, making it a year to remember, one that we will look back at and acknowledge how amazing it was.

2026 College Captains

       Angelina Badawi (12/ADFE) & Simon Adi-Purnomo (12/AAAM)

Student of the Fortnight

Allegra Gioffre (7/ATMV) from McAuley House. Allegra has been striving for her passions since starting year 7 this year by auditioning for House Eisteddfod and embracing her House and Loyola spirit.

Allegra Gioffre (7/ATMV)

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

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

Fee Policy

As previously advised, please be aware that the Loyola College Fees & Charges Policy has been replaced with the MACS Private Income Policy. The policy should be read in conjunction with the Fees and Charges Procedures document. Both documents are available to view under the Enrolment>Fees & Charges tabs of the College website www.loyola.vic.edu.au, and all queries should be directed to fees@loyola.vic.edu.au.

School Fees

There is only one account issued for the yearly tuition fees and levies, regardless of the Fee-Paying Arrangement selected. Accounts are also available to view on the Parent Portal under the Finance tab. If you require assistance with accessing the Portal or have not received / misplaced your login details, please contact ICT Support on 8548 9499 or via email at iCentre-ICT@loyola.vic.edu.au.

Please note that the due date for the Annual Account is next Friday, 27 February 2026. Where an account is paid in full by 5:00 PM on 27 February 2026, an Early Payment discount of $300 per student will apply. Where an account has been split, the Early Payment discount should be calculated on a pro-rata basis. No extensions will be granted.

Fee Paying Arrangements

Confirmations of the arrangements applied to accounts were emailed to families on or after 5 December 2025. Please take a moment to check this email and confirm that the arrangement listed is your preferred payment option.

Parents and guardians who do not have an active Fee-Paying Arrangement in place, are automatically listed for an annual payment, due 27 February 2026.

If you wish to change your listed arrangement, please complete the relevant forms and email your request to fees@loyola.vic.edu.au. If you have already done so, a revised confirmation email will be issued once your request has been actioned. For any queries, please contact the Finance Department via email at fees@loyola.vic.edu.au.

It is the expectation of the College that all arrangements are adhered to, or immediate contact is made to fees@loyola.vic.edu.au. if there is any concern.

Where arrangements are not adhered to, the College will be bound by the MACS Private Income Policy which is available to view on the College website at www.loyola.vic.edu.au. The policy should be read in conjunction with the Fees and Charges Procedures document, and it is encouraged that all parents/guardians take the time to read both documents to familiarise themselves with the content.

Any additional charges incurred throughout the year (e.g. music, library charges, specialist camps and/or excursions), may not be included in your arrangement and should be paid by the due date of the account issued. Alternatively, please contact our Finance Department at fees@loyola.vic.edu.au to adjust your arrangement accordingly.

Families that have selected the Semester or Quarterly Arrangement, must pay their first instalment (as noted on the Fee-Paying Arrangement confirmation email) by 27 February 2026. Reminders will be issued prior to the due date for all subsequent instalments.

As noted in the Schedule of Fees, an Administration Fee of $30 per child, per term will be applied if payment arrangements are not adhered to.

Parents and guardians facing hardship with payment of fees are asked to contact the Business Manager.

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.

Twilight Working Bee – Friday 13 March | 4.00pm–7.00pm

Members of our College community are warmly invited to join us for our first Twilight Working Bee for 2026 on Friday 13 March from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families while assisting with general grounds maintenance and light improvement projects around the College. Tasks will include supporting the upkeep and enhancement of our outdoor spaces, refreshing key areas, and helping with small preparation activities that contribute to the smooth running of College services.

Dinner will be served at approximately 6.15pm as a thank you to our volunteers.

If you are able to assist, please contact Monica via email lpfa@loyola.vic.edu.au to register your attendance. We would love to see you there!

Good As New Uniform Sale – Friday 13 March

The Loyola Parents & Friends Association will be hosting a Good As New Uniform Sale during our Twilight Working Bee on Friday 13 March (4.00pm–7.00pm) at the Two Wolves Hub.

This is a wonderful opportunity for families to purchase quality second-hand uniform items at affordable prices. Stock will include a selection of styles and sizes; however, availability is limited, so we encourage you to come along and see what’s on offer.

The sale will run throughout the Working Bee, making it convenient for families who are volunteering or on site for the afternoon.

Year 7 Family Get Together

The LPFA once again look forward to welcoming all Year 7 families to a fun filled Year 7 Family Get Together. This is a great opportunity to meet other Loyola families. Both students (siblings included) and parents are welcome to attend.

WHEN: - Friday March 20

TIME: 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm

WHERE: Loyola Companions Hall

Bookings are essential at www.loyola.vic.edu.au/tickets

Tickets $15 per family of 4c (additional family members $5 per person) – includes pizza and ice-cream, games and entertainment (free entry to door prize draw and raffle tickets available for sale on the night.

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN!

Volunteering in the Loyola Community

Working With Children Check (WWCC) Requirement for Parent Volunteers

At Loyola College, the safety and wellbeing of all students is our highest priority. In line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and the expectations of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), all parents and carers who volunteer in the school or wider school community are required to hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC).

Why a WWCC is Required

The Child Safe Standards require schools to take active steps to prevent harm to children and young people. One of these key safeguards is ensuring that adults who work with or around children have been appropriately screened. MACS expects all Catholic schools to apply these standards consistently, including for volunteers.

A WWCC helps to ensure that our school remains a safe, respectful and protective environment for every child.

Who Needs a WWCC?

A WWCC is required for any parent or carer who volunteers, including but not limited to:

• Presentation Ball Committee

• Friends of Performing Arts (FOPA)

• Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA)

• Partnership with Parents (PWP)

• School Advisory Council (SAC)

• Canteen, fundraising or community activities

• Any regular or occasional volunteering where students are present

There is no cost for a volunteer WWCC.

A volunteer WWCC can be accessed through the link below:

Volunteer Working With Children Check

Once your WWCC is acquired, please email a copy through to Monica Agius (College and Community Engagement Assistant)

Signing In at School

To meet compliance requirements, all volunteers must:

• Hold a current and valid WWCC, and

• Enter their WWCC registration number when signing in via the online sign in system each time they attend the school.

Volunteers will not be able to sign in or participate in activities without a recorded WWCC number.

Keeping Our Community Safe

These requirements are not about limiting involvement, they are about protecting children and strengthening trust within our school community. We greatly value the contribution of our parent volunteers and thank you for supporting these important child safety measures.

Together, we continue to uphold a culture where every child is safe, supported and respected.

2026 House Masses

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

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

College Musical Sponsorship Opportunity

The College is seeking support for this year’s College Musical. Families who are in a position to provide sponsorship, or who may be able to connect the College with potential sponsors, are warmly invited to make contact with manganoa@loyola.vic.edu.au to discuss opportunities.

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.

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

For Your Calendar: