Life at Loyola: A Fortnight of Learning, Achievement and Community

Over the past fortnight, Loyola College has continued to thrive as a vibrant learning community, marked by student achievement, rich co-curricular opportunities, and strong engagement between students, staff and families.

The Arts Come Alive

The Performing Arts have been a particular highlight in recent weeks. Our Year 12 Theatre Studies students presented An Evening with Shakespeare in the Inigo Theatre, showcasing both classical storytelling and the creativity of our students. Productions such as this not only demonstrate the talent within our student body, but also the courage, collaboration and discipline required to bring complex works to life on stage. Audiences were treated to an engaging and polished performance that reflected months of preparation.

Hospitality and Real-World Learning

At Iggy’s Student Restaurant, students have continued to gain invaluable hands-on experience, hosting guests and delivering high-quality service.

This authentic learning environment remains a cornerstone of Loyola’s approach, connecting classroom theory with real-world application, and equipping students with confidence and practical skills that extend beyond school. We were particularly thrilled to host the Exodus community in Iggy’s restaurant on Thursday 14 May.

For interested parties, bookings can be made through the Loyola College website.

Building Community Connections

The Loyola community has also been busy preparing for upcoming whole-school events. Unfortunately, our recent working bee had to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions, but families and volunteers are preparing for Open Day, demonstrating the strong partnership between home and school.

These moments of collaboration are essential in shaping Loyola not just as a place of learning, but as a welcoming and inclusive community where all feel they belong.

Co-Curricular Strength and Spirit

Across the College, co-curricular programs continue to flourish. From sport to clubs and service opportunities, students are engaging enthusiastically and representing Loyola with pride.

Our basketball program, in particular, continues to grow in strength and participation as the College has developed a basketball partnership with Melbourne United, which is a professional team in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). Melbourne United coaches are involved in training and providing high performance programs for Loyola students.

We are very proud of our senior students who have embraced a new opportunity to be men and women for others. The Be Connected program involves students voluntarily supporting elderly members of the Watsonia community by helping them use their phones and other digital devices at the Watsonia Library. students at Loyola is a great example of meaningful community engagement.

Loyola recently hosted the ACS Chess Competition, welcoming students from across the Association of Co-educational Schools for a day of strategy, focus and friendly rivalry. The event created a calm yet intense atmosphere as players gathered in the hall, each board becoming its own silent battleground of concentration and skill.

Congratulations to the Loyola team who participated in this week’s Ethics Olympiad. The competition challenged students to thoughtfully explore complex ethical issues through respectful discussion and collaboration, rather than debate. Our students demonstrated excellent critical thinking, communication and teamwork throughout the day, and we are proud to congratulate them on receiving an Honourable Mention, a well-deserved recognition of their effort and insight.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the coming weeks, there is much to look forward to. Events such as the Loyola Parents and Friends G&T High Tea and Open Day will provide further opportunities for connection and celebration within our community. These occasions allow us to share the spirit of Loyola with prospective families and to celebrate all that makes our school unique.

Equipping Schools Youth Ministry Day

On May 7, eight students travelled to St Ignatius College, Geelong for the annual Equipping Schools Day.

The Equipping School offers an engaging experience that aims to inspire young people, deepening their understanding of their special ministry within our Catholic school and the wider Church. Throughout the day, students participated in youth-oriented liturgical practices, team-building games and workshops in Youth Ministry skills. They also had the opportunity to enter into meaningful dialogue with peers from neighbouring Catholic schools.

A central goal of the program is to foster the confidence necessary for our students to animate their faith, empowering them to be authentic witnesses in every aspect of their lives. This one-day intensive is designed to empower students with the practical skills and theological foundation required to become effective peer-to-peer ministry leaders.

Here is a reflection on the day by Joshua Buckley who attended last week:

Recently, a few students including myself were granted the privilege to attend Ignatius College’s annual Equipping Schools Day which was organised and hosted by their Year 11s.

For those of us that went on the previous year's Kairos retreat, it was a great experience to rekindle friendships with staff and now graduated students who had returned to aid the day. However, for those of us that hadn't, there was ample opportunity to make new friendships with a variety of schools. It was a great bonding experience with our fellow Ignatian and Catholic schools to hear different personal testimonies and hardships embodied in Christ.

Despite new friendships made, it was also an incredible bonding experience for those of us from Loyola to meet again and share another new experience together, as many of us had previously attended ACYF together alongside other exhibitions.

Joshua Buckley (12/TJBE)

Parent-Teacher Interviews (PTIs)

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

Dates & Times

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

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

Bookings

Online bookings have been available through the Parent Portal from the following dates. As last year, Year 11 & 12 parents received earlier access to bookings.

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

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

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

Venues

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

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

• iCentre (L069 on your booking list): English

Appointments

Appointments will last for 7 minutes with 2 minutes provided to move from one appointment to another.

If the occasion arises whereby parents / carers miss the 2-week window, then they are asked to contact the subject teacher directly. Please do not ask staff on reception to book appointments for you.

Many staff find themselves fully booked quite early in the Parent-Teacher Interview booking window. If parents are unable to secure a booking with a teacher, whilst we understand the importance of wanting to discuss your child’s progress and feedback, teachers are unable to accommodate additional meetings or interview sessions outside of the scheduled PTI window.

We kindly ask families to wait until the next PTI opportunity and encourage booking early to avoid disappointment. In the meantime, families can continue to access valuable feedback through LMS comments, assessment feedback, and school reports.

How You Can Prepare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Semester One Examinations

Semester one examinations will only involve Years 9 and 10.

Dates for Year 9 and 10 examinations:

• Y10 Exams: 10 June – 18 June

• Y9 Exams: 16 June – 18 June

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

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

Overview for 2026 Year 9 students

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

Stages of the Acceleration Process

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

2. Completion of Application Form

3. Completion of VCE Ready Test

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

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

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

Dear Parents, Teachers and Students,

We are the 2026 Loyola Sport Captains, Chloe and Pat!

Sport is a key part of Loyola, let’s have a look at some highlights for Term One and Term Two

We kicked off the year with our annual swimming carnival, where Chisholm House took home the chocolates for the day, just winning against Flynn House in second place. A big thank you and congratulations to all the swimmers on the day and we’d also like to extend our gratitude to the teachers and coaches for ensuring the day could run smoothly.

The Summer of ACS ran along the entirety of Term One, for the seniors, several basketball teams, the volleyball team, the softball team and cricket team reached the Grand Final. Junior and intermediate teams will continue their season in Term 4.

ACS swimming carnival was up next, with our best swimmers representing Loyola at MSAC. Well done to the swimmers on the day, and a further thank you to the swimming coaches throughout the day including. Notable wins for the day included:

- Zach Johnson (8/KNDA) in the Year 8 Boys 50m Backstroke
- Scarlett Siddles (9/CSVR) in the Year 9 Girls 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke
- Sebastian Bulan (10/TJBC) in the Year 10 Boys Freestyle
- Oscar Tan (10/FRCH) in the Year 10 50m Boys Backstroke

To top off Term One, our senior boys cricket team was selected to represent the ACS in the Premiers Herald Sun Cup, which consisted of playing high scoring T20’s against the premiership sides from the different school leagues to showcase their skills to Cricket Victoria Scouts. Although results did not fall the boys’ way, key learnings and funny moments were taken from the competition.

We hit the ground running in Term 2, with the athletics carnival first in line. Chisholm house stood out all day, bringing home the win despite many relays wins from other Houses at the backend of the day. Special shoutout to all of the Year 12’s at the athletics carnival, who brought the hype at the highly anticipated Tug of War match where Flynn won controversially in the Boys Competition and Xavier won it for the girls in comeback fashion. We’re looking forward to seeing how the ACS Winter Season pans out! Goodluck to all the teams competing!

Keep an eye out for some of the upcoming events this year, including

- ACS Athletics Championship
- ACS AFL night game
- ACS Cross Country
- ACS Winter/Summer Grand finals

Patrick Ward (12/FHPL) & Chloe Bailey (12/XJAG)

Students of the fortnight

Archie Andrew has shone over the start of the year, debuting for the 1st XI cricket team and stepping straight into a star wicket keeper/top order batsmen role comfortably. The Run making machine had several knocks of 80+ and rumour has it, he still has not dropped a catch ever.

Additionally, Archie was seen all over the Loyola athletics scene racing for Chisholm House, whilst also debuting for the Loyola’s 1st AFL boys’ team with a notable goal from the pocket as a small forward.

Archie Andrew (10/CMST)

Harper Stock has started of the ACS winter season with a bang, as a year 10 coming into the 1st AFL girls’ team, she has made an incredible difference, supporting and cheering on all the players and going above and beyond to back them up. With 2 goals over a mere couple of minutes in round 2, Harper has shone through as a very strong forward with an even stronger devotion to the team.

Additionally, she has been selected for the prestigious JACSA team, we are all looking forward to supporting and watching her as she plays in the tournament.

Harper Stock (10/CJBO)

French Poetry Takes Centre Stage - Berthe Mouchette Poetry Competition

A huge congratulations to our Year 10 French students who participated in the prestigious Berthe Mouchette Poetry Competition on Thursday, 7th of May. It was wonderful to see students step outside their comfort zones, recite French poetry with confidence, and represent our school with pride and enthusiasm. Their preparation, courage, and commitment to French language learning were truly commendable. As a small reward for their efforts, students also enjoyed a delicious madeleine to celebrate the occasion!

La Dolce Vita: Memories Made in Italy - The Italian Culture and Study Tour

Our recent Italian Culture and Study Tour was an unforgettable experience filled with language immersion, cultural discovery, new friendships, and lifelong memories. Students explored some of Italy’s most iconic destinations including Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, Pompeii, and Montebelluna, with highlights ranging from gondola rides in Venice and visiting St Peter’s Basilica to pasta and gelato making classes, exploring the Duomo in Milan, and participating in homestays with Italian families.

A particularly special aspect of the tour was the opportunity for students to build meaningful connections, both with their Italian host families and with one another. Many students reflected on how the experience helped them grow in confidence, independence, and their understanding of Italian language and culture.

Students described the tour as “an unforgettable experience,” “the best most amazing time,” and “a once in a lifetime opportunity.” One student even shared, “The day I graduate, I’m coming back.” It was truly wonderful to see students embrace every opportunity, create lasting memories, and represent our school so positively abroad.

For more photos of the tour please head to the Loyola Instagram page.

This year, Loyola’s wellbeing theme, One Step Better, has encouraged students to think about the small everyday choices that shape growth over time.

Grounded in the Ignatian idea of Magis, or striving for ‘the more’, the theme reminds students that growth is not about always doing more or being the best. It’s about trying to keep improving, learning from experiences and making positive choices each day.

Throughout this year in Personal Development, students have been exploring what One Step Better can look like in everyday life. Often, it’s the small 1% changes that make the biggest difference over time. Getting a little more organised, asking for help a bit earlier, showing kindness, putting the phone away to focus or responding more calmly when things don’t go to plan. On their own, these moments can seem small, but over time they begin to add up.

Earlier this week, students revisited the goals they set at the beginning of Term 1. This gave them the chance to reflect on how the year has been going so far, recognise areas where they’ve grown and think about where they may want to reset or refocus moving forward.

As many parents would know, growth in young people rarely happens all at once. More often, it comes through the small habits and choices they make every day. At Loyola, we know these conversations are most powerful when students hear similar messages both at school and at home.

We encourage families to ask their child about the goals they set earlier this year and what their own ‘one step better’ might look like at the moment.

Across two days of action-packed basketball, 58 talented Loyola Basketballers competed in the U20 and U17 VSSC Qualifier days at Diamond Valley Stadium. With shortened format 24-minute games, the intensity is high from the outset, with teams looking to impact the scoreboard and run away with victory. Every moment matters – one turnover, one bounce of the ball, one decision, one shot – could impact it all. Each of the seven teams competed fiercely until the final buzzer, with results as follows:

• U20 Girls Division 1 – Runners Up

• U20 Boys Division 2 – Runners Up

• U17 Girls Division 1 – 3rd Place Finish

• U17 Boys Division 1 – 3rd Place Finish

• U17 Girls Division 2 – 9th Place Finish

• U17 Boys Division 2 Team 1 – Runners Up

• U17 Boys Division 2 Team 2 – 7th Place Finish

From here, we await invitations from Basketball Victoria for selected teams to compete in the State Finals in June. We also look forward to our two U15 teams competing in their qualifier day on Monday 25th May.

Dance Evening Year 9-12

'You are cordially invited to attend the Years 9-12 Dance Performance Evening on Tuesday 2nd June in the Inigo Theatre, MPAC from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. This night is an opportunity to view the dance works students have created and worked towards in Semester. Entry is Free".

Open Day

A reminder that Open Day will take place this Sunday 17 May from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. This day provides us with a great opportunity to welcome guests into our school as they begin their journey of discovery for their children’s secondary education. If you know of family or friends who are interested in joining the Loyola College Community in the coming years, please advise them to register their attendance to this event online by clicking HERE.

Thank You to Our Maytime Fair Volunteers

On Saturday 2 May, a group of wonderful Loyola parents and students generously volunteered their time at the annual Maytime Fair held at Xavier College. Each year, Loyola proudly supports this event, which raises vital funds for Jesuit Mission and its life-changing work in vulnerable communities around the world.

This year, our team of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to cook and sell delicious hot jam donuts - an ever-popular treat! With great weather and a fantastic community atmosphere, it was a great day of fun and fundraising.

The staff and volunteers at Xavier College and Jesuit Mission are extremely grateful for the generosity of time given by Loyola College; and I would personally like to thank Matthew Luczek and parents Pinella Lo Presti, Sarah Tormey, Charlotte Victoria, Loretta Baker, Nev Jovanovski, Liz Karanfilovski, Des Mavridis, Gianna Rosa-Pether; and students Zali Dusting 7XAKW and Evan Ciliberto 7XEJS who happily cooked, sugared and sold donuts on the day. A special thank you to Mick Miloseski and Mario Calvitto from our Facilities & Property team who kindly delivered and collected marquees, fryers and donuts during a very busy time at Loyola.

Mother & Son Breakfast

On Tuesday 5 May, Loyola hosted the Mother & Son Breakfast - a special morning celebrating the unique bond between mothers and sons. It was a lovely occasion, bringing families together to enjoy connection, conversation, and community.

Guests were treated to a delicious breakfast, thoughtfully prepared and served by our talented and committed Hospitality staff and students, and the morning concluded with a beautiful liturgy led by our Chaplain, Fr Eka Tanaya in the St Ignatius Chapel, providing a moment of reflection and gratitude.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the morning so meaningful.

LPFA Trivia Night & Online Auction – Save the Date!

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

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

Two Wolves Coffee Co.

Introduced in 2025, the Loyola College Coffee Fundraising Program was developed following our Coffee Survey, where parents shared their taste preferences. We are pleased to partner with Two Wolves Coffee Co., offering a coffee blend crafted to suit the preferences of the Loyola College community.

Proceeds from all sales support the Loyola Parents & Friends Association fundraising initiatives, contributing valuable items and services back into the school community each year. 500g and 250g bags of Two Wolves Coffee Co. beans are available for purchase via Main Reception or by clicking the link below.

This initiative is a great way to support our school and also makes a thoughtful addition to gift hampers, particularly with Christmas approaching. Orders can be placed online at https://bit.ly/47wj7tb, with online purchases available for collection from Main Reception the following business day.

Donation of Loyola Uniform

Thank you to all the families who generously donate second-hand uniforms throughout the year to support our Good As New Uniform Sales. As we prepare for 2026, we are accepting donations of washed uniforms. If you have any items that you no longer need and are in excellent condition, please leave them with Reception. Your contributions help support families in need and are greatly appreciated.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OLD STYLE SPORT UNIFORM CAN NO LONGER BE WORN BY STUDENTS AND MUST NOT BE SENT TO RECEPTION. Parent co-operation in this matter is kindly appreciated.
For more information, please contact Monica Agius at community@loyola.vic.edu.au or 9433 0228.

Morning Tours 2026

Morning Tours for 2026 take place from 9.15am – 11.00am on the following dates:

Please visit the College website at www.loyola.vic.edu.au to book a Tour.

2026 Entertainment Memberships

Support LPFA fundraising efforts and enjoy hundreds of everyday savings!

Entertainment Guide is the easy-to-use App packed with incredible savings of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers, so you can save on takeaway, dining, shopping, groceries, gift cards, activities and more! And what’s more, 20% of every membership purchased via the following link goes towards supporting the College through the Loyola Parents and Friends Association (LPFA)

Digital memberships can be purchased HERE

On 24 May, the three parishes served by Fr. Steve Rigo and Fr. Libeesh Kuriakose as the Assistant Priest, have amalgamated to become The Parish of Our Lady of the Valley, Diamond Valley.

This includes:

St Mary’s Greensborough
St Thomas the Apostle, Nth Greensborough
Sacred Heart Diamond Creek (including St Peter’s Hurstbridge)

The primary schools associated with this combined parish will retain their names.

We wish Fr. Steve, Fr. Libeesh and all parishioners well as they give thanks for the rich history and rich tradition of the individual parishes.

May this new chapter be filled with hope, renewed energy, and a deepening sense of belonging.

May God bless their coming together, and guide them as one community in faith, love, and service.

Ignatian Silent Directed Retreat, Queenscliff VIC

Come away to a quiet place and rest awhile. Mark 6.30

Take some time out, slow down, and reconnect; listen deeply to discern God’s invitation for you in the still quiet time of this silent individually directed retreat.

The JISA Campion team welcome you to this wonderful opportunity to experience a silent retreat for the first time or attend for a renewal.

Join us in the beautiful environs and peace of Santa Case Spirituality Centre in Queenscliff VIC.

All are welcome, no retreat experience is necessary, come as you are. We look forward to welcoming you.

When: 5-days/6nights from Friday 19 June 4pm to Thursday 25 June 10am 2026

Where: Santa Casa Spirituality Centre, 33-35 Flinders Street, Queenscliff VIC

Your retreat includes: accommodation, all meals, retreat presentation, prayer materials, and spiritual accompaniment. 

BOOK BY 21 May 2026.

To book contact Sandra on 1300 EXAMEN (1300-392-636) or info@jisa.org.au