As a Catholic co-educational College we focus on the importance of belonging to our community, strongly encouraging each student to discover their God-given talents. These gifts are to be developed, not for self-satisfaction or self-gain, but rather, with the help of God, for the good of the community.

As a College in the Ignatian tradition, Loyola has a clear purpose:

To develop a well-rounded person of competence, conscience and compassion who will be of service in the world
To instil in our students a joy in learning, encouraging the reaching for the Magis and a life-long openness to growth
To nurture a sense of wonder and mystery in learning about God’s creation and seeking God in all things
To promote individual care and concern for each person
To provide opportunities for students to encounter the person of Christ as friend and guide, coming to know Him through Scripture, sacraments, personal and communal prayer, in play and work and in other persons, leading to the service of others in imitation of Christ.

Ignatian Ethos

Loyola College Magis whole student Ignatian education Saint Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), founder of the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuits) and College Patron, lived a life of Giving Glory to God through prayer and service to others. Loyola College’s ethos is based on the Ignatian tradition.

Inspired by the spiritual and educational philosophy of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, known as the Ignatian tradition, Loyola College seeks excellence in the fourfold dynamic of Catholic, Care, Curriculum and Co-Curriculum, developing articulate, adaptable, discerning and confident graduates of conscience committed to living the values of Jesus Christ in a global community.

Distinctive characteristics of the Ignatian tradition include:

commitment to a faith that does justice – awareness of needs of others and readiness to place one’s talents at their service
personal concern for the whole person (cura personalis)
development of a broad, liberal education
emphasis on critical thinking and effective communication
striving for excellence
pervading philosophy with emphasis on actions rather than words
seeking out and doing what God is wanting a person to do in their lives

College Theme

Each year the College proclaims a theme that articulates an aspect of our Catholic Ignatian tradition.

This theme becomes a practical focus for the College community to bring alive and enact our Catholic heritage.

St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), founder of the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuits) and College Patron, lived a life of prayer and service to others. His spirituality focused acting for the ‘Greater Glory of God’. In practical terms this meant being of service to others: ‘Love is shown more in deeds than words’.

This year’s College theme, ‘Go on with strength and courage’ is a quote from St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Australia’s first canonized saint. St Mary of the Cross established schools, initially mainly in rural areas where families didn’t have access to education. These schools were often started by young women, many in their teens, with minimal resources and reliant on local communities.

The theme calls us, both individually and as community, to persist, be resilient, stand up for those in need and to support just causes despite the cost. This sentiment is reflected in St Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity.

The College theme banner drawings are by Olivia Lawson 11XBAM under the direction of Ms. Julia O’Brien and the elements of the banner complied by Ms. Alexis Winter.

College Prayer Life

Students participate College, house, level, mentor and class prayer and liturgies. In all celebrations they take active roles through reading, serving, singing or providing reflections. These include Opening Mass, Saint Ignatius Day Mass, Year Twelve Graduation Mass, Class Masses, Fathers’ and Mothers’ Day liturgies, Grandparents Mass, Memorial Mass, Parish House Masses and ANZAC and the Sorry Day ceremonies. Year Twelve students conduct the Ash Wednesday ceremony for the younger students and are leaders for their respective retreats.

Saint Ignatius Loyola has had a profound influence on the Catholic Church over the past 500 years. He was a mystic who encouraged his companions to pray the Prayer of the Examen. Ignatius looked for the action of God in the everyday. He was reflective and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in determining the direction of his life. For Ignatius this meant making life enhancing decisions and choosing the better from amongst the good.

Our whole College community stops at Midday each Monday and comes together in class and other small groups to pray the Examen together. The prayer of the Examen is a reflection of Ignatian Spirituality. There are five guided steps: Gratitude, asking the Holy Spirit for insight, reflecting on the day and noticing the presence of God, asking for forgiveness and finally, looking towards the future.

History and Philosophy

Established in 1980 and set on 27 acres in Watsonia, Loyola College serves north-eastern Melbourne and, by special arrangement, accepts international students.

Over many years Loyola has maintained strong links with its constituent parishes and developed links with other parishes. A comprehensive education is provided for young women and men, including an emphasis on active participation in one’s local parish.

The land on which Loyola College was built was donated to the Archdiocese of Melbourne by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1979 for the purpose of building a Catholic secondary school. The Jesuit Order had a presence on the site from 1934 to 1974 where a house of formation and studies for the Society of Jesus was located (the current Old Loyola building was purchased by the College in 2002). Loyola College is a member of the Ignatian Network, a group of Jesuit and non-Jesuit schools in Australasia together with others worldwide.

At Loyola College, parental engagement with teachers in monitoring a student’s growth and learning is a necessary commitment. In exercising a choice to send their child to Loyola College, parents are not only responding to a desire for Catholic education but signalling a wish to enter a community school on these terms. The College is dependent on parents and the wider community for their contribution, including time given at meetings and for supporting staff in their work.

College Motto and Emblem

Our Motto “Justice, Mercy, Faith” is a call to action for our young people and offers guidelines for a life of Christian service, which is inspired by the life and teachings of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

The five bars on the Emblem represent Loyola’s five founding parishes: St Damian’s, Bundoora; Sacred Heart, Diamond Creek; St Mary’s, Greensborough; Our Lady of the Way, Kingsbury and St Martin of Tours’, Macleod. Loyola College has since welcomed St Francis of Assisi, Mill Park and St Thomas’, North Greensborough. The College also serves the parishes of St Francis Xavier, Montmorency, including Holy Trinity, Eltham North and Our Lady Help of Christians, Eltham. Active participation in a student’s local parish is emphasised.

The two wolves eating at a cauldron are taken from the heraldic crest carved in the lintel on Saint Ignatius’ family home in Loyola, Spain. The imagery refers to the prosperity and hospitality of the Loyola family who, after feeding family, retainers and soldiers, had food enough to feed the animals.

Aspire not to have more, but to be more

Our College