1444 Ignatian Newsletter - Friday 11 June 2021
-
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
-
KEEP THE DATES
-
UPCOMING EVENTS
-
COLLEGE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
-
IGNATIAN MISSION & IDENTITY
-
PARISH LIAISON
-
TEACHING & LEARNING
-
WELLBEING
-
STUDENT VOICE
-
TRIPLE BILL PERFORMANCE NIGHT
-
YEAR 8 HIGH RESOLVES PROGRAM
-
YEAR 9 MEDIA
-
YEAR 11 INDONESIAN
-
KRISPY KREME FUNDRAISER
-
ICT NEWS
-
COMMUNITY
-
LCAA
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Members of the Loyola College community,
Over the last fortnight there have been a number of events that have taken place in the life of our College community and I am delighted to be able to share these in this newsletter.
Lockdown
The recent lockdown experience has again reminded us all of the unforeseen and unpredictable nature of COVID. I thank all staff and students for moving quickly back into remote learning at very short notice. I appreciate the additional pressure this places on families. It was pleasing to have the Years 11 and 12 students back last week. We are delighted that all students have now returned to school and look forward to a smooth conclusion to this term.
Examinations
The examination period commenced this week for senior students and will be followed by examinations for students in Years 8 – 9. I urge students to focus on their studies during this busy and demanding time to ensure their semester report accurately reflects their best efforts. I wish all students the very best and hope that their efforts will be rewarded.
Morning Teas with Year 12 Students
In the course of this term, I am hosting House Morning teas for our students in Year 12. This is to acknowledge our most senior students in their final year at Loyola. I have reminded the Year 12 students that we have them in our thoughts in this their final year of school and that we have valued their contribution to the life of Loyola. I also wished them well as they pursued their courses this year, reminding them of our ongoing support. I look forward to meeting the remaining Houses in the coming weeks.
Conversations with Year 7 Students
As has been the custom over many years I have been meeting with every Year 7 BLG group this term in my office to have a conversation. I have asked the students for feedback on how they have settled in at Loyola and am pleased to report that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We have discussed the history of the College and the story of St Ignatius and our Ignatian charism. I have also given the students the opportunity to ask me questions and to get to know me as their principal. I have enjoyed meeting each group so far and hearing of their new experiences as they have joined our College community. I hope to see all Year 7 BLGs by the end of this term.
Condolences
We extend our deepest sympathy to Mr Thomas on the recent passing of his brother. We pray for the Thomas family at this time of loss.
The coming weeks will be busy and demanding for students as they approach their assessment period. I ask parents to be aware of this and be mindful of any possible concerns in regard to their child managing the potential increased workload. At the same time, we acknowledge that students need to learn to become resilient and manage pressure and stress as this is a part of life for all even with COVID is adding another element.
It is timely to consider some of the principles from the Positively Ignatian program that all students are participating in and to draw on their character strengths to support them. The importance of remaining calm, being reflective, engaging in prayer and being in relationship with Jesus, our friend, who accompanies us at all times can give us the strength we need to meet challenges as they arise.
I wish all students the very best in the coming fortnight.
Mr Joseph Favrin,
Principal
KEEP THE DATES
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Walk For Others
As part of St. Ignatius Day each year, Loyola students take part in a 7km walk around the streets of Watsonia, to raise money for their house charities. We have launched the campaign and are now asking students to sign up and start asking friends and families to sponsor them. Over 500 students have registered so far; however, we need all 1400 students to get involved. More than ever our charities need our help, so we are aiming to fundraise $30,000.
Total so far: $5210
Mr Michael O'Keeffe,
Director of College & Community Engagement
IGNATIAN MISSION & IDENTITY
Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ – Sunday 6 June
To somebody not familiar with Church language and ritual, it would seem quite bizarre that we celebrate a feast called ‘The Body and Blood of Christ’. The readings of the day and knowledge of their context help our understanding.
The first, from Exodus (Ex 24:3-8), describes Moses coming down from Mt Sinai with the laws of God. He explains them to the people, and they respond: ‘We will observe all the commands that the Lord has decreed.’ Following their traditions, animals are sacrificed, and their blood sprinkled on the people and an altar built for the ‘sealing of the covenant’.
In the second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Hebrews (Heb 9:11-15), he draws parallels with Jesus’ death, calling him the ‘perfect sacrifice’ who has won redemption for us. Paul then talks of a new covenant that replaces the old. The Gospel from Mark describes the Last Supper held to commemorate the Passover, but for Christians so much more: Jesus, dining with his disciples for the last time, gives us the gift of himself.
And as they were eating he took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to them. ‘Take it,’ he said ‘this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had returned thanks he gave it to them, and all drank from it, and he said to them, ‘This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many. I tell you solemnly, I shall not drink any more wine until the day I drink the new wine in the kingdom of God.’ Mk 14:22-26
This is why Catholics place so much importance on the Eucharist. It is an opportunity to gather as community, be healed by acknowledging our faults, pray together, listen to God’s word, reflect on our lives and how we relate to others. It is a time of peace, and of sharing in Jesus’ example of unconditional love and sacrifice for all people.
The form of the mass has developed over 2000 years and draws on traditions older than that. Sometimes we might feel that some of the rituals and language seem outdated and the readings and homilies might not ‘speak to us’. However, there is great richness there and, as with many aspects of life, we need to be active participants and do our part by being meaningful present and open to new insights.
Loyola Vinnies Winter Food and Clothing Drive and Winter Sleepout
The Loyola Vinnies major winter event will be the Winter Sleepout. The date for this is Friday 23 July. Last year, we became creative and during lockdown organised a Winter Sleepout at Home. This was really successful with over 200 involved. Hence, this year we intend to keep this going and run it in conjunction with the Year 11 and 12 Sleepout at School. Details to follow.
To prepare for this the Loyola Vinnies are conducting a Winter Food and Clothing drive. Donations of non-perishable food, winter clothing and blankets can be brought to House areas when students return to school.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Two weeks ago, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea was conducted in the Two Wolves Hub precinct. This major event was co-ordinated by the Loyola Vinnies assisted by the House Committees with money raised going to the Cancer Council.
My thanks to all those who assisted with and supported the morning tea.
200 Years of Catholic Education
In the last Ignatian there was an article on the 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. Here is an Examen on this theme presented by the Captains and Vice-Captains of MacKillop House.
Mr Chris Lynch,
Deputy Principal
Ignatian Mission & Identity
PARISH LIAISON
Accessing Prayer in your local Parish
Currently faith gatherings in our local parishes cannot occur. There may be some uncertainty regarding when they can resume and under what conditions. Our local parishes have responded to this and all have an online presence.
The religious congregation, I belong to, the Pastorelle sisters, are praying regularly for you. Here are links to recent prayer services held at our convent. Thursday 27 May Adoration and Thursday 3 June Adoration.
Click below to be directed to your local parish website.
Loyola Retreat Days
Our first retreat was held on Saturday 13 March, four hours to take some time for us, to be still and rest.
After a short time together with introductions, reflective music and prayer, we had the opportunity to be alone in the chapel or anywhere we pleased on the beautiful grounds of Loyola, a time to be still and quiet, the silence allowing us time and space to listen deeply to God.
Our retreat book is called 'The God of Our Deepest Longings' by Peter van Breemen, and our first meditation 'What are you looking for' was about seeking our deepest desires and discerning God's will for our lives. This quiet alone time allowed us to read and reflect on Van Breemen's writing and scripture, followed by some questions, where we were encouraged to listen into our souls to hear what God was saying to us. The 2nd and 3rd Retreat were held on 24th April and 15th May subsequently.
Some moving words from the first meditation:
"Renounce your wishes, and you will discover what your heart really desires. Otherwise, how can you know whether your wishes correspond to God's will? Give up on your longings, and you will find what your heart yearns for. How do you know whether what you strive for is what God has in mind?" St John of the Cross
"God is the deepest foundation of our nature - nearer to ourselves than we ourselves - so in the realm of the will, God's will is identical to our own deepest personal will. "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples" (John 15:8). God wants to see the unfolding and true fulfillment of our person - much more than we ourselves want to".
I would love to encourage you to join us on our next retreat. To take some time out for yourself, to quieten your mind, to rest and take some time to deepen your relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Retreat dates: Saturdays 8.30am-12.30pm
19 June, 17 July, 21 August, 18 September
Sr Nelia Llanto,
SJBP
TEACHING & LEARNING
Application for accelerated subjects in 2022
In Term Three our Year 9 and 10 students will be considering their Year 10 and Year 11 subjects. There has been a change in the application process for students who seek to do an accelerated subject in the following year.
Current Year 9 students
A number of you will consider taking on a Unit 1 and 2 subject (Year 11 subject) in 2021. Acceleration requires consistently demonstrating 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, well organised and able to meet deadlines. English will be one of the subjects in which the student needs to demonstrate a consistent high level of academic ability. Semester Two reports will also later be checked for maintenance of consistency in academic effort.
An invitational letter, from the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning, will be sent out to our academic high achievers and their families explaining the process for acceleration, and applications will be completed online. Acceptance is not automatic, and students can only select one accelerated unit to be a part of their future program.
Current Year 10 students
An invitational letter, from the relevant Head of Learning, will be sent out to students currently studying a Unit 1/2 subject. Acceptance for Unit 3/4 is not automatic. Letters will be sent to students who have been able to sustain a high level of academic ability and meet the demands of the accelerated Unit 1/2 Units. Students will need to re- apply for acceleration and, depending on results, acceleration may or may not continue.
The subject selection process takes place in early Term Three for all of our students and once again students will be asked to complete their subject choices online, with your guidance. All Year 9, 10 and 11 students will meet with a senior member of staff to discuss their choices. Parents and guardians are invited to this interview, and a letter outlining the process will be sent towards the end of this term.
Subject changes for Unit 1/2
Each VCE study is designed to provide a two-year program. Studies are nationally and internationally benchmarked at Unit 1 and Unit 2 level to a Year 11 standard, and studies at Unit 3 and Unit 4 level are benchmarked to a Year 12 standard.
Each VCE unit involves 50 hours of scheduled classroom instruction. In addition, it is expected that students will undertake up to 50 hours of self-directed learning for each unit. Satisfactory completion of a VCE unit is based on successful completion of outcomes. Satisfactory completion of units is determined by the school, in accordance with Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) requirements.
Satisfactory completion of outcomes will not be counted in either your ATAR or your Study Score. However, you will need to achieve a satisfactory completion of at least 16 of your VCE units to be eligible to receive a satisfactory completion of VCE.
VCAA recommends that schools encourage all students to undertake scored assessment wherever possible. Scored assessment provides a more detailed record of student achievement and is the best way to maximise opportunities and pathways to further education and training. However, Loyola College understands the need for flexibility in building individual student programs and is supportive of students who elect to satisfactorily complete Units 3 and 4 of a study without completing all or any Graded Assessments. (Note: two Graded Assessment scores are required to achieve a study score in a given subject.) Coursework requirements must be met for satisfactory completion.
Units 1 and 2 are to be taken as a pair. Loyola College offers a range of subjects, to enable students to continue with their strengths and connect with their future pathways. Students have one-to-one career guidance counselling and transition interviews prior to final subject selection, to enable informed decisions for future learning pathways.
For greatest success it is advisable that students continue their subject sequence into Units 3 and 4. Loyola acknowledges that as studies progress and pathway considerations change there may be a need for the Unit 1 to 4 sequence to be broken.
Complete changing of a VCE sequence should be kept to a minimum. In line with this, students will be given the opportunity to review their program at the end of Unit 1 and 2 and change one of their possible sequences. Students will, by the very nature of VCE Units 3/4, have a reduced program (an English plus 4 other subjects and Religious Education) as compered to their Year 11 program.
Year 9 Digital Technologies Day Change of Date
Year 9 STEM Day has moved from Monday June 21 to Monday July 19.
Ms Suzanne Pola,
Deputy Principal
Teaching & Learning
WELLBEING
Navigating our wellbeing during Covid 19
Here we go again, just as we were beginning to find the rhythm of normality we face yet another lock down and the realisation that living with uncertainty is still with us. Whether we like it or not, this Covid uncertainty is with us for a while yet,. However, there are things that we can do to change our mindset, so that we can navigate this time in our lives.
The poster below highlights four ways in which we can navigate this period of uncertainty.
1: Take each day as it comes: Strive for the Magis, live in the moment, express gratitude & look for opportunities to perform acts of kindness
2: It is what it is: I may not be able to control how this virus is impacting on society, but I can control my attitude towards it.
3: This will pass: Like our climate, our lives also have seasons that come and go, and this Covid season will also pass.
4: We will get through this together: With support we can not only get through this challenging period in our lives but come out of it stronger.
Please also take the opportunity to view the following 10 minute video of Louie Schwartzberg’s stunning time lapse photography accompanied by powerful words from Benedictine monk Brother David Steindl-Rast.
Mr Sal Valentino,
Wellbeing & Personal Development Coordinator
STUDENT VOICE
TRIPLE BILL PERFORMANCE NIGHT
On May 25 the Year 10 and 11 Theatre Studies students delighted audience members, performing three individual one act plays they had meticulously developed throughout the semester.
The plays were produced by the students, who embraced varying roles such as direction, acting, costume design, set design, sound design, lighting design and publicity.
The students created insightful and often humorous interpretations of the texts, whilst learning the intricacies and detail required to stage any theatrical production.
The plays created, recontextualised and performed were:
‘A 15 minute Melodrama’
‘Simply Cinderella’
‘Everyman’
We congratulate the students on their incredible efforts and entertaining performances, and warmly thank the parents, friends and staff who braved the cold weather to support the students and our performing arts program.
Ms Vanda Tolli & Ms Julie Boyle,
Theatre Studies Teachers
YEAR 8 HIGH RESOLVES PROGRAM
This semester the Year 8 cohort participated in a High Resolves programme titled 'Just Society'. It was a 3 hour interactive seminar which encouraged students to question how and why varying societies across the globe experience life differently. The students begin to unpack and understand the unfair distribution of access to resources, opportunities and human rights. It inspires our students to consider the concepts of equality, equity and liberation in relation to social justice.
Here is some feedback from the students after the completion of the program.
YEAR 9 MEDIA
The Students in Year 9 Media embark on an extensive visual concept incorporating pre-production planning and the production and post-production of a Claymation film. Students study the industry production of Claymation and discover that it can take up to 12 to 24 hours to record 5-10 seconds of footage. The students recognise this is a meticulous challenge and team up as a film crew to produce their Claymation films. They create small setting dioramas and, with an adjusted frame rate, produce a story with animated characters and interesting narratives. The process allows the student to express their evolving creativity.
Mr Mark Cuddon & Mr Trent Paul,
Media Teachers
YEAR 11 INDONESIAN
On Tuesday 18 June, the Year 11 Indonesian Language class went to an Indonesian Restaurant, Ayam Penyet Ria, in Preston. During this trip, students worked in pairs to make Vlogs. They also practiced their Indonesian language skills both when ordering the food and on the bus. The Vlogs that were produced were part of their SAC Interpersonal Communication section. All students really enjoyed and appreciated the whole experience, including trying to eat the famous Durian fruit!
Pak Raymond Setiawan
KRISPY KREME FUNDRAISER
On Monday 24 May, the Chisholm House Captains held their annual Krispy Kreme doughnut fundraiser to raise money for our House charity, the Caroline Chisholm Society. The Society does invaluable work in the wider Melbourne community in supporting women and their children who are living at the margins, are homeless and/or are victims of domestic abuse. We are pleased to announce that the profit from the fundraiser was in excess of $1100, all of which will make a significant donation to the Society. I wish to sincerely thank all students, families and staff who supported the fundraiser, and the Chisholm House captains and staff who assisted on the day. Your time and support is much appreciated. We look forward to another fantastic Krispy Kreme fundraiser for the Caroline Chisholm Society in 2022!
Mr Adam Calderone,
Head of Chisholm House
ICT NEWS
Cybersafety Part 5: Cybersecurity – “Who goes there, friend or fiend?”
Is Facebook, and other social networking technologies, a tool for evil or for good? Both, actually. It is a great way to keep in touch with friends and families, particularly those overseas. But unfortunately, it is also a medium through which scammers hope by ply their nefarious trade!
What should parents/guardians be teaching their children to help keep them safe as they navigate their online world?
- Keep their contact information and location private or protected by privacy controls;
- Never send pictures to strangers;
- Passwords are private (except to parents);
- Don’t trust anyone in cyberspace unless you know them personally;
- Don’t post or email any picture that they would not want the world to see;
- Don’t post or email any material containing hate speech, alcohol or drug references. This may be detrimental to their future job prospects;
- Agree on downloads. What apps are okay? Which video sites? What games?
- Encourage critical thinking. They should ask "who posted this and why?" This will help them find trustworthy information, and it will also help avoid online scams that deliver spyware and viruses directly to your home;
- Don’t respond to unpleasant or suspicious communications. If it is of a criminal nature, save it and report it to the police; otherwise, trash it.
- Remember that parents/guardians are role models and as such they need to be mindful of their own online habits;
- Keep channels of communication open. Prevention is better than cure.
How do you protect yourself from online scammers?
When you engage in online social networking, you may post pictures of yourself, make catch-up plans with friends, and generally chat about what you have been up to and where you have been.
But, sadly, it also offers a plethora of unscrupulous individuals and organised cyber crime syndicates an irresistible opportunity to gain access to people (e.g. via Facebook, Twitter, online gaming or via email) in an attempt to exploit and defraud them of their money, or influence them in some way for some political gain.
Scamming is where one person, a cyber thief, pretends to have a legitimate financial need and exploits the generosity and naivety of another in order to obtain that person’s bank account or credit card details, with the ultimate aim of ripping money off that person.
How effective is a home antivirus at stopping electronic scum and villainy such as viruses, worms and trojans from infecting and spying on the home computer and passing personal information back to cyber criminals? The truth is that there is no antivirus software or firewall in the world that is capable of securing confidential data on a computer if these details are unknowingly and freely offered to scammers! How? Read on…
Ever gone fishing? You cast out a line and wait for a bite. Hopefully, the hook does its job and, hey presto, you have a catch! On the Internet this is called ‘phishing, smishing or vishing’ – same sound, different spelling; one is legal and the others are not, at least in most developed nations. It is what cyber criminals do – they try to trick children (and adults) into freely handing over their parent’s or their own credit card details. A firewall is useless in this situation.
What’s interesting about one type of scam is that it is not asking for money; actually, it is asking to put money into your bank account, and promises to then withdraw it at a later date but leave some money in there as a ‘thank you’ for being so accommodating. But do not be fooled! If the person is a stranger, then the person is most likely not a ‘friend’, but a ‘fiend’, intent on convincing you to allow them to basically give their money away to you for nothing, when in reality what they intend to do is steal money out of your bank account. These scams usually originate from organised crime syndicates operating in countries such as Nigeria and Russia, where there are no laws forbidding such practices, meaning there is no way you are going to be able to get your money back!
What should you do? Add the sender to the email or phone ‘blocked list’.
There is no substitute for parental involvement in a child’s online activities. Parents/guardians should establish an ongoing conversation with each of their children about his/her various experiences, providing guidance whenever necessary. Importantly, parents/guardians should go online themselves and join a social networking site or get involved with friends in a chat room. Parents/guardians should be familiar with the space their children are playing in.
To learn more about banking scams, go to https://esafety.gov.au/esafety-information. Complaints about general content on the Internet can be made to the eSafety Hotline.
Mr Victor Dalla-Vecchia,
ICT Manager
COMMUNITY
2021 Morning College Tours
Morning Tours for the remainder of this semester have been cancelled due to restrictions. Please follow the link below to book into our tours taking place in Term 3.
2021 LPFA/FOPA Online Wine Fundraiser
Due to popular demand, we have continued to run the fundraiser in 2021. Not only is wine nice to drink, they also make a great gift idea. There are 7 different types of wine that can be ordered through Prospect Wines. Orders can be made online and processed in lots of 6. Delivery is within 7 working days and come to your front door. The bottles range in price from $13-$16.
All money raised will be distributed to LPFA and FOPA to purchase goods for the Loyola Community.
2021 Entertainment Books
The LPFA are proud to promote the 2021 Entertainment Book.
Loyola College Accommodation
Just inside Gate 4, on the corner of Bungay and Kenmare Streets, sits our Aurrupe House and Manresa Cottage which are used for accommodation on a short-term basis for both overseas visitors and members of our school and local community. Accommodation rental is ideal for family members or friends who would like to attend a function or appointment in Melbourne and require an overnight stay or longer at a very reasonable price. Some of our families have extended family who live interstate and rent the house on a regular basis when planning a visit to Melbourne for 1 or 2 weeks. Loyola’s close proximity to shops and the train makes it ideal to be independent and yet close to relatives as well.
Donation of Loyola Uniform
If you have any Loyola uniform items that you no longer require, please leave them at Reception. They are great to have for families in need, student accidents and our Exchange students. Blazers no longer required would be much appreciated.
Important Dates
Working Bee
Saturday Mornings – 24th July & 11th September
All students accompanied by Parents welcome.
Please let me know via email or phone if you are able to attend.
2021 LPFA Meetings
Wednesday Evenings – 28th April, 2nd June, 21st July, 25th August, 6th October, 10th November
2021 PWP Meetings
Monday evenings – 19th July & 18th October
Ms Dianna Alonso,
Community Liaison
LCAA
The Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) continues to provide an ongoing association and support network to the graduate students of Loyola College. Part of this support is the recognition and celebration of achievements of alumni in their endeavours beyond secondary school.
LCAA would like to congratulate alumni Kye Declase (L: 09-14) who last week was drafted by the Melbourne FC at pick 15 in the AFL mid-season draft. Kye joins an ever-growing list of Loyola Alumni, both male and female, who have been drafted to the AFL. Congratulations Kye.
Ms Monica Agius,
LCAA Secretary