1448 Ignatian Newsletter - Friday 20 August 2021
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Members of the Loyola College Community,
We are already past the halfway mark of this term and College life is certainly very quiet with most students and staff working from home during this current lockdown.
Year 11 Leadership Day
Recently, a special Leadership Program was run onsite, prior to lockdown, for our Year 11 students to enable them to consider both their role as leaders in Year 12 next year and their commitment to becoming specific student leaders in 2022. Students were challenged to consider what it means for them to be a leader in an Ignatian school. I am confident that we will have many wonderful Year 12 leaders from this group next year. I thank Mrs Salmic Deputy Principal – Students who oversaw the running of this leadership program.
ACS Public Speaking Competition
This week Loyola students participated in this annual competition online due to the current COVID restrictions. Our students spoke very well and confidently and I am delighted to announce that Annie Clarke (8 FMJP) won the Junior section of the competition. I thank Mr Martino, Head of Public Speaking and Debating for overseeing Loyola’s representation together with the students who participated.
Re-enrolment for 2022
I remind all families that all re-enrolments with payment and subject selections are due this week. This information will now be used to commence planning and organisation of staffing and subjects for 2022.
Enrolments Year 7, 2023
Applications for Year 7, 2023 are due this week on Friday 20 August. This week I have been conducting several virtual meetings with prospective families who have engaged in conversation with me about the College. We have already conducted two interview sessions from the applications received and continue to receive more applications daily which is pleasing to see.
Families wishing to enrol siblings should do so now to avoid the interview rush later in the term. At present interviews are being conducted remotely and this has worked well observing the current Government COVID restrictions. If you have any difficulty in lodging your application, please contact our College Registrar, Mrs Plant.
Capital Works
Builders are making good progress on the extensions to the Cardoner Building that houses the Visual Arts and Technology faculties. The project is on track for completion in late October.
Staffing Matters
Mrs Daniele (L: 16) and Ms Saunders (L: 16) have resigned from the College. We thank them for their contribution to the life of Loyola and wish them well for the future.
Mr Wambeek (L: 06 & 08-21) informed me two weeks ago of his need to retire due to ongoing health issues. I wish to pay tribute to Mr Wambeek for his many years of service as an excellent Maths teacher and Mentor. I know that he will be sadly missed by students and staff, and we wish him every blessing for the future.
We welcome the following new staff:
Mr Bier is our new gardener and will be joining the Maintenance team.
Mr Garzia (L: 08-13) will be taking Mr Wambeek’s classes for the remainder of this year.
We wish both staff members all the best as they join our Loyola community.
Last Sunday the Church celebrated the feast of the Assumption, recalling that Mary, the mother of Jesus was taken into heaven body and soul. This feast day honours Mary for the role she played in saying 'yes' to God in accepting to become the mother of our Lord. Mary willingly accepted God’s plan for her and trusted fully in that plan despite many obstacles. In saying ‘yes’ to God she enabled God’s plan to bring Jesus into the world.
In these unusual times it is essential that we refer to our faith in God who has a plan for each one of us and that we can come to understand that plan through listening to God speak to us in prayer and through the world around us. We are invited to say our 'yes’ to God if only we are prepared to listen to the Creator speaking to us in our hearts. For this to occur we must shut out the noise and distractions of our busy world and create times for silence, quiet and reflection. It is at these quiet times that conversation with God can take place. For many, being at home at the moment can provide that opportunity to find God in the quiet and in the silence.
St Ignatius had a great affection for Mary, and he often prayed for her intercession to have the strength to do God’s will so as to fulfil God’s plan for him. May we especially during these times ask for his assistance.
May Mary continue to be our guide, may our Heavenly Mother who intercedes for us show us the way to loving Jesus more deeply in our lives.
Mr Joseph Favrin,
Principal
COLLEGE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Scholarship Program
The 2022 Scholarship Program is now open for students from Year 8-11.
The Scholarship Program recognises and acknowledges students who take responsibility for, and are proactive in, the development of their own education. Scholarships are awarded to the value of $1000 as a deduction from school fees in the following year. Scholarships are available in the areas of: Academic, Co-Curriculum and Community Spirit.
Applications close on September 17th.
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 800 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: $10,721
Mr Michael O'Keeffe,
Director of College & Community Engagement
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
IGNATIAN MISSION & IDENTITY
The Ignatian Year
The Ignatian Year at Loyola College was launched with much fanfare on May 20, the 500 anniversary of St Ignatius’ “cannonball moment” at the battle of Pamplona. Since then, COVID-related lockdowns have largely put paid to ‘fleshing out’ what it means for us as a community and as individuals.
What is the Ignatian Year? It recalls the past, and, inspired by the example of St Ignatius, asks us to reflect on ‘what is our mission today?’
The Society of Jesus has identified four priorities for all Jesuit and Ignatian communities for the next ten years. These are:
1. To show the way to God through Spiritual Exercise and discernment.
2. To walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated in a mission of reconciliation and justice.
3. To accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future.
4. To collaborate in the care of our common home.
These four Universal Apostolic Preferences are intrinsic to the purpose of our school – the formation of young people. All programs offered at the College can be linked to them. In these difficult times our focus is drawn especially to “accompanying young people in the creation of a hope-filled future”.
Each teacher is acutely aware of the need to encourage, monitor and accompany our students towards being resilient and optimistic, having the right balance of caring for themselves, their families and looking out for others. Hence, adjustments have been made to period times, the way learning takes place, assessment where possible, regular check-ins and the availability of counselling and support services. The College will continue to explore ways to most effectively assist our students.
Sacramental Preparation Program
For a number of reasons some students at the College who have been baptised have not received other sacraments. These include First Eucharist (Holy Communion), Reconciliation and Confirmation.
The College is offering a formation program for those who would like to receive some or all of these sacraments. The program will be co-ordinated by Sr Nelia, and is open to any student. As it is best delivered face-to-face, the program will commence once we come out of lockdown.
It will run for four to eight weeks depending on how many sacraments the student wishes to receive. Each session will be one hour, Mondays 3:45pm to 4:45pm OR Wednesdays 3:25pm to 4:25pm. People who are interested can contact Sr. Nelia directly on Llanton@loyola.vic.edu.au or 9433 0265.
Loyola Vinnies Winter Sleepout at Home - 13 August
Thanks to those that participated. At the time of writing, we had exceeded our target of $500 and raised a total of $609. Donations are still being accepted at Loyola Sleep Out at Home.
Mr Chris Lynch,
Deputy Principal
Ignatian Mission & Identity
TEACHING & LEARNING
Change of Date – Year 10 to 12 Subject Specific Conversations
The final Year 10 – 12 Subject Specific Conversations will take place on September 9 (4:15pm – 8:30 pm) on MS Teams. This will be your final formal opportunity to discuss your child’s progress prior to the final examinations. We look forward to working with you in supporting our learners as they move towards the end of this very different year.
The Year 7 – 9 Mentor Academic Conversations will be held on 15 September.
Please check your Parent Portal for communication outlining the booking system process. A notification will be sent to alert you of information as it is posted.
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’.
Students can always redeem an S for the SAC/SAT in various ways. To be awarded an S, students will need to consult with their Subject Teacher about the best way to proceed.
Ms Suzanne Pola,
Deputy Principal
Teaching & Learning
STUDENTS
As we come into our second week of remote learning, we acknowledge that there continue to be many challenges for us all; however, we do hope that in the midst of all these lockdowns there are also experiences for which we can all be grateful.
Much has been written about the effects of remote learning on our young people and the balancing act which needs to occur both from our end as educators, as well as by parents.
Focussing on the latter, the following link has been sourced by Ms Lara Thompson – Xavier Head of House. The article has been written by Dr Tom Brunzel (Director of Education at Berry Street) and notes some of the myths/perceptions of remote learning. We hope you find it an interesting read.
Ms Anna Salmic,
Deputy Principal
Students
WELLBEING
Special Report: Instilling Hope In Uncertain Times
Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and it is becoming evident that this is taking a toll on our young people. The most recent research from Mission Australia makes clear the breadth and depth of the impact the pandemic is having on our youth across the nation.
It appears that lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time, but it is important in such times of uncertainty to instil hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.
It’s important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times, as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety. With the continued disruptions, mental health concerns are on the rise and it is evident that many students may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Parents can help their kids focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.
This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instil hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and, as always, we welcome your feedback.
If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
Black Dog Institute - Free mental health webinars
Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit organisation running free mental health webinars leading up to R U OK? Day this year. These webinars are designed to learn more about common mental health conditions, where and when to seek help, and how to help a loved one.
Mr Sal Valentino,
Wellbeing & Personal Development Coordinator
ACS WINTER SEASON UPDATE & PREMIERSHIPS
Unfortunately, with the extension of the lockdown into September, no further ACS Winter Season matches will be able to take place this season. While this is no doubt disappointing it has created some causes for celebration.
At Senior Level, Premierships have been awarded to all teams finishing outright on top of the ladder.
That means that we have 2 first grade Premierships to celebrate.
Congratulations to the 1sts Girls Basketball Team who were undefeated and are therefore Premiers. Our Senior Girls Basketball undefeated streak dates back to 2018 now! It is our 6th Senior Girls Basketball Premiership, making it our most successful sport at ACS level.
Premiership team: Brodie Car (co-capt), Olivia Karaula (co-capt), Mia Arcangel, Victoria Lawrence, Charli Luke, Bonnie McCall
Olivia Mincone, Dakota Wright, Madison Bonney, Samantha Plunkett, Gerard Pelzer (Coach)
Also, congratulations to our 1st XVIII Boys Footballers also going through the season undefeated and being awarded the Premiership. It is our 4th Senior Boys Football Premiership and our first since 2013.
Premiership Team: Matthew Brennan (co-capt), Joshua Fell (co-capt), Tom Baird, Matthew Furness, Lawrence Galgano, Levi Gilbee, Tom Hewett, Sam Lunn, Kieran Randall, Dylan Flakemore, Riley Lewis, Nicholas Perizzolo, Liam Rowley, Xavier Saviane, Henry Stratford-Browne, Ethan Weir, Nicholas Brennan, Oliver Gleeson, Ben Grasso, Harry Guard, Jack McKenna, Wesley Mills, Julian Minutolo, Tom Brooks, James Rowley, Jacob Careri, Daniel Lay, Charlie Boskovoski, Will Hewett, Jakob Ognenovski, Lachlan Pasquali, Ashley Ward, Garry Ramsay (Coach), James Falcone (Asst Coach), Paul Bacash (Assistant Coach).
Players and coaches will be presented with the Premiership Medals at the Senior Sports Presentation Assembly on October 6.
As the number of rounds played at Junior level were considered insufficient, those seasons have been abandoned. Despite the season being cut short we have been able to set a base for future achievement amongst our Junior Teams. The following 7 teams had particularly successful seasons and are acknowledged as being undefeated in 2021:
9A Boys Soccer, 9A Girls Basketball, 9 Girls Hockey, 8B Girls Basketball, 7 Boys Football, 7 Girls Football, 7A Girls Basketball
Mr John Baxter,
Director of Sport
ICT
Cybersafety Part 8: Protecting personal data in the digital age
We live in a ‘Brave new [digital] world.’ How can you be sure that news items, social media feeds and advertisements you receive on your phone and browser are not part of a highly orchestrated attempt by state or private actors to influence your political or social views, not just your purchase preferences?
Governments across the world are concerned about the unprecedented volume of user information companies like Facebook and Google collect and the risk that this data could be monetised and used by third parties for targeted advertising or scams, or by nefarious actors to influence the political or social decision making of unsuspecting people.
The Netflix documentary, ‘The data hack’, investigates how Cambridge Analytica was able to illegally accumulate 5,000 data points on every American of voting age in swinging seats during the Presidential Elections that saw Donald Trump come to power. Facebook’s complicity in this massive data breach resulted in it receiving a significant fine ($5 billion) for not doing enough to protect the privacy of its customers’ data.
Since that time the Australian and New Zealand governments have been seeking to push through legislation that would allow law enforcers to police the algorithms companies like Facebook and Google use to determine what shows up in search results and newsfeeds, and be able to see the encrypted text messages exchanged between criminal organisations under investigation.
In this brave new digital age, our personal data is a commodity which we are increasingly forced to hand over to corporate interests in exchange for increasingly essential services. Our hapless selves are at one end, the data behemoths at the other, and our elected leaders floundering in the middle trying to stem the privacy degradation flow.
Adding to this concern, your mobile phone is possibly listening to your every word and sending back data that is being mined for targeted advertising. Or consider the Orwellian prospect that your digital footprint could, as is being experimented with in China, be used along with facial recognition technology to build a social credit registry, which rewards with social benefits those who act as good citizens and takes social benefits away from those who are not deemed to be acting in the best interests of society.
What can we do to protect the privacy of our personal data, some of which we have control over, but also other data, which is gathered without our knowledge or consent, and protect ourselves against our personal data being harvested for social manipulation or exploitation? Regulation and legislation are one part of the solution, but equally we need service providers to oblige and play by the rules. Ultimately, think carefully before handing over your personal data when subscribing to online services.
Mr Victor Dalla-Vecchia,
ICT Manager
COMMUNITY
2021 Morning College Tours
Morning Tours will be take place on the following dates from 9.15 am – 11. 00 am:
- Monday, 13th September
- Monday, 11th October
- Monday, 8th November
2021 September Presentation Balls
Due to COVID restrictions the decision has been made to postpone the Presentation Ball for Year 11 students until the 29th & 30th November.
Students will soon be notified of rehearsals dates.
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
The next scheduled Working Bee will be held on Saturday 11th September from 9am – 12pm. 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 – 25th August, 6th October, 10th November
2021 PWP Meetings
Monday evenings – 18th October
Mrs Dianna Alonso,
Community Liaison Officer