1482 Ignatian Newsletter - Friday 2 June 2023
Principal's Report
The end of Term 2 is looming. It has been a busy term, with much to celebrate.
VQRA Review
Over the next fortnight, Loyola College is undergoing a Victorian Qualifications and Registrations Authority (VQRA) school review. All schools must participate in a review every 4 years. The review informs the development of the school's 4-year School Strategic Plan and also provides assurance of ongoing compliance with the Minimum Standards related to curriculum and student learning.
This week we welcome school reviewers Sheridan Coverdale and Gavin Healy who were most impressed with our facilities and the conversations they shared with staff and students.
Gavin and Sheridan return to Loyola over the next fortnight to meet with student, staff, and parent focus groups to discuss the strengths, challenges, and opportunities at the College.
The review is an opportunity for reflection and improvement, and we look forward to strategically planning the next stage of the College’s journey.
Performing Arts
I was delighted to enjoy two wonderful performances prepared by the Performing Arts faculty this week.
On Tuesday 30 May, I attended Music in the Round, a new format for the Music Department, where audience members were invited to move through the various rooms in the Magis Performing Arts Centre to watch solo performances on brass, woodwind, percussion, strings, guitar, and piano. It was amazing to see the musical growth and how quickly students are developing their musical talent through regular lessons and practise.
Thank you to Mrs Taylor and the Music staff, both teaching and instrumental for their work in organising this evening.
On Thursday 2 June, I thoroughly enjoyed the hilarious Year 11 Theatre Studies performance of 'One Man, Two Guvnors'. Congratulations to Amy Bryans who directed the production and to the students who rehearsed so well to produce a polished performance.
Respect for the Teaching Profession
Parents would be aware of media coverage stating that there is a teacher shortage, not only in Victoria but across Australia. We are doing our absolute best to ensure that we have highly professional and capable teaching practitioners in classrooms. The challenge is two-fold; there is a shortage of teachers and there is also a stream of teachers leaving the profession. There are many reasons for this departure. One factor is the decline in respect for the teaching profession.
I recently read an article by Steve Francis (Happy School Resources) that resonated with me. I would like to share a few thoughts with you (paraphrased).
Sadly, respect for the teaching profession has significantly declined in the past two decades. Times have certainly changed. Twenty years ago, a student who got in trouble at school was also reprimanded by their parents when they got home. We are finding that increasingly students held to account for poor behaviour often have parents responding by challenging the teacher’s behaviour. Steve Francis calls this “lawnmower parenting” as these parents are constantly clearing the path for their child rather than partnering with the school.
Each challenge a student is asked to navigate, is an opportunity for that student to grow and build resilience.
As parents can imagine, this is wearing for teachers. Our college is built on the foundation of respectful relationships. We work hard to build partnerships with our parents. Our community partnerships are exemplary.
In Andre Agassi’s book “Open” he talks with pride about the charter school he opened in Los Angeles. His favourite feature of the school is the Code of Respect that begins each day.
The essence of good discipline is respect.
Respect for authority and respect for others.
Respect for self and respect for rules.
It is an attitude that begins at home, is reinforced at school, and is applied throughout life.
In this spirit of these thoughts, I ask for parental support to work in partnership with the College. We understand the unconditional love that each parent has for their child and that often this drives a protective response. I ask that parents trust the professionalism of our staff and understand that they have the wellbeing and learning of our students is at the centre of all we do.
The College is more than happy to address concerns brought forward by parents, but we ask that parents approach the College in a spirit of respect and partnership and with the understanding that we are working together for the benefit of each child’s wellbeing and learning.
If we as a community look after teachers in this way, we will ensure that we are doing all we can to keep the excellent classroom teachers that we have at Loyola College.
Alison Leutchford,
Acting Principal
Ignatian Mission & Identity
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Thank you to everyone in our community who contributed to a wonderful morning tea on Thursday 25 May. There was over $1,200 in orders and much more raised on the day, with all profits made being donated to the Cancer Council for their important work in researching cancers and potential cures. Thank you in particular to Mr John Tran, Sr Nelia and the Canteen/Catering staff who assisted with a lot of the organisation of the fundraiser. We look forward to doing it all again next year.
Adam Calderone,
Deputy Principal - Ignatian Mission Identity
Teaching & Learning
Curriculum:
Semester One Examinations
Semester one examinations will only involve Years 9 and 10.
Dates:
- Year 10 Exams: 14 - 22 June
- Year 9 Exams: 20 - 22 June
Application for Accelerated Subjects in 2024
In Term 3 our Year 9 and 10 students will be considering their Year 10 and Year 11 subjects for next year. Please find details below:
Current Year 9 Students:
A number of students may wish to complete a Unit 1/2 Subject (Year 11 subject) in 2024. 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. English will be one of the subjects in which the student needs to demonstrate a consistently high level of academic ability.
An invitational letter, from the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning, will be sent out to our students who meet the selection criteria, and their families, explaining the process for acceleration.
Current Year 10 Students:
An invitational letter, from the relevant Head of Learning, will be sent out to students currently studying an accelerated 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.
The subject selection process takes place in Term 3 for all of our students and once again students will be asked to complete their subject choices online, with your guidance.
Teaching & Learning
It is wonderful to see Loyola students engaging in Applied Learning as a means to engage higher-order thinking across a range of topics in Food Studies.
In their ‘Shakin Planet Burgers’ project, students have been learning about the environmental impact of food production before designing and producing a planet-friendly burger and milkshake. In their 'Cupcakes to the Rescue' Project, students have been exploring the science behind the ingredients in a cupcake and the functional role each component plays! Thank you to Ms Staub for her creative approach to Teaching & Learning.
Kathryn Wilson,
Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning
Student Voice
VSAC Results
On Monday, 8 May - six of our swimmers represented the ACS at the Victorian School Associations Championship. These students were selected based on their outstanding results at the ACS Championships. Congratulations to Rohan Wein, Julian Minutolo, Jacob Ryder, Oscar Tan, Mark Tohme and Jeremy Colman.
The night was a great success with the ACS finishing 4th overall.
Visual Arts Heide Excursion
On Friday, 5 May, Miss Carson, Mr Cuddon, and pre service teacher, Miss Ford-Jenkins, accompanied Year 12 students undertaking VCE Making and Exhibiting to the Heide Museum of Art at Heidelberg. Students received a tour and presentation by the gallery education staff, designed to support the requirements of Unit 3 and 4 coursework and assessment tasks in the new study design. Students were guided through both historically significant and Contemporary Art exhibitions of established artists from Australia and overseas, displayed at Heide Museum, Heide Modern, as well as the emerging artists project gallery space with an exhibition by Sarah Ujmaia, a recent VCA graduate.
At Heide Modern, the exhibition by VCA lecturer Raafat Ishak, showcased a variety of materials and visual languages used in art making resulting in the culmination of research, process and complexities of art making for a site-specific project. Following the tour, students explored the exhibitions in the original homestead and residence of the Reids who founded Heide, and the surrounding grounds that presents the Heide collection of sculpture. This professional experience enables students to contextualise their studies, collect information for assessment and be inspired. The immersion builds on knowledge and awareness of tertiary pathways, future career opportunities and aims of students, available in the Creative Industries.
Yenda Carson (Year 12)
Jets Studios - Mutimedia Workshop Excursion
Year 12 VCE VET Creative & Digital Media
The Year12 VCE VET Creative & Digital Media students recently had the opportunity to visit the local Banyule Council Multimedia Studio for a tour and workshop. Students got to observe the various professional studio setups for different multimedia applications such as filming, sound editing, sound recording, post production editing, DJ, etc.
These endeavours provide real life experience to students regarding what it's like working in the multimedia industry covering parts of unit of competency CUAIND311 - 'Work effectively in the creative arts industry'.
Year 8 Food Studies
Shakin' Planet Burgers - Saving the Planet One Burger at a Time
Over the past few weeks, students in Year 8 have been investigating, designing, producing and evaluating a planet-friendly burger and shake, as part of our Food Studies course. Students were asked to research the environmental impact that our food supply has on our planet, with a view to designing and producing a burger with a smaller environmental footprint than a traditional beef-based hamburger. In addition, students created a shake, with plant milk as a base, rather than cow’s milk. Some outstanding designs were created and we hope that our students, as current and future custodians of the Earth, continue to consider the environmental impact of the food they choose.
The Long Walk
On Saturday, 20 May, a group of students were lucky enough to participate in 'The Long Walk' which saw us walk from Alexandra Gardens to the MCG before watching the fiery clash between Essendon vs Richmond. The walk was led by AFL legend, Michael Long, with the purpose being to recognise the great First Nations Players in our game. However it was most importantly to get the lives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the forefront of the national political agenda.
This was a great experience as we got to not only walk on the MCG pitch, but also had the chance to take photos with players such as Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Marlon Picket. There were also lots of fun activities and a concert to attend before the walk commenced.
We would like to thank Mr Calderone for organising this day, as well as Mr Simpson, Ms Gartland, and Ms Chapman for supervising us and making it a wonderful day. It was an amazing day to show solidarity with our First Nations peoples and a beauty of a game.
Jason Remi
12/ADFE
Ethics Olympiad 2023
Last Friday, Loyola fielded two teams to compete in the Annual Ethics Olympiad, an event that pitches a vast array of international schools against each other in ethical discussions about a variety of different cases. These cases represent cutting-edge issues in our modern society, allowing students to engage their critical thinking skills to offer realistic solutions to issues facing decision-makers today. Unlike debating, the Ethics Olympiad is less about powerful arguments and rebuttal, and more about nuance, depth and compromise. Our students weren’t being asked to pick a side, but rather, to deliver their own complex positions while also critiquing and building on the ideas delivered by other schools.
Led by their Captain Daniel Stanton, our ‘ethletes’ performed very well, receiving great feedback from the judges. A highlight for me was watching our students bounce seamlessly off each other without missing a beat, truly demonstrating our Ignatian values of companionship and team-work. Until next time!
Jeremy Martino,
Public Speaking and Debating
Wellbeing
SPECIAL REPORT: Mobile Phone Separation Anxiety
The use of mobile phones and technology in schools has been a highly debated topic internationally, including in Australia. Almost all states and territories in Australia, have implemented full bans on mobile phones during class, recess, and lunch times, while allowing students to carry their phones during travel to and from school.
Critics argue that there is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of such bans, but this is a mischaracterisation. Studies have shown the positive impacts of mobile phone bans in schools. One study conducted in 2016, found that banning mobile phones led to an increase in student performance, with test scores improving by 6.4% of a standard deviation. Similar studies from Spain and Norway also supported these findings.
For parents concerned about mobile phone separation anxiety in their children, it is important to acknowledge it as a real issue and discuss the negative effects of phone addiction, such as sleep problems and mental health issues. Gradually introducing phone-free periods at home, setting clear expectations and boundaries and modelling healthy behaviours can help your child cope. It is also crucial to establish a support network and seek professional help if needed. Implementing mobile phone bans in schools allows for better focus on teaching and learning, minimising distractions and interruptions.
This Special Report will help address mobile phone separation anxiety and provide guidance on supporting your child’s wellbeing during this transition period. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.
Click on this link to view the Special Report https://loyola.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-mobile-phone-separation-anxiety
Sal Valentino,
Wellbeing & Personal Development Coordinator
ICT
Cybersafety Part 5: Don’t Scratch the ‘ish’
An 'ishing' attack is not fun Click on link and you're done Beware of the phish, vish and the smish And keep the criminals a-shun.
They say ‘knowledge is power’, and ‘ignorance is bliss’. But in the case of cyber safety, ignorance is bliss: it’s like crossing the road with your eyes closed!
There is no point wishing cybercrime would go away! Nefarious cyber actors wishing to steal your credit card or eBanking login details, or corrupt your hard drive with ransomware are employing an increasing range of methods, so broad in fact that these methods have attracted their own family of ‘ish’ sounding descriptors: phishing, vishing and smishing!
Click on the links above to find out what these words mean. Don’t worry, trust me, these links are safe! You can test the veracity of my claim by hovering over each link and checking where the link takes you: it should have a URL (ie web address) beginning with ‘https://en.wiktionary.org’.
Similarly, always check the URL of any link sent you via email or phone message. If the link looks like a bit ‘ishi’, don’t scratch it! Never give personal details over the phone, unless you are absolutely sure you know to whom you are talking.
Report criminal communications to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Report suspicious communications, particularly in relation to abuse, bullying and child safety to the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.
Victor Dalla-Vecchia,
ICT Manager
World Youth Day - WYD (Lisbon 2023)
With a grateful heart, I accepted the invitation to be one of 535 pilgrims from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne who will walk together over the next three months to join Pope Francis and millions of young Catholics from around the world in Lisbon, Portugal, for the celebration of World Youth Day.
"Mary got up and went with haste" (Lk 1:39): this verse from the Gospel of Luke, which speaks of Mary's Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, will be the theme of World Youth Day to be held from 1 to 6 August 2023.
I welcome as a blessing, the opportunity to be part of "The Italian Way Pilgrimage", the 18-day pilgrimage that will take us to the cities of Rome and Assisi, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima and will end in Lisbon.
In my role as WYD chaplain, I will be joined by the Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Martin Ashe, other chaplains, lay leaders and a large support team who will collaborate and work hard to make the pilgrimage a success.
In the following months, the whole group of pilgrims will be involved in formation events. There will be opportunities to listen to inspiring speakers, moments of prayer and information on every aspect of the WYD celebration. One will be able to access online sessions where specific information about the pilgrimage will be shared and will have the opportunity to ask questions and ask for clarifications, if necessary, on the different elements of the pilgrimage.
In the last meeting, before departure, there will be the WYD Commissioning Mass in St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. The families and friends of pilgrims, parishioners and interested benefactors of the various parishes and schools will also be invited to the celebration. On this occasion the pilgrims will be "sent" by the Archbishop, Peter Commensoli as a Pilgrimage from the Archdiocese of Melbourne to the World Youth Day in Lisbon.
I sincerely thank the Lord for this wonderful gift of preparation and participation in Lisbon WYD 2023.
Sr Nelia Llanto SJBP
Community
Morning Tours 2023
Morning Tours for Semester 1 will be take place on the following dates from 9:00 am – 11:00 am:
- Monday, 5 June
- Monday, 19 June
To book for a Morning Tour, please visit website – www.loyola.vic.edu.au/bookatour
LPFA Day at the Yarra – Winery Tour
A chilly morning welcomed the attendees who arrived bright and early for a 7.30 am start to our big Day at the Yarra. Lots of talking and laughing were heard on the bus as Mark Monteneri informed us all of the fun stops ahead. Raffle tickets and a guessing game commenced along with the competitive game of peg collecting. Any mention of the words “nice” and “kids” meant you had a peg stripped from you, the person with the most pegs at the end of the day was declared the winner. Despite all my efforts I still could not claim the prize. A fun day was had by all and after the last stop at Cold Stream I was surprised to hear so much chatter and laughter on our return bus trip back to school. A big thank you to all that assisted in making sure the day was so successful, in particular, Ornella Monteneri and Vicky Sartor who co-ordinated the event. Thank you to Mark for being our MC and Loretta Baker who organised some of the prizes. We are truly blessed to have such a warm Loyola Community, who for some reason really enjoy a Winery Tour.
Second Hand Uniform Sale – VM VET Small Business Students
With a big set-up by the VET Small Business Students, the Functions room was set-up for the uniform sale. It was so nice to have five of my VM VET Small Business students arrive at 9 am to get ready for the sale. A steady flow of customers arrived in the Functions Room and we were very pleased to make just over $2000 in sales. All funds going to the Jesuit Mission. The students showcased their great customer service skills and it is pleasing to know that they are very keen to do the sale again later in the year. A great effort in packing up was so greatly appreciated.
LPFA Trivia Night – Saturday, 12th August
The LPFA are very excited to announce the opening of this fun night. The event will be held at the Olympic Hotel. Book in early.
SEE FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATION.
If you are a business owner or know someone who is and would be willing to donate a good or voucher that could be used on the night to raise funds, please contact me.
2023 Entertainment Books
The LPFA are very happy to continue the promotion of the 2023 Entertainment Book.
If you are interested in purchasing a digital copy (no hard copies) of the Entertainment book, please visit –
Homestays Needed – Italian Students
I am very pleased to confirm that we are expecting 15 students from Liceo Levi in the Veneto region in Italy. The students will be here for 12 nights from the 1st of August and departing from Melbourne on August 13. There will be both male and female students and all attempts will be made to match students regarding age and preferred gender. As this is a short-term visit, families are not paid to host.
All persons living in your household who are over 18 years old will require a Working With Children Card.
If you have any questions or if you are interested in being a Homestay family, please contact me via email – alonsod@loyola.vic.edu.au or call – 9433 0128.
LPFA Elite Performance Grant
The LPFA are very happy to offer a $500 grant for any Loyola Student who represents themselves at State or National level in a range of fields including sport, music, dance or other relevant field. Grant applications can be found on the Loyola website. All applications are taken to the LPFA for approval. A student can apply twice, once as a Junior student and as a Senior Student.
To apply – CLICK HERE
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 overseas students. Donation of blazers and girls school dresses would be much appreciated.
Please feel most welcome to attend -
2023 PWP Meeting
Monday evening – 17 July 2023 7.30 pm
2023 LPFA Meeting
Wednesday evening – 7 June 2023 7.30 pm
2023 Working Bee
Saturday, 22 July 9am – 12noon
Dianna Alonso,
Community Liaison Officer