1490 Ignatian Newsletter - Friday 27 October 2023
Principal's Report
Term Four seems to be passing very quickly, with the wide range of events including:
World Teachers' Day- “Hats off to teachers!”
Friday, 27 October is World Teachers' Day. On this day, we recognise and celebrate the teachers who are making, or have made, an impact in the lives of our students. We are blessed with strong, dedicated and hard-working teachers. I would like to acknowledge our teachers publicly for all they do to nurture the learning and wellbeing of students.
There is currently a teacher shortage and recruitment of quality teachers is more challenging than it has ever been. Let us work together as a community to value and support our teachers, to ensure that we keep them connected and caring for our student body.
Performing Arts at Loyola
The Performing Arts students at Loyola continue to get the opportunity to lighten up our stage. On Monday 23 October, the Year 10 Theatre Studies students put on an annual performance. This was followed by the annual Vocal Soiree on Thursday 26 October. I am continually impressed by the calibre of performance and the growth of our students in this area of our curriculum. Thanks to Mrs Julie Boyle, Mrs Jennifer Taylor, and Mrs Gemma Hedger for the work behind the scenes to ensure these great performance opportunities are available to our students.
VCAA Examinations
The Year 12 students have commenced their examinations. The first examination was the English examination, which took place on Tuesday 24 October. Following the examination, The Age visited our campus to determine how students and teachers found the English examination.
The link below is to the article from The Age which reflects feedback from Wesley Mills (College Captain) and Jacob Gasparini (Head of English) on the English paper.
The Age - 2023 VCE English Exam
I thanks Wes and Jacob for taking the time to represent the College and I also thank Mr Matthew Luczek (Director of College and Communications) for his excellent liaison with the media.
Loyola College
On Friday 20 October, the College hosted and became a film set for a new Paramount+ series. The title of the series is “Fake”, and it is a dramatized version of a book of the same name written by Sydney journalist Stephanie Wood. Asher Keddie and David Wenham will feature in the lead roles. Ten lucky Loyola students were invited to take part in the filming. I thank Mrs Jennifer Taylor and Mrs Gemma Hedger for their preparation of the students. It was extremely exciting for all involved. We look forward to the series being launched and seeing our beautiful facilities on film.
Alison Leutchford,
Acting Principal
Ignatian Mission & Identity
Last week, we celebrated our annual Graduation Mass with the Year 12 cohort, as they commence the next chapter of their lives following six years of education at Loyola College.
The Mass was celebrated by Father Michael O’Connell, Parish Priest of St. Martin of Tours, Rosanna and Macleod and patron of Xavier House. In his homily, he asked of our graduates what their plan was for their one wild and precious life. It was a profound and heartfelt sermon that summed up the spirit of the occasion and we thank him for his continued support of our liturgical program at the College. Here is the full text of Father Michael's homily:
The context of our Gospel this evening is the Sermon on The Mount- Where Jesus calls his disciples forward so he can instruct them. And on the mountain just below Jesus and his disciples is the “World at large” represented by a big crowd of afflicted human beings. These afflicted ones are there to overhear Jesus’ teaching to his disciples about how they are to live in order to help/ minister to the afflicted of our world. By living out Jesus’ words in the sermon, the disciples (the church) can be “salt of the earth” and “light for the world”.
Jesus desires that all who seek to follow him will work with him to carry out God’s vision/God’s project for the world we live in.
And the early disciples did this well. However, it wasn’t easy. It was challenging, because the world around them opposed their vision or remained largely indifferent to it.
Little has changed 2000 years later. Jesus the Lord’s words to us this evening are still challenging.
However, as the Jeremiah reading proclaims:
“When you call to me and come and pray to me, I shall listen to you. When you search for me, you will find me; when you search wholeheartedly for me, I shall let you find me.”
Jesus is the Risen One… So none of us who calls on him will ever be alone. He wants to build a relationship with all of us and to work through each one of us to help the afflicted mass of human beings in our world.
And so like the earliest disciples of the Lord, we too can follow his call/vision to live in contrast to the prevailing culture that tries to seduce us to be consumed by work/money and a life of self centredness….
A friend of mine lives out Jesus’ challenging vision/words - as he serves the poor and neediest in Melbourne. When I told him about the graduation Mass he said to me:
“This is what I’d tell the graduates. It’s a hard world to be graduating into … for it's so easy to accommodate ourselves to the culture around us. Many of you are good at IT and using your phones. It’s so important for you then to follow the call you’ve received at Loyola to contribute to communicating a strong message about the importance of human dignity… So graduate to enhance human dignity (not just for yourselves!). Say “Yes” to human dignity!”
I can tell you all that my friend loves the poor/homeless/and the mentally ill people he serves 6 out of the 7 days of the week at Sacred Heart Mission St Kilda. So his words to you carry the weight of real authority and authenticity .
I told another friend about your graduation Mass. She also has devoted her life to care for the poor. She offered me a question to pose to you. The question is the last line from a poem called “Summerday” by Mary Oliver. The question is this:
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
The Bishop of Parramatta, Vincent Long, is the 3rd voice I’ll put before you this evening. He points out what you’ve learnt over the years at Loyola - that we are challenged by the Lord Jesus to be people and communities of hospitality, compassion and neighbourliness . So different to the way our culture and economy can influence us to be! The Gospel tells us to be “light for the world”. The earliest followers of Jesus listening to his sermon on the Mount soon felt his power as the Risen One, enabling them to care for the afflicted body of humanity. And so against the dominant system of exploitation, self interest and greed they built an ethos of communion, justice and compassion.
The Eucharist we celebrate now reminds all who seek to follow Jesus that we can draw strength from his presence here with us. So let’s keep calling, praying and searching for him. For he will not let us down. He will be there for you just as he is here now – in his word/in the bread and wine we can receive/and through the Holy Spirit whom he showers on all who call on him.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Graduates remember your school motto “Justice, Mercy, Faith” “Justice, Mercy” – in a succinct form there is the Lord’s vision for us and our world. And “Faith”- reminds us that the Lord is with us to help us to live out the vision.
Adam Calderone,
Ignatian Mission & Identity
Teaching & Learning
VCAA examinations:
As parents of our Year 12 students are aware, the VCAA examinations are in full swing, with the marathon English exam taking place on Tuesday 24 October and Performing Arts exams last week.
Our students have been exceptionally well-prepared. The College staff and entire community have been working tirelessly to provide students with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to excel in their studies. It is evident that our collective efforts are paying off, as our students have demonstrated outstanding preparation and commitment for their exams. I wish to thank those parents who have supported and given up hours of their time for their children. We hope their results at the end of the year reflect their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence.
Good luck to all our Year 12 students for the remainder of your examinations – only 19 days to go until the last exam (Theatre Studies and Languages).
Subject Selection:
Students and parents will receive confirmation of their subject preferences for 2024 in the next couple of weeks. Preferences have been carefully considered and the College has worked diligently to assign students to the subjects they requested. However, it's inevitable that, owing to timetabling constraints, some students may find themselves assigned to subjects from their reserve preferences. There is the opportunity to request a change of subject by completing a form (link will be available in the confirmation letter) alongside an interview with Mrs Bosco (Head of Learning Pathways). Students will have a week to compete this process. Thereafter, no changes will be allowed.
End of Year Examinations (Year 8-11):
The dates for all examinations can be found below.
Year 11 | Year 10 | Year 9 | Year 8 |
Fri 10 Nov – Wed 22 Nov. | Tuesday 14 Nov - Wed 22 Nov. | Fri 1 Dec – Tues 5 Dec | Mon 4 Dec – Tues 5 Dec |
Further details will be issued to parents in the next couple of weeks, but a summary can be found below.
Absence:
- Absent students are required to have a medical certificate, which is to be given to their Programs Coordinator.
- Students who fail to attend an exam and cannot show a medical certificate will receive 0% (NA).
- If a student misses an examination, they are welcome to collect the relevant examination from Ms Freeman (O127) after the examination window.
- Whilst staff are not required to mark the exam, they will provide feedback if requested by the student.
Uniform:
- All students are expected to wear their full school uniform.
- Students not in full school uniform will not be allowed in the examination and will be directed to go to the iCentre to complete revision.
- These students will then be required to complete any examinations they have missed on 6 December at 1:30pm.
- Failure to attend this session will result in 0%.
Equipment:
- Water bottles and pencil cases must be clear.
- Mobile phones will not be permitted. Any student found with a mobile phone will receive 0% for that examination.
Orientation:
Orientation for 2024 Units 1 – 4 will run from 23 November 30 November. Further details will be issued nearer to the time. Any subject changes made by students will be reflected in the Orientation week timetable.
Booklist Provider:
As already mentioned in a previous edition of the Ignatian, the College has moved from Campion to Box of Books for the provision of physical and digital resources. Parents will now be able to recycle physical books from siblings or purchase second hand physical books (as long as the book has not changed). Students can already access the Box of Books icon on their LMS. Further details will be sent to parents once subject preferences have been confirmed.
As part of the College’s eBook levy, Year 7-9 students will automatically receive digital resources for English, Maths, Science, Humanities and RE and will not be required to purchase them.
Awards Evening:
Our annual Awards Evening will be held on Wednesday 6 December in the Loyola Companions Hall.
Kathryn Wilson,
Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning
Wellbeing
SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing War & Conflict
Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content, as it can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from being strong emotional reactions to being indifferent. It can leave an emotional imprint that can affect a child's behaviour and perception of danger.
Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, while older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations.
Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort, you will help your child regulate their own emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and providing hope and understanding in our complex world.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and helping children understand there is still hope in our complex world. Please 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.
Here is the link to your special report https://loyola.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-discussing-war-conflict
Sal Valentino,
Wellbeing & Personal Development Coordinator
ICT
Cybersafety Part 9: ILLEGAL Downloading
Few can resist the lure of a bargain, especially when it is free. But when it comes to the Internet, few things are genuinely free, especially highly sought-after products such as music, videos and computer games.
Unless the product has a price tag, there is a good chance it is illegal, and may also be infected with malware. If it is illegal, that makes the downloading of that product an act of ‘Internet Piracy!’ People may think they are saving money, or perhaps they are too impatient to wait for the official release, but it is still breaking the law when content is downloaded illegally.
Cybercriminals try to bait bargain hunters or impatient, enthusiastic users by setting up illegal download sites on which sought-after products are deliberately infected with trojans which, once downloaded onto a person’s computer, are designed to find passwords, email addresses and bank account details, and then send those details back to the cybercriminals. The cybercriminals may then seek to trade them on the Dark Web.
Music companies, themselves, may even supply deliberately virus infected MP3 files in order to dissuade would-be pirates and encourage them to buy legitimate products, instead.
The bottom line is: if it’s free, it most probably is not safe to download. The old adage holds true: “You get what you ‘pay’ for”, and when it’s free content from the Internet, you may indeed “get ‘a lot more’ than what you bargained for!”
So be cybersafe: pay for a legal copy and protect your privacy; do not succumb to the lure of piracy!
Victor Dalla-Vecchia,
ICT Manager
Community
Morning Tours – 2023
the final Morning Tour for Semester 2 will be take place on the following date from 9:00 am – 11:00 am:
Monday, 3th November
Expression of Interest – Stall Holders for Community Carols & Food Truck Event, Friday, 1st December
Loyola College will be holding this annual Community Event on Friday, 1st December.
We are requesting an expression of interest for businesses who may be interested in having a stall at the event.
The aim of stalls at this event is to sell products that are potential Christmas gifts.
We are expecting over 1000 people to attend this event.
Whilst there is no cost for having a stall, all stall holders would be asked to donate goods from their stall (or small financial contribution if preferred).
Set-up would commence at 4 pm and pack-up at around 8 pm.
As we would like to ensure that we have a good range of varied items, please email Dianna – alonsod@loyola.vic.edu.au.
You will then be notified if your stall has been approved.
All stall holders are required to have a current Working With Children Check.
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 LPFA Meeting
Wednesday, 8th November 2023 7:30 pm
2024 PWP Meeting
Monday, 12th February, 2024 7:30 pm
Dianna Alonso,
Community Liaison Officer
Ehva Gutszmit,11FFCH, is the latest recipient of our Elite Performance Grant https://www.loyola.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LPFA-Elite-Performance-Grant_Digital-July2023.pdf
Between October 6 and October 13 2023, Ehva Gutszmit represented her state as part of the U16 State soccer team at the National Youth Championship in Wollongong, New South Wales.
The National Youth Championships is the premier championship tournament for aspiring Matildas soccer players. It is a showcase for Rae Dower (Junior Matildas coach) and Liberty A league coaches to understand the depth of talent within Australia. Over 200 girls trialled for this young squad.
Ehva was one of only a squad of 16 and had the honour of co-captaining her team. They faced the best of the best the country has to offer, playing 6 games to make the Grand Final. They fought valiantly to become runners up. Ehva said it was one of the most amazing experiences of her life.