The Companion - Volume 37: July 2026 - Loyola College

The Companion

A publication of the Loyola College Alumni Association

From the Principal

As we conclude Semester One, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the strength and spirit of our Loyola Alumni community and to share some important updates about its future.

For many years, the Loyola College Alumni Association has been supported by a small but dedicated committee of past students. In recent times, however, participation has declined, making this model increasingly difficult to sustain. Looking ahead, the College will take on responsibility for coordinating alumni engagement and events. This transition will ensure that our alumni network remains active, connected, and responsive to the needs of our community. We warmly invite past students with ideas or a passion for engagement to connect with Katrina Petrou, our LCAA Liaison via lcaa@loyola.vic.edu.au as we continue to strengthen and grow these connections.

A key part of this renewed approach is Alumly, our online alumni platform. Alumly provides an accessible and dynamic way for past students to reconnect with peers, hear about upcoming events, and stay informed about College initiatives. It is a valuable tool in supporting professional networking and maintaining lifelong connections with Loyola College.

This semester has already offered wonderful opportunities to gather and celebrate. Our Alumni Parent Breakfast provided a warm and welcoming space for connection, while the 40-Year Anniversary Dinner was a particularly special occasion. It was also pleasing to see strong community engagement at our Car Show held in February, which attracted car enthusiasts and provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the College to prospective families.

We now look forward to upcoming reunions and future alumni events. These occasions not only celebrate shared history but also create meaningful opportunities to build connections that will support the College into the future.

At the same time, this semester has been marked by deep sadness with the tragic and unexpected passing of our student, Samuel Maddela. Our thoughts are with Samuel’s family and loved ones. hey remain in the prayers of the wider Loyola community. We continue to stand together in support and compassion during this difficult time.

I look forward to continuing these conversations and strengthening the vibrant Loyola alumni community in the years ahead.

Alison Leutchford Principal

In This Edition

Pages 15-16

Calling on All Loyola Alumni Business Owners!

We’re excited to be launching our new Alumni Business Directory (via the Alumnly Platform) – a free initiative designed to celebrate and support the incredible businesses, services and professional expertise within our Loyola College Alumni Community.

Whether you’re running your own business, working as a consultant, freelancer or offering professional services, we’d love to include you. The directory will help strengthen connections between alumni, create networking opportunities and showcase the diverse talents of our Loyola community.

Interested in being listed? We’d love to hear from you. Simply email lcaa@loyola.vic.edu.au to get the conversation started

LCAA Event Sponsorship:

Did you know that the Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) generously supports external Loyola College reunions or alumni related gatherings that are co-ordinated outside of the Association?

Event co-ordinators can apply for sponsorship donations to put towards venue hire and/or associated venue costs.

For more information or to apply for sponsorship, simply email lcaa@loyola.vic.edu.au

2026 Classic Car Show

Class of 1986 - 40 Year Reunion

2026 Alumni Parents Breakfast

Our annual Alumni Parents Breakfast celebrates the unique bond shared by families across generations of our Loyola College community, offering an opportunity to reconnect, reflect on cherished memories, and celebrate the legacy that continues through their children.

Did you know we currently have over 75 past students who are now current parents at the school?!

Congratulations to Joseph Bruce (L:10-15) who was recently married to Emma on top of Mt. Dandenong at Poets Lane Receptions.

Hannah Chesser (L:17-22) made her professional debut in the Australia/New Zealand tour of ‘Heathers the Musical’ as New Wave Party Girl, first cover Veronica Sawyer, second cover Heather Chandler, and Heather Duke!

Great to see members of our Class of 1990 reconnect to celebrate their 35 Year Anniversary in March.

Did you know that the Loyola College Alumni Association (LCAA) generously supports external Loyola College reunions or alumni related gatherings that are co-ordinated outside of the Association? Event co-ordinators can apply for sponsorship donations to put towards venue hire and/or associated venue costs.

For more information or to apply for sponsorship, simply email lcaa@loyola.vic.edu.au

Samuel Maddela (L:22-26)

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the recent passing of Year 10 student, Samuel Maddela (10/AAOB).

A valued member of our Loyola College community, Samuel's loss is felt by students, staff and all those who knew him. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the Maddela Family and we extend our deep care and support to them during this time of immense sadness.

As a community of faith, we commend Samuel into God's loving care and entrust his family to the strength and comfort of our shared compassion.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon Samuel. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Looking Back: 2006 Sports Tour

The following reflection of our 2006 Loyola College Sports Tour has been written by former Staff Member Kathleen McKenna (L:80-11).

When I was asked to write a reflection on the 2006 Sports Tour to the U.K., I thought it would be easy as it holds so many happy memories. Well, 20 years have passed and it has proven quite a challenge! Cricket, Netball and Tennis players were offered the opportunity to venture to the U.K. with their respective coaches, Dr Graeme Mellor (L:02-07), Mrs Mary Mellor, Mrs Fiona Devlin (L:10-20) and myself… quite a team, quite a journey!

There are so many wonderful memories from those extraordinary three weeks in Paris and London during the mid-year holidays. Many special moments lay ahead, but before arriving at the departure gate at Tullamarine and bidding farewell to parents, there was much to organise in our efforts to raise funds for the trip. The fundraising was entirely student-driven, and we were proud of the amazing efforts made to ensure our goals were reached.

On departure day, students lined up to say their goodbyes at Tullamarine, ready to board Malaysian Airlines Flight MH20 for a 3.00pm departure. Our first stop was Kuala Lumpur, where we had time to explore the terminal and check out gift ideas for the return journey.

We prepared to board our next flight to Paris when someone mentioned that one of the girls could not find her ticket or boarding pass. The girls helped her empty her cabin bag while others retraced her steps. I must admit there was a moment of fear about ‘what if...’ before airline staff arrived with the precious items, which had been left on the plane we had exited earlier. A huge sigh of relief followed as we boarded for Paris.

Beautiful Paris at 6.20am on a Saturday morning, sleepy, sunny and a chance for everyone to stretch their legs. We were given a potted history by our bus driver as we travelled from the airport to the hotel, with a slight detour via the Eiffel Tower. Magnificent! To see this amazing structure free of crowds under sunny skies was truly pictureperfect, just like the postcards.

The group made the most of that first day and walked to the Louvre. I remember how hot Paris was. The group had changed into summer clothes and footwear, but those who chose thongs soon regretted the decision. Bandaids quickly became the most sought-after item when blisters made walking uncomfortable.

We had three days to visit attractions including the Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Sacré-Cœur, Notre Dame, Hospital de Infante and Luxembourg Gardens, as well as enjoying a memorable lunch on the ChampsÉlysées. There was even another lost-and-found incident, a pattern forming perhaps?

What a journey! With a group of 38, we almost had the train compartment to ourselves. We travelled at speed through the French countryside, admiring the small villages along the way before entering the darkness of the Channel Tunnel. Twenty minutes later we emerged into sunshine and the beautiful English countryside before arriving at Waterloo Station. After lunch at Covent Garden, we toured the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Looking Back: 2006 Sports Tour

Dr Graeme Mellor’s reflection encapsulated his feelings about this place perfectly:

“Without doubt or hesitation, walking through the Doctor W.G. Grace Gates at Lord’s, I achieved something I never dreamed I would and, on a fine and sparkling day, entered the hallowed ground; stood in the Long Room and the Committee Room and the Press Gallery and sat, contemplating life, in ‘The Meeting Place’ in the cool shade of the trees behind the stand of the ‘Doc’ to keep me company. In perfect silence, we said much and parted as old friends, who shared stories of the game we both loved.”

For me, this was the highlight of our time in London, and there were many places I could write about. Graeme’s love of the game and the realisation that we were finally standing in this famous place made the experience even more special. His passion for cricket was infectious. We had three days to take in the sights of London. Never enough time, but the group chose their favourites and set off in smaller groups, still managing to fit in some shopping.

Some visited Buckingham Palace and witnessed the Changing of the Guard, while others toured Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Cambridge and Oxford Universities, Madame Tussauds, The Dungeon, Oxford Street, Bond Street, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Warwick Castle, Nottingham Castle and Brighton Beach, with its rocks rather than the sand we are used to at home.

As amazing as these sights were, we were there to play Cricket, Netball and Tennis. We competed at six schools that had encouraged some students to return during their summer holidays to participate. These included Caterham School, Sir John Lawes School (Harpenden), Mount St Mary’s (Sheffield), Liverpool College, King Edward VII School (Melton Mowbray) and Trent College (Nottingham), all of which shared their impressive facilities. We enjoyed mixed success and met families who hosted our students, providing valuable insight into life in this part of the world.

Although our purpose was to compete in sport, the trip coincided with several major sporting events, including Wimbledon and the FIFA World Cup. Many evenings were spent watching these competitions. Regrets? Not accepting the invitation to Wimbledon, and declining the invitation to join students for dinner and a performance of Footloose in the West End.

We were fortunate to see so much in such a short time, but my strongest memories are the good humour in which the sports were played, the people we met, and the laughter and support shown by the students. They later produced a booklet of photos, memories and memorable quotes. I also remember Colin, our bus driver in England, and Harry, the cricket coach who had played County Cricket, taking Graeme, Mary and me dancing, such a fun evening! Another wonderful memory from my 31 years at Loyola College.

Thank you to Cameron Phillips (L:01-06) for his tireless efforts contacting businesses for items for the Trivia Night, along with Danielle Smith (L:01-06) and Jessica Ferraro (L:01-06) for organising the chocolate drive. Thank you also to Kady Best (L:02-07) and Ashlee de Leon (L:02-07) for the many hours spent sorting photos and compiling a reflection of the U.K. tour. To the parents who supported their children in experiencing life on the other side of the world, and to Fiona Devlin (L:10-20) and Graeme Mellor for organising the trip and their company, thank you.

Thanks to everyone who participated in any way. You will all have your own special memories, but the lost-and-found moments and the train journeys had to be mentioned. Memorable in so many ways!

School News

We are extremely proud to report that three of our Loyola College students have earned a remarkable opportunity to represent Australia on the global stage, after being selected to attend the International Standards Olympiad in Seoul, South Korea this August supported by Australia’s national standards body, Standards Australia.

The team of Isaac Schembri (8/AAAM), Noah King Barradas (8/FHPL) and Sebastian Parisella (8/FJDS) are one of only two schools across Australia to be selected! We are immensely proud of their success and can’t wait to see them on the international stage.

All Loyola College staff marked the end of Term 1 with a meaningful ‘Community Action Day’ volunteering across Melbourne in a range of impactful ways.

From donating blood to supporting organisations such as Villa Maria Aged Care, Red Cross, Vinnies, Salvation Army, the Exodus Community Garden and more, our day reflected a shared commitment to service and concluding with Mass at St. Ignatius’ Church, Richmond.

Our newest building, the Ricci Centre, is now open to students and offers spaces in Science, Technology and Engineering a whilst also housing two Biomechanics Laboratories, a full-sized Golf Simulator, Virtual Reality rooms and plenty of open colloaborative learning areas.

The new building is named after Matteo Ricci SJ, an Italian Jesuit who studied Philosophy, Theology, Mathematics, Cosmology and Astronomy.

The Ricci Centre is now also home to students of Acutis House, the seventh House at Loyola College.

Chisholm House enjoyed an outstanding start to yhe year, establishing itself as the team to beat in this year’s Jayce Dufty Shield Competition. Victories in the Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival and House Eisteddfod have given Chisholm House an impressive lead as we move into the second half of the year.

These achievements reflect the enthusiasm, teamwork and House spirit shown by students across all year levels, both on the field and on the stage. While there is still plenty of competition to come, Chisholm House has certainly placed one hand firmly on the 2026 Jayce Dufty Shield!

The End of an Era

At the conclusion of the 2026 school year, Loyola College will farewell more than a graduating Year 12 student. It will mark the end of an extraordinary family journey that has spanned 21 years, ten siblings and countless memories. The Brennan family’s connection with our school began in 2005 when their eldest child Catherine commenced at the College. Since then, ten children have proudly worn our school uniform, participated in College life and contributed to the vibrant community that has become a second home for the family.

Now, with the youngest sibling, Benjamin (12/CJBO), preparing to graduate, a remarkable chapter in both the family’s story and our school’s history is coming to a close. For the youngest Brennan, being the final sibling to attend our school carries special significance.

“It feels really special and a little surreal,” Ben said. “Loyola has been a part of my family’s story for more than two decades, so being the last of ten siblings to come through the College feels like the end of an era. I’ve grown up hearing stories from my brothers and sisters about their experiences here, and it’s been meaningful to follow in their footsteps while also creating my own memories.”

Across 21 years, the family has experienced almost every aspect of College life. There have been Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts, Year 7 Family Picnics, Year 12 Celebrations, countless Sporting Carnivals and more Graduation Ceremonies than most families could imagine. In addition, Dad (Chris) spent time on the Loyola College Board (now School Advisory Council) whilst also coaching our school’s Athletics Relay Teams. At one point, four Brennan children attended Loyola simultaneously for six consecutive years. “You couldn’t help but run into a Brennan,” Mum, Helen recalls. “We almost had every year level covered.”

While the family’s connection has been built on education, it has also been strengthened through friendships, shared values and a strong sense of belonging. “Our family has been fortunate enough to have been involved in such a welcoming and vibrant community at Loyola College over the past 21 years,” Helen reflects said. “Our children have benefited greatly from the support and encouragement given to them by their teachers. The emphasis on striving to do your best and providing a foundation for success has paid dividends, with all of them now enjoying excellent careers across a wide variety of fields.”

The End of an Era

Ben believes his family’s greatest gain from our school extends well beyond the classroom. “I think we’ve gained much more than an education. Loyola has given our family a strong sense of community, lifelong friendships and values that have stayed with us beyond school. Through the College’s focus on service, compassion and personal growth, each of us has learned the importance of contributing to something bigger than ourselves.”

Sport has also been a defining feature of the Brennan story. Across football, cricket, hockey, athletics and cross country, members of the family have represented our school with distinction, although according to Helen “swimming was definitely not in the Brennan genes!”

Our College community proudly celebrated many of those achievements over the years. Among the highlights were Catherine’s (CDAM) remarkable victory in the 2008 Stawell Gift at just 15 years of age, Monica’s (CTFO) journey to the World Youth Athletics Championships in France and later the Rio Olympic Games, and Nicholas (CLGM) receiving a Loyola Sports Grant to support his participation in the Under-19 National Cricket Championships.

The family’s sporting legacy also includes Catherine, Monica and Gabrielle (CIKE) representing Loyola College as members of the victorious All Schools State Athletics Championships 4x100 Metre Relay Team. For the Brennan family, these moments were made even more meaningful by the unwavering support of our Loyola community. “Loyola were always very generous in showing their support whenever one of our children achieved something special,” recalls Helen.

Yet, while the achievements are significant, it is the relationships that have endured. “The everlasting friendships they now enjoy with their former classmates is a testament to the school instilling in them the importance of showing respect and support for others,” she reflected.

As Ben prepares to graduate later this year, there is a shared sense of gratitude for the role our school has played in shaping the lives of all ten children. “We are very proud of our children, who have grown to be wonderful adults. We thank the dedicated staff for creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Loyola College has played a major role in our children’s education, and we are very thankful to have been part of such a wonderful school.”

And while farewells are never easy, the Brennan family has found a way to approach this milestone with a positive outlook…”Paying our final school fees! I’m pretty sure by now we own at least one of the school buildings!”

While the family’s story is filled with great memories, it also represents something much deeper about the enduring relationships that define our school community. After 21 years, ten children and an immeasurable contribution to the life of Loyola College, the Brennan family leaves behind a legacy that will long be remembered.

On behalf of the entire Loyola College community, we extend our sincere thanks to the Brennan family for their loyalty, involvement and support over the past two decades. While this chapter may be coming to an end, the friendships, memories and connections forged throughout their Loyola journey will remain part of the College community for many years to come.

Life @ Loyola: Semester 1, 2026

Life @ Loyola: Semester 1, 2026