The Companion
A publication of the Loyola College Alumni Association
From the Principal
It is with great joy that I welcome you to this edition of The Companion, a publication that celebrates the vibrant and enduring spirit of the Loyola College Alumni Association.
This magazine is more than a collection of stories, it is a testament to the lifelong connections forged within our community and the remarkable achievements of our past students. Each page reflects the values of service, leadership, and excellence that define Loyola College.
As we close another successful year, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to two individuals whose dedication has been instrumental in strengthening our alumni network: Mr Matthew Luczek, Director of College and Community Engagement, and Ms Katrina Petrou, Alumni Coordinator. Their tireless efforts have ensured that our alumni remain connected, supported, and celebrated. From coordinating reunions and events to fostering meaningful relationships across generations, Matthew and Katrina have worked behind the scenes to make these initiatives possible. Their commitment reminds us that Loyola is not just a school, but a lifelong community.
This year has been filled with milestones: the return of our annual Alumni Reunion, the sponsorship of awards at our 2025 Awards Ceremony, and the many achievements of alumni across diverse fields. These successes would not have been possible without the vision and leadership of Matthew and Katrina, who continue to champion the importance of alumni engagement in enriching the life of our College.
To all our alumni, thank you for your ongoing support and for sharing your journeys with us. Your stories inspire current students and affirm the values we hold dear. As we look ahead to 2026, I encourage you to stay connected, attend our events, and continue to be part of this thriving community.
On behalf of Loyola College, I wish you and your families a joyful Christmas and a safe, happy New Year. May the coming year bring new opportunities, renewed friendships, and continued success.
Warm regards,
Alison Leutchford Principal
In This Edition
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Pages 13 School News
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Pages 17
From the President
As we reflect on Semester 2, I am once again filled with pride at the strength, spirit and ongoing success of our Loyola College alumni community. This edition of The Companion highlights some truly outstanding achievement by past students across a wide range of fields, and it is a privilege to celebrate their stories. While only a snapshot can be shared in these pages, we know there are countless other achievements unfolding quietly across the State, Country and even around the world! To all our alumni who continue to strive, lead and serve, we applaud you!
Beyond professional endeavours, it has also been a joy to learn about many of life’s great milestones. We have celebrated alumni weddings, and warmly welcomed the newest members of our extended community with the birth of young children. These moments remind us that our connections extend far beyond the school gates.
August saw the wonderful return of our annual Alumni Reunion at The Sir Henry Barkly Hotel, bringing together familiar faces and renewed friendships. It was amazing to see so many past staff in attendance this year, a highlight of 2025 and a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds formed at our school.
Looking ahead, we are also excited to confirm the return of the much-loved Classic Car Show on Friday, 13 February 2026, a date firmly marked in our calendars. Despite some delays in scheduling, planning and development for the Loyola College Alumni Theatre Production will continue into 2026, and we look forward to bringing this long-anticipated project to life.
It was with immense pride that the Loyola College Alumni Association sponsored a total of twenty awards at the Loyola College Awards Ceremony on Friday, 5 December, recognising excellence, service and character amongst the Loyola student body. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I wish to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025. We hope you enjoyed your alumni gift and know that you always remain part of this community.
On behalf of the Loyola College Alumni committee, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and healthy New Year.
Rebecca Andonovski (L: 89-94) LCAA President
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
Isabelle Fazzari (XMCU)
Ann John (FJJM)
Grace Warren
Olivia Juka
Hannah Glover (FJDS)
Sadie Cotterill (KEPO)
Jada Baldasso (MJLI) 91.7
Ella McCall (FSKE)
Lachlan Webb
Nanxiu Qian
Grace Oakey
Jaimee Hanvey
Sanjana
VCE VM Student of the Year
Ruby Bishop (FHPL)
Gabriel Hussey (XEJS) 93.45
2025 Awards Ceremony
On Friday 5 December, Loyola College was delighted to welcome back former student Gianna Lucas (L:04-09) as the Guest of Honour at our 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was a special occasion made even more meaningful by the return of one of our own to celebrate the achievements of the current generation.
Gianna is an award-winning motivational speaker, youth life coach, and Co-Founder of Happow - a life skills education provider partnering with Australia’s top experts to future-proof the lives of young people in high school and beyond. In 2024, she was named a recipient of the Global Women Peace Ambassador Award by the Women’s Federation for World Peace for her exemplary accomplishments in the area of youth empowerment. When not presenting, Gianna can be found at her desk writing whimsical prose and magical stories. She is currently editing the first book in her upcoming Young Adult romantasy trilogy. Since a child her words have transported her to worlds unknown, providing the perfect escape especially when she experienced a chronic and debilitating anxiety disorder.
We sincerely thank Gianna for her engaging address and the inspiration she shared with our community. We also extend our warmest congratulations to all students who were recognised on the evening for their outstanding achievements. A full list of College medallists and award recipients, including those supported by the LCAA and individual alumni, appears on the following page.
Insignis Award: Annie Clarke (L: 20-25)
The Insignis Award is presented to a Loyola Student who reflects the qualities of a person that St. Ignatius would have happily had as one of his companions. A compassionate, generous, and effective leader, and one who would recognise the good and do it despite the cost. In essence, a person for others.
5 Years Service
Jacqueline Di Stefano
Elizabeth George
Andrew Mangano
Jeremy Martino
James McIlroy
Jenna Pourciau
Matthew Thomas
Paul Toney
Anthony Ventura
Natalie Zrimsek
2025 Awards Ceremony
Loyola Medal: Peter Keegan (L: 88-Present)
The Loyola Medal is awarded to a current or former staff member, Canonical Administrator or chaplain who has given service in a pastoral or professional capacity and has shown loyalty and commitment to the College for an extended period of time.
Jesuit Medal: Karen Street
Awarded to a current or former parent or College friend who has given service in a pastoral or professional capacity, showing loyalty and commitment to the College - the 2025 Jesuit Medalist is Karen Street.
St Ignatius Medal: Annie Clarke (L: 20-25)
Awarded to a current or past student who has given service in a pastoral or leadership capacity showing loyalty and commitment to the College for an extended period of time. In 2025, the St. Ignatius Medalist is Annie Clarke. Editors Note: This is the first time in Loyola College history that a Year 12 student has been awarded both the Insignis Award and St. Ignatius Medal in the same academic year.
Staff Acknowledgement of Service
(Cont...)
Justine Bell
Josie Campana
Antonella Dalla-Vecchia
Lauren Hartigan
Sr Nelia Llanto
Awards Sponsored by LCAA in 2025:
Year 7 Academic Endeavour Awards
Chiara Dempsey
Mia Farrell
Year 8 Academic Endeavour Award
Adele Delinikolis
Year 9 Academic Endeavour Award
Isabel Coppolino
Year 7 Academic Excellence Award
Zach Johnson
Year 8 Academic Excellence Award
Elora Doria
Year 9 Academic Excellence Award
Chelsea Buckley
Year 10 Academic Endeavour Award
Olivia Jovanovski
Year 11 Academic Endeavour Award
Sam Berthelsen
Monica Agius
Pauline Barbara
Julie Boyle
Chris Doumbalis
Stephen Doumtsis
Hayden Langford
Jacinta Lawrence
Martin Murnane
Melanie Paino
Alumni Family Awards
Louise Solomon
Caroline Storace
Maria Tiberi
20 Years Service
Gloria Agapay
Year 10 Academic Excellence Award
Nathan Fares
Year 11 Academic Excellence Award
Maya Ellul
VCE Unit 1&2 Academic Awards
Paige Ilievski (Textiles)
Kevin Xiao (Specialist Mathematics)
Amy White (Drama)
Leon Clough (Biology)
Co-Curricular Awards
Annie Clarke (Exodus Community Visits)
Eva Zuzic (Young Vinnies)
Jacob Marulli (Chess Club)
Chanel Badawi (Public Speaking)
Zariah Barbedo (Junior Choir)
The O’Keeffe Family Award: Matilda Kelly (Year 12)
The O’Keeffe Family Award has been commissioned by Michael O’Keeffe (L: 92-97, 09-12, 17-23) and Andrew O’Keeffe (L: 96-00) on behalf of their late Mother, Lynne O’Keeffe.
The Perizzolo Family Award: Rachel Stanton (Year 12)
The Perizzolo Family Award has been commissioned by John Perizzolo (L: 81-86).
The Alonso Family Award: Ruby Bishop (Year 12)
The Alonso Family Award has been commissioned by Dianna Alonso (L:15-23) - a long serving member of staff and past parent of the College
The William Ormond Kennedy Award for Christian Service: Samuel Covan (Year 12)
The Anastasia Mary Kennedy Award for Leadership
Liam Beckett (Year 12)
John Ormond Kennedy used his commission as Executor of the estate of Patricia Kennedy for charities and awards in memory of Kennedy family leadership and his gratitude for support as Founding Loyola Principal, September 1979 – January 2008.
Celebrating our Class of 2025
James Wins Top Prize
Congratulations to James Young (L:10-11) who recently claimed 1st Prize in the 101st Herald Sun Aria Awards - a vocal competition for emerging opera singers held in Victoria, Australia, each year. James holds a Master’s Degree in Opera from the Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg and has sung with Victorian Opera, Lyric Opera of Melbourne, Lyster Opera and Millennium Opera.
Where Dreams Come True!
Exciting news for Thomas Doherty (L:18-22) who recently signed his first international contract as a performer with Disney Cruise Lines! Thomas spent many weeks rehearsing in Canada and will spend the next 8 months travelling on the Disney Wish Ship to and from the Bahamas and Florida.
Brava Zara!
Zara Simiele (L:19-24) is taking her footballing talents to Italy, signing with Real Vicenza in the Campionato Serie C Femminile!
Dirt, Determination & Domination
Shout-out to Bryce Ognenis (L:12-16) who is currently tearing it up on the Motorcross Track, having recently been crowned Victorian Motorcross Champion in MX1 Pro A Grade (the premier class of Motorcross in Victoria) - for the third year running!
Paris Fashion Week
Josephen Akuei (L:16-21) recently made her international modelling debut, appearing in the coveted Chanel fashion show at Paris Fashion Week!
Ball Up!
Greta Miller (L:12-16) made her AFL debut in August as a Boundary Umpire in the match between Essendon and Carlton on Thursday night.
Greta is no stranger to the spotlighthaving umpired over 50 AFLW games including the 2023 AFLW Grand Final.
Short Back and Sides...
It was great to see Elisha Folino (L:19-24) and Mia Ciccone (L:19-24) return to Two Wolves Hub in Term 3 to assist our students with this year’s World’s Greatest Shave Fundraiser!
Issi Celebrates a Breakthrough Year!
Nick’s Negozio
A huge congratulations to Nick Costanzo (L:1318) on the recent opening of his Mediterranean food store: Nick’s Negozio in Mill Park!
Former Loyola College student Isabella “Issi” Ciccone (L:16-21) is enjoying an exciting breakthrough year, marking major milestones across both her music career and academic journey.
Earlier this year, Issi became the first artist signed to Clarice Records, the record label founded by renowned Australian singer-songwriter Rick Price. Their first release together was a duet reimagining of Price’s iconic hit Heaven Knows, launched to celebrate the song’s 33rd anniversary and introducing Issi to a national audience. In October, the pair released their first co-written original song, Secret Heart, signalling the beginning of a wider collaborative project, with an EP currently in development.
Issi’s growing profile has seen her walk the ARIA Awards red carpet, attend the official Spotify x ARIA Artist Party, appear on national television, and receive significant radio airplay and media coverage both nationally and internationally. She also joined Price as a special guest on part of his Tamborine Mountain 30th Anniversary Album Tour, giving audiences an insight into their on-stage connection.
Alongside her creative success, Issi continues to excel academically. She graduated from La Trobe University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Computer Science, majoring in Artificial Intelligence, completed her Honours year with First Class Honours, and is now undertaking a Master’s of Science by Research. Her current thesis focuses on cancer research using artificial intelligence, alongside professional work in the AI and machine learning space.
FOLLOW & SUPPORT ISSI ONLINE AT:
SPOTIFY INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TIKTOK WEBSITE issi @issimusic issi-music @issi_music https://issimusic.carrd.co
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2025 Alumni Reunion: 8 August
Pompea (Pia) Campagnaro (L:86-91) +2025
A New House in 2026
Early in Term 4 we were extremely excited to annouce that our new House, the seventh at our school, will be named Acutis House after St. Carlo Acutis.
A 15-year-old Italian teenager, Carlo Acutis died of leukaemia in 2006 and was known for his deep Catholic faith and devotion to the Eucharist. He used his skills in technology to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, earning him the nickname “God’s Influencer.”
Matilda Recieves a Guild Nomination
Congratulations to Matilda Wilson-Hoare (12/XAKW) who was nominated for an award in the ‘Performer in Minor/Cameo Role’ at the 2025 Music Theatre Guild Victoria Awards!
In addition to Matilda’s nomination, Loyola College received a total of six commendations for this year’s performance of Shrek the Musical!
Mannix Miracles!
Loyola College history was made with Mannix House announced as winners of the Jayce Dufty House Shield Competition - for the first time in the school’s history!
Our New Fundraising Record!
Over $60,000 was raised for our six House Charities as part of this year’s St. Ignatius Day fundraising efforts.
Italian Study Success
Simon Adi-Purnomo (11/AAAM) and Mr. Adam Calderone (Deputy Principal - Ignatian Mission & Identity) were selected to take part in the 2025 Australian Catholic University School Leaders Program, providing leadership formation for Catholic school leaders through a three-week overseas immersion in the Catholic tradition and Western civilisation.
Ice Cold!
Principal Alison Leutchford participated in the infamous Ice Bucket Challenge to support the work of Catholic Mission back in August.
Showing her fighting spirit, Mrs. Leutchford bravely took on not just one, but SIX tubs of icy cold water (beat that!) - with representatives from each of our six Houses doing the honours!
From the
Strengthening Community Through Service and Friendship
The second half of 2025 has flown by and, as we approach the holidays, I’m reminded that Loyola’s greatest strength lies in the community we build. Staff and students have been busy, not just tying up loose ends, but deepening the sense of belonging that makes Loyola a special place. Our community is guided by a commitment to a faith that does justice—a call to be aware of the needs of others and to place our talents at their service. This principle shapes our actions and reminds us that education should inspire generosity, empathy, and a readiness to make a difference in the world.
One of the most meaningful aspects of life at Loyola is our shared commitment to service. Whether through Christian Service initiatives, House fundraising, or families lending a hand at school events, these efforts unite us through a common purpose: caring and showing up for others. Service is not an obligation, but an opportunity for students, parents, and staff to work together, forming connections that strengthen our school and extend beyond its gates. As we look forward to the holidays, and all that we can be grateful for in life, let us all remember to share our many gifts when we see a need.
Friendship, too, is at the heart of Loyola’s story. The bonds formed in classrooms, across campus, and through our shared experiences are what make Loyola a family. These relationships - built on trust, generosity of spirit, and curiosity - are the foundation of lifelong memories and personal growth.
In writing this article, I’m reminded of all the reasons Loyola has been such a delightful place to work and learn. I’ve had many unique opportunities to share my passions, form great friendships, and learn from my incredible colleagues across the school. Regrettably, this year marks the end of my tenure as Loyola’s College Archivist, as I move on to new opportunities. It’s my hope that your new Archivist will be embraced by the community as I have and that it will inspire them in the same ways it has me. May 2026 bring all of Loyola’s community many fresh and exciting opportunitieshave a safe, fun, and joyful holiday break!
Best Wishes, Megan Soong Archivist
Collection Update - 2025
27 requests for materials or research completed; 1,150 files identified and accessioned; Over 3,770 paper records organised, preserved, and catalogued; 43 new boxes incorporated to the permanent archive; 25 donations accessioned to the collection.
We are always interested in donations to expand our collection. If you have items that you would like to contribute (either on-loan or permanent donations) please contact the Loyola College Archives via email at archives@loyola.vic.edu.au
Life @ Loyola: Semester 2, 2025
Life @ Loyola: Semester 2, 2025
