Loreto College eNews – 1 December 2021

Seek not greater wealth, but simpler pleasure; not higher fortune, but deeper felicity.    Mahatma Gandhi

As we come to the end of our school year, it is exciting to be able to reflect on this year of 2021, the 146^th of Loreto College Ballarat.

This year we have reflected on the value of ‘Felicity’, which is an attitude of mind and a disposition of the heart.  Felicity manifests itself in a sense of joy and hope.  To live with Felicity calls us to embrace optimism and positivity which is so valuable for the community in a time of need. A lightness of spirit, good humour and a love of friendship marks Felicity as a unique virtue in our way of being.   Mary Ward showed in her life an extraordinary connection between felicity and courage.  This year our students, staff and families have faced challenges where courage was needed to work through the various lockdowns, periods of remote learning and disruption. Felicity, as an essential element of the Loreto spirit, was an appropriate and valued attitude to celebrate this year.

Loreto College staff and students have shown again and again their adaptability and flexibility in 2021.   Celebrations and classes have been reimagined in different forms with new and fresh creativity.

Term 1 began with our Year 7 and 12s joining together to create a mural capturing the theme of Felicity. Individual pieces were painted and then joined together at the beginning of the school year mass.  Within a couple of weeks, news of a lockdown came whilst at our swimming sports.  There was a realisation that this was going to be a year of adapting quickly from onsite to remote learning. Our school prides itself on its connection and we ensured we were able to take every opportunity to gather in a COVID safe way.  We were able to celebrate joyous events such as the annual walkathon and Gonzaga Barry Day.

For our Year 12 VCAL and VCE students, the past two years have been extraordinary. Ably led by Casey Dodd and Maddie Palmer, our student leaders were outstanding as College Captains, supported by the Senate and House Leaders. It was a difficult year to be a school leader, but our students managed to lead with felicity and make the most of every moment.

I would like to express my gratitude to all staff who have provided leadership through this year, including Linda McDonald, Pat O’Shea, Jeff Primmer, Brenton Riordan, Judy-Ann Quilliam, Christina Sofis, Kevin Robillard and Felicity Knobel. At the end of this year, Deputy Principals Linda McDonald and Pat O’Shea will move into different roles at the College.  Linda McDonald has lead teaching and learning at the College for the past seven years. Pat O’Shea has led the school in wellbeing and organisation for the past twenty-two years. Their work for the past two years to ensure the College continued to support its staff and students during COVID-19 has been exceptional.  Their commitment and love for all things Loreto has made a significant impact on our college.

We have said goodbye, and will say goodbye and the conclusion of 2021, to some of our staff who have devoted many years to Loreto College.

Staff retiring: Alessandra Bourke-Finn (25 years), Mandy Carroll (21 years), Jeff Primmer (17 years) and Louise Moneghetti (16 years).  We farewell staff Kevin Robillard (13 years), Michael Walsh (9 years) and Gabi Howard (4 years). They have all made significant and lasting contributions and I wish them well in their future endeavours.

I am grateful for the support of the College Board. I would like to thank the Board Chair, Luke Dunne, Deputy Chair, Matt McCabe and Board members Richard Robinson, Nicole Loader, Erin Taylor, Nick Grylewicz, Elizabeth Burns, Melanie Robertson, and Matt Jenkins.  I would also like to thank the various members of sub committees who provide so much time as volunteers to support the College. Last week, we gathered to farewell Richard Robinson, Carmel Flynn and Min Myers who have provided wonderful support over their time on the Loreto Board and sub committees.

It is so rewarding to be a part of Loreto College Ballarat. I thank each and every one who has provided support to the College during 2021.

Addition to the previous newsletter featuring Twiggy and the history of pets at Loreto.

Following our previous newsletter, Jan Stephen provided us with further details about a photo from 1960.  The photo was of the Loreto College Middle School and in the front row was a dog. Jan has informed us the dog’s name was Pip, and the two girls seated with Pip were Anne Hardy (in pigtails) and Jill Bilson (after marriage Fenwick).  Mother Antoinette Hayden, who was the Mistress of Schools, introduced Pip to the School and Anne and Jill had the responsibility of bathing Pip and various other duties under Mother Antoinette’s tutelage. It is sixty years since Pip walked the school grounds. Mother Antoinette was forward thinking in understanding the value and presence of a dog within our walls at Loreto College.