Leadership News

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From the Principal

Ms Michelle Brodrick

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 146th 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.

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From the Deputy Principal (Learning & Teaching)

Ms Linda McDonald

Well, it’s hard to believe that we have come to the end of Term 4 in 2021. I am sure no one would have predicted that 2021, would have more disruptions to on-site learning than 2020. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate with the parents and students, the graduation ceremony of the Year 12 Class of 2021 last week, something we were not allowed to do in 2020. To see the girls, celebrate the significant achievement of successfully completing their VCE or VCAL certificates during two years of a pandemic, was a great delight. All members of our Loreto Community who worked to support the girls should be very proud of this achievement. Now we look forward to following their journey as they find their own way into the world.

For the Year 7-11 students, we can also be very proud of their achievements this year. There have been ups and downs, and many challenges for both students and staff along the way this year, but we have arrived safely together to the end of the year. As the year draws to a close, we have begun preparing for next year. In fact, our current year 10 and 11 students have already begun their Orientation programs in preparation for VCE or VCAL in 2022.

As I said last week in the newsletter an important part of preparing your daughter for school next year is ordering and purchasing books and resources. The booklists have been available in PAM (Parent Access Module) for a couple of weeks now. Book orders are done on-line now via Campion Education (formally known as Ballarat books). The links are in the book lists. It requires families to go on-line and order and pay for books now and they will be available mid to late January for pick up you can have them delivered. Please carefully read the booklist to ascertain which books can be bought second hand and which ones need to be bought new directly from Campion. All students will be able to retain their current bible, dictionary, lab coat and pens and pencils from this year you do not have to buy new ones.

If you have a daughter who is doing a VCE subject, you will see that many of the VCE subjects require a Edrolo subscription. This process is clearly explained in a document also found in PAM. It requires you to again, create an account and yes probably another password to pay for the subscriptions which your daughter has already got access to now. The Edrolo subscriptions provides essential resources for VCE students like videos, quizzes, practice tests and exams. In some of the VCE Mathematics and Science classes you are required to buy the Edrolo textbooks as the subject text.

Finally thank you to all the staff and families who have supported our girls through these challenging times. I hope that the coming holidays provides everyone with a rest, and time to catch up with family and friends who you have missed throughout the year.  I wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and look forward to the students returning refreshed for another good year in 2022.

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From the Director of Faith & Mission

Ms Felicity Knobel

Covid-19 has changed many things in our world over the past two years, however, it has not changed the importance of our Graduation Liturgy for our students and presenting them with their Jubilee crowns. These crowns look gorgeous, however, they come with a symbolic understanding of us as a Loreto community and what our graduates take to our world. 

In our graduation liturgy and in crowning our students we ultimately wanted to leave our students with an answer of why they attended Loreto for their secondary schooling. As much as our students would say it was for the ring, the crown and the enjoyment (all important things) we know it is so much more. We also wanted to make it abundantly clear that there was, for want of a better or overused word a road map of what they needed to do in the future as they graduated with their crowns and processed out of our school. 

Our students have been taught the values and the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. This has been given to them in the classroom, on our retreats, on our celebration days, in our liturgies, our Eucharist celebrations, in their interactions with others, the list goes on. However, this has also been taught to them through the life and stories of Mary Ward and Mother Gonzaga Barry. If you are a graduate of Loreto you are brave, courageous and fearless. You are the voice of the voiceless. You advocate for those that are less fortunate than you. You are people that are now called to do much in our world. We as a Loreto community cannot wait to be inspired by the Class of 2021.

College News

Year 9 Goals for Growth Presentation

Many of the Year 9 students presented their final learning from their Goals for Growth Mastery Goal to the year level this week. It has been fascinating over the past 12 months observing these students firstly learn about goal setting, then going through the process of planning, implementation, and achieving their many and varied goals. The students started on a journey of self-improvement, setting out to learn skills, knowledge or experiences in something they would not normally do. Along the way the students have learned some invaluable life and work skills such as thinking in an entrepreneurial manner (recognising problems and identifying solutions) and learning how to schedule their time better and manage projects from start to finish. They have realised inspiration can come from anywhere and have drawn on their character strengths to identify and overcome enablers and blockers and can now comfortably articulate the SMARTER goals process.

Many of the goals achieved and stories shared are truly extraordinary, Annie created a fitness website, Dannika learned how to read and send morse code, Sienna learned and created 15 dishes from 15 different countries and Ella learned to speak Spanish. And that is just to mention a few. The goals now are for these students to set themselves new goals for 2022 and create lifelong goals for growth habits.

Congratulations to all Year 9 students and staff, your personal and year level growth has been truly inspiring.

Year 9 Cave Hill Creek Experience

Recently, our Year 9 students ventured to Cave Hill Creek for an exciting outdoor ed experience! With some less than ideal weather, the students made the most of the opportunity through activities such as archery and making damper whilst enjoying the outdoors.

Year 11 Last Day

On Friday we farewelled our Year 11s who have now finished for the year. To wrap up the year, our 2022 student leaders received their badges, we farewelled some special Year 11s who are off to do great things and our 2022 College Co-Captains received their new blazers. The day prior, our Year 11s were also able to receive their Year 12 hoodies which is always an exciting day.

We can't wait to welcome them back as our Year 12s in 2022!

VCAL Staff Association Lunch

Two weeks ago, our wonderful VCAL students prepared a delicious lunch for our Staff Association. It was a beautiful day to enjoy great food, great company and a great location at The Little Flower. The work and the food that these students are producing is outstanding! Kudos to all involved and thank you for a beautiful lunch.

Year 12 Results Day

Loreto College extends an invitation to all of the students from the Class of 2021 (VCE and VCAL) to attend a morning tea in the College Gardens on Thursday 16 December, 2021 between 11.00am and midday.
We invite all students to attend to celebrate the individual achievements of each other.
“Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” Misty Copeland
Class Of 2021

Year 12 Graduation

Last week at our Graduation Ceremony, we were able to celebrate our amazing Class of 2021 graduates and awards in person.

Congratulations to the following recipients for their wide variety of achievements throughout their time at Loreto. We look forward to following the journey of our graduating students and wish them all the very best for the years to come!

  • Mary Ward Prize - Sunday Walker
  • Emma-Kate McGrath Spirit Award - Mikayla Thomas
  • Constance May Christie Award - Danielle Kirk
  • The Honourable Catherine King Award - Chloe Stevens
  • Mary Elizabeth Chatham Prize - Isabella Henning
  • Dorothy Irene Ellis-Thomas Scholarship - Mia Mulheron
  • Principal's Award for All-Round Excellence - Eliza McCrum
  • ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Casey Dodd
  • Federation University Award for Excellence - Chloe Johnson
  • VCAL Award - Jorja Grumley
  • Aspiring Dream Award - Chlesea Hayes
  • ADF Future Innovators Award - Mia Mulheron
  • University of Melbourne Scholarship - Mia Clark
  • Barry House Award - Theresa McGoldrick
  • Mornane House Award - Megan Armstrong
  • Mulhall House Award - Eve Joyce
  • Ward House Award - Ava Lanyon
  • Senior Music Award - Theresa McGoldrick
  • Senior Performing Arts Award - Zenaye McKee
  • Senior Sports Award - Sarah Cushing
  • Olympic Change Maker Award - Darcy Plumridge
  • Year 12 Sportswoman Award - Casey Dodd

2022 Loreto College House Captains

Thank you to all of the students who applied for a role in 2022. We received a large number of applications and videos where needed. The calibre was very high and all girls applying should be commended for their time, effort and for offering to help lead our House in this formal capacity. We know we have many natural leaders in our teams as well who will work with the House team to help us in 2022.

We are very excited to inform our new House Leaders for 2022. They are:

Barry Mornane Mulhall Ward
House Captain Sophie Gulbin Gemma Hanrahan Lana Dodd Bella Clark
House Vice Captain Cassie Lynch Charli Ross Tahlia Ciappara Eloise Davenport
Arts Captain Alexis Oswin Ashlyn Walker & Charlotte McDougall Zoe Britt Grace Cassells & Chloe Taylor
Arts Vice Captain Georgia Siemensma Phoebe McCallum
Sports Captain Ella Slater Beth Hucker Ella Hansen Isabella Stevens
Sports Vice Captain Bridie Kennedy Izzy Delvescovo Rosie Todd Tayissa Watkins
Year 10 House Co-Captains Chloe Cook & Milly Wakefield Aoise Somers & Lucy Eales Zara Jones & Holly Boyd Demi Anwyl & Bella Davies
Year 9 Arts Co-Captains Bethany Ryan & Freya Cosgriff Ava Hirth & Layne Frawley Matilda Dean & Charlotte Major Sophia Dalton & Amity Vandenberg
Year 8 House Co-Captains Zoe Crack & Jemima Knobel Hannah Vanderkley & Emily Gibson Lainie Ballinger & Eliza Dodd Bonnie Burt & Zarli Brudenall

Christmas Concert - Carols by Candlelight

What a fabulous night out at the Loreto College Carols by Candlelight last night! A full Loreto Abbey Theatre waving brightly coloured candles enjoyed some wonderfully talented and diverse performances in a mix of live or recorded presentations, including the Hallelujah Chorus featuring the Senior Band and Virtual Choir.

Santa even made it with a personal message! Congratulations to all our student performers and their amazing teachers! Special shout out to the gorgeous Mrs Simone Jans...your infectious and inclusive love of music and performance is truly special... a wonderful host for the evening and inspiring leader of music at Loreto College

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Library News

Mrs Sarah Lane (Library Officer)

After being delayed earlier in the year, Book Week has finally been celebrated! The Library was once again transformed with a riot of displays, activities, crafts and competitions. The Book Sale proved incredibly popular and joined other fundraising activities, including a book raffle and High Tea, to raise over $700 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Craft ruled the Reading Lounge with snowflake making, magic maps and a canvas of unique trait post-its, until Ms Baird stole the stage with a fabulous and incredibly entertaining Read Aloud session. Wands were out for the Harry Potter Kahoot while the Silent Reading Party gave others the opportunity to relax and enjoy a hot chocolate while having the Library all to themselves.

As the school year winds down it’s now time for students to come in and “stock up” on their holiday borrowing. As always, the Library Team are more than happy to offer suggestions and provide recommendations. We’ve even created some series stacks for those who’d like to “binge” a series during the break.

At the end of this year, we will be farewelling our wonderful Head of Library, Marcia Phillips. Marcia has worked in the Library for 11 years and loved every minute of it! She will be missed by staff and students alike and we’d like to wish her all the best in her retirement.

Happy Holidays!

The Library Team

https://libguides.loreto.vic.edu.au/Loreto-Library

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Career News

Ms Jodie Howlett (Careers Coordinator)
In this week's Career News:
  • Get savvy about your finances
  • Careers in Early Learning
  • Monah University Updates
  • 2022 National Youth Science Forum
  • VCE Summer School
  • Dates for your diary
  • Santos Science Experiences
Federation University Info Day and Change of Preference Information

The info day will be an opportunity for Year 10, 11 and 12 students and the public to explore our beautiful campuses, receive personalised advice about our degrees and services.

Find out how you can join the university ranked #1 for Graduate Outcomes* at our upcoming Info Day on Thursday, 16 December, 10 am- 3 pm.

Attend one of their on-campus events, and you will:

  • Receive individual study advice
  • Receive advice on adjusting VTAC preferences after Year 12 results are released
  • Tour our campuses
  • Find out about our scholarships
  • Immerse yourself in student life and get a feel for the vibe on campus.

Can't make it on the day?  

Register for the virtual event here.

The virtual info session will be held Friday, 17 December.

https://federation.edu.au/future-students/study-at-federation/info-day

Our admissions team will be available on the phone with extended hours over the VCE results and the Change of Preference period in December:

  • Thursday 16 December, 9 am – 5 pm
  • Friday 17 December, 9 am – 5 pm
  • Saturday 18 December, 10 am – 3 pm
  • Sunday 19 December, 10 am – 3 pm
  • Monday 20 December, 9 am – 5 pm

Loreto Community Notices

Canteen Volunteer Opportunity in 2022

We are excited to welcome back volunteers to support our Canteen in 2022!

Shifts will be available Monday-Friday from12:30pm-2:00pm with two volunteers scheduled for each shift.

All volunteers are required to be double vaccinated and have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)

If you are interested in volunteering, please register your details here or via the button below.

Loreto Cafe
Academic Award Sponsorship Opportunity

Although COVID has continued to challenge our graduating students this year, they have stood up to the challenge and we look forward to celebrating their academic achievements.

With a variety of different subjects to sponsor for $100 each, your sponsorship can be in your personal or business name and may also be an award that aligns with a subject of your special interest.

If you are interested in supporting an academic award, you will give a Loreto student the recognition and acknowledgement they deserve. Your gift may go towards purchasing textbooks, university fees, living or travel costs.

Please contact us by emailing us at development@loreto.vic.edu.au if you wish to sponsor the 2021 Academic Awards.

Academic Awards 2021
Uniform Donations 

If any families have any spare uniforms that they no longer need could they please donate these to Carly at Student Reception.
This will support students in need and provide changes of clothes for sickbay.

New Pants Addition to Uniform
2022 Shoe Guide - The Athlete's Foot

Please click on the button below to download The Athlete's Foot 2022 Shoe Guide which includes shoes that meet the school uniform policy. Each time you buy a pair of shoes $5 is donated back to the school through their School Rewards program.

Athletes Foot
Faull's Shoes - Back to School Brochure 2022

Please click on the button below to download the Faull's Shoes Back to School brochure which features 20% off Clarks and Harrison school shoes.

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Rebel Sport

We are proudly partnering with rebel in their rebel Community Givebacks program which entitles our school to receive 5% of all our members purchases at rebel back as credit to spend instore on sports equipment or teamwear!

To support our school all you need to do is join the rebel active loyalty program and link your member account to our school next time you visit your local rebel store. A friendly team member can help you do this instore and you’ll also receive some great benefits like exclusive member offers and access to VIP experiences, rewards and competitions for being a rebel active
member.

Just remember to swipe your rebel active loyalty card instore or log into your account online when making a purchase at rebel and our school will receive 5% back as credit to spend on sports gear!

Thanks for your support.

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Turning into Teens - Headspace Program

Tuning into Teens is back for Term 1 2022!

We have two groups scheduled to be run face to face at headspace Ballarat.

Group 1:  6pm - 8pm Mondays, Commencing Monday 7th of February **

Group 2: 1pm - 3pm Thursdays, Commencing Thursday 10th of February **

To register and for more information please see the JotForm below:

https://form.jotform.com/headspaceballarat/T1_TuningintoTeens  - for parents and carers who are interested please have them complete the referral form directly.

Please contact Erryn at headspace Ballarat on 5304 4777 or via email at programs@headspaceballarat.org.au if you have any questions 😊

* groups are limited in size, therefore sometimes not all expressions of interest can be confirmed for the upcoming group. However, those who don't make the next group will be contacted for groups in the future. 

* for groups to go ahead, minimum numbers are required. Therefore in the instance where minimum numbers aren't met the group will not proceed.

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Verity Edition 2 2021 Now Available to Read! 
Advertising in Verity in 2022

One of the ways you can support Loreto College and share your support of the school and our Loreto community is by advertising in Verity magazine. Advertising allows us to design and print and share this important alumni magazine, and at the same time, promotes your business to our Loreto community. There are also opportunities for advertorial spaces if you are a Loreto alumni with a business to promote in our Loreto Launchpad feature.

We would love to see some new businesses featured in Verity and are very grateful to those who have advertised in the past. Published twice per year, in May and November, please contact us by end of February for our first edition of 2022.

May 2022 Edition – this will be a bumper edition as we share the new Strategic Plan for the school.

Contact development@loreto.vic.edu.au for more information.

Our Diocesan Community News Publication

Our Diocesan Community news from the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat is now an online publication. If you would like to keep up-to-date follow the link to read.

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Loreto College Policies

The College is in the process of updating and publishing a range of relevant policies and procedures. The policies most applicable to families are accessible on the Loreto website.

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Finance News

Conveyance Allowance 2021

The conveyance allowance is a form of financial assistance for parents/carers to transport children to and from school in rural and regional Victoria. Allowances are available for public transport, private car and private bus.

In some locations, students are unable to access free school buses. In these instances, students may receive a conveyance allowance to assist with travel costs.

Important Dates

Due to the unpredictability of the current COVID-19 situation, please keep an eye out on PAM, the Loreto College App, website and social media for any updates to scheduled events.

For the full Loreto Events Calendar please visit via the Loreto College Ballarat app or https://pam.loreto.vic.edu.au/Login/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f

Friday 3 December
  • Year 7 to 10 Final Day
Monday 31 January 2022
  • Year 7 Transition Day
  • Year 12 Students Commence
Tuesday 1 February 2022
  • Years 8-11 Students Commence
Thursday 3 February 2022
  • Opening School Mass

Communications

To see the day-to-day life at Loreto, follow our Facebook and Instagram pages.

To stay up to date with important information and notices, download the Loreto College App. For further instructions on how to download and sign in to the app, head here.

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