Leadership News
From the Principal
Ms Michelle Brodrick
Last week after 16 years of dedicated service we farewelled Jeff Primmer, our Business Manager. Jeff joined the College in 2004 and has provided financial and business management over that time. He has overseen many significant building projects including the Mary Ward Centre, the Mulhall Centre and Mary’s Mount Centre. We are grateful for Jeff’s contribution and wish Marg and Jeff all the best in their move to Geelong.
We are pleased to announce that Brenton Riordan has been appointed to the position of Business Manager. Brenton is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has over 13 years’ experience in Accounting, Finance and Risk roles, including 10 years working at KPMG in Melbourne and more recently as the Financial Controller and Corporate Services Manager at C.E. Bartlett.
We are also pleased to announce Christine Shaw has been appointed as Deputy Principal. Chris’ breadth of experience, knowledge and passion for student learning and wellbeing will be an incredible asset to the College. Chris joins us from Ballarat Grammar School where she has had the role of Deputy Head and Head of Senior School for the past six years. Her experience has encompassed all aspects of K-12 school leadership, management and operations across Early Learning, Junior, Middle and Senior School. Chris has also held positions at Ballarat and Clarendon College, Brisbane Girls Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar and Avila College. Chris’ deep faith and values are evident in the many connections she has with the Ballarat community.
Chris’ qualifications included a Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma of Education Administration, Master of Education, Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and she is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Educational Research. We look forward to Chris joining our staff later this year.
Premier’s VCE Awards
Earlier this month we celebrated the achievements of the 2020 Dux Sarah Harrington. Sarah received the Top All-Rounder VCE High Achiever Award in the Premier’s VCE Awards. This award is presented to students who achieved study scores of 46 or higher in at least five VCE Studies. Sarah also achieved a Study Award for English Language. In a year that had so much change and challenge it is a wonderful effort to be recognised in these awards and a credit to Sarah’s family, teachers and staff who supported her. Unfortunately, the Awards ceremony was unable to proceed due to lockdown.
From the Deputy Principal: Learning & Teaching
Ms Linda McDonald
VCE/VCAL 2021
Living in regional Victoria certainly has its advantages especially for our students and teachers who can be at school daily. However, we know that during the pandemic things can change very quickly. At times it feels like we are going to school in between lockdowns. Unfortunately, many of the plans we have made for Debutante balls, 18th birthday parties, family gatherings etc can not go ahead and this creates disappointment amongst our students and families. All we can do is work together to focus on the things we can control and celebrate the positive little joys of being together as a school community.
In 2020 we did things slightly differently for our Year 12s VCE/VCAL students because of the pandemic and again this will be the case for the Year 12s in 2021. Our teachers are working diligently to assist our current Year 12s to successfully complete their VCE/VCAL certificates.
As in 2020, the VCE teachers on behalf of the school will purchase the best quality online VCE exam revision lectures at no cost to the students and families. Traditionally these lectures would run face to face and provide excellent exam preparation for our students. But due to COVID-19 these revision lectures will all be online. Please encourage your daughters to take advantage of these lectures.
The GAT which was traditionally held in June has been postponed until later this year, possibly Term 4 as it was in 2020. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority has indicated that the VCE/VCAL results at this stage will be released on Friday 15 December 2021, only a few days later than originally planned.
This year like last year, VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre) have asked schools/teachers to rate the level of disruption or impact of remote learning on their students during COVID-19 in 2021. This information will be used by the Universities when considering higher learning places for students in 2022.
Consideration of Educational Disadvantage
The CED process used in 2020 will be applied again this year for students undertaking VCE and VCE VET Unit 3 & 4 programs in 2021. Schools will again provide students with an opportunity to alert their teachers to any significant disadvantage they have experienced because of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic through an optional student statement. Once the school have this information the VCE teachers will be asked to provide VCAA with an expected grade the student would have been expected to achieve to achieve if their learning program had not been significantly impacted.
VCAL/VET
Teachers of VCAL and VET are encouraged to conduct assessments remotely or if face to face to develop alternate assessment activities to ensure students successfully complete their outcomes and complete the required hours of units of competency to satisfy the VCAL/VET certificates.
Upcoming Elevate Education Webinars
Elevate Education is hosting a free webinar series for parents to assist their children in the lead up to their exams and assessments.
The webinars are held online from 7pm – 8pm where the presenter will share Elevate’s key research and skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly.
Upcoming sessions:
- Wednesday 18 August - Notetaking skills to help your child deepen their revision (suited to Year 7 - 12 students).
- Wednesday 1 September - Exam homestretch and how to support your child in the final weeks.
You can register by clicking here.
College News
Maths Faculty News
Ms Paula Wheaton (Maths Faculty Leader)
VCE Maths Revision Program
This year the Maths Department is once again offering to cover the cost of VCE Maths students to have access to the Mathematical Association of Victoria revision courses. This is an online course that supports students in their preparation for the final VCE exams. It includes access to:
1. Video clips (3-6 hours) from VCAA assessors:
- Hear where students tend to go wrong.
- Loads of common exam questions and how to solve them.
- Insights into a VCAA maths exam and how to smash it!
2. Videos from TI-Nspire and Casio experts showing you:
- How to do questions efficiently and effectively using CAS technology
- Tips and tricks on how to utilise the CAS to its maximum
3. A comprehensive book of revision notes including:
- Tips for exam success
- Tricky past exam questions with solutions
4. Assessment of your understanding with interactive multiple choice quizzes throughout.
5. Exclusive live webinars with VCAA assessors where you get to ask them questions.
A letter will be distributed shortly via PAM through which you will be able to indicate if you would like to participate in this revision program. I encourage students to take advantage of this offer, but also to recognise that by completing this form they are committing to participating in this revision program.
Science Faculty News
Ms Natalie Howard (Science Faculty Leader)
Loreto College US Space Camp STEM Tour 2022 Information Night | 6pm Monday 6 September
The trip is held in the two-week term break between third and fourth terms and visits Washington, Florida and Alabama. The trip is designed to promote an understanding and love of the study of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects in the students; showing girls the possibilities open to students who pursue study in these areas at a senior and tertiary level.
The information night will be held on Monday 6 September at 6pm. Place TBC (will be in person or remote depending on current restrictions).
If you wish to attend, please email Natalie Howard (nhoward@loreto.vic.edu.au) with your name, student name, year level and email address. This will allow Ms Howard to provide updates on whether the information night will be held online or face-to-face.
Registration for this event is essential.
Science Week
This week is Science Week and our creative Science Lab Assistants, Robyn and Jenny have created the Indigenous Innovation and Science display in the Student Reception hallway. They have created some amazing displays where students and staff can learn more about indigenous medicines, foods, weapons and plants. A big thank you to Robyn and Jenny who have created a phenomenal display!
Language Faculty News
Mrs Yoshie Burrows (Languages Faculty Leader)
Shibuya Olympiad of Liberal Arts 2021 - 17 August
2021 has been a challenging year for our exchange programs. As part of a new innovative approach to the exchange program, Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen has arranged an online Olympiad of Liberal Arts. For this project, students and teachers at Shibuya prepared many activities in six categories and 12 events including conferences, tournaments, competitions, presentations, projects and quizzes.
Four Year 10 students joined the online events and collaboratively worked with students from other parts of the world. Ann Chalakkal and Jane McKinnis joined “Model G7 Summit 2021” to tackle the global issues of gender equality. Ruby Stringer and Sarah Augustine entered in the “World Riddle Tournament”.
Visiting Japan seems far away at the moment, but with our technology connecting with students around the world, it is more accessible and enables our students to gain some valuable insights.
From the students:
The Model G7 Summit was an amazing experience, we listened to guest speakers and discussed with students around the world about gender equity. I worked with students from Japan and the Philippines, gaining insight into their views on the issue and personal experiences. Together we created an action plan to stop gender inequity, banding together as young people aspiring for change.
by Jane McKinnis
My groups focus was on the lack of awareness or education surrounding gender inequality and our action plan was dedicated to tackling this issue. As a group we determined that whilst educating the youth is critical to solving this issue, teaching the current adults and older generation is equally vital. We aimed to achieve educating all members of society via various platforms such as media outlets, schools and less formal environments like one’s own home.
By Ann Chalakkal
I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. We got to meet and connect with students from all around the world and solve some very challenging riddles! I’m so grateful to be a part of the Shibuya Olympiad in Liberal Arts 2021.
By Ruby Stringer
Library News
Mrs Sarah Lane (Library Officer)
Book Week
Next week is Book Week! And we have a full program of events planned! Ms Baird is doing a Read Aloud on Thursday, and we’ll also host a Read In on Tuesday. Our “Pop-Up Book Shop” will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and there’s craft activities and competitions happening all week. Keep your eye on your email for our Daily Quiz and come in and have a go at our Map Competition. And if you’re feeling crafty, we have Snowflake Making, Magic Maps and the creation of a ‘Unique to You’ wall!
We’re still accepting donations for our “Pop-up Book Shop”. This is a fundraiser for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and over the years we have been able to send over $1000 to the foundation, an organisation making a difference to the lives of many indigenous children and their communities. We are looking for donations of books and they can be fiction, non-fiction, picture books or good quality magazines or even DVDs, board games or jigsaw puzzles.
Thank you so much to those who have already brought items in. If you’d like to learn more about the amazing work of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation you can visit their website here: https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/
Please help us make this fundraiser a wonderful success!
Happy Reading!
The Library Team
Career News
Ms Jodie Howlett (Careers Co-Ordinator)
Reminders:
- Work Experience Arrangement Forms and outstanding Safe@Work certificates are to be submitted to the Careers Office in the Library no later than 3:25 PM Thursday 26 August.
- 1st year Highlands LLEN VET Course Expressions of Interest are due this Friday 20 August.
In this week's Career News:
- University applications open
- Get help with VTAC application process
- Early admission programs
- Career and course exploration resources
- The University of Melbourne - 2022 admissions update
- Employment resources
- Technology Scholarship
- Upcoming Open Days
- Year 12 Tertiary Dates (August - October)
- RMIT University - Next Fest
Upcoming Webinars:
Career planning and transition for young people on the autism spectrum | Thursday 2 September, 4.00pm (AEST)
In this 60 minute live and interactive webinar, our presenters, Associate Professor Marina Ciccarelli, Cheryl Mangan, and Brendan James will provide information for parents about:
- The Better OutcOmes and Successful Transitions for Autism (BOOST-A) research;
- The role of parents and supporters in youth focused, strengths-based career planning; and
- How myWAY Employability career planner can support young people on the autism spectrum to build a customised profile and goals to plan for future career pathways.
Based on six years of research, myWAY Employability is a smart web platform that helps autistic individuals plan and prepare for working life. Autistic individuals co-produced content, design, and usability of the website. myWAY Employability matches an individual’s interests and strengths to relevant careers and pathways. It encourages users to create big dreams, and smaller goals and tasks to track progress.
Register now
Industry Insights: Media and Telecommunications | Thursday 9 September 2021, 4.00pm (AEST)
This is the first in our new Industry Insights webinar series brought to you by myfuture and the Australian Business & Community Network (ABCN).
The media and telecommunications industry employs almost 200,000 workers in Australia. In this webinar you will hear from a panel of representatives from technology and telecommunications companies. We’ll explore a range of occupations in the industry, essential competencies required for the work, emerging occupations and future challenges for this industry.
Register now
Loreto Community Notices
Prospective Families:
Open Day 2021
Open Day is an opportunity for prospective families to experience Loreto College. Enjoy a guided tour of the College grounds and facilities with current students who will also share valuable insight into being a student at Loreto College.
Wednesday 13 October, 2021
Tours commence half-hourly between 9:00am - 11.30am from the Loreto College Archives Centre (just inside the main entrance on Sturt Street - Gate B)
Registration is essential
Year 7 2023 Information Evening
Join us for our Year 7 2023 Information Evening! We welcome you to come along and learn about a Loreto education, our Year 7 program, important dates and to ask any questions you may have.
This event is for all prospective families looking to enrol for Year 7 2023.
Registration is essential
Events will be conducted according to State Covid regulations at the time.
Advertise in our next edition of Verity
Advertising in Verity magazine is a wonderful way to show your support of Loreto College and promote your business! We would love some new businesses to feature in our future editions.
Perhaps you are a past pupil with a new business to promote? Our Loreto Launchpad section might be a great platform.
For more information or to book your spot please email development@loreto.vic.edu.au
To view previous editions and to download our advertising package please visit here
"Our Diocesan Community" magazine
Please find the button below for the latest edition of the “Our Diocesan Community” magazine.
Mount Prospect Tennis Junior Season 2021-2022
Are you looking for a great summer outdoor sport for your child to get involved with? Then tennis at Mt Prospect is for you. Matches are played across both Term 4 and Term 1 and at the same location in Creswick on natural grass courts. Tennis provides your child with a great chance to be physically active in a safe, multi-gendered sport.
With coaching available, along with competitions, now is a great time to get your child into tennis. To find out more, please contact Kerry on 0400 947 477 or mkarma28@skymesh.com.au, or visit www.mtprospecttennis.com.au
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
Monday 6 September
- Loreto College US Space Camp STEM Tour 2022 Information Night (6 PM) (Venue TBC)
Please register to attend by emailing Natalie Howard (Science Faculty Leader) at nhoward@loreto.vic.edu.au