Please keep an eye out on PAM, the Loreto College App, website and social media for any scheduled events.
For the full Loreto Events Calendar please visit via the Loreto College Ballarat app or Click Here
Leadership News
From the Acting Principal
Mrs Christine Shaw
This year, I seem to have visited many churches across the world and what seems to be a significant number of graves. Sounds a little morbid I know, but three of these graves are the resting places of three very significant leaders –all women and all Marys. Mary Ward, Mary ‘Gonzaga’ Barry and Mary Mackillop.
Whilst some might think a grave is just a monument, all who visit these places in particular are impacted by learning about the stories of their enduring leadership when leadership was hard.
At our recent student Leadership Assembly where we thanked our outgoing Senate and welcomed in our new leaders for 2025, I spoke to our students about how these women left an indelible mark and a remarkable impact through their faith in God and in humanity. When we reflect on their courage, their vision, and their unwavering commitment to their beliefs and communities we see how throughout their lives, the legacies they leave offer us invaluable lessons:
Mary Ward: A Visionary Leader whose faith never wavered. She taught us that true leadership often requires challenging the status quo and standing firm in the face of adversity.
Mother Gonzaga Barry: Our own pioneer in leadership believed in the transformative power of education and worked tirelessly to establish schools across Australia. Her leadership was characterised by a deep commitment to nurturing the intellectual and spiritual growth of young people. I asked our students to ponder on how many Loreto girls across Australia – generation after generation have benefited from education because of Mother Gonzaga’s vision and determination. Her story reminds us that leadership is about creating opportunities for others and fostering environments where they can flourish.
Mary MacKillop: A Saint of the people whose leadership was marked by a profound sense of compassion and a relentless drive to serve the marginalized and the poor, with her belief in the dignity of every person. Mary MacKillop’s life teaches us that true leadership is rooted in service, humility, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
It’s important for our students to understand that these women embody ‘hard leadership’, and to understand leadership is not easy. They put themselves in the conversation when women were seen and not heard, they took a seat at the table in places no one wanted to go and despite personal hardship, they led everywhere and every day. I reminded the Assembly that we don’t need to be on the stage to learn lessons from these women – everyone has the capacity to lead.
What stands out for me in my ongoing learnings of their stories of leadership, is the courage to lead and have real impact on others. These women exemplified this with vision and a deep sense of purpose, and they didn’t rely on permission to lead or being told what to do. Despite immense challenges they remained true to their convictions and their faith, leaving us all legacies that continue to inspire and serve us today.
Learning their stories, drawing inspiration from them and of others who lead by stepping outside of what is easy is something we can all strive to embody. By living our Loreto values in we do, we can all lead with optimism, with courage and compassion, and with a commitment to making a positive difference - not only within the walls of Loreto but where we are needed most.
I look forward to all our students leading in the College as we step in to our 150 year celebrations.
“Be useful, let no work that your hand can do to lighten the burden of others seem to you unworthy of your best efforts” Mary J Gonzaga Barry ibvm 1912
Loreto College Ballarat 2025 Senate:
Isabella Rossato - College Captain
Bethany Ryan - College Captain
Amelia Burgess - Creative Media Captain
Sophia Dalton - Felicity Captain
Isabella Jungbauer - First Nations Captain
Caitlin McConchie - Liturgy Captain
Mia Quinlan - Performing Arts Captain
Meg Clark - Social Justice Captain
Tilly Stringer - Sport Captain
Summer Ottini - Sustainability Captain
Grace Bales - Barry House Captain
Ava Hirth - Mornane House Captain
Chelsea Templar - Mulhall House Captain
Bronte Molloy - Ward House Captain
From the Acting Deputy Principal: Operations
Mrs Christina Sofis
At Loreto College, we embrace a well-rounded education that equips our students not only with knowledge but with creativity, physical development and social skills they need to thrive in all aspects of life. The creative arts, sports and activities outside of the classroom setting contribute to the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our arts programs foster creativity, imagination, and innovation. The sports programs promote physical fitness, which is vital for overall health. Being involved in debating and public speaking enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and self-confidence, while fostering the ability to articulate ideas and engage effectively with diverse audiences.
Recently our school has been bustling with excitement and opportunities for growth. Amongst the various activities this term has been the House Arts competition. This has provided a chance for all students to connect with their House to produce a dance routine, combined with a choir supported by artistic design and promoted with a media clip. After several rehearsals, led by students and coordinated by Lindy Crowe, we came together to enjoy a wonderful selection of performances that reflected joy and community spirit. To continue in our creative pursuits, we saw many students audition for a place in the Arts Festival at the end of term. The courage of our students shines through as they audition for the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Under the guidance of Simone Jans, the recent music showcase featured our choirs, the senior and junior bands and various instrumental groups. These ensembles not only enrich our students' educational experience by fostering musical talent and teamwork but also enhance their personal development, providing opportunities for creative expression, collaboration, and performance skills. I was thoroughly impressed by Year 7 students' performances on stage, showcasing their growth and confidence as they took to the stage. The new Year 7 music program has allowed all students to experience learning to read and play music.
Loreto College offers a wide range of sporting options, each contributing to students' creativity, emotional intelligence, physical health, and teamwork skills. In addition to our regular PE classes, students engage in after-school BAS sports which vary each term. The BAS sports are expertly managed by Liam Gill and Sarah Woodward (Sports Trainee). This term, many students are stepping up to the challenge of joining our rowing program, led by Craig Smith. This program demands not only physical endurance but also significant commitment and dedication. Aspiring rowers must be prepared for rigorous training, teamwork, and a high level of discipline, reflecting their enthusiasm and readiness to embrace the challenges and rewards of this demanding sport.
To complement the arts and sporting options, students have embraced the debating and public speaking at the Royal South Street Society competitions, which offer further opportunity to enhance students' ability to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively. Their success is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the invaluable guidance and support provided by Tammy Vandenberg. Through her expertise and encouragement, Tammy has helped our students hone their abilities and gain confidence, contributing significantly to their achievements in these challenging arenas.
At Loreto College, the learning extends far beyond the classroom. We take pride in offering a diverse range of activities that nurture the whole person, preparing our students not just for exams, but for life. All these achievements and experiences are a direct result of the dedication and hard work of all our staff, whose commitment and support make a significant impact on our students' success and development.
From the Assistant Principal: Faith & Identity
Ms Felicity Knobel
Father’s Day
On Wednesday 4 September, we celebrated Father’s Day in our Loreto community. As part of this celebration we had a special liturgy in our beloved Chapel where as part of prayer, our student Liturgy team gave a blessing to all fathers and father figures in our Loreto community. Our blessing asked for continued peace and joy of these men in our community and that love, strength and grace be with them always.
It was a joy filled breakfast with the requisite bacon and eggs and a much anticipated raffle for all men in attendance.
From the Assistant Principal: Learning & Innovation
Ms Adele Ryan
VCE Unit 3 / 4 Practice Examinations
As part of their final preparation ahead of the VCE Examinations in Term 4, Practice Examinations are being held at the College from:
Monday, 30 September 2024 – Thursday, 3 October 2024.
It is expected that all students studying one or more Unit 3 / 4 subjects will attend their scheduled Practice Examination/s.
In preparation for the Practice Examinations, students are encouraged to make the most of their revision time, during the first week of the holidays. Scheduling regular study sessions at home, interspersed with activities to relax, will provide students with an invaluable preparation for the upcoming Practice Examinations and their final examinations in Term 4. Please reach out to your teachers if you need guidance for your exam preparation.
From the Business Manager
Mr Brenton Riordan
Introducing Flexischools for lunch orders
From Monday 7 October, Loreto College is introducing Flexischools to place lunch orders from the College canteen.
Flexischools is an easy and convenient way for parents and students to order and pay for school lunches, either online or via the Flexischools app.
Accessing the Flexischools App
All you need to do is download the Flexischools app from the Apple or Google store and follow the prompts to create an account (nominate Loreto College Ballarat as your school). You can download the app and find registration and online ordering instructions here.
Parents/Carers can set daily spend limits and keep an eye on purchases via the Flexischools app. Additionally, you can also add access for your child to use the app, enabling them to place online orders themselves.
If you already have a Flexischools account for another family member, select the Profile icon on the app and +Add New Student.
The cut off time for ordering is 9am on the day of service.
Please note that students will still be able to pay for over-the-counter items using cash or card.
Should you have any questions relating to the setup of the Flexischools app, visit flexischools.com.au or call 1300 361 769.
From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing
Mr Dean Pepplinkhouse
Absenteeism adds up
There are so many factors that impact student achievement. Because there are so many elements contributing to achievement, it is difficult to apportion how much impact each factor has on learning. Despite this problem it’s fair to say that, “In order to learn at school you need to be present”.
Here are a few simple statistics to consider when it comes to absenteeism.
- If your child misses 1 day a fortnight this equates to 20 days of lost learning. Which for most subjects is an entire topic of work.
- If your child is late by only 10 minutes a few times a week, the hours also soon add up. In a single year there are 20 hours of lost learning.
As parents you play a vital role in the continuing education of your child. To help prevent absenteeism you should:
- Set positive attendance habits early.
- Reach out to the school when you no longer feel in control.
- Set high expectations for your child and do your best to model them in your own life.
In short, there is no safe level of absenteeism — every absence impacts achievement. Building and maintaining positive attendance patterns is a three way partnership between students, parents and schools, where all parties hold an important piece of the puzzle.
For more information and videos on this topic and more can be accessed on the Loreto website through School TV: Home Page | SchoolTV | Loreto College - Ballarat
To add to this topic I have included a link to an article about school refusal below:
From the Director of Years 10-12
Ms Kerryn Boyko
As Term 3 comes to an end, the Year 10s are looking forward to visiting Deakin University next week. Having given careful consideration to their 2025 Year 11 subject selections earlier this term, it will be beneficial for students to be able to visit the Geelong tertiary institution and gain insight into the nature of a university.
Our Year 11 students are well over half-way with their Unit 2 VCE and VCE-VM studies. The whole College appreciated and enjoyed the Daffodil Day fundraiser organised by our Year 11 VCE-VM students. For all Year 11 students, there has been a wellbeing focus on self care: physical, social, relational and financial. Students are encouraged to deliberately timetable blocks of self-care each week, just as they do for study.
The Year 12s are wrapping up Unit 4 studies as they experience a succession of ‘Loreto lasts’. Earlier in the term it was their last GB Day, this week the last Arts Festival and next term will be last classes. Melinda Kelly, our College Psychologist shared advice with the Year 12s about managing stress. Tips for having a balanced lifestyle, using mindfulness strategies like progressive muscle relaxation and helpful cognitive techniques were much appreciated by students. In the lead up to Celebration Day, the Year 12s are encouraged to reflect upon their Loreto journey with gratitude and thank those who have helped them along the way.
From the Director of Years 7-9
Ms Kelly Pearce
Kidnapped by Social Media!
A friend recently joked their child had been kidnapped by social media. As someone who works with teens daily, I can certainly relate. You might feel the same about the invasion of social media and other apps in our young people’s lives. According to the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner, females aged 12-17 spend an average of 14 hours a week online. Teens use the internet for schoolwork, researching topics, watching videos, chatting with friends, listening to music, and gaming. While the internet is integral to their digital lives, it’s important to consider how screen time is used. For the most accurate data on your child’s screen time, you may wish to check your young person has the screen time function enabled on their mobile phone- this report can provide you with very telling information!
College News
Loreto Snow Trip 2024 - Falls Creek
We got up early on Friday 2 August, for the long journey to Falls Creek, making a few stops on the way. Once there, it was a difficult, uphill hike to Halley's Lodge carrying our overweight packed suitcases, where we were allocated a room and our ski gear. We managed to fit in our first lesson during this long day and everyone was very excited since it was the first time going up a ski lift, and skiing/snowboarding for some.
On the second day of the trip, we got up bright and early for brekky with a beautiful view of the pink sunrise over the white fluffy snow. We all sat down and ate breakfast together before getting ready to go up the slopes for our 8:30am ski lesson. Noah, our instructor, taught us how to safely ski down a run called the Wombat’s Track which ended at the bottom of the chair lift - it was super fun!
We wanted to make this day as exciting and full as possible as it was our only full day there. We ate hot chips and drank hot chocolates at lunch time to warm ourselves up and fuel ourselves for the rest of the day on the mountain. After a long day of skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing down the slopes we were all exhausted and had an early night.
On Sunday, the final day of our snow trip, we got straight up and ready for the day. We had limited hours but made sure to use it to its extent! We enjoyed it by refining our skills, making memories (and snowmen) and enjoying lunch with a view up at the Cloud Nine Restaurant.
After hours of being up on the mountains and having free time to be in the snow, we made our way back to our accommodation (by skis or the chair lift) and began packing up our things onto the bus. We left Falls Creek around 3pm and arrived back to Loreto at around 10pm - safe and sound, sad to be home but our legs were happy to have a break.
Grace Bales and Lara Pierce - Year 11
“As someone who has never been skiing, snowboarding or even to the snow before this was an amazing trip and opportunity to learn how to ski for the first time, creating bonds and memories with people we wouldn't normally spend much time with and to be able to get away for a wholesome, refreshing weekend!” Lara Pierce – Year 11
“I had such an enjoyable time at the snow, and as someone who has been skiing before the lessons really helped refine my skiing. It was such a great opportunity to do something different that we don't get to do often. It was an amazing school trip to have with friends and great teachers, which I’m very grateful for.” Grace Bales - Year 11
Year 10 News
Sophie Caughey - Year 10 Media and Communications Representative
Empowered women in trades
The Year 10 students got to explore career paths in the trade industry thanks to Empowered Women In Trades. EWIT organized activities to show the different jobs available in trades. The students got hands-on experience with painting, crafting boxes and jewelry stands, working with wires, plumbing, construction skills, and more. This was made possible with help from trade companies like Reece, Bunnings, CAT, and others. These companies provided tools and support for the activities. Through these experiences, students learned valuable skills and got a glimpse into various trade careers.
Sophie Caughey - Year 10
Year 9 News
Emma Matthews - Year 9 Media and Communications Representative
In Term 3, the Year 9s were in Melbourne for a 3-day adventure where they walked around the CBD, where they looked for landmarks that were relevant to a hypothesis each group were given prior to the trip. They had to have at least one navigation location from four different areas around the CBD where they took photos with Melbourne treasure to send back to their teachers. At these locations, students had to find information to support their hypothesises.
On the first day of Melbourne Adventure, all the Year 9s had to use public transport to get to The Shrine of Remembrance where they went on a tour of the Shine and learnt about various wars through different displays. Some students also got to try on the clothing that soldiers and nurses would’ve worn during different wars and were shown artifacts of war like tins where they made their food, candle holders, anad trench periscopes.
On the second day, they went to activities as classes. These activities included visits to the National gallery of Victoria, ACMI Interactive, Parliament House, and The Old Treasury. During their times visiting these places, the students had time to walk around these places, taking photos and finding things to possibly support their hypothesises.
On the last day, students were given time to find more locations to take photos and support their hypothesis and getting a quick lunch before heading back to school on the bus.
After the Melbourne Adventure, each group of students created a presentation about what they did during their time in Melbourne, where their class went on day two, and what information they found to support their hypothesis. Everyone had a fun and amazing time during the Melbourne Adventure and creating their presentations to show the year level.
Emma Matthews - Year 9
Year 8 News
Harleen Ghumman - Year 8 Media and Communications Representative
Year 8 retreat
Throughout the day, all the Year 8s gathered together and took part in many different activities. All the Year 8s were split up (based on houses) and all rotated between the many different things(not everyone got to do all activities).
Some of the activities were:
- Making coasters: we learned about different indigenous symbols, had a chance to make our own and design our own coasters, adding symbols and decorating.
- Juggling: We had someone come in and help us juggle, starting with juggling cloths, and then moving on to balls. Some people were successful in juggling 3 balls and some people were not, however we all had fun trying.
- Music presentation: Everyone had a nice sing along in the chapel and learned about the career and hobbies of a young music artist who shared her self- written songs while playing her guitar.
- Leadership workshop: We played games and discussed how to be good leaders, how we are all leaders and have different values.
We all had lots of fun, meeting new people, learning about their experiences and stepping out of our comfort zones!
Harleen Ghumman - Year 8
Year 7 News
Sophie Middleton - Year 7 Media and Communications Representative
Year 7 Retreat
Retreat day on 31 July was a fun experience for all involved. It was a day of reflection and discovering our belonging at Loreto. Gen Bryant joined us to show her lovely singing and play games to connect us. She exlained how she became a singer and how she overcame severe anxiety on stage! You can visit her website at https://genbryant.com/.
We did some Aboriginal painting on coasters and learnt about symbols and meeting places in aboriginal culture. We learned the Queen of Loreto song and what it means as well as Lead Us on Mary. We did a scavenger hunt of Loreto monuments and wrote brief descriptions of what they are and mean to the College. At the end of the day, we gathered up to do a Queen of Loreto sing-off between all the houses. Afterwards, Mr Ryan held a liturgy in the chapel, and we had two Year 10s, Lily and Jemima, tell us how much they enjoyed Year 7 and how they have grown. Their speech was eye-opening and inspiring. As a grand finale we all did a Loreto College war cry. Overall, it was a fun and engaging day.
Sophie Middleton - Year 7
Languages News
Ms Yoshie Burrows (Faculty Coordinator: Languages)
This term began with a warm welcome to three exchange students from Yamawaki High School in Tokyo: Maki Hasegawa, Sawa Hirai, and Sarasa Otabe. They quickly immersed themselves in life at Loreto, joining the Year 10 excursion to Sovereign Hill, where students enthusiastically filmed videos and took photos to create Scavenger Hunt questions.
We were also pleased to host 20 students from Sacred Heart, Obayashi, who arrived at Loreto for their English homestay program. Thanks to the wonderful hospitality and care provided by their host families, all the students thoroughly enjoyed their time here. Their arrival coincided with GB Day, causing some initial confusion as they saw students and staff in costume. However, they quickly adapted and embraced life at Loreto. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the host families and buddies for their invaluable support—without them, these enriching experiences wouldn’t be possible.
Preparations for the Japan Trip in December 2024 are also underway, with 26 students eager to begin planning their adventure. Weekly meetings for the trip will start in Term 4, building excitement as the departure date approaches.
As Term 3 draws to a close, it is almost time to bid farewell to Maki, Sawa, and Sarasa. We wish them all the best for their return journey to Japan and look forward to seeing them again in Tokyo this December.
Ballarat Japanese Speech Contest 2024
Our annual Year 10 Japanese Speech Contest was held on Friday 13 September. This year, 18 students from Ballarat High School, St Patrick’s College, Mt Clear College and Loreto competed at the contest with Loreto winning the top 3 spots (5 out of 8 places in total).
VCE-VM News
Mr Andrew Blackwood (Faculty Coordinator: VCE-VM)
The VCE-VM students have had a busy and successful term, showcasing their skills and dedication across multiple exciting projects. Their efforts have not only honed their personal development skills but also made a significant impact on the broader community.
A standout achievement was this year's Daffodil Day major project, supporting the Cancer Council. Students came together to run a variety of engaging stalls, including a highly popular teacher dunking machine, a sizzling BBQ, and the sale of Daffodil Day-themed keyrings and cookies. Their hard work paid off, raising an impressive $1300 for cancer research and support services. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the students throughout the event reflected their commitment to the cause, making the day a huge success!
In addition, our Year 11 and 12 students have been busy launching micro-businesses as part of their business studies. These innovative concepts catered to the school community and proved to be a hit, with creative ideas such as Devonshire Tea lunchboxes, Loreto-themed doughnuts, and delicious sausage rolls flying off the shelves at the canteen. These ventures not only developed students' business acumen but also demonstrated their ability to connect with their target audience effectively.
Our Creative Industries students have also been hard at work, supporting Lumen Christi Primary School with their annual school concert. Taking charge behind the scenes, the students showcased their talents in areas such as costume design, ushering, and floor management. Their professionalism and creativity played a crucial role in the smooth running of the event, and they should be incredibly proud of their contributions.
These projects highlight the diverse range of skills and talents our VCE-VM students possess, as they continue to integrate real-world experiences into their learning. Congratulations to all involved for their outstanding efforts!
BotaniKids
BotaniKids is a program assisted by year 11 Loreto VCE-VM students. The BotaniKids program is aimed at preschool aged children to get them involved in nature, the community and tactile activities aimed to progress their fine motor skills and confidence. Each fortnight Loreto students host the BotaniKids program, running different activities and supplying a morning tea focused around a common theme. This program allows the children to familiarise themselves with new people and allows the Loreto students to engage in the community in a positive way. Parents, grandparents and carers are offered complimentary barista coffee and are encouraged to socialise with other parents or volunteers while their children engage with the Loreto students.
Debating and Public Speaking News
Ms Tammy Vandenberg (Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator)
Royal South Street Debating 2024
Almost 40 Loreto students participated in this year’s Royal South Street Debating Competition. They prepared speeches on topics about learning a second language, the impact of social media on our communication skills, the impact of SUV’s on our communities, whether fast food should have a better reputation and the value of homework. Our students were well researched, confident and articulate in their presentations and were a credit to our college. The ability to understand some complex concepts, delve into current world and local issues and the ability to formulate ideas with limited preparation are skills that will set them up for success in a plethora of careers in life.
A huge congratulations goes to our Year 11/12 team who won the grand final. Loreto College has won the Year 11/12 grand final in 2022, 2023 and now again in 2024. A wonderful achievement!
Our students also received awards for Best Debater out of all competitors at South Street in each age group:
April Yearwood - Year 7/8
Jemima Knobel - Year 9/10
Amber McCathy - Year 11/12.
Royal South Street Public Speaking 2024
It was an outstanding effort by the Loreto College Public Speaking students at Royal South Street competitions!
Our students excelled at South Street in Prepared and Impromptu Public Speaking sections in recent weeks. They diligently worked on researching, planning and rehearsing their speeches over many month and fine tuned their skills in impromptu speaking. Their efforts were rewarded.
PESA Plain English Speaking Award Finals
Lucy wins State and National final!
During July and September, Lucy Eales won the prestigious State and National Finals of the Plain English Speaking Award (PESA) held in Melbourne. Along with 150 other senior students, Lucy moved through the Ballarat heat and state semi final to be one of the seven state finalists. She then went onto the National final and won!
The calibre of the finalists was incredibly sophisticated with topics ranging from violence against women to our health care system. Lucy spoke about ‘Yarning’. The impromptu topic was suitably challenging and Lucy tackled it by referencing the French revolution and Donald Trump. Lucy’s persistence and ability to follow feedback has enabled her to evolve and to achieve incredible success.
Well done Lucy!
Technology News
Adie Noonan - Year 11 Media and Communications Representative
BAS Culinary Competition
This August, Loreto competed in the first BAS Culinary Competition, hosted by St Pat's College. Coached by Thea Mooney, four Year 11 Food Technology students volunteered to participate, and spent weeks designing their own healthy winter/spring menu, including local and seasonal ingredients. On the day, our team prepared a Saffron risotto with zucchini and mozzarella with a garnish of sweet potato and prosciutto, and a tasting dessert plate of sweet cheese crumble souffle with rhubarb and lime macaroon. We were evaluated on our organisation, safety, teamwork, skill level, production plan, workflow and overall taste and presentation of their dishes. We impressed the judges, and placed FIRST against St Patricks's College, Clarendon College, and Damascus College. Overall, it was an incredible experience and will hopefully be continued in the coming years. Congratulations to the team: Isabella, Maja, Adie, Maddie and Ms Mooney!
Adie Noonan - Year 11
Maths News
Mr Stephen Boswell (Faculty Coordinator: Maths)
ClassPad Calculator Ordering
All students that are heading into Year 9 in 2025 will be requiring to order a new calculator, the ClassPad fx-CP400. There are a range of options for the students to order this, including on the booklists that are sent out each year. An alternative way to order is by ordering through Abacus, a company that connects directly with Loreto and can offer calculators at a cheaper price and get delivered straight to the school.
Click on the link to the Order Form that students can utilise to order their ClassPad calculators from Abacus at the discounted rate. If they order through the link on this flyer, there is a saving of around $15 to $20 compared to ordering through the booklist. It is recommended that all students purchase the Protective Padded Case.
This offer is not just for the 2025 Year 9 students as there also may be some Year 10 or 11 students that need theirs replaced.
ORDER BEFORE 29 OCTOBER for discounted pricing.
Humanities News
Ms Jayne Carrigg (Faculty Coordinator: Humanities)
Term 3 has seen the Humanities faculty actively engage with the community and seek out opportunities for learning to take place in different ways.
In Unit 4 Sociology students studied the concept of community and focused their studies on the Country Womens’ Association. They considered the history of the CWA and its relations with others, its present social structure, its cultural values and the way it governs itself. Representatives of the Webbcona Country Womens’ Association branch came to visit and gave an insightful presentation into their varied activities and proved that age is no barrier to being an active and engaged member of the community.
Loreto students were also involved in a Model United Nations which was hosted by St Patricks’ College. The members of the Unit 2 Politics class and the Year 10 Debating team were allocated countries in advance to prepare an opening address to the Model General Assembly on climate action. Our students enjoyed the experience and said that it helped them understand why the UN is often slow to develop resolutions which result in meaningful change.
Our Year 8 students are studying the Australian system of government including the constitution, the structure of parliament, voting and elections and the features of the main political parties. While students of Unit 2 Politics in Area of Study One: Issues for Democracy have been engaged in a depth study of `Women and Power’. They have studied the obstacles that women face to become members of parliament and the challenges that they encounter once they arrive at parliament. Both groups of students were fortunate to have the chance to ask questions of the Honorable Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government and Julianna Addison MP, Member for Wendouree when they visited the College on Thursday 5 September. Both MPs spoke of their journey into politics, some of the challenges they encountered and their main motivations for working in politics. Julianna encouraged the students to seriously consider a career in politics in the future.
The Unit 2 Legal Studies class visited the County court and the Juries program on Friday 30 August. This was an exciting opportunity for the students to see the legal system in action and have their understanding deepened with a question and answer session with Justice Andrew Tinney in the morning. The students were also able to see part of a hearing in relation to a case before the Supreme Court. In the afternoon the students were able to take part in a mock court case and go through the process of empanelling a jury.
Congratulations to the following students who received awards in the Australian Geography Competition; Year 8 – Elsa (High Distinction), Hikari Hancock (Distinction), Annalise Martin (Distinction) and Freya McGowan (Credit); Year 9 – Grace Davis (Credit), Isabelle Hanley (Credit), Pippa Hanley (Credit), Idaho Jenkins (Credit) and Bridie Richardson (Credit); Year 10 – Eliza Dodd (Credit).
We would also like to congratulate Isabelle Hanley who was awarded a Distinction for her entry in the Australian History Competition 2024.
VCE History - Revolutions
As the Year 12, unit 3/4 History students wrapped up their course in preparation for their final exams, they dressed up in Phrygian Caps which are a reference to Sans-Culotte militants who wore them as propaganda for the French revolution. Additionally, they ate pain au chocolat, which was delicious! This was all to immerse them in the revolution, which they have been studying in the second semester. The picture was taken in front of their American/French Revolution Meme Board, which contained many funny references to both rebellions they have studied this year…and of course they were holding up their “pitchforks”. Georgia Halstead - Year 12
English News
Mr Cameron Smith (Faculty Coordinator: English)
Term 3 has proven to be busy for our English students. Year 7s have been developed close reading skills in completing their “literary laps. Year 8s have engaged with Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Year 9 and 10 students viewed external performances of the Shakespearean plays, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Macbeth’ by Complete Works Theatre Company, to further their understanding of the texts, and to consider how the plays’ work as dramatic and performative pieces of literature. Year 11 English students have engaged in a variety of topics including studying the novel Station Eleven in Unit 2 English, researching social and technological changes and the impacts these factors have on language in Unit 2 English Language shared via a gallery walk and QR codes to listen to in depth descriptions of inventions studied. Unit 2 Literature students have been avidly reading, discussing and analysing a range of First Nations voices and poems as part of their classroom studies. Our Year 12 VCE Students are finalising their English studies and are now working towards preparing for their external examinations. With only a few weeks left, we wish our Unit 4 English, English Language and Literature students the best for the end of year.
Spelling Bee
This term we decided to sign up for the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee with some friends. Before competing, we had multiple meetings where we practiced (and sustained ourselves with Mars Bars). The Bee consisted of 30 words, with a max of 25 seconds to spell each one. Partway through the term we competed online during a lunchtime. Some of the words were quite common, but some we’d never heard of! We were lucky enough to make it through to the state finals, for which we also practiced every day (and learned some interesting new words – we now use the word “tintinnabulation” regularly, which can confuse people. It is a real word - look it up!) Although we didn’t get into the national finals, we are very thankful to be given the opportunity to compete through Loreto alongside our friends, and represent our school in the state finals.
Freya McGowan and Matilda - Year 8
Macbeth
Our Year 10’s recently watched a three-person performance of Macbeth. The actors preformed key scenes from the play, pausing between each to discuss the themes and characters with us. This made the production more engaging and easier to understand. After the performance, they answered any questions we had on MacBeth. Overall, it was an enjoyable and educational experience. Sophie Caughey - Year 10
Romeo and Juliet
Currently in Year 9 English, we are studying the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. We’ve been diving into the themes of the play: conflict, courtship, and infatuation vs love, and the variety of relationships and emotions regarding them. To help with our studies, we watched a Romeo and Juliet performance. This performance revised the key scenes of the play that held the most significance to the story line. Characters were modernised, settings adapted and scenes cleverly compacted, to create an easier interpretation for students. A talented trio acted out the Montague vs Capulet feud, Romeo and Juliet's first meeting and secret marriage, Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris, and both their deaths. We also had the chance to ask questions relating to the play at the end. Having a live source of perspective was beneficial for our understanding of the play, but also crucial revision for our essays. A special thanks to Mr Smith for organising this opportunity for us! Idaho Jenkins - Year 9
First Nations News
Ms Janine Quick (First Nations Coordinator)
The National Gathering for the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program
Loreto College participated in the program which was held in Sydney from 5-8 September. This was a cultural gathering of Year 9 students who are part of the program from around Australia.
We had four students from Year 9 attend: Dakota Somerville, Evie Clarke, Mia James and Evie Davidson.
The program, run by the Smith Family, provides an opportunity for students to connect with peers while being immersed in a range of cultural workshops including dance, careers advice, well being education and learning about the historical events that have impacted their lives.
Students build life long connections at these events which often lead to ongoing support into adult life. These students will meet again when they graduate in 2028.
The trip was a great success and our students are a fantastic representation of future leaders of their mobs and of the college.
Co-Curricular Sports News
Mr Liam Gill (Co-Curricular Sport Leader)
BAS Lap of the Lake
Congratulations to the Loreto Cross Country runners who competed last night in the final race of the season. Well done to the Junior Team who were first in their division. We finished second overall to Ballarat Grammar. A special mention to Aria Violini (Year 8) 2nd in the Junior section, Bonnie Burt (Year 10) 1st and Amali Torney (Year 9) 3rd in the Intermediate section and Rosie Hunt (Year 12) 2nd in Senior section. Special mention also to Jess Main and Amelia Phillips who stopped to assist another competitor who was struggling and needed medical assistance.
Cross Country State Championships
Eleanor Downey - Year 8, represented Ballarat Little Athletics and became a State Champion, winning the Little Athletics Victoria State Cross Country under 13 to 17 girls multiclass 2km event. The event was held in early August at Bundoora Park. Well done Eleanor!
State Netball Championships
The Loreto Senior and Intermediate Netball teams had a great day at the State Championships Finals Day in Melbourne on 29 August.
Seniors – won two games and lost three games all by 1 goal. It was very close! Narrowly missing out on a finals berth by 2pts.
Inters – Won four games and had three narrow losses. Finishing third in their pool, just missing out on finals.
It was a fantastic effort by all of the girls and they played extremely well. Thanks to everyone for their support and assistance - GO LORETO!
BAS Sport for 2024
Please find a link to the list of BAS sports for 2024 below.
Career News
Ms Jodie Howlett (Careers Coordinator)
Army Reserve Immersion Day
On Tuesday 6 August, three of our senior students took part in the Army Reserve Immersion Day at Ballarat’s Ranger Barracks. Over the course of the day, students from several Ballarat schools joined together to learn about the many and varied employment opportunities within the Army Reserve, viewed static displays of weaponry and equipment, explored a Bushmaster PMV (Protected Mobility Vehicle) and participated in team building activities. Thanks to the 8th/7th Battalion, the Royal Victoria Regiment for organising this fantastic day.
In this week's Career News:
- Discover UNE Scholarships
- Melbourne International Games Week
- Do You Want to Study Medicine?
- ANU STEM Challenges
- 5 Tips to Get a Christmas Casual Job
- Want To Be a Writer? Start Here
Finance News
School Saving Bonus
Families receiving the means tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) are eligible for the Victorian government $400 school saving bonus.
There is no separate application process for families to receive the School Saving Bonus – payment will be made directly to the College in November.
Eligible families will have the bonus amount automatically credited to their fee account.
Further information about the school saving bonus can be found at this link https://www.vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus#non-government-school-information
If you have any questions regarding the school saving bonus, please contact. accounts@loreto.vic.edu.au
Conveyance Allowance 2024
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.
To be eligible for a conveyance allowance, a student must reside 4.8km or more from the College. Application forms are available on the Loreto College website or click on the link below.
Please note that in 2024 parents who successfully applied and received the Conveyance allowance at Loreto College in 2023 are not required to complete a new application form unless their details have changed – address, mode of transport, etc.
However, to submit a claim Myki receipts or statements or other bus company receipts must be received by the end of each term.
For further information visit:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/conveyance-allowance/resources
Any enquiries please email accounts@loreto.vic.edu.au
Any enquiries please email accounts@loreto.vic.edu.au
Community News
Communications
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A reminder that our newsletter is now published twice a term.
