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 Principal
Ms Michelle Brodrick
We walk as one
Schools are filled with finish lines and end points; the obvious ones being the end of a lesson, end of the day, end of the week, term and year. Then there are assessments and exams, music performances, sports competitions, camps and trips. Irrespective of the level of importance of the activity or its timeframe, the ability to stay committed and in the present, right up to the end signifies depth and strength of character. Interestingly, one’s spiritual journey, which also requires a commitment to be present to yourself and your values is, hopefully, open-ended.
This newsletter marks the end of the 2024 school year, which focussed on the Loreto value of Sincerity and the theme, We walk as one. There is no doubt that for many of our students and families, getting to the finish has come with challenges. But I hope that being a part of Loreto College Ballarat this year has helped everyone understand the importance of belonging: whether that was as a valued member of mentor group, a team, a friendship group, a staff member, committee volunteer, a parent, carer or family member, past pupil or part of the larger Loreto community. 2024 is now shared history for all of us and the fact that we have reached another finish line means that along the way we have shown resilience and worked together to make our College a welcoming, nurturing place for all.
The message for our students from this, is that when you continue to ‘show up’ with determination and a will to succeed, everything else after that comes naturally and becomes habit-forming which will be beneficial for a lifetime. The brain generates the sense of our effort and therefore how we will feel. If our sense over the past twelve months is that we have acted with sincerity, that what we did was true to our inner selves and values, then we can feel quite proud of ourselves and our efforts.
We know that students need to build the capacity to overcome challenges – without parental or teacher prompting. The ones who manage this are not necessarily the fastest, the smartest, the richest or the luckiest. It is those who always turn up, act sincerely and authentically, and push through all the way to the finish line. Every time.
Last Sunday marked the beginning of the Advent season, which finishes on Christmas Eve. During Advent, we await the arrival of Christ and prepare ourselves through prayer and reflection for Christmas – the birth of Jesus. I would encourage all families as you also prepare your homes for Christmas and shop for food and presents, to make some time to reflect on the humble arrival of Jesus. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving, but the greatest gift for your family is time together sharing a generosity of spirit and selflessness.
2025 will be an exciting year for Loreto College as it is the 150th anniversary of the commencement of the IVBM sisters in Ballarat in May 1875. Celebrations and ceremonies will take place around Australia throughout the year coordinated across all seven Loreto schools.
When Mother Gonzaga Barry and her companions arrived in Melbourne from Ireland, they soon laid the foundation in Ballarat for what would become an enduring legacy of education, community, and leadership through the Loreto tradition in Australia and South East Asia. When Mother Gonzaga Barry was asked why she took on the challenge of leading the group of Sisters to Australia, she simply said:
"If I had not agreed to go, I would have been unfaithful to grace", encapsulating her deep connection to God’s grace and her unwavering sense of mission. She recognised the immense potential of women and the transformative power of nurturing relationships – with oneself, others, and God.’ (Sr Sandra Perrett IBVM)
Mother Gonzaga was committed to acting out her life with sincerity, guided by a faith-filled connection with God and inspired through the words of Mary Ward, intended as a guide to reflection:
‘A person should not be half-hearted in giving herself to God, but whole and entire. You, O Lord know my heart! Make this heart complete as you would have it be. Show yourself as you are and be what you appear.’
To everyone connected to Loreto College Ballarat, may you and your loved ones be blessed with peace and joy this Christmas holidays and we look forward to a new beginning with you next year. And to finish, I once again offer the beautiful Loreto Ministries Sincerity Prayer.
Loving God,
Lead us as we journey to know our true selves;
to have the courage to act from love and not fear,
to ensure our words match our actions,
and to celebrate our unique gifts.Inspired by Mary Ward,
may we recognize the divine in ourselves and in others.
May we support each other to be people of authenticity and integrity, who genuinely try to make the world better for others. May we strive to develop our God-given potential,
as we build a community strengthened by our differences and united by our sincerity.We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, in unity with the Holy Spirit, Amen.
2025 Fee Information
The setting of fees is always a rigorous and carefully considered process with the aim of ensuring that we deliver the highest level of education for every student whilst also ensuring the financial sustainability of the College. The College is not immune to the changes to the education landscape, in recent years particularly, with a reduction in Government funding on a per student basis and the increased operational costs.
When coming to decisions regarding fee increases the College is well supported by having independent representatives on both our Finance and Audit Committee and Board of Directors who provide both support, advice and governance over these important decisions. These discussions and considerations have been rigorous with significant considerations made regarding supporting families in need.
Please see a letter here from the College Board regarding fees for 2025 and changes to the payment system. Please note, there are important changes regarding due dates for payment of fees that we ask families to consider for 2025. Please see the College website: loreto.vic.edu.au which has all the relevant information.
As previously mentioned, there will be new methods and processes for the payment of fees. Information regarding how to pay will be sent out later in December once the transition to a new system (TASS) has been completed. Any existing direct debit arrangements will cease by 31 December 2024 or earlier if agreed.
TASS
The new TASS system has the functionality to allow families to log into their own secure portal through the TASS App, see their amounts owed and select their preferred method of payment and frequency.
The change of systems is largely driven by security and risks regarding cyber security. As part of this change, personal banking information such as bank account details and credit card information will no longer be stored by the College.
Due to limitations of our old system, invoices were previously sent to only one parent listed. Within TASS, invoices will now be addressed to both parents/carers recognising that fees are a shared commitment and more reflective of both parents contributing to the payment of fees.
If your family circumstances have changed regarding the responsibilities of fees or relationship status and the College has not been advised, please make contact to update your records.
From the Deputy Principal
Ms Christine Shaw
The latter part of this term has been heavily focused on the completion of assessment tasks and exams. Despite the reported challenges around the VCAA VCE examinations, our students approached their final round of exams with maturity and purpose. We have kept abreast of all developments in this area and will continue to keep students and families informed as any new information comes to light. Students studying the VM worked hard to finish all requirements, and I know all Year 12 students are ever grateful for the care and support of their teachers. A fitting finish to their schooling was a wonderful celebration dinner that rounded out their year with a sense of community and togetherness. We look forward to congratulating those who will be awaiting an ATAR on December 12 and the VCAA tell us the release of results is still on track.
With the final weeks of term coming to conclusion and assessments being wrapped up, it has been great to see some community service, lunchtime activities and festivities around the College. Frankie the Senate elf is making an appearance and getting into mischief and all the decorations are up. Our students are preparing the final Christmas Liturgy for our last day, and we will gift our annual hampers to St Vinnies.
At our final Assembly on Friday, we recognise many students who have shown engagement, endeavour and achievement across a number of areas in the College. These include co-curricular endeavours, external awards, academic and endeavour and community awards. However, the focus as we end our school year is in coming together where we congratulate each and every one of our students for everything they have achieved and all they have learned. There has been much to celebrate across this term and the year.
May the spirit of Christmas inspire you to share kindness and compassion with those around you. Let us remember the true meaning of this holy season and embrace the blessings of faith, family, and friendship.
From the Assistant Principal: Faith & Identity
Ms Felicity Knobel
Our year of Sincerity was exemplified at our Christmas Liturgy, our Whole School Assembly and importantly in our delivery of our St Vincent de Paul hampers. We asked our community to be authentic, to speak with honesty and truth and importantly to do this together. As 2024 draws to a close we know that we have walked this journey of Sincerity as one.
In our Christmas Liturgy we heard the story of the Mag who undertook a long journey guided by the star, seeking truth with sincerity. Our prayer during our liturgy highlighted that at Loreto, sincerity is not just about honesty but about living authentically and striving to be our best selves. We were asked how can we, like the Magi, offer our gifts to God and the world now and into the future? Part of this question was answered when we delivered our Christmas Hampers to St Vincent de Paul Society. Mr Frank Stuart spoke to us all about the impact that we continue to make in our community by bringing justice, joy and love to our neighbours. Loreto College Ballarat’s association with St Vincent de Paul has been significant and we invite you to read more about this in our latest edition of Verity.
Christmas can be a time of rushing around, celebrations and gifts however, we challenge our Loreto community to pause this year in the midst of the lovely and remember that the Christmas story began in a stable in Bethlehem and that baby went onto change the world.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas.
From the Assistant Principal: Learning & Innovation
Ms Adele Ryan
Matching for Success
During Semester 2, a small group of students and teachers at Loreto College contributed to a research project, entitled ‘Matching for Success’, being undertaken by the University of Melbourne through their Melbourne Metrics venture. Melbourne Metrics, led by Professor Sandra Milligan is an initiative within the Faculty of Education and recognises that students need subject knowledge and skills but they also require other skills beyond subjects. These skills are referred to as Complex Competencies.
The aim of this project was to examine how new assessments can be used to better identify and ‘match’ students’ strengths and interests to relevant tertiary pathways. By participating in this research, we have contributed to the development of assessment models and processes that can be used for tertiary admissions in the future.
Our pilot group of students was assessed by two Loreto teachers in three Complex Competencies: Agency in Learning; Collaboration and Communication. The assessments were carried out by using the University’s online assessment platform. These assessments generated a learner report for each student and were presented to the students this week by our Principal Ms Brodrick.
We were very excited to be part of this research project and look forward to working in partnership with the University again next year.
From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing
Ms Gemma Mc Derrmott
Christmas Time and Holidays with Your Teenager
Christmas time can be full of mixed emotions. Everyone does their best to get through. The expense of Christmas can be challenging, as well as the sadness that can be present from those who are no longer with us. If possible, take the opportunity to stop, relax and spend more time with those you love.
Be aware for a young person the holiday season can be disruptive because their normal routine without the school structure goes out the window. One of hardest parts of holidays for some teenagers is they do not get to hang out with their friends every day. Though it is good to have a break from friends and school, remember social interaction is important for teenagers. If your child wants to catch up with friends, there is an added financial pressure during holidays.
Your teenager will want to spend time watching YouTube videos, tictocs and other shows online, this is normal, but do encourage reading, spending time outside their room and venturing outdoors. If you can get a chance, take your child to a café, and have special parent time with them. Treasure these moments because they really do grow up fast.
In preparation for your child’s return to school make sure they are getting to sleep at a reasonable time and not using the phone as an alarm clock, invest in an alarm clock. Take the phone away an hour before bedtime and encourage your child to read.
On behalf of the Wellbeing Team at Loreto, I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing your child in 2025.
City of Ballarat Immunisations
If your child missed School Immunisations throughout the year, the City of Ballarat will be conducting extra clinics before the end of the year.
Appointments are FREE and are located at either our Girrabanya Centre, 11B Steinfeld Street, Ballarat or Lucas Hub, Cnr Eleanor Drive & Coltman Plaza, Lucas.
Bookings can be made using the link below or by calling City of Ballarat Family & Childrens Services on 5320 5720.
From the Business Manager
Mr Brenton Riordan
Sign up to Flexischools
A reminder to all families to download the Flexischool app 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.
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 Director of Years 10-12
Ms Kerryn Boyko
We conclude the last weeks of Term 4, minus one year level having wished our Year 12 graduates the very best as they finished secondary school life. Their time at Loreto was reminisced over and celebrated during a formal dinner at the Mercure. We wish the class of 2024 all the very best for a bright future.
Year 10 and 11 students are to be commended for their diligent approach to finishing end of semester assessments and examinations. It is an exciting time for students as they feel proud of finishing 2024 studies, while stepping up and commencing new courses. The students’ engagement in the orientation lessons for Units 1 & 3 VCE-VM and VCE is pleasing. We expect all students to show commitment to their chosen studies and take advantage of all opportunities offered to them. Consistent attendance and effort are shown to be the keys to success in these VCE years. We have a dedicated team of mentor and subject teachers most willing to support students. Wishing students and their families a safe, relaxing and joyful Christmas Season.
College News
Time to Shine
Christmas is always a fabulous time for our talented musicians and performing artists to take stage and shine. This year they have not let us down, with a stunning DaCapo Gala performance on 27 November and then the Christmas Concert held on 4 December.
We thank all the staff and students who worked hard to make these performances so memorable.
Merry Christmas everyone!
VCE-VM News
Mr Andrew Blackwood (Faculty Coordinator: VCE-VM)
For our final newsletter report for 2024 we look back upon this year with positivity and gratitude, celebrating the incredible achievements and growth of our VCE-VM students.
To our graduating Year 12s, congratulations on a year of milestones, memories, and moments. From surfing to sushi making, you have all gone above and beyond these last two years and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
It’s been an amazing year in the Little Flower. We welcomed Ms Elaine Rooney to the team as well as Ms Taylor and Ms Pitts from Learning Diversity. Our Hunter Coffee van machine had served us well over the years but in July it was time to upgrade to a nice new two group machine which has helped us fine tune our barista skills even further (we know the LC staff are enjoying it!).
We introduced our Meals on Wheels initiative for Active Volunteering, helping this great community organisation deliver meals to those who are in need of some extra assistance. Our year 12s visited PS Hobson Retirement home to deliver some engagement programs to the residents addressing issues of social connectedness.
Our year 11s ran a fundraiser for Daffodil Day, raising over $1300 for the Cancer Council with stalls and a teacher-dunking machine on a 7-degree winters day in Ballarat. Thanks to Ms Baird, Mr Smith and all other LC staff who put their names forward for a dunking.
Our Sport and Rec students assisted with and ran athletics carnivals, swimming sports days as well as primary school clinics each Friday throughout the year and our Creative Industries VET students did an amazing job helping to run the school Mary Poppins production backstage.
As we start to look forward to 2025 we will be introducing a couple of new subjects as part of our VM programs including a partial Cert II in Cookery and Outdoor and Environmental Studies.
From the VM team we’d like to thank everyone in the school for your support of the program and we look forward to continuing to work together in 2025 to create more opportunities for our students to grow, connect, and thrive in their learning journeys.
Year 10 News - Future Skills
Ms Sharon Cody (Teacher: Future Skills)
We are thrilled to announce that our Year 10 Future Skills students participated in the Ballarat Show 2024, Arts and Crafts events, judged at the start of November. Our talented students – Hannah Allan, Ashleigh Asha-Harrison, Mackenzie Beaston, Jada Blake, Amelia Brown, Milla Cowland, Alice Delaney, Evie Ducas, Charli Forbes, Lona Green, Darcy, Lexi Jones, Indiah Lenaghan, Soraya Mangere, Illy Martin, Harper Murrihy, Maleisha Nunn, Freya O’Halloran, Georgie Popple, Eleanor, Ebony Ryan, Billie Thompson, Hannah Vanderkley, and Amaya Young – showcased their skills in the Children’s Secondary Senior School Cupcake Decorating and Painted Pebble categories.
We are excited to share that Maleisha Nunn won 1st Prize for her beautifully crafted Ladybug painted pebble, and Ashleigh Asha-Harrison secured 2nd Prize with her festive Christmas Tree painted pebble. Congratulations to all our participants for their creativity and hard work!
Science News
Ms Natalie Howard (Teacher: Science)
Defying The Drift Program
Defying the drift was a short 3-day program aimed at Year 10-12 students interested in Agriculture. The program took place at Longerenong college just outside of Horsham. We stayed onsite in the single dorms with communal bathrooms, kitchens, living and study spaces while also being provided with amazing food by the college kitchen staff. We had multiple tours of working farms and companies in the surrounding area, learned how to present ourselves, apply for jobs and what careers are available at Longerenong College and in the wider agriculture industry. We made amazing life-long friendships and connections that will stick for years to come.
Eve Watson and Mikayla Shannon - Year 10
Humanities News
Ms Jayne Carrigg (Faculty Coordinator: Humanities)
Year 9 History Expo
After a term of learning, researching, and studying the First World War, the Year 9s were ready to present our creative projects based on forgotten heroes of the war. The History Expo aimed to display the various forms of art made by the Year 9s, each one showing either an Indigenous Australian or a woman who served in the war or contributed to the war effort. It is important to highlight the achievements of these individuals since records of them were not well kept due to societal prejudice and bias.
Many different forms of art were on display, from paintings and mixed media to podcasts and 3D art. These projects took weeks to complete and were just brimming with creativity all being prepared for Friday Lunchtime. On the day of the Expo, all the year 9 classrooms were opened up to allow students, staff and family members to view the projects on display. Members of JPIC, students and staff members all baked World War 1 Era inspired baked goods such as ANZAC biscuits, treacle cake and soldiers’ biscuits in order to raise money for the families of war veterans. The bake sale was a huge success and all accounts from the day say that the History Expo was a beautiful display of the creativity and ingenuity of the Year 9s. I’m glad I got to participate in such an incredible event, filled with talent across the Year Level.
A Student's Perspective:
Year 9 student, Jonty Clarke, shares her input on the event:
What was the process leading up to the expo like?
We first had to collect information about the person we were researching to get a better understanding of what they did in the war. Once we had finished, we had to choose how we wanted to present our research. This included a podcast, artwork, poetry, song, biography, documentary, and a play. We continued to work on our projects until it was time for the expo.
What was the expo like on the day?
The expo was an engaging way to share our projects and knowledge with other students, teachers, and parents. It was an enthusiastic and enjoyable event that gave us the opportunity to learn more about the people who were involved in World War 1.
What was a highlight from the day?
Helping out with the bake sale and learning more about the people involved in the war.
First Nations News
Ms Janine Quick (First Nations Coordinator)
On Tuesday 26 November, Loreto welcomed families of the First Nations students of Loreto, for an end of year celebration picnic.
It was lovely to get together and share our 2024 journey. With over 40 family members in attendance we were able to celebrate the journey of the Dhurrung Centre students this year.
There was a rolling presentation of events on show. Particularly highlighting Loreto as host of the annual Ballarat Catholic Secondary Schools Sorry Day event back in May, and a fabulous Culture Camp in July on Bundjulung country. This was followed by a visit as a group to the library to view the culminating exhibition of Deadly Yarning.
The day also provided an important cultural moment to officially cleanse the possum skin cloak which our students have developed with guidance from Aaron Clarke from BADAC.
Aaron carried out the smoking ceremony, accompanied by past student and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Macaylah Johnson, and with Tristan Harris creating a touching connection to the ancestors through his didgeridoo music.
This cloak is a tribute to the deeply important cultural practice of Aboriginal Peoples from the southern parts of Australia who traditionally utilised the possum skins for warmth and rain protection. They also used these cloaks to map their family history and share their stories.
With Loreto College's 150 year anniversary approaching in 2025, we recognise that the land on which our school stands holds rich cultural significance with many thousands of years of Wadawurrung history.
In reverence to the resilience and knowledge of the traditional owners of this site, the cloak, adorned with pictorial representation of Loreto's current First Nations students, will form a ceremonial reminder of the culture and traditions that have been and continue to be passed on through the Wadawurrung Ancestors, past and present Elders and emerging leaders whom we continue learn from and walk alongside in respect.
RE News
Ms Virginia Green (Faculty Coordinator - RE)
Compassionate Ballarat Project – Year 8 RE
Students from local schools have played a significant role in the inspiring Seeds of Compassion project, aimed at fostering a brighter future through empathy and action. The project invited students to reflect on their hopes for the world and express their wishes for the future. These heartfelt messages were collected and compiled into a beautifully crafted book by the City Council, symbolizing the shared dreams of the next generation. Here at Loreto our Year 8 students send in their wishes.
The students’ wishes revolved around five powerful themes that reflect their deep understanding of the importance of kindness, fairness, and hope:
- Inclusion, Acceptance, and Belonging: Many students wished for a future where every person feels welcomed and valued, regardless of their background or differences.
- Respect, Unity, and Peace: Visions of a harmonious world, free of war, violence/conflict and full of mutual respect, were central to their wishes.
- Safe and Protected Communities: The desire for safety and security, where people can live without fear and with trust in their surroundings, was a common theme. Many wishes focused on fostering kindness in communities, creating a world where people support and care for one another.
- Cohesion, Harmony, and Equality: Students highlighted the importance of fairness and equality, imagining a world where everyone works together to create balance and unity.
- Thriving Lives with Meaning and Potential: Many wrote about wanting a future where every person can reach their full potential, live a meaningful life, and contribute positively to the world.
The book, filled with these thoughtful and inspiring messages, was presented during a special ceremony at the City Council Chambers. Representatives praised the students for their creativity, compassion, and vision. The project not only gave our Year 8 students a platform to share their hopes but also reminded the broader community of the power of young voices to inspire and guide positive change, reminding us all of the importance of compassion in building a brighter future.
More information can be found here.
Languages News
Ms Yoshie Burrows (Faculty Coordinator: Languages)
New Cross-Curricular Initiative: Languages Banquets
Ms. Mooney’s Unit 2 Food Studies classes recently excelled in a new cross-curricular initiative. Following a detailed design brief, two Unit 2 Food Studies classes prepared scrumptious banquets featuring traditional dishes that reflect the ingredients and cooking techniques characteristic of various food regions in Japan and France. Students from the Year 11 Japanese and Year 10 French classes were delighted to be guests at this cultural and culinary experience.
Each banquet included a variety of savory and sweet items, designed to be served as a smorgasbord or tasting plates. Food Studies students researched a particular food region and selected an appropriate menu that would reflect the unique aspects of that area’s cuisine. They also created an authentic cultural atmosphere for the language students, ensuring that the food presentation and table settings reflected the country of focus. This thoughtful setup allowed language students to immerse themselves in the culture they are studying and gain a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of Japanese and French cuisines.
Language students thoroughly enjoyed this hands-on experience with regional dishes, savouring the authentic foods carefully prepared by their peers. The success of the event was evident in the proud expressions of the Food Studies students, who showcased both their culinary skills and their newfound understanding of Japanese and French food cultures.
Special thanks to Ms. Mooney for her enthusiasm, dedication, and extensive preparation, which brought this unique event to life.
Thank you to the Food Studies students for preparing the banquet. We absolutely enjoyed every dish they created and I loved how they used authentic ingredients and flavours that reflected on Japanese culture very strongly. I felt like I was in Japan without being in Japan. Summer Ottini - Year 11
Learning Diversity News
Ms Ginelle Polanske (Learning Diversity Leader)
The Sensory Garden Mosaic Project
This year, two of our Year 11 VCE-VM students were involved in helping establish a community project to support student wellbeing on our Loreto Campus. Ella Morris and Tayah McFarlane worked with Milla Watson, a local artist, to develop a design for a section of the Sensory Garden that is being established in a corner of the Loreto campus.
The idea was two-fold in that the project was aimed at supporting the girl’s own mental health, but in turn they were creating something to make an inclusive and supportive wellbeing environment for future Loreto students to enjoy.
The students explored concepts of health and wellbeing for individuals and groups, the factors that affect wellbeing and the characteristics of inclusive and cohesive communities.
They investigated activities and support services in the local area that aim to improve individual and group wellbeing within the community. They explored the requirements for undertaking activities or voluntary work within the community and worked alongside a commissioned artist to learn the skills of mosaic art.
The girls researched materials and created a budget, recognising they would need to develop the skills in creating a tile mosaic for the project to be a success. With a lot of help from some eager Year 7 students, a few Year 10s, the occasional staff member and a visit from Harlow the therapy dog, the mosaic is in it’s final stages of being grouted.
The project has benefited a group of students who have found solace in the space and the sunshine for a few quiet moments. They have enjoyed working with their peers and Milla to create something wonderful.
The Sensory Garden, to be launched in 2025, is a space adjacent to the Learning HUB for students to spend time in a quiet area of the school, to regulate, to seek proprioceptive input, to take a mindful break or spend some time with friends working on homework in an outdoor environment.
Many students will seek proprioceptive input to regulate their emotional and behavioural responses to sensory stimulation. Proprioceptive input can be very calming for those who are easily overwhelmed by sensory stimulation. It involves using our muscles and joints. We have textured surfaces; we will welcome a sensory swing and students can move between the parts of the puzzle mosaic like a colourful hopscotch. Other students might prefer the calm sound of the trickle of the water feature, the wind blowing through the trees or the feel of the plants in our large cylindrical, wicking bed gardens.
These activities will help a student to achieve a calm and alert state which then improves emotional wellbeing and their ability to engage and learn back in the classroom.
Library News
Ms Meghan Douglas (Director of Library Services)
We have loved engaging with readers throughout 2024. Our clubs and activities are winding down for the year, and we have said goodbye to our Year 12s who have spent their study periods with us. Students are coming in now for their holiday borrowing, setting themselves up with some great novels to enjoy during the break. We look forward to an enthusiastic return to Library programming in 2025. Merry Christmas!
Happy Reading!
Library Website: https://libguides.loreto.vic.edu.au/Loreto-Library
Our email: library@loreto.vic.edu.au
Our eBook and audiobook collection: https://loreto.wheelers.co/
Instagram: Follow us @loretoballaratlibrary
Career News
Ms Jodie Howlett (Careers Coordinator)
In this week's Career News:
- What is an Actuary?Future Fit Your Life with UNEWhat is an Actuary?
- Future Fit Your Life with UNE
- ADF Careers
- Women of STEM Scholarship
- Emerging Jobs - Find Your Future
- Make Epic Things Happen!
- Challenges Open Now
Finance News
2025 Fee Information
The setting of fees is always a rigorous and carefully considered process with the aim of ensuring that we deliver the highest level of education for every student whilst also ensuring the financial sustainability of the College. The College is not immune to the changes to the education landscape, in recent years particularly, with a reduction in Government funding on a per student basis and the increased operational costs.
When coming to decisions regarding fee increases the College is well supported by having independent representatives on both our Finance and Audit Committee and Board of Directors who provide both support, advice and governance over these important decisions. These discussions and considerations have been rigorous with significant considerations made regarding supporting families in need.
Please see a letter here from the College Board regarding fees for 2025 and changes to the payment system. Please note, there are important changes regarding due dates for payment of fees that we ask families to consider for 2025. Please see the College website: loreto.vic.edu.au which has all the relevant information.
As previously mentioned, there will be new methods and processes for the payment of fees. Information regarding how to pay will be sent out later in December once the transition to a new system (TASS) has been completed. Any existing direct debit arrangements will cease by 31 December 2024 or earlier if agreed.
TASS
The new TASS system has the functionality to allow families to log into their own secure portal through the TASS App, see their amounts owed and select their preferred method of payment and frequency.
The change of systems is largely driven by security and risks regarding cyber security. As part of this change, personal banking information such as bank account details and credit card information will no longer be stored by the College.
Due to limitations of our old system, invoices were previously sent to only one parent listed. Within TASS, invoices will now be addressed to both parents/carers recognising that fees are a shared commitment and more reflective of both parents contributing to the payment of fees.
If your family circumstances have changed regarding the responsibilities of fees or relationship status and the College has not been advised, please make contact to update your records.
Any enquiries please email accounts@loreto.vic.edu.au
Community News
BOOK SUMMER CAMPS NOW!
We’re thrilled to announce that registrations for Summer Camp 2025 are now open! Your child may be familiar with our school programs, but the adventure and excitement does not stop there. Our Cave Hill Creek Summer Camp program offers more than twelve exciting activities – including archery, raft building and we’ve added a thrilling new vertical challenge.
Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity to kick those post school camp blues by bringing along a friend or sibling and exploring everything Cave Hill Creek has to offer!
Our program, designed for children aged 8-14, is filled with activities they already love, plus some exciting new additions!
Camp Dates for 2025:
- Camp #31: Monday, January 6 – Friday, January 10
- Camp #32: Monday, January 13 – Friday, January 17
- Camp #33: Monday, January 20 – Friday, January 24
Pricing:
- Single child: $1,099
- 2nd sibling: $879
- 3rd+ sibling: $769
We’re also introducing a new program for teens aged 14-15! Our Summer Camp-Out program offers an exciting opportunity for teens to challenge themselves with new adventures like hiking, exploring, and expanding their outdoor skills.
Summer Camp-Out Dates:
- Monday, January 13 – Friday, January 17, 2025 (Spots are filling fast!)
- Pricing: $1,549 per participant
We’d love to see your students return to Cave Hill Creek for another thrilling adventure. To reserve a spot, click here.
Thunderstorm Asthma
Grass pollen season brings an increase in asthma and hay fever. It also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.
Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever this can trigger severe asthma symptoms.
If you have current, past or undiagnosed asthma or seasonal hay fever you are at risk of thunderstorm asthma. Even if you don't think you have asthma or hay fever, don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath.
Thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening.
Know the risks. Get prepared. Stay safe.
Learn more at https://www.bhs.org.au/services-and-clinics/grampians-public-health-unit/thunderstorm-asthma/
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.
A reminder that our newsletter is now published twice a term.
