Learning Across the 

Senior School

CESA Indigenous Graduation Ceremony 

Last week, our Year 12 Indigenous students, Nykita, Lala, Natharnia and Shontayah attended the CESA Indigenous Graduation Ceremony at the National Wine Centre. The students received their graduation certificate and also a commissioned Aboriginal artwork as a gift. It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating the students' achievements. 

Katie Kiosses Motlop

Indigenous Students Coordinator

Exploring the Past, Protecting the Future

This Term our Year 10 History People and Power class have been enjoying their Popular Culture History Task. In pairs the students are producing brief photo stories which reflect a chosen decade since the 1960’s. Students examine the changes and continuities in three mediums such as technology, music, literature, cinema/television and fashion. The central question revolves around ‘soft power,’ asking: "Does popular culture reflect society or change it?" Hopefully, some primary research has been conducted at home as there is no better source than the voice of someone who has lived through exciting changes in the past.  Poppy and Minnie in Year 10 collectively reflected, “The task has provided a better understanding of how trends have changed and how various platforms influence individuals and society in general.”

The Year 7 Humanities Geography assignment this semester focused on "Water in the World," with the aim of helping students understand water's importance globally, in Australia and in their personal lives. Students researched water scarcity in Australia, kept a 3-week water usage journal, compared consumption with a partner, and reflected on their findings. The task involved analysing rainfall patterns, causes of scarcity, impacts on agriculture, and water management strategies. Students also developed water conservation methods and reflected on their personal consumption habits. The assignment combined research, data collection, analysis, and personal reflection, encouraging students to think critically about water scarcity and their role in conservation. 

The following Year 7 students reflected on the task: 

Alanah:

One thing that surprised me the most was that I use the dishwasher a lot, and I take very long showers. I have tried to cut down on that and I am now only taking 5-minute showers. It has been fantastic because I feel better about not taking longer showers and using too much water. 

Rosina: 

I found that I used way more water than I thought while brushing my teeth. Even with a low-flow sink, I still used up to 45l while brushing my teeth over three weeks. 

Kat: 

It surprised me on how much water I used to have a single shower😱. It was a lot of water🔥🔥 

Paul Foley 

Leader of Humanities

Building Bonds and Community Spirit: Year 10 Reflections on a Day with Rostrevor College

Last Wednesday, our Year 10 students hosted the Year 10 cohort from our brother school, Rostrevor College. We kicked things off with a relaxed sausage sizzle, where students from both schools got to break the ice and share some laughs.

Our Year 10 students Carla, Aleeza and Ava C shared their reflections on this experience: 

” Connecting with our brother school, Rostrevor College, was an enriching experience that fostered camaraderie and collaboration among the students. Our day began with a sausage sizzle, where we gathered with the boys to start casual conversations. This relaxed atmosphere allowed us to break the ice and get to know each other better, setting a friendly tone for the rest of the day.

After the barbecue, we moved to the Square, where we were grouped at tables with the Rostrevor boys. This arrangement encouraged meaningful interactions and discussions. It was then time for a short presentation about both schools’ founders. The Rostrevor boys learned about the Mary Ward tradition and Mother Gonzaga Barry, and we learned about their tradition of Edmund Rice that the Rostrevor College boys uphold. 

A highlight of our time together was collaborating on making library bags for disadvantaged children. Working side by side with the boys, we decorated the outside of the bags with inspiring book themes and inspirational quotes, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the community. This activity not only strengthened our bond but also instilled a sense of purpose in our efforts. 

To further enhance our connection, we participated in a quiz within our table groups. This friendly competition sparked laughter and teamwork, allowing us to engage in some light-hearted rivalry while learning more about each other’s interests and knowledge.

Overall, the day was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Year 10 students from Rostrevor College. We left with a deeper understanding of their school culture and values, and the shared experiences will undoubtedly strengthen our ongoing relationships. It was a day filled with friendship, learning, and community spirit, highlighting the importance of our partnership.

We would like to thank Mrs. Donnelly for the organisation of the whole day, Ms. O’Connell for the Mary Ward segment of the afternoon and the social justice act by making library bags, our Year 10 mentor teachers for all their help, the 2025 leaders from both Loreto and Rostrevor for their help, and the Rostrevor staff and students who attended. 

Olympian Kiana Elliott Inspires Year 9 Students to Reach New Heights

On Wednesday the 5th of November, year 9 students were lucky enough to hear from guest speaker Kiana Elliot, as part of 'Olympics Unleashed'. This program connects athletes with schools across the country to inspire students to find and follow their passion and provide lessons in goal setting, overcoming challenges and developing resilience. Kiana was a member of the 2020 Australian team and competed at the Tokyo Olympics in the 64kg Weightlifting Category, lifting an Australian record of 101kg Snatch. 

Kiana drew on her Olympic journey and described how she overcame challenges to compete in her chosen sport at the highest level, to help inspire the year 9 students to be the best they can be – whether that’s in school, at home, on the sporting field or with friends. 

Mandy Braddock

Leader of Health & PE 7 ‑ 12