Sowing the SEADs of Success

From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing & Engagement

SEAD value – Leadership and Voice across the Junior School Monday 20 November  

 

On Monday our Junior school girls participated in a minute of Loudness. In the Year of Justice it is important for our girls to find their voice and be the voice for others. 

 

Leadership and Voice 

Year R-2               Finding my voice to make change

Year 3-4               Building my voice and taking charge

Year 5-6               Having a voice and becoming a leader

Year 7-8               Maintaining my voice and exploring leadership

Year 9-10             Having a positive voice and stepping up into leadership 

Year 11-12          Believing in my voice and role modelling leadership 

 

World Children’s Day 2023 | UNICEF Australia

 

Norwood Christmas Pageant 

“So Hurry Christmas, Hurry Now” was sung with such joy and spirit on Saturday 18 November at the Norwood Christmas Pageant. Our Reception to Year 3 students and teachers, families participated in what was wonderful community event showcasing Loreto spirit and felicity. 

#proudtobeloreto

 

Special thanks to Ms Jo DeAngelis,  Ms Lisa Schulz (music selection), Ms S Shaw, Ms Claire Derrington, Ms E Chan and Ms Georgia Elides 

 

Only 30 sleeps to Christmas !

 

Dismissal - Last day of School 7 December 

Students from Reception to Year 11 will attend normal classes from 10.15am until 1.00pm. 

 

To assist with traffic congestion on Talbot Grove, the following will occur: 

• Junior School students will be dismissed at 1.00pm 

• Senior School students will be dismissed at 1.10pm. 

 

Supervision Reception to Year 11 Supervision will be provided for all students where required. Junior School supervision will conclude at 3.20pm and Senior School at 3.30pm. 

 

Please note that the College Library will not be open after school on this date. Please indicate via the following link if your daughter requires supervision from 1.30pm on Thursday 7 December. 

 

RSVP Supervision: https://events.humanitix.com/loreto-last-day-supervision-2023

 

In SEAD – My Safety Network

In every classroom across the school, we encourage students to identify the 5 people in their safety network. This is discussed at length with mentor and classroom teachers. 

 

Wellbeing and Health in Senior School Library

In our library we are sourcing specific authors and books that support our SEAD program with relevant, age-appropriate material.

 

Thanks to Ms Staley who continues to look out for relevant resources to enhance our student’s health and wellbeing. 

 

Year 11 and 10 Exams – Good luck!

 

Message from our good friend Glen Gerreyn - Motivational speaker 

 

Glen Gerreyn, founder and CEO of The HopeFull Organisation, and motivational speaker. 

Glen works closely with our Year 11 and 12 students and we already have secured a booking for 2024 on February 12! 

 

Dear Students, 

Around this time of year, many of us start feeling fatigued because the summer holidays are closing in but there is so much to still be done. Did you know…When you’re feeling stressed, your body releases hormones that contribute to high blood pressure and anxiety. You (and your students) probably know the feeling all too well. However, the simple fix is exercise. As you get moving, your muscles contract and release a specific protein into your body. Some scientists actually refer to this as "hope molecules" because they:

  • Improve your mood
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Increase resilience to stress, depression and trauma

Often, we decide to rest or look at our phones when we are feeling stressed, but this doesn’t actually do a lot to solve the problem in the long term. So instead of sitting down or reaching for a snack, get moving. Hope that helps! Hope Molecules - The secret to de-stress, fast. Have phenomenal week.

 

Glen Gerreyn

Director - The HopeFull Institute 

Friendships

In Year 7 we have been focusing on friendships and respectful relationships. 

 

The girls have concentrated on loving relationships and what healthy friendships look like. 

 

Tips for navigating adolescence and friendships Learning to foster new friendships is a tricky road and often a lifelong process. 

 

1. Conflict in a friendship is normal.

2. Boundaries are EVERYTHING.

3. If someone upsets you try to discuss it with them

4. You don’t own your friends. Being possessive does not create healthy relationships

5. Choose wisely who you share your stories with

 

Our year 7’s watched the clip below and discussed their ideas around what make a good friend and what a healthy relationship looks like 

Let’s Talk About Friendship - Rosie (yourcreative.com.au) (7.13 minutes) 

Ms Emma Searle

Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement 

From the Psychological Service

Discussing War and Conflict

Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from strong emotional reactions to indifference. 

 

Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, whilst older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations. It is important to continue to monitor your young people’s social media accounts.

 

Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort, you can help your child regulate their emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and provide hope and understanding in our world.

 

School TV has a Special Report which provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and help children understand there is still hope in our complex world. Here is the link to your special report.

 

As always, if you have any specific concerns about your child or young person, please contact your daughter’s Classroom Teacher, or Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School and ELC, or the relevant Leader of Student Wellbeing and Academic Care, or Mentor Teacher in the Senior School. You are also encouraged to seek professional or medical help, if required.

 

Monica Bignold 

Lead College Psychologist R-12

Boarding Orientation

On Sunday 5 November, we had our Boarding Orientation afternoon. A whopping 17 girls attended with their families and enjoyed a BBQ dinner, information session and "get to know you activities". Many current Boarders stuck around on their Sunday off to make sure that everyone felt relaxed and welcomed. We have a total of 19 new Boarders commencing in 2024, and we will be a full house. A huge thank you has to go out to our 2024 Leadership Group who organised activities and were present the whole day, helping out and getting to know each girl. Thank you to all Loreto Boarding staff, Emma Searle, Martina O'Connell and Fi Donnellwho came by earlier to lend a hand. It will be a lively house next year, that's for sure!

 

Ms Tia Wiese

Director of Boarding

2025 Scholarships Now Open

Loreto girls are strong, passionate, confident and ethically minded. We create women leaders of tomorrow. Provide your daughter with the opportunity of a Loreto education and apply now for our 2025 Scholarships. 

 

Applications are now open for Academic, All-Rounder, All-Rounder Boarding, Music and the Gonzaga Barry Full Bursary Scholarship.

 

Link below to read more and apply.

https://www.loreto.sa.edu.au/enrolment/scholarships-for-2025/