From the Principal

By Christine Shaw

Awe and wonder 

As a Catholic school, we are called to see the world through the lens of faith, wonder, and responsibility. This was the focus of my communion reflection to the community in the Principal’s Commissioning last week. 

Creation is a gift and of course, we are the stewards of God’s creation. Like many of you, I was captivated by NASA’s Artemis II mission during the last school holidays. That four astronauts were able to travel around the Moon in the spaceship Integrity, taking in new perspectives of our earth and its universe gives us a lens on our place in humanity. The many views and perspectives of the earth were equally summed up into an understanding from the crew that they were involved in something extraordinary as a team and for all on earth.  The precious state of human existence that they so profoundly discussed in their press conference was timely given the tragedy of war that we experience in our world today.  

In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis called us to “care for our common home”, recognising that the Earth is not just a resource, but a sacred trust. We have the gift of curiosity to discover, but the responsibility to use our knowledge with care. It’s not lost on me that not long after experiencing awe and wonder through the view of Artemis II, that the great naturalist Sir David Attenborough who has spent his life revealing the beauty of our planet through the examination of its oceans, forests, animals, and ecosystems, was turning 100.  We are reminded of a truth that is central to Catholic teaching, the wonder and diversity of life created by God, the damage caused when we fail to live responsibly and the urgent need to protect and restore our environment. We are called students not only to learn, but to act. 

Gathering as a college at the start of term for our ANZAC Assembly in solemn remembrance of all those who have served, suffered and perished in war, the gift of perspective is vital too as we reflect on our responsibility to care for what God has entrusted to us. 

I would like to thank all staff and the many amazing students involved in the Eucharistic Celebration and Commissioning as it represents the whole Loreto as a community and our future together.  

“May we protect our world and not prey on it.” – Pope Francis

Congratulations to our cast of Pippin – a shared production with St Patrick’s College. I know many families were able to attend over the three performances and all came away marvelling in the very high standard. Thank you to Lindy Crowe and all staff involved, along with the magnificent performers.  

The very first Loreto Netball Shield played at Loreto Toorak, saw two teams of Year 8 and 9 compete in a round robin for all Loreto schools. After some very fierce competition, our Loreto Ballarat students were the inaugural winners in what was a tight grand final. This competition will continue to grow and develop with Normanhurst being the host school for 2027. Congratulations to all players and staff involved.  

I am currently hosting Year 7 visits to the Principal each week and am enjoying meeting our new Year 7’s who have posed many challenging questions, keeping me on my toes.  Across the College, it has been a vibrant and engaging period. We have recently hosted our first Alumni ‘In Their Shoes’ workshops for Years 10-12, our annual 4EK event, the Mother’s Day liturgy in the Chapel, and a valuable parent session with psychologist Judith Locke. Alongside these, many other activities and opportunities have taken place across all areas of the College making it a busy term, yet offering much for students to be involved in.   

We continue to encourage all students to actively engage and make the most of their Loreto experience. 

Leave 

We have received a high number of requests for leave outside of the scheduled school holidays. While we understand that families may have a range of circumstances, we ask that you carefully consider the impact on your child’s learning when time is missed during the term. 

Wherever possible, we strongly encourage families to plan holidays within the designated school break periods. Catching up on missed work can be challenging and may disrupt not only your child’s progress, but also the learning of other students and the flow of the classroom. Additionally, it places increased demands on staff to support this catch-up. 

Communications with the College 

As we continue to work in partnership to support the learning and wellbeing of every student at Loreto College Ballarat, we reinforce the expectations outlined in our Enrolment Agreement and Code of Conduct. 

We ask that all communication with the College is respectful, courteous and understanding. Our staff are dedicated professionals whose primary responsibility during the school day is the teaching and supervision of students. To ensure the best possible learning environment, staff are not able to interrupt classes to respond immediately to messages, calls or requests.  We appreciate your support in recognising this. Staff will respond as soon as practicable when they are available to do so outside of their many daily teaching commitments. 

Maintaining respectful communication helps foster a positive and collaborative school community, ensuring that all interactions remain focused on what matters most, supporting our students’ learning and growth. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in supporting consistent student attendance, learning and a respectful partnership.