Learning Across the 

Senior School

Loreto Mock Trial Team Does Loreto Proud

This year, the Loreto Mock Trial Team proudly participated in the South Australian Law Society Mock Trial Competition, taking on the roles of both Prosecution and Defence across three challenging cases.

The students represented Loreto with determination, professionalism and courage, enjoying a fantastic win in the District Court of South Australia and narrowly missing out in the final round by only 0.5 of a point.

The Law Society Judge praised the sophisticated nature of the students’ legal arguments, courtroom demeanor and submissions, commenting that the standard of advocacy shown by our Barristers was comparable to University Law School level. Our witnesses were also outstanding, remaining composed under cross-examination and bringing their roles to life with confidence and skill. The supporting Loreto Legal Team was prepared and professional at all times, and was a great support both pre-trial and during the trial process.

This competition was a fantastic opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the legal system, including courtroom procedure, evidence, advocacy and the roles of those involved in a trial.

Congratulations to all students involved. They fought bravely, argued skilfully and did Loreto Marryatville proud.

Sam Ruggiero-Girgolas

Mock Trial Coordinator

Australian of the Year Breakfast

Early (6.30am) on a chilly morning two weeks ago, Year 12 student Alice and I were excited to watch Australian Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg walk past us, cross the concourse and enter the Adelaide Convention Centre for a breakfast being held in her honour. A few minutes later we were fortunate to follow her, as representatives of Loreto College Marryatville – two students from the Junior School, two students from each of Year 10, 11 and 12, and two science teachers.

"I was fortunate to attend the Australian of the Year Breakfast at the Convention Centre. It was amazing to see and hear from the South Australian of the Year recipients: Chloe Wyatt-Jasper, Ayesha Fariha Safdar, Malcolm Benoy, and James Currie. We also got to meet and hear from the Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg. It was inspirational to hear Katherine speak about the importance of women in STEM and her encouragement to all girls to “give it a go”, just as we do with sport. Her speech was very memorable, and her words about persistence have inspired me to continue my journey in STEM and will stay with me for a long time."

Alice

Katherine Bennell-Pegg captivated the audience with a short but inspiring address that resonated with each of us. She encouraged us to have the courage to dare, because it is when you dare, when you lose your footing a little, that discoveries are made. For the group of eight young female scientists sitting at our table, it was important to hear that you do not need permission nor top marks to follow your dream. A powerful message that I have shared with many students in my interactions at Loreto College since the event.

The Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, addressed seated guests and shared a common theme that Australians of the Year share about themselves, that they are not exceptional but are examples. While they may not be exceptional, they are certainly all inspirational, and I encourage everyone to follow their dream and know that passion and hard work will go a long way in helping achieve it.

Dr Alison Thompson

Acting Leader of Science

Year 7 Science exploring Dry Ice

Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) remains solid at -78.5°C and transforms directly into a gas, skipping the liquid phase. Our Year 7 Science students undertook a variety of visually striking and engaging experiments working with dry ice, including placing it in water to create a dramatic fogging effect, extinguishing a candle flame, inflating a balloon and "exploding" a photo canister!

Patty Warrender

Biology/Science Teacher