Learning Across the
Senior School
Year 10 Camp - student reflections
During our camp on Kangaroo Island, we all were able to travel, sight-see and experience many first-time experiences together. Although we were all very tired from the activities and sleeping in tents, the week away was memorable. We spent the morning engaging with each other and the seals at Seal Bay, where we were able to observe the sea lions closely. We experienced the Little Sahara Desert which allowed us to enjoy sliding down the sand dunes either together or independently. To finish off the camp, we headed to Hanson Bay for boogie boarding and swimming with the whole year level. Finishing camp with my cohort was the highlight of my whole week! Evie Blanks-Saunders (Yr 10)
On our camp to Kangaroo Island, we went snorkelling at Stokes Bay. Travelling through caves to get to the beach, equipped with wetsuits and snorkel kits in the cold temperatures, we swam through and under the rock pools where we saw small and large fish swimming around and beneath us. We also visited the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. Travelling through the park we ventured through the kangaroo paddock where we got the chance to feed the native species of the Island’s kangaroos. The wildlife park also included a range of birds, quokkas, dingoes, koalas, and a variety of other native Australian animals. Portia Katsaros (Yr 10)
During our time at Kangaroo Island, we explored numerous different sights. These incorporated the KI Wildlife Park, Seal Bay Guided Tour, Little Sahara, Raptor Domain, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Platypus Walk, Snorkelling, and finally the Eucalyptus and Honey Farm. However, through this week one of these sights really stood out to us Year 10s, was the visiting the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. They were such a beautiful view to see with your own eyes and they both are large landmarks to KI. Overall, this camp week spent at Kangaroo Island was such a great experience to complete. We would like to thank the staff for attending and supporting us throughout the week – Ms Searle, Ms Tippins, Ms Brass, Ms Neville, Ms Scott, Ms Baldwin, Mrs Balcomb and Mrs Carey. Daisy Jarrett (Yr 10)
Humanities Learning Area Update
As we draw to an end of a busy Term 3 in the Humanities Learning Area, we have much to reflect upon. Our students have embraced the diverse learning opportunities in our ‘Smorgasburg’ of subjects: History, Geography, Business Innovation, Economics, Legal Studies and Women’s studies.
Rather than list an experience in every subject, this newsletter format does allow us to explore a few of these exciting moments of discovery.
In Term 3 the Year 10 Innovation in a Global Economy students undertook a challenging project to create an innovative product addressing a social/environmental issue. Students chose an innovation type, followed the innovation process, developed a comprehensive business plan, and prepared a pitch presentation. Innovations included drone delivery of emergency medical supplies, sustainable kelp fashion, addressing GP shortages in rural areas. The assignment cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility while building entrepreneurial skills. Students were assessed on knowledge, analysis, economic reasoning, and communication.
Year 10 Student Iris commented:
Our Innovations in a Global Economy class was assigned with the ‘Social Enterprise Task’ where we were expected to develop an innovative product or service that targets a social issue. Our group developed ‘Kelp & Ko’; a small business dedicated to providing teenage girls with sustainable fashion alternatives to mitigate fast fashion. This task was highly engaging and gave us the opportunity to develop a business idea that has the very real potential to positively impact greater society.
In Year 10 History: People and Power, students engaged in a Migration Museum Task. In this learning activity students researched and curated 4 artefacts that told the story of a specific ethnic group’s experience of migration to Australia. In most cases, the task provided the opportunity for students to explore the migration journey of their own families.
Elisa in Year 10 commented:
I thoroughly enjoyed undertaking the Migration Task. It allowed me to reflect on my knowledge of my own family history, as well as learning the importance of primary sources (such as interviews). It encouraged me to dive deep into the reasons for migration, and the lasting effects they have had on Australian society and culture.
On a personal note, it was a privilege to be asked to attend and present at the Korean War Legacy Foundation’s 5th World Congress of Teachers of the Korean War in Cambridge, U.K. on 1-3 August. It was extraordinary to be part of an assembly of teachers from 19 of the 22 nations that contributed to the United Nations forces which participated in the 1950-53 Korean War. Over the 3 days Teachers shared classroom activities and resources. A highlight was the interview with 3 Korean War veterans who served in the British Army. One of these men, 94-year old Colin Thackery, was a living inspiration and he sang two songs at the conference dinner. I encourage you to watch Colin on YouTube when he won Britain’s Got Talent in 2019 at the age of 89! To view the important work of the Korean War Legacy Foundation, I also encourage you to view the website http://koreanwarlegacy.org . Furthermore, as a member of the Australian research team I would welcome email contact from any Loreto families who themselves had family members serve in the Korean war.
Mr Paul Foley pictured with delegates from Australia, Turkiye and New Zealand in a special moment, as several of us had family who served at Gallipoli in 1915. In the centre of the photo is Dr. Jongwoo Han President of the Korean War Legacy Foundation.
As always, the dedicated team of Humanities Teachers at Loreto celebrate all our students’ achievements over this Term, and we collectively wish all Loreto Community members a well-deserved holiday.
Mr Paul Foley
Leader of Humanities
Food Technology
“Through our feast you can hear our story”
Murugamoorthy, 2024
This term, students in Food Technology have explored how food can be used to drive empathy-driven, good design. Students in Year 9 explored the important role that post-war migrants have made to Australia’s food landscape. As a class, they designed a feast to share by creating fusion dishes that celebrated the definition of multiculturalism – an ethic of acceptance, and respect for, cultural diversity, community harmony and inclusion.
Students were able to connect through their cultural heritage and share a delicious feast. Stage 1 Food and Hospitality students continued with this theme and are currently designing contemporary dishes that celebrate food from recent refugees to Australia. Inspiration has been taken from famous dishes from Parwana and Marshi’s Kitchen, where the flavours of Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have been on display. We look forward to tasting their creations next term.
Ms Kelly Bregantic
Leader of Technologies
Religious Education 7-12
As the Stage 2 Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning assignments draw to a close, the Year 12 students have reflected deeply on their growth and the values instilled by Mary Ward. This term has served as a transformative period, allowing them to explore what it truly means to be a graduate of Loreto. Central to this reflection is the call to "be a seeker of truth and a doer of justice."
Mary Ward’s vision encourages students to cultivate a lifelong commitment to learning and integrity. Through the Retreat at the beginning of Term 3, class discussions and reflections, students have engaged with diverse perspectives, enhancing their understanding of Loreto spirituality and the importance of social justice. They have examined how these principles can guide their actions in a complex world, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
As they prepare to transition beyond Loreto, students recognise that these values will serve as a compass in their personal and professional lives. The lessons learned during this term emphasise the importance of not only seeking knowledge but also applying it for the betterment of society. This legacy of inquiry and action, as seen in the final External Task, will empower them to make meaningful contributions, embodying the essence of what it means to be a Loreto graduate. Their journey as seekers and doers is just beginning, and the future holds immense potential.
Nancy Rodi
Learning Leader Religious Education 7-12
Ever wanted to experience what it is like to study at Oxford university in the UK? Well Erin took a risk and spent four weeks studying with students from around the world at Pembroke College campus, with a major in Medical Sciences and a minor in Engineering. Erin created an amazing opportunity for herself that has provided her with a clearer path of where she would like to venture when her time at Loreto ends. Congratulations, Erin on taking a risk, believing in yourself and making it happen!
Languages Week
Last week, we celebrated Languages Week. Students enjoyed a variety of cultural activities, including a Pétanque tournament, the Amazing Race!, playing the traditional Italian card game Briscola, crafting intricate origami, and having fun at a language-themed photo booth with props and frames
The Languages Week celebrations wrapped up with the highly anticipated annual French play. This year, our talented Year 7, 11, and 12 students took the stage to perform "Fr'Annie," a clever and highly entertaining twist on a beloved classic. Bravo to all our stars!
