Learning Across the
Junior School
What a wonderful start to the year!
Across the Junior School there has been much to celebrate, and Term 1 has been filled with many learning experiences.
Last week, our Year 5 students enjoyed their camp to Willow Creek. Throughout the week, they embraced a wide range of outdoor activities, including surfing, kayaking, bike riding, raft building and orienteering. These experiences challenged the girls to step outside their comfort zones and helped build independence, resilience and problem-solving skills. I extend my sincere thanks to the staff who so generously gave their time and energy to make this memorable experience possible.
Social justice continues to be an important focus within the Junior School. This week, students participated in the Caritas Walk for Water as part of Project Compassion. It was wonderful to see the girls walking together through our local parks, reflecting on the gift of our natural waterways and the importance of access to clean water.
We were also privileged to welcome Kaz de Souza, Caritas Diocesan Director for the Adelaide Archdiocese, who spoke to the girls about the realities faced by many communities around the world, where children walk many kilometres each day to collect clean water. Her message was both powerful and moving, reminding us of the importance of compassion and of supporting those in need.
I was especially proud to also hear of some students who took the initiative to make a difference during Lent. Ella C and Millie L in Year 6 organised a weekend stall and raised $100 for Project Compassion. Charlotte C in Year 2 also showed wonderful generosity by running a stall at home, donating some of her toys and holding a lemonade stand, raising $36. These are all great examples of our values in action.
As Term 1 draws to a close, I thank our students, staff and families for their support and commitment throughout the term. I wish everyone a safe and happy Easter and look forward to welcoming the girls back for another exciting term in Term 2.
Lisa Sexton
Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School
Renowned author visits Loreto College
The Junior School was fortunate to be able to have renowned author Mr Phil Cummings attend Loreto College on Friday 20 March as the first Author in Residence for 2026 to facilitate Writers Workshops for the Year 4 and Year 5 students.
Phil Cummings is the highly talented and respected creator of musicals, songs and over 70 books. The exceptional standard of his work has received numerous awards and accolades such as: CBCA Notables, Children’s Peace Literature, International Board of Books for Young people in Switzerland, Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and Children’s Literature Awards at the Adelaide Festival of Arts.
The day began with a presentation to the Year 4 and 5 students in which he spoke about his writing journey, the processes of journaling, and inspiration from everyday life. The session was engaging and inspiring and generated an interest in the process of storytelling and creation.
Both the Year 4 and Year 5 classes then engaged in writers’ workshops which gave practical and simple strategies on capturing thoughts and ideas and expanding these concepts, laying a strong foundation for story creation. Mr Cummings encouraged the students to be fearless with their writing, notice the small details of everyday life, connect to the world around them and to not give up. He also emphasised the importance of resilience in the creative process.
It was inspiring to witness students actively participating in the writers’ workshops, writing with creativity and enthusiasm. The girls were excellent ambassadors for Loreto College Junior School.
Rachelle Kirk
Information Integrator Junior School
Oliphant Science Awards
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We are now taking registrations from Junior School students who wish to compete in the 2026 Oliphant Science Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to continue to develop their curiosity, problem solving skills, and creativity through hands-on science projects.
The competition is open to all students across the Junior School and while most of the project is completed at home, we will be providing support each Thursday at lunchtime in the Junior Lab. Students will hand in their projects around June/July. Specific dates to follow.
If you think this is something you can support your child with, please set aside some time to look at the different categories and their criteria, available through the Oliphant Science Awards Website:
https://www.oliphantscienceawards.com.au/event_information/award_categories
Please discuss the points below with your child and email their responses through to me:
- The Science learning they wish to share through their project
- The Category they will do this through
Each project entry/registration requires a fee of $11 using the Humanitix link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/oliphant-science-award-participation-lc-2026
I look forward to supporting you and your child as they embark on this exciting scientific journey.
Jessica Twelftree
Junior Specialist Science Teacher
