Learning Diversity News
By Ginelle Polanske - Learning Diversity Leader
Learning Diversity at Loreto College
Learning Diversity at Loreto College recognises that every student learns differently and brings unique strengths, needs, and experiences to the classroom. Our approach is grounded in valuing differences and ensuring that all students are supported to achieve their personal best.
At each year level, there is a designated Learning Diversity teacher who works closely with students, families, and staff. These teachers have extensive experience and specialised training in how students learn, as well as deep knowledge of the many factors that can impact learning, including cognitive, social, emotional, and environmental influences.
Through collaboration, targeted support, and inclusive practices, the Learning Diversity team helps create learning environments where all students feel supported, understood, and empowered to reach their optimum potential.
Who can access Learning Diversity?
Learning Diversity can support any student who may experience challenges with learning at different times. This includes students with diagnosed learning needs or disabilities, as well as students who may need short or long-term support due to factors such as health or wellbeing needs, language background, or changes in personal circumstances. Learning Diversity also supports students who benefit from adjustments to help them access the curriculum more effectively, build confidence, and strengthen their learning skills.
Contacting Learning Diversity
Do I contact my child’s Mentor Teacher, class teacher or the Learning Diversity teacher?
There are a number of ways you can address any learning concerns you may have for your child, depending on the nature of the question or concern. Sending an email is the most efficient way to contact these teachers.
If the concern is subject-specific, such as a question about a particular piece of work, an assessment task, or understanding a topic, the class or subject teacher is the first point of contact. For example, you might ask where to find examples of a particular maths problem, or where to access further information to support learning in a specific subject.
For broader questions about your child’s overall progress, organisation, wellbeing, or engagement across subjects, the Mentor Teacher is an appropriate contact. Mentor Teachers have a holistic view of your child’s learning and wellbeing and can help coordinate support or guide next steps.
If concerns relate to ongoing learning difficulties, the need for adjustments, or factors impacting learning across multiple subjects, the Learning Diversity teacher can provide specialised guidance and support. They work collaboratively with families and staff to help ensure your child’s learning needs are understood and addressed effectively.
If you are unsure about the kind of help your child needs, please include the subject, mentor and learning diversity teachers into your email.
What happens when I contact Learning Diversity?
The Learning Diversity teacher will investigate the issues impacting the students learning and may arrange a Program Support Group meeting to follow up. A PSG meeting is designed to create a ‘wrap around’ team to include parents/ carers/ teacher and the student as well as other necessary support people. This meeting provides an opportunity for sharing information in order to provide the most appropriate support for the student. The Learning Diversity teacher will then develop strategies to include in a personal learning plan which is used to guide teachers in their delivery of lessons.
Include staff photos:
Year 7 Janine Quick jquick@loreto.vic.edu.au & Emma Reilly ereilly@loreto.vic.edu.au
Year 8 Denise Dunne ddunne@loreto.vic.edu.au
Year 9 Melissa Delaland mdelaland@loreto.vic.edu.au
Year 10 Mairead Dullard mdullard@loreto.vic.edu.au
Year 11 & 12 Ginelle Polanske gpolanske@loreto.vic.edu.au
Administrative contact: Peter Osman posman@loreto.vic.edu.au
