Sowing the SEADs of Success
From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing & Engagement
Newsletter Week 2 Term 2
Friendly reminder for Week ahead:
- Year 11 and 12 Formal – 11 May Adelaide Convention Centre
- Boarders’ Week – Week 3 Various Activities and Dress up Friday Cultural and Community Casuals
- Year 8 Camp – Week 3 Outdoor Education McClaren Flat and Kuitpo Forest
- Week 4 Assembly – Reconciliation Theme in preparation for Reconciliation Week 5
- Gala Dinner – 25 May Wine Centre
Enlightened Year 8
Year 8 students engaged with a face-to-face presentation from Enlightened this week.
The workshop focused on age-appropriate wellbeing and student leadership activities and complemented our SEAD Framework specifically for:
- Girls to find their voice
- Build connection with their cohort and school (timed with Year 8 camp next week)
- Build agency for themselves
- Develop positive personal wellbeing behaviours
The SEAD values of ‘having a voice’, ‘stepping up to leadership’ and ‘understanding and constructing positive relationships’ were key aspects of the Enlightened sessions for Year 8s as well as developing strategies for emotional resilience and agency.
Reaching Milestones – Year 12
When our daughters grow up and reach developmental milestones there is cause for some celebration.
Our Year 12s will be reaching a milestone of their own which is halfway point of their Year 12 journey in Week 4. The day signifies that the Class of 2024 only have 152 days to graduation (but who’s counting!)
In conversations with the girls there are mixed emotions about finishing school. Ideas around career pathway, transition planning, goal setting and completing work have been discussed.
A good article from ReachOut Australia is a useful resource for our young people – see below if you need help with completing work and goal setting.
10 ways to get stuff done | Setting goals | ReachOut Australia
Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People in South Australia published a report in January 2023: “High Stakes High Schools”
In the report young people were asked the question “what would make Year 12 better”?
Two responses included access to adults who are more supportive overall and greater focus on student wellbeing over academic achievement and provision of mental health support.
At Loreto College we address these responses with our SEAD curriculum, supportive teaching team, mentors and Leader of Wellbeing and Academic care staff and College psychologists.
For further reading please see the report below:
Screen-High-Stakes-High-School-Report-FINAL.pdf (ccyp.com.au)
School Day
Please note our college school site is supervised by teachers from 8.10am-3.40pm.
Students may participate in sport training or co-curricular activities earlier in the morning however this is supervised by specific teachers and coaches.
If you daughters arrive early, they are welcome to use the facilities in the Felicity Café which opens at 7.30am. They can attend the free, supervised afterschool homework and quiet study club in the Resource Centre 3.30pm-6pm.
We have a duty of care to ensure that your daughters are safe and supervised whilst on College grounds.
Uniform
Our girls were reminded about wearing their uniform correctly and with pride.
The uniform guidelines on Loreto Connect explicitly explain how girls should be wearing their PE and Winter unform.
Students have been reminded about their Uniform in homeroom and at this week’s assembly.
It was so special to meet up with students from Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, in Mount Gambier for the annual Generations in Jazz Festival. Such a special moment for our girls when they see our Loreto crest being worn by other students and meeting Loreto sisters from other Loreto schools.
The crest is a symbol of our Loreto charism that is shared nationally and internationally. Furthermore it is a symbol of our united approach to the education of girls and young women with shared values in the Mary Ward tradition.
Uniform Exchange
Uniform Exchange – see link below to purchase pre-loved school clothes, books, and other educational items specific to Loreto College Marryatville Ha
Mother's Day
Happy Mother’s Day to all our wonderful Loreto Mothers and special friends!
It is a privilege to work closely with your daughters throughout the year, at various school events. This may include reflection days, camps, school retreats, SEAD lessons, in the Boarding House, Faith and Meaning class and at key college events like International Women’s Day.
I often ask the girls “Who do you look up to?” “Who inspires you?” “Who is your positive role model?”
Our girls will always answer “my mum” and elaborate on the special connection, bond, and relationship they have.
Dear Mums,
Never underestimate the wonderful work you do (especially during the teenage years) and the impact you have on your daughters’ lives.
Enjoy your special day on Sunday (you deserve it), from one mum to another.
Emma Searle
Ms Emma Searle
Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement
Psychological and Health Services
Psychological and Health Services
Week 3 is Boarders’ Week with Friday being a whole school dress up in cultural and community casuals. Cultural diversity encompasses the variety of cultures, beliefs, and traditions present globally, contributing to a rich tapestry of human experiences and perspectives. By valuing every child's cultural background, we enable them to excel in all facets of life. Nurturing an environment of curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect for all cultures, will not only promote unity but a deeper appreciation of the nuances that distinguish us.
Inclusion is about more than just words; it's about fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for every child, regardless of their cultural background. When children and adolescents feel seen and valued for who they are, they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Valuing and understanding cultural diversity, helps our communities benefit from a wealth of perspectives and experiences, enhancing our collective capacity for empathy and innovation.
As parents and carers, instilling an appreciation for cultural diversity is vital to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Through leading by example and showing that kindness and understanding knows no boundaries, we can encourage them to embrace multiculturalism. This will not only prepare young people for personal success, but also for contributing to a world that views diversity as a strength. Through collective efforts, we can help pave the way for a more accepting and vibrant future.
SchoolTV has a cultural diversity edition which is linked here. In this edition you will learn how best to embrace and celebrate cultural diversity with your children. We look forward to seeing students in their cultural and community casuals next week.
As always, if you have any specific concerns about your child or young person, please contact your daughter’s Classroom Teacher, or Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School in the Junior School, or the relevant Leader of Student Wellbeing and Academic Care, or Mentor/Subject Teacher in the Senior School. You can also contact the Psychological Service or engage with external mental health support.
Monica Bignold
Leader of Psychological and Health Services