Learning Across the 

Senior School

2025 ICAS summary of results

Throughout August, many of our primary and lower secondary students took part in ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools). ICAS is a series of globally recognised online assessments designed to challenge and extend students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. The competitions were offered across a range of subject areas, including Writing, Spelling, Mathematics, English, Science, and Digital Technologies.

In total, Loreto Marryatville students completed more than 100 assessments, achieving some outstanding results, with over one-third of awards received being at Credit level or higher. We particularly congratulate Alexis W (Year 5) and Ella W (Year 6), who both achieved Distinctions in English; Linyi H (Year 6), who achieved a Distinction in Science, and Sophie A (Year 6), who received a Distinction in Writing. A special mention goes to Emily M (Year 7) for achieving a High Distinction in English – a truly impressive accomplishment.

We warmly congratulate all students who participated in ICAS 2025 for their commitment, efforts, and achievement.

Robyn Scott

Director of Academic Programs

Year 8 Chinatown excursion

Last Wednesday, our Year 8 Chinese students took part in an enriching cultural excursion to Chinatown. Building on their recent unit of study on food and drinks, students were able to connect classroom learning with real-life experiences. They enjoyed authentic handmade noodles and dumplings at the 1915 Lanzhou Noodle Bar before venturing into an Asian supermarket, where they explored a wide variety of Chinese groceries. The excursion not only deepened their understanding of Chinese cuisine but also gave them valuable cultural insights in an engaging and memorable way.

Miao Yu

Chinese Teacher Reception ‑ Year 12

Year 8 Public Speaking Competition – Finding Strength in Verity

Throughout this term our Year 8 students have been planning for and participating in the annual Public Speaking Competition. It is a challenge which positions students to think deeply, speak with confidence, and connect with an audience.

Public speaking is a vital skill—whether in the classroom, workplace, or community, the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively is invaluable. For many students, however, standing up to speak in front of an audience is a daunting challenge. This competition provided a safe but demanding environment for students to develop courage, refine their presentation skills, and learn the power of their own voice.

Each student was tasked with preparing and delivering a five-minute speech inspired by the value of Verity. This theme encouraged them to explore honesty, truth and authenticity in creative and meaningful ways. The speeches were diverse, ranging from personal reflections to persuasive arguments and thought-provoking commentaries.

The competition was a true showcase of talent, resilience, and growth. Students not only impressed with their ideas but also with their ability to speak with conviction and poise under pressure.

Congratulations to all Year 8 participants for their courage and effort. Their commitment to tackling such a demanding challenge reflects the spirit of Verity itself.

Write a Book in a Day – A Creative Challenge for a Worthy Cause

On Friday 12th October, our school took part in Write a Book in a Day, a unique challenge that combines creativity, teamwork, and community spirit. Over the course of one intense day, from 8:00am to 5:30pm, students worked in teams to plan, write, and illustrate a story from start to finish.

A total of 62 students were involved this year, forming collaborative groups that not only tested their imagination but also their ability to work together under time pressure. The teams embraced the challenge of brainstorming ideas, developing characters, and refining plots—all within the strict time frame.

The value of the program extends well beyond writing skills. Students learned about effective teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of meeting deadlines. They also experienced the joy of seeing their creativity take shape in a published story that will be read by others.

Equally important is the fundraising element of the initiative. Our students proudly raised $5,013 for The Kids’ Cancer Project. This contribution demonstrates the compassion and commitment of our students, who channelled their creative efforts into making a meaningful difference.

Write a Book in a Day is a celebration of imagination and generosity, and our students should feel proud of both their stories and their contribution to a worthy cause.

Fiona Griffiths

Leader of English and Languages

Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of South Australia Awards

Congratulations to our Senior School students who were recognised at the 2025 Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of South Australia Awards:

Faith T – Year 8, Senior School, First Language Pathway

Hailey J – Year 10, Senior School, Second Language Pathway. 

This award is part of CLTASA’s Annual Chinese Language Awards Ceremony, which recognises outstanding achievements in Chinese language learning across South Australia. Students are nominated based on their language proficiency, cultural understanding, and dedication to their Chinese studies. We are so proud of their dedication, cultural understanding, and passion for languages!

Magdalene Kho

Language Teacher/International Student Coordinator

Robotics Club Competition 

On Monday the 22nd of September, the Loreto Robotics Club proudly competed in the VEX Robotics V5 Competition, held this year at Pedare Christian College. Throughout the year, our students have worked collaboratively to design, build, and refine their robot in preparation for this high-stakes event.

The competition brought together 20 teams from 12 schools across South Australia, with each team challenged to put their robots to the test in a series of skills-based activities. Alongside the technical challenges, students were interviewed by a panel of judges, allowing them to demonstrate their teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving skills. As a result of their impressive efforts, the Loreto team was honoured with the Judges’ Award in recognition of their perseverance and outstanding organisation – an especially exciting achievement, given this was only their second time ever competing in the VEX Robotics Competition.

This is a significant milestone for the Loreto Robotics Club, and the students are now continuing to make modifications and improvements to their robot in preparation for the next stage of competition. With their determination and creativity, the team is looking forward to building on their success and striving for even greater results.

Ryley Martin

Design Technology Teacher

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) 2025

We are proud to share the outstanding achievements of our students in this year’s Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), held in Term 3, Week 3. The AMC is Australia’s largest and longest-running maths competition, designed to challenge and extend students' problem-solving skills through a range of unique and engaging problems.

This year, 95 students from the senior school participated in the competition – a fantastic effort by all involved!

Distinction Awards

Distinction certificates are awarded to students who place in the top 20% of their year level and region. Congratulations to the following students on this outstanding achievement:

Year 7 

• Yangni L
• Rosie H

Year 8 

• Marissa L
• Clara L
• Siena P

Year 9 

• Kirsten C

Best in School Award

A special congratulations to Beatrice M (Year 8) who achieved the Best in School award – an incredible accomplishment that reflects her exceptional performance across all year levels.

We commend all students who took part in the AMC and look forward to continued success in future competitions!

Melanie Bale

Mathematics and Science Teacher