Sowing the SEADs of Success

From the Director of Wellbeing R-12

Wellness Week and BodyKind August

The importance of body image support for young people has been gaining significant media attention recently. 

As part of Wellness Week from August 4-8, Loreto Marryatville is proudly participating in BodyKind August. The Butterfly Foundation's annual awareness initiative encourages young people, their families and communities to:

• Be kind to their own body; in how they speak about, nourish, nurture and move their body 
• Be kind to other people’s bodies, online and face to face; and 
• Celebrate and respect the differences and diversity in bodies

Body Kindness is more than just an awareness campaign; it's a commitment to fostering positive body image and supporting mental health within our school community. By showing respect to ourselves and others, we help build an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Throughout Wellness Week, students from ELC to Year 12 will be participating in a series of SEAD lessons and lunchtime activities, sharing meaningful messages and insights that emphasise the importance of body kindness. Our commitment to Body Kindness doesn’t end with Wellness Week. We are dedicated to continuing the conversation and deepening our focus on these important messages throughout our SEAD Program. Over the coming months, students will be engaging in a series of workshops delivered by Rachel Soderstrom, from the Butterfly Foundation:

• Year 7 (5 November) - Body Image in a Digital World
• Year 8 (29 October) - Relationships with Eating and Exercise
• Year 9 (10 September) - Appearance Ideals and Expectations
• Year 10 (3 September) - Eating Disorder Myths

Research consistently shows that positive body image is closely linked to better mental health outcomes, improved self-confidence, and resilience. Parents and families play a crucial role in reinforcing these positive messages. For further information on BodyKind August, including resources for families, visit: www.butterfly.org.au/bodykindaugust. Resources can also be found on the SEAD Tile on Loreto Connect. 

We are excited to embark on this important initiative and look forward to working together to create a more body-positive environment for all our students. 

Lydia Baccanello

Director of Wellbeing Programs (R-12)

From the College Counsellor

Dear Students and Families, 

Welcome to Term 3. 

This term, I will continue to run the lunchtime group, Sincerity Circle — a supportive space for girls in Years 7–12 to connect, create, and unwind. The group is built on the value of connection and provides a calm, creative environment where students can take a break from the pressures of the school day.

To find out more about Sincerity Circle, students can check the Student Bulletin or speak with me directly.

In addition to this group, I will continue to support students through:

• One-on-one sessions,
• Collaboration with staff and families to support individual student needs,
• Presentations/workshops 

If at any time you or your daughter would like to speak with me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch directly or via your daughter’s LSWAC. 

Wishing you all a positive and productive term ahead.

Treesa Parrish

Senior School – College Counsellor