Year 7 News
First days at Loreto
By Abbey - Year 7
The first couple of weeks at Loreto have been great, the new environment, meeting new people and just learning the Felicity Value has just been so fun. Swimming Carnival, learning the chants, cheering for your House, shows that the Loreto Community is amazing, and that everyone is so kind and helpful. It makes all Year 7s feel a part of Loreto College.
On my first day of Loreto, I was so excited that I knew that some of my friends from primary school were going to Loreto College and I knew I would be able to make some new friends. I was excited to meet my mentor group and all my teachers. But I also felt nervous, primary school is a lot different to high school, but I knew it was going to be a lot better. Loreto College has made me realise how fun things are like science compared to last year. Science is so good and you use it a lot more than I thought.
One challenge was and still is, trying to get to food tech, P.E, music, and science because they are on the other side of the school. At the start of this term, two minutes was not enough, but now we have figured out smart ways to get to classes fast and effectively. We all had to learn new routines, some more different than others, whether it was figuring out which bus to catch or working out how to get to school. But, we have all adjusted in our own ways and that’s why Loreto is such a great place.
Loreto has helped me realise how fun school can be and it doesn’t need to be something that everyone is good at. It’s the community that makes the school so fun, and makes me so happy and proud that I’m a Loreto Girl.
Year 7 Camp
By Kirtley - Year 7
Year 7 camp was an unforgettable experience filled with fun, teamwork and new friendships! We went to Creswick and in the vast bushland, we created some amazing memories! One of the absolute highlights of the camp was the zip lining, which was definitely my favourite! At first, I was a little nervous climbing up to the platform, but once I pushed off and started flying through the air, it was awesome.
Another great part of camp was the food! Every meal was delicious and after a long day of activites everyone was excited to sit down and eat. It was also a great time to talk, laugh and share stories about the day. Our cabins were also fantastic as well. Staying in the cabins with some of my classmates made the experience even better because we spent the time talking, laughing and getting to know each other more. One of the best parts of the entire camp was making new friends! Through activities, team challenges and just spending time together, we formed stronger friendships and I also got to know people I haven’t talked to before. Overall, Year 7 camp was an incredible experience full of laughter and teamwork. It helped me try new things, build friendships and create memories that I will always remember.
Year 7 Picnic
By Mietta - Year 7
At the start of the term, Loreto College held a Year 7 picnic. Everybody gathered near the front gate to share some food together on the grass. I went with my mum, dad and my brother, and together we shared some delicious Boost Juice. My parents finally met my amazing teacher Ms Green and a lot of my new friends.
After all the families had finished eating, the Year 12 students gathered all the Year 7 students into a big circle to join in on the Loreto war cry. The war cry is a fun and extraordinary way to keep up the Loreto spirit.
Halfway through the picnic, our parents went into our classrooms for an information session that my mum said was very helpful. While they were gone, there were heaps of activities for the kids to do. We could play basketball, Twister and even go on a walk around the gardens! Out of all of those things we could’ve done, pretty much everyone gathered in a big circle and took turns skipping. Some people fell, some didn’t, but the thing that got everyone laughing was when a few brothers started joining in. They kept losing their shoes and getting tangled together.
This picnic was very special to me because it made me feel welcomed into the community. I got to know a bunch of new people and more about the ones I already knew. At the end, I was having so much fun that I didn’t want to go home! I am so glad to have the opportunity to make more memories and to finally be part of the Loreto Community.
Year 7 RE: A Call to Be Doers of Justice
By Virginia Green - Year 7 Mentor
Our Year 7 students have been exploring what it means to live with purpose, inspired by the life and vision of Mary Ward and the work of Gonzaga Barry. Through their Term 1 Religious Education assessment, students were challenged to reflect on how they can become 'doers of justice' in their own lives.
Drawing on Mary Ward’s vision, students learned about her courage, faith, and her commitment not only to personal growth, but to making a positive difference in the world. They also explored the legacy of Gonzaga Barry and the ongoing influence of the Loreto tradition.
As part of this task, students created vibrant and thoughtful posters that highlighted:
- Key details about Mary Ward and Gonzaga Barry
- The five values of the Loreto Spirit and what they mean
Their own original ideas for promoting justice within our school, the Ballarat community, and beyond
What stood out most was the depth of student thinking around justice and action. Many students proposed creative and meaningful initiatives, showing a genuine desire to care for others and contribute positively to their communities.
These posters are a wonderful reflection of the compassion, creativity, and growing sense of social responsibility in our Year 7 cohort.
Please enjoy a selection of their work below, please note the detail in responses, symbols and images
