Sowing the SEADs of Success

From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing & Engagement

In SEAD this term we have several visiting groups including guest speaker from Black Dog Institute, Butterfly Foundation and Road Awareness Program. Upper Junior Primary are focusing on Friendship and Relationships and Transition.

Year 4 – Building Resilience – Douglas Scrub/McClaren Flat Camp Monday and Tuesday Week 4

Year 7 Butterfly Foundation Body Image 

Body image explained - Butterfly Foundation

Year 9

Tuesday was Melbourne Cup. 

Did you know the first female jockey to ever win “the race that stops the nation” in 2015 was Michelle Payne?  Did you know Michelle Payne went to Loreto Ballarat.

Michelle with brother Stevie 

Mary Ward “Women in time to come will do much”  

For your interest:

Loreto College Ballarat - Interview with Michelle Payne - YouTube  (5 minutes) 

Anhs Do (artist) interview with Michelle Payne 

2020 ABC TV Anh's Brush With Fame Jockey Michelle Payne' - YouTube (25 minutes) 

Also movie “Ride like a Girl” on Netflix 

#Proudtobeloreto

Safe Travels

Year 11 will hear a very important message from the metropolitan fire service in Week 6. The presentation will focus on safe and responsible driving. 

One of the many important messages is texting and driving. The youtube clip below is used in the presentation and is a good reminder for all about the dangers of texting and driving.

Wait for it... this could save your life | @SummerBreak 4 - YouTube (3.50)

Road Awareness Program - YouTube (1.43minutes) 

Bus travel to and from school – reminder to all students to use seatbelts whilst traveling of school buses, to and from rowing, sporting events and general daily school travel. 

The Golden Rule 

The Golden Rule underpins our Positive behaviour Policy for all students from R-12. Please read below. 

Positive Behaviour Policy 

Positive Behaviour involves acting in a way that demonstrates self-respect as well as showing empathy, consideration and respect for others. When we demonstrate positive behaviour, we foster an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and encouraged to be and do their best. 

Personal Responsibility involves taking charge of and accepting responsibility for our own actions, behaviour and possessions. By taking personal responsibility, we grow in autonomy, independence and develop self-confidence and self-efficacy, thus helping us to engage with our world and others in a more positive way. 

College Goals: Reception to Year 12 At Loreto, we are committed to providing an environment in which everyone is: 

• proud and respectful of their school 

• able to participate fully and learn in a positive and safe environment 

• accepted and respected for who they are 

• respectful of the rights of others 

• respectful of their own property and the property of others 

• respectful of the school rules, policies, routines and procedures 

• respectful of the physical environment 

Student Expectations Reception to Year 6 In achieving the mission, aim and goals of Loreto College all Junior School children are expected to: 

• always be kind to others 

• be welcoming of new students 

• be inclusive by inviting other children to play and join in games and activities 

• share with others and take turns 

• act as a big sister to younger students 

• show respect, consideration and courtesy to students and teachers 

• speak up when they see something that is wrong 

• not take something that is not their own 

• look after their own belongings 

• not damage or graffiti their own property or the property of others 

• look after the environment by putting rubbish in the bin 

• wear their school uniform correctly and with pride 

Student Expectations Years 7 to 12 In achieving the mission, aim and goals of Loreto College all Senior School students are expected to: 

• show respect, consideration and courtesy to students, staff and visitors 

• show tolerance of others regardless of race, gender, disability or religion 

• be inclusive of others and welcoming to all students 

• be a role model and big sister to younger students 

• not demonstrate unacceptable behaviour 

• not be a bystander to any unacceptable behaviour displayed by others 

• use technology appropriately and respectfully 

• follow the school rules and staff instructions 

• contribute and behave positively within the learning environment 

• not deny the learning rights of others by own behaviour and/or actions 

• participate and behave positively in all school associated events and activities; inclusive of sport and other co-curricular pursuits 

• be punctual and have required equipment needed to participate fully in school activities • act honestly at all times 

• wear the school uniform correctly and with pride 

• keep the school free from drugs and alcohol or any other inappropriate object, material or substance 

• keep the school free from violence or physical conflict 

• not damage or graffiti their own property or the property of others 

• keep the school environment clean and free from litter

Exams are well underway for our Year 12 students with Year 11 to start in Week 7. 

It can be a stressful time.

Stress is natural. It's the body's way of sharpening focus, and of increasing stamina and alertness, so that you can rise to challenges and face tough situations. This type of stress is productive stress. On the other hand, unproductive stress can cause health issues and other problems. It’s important to be able to relieve or manage unproductive stress. The key to managing stress is finding the balance between the two types. Our girls have been looking at stress and stressors.

Our girls are often reminded of their “Circle of Control and Circle of Influence” in SEAD. This thinking can be helpful when looking at relationship, study, exams and future opportunities.  

Research Study and Survey Invitation 

The University of Newcastle is conducting research to develop a well-being program to improve teenage girls' physical and mental health, as well as support fathers to nurture their bond with their daughters. 

The program will achieve similar success to our multi-award winning Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program which targets primary school aged girls and their fathers for improved wellbeing, sports skills and physical activity. 

The University has developed a short survey for high school aged girls to complete and another one forfather/father figures of high school aged girls. The surveys ask questions about well-being, sport, physical activity and family relationships and have been approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee. 

Fathers survey:

Dads of high-school aged girls.

Have your say in developing a program that aims to enhance the father-daughter connection & wellbeing of your teenage daughter.

Complete a 10-minute online survey - https://redcap.link/DDteens_fathers_survey

Chance to win one of 6 x $50 gift vouchers!

For parents to register daughter:

Parents of high school aged girls, we need you!

Register your daughter to complete a survey to help us develop a program to support teenage girls’ wellbeing, physical and mental health https://redcap.link/DDteens_teens_survey

Your daughter will go in the draw to win one of 6 x $50 gift vouchers! 

10 Dangers associated with Vaping

Week 6 Activity – Walk and Talk 

Reception-Year 11 Walk and Talk Picnic Tusmore Park – 23 November 2023; 12.20-2pm 

2024 Term 1 Key Dates

Ms Emma Searle

Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement 

From the Psychological Service

World Teacher’s Day 2023 

The 27th of October was World Teacher’s Day, and Fi Donnelly, Leader of Student Wellbeing and Academic Care year 9 and 10, and I attended the Educators SA Awards Ceremony at the National Wine Centre. The theme for World Teacher’s Day this year was ‘Hats off to Teachers’. Fi won an award for Outstanding Contribution to Learners’ Wellbeing and Development. We enjoyed dinner and hearing from the Hon Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills, and Guest Speaker, Mr Ziauddin Yousafazai, Co-founder and Board Member of the Malala Fund.

Discussing war and conflict

Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from strong emotional reactions to indifference. 

Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, whilst older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations. It is important to continue to monitor your young people’s social media accounts.

Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort, you can help your child regulate their emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and provide hope and understanding in our world.

School TV has a Special Report which provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and help children understand there is still hope in our complex world. Here is the link to your special report.

Voluntary research participation

The University of Newcastle is conducting research to develop a well-being program to improve teenage girls' physical and mental health, as well as support fathers to nurture their bond with their daughters. 

They have developed a short survey for high school aged girls to complete and another one for father/father figures of high school aged girls. The surveys ask questions about well-being, sport, physical activity and family relationships and have been approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee.

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 and ELC, or the relevant Leader of Student Wellbeing and Academic Care, or Mentor Teacher in the Senior School. You are also encouraged to seek professional or medical help, if required.

Monica Bignold 

Lead College Psychologist R-12

Premier's Reading Challenge 2023

The Premier’s Reading Challenge has now concluded for this year and awards are in the process of being distributed.  Well done to our Junior School students for their completion in 2023.  Congratulations also to the following Senior School students on completing the Challenge:

A special mention to Alexandra S for 12 consecutive years of participation – a fantastic effort!

Ms Julie Staley

Information Resources Coordinator R-12

Life in Boarding

The last two weeks have been nothing short of spectacular. Yes, it is always hard saying see you later to our Year 12 boarding cohort, but the love showed to each departing Year 12 brought tears to our eyes. Our incoming boarding leadership group held a wonderful Rose Giving event to farewell our Year 12's in a very special boarding way. Each Year 12 had a speech read out by a person they impacted in their time at Loreto. Not a dry eye in the house!

The following evening we held our Boarding graduation dinner, with pre drinks and canapes on the front veranda and then a delicious three course meal prepared by our wonderful kitchen staff. It was wonderful to see all the families come together and celebrate their girls. We had 15 family members from Darwin fly down for all the graduation celebrations, which enriched our celebrations. 

I couldn't be prouder of our boarding school for seeing off our Year 12's in style. The love, care and sisterhood is ever so evident. 

Year 12's it is not goodbye, but see you later. The door is always open! The world awaits, now go get it!

Ms Tia Wiese

Director of Boarding