Sowing the SEADs of Success

From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing & Engagement

I thought I would take some time out in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, whilst on the Year 11 camp to do some reading (I didn’t have internet access or mobile phone reception)

Book choice - Atomic Habits by James Clear

James challenges us to first define a habit “ a routine or practice performed regularly; and automatic response to a specific situation”. This definition made me reflect on my own habits and the habits of our girls, particularly in an environment like the Flinders Ranges which challenges “normal” routines whilst away from home. During the camp the girls spent time by themself reviewing past behaviours, future thinking and mindfulness.

James Clear discusses why small habits make a big difference and how good habits, over time are the “compound interest of self-improvement”. He uses the example of a pilot changing her flight path by just a few degrees, can shift her route completely. For example, from LAX airport 3.5 degrees south can change her destination to Washington DC instead of New York.

We can use this thinking when we are planning goals in our SEAD lessons. Our students are invited to create positive study habits, in incremental steps, which are required to get to the end goal; making a small, daily positive choice (1%) may seem insignificant in the moment but over time these choices can determine future successes.

“Success is the product of daily habits – not once in a lifetime transformation”.

I love the message “Walk slowly but never backwards” from Atomic Habits and this message is promoted in SEAD lessons when we invite our girls to set, reflect and review their goals. From Year 7 to 12 our students participate in goal setting, with their SEAD mentor teacher with the specific focus on:

Developing effective study skills and planning for success – Year 7 and 8
Applying effective study skills and striving for personal excellence – Year 9 and 10
Demonstrating self-efficacy as a learner and setting goals for my future – Year 11 and 12

For other useful resources please see below

Additional resources Setting goals | ReachOut Australia

RUOK?

R U Ok? Day was celebrated on Thursday 14 September and aligns beautifully with our SEAD values

Kindness and empathy
Social and Emotional Intelligence
Authentic Relationships and Connectedness

Our Junior school girls have been working through some of the activities from “What’s the Buzz” written by Mark Le Messurier and Madhavi Nawana Parker which specifically encourages students to build and nurture friendship groups. An important life skill at all ages.

For R U OK ? Ms O’Connell provided chalk for the activity at lunch. Special thanks to the senior leaders who helped with the activity and enjoyed the enthusiasm and joy of being together.

Pulse Check ins

Classroom and Mentor teachers perform weekly check-ins with our students through our comprehensive Student Pulse Year 3-Year 12. Our Pulse check in is a wellbeing tool developed by Educator Impact (EI) and used to track and support student wellbeing in real time, providing a weekly check-in with students and enabling them to ask for help when they need it.

Girls can request help from a staff member (if required) and send messages of gratitude to their friends and members in the school community. The pulse information is a great measure of student engagement, connectedness, inclusivity and promotes equity in our planning of SEAD activities and events.

SEAD Value – Celebrating Other in Friendship

Over the weekend we had many Junior School and Senior Girls participate in the National Aerobics Championship on the Gold Coast. Our teams received amazing results however the best award Loreto College Marryatville received on the weekend was “Spirit and Sportspersonship Award”.

We are proud of our girls who demonstrated kindness to all competitors and were supportive and respecting of others. Our girls applied the spirit that exists amongst our Loreto students.

Ms Emma Searle

Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement

From the Psychological Service

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and body image issues - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing mental health illness by encouraging meaningful personal connections. R U OK Day emphasises the value of genuine human relationships, reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?", and supporting others to seek professional help.

By talking openly about mental health at the College, we create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas.

School TV has a Special Report which provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions. Here is the link.

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

Young Impact100

We would like to acknowledge Charlie Leroux-Gardiner (Year 8), Harper Burrage (Year 8) and Mina Leroux (Year 4) who have been involved in Young Impact100, a a community philanthropic initiative, over the past couple of years.

On Sunday 10 September, Young Impact held their annual Grants Day where all the children that raised funds pooled together their collective efforts to present the funds to three grassroots South Australian charities. Students from a wide number of Adelaide schools ended up raising $8,901, which was generously matched by the Lang Foundation for a total of $17,802. At the Grants Day, students were able to vote for which charity they wanted to receive the funds, resulting in a donation cheque for each of this year’s charities: Bikes for Refugees, Talk Out Loud and Lolly Jar Circus. Well done girls on your involvement!

Culture Day - A First at Loreto

Today Loreto College hosted its first annual ‘Culture Day’.

At Loreto, we all take pride in the diversity amongst our students, and we want to spend a day celebrating and embracing the diverse culture that shapes us and our community. A celebration of our culture promotes the confidence in all young women and helps unite us all as one, being one family who are all equally proud.

Culture Day was the ‘grand finale’ of Languages Week, with a sharing of foods and song from all cultures. There was food for purchase, music, and games and stories of different cultures.

Students also had the chance to dress-up in their cultural clothes at lunchtime.

Thank you sincerely,

The Year 9 Leaders