Learning Across the
Senior School
A New Chapter: Stage 2 Media Studies at Loreto
This year marks an exciting milestone as Loreto introduced Stage 2 Media Studies for the first time, with 15 students refining their skills of digital production, media analysis, creative thinking and collaboration across 6 assessments.
The course is underpinned by the key concepts of media conventions, organisations, audiences and representations. The program is built around the study of film, music, news production and the hyperreality of the post-modern world. In the first term, students have focused singularly on film and television, first exploring cult media theory, then investigating the merits of popular auteurs. This deconstruction phase has plied them with substantial knowledge of media creation and authorship which has increased their own production competencies.
Most recently, students have worked in groups to create original short horror films. They have learned pre- and postproduction skills related to scripting, lighting, editing and foley sound. Students have entered some of their films into the Adelaide Film Festival Youth Shorts competition and will find out the outcome of their entries when the festival begins in October.
The class is now analysing the impact of audiences and media organisations in shaping responses to music phenomena. Their examination of media engineered moral panics, microtrends and censorship is robust preparation for their external investigations on broader and more current cultural and political phenomena.
The wide scope of the course has attracted students with a range of interests and has resulted in a melting pot of original ideas and a hive of critical analysis. With 23 students in our Stage 1 Media Studies class, it is clear that the subject has been a wonderful addition to our curriculum offerings at Loreto. The course will continue to run across Stages 1 and 2 in 2026.
Stefanie van Gerven
Stage 1 and 2 Media Studies Teacher
Legal Futures with Professor Tania Leiman
This term, our Stage 1 and 2 Legal Studies students were privileged to hear from Professor Tania Leiman, Dean of Law at Flinders University. In an engaging and interactive session, Professor Leiman explored the future of law, highlighting how emerging technologies are shaping legal practice. Students also gained invaluable insights into the diverse career pathways available in the legal profession and had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about life in law beyond school.
As part of the session, students took on different roles within the justice system to collaboratively investigate and ‘solve’ a fictional crime involving cutting-edge technology. This immersive activity reflected the kinds of legal issues likely to emerge in the near future - an area Professor Leiman described as both exciting and rapidly evolving.
We thank Professor Leiman for her generosity, expertise and inspiration in helping our students imagine their own possible futures in law.
Mock Trial Success – Round 3
Our senior Mock Trial team recently competed in Round 3 of the Law Society’s competition, acting as the defence in a complex negligence case. Demonstrating exceptional teamwork, legal reasoning, and public speaking skills, the team performed brilliantly and left the courtroom with confidence. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and now eagerly await news regarding qualification for the finals.
Many thanks to Ms McCullah for supporting the team by watching the Trial and offering her encouragement on the evening of Round 3.
LETASA Just Lawful Event – True Crime and Justice
On Tuesday evening, Senior Legal Studies students attended the LETASA ‘Just Lawful’ event at the University of South Australia, featuring crime reporter Sean Fewster and podcast co-host Daniel Panozzo. The session focused on real-life criminal cases and systemic injustices within our justice system. Students were captivated by the stories, engaged in Q&A sessions, and left inspired to think critically about how laws are applied in practice and whether our 'justice system' really does lead to just outcomes for the disempowered in our community.
Sam Ruggiero-Girgolas
Legal Studies Teacher
Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition
This year, Loreto had two students nominate to participate in the annual Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition. We congratulate Camille (Year 9) and Grace (Year 10) for entering this competition and showing the commitment to prepare and practice their speeches in the lead up to the event. The Rostrum Voice of Youth is a wonderful platform for students to gain experience and develop confidence in expressing their views. Camille presented a 6-minute speech inspired by the topic ‘Break the cycle’ and Grace presented her 8-minute speech on the topic ‘Friend or Foe’.
Both students participated in the heats on Saturday 10th May where they delivered their prepared speech, followed by a 15-minute preparation time to write and then deliver a 3-minute short notice speech. Both students are to be commended for taking on the challenge of this rigorous learning opportunity. We congratulate Camille who successfully progressed to the Semi-Final which was held on Saturday 24th May. Only 16 students from across South Australia and Northern Territory progressed to this stage of the competition so it is a truly wonderful achievement. Well done to both Camille and Grace who were wonderful ambassadors for our college.
Fiona Griffiths
Leader of English and Languages
Participant reflections:
This term, I participated in the Rostrum Voice of Youth competition. This opportunity helped me to develop my public speaking skills, quickly create impromptu speeches, meet new people, and make connections. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. For me, what struck me the most about this competition was the camaraderie and community between the participants.
Camille
Year 9
This year I participated in Rostrum for the first time. Although incredibly apprehensive about speaking in front of people I didn't know who had amazing writing and speaking skills, I knew it was an incredible opportunity. I channelled my fear into my prepared speech, talking about how fear isn't meant to hold us back, but rather empower us to grow and develop into stronger versions of ourselves. Although the fear didn't really go away, the sense of accomplishment by the end of it far surpassed my nerves. I definitely recommend this opportunity for anyone who is considering it, as I loved the experience and found it so valuable.
Grace
Year 10
Year 10 Camp: Student Reflections
The trip to Kangaroo Island was an adventure filled with multiple challenges, highlights and ventures. We walked 9 kilometres through Flinders Chase to the Kelly Hill Caves. Along the way, we saw Kangaroo Island's native animals and plants which was interesting to experience. The Kelly Hill Caves were enjoyable with the lightshow showing different time periods and how the caves formed, as well as the stalactites and stalagmites. We saw beautiful beaches such as Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, and Stokes Bay, as well as the beaches around Admiral’s Arch and Remarkable Rocks. It was a real experience sleeping through all the noises of animals and wind in the tents, not to mention the rain which caused all of our bags and clothes to get wet. Although some of our things got wet it did not dampen our outlook or mood, and camp was an amazing chance to get closer to our friends, and to make new ones as well. A highlight was fishing at Vivonne Bay, catching a fish, cooking and eating it which was day 4 of camp. The ride back home was filled with laughter, chats, lots of singing and a delicious bakery lunch to end the trip. I enjoyed Kangaroo Island as it brought me closer to my friends, I learned new things and generally had a fun time!
Lucy
Yr 10 W
In week 4 of Term 2, the year 10 cohort embarked on a journey across the sea to Kangaroo Island. This trip was definitely an unforgettable experience that will go down as the year 10's favourite camp. The trip started by taking a ferry ride to Kape Jervis which was a surprisingly smooth ride with many girls excited to reach their destination. Once arrived on the shore, that’s where the fun began. Our campsites at Stokes Bay were a true highlight of the trip. Surrounded by kangaroos that many of us haven’t seen up close before, we cooked our meals under the stars on Trangias which were tastier than many of us anticipated. From early morning breakfasts to the evening chats, we were constantly surrounded by friends and laughter. Throughout the week, we explored many of the unique attractions of Kangaroo Island. We visited the local honey farm and the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, learning about the island's unique produce and enjoying the tasty samples. One of the highlights would have to collectively be the Raptor Domain bird show, and the Wildlife Park where we got to meet koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and many more. This camp was more than just a trip, it was a chance to connect with nature, one another, learn new things, and build lasting memories with our friends and peers. The year 10 Kangaroo Island trip-2025 will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Clementine
Year 10 W
