From the Principal

 By Christine Shaw

Growing purpose and unity 

At the heart of our College Community is a shared commitment to growing in purpose and unity. This is evident in the way we come together, in learning, celebrating achievements, and engaging in moments of reflection and action.  

Presently, the Catholic Church is in Ordinary Time, a season in the Church year that invites us to grow steadily in faith, living out the teachings of Jesus in our everyday actions. In our context, it invites us into a deeper rhythm of faithful learning with purposeful and ongoing development. It’s not really ordinary at all, but reflective of our lives where small, consistent actions of a community such as ours here at Loreto shape who we are becoming. 

With our commitment to learning and a call to justice, we see this in the culmination of learning and assessments and a focus on Reconciliation Week across the College. 

As the term concludes and Semester 2 commences, students have been focused on assessments and bringing their learning to fruition. Year 12 academic goal setting sessions have been made available, micro-credential opportunities provided and numerous applied learning opportunities in the form of excursions and incursions have taken place.  

Our staff work very hard to provide the best learning opportunities however, this is a partnership and students need to be working just as hard. Just as we started the year with high expectations for approaches to learning, we continue to reinforce the elements we know set students up for success. Taking responsibility for their own learning, being on time with the right equipment, attending those extra offerings, helping others, seeking out their teachers and learning how they learn best is the way they succeed. Not only is this true of school, but it prepares them for life beyond our Loreto gates. Independence is a learned skill, and it requires failure as much as success, as both are important learning opportunities.  

We continue to celebrate the value of Felicity across the whole of the Loreto network and every week there are small and large moments of joy to celebrate. The Masked Singer, House Arts, Year 11 Theatre Studies, Year 7 Da Capo, State Cross Country, Players for Pink and BAS sport, Public speaking, and our many clubs. There was even some joy in discussing the GAT writing task - write a letter to your Principal!  

I hope the school holiday break brings moments of joy to your family. With connections strengthened through shared events and service, we continue to build a community grounded in respect, inclusion, and faith. We are reminded that our strength lies in walking together with intention, supporting one another, striving for excellence, and living out our Loreto values with courage and compassion.

Deputy Principal Announcement  

I am delighted to announce that Sue Hinchliffe has been appointed to the position of Deputy Principal. Sue is well known to the Loreto Ballarat Community as the current Interim Deputy Principal and has been at Loreto for the past 12 months, also as a teacher of English and as a Leadership coach.

Sue’s breadth of experience, knowledge and passion for student learning and wellbeing will be an incredible asset to the College. Most recently, Sue has been the past Principal of Port Vila International School Vanuatu, and has extensive experience in leadership and governance in complex school settings. Her experience spans a variety of roles from Principal, Deputy, Assistant Head of School, Director of Staff, Head of Faculty, and other significant leadership positions. Sue has taught in a number of Independent and Catholic co-educational and girls’ schools across Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The Board Directors, Principals and educational leaders on the panels were delighted with the high calibre of applicants who demonstrated strong leadership, dedication to students, and enthusiasm for a Loreto education. As Sue is already at the College and knows our students and staff, we look forward to her ongoing leadership and all she will contribute to this important role.

Where Generosity Creates Opportunity 

Through the Annual Giving Appeal, you have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of Loreto students. Your support helps provide scholarships and bursaries for students in need, enhances learning environments, and creates opportunities for young women to discover their strengths, pursue their aspirations, and grow with confidence.

The impact of generosity can be life changing. It can open doors to a Loreto education, provide meaningful experiences that enrich learning and wellbeing, and ensure every student is supported to thrive academically, personally, and spiritually.

By supporting Loreto College Ballarat, you are investing in the next generation of young women who will lead with integrity, act with justice, and contribute positively to the world around them.

Together, we can continue to create opportunities that will shape lives for generations to come. Visit www.loreto.vic.edu.au/community/giving for more information on funds and how to donate.

Thirty years of dedication to Catholic Education 

As part of Catholic Education Week, we were proud to celebrate three members of our community at the Diocese of Ballarat's Annual Mass and Awards Dinner in June.

Congratulations to Yoshie Burrows, Simone Jans and Inez French, who were each recognised for 30 years of service to Catholic Education. Over three decades, these educators have helped shape the lives and learning journeys of countless students through their passion for education. How lucky are we to have them! 

We thank Yoshie, Simone and Inez for the difference they have made and continue to make every day. Congratulations on this incredible milestone.