From the Deputy Principal

By Sue Hinchliffe

As we reach the conclusion of another busy and productive semester at Loreto College, there is much to reflect on as we pause over the semester break. Since our last newsletter, my appointment as Deputy Principal has been announced. I am not only delighted to be offered this opportunity to work with such wonderful students and staff in a College with such rich and lived values, but feel privileged to be able to contribute to what lies ahead for the College.  

While education (and indeed life) seems to be increasingly complex, research shows that feeling connected to something bigger than ourselves and building a strong sense of purpose is pivotal to wellbeing and thriving. This is true for us as individuals and as a College. Many of our students are shining examples of service ‘in action’ and I feature their stories in this edition of the Newsletter (below). 

The semester break offers us an opportunity to ‘press refresh’ and look ahead. As Semester One reports are released, these are key tools to promote a reflection on ‘what went well’ and ‘what areas will require further focus’. Reflecting on personal achievements and areas for growth are central to achieving personal excellence. Next semester brings important milestones for many of our students as they begin exploring future pathways and we look forward to partnering with our students and families through this journey. 

Key events in this partnership process include:

• Parent Teacher Interviews which offer an opportunity to engage with teachers to promote partnerships and discuss ‘next steps’ for improved performance
• Subject Selection decisions offer students the opportunity to reflect on their strengths, interests, future goals and desired directions. 

• And for our Year 12s, considering what lies beyond Loreto College. Considering this next step is such an exciting time as doors open to a range of diverse opportunities, tertiary options, and career journeys.

   

Our Loreto College staff have expertise in supporting and guiding students and families in reaching their potential, so please reach out for assistance and advice throughout this process. 

Accepting that when we aim to ‘rise higher still’ often such growth requires us to step outside our comfort zones; yet as we strive to meet challenges with grace, we continue to uphold  Mother Gonzaga Barry’s enduring legacy, a legacy we aim to bring to life in our students every day.

Student Spotlight

Ella - Year 12

Ella, a Senate leader, is in the final stages of working towards her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Her journey towards this goal began in early 2025, with encouragement from her parents and aunt. This award is comprised of long-term dedication to a physical recreation, skill and volunteering project as well as two specialised trips for personal development. 

Ella has been committed to Club and Loreto College rowing for over 12 months, steadily improving her skills and rowing in the Open Division 3 crew. In addition, she devoted 18 months to improving her musical skills on the flute, developing her personal repertoire and capabilities in the College band.

Ella spent over 52 hours volunteering at the Youth Programme of City of Ballarat, where the team she was part of organised events targeted at the youth; teaching her valuable skills in the value of community engagement and leadership. For the adventure component, Ella hiked in the Kosciuszko National Park for 6 days and 5 nights, and the next and final stage involves the residential project in Sydney this July, investigating nature conservation, urban planning and team communication skills. 

To get involved, the Youth Advance Victoria programme facilitates individuals who are interested. For each activity, you will need a teacher or supervisor to validate participants' commitment and online logbook record of progress. This is such an amazing opportunity to capitalise on students’ who are fully engaged with the College’s offerings and we wish Ella every success in her completion of this world-renowned award. 

Jonty - Year 11 

Jonty has a wide involvement across the College, including the Concert Band, the Celebration Choir, was a cast member in Pippin, is a Ward House representative and a rower who has extended her skills in this area to volunteer in the Ballarat City Rowing Club All-Abilities program. 

A program created by Ballarat City Rowing Club so anyone who wants to row can have the opportunity to participate. Staff and students from Loreto College have been helping with the program by supporting and coaching participants and Jonty has been a large part of supporting: 

• Adults learning to row
• Rowers returning from injury
• Older rowers
• Rowers with disabilities

• Athletes who feel more comfortable with a bit more stability in the boat

   

Jonty has shared that there are a variety of boats to row in, including two single scull boats with pontoons on either side and a wide hull for extra support in addition to supporting those in double scull boats; providing rowers with more stability to help build their technique and confidence on the water.

We are very proud of Jonty’s willingness ‘to give’ and she encourages all students with a passion in a particular area to seek out opportunities in the community where they can ‘leave something behind’.