Sowing the SEADs of Success
From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing & Engagement
We have had much to celebrate in the past 2 weeks along with events to look forward to regarding upcoming activities at Loreto College.
We were witness to the wonderful sporting prowess of our girls when they took part in our inaugural Inter-Col competition against close neighbours, Mary Mackillop College. All games were hard fought contests with Loreto College victorious overall, but on display were the values our College aspires to.
Watching the enthusiasm and passion from our supporters was exciting to be around and an event such as this one, provides not only the players but supporters with a sense of connection and belonging, knowing they are part of something bigger than themselves when they cheer for their school. One area that teenagers in particular require to feel that sense of belonging is significance.
Each girl out on court knew they had a role to play to assist in the victory whilst the student cheer squad also felt that their input could have a deciding influence in the match. With the Open team’s victory only 2 goals, this could very well have been the difference. When one person feels a sense of belonging, connection and significance, it is only then that they can authentically celebrate others, one of our important SEAD values, and this is what we did in style last Wednesday.
It was excellent to see the Sportspersonship on display at Inter-Col and the girls were humble in victory with a high level of etiquette and manners, for example in thanking the umpires and not disputing decisions. These behaviours were exhibited across the whole College last week also in a very different event, photos. The students ensured they attended each co-curricular, class or individual photo appointment looking their best and with impeccable manners. The photo company, MSP, also commented on this by saying they enjoyed coming to Loreto as the girls were always so welcoming, warm and with such delightful manners.
In the coming weeks we see our 2023 outdoor education program continue with Year 11’s departing for the Ikara (Flinders) Ranges, our Year 6’s for Canberra, and our Year 9’s for Robe.
We often discuss the benefits of these camp experiences due to the complete adjustment in environment and routines that can challenge students and staff alike. Two of our encompassing SEAD values are ‘Developing Resilience’ and ‘Building Communities’ which we know camp plays a significant role in achieving.
For the Year 6’s it may be the first time away from parents/guardians for 4 days in their life, whilst in a new and intriguing city. Whilst for the Year 9’s it may be connecting with some girls in their year level that they many have not had many opportunities to get to know, connecting with others by having the shared goal of completing the bushwalk in the rain and/or sunshine to reach the next campsite. Whilst the Year 11’s will be emersed in the natural wonders of one of the most significant international geological site, Brachina Gorge (only site in Australia with golden spike) – see link below. With a curriculum focus, the Year 11 students (and teaching staff) will be far away from mobile reception, the conveniences of showers and flushing toilets and will sleep under the stars, in tents and be hosted by Mother Nature in a very unique part of the world.
Uncover Earth’s Secrets – Drive the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail (environment.sa.gov.au)
Thanks to all staff who help facilitate these exceptional learning opportunities, especially Leaders of Wellbeing and Academic Care, Mrs Fi Donnelly and Ms Cindy Blandford.
Benefits of camp and challenging experiences
‘Responsibility’ is our ability to choose our responses as humans, and by being in these challenging situations, we are provided the opportunity to choose. Sometimes we can struggle but the struggle can lead to new understandings, such as when it’s raining on a bushwalk, students are tested to reflect “how can I prevent these environmental conditions rule my sense of wellbeing?” and “In what ways can I change my thinking to take responsibility for my happiness and choose a positive response?”
The very nature of camps provides these opportunities constantly across areas of conflict resolution, risk-taking, leadership, negotiation, initiative and self-reliance. Dr Richard Harris, South Australia’s 2019 Australian of the Year, is a strong advocate for the risk-taking element of camps. He says, “"You have to suffer a few bruises and scrapes along the way to grow normally………You need to find your own boundaries by getting out by yourself and making a few mistakes."
Richard Harris dives into the mind of risk-takers in new podcast series Real Risk - ABC News
Head Girl Message
Tahlia Warner, Head Girl spoke beautifully at our Assembly on Tuesday about the importance of kindness and quoted the message below and referred to the book and movie “Wonder”.
Do yourself a favour - my recommendation for a family movie night “Wonder”
Tahlia challenged the senior girls to email her what acts of kindness they have done for each other and within their families.
Tahlia is an exceptional role model of what it means to be a Loreto Woman.
Photos…
If you missed individual school photos on Friday last week.
Don’t worry – there is an MOP up day 11 September (Monday Week 8)
Time and venue to be confirmed on Loreto College campus. Please look out in the bulletin and emails.
Ms Emma Searle
Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement
From the Lead Psychologist
The Psychological Service and Information Resource Centre have created a lending library for teaching staff to utilise in the Junior School. The Junior School teachers will be able to borrow these books to read to their classes. The books focus on a variety of topics including:
- neurodiversity,
- grief and loss,
- sleep,
- emotions,
- the brain and its different functions e.g., prefrontal cortex,
- resilience and confidence,
- friendships,
- body image, appetite and nutrition,
- seeing medical or mental health professionals,
- identity and embracing differences,
- change and family structures,
- panic attacks, and
- bullying and cyberbullying
Here are some examples of the titles:
Thank you to Julie Staley (Information Resources Coordinator R-12) and Emma Keech (College Psychologist R-12) for your work bringing this initiative to life. 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.
Monica Bignold
Lead College Psychologist R-12