Learning Across the 

Senior School

STEM Day Out

In Week 9 of Term 3, the mathematics department took the Year 9 cohort to UniSA Mawson Lakes for the STEM Day Out excursion. This excursion concludes their Measurement and Geometry unit and the activities involved allowed the girls to see the practical applications of their mathematical learning. The day comprised 3 rotations of activities including mathematical logic problems, aerodynamics and aeronautical engineering and a civil engineering design competition. 

 

The day allowed the girls to see how mathematics is used in several STEM career pathways and also how a mathematical mind is needed beyond simple textbook problems. The girls spent the day immersed in continual problem solving without consciously doing written mathematics. They worked in teams to solve problems and overcome challenges.

 

The mathematics teachers also enjoyed the day as they got involved in solving the puzzles themselves.

Mr Andrew Baker

Leader of Mathematics

Catholic Schools Music Festival

During Week 10, members of the Senior Vocal Ensemble 1, Senior Vocal Ensemble 2, and Senior Vocal Quintet participated in the prestigious annual Catholic Schools Music Festival held at the Adelaide Festival Theatre. Notably, our talented girls were honoured to be invited to be the 'Secondary Girls Choir,' a commendable recognition that gave them the opportunity to showcase their musical prowess in all four concerts throughout the event as they supported the Festival Choir along with the Combined Boys Choir. The invitation extended to our school's two vocal ensembles was a testament to Loreto's reputation for maintaining a high standard of choral excellence.

 

The 'Secondary Girls Choir' played a pivotal role in the festival, contributing to the collective choirs and being a featured ensemble at times as well. Molly Silvy, Sienna Vacca, and Mia Luppino each earned soloist opportunities during the concerts as well and their performances were simply stunning.In addition to their collective contribution to the festival, the Senior Vocal Quintet presented a breathtaking performance of 'Golf Cart' during one of the concerts, while the Senior Vocal Ensemble 1 showcased their voices with a performance of 'Corcovado' in another.

 

The demanding schedule of the week included sound checks and rehearsals each morning, culminating in evening concerts spanning the four consecutive days. Despite the challenges, the privilege and honour of serving as the Secondary Girls Choir proved to be a profoundly rewarding experience for all involved.

 

Proud to be Loreto!

Mr Tim de Jong

Leader of Music and Music Production

Leaders Institute Graduation - Congratulations Giuliana!

Congratulations to Giuliana Blefari (Year 10) who took part in this year's Youth Governor's Leadership Foundation as part of the Leaders Institute of South Australia. Giuliana worked on a case study relating to former Labor politician, Don Dunstan. Giuliana was invited to speak at the graduation ceremony, with Mrs Fi Donnelly in attendance. Well done! 

Lumination League

This week two teams from Years 8 & 9 joined in Round 1 of the inaugural Lumination League – a competition between schools with Lumination Labs that is running through Term 4. The first challenge: who can get the best score shooting hoops in virtual basketball? Mr Bond joined in on the fun (but unfortunately his score doesn’t count).

 

Students will be continuing this challenge for six weeks in a range of virtual sports, supported by Ms Tippins and Mr Bond. Good luck girls!

Ms Tippins and Mr Bond

Certificate in Voice and Communication

Congratulations to Alice Maycock (Year 10), Aviril McIntosh (Year 10) and Fenella McIntosh (Year 11) who were awarded their Certificate level for Voice and Communication, receiving a CVCA (Certificate in Voice and Communication, Australia) qualification with the AMEB. The girls now have the opportunity to continue their studies for the Associate Diploma in Professional Communication Award. Further, Olive Maycock (Year 6) was awarded a Credit grading in her Speech and Performance Grade 5 exam (a very high grade for her age), and Aspen Penberthy (Year 7) was awarded a Credit grading for her Voice and Communication Grade 5 exam. 

 

Achieving Certificate level qualifications is an outstanding achievement. The Certificate level girls (Alice, Fenella, Aviril) will receive recognition of their awards at an AMEB Awards Ceremony at Elder Hall early next year. Well done!