Learning Across the
Senior School
Stage 2 Media Studies
Film making is a key component of the Media Studies course and forms 20% of the overall grade at Stage 2. Students collaborate to develop original scripts, design pre-production materials and film and edit their work. The unit fosters critical and creative thinking, especially as the production must fit horror film conventions while remaining suitable for SACE submission. This year I challenged my students to connect with industry and submit their work to the Adelaide Film Festival for contention in the AFF Youth program. One film successfully made the shortlist.
AFF Youth invites students and young people from across the state to submit original short films and watch work from their peers. The program has two key events: the Schools Screening Day and the AFF Youth Gala. Shortlisted student films are presented at the Schools Screening Day and form a part of a workshop on amateur film making for school-aged peers. The idea is to build cultural understanding and showcase emerging talent.
This year four students from my Year 12 Media Studies class – Mia A, Lyla D, Olivia D and Lauren B – had their short film DEAD MEAT selected for the Schools Screening Day. Although they did not proceed to the AFF Youth Gala, we are exceptionally proud of their initial selection.
DEAD MEAT in the words of Lyla D “was conceived as an exploration of capitalist anxieties, depicting how the relentless pursuit of success and productivity can render work a consuming force…. these fears [were personified] through our antagonist Tony, an overbearing boss who embodies exploitation, and Grace, the ‘final girl’ whose desperate struggle for survival serves as a metaphorical resistance of dehumanisation.”
DEAD MEAT premiered at the Schools Screen Day at the Palace Nova Cinema on Wednesday October 22.
Stefanie van Gerven
Stage 2 Media Studies Teacher
Year 8 Public Speaking Competition
On Tuesday, 21st October, we held our annual Public Speaking Competition final. Our four Year 8 finalists – Michelle F (Mulhall), Grace C (Ward), Kartia M (McGrath) and Alexandra H (Barry), presented their Verity inspired speech to all Year 7 – 12 students.
Our four finalists were also presented with the challenge of being judged by Tom Hendrick, a director at Adelaide company, Talent Academy, which runs public speaking workshops and training locally and interstate.
We congratulate our 2025 Individual Public Speaking Champion, Michelle F, whose speech resonated with the judge for its originality and emotional appeal. The Public Speaking Shield was awarded to Ward house. The shield is allocated to the highest scoring house across all stages of the competition.
Reflections from our Year 8 finalists:
I really enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the year 8 public speaking competition. Preparing and delivering my speech was a great experience, and it helped me gain more confidence in speaking in front of others. I also enjoyed listening to my classmates’ speeches and would like to congratulate everyone on their efforts and achievements. The whole process was both fun and challenging, and I feel proud to have taken part. It was a valuable experience that I will remember, and I look forward to future opportunities like this.
Kartia M
I had never spoken in front of such a large audience before, and it was both nerve-wracking and thrilling, with students, teachers, and the judge watching every glance of eye contact, every word, every shake. Watching Michelle, Grace, and Kartia perform was truly inspiring. When I found out I made the final round, I realised there was no turning back now. Huge congratulations to all Year 8 students who participated. It was amazing to see so much talent and bravery, and thanks to the teachers who supported us. Overall, this experience was a thrilling challenge that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, revealed the courage and talent of my peers, and left me with a lasting respect for the art of public speaking and the confidence it takes.
Alexandra H
The public speaking competition was an exciting and rewarding experience to participate in. Developing and preparing our own speeches correlating to a specific theme was an unfamiliar and nerve-wracking concept for me at first. However, with preparation from our English lessons, engagement with friends and family and overall support, I was able to express my thoughts and research confidently. Through this experience, I quickly built confidence and comfort in public speaking and communication, developing skills that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my school journey.
Michelle F
Writing Competition Success
Congratulations to Year 7 student Gabriella C who entered her story, The Seventh Problem, into the ImPress Writing Competition and was not only awarded the prize for the Year 7 and 8 Category but also the Overall Secondary Years Category. This writing competition is judged by published authors. Gabriella’s success is a fantastic achievement and testament to her creativity.
Fiona Griffiths
Leader of English and Languages
Year 12 Visual Art
Our Year 12 Visual Art students are in the exciting final stages of completing their SACE Practical Works, which will be exhibited in the Art Department Foyer Gallery from Friday 7 November. During the year, each student has explored a personal visual idea, experimenting with a wide range of media, techniques and processes to refine how their concepts are communicated. This exhibition celebrates not only the resolved artworks, but also the creative process that values curiosity, risk-taking, reflection and persistence.
Through ongoing experimentation and critical revision, students have strengthened their visual language and developed sophisticated, individualised responses. We warmly invite our community to view the exhibition and celebrate the dedication and achievements of our Year 12 artists.
Jacky Hamilton
Visual Art Learning Leader
Year 10 Italian Excursion
In the last week of Term 3, our Year 10 Italian students embraced the opportunity to develop their language skills at the ‘Taste of Languages on Campus’ programme at Flinders University.
Together with students from a number of other catholic schools, our girls engaged in a variety of activities throughout the morning that enabled them to utilize their Italian language skills. The small group activities included games, quizzes, puzzles and exercises relating to Italian language, grammar and culture. A ‘tongue-twister’ challenge proved to be quite entertaining!
Students experienced an engaging and informative lecture on Italian architecture, where they learnt about the architectural design process behind Filippo Brunelleschi’s groundbreaking Renaissance cupola, the dome of the Florence Cathedral, all in Italian!
An ‘Amazing Race’ activity in the afternoon saw our girls collaborating with students from the other schools, using their Italian language skills to solve a series of clues that took them on a ‘race’ around the Flinders University campus.
The day concluded with past Flinders University languages students sharing stories of their experiences of studying languages at a university level and explaining the many doors that had opened to them as a result.
Our Italian students boarded the bus back to Loreto feeling inspired about the many opportunities for future employment and travel that lie ahead for them.
Cindy Blandford
Italian Language Teacher
Year 11 Legal Studies - Adelaide Magistrates Court Visit
Year 11 Legal Studies students recently visited the Adelaide Magistrates Court to deepen their understanding of sentencing and victims of crime. We were fortunate to hear from Sergeant Olive, who spoke about her role as a Police Prosecutor and offered thoughtful insights into court processes and sentencing. Her presentation gave students a clear appreciation of how the legal principles studied in class are applied in practice.
Students then observed the Magistrates Court in session, witnessing a diverse and engaging case list, and were privileged to have the presiding Magistrate address them afterwards and respond to their questions.
The excursion provided an enriching and highly relevant learning experience, connecting our classroom inquiry with the realities of the justice system. Sincere thanks to Mr Henry Jones for accompanying us, and to Mr Paul Foley and Mr Mark Rainbird for their assistance with transport.
Sam Ruggiero-Girgolas
Legal Studies Teacher
Student Achievement
Congratulations to Year 12 student Emma Choi (Class of 2025) on receiving the 2025 Student Citizenship Award from the Order of Australia Association! We were honoured to have John Phillips OAM present Emma with this prestigious award at yesterday’s Graduation Ceremony.
Emma’s remarkable contribution to both college and community life reflects her compassion, initiative, and dedication to making a difference.
As a Year 12 Student Executive Leader, Emma has shown vision and responsibility, leading school-wide initiatives and fundraising for hospital charities. Beyond Loreto, Emma’s commitment to service and learning is equally inspiring. She volunteers as an English tutor with Canhelp, supports patients at Calvary Health Care, and is part of the Health in Focus Student Volunteering Program.
Emma also serves as a Youth Member of the South Australian Youth Forum, contributing to key initiatives such as research on youth loneliness, period poverty, and accessibility, and presents findings to academics and policymakers. In addition, as a Debating SA Adjudicator, she uses her exceptional communication skills to mentor younger debaters.
At this week’s Graduation Ceremony, Emma also received an Academic Award recognising outstanding achievement across nine subjects, further highlighting her excellence across all areas of school life.
Emma exemplifies what it means to be a Loreto girl - strong, compassionate, and committed to service.
