Mission and Identity
From the Mission and Identity Team
Social Justice
Season of Creation
The Season of Creation, celebrated annually from September 1st to October 4th, is a time for Christians around the world to renew their relationship creation. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, this season calls us to respond to the "Cry of the Earth" and the "Cry of the poor," recognising the interconnectedness of the earth and all of humanity. As stewards of God’s creation, we are urged to care for our common home, addressing the ecological crisis that affects the most vulnerable. By understanding and applying the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Solidarity, and the Common Good, we can work towards a more just and sustainable world.
You can learn more about the Season of Creation here: Season of Creation
You can read more out the Loreto Justice Priority Ecological Justice here: Action Centre – Ecological Justice (loreto.org.au)
Students from across the Diocese unite!
Students from Adelaide Catholic schools have come together to plant trees and plants at Pakapakanti Wetlands to help enhance the area as part of the global Season of Creation RISE UP initiative. This initiative is aimed at promoting ecological restoration, biodiversity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
The day aligns with the Season of Creation's theme, To Hope and Act with Creation, encouraging communities to care for creation. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si', calls on humanity to be stewards of the Earth: "Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue."
By joining forces with other Colleges, our students are taking action to restore the wetlands, which play a vital role in supporting ecosystems. This project not only strengthens environmental sustainability but also deepens students' commitment to ecological justice in line with Catholic social teaching.
Ms Martina O’Connell
Assistant Principal Mission & Identity
Junior School Social Justice Initiative: Christmas Appeal
On Monday, our Junior School Social Justice Leaders—Chelsea, Rosie, Sophie, Hazel, Lily, and Phoebe—addressed the students after Liturgy to introduce an important initiative for next term. They highlighted the vital work of the Hutt St Centre, which supports homeless and vulnerable individuals.
The leaders invited everyone to start collecting mini toiletries, especially those gathered during upcoming holiday trips. Next term, we will dedicate one week to collecting these toiletries and hygiene products. This will be followed by two weeks focused on gathering donations for our annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
We encourage all students to participate and contribute to these meaningful efforts to support those in need.
Peace and Justice Group
The Peace and Justice Group aim to co-ordinate collections and drives for organisations providing for people in need, with the plight of the homeless in our local community and the wider community in Adelaide being a major focus this term. The girls enthusiastically packaged 100 chocolate chip cookie bags this week for distribution by Fred’s Van. The passion and concern shown amongst the PJ group to be involved in the promotion of peace and justice is heartwarming to say the least.
Mrs Patty Warrender
Peace and Justice Group
Our Liturgical Life
LOSA Mass
On Sunday, September 8th, we gathered for the annual LOSA Community Mass, celebrated by Fr Chris Jenkins, SJ. The Mass, well-attended by Loreto Old Scholars, marked the celebration of the Birthday of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Fr Chris highlighted the deep devotion the Loreto Sisters have towards Our Lady and spoke about the faith, courage and inspiration shown by the Venerable Mary Ward and the resilient women who followed her example. After the Mass, attendees enjoyed a Morning Tea at the Felicity Café and had the opportunity to view the Spring Art Show. Grateful thanks to Margaret Sullivan for her continued support in helping me to coordinate this Mass.
Chapel Masses
This term, our Junior School classes have had the special privilege of leading Masses in our beautiful Chapel, celebrated by Fr Chris and warmly attended by parents. These Masses have been a joyful expression of our faith, with themes such as the Transfiguration, the Assumption of Mary, the Season of Creation, and Sincerity.
Our students have taken on key roles, leading readings, processions, and singing with heartfelt enthusiasm, truly embodying the spirit of prayer. Alongside our weekly Monday liturgies, these celebrations have beautifully demonstrated the reverence, simplicity and true joy of our faith.
We are grateful for the opportunity to come together and celebrate our spiritual life and express our heartfelt thanks to parents who support us by showing that faith begins in the home.
Learning in Religious Education
ReLat Testing
This week, Year 4 students participated in the annual ReLAT (Religious Education Learning and Assessment Tool) assessment. This online, multiple-choice test comprises 35 questions and focuses on the core knowledge from the Year 3/4 Crossways Religious Education curriculum. Designed to assess students’ understanding of key religious concepts, ReLat is not a measure of personal faith or community involvement but rather a tool to support and enhance our teaching practices. Results will help guide our professional learning and improve RE teaching. Individual reports will be shared with parents alongside school reports, and we encourage you to discuss any queries with your child’s teacher.
Mrs Isabelle Roberts
Religious Education Coordinator and College Liturgist