By Michelle Brodrick

Farewell and Thank you

As this year draws to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Loreto community for the privilege of serving as Principal since 2020. This year has showcased the best of our College—its past, present, and future. We have celebrated 150 years of Loreto education in Ballarat and across Australia.

The events marking this milestone have been extraordinary: a Mass with students, staff, past teachers, College captains, alumni, and community members; the 150th Anniversary exhibition Being Faithful to Grace; the play A Serious Business; Gala Event and Reunions; the Women in Time awards; and many more memorable occasions.

Most significantly, as I reflect on my time at Loreto, I will remember the students who have walked alongside me over the past five and a half years. Together, we have shared countless moments and created memories that will forever be part of our story. From the excitement of first days to the placing of flower crowns at graduation, I have witnessed the spirit and strength of our students.

I leave with immense pride in all that we have accomplished and with great hope for the future of Loreto College Ballarat.

At this time of year we say goodbye to some very special staff who have devoted many years to our College. Kerri Loader, Kelli Baird and Helen Jost are retiring after many years of working at Loreto (in total 97 years of experience). Stephen Boswell and Neil Buckland are also leaving after 6 and 9 years respectively.

Kerri Loader retires after 41 years of service, commencing her career at the Dawson Street campus. Kerri has taught in the areas of Food Technology, Home Economics and Textiles and held many roles in the area of teaching and learning and curriculum. Kerri is kind, compassionate and deeply dedicated to her students. She is a truly Mary Ward woman and we congratulate and thank her for her time at Loreto.

Kelli Baird retires after 33 years at the College. A pocket rocket with unique energy, Kelli has shared her passion for Loreto since day one. A talented educator, Kelli has held positions of leadership including Year Level Coordinator, Head of Faculty (Health & PE) Coordinator and PE & Sport Coordinator. Kelli will be greatly missed, especially by the students who she has a great connection with.

Helen Jost leaves us after a total of 23 years at the College, teaching in the area of languages and sharing her passion for all things French. She has been a dedicated mentor group teacher who has formed strong connections with students and staff. Her wisdom, dedication and care for all will be missed.

Stephen Boswell commenced at Loreto Ballarat as a graduate teacher in 2020. Stephen has involved himself in many areas of the College and lead the Mathematics faculty for the last 3 years. We wish Stephen well as he takes up a new opportunity to teach in Donald.

We extend our gratitude to Neil Buckland, Accountant and Finance Manager for the last nine years. Neil has been a diligent and caring staff member has provided advice and support to many families in our College Community.

Thank you to our Ed Support Trainees and all staff who have filled short-term roles, including Graham Thurgood, Michael Weadon, Don MacInnes, Mandy Carroll, Mark Holland, Paula Maki, Lexi Ryan and Jorja Bennett. We would also like to congratulate our trainees, Meg Beaston and Ella McCormack.

We wish Frances Walters all the best as she commences parental leave as well as Breanna Rigbye who will commence her leave shortly after the beginning of the new school year.

To all our families that are leaving us after many year’s association, we thank you for choosing Loreto College for your child’s education. We hope you continue to connect with our community in the future.

To everyone connected to Loreto College Ballarat, may you and your loved ones be blessed with peace and joy this Christmas holidays and we look forward to a new beginning with next year.

And to finish, I once again offer the beautiful Loreto Verity Prayer.

Plea Hearing and Sentencing of Truck Driver

This week in the Melbourne County Court, the sentencing was held for Brett Russell, the truck driver involved in the September 2022 Pentland Hills bus collision involving Loreto College Ballarat staff and students.

Judge Michael O’Connell sentenced Mr Russell to 12 years and 9 months in prison, with a minimum of eight years before parole. Mr Russell pleaded guilty to 12 charges, including 10 counts of negligently causing serious injury, after knowingly driving a truck with faulty brakes that collided with the bus with Loreto College students and staff on board. The impact caused life-changing injuries to many students and staff. As Judge Michael O’Connell acknowledged Mr Russell’s remorse and admission of guilt as well as the profound impact on victims and families.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of Victoria Police from the Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU), the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP), Child and Youth Witness Service (CYWS) throughout the three-year investigation and legal proceedings.

Hearing the particulars of the case and the lead up to the collision was a stark reminder that the wearing of seatbelts saved many lives. It also highlighted the need for higher safety standards for multi combination heavy vehicles.

This marks the conclusion of a long and difficult process, and we hope it allows our community to continue healing and moving forward.

DATE	ACTIVITY
FRI 5 DEC	Term 4 Concludes
FRI 19 DEC	College Reception Closes
MON 19 JAN 2026	College Reception Opens
FRI 30 JAN	Term 1 Commences

Important Dates