VCE-VM News

By Andrew Blackwood - Faculty Coordinator

VCE-VM in 2025

As we reach the end of another year in the VCE-Vocational Major program, I am proud to reflect on the achievements, growth, and community impact of our Year 11 and 12 VM students throughout Term 4.

One of the highlights of the term was the official opening of our new indoor Hunter Café. After months of planning, design, and preparation, the Hunter Coffee Van moved indoors to the canteen space, providing students with an authentic hospitality environment to develop barista skills, customer service experience, and teamwork in a real-world setting.

We also celebrated the remarkable journey of our graduating Year 12 VM students, who were officially farewelled at both the Graduation Mass and Grad Dinner. The students finished the year on a really positive note, and the VCE-VM staff could not be more proud of their growth and achievements throughout their time at Loreto.

Our Year 11 VM students have been actively engaged in community outreach, visiting local primary schools to support Grade 6 students transitioning to Loreto in 2026. The girls created interactive PowerPoint presentations, shared their own experiences, and answered questions from the incoming students—helping to ease nerves and build excitement for the year ahead.

In Week 7, students participated in a five-day work placement in an industry of their choice. Students took opportunities in a range of different local organisations including Nazareth House, Ballarat Specialist School, City of Ballarat, Salvation Army and even metal fabrication at Ballarat Group Training.

A standout achievement this term was the Unit 2 Personal Development Skills major project, where students organised a school-wide fundraiser supporting the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. Thorough planning, creativity, and hard work over the course of term 4, the girls in year 11 coordinated a range of stalls and activities that drew incredible support from the entire school community. Together, they raised just over $1000, which will be donated directly to FECRI to support their vital research.

On a more personal note I would like to thank everyone who has been involved or supported the VCE-VM program in 2025. There have been some truly outstanding achievements made by our students this year and it’s thanks to the staff, families and community of Loreto that sees our program continue to grow from strength to strength.