From the Deputy Principal

By Chris Shaw

Celebrating Our 150th Year

With the season of Advent now upon us and a focus on hope, anticipation and new beginnings, this also strangely means a number of endings. Another school year done, but not just any year – our 150th. Christmas decorations are now up, and the nativity scenes are out around the College. Now is the time that the Christmas story on the altar of Mother Gonzaga’s Children’s Chapel really comes to life. The College is festive and our final liturgy and Assembly will mark the end of the 150th year of Loreto which has truly been something to celebrate.

The busy nature of the end of year brings the calm of Christmas music and a carol or two being just what’s needed to lift the spirits. Some might love carols, but the Year 7 DaCapo and Christmas concerts were amazing displays of what positive effects music can have on us. Not only does music regulate our nervous system, and our emotions, but it connects people and is proven to enhance memory, problem-solving skills and concentration. Seeing the stage full of Year 7s all working together in their Da Capo performances show our musicians going from strength to strength. The Christmas Concert topped things off for performers at all levels. Congratulations to staff and students for the considerable work that goes into all forms of music.

It has also been wonderful to see our Term 4 BAS sport and our track and field athletes breaking many records and making representative teams. Our rowers have been back on the water displaying their strength in many early season regattas, placing themselves as one of the top rowing programs in the State.

The Head Start program for the 2026 Year 11 and 12 students has been a great way to re-set and prepare, and the Year 7-9 students have engaged in various courses of study with focus. The new Year 7’s had a wonderful day getting to know Loreto and we can’t wait for them to be a part of our year of Felicity in 2026.

Next week we will look forward to our students receiving their VCE results. We are proud of the Class of 2025 who have completed either a VCE VM or VCE pathway and have done so to their best ability with everyone having their own story and these outcomes being just a small part of their unwritten future. They don’t need luck of course – they will make their own future because they take a piece of Loreto with them.

Reflecting on our 150th year, there are so many memories to take into 2026. We are grateful to all our educators, administrators and support staff who provide a Loreto education fitting the mission and purpose dreamed of by Mother Gonzaga Barry 150 years ago.

As several staff leave us. We say goodbye to long standing staff members Kelli Baird, Kerry Loader and Helen Jost. All staff leaving have ‘left behind something on which others may build’ and take a piece of Loreto with them in their hearts.

Michelle Brodrick will also look to new possibilities as she concludes her time at Loreto College as Principal. I feel blessed to have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Michelle that is based on authenticity, honesty, strong leadership and a good sense of fun. An outstanding educator and leader, Michelle’s compassion and sense of fairness and justice has left the College a better place for all of us. I will miss her determination, energy and excellent sense of humour and am grateful for all she has taught me. We wish her all the very best.