Learning Across the
Junior School
From the Assistant Principal: Junior School
The Junior School has been abuzz with excitement over the past two weeks as our girls returned for the new school year. A warm welcome was extended to many new students across all year levels, making our campus even more vibrant. Personally, I've received many heartfelt greetings, and Loreto already feels like a home to me.
During the holidays, the Junior School underwent some refurbishment, with the front office and junior primary corridor receiving a fresh coat of paint, new carpeting, ceilings and lighting. To accommodate the growing number of classes, the Year 4, 5 and 6 classrooms are now all upstairs, situated above St Omer’s and the library, providing an enriched learning environment and an excellent learning hub.
In Week One, we had the pleasure of hosting parents at the Year Level Information Nights. These sessions were informative and showcased the exceptional teaching and learning experiences planned for the upcoming year. If you missed the event, the classroom teachers have shared their presentations on Loreto Connect for your convenience.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, our students had the opportunity to engage in a variety of cultural interactive activities over the week with our specialist Chinese teacher, Ms Magdalene Kho.
On a final note, I am immensely proud of how quickly our Reception students have adapted to school life, engaging in structured lessons, and participating in whole-school liturgical celebrations.
We all certainly look forward to an exciting year ahead at the Junior School!
Ms Lisa Sexton
Assistant Principal: Junior School
Sowing the SEAD of Mindfulness in the Junior School
As the Junior School commences their 2024 SEAD journey, R-6 students will be engaging in lessons with a specific focus on mindfulness.
What is mindfulness exactly?
It is about “being able to turn one’s attention intentionally towards what is happening in the present and embracing this with curiosity, openness and acceptance.” (Eimear Colleran).
As well as learning about mindfulness and its benefits, students will be guided through mindfulness-based exercises by their classroom teacher. Research has proven that mindfulness has endless benefits for children including:
- Improving sleep quality
- Improving concentration and attention
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Building psychological resilience.
- Enhancing empathy and self-compassion
Fostering positive mental health routines with your daughter/daughters is a great way to help them learn essential mental fitness skills. Smiling Mind has developed a free App which offers a range of tools and resources to specifically support families. These can be accessed via the link: At Home — Smiling Mind
For more information, parents and carers are encouraged to engage with the SchoolTV resources, which are available through Loreto Connect. Specific mindfulness resources can be accessed via the following link: Mindfulness | Loreto College - Marryatville (schooltv.me)
Ms Lydia Baccanello
Director of Wellbeing Programs (R-12)
Student Achievement: Drum Kit Performance Exam
Nikki Curin (5B) received 97.5 out of 100 with First Class Honours for the ANZCA Grade 1 Drum Kit Performance exam she undertook at the end of 2023. Congratulations for such an excellent result Nikki!
Shrove Tuesday Pancakes for Sale
This year, the Year 6 students will be selling pancakes before school on Shrove Tuesday, February 13th.
You are all invited to participate in this important fundraiser which will support the magnificent work of Caritas through Project Compassion.
This will take place in the Junior School Quad from 8am – 8:30am.
All pancakes, including toppings, just $2!
Ms Annelies Roe
Year 6 Teacher
Camp Australia - OSHC
Dear Parents and Families,
Welcome back to term 1.
We had a successful Rocketeers program where we experienced new activities, excursions and different recipes. We are looking forward to start this new term with full enthusiasm. Here at OSHC we encourage children to participate in the variety of activities of their interest as we focus on the child based learning.
We would like to request you to book your child in advance for the ASC to avoid last minute bookings. We are also encouraging children to put on hats and sun screens to stay sunsmart. We always welcome new ideas, suggestions and concerns as well. So feel free to reach us to discuss your views.
Contact number: 0429 840 240
Email id: saloreto@oshccampaustralia.com.au
Or you can visit online at www.campaustralia.com.au
We are excited to meet you and your children.
Thank you,
OSHC Staff
Free Coding Trial Lesson with Code Camp
Code Camp invites your child to attend a free coding lesson hosted by an experienced Code Camp Facilitator via Zoom. In this one-hour lesson, students will experience the fun and creativity of coding an arcade-style game within their bespoke learning platform, Code Camp World. For more information and to book, see the flyer below.
Australian Girls Choir Open Day
The AGSC February Open Day is coming up and they are now taking registrations. Download the flyer below for more information.