Learning Across the 

Senior School

Year 7 camp

Year 7 camp at Loreto was an incredible start to our school year, filled with exciting adventures and opportunities to build new friendships. The camp was packed with thrilling activities where students learned to work together and challenge themselves. The year 7s explored water activities like kayaking and snorkelling and also tried out some team-building activities like billy-karting.  On night one, we went on a night walk and listened to a beautiful meditation on the beach. On night two, the houses battled it out in a house dance competition.  On the bus ride home, students were exchanging numbers and singing their favourite songs. Year 7 camp was truly an unforgettable experience. 

Religious Education 

The concept of Verity has been given a more thorough explanation in the SRM classes over the first weeks of the College school year, fostering a culture of truthfulness, integrity, and authenticity. In these classes, Verity is more than just a value— it is a guiding principle that shapes how students interact with one another, their teachers, and the broader school community. 

In practical terms, Verity teaches us the importance of honest communication and accountability. It encourages transparency in their academic work, discouraging cheating or dishonesty, and promotes a sense of responsibility. When students embody Verity, they are more likely to value the truth in all their interactions, which builds trust and mutual respect within the school environment. 

In one of the many exercises that took place in lessons, students were asked to generate a tagline inspired by common expressions that reflect different aspects of truth. These expressions—such as "The ugly truth," "Speak your truth," and "The truth will set you free,"—served as starting points for students to explore the multifaceted nature of truth. The students were encouraged to reflect on how each of these expressions could connect with the core value of Verity in their SRM classes. They were tasked with understanding that truth is not always straightforward but comes in various forms—whether uncomfortable, empowering, or complex—and then apply this understanding to their own experiences in the school community. 

By engaging with these taglines, students had the opportunity to dive deeper into the nuances of Verity, examining how honesty shapes their interactions and behaviour. The exercise not only encouraged them to think critically about the role of truth in personal and academic life but also helped them see how Verity plays a key role in building trust and authenticity in relationships. Ultimately, the task aimed to foster a sense of accountability and integrity among students, allowing them to express their understanding of truth in a creative way that connects to both their individual experiences and the other Loreto values. 

Nancy Rodi 

Learning Leader of Religious Education 7-12 

From the College Counsellor – Junior School

A very warm welcome to the new 2025 school year from both Junior and Senior College Counsellors here at Loreto College.   The beginning of the year is full of change and new transitions whether it be the ELC to beginning school for the first time, commencing in the High School, being new to the Loreto community or simply moving up a new level.  It is an exciting time and part of your child’s journey as they grow, and develop into the strong, passionate, confident girls and young women.  Change, however, can be challenging; student’s and/or their families may be nervous, and stress levels within the family could increase. This may lead to increased student anxiety, and you may notice behavioural changes at home or school.   

There are many strategies at home that can ease transitions.  In the younger years, reading books about school can help talk with your daughter about their feelings, and normalise their experience. Your daughter’s classroom teachers would be able to share book recommendations. As much as possible, being on time for drop off and pick up can alleviate stress and worry for your young person.  In all year levels, students may benefit from a visual schedule, particularly if there is a significant change to their daily routine. 

School TV has an edition on School Transitions. I encourage parents and caregivers to access this valuable resource, where you will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels. 

As always, if you have any specific concerns about your child or young person, please contact your daughter’s Classroom Teacher in the Junior School, or Mentor Teacher in the Senior School. 

Corinne McKee

College Counsellor R-6