Sowing the SEADs of Success

From the Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Engagement R-12

In the Year of Verity 

Integrity and Truth - who we are and what gives meaning to our lives

Last week I was honoured to present Loreto College’s SEAD program at Queenwood, in Sydney at the International Coalition of Girls School symposium. 

The Social Emotional Academic Development (SEAD) program is an award winning, data driven program which has won national awards since its initial implementation in 2019. I am extremely proud of the work we have done over the 7 years and the program continues to evolve to meet the ever changing social and emotional needs of your daughters. 

The dedicated staff including Director of Wellbeing Programs Lydia Baccanello, Assistant Principal Head of Junior School Lisa Sexton, Senior School LSWAC’s, College Nurse, College Counsellors and mentor and classroom teachers all drive this program to be the best wellbeing framework to optimise learning across the college. 

We can align our College Values within our Wellbeing framework.

For example, Verity = Integrity and truth (who we are and what gives meaning to our lives). 

This can be seen in our SEAD values across the College in “Identity” – see highlighted framework below: 

• Birth-preschool: Belonging - Discovering who I am 
• Reception: Year 2 Learning about Me – Learning about myself 
• Year 3 and 4: Who am I – Finding my identity
• Year 5 and 6: Developing Resilience – Accepting myself 
• Year 7 and 8: Creating Connections – Celebrating being Me
• Year 9 and 10: Building Communities – Having a positive Identity
• Year 11 and 12: Stepping into my Future – Shaping the woman I will become

WELLBEING

1. Identity and sense of purpose – Spirit and School Values
2. Resilience, perseverance and grit
3. Kindness and empathy
4. Social and emotional intelligence
5. Authentic relationships and connectedness
6. Responsible online engagement 

Term 2

This term we have several guest speakers working with our girls including The Enlighten Program which our Year 7’s are participating in. The program encourages our girls to find their voices, create a sense of belonging, build connections and develop tools for positive wellbeing. 

We are continuing to use the program Grow your Mind in the Junior school which has a positive uptake from all participating staff and students. Please contact Ms Corinne McKee (College Counsellor Junior School) and/or Lydia Baccanello (Director of Wellbeing Programs R-12) if you require further information.

Grow Your Mind - Awareness of mental health through education

The Importance of Restorative Conversations 

When things go wrong (which they can do because life does have its ups and downs) how can we help girls manage their feelings, behaviours and actions?

The 5 Restorative Questions

• What happened?
• What were you thinking or feeling at the time of the incident?
• What do you need?
• Who was affected by what happened? Who was harmed?
• What needs to be done to make things as right as possible for everyone involved?

On Monday 28 April all teaching and educational support staff heard from guest speaker Kerrie Sellen. Kerrie is a highly sought-after presenter who spent the day with our staff discussing social discipline, 4 pillars and practice domains, compass of shame, vulnerability and trust. We are excited to invite Kerrie back to work with the wider College community in 2026.

Dolly’s Dream - Do it for Dolly 

Dolly's Dream is the chosen charity for Boarders’ Week in week 3 with Do it For Dolly celebrated on 9 May.

The heartbreaking story of Dolly inspires us to navigate the challenges of bullying, and its impacts on students. At Loreto, we are committed to ensuring our girls are supported by the right people at school, and connected with services when needed. We are committed to taking steps towards creating a kinder, safer school environment (and world) and in Mary Ward’s words being "seekers of truth and doers of justice”. 

Our College’s expectations are documented in the Positive Behaviour and Personal Responsibility Policy which can be accessed on Loreto Connect. The policy covers specific behaviours including appropriate use of technology. Further resources can be found on our Loreto Connect portal for parents.

Friendly reminders: college life 

Winter uniform – please review the uniform policy: students are expected to wear their socks pulled up and arrive at school wearing their blazer. 

Traffic pick up and drop off – Gate One should not be used after 7.30am and before 4.30pm; please help us keep you daughters safe and use Talbot Grove entry. 

Looking ahead: notable dates 

• Boarders Week – Week 3 (Dress up Friday) 
• Pink and Green Day – Week 6 (Dress up Friday)
• PAF – Week 7 (Years 7-12) 

Emma Searle 

Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Engagement R-12