Learning Across the
Senior School
Lions Youth of the Year Quest
Congratulations to Emma Choi of Year 12 who represented South Australia at the Lions Club Youth of the Year Quest in Traralgon, Victoria over the weekend. Emma is the first Loreto student to represent the state in a program that has been running since 1975. The judging criteria are very rigorous:
- Initiatives taken at school: 15%
- Activities & involvement outside school: 20%
- School academic achievements: 10%
- General knowledge: 15%
- Presentation during an interview: 10%
- Public Speaking: 30%
At the State Final, held in Mt Gambier on Sunday 6 April, Emma was the winner of the Public Speaking component in addition to being the overall winner. Her prepared speech of six minutes focused on the importance of not losing touch with one’s native language. But it’s the two Impromptu Speeches that really test one’s capacity to think quickly. With no preparation time, Emma had to speak for two minutes each on topics such as:
- What should the voting age be in Australia?
- Youth mental health: a crisis or a natural part of growing up?
- Social media: friend or foe?
- Do you believe ANZAC Day is still relevant to the youth of today, and why?
While not a winner at the National Final, Emma has once again demonstrated her willingness to take on challenges. In her words, it was such a valuable experience:
I was able to meet and form bonds with the most intelligent and empathetic young Australians, and participate in diverse Lions’ workshops and initiatives. It was an incredible opportunity for cultivating youth leadership and voice.
We wish Emma well in her final stages of Year 12. She will leave Loreto at the end of this year knowing that she has never failed to grasp any opportunities that come her way, not only for personal development, but also for what she has contributed to the school.
David Hall
English Teacher
French Film Festival Excursion: Comme un prince
On Thursday, 2nd April, the Year 10 and Year 12 French classes enjoyed a cultural excursion to the cinema to see the French film Comme un prince. The outing was a wonderful opportunity to experience contemporary French cinema as part of this annual cultural event.
Students attended a screening of Comme un prince, a feel-good film that follows the journey of a former boxing champion who rediscovers purpose and community through teaching a troubled young girl. The film explored themes such as redemption, identity, and resilience — offering plenty of food for thought, particularly in connection with classroom discussions around youth issues and personal growth.
Watching the film in its original French with English subtitles allowed students to experience authentic spoken French in context and to hear a variety of accents, slang, and expressions used in everyday conversation. After the screening, students engaged in discussions about the film’s message, characters, and their personal responses to it.
This cultural experience not only supported language learning but also deepened students’ appreciation of French society and cinema. It was a memorable and enriching way to wrap up a successful term of language study.
Morgane Monpeurt
Year 7 – 12 French Teacher
What is being explored in the SRM classroom in Term 2 at Years 7-11?
Year 7 Prayer and Liturgy
Prayer and liturgy are central to Catholic life, offering a way to connect with God both personally and communally. Liturgy, especially the Mass, unites Catholics around the world in worship and sacrament. Prayer nurtures faith, guiding people through praise, petition, and reflection. Through structured liturgies and spontaneous prayers, believers grow spiritually, finding strength and meaning. This rhythm of prayer deepens the relationship with God and strengthens the bonds within the Church community.
Year 8 The Influence of Jesus
Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection have profoundly shaped the world. He preached love, forgiveness, and compassion, challenging injustice and calling for humility and service. His message transformed lives and founded the Christian faith, influencing moral values, laws, and cultures globally. Through the Gospels, His words continue to inspire people toward peace and justice. For Christians, Jesus is not only a teacher but the Son of God, offering salvation and a model for living.
Year 9 Healing and Hope
Healing and hope are key themes in the Catholic faith, reflecting God's love and mercy. Jesus’ ministry included many acts of healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual—which continue through the Church’s sacraments and outreach. Catholics believe hope is found in the resurrection, promising new life beyond suffering. In times of pain, prayer and community support provide comfort. This message assures believers that God's presence brings peace, transformation, and strength, even in the darkest moments.
Year 10 Catholics and the World Religions
Catholics are encouraged to respect and engage with world religions, recognising shared values such as compassion, peace, and justice. The Church teaches that truth can be found in other faiths, although it sees Christ as the fullness of revelation. Dialogue with other religions fosters mutual understanding and cooperation. By building bridges rather than barriers, Catholics promote unity and peace, contributing to a more just and loving world while witnessing to their own faith respectfully.
Nancy Rodi
Learning Leader of Religious Education 7-12
Health Science: Binge Drinking
The Year 10 Health Science class are currently focusing on the seriousness of binge drinking. A tennis ball simulation demonstrated how the liver becomes overloaded when too much alcohol enters the bloodstream. Students representing the alcohol pass the tennis ball to the 'liver' student, who squeezes it, symbolising the liver breaking down the alcohol. When the tennis balls start building up, the realisation of the significance of this activity is quite overwhelming.
Patty Warrender
Biology/Science Teacher
