LORETO NEWS

Sowing the SEADs of Success

Leadership 2024/2025

We began our Senior Student Leadership journey with our Year 11 participating in a leadership day on 22 July and all Head Girl candidates preparing speeches and presenting to the Year 5 - Year 11 on Monday this week. Our Head Girl and Student Executive group will be selected over the course of the term with the handover of Leadership on Thursday 26 September. Listening to the speeches on Monday the girls spoke with sincerity, warmth and passion. 

Leadership formation is an important aspect of our SEAD program from Reception to Year 12 and is thoughtfully embedded into our curriculum, initiatives and activities.

 

Leadership and Voice

  • Reception – Year 2         Finding my Voice
  • Year 3 and 4                     Building my voice and taking charge
  • Year 5 and 6                     Having a voice and becoming a leader
  • Year 7 and 8                     Maintaining my voice and exploring leadership
  • Year 9 and 10                   Having a positive voice and stepping up to leadership 
  • Year 11 and 12                 Believing in my voice and role modelling leadership 

On Tuesday I was up early (not because I was preparing for Her Excellency the Honourable Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson’s visit to Loreto College) but to watch the sensational battle between two inspiring swimmers. 

Molly O’Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus, two young athletes swam in the 100m freestyle final. The race was impressive and highlighted the leadership and camaraderie displayed by Molly O’Callaghan towards her friend (and competitor) Ariarne Titmus. Molly shared the first podium position whilst singing the Australian National Anthem.  It made me reflect on Mary Ward and the circle of friendship she fostered and the importance of strong women lifting each other. 

Belonging and Connecting 

At Loreto, much emphasis is made to ensure all students are respected, feel safe and supported. Watching the Olympics, we can reflect on the importance of belonging and cultural acceptance. 

 

In week 4, we will be celebrating the National Week of Action: Bully No Way – where Everyone Belongs. The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence has a new name—Bullying No Way: National week of action.

Interesting resource: Understanding different cultures | Cultural identity (reachout.com)

Bullying No Way: National week of action

 

Bullying No Way Week, 12 to 16 August 2024, is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative and connects schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying.

 

The week gives schools and supporters flexibility to plan activities that suit their schedule—whether it's spreading awareness throughout the week or focusing on an impactful day or two.

 

Purple is the new hero colour representing Bullying No Way: National week of action and our commitment to standing against bullying. The theme for 2024 is 'Everyone belongs'.

 

When we all feel like we belong, bullying struggles to find a place. It's about embracing who we are, respecting everyone's differences and standing up together against unkindness.

 

Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. We are encouraged to speak up and create a safe place where everyone feels supported and respected, and our voices are heard and valued.

Bullying No Way: National week of action

 

Good luck to the Adelaide Thunderbirds –Back-to-Back Premiers on Saturday!

Save the Date– Week 3 

Olympic Ring Formation Tuesday next week 

All students can wear their house colours to and from school on Tuesday 6 August.

Extended lunch for Olympic Ring Formation. Looking forward to celebrating our Teamwork Tuesday. 

Uniform Guidelines 

Socks

To “pull one’s socks up” is a phase that means to “make an effort, to improve one’s work performance and behaviour.” ALL students must wear their winter uniform with pride and with their socks “pulled up”.

PE Uniform (To and From School) 

Students should not be arriving to school in PE uniform unless they have morning co-curricular training. In addition, students should not be leaving the College in PE uniform at the end of the school day. PE teachers allow time for students to change into their school uniform. Students will be issued with pink slips.

 

Ms Emma Searle 

Assistant Principal ‑ Wellbeing and Engagement

 

SEAD: Staff Professional Learning

While students enjoyed their final day of the school holidays on Monday 22 July, Senior School staff participated in Body Image Training, as part of their Professional Learning Day. With the support of guest speaker Ms Kate McGill from the Butterfly Foundation, the evidence-based and prevention-focused training provided staff with information, strategies and resources to support body image education and drive early prevention efforts. As a school, we are committed to promoting and fostering body kindness in all its forms, and to promote healthy behaviours and attitudes towards the body, eating and physical activity, so that our students can thrive at school, at home and in life. 

Wellness Week

Next week, from Monday, 5 August to Friday, 9 August, we will be celebrating Wellness Week. 

 

In Australia, 1 in 2 people will struggle with mental health in their lifetime. It is becoming increasingly important for us to unite as a community to support the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of our young people. 

 

There are many things we can do to support our mental health and wellbeing. Throughout the week we will be delving deeper into the benefits of:

  • Getting good quality sleep
  • Keeping active
  • Eating well
  • Establishing healthy routines
  • Connecting with others
  • Practicing gratitude and mindfulness

The week will culminate in a whole-school (Pre-school to Year 12) Big Sister, Little Sister Gratitude Lesson as part of our SEAD Program. Not only will this foster cross-year level connections across the College, but it will also allow students to explore the theme of Gratitude through fun and interactive activities. We look forward to sharing photos with the community via our social media platforms.

 

Please see the Wellness Week Flyer below:

Ms Lydia Baccanello

Director of Wellbeing Programs (R-12)

 

Warm greetings, Loreto College families My name is Corinne McKee, and I am excited to have joined the Loreto College community in my role as College Counsellor in the Junior School. As an old scholar of Loreto (class of 2003), It is a delight to be walking the grounds once again and be reminded of how impactful my time as a student was here. My experience as a student at Loreto College is a significant part of who I am today; it gave me confidence and courage to travel, study and develop a career that is steeped in generosity and responsible service. The friendships I made remain strong and steadfast to this day.  

My professional background is in Social Work, and I have worked with children and families in educational settings, the disability sector, and within Health. I have a particular interest in youth mental health, student emotional literacy development and positive behaviour support.  

I have a young family, including my husband Alex, 3 busy boys, 2 dogs and 9 chickens, living on a property in the beautiful Adelaide Hills.  

I look forward to giving back to this very special Loreto College community.  I endeavour to build rapport and relationships with students, families, and staff, and have a positive impact on student wellbeing. If you see me around the school, please do not hesitate to say hi.  

Kindest Regards,

Mrs Corinne McKee

College Counsellor