Learning Across the
Senior School

2022 National History Challenge Competition

Each year the Commonwealth Department of Education fund the National History Challenge. This national competition is open to students from Reception to Year 12, to submit entries in age and special categories. The students have the opportunity to present their work in a range of formats responding to the judging criteria and using the chosen theme for that year. In 2022 the theme was, ‘Causes and Consequences.’ It was terrific to see the students across a broad range of year levels at Loreto thoroughly enjoy the process of conducting research and preparing their entries.

The Following students were finalists in their age and/or special categories. Even reaching this standard is an excellent achievement:

Minny Chinnahong, Year 4

Grace Collins, Year 7
Lanah Baker, Year 7
Isabella Spagnoletti, Year 7
Alice Maycock, Year 10
Amber Hallett, Year 10
Lara Hamra, Year 11

This year Loreto College, Marryatville has witnessed our students excel at the highest standards yet again, which is a testimony to the critical thinking and research skills fostered by our gifted classroom teachers.

The following students were judged to be the best for their category in either South Australia or with two of the entries, the best in the nation.

Alyssa Reed, State Winner: Years 1-4 Category
Emma Choi, State Winner: Year 9 Category
Charlotte Hamilton, State Winner: Women’s History Category
Emily Tucker, State Winner: Australia’s Wartime Experiences Category
Karli Yip, State and National Winner: Australia and Asia Relations Category
Emma Choi, State and National Winner: Using Primary Sources Category

In total, Loreto College, Marryatville, had 12 finalists, 5 State Winners and 2 National Winners. At Tuesday’s assembly the school formally recognised these wonderful achievements.

As national winners Karli Yip and Emma Choi will be flying to Canberra this Saturday to join the other national winners for a 3-day tour of Canberra culminating next Monday 28th November with the Presentation Ceremony at Parliament House Canberra where they will be presented with their national medals and prize money by the Federal Minister for Education the Hon Jason Clare.

Mr Paul Foley

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Earth, Moon and Space Unit

Our Year 7 Science students have been learning about the Earth’s Moon as part of the Earth, Moon and Space Unit and lots of fun was had representing the Phases of the Moon using Oreo biscuits! The girls were also very lucky to have experienced viewing a ‘Blood Moon’ recently. Many photos and witness accounts were shared the next day!

Mrs Patty Warrender

Biology/Science Teacher

Working with Minerals

It was so satisfying to witness the Year 8 Science classes thoroughly enjoy working with minerals recently as part of their Rocks and Minerals Unit of work. They were asked to choose a mineral displayed in the laboratory (eg calcite, galena, quartz and sphalerite) and to research the chemical and physical properties of the mineral, its uses and other relevant facts and then to present their findings to the class. There was also an opportunity for a photoshoot!

Mrs Patty Warrender

Biology/Science Teacher

Changing Earth Unit in Year 9 Science

As part of the Changing Earth Unit, our Year 9 Science students recently undertook a practical investigation which helped highlight the negative impact of ‘ocean acidification’ on marine life and the jobs and communities that depend on a healthy ocean. The 2020 Documentary film, ‘My Octopus Teacher’ was also viewed, which documents a year spent by filmmaker Craig Foster forging a relationship with a wild common octopus in a South African kelp forest.

Some responses from the girls after watching such an inspirational production included:

It gave our Science class a great insight to animal-human connection, and how, through building trust, we too can grow deeper connections with the people and animals around us. It was interesting to see the life of one octopus, and the great dedication and passion that it took to follow its life for a span of nearly a year. (Molly)

There was lots of deep meanings throughout the documentary, and it taught me a lot about how sea creatures can be so different yet similar to us at the same time. (Lacey)

This interaction helped with a better understanding of the world around him and raised a gentler self and of the people around him. (Aviril)

Mrs Patty Warrender

Biology/Science Teacher

Discontinuation of Music Lessons

Please note that the policy at Loreto College is for parents to provide at least four weeks’ notice before the end of term in order to discontinue instrumental music tuition. However, due to the lesser number of weeks in Term 4 and the longer holiday break, we have extended the deadline for this notice to be given. The process is carried out by filling in a Discontinuation of Lessons form. If sufficient notice has not been given, tutors will charge for the next term’s fees.

Please ensure these forms are in by Friday 25 November.

Speech and Drama Success!

Speech and Drama is offered at Loreto College as individual instrumental tuition. Yes, voice is an instrument, and learning how to speak well and with purpose is something that is an essential life skill. Students can learn from the different AMEB syllabi including Speech and Performance, Voice and Communication, Acting, Screen Acting, Drama and Communication.

The following students undertook AMEB examinations earlier this month and are to be congratulated for their results.

Speech and Performance

Olive Maycock (Grade 4) – A + High Distinction

Voice and Communication

Alice Maycock (Grade 8) – B Credit

Fenella McIntosh (Grade 7) – B Credit

Aviril McIntosh (Grade 7) – C+ Pass with Merit

Aspen Penberthy (Grade 3) – A+ High Distinction

Louise Borgo

Speech and Drama Teacher

Studying Music in 2023

Now is a great time to register interest in commencing the study of a musical instrument in 2023.

We tend to get a big influx of applications at the start of each year and in some cases, there is a wait-list for certain instruments. To avoid delays or disappointment, you are strongly encouraged to submit applications before the end of this school term.

Application forms can be found at the following link: https://loretoconnect.loreto.sa.edu.au/homepage/7086 or by emailing music@loreto.sa.edu.au

Graduation Ceremony at Barkuma

Congratulations go to Charlotte Jaeschke and Alisa Curcio for completing their Certificate I in Workplace Skills, Transition Program from Barkuma. The course formed part of their year 12 SACE stage 2 course.

They received their certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the Convention Centre on Wednesday 23 November.

Both Jubilarians are moving forward, Charlotte has gone on to continue her course in retail, floristry at TAFE and Alisa has taken the opportunity to become involved in SLES (school leavers employment support).

Ms Paola Merullo-Bianco

Learning Intervention Assistant

Mental Health and Fitness Challenge

As part of the Mental Health Fitness Challenge, the Year 7 SEAD classes undertook some mindful SNAP THAT photography in the Acacia’s Garden. Mindfulness is about ‘being present in the moment’. Using photography to practise mindfulness proved to be ‘calming’ and ‘refreshing’ for the girls and certainly is a rewarding way to appreciate the beauty of nature. It was as if the girls were seeing something for the very first time!