Sowing the SEADs of Success
From the Assistant Principal: Wellbeing & Engagement
Last week, the ‘Catholic School Parents’ association hosted Clinical Psychologist, Andrew Fuller at Loreto College.
Interestingly, he began the presentation with “A Pledge to my children”
A pledge to my child, taken from the book Tricky Behaviours by Andrew Fuller - YouTube
2.49 minutes
Andrew “puts the heart back into psychology” and during his presentation he discussed many “tricky” issues along with opportunities for solutions that are facing young people and parents today.
He used the analogy of learning to walk and stated that parents already have the skills to help their children, in particular, teenagers. Allowing for mistakes, building resilience, and navigating the obstacles that appear in the way, whilst not looking to remove them. He commented on the developmental stages of the reptilian brain versus front lobal decision making.
The ultimate goal as a school and as parents is to develop children:
- who know who they are
- know their place in the world
- are life ready
Andrew challenged parents to create “safe harbours” for their children for secure attachment. Furthermore discussed the importance of teenagers being able to calm themselves down.
During the presentation there were lighter moments as some children were described in the following categories;
Happy wanderers, frequent flyers, Spies, amplifiers, fidgeters, star trekkers, social secretaries (which created colourful analysis of family dynamics and relationships).
Andrew is the author of TRICKY KIDS, GUERILLA TACTICS FOR TEACHERS, HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED AT SCHOOL, RAISING REAL PEOPLE (ACER), FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING (ACER), WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER and BEATING BULLIES.
Andrew has also co-authored a series of programs for the promotion of resilience and emotional intelligence used in over 3500 schools in Britain and Australia named, THE HEART MASTERS.
Andrew has established programs for the promotion of mental health in schools, substance abuse prevention, the reduction of violence and bullying, suicide prevention programs and assisting homeless, young people. Andrew continues to counsel young people on a regular basis.
Do yourself a favour…..for more resources and parental see the link below;
Free Resources - Andrew Fuller
Photo Days
SAVE the dates for our upcoming College Photo Days
Week 5
- Wednesday 23 August – Cocurricular Photos, Senior and Junior School
- Friday 25 August– School photos of Individual, Class (envelope required) and Leadership
Venue - Photos will take place in Square and Junior School Hall
Important Instructions – Please read…
Students will receive individual personalized named envelopes in homeroom from their mentor teacher– see sample below.
- Students take their envelope home and have parents order the photo package (not compulsory to order)
- Read the instructions on the envelope.
- Don’t lose the envelope; students need to bring their envelope on Friday 25 August
Week 5
- Everyone has their photo taken (used for ID cards in Senior School and Loreto Connect)
- Students must have their personalized envelope with them on FRIDAY 25/8
- A schedule of the timing of photos on the day will be communicated to students and posted on Loreto Connect in Week 5
- Please note Year 12 Graduating class of 2023 and Jubilarians will have their photo taken on Friday at RECESS; (don’t need envelope for Year 12 or Jubilarian)
- Students must be wearing uniform correctly - see uniform guidelines attached.
Online payments Individual photos/class group close Midnight Friday 25 August;
CASH payment can be made on the day with the correct money (no change can be given)
If you are having a sibling photo, keep reading ……
- Collect an envelope from either Junior or Senior School Front Office
- Complete online payment by 1pm 24 August – see below
- Look out for information via Loreto Connect about the timing of the sibling photos
Loreto Girls Support Loreto Girls Peer mentoring…
Everyday I witness beautiful examples of older students mentoring younger students. Whether it is through debating coaching, our rowing program or on the sports field, bus travel, assembly, leadership gate duty to name a few.
I wanted to share with you a beautiful gesture Year 10 students Lauren Bibbo and Lexi Colangelo enacted for all the Year 5/6 girls in the Junior School Musical. Lexi and Lauren wrote personalized cards and put together lolly bags for the girls. Both girls volunteered their time after school and weekends to help with the Music and Dance performances in the musical, Madagascar.
Lexi’s message wrote……
“Your energy is insane ! I love it so much, your smile brings me so much joy. I’m so incredibly proud of you. You will kill it!”
Blue Week
In solidarity with Rostrevor the Senior Student Leadership Team participated in the Blue Week netball match with Rostrevor, last week and also raised money for Beyond Blue this week.
Head Girl Tahlia Warner promoted awareness about mental health at assembly and girls have had the opportunity to purchase blue wrist bands. All proceeds going to Beyond Blue. Read Tahlia's speech below from this week's assembly:
Today, I want to talk about a topic that affects anyone from any walk of life, regardless of age, background, or experiences - mental health. It's crucial that we openly discuss this matter, as raising awareness and understanding about mental health is essential for creating a supportive and compassionate community.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often goes unnoticed or unaddressed. Beyond Blue is an organisation that strives to change this. They provide invaluable resources, support, and information to individuals struggling with mental health issues, as well as their families and friends. It's inspiring to see the impact that Beyond Blue has on the lives of countless people, reminding us that we're not alone in our struggles.
Last week, our school executive team demonstrated our commitment to mental health awareness in a meaningful way. They participated in a netball game against Rostrevor College, not only as a friendly competition but also as an opportunity to support Rostrevor's Blue Week celebrations. Despite the team’s loss against the prefects, our focus was on the importance of coming together to raise funds for Beyond Blue and mental health research.
Last week and this week the exec have been involved in more mental health initiatives. We did a Honk 4 Mental Health on Monday morning and are even selling beyond blue wristbands on gate for a gold coin donation. So, if you haven’t had an opportunity to get yours, bring in your money tomorrow to support this amazing cause.
Ms Emma Searle
Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement
From the Lead Psychologist
In 2024, a new Year 12 executive leadership position, the Diversity Leader, will commence. This leader will champion and educate our community about all aspects of culture and diversity.
Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual's brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.
Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively. By recognising and nurturing neurodivergent children and adolescents' strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.
Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child.
Here is the link to the Neurodiversity edition of SchoolTV.
During our July staff professional learning day Michelle Alexander, a Clinical Psychologist at Developing Minds, educated teaching staff about neurodiversity and how staff can support neurodiverse students.
As always, if you have any specific concerns about your child or young person, please contact your daughter’s Classroom Teacher, or Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School and ELC, or the relevant Leader of Student Wellbeing and Academic Care, or Mentor Teacher in the Senior School.
Monica Bignold
Lead College Psychologist R-12
TABOO Presentation
In week 2, year 7 and year 8 students were fortunate to have Eva present from TABOO Period Products. Eva educated the students on how amazing the female body is and what happens to their body during a menstrual cycle. It was amazing to have the girls engage and understand the how they can support themselves whilst menstruating. TABOO is also doing amazing things globally and by purchasing their products you will help support other women who are less fortunate and are unable to have access to sanitary products. We look forward to seeing Eva back at Loreto again soon.
Ms Alice Graljuk
College Nurse
ELC - Year 11 Art Exhibition
The walls of the Square came alive this week with a vibrant display of artworks by our youngest children in the Early Learning Centre through to young adults in the Senior Years. Exhibiting artworks is integral to the Visual Arts. Artworks are seen and appreciated when displayed. For all young artists, exhibiting instils confidence and a sense of achievement. By celebrating artistic expression, we foster inclusivity and encourage students to delve into creative exploration, generate imaginative solutions, refine their skills, and develop a genuine appreciation for the Arts. This annual exhibition plays a role in fostering a sense of community and engagement among students, staff, and parents.
Jacky Hamilton
Visual Art Learning Leader