School News

Traffic Management Plan – Reminders & Update

Mrs Lynn Long | Deputy Principal

Our Traffic Management Plan was updated in Term 4 last year with changes to traffic flow and the new pick up drop off areas (PUDO’s). Safety is our priority, and I would like to remind parents of the key updates to the Traffic Management Plan that are enforceable at all times, during the school week and at Saturday Sport.

• Observe the 10kmph speed limit on school grounds including in car parks and internal roads.
• Please look out for pedestrians and take care care at all times, particularly when making a left-hand turn at the lights from Pennant Hills Rd into Osborn Rd, as visibility is reduced. 
• Be respectful of our neighbours in local streets and be mindful of illegal parking and note that U-turns are not permitted at any time.
• Hornsby Council will be conducting spot checks in the coming weeks for any cars parked illegally eg obstructing driveways, double parked, parked in no standing/no stopping zones.
• Observe the new one-way internal road system:
  • Entry and travel along the new Link Road is one way with exit onto Mount Pleasant Avenue
  • Entry and travel along the Oval Car Park is one way with exit onto Osborn Road at Gate 3
• The Slip Road is no longer accessible to cars. Please do not make arrangements to drop off or pick up your daughter from the Slip Road at any time, including after hours.
• After hours pick up is at the Oval or Link Road PUDO. Please do not pick up from the Gate 1 Car Park.
• Last week, an Automatic Gate at the end of the Link Road onto Mount Pleasant Avenue was commissioned. This gate will open when the sensors are triggered, so please approach the gate slowly and proceed through once the gates have fully opened. These gates will remain open during peak periods in the morning and afternoon to allow for the traffic to flow as smoothly as possible.
• Observe Pick Up times:
  • Primary parents: do not arrive before 3:05pm
  • Secondary parents (and those with siblings in Year 5-6): do not arrive before 3:15pm
• Year 12 student parking will continue to be available in the Oval Car Park.

Please refer to the key changes to the Traffic Management Plan here. 

2023 Address Collection

The Department of Education has requested for Loreto Normanhurst to provide information to them, including residential address details for all students, for the purpose of calculating school funding.

The collection notice is available here.

Further information about the data collection is available here.

It is important for your details to be up to date on our school database for the purposes of this collection.

For Secondary School families who have had a change of address or a change in other contact details please email studentservices@loretonh.nsw.edu.au with your updated details.

For Primary School families who have had a change of address or a change in other contact details please email primaryreception@loretonh.nsw.edu.au with your updated details.

Uniform Update

Senika Wilkinson | Uniform Shop Manager

Students are required to wear the Winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3.

Click here for the 2023 Winter Uniform checklist.

We encourage you to order your Winter uniform items via www.flexischools.com.au. If assistance is required when purchasing your Winter uniform items, our very helpful Uniform Shop staff are happy to assist you by email or over the phone.

As the Uniform Shop is in the process of moving to The Cottage at 6 Mount Pleasant Avenue, we can only offer very limited fitting appointments of the Winter tunic and blouse, with payment via Flexischools, until further notice. Please email the Uniform Shop to make an appointment if you require a fitting.

Primary School orders will be delivered to the Primary School and Senior School orders may be collected from the Uniform Shop.
Please ensure your order is placed prior to Monday, 27 March as this will allow ample time for collection or delivery.

A call to Stewardship through Justice Seminar Series

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting ‘A call to Stewardship through Justice’ Seminar Series in 2023 (previously called the ‘Seeking Truth’ Seminar Series) - an exciting series of interactive seminars about feminist theology and the role and experience of women in the Church.

Offered in partnership with the Broken Bay Institute, the seminars feature leading academics and theologians from around the world. The theme of each seminar is unique, with the opportunity to ask questions and focus on action and the future of women in the Church.

We are delighted to invite all members of the Loreto Normanhurst Community as well as members from all Loreto Schools around Australia to join us virtually for the first of these events on Wednesday, 29 March.

Weaving through the Wilderness
The path to accepting mental health

Wednesday, 29 March
This is a livestreamed event

This seminar will be hosted by Cristina Lledo Comez and presented by Jessica Coblentz, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana USA.

Click here to register to recieve the livestream link.

Jessica Coblentz is an assistant professor in the Department of Religious Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana (USA), where her teaching and research focus on Catholic systematic theology, feminist theologies, and mental health in theological perspective. She is the author of Dust in the Blood: A Theology of Life with Depression, and the co-editor of The Human in a Dehumanizing World: Re-examining Theological Anthropology and Its Implications, both published earlier this year. In addition to her contributions to numerous academic journals and essay collections, her writing has been featured in popular venues such the National Catholic Reporter, US Catholic, America, and Give Us This Day, where she is a regular contributor. Before working as a theologian, Coblentz served for several years in Roman Catholic national and diocesan religious education, parish young adult ministry, and college campus ministry. She earned her PhD in systematic theology from Boston College. 

We hope these Seeking Truth seminars will stimulate discussion, highlight global perspectives and bring an alertness and voice to women’s experience of the Church. Please save the following dates for exciting storytelling and discussions to come later in the year.

• Seminar 2: Wednesday, 24 May, 6:00pm -7:00pm

Refugees and Justice- focusing from a Catholic perspective the theology, a refugee themselves and then advocacy for refugees.

• Seminar 3: Wednesday, 30 August, 6:00pm -7:30pm

A focus on LGBTQI people and justice and the perspective of ‘just love’ through creation and human dignity.

• Seminar 4: Wednesday, 1 November, 6:00pm -7:30pm

Mary Ward Justice Forum- to be focused around looking in our own backyard and the vulnerability of women and children, and the need for increased rights for all. (as discussed by Sister Libby).

Booking details and further information will be provided closer to the Seminar dates. For further information please contact mission@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

Pastoral News

Marysa Boland and Justin Madigan | Deans of Pastoral Care

It Takes a Village – Meeting their Chaos with Your Calm

Thank you to the parents that were able to join us last Tuesday evening for the presentation from Shelly Acland; clinical psychologist and Loreto Normanhurst Counsellor Coordinator.

Please find a link to the recording of the evening below:

Link: https://vimeo.com/803016670

Password: LNHVillage23

Mary Ward Connect Program 

This week, Year 10 students welcomed Loreto Ballarat and Loreto Coorparoo students and their staff into the school as part of the Mary Ward Connect program. At the same time, we had Loreto Normanhurst students head off to Ballarat and Brisbane to visit their sister schools. Mary Ward Connect is an immersion experience which builds on the spirit of friendship, openness and thinking more broadly about the work of the Loreto Sisters and what it means to belong to a Loreto network of schools. Whilst our visitors have been here, they have worked closely with a host student. We thank, Nikita Bhana, Saskia Bullen, Julia Gonzales, Kerstin Grima, Ruby Harrison, Aisling Kennedy, Rosemary O’Brien, and Hannah Thomas for their hospitality. Some highlights of the program have included, the bush cemetery presentation, working with our Primary students, the Amazing Race around the city, Bench ball with Year 10 Boarders, the spiritual conversation and off course Pizza in the piazza. We wish our visitors a safe return to Ballarat and Brisbane.

In Term 4 this year, we will call for expressions of interest for the 2024 Mary Ward Connect Program.

Pastoral Upcoming

Supergirl Week 

Next week is the SRC Supergirl Week program to celebrate the power of ‘girls’ and ‘women’ in our community. On Wednesday and as part of International Women’s Day, we will welcome back our 2013 School Captain, Isabella Codsi to speak to the school at Assembly. There will be various activities held throughout the week and this has been advertised on the TV monitors and on the Sentral newsfeed for all. Students can also wear a BYO purple ribbon each day as this is the official colour for International Women’s Day. We hope you can join us on Wednesday for the Women of Influence evening from 6:45pm to 8:45pm in the top floor GBC. It promises to be an inspiring event and we hope to see you there. 

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to register.

SRC Year 11, 12 and Year 7 Trivia Afternoon Friday March 10 

On Friday 10 March, the SRC will host their annual SRC Trivia afternoon in the gymnasium from 4pm to 6pm with students in Year 7, 11 and 12. This year’s theme is: “Who Is On The Red Carpet”?  We are not sure which well-known identities will be there but the trivial and music will be fast and furious. Permissions for the event should be out today. 

Wishing you well for the week ahead. We hope to see you at Open Day on Saturday, 4 March.

School TV

School TV is an online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies.

Click the link here to find out more.

Learning News

Year 7-11 AAS Testing Catchup

On Tuesday, 7 March, Year 7 to 11 AAS Testing Catch-up has been scheduled between 8:25 am and 12:35pm.
Academic Assessment Services (AAS) conduct the assessments on behalf of the school, in the areas of Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Spelling and Written Expression. Students are assessed upon commencing at Loreto, and then again Year 10.
Your daughter will be involved in the catch-up testing if she is
in Year 7 and missed the testing at the end of last year, a new student in 2023 in Year 8, 9 or 11 or In Year 10 and missed the testing that occurred on Thursday 9 February. Students who are involved, will be emailed further details. Please remind your daughter to monitor her emails. Students will return to normal classes after lunch.

Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN 2023

NAPLAN is scheduled for Year 7 and 9 on Wednesday 15 to Monday 20 March. Students will be emailed the specific arrangements closer to the date.

The Testing Schedule is as follows:

Year 7

• Wednesday, 15 March – 10:35 am to 12:10 pm – Year 7 Writing
• Thursday, 16 March – 10:45 am to 12:35 pm – Year 7 Reading
• Friday, 17 March – 10:45 am to 12:35 pm – Year 7 Language Conventions
• Monday, 20 March – 10:45 am to 12:35 pm – Year 7 Numeracy

Year 9

• Wednesday, 15 March – 8:25 am to 10:05 am – Year 9 Writing
• Thursday, 16 March – 8:25 am to 10:15 am – Year 9 Reading
• Friday, 17 March – 8:25 am to 10:15 am – Year 9 Language Conventions
• Monday, 20 March – 8:25 am to 10:15 am – Year 9 Numeracy

Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Catchup – all day Monday, 27 March.

Please note that your daughter is well prepared for NAPLAN, as the work that she completes across all of her subject areas is ample preparation for these assessments and there is no need for additional study. Students will also engage in online demonstration tests to familiarise themselves with the testing platform prior to the NAPLAN commencement.

Students will need to bring:

• Laptop - fully charged
• Headphones or ear buds – preferably plug in
• A pen (working out paper will be available)

For more information, please click the following links:

NAPLAN Information Sheet

NAPLAN Website

Samples of NAPLAN Questions

If you have any questions, please email learning@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

Dr Prue Salter Study Skills Presentations

We are pleased to announce that two Study Skills Presentations by Dr Prue Salter will occur this Term on Monday, 27 March

• Year 11 students from 1:25 pm to 3:15 pm in the Curran.
• Year 7 parents and students from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the DRC.

Year 7 parents are asked to “Save the Date” as this presentation will not be available via livestream or recorded for future viewing.

For more information regarding the Year 7 parent and student presentation, please click here.

Careers Updates

Ms Katrina Smith and Ms Alexi Kayes | Careers Advisor

To view the latest Careers events, seminars, subscriptions and university updates, please explore the yellow Careers News tab on Canvas. Click here to access the Careers Canvas page. Alternatively, go directly to this week's Careers Canvas Newsletter here.

Students in all year groups can book an appointment with Careers at any time by emailing careers@loretonh.nsw.edu.au. Please put your availability into your email.

Sport News

Mr Dave Brock | Head of Sport

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Congratulations to the following students who have completed The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

• Josie Sims (Year 12) completed the Gold Award
• Alexis Taylor (Year 11) completed the Silver Award
• Olivia Lee-Jackson (Year 11) completed the Silver Award
• Regan Garufi (Year 10) completed the Bronze Award

NSW All Schools Triathlon Championships

Congratulations to Neve Tierney (Year 11) who won the bronze medal for the Senior Individual NSW All Schools Triathlon.

Well done to Ruby Mullins (Year 7), Indigo Rowling (Year 7) and Seren D’Souza (Year 7) who placed 4th overall for our Junior Triathlon team at the NSW All Schools Triathlon.

NSW CIS Cricket Trials

Congratulations to Skye Halmarick (Year 10) who has been selected for the NSW CIS Open Cricket team.

NSW CIS Softball Trials

Well done to Kendal Henderson (Year 11), Julia Gonzales (Year 10) and Eliza King (Year 12) who played some outstanding softball at the NSW CIS Softball trials. Congratulations to Kendal and Eliza who have been selected for the CIS team and will go on the play at the All Schools Championships.

Oratory News

Lions Youth of the Year Berowra – Area Finals

Congratulations to Tahlia Moses (Year 11) who was named the overall winner for the Berowra Club Lions Youth of the Year and the Best Public Speaker. Tahlia progressed to the Area Finals held at Oatlands Golf Club and Hosted by Parramatta Lions Club. Tahlia was a wonderful ambassador for Loreto Normanhurst however was not successful in moving to the next round of this competition.

Introduction to High School Debating Workshop

Students in Year 7 were treated to an interactive workshop facilitated by our Senior Debaters. It was great to see an number of budding secondary school debaters engage in lively discussions. Thanks to our Senior debaters for facilitating.

YMCA Youth Parliament

Congratulations to Tahlia Moses (Year 11) and Lauren Meaney (Year 11) who will represent their local Electorate in this year’s YMCA Youth Parliament Program.

Bond University Mooting Competition

Loreto Normanhurst has been successful in its nomination to compete in this year’s Bond University High School Mooting Competition. We wish the team the best of luck as they move into preparing their case.

Oratory Upcoming

CSDA Public Speaking

Goodluck to all students participating in the first round of CSDA Public Speaking Competition tonight. Students who are selected tonight will proceed to the next round of Finals to be held on Friday, 10 March. Round 1 will be held at St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas with students required to be onsite to register at 5:30pm. We would love an army of Normo supporters – feel free to come along and watch our CSDA Public Speakers!

Law Society Programs Commence

Monday, 6 March

Materials for Mock Mediation and Mock Trial are released for students to review. Goodluck to our teams participating in this year’s programs.

Coaches and Adjudicators

If you are interested in coaching and adjudicating are various teams please contact the Oratory Team. There are several positions available. Please send through your resume if you are interested. We would love to see our team of ex-student coaches grow.

Community Engagement Team Updates

Women of Influence

Wednesday, 8 March

6:45pm – 8:45pm

Level 3, Gonzaga Barry Centre

Celebrate International Women's Day and join us for an evening of inspiration as we share in the stories of Loreto Normanhurst Alumnae.

Parents and students are invited to attend to hear from four inspirational ex-students who will share their stories about how their Loreto education has guided their life and careers.

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to register for catering purposes.

Generations Morning Tea

An event for parents or family members who alumnae of Loreto schools. We hope you can join us for Friday morning Communion followed by morning tea in the Reception Room.

8:00am – 9:30am

Click here for invitation.

Click here to RSVP.

Parent Engagement Survey – Closes Friday, 10 March 2023
Semester 2 Events 2022

We are reaching out to provide feedback on the events that were held during Semester Two, 2022. Your input is extremely valuable as it helps us plan and improve our events. This survey is anonymous, and all responses are confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of continuous event planning. The survey is not compulsory; however, we would like as many parents as possible who had a daughter at the school in 2022 to participate so we can get a good sample of responses for consideration by our Community Engagement Team.

Click here to complete the survey.

Parent Association Updates

Open Day – Saturday 4 March

We are looking forward to seeing parents at Open Day tomorrow! Thank you to those parents who are helping out at the PAL stalls, and we look forward to seeing parents around the grounds tomorrow!

Cake Stall – Year 5-9

Cake kits have been sent home to families in Year 5 -9 and we would love it if families please bake a cake, their favourite slice, brownies or cupcakes to be sold to families on Open Day tomorrow.

Cakes can be dropped off to the Cake Stall on Open Day throughout the day. Thank you for your support!  

Parent Association Merchandise – Back in Stock!

PAL’s merchandise has been restoked and available for purchase! Get your Normo cap, umbrella, puffer vest, tote bag and socks via the NormoNetwork Shop here.

Merch will also be available for purchase at the Parent Association Stall on Open Day tomorrow. Come along and say hi on the day!

Our Open Table – Available for purchase at Open Day

Our 125 Anniversary Cookbook “Our Open Table” will be available to purchase at Open Day tomorrow. Share in the stories and the rich history of Loreto Normanhurst with this beautiful publication.

Our Open Table can also be purchased via the NormoNetwork Shop here.

Year 7 Family Event – Save the date!

Saturday, 25 March

Save the date for an event for our Year 7 families. More information will be sent out shortly!

City Country Mothers’ Lunch – Save the date!

Friday, 5 May

Save the date for the annual City Country Mothers’ Lunch! More information to be shared on this wonderful event to celebrate our city and country connection soon!

Contact Helen Longney or Alex Oswald  if you have any questions.

Year 7 Dads’ Golf Weekend – Save the date!

Saturday, 6 – Sunday, 7 May

Leura Golf Club & The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba

Save the date for the Year 7 Dads Golf Weekend in the Blue Mountains. No golfing experience necessary as we will be playing in Teams (Ambrose/Best Ball). Tickets will include the round of golf and dinner, dads will need to book their own accommodation.

More information will be sent shortly, if you have any questions please email Peter Solomon.

Hope to see you there!

COMMUNITY NOTICES – SINGLE PARENTS GATHERING

SIC/SAC FIRST FRIDAY DRINKS- Kirribilli Club from 6:30pm Friday, 3 March.

Mark your diary now for the following First Friday Drinks in 2023

Friday, 3 March, Friday, 7 April (yes we will still meet even though it's Good Friday!), Friday, 5 May, Friday, 2 June, Friday, 7 July, Friday, 4 August, Friday, 1 September, Friday, 6 October, Friday, 3 November and Friday, 1 December.

Riverview & St Aloysius P&F would like to invite Loreto Normanhurst parents to attend their “First Friday Drinks” at the Kirribilli Club for any parents and friends wishing to attend.

For over 10 years parents, old boys, past parents, teachers, and friends including parents from other schools, unmarried and married people have been coming along. Just by showing up and or reaching out to someone who may be experiencing hardship we're creating a night out for those who really need some social connections amongst friends both new and old. 

It is a great way to get some balance back into busy lives filled with parental, work and other duties and contribute by sharing one's experiences and company as well as just having fun in a relaxed un-threatening social environment and a night out for those who might otherwise be on their own. Our aim is to do a good deed, make the world a little smaller, warmer, and friendlier. Everyone is made to feel welcome.

Please pass this on to any colleagues, friends or family who might be interested and please reach out to anyone who might be on their own or tell them to get in touch. No cost to attend, just buy your own drinks.  

RSVP - if you can (to give us some idea of numbers), just turn up or let Rosie know if you want someone to go with or to meet you outside, the location is stunning, and it is easy to find us in the U Bar on level 1 next to the Restaurant! 

Limited parking underneath the club, a short walk from Milsons Point station.

Next one is tonight Friday, 3 March from 6:30pm - The Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Cres, Lavender Bay overlooking Sydney Harbour.

For more details on this social or if you would like to attend school related functions and don't want to go on your own, please contact:  

Rosie Traill (Loreto Normanhurst ‘83) 

SIC/SAC P&F Socials & Single Parent Support Network Coordinator

rtraill@traillassociates.com.au

0405 136 001

Code Camp

Code Camp is currently on sale for the Autumn holidays!

Get creative at tech school holiday camps.

See flyer here.

Click here to book.