School Photos 2023

A reminder to all parents and students, school photo day is on Wednesday, 17 and Thursday, 18 May 2023.
Please place your order online before the day of photography by going to www.advancedlife.com.au and entering the code 6DG E39 QM6.
All students must wear their full school uniform.
For more information click here.

Master Plan Update

We are excited to share with you our latest Master Plan update.

Watch the video below for an update on our 30 Year Master Plan and details on our current and future building works.

Songlines

From Monday 1 May to Friday 5 May 2023, Year 8 students engaged in their 5 day, 2 night Songlines immersion experience. During the experience, students camped at Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre, explored Muogamarra Nature Reserve and listened to traditional owners at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. Year 8 was blessed with perfect weather and lots of fun activities at Camp Somerset such as: kayaking, high ropes, team games, the famous ‘wombat hole’, group cooking and relaxing times around the campfire. The experience concluded with a beautiful liturgy led by the staff and students who attended. Somerset staff commended Year 8 on their positive attitude, willingness to help around camp and setting personal goals.

Below are some comments made by each House during the liturgy: 

“Talking with Aunty Tracey at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary helped us realise the importance of First Nations culture and connection to country”. - Year 8 Kendall 

“Although we may have been wet and muddy; Camp Somerset was still a great way to grow and step out of our comfort zones. We built community through roasting marshmallows and singing songs around the campfire”. - Year 8 Aston 

“We were very grateful for the opportunity to engage in deep listening at Muogamarra Nature Reserve and the opportunity to feel a great sense of connectedness to Country.” Year 8 Ward and Mulhall 

Thank you to our Year 8 First Nations students, Katrina Gersbach, Mahkita Kelly, Jazara McLean, Adele Simon and Charlii Willoughby who designed the Songlines Polo Shirts that each student wore proudly during the immersion. 

Pastoral News

Ms Marysa Boland and Mr Justin Madigan | Deans of Pastoral Care

YSafe Parent Presentation 

Thank you to our parents and carers who participated in the ySafe Parent Presentation on Wednesday, 3 May either on campus or online. Parents have access to the Loreto Normanhurst Online Safety Hub which is created in partnership with ySafe. We encourage all families to visit this site as there are many resources that can be used as a platform to discuss online safety with their children. 

Athletics Carnival 

The weather warmed up a little as students participated in the School Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday. It was an excellent community day, and we thank the students for their active participation. The House cheers were impressive, and it was a fun day overall. 

Loreto Day Term 2 and Raffle Ticket Information 

Year 11 are busy working on their preparations for this year’s Loreto Day on Friday 2 June raising awareness and fundraising for the Mary Ward International Australia project, ‘The Landing Pad’ in West Bengal, India. For more information about the cause, click here and scroll to the Landing Pad information.

The Loreto Day Raffle ticket sales are going well, and you can purchase your tickets by clicking here where you will see an extensive range of prizes. Best of luck and thank you for giving generously to this cause.

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.

We wish all our students and families all the best as we settle back in for Term 2.

Learning News

Minimum Standards Testing – Year 10

In 2020, the NSW Government implemented benchmarks for students to meet minimum standards in literacy and numeracy to receive the HSC. This is to ensure that all students graduate school with the necessary skills needed for everyday life, work and further study. Testing commences for students from Year 10 and students are required to undertake 3 online Minimum Standard Tests, in Numeracy, Reading and Writing.

The Year 10 Minimum Standard tests will take place in the morning of Week 4, Friday, 19 May (catch-up tests scheduled Thursday, 1 June). Please assist us in ensuring that your daughter’s laptop is fully charged the night prior.

In preparation for the Minimum Standard Testing, a Locked Down browser is being installed onto students’ laptops and practice tests will be completed during class time. We wish to reassure you that if your daughter is not successful at meeting the Minimum Standard benchmark after the first tests, she will be fully supported and will continue to be offered to re-sit the tests until she qualifies, prior to the end of Year 12.

Below, please find links providing additional key information from NESA which may be of interest to you. If you have any further information, please email the Learning Office.

Information regarding the Minimum Standard Tests

Minimum Standard Demonstration Tests

Subject Selection Process 2024 - Year 8, 9 and 10

In the next few weeks Year 8, 9 and 10 students will be involved in the 2024 Subject Selection process.

Between Wednesday, 21 June, Term 2 to Friday, 28 July, Term 3, students will be required to submit their 2024 subject choices online using the Web Preferences system. Students will be sent an email from the Learning Office prior to this date, with a link to the system. All students must submit their choices before the deadline – Friday, 28 July.

YEAR 8

Wednesday, 7 June during Conversation period: Students will be briefed on the process and they will learn about the subjects on offer in Stage 5 and the criteria to follow to submit their choices.

Friday, 16 June in periods 1 and 2: Students will attend presentations from the Heads of Department for the elective subjects.

Please see here the Subject Selection Handbook.

YEAR 9

Wednesday, 31 May during Conversation period: Students will be briefed on the criteria to follow in Year 10 to submit their choices online. In Year 10, students complete TWO elective subjects and as a result, students currently in Year 9 need to discontinue one of their elective subjects.

Please see here the Subject Selection Handbook.

YEAR 10

Monday, 29 May: Subject selection Incursion with students and staff.

Wednesday, 31 May 6.30pm to 8.00pm: Parent and Student Subject Selection Evening. 

Wednesday, 7 June Term 2 to Wednesday, 26 July Term 3: Subject Selection Plenary Meetings. (Further information will be communicated to parents at the Subject Selection Evening).

Detailed information about the Year 10 Subject Selection Process was also communicated on FaceOnline and also via an EdSmart permission note sent by our Careers Office.

Please see here the Subject Selection Handbook.

2024 History and Religious Education Tour of Europe

2024 July School Holidays

As part of our Tours and Exchanges schedule, Loreto Normanhurst is excited to be offering students currently in Year 8-11 the opportunity to be involved in a History and Religious Education Tour to France, Belgium, and Italy in the June – July holiday period of 2024.

This tour offers a wonderful opportunity for students to visit sites and locations they learn about in Modern and Ancient History and Studies of Religion classes. For further details click here.

An Information Evening will be held at 6:30pm on Monday 22 May 2023 in the Curran Theatre. Parents of any student in Year 8-11 who wishes to apply for this tour must complete the electronic Expression of Interest & Registration form by 8:00pm on Friday, 19 May 2023.

2023 Edstart Achievement Awards Program

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Edstart Achievement Awards Program. This is an opportunity for students to be recognised in an area they are passionate about, across a range of categories including performing and visual arts, technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability and sports.

The program is currently in its 3rd year and winners are selected by a judging panel of education leaders and will receive an award and $1,500 grant to fund a project, initiative or training related to their area of interest. Finalists also receive a $250 grant.

Have a look at some of the NSW past winners below:

• Myla Tucker, Newcastle Grammar School NSW
• Sienna Capra, Hennessy Catholic College NSW
• Evalani Pouli, Stella Maris College NSW

Students can visit the website below to nominate for an award category. Nominations close Friday, 9 June.

Find out more or nominate here.

Parent Volunteers Needed

For Preliminary, Trial and HSC Examinations as Readers and/or Scribes

Assessments are a major part of schooling, especially for our Year 11 and Year 12 students. In order for all students to be able to give their best efforts, we need to ask for assistance from the community to provide practical support as a Reader and/or Scribe for those students for whom this provision is necessary in order to better demonstrate their ability.

This provision is granted by NESA for those students who may have a medical condition or diagnosed reading/writing difficulties. To be a reader/scribe requires NO knowledge of the subject content, we will provide you with guidance on the process prior to working with the students. So, if you feel you are able to assist in this way, please contact me to register your contact details and availability. Needless to say, the more volunteers we have the less onerous the time commitment. Without your help we are unable to provide this very significant form of support for our students in need.

The only requirement is that you do not have a daughter or close relative in that particular year at the school, or are currently employed as a teacher. Please submit your expression of interest together with a volunteer Working with Children’s Check to Mrs Ann Marie Duncan at aduncan@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Thank you for giving this your consideration.

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.

Oratory News

2023 CSDA Season Commenced

Friday, 28 April

Congratulations to the Members of the CSDA teams who commenced their season. The first round of debating took place at Marist Parramatta. Congratulations to those teams who took out the win. 

To results for the season can be found here.

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. 

Oratory Upcoming

2023 Archdale  Season Commences 

Tuesday, 16 May

Good luck to our Archdale teams competing in Round 1 against Tara Anglican School for Girls.

CSDA Round 2 (postponed round) 

Wednesday, 17 May

CSDA students will virtually debate against Marist Eastwood. Students will move to their respective rooms to conduct a coin toss by 3:30pm.

Bond University High School Mooting Competition

Wednesday, 17 May

Good luck to our Mooting team - Isabelle Barnden, Jane Dobeson and Olivia Heath who will compete in the Virtual Rounds of the Bond University High School Mooting Competition.

CSDA Round 4

Friday, 19 May

Good luck to our CSDA teams who are travelling to Domremy College for Round 4. 

Archdale Round 2 

Tuesday, 23 May

Good luck to our Archdale teams travelling in Round 2 to compete against Meriden, Strathfield. 

CSDA Round 5 

Friday, 26 May

Good luck to our CSDA teams as they welcome Woolwich to Loreto for Round 5.

Advancement Team Updates

Mother Daughter Eucharist & Lunch

Sunday, 21 May

9:15am

Chapel & Miramare Gardens

Loreto Normanhurst mothers and significant women in the lives of their daughters to attend the Mother Daughter Eucharist and Lunch on Sunday, 21 May.

The day will begin with the Eucharist in the Chapel at 9:15am and followed by Lunch at Miramare Gardens, Terrey Hills.

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to RSVP for the Eucharist.

Mother Daughter Lunch Raffle – NOW OPEN!

We are excited to launch the Raffle for the Bursary Program that will be drawn at the Mother Daughter Lunch next Sunday, 21 May.

This raffle is open to all families, giving those who can’t make it to the event the opportunity to be in the running to win some amazing prices including 2 tickets to Mamamia the Musical, Apple AirPods, a Frank Green Gift Pack and many more!

All proceeds from the Raffle will be donated to the Bursary Program which supports families in necessitous circumstances.

Click here to purchase tickets in the raffle!

Join us in Griffith & Wagga Wagga

Thursday, 25 May – Griffith

Friday, 26 May – Wagga Wagga

Alumnae, current, past, and prospective parents living in or near Griffith and Wagga Wagga are warmly invited to join us for community events in Griffith and Wagga Wagga with Acting Principal, Lynn Long, Director of Boarding, Kate Kovacs and Boarding Enrolments Manager, Odette Perkins. More details will be shared shortly.

See the Griffith invitation here or the Wagga Wagga invitation here.

Click here to RSVP for Griffith.

Click here to RSVP for Wagga Wagga.

Parent Association Updates

Our Open Table – The perfect Mothers’ Day gift!

Our 125 Years Cookbook “Our Open Table” is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day featuring stories and recipes from the Loreto Normanhurst community over 400 beautiful pages.

Click here to purchase Our Open Table.

Parent Association Merchandise – Back in Stock!

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

Year 10 Parent Event

Friday, 2 June

The Verandah Beecroft

6:30pm

All Year 10 Parents are warmly invited to join us for casual drinks and burgers at the Verandah, Beecroft. $35 per person, drinks are at your own expense.

Click here to purchase tickets. 

Sportsmen’s Lunch

Friday, 16 June

Dockside, Darling Harbour

Join us for the third annual Sportsmen’s Lunch, an event for Loreto Normanhurst Fathers and Friends. Join us at Dockside, Darling Harbour to hear from alumnae speakers, Sasha Novacek from the Class of 2011, Hannah Cowap and Sophie Dwyer, both from the Class of 2019.

We hope you can join us for this fun event for Normo dads!

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to book tickets.

A Call to Stewardship through Justice Seminar Series

We are delighted to invite all members of the Loreto Normanhurst Community to join us virtually for the first event of the revamped 'A Call to Stewardship through Justice' seminar series on Wednesday, 24 May.

Weaving through the Wilderness
The path to accepting mental health

Wednesday, 24 May
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 receive the livestream link.

For further information please contact mission@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Women's Night of Spirituality

Tuesday, 16 May

7:00pm-9:30pm

St Mary's, North Sydney

Click here for further details.